Amazon.com

When it was released in 1968, Lady in Cement was the perfect movie for "The Man Who Reads Playboy." It was tailor-made for middle-aged martini-and-poker men who enjoyed Frank Sinatra in Tony Rome a year earlier, and this slapdash sequel finds Ol' Blue Eyes in sun-soaked Miami, where his treasure-hunting discovery of a naked blonde (the ill-fated lady in cement, found dead underwater) gets him tangled up with a massive thug (Dan Blocker), a retired Mafioso (Martin Gabel) with an over-ambitious son, an ultra-sexy heiress (Raquel Welch, in her sexpot prime at age 27), and a variety of Floridian lowlifes who lent the film its R-rated appeal for the cocktail crowd. With its disposable mystery, rampant homophobia, go-go club lechery, peekaboo nudity, bursts of red-blooded violence, and swinging score by Hugo Montenegro, this not-so-lucky Lady bombed at the box office and tested Sinatra's legendary temper, but it's still raucously entertaining (it partially inspired the Austin Powers comedies), and there are plenty of in-jokes to be seen (and especially heard) for anyone steeped in '60s pop culture. Nestled between The Graduate and Easy Rider, Lady in Cement was a cinematic fossil even before the cameras rolled, but Frank's fans are sure to love it anyway. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (4)

"I Once Knew A Dame Collected Bullfighters!"
Even considering the amazing aspects of the six decade long Sinatra career, the 60's was easily Sinatra's most interesting and diverse.

He started the decade by being the hero of the cocktail generation and wound up the era marrying and divorcing a flower child, thirty years his junior and appearing on TV wearing love beads and a Nehru suit.

"Lady In Cement", shot in Miami in early 1968, found Sinatra reprising his 1967 Tony Rome character; Sinatra shot the film in 30 days (while simultaneously appearing at the Fountainbleu at night).

"Lady" sunk faster at the box office than the dead blonde and helped put the nails in the coffin of Sinatra's film career--this was the era of "The Graduate" and "Easy Rider" and tough talking on screen private eyes were at best, an anachronism.

That said, "Lady In Cement" is a hoot to watch.

Sinatra, in his usual uncanny fashion, is simply terrific and the film is peppered by a knockout performance by Dan Blocker and the bikini clad apperance of Raquel Welch (she can't act her way out of a paper bag, but once she climbs out of a swimming pool, in her opening scene, one is promopted to ask "who cares?"

What makes "Lady" most appealing is that Sinatra allows his film (and HIS film it is without question) to be sprinkled with all manner of political incorrectness (even by 1968 standards)-- leering glimpses of semi nude ladies, rampant homophobia and a liberal amount of hip in jokes ("I knew a dame collected bullfighters"); not to mention hilarious cameo appearnces by Sinatra intimates Jilly Rizzo, Joe E. Lewis and B.S. Pully.

No review of "Lady In Cement" would be complete without a nod to the performance of the great Dan Blocker as Waldo Gronsky, who, in his 3 major scenes, practically walks off (or in Blocker's case, lumbers off) with the film--"Don't tail me pal...I like guys who don't tail me."




Kitty Kelly, in her infamous 1986 Sinatra bio writes that towards the end of filming Sinatra got so angry at one of the screenwriters, he chopped down the door of the writer's hotel room with an axe.

Considering the uniformly bad reviews that were awarded "Lady In Cement's" incomphrehensible screenplay, Frank's early review was probably the kindest.

"A unique murder mystery".
I learned about "Lady In Cement" during my childhood. At least the song, for I saw it as one of the tracks on Paul Desmond's "Summertime" record album, which my late father owned. When I listened to it, it had the rhythm of a suspenseful crime drama. As I got older and read the information inside the Paul Desmond album, I discovered "Lady In Cement" was a motion picture crime drama, starring Frank Sinatra.

I liked "Tony Rome" (1967). But I find "Lady In Cement" (1968) a more suspenseful mystery. Rome (Sinatra) makes a shocking discovery while scuba diving in a Florida bay: the nude body of a beautiful blonde is found with her feet encased in a block of cement. Hence, the "Lady In Cement".

Frank Sinatra again comes off well in the role of the tough-talking cool private detective Tony Rome. Dan Blocker, well-known for playing "Hoss" on the "Bonanza" tv series, is quite impressive and believable as the crude, statuesque Gronsky, who takes a liking to Tony Rome, and hires him to investigate the murder of his former girlfriend, Sondra Lomaxx, who is the 'Lady In Cement'. His crude behavior and gruffness, however, does not make him a bad guy. He's actually on Tony Rome's side!

Richard Conte again reprises his role as Lieutenant Santini. There is a humorous part later in the film where Rome gets Santini in a bit of trouble with the law! It is during this 'car chase' sequence the familiar "Lady In Cement" theme is played.

Raquel Welch turns in a good perfomance as the wealthy heiress Kit, who suffers alcoholic blackouts where she (conveniently)is unable, under Rome's interrogation, to recall specific details concerning her dealings with the "Lady In Cement" before she died. Although it seems there isn't much for Welch to do in the film but look voluptuous and pretty, she manages to bring sensitivity to her character.

"Lady In Cement", like "Tony Rome", shows the underground, sleazy side of Miami life, replete with late 1960's strip clubs and 'Go-Go' dancers. There is a lot of mature, smart talk in the dialogue. Particularly between Sinatra, Dan ("Hoss") Blocker, Richard Conte and, of course, the villains. Then, again, isn't smart talk usually a part of a crime drama??

There is the musical score by Hugo Montenegro in the film. When I first watched "Lady In Cement", I enjoyed the music so much that I didn't pay close attention to the movie's plot. I soon ended up ordering the movie soundtrack cd.

Finally, I think credit should be given to the "Lady In Cement", herself: the bit actress playing Sondra Lomaxx, Christine Todd. The film's highlight, where Rome discovers Todd in her cement anchor beneath the sea, is worth repeated viewings. It is surreal and hauntingly beautiful with the background score "The Shark" being played.

First, Rome vaguely makes out in the distance what appears to be a blonde topless 'statue', with arms splayed overhead, gently rocking in place in a patch of seaweed (which strategically covers Todd's nude lower half). Upon closer inspection, Rome discovers that it is not a statue, but an actual woman who is naked before him. And dead. There is a close-up of Rome's shocked expression seen behind his mask and scuba regulator. To make sure his eyes are not deceiving him, Rome next proceeds to swim around the upright corpse, eyeing the nude form up and down. One can imagine what's going through Rome's mind: That he's encountered corpses before. But nothing like this! A shocking, yet hauntingly beautiful scene.

This surreal underwater scene abruptly ends when two sharks turn up unannounced, and go in pursuit of Rome. (Note: If you look at that scene closely, one can see Christine Todd's eyes, which were formerly lowered, are now clearly opened! Worse with the sharks swimming about her and Sinatra/Sinatra's stunt double.)

Christine Todd's brief stint as the "Lady In Cement" is unforgettable and convincing. My only question is how did she manage not to release air bubbles, or choke on water as her mouth was slightly opened underwater as she played dead?? I've viewed the 'Undersea Discovery' sequence many times, trying to ponder how was that effect achieved. It isn't a special effect, for everything was clearly done underwater. And I'm quite sure scuba divers were nearby off-camera supplying air to Todd when she needed it. Despite I can swim, I am unable to hold my mouth open underwater prolonged, without me sputtering!

Anyway, "Lady In Cement" is my favorite film, next to "The Amphibian Man" (1962). It is unique and well-done.

Not SoTough Guy
This is the best and most delightful of the Tony Rome films. Frank Sinatra is on top of his game as the not so tough P.I in seedy pre-drug Florida. Raquel Welch is nice to look at and Dan Blocker is marvelous as the unstopable Gronsky. For a thirty year old film this one stays fresh and bright. Crisp dialogue and ham without the rye makes for a fun evening.

The Chairman of the Board does Bogart
In "Lady in Cement," Frank Sinatra, apparently hoping to duplicate Dean Martin's success with the Matt Helm series, reprises therole of the private detective he originated in "Tony Rome" a yearearlier.The first film found Frankie in pretty good form, thoughcertainly no match for Bogart (whose portrayals of private eyes in"The Maltese Falcon" and "The Big Sleep" established atemplate of sorts for every actor who followed him as a private eye). Sinatra fares less well in this sequel due to a less than invigoratingscript and a overly generous helping of sleaze.But Frankie has a morealluring than ever Raquel Welch, as well as a heavier than usual heavy inthe form of Dan (Hoss Cartwright) Blocker to keep things moving along at anentertaining clip.And since Tony Rome lives on a houseboat, one istempted to wonder if he was the inspiration for the heroes of TV's"Miami Vice" almost two decades later. ... Read more

Description

Toula Portokalos is a quiet, devoted daughter in a big, hectic, crazy Greek family. Working at her father's restaurant, "Dancing Zorba's," she hides behind a mop of mousy brown hair and thick, impenetrable glasses, keeping her family close and the world at a distance. But one day at the restaurant, she finds herself pouring coffee for a man so strikingly good-looking, that he inspires her to change her life - and the way she sees the world - forever. With a new hairdo, wardrobe, contact lenses, and most important of all, a whole new attitude, Toula steps out into the world a new woman, all ready to meet her man. Ian Miller is tall, handsome, but definitely not Greek. And whether he can handle Toula, her parents, her aunts, uncles, cousins and several centuries of Greek culture remains to be seen. But when you see the world through Toula's eyes, anything is possible! ... Read more

Reviews (686)

A Surprise Hit - Well Worth Watching!
Screenplay writer doubling as actress, Nia Vardalos plays herself - the frumpy daughter in a paternalistic Greek family in Chicago. She's dying to get out from the family business, a Greek restaurant, so that she can take some classes at the local college.

Enter Ian, a handsome suitor that is perfect in every way but one. He's not Greek.

Hilarity ensues as Ian introduces Nia to his family and she introduces Ian to her family. The cultural and familial differences make for many laughs.

The film nails the family relations perfectly - aunts that like to talk about their medical conditions, overprotective brothers, a misguided but loving father that likes to use Windex, a mother obsessed with cooking, the nosy beauty-queen cousin....

Most anyone will be able to identify with this film. It makes no difference whether one comes from a Greek background or not.

The film is filled with genuine laughs and subtle humor (e.g. as Ian tries to attract Nia's attention outside the storefront window he runs into an old woman who then takes it out on him with her purse). I found myself laughing throughout.

The characters are well played. Nia plays the role she was born to play - herself, and the film is thankfully absent of any high-powered Hollywood names. With no big names to distract the viewer, it makes the film work well.

Look for either a sequel or a sitcom to be spawned from this surprise blockbuster. Three cheers for independent films!

Hilarious and sweet
I saw this movie with my best friend and it was awesome.

I love how Ian goes to great lengths to be accepted by Toula's family. He's someone any woman would love to have. When Toula was "frump girl" he saw past that and just saw her as she is.

Although her family can be a huge pain in the ass, they only want what's best for her. In a way,they remind me of my family.

Everyone should see this movie. It'll make you laugh and it has really sweet moments.

It's All Greek To Me!
My Big Fat Greek Wedding is the Greek-American take on love, work, food, drink, school, language, religion, fashion and dating among other things. As the title suggests, it features a massive cast of relatives, half of which are called "Nick".

Toula (Nia Vardalos) is a 30 year old Greek-American waitress at her parents restaurant. Her folks want her married and with children. She is shy, a little ashamed of her family, and looking for something new in her life. She lands a job at a Greek-American run travel agent and meets Ian Miller (John Corbett), a handsome, long haired guy, and a non-Greek to boot. HE'S something new! Toula falls in love with him, secretly dates him, and eventually gets proposed to by him. A clash of cultures follows as the wedding draws near!

The love element is just the icing on the cake. What this film is really about is Greek-Americans and their way of life, which may often seem strange and silly to outsiders but really is close knit, fun loving and family centred. I have some Greek friends, and though living in Australia they're slightly different here, the attitudes, the values, the oddities and the relatives are pretty similar to those shown in the film. It's not that exaggerated or played up upon, as a lot of other Hollywood films often are.

If anything, maybe it's a little downplayed. My Greek friends are a lot louder and larger than life that this cast. A little more entertaining too, actually. Maybe because of this, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" it didn't really have a big impact on me. I'd seen all these cultural elements before, so it wasn't a novelty, and since I'm not a Greek immigrant myself (or a child of), it was harder to relate to. Still, that's just me. This film is warm hearted, funny and insightful, and you can tell that everyone involved had a lot of fun recreating a Greek-American household.

If you liked this film, you may also like to see "The Wog Boy", a slightly sillier movie about the life of a workshy Greek-Australian.

You have to see this movie!!!
I first saw My Big Fat Greek Wedding alone on the big screen. I had no idea that it would be such a hit.

Nia Vardalos does an incredible job about bringing out the humor in what it means to be a Greek American. I laughed before things were even said in the movie -- the Greek school scene, the Greek "boys" her dad wants her to marry, the brother, and the pomp & circumstance of the wedding. This is a funny movie, I think for non-Greeks, but for Greeks, it's a must. You have to see this movie. How often does anyone make a movie about Greek Americans anyway??

That being said, the dialogue could have been improved. Ian was a bit boring and flat of a character. I suppose that was the point, seeing as we were supposed to "see" Toula better. I think if Vardalos had realized what a hit she had on her hands, there would have been more polish on the movie. As it is, it is a diamond in the rough -- more or less.

A funny light entertainment
This film is austere but delightful. Written with sincerity and honesty. Affective memories support this movie.
Laughable situations along the process to approach to the greek mood.
Good performances and fluid script. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Garry Marshall's 1988 drama about a 30-year friendship between two women, one wealthy (Barbara Hershey) and the other (Bette Midler) seeking her fortune in show business, is well written (based on the novel by Iris Rainer Dart) and nicely textured in its contrast between the characters' separate destinies. When Hershey becomes ill with cancer, the film takes a predictably sentimental course, yet Marshall brings out the best in both actresses and catches some very fine drama. The film is a little too long, perhaps, but overall it is a fine experience.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (113)

Best Bette
Bette Midler strikes again in this excellent Comedy/Drama about friends. Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey star in this movie about an singer(Midler) and a ritzy uptight lawyer(Hershey) who as kids became best friends ( they wern't singers and lawyers then). But, I would tell you about the ending but it would ruin it for you so.............

So long,
Bettelover

Tear Jerker and excellent movie
I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it and to this day I still love it so much. The plot is so well-written and the friendship between Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey's characters are very well acted and make you truly believe in them. I advise this movie to anyone who wants a movie where you'll cry a lot, laugh some and leave with just a great feeling of friendship.

Beaches the best friendship movie ever
Beaches is my favorite movie of all time!! I showed it to my friends at school and most had already seen it and LOVED it and we are in teh 7th grade now if it is liked by 7th graders you knwo it is great!!!! I love this movie and i would definitely advise you to watch it with your best friend, your mother, your sister, your aunt, anyone you will all cry your heart out!! the Best Tear jerker since Terms of Endearment
LH

Melodramatic Tear Drencher...
Trust, communication, and care are three key ingredients when two individuals form a friendship, as these components maintain and foster mutual respect and understanding.Trust entails two individual's ability to share secretive and personal information without limitations, as there is no fear of harm and judgment.Listening is the vital portion of communication while the other shares his or her personal information.Without this kind of communication it becomes hard to share information, and difficult to form friendship.To provide the best possible attention through good communication and trust one displays that one cares.If two individuals care it becomes possible for the most unlikely individuals to form an improbable friendship, as C C Bloom (Bette Midler) and Hillary Whitney (Barbara Hershey) do in Beaches.

C C rehearses for a performance at the Hollywood Bowl when she receives a message, an unknown message to the audience, but the audience can decipher the social codes that are important as C C drops everything including the evening performance in order to get to San Francisco.This opening directs the audience into the direction of something immediately threatening.The question is what can be so important to C C, as she leaves everything behind and rents a car to drive in a rainstorm to San Francisco.Two lengthy flashbacks deliver the reason for why it is important to C C to drive through the storm.

The first flashback begins decades earlier in Atlantic City where Hillary has lost herself along the boardwalk, as C C notices her while hiding in order to smoke a cigarette.Helpfully, C C emerges from underneath the boardwalk, as she tells Hillary that she knows the hotel where she is staying.This moment brings the two together, as C C's mother appears to tell her that she has received an opportunity to audition for a Hollywood film director.C C asks, or more like tells, Hillary to tag along, as she get to witness C C's star quality, which bedazzles her. T his seems to be the moment when Hillary discovers that C C has confidence to do what she pleases-something that is foreign to her.However, it is the beginning for a long friendship that seems to be held together through long letters of reciprocal sharing of thoughts and feelings, as the two girls mature into women.

The story makes several leaps, as it skips years at a time.These leaps cause a hurried effect in the story, which do not seem to emphasize the emotional character development.This hurts the cinematic experience, as story does not offer a genuine feeling for the characters.Both women seem hollow and empty in their emotional portrayal, which is supposed to be the strength of the film.To further the lack of emotional quality, the film presents a quantity of cinematic clichés that are supposed to provide emotional tension and affection.Nonetheless, there are moments in the film where the story grabs the audience with heartbreaking and joyous tears.

The friendships between C C, a spoiled and ditsy self-centered diva with a Jewish heritage from the Bronx, and Hillary, a well-mannered aristocratic lawyer with a well-established background from outside San Francisco are an unlikely alliance.These two women beat the odds and remain friends far into adulthood where their friendship gets tested, as their trust and communication are broken leaving them careless of each other.Nonetheless, it is expected that these two women will mend their friendship, as they go through marriages and divorces and through years of joy and sadness.

Beaches offers a melodramatic tale that temporarily displays moments of great drama, but often regresses into the genre of television soap operas.At times the film seems like the lines were written and never spoken, and at times the characters seem awkward with the lines.This furthers the difficulty in the film.In addition, the film plays with the audience's empathetic side, as it purposely manipulates the audience's affection in a crude manner.This crudeness leaves the audience with moments of tears, yet it also leaves a feeling of having been cheated of genuine emotion.Despite the poor depiction of the story it offers some valuable lessons worth pondering, which at the end leaves the audience with an ok cinematic experience.

Touched by the Divine Ms.M !
Honestly, I would give this movie three stars, but with Bette and Barbara Hershey's heartbreaking performances, it deserves two more stars! I saw this Fabulously Entertaining Tearjerker at the theater, and have rented it at least twice over the years. It's the kind of film that I can embrace myself with emotionally, that's why it's always a touching experience. Anyone who hasn't had enduring friendships and are emotionally "locked up" will not like this movie. If you are a fan of Bette like myself and loved her in For The Boys, The Rose, or Stella, then this is a must see. Barbara Hershey is great, but it's ultimately Bette who dominated the viewers with her sassy and funny performance, and of course the songs in this movie, especially The Wind Beneath My Wings have been heard a million times, but it's still one of her best and most beloved!

It's a perfect vehicle for Bette to showcase her multi-talent as singer and actress delivering a funny and touching performance. It's so enjoyable to watch her whenever she plays a woman in showbiz. The everlasting friendship between Bette and Barbara Hershey's characters are very real representation of many ordinary lives. It takes a lot of unconditional love, respect, trust, and faith to maintain a long distance friendship for decades. No matter what happened in their lives, they know they would still have each other to share their struggles and happiness. Never let time and distance wash away their best intensions and promises.

Throughout this movie, there are many moments of laughters, joy, fabulous singing by Bette, and yes, the reunion to the last days their lives shared together was the the climatic point that will require some tissues to stand by! ... Read more

Amazon.com

After forming a match made in trash-movie heaven in John Waters's Polyester, Tab Hunter and Divine reunited for this deliciously tasteless Western comedy, which borrows its title from the nickname for Duel in the Sun, the turgid Western that inspired director Paul Bartel's affectionate spoofery. With Hunter wearing two hats as hero and coproducer, the movie indulges its own outrageous excess while staying true to the dustiest traditions of the Western genre. It's just good enough to watch without shame, and rude enough to hide from more offendable members of the family.

Nothing's sacred in Chile Verde, the wild western town where lone gunman Abel Wood (Hunter) arrives after rescuing corpulent saloon singer Rosie Velez (Divine) from being defiled by Hard Case Williams (Geoffey Lewis) and his gang of misfit gunslingers. Saloon owner Marguerita Ventura (Lainie Kazan) gets hot 'n' heavy for Abel's wood, and passions flare up in a race for hidden treasure, the map to which is tattooed in two sections on Rosie's and Marguerita's ample posteriors. To reveal more would spoil the wretched hilarity; one needn't love Westerns to enjoy this pig-wallow of a comedy, but it helps if you know the legacy of screen villains like Henry Silva, who's riotous here while barely shifting his vile expression. No doubt, this is the wackiest Western that ever cooked under the "blistering, burning, blazing, scorching, roasting, toasting, baking, boiling, broiling, steaming, searing, sizzling, grilling, smoldering, very hot New Mexico sun." --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Westerns should be this much fun
John Water's became a cult classic guy with Polyester, and Tab Hunter and Divine the drag queen bi-sexual gay guy, are back in this take off of the Duel In The Sun classic. And this is a funny movie. Tab Hunter whom some may not remember from the 50's and 60's (but should get reacquainted with ) plays a cowboy in Chile Verde, a gritty and dusty wild western town.

If you have ever seen Divine who plays Rosie Velez you will see how this rolly polly borderline whore character can come off sofunny. Lainie Kazan plays a lusty busty saloon owner named Marguerita Ventura . Now the basics of the movie are Rosies and Marguerita's ample butts which hold part of a map to hidden treasure.

And if you can invision what the guys will do to get a look at the maps and the surprises involved with some really funny outhouse and bar room scenes then you will know why this and all of Mr Water's movies are a must own.

It lives up to the Water's genre and is ... funny
John Water's became a cult classic guy with Polyester, and Tab Hunter and Divine the drag queen bi-sexual gay guy, are back in this take off of the Duel In The Sun classic. And ... this is a funny movie. Tab Hunter whom some may not remember from the 50's and 60's (but should get reacquainted with ) plays a cowboy in Chile Verde, a gritty and dusty wild western town.

If you have ever seen Divine who plays Rosie Velez you will see how this rolly polly borderline ... character can come off so ... funny. Lainie Kazan plays a lusty busty saloon owner named Marguerita Ventura . Now the basics of the movie are Rosies and Marguerita's ample ... which hold part of a map to hidden treasure.

And if you can invision what the guys will do to get a look at the maps and the surprises involved with some really funny outhouse and bar room scenes then you will know why this and all of Mr Water's movies are a must own.

My idea of side splitting funny material......
But that's because I happen to think you can't get much funnier than casting a very overweight white male (who thinks he's a female) as a side-saddle burro riding Mexican plus sized siren named Rosie Velez, who is on her way to the dusty desert town of Chile Verde. Miss Kazan, one of moviedoms most underrated comedic actress', shines with her usual brilliance. Definately one of my personal top ten rated comedy pictures of all time. Which means it's right up there with "Some Like it Hot" "Dinner at Eight" and "It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World".

"You're going to have your filthy way with me."
Divine was at the peak of his short career when he was cast as Rosie Velez in the Paul Bartel western film, "Lust in the Dust." Divine (AKA Glenn Milstead) plays Rosie Velez--a woman who waddles her way to a town named Chili Verde. With a parasol to protect her from the baking desert sun, Rosie runs into Hard Case Williams and his libidinous motley gang of outlaws. Williams--the bible-quoting, perfume-allergic, bad man isn't prepared for Rosie's zest for survival or the murderous power of those thunder thighs. So after leaving the gang members in the dust, Rosie continues on her way to Chili Verde. Rosie meets a mysterious, silent stranger, Abel Wood (Tab Hunter), and the unlikely pair travel together.

Chili Verde is more or less run by saloonkeeper, Marguerita Ventura (Lainie Kazan). Soon it is clear that both Rosie and Marguerita are vying for the attentions of Abel Wood. To this love triangle throw in buried treasure, a tattooed map showing the location of the buried treasure, the world's oldest salon girl (Big Ed), gunslingers and a couple of very raunchy songs, and you have a splendid parody of the spaghetti western. The title "Lust in the Dust" is a reference to the film "Duel in the Sun," and you'll understand why if you watch the film. All the elements of the spaghetti western are here--the silent stranger who protects the sanctity of womanhood, the hidden agenda of the mysterious stranger, and even the familiar baddie, Bernado, who wears black. The film is full of some great lines. For example, Rosie says to Marguerita, "I've been poor all my life," and Marguerita replies, "You've got it all wrong, Honey. You're not poor--you're cheap." The best lines and the best laughs are delivered by Rosie and Marguerita. The songs performed by Divine and Lainie Kazan are priceless.

For Divine fans, this film really shouldn't be missed. It's a good, crude, tasteless laugh, and that's all it's supposed to be. The film reunites Divine and Tab Hunter--they made a successful screen pair in "Polyester." "Lust in the Dust" has adult themes, and adult humour, and it's not for the kiddies--displacedhuman

These Lips Were Made for Kissin
It isn't the greatest movie ever, but it has some great moments. I am buying this strictly to hear Divine's pub room song. It is th highlight of the film. Another scene you'll love is when a lover gets accidently squeezed to death between Divine's legs. And don't miss Divine riding a donkey through the desert! ... Read more

Reviews (100)

ENTERTAINING SUDS
Barbara Hershey and Bette Midler form an unlikely alliance in this contemporary/traditional "woman's picture". Well-produced musical numbers, charting CeCe's (Bette) singing/performing career, add zest and emotion, though the central relationship is exceptionally well-played by both the young and older versions of the characters. I particularly loved the way this movie grows with the characters; the story evolves over much time, and, unfortunately, spends too much time, and the film's most overrated song (Wind Beneath My Wings, which has a bizarrely self-involved lyric) in its final half hour wallowing in suds. However, the actresses retain a power throughout, and the tears this movie works to summon forth do not feel shameless -- an age-old friendship will likely always suffer its highs and lows, though perhaps not with this many strings playing in the background.

Friendship that never dies.....
I fell in love with the movie the first time that I saw it and still love it. One of the most brilliant performances by both Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey I have ever seen.I enjoyed very much seeing Bette showcase her voice in the movie because she has such a strong and beautiful voice, not to mention she is so hilarious. The scenes in this movie are emotional, uplifting, comedic and poignant. This film reminds of a special friendship that I have, and just watching the movie reminds me a lot of my relationship with my friend. It depicts that all friendships aren't perfect, everyone has their differences but that in the end that one special friend will always be there for you. In this world today, it is hard to find a friend like that. There were also some stellar performances by John Heard as the love interest of Bette Midler, Laine Kazane as Bette's mother Leona. What a wonderful movie, a real tearjearker and call it a chick flick if you want but this is a movie that was made for both men and women.

I love this movie
Bette Midler is wonderful in this movie. Barbara Hershey gives an outstanding performance. I love their friendship and how it goes through the different phases, and yet at the end they are there for one another, to support one another. This movie is definitely a tear-jerker, yet a classic.

Made me feel dirty
Watching this movie was a very unpleasant experience for me and left me feeling like an emotional voyeur. It was just too harrowingly weepy. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with a movie that appeals primarily to the emotions, but I felt that Beaches went way past the saturation point. By the end I was simply tired of feeling!
I have, however, given Beaches three stars because the fact that it is so well loved by so many suggests that it must successfully fulfill some sort of need for many viewers. Just be warned that, depending on your tastes, you may want to fulfill that need elsewhere.

Sad but Good!
I never read the book this movie is based on but we rented Beaches and I thought it was a good movie. It is a tearjerker that is really sad and I don't always like sad movies because sometimes they can be too melodramatic and real downers but I liked this movie and I think Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey gave good acting perfomances and I was also impressed with Mayim Bialik (Blossom) who played Bette Midler's character C.C. when the character was 11 years old. I recommend this movie! ... Read more

Reviews (40)

A Valentine to New York
Alan Swann: Alfredo, telephone the Stork Club, we'll be two for dinner. Alfi: You sure you want the Stork Club, Mr. Swann? Alan Swann: It's been a year and a half. Surely they've repaired the wall of the bandstand by now. Former actor Richard Benjamin's near classic comedy "My Favorite Year" opens on 50th Street and Broadway in the Manhattan of 1954. Summer sunshine glistens off a new Oldsmobile. Fading, dissolute matinee idol Alan Swann is about to appear in his first live television program. Or will He? Peter O'Toole stars as movie swashbuckler Alan Swann( a thin impersonation of Errol Flynn). O'Toole verifies the comedic spark first seen in 1965's "What's New Pussycat?". A talented cast includes Mark Linn-Baker, Bill Macy, Lainie Kazan, and Cameron Mitchell. Film-within-a-film flashbacks reveal scenes from O'Toole's "Lord Jim". The director's penchant for long, theatrical episodes produces a slow but studied pace. Don't worry. The effect is marvelous. This brand new widescreen anamorphic 1.85:1 DVD of "My Favorite Year" is a stately Warners release. The digital transfer reveals some sloppy mattes around the actors' heads in the firehose balcony sequence. But by then, you'll be laughing so hard you won't even notice. The DVD includes generous chapter stops, a trailer, and splendid audio commentary by Benjamin, as he defines the dangers and head-aches of directing an MGM movie. In "My Favorite Year", veteran Gloria Stuart has a small non-speaking bit part. 20 years later, in a larger role, Stuart played Old Rose in a much more famous film tragedy set in 1912. It was the resonant epic about a ship that could not float.

"Double the lad's bet for me, you toad!"
"My Favorite Year is one of my favorite movies. Set in 1954, it's about an aging movie idol, Alan Swann (Peter O'Toole), who is to make a guest appearance on a television variety show hosted by King Kaiser (Joseph Bologna). However, it turns out that Swann is a libidinous lush, and the freshman writer for the show, Benjie Stone (formerly Steinberg, played by Mark Linn-Baker), is assigned to stay with him--and keep him sober and out of trouble--until after the show. The rest of the movie concerns their adventures together. The film overflows with one-liners and physical comedy, all of which stays remarkably fresh and amusing, even after repeated viewings. The script produces some classic lines; for example, during a take-out feast in which Stone is trying to woo the object of his lust (K.C. Downing, played by Jessica Harper), she comments that he really knows his dim sum. He replies, "Katherine, Jews know two things: suffering and where to find great Chinese food." The DVD also has an informative voice-over commentary by Richard Benjamin, whose first directing job was this film.

One Of My Favorite Films !
I would have to place this into my top ten favorite films of all times. It's a rather unknown delightful comedy that should not be missed by any movie fan. Peter O'Toole, Mark Linn-Baker and the rest of the cast are perfect in their rolls. You will not be sorry renting or buying this DVD.

How great is this movie?
I'll tell you. This movie is so great that I was able to rent it and entertain my GRANDPARENTS for an entire evening. I discovered it right after it was released because it was at the same time we got cable. (Man, were WE behind the times!) This movie has it all; a great cast, scads of great one-liners, and best of all, you can pull it out and show it knowing that most people have never heard of it.

O'Toole Dazzling in Wonderful in 'Golden Age' Homage!
Have you ever watched a film and wished it wouldn't end? Where you loved all the characters, adored each scene, and laughed at every joke, even after you'd seen the film so many times that you could quote the dialog? MY FAVORITE YEAR is that kind of movie!

Directed with gusto by Richard Benjamin, the film is both a loving tribute to Sid Caesar's 'Your Show of Show', and the remarkable talents that brought it together each week, and a sincere homage to Errol Flynn, whose antics and larger-than-life persona, in the waning years of his life, still had the kind of magic that could enthrall a shy young fan, or make a woman swoon.

Three dynamic performances dominate the film. Mark Linn-Baker, as Benjy Stone, based on the young Mel Brooks, is a shy kid who hides his insecurities behind a rapid-fire wit. The dazzling young star in a staff of comedy 'pros', Stone suffers from an unrequited love from fellow staffer K. C. Downing (Jessica Harper), and has an inspiration, inviting legendary swashbuckler Alan Swann (Peter O'Toole) to appear on the show. As King Kaiser, star of the hit series, Joseph Bologna captures much of Sid Caesar's legendary physical 'presence' and irreverence to authority. When threatened by gangsters over a 'too close to home' series of parodies about crime boss Karl Rojeck (portrayed with brute menace by veteran actor Cameron Mitchell), Kaiser 'thumbs his nose' at them, mimicking the gangster mercilessly. "I'll KEEP doing it!" he taunts. "Why? Because it's FUNNY!"

Then there is Peter O'Toole's 'Alan Swann'. With his own career a roller coaster ride of alcoholism, resulting in the near destruction of his health, no actor could have 'channeled' Errol Flynn better. Just as Flynn, by the 1950s, was a nearly burned-out roue, his classic good looks long gone, O'Toole's matinee-idol appearance, after years of self-abuse, had aged into a gaunt mask, making Benji Stone's film montage of 'classic' clips more poignant. What Flynn still had, in abundance, was charm and a ready wit, and O'Toole's 'Swann' is so enchanting a personality that you can't help but love him, and root for him to succeed.

From the opening nostalgic strains of Nat King Cole's rendition of 'Stardust', through Benjy's futile effort to attempt to keep Swann sober (Red Skelton loved to tell how he kept Flynn sober on his program...he emptied all of the actor's bottles of vodka, replacing it with water...and Flynn couldn't tell the difference!), to a riotous Swann dinner with Benjy's family, to the near-disastrous broadcast, with Swann developing stage fright, and Kaiser brawling with mob enforcers...MY FAVORITE YEAR has one glorious scene after another, each unforgettable!

One of the AFI's '100 Greatest Film Comedies', MY FAVORITE YEAR will bring a tear to your eye, even as you laugh. It was a time of legends, and heroes who would live up to boyhood dreams.

Film comedy doesn't get any better than this! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A sleeper when released in 1985, The Journey of Natty Gann has since become an enduring family classic. While following a familiar Disney formula (the perilous adventures of a girl and her pet wolf), director Jeremy Paul Kagan adds something fresh at every turn, aided by a first-rate cast and beautifully scenic locations. Then-promising newcomer Meredith Salenger is perfect in the title role--a scrappy kid in Depression-era Chicago who travels cross-country to the Pacific Northwest, hoping to find her father (Ray Wise), who had been forced to leave her with an awful landlady while he took a logging job in Washington. Natty befriends the wolf and a fellow drifter (John Cusack, in an early role), and her journey is a memorable one, intense and realistic but still appropriate for kids. Although Salenger's subsequent film career has been modest (she later graduated cum laude from Harvard), Natty Gann remains a worthy claim to fame. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (41)

An overlooked gem.
True, The Journey of Natty Gann is darker and more adult-oriented than most live-action Disney movies, but that doesn't stop it from being a contemporary classic that the entire family can enjoy.

Set in Chicago during the Great Depression, this inspirational story is about a young girl named Natty Gann's (Meredith Salenger) search for her father (Ray Wise) after he is forced to suddenly travel west to take on a job. Along the way, she is befriended by a wolf and a young drifter named Harry (John Cusack) with whom she develops a romantic attachment.

As it turns out, The Journey of Natty Gann is an enjoyable romp with decent acting especially from Meredith Salenger, glorious visuals, a realistic depiction of the Great Depression, and a beautiful score by James Horner. Unfortunately, it's no longer available on video (it was last released in 1995) which is a shame because it remains a favorite among many people including myself. Disney seems to be embarrassed of their 80's family films as hardly any of them appear still available. To sum it all up, The Journey of Natty Gann is just - wow!

Endearing story of the Depression
This is a little-known Disney movie that is probably one of the studio's best live-action films. This was one of my childhood favorites, and, when I saw it again recently, it became one of my adulthood favorites.

The story takes place in the midst of the Great Depression and starts out in Chicago. Natty and her father are struggling to make ends meet, but still manage to love each other and survive. Trouble comes when Natty's father finally gets a job - in Washington. Unable to find Natty to tell her, he leaves her a note and leaves her in the charge of an overbearing boardinghouse owner. Fed up with bad treatment and not wanting to believe that her father abandoned her, Natty sets out to meet up with her father, hopping on trains and hitching rides west. Along the way, she helps free a wolf who is being used in dog fights. She and the wolf meet up later and become companions. Natty also joins up with John Cusack, another drifter looking for work.

The movie includes beautiful scenery and an interesting portrayal of Depression-era America. The relationships are also fascinating. For instance, Natty only calls the wolf "wolf," and still recognizes that he is a wild animal. In other words, she doesn't attempt to make him into a pet. Additionally, her relationship with John Cusack's character is not silly, self-conscious, or filled with expectation.

Another reviewer noted that the DVD version of this movie is disappointing. I found the quality of my DVD to be absolutely fine. There are no special features, but the film itself is of decent quality.

This is a sweet, fascinating movie that is appropriate for children and adults and should immediately be considered a classic.

Decent movie, bad transfer
A good period piece about people struggling to find work during the depression. When Natty's father leaves Chicago, Illinois and goes to Seattle, Washington for a job at a lumber camp he leaves her behind. He misses her when he has to leave so he tells her in a letter he will send for her. When she decides she can't wait she strikes out on her own. She runs into John Cusack's character and helps a wolf escape from a dogfighting ring. Her adventure getting to her father is difficult and enriching. She travels the rails and highways to get there. A little slow in parts but overall a decent family movie. If only Disney had thought enough of this movie to make a good transfer to DVD. I was appalled at how bad it was during the opening credits. The credits jumped around on the screen. The rest of the movie was not as bad as that but it was a little grainy, not clear and sharp like we usually see with Disney films. That probably explains why I have seen it selling for what it is sold here or less.

a little gem- 2 stars for the dvd, 4 for the film
I recently saw this movie again on cable, and concur with other reviewers that the dvd is a waste of time. This movie is a rarity for family fare in that it is uncompromising and un-sappy. It treats the depression theme in a very mature way, but the journey itself transcnds what could be a very dark and somber mood throughout the movie. Interesting to me that it was all filmed no more than 15 km. from my neighbourhood in Vancouver . Seeing it for the second time 20 years later, I got to see a small slice of my past- the old train station, the law courts building, etc.

Not a Family Movie
Parents, beware, this movie is not for your children. The majestic scenery is overshadowed by a gloomy outlook, grotesque swearing (including taking the Lord's Name in vain several times), and the point of view that all adults in leadership are evil. Trust me, this is one for the trash can. That's where my copy is. ... Read more

Reviews (212)

Suprise Surprise
Like many people out there I avoided this movie while it was in theaters. The media tore this film to pieces before moviegoers even had a chance to check it out. Also like many others I rented this movie because of how 'awful' it was said to be. I have to admit that I enjoyed this movie very much. I guess I dont understand why people say the script doesn't make any sense...it was pretty cut and dry. The characters all provided a comedic value, and I thought Ben and Jennifer did an excellent job. I'm not really a fan of Jen, but I even found her great in this movie. This is hardly the worst movie of the year, and I can think of a number of movies that are worse than Gigli. I wasn't expecting an oscar award winning film...it's made for you to relax, laugh, and have a good time. If the critics negetive reviews would not have so heavily saturated the movie market, I think this movie would have done much better in the box office. I suggest people give it a chance with an open mind, rather than having their minds set on hating the movie.

better than hustle and heat
yes this movie was alot more better than hustle and heat. since vivica a fox's acting isn't as good as her prior movies.

it ain't the worst
what the critics were saying claiming that this movie was the worst of 2003 is false. this movie really was good. since this movie has superb acting from ben affleck and the whole movie is funny and clever.

whoa
oh snap this movie is one of the best i have ever seen. since the acting from this movie is outstanding.

better than scream 2
this movie was ten times better than scream 2. since the acting from that movie is wack. ... Read more

Description

Whoopi Goldberg (SISTER ACT I & II, EDDIE) handles business her own way in this outrageous comedy hit! Whoopi plays a fast-track executive who starts her own company after a back-stabbing co-worker (Tim Daly, TV's WINGS) nabs her promotion. But when she's locked out of the stuffy corporate world, she invents a dazzling male business partner to sell her ideas! Her wacky plan soon spins wildly out of control, however, when her bogus "associate" becomes Wall Street's hottest financial whiz -- and Whoopi herself must impersonate him! With Dianne Wiest (THE BIRDCAGE) in a hilarious supporting cast, THE ASSOCIATE is a comedy treat you're sure to love! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Great Movie
Whoopi Goldberg stars in THE ASSOCIATE, a humorous movie about the stock market and a woman finding her way. She plays Laurel Ayers, a stock broker who is promised a promotion. When her co worker takes her promotion right from under her, she is determined to make it on her own. She quits and starts her own company. To her dismay she finds out that it's not easy making it in the world as a woman, doors are constantly slammed in her face because of her gender, so she sets out to take the world over by storm, by creating a fictional person, Robert Cutty. Yes she creates a man and even dresses up as one. Cutty takes the world by storm, but Laurel has to keep up with her charade. Eventually she realizes that Cutty has been nothing but trouble for her, no one cares about what SHE has been doing, and a man is still getting all the credit for her ideas. So she sets out to kill a fictional man that doesn't exist! She realizes she is no better than she was, because Cutty is getting credit for all her work and ideas. ...Overall a really humorous and well acted film, worth seeing many times.

Very Entertaining!
I truly love this movie! I have been trying to get it on DVD eversince I first watched it in March 1997 on my way to the UK. Whoopi Goldberg's acting is convincing but I liked Dianne Wiest's supporting role. A very entertainingly funny plot will keep you laughing most of the time through the whole movie.

He Look-a-Like-A-Man!
I must have seen this movie about twenty times or more! Each time I viewed it, I discovered something new in the movie!I loved
when Whoopi finally got a break-through and was given an account to prove her worth as a business woman! Women are still looked down in 2002 in many fields!The White Male is still given every thing over the Black woman and the white woman! Opray was the frist African American woman given close to a billion in revenue, we're cousins by the way Opray and I! No, really!!

viewing the movie helped me to make many successful deals without feeling like a helpless female!

Anyway Whoopi plays a guy as well as she does a girl! Five stars for you Whoopi!

Not a Great Comedy but Sometimes genuine humor film.
Wall street analyst (Oscar-Winner:Whoopi Goldberg) cannot survived in the World Business Men. So, she sets up with a Phony Fictitious business male partner and she decide to dress herself as a Man!

This Comedy is a Remake from a French 1982 film. Goldberg is Quite Good in the lead. Great suppoting cast:Including-Two Time Oscar Winner:Dianne Wiest, Eli Wallach, Timothy Daly, Bebe Neuworth, Austin Pendleton and Lainie kazan. Directed by Donald Pertie (Grumpier old men) has made a good comedy but he has made funnier films that this one. Grade:B.

Badly acted; not very entertaining
Any one who has the faintest inkling of how Wall St works will find this movie a joke. I can't believe the other reviews giving four or five stars. I was very disappointed with the whole thing. Whoopi seems very uninvolved in her acting. The movie just drags and drags. Many of the so called comic scenes are very contrived. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Sweet and absolutely hilarious!
How can anyone fault this movie? It's sweet, with a wonderful cast. I think Joseph Bologna and Renee Taylor wrote one of the funniest scripts, and they're performances are just fabulous! Paul Sorvino and Barbara Carrera went right over the top, with their pretentious "Count & Contessa" characters. I'm buying this movie, and I don't often do that, because it's theme of love and soul searching, combined with some of the funniest deliveries is too good not to watch whenever I need a pick-me-up. By the way, I'm not Italian, nor a New Yorker, but a Californian who appreciates talent and humor. Some of the cynical reviewers of this film could learn something from Lainie Kazan!

Laugh,Laugh,Laugh !
When I first saw this movie it was by mistake-but-am I glad I did. I was laughing so hard that I had two pillows over my mouth as so I would not wake up my wife and kids ! There are some low foul parts that really didn't have to be in this movie but most of it will keep you in stitches. The Grandmother and many of her comments and questions are priceless. Lainie Kazan was 10 times better in this movie then the Greek Wedding ( She was perfect in her part as the "Past the flower of her life" mother still trying to hold on, her efforts were Oscar worthy ! This is one movie that will really make you laugh. The daughter played by A. Jolean was as always worthless as the son wasn't much either,but is was the parents that made the show. Being born and raised in East Baltimore City and growing up around a lot of ethnic folks ,this picture stays true to the core. It doesen't stereotype the Itailians but paints a real picture of what they are all about !

Forget 'Big Fat Greek...': Enjoy this Instead,
Glamourous comic actress Lainie Kazan, Joe Bologna, Paul Sorvino, and brilliant character actress Renee Taylor take you on a 'not just for New Yorkers' joy ride of a romantic comedy which introduced the teenaged Angelina Jolie. It is a Renee Taylor trademark to poke fun at the clash of the lower classes versus the higher classes (a la her contributions to tee vee's The Nanny. No one could tell than she and Fran were *not* related.) and here as Director, co-writer, she is in her element. Unrecognisable is Connie Stevens and Barbara Carrera in platinum hairpieces. The story is essentially Romeo and Juliet without the daggers and the poison but with musings from the so called Patron Saint Roscoe. Kazan is concerned that her husband Joe Bologna cares more for cuddling with the family cat than she: she asks advice from the friendly sooth sayer and neighborhood wacko Renee Taylor who tells her that her son is going to fall deeply for a girl playing Juliet to his Romeo in a school Shakespeare production. Why, this will not and can not be--that Juliet is getting married next week. (Plus she's terrifically over sized.) So when the new family moves in the area has a daughter who happens to know Juliet--well, the jokes and the hilarity comes in one after another. In my opinion, it's just another pleasant way to kill a Sat afternoon. See it for yourself and I think you'll concur.

angelina jolie
i saw it just for angelina. god she is soooooooo beautiful in this movie, other than that the movie is.. bad

This Movie Rocks!!
Ok, first of all, I'm a huge Nathaniel Marston(Jolie's love interest in this movie) fan. He's currently on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live. I watched this movie late one night on the Oh! chanel(oprah's station)because I had heard he'd done a movie with Jolie when they were both 18. This movie is just too cute. I love it. I'm so happy they are releasing it on DVD. Also, on a side note, to any of my MARCAL buddies checking out this review, big hugs to you all!I know you love NM as much as I do. :P ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the most famous productions of its time, Francis Coppola's One from the Heart is a "little movie" that grew into a gigantic, studio-bankrupting behemoth. Entirely shot on glorious sets in Coppola's Zoetrope studio, the teeny story follows a bickering Las Vegas couple (Teri Garr and Frederic Forrest) during a night's madness with others. It would be nice to recommend the film to romantics, or movie-musical mavens, but really this film is for the technologically minded:it's a flashy display of camera trickery and painted sets (anticipating Moulin Rouge). Alas, the techno-dazzle is somewhat at odds with the clunky performances and choppy editorial flow... and it has all the warmth of neon. Since its initial botched release, the film has developed a small but devoted following, in part because of the terrific song score by Tom Waits (sung by Waits and Crystal Gayle). It should be seen, not least as a case study in bravado. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (26)

THANK YOU ZOETROPE!
I know, the DVD isn't out yet, but my husband and I have loved this film since the mid-1980s, when we first saw it on video. I thought it would never be released on DVD, and now, not only is one coming, they're treating it with the respect that it deserves, with all those great extras! We're in heaven, and the anticipation of finally getting to see this in the theater for the first time, and then owning this DVD, is driving us batty.

Who will like this movie? Well, although plot and music-wise it's nothing like Moulin Rouge, if you have the mindset to enjoy an off-kilter, gorgeously-filmed, nutty, romantic, bizarre, funny, sweet movie like that, you have what it takes to enjoy this. It takes an open mind, a willingness to give yourself over to the film from the very beginning, when the red curtains part (yes, Baz got that from OFTH), and an open heart, to ride along with these characters, forgive their faults and foibles, and be there for them at the end of the film. I've seen this film so many times that I understand the characters better than I did the first time I saw it. It not only holds up on subsequent viewings, it gets better and better. Besides getting to know the characters better, you notice so many more little details in the gorgeous production design.

There's so much to say about this film, I wish I were more articulate. It's one of the most BEAUTIFUL films you'll ever see. The soundtrack is wonderful too. Tom Waits and Crystal Gayle sound sublime together, and I've always considered them as playing characters too.

It's my most fervent wish that the upcoming theatrical re-release, and this DVD release, will garner this movie the audience it deserves. It was so roundly and unfairly trashed upon the original release that it never even had a chance to gain a cult audience. There are people out there who will love this film. I hope they discover it.

I Believe in Francis C.
"One from the Heart" is a typical story of two lovers breaking up, running around and ultimately coming back together, but the simplicity allows for experimentation. The stylized, studio-bound film's complexities are revealed by Tom Waits' light jazz score and Vittorio Storaro's very theatrical lighting. Both are well-served by a gorgeous, eye-popping re-mastered transfer and 5.1 mix (an isolated score is also available). Modern day stylized films like "Moulin Rouge" owe a lot to this movie.

Director Francis Ford Coppola's highly engaging commentary on disc 1 goes into detail of his aspirations for "live cinema" - a product that combines the beauty of film with aspects of live television and theatre. He stands by his film despite its failure; it's easy to see how this unconventional film flopped, but you can't help but get swept up in Coppola's vision. Casual viewers may find "One from the Heart" pretty boring, but it should be required viewing for budding filmmakers.

Disc 2 features a sheer wealth of documentaries, both old and new, on almost every aspect of "One from the Heart"'s creation, as well as a special one on the history of Zoetrope Studios, which was bankrupted by the project. You can find out more about Coppola's shooting technique of 'electronic cinema,' Tom Waits' score, the stop-motion effects, and even the massive rehearsals for the picture. A selection of deleted and alternate scenes, alternate takes of Waits' score, trailers and other ephemera round out this excellent DVD package.

Poor editing and transfer of this masterpiece
Let me say I loved this movie. I saw it when it was first out (yes someone did go to see it in the theater)and bought the video some years ago.
The video (VHS) was true to the theatrical release, unlike the DVD, but the saturated colors (especially the reds) really caused the quality to suffer on tape.
What's with cutting the opening sequence? And then again changing the sequencing and cutting of some of the dance scenes?
As far as the re-master, there was one sequence where there was a hair on the film? (lower left corner). What's up with that?
This is a beautiful movie, ahead of its time. Its a shame they have not done it justice. Those who did not see the original are really missing out.

Movie: 2 stars; DVD: 4 stars
After his disastrous experiences filming "Apocalypse Now" in the Philippines during the '70s, director Francis Ford Coppola decided to play it safe with his 1982 follow-up, "One From the Heart," a modest musical comedy he filmed entirely on the stages of his own Zoetrope Studios.

But the excesses that plagued "Apocalypse" carried over onto "Heart" and Coppola eventually built huge indoor re-creations of the Vegas strip, imported real passenger planes for an airport scene and commissioned detailed, 75-footlong models of the city. The budget ballooned. Upon its release, the film tanked and Coppola's little studio went bankrupt.

Since then, "Heart" has remained discussed but largely unseen, leading curious film fans to wonder, "Could it really be that bad?"

Now it's out on DVD and the answer is available: "Yes, it's really that bad."

"Heart" follows two estranged lovers (Teri Garr and Frederick Forrest) through a charmless musical fantasy. The story and characters are slim and feel slimmer in the midst of the huge, flashy sets. Tom Waits wrote all the songs, but they don't approach his best work. And, ironically in light of the film's title, an air of artificiality hangs over the picture; much like the black ceiling that can clearly be seen above the nighttime streets of Coppola's Las Vegas, the movie's sugary ideas about love and romance feel hopelessly fake.

As an experiment, though, the film is interesting; it borrows the look and feel of classic musicals yet remains a unique attempt, and it's arguably a forerunner of "Moulin Rouge" and "Chicago," but that's not enough to redeem "Heart." As a DVD, though, it's worth checking out for the second disk's exhaustive extra features, particularly the documentaries that explore the ups and downs of Zoetrope Studios, the processes behind Waits' compositions and the debacle surrounding this odd, frustrating movie.

More Like A Knife In Your Heart
I had heard a lot about this Francis Ford Coppola film. None of it was good. I heard rumors such as Coppola had to file for bankruptcy after this. Whether any of this is true I don't know, these are only rumors I heard. But, now after this this film, I can understand why this movie would flop at the box-office. This is honestly one of the worst films I have ever seen.

I think highly of Coppola. No one can doubt the man has directed several American masterpieces. "The Godfather" films, "Apocalypse Now", and "The Conversation". But there's something those films have in common, and to me, this it where Coppola's strenght lies.

All of those films deal with people. They are character studies of sorts. When Coppola is dealing with people, rather than special effects, or plot formula driven films he succeeds.

Make no mistake about it Coppola has limitations. Every director has limitations. Coppola has proven he can not direct comedies (Jack), horror fillms (Bram Stoker's Dracula), and jazz bio's where effects came before characters (The Cotton Club). But look at the films that deal with characters first. "The Godfather" series, "Apocalypse Now", "The Conversation", "Peggy Sue Got Married" and "The Rain Maker". Here is where Coppola shines.

A lot of people as I understand it, had problem with Coppola directing a romantic film. I wasn't bothered by that, because as I thought about it there were elements in "The Conversation" that possessed as certain romanticism. At least I thought so.

"One from the Heart" fails on so many levels it's hard to fins a place to start. The movie lags. The pacing of the film is off. This is what I like to call "coma inducing". "Coma inducing" works are works that can put you to sleep for a very long time. Or they at least have the ability to do so. "One from the Heart" has the ability to do so.

The characters are not believeable. I understand this was suppose to be a lighthearted fantasy, but I found nothing romantic about the film. The situations and the characters are flat. You can't relate to them or the situations they are put it. If you found that you do relate to them, you must have tried really hard.

The acting is here dreadful. Fredic Forrest stars as Hank, a man pining after his ex-girlfriend, of many times, Frannie (Teri Garr). The problem is they have no chemistry. And Forrest is not a leading man type. There is nothing about him that makes you want to watch him for the duration of the film. In fact no one look good in this film. People such as Harry Dean Stanton, who plays Hank's friend, seems to disappear after a while. I'm not entirely sure what purpose he served to the story. The same goes for Natassja Kinski who's role is pretty much a joke and Lainie Kazan. There is no depth given to any of these characters. And to be honest, after a while, I really didn't care to know anything about them. All I wanted to know was when would the movie end.

Another problem I had with the film was the music. It is also thought this film is a musical, but a number of songs sang by Tom Waits I felt did not fit. I also thought in the beginning moments of the film too much music was being used. Though Waits was nominated for an Oscar. I'm still trying to figure that one out. But, the Academy is always doing something wrong.

But, this is not to say I am not able to find anything positive about this film. I did enjoy Vittorio Storaro's cinematography. He is my absolute favorite. Though, I have to be critical here again, because Storaro's work doesn't quite build up to some of the other films he's done such as "The Last Emperor" and "Goya in Bordeaux".

Overall though what he have here is a bad movie from a good director. In other words, I wish I never saw this film.

Bottom-line: Not just one of Francis Ford Coppola's worst, but one of the worst films I've ever seen. A boring, slow moving, unsympathetic, style over substance film. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Plenty of life left
The acting and the basic theme of the film -- how people handle further attachments after losing a spouse -- are good. There are a number of funny lines and poignant moments. The main romance is handled well and realistically on an emotional level. The final scene in the music store was unfortunately marred by Ben's phoney stuttering when he tries to get out the word marriage. The idea is fine, but the execution seemed really hokey. All in all, an enjoyable film that had a lot of nice touches, particularly the bedroom/hotel night scene. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Film fans might someday recognize 1997 and '98 as the years Hong Kong came to Hollywood. Stars Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Chow Yun-Fat, Jet Li, and Michelle Yeoh all appeared in major Hollywood projects and directors John Woo, Ronny Yu, and Tsui Hark directed Face/Off, Bride of Chucky, and Knock Off, respectively. Another entry into this new era of entertainment is The Big Hit, directed by Che-Kirk Wong (who also directed Jackie Chan in Crime Story), executive produced by John Woo, and produced by Wesley Snipes. Mark Wahlberg leads this all-American cast in a played-for-laughs macho blowout. Rounding out the testosterone brigade are Lou Diamond Phillips (sprouting a gold-capped tooth and a dirty mouth), Bokeem Woodbine (who, according to this DVD's director audio track, wore extra socks where it counts), Antonio Sabàto Jr., and Avery Brooks. Wahlberg plays Melvin Smiley, a nice-guy hit man with an ulcer and a severe insecurity problem. He's short on cash due to the spending habits of his unsuspecting fiancée Pam (Christina Applegate) and his girlfriend-on-the-sly Chantel (Lela Rochon). He and his crew decide to do a little freelancing and cook up their own heist to make a little mo' money--specifically by kidnapping Keiko (China Chow), the daughter of a Japanese businessman whom they target for ransom. Little do they know her dad is broke and she's the goddaughter of their boss. The Big Hit has action scenes aplenty (one of the stunt coordinators worked on Woo's The Killer and Bullet in the Head) and the same cornball sense of humor as other films in the Hong Kong action genre. Slick pacing and over-the-top humor made this movie a miss with the critics but a fun ride for fans of Hong Kong-styled action. --Shannon Gee ... Read more

Reviews (86)

"Hit" and Run
When four hitman decide that they are going to kidnap the boss's daugter and ask for ransom, problems arise, when Melvin (Mark Wahlberg) is set up to take the fall. At the same time, he is set to meet his girlfriend Pam's (Christina Applegate) parents, all three of whom, know nothing about his true line of work This under appreciated action/comedy from Che-Kirk Wong, has more going for it, than most folks think it does. The trick to watching this, is to just watch the movie, for its fun factor. If you expect it to be a dramatic look at hitmen and the mob--forget it. The action sequences are well done and fun to watch. The movie is a breezey 91 minutes and that's also a plus. Wahlberg, Lou Diamond Phillips, Bokeem Woodbine, and Antonio Sabato Jr. have good on screen chemistry. The rest of the players fit pretty well too It's nice to see some of them break out into more of a comedic role then is the norm for some of the cast.

The DVD extras include an enjoyable commentary track with the director, writer, and producer of the movie. The handful of deleted scenes are very good too. It also has the theatrical trailer (just as you might expect). The film is presented in both widescreen and fullscreen formats, so that viewers can choose their poison in that regard If you like action comedies then I would certainly recommend THE BIG HIT to you. Give it a shot.

Very amusing and very action-packed!
This movie was a real blast, both with the action and more so with the sometimes childish but often funny spoof element! Mark Wahlberg plays Mervin Smiley, a sexually insecure potential hitman who works for godfather Avery Brooks(Sisco from Deep Space Nine to you Trekkies!), along with assorted colleagues. When Smiley finds he is several thousand in debt due to women messing him around for his money and failed hits, he decides to kidnap a Japanese girl, the daughter of an industrialist on the verge of hara-kiri after his movie flops! It just so happens that this girl is the god-daughter of his boss. As if that wasn't enough, his copy of the video KING KONG LIVES is overdue! Oh dear . . . The results are fast, frenetic and hilarious. Elliot Gould appears as the on-the-wagon father of another potential fiancee(Christina Applegate, who is a real hottie). And when his bosses learn of his unauthorised kidnapping, the fun bursts into stylised action with gunfights and explosions galore! John Woo produced this, and it shows well! This has something for Hong Kong action fans, something for teenage airhead humour freaks and a little bit of girl power for chick-flick lovers. Everyone will enjoy this, in other words!

Total Crap
This movie is total garbage. My friend brought it by and we watched it and it was so bad I had to come on here and write a review. The acting is crap, the storyline sucks, it is an attempt to make a "cool, hip" hollywood movie that failed miserably. The writing and dialouge are terrible, this movie doesn't even deserve 1 star. Total B movie crap.

What can I say? I dig the film.
I've trashed more than my fair share of big, brainless action flicks for being stupid, unbelievable, and nasty. But for some reason, either by merit of the film itself or some fluke in my taste, I like THE BIG HIT. If the former is true, here is why.

There are those of us who peruse the direct-to-video bins of action and horror movies in a desparate search of fun. THE BIG HIT, although released theatrically, is everything that you desire while looking at direct-to-video crap, but never get, and its infinitly better.

Make no mistakes: this movie is vulgar, crass, and shameless. It even crossed my line with the vomiting scene, but I managed. The film finds hit man Melvin Smiley set up to take the fall for a major screw-up by his hipster co-workers whilst dealing with being a pushover to his fiancee and girlfriend.

Maybe the fact that this film has such a plot, a plot that is relevant to the action and interesting is what makes it exciting. The characters are stimulating and provided vibrant dialogue. Through the pretty routine directing, it's Ben Ramseys script that makes the thing so fun. The action sequences are pretty by the numbers, as I've mentioned, but there are moments or rhythm and sublime carnage beneath the rest of it.

The film has a hard-hitting and pulsating score by Graeme Revell, which is also notable in its genre for its themes and concentration on doing more than making noise.

Be warned