Reviews (127)

One of the Best Movies of the 1990s.
Let me get this out of the way: in grade school, I was teased. A lot. In fact, it was so bad that even walking to school was an emotionally and physically painful experience. I can relate to every second of misery Dawn endures in the dynamite "Welcome to the Dollhouse." Most films like "Sixteen Candles" view high school as some insulated paradise. Not this film. Here, Dawn (played by Heather Matarazzo) is as socially inept as a pre-teen girl can be. She is subject to taunts, verbal assault, and vicious mind games at the hands of her classmates. Home life isn't much better; her parents blissfully ignore her while they shower attention on her cutsey younger sister, Missy. They give her attention only when they catch her doing something wrong, which seems to be most of the time. On top of this, she develops a crush for the teenage lead singer of her brother's band. Anyone who has experienced unrequieted love will find this subplot heartbreaking to watch. Despite the above, "Welcome to the Dollhouse" is a murderously funny movie to watch, even if you were a victim of grade school teasing. The performances are dead-on and it's one of my favorite movies of the 1990's.

A painfully honest film you will never forget
Bold, unabashedly honest, psychologically riveting, and painfully mesmerizing are just a few of the words and expressions that come to mind when I think about this uniquely extraordinary film. First shown at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival, Welcome to the Dollhouse walked away with the grand jury prize, and it is easy to see why. Writer/director/producer Todd Solondz brought a unique vision of the sharpest kind to this film, cutting right through the fluff of the typical "geek makes good" nonsense and forcing his artistic scalpel forcefully down into the nethermost regions of the adolescent heart. The story is so unsettling and painfully uncomfortable that some parents hesitated or refused to let their children participate in the filming. It's just an amazing, unforgettable movie.

Eleven-year-old Heather Matarrazzo gives one of the most remarkable performances I've ever seen from an actress of such tender age. Her eyes and bodily expressions encapsulate and transmit the hurt and misery writhing inside her every moment, leaving the viewer helpless to do anything but watch with increasingly unrestrained unease. Born with the unfortunate name of Dawn Weiner, the poor girl is ridiculed, ignored, teased, insulted, and basically mentally terrorized every day at school. Chants of "Weiner Dog" follow her throughout the hallways, her locker is marked with awful graffiti, and even her teachers and administrators are less than kind to her. Then, after school, she has to come home to parents who dote on her smart older brother and "little miss perfect" younger sister. Dawn has only one friend, a younger neighbor boy who seems to be following in her ignominiously alienated footsteps. Dawn does not escape all of this mentally unscathed, taking her own anger out on her sister in particular and doing several things that good girls should not do. In the most surreal of story elements, Dawn longs to be rescued from her situation by a boy, but hers is not a Cinderella type of fantasy. Her infatuation with a rebellious high school boy is somewhat understandable, but her relationship with a certain school bully is nothing short of surreal. I only wish I could discuss the psychology of this aspect of the movie in this context.

The one thing that really struck me about this movie is the fact that we never see Dawn cry; she internalizes all of her torments, and this does not have a pretty effect on her. I may be inventing a phrase here, but the director's vision seems to me to have been one of unsympathetic compassion. Far from holding Dawn up as the paragon of innocent, unrecognized virtue whose Prince Charming will come some day, he gives us a girl who becomes cruel in her own right to those few people around her, turning her hatred of others into a deep hatred of herself, several times teetering on the peak of mental unbalance. Solondz does not stray anywhere near the realm of fairy tale, as this ugly duckling does have an ugly side to her. The brutal honesty and lack of a visibly sympathetic portrayal of the character makes her worst moments even more unbearable to the viewer, and this is where the compassion kicks in. Solondz seemingly makes no effort to redeem this character in our eyes, yet the fact that he shows us, in such a harsh and brutal way, the miseries of this poor child's life makes her a character you desperately want to see find a degree of happiness.

The only thing I don't really understand about Welcome to the Dollhouse is the dark comedy label it seems to have acquired. I found nothing funny whatsoever about anything I saw here. Maybe that's the sensitivity of the former nerd in me, but honestly this movie is just utterly dark and depressing. Those looking for laughs will probably not embrace Welcome to the Dollhouse, but those who want to see the harsh light of truth shone into the bottom of an individual's soul and learn something from the painful experience will walk away from this film a different person than they were an hour and a half earlier. This movie has the power to touch you in ways you may never have imagined.

Everybody Runs Away....
Todd Solondz' WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE was one of those films that was "on my list" for many years. I had seen his second film HAPPINESS and was intrigued by Solondz dark dark humor. Why it took me so long to take in another of his films is hard to explain. Every review I had read of DOLLHOUSE praised it (and even some reviewers who literally hated HAPPINESS were oddly touched by this debut film). Perhaps it took me a year or so to summon up enough strength to take another Solondz flick. Now that I think about it, such hesitancy only seems natural. As it turns out, however, biting as it is, DOLLHOUSE is still a heck of a lot easier to watch than its follow-up.

Perhaps it's because as some reviewers here suggest, we all have our own "inner Dawn Wiener." It's easy to identify with this ungainly, hopelessly unpopular teenager--with the awful barrettes and clothes, a brainy older brother, and pertly adorable younger sister. We can all cop to that one pretty much. (If you identify at all with the characters in HAPPINESS, you probably wouldn't want to admit it.) But I honestly don't think that Solondz' intent was to get viewers in touch with their "inner adolescent." He's going after something bigger than that--and more sinister too.

I guess it shouldn't be so surprising that many reviewers here identify with Dawn, but when they start calling the film "realistic," you have to wonder. If there was ever a film that was an exercise in pop SURrealism, this is it.
As a teen alienation flick, I'd rate it right up there with GHOST WORLD, and like that film, it has a distorted, fun-house-mirror quality--that is, I'll grant you, simultaneously more and less real that mere realism. (I guess that's the essence of SURREALISM). Dawn's parents, for example, are little more than cartoon figures--at least until her father has a near nervous breakdown.

And doesn't that reflect a teenage sense of reality even better than sheer realism, after all? Your average teen doesn't see his or her parents as full-fledged human beings. They're way too busy with their own boiling over emotions. Until their parents humanity hits them in the face, kids see them through the looking glass, darkly--if at all.

Which is not to say that either of Dawn's parents becomes remotely sympathetic. Interesting too how in the end, Dawn's two almost-boyfriends have run away to the city. Dawn kinda sorta runs away herself trying to track downr her kidnapped little sister. Seems like anyone with a lick of sense gets out of that town.

realistic account
welcome to the dollhouse is a touching and realistic account of what its like to be on the outskirts of growing up. dawn is a young gyrl trying to fight her way in. she deals with bullies, her parents rejection, and her own self hate. the film has its funny moments such as dawn standing over her sleeping sister's bed with a hammer in her hands. the character of dawn is well played but barely develops. brendon sexton jr plays brandon, a bully in his own right but has feelings for dawn. his role is small but quite significant. dawn's family is very unlikeable strictly because of their arrogance and complete disregard of dawn.
overall the film is good. you will find yourself not only sympathizing with dawn but may find her angst and vulnerbility alittle like your own in the often harsh world of growing up. the ending could be better; it leaves you wondering about alot of things. but despite the ending the film is heartfelt and very satisfying.

Painfully realistic
I felt like switching this movie off a lot of the time. Having been where Dawn was throughout high school, I didn't think it was possible for me to watch right to the end. I was told that this movie was the story of my life. Not quite. But I did identify with some parts - Dawn being called a loner, her looks, being called ugly. But what really upset me, was the director heavily focusing on looks in the movie. I don't know why I still get upset over that kind of thing in movies. And the fact that Dawn does exactly what everyone does to her - she turns round, and says hurts them. But that's cos she's been bullied herself, so effectively, she turns into the bully.

But of course, we've all been there, haven't we? Don't say you haven't, go and dig out your old photo album. Look at the dorky hair, clothes, teeth in bad need of a brace - I could go on. And we've all had that embarrassing, awkward first kiss - I've NEVER put a spell on a guy just to make him like me! (It wouldn't work, believe me)

Heather Matarazzo, although quite pretty now, is probably always going to be cast in "character" roles, than anything else. What I really hated was where were all the kids with bad skin?! Even Dawn had porcelain skin. It's not fair, nor is it true.

Dawn was made to look all the worse, by constantly having her hair scraped back, made to wear god-awful clothes, and those terrible clothes (although I found an old pair of glasses when cleaning out my drawers - did I wear those?!)

This is a good film to watch, although I can't see myself touching a guy with a bargepole who bullied me, or called me names. That bit just didn't ring true. It's not a film I would watch again, it upset me that bit too much. But it's worth having a look at if you can get your hands on a copy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This modern-day teen update of Les Liaisons Dangereuses sufferedat the hands of both critics and moviegoers thanks to its sumptuous ad campaign, which hyped the film as an arch, highly sexual, faux-serious drama (not unlike the successful, Oscar-nominated Dangerous Liaisons). In fact, this intermittently successful sudser plays like high comedy for its first two-thirds, as its two evil heroes, rich stepsiblings Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian (Ryan Phillippe), blithely ruin lives and reputations with hearts as black as coal. Kathryn wants revenge on a boyfriend who dumped her, so she befriends his new intended, the gawky Cecile (Selma Blair), and gets Sebastian to deflower the innocent virgin. The meat of the game, though, lies in Sebastian's seduction of good girl Annette (a down-to-earth Reese Witherspoon), who's written a nationally published essay entitled "Why I Choose to Wait." If he fails, Kathryn gets his precious vintage convertible; if he wins, he gets Kathryn--in the sack. When the movie sticks to the merry ruination of Kathryn and Sebastian's pawns, it's highly enjoyable: Gellar in particular is a two-faced manipulator extraordinaire, and Phillippe, usually a black hole, manages some fun as a hipster Eurotrash stud. Most pleasantly surprising of all is Witherspoon, who puts a remarkably self-assured spin on a character usually considered vulnerable and tortured (see Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Liaisons). Unfortunately, writer-director Roger Kumble undermines everything he's built up with a false ending that's true to neither the reconceived characters nor the original story--revenge is a dish best served cold, not cooked up with unnecessary plot twists. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (428)

A tale of revenge, lies, secrets, and other stuff
I first saw Cruel Intentions on tv. I didn't see the whole thing but it looked pretty good so I decided to rent it. The movie is very good and takes many twists and turns. I sometimes felt as if I would be able to predict what would happen next, but of course it didn't.

The movie starts out showing Sebastien (Ryan Phillipe) with a therapist. Sebastian talks about his so called former life where all he thought about was sex. He says he has changed but that is not true. I'll skip some unimportant stuff and go on.

He goes home where his stepsister Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) is talking to Cecile's mother. Cecile is a girl who will be attending Kathryn and Ryan's school next year. Afterwards, Kathryn wants to destroy Cecile's reputation because Cecile dated her ex-boyfriend. Kathryn wants Sebastian to seduce Cecile to enhance his reputation. Sebastian is known for sleeping with tons of girls.

Sebastian would rather sleep with the new headmaster's daughter, Annette (Reese Witherspoon) who writes articles about how she is a virgin and plans to wait. Kathryn and Sebastian make a bet. If Sebatian can't bed Annette, Kathryn gets his car. If Sebastian wins, he gets Kathryn.

The movie goes on from there with Sebastian falling for Annette and Kathryn trying hard to destroy Cecile. Overall, a very good movie worth watching but NOT for the kids. Trust me on that one.

Excellently Crafted
Cruel Intentions portrays a tale of seduction, betrayal, selfishness, and love in an excellently crafted manner that will leave you breathless after the film is completely over.

One thing that should also be noted about this film, is that it also supports a top notch cast. Sarah Michelle Gellar, who is my favorite actress, plays the selfish self-absorbed Kathyrn with great grace and talent. This character is a complete opposite from her television character Buffy Summers, and Gellar manages to play it off extremely well and convincingly. Ryan Phillipe plays the sex-driven scheming Sebastian who begins to fall in love with the sweet and charming Anette, played by Reese Witherspoon, who is supposed to be the target of his bet placed with Kathyrn. Selma Blair and Joshua Jackson also co-star in this well written, superbly directed film.

The DVD contains whopping extras such as music videos, trailers, featurettes, commentaries, and deleted scenes. I highly recommend this film for anyone's DVD collection because it contains something interesting for just about everyone.

A hate crime
This is the most viciously homophobic movie that I have ever seen. It's incredible. The director should be ashamed; obviously he hates gay people, but he should exercise a little responsibility. I can only imagine the number of gay teen suicides this movie has caused.

this rocks
i loved this movie and it's second best out of the trilogy.3 uis the best though no contest.

Cruel Intentions...
Cruel Intentions is a GREAT movie. It is sexy, witty, and thrilling. It is highly reccommended, and so is this Special Edition DVD (it has very good special feautires). If you liked this movie I would recommend "Dangerous Liaisons", which was made in 1988 and won 5 Academy Awards. Cruel Intentions is based on that movie, but they were all originally based on "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" which is a very popular classic book! ... Read more

Reviews (613)

Dull Zombies
Based on the video game of the same name, "Resident Evil" is the story of Alice (Milla Jovovich) and her battles against the zombies in the Hive. The Hive is an underground research facility owned by the Umbrella Corporation. Umbrella Corporation is engaged in all manner of illegal research at their secret facility, especially genetic and viral research.

As the movie starts, Alice finds herself unconscious in the shower of a large mansion. She doesn't remember much including who she is and what she's doing in the mansion. Soon after a SWAT team bursts into the place and drags her down below. It is down in the research facility where Alice finds out what has happened and where she battles the zombies.

As a subset genre zombie-movies are actually pretty cool. I certainly wasn't expecting "Resident Evil" to be on par with "Night of the Living Dead"; but, since I am a fan of the zombie genre, I was expecting something entertaining. Unfortunately "Resident Evil" is far too plodding and predictable to provide much entertainment.

I have never even played the game the movie is based on and I could predict with very high accuracy exactly what was going to happen in each scene. It isn't necessary to completely ignore or re-write every movie convention that exists but at least use them with a little more originality. There is one scene where the security team passes by a tank full of water and a member of the team, Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez), laments about the poor lost souls who died. After she and her partner walk away, the camera pans to the dead woman floating in the tank who then (surprise!) opens her eyes. I have probably seen that exact scene in at least 50 movies prior to this one.

Also, I have a zombie specific question regarding this film. There is one scene in it where zombie dogs attack Alice and she has to fight them off. If human zombies attack only humans, wouldn't it make sense that zombie dogs would attack only dogs?

Anyway, "Resident Evil" is not a movie that you will feel compelled to turn off in the middle of; but, it's likely not a movie you feel compelled to watch again after the first viewing either.

Good Modern Monster Movie!
This was a movie that would definitely get and hold your attention. A group of commando type people go underground to an
installation called the hive. This is the place where an evil corporation has done experiments with a virus.This virus has turned dead employees of this corporation into bloodthirsty zombies.If these creatures bite a normal person they too are turned into a zombie.If is a fight for your life as these commandoes try to escape. the only way to kill these zombies is to shoot them in the head. One of the most able fighters turns out to be the heroine Milla Jovovich.She kills zombies as well as devil dogs. There is also a super creature with a eleven foot tounge that the commandoes are forced to battle.If you like science fiction and horror this is your movie. This is nonstop excitement. Watch this movie.

Junk...
... I was appalled by this adaptation. Everything that made the games so overwhelming - the feeling of dread and isolation, the brooding music, the terrifying jolts when zombies crash in on you, the complex relationships between the characters, the paranoia of who can be trusted and who not, and above all the excellent story about the mother of all corrupted corporations, Umbrella - all this has been reduced to nothing.

Instead we have yet another Matrix ... with thumping techno-soundtracks, a Lara Croftian tough babe with more one-liners you can recall, ... cgi, mind-numbing action (so what do you do when a zombie dog comes running for your throat? You whirl around mid-air three times and kung fu kick it right in the face!), and predictable plot twists.

The only redeeming ingredient is Milla Jovovich, who actually tries to put some depth in her character. Overall the best actors in this film are the zombies. In other words, everything you loved in the videogame has been torn to shreds in hope for a quick buck at the matinee. Avoid.

This Film Blew me Away
I'm a big fan of computer games and most films that are based on games usually don't do them justice at all, I was definitely not impressed with Tomb Raider. Resident Evil has got to be the best film based on a computer game that I have ever seen and probably one of the best action/mild horror films aswell and believe me I've seen alot of films, The effects were excellent and unlike some people I believe the zombies were very realistic looking, I loved the dog scene but I do wish they had used the dogs slightly more than they did. If you pay enough attention to the film the basic concept of the story line is simple enough even for people who may never have heard of the video game to understand. The ending blew me away I cannot wait for the sequel, I could rave on about this movie forever but let me just say to anyone that if you like action mixed in with horror you will love this movie whether you've heard of the game or not and the ending will have you begging for more.

we definitly need the sequel
I thought Paul Anderson has done a really good job at directing this movie, and 2 of the cast members doing a funny audio commentary with one of the director's producing buddies. I'd give this movie 4 stars, because I've been a fan of video game based movies, after seeing Super Mario Brothers in 93' and Paul Anderson's "Mortal Kombat" in 95'. I would have given this 5 stars, if the movie wasn't too short and extended by 10-20 minutes. But I definitly gotta catch the sequel whenever it comes out. ... Read more

Description

Wirey Spindell is getting married in nine days. Maybe. Terrified of the impending commitment, he embarks on some pre-wedding soul searching and examines his life and previous loves. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

You Will Only Enjoy This Movie If You Are Intelligent
This film is sweet, beautiful, hilarious and so realistic, it is amazing. It is sad to me to see such spiteful, negative reviews posted here, but it is clear that these people prefer bogus big-budget Hollywood films to true works of art. I think Schaeffer is one of the funniest writers/actors around. Like Woody Allen, he presents New York so well cinematically, especialy here in Wirey Spindell. His earlier works have been a little weak in parts, as Wirey Spindell sometimes is, but he has pretty much made his masterpiece with this one. Some of the moments presented in this film will absolutely break your heart, or make you laugh hysterically, or simply contemplate your own life, especially if you are of this generation. Wirey Spindell reminded me so much of my own life and thoughts, that I was blown away by it. I cannot get enough of his films, and I am so thankful that there are enough fans of his work to at least let him keep making films, which will be hailed as genius someday by the masses. You MUST see this film. It is one of the BEST and most honest "romantic comedies" EVER MADE.

A revelation.
If the world liked Eric Schaeffer as much as Eric Schaeffer liked
Eric Schaeffer, every univeristy and private college in North America would have its own General ed Western-civ course on this director's work. This man's self delusion reaches to such levels of grandeur it is almost like witnessing a natural wonder such as the Aurora Borealis or a solar eclipse. He is so amazing in his confidence that one can not look away, despite the hackneyed content. He is a cinematic Hitler.

Surprisingly interesting flick
Wirey Spindell, a film I was not even sure I wanted to see, surprised me. I've only seen "If Lucy Fell" which, well, I didn't much like (Sarah Jessica Parker and Elle McPherson and it still didn't work for me). This movie, tries too hard perhaps, but was really affecting. Schaffer has something to say. Critics, and most did not like this film, bemoan his lack of of success. I applaud him for his film. It is a gutsy and adult film. He shares his life with us and it isn't pretty. It is consistently interesting and at times, a bit moving. Not crying moving, but you do feel for Wirey. It is brillant? No. But considering all the junk coming from mainstream Hollywood these days, I enjoyed the 1hr 40min. I applaude someone who can put themselves out there like this. It worth seeing to enjoy the performances of Eric Mobius and Samantha Buck (who? You should know her soon enough) who are both excellent. Samanta Buck is a revelation. As to the film itself,I think Kevin Thomas of the LA Times said it well. ""Wirey Spindell" may be too heady for some tastes but can stir you deeply, if you're open to it." If you don't want to listen to me, he is a pretty darned well respected film critic. Enjoy.

A bittersweet, hilarious, & beautiful tale.
Being a big fan of Eric Schaeffer's films "My Life's in Turnaround," "If Lucy Fell," and "Fall," I was thrilled to see "Wirey" and after it came out, it took me awhile to finally see it(it never came to the theatres where I was living at the time, so I had to wait for the DVD release)but when I purchased it(without seeing it, mind you), I fell in love with it just as I had his last three films. "Wirey" is loosly based on Schaeffer's own childhood and Eric Mabius plays the younger version of Wirey, while Eric plays the older. Absolutely hilarious at moments(watch the baby...trust me), hard to watch in others(the tense relationship between he and his mother), and blissfully romantic with his ongoing affair with love. It's so much different than most films, that is, being well-written and original, and I highly recommend it.

Another Crime Against Humanity by Eric Shaeffer
Since, it would appear, all of Mr. Shaeffer's friends have weighed in with their positive reviews, it is time for some reality: This movie is the most self indulgent waste of celluloid/videotape/ metallic disk I have ever witnessed. I would have alotted it zero stars if that had been an option. To add insult to injury, the DVD release of this film contains Shaeffer's egotistical ramblings about how brilliant he is. He also defends himself against his legion of critics with the oft-repeated phrase, "Get over it." It must be heard to be believed. There are numerous offenses against humanity contained on this film, but perhaps the most obvious is Shaeffer's casting of the extremely handsome actor Eric Mabius as a late teen/early 20's Wirey. Apparently Left on the cutting room floor was the nuclear accident that transforms Mabius into Shaeffer later in the film. As of this writing Shaeffer has another opus in production. It is hard to imagine it topping this mess, but, like a car wreck, I will feel compelled to see it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cruel Intentions
This modern-day teen update of Les Liaisons Dangereuses suffered at the hands of both critics and moviegoers thanks to its sumptuous ad campaign, which hyped the film as an arch, highly sexual, faux-serious drama (not unlike the successful, Oscar-nominated Dangerous Liaisons). In fact, this intermittently successful sudser plays like high comedy for its first two-thirds, as its two evil heroes, rich stepsiblings Kathryn (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Sebastian (Ryan Phillippe), blithely ruin lives and reputations with hearts as black as coal. Kathryn wants revenge on a boyfriend who dumped her, so she befriends his new intended, the gawky Cecile (Selma Blair), and gets Sebastian to deflower the innocent virgin. The meat of the game, though, lies in Sebastian's seduction of good girl Annette (a down-to-earth Reese Witherspoon), who's written a nationally published essay entitled "Why I Choose to Wait." If he fails, Kathryn gets his precious vintage convertible; if he wins, he gets Kathryn--in the sack. When the movie sticks to the merry ruination of Kathryn and Sebastian's pawns, it's highly enjoyable: Gellar in particular is a two-faced manipulator extraordinaire, and Phillippe, usually a black hole, manages some fun as a hipster Eurotrash stud. Most pleasantly surprising of all is Witherspoon, who puts a remarkably self-assured spin on a character usually considered vulnerable and tortured (see Michelle Pfeiffer in Dangerous Liaisons). Unfortunately, writer-director Roger Kumble undermines everything he's built up with a false ending that's true to neither the reconceived characters nor the original story--revenge is a dish best served cold, not cooked up with unnecessary plot twists. --Mark Englehart

Cruel Intentions 2
There's a reason you haven't heard of this straight-to-video "sequel" to the seamy teen romp that had Ryan Phillippe baring his polished behind: it's twice as bad as the first one and is only worth a look to see just how embarrassing it can get. Writer-director Roger Kumble's original was no classic, Lord knows, but at least the game, nubile cast knew how to smack its lips--his follow-up (which, in tamer form, was to be the pilot for a proposed series called Manchester Prep) can't even pout properly. Phillippe's Sebastian character (here played by a bland, doughy Robin Dunne) is carted back out to be reintroduced to scheming stepsister Kathryn, enacted by a woefully unsexy Amy Adams (Sarah Michelle Gellar played Sebastian's ripe cousin in the first film). The two don't hit it off, and Sebastian--far more sentimental than his big-screen counterpart--immediately decides he's all for love, in the form of pristine deb Danielle (Sarah Thompson). It all amounts to a ponderously cartoonish nothing, including a twist ending that renders everything proceeding it completely incomprehensible. Kumble has the film spouting homilies on love and self-esteem, then randomly throws in bare breasts; it's like a horny Saved by the Bell, without the kick or pacing of good camp. --Steve Wiecking ... Read more

Reviews (60)

"I don't like ribbons and I got me a hangover."
"Lawn Dogs" from Australian director John Duigan is a really remarkable film. It's the story of 10-year-old Devon (Mischa Barton) who lives with her parents Morton and Clare Stockard (Christopher McDonald & Kathleen Quinlan). The Stockards live in the ostentatious gated community, Camelot Estates--and as the name implies, every house looks like a faux mansion. There's a gruff security guard dedicated to keeping the snobs in and the riff raff out. But someone has to keep those immaculate lawns impeccably green, and that's where Trent (Sam Rockwell) comes in.

Trent lives near the Camelot Estates in a tatty old trailer, and Devon, who embarks on a cookie sale, finds her way to Trent's trailer. Trent is the living embodiment of everything her parents abhor and turn away from in horror. Devon intuitively senses that Trent's existence challenges her parents' shallow values, and one of the things she tells him is "people say you're trash." This is the beginning of an odd friendship between Devon and Trent.

There is such much going on in this film. On one level, there's a precocious child who seeks out the forbidden company of the hired help. But on another level, there's a perverse fairy story--Devon, a frail child--mutters fragments of fairy stories to herself for entertainment. She discovers a remarkably free world beyond the boundaries of her artificial kingdom.

Mischa Barton plays Devon with amazing skill. It would be easy for her character to develop into brattiness, but instead Devon seems almost a changeling child--how could such an elf-like spirit belong to the pedestrian, hypocritical Stoddards? It's no wonder Devon strains to break free from the false conventions the Stoddards attempt to control her with.

The film also deals with class divisions. The well-to-do (and they are mostly snottily unpleasant) live in the pristine Camelot Estates, but from necessity, they employ Trent to complete the manual work. While wealthy yobos harass and ridicule Trent, it's clear that on some level, these lay-abouts are also a little fearful of Sam's raw energy and potent virility. Hostility seems rooted in the theory that Trent is out to ruin the lifestyle of Camelot Estates, and that he may even appeal to the women within this perfect, gated community. Devon is drawn to Sam, and while their relationship seems inexplicable at first, it seems that they do have something in common. Devon remains a unique individual in spite of all her parents' attempts to make her conform by offering little pep talks ("a popular girl is never bored or boring"). Devon responds by playing Amputee Checkers with her dolls. I am not one normally to be intrigued with the characters of children in films, but with Devon, I make an exception. At what age does individualism become apparent? Is Devon's rebellion just the beginning or the end of a new phase in her life? We imagine that a gated community is built to keep out undesirable elements, but what happens if an individual (Devon in this case) longs to get out? I have read many negative professional reviews about this film, but it's a great favourite with me. If you enjoy this film, then I also recommend "You Can Count On Me."--displacedhuman.

Film Is Great but Photo on Box Misleads
The photo on the box indicates that this is a movie about a man and a woman, probably sexual or romantic in orientation. The woman (Kathleen Quinlan in a minor role) is actually the mother of the movie's female lead, a ten year old girl, played by Mischa Barton as Devon. Her family is rich but obnoxious as is her whole gated subdivision. She desperately needs a friend and makes one with Trent (Sam Rockwell), who is one of the guys who cuts the grass in her subdivision. He lives in a trailer on the wrong side of the tracks. Trent and Devon's developing friendship is the arc of the film. That friendship takes unexpected turns, some magical realistic in nature. Devon's ability to make personal sacrifices in order to protect her one and only friend increasingly come into play as the film advances too. Excellent film.

Mischa the Magician
This is an obscure independent film, yet it has over sixty (!) reviews here at Amazon. I think that alone says something about it. I've read all the reviews below (since I'd already seen the film), and almost all of them are overwhelmingly positive. And for good reason, too. I like a mindless effects-driven movie as much as the next person, but, like a professional film reviewer, I've seen so many movies that I'm hard to surprise. Lawn Dogs mesmerized me, and less than 1% of films can do that. The production design reminds me of a David Lynch film. Rockwell is an actor's actor, and Barton's performance is remarkable for someone her age. She was cast as the child she physically was at the time, but most of the dialog is as if she's a 35 year-old in a child's body...which is completely unrealistic of course, but the dialog is good nonetheless, and Barton pulls it off magnificently. Lawn Dogs is far from perfect, but it's a must-see for all intelligent film lovers because it does what so few films can do to a jaded viewer: it transports you into a different world. If you don't own a large screen, sit close. Turn on the DVD player, turn out the lights and get sucked in.

Sam Rockwell steals the show..
I absolutly loved this movie. An unlikely friendship is at the center of this wonderful movie that quite frankly had a surprisingly magical ending. In an upper class neighborhood in the state of Kentucky, a young man (Rockwell) who landscapes for the snobby residents befriends a 10 year old girl (Mischa Barton). She is the daughter of one of the most well known couples (Christopher McDonald & Kathleen Quinlan) in the neighborhood. The unlikely friendship becomes quite the upset once it's discovered. Everyone thinks that Sam Rockwell's character is trash. He lives in a rundown trailer down a gravel road thats near their upper class estates. No one understands the friendship that Trent and Devon have. Devon likes Trent because he's different and they have a little something in common. LAWN DOGS is funny, touching, and just a very satisfying movie. If you've just watched this movie I would like to request that you read Roger Ebert's review on LAWN DOGS, the highly respected critic totally missed the point of the movie, he gave it one and a half stars. Note that he asks 'why this?' & 'why that?', thats the whole point ..WHY?. The film allows you to draw your own conclusions. LAWN DOGS is a very underrated film.

TRULY MEMORABLE!
I rented this movie a few years ago just out of curiosity, without any big expectations, and I was blown away by how touching and bold it was. Lawn Dogs is one of those rare movies that you think about days, weeks, months after viewing it. Of course I immediately bought the DVD and still watch it frequently. It's that good! Sam Rockwell gives an amazing performance. 5 stars! ... Read more

Description

The Superbit titles utilize a special high bit rate digital encoding process which optimizes video quality while offering a choice of both DTS and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio. These titles have been produced by a team of Sony Pictures Digital Studios video, sound and mastering engineers and comes housed in a special package complete with a 4 page booklet that contains technical information on the Superbit process. By reallocating space on the disc normally used for value-added content, Superbit DVDs can be encoded at double their normal bit rate while maintaining full compatibility with the DVD video format. ... Read more

Reviews (613)

Dull Zombies
Based on the video game of the same name, "Resident Evil" is the story of Alice (Milla Jovovich) and her battles against the zombies in the Hive. The Hive is an underground research facility owned by the Umbrella Corporation. Umbrella Corporation is engaged in all manner of illegal research at their secret facility, especially genetic and viral research.

As the movie starts, Alice finds herself unconscious in the shower of a large mansion. She doesn't remember much including who she is and what she's doing in the mansion. Soon after a SWAT team bursts into the place and drags her down below. It is down in the research facility where Alice finds out what has happened and where she battles the zombies.

As a subset genre zombie-movies are actually pretty cool. I certainly wasn't expecting "Resident Evil" to be on par with "Night of the Living Dead"; but, since I am a fan of the zombie genre, I was expecting something entertaining. Unfortunately "Resident Evil" is far too plodding and predictable to provide much entertainment.

I have never even played the game the movie is based on and I could predict with very high accuracy exactly what was going to happen in each scene. It isn't necessary to completely ignore or re-write every movie convention that exists but at least use them with a little more originality. There is one scene where the security team passes by a tank full of water and a member of the team, Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez), laments about the poor lost souls who died. After she and her partner walk away, the camera pans to the dead woman floating in the tank who then (surprise!) opens her eyes. I have probably seen that exact scene in at least 50 movies prior to this one.

Also, I have a zombie specific question regarding this film. There is one scene in it where zombie dogs attack Alice and she has to fight them off. If human zombies attack only humans, wouldn't it make sense that zombie dogs would attack only dogs?

Anyway, "Resident Evil" is not a movie that you will feel compelled to turn off in the middle of; but, it's likely not a movie you feel compelled to watch again after the first viewing either.

Good Modern Monster Movie!
This was a movie that would definitely get and hold your attention. A group of commando type people go underground to an
installation called the hive. This is the place where an evil corporation has done experiments with a virus.This virus has turned dead employees of this corporation into bloodthirsty zombies.If these creatures bite a normal person they too are turned into a zombie.If is a fight for your life as these commandoes try to escape. the only way to kill these zombies is to shoot them in the head. One of the most able fighters turns out to be the heroine Milla Jovovich.She kills zombies as well as devil dogs. There is also a super creature with a eleven foot tounge that the commandoes are forced to battle.If you like science fiction and horror this is your movie. This is nonstop excitement. Watch this movie.

Junk...
... I was appalled by this adaptation. Everything that made the games so overwhelming - the feeling of dread and isolation, the brooding music, the terrifying jolts when zombies crash in on you, the complex relationships between the characters, the paranoia of who can be trusted and who not, and above all the excellent story about the mother of all corrupted corporations, Umbrella - all this has been reduced to nothing.

Instead we have yet another Matrix ... with thumping techno-soundtracks, a Lara Croftian tough babe with more one-liners you can recall, ... cgi, mind-numbing action (so what do you do when a zombie dog comes running for your throat? You whirl around mid-air three times and kung fu kick it right in the face!), and predictable plot twists.

The only redeeming ingredient is Milla Jovovich, who actually tries to put some depth in her character. Overall the best actors in this film are the zombies. In other words, everything you loved in the videogame has been torn to shreds in hope for a quick buck at the matinee. Avoid.

This Film Blew me Away
I'm a big fan of computer games and most films that are based on games usually don't do them justice at all, I was definitely not impressed with Tomb Raider. Resident Evil has got to be the best film based on a computer game that I have ever seen and probably one of the best action/mild horror films aswell and believe me I've seen alot of films, The effects were excellent and unlike some people I believe the zombies were very realistic looking, I loved the dog scene but I do wish they had used the dogs slightly more than they did. If you pay enough attention to the film the basic concept of the story line is simple enough even for people who may never have heard of the video game to understand. The ending blew me away I cannot wait for the sequel, I could rave on about this movie forever but let me just say to anyone that if you like action mixed in with horror you will love this movie whether you've heard of the game or not and the ending will have you begging for more.

we definitly need the sequel
I thought Paul Anderson has done a really good job at directing this movie, and 2 of the cast members doing a funny audio commentary with one of the director's producing buddies. I'd give this movie 4 stars, because I've been a fan of video game based movies, after seeing Super Mario Brothers in 93' and Paul Anderson's "Mortal Kombat" in 95'. I would have given this 5 stars, if the movie wasn't too short and extended by 10-20 minutes. But I definitly gotta catch the sequel whenever it comes out. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You might expect a ménage à trois movie called Splendor to be some sort of steamy, soft-lit sex romp, but it is, in fact, a witty, sassy romantic comedy. Writer-director Gregg Araki set out to make a '30s screwball comedy with a modern twist, and he's mostly succeeded. Splendor is brisk and funny, and if it seems a bit convenient that two guys could love (and sleep with) one woman without killing each other, it's all in the service something bigger--the story of a woman forced to choose between love and security. Kathleen Robertson has a certain impish charm (which unfortunately wears thin at times), Johnathon Schaech and Matt Keeslar are fun as the rivals who ultimately become best buds, but it's Eric Mabius who quietly steals every scene he's in as a TV movie director who's so thoughtful and kind, yet self-absorbed, that he might comfort his bride-to-be on their wedding day by sweetly telling her, "Honey, Amazon.com says I stole every scene I'm in, isn't that great?" --Geof Miller ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Better than many high-profile romantic comedies i 've seen
Splendor , the story of confused ordinary girl Veronica who enloys living a life in a threesome is really a refreshing romantic film experience. Having been directed with a speedy Mtv-like aura by Greg Araki , the film achieves to be both funny and tender. It's hard not to love it's three lead-actors , especially with the killer-lines they get to say in certain moments of the film ( "Who do you love?Him or us?" ) .All the cast delivers some good acting but the one who , in my opinion shines is Matt Keeslar as the goofy yet appealing Zed , an ex-drummer who eventually becomes his basic rival's best friend in order to get to be with Veronica too.

A Serious Film
This is a daring topic and I wish more theaters had shown the film. Can two men love a woman and share her in a way that makes it work? This movie attempts to answer that question without compulsively tacking on moralistic, "don't try this at home" endings where the relationship ends disastrously almost before it starts with jealousy-crazed, immature tantrum-throwing on the part of the protagonists. It also blows a few stereotypes in a delightful way: the two men in question seem like normal, heterosexual guys, if a bit immature; the woman is a nice, girl-next-door type who is just trying to find someone to love her and hits the jackpot, rather than a nymphomaniac. Somehow, it's the rest of the world that starts looking a bit strange after a while -- nobody else seems to get it.

The film isn't very explicit, which has its pluses and minuses -- other movies that have dealt with similar scenarios invariably do a thoroughly awkward, uncreative job of portraying a threesome, so it would have been nice to see an improvement on that -- but I think Araki wanted to focus on the romantic, emotional side of a threeway relationship rather than the sexual aspects, which this film does quite well. I would also have liked the film to be a bit longer to allow for more character development of the men (it's told from the woman's perspective so it's easier to develop her character than theirs); what was it about the men that made the woman think that it could work between the three of them? Those points aside, this is a serious film and I highly recommend it.

Cute, enjoyable romantic tale.
'Splendor' is a wonderful film by indie director Gregg Araki, who with such films as Nowhere, The Doom Generation, and Totally f***ed up, has been dubbed "The God of Alternative Gay Teen Cinema." The film opens on Halloween night at a costume party, where out heroine, Veronica, an aspiring actress (is there any other kind?) meets her Prince Charming (literally), Abel, a freelance rock critic, after he accidentally runs into her. As their eyes meet, the two realize that they are destined for each other. As Veronica begins to walk away, due to protests from her lesbian best friend Mikey, Abel asks for her number and she gives it to him. Less than five minutes later, Veronica sees the gorgeous drummer of the band playing at the party, and they immediately have sex, without even an introduction.

It isn't long before Veronica is steadily dating the two men, with their permission of course. The two men know that they are sharing the same woman, but they have never met each other. When Veronica invites Abel to one of Zed's concerts, the two men run into each other and complications arise.

This film deals with a daring topic and I wish that more theaters had shown it during its theatrical run. Surprisingly, the film isn't very explicit, but I think that Araki wanted to focus more on the romantic, emotional side of a threeway relationship rather than the sexual aspects, which the film does quite well.

This movie was very enjoyable and somewhat different from the corny romantic comedies out there, although the end did manage to take that route. The script was fresh and funny, and the performances were great. I love Kathleen Robertson and its been good seeing her in such daring roles lately. Johnathon Schaech was terrific as always, and Matthew Kessler, who plays Zed, is one of the sexiest actors I have ever seen. This is one I can watch over and over and I am eagerly anticipating whatever will come next from this great director. Highly recommended for those who want to see a slightly different romantic comedy.

A polyamorous twist wait twist wait happy movie.
Polyamorous people come from all directions on the continuum and so does this movie. We are given a variety of characters with all their foibles, scars, and blemishes and somehow most of them rise above their faults. Working through is a theme lots of new movies are dealing with. Pay It Forward, Matchstick Men, and As Good As It Gets are examples.

This movie is about one possible path we might take as urban, emotional, confused yet sexual beings that want an inclusive life instead of an exclusive one. That said... if you prefer movies with "perfect" characters in them, then "Saving Private Ryan" and "Matrix" are more your style I suppose. If you liked the complexity of Cabaret and the quirky of Singles, then this movie is similar and worth seeing.

Love Araki, Hate this movie.
I too must echo the sentiment expressed earlier in these reviews. The female lead is the most selfish, unsympathetic character I believe I've EVER seen in a movie. She uses and abuses EVERY man that she comes across. Forcing each adoring suitor to abide by her wants and desires if they wish to have any sort of relationship with her. I simply cannot bring myself to feel any shred of pity for Robertson's character as she jumps from one emotional freak out to the next. Dragging her lovers unwillingly along for the ride and playing them off of one another to get what she wants out of each relationship (guy 1 = sex, guy 2 = emotional/Intellectual support, guy 3 = MONEY).

I will simply ask this question: If the female lead was replaced by a MALE lead, who treated WOMEN in the same way that Kathleen Robertson's character does to the three men "in her life", do you think that this movie would still be "crazy and kooky fun"? I, personally, don't think so.

I think that you can see where I'm going with this.

Go rent Doomed Generation, Nowhere or Totally... if you want a real taste of Araki. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"I've never done anything violent to anyone," says the mild-mannered Vann Siegert, "Just the minimum that was necessary." Indeed, if you have to get knocked off by a serial killer, Vann (Owen Wilson) is definitely your man. Just a quick, sweet swig from a silver flask of poisoned amaretto and you're out, with a narcoleptic slump into eternal slumber. There's no taunting or torturing; he's friendly about the whole thing. You can see Vann almost--almost--wishing his victims wouldn't take that final sip. He doesn't hold any particular grudge against these people; rather, as he puts it, "I take the natural momentum of a person and draw it toward me." If someone looks like they're on a crash course--like the boozy, asthmatic heroin addict played convincingly by Sheryl Crow, her acting debut--he merely accelerates the process.

Wilson proves to be a mesmerizing if unlikely serial killer, his flat, Midwestern delivery ringing more sincere than sinister, more Charlie Brown than Charles Manson. His voiceovers purportedly allow us into the mind of a killer, but what we hear isn't all that different from what we see. Vann isn't faking the nice-guy veneer, he is a nice guy, with this one little quirk. Clearly, this is not your typical edge-of-your-seat thriller, but the slow, dreamy pace is nonetheless entrancing. There are moments of intense grace and humor here, too. Janeane Garofalo breaks away from the smart-aleck mold to portray a postal employee smitten with Vann, and Mercedes Ruehl takes a compelling turn as his troubled landlady. "I like the detail of a thing," Vann says. "Especially if it's got a purpose." While we may not know for certain whether this film has a purpose, the details dare you to stop watching, even for an instant.--Brangien Davis ... Read more

Amazon.com

Clean-cut kid Alex Corvis (Eric Mabius) is framed and executed for the brutal murder of his girlfriend (Jodi Lynn O'Keefe). He is revived by a crow spirit guide to hunt down the corrupt policemen who committed the crime, and ultimately to unmask the mysterious scarred man who ordered her death. The macabre noirish spin James O'Barr's original graphic novels put on the superhero mythos translated reasonably well for the original film of the series, directed by Alex Proyas in 1994 and starring the late Brandon Lee. But the premise had already worn thin by the first sequel, 1996's The Crow: City of Angels, and this entry simply rehashes the same story (tragic hero in clown greasepaint avenges beautiful dead girlfriend by eliminating outlandish villains) without adding anything new to the mix. Mabius brings nothing to the role except boyish good looks, while Kirsten Dunst is wasted in a supporting role as the murdered girl's sister. The supporting cast includes career cad William Atherton as Dunst's red-handed dad, and Fred Ward as a police captain with a taste for recreational surgery. Director Bharat Nalluri (the minor U.K. cult pic Killing Time, 1998) ably handles the action scenes and faux postindustrial atmosphere but seems at odds with how to pace or stage dialogue scenes (not that X-Files scribe Chip Johannesson's script provides any worth the effort). Gore effects courtesy the KNB Group and a Sturm und Drang soundtrack featuring Kid Rock, Hole, and others will help hold the most loyal fans' interest. --Paul Gaita ... Read more

Reviews (62)

The Crow Regains it's Wings!!!!!!!!!
Being a fan of the original crow I was quite excited about THE CROW: SALVATION. Eric Mabius does an exellent job portraying Alex Corvis. The Thing I like about this movie the most is that he did not try to copy any of the previous crow perfomances. He really went out and made the role his own. Unlike Brandon Lee's character who was depressed and very somber through the movie Mabius's character was in awe of the power he posessed. The action sequences were great, the acting was good. All in all this may actually be my favorite movie in the series. Well hopefully the next crow: The Crow: Lazerus, as it is being called at the moment will be as good. Hopefully DMX can pull it off! All in all I would definately suggest picking this up as soon as possible. It has some cool extra features as well. Behind the paint: a short clip of the make-up process, A behind the scenes segment, as well as Who's that bird: a short feature about the actual birds used in the trilogy.

Fair movie, but not great.
As a big fan of the first Crow movie, and a bigger fan of the second, I bought this DVD based soley on brand-name recognition. I know what to expect from the Crow, namely, some decent person had something bad done to them, and that person comes back from the dead and avenges themselves, and rights the wrongs. Pretty straightforward stuff. Without getting into the meat of the story, or giving away any suprises, that's what happens here.

I can tell from the acting that this movie was made with the best intentions. I won't disparage the actors, because everybody did a decent job with what they had. And therein lay the problem.

It seemed as though the actors weren't given much to work with. The dialouge is thin, which doesn't develop the characters all that well.

Also, it seems after the dismal performance of the second Crow (underrated, check it out), the budget for the Crow franchise took a serious cut. It has a direct to video feel to it, and the more I watched, the more I expected Shannon Tweed walk onscreen, just to give it some b-movie cred.

All that and believe it or not, a weak story. Yeah they followed the formula, but watered it down some.

Overall, it wasn't a great movie, but it wasn't awful either. I did manage to watch it all the way through without stopping. If you're looking for them to recapture the magic of the first, dream on. If you've never seen the Crow, I don't suggest that you run right out and get this to get started; the first one is way better. Check it out at the rents, or better, buy it used.

Another comic come to life
As comics adaptations go, this one is prety good. It's a supernatural revenge story. The hero is wronged and wrongly killed, but that doesn't stop him from his avenging justice, seeking out the mysterious man with the mysterious scars.

The movie, as a whole, has a neo-noir feel about it. It's about bad cops, sleazy strip joints, and dark alleys. The fights aren't cleaned up, or not much - wounds really bleed. The female lead seems almost out of place, as if she's some emissary from a world of wholesome daylight.

This is watchable action/adventure, a little more raw than most. Don't look for complex characters or ideas, though. It's still just a comic book, or what the comic would be without the "Comics Code."

It's better than you think
Okay, honestly, I think that you some of you guys are watching The Crow: City of Angels rather than Salvation. But then again I could be bias. I was a late comer to The Crow series and was introduced to this one first. I saw The Crow next and City of Angels last. This one will truly never live up to the original (Brandon Lee was truly his father's son), but there's no way you can say that City of Angels out does this one. First off, there's no chance in the world that the same person will ever see two people brought back by the crow in their life, that was the first mistake of the second one. Also, in this one, they did follow the comic more tightly in the fact that Corvis knew what he was brought back for, that's the way the comic originally had it. Also certain things about this showed more feeling than all of the parts of City of Angels combined, and Corvis acted like someone who had pure hatred for those who took his reason for living away in the same way (but not as good as) Brandon Lee did in the first one. This, in my opinion, is the only other movie besides the original that has the right to bear the name The Crow in the title.

Far worst than you can imagine
I am a HUGE fan of The Crow series. I loved the first one starring Brandon Lee. The second fell alittle behind, but it was still worthy of the Crow name. This one on the other hand actually made me feel ashamed that I even rented it. I wanted to turn it off and throw it out the window. I watched it just cause I loved the others. But this one is not worth checking out. The acting is terrible, the directing is bad, and the chemistry between the characters was not their. The feel of the whole movie was just bad. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Excellent performances and flashes of visual flair turn what could havebeen a run-of-the-mill sex thriller into taut and unpredictable neonoir. BurtReynolds is genuinely scary as Charles LeBlanc, a wealthy man so consumed withjealous suspicion that he offers Jimmy (Peter Facinelli), a good-lookingcarpenter, $50,000 to try to seduce his wife, Lily (Saffron Burrows). When Jimmycomes over to do repairs on the LeBlanc's house, he and Lily experience somesparks, but she spurns him--until she learns from another source about thefinancial deal, and decides to teach Charles a lesson. Of course, things quicklyget out of hand... but between Tempted's steamy New Orleans atmosphere, ahost of well-written and -acted supporting characters, and a carefullyorchestrated plot, it's never obvious who's going to end up cold on the groundor hot between the sheets. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Tempted...By Peter...
I am a guy who liked this movie and I think that Peter Facinelli is hot. The kitchen scene was the best. Burt Reynolds stars as Saffron Burrows' husband who tempts Peter to have an affair with her, so he does. As the movie goes on it gets more twisted and also has appearances by Mike Starr (Dumb And Dumber, "Gas Man") and Eric Mabius (Crow, Cruel Intentions, Resident Evil). Overall, good movie and okay DVD too bad it did not have a widescreen version.

Predictable Formula Thriller
One has to ask when Burt Reynolds is going to hang up his acting shoes, after seeing this, having seen better performances from him of late in the Vision Express commercials. This is TV movie material through and through, and promises much in the way of steamy sex, intrigue and betrayal (should you believe the trailer, and cover sleeve) but is actually little more than bland throughout. Reynolds plays a New Orleans millionaire (with questionable connections) whose young attractive wife (played in sultry fashion by Saffron Burrows) is a constant worry to him, on the grounds of what he sees as her eventual, and inevitable infidelity. Not wanting to wait for this to just happen he offers a young hunk $50,000 to seduce the aforementioned Ms Burrows to "test" her love for her husband. As the wafer thin plot lumbers on, we are treated to a somewhat gratuitous over the table seduction scene, which is then consolidated sometime later by a more "tender" but equally lame staircase episode. The upshot of all of this is that our young stud refuses to do the job for the money , but then finds himself falling for the married woman and can't help himself. This of course unleases the wrath of the now extremely ticked off Mr Reynolds (I mean what did he expect?) who then becomes ... bent on dishing out retribution to the pair of them. What should then have been well set up into a good thriller with the opportunity for several twists and turns, is predictable and the movie goes down from this point at about the same speed as the Titanic. This movie really tries to be a solid psychological thriller, with an adult theme but suffers badly from a weak script, thin storyline and fairly average performances. I kept asking myself, as I'm sure most viewers will WHAT would have happened if Reynolds had left "well enough alone" as his young wife doesn't really shout out for an affair, but that's a moot point I guess. It is not overly BAD, but it isn't that good either. I got the feeling that Reynolds was simply going through the motions to get a paycheck, and Ms Burrows was far more polished and believable in Deep Blue Sea. All this being said, there's a fair amount of material here to keep most people happy who enjoy 10pm movies on the Mystery channel, but don't get your hopes up too high.

See it, if you must, for Saffron
"Tempted" is notable mostly for the presence of Saffron Burrows as the trophy wife of a New Orleans construction mogul (Burt Reynolds). Burrows cuts the figure of a Greek sculpture; she's a prize all right, but no regular Southern Belle.

The made-for-cable flick has one of those dirty pleasure plots: For reasons unknown, Reynolds' character is certain that Lilly (Burrows) means to cheat on him, so he hires a hunky handyman (Peter Facinelli) to seduce her. We wouldn't have a movie if the seduction wasn't successful. Double crosses and boiled over passions fill the rest of the running time. Burt hangs around for half the movie ...

Everybody's just making some bones on this one, but it's nice to see Burrows turn up in something a little less esoteric. Burt's Burt, and ... if I don't like the way he whispers half his lines like he has a voice to protect. The camerawork is functional, even if it looks like all the blood's been [taken] out of the print.

"Tempted" is a bit muted for a guilty pleasure. You can probably chalk that up to Burrows, who tries a little too hard to earn her paycheck. Facinelli has the right idea -- his half-assed performance not only saves his energy but makes his handyman a convincing dullard.

about this movie tempted......
I feel that the story base(medium transmission) of this movie is no good in the sense that money is the greatest for people to do all sorts of things they want and noone could stop these(just what is like in this movie). There are two sex scene in this movie, the first been violent(the eating utensils crash on the floor when the actress was pinned down on the table) and the other is at the staircase. For those whom like to own movies that contains some sexual scenes, this suits your requirements.
What I can say about this movie is that the entire movie is still o.k... ... ... Read more

Reviews (613)

Dull Zombies
Based on the video game of the same name, "Resident Evil" is the story of Alice (Milla Jovovich) and her battles against the zombies in the Hive. The Hive is an underground research facility owned by the Umbrella Corporation. Umbrella Corporation is engaged in all manner of illegal research at their secret facility, especially genetic and viral research.

As the movie starts, Alice finds herself unconscious in the shower of a large mansion. She doesn't remember much including who she is and what she's doing in the mansion. Soon after a SWAT team bursts into the place and drags her down below. It is down in the research facility where Alice finds out what has happened and where she battles the zombies.

As a subset genre zombie-movies are actually pretty cool. I certainly wasn't expecting "Resident Evil" to be on par with "Night of the Living Dead"; but, since I am a fan of the zombie genre, I was expecting something entertaining. Unfortunately "Resident Evil" is far too plodding and predictable to provide much entertainment.

I have never even played the game the movie is based on and I could predict with very high accuracy exactly what was going to happen in each scene. It isn't necessary to completely ignore or re-write every movie convention that exists but at least use them with a little more originality. There is one scene where the security team passes by a tank full of water and a member of the team, Rain Ocampo (Michelle Rodriguez), laments about the poor lost souls who died. After she and her partner walk away, the camera pans to the dead woman floating in the tank who then (surprise!) opens her eyes. I have probably seen that exact scene in at least 50 movies prior to this one.

Also, I have a zombie specific question regarding this film. There is one scene in it where zombie dogs attack Alice and she has to fight them off. If human zombies attack only humans, wouldn't it make sense that zombie dogs would attack only dogs?

Anyway, "Resident Evil" is not a movie that you will feel compelled to turn off in the middle of; but, it's likely not a movie you feel compelled to watch again after the first viewing either.

Good Modern Monster Movie!
This was a movie that would definitely get and hold your attention. A group of commando type people go underground to an
installation called the hive. This is the place where an evil corporation has done experiments with a virus.This virus has turned dead employees of this corporation into bloodthirsty zombies.If these creatures bite a normal person they too are turned into a zombie.If is a fight for your life as these commandoes try to escape. the only way to kill these zombies is to shoot them in the head. One of the most able fighters turns out to be the heroine Milla Jovovich.She kills zombies as well as devil dogs. There is also a super creature with a eleven foot tounge that the commandoes are forced to battle.If you like science fiction and horror this is your movie. This is nonstop excitement. Watch this movie.

Junk...
... I was appalled by this adaptation. Everything that made the games so overwhelming - the feeling of dread and isolation, the brooding music, the terrifying jolts when zombies crash in on you, the complex relationships between the characters, the paranoia of who can be trusted and who not, and above all the excellent story about the mother of all corrupted corporations, Umbrella - all this has been reduced to nothing.

Instead we have yet another Matrix ... with thumping techno-soundtracks, a Lara Croftian tough babe with more one-liners you can recall, ... cgi, mind-numbing action (so what do you do when a zombie dog comes running for your throat? You whirl around mid-air three times and kung fu kick it right in the face!), and predictable plot twists.

The only redeeming ingredient is Milla Jovovich, who actually tries to put some depth in her character. Overall the best actors in this film are the zombies. In other words, everything you loved in the videogame has been torn to shreds in hope for a quick buck at the matinee. Avoid.

This Film Blew me Away
I'm a big fan of computer games and most films that are based on games usually don't do them justice at all, I was definitely not impressed with Tomb Raider. Resident Evil has got to be the best film based on a computer game that I have ever seen and probably one of the best action/mild horror films aswell and believe me I've seen alot of films, The effects were excellent and unlike some people I believe the zombies were very realistic looking, I loved the dog scene but I do wish they had used the dogs slightly more than they did. If you pay enough attention to the film the basic concept of the story line is simple enough even for people who may never have heard of the video game to understand. The ending blew me away I cannot wait for the sequel, I could rave on about this movie forever but let me just say to anyone that if you like action mixed in with horror you will love this movie whether you've heard of the game or not and the ending will have you begging for more.

we definitly need the sequel
I thought Paul Anderson has done a really good job at directing this movie, and 2 of the cast members doing a funny audio commentary with one of the director's producing buddies. I'd give this movie 4 stars, because I've been a fan of video game based movies, after seeing Super Mario Brothers in 93' and Paul Anderson's "Mortal Kombat" in 95'. I would have given this 5 stars, if the movie wasn't too short and extended by 10-20 minutes. But I definitly gotta catch the sequel whenever it comes out. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

best movie ever made
i gotta say, i don't watch a whole lot a movies, but this is by far the best movie i've ever seen. in fact, i kinda detest movies and tv, but this isn't like others. this is a must see, actually kids, its a must have. i'm not one to help these big companies gain business, but seriously kids, you got to see this. its written and produced by dead-heads, and i don't know if most of the cast are, but their still chillin heads, you can tell. i can totally relate to this movie, and anyone whose been on tour can either relate it to themselves or thier friends, definately. i know many many kids who got too caught up in working and doing drugs, who become too selfish and greedy and forget what the fam's and tour's and the music is really about, and thats whats this movie's all about. they do a very good job of duplicating the lot scene, of course the don't get every little detail, but trust me kids, you'll be suprised. just see it, rent it at the least, then you'll want it. i just rented it today, just chillin out with my parents and sister, and they asked me to go get some movies. and this caught my eye. you won't be disappointed. peace and love kids

enjoyable film
I just watched this flick...might I add a great soundtrack and a nice fast moving story line. I thought is was a good movie overall and was glad i bought...being a phish head i have been to many shows and they have really duplicated the scene pretty well on the movie... anyways definitely check it out

So bad that it's actually entertaining
WORST MOVIE EVER. It was an insult to one's intelligence, and it is sure to offend anyone who identifies with any or all of the groups portrayed in the film. Clearly, this movie is a sterilized Evangelical Christian movie, portraying the "evils" of homosexuality, Jews, hippies, drug use, divorce, adultery, etc. While it doesn't specifically state that the solution to all of these problems and more is faith in Jesus Christ, it might as well. The movie looks as if those parts have been removed and reserved for the version that undoubtedly is played in youth ministries across the country. I wouldn't be surprised to learn that it was funded by the department of faith-based initiatives!
However, I have to admit that this film was wildly entertaining, bringing me to tears of laughter on many occassions. (Be sure to watch for the confused wookie checking things out during the first "lot scene".) Watch this movie with a group of friends who know what shows are really like and you'll all be laughing hysterically at the incessent stupidity and obvious flaws that persist throughout this "film". The DVD version is a must in order to get the commentary and other bonus features, and to freeze frame some of the crowd scenes. Many of our criticisms were actually validated by the film makers. Think the crowds look a little sparse?...a little dirty? Think the directors might need more film school? You'll find out all about it. (Why on earth they would admit to some of the things they do?) Then you can watch as the actors suffer through painful interviews about their pathetic characters. No one has the courtesy to ask, "Are you sorry you made this film?"

If 0 stars was an option, I would've chosen that...
This movie is crap. It's annoying to watch. Especially if you go to a lot of shows. It's done so cheesily. And what's with the faux mullet??? Even those with serious drug problems have better sense than to don a mullet!! This movie is CHEESE!! Sure this may be how some kids experience shows, but it's just done so poorly. I thought it would be a somewhat decent movie after reading these reviews and especially since there was a real actress involved, but I was just so annoyed most of the time while watching this movie and I was also embarrassed to have brought it home. Definitely rent this movie if you are even thinking of buying it, but otherwise, don't waste your money. HORRIBLE HORRIBLE LAME-ASS MOVIE ABOUT AN OTHERWISE FANTASTIC AND MAGICAL EXPERIENCE. DON'T BUY IT!!

IT DOESNT GET ANY BETTER
I first heard of this movie while sitting in my friends garage passing around a bowl and watching the movie grass. I beleive around the fire was the second preview on this movie. I headed to the video store and picked up this movie right away. I watched it 4 times in the 2 days that i had it and then went out and bought it. It is a gem, this movie is a tale of a young man who discovers the joy and happiness of life on the road with your favorite bands. the soundtrack is amazing (features bob marley, phish, grateful dead and more). I watched this movie with my uncle, who was a "dead head" (which means he followed the grateful dead on tour) and my cousin who works with the band phish as a roadie. they both said that this movie is th