Description

Acclaimed director John Badham delivers a winning combination of action, suspense, comedy, and romance! Convinced that a dangerous escaped convict (Aidan Quinn) is headed for his ex-girlfriend's (Madeleine Stowe), a pair of Seattle detectives (Richard Dreyfuss, Emilio Estevez) stakeout her apartment. The watch remains routine until one of the detectives begins a high-risk romance with the woman under surveillance -- jeopardizing not only the partners' careers ... But also their lives! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Movie but the DVD offers nothing!
I awaited this DVD release along with the sequel and Down and Out in Beverly Hills. All three (3) of these movies offer nothing, not even the trailers were on these DVD's. Very dissapointing. Instead they put 2 trailers of other releases they have coming out.

Anyhow, even though the DVD's have no special features what so ever, they do however have pretty good picture and sound. Stakeout has always been one of my favorite movies for it's campy-ness and I'm glad Touchstone finally dedicated to release it.

5 Stars for the Movie
4 Stars for the Picture & Sound
1 Star for the Special Features

If you haven't seen this movie, pick it up.

An funny action-packed film.
When a dangerous Psychopath (Aidan Quinn) has escape from Prison. Two Inept Seattle Cops (Oscar-Winner:Richard Dryfuss & Emilio Estevez) are sign to protect an attractive woman (Madeleine Stowe) from the Psychopath. But one of the cops has fall in love with the woman.

Directed by John Badham (Wargames, Short Circuit, Nick of Time) brings an Engentic Action Comedy. Terrific Performances by Dryfuss and Estevez. Written by Jim Kouf (The Hidden, Another Skakeout). A winning film. Grade:A-.

When It Puts You In Hysterical Pain...Its a Good Comedy
There have been lots of movies that Ive seen that have made me laugh from time to time while watching, but 1987's "Stakeout" with Richard Dreyfuss was one of the best comedies of the 80s. Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez play two joking and bumbling police detectives, who are assigned to a seemingly boring stakeout of the house of an escaped criminal's girlfriend. After Dreyfuss though, broken up after his wife leaves, falls in love with the focus of their investigation...he digs a hole for himself so deep he finds it hard to be a lover AND a cop at the same time. Its a perfect scenerio, when Dreyfuss does his best to keep his relationship across the street from the eyes of his collegues, and himself out of trouble. The only one who knows of this escapade is Estevez, who watches the hilarious antics of his partner through a camera across the street. Until I saw this movie I never took notice of Richard Dreyfuss, and I saw the Emilio Estevez of the 80s in many troublemaking roles of hard-core youth kinda movies like "That Was Then, This Is Now". Needless to say this hysterical movie is was a different and perfectly played out comedy...that worked so well they HAD to make a sequal: "Another Stakeout". The 1998 movie "This Is My Father"'s Aidan Quinn was the perfect bad guy in "Stakeout", this time without the heavy brogue. What can I say, it's a great movie, give it a try if you like the actors.

Entertaining and watchable
Forget about the lack of ethics of Dreyfuss' character, the immaturity of all of the cops involved, and the predictability of the story ... the film is just a real pleasure to watch.

Richard Dreyfuss is really funny. The scene where he starts doin' his stupid little dance to The Rhythm is gonna Getcha just had me crackin' up.

Aidan Quinn is surprisingly effective as an escaped convict and do I need any words to describe how good Madeline Stowe looks... I didn't think so.

You'll laugh a whole lot.

Stakeout is about two hilarious cops on a stakeout.
Stakeout was an excellent movie about two police officers who are assigned on a stakeout. Neither wished to sit around and do nothing so they decided to break a few rules. Of course this resulted in many problems and their solution had me and my friends in stitches. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a hilarious cop movie. Recommended age: 13-125. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Falls flat
Rodney Dangerfield's MY FIVE WIVES falls flat about halfway into the film. Until that point, Rodney keeps it moving with his ever-sharp one-liners. Despite looking and sounding his 78 years of age when he made MY FIVE WIVES, time had not robbed the great funnyman of his gift.

MY FIVE WIVES loses steam as it stumbles to a conclusion. Instead of keeping Dangerfield and his jokes the center of attention, the film concentrates on its "plot," which concerns a land swindle and organized crime. Despite a supporting cast including comedians John Byner and Andrew Dice Clay, there's not enough funny stuff going on when Rodney's not on screen.

In one MY FIVE WIVES scene, Dangerfield and the five young women he's married wear thong bathing suits. I'll give Rodney credit for doing a semi-nude scene at his age. Come to think of it, two of his wives don't look so hot from behind in those swimsuits, either, and they can't blame age.

Classic Rodney
Not the best Rodney Dangerfield film, but funny. Rodney carries this movie with his oneliners, other than that this movie probably wouldn't have much else to offer. Appearances by John Byner and Andrew "dice" clay too.If you're a fan of Rodney you'll enjoy it.

No Oscar material here but one heck of a funny movie
No Oscar material here but one heck of a funny movie.
Rodney Dangerfield has never been funnier! The plot is silly but very entertaining and captures to hold audience. Hey, when we want to see a comedy we want to see a comedy and this movie does it pretty well.

underwhelming and forgettable
I have been a fan of Rodney's for twenty years. However, I can't defend him here. The movie is a dud. High school production methods, looks like it was shot with a cam-corder in one day.
No wonder it never made it to the theaters, they couldn't get distribution, no one would handle it.
If you're a die-hard RD fan, then here are the films you want to see, in descending order of quality:

1. Back To School
2. Caddyshack
3. Easy Money

That's it. He's still great live, though. Saw him at Radio City Music Hall in May, 2001 and he lit the place up.

5 Wives - 5 Stars
I don't know why Rodney Dangerfield's movie "My 5 Wives" did not receive a wide theatrical release, since it is his funniest film in years. The jokes start right from the beginning, when Rodney is in divorce court. "Every time I wanted sex, my wife left the room to give me privacy! The last time I had sex, I was arrested for assault with a dead weapon!", he tells his lawyer. Also appearing in the movie are John Byner, playing a crooked banker, Andrew Dice Clay, who plays a Mafia underboss and Jerry Stiller, playing a Mafia don who knew Rodney when they were both kids in the old neighborhood. As Rodney tells Jerry regarding his father, "In our neighborhood, he was the first one to start acupuncture - with an ice pick!"

A memorable scene is when Rodney takes his 5 wives to Las Vegas. At first, they appear poolside wearing one piece bathing suits that were in style a hundred years ago. Rodney takes them clothes shopping. They return poolside wearing very skimpy bikinis, followed by Rodney in a speedo! The DVD includes deleted scenes, cast and crew information, and actors' interviews. The actresses who play his 5 wives are interviewed while they're wearing their bikinis. I respect that! ... Read more

Reviews (91)

Fast paced action thriller set in the Pacific Northwest
First Blood is the story of a Special Forces Vietnam veteran John Rambo who returns home to America to find that he doesn't fit in. Hiking throught the Pacific Northwest Rambo finds out that his best freind from Nam has died from agent orange induced cancer. He wanders off and in a nearby town encounters a small town sheriff who first harasses him and then arrests him. Rambo busts out of jail using the skills that were taught to him in Nam. It turns out that Rambo was a member of an elite special forces group and that he is in essence a killing machine. Most of the movie revolves around Rambo taking to the woods with the local police and then the State Police and National Guard giving chase. Of course they are no match for Rambo who is able to demonstrate his fighting skills admirably. The action sequences in this film are excellent. Stallone is at his best as the crazed predator hunting down the inept police force. The film holds your attention and is interesting to the end. The only downside is the final speech given by Stallone which is so rambling and hard to understand that it could put the audience to sleep. Stalllone is best when he is not talking but attacking and this is what made this film 4 stars.

Watch the Movie-Then Go to Film School With David Morrell!
***Note-This is an update to my previous review***

The latest DVD version of the classic Stallone action flick provides several supplemental features, the most notable being the outstanding commentary by David Morrell who wrote the novel the film is based on. More on that in a moment.

First Blood is about a Vietnam vet named John Rambo who comes to a small Washington state town (actually British Columbia) to find the last surviving comrade from his elite Green Beret unit. When he discovers that he too is dead, Rambo makes his way into town for a bite to eat and instead winds up being arrested by the hick local sheriff (Brian Dennehy). While in custody, Rambo is abused by the locals but manages to escape sparking an all out manhunt.

This film has 55 minutes of action out of 96 total highlighted by the jail escape and subsequent chase. Jack Starrett is great as the cop that does most of the abusing while Davis Caruso is fine as the only deputy (among the surprisingly large local force) that seems to have a conscience. Dennehy is good as always and makes a worthy opponent for Rambo. Richard Crenna is great as Rambo's former CO and he and Dennehy play off one another quite well. Even though he has limited speaking parts, this is probably one of Stallone's best performances highlighted by the "Vietnam speech" near the end of the film.

The film is presented in digitally remastered widescreen 16:9, and is without a doubt the best video presentation of First Blood to date. The movie was shot in the temperate rain forest of BC and is quite dark at times. However, the darkest scenes have been enhanced here and are much improved over the various VHS versions some of which are terrible. Sound is Dolby 2.0 only but not bad considering. Also included are a cute trivia game (get all 10 right without a mistake to see a Rambo cartoon), production notes, and a teaser and trailer. The "featurette" is nothing more than a glorified trailer.

Now on to the best feature of this DVD, one that is worth the price of admission all by itself. If you are at all interested in how films are made and the behind the scenes tidbits about Hollywood, then RUN do not walk (or let your fingers do the walking online) to your local video store and get this disc. Why? For the outstanding commentary of writer David Morrell. This talented man begins to speak before the opening credits and does not stop for 96 minutes. When he does you will wish he could have continued for 96 more. You will find yourself listening again and again and picking up something new each time. This is without a doubt far and away the best commentary on any DVD.

Here is just a partial list of the things Morrell covers:

1. The many differences between his novel and the film-very fascinating stuff. 2. His experience when seeing First Blood the very first time. 3. The three act structure of films. 4. How he chose the name Rambo and other character names. 5. How First Blood set a number of precedents for the industry. 6. Why films were kept to 90 minutes in length for so long a time. 7. A touching story about his son and Stallone. 8. The story of how Kirk Douglas was scheduled to play Troutman and why Richard Crenna ended up with the role.

And that is only scratching the surface.

In conclusion, First Blood was a precedent setting film featuring top-flight actors and some of the best believable screen action. The wonderful commentary of David Morrell caps off a great experience.

A tremendous movie....
When Sylvester Stallone is involved....you know youre going to get terrific action. But the movies story and Stallones character of John Rambo are very interesting as well. The thing that appealed to me most of all in this movie is Rambo barely says 2 words througout the whole movie and at the end he just blows up. He explodes about the war, his buddies getting killed, etc. Its an explosive and dramatic moment....the topper of the whole movie.

Again, terrific movie, if youre into action/drama, take a look at this one, its great!!!

America missed the meaning of this movie
I remember seeing this movie for the first time on July 4, 1984. I know back then I was into long hair, and alot of 60's and 70's music. Didn't do acid, or any drugs as I was 16, and grew up in a police officer's house. I always knew police brutality existed, but after this movie I suddenly realized that men in short hair aren't always the good guys. I mean after all there are no pictures of the devil with long hair, or at least from what I've seen. I know watching this movie I've developed a intense prejudice of hick folks, and country bumpkins, and the such as I feel that they are self-righteous, and know it alls, and that they are God. I know that the only other people in movies that rubbed me the wrong way were Sherrif Buford T. Justice from "Smokey and the Bandit", and the corrupt sherrif who smacked around his deputy in the movie "Tank". However, don't get me wrong the same way that Sherrif Teasle, and crew are accountable so is Rambo. Rambo still is accountable for murdering an officer of the law even though it was self-defense. He'd have to go to court, and prove it as such. The Veitnam war no doubt has ruffled alot of feathers, and in my opinion while I understand why some ran away to Canada I also understand why some went there. I can only imagine what the soldiers went through there as I was only a baby when this was all going on. Like all veterans of all the wars the Veitnam Veterans should've been given dignity, and respect all along for fighting to keep our freedom. Mind you I'd have to start digging for the whole 30 year war over there, and why it impacted us so much. The same way I feel that the laws back here are to be respected, and a police officer should be given the same dignity, and respect as that of a soldier who went overseas to fight. I know one phrase was powerful when Teasle said "That if a prisoner is mistreated, by a deputy he brings it to him, and then Teasle(him) goes to the deputy, and that's how the law works", but what happens when the head vigilanty is your Sherrif? Overall this movie should've made America reflect on how we reacted, and treated these brave soldiers when they returned from Veitnam, and come to grips with our actions, and our attitudes. However, America missed the boat by glorifying Rambo for all the wrong reasons, and diffused the character, and the message. They made Rambo a gun toting vigilanty, and that was America's new superhero. Rambo wanted no war. He wanted to visit his friend, and became heartbroken when he found out his friend was dead. All Rambo wanted was a hot meal, and a chance to grieve before moving on; who knows Rambo may had found peace for once in Holidayland, but now it's citizens will never know as Prejudice was standing at the door when Rambo knocked. To me America is still acting that way, and it's time to forgive, and reconcile, and move on.

First Blood is still best of three Rambo movies
The first Rambo movie called First Blood was released in the fall of 1982. The movie was arguably Sylvester Stallone's best performance since Rocky II. First Blood is about a Vietnam veteran named John Rambo who comes to a small town in Washington the state(it was actually filmed in the dead of British Columbia, Canada's winter of 1981/82) to meet a fellow comrade/friend from his elite Green Beret unit. When he discovers that he died of cancer, Rambo sadly in disbelief makes his way into town for a bite to eat and instead winds up being harassed and arrested by the hick local Sheriff Will Teasle(Brian Dennehy). While in custody, Rambo is abused by Deputy Galt(Jack Starrett) and fellow sheriffs Ward and others but a flashback to being abused and tortured in a POW prison while being processed causes Rambo to snap and manages to escape jail by taking out five cops and sparking an all out manhunt between 200 people versus one Rambo. This film is a 96 minute action rollercoaster highlighted by the jail escape and subsequent chase and fighting with the national guard. Jack Starrett was great as the hillbilly cop that did all of the abusing while David Caruso was fine as the only deputy that had a conscience and a heart and did not abuse Rambo. Dennehy was superb and made a worthy opponent for Rambo. Richard Crenna gave his best performance as Rambo's former Colonel Sam Trautman and he and Dennehy play off one another quite well(originally Kirk Douglas was to play Trautman but that fell through at the last minute). Despite the fact he had very limited speaking parts, First Blood was one of Stallone's best performances highlighted by the Vietnam speech near the end of the film. (..). This DVD is well worth the money. ... Read more

Description

A grandfather (Richard Crenna) has his hands full when his Los Angeles-based angry teenage grandson is, against the boy's wishes, sent to stay with him on his Colorado Ranch. The boy's insistence on being defiant leads to his desecration of the American flag, to the public humiliation of his grandfather - which prompts the patriarch to grant the boy his wish - to be returned to Los Angeles. The catch is they will travel together from Colorado to L.A. -- on horseback like old-time cowboys! The result is a bittersweet journey in life lessons set against a beautiful, rustic backdrop of country. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Film with Down-Home Values!
Teen actor, Chris Olivero, and Hollywood legend, Richard Crenna, deliver outstanding and believable performances in this coming of age movie about a bratty, California kid, Mike Lewis (Olivero), who is shipped off to visit his grandfather, Ben Maxwell (Crenna), in Colorado. While there, the argumentative and often smart-aleck Lewis, stirs up enough trouble for the town and his kindhearted grandfather. After several confrontations, the disrespectful grandson decides he wants to return to his spoiled lifestyle in Los Angeles. His grandfather agrees, but decides the two will travel to California by way of horseback. A disgruntled Lewis, tries his hardest to come up with every excuse to avoid the trek to the Pacific coast, but finds himself on the losing end of the battle. Shortly after their journey begins, they meet up with a group of Ben Maxwell's longtime friends, who together, take Maxwell's grandson on the journey of a lifetime by exposing him to down-to-earth western values and hard-working morals. After many trials along the trail, lessons are learned and Lewis and his grandfather discover something about each other they never expected. The film is laced with thought-provoking topics, incredible chemistry, outstanding performances, and certainly the greater values in life that founded our nation. Just short of Oscar caliber for Crenna, this film is highly recommended for all! A great film with good, clean humor, and patriotic family values! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

the grey fox
I too saw this movie as often as I could when it was released into the movie theatre in the 80's. I had an old beta tape of it,but alas my beta-max player died in the early 90's.This movie like Jeremiah Johnson would transfer to dvd as a work of art in a western. Jeremiah Johnson was a man out of his element,struggling to survive and make his own way in the Rocky Mountains. Bill Miner, the character that Richard Farnsworth played in the Grey Fox was a man sruggling with the progress of the west, and the industial age closing in on him. He was an old cowboy train robber,that couldn't adapt to the new world he was thrust into after spending the prime of his youth in jail.He rallies to one last great train robbery of his life and finds love in a independent artistic woman with an equally wild spirit.This is a wonderfully moving movie with amazing photography of the Western Canadian landscape.
We are anxiously waiting the release of this movie on dvd!

Perhaps my favorite movie of all time
If you want to be transported to the turn of the century and become involved in the lives of wonderfully independent characters in a beautiful setting, this film belongs in your collection. Breathtaking scenery beautifully filmed... a love story that involves two free spirits over 40... a good man responding to the times that he is thrust into... no profanity...Richard Farnsworth as the sexiest cowboy ever (maybe because he really WAS a horseman)...this film cries out to be made available in the DVD format. I have probably seen this film 20 times and will be the among the first to order in DVD.

One of the Best
I am old enough to remember the westerns of the 50's and 60's. This is without question the VERY BEST WESTERN STORY I have ever watched. It has a solid story, great filming and is realistic in its portrayal of the era and human nature. I only hope it comes out in DVD so that I can enjoy the scenery. Farnsworth deserved the Golden Globe award for BEST ACTOR and the Film deserved the Best Picture. I first viewed this movie in a little theater in Dallas, Texas almost twenty years ago. I consistently have searched for it on cable & satellite. Without question one of the top 5 films I have ever had the privilege to watch.

Top of the list of favorites
Like the reviewer from Florida, I also have this in Beta, but I really want it in DVD. This is one of the best films I've ever owned, absolutely spectacular in its visualizations of the Pacific Northwest, and heartbreaking, funny, and thrilling -- all in the same film. Great soundtrack. This film should be packaged in the DVD mode because it can include the historical background of this based-on-fact episode from our North American past. I may give up and get it in VHS because my Beta is working so poorly, but this is one whale of a film and deserves DVD.

Make Sure You Get The Right Version
On VHS this is available on two different labels: #1 MEDIA and #2 Video Treasures. If picture, sound and general quality are at all important to you AVOID the VIDEO TREASURES label. I learned this the hard way! MEDIA is the only one worth buying. I rented the Media version(recorded in higher quality SP mode) and then bought the Video Treasures version(an EP mode cheapie) - night and day difference. I was so disappointed. Finally found one on MEDIA and its just like I remember. IF THE AMAZON.COM ITEM DESCRIPTION LISTING DOESN'T MENTION WHICH VERSION THEY'RE OFFERING, EMAIL THEM BEFORE YOU BUY IT(and always check the seller's feedback too). I've seen more films than I care to mention and this one outshines almost every one of them. Hope this helps. ... Read more