Reviews (87)

The Edge
Couldn't have been better. Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, and Elle McPherson star in an awesome film from director Lee Tamori, with a great moral, great lesson, great number of suspenseful scenes, and is just plain a great flick. Hopkins plays billionaire Charles Morse, who with his wife (McPherson) and photographer friend Robert Green (Baldwin) and his partner decide to take a trip to the wild backwoods of Alaska. When Morse, Green, and their friend are thrown into the wilderness after a plane crash in a lake in the middle of who knows where, the group of men must add up eachother's bravery and try to escape from the edge, and not "die of shame", as quoted by Hopkins, while being pursued by a goliath kodiak bear. YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS MOVIE. It's rated R, BUT IT'S WORTH SEEING!

A Beauty That Can Devour!
The Edge is a very much underrated film that sadly did not get the proper recognition it deserves, for it is an above average multi-layered movie that works very well on many levels, all equally well written and directed.
New Zealander Lee Tamahori, with the excellent Once We Were Warriors to his name,and writer David Mamet manage to make a movie that offers much more than its genre might suggests, both on the drama and thriller levels.
First there is the breathtaking Alaskan wilderness, spaces so vast they are equally inviting and menacing.A Napoleon general, lamenting the disaster that befell the French army once said: 'The vasteness of Russia devours us'. In the Edge you will too get the impression that the beauty of this untamed nature can also devour: break the bodies and souls of our heroes, Anthony Hopkins and Alec Baldwin, both offering their most underrated acting best.
Three men are lost in the middle of a wilderness after their plane crash.The hope for an early return/rescue is dashed by the misleading spaces and a huge and determined Kodiak bear.One man, played by Harry Perrineau gets to know first hand about this determination,leaving Hopkins and Baldwin, bewildered, and weary,to try and escape with their lives.
This is when the film really starts. It becomes a journey of incredible hardship that will strip both men of their 'social' selves and replace it with the need to survive that will take them to the 'Edge' of endurance on one hand, and the depths of their own souls on the other. The animosities, tension and grudges that laid hidden between the two men emerge as a powerful and consistent force that mark their relationship from then on.
David Mamet has managed to write the 'Edge' that any human being can face whether lost in an unforgiving wilderness or anywhere else for that matter.It is simply how human beings change,and how social niceties is slowly eroded when the need to survive becomes the single driving force. This is a fine piece of writing!
Of course there is the thriller angle in the film..the bear, the master and primary predator of its environment,chasing two men that have been stripped from all the power and control they once possessed and taken for granted.
The direction and cinematography of these scenes are of top quality.
So if you want to watch gorgeous scenery, be scared of this huge and beautiful animal,or witness the changes incredible circumstances that trigger in men, then the Edge is the film for you eyes and mind, a journey that can easily be revisited in the safety of your own home.

Mamet's Mutt
This movie is so hokey and predictable, I can't believe it was written by the same mind who gave us "Glengarry Glen Ross." I have so many problems with this film, but I'll just list the main ones: (1) unoriginal plot (disaster strikes on a trip into the wilderness. Only the 999th movie to give us that lame storyline.) (2) After the "PLANE CRASH!!!", when the big bear is killed, all of a sudden there is no more bear threat. it's like there were only two bears in that whole wilderness. With all the bleeding going on between those three guys, bears would have been having a festival with those nimrods. (3) Then, it was so implausible to me that Alec Baldwin's character, Bob, would try to kill Anthony Hopkins' character, Charles, who had singlehandedly killed a bear and saved their lives --- because he, Bob, was SECRETLY in love with Charles' wife, the beautiful supermodel back at the warm cozy hunting lodge! Wouldn't he at least have waited until he was a little bit closer to being found? (4) Later, when Bob is injured and bleeding badly, he fades out for a second and Charles says "Don't die on me, Bob!" Hello! Is that not the most hackneyed line in show business? and (5) my personal favorite: just when Bob is playing his deathbed scene --- cue the helicopter to appear through the mountain fog! They're saved! All is well! But, (6) Ooops! Bob just died while the helicopter was buzzing the mountainside! Then, when it mercifully fades to black, we see "The producers would like to thank 'BART THE BEAR' for his contribution to this motion picture. Puhleeeeeeze! Just a horrible, unoriginal film. The only redeeming features were two performances: First and foremost Anthony Hopkins. He made chicken salad out of you know what. And believe it or not, supermodel Elle Macpherson, in the small role of Charles' wife, is not bad. It was a revelation to be a supermodel come through with an understated performance with some nice depth even when she's not speaking; it was very nice. As far as the other actors, they were all right, but nothing great. Alec Baldwin did his usual grimacing, shouting and gnashing of teeth; nothing new from him. I stayed up until 3:30 in the morning watching this thing, waiting for it to become a good film. I kept telling myself "This is Mamet. Come on!" A total disappointment. At least the cinematography was good. And the music was quite good. But the rest of it: A big ole stinker. But I am giving it 2 stars, just because it's Mamet, and I'm sure if I know Hollywood, they probably made him put in some of that junk.

ANTHONY HOPKINS IS INCREDIBLE IN THIS MOVIE !
A man who possess many bilions dollars and a privats plane has not friend every people see his fortune an nothing other as this hunter qui speak to him, after a few minutes, he can discern than he is same at the other, but he possess a trump in his play, he has an instinct to be able to the survival at any problem witch can arrives without attain his force morale he will be bound to rescue his life, and the lifes of his real enemy
after a crash witch bring about the death of the pilot of the plane, and also later a young man who will be devoured by a GRIZZLY who can smell the blod at many miles around a wound the three men, thus, when they will be only two, the reals sentiments will appear time after time INCREASINGLY ! But who will be SURVIVOR at this reculiar fight for the life AGAINST the death ?

The rabbit is smoking a pipe.
A juggernaught of a film, THE EDGE delivers and then some. Extreemly well written, expertly lensed, wonderfully acted, mature, exciting, edge of your seat entertainment that moves like a hungry mankilling bear after a portly english thesbian. Fast. A great adventure tale that's grounded in reality, making it THE ultimate survival flick. THE EDGE also bennefits from a strong plot as well, a story thick with character development (another in the long string of superb HOPKINS performances) and edge of your seat cliffhangers. Oh, and a giant bear whose desire for dining on human flesh is insatiable. Great DVD viewing, there is a lack of extras on the disc but with a film this good all you need is the feature. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Sirens Can Come Calling to Anyone
I viewed this movie the first time in the theatre and loved it completely. Any woman, or man for that matter, who grew up in a sort of repressed world can understand the obvious fasination that this couple might experience when they come to Australia and become guests of this notorious artist and his family.

From the first momentous scene, when the couple encounters the Rasputinesque man with the missing limb, the film hints at the terrifying prospects of life beneath the lush beauty of earth's surroundings. Beware, behind all beauty lies death---but ah! the pleasure in living!!!!The elegant subtlety of Sirens lies within its ability to unmask and shyly peek at the longing we have of freely given love and the fasination of discovering the beauty of our genders. Even as the threat of death and decay peers through the trees, we crave the acknowledgement of our sensual needs and fears; we, sometimes cautiously, bend to the impossible curiousity that nags us in viewing our sexual opposites, and yes, in acknowledging our own sex.

My only critism of the VHS/DVD, is that one misses the humor and in large the major comment of what the movie seeks to share. The newspaper articles originally shown on the large screen, are unreadable on the small screen. The VHS/DVD viewers suffer from this loss because the impact of the film in the juxtaposition of these humorous and tragic observations shown through the medium of local news. They whisper to us of the uncertainty of ife, the quickness of death, the need to seize upon the gift of love and life.

The visual impact of the film is sensual and lovely; the actors are equally so. For once, Hugh Grant's bumbling bumbles aren't so irritating and the elegant Tara Fitzgerald lures you gently into her search of discovery for the sacred place where love and lust can happily survive. The cast is outstanding.

If they release a better version of the DVD in the future, I hope that the viewing of the headlines can be remedied. It makes all the difference in the perception of the film.

A little deeper into Sirens > a different interpretation
Spoiler alert: You might not want to read the following if you haven't seen the movie yet.

Most of the reviews of Sirens at Amazon focus on Elle, the nudity in the movie, and themes surrounding the Church's stance against freedom of expression. A few reviewers have touched intelligently on some of the biblical, Atlantean, and Homeric symbolism that suffuses the movie.

Only one reviewer, who happened not to like the film, touched on what I consider to be one of the most telling elements of the story: that Tara Fitzgerald's character Estella cheats on her husband, Hugh Grant. The reviewer thinks this is a problem, and it is, because Estella is a clergyman's wife. This should require some explaining, as Estella changes a great deal in a short amount of time during the film.

The cover of the movie shows Hugh Grant and Elle McPherson in poses suggesting a light-hearted romantic comedy. The movie is actually completely about Tara Fitzgerald's character's journey. What are the clues? The movie starts with Estella both flirting with and rebuffing a sailor on an ocean liner. Hugh Grant is not in the scene at all.

The movie follows Estella much more closely than any of the other characters and at key moments we even see hallucinations as Estella sees them: when she imagines herself naked in church and most importantly, when she "dreams" that the sirens are baptizing her (with water that turns to blood, no less, at which point she "wants to wake up") toward the end of the movie. The offensive painting for which Estella and her husband travel to Sam Neill's house shows a woman crucified in Christ's place, signalling that the female lead, not the male, is the protagonist.

But is the movie about Estella's sexual awakening? Not really.

It is not until after she awakens from the dream described above that the viewer learns the ship on which Estella sailed was the Titanic (look above her head when she and Hugh Grant are on the train leaving Australia--it is the same ship shown throughout the film). What could this mean? Estella is drowning in the wreck of the Titanic. As she is dying she experiences the events in the movie, a mix of Ulysses' sailors drawn to their watery graves by the beautiful sirens, a magical trip to the island of Atlantis (Australia), and religious rumblings of the moral tension between fidelity and self-expression. The "mission" to convince Sam Neill not to exhibit his blasphemous painting represents Estella's fight to stay alive. When she and her husband accept that they will not change Sam Neill's resolve (including the fact that he has painted Estella), Estella is giving up her grip on life. Look at the expression of relief and release on her face in the movie's very last scene before fading to the sirens on the rocks.

With a seemingly slapped on ending in which Estella and husband leave some of their sexual repression behind them, voila: you have a movie that viewers enjoy but is quite a bit deeper, as well.

Check it out, it's beautiful and brilliant!

Sirens
I am not overly fond of arty movies like Sirens so I admit a bit of bias that probably colors my reaction to it. The real theme of the movie, unless I completely missed the point, is the spiritual damage, if not emotional damage, that sexual repression exerts on the individual (and society, if one takes the logic a step further).

Set in the 1930's, a catholic priest is sent to compel a famous artist from displaying an erotic painting that mixes religious with erotic themes that the church finds offensive. This repressed priest and his wife find themselves in the midst of an almost bacchanalian atmosphere, as the artist's models cavort around in a carefree, playful, sexually liberated manner. The real focus the movie really becomes the priest's wife, who starts to find herself drawn into experiences around her and frees herself of her own repressions.

The drawback to the movie is it's just not that entertaining and has no real plot. I enjoyed the imagery and the acting was top notch. But on the whole, I found it somewhat boring.

a work of art
Although I'd love to bore the readers with my thoughtful analysis of this incredible film, I will restrain myself, because the previous reviews (especially those concerning mythologies) are quite thorough and nicely stated.

What I *would* like to point out are the easter eggs throughout the film. Any art buff will have a wonderful experience as classic works of art are recreated "live" during the movie. The movie is worth watching just to see how many you can catch.

But the deeper plot of the movie is art in itself. I highly recommend.

Never Tire of Watching
"Sirens" was about a woman, a preacher's wife, who appears to be intimidated by the sexual frankness of an artist and the models. But she is sexually sealed in the presence of her husband and the people she is staying with. The artist is proud of his work despite what others think.
Tara Fitzgerald is splendid in her performance as a timid preacher's wife. She immerses herself in the roles that she has portrayed relating to what the individual is feeling. The expression shows. She stood out mostly in the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Clever and cute.
I've never watched any other Barbra Streisand movies, and I don't listen to much of her music, but this movie struck a chord in me--I LOVE IT!

Lauren Bacall and Mimi Rogers really make the movie. They play Rose's (Barbra) extremely vain mother and sister, and they are truly funny. The movie is full of humor--not exactly high-brow, but well above the usual un-intelligent jokes in so many movies these days. The more I watch it, the more funny moments I catch!

There is some dialogue that gets a tad bit too deep for this movie, but it's limited enough that you may not even notice. Don't look to this movie for nuggets of infinite wisdom, but for a cozy night with popcorn and a blanket, it's a winner.

It's not for you if you don't like chick flicks. But if you have an affinity for corny, cute movies, this one might be for you! And finally, it hardly hurts to have Pierce Brosnan in the movie!

Finally, a love story with ADULTS!
I agree with most of the reviews criticizing this film for giving us neurotic, frumpy Babs vs. self-assured, Hollywood Babs. Pretty shallow. I also thought the college lecture scenes were embarrassingly unprofessional (BTW, I'm a community college prof. To the reviewer who said "well maybe at a community college," stop showing your ignorance. We're as professional as any professors out there). But, I'm cutting this movie some slack, because it's wonderful to see a good love story involving adults for a change! Overall, it is a good movie. I enjoy watching it each time I see it. Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges have chemistry and are really fun to watch. George Siegal is hilarious; I wish he'd been in more scenes. When you see gorgeous Lauren Bacall, you wonder why other stars don't just allow themselves to age as beautifully as she has, instead of having so much plastic surgery they wind up looking like bizarre androids. It's a treat to see her back on screen.

I'd watch this movie for the sumptuous scenery and well-crafted score alone, but the acting and story are fun, as well. Not perfect, certainly, but a wonderful love story for adults. I think it also does raise the issue of society's focus on ridiculously narrow definitions of female beauty and the effect it has on us all. I had a friend who use to say about a lot of men, "He missed the most gorgeous orchid because he wasted all his time looking for a rose." With all the superficiality and bad relationships out there, does make you think. But, most of all, it's a movie I can watch over and over again and enjoy it every time.

The Mirror Crack'd
Eight years after watching this film in its original theatrical run, I am sad to say that THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES has not aged well. While its always a delight to see Streisand display her expert comic timing, this film is simply laden with the star's own vain notions and ramblings regarding true love and beauty and its "two faces". While the premise is interesting, the rest of the film rambles on as if Streisand herself wasn't entirely sure what her conclusions were to be. What does not help the process along is the final half hour's blatant "Hello gorgeous!" antics Streisand perpetuates ad nauseum. Its derivitive and vain and frankly quite dull.
Saving the picture are the wonderful performances by the supporting cast. Brenda Vacarro is given little screen time as Rose's pal who is "in the same boat" when it comes to beauty. Austin Pendleton and George Segal are a delight to watch (both of whom worked with Streisand in pictures in the early 70s). Last but not least is Lauren Bacall, who adds a wonderful teaspoon of vinegar to the portrayal of the seemingly vain mother (who ends up actually having a heart of gold).
If you can get past the "Streisand Vanity" which plagues this movie, then perhaps you will be in for an enjoyable viewing.

"I tried that once, he thought I had something in my eye."
Streisand's third directorial effort was greeted with surprisingly vicious reaction from both fans and critics, nearly all of whom immediately labeled it as an over-the-top vanity piece. It also had considerable difficulty at the box office. After opening with strong numbers, the $45 million budgeted film took a nose dive and did not recover. It ended up taking in $46 million domestically ($65 million worldwide), which was a respectable take, but far from the blockbuster status of films like A STAR IS BORN or THE PRINCE OF TIDES. When considering all of the above information, it's a bit surprising to discover that the film is nothing more than an entertaining and heart-felt romantic comedy. In hindsight, it's hard to understand why a such a harmless and light-weight film became such a lighting rod for scathing reviews and harsh comments.

While the storyline is predictable, the movie is actually very well-done with a brisk pace, compelling characters, and a witty screenplay. The finale may come down a bit heavy-handed on the "message" end, but the build-up is effective enough to merit this indulgence. Though MIRROR doesn't match her previous two directorial efforts, Streisand does once again pull off the various actress/producer/director roles with great efficiently, and this results in an effective star vehicle for the then-54-year-old film legend. Jeff Bridges received a lot of flack for his completely unselfconscious portrayal, but I admire how completely he throws himself into the silly role. Lauren Bacall is brilliantly biting and luminous in her turn as Streisand's mother, a role that earned her first (and so far only) Oscar nomination. Mimi Rogers is also fun as Streisand's (...)younger sister, as is Brenda Vaccaro as her self-deprecating best friend - although Pierce Brosnan is wasted as a gigolo-like suitor. All in all, an enjoyably fluffy film, undeserving of the criticism it routinely receives.

About the DVD: This was one of Columbia's first DVD releases, and while the picture and sound quality are great, there are no extras and the menus are hideous.

"The no-frills girl, right?"
Streisand's third directorial effort was greeted with surprisingly vicious reaction from both fans and critics, nearly all of whom immediately labeled it as an over-the-top vanity piece. It also had considerable difficulty at the box office. After opening with strong numbers, the $45 million budgeted film took a nose dive and did not recover. It ended up taking in $46 million domestically ($65 million worldwide), which was a respectable take, but far from the blockbuster status of films like A STAR IS BORN or THE PRINCE OF TIDES. When considering all of the above information, it's a bit surprising to discover that the film is nothing more than an entertaining and heart-felt romantic comedy. In hindsight, it's hard to understand why a such a harmless and light-weight film became such a lighting rod for scathing reviews and harsh comments.

While the storyline is predictable, the movie is actually very well-done with a brisk pace, compelling characters, and a witty screenplay. The finale may come down a bit heavy-handed on the "message" end, but the build-up is effective enough to merit this indulgence. Though MIRROR doesn't match her previous two directorial efforts, Streisand does once again pull off the various actress/producer/director roles with great efficiently, and this results in an effective star vehicle for the then-54-year-old film legend. Jeff Bridges received a lot of flack for his completely unselfconscious portrayal, but I admire how completely he throws himself into the silly role. Lauren Bacall is brilliantly biting and luminous in her turn as Streisand's mother, a role that earned her first (and so far only) Oscar nomination. Mimi Rogers is also fun as Streisand's slutty younger sister, as is Brenda Vaccaro as her self-deprecating best friend - although Pierce Brosnan is wasted as a gigolo-like suitor. All in all, an enjoyably fluffy film, undeserving of the criticism it routinely receives.

About the DVD: This was one of Columbia's first DVD releases, and while the picture and sound quality are great, there are no extras and the menus are hideous. ... Read more

Reviews (96)

This version is just "eh".
This review contains many spoilers, so you might not want to read it if you haven't read the book.

First of all, Jane Eyre is my favorite book. I love it so much because it is romantic, feminist, exciting and mysterious. It would be extremely difficult for any movie to do the novel justice.

Still, this version COULD have been better. Charlotte Gainsbourg did look very much how I imagined Jane, but she always came across as so cold. It's true that in the book Jane does not always express how she feels, but she is not as stony as Miss Gainsbourg portrays her.

William Hurt wasn't the best Rochester, either. I don't know what they were thinking, casting a blonde, conventionally handsome actor to play the dark and brooding Mr. Rochester! It even says on the back of the box something like, "Jane Eyre falls for her rich and HANDSOME employer..." I'm sure Charlotte Bronte would have been insulted that her character was changed to the point of blasphemy. Elle McPherson as Blanche Ingram was pretty bad too.

I did like Anna Paquin as young Jane though, and the elderly woman who played Mrs. Fairfax was perfect.

It's not just the acting that bothered me...I think they ruined three of my favorite scenes. The first is the scene in which Mr. Rochester dresses up as a Gipsy woman to find out if Jane loves him. This is a WONDERFUL passage in the book, and every version of Jane Eyre I have ever seen always leaves it out! I have a feeling that they originally filmed this scene, but they ended up having to cut it so the movie wouldn't be too long. So I was disappointed about that.

The second scene I didn't like was when Mr. Rochester proposes to Jane. When I read it in the book it brought tears to my eyes, because it was so beautiful and passionate, but in this movie it just falls flat.

Mr. Rochester: Duhhh, I love you. Will you marry me? Jane: Mmm, sure, why not.

OK, so maybe I'm exaggerating a little, but that's how it felt to me. That scene was severely downplayed; it didn't move me at all. And why didn't they film it in the garden by the big tree, like it is in the book? I thought that was an important detail.

I also thought it was cheesy how they showed Thornfield burning down JUST when Jane was leaving! Please, she just walked out the door and she doesn't even stop or notice when the mansion catches on fire? I think this was done for dramatic effect, but it came across to me as ridiculous.

Still, I give the movie 2 stars, because although Mr. Hurt didn't really look his part, he did an OK job of playing it. And I did like how they did the scene in which Mr. Rochester admits to having been married before, and presents Bertha Mason to everyone who was attending his and Jane's wedding. That was pretty well done, and pretty faithful to the book. I'd recommend this movie for that scene alone.

I think that above all, if a movie version of Jane Eyre is to be made, it MUST be faithful to the book. The novel is wonderful enough that they wouldn't have to change anything.

Very Good!
I really liked this movie! It was very good and was a little disapointed with the LOOK of the mad-person, but is still good but the 1944 adaption was a little better!

i like it!
Oh boy, I like this movie... and I like Charlotte Gainsbourg and William Hurt. I don't know... I am a down to earth person, so I like Charlotte and William and how they played the characters. The Jane and Rochester also look like myself from time to time. I like them because they are Pisces and Cancer, in particular late Pisces and late Cancer (March 20 and July 22). I am a Scorpio.

Great as a movie in itself!!
I would highly recommend this as a great movie in itself rather than an accurate depiction of the book. Although it strays a little and there are large key parts missing, it's cleverly brought together and both Hurt and Gainsbourg do a fantastic job of creating the true demeanor of Erye and Rochester.

Not the best, but very good
I'll start with what impressed me about this. The two girls who played Jane (young and grown) were both perfect for the part visually. The older Jane had a sense of quiet intelligence and a gentle strength that gave her a certain charm. The man playing Rochester did quite a good job as well although it wasn't visually. I loved how he acted it, if only they could place his talent into another body. The scenery was gorgeous, just as I might have imagined it. It adheres to the story MOSTLY (the parts it did tell, that is). The music was astounding as well. Now, for the cons of this movie. First of all, it just simply left out SO MUCH of the story for it to be impactful! It also changed so much after Jane left Rochester to something less dreary than what really happened to her. If you haven't read the book, then this is fun to watch. If you have read the book though, and liked it, this version may insult you. I liked it overall though, it's not boring or corny. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following Val Kilmer's portrayal of the caped crusader in Batman Forever, the fourth Batman feature stars George Clooney under the pointy-eared cowl, with Chris O'Donnell returning as Robin the Boy Wonder. This time the dynamic duo is up against the nefarious Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), who is bent on turning the world into an iceberg, and the slyly seductive but highly toxic Poison Ivy (Uma Thurman), who wants to eliminate all animal life and turn the Earth into a gigantic greenhouse. Alicia Silverstone lends a hand as Batgirl, and Elle McPherson plays the thankless role of Batman/Bruce Wayne's fiancée. A sensory assault of dazzling colors, senseless action, and lavish sets run amok, this Batman & Robin offers an overdose of eye candy, but it is strictly for devoted Bat-o-philes. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (354)

This Movie Sucks
This movie should never had been made. Arnold Schwarzenegger should have never been in this movie. This is his worst film ever, well besides the whole terminateor trilogy. George Clooney absoulutely sucks as batman. Chris O'Donnell is the worst actor in hollywood history. The only good actress' in this movie are Uma Thurman and Alicia Silverstone.Dont waste your money if you are thinking about buying this movie.

What were they thinking?
I actually was not disappointed by this film. The Trailer made the movie look stupid and it was. However, I was actually surprised what I actually did like about it. Arnold, while still acting like every other Shumacher villain actually had some good scenes; the Sculpting of the Ice globe in Arkham, learning his wife was dead; and the only problem with Clooney was the script and direction. The same goes for Uma and Michael Gough. the biggest Problem, besides the script and director, was Alicia Silverstone as a really annoying person who thought she was Batgirl. Also Elliot Goldenthal's music is no match for Danny Elfman's contributions.

The lack of extras makes the DVD pretty boring.

Crapman and Slobin
The most entertaining part of this flick, was Clooney's rubber ariolas!!!!

Batman & Robin (1997)
Batman & Robin was a bit of a dissapointment; I had heard it was a dud, but since I love Batman I had to check it out.In a nut shell Batman & Robin is a movie that gives up a good story outline and decent dialogue for big special effects and expensive gadgets.Don't get me wrong the special effects are a major improvement from the others and the gadgets are awesome, but that's not what mad the first two so popular.I now there has been a new director for the last two films, but he should have gone back to the ethics of the first two by Burton.Another drawback is that the film doesn't have that good of acting and they don't have a solid Batman.I thought Val Kilmer sucked as Batman, but George Clooney makes Val Kilmer look like a good one.Uma Thurman does a great job, but sometimes it is a bit over the top at times.Arnold yet another problem.I liked the sickness with Alfred and how they tried to have a little heart in the film, but it was all covered up by the big effects and explosions.Batgirl was also a nice addition to the film and the conflict between Batman not trusting Robin with the fighting.Overall it just needed to tone down with all the major effects.If your a fan of the series you should probably check this one out.

The Caped Crusader returns to battle the abominable Mr. Freeze and green-thumbed Poison Ivy. To save his ailing wife, Dr. Victor Fries turns to a life of crime after a hideous accident makes him unable to tolerate even moderate temperatures, while Dr. Pamela Isley falls victim to mutated plant DNA when things go awry in a jungle laboratory funded by Wayne Industries. Of course, though their interests are diametrically opposed (Freeze wants another Ice Age; Ivy wants to make the world safe for plants), the two villains team up to defeat Gotham's dynamic duo of Batman and Robin, who are joined by butler Alfred's motorcycle-obsessed niece as Batgirl. And when Alfred is diagnosed as having the same terminal disease as Freeze's wife, the trio find themselves not only fighting an altruistic battle, but a personal one as well. A frenetic, colorful, and often overwhelming sequel to "Batman," "Batman Returns," and "Batman Forever."(5/10)

"Warner Bros, we got a problem."
-- Stefan Birgir Stefansson, SBS.IS

Shame On Them
Everyone who was even remotely involved in this mess should be ashamed of themselves. A complete and baldfaced sellout to the highest bidder results in lowest common denominator filmmaking. A live action cartoon. One of the most promising series in recent Hollywood is driven into a brick wall in this extravaganza of loud noises and garish colors. Just sad. ... Read more

Description

A Girl Thing, Showtime’s hottest original mini series, consists of four separate stories featuring women dealing with life’s unexpected twists and turns. As the individual stories unfold, each of the women seeks advice from psychiatrist Dr. Beth Noonan (Stockard Channing). Facing her own personal struggles, Dr. Noonan assists each of the women in making successful transitions in their lives. Starring Kate Capshaw, Mia Farrow, Elle MacPherson, Stockard Channing, Linda Hamilton, Peta Wilson, and Rebecca DeMornay. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A great must see for all women!
I thought the movie was great! I recommend it to all women. The varied story lines containing the different situations were excellent because they showed the differing emotions that women face in different situations.

The whole lesbian scene was beautiful. The relationship between the two of them was just wonderful to watch unfold and develop. Kate Capshaw made a very believable and convincing bisexual. That made the scene even better. She's very attractive! I didn't like how the relationship ended though. I would have liked to see where the relationship could have gone. That scene in particular touched me and really made me think about how I would have reacted if put in that situation.

The second scene was hilarious yet touching. Allison Janney had the funniest lines. I don't have sisters so it was a little harder to relate, but it was still great.

The third scene hit kind of close to home, but at the same time, it didn't keep my interest as well as the others. As much as I liked the idea of getting revenge on the husband, I didn't like the way it was done. Mia Farrow was too passive, and Lynn Whitfield was too aggressive. It would have been better if Mia Farrow would have shown more interest in the plan to get back at the husband instead of being forced into it. Overall, the scene was pretty good. I'm glad the husband got what he deserved.

The fourth and final scene was disturbing. I still am not sure what was going on in Camryn Manheim's head. She really needed some help. The hostage situation was semi-believable. I especially liked the boldness of the coffee store owner. That was probably the best part of the scene.

Overall, the movie was an absolute joy to watch. I definitely recommend it!

Tasteful sex scene. Elle & Peta back to acting school !
Kate Capshaw is HOT! HOT! HOT! and convincing as a bi-sexual. Steamy lesbian sex but tastefully done with a superb score by Joni Mitchell. The only flaw with the first story is that if Elle MacPherson is so uncomfortable playing someone involved in a lesbian relationship, she should consider not undertaking similar projects in the future.

The second story about the three sisters is both hilarious and sweet. It reminds us all of the love that exists amongst siblings despite of nasty things we might have dished out to one other when we were young and silly.

Not much to say about the third adultery story except Lynn Whitfield and Linda Hamilton both have a long way to go before they could possibly hope to attain Mia Farrow's calibre of acting.

I loved the dry humour of the coffee house owner, and especially her courage, in the fourth story. Stockard Channing is, as always, a brilliant actress and acts as the conscience in the movie.

Overall, this movie is a "MUST SEE" chick-flick. However, I would strongly recommend that both Elle MacPherson and Peta Wilson take up acting lessons or go back to concentrating on their modelling careers!!

what could have been
I can watch Stockard Channing in anything

I can watch Camryn Manheim in anything.

Elle MacPherson and Kate Capshaw are, well, so beautiful it hurts.

This is an extremely badly written movie. Clearly, no technical assistance was received regarding therapeutic practices or what lesbians do in bed. Capable actresses can only do so much with this abysmal script. At times I cringed, really cringed. This could have been so darn good.

The sad part is, I still liked it and I don't have any significant reasons why. Except:

I can watch Stockard Channing in anything and

I can watch Camryn Manheim in anything and

Elle MacPherson and Kate Capshaw are so beautiful it hurts. I know they could do better in bed if they practiced!

A Girl Thing - Better than I expected
My favorite segments were the first two pieces, the one on the lesbian relationship and the other about the three sisters. I loved Kate Capshaw and found Elle MacPherson believable as a very uptight proper lawyer who lets public opinion ruin a heartfelt first love affair with another woman. I have seen Elle play a completely different, sexually loose character in Sirens. Because of this, I thought her uptightness was acting and not a reflection on how she feels about lesbian relationships. I watched the sex scene several times and what I saw emerge was that Elle had captured the tenderness between women in bed. At first, she is so hesitant, and then grows bolder and bolder with Kate Capshaw and then gives herself over to her completely, where she becomes "too dependent" and then withdraws from the relationship for 2 reasons. One is that the outside world does not welcome lesbian relationships, the other is that she has allowed herself to become so close to another, her fear of rejection takes over. The lesbian sex scene did not do justice to what could have been. I would have loved to have seen a sex scene where both women could have been directed to do what women do to each other to achieve orgasm rather than the motions that simulate sex between a man and a woman. At first I loved Kate Capshaw and then, once I let go of the fact that Elle has made her money mainly appealing to male sexual desires, I could see that she understands the tenderness between women.

Nice coverage of issues but not a lot of fun
This mini series is not what you rent for a night in with the girls...or a date. With a running time of about 4 hours, it's more a crash course in women's issues than a night of entertainment. Each segment does a good job of addressing some trial that comes with womanhood, but at times it feels like the story will never hit its climax. With such a bright cast, it's surprising that the acting can get quite atrocious. The film has its purpose and fills its role in addressing the troubles faced by women. Watching it just requires patience and a lot of free time.

Now, if you're thinking of renting for the lesbian content, things get a little brighter. When Elle Macpherson gets into it with another woman, how can you go wrong? The action is a little canned but there are some scenes worth watching more than once. If you're willing to spring for a rental with just an hour of lesbian content, it's worth watching. Even if it is with the sound off.

Bottom Line
Cuddles: **
Kleenex: *
Hotness: ****
Laughs: ***
Quality: ***
Due to the length, it's best to borrow ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Clever and cute.
I've never watched any other Barbra Streisand movies, and I don't listen to much of her music, but this movie struck a chord in me--I LOVE IT!

Lauren Bacall and Mimi Rogers really make the movie. They play Rose's (Barbra) extremely vain mother and sister, and they are truly funny. The movie is full of humor--not exactly high-brow, but well above the usual un-intelligent jokes in so many movies these days. The more I watch it, the more funny moments I catch!

There is some dialogue that gets a tad bit too deep for this movie, but it's limited enough that you may not even notice. Don't look to this movie for nuggets of infinite wisdom, but for a cozy night with popcorn and a blanket, it's a winner.

It's not for you if you don't like chick flicks. But if you have an affinity for corny, cute movies, this one might be for you! And finally, it hardly hurts to have Pierce Brosnan in the movie!

Finally, a love story with ADULTS!
I agree with most of the reviews criticizing this film for giving us neurotic, frumpy Babs vs. self-assured, Hollywood Babs. Pretty shallow. I also thought the college lecture scenes were embarrassingly unprofessional (BTW, I'm a community college prof. To the reviewer who said "well maybe at a community college," stop showing your ignorance. We're as professional as any professors out there). But, I'm cutting this movie some slack, because it's wonderful to see a good love story involving adults for a change! Overall, it is a good movie. I enjoy watching it each time I see it. Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges have chemistry and are really fun to watch. George Siegal is hilarious; I wish he'd been in more scenes. When you see gorgeous Lauren Bacall, you wonder why other stars don't just allow themselves to age as beautifully as she has, instead of having so much plastic surgery they wind up looking like bizarre androids. It's a treat to see her back on screen.

I'd watch this movie for the sumptuous scenery and well-crafted score alone, but the acting and story are fun, as well. Not perfect, certainly, but a wonderful love story for adults. I think it also does raise the issue of society's focus on ridiculously narrow definitions of female beauty and the effect it has on us all. I had a friend who use to say about a lot of men, "He missed the most gorgeous orchid because he wasted all his time looking for a rose." With all the superficiality and bad relationships out there, does make you think. But, most of all, it's a movie I can watch over and over again and enjoy it every time.

The Mirror Crack'd
Eight years after watching this film in its original theatrical run, I am sad to say that THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES has not aged well. While its always a delight to see Streisand display her expert comic timing, this film is simply laden with the star's own vain notions and ramblings regarding true love and beauty and its "two faces". While the premise is interesting, the rest of the film rambles on as if Streisand herself wasn't entirely sure what her conclusions were to be. What does not help the process along is the final half hour's blatant "Hello gorgeous!" antics Streisand perpetuates ad nauseum. Its derivitive and vain and frankly quite dull.
Saving the picture are the wonderful performances by the supporting cast. Brenda Vacarro is given little screen time as Rose's pal who is "in the same boat" when it comes to beauty. Austin Pendleton and George Segal are a delight to watch (both of whom worked with Streisand in pictures in the early 70s). Last but not least is Lauren Bacall, who adds a wonderful teaspoon of vinegar to the portrayal of the seemingly vain mother (who ends up actually having a heart of gold).
If you can get past the "Streisand Vanity" which plagues this movie, then perhaps you will be in for an enjoyable viewing.

"I tried that once, he thought I had something in my eye."
Streisand's third directorial effort was greeted with surprisingly vicious reaction from both fans and critics, nearly all of whom immediately labeled it as an over-the-top vanity piece. It also had considerable difficulty at the box office. After opening with strong numbers, the $45 million budgeted film took a nose dive and did not recover. It ended up taking in $46 million domestically ($65 million worldwide), which was a respectable take, but far from the blockbuster status of films like A STAR IS BORN or THE PRINCE OF TIDES. When considering all of the above information, it's a bit surprising to discover that the film is nothing more than an entertaining and heart-felt romantic comedy. In hindsight, it's hard to understand why a such a harmless and light-weight film became such a lighting rod for scathing reviews and harsh comments.

While the storyline is predictable, the movie is actually very well-done with a brisk pace, compelling characters, and a witty screenplay. The finale may come down a bit heavy-handed on the "message" end, but the build-up is effective enough to merit this indulgence. Though MIRROR doesn't match her previous two directorial efforts, Streisand does once again pull off the various actress/producer/director roles with great efficiently, and this results in an effective star vehicle for the then-54-year-old film legend. Jeff Bridges received a lot of flack for his completely unselfconscious portrayal, but I admire how completely he throws himself into the silly role. Lauren Bacall is brilliantly biting and luminous in her turn as Streisand's mother, a role that earned her first (and so far only) Oscar nomination. Mimi Rogers is also fun as Streisand's (...)younger sister, as is Brenda Vaccaro as her self-deprecating best friend - although Pierce Brosnan is wasted as a gigolo-like suitor. All in all, an enjoyably fluffy film, undeserving of the criticism it routinely receives.

About the DVD: This was one of Columbia's first DVD releases, and while the picture and sound quality are great, there are no extras and the menus are hideous.

"The no-frills girl, right?"
Streisand's third directorial effort was greeted with surprisingly vicious reaction from both fans and critics, nearly all of whom immediately labeled it as an over-the-top vanity piece. It also had considerable difficulty at the box office. After opening with strong numbers, the $45 million budgeted film took a nose dive and did not recover. It ended up taking in $46 million domestically ($65 million worldwide), which was a respectable take, but far from the blockbuster status of films like A STAR IS BORN or THE PRINCE OF TIDES. When considering all of the above information, it's a bit surprising to discover that the film is nothing more than an entertaining and heart-felt romantic comedy. In hindsight, it's hard to understand why a such a harmless and light-weight film became such a lighting rod for scathing reviews and harsh comments.

While the storyline is predictable, the movie is actually very well-done with a brisk pace, compelling characters, and a witty screenplay. The finale may come down a bit heavy-handed on the "message" end, but the build-up is effective enough to merit this indulgence. Though MIRROR doesn't match her previous two directorial efforts, Streisand does once again pull off the various actress/producer/director roles with great efficiently, and this results in an effective star vehicle for the then-54-year-old film legend. Jeff Bridges received a lot of flack for his completely unselfconscious portrayal, but I admire how completely he throws himself into the silly role. Lauren Bacall is brilliantly biting and luminous in her turn as Streisand's mother, a role that earned her first (and so far only) Oscar nomination. Mimi Rogers is also fun as Streisand's slutty younger sister, as is Brenda Vaccaro as her self-deprecating best friend - although Pierce Brosnan is wasted as a gigolo-like suitor. All in all, an enjoyably fluffy film, undeserving of the criticism it routinely receives.

About the DVD: This was one of Columbia's first DVD releases, and while the picture and sound quality are great, there are no extras and the menus are hideous. ... Read more