Amazon.com

The United States of Leland isn't a whodunit. The opening scenes of Matthew Ryan Hoge's unusual murder mystery make it clear that Leland P. Fitzgerald (The Believer's Ryan Gosling) is the killer. But why did he kill? Now that the deed is done, Leland is staying in a detention center. Everybody, but especially new teacher Pearl Madison (Don Cheadle), wants to know why he killed the mentally challenged brother of girlfriend Becky (Jena Malone). After all, Leland seemed to genuinely like the kid. Leland is just as confused (and can't remember committing the act), but he reveals more and more clues as he gradually opens up to Pearl. His estranged novelist father Albert (Kevin Spacey), meanwhile, just wants to spin another bestseller out of his son's story. Writer-director Hoge doesn't provide any easy answers in this compelling, complicated look at teenage depression. Featuring music by the Fire Theft's Jeremy Enigk. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Ryan Gosling will compete with Johnny Depp
I predict that the 2005 Oscar race will invovle at leats these 3 men- Johnny Depp for Finding Neverland ( just by speculation), Jamie Foxx for Ray and Ryan Gosling for USoL. Now since nobody gives johnny depp the credit he deserves (Edward Scissorhands, Benny and Joon) he won't win because of the fact that ray charles has just since passed and the movie will be sooooo touchy-feely that the academy wont resist, but Gosling should win. His performance captivated me and when i left the theater, i had myself (a die-hard Johnny Depp fan of over10 years) questioning whether i should start being more of a Gosling fan. He should have won for the Believer, too. If you like johnny depp, you will like the quirkiness of Gosling and his baby-face!

Kevin Spacey's Sequel to American Beauty
I have rarely witnessed such depth of thought and feeling in an American film. This one made every other American film I have seen recently seem superficial. Kevin Spacey seems to be on the brink of being the premier artistic commentator on suburban family values. What a fresh approach to try to explore the deep thread of unhappiness within the American Dream. Teenage Leland's motivation for killing the unfortunate child (for whom he has the greatest sympathy)is not anger, which is cable TV's perpetual answer, but sadness, sadness at the human condition. This movie puts me into Dostoyevsky's world and I never expected this in American film. Every character is sympathetic because their real and not conventional feelings are revealed. I have not seen such astonishing humanity in a long time, if ever. Maybe in Boys Don't Cry but this film does not have the lurid overtones, just the quiet but overwhelming feel of humanity denied in a materialistic American culture.

Fantastic Work
Contrary to what any random self-proclaimed person of thought would try to spout, this film is glorious. It's full of various thoughts drawn together, and it provides a unique story that is provoking. To begin to summarize the story wouldn't do it justice, at least not in my words. Highly recommended, from the same producer of Requiem for A Dream and Waking Life.

Various people claim to be offended by the movie, though if one can be truly morally offended by a movie, they clearly have more significant issues to deal with.(... ) And any number of therapists my try to refute various pointsi n the film, but they, as many others, apparently missed the train en route to receiving their little ol' diplomas.

Top notch film, definitely worth seeing.

Excellent movie
I enjoyed this film. While some parts of the film are a bit slow, the cast comes together wonderfully. I think the mis-reviews don't understand that the dullness in some of the characters is not bad acting, its the awe from the crime. Spacey managed to pull off a cute performance, and even, are you ready for this? Chris Klein had his best performance yet. That is a directing accomplishment on its own. Best movie I've seen so far this year, and can't wait for the DVD.

Lame, contrived, and stupid - I'd give this turkey 0 stars
Watching The United States of Leland tonight, I was still hanging on by the tiniest thread at the halfway point in the movie. Sure, I hated what I was seeing, despised every hoity-toity, derivative word of dialogue, and wished I could slap the puppy-dog grin off actor Ryan Gosling's tortured little face, BUT I had nothing better to do at 10:20 on a Friday night. That is, I was hanging on by a thread until it sunk in what a hilarious movie it really was...and then the laughter came. And it wouldn't stop. I would look up on the screen, see two characters about whom I cared nothing, listen to their angry-13-year-old girl dialogue (this movie was written by a grown man, mind you) and then torrents of snickers started flowing. And kept flowing. Ladies and gentlemen, The United States of Leland stands as the first movie where I've had to leave the theater to get myself together - and it's a drama about a senseless murder and the lives that it affects.

Ryan Gosling has the kind of fiery intensity inside of him that can either be brought to brilliant fruition or squandered like there's no tomorrow, and it becomes very obvious within the first moments of Leland that the latter will be the case. Every comment, every gesture, every action that his title character makes stems back to this wounded puppy dog look that he plasters on like it's something profound. He stares out windows, he looks deep into a fishtank, the dude contemplates everything - but what comes out in voice-overs that guide the film is the drivel of an angsty teenager who hides under his bed and scribbles emo lyrics into a journal. The main problem with the main character of the film here is that this dude does some serious stuff - murdering a retarded child - and some kind of understanding of him (I don't ask for much) is really needed to ground the film. Writer/director Matthew Ryan Hoge, though, makes him this cypher who tells his maudlin, Dawson's Creeki-esque story to a little journal while he's incarcerated. A particularly funny little gem of bad screenwriting is the first thing he pens: "I know what they want from me."

And we're supposed to care about the people in this movie who walk in and out of it like just what they are: badly written characters. There's the retarded kid who gets about 10 seconds of screen time, so who really cares that he's dead? Then there's Leland's girlfriend, played by Jena Malone, who battles a heroin addiction and likes having boys whisper "Everything's going to be okay" into her ear. Oh, and Kevin Spacey pops in for a cute little cameo as a jerk famous writer (who happens to be Leland's father). Then there's Don Cheadle, who plays a teacher in the jail who takes a selfish interest in Leland, therefore giving him the opportunity to spout whiney, pointless drivel about all the sadness in the world and how he sees it in everyone. There are some other characters, like the rest of the family of the dead kid, but who cares about them because they get tossed around in the movie like the director has no idea what he's doing. Oh wait! He doesn't!

Why is this movie so bad? Well, I think I have it figured out. There are bad movies, like Anger Management and Legally Blonde 2: Red, White, and Blonde - and I dislike them with a passion. They may have a little something to say, but what they really want you to see is Jack Nicholson farting naked in bed and a cute little chihuahua that matches its owner. This movie, though, wants to explore real issues, and that's where it commits the gravest sin of them all - wanting to discuss real things about life, but exploiting them to the max just to write cheesey dialogue that sounds enlightened. The sensless murder of a retarded child is not an issue that should be taken lightly, and I really think that this movie could have been put in the right hands (with a COMPLETELY different script) and been meaningful. Director M.R. Hoge and producer Kevin Spacey, though, care about nothing more than taking some difficult subject matter and then manipulating you, the viewer, with background guitar music and awful acting. And it's laughable. That's right - hilarious. It's such a trainwreck it's almost unbelievable anyone even gave this the greenlight. Let alone talented actors (and Spacey as a producer!!!) who are so much better than this disgusting script and maudlin plot development.

I honestly didn't know how this disaster could have possibly ended, but it didn't disappoint, let me tell you. The final plot tie-up of the film elevates it to even more horrible than the the American Beauty, Dawson's Creek rip-off that is. A supporting character who had hardly been developed at all throughout the movie comes in and completes the course of the action and then Gosling finishes up the movie with some ham-handed monologue that, in so many words, tries to bring some kind of justification to his actions. And it offended me. At first, I thought it was a stunted script. Then I realized it was an unintentionally funny movie. And finally Leland becomes a morally offensive, despicable wreck of a movie that should have never been made. By the end of those excruciating 108 minutes, I had laughed myself out of the theater, tried to touch my nose with my tongue, and attempted to crawl into the fetal position. Oh, I also hoped that some natural disaster would tear the roof from the Drexel and send me sailing into the night far away from the movie. You'd be surprised how close I am to touching my nose with my tongue - at least those 108 minutes weren't a complete waste of time. GRADE: F ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Cool Vampire Flick
Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie were cast well as an evil vampire couple. Susan Sarandon was also good in her role as a scientist. The film is about a vampire couple, Miriam(Deneuve) and John(Bowie). John, out of nowhere, starts aging very rapidly and has no idea why. So, he seeks the help of Sarah Roberts. Sarah Roberts (Sarandon) is a scientist who is studying the aging process. However, Sarah is unable to help John and he eventually dies.

Sarah is very interested about John's aging problem. So, out of curiosity, she visits Miriam (John's wife), and they form a sexual relationship. Immediately after Sarah and Miriam make love, Sarah feels very ill and has these weird urges. The movie was pretty entertaining for the most part, and I gave it three stars because I had a hard time understanding what was going on by the middle of the movie. You'll like this one if you like sexy horror movies.

Underrated and refreshing vampire flick
Director Tony Scott's (in his directorial debut) unique visual flair is the highlight of this early 80's film which takes a different look at vampires. David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve play John and Miriam; a luxurious vampire couple who prey upon young club-goers for blood, but when John begins to age rapidly (yes, vampires can age as well as walk in the sunlight in this film), Miriam finds a new mate in a scientist John had met who is studying the aging process (Susan Sarandon). The Hunger isn't your usual vampire flick, but that is quite a good thing here and is part of what makes The Hunger so unique. The film is horrifying, erotic, tragic, and darkly humerous sometimes all at once, and those looking for a different kind of horror or vampire film should definitely check this film out.

Sensual Feast Not to be Missed
This movie evokes sensuality, not just from the sexual scenes, in fact those are incidental to the haunting music, the flapping of dove's wings in the attic, the crumbling of aged bodies - all this behind the veil of the music. Then there is the poinancy of the lifestyle the characters are seduced into and the inevitability of that lifestyle. This is my favorite vampire movie of all time and on my top 10 movies of all time. Once you have seen the movie, you will understand my review.

Vampire Vogue
This is director Tony Scott's treatise on style. From the opening in a "new wave" club (featuring Bauhaus' "Bela Lugosi Is Dead") to the closing shot on a balcony overlooking Manhattan, appearance is everything. This is an observation, not a complaint.

The cast is uniformly good. Catherine Deneuve is hard and glamorous. Susan Sarandon is open and, um, hungry. David Bowie is, well I won't spoil it for you but the performance is fine.

Music is deftly used throughout the film. The Bauhaus sets a tone of dread and anticipation. The Shubert piece is haunting and sorrowful and used so well it suggests more depth than the movie possesses.

The "Flower Duet" from "Lakme" was used here before it became a cliche and it's used well--Deneuve uses it to seduce Sarandon in a scene that is probably the most erotic that I have ever seen (coming from a gay man that is quite a compliment).

The themes of aging love and the quest for more life (Harold Bloom would be proud) still work. The cult of "Donnie Darko" would do well with this one. Also fans of both sitcom TV and performance art will enjoy the cameo from Ann Magnuson.

Not quite a classic but well worth your time.

FEAST!
FINALLY ON DVD ! ONE OF THE MOST ELEGANT AND startling movies ever made about 'Vampires' rivalled perhaps by 'Interview with a Vampire'?

DENEUVE, BOWIE, SARANDON trio in this forbidden tale of superior elegance and [give or take] possibly one of the most sensual scenes on screen ever seen [between Deneuve and Sarandon].

Trouble is Deneuve is this ancient vampire - the embodyment of elegance and culture - she takes a lover every two hundred years - seems they last briefly - like cut flowers - then age rapidly but don't die. So into the coffin with the remains .... so she has quite an entourage of sarcophogi stashed upstairs in her New York pad. She also selectively teaches music - perhaps selecting another mate?

Bowie is the current companion - suddenly stricked by 'the age' -Sarandon is the doc. specilizing in the 'reason behind age' .... Sarandon slowly discovers the secret ......

This one's a guilty pleasure - worth watching over and over again - splendid cinematopgraphy [very hazy], artsy costumes, and a great classical score to boot.

Rivalled only by DAUGHTERS OF DARKNESS - another super elegant piece of wit with Delphine Seyrige [could be Deneuve's double!]

Watch out for those ANKH's though! ... Read more

Description

In CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER, Harrison Ford returns as intrepid CIA agent Jack Ryan.When his mentor, Admiral Greer (Jones), becomes gravely ill, Ryan is appointed acting CIA Deputy Director of Intelligence.His first assignment: investigate the murder of one of the President's friends, a prominent U.S. businessman with secret ties to Colombian drug cartels.Unbeknownst to Ryan, the CIA has already dispatched a deadly field operative (Dafoe) to lead a paramilitary force against the Colombian drug lords.Caught in the crossfire, Ryan takes matters into his own hands, risking his career and life for the only cause he still believes in -- the truth. ... Read more

Reviews (65)

Wars Abroad, Wars At Home
Clear And Present Danger is the third Tom Clancy novel, featuring hero Jack Ryan, to be made into a movie. The story deals with the war on drugs and corruption in the government. The end result is a better film than Patriot Games, taking its cues more from the original novel, than that film did.

Former CIA analyst Jack Ryan, (Harrison Ford) is asked by his mentor and friend, Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones) to take over for him, while he battles cancer. Ryan reluctantly accepts. When a friend of the President's (Donald Moffatt) is killed, Ryan learns that a drug kingpin (Miguel Sandoval) may be responsible, for the crime. As he briefs the President, forces inside the administration, are working to take the cartel out, even without any proof. Ryan must discover the truth, about who is working against him before it's too late

The cast also includes the great Henry Czerny as Ritter, a smarmy guy at the CIA who butts heads with Ryan, Harris Yullin as the National Security Advisor, and Anne Archer returns as Cathy, Jack's wife. Directed by Philip Noyce, who also directed Patriot Games, the film stays within the framework of the book. The movie also is detailed enough to keep fans of the book happy, while at the same time it is nicely paced Ford proves once again why he's so right for roles like this. He wears his hero hat so well. It is Czerny though, that makes things really interesting for Ryan and, he gives the film an extra spark or two.

As part of the reissued "Jack Ryan" series on DVD, Clear And Present Danger, contains a retrospective featurette on how the film was made. It's pretty good and does a decent job taking you back, to what it was like on the set. The standard theatrical trailer tops off the extras. I wish there was a commentary track to go along with the other stuff--or maybe some deleted footage-that would have helped.

Still the DVD is recommended over the "movie only" edition from a few years ago

Ryan, The Drug Cartels, And CIA Abuse
The third installment in the cinematic series based on Tom Clancy's CIA analyst Jack Ryan, CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER is a long but engrossing political action thriller that once again puts Harrison Ford, the thinking man's action film actor, in the role of Ryan.

This time around, Ford investigates the murder of a close friend of the President (Donald Moffatt) by Colombian drug cartel hitmen. When his mentor (James Earl Jones) falls ill due to pancreatic cancer, Ford is suddenly put in charge as deputy director of the CIA. He continues his investigation of the murders and ties them in with one particular drug cartel leader (Miguel Sandoval) with whom the murdered man had a little issue with ill-gotten money,....

But what Ford doesn't know is that, on orders from the revenge-minded Moffatt, his second deputy (Henry Czerny) and the president's national security advisor (Harris Yulin) have ordered a rogue officer named Clark (Willem Dafoe) in with a covert military team to put a huge dent in the cartel's activities. Dafoe and his team are successful at what they do, but the cartels retaliate with deadly results on Ford's friends in the FBI during a visit to Bogota. And when Ford finds out about the operation, he finds himself going down to Colombia a second time to help spirit Dafoe and the covert team out of harm's way.

Ably directed, once more, by Phillip Noyce (DEAD CALM; PATRIOT GAMES), CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER gives Ford another chance to prove his mettle in the action genre. The suspense and CIA intrigue are all laid out exceptionally well by Noyce and his first-rate cadre of screenwriters, Donald Stewart, Steven Zaillian, and John Milius. Jones is at his usual best as the now-dying Admiral Greer, and Anne Archer returns as Ford's wife.

But a performance really worth noting here is Czerny's as the unconsciously corrupt CIA deputy director Robert Ritter. About as uncouth and conniving a heavy as there has ever been in the movies, his performance is absolutely chilling and believable. It makes the whole notion of our government going beyong reasonable bounds even more credible than it already is.

Some will object to the film not pandering to Clancy's right-wing political points of view or his gung-ho pro-military stance, but that isn't necessarily what this movie is about. It does not condemn covert military action, but it does question the wisdom of sending men into a war zone where the risks are extreme, the reasons for such actions are vague at best, and there is no clear exit strategy. Such points are made extremely well in this film's action format; and for those reasons, it gets the highest marks.

Best Clancy Movie
Out of the four Tom Clancy/Jack Ryan movies, I think Clear and Present Danger is easily the best. Harrison Ford is one of my favorite actors, and even though he's made some dreck in recent years, his string of successes post-Star Wars and Indiana Jones reached their peak around this time.
The story of the film revolves around the U.S. war on drugs, attempting to stop the flow at the source of production in Colombia. To this end, Harrison Ford as Jack Ryan becomes caught up in the action along with the always-great Willem DaFoe as CIA agent Clark. Just about all of the actors in this movie are great, including Joaquim de Almeida, Donald Moffat, Henry Czerny (the slime dripping off his character might damage your TV), and Raymond Cruz.
Not only is this one of my favorite spy/government intrigue movies, but it's just flat-out one of my favorite movies. Great story, great actors, great movie. Highly recommended.

Not even close
Once there was a man named Jack Ryan. That's about where the similarities to the book end.

For what it's worth, I'm not a picky movie viewer. I'll watch nearly anything. So for me to complain about this movie means that something was really off-base.

As far as an action movie goes, it was passable. As far as the technological thriller that the book was, it doesn't even come close. There is no character development (never felt anything towards Ding), random changes in a character's persona (Clark goes from wanting to kill Ryan to making the chopper go back), thing missing that are important to the plot (downing of drug running planes), and things that were never in the book (yacht owner tied to the President).

To make what could be an extremely long review somewhat shorter, if you've read the book and are a fan of Tom Clancy, don't bother. If you're just looking for a film with " 'splosions," this might work.

The Best Jack Ryan on the Screen, and with Good Reason!
Harrison Ford isn't the person who wrote this story, Tom Clancy is. But, Harrison Ford is the perfect Jack Ryan, a spy with a conscience and a man who does the right thing not the expeditious thing. While this is not close to his biggest role or hit, he plays the character, Jack Ryan, as perfectly as he can be portrayed in a movie. He gives the right feeling to his character, the right indignation to wrongs done in the name of Patriotism and Justice, and portrays the right kind of patriotism to the fullest. But, the rest of the cast is also well played, including the good guys, Clark, Chavez, and James Earl Jones' character, and the bad guys, the President and his sleazy administration, as well as the drug dealers. Tom Clancy wrote a great book with this one and the book is well served by the overall excellence of the movie. I strongly recommend the movie to fans of Harrison Ford, Tom Clancy, and William Dafoe. ... Read more

Reviews (351)

The Best 2002 Thriller So Far
Many people asked when the first buzz about "Panic Room" came out, "how good can a movie be about two people stuck in a room?" well, those people didn't know the magic of director David Fincher and the true acting ability of Jodie Foster. "Panic Room" is so far the best thriller of 2002.

Meg (Foster), divorced from her husband, and her daughter Sarah (Kristen Stewart) Altman move into a spacious three floor on the West side of New York. The house is too good to be true - huge rooms, an elevator, and a room that is hidden, a panic room. A panic room has a huge steel door which is inpenetrable and is sensored, an entire security camera system to view, seperate phone line, and steel and concrete surrounding the entire area. This looks like a dream come true for the Altman's - until the first night.

Three robbers enter: the family man Burnham (Forest Whitaker), the "boss" and talker Junior (Jared Leto) and the stranger Raoul (Dwight Yoakam). They come looking for one thing: money. Money that the previous owner had kept away. Junior says that they're each going to get a million dollars. The one thing the trio does not expect is that there are actual people in the house. Here's where the suspense begins. Howard Shore's score kicks into full effect as Foster and Stewart run to the panic room.

This movie is too good to reveal what happens, but it all revolves around the money being in the panic room itself. With such plot twists as Sarah (Stewart) being diabetic and Meg (Foster) being claustraphobic, along with many others, this one kept me at the edge of my seat. David Fincher is one of the most under-rated directors of the period, and Jodie Foster completely pulls out the role as mother/fighter/schemer to a T, and does us all in. A must see and a definate buy on DVD!

BEST THRILLER IN YEARS!!!
There is more psychological suspense in this thriller than even Hannibal could contribute. Jodie Foster plays Meg Altman, a recently divorced woman searching for a home in a wealthier area of Manhattan. She and daughter Sarah decide on a beautiful multi-level apartment that seems to have a rather unusual lay-out. The seriously intellectual Meg quickly notices that there seems to be square footage missing from the home. One room seems smaller than it should.

How interesting...Meg is right. Behind a secret wall lies the infamous "Panic Room", designed it seems, to withstand (and I am partially joking here) an atomic bomb explosion. The Room is entirely self-sufficient, able to operate and sustain life independently from the outside world. Everything needed to survive is packaged neatly behind the heavy steel doors (think War Games). In fact, the presence of the panic room is so omnious and claustrophobic, it becomes an acting character itself.

How lucky then, are Sarah and mother Meg when a group of burglers, headed by Burnham, (Whitaker)...break into the home in search of a cache of money supposedly hidden in the panic room. And how unlucky are the two women when it comes to our realisation that Burnham used to be a designer and architect of "panic rooms" himself. He is confident that he can break into the room, using his knowledge of a panic room's inherent design.

The real game becomes a slow evolution from -Can they escape?- and -Will they get in?-, cat and mouse style, to who is most strategic. Burnham may seem to have the upper hand, but Meg is quick-witted and familiar with her own home. She plays her cards well and it is exciting to see her instinctual skills come to life.

As the trailers of "The Panic Room" now entice you with more and more scenes, take them seriously with their new motto: bring a friend with you to see "The Panic Room", because you will need to hold on to someone. Great advice. I saw this movie alone and "The Panic Room" nearly gave me a panic attack!

Five stars for edge-of-your-seat action, suspense, fantasic performances, and the last minute additon of Jodie Foster to play Meg. I really don't think Nicole Kidman has the muscle or strength to pull of the physical requirements of a movie like this (She had to bow out due to an injury). Bravo Jodie on surfacing to the limelight again to make another spectacular film! I believe this is her first film since "The King and I". She proves even a Hollywood Mommy can kick [behind] in a physically demanding role. I am already impatient waiting for her next move in the film world. This movie is fabulous and could be a great date flick...especially since you will feel it necessary to grab hold of someone during the intense scenes. Enjoy. I have no doubt you will.

Excelent Thriller
Drama at it's finest. You'll be close to a heart attack by the end of the movie. A very smart drama. It's very well written. A somewhat original idea for a movie.

A fail considering the talent of Fincher!
Did David Fincher need to demonstrate us he is a promise director and gifted of multiple skills and deep creativity and making us to waste our time and money in a boring film like this one?
May be there was something hidden that I didn't watch ; but I think that the trilogy Forrest Whitaker , Jodie Foster and David Fincher was a safe garantee.
Wrong choice!
The result is just a technically and superb work ; but without a credibble plot ; if the secret intention of Fibcher was to make a homagge to those horror films of the fifties ; then I beg your pardon .
But if not ...

Lame....
Man, this was dissapointing. My feelings can't be described using words. This is definitely one of the most dissapointing movies I've ever seen(and I've seen a lot of crap). Jodie Foster shouldn't waste her talent on such a movie like "Panic Room". ... Read more

Amazon.com

The late, much-missed River Phoenix had his first starring role in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, one of the more unusual teen comedies of the 1980s. Jimmy (Phoenix) is a lower-class kid whose parents have gotten him into a wealthy school, where he hangs out with kids who can't comprehend not having money. Jimmy puts the moves on almost every girl he meets, including Denise (Ione Skye from Say Anything and Gas Food Lodging), the girlfriend of his best friend Fred (a very young Matthew Perry, who has gone on to huge success on the TV show Friends), even though his own girlfriend, Lisa (Meredith Salenger), is about to move to Hawaii. On the evening of graduation, Jimmy ruins just aboutevery relationship he has and wrecks his dad's car along the way. A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon is based on a novel that screenwriter-director William Richert wrote when he was 19, and you can tell--the movie is full of self-aggrandizing gestures, bad poetry, and wounded looks. But despite that--or because of it--the movie also has something of the genuine chaos of late adolescence, when you start to realize that the dreams you have might not be what you want, and that your worst fears might not be the worst that could happen. Phoenix is a truly charismatic presence, though his fresh face is a bit at odds with his scamming character. The movie isn't a cinematic Catcher in the Rye, but it's exploring the same troubled territory. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A Simple Twist
The ending of this movie had an interesting twist which I myself enjoyed, or found funny, but others might hate. I reccomend watching this movie ONLY if you HAVE SEEN any of River Phoenix's other movies already. If you see his style of acting first then you will know why River himself didn't like making the movie that much...although I did love the ending.

Excellent coming of age film / River's talent
I remeber this movie in 1988 quite well because I was transfixed by River Phoenix's character. Based on the novel by Bill Richert "You never said goodbye" Phoenix plays Jimmy a smooth talking charming kid from a working class family who moves to the richer side of town. Hangs with these rich kids who are the type to die if they ever lost their money. While trying to impress and win the heart of the one girl who ever really got to him his girlfriend Lisa ( Meredith Salenger) before she moves to Hawaii. He gets himself into hard situations and troubles just about every relationship he has by sleeping with his best friends ( Mathew Perry) girlfriend, has sex with his mothers best friend. Then smashes his fathers car up in the course of one night. River's character in this film is the type that has a charisma that makes it hard for people to say no to or stay mad at. A funny teen angst movie excellent performance by River Phoenix they couldn't of casted anyone else for this role. One of my favorite 80's coming of age films worth viewing.

one of my favorite movies of all time
i went through alot of trouble to see this movie when i was a kid. my mom let me rent it after i looked for it all over the place. i searched everywhere and then i found it at a blockbuster. she said for me to rent it but that she had to watch it with me because she didnt want me watching r rated movies. so i said okay and we went home to watch it and after time after time of having to put my hands over my eyes (and peaking through my little fingers and smiling) jimmy started getting it on with joice fikkit on the floor and mom said for me to go to my room and i was unable to finish the movie.
then finally i go to a friends and we rent it on her dads card because he didnt care what we watched. then of course i could rent it at home because "mom, ive already seen it". this movie was out of print for years but now its on dvd.
jimmys got this holden caufield, rebel without a cause thing with him. in the process of trying to get what he wants he screws things up i guess thats why as 23 year old ive grown to connect with jimmy. i think anyone who has chased the person they love out the door after they chased them out knowing that the person will never come back can appreciate this movie. i think anyone who enjoyed catcher in the rye would appreciate this movie and yes even though i dont like connecting old movies to new ones because i like the old ones better. i think if you liked igby goes down youll find a place in your heart and your movie collection for jimmy.

a past one night stand informs jimmy falsly that she needs his college fund so that she can get an abortion and now jimmys got 36 hours to get his life situated. during this 36 hours jimmy can have any girl he wants but jimmy doesnt want just any girl what he wants is lisa. jimmy finds out his girlfriend lisa is moving to hawaii and he is bound for an all male business school. once jimmy can get the money for the plane ticket he will be destined for a life in hawaii with lisa where she has declared she will go all the way with him.
during these 36 hours jimmy manages to get himself into more trouble than most could manage in years. (based on the book "jimmy reardon" also titled "arent you even gonna kiss me goodbye" by william richert) if you find this book get it when you see it, it is VERY hard to find. i searched for about 10 years and i just got a copy today

River...
I am a teen boy and I can relate to River Phoenix. He is hot and great in this movie about a sexually frustrated teen. Matthew Perry stars as his "friend". A good teen movie from the 80's. River, you are missed...:(

Not River's best,but interesting.
A hard film to review this one. I'm tempted to say it's a crock of ..., but I'm a Phoenix fan. And while the direction is uninspired (and at times downright sluggish), Phoenix is as usual engaging. The supporting actresses are all very unique and decidedly quirky - particularly amusing is the underused Louanne as Susie, and Matthew Perry in an early role as Phoenix's best downtrodden friend is amusing.

Director Richert worked with Phoenix again in Gus van Sant's My Own Private Idaho, this time acting. ... 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 (351)

One Fine Thriller
I enjoy this movie more every time I watch it. It is an absolute must see for anyone who loves films. The plot is intricate, clever and very suspensful. I thought this movie was excellent: the story, the actors and the ending. If you haven't seen Panic Room you are truly missing out.

Just like Home Alone except....
it's not a comedy and there are no little kids.

That's what came to my mind when Jodie Foster turns the tables on the not so clever intruders shortly after she and her daughter lock themselves in the "panic room". Oddly enough, there is even a reference to Joe Pesci who happens to be 1 of the bad guys in Home Alone.

This movie has good atmosphere, i.e. a big creepy house, a stormy night, and a trio of nasty guys trying to steal some loot from the house. Overall it was a good movie - good acting, suspense, and a decent plot. The ending left something to be desired, too many loose ends to suit me, with Jodie and her daughter peacefully looking through the newspaper for a new house.

Not much extra on the DVD, just a trailer and filmographies. I would recommend renting it, not buying unless you're a fan of Jodie Foster.

Panic Room
Following the huge success of the excellent SE7EN and FIGHT CLUB, David Fincher's latest thriller is perhaps somewhat less impressive than his previous efforts, but there are still some gripping moments in the film that make it worthwhile. The premise provides from some effective boo! scares and shocking twists, but as a follow-up to FIGHT CLUB, this one is somewhat underwhelming. Jodie Foster shows that she's still good when it comes to this genre, and Howard Shore's brooding score racks up the tension. Creepy music is one of the key elements to making films like this scary, and Shore has proven that he can do tense, nail-biting scores (THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS) and large-scale adventure (THE LORD OF THE RINGS). Fincher's trademark stylistic M.O is full bore here, with some fantastic visual flourishes. The anti-climactic ending is the only letdown, but it's worth renting out from Blockbuster to witness another notch is Fincher's increasingly impressive style.
The DVD extras are dissapointing, with only trailers. With the popular re-re-release pattern of most DVDs, it would be advisable to wait until a 'Special Edition' comes along.

NOT worth your time/money
You have your typical twists and turns in a suspense movie with a bad guy that just doesn't die, obvious but unsuccessful attempts by the director to build suspense (this happens quite often and gets very annoying), and leaving the audience questioning each other on why the frequent loopholes/ambiguities of the movie. In addition, you have an ending which is abrupt and inconclusive.

Watch this as a one-timer when you're incredibly bored. I would not recommend viewing this with guests.

On a positive note, there are impressive visual effects at the beginning of the movie, but still does not compensate for everything else it lacked.

Bottom Line: Not worth your time. ESPECIALLY not worth your money.

This is only worth renting, not purchasing.
We watched this movie last night and found ourselves thinking it was pretty ridiculous towards the middle and end. It was barely worth renting, let alone purchasing.
Jodie Foster is a great actress, but we wondered why she chose this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

I love movies with great dialogue!
As a fan of movies that have good dialogue, this one is on my list, along with When Harry Met Sally and Before Sunrise. It's a simple movie about finding the right person in life. Isn't that what so many people spend years of dating trying to determine? This movie approaches relationships in a very honest, funny, and refreshing way. The chemistry between Femke Jaansen and John Favreau is great as they go through the ups and downs of being in a relationship. This movie is for anyone in a relationship...or just wondering when they will ever find their special someone.

Love...in a dorky kind of way
I dont know why I initially picked this movie out a couple of yeas ago...but I did. And I am glad I found this. I am a recovering moviefanatic who got tired of the stereotypes of love. Favreau reminded me of myself. The movie in itself shows the love of finding someone in a lonely world. The ability to like someone new and different. Being a dork myself, I found this to not only be one of my favorite date movies, but one of my favorite movies in general. It teaches me a lot about the turns and twists a relationships takes in a couples life. But if true love, and real people are there. It always works. But most of all, it taught me not to take love, sex or myself in both too seriously or you can become someone else.

You Have To Kiss Many Frogs Before You Find A Prince
I got this DVD free in a magazine, and I'm normally very wary of DVDs that get handed out so freely - they're normally really bad! Or not worth the money you paid for the magazine. But this seemed tempting, as it was a romance (my favourite kind), and had Famke Janssen and the brilliant Jon Favreau in it.

When I started watching it, I was entranced straight away. Despite having loads of piracy trailers before the actual movie, and not having much else in the way of extras (only a trailer), I found myself laughing, and nearly in tears at points.

Everyone knows (or at least, I know) Jon Favreau from Friends - he played Monica's millionaire boyfriend, Pete, who then tried to become a World Fighting Champion. He was fantastic in this. Playing an artist this time, who does very surreal paintings. (Someone pulling a severed head out of somewhere for example!) He was fantastically funny, brilliantly neurotic, and apart from the awful side burns, and the curly goatee (not both at the same time thankfully), was also kinda cute looking. In a way where you want to give him a cuddle. Not knee-trembling gorgeous.

Famke Janssen starts off in the film, as a 9-year-old girl, who is in love with the guy who bullies her. (Right) She's kinda geeky looking, and not what you'd call pretty, but what children ever are? She's totally 'in love' with this guy, until she tells all to her big-mouthed friend, and ends up in tears when he dumps her. After this, she quite happily admits to having relationships with thirteen men (I'm falling WAY behind by her standards), which she admits to Adam's character over lunch/dinner/something. Later he tells her that he's only been with two women. (Very reminiscent of a scene in an early season of Friends when Monica and Richard are together, and are telling each other how many people they've slept with. Monica's is less than a ballpoint, and Richard's is two) By the end of the movie, this number has risen up to 14 - having a relationship with a Not-So-Bright-Porn-Star-Robert De Niro- loving actor. The whole point of this movie is that Famke's character is a journalist, and has to write an article about relationships - in which she knows more about, how shall we say, giving guys 'pleasure', than actual relationships. Most of the movie is done in flashback, as she goes through most of the bad/good relationships she's had, with narration, as the article gets written through her experiences - with lots of cheesy/romantic lines thrown in along the way!

This film goes into what relationships are all about, and how you have to go through a lot of guys before you find the perfect one. It also briefly touches the painful subject of unwanted pregnancy, and then losing the baby anyway. There's also some strange scenes, where they realise they haven't had slept together for 3 weeks, try, and then realise they're "too tired". And then the all too painful break-up. You can work out what happens from there on.

This is a terrific film, to watch as a couple (the guys will probably like Famke, as she appears wearing very little most of the time), or to watch alone, and think about the pain of relationships. Or the good things about relationships. Depends what mood you're in really. The DVD is definitely worth keeping, full of fun, happiness, and sadness all at the time. Once in a blue moon, you will get a free DVD, that is actually really good! It will be a good addition to my growing collection.

Watch out for an uncredited 'cameo' by David Schwimmer (Ross from Friends) too!

love can be hard
Famke Janssen(The X-Men Movies, GoldenEye) and Jon Favreau(Made,Swingers) are perfect as the couple who get together then break up and then get back together again. The 2 when breaking up seem to be following each other and they have annoying opposites. Janssen gets involved with Noah Emmerich(The Truman Show, Windtalkers) who is really married. It's like this and Favreau keeps on bugging her. It's a good story with good actors. Highlight would be when David Schwimmer(Tv's just recently canceled Friends and Kissing The Fool)visits Favreau as a Johova's Witness

I cheese sandwich this movie!
This movie is absolutely fantastic. It epitomizes the ironies and comical ways of common relationships. I love it! ... Read more

Reviews (236)

Simply Mariah
First of all, I truly believe that the reason this movie got the kind of criticism it did was because of the critics' perception towards Mariah Carey. First, you had this naive goddess belting out adult contemporary tunes to the masses, and she suddenly transformed into a slinky seductress crooning to the likes of hip-hop beats. This just unsettled almost everyone, leading them to write-off Mariah Carey for who she once was.

Anyway, on to Glitter. The script was, indeed, a wash-out. Corny lines plus a very silly scene where both Billie (Mariah) and Dice (Max) write the exact same song eventhough they're apart. The club scenes were void of any '80's feel, and Vondie has directed much better movies than this one.

However, due to all the mistakes, camp styles and corny lines scattered distastefully throughout the entire length of the movie, the acting did not deserve slamming. I mean they're all not Oscar material, obviously, but they are also not as bad. Mariah Carey's character, "Billie Frank", was meant to be a passive character which explains all the sheepish looks Mariah provided, as well as all lines uttered without a trace of confidence. She never speaks this way during interviews and concerts, so hey, of course she must have been acting. If Billie were to be a strong, confident individual - and Mariah acted the way she did, then she would deserve all the banter and criticism. This, however, is not the case.

The music, although not much of a reminisce of the 80's was pretty good. In fact, it's the movie's saving grace. Why was it slammed then, I hear you ask. The answer is elementary, it was simply sung by Mariah Carey.

If most of the viewers want to judge this as the worst movie of all time, please think again. We had Freddy Got Fingered, Superstar, On The Line, Corky Romano... and the list goes on. Glitter simply does not deserve what the critics gave it. To many, Mariah Carey's success just goes unfathomed and many enjoy putting her down. If this is what society has come to, then I rest my case.

Glitter: Mariah's big screne debut!
I'm a big Mariah Carey fan so naturally I had to check out her acting skills in GLITTER. First of all, the critics are totally wrong! GLITTER is an enjoyable, light movie to watch. Mariah does OK on her first try as an actress. I admit, some scenes are a bit cheesy but it's not THAT bad. GLITTER begins with flashbacks of Billie's (Mariah's Character) past as a child with her mom. Her mom is a struggling singer that performs at bars/clubs. Soon after Billie's mom puts her in a foster home. Then, GLITTER fast forwards to 1983 in the club scene. Billie is now a young woman working at the club as a dancer. Anyways, to make a long story short she gets discovered by this guy (Dice) and he becomes her boyfriend/mananger. Billie now tries to make it as a singer in the 80's. GLITTER also features appearances by Da Brat and Eric Benet.

It Glitters! It Glitters! It Glitters!
Ok, so can she sing, and she's pretty, but can she act? The answer is yes, as she proves in her first starring role. The movie was condemned from the very earliest, and there's quite a bit of people who say to me, "Glitter was awful", and I say, "Have you seen it?", and the answer is always "No." Essentially, the movie is Mariah's life, except in the '80s, and with an absolutley terrible childhood (neither happend to Mariah). The movie is actually very emotional, and is very sad in the end. Of course with "Never Too Far" playing in the background, anything can be sad. Bottom Line: Played up. But that's made up.

Mariah Carey Glittered!
Mariah Carey was awesome in Glitter. This movie had a good story line as well as good actors. It is a fun movie with no real deap plot line. But I really like it. Contains good music as well. I think if it wasn't called Glitter, more people would have seen it. That's why I think I did't get such great reviews. But if you like Mariah CArey...this is a must!

not as bad as its reputation, but by no means a good movie
A film by Vondie Curtis-Hall

There are some movies you watch because you think it is going to be a good movie and what you know about the movie sounds interesting. There are other movies that you watch simply because of all of the negative press about the movie and you wonder if the film can really be as bad as "everyone" has said. "Glitter" falls into the second category of movies. This was Mariah Carey's first starring role (after a small supporting role in "The Bachelor"), and both the movie as well her acting were absolutely trashed by critics and "Glitter" was a box office bomb.

Mariah Carey stars as Billie Frank, a rising pop star in the early 80's. We open the film when Billie is only a child. Her mother is a longue singer (or perhaps, a bar singer) who brings Billie on stage so they can sing together. Her mother seems weary of everything, and when their house burns down (it is implied that the mother is the accidental cause), young Billie is put into foster care. We are flashed forward to the early 80's and Billie is dancing (with her friends, presumably the two she met in the group home) in a club. She is signed to sing backup for a solo artist, but it is really Billie's voice that is being used to sell the records. This is a rags to riches story where Billie starts out with nothing and with the help of a producer (Max Beesley) who hears Billie sing, ends up to be a star. It mirrors, in a way, the story of Mariah Carey herself.

So, is "Glitter" really as bad as its reputation suggests? No. It couldn't possibly be. "Glitter" is your average rags to riches film and is simply an average movie. What this movie does is give Mariah a vehicle to show off her singing ability. It's a movie about a singer going from the smalltime to the big time. "Glitter" seemed to exist more to give Mariah...excuse me, Billie...another opportunity to sing rather than give the character the chance to grow or develop (and thus give Mariah a chance to show off her acting ability). "Glitter" is a completely standard, ordinary movie. There are certainly worse movies out there, but then again, there are certainly better movies out there, too. "Glitter" is not a good movie by any stretch of the imagination, so I can't recommend it (not even a little bit), but it is also not nearly as bad as has been reported.

-Joe Sherry ... Read more

Description

Get ready for over-the-top hilarity when comedy original Chris Elliott (THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, SCARY MOVIE 2) goes overboard in this hysterical high-seas misadventure that's sure to keep everyone laughing! Elliott stars as Nathanial Mayweather, a spoiled rich kid whose plans for a ritzy Hawaiian cruise backfire, finding him lost at sea with a gang of salty old sailors. And when his crusty cabin mates get a whiff of his highfalutin attitude, they give him every rotten chore on the boat -- and take him on the wackiest adventure yet to sail the Seven Seas! Chart a course for fun with CABIN BOY -- a truly wild comedy! ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Just plain goofy
Ok... I really like this movie. But in honesty there can be a little too much lag between the really funny parts.

There are some great snapshot moments that will stick with you and make you laugh.

Sometimes around the house I can hear my wife or one of my boys say "Wanna buy a monkey?".... aaahhh... I love that.

And Lord help me, there is just something unbelievably funny about a floppy dancing Chris Elliott being pelted on the head by beer cans. Comic genius? Hardly - but damn if it does not crack me up every time I think about it.

I struggled to watch the whole movie
and I had to give up. I got what they were trying to do and I didn't think it was funny. I like Chris Elliot but not in this movie.

Are you drunk or something?
Honestly... the older I get, and the more views I give this flick... the funnier it gets. I've been fan of Elliott's since "Get A Life" and by the time I saw this film, any hope of anyone even knowing who he was, was long gone. But it didn't matter. I struggled through my first viewing thinking, "wow, this movie sucks hard," but for some reason still decided to watch it again. That's Elliott's charm/magic... you don't really get him, sometimes he even annoys you, but you just wanna give him another go. So... 5, 6, 14 viewings later... I get it! I get it every time now! I get a little more each and every time now! Honestly... even my girlfiend didn't want to like this and she was howling! It's about the subtleties... a funny glance, a funny dance, a flying, talking cupcake, or more than likely, a really good one-liner. Anyway... I'm rambling... watch this movie 2-3 times then enjoy!

"The Odyssey" on "Ecstasy"
This twisted little adventure tale is either a full-sail comedy classic or a rudderless shipwreck, depending on your opinion of star Chris Elliott, the only true heir to the late Andy Kaufman. Like Kaufman before him, Elliott's comedic ouvre is something you "get", or you don't (before I am accused of being a snob, let me freely admit that there are comedians I don't "get": Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler and George W. Bush). The man who gave us "FDR: The One-Man Show" embarks on a rollicking voyage through a sea of Irony when his "fancy lad" books passage on the barely seaworthy "Filthy Whore". Brian Doyle-Murray (who played Elliott's crusty landlord on his short-lived Fox TV series) is memorable as the fishing boat's captain. Great cameos by "Tumblin'" Russ Tamblyn (as a Mer-Man!) and Ann Magnuson as the sex-starved, multi-limbed wife of a cranky ogre. Crew member Brion James (who you may recognize as one of the replicants in "Blade Runner") gets to deliver the movie's best line: "Oh-purple lightning. THAT'S always a good sign." Don't throw this one back!

The trick to enjoying this movie is to..
watch it with kids under the age of 13. But even the kids will tell you it's the worst movie they've ever seen.

You know, I like Chris Elliot too and I thought "Get a Life" was pure comic genius before the network started tinkering with the recipe. But this thing (insert head shake thingy) is so monumentally bad I'm actually at a loss for words. The blue chick with 6 arms and her giant husband that just opened a "housewares" store on a remote deserted island was pretty creative. OK, seeing Chris Elliot riding on the back of his girlfriend swimming across the Pacific with a ski rope to hold on to was pretty funny but that was about it.

Now, if you find yourself all that curious about this flick the DVD transfer is pretty good and the sound is about what you would expect...but who cares? 2 wigs ... Read more

Reviews (22)

Quirky Movie with an All Star Cast.
It's a shame that you can get an all star cast like Sean Penn, Robert Downey Jr, Patrick Dempsey, and Malcolm Mcdowell, and many others and get such a slow paced, corny, movie. The movie is about a pool cleaner named Hugo, played by the charming Alyssa Milano, and her eccentric clients as well as her crazy parents(Mcdowell and Cathy Moriarty). The movie is cute and quirky but moves wat too slow. I never cared about any of the characters except Alyssa Milano's and Patrick Dempsey, who plays a parapalegic who falls in love with Hugo. Whenever there was a scene without Alyssa Milano the movie bore me too tears. Thank God she is in most of the movie. Sean Penn is terrible a guy who wears blue suede shoes and Robert Downey Jr is way over the top as a eccentric dutch alchoholic. Instead of caring about these characters I felt sorry for them. i highly recommend this film for Alyssa Milano fans. She is a revelation in this movie. Too bad the rest of the talented cast is wasted.

Alyssa makes you yank your yanker
She is pretyy pretty pretty and wears plenty of skimpy clothes here, a masterpiece of b-film cinema.

1st film i've seen by mr. downey senior
whether or not this film cna even hold water next to classic like "putney swope" or " greaser's place" is beyond me. i've never seen either so i can't really speak of the body of mr. downey's work but this film was rather quirky & at times cute. i'm a bit of a alyssa fan already with the tv series "charmed" or her role in the 2nd entry of the poison ivy film series. it's hard to dislike a film like hugo pool although i'm sure it would very easy to criticize it without much effort. by far, this is most unusual film i've ever seen ms. milano in but she is charming as always & perhaps one of the few sane individuals here. it's a typical day at hugo pool. there are 44 pools that need to cleaned & a gangster who insists on having his pool filled by 6:30 pm. not knowing which way to turn, hugo dugay decides to get a little help from some family members such as her drunkard for a father(malcolm mcdowell) & her mother(cathy moriarty) who is a compulsive gambler. the characters we meet throughout the film are as quirky & original as any you are apt to see in a typical hollywood comedy but one can't help but be touched by patrick dempsey's character. overall, the film is sweet & relatively funny but i'm sure if this is a film for everyone. definately worth seeing atleast once. if nothing else, there are some great performances here by a terrific cast such as sean penn & robert downey jr to name a few.

great movie!!
Hugo Pool is a GREAT movie i think...Any Alyssa Milano fan would love this movie! shes cute and her acting is great in it! even if u dont like Alyssa this movie is good movie for people who like drama, romance and comedy! highly recommend buying it!!

Alyssa makes it what it is
Hugo Pool to me didnt seem to have a definate story line to it. I do love the movie though, simply because the lovely Alyssa Milano is in it. Without Alyssa the movie wouldnt be as good as it is.
I enjoyed Cathy Moriarty's character.
I did also feel for Patrick Dempsey's character to. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Samuel L. Jackson gives a virtuoso performance in this intensely visual suspense film. Jackson stars as Romulus Ledbetter, a brilliant musician whose mental demons have driven him onto the streets. When Ledbetter finds a murdered man outside the cave he calls home one morning, he is compelled to find the real killer. While interesting enough to hold the viewer's attention, the mystery of The Caveman's Valentine is a distant third to Jackson's performance and the film's sumptuous visuals. The film is gorgeously shot, and lights and abstract images are effectively used to show Romulus's beautiful but tormented inner world. While the plot does take a silly leap of logic or two, Romulus's illness and the strain it puts on his family are sensitively and realistically handled. His all-too-real run-ins with his policewoman daughter are nicely contrasted with his visions of his ex-wife, who serves as a combination of Greek chorus and muse. If one is willing to suspend a little disbelief here and there, this picture is well worth a look. --Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (37)

An Underappreciated Award Winner
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) has honored actor Samuel Jackson, director Kasi Lemmons, and her sister, Dr. Cheryl Lemmons, the psychiatrist who served as a consultant to the movie, with its 2001 Outstanding Media Award for a dramatic motion picture---because of its portrayal of a homeless man with paranoid schizophrenia, who is both protagonist and hero. Jackson's character, Romulus Ledbetter, who solves a murder mystery, is a figure of intelligence, insight, talent and dignity, even as he experiences paranoid delusions and hallucinations (which he calls--correctly--"brain typhoons"). The Caveman defies the stereotypes and stigma usually associated with mental illness, and represents a major, cultural breakthrough for Hollywood. Viewers will come to know and like Romulus as an individual. There are many funny, ironic moments, but he and his illness never are used as the butt of jokes. The acting, direction and visual effects are superb, the mystery only so-so, but there IS a twist at the end. The realism also is greater than many may believe. Don't expect a big, wonderful, warm, happy ending. Romulus is a man whose spirit survives, and he prevails...but so does his illness.

Respectable Sophomore Effort from "Eve's Bayou" Director
Rather than simply make a continuation of her debut feature, EVE'S BAYOU, Kasi Lemmons wisely chose to "stretch her creative muscles" with her next effort. While not entirely successful, THE CAVEMAN'S VALENTINE is nevertheless an intelligent and provocative film.

Based on the novel by George Dawes Green (who also wrote the screenplay), THE CAVEMAN'S VALENTINE tells the story of Romulus Ledbetter (played effectively by Samuel L. Jackson), a mentally ill cave-dwelling man. One day, he discovers a dead body just outside his living space, causing him to immediately embark on a search to find the killer.

It doesn't take long before you realize that you are not watching a run-of-the-mill murder mystery. Instead of bombarding you with pointless car chases and noisy special effects, THE CAVEMAN'S VALENTINE focuses on the demons inside Ledbetter's mind. This is represented through a series of highly stylized hallucinations and flashbacks.

The film also explores the strained relationship between Ledbetter and his daughter, Lulu (Aunjanue Ellis of MEN OF HONOR). Their situation is further exacerbated by the fact that Lulu is a cop involved in the murder investigation. Simply put, there is no shortage of character conflict nor eye candy here.

The dialog also crackles in the film. The best line is spoken by Tamara Tunie (the narrator on EVE'S BAYOU), who plays the role of Sheila, Lulu's mother. Written by an (uncredited) Lemmons, the line is sure to elicit a response from fans of Terry McMillan and similar novelists.

Overall, THE CAVEMAN'S VALENTINE is an intriguing character study which includes a touching father-daughter relationship. This comes at the expense of gripping "edge of your seat" suspense, but don't let this keep you from experiencing this rich and complex film. Amelia Vincent's cinematography and Terilyn A. Shropshire's editing are first-rate. Terence Blanchard's score is seamless. (These three also collaborated with Lemmons on EVE'S BAYOU.)

If you're a fan of typical summer movies that seem to care more about style over substance, you'll probably be better off to look elsewhere. On the other hand, if you've grown weary of loud thrillers with formulaic plots, you'll really appreciate this film. Check it out.

Sam Jackson is wonderful!
The great thing about DVD and movie rentals are to be able to catch those gems that were here this morning, gone this afternoon from the movie theater. This is a can't miss film from Kasi Lemmon (Eve's Bayou) starring Sam Jackson as Romulus Ledbetter, a former Julliard trained musician who has been driven to the streets due to mental illness. He discovers a "valentine" in the form of a dead body that was left outside of his cave on Valentine's Day and sets out to track down the killer.
The movie just rumbles along with plot twists, the mental images are beautiful and the movie is a thriller to the end.
I was disappointed with the deleted scenes. It would have been nice if the director could have let the viewer know why the scene was deleted and what the relevance was.

There is a short cast and crew bio that is pretty nice and of course the director's commentary.

A good adaptation of the book
There were many things missing or different from the book, but what movie adaptation is perfect?... Samuel L. Jackson was wonderful as Romulus, and the story made a good movie. If you enjoy the movie, you should pick up the George Dawes Green book -- same author as The Juror, also adapted into a movie starring Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin.
Also, on the DVD's "Deleted Scenes" section there is a WONDERFULLY choreographed scene with Rom's "moth-seraphs" which is just amazingly beautiful to watch! It's too bad they cut it from the movie, but be sure to take it in when you're going through the Bonus Features.

Hidden gem!
I got this movie just because of Samuel Jackson. It turned out to be a great movie. On the one hand, it's a very decent thriller, on the other hand, it's a good psychological drama. The story of homeless man witnessing a murder is not the most original but the movie makes it fresh by very good character development. Having said this, the thriller part of the movie is not perfect. There are certain aspects of it that could be done better or plot sometimes could be more logical. But still the overall approach to the movie, its atmsosphere and great Samuel Jackson play make this movie worth watching. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Robert Towne is one of Hollywood's most celebrated screenwriters, but because his directorial efforts have been few and far between, anticipation was high when this star-powered crime story was released in 1988. Critical reaction was decidedly mixed, but there's plenty to admire in this silky, visually seductive film about a drug dealer (Mel Gibson) whose best friend from high-school (Kurt Russell) is now working for the Los Angeles sheriff's drug detail. Their personal and professional conflicts are intensified by their love for the same woman, a waitress (Michelle Pfeiffer) at the Italian restaurant they both frequent. There's a big deal going down with a drug lord (the late Raul Julia), but as it twists and turns, Towne's story is really more about personal loyalties and individual honor. And even if it doesn't quite hold together, the movie's got a fantastic look to it (courtesy of the great cinematographer Conrad Hall), and the three stars bring depth and dimension to their well-written roles. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Good Thriller Mel Gibson looks tooclean cut for drug dealing
A Well done film with a somewhat twisted storyline about a a reformed drug dealer Mac,(Gibson)who is trying to get away from the drug life but his longlife best friend Nick Frescia(Russell) who happens to be head of the Narcotics divison of the L.A.P.D is persuaded by a crooked FBI Agent(Walsh) to manufacture evidence agaisnt Mac To put him away for good. Romance Is brought in to the film by the ever so beautiful Michelle Pfeiffer who plays Jo Anne, the ... Resteraunter who is caught between Mac & Nick. The villan Carlos Played by the late Raul Julia did a fantastic job in portraying a sinister villan adding just a touch of humor to the role. The story is often times confusing but the chemistry between the leads makes up for it. This story is more about personal loyalties and regaining indivdual honor. With all the roles well written TEQUILA SUNRISE Is a film that should not be missed.

A master piece among crime movies
Tequila Sunrise is an excellent crime/action movie. It has suffered a bit from bad press, which in my opinion is totally unjustified. People have said, that the actors were wasted on this kind of movie. This is nonsense! Tequila Sunrise is one of the best movies in its genre BECAUSE it was made with good, instead of the usual mediocre actors. It shows clearly, that with good acting and a somewhat complecated script a rather unasuming movie can rise to unexpacted heights. Mel Gibson and Kurt Russel are particularly well suited to their respective roles as sympathetic ex-crook and not so sympathetic police officer. Michelle Pfeiffer in a somewhat unusual role as the woman in between these two lends a depth to the part which females in this kind of story usually lack. Finally Raul Julia as a mexican dope smuggler is a very enjoyable sight. You can never really hate him even when he starts issuing execution orders. A pleausre to watch.

Fantastic Movie
If you looking for a movie with talented actors at acting this is the movie you got to see. If you want to watch a movie with some comody mixed with crime and action with a touch of romance this is the one for you. I am not a huge fan of action movies that always have to have love in the air but this movie isn't bad with the plot it has that the action and romance fall into. If I and other reviewers give this movie five stars you should believe and say so yourself.

BEST MOVIE EVER
I EXTREMELY HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS MOVIE!! It has everything in it to interest both guys and girls. Mel of course and action. Its also and interesting film that makes you think and pay attention.
MEL IS HOTT!!!!!!!!! ROCK ON!!!!!!!

waste of talent, time, and money
I had the unfortunate experience of spending money at Blockbuster and renting this dud. With such big name stars, I expected at least a mildly entertaining movie. What I got was one hour of lifeless, drab, big-budget flick. I couldn't bear to watch another minute, thus "Tequila Sunrise" became the first rental I stopped watching since that fateful day I rented "Last Action Hero". The actors seem to be stumbling through their scenes, lending not one iota of believability to their characters. I'm sure Michelle Pfeiffer, Mel Gibson, and Kurt Russell all look at this horrendous piece of garbage as the down point of their careers. I hope the actors had fun making this production; I sure as heck didn't have any fun watching it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Brilliant Effort by Alan Rudolph and Superb Cast
Alan Rudolph takes a mystery and turns it inside out, with the help of great acting. Tom Berenger as the crusty, savvy detective. Elizabeth Perkins as the hapless but lovestruck detective wannabe. Ann Archer at her radiant and amusing best. And Neil Young (yes, THAT Neil Young) in a delightful cameo role as a heavy who gets what he deserves. A small film it may be, but the script is excellent, the photography impressive, the familiar theme of mistaken identity is well played, so this is in many ways Rudolph's best film.

Alan Rudolph's Best Film
Those unfamiliar with director Alan Rudolph should not hesitate to buy this video. It's a carefully crafted mystery with a wry sense of humor, visually exciting, and well-scripted. Tom Berenger is at his best, well complemented by Elizabeth Perkins, Ann Archer (at her steamy best), and yes, a cameo by Neill Young (yes, that Neill Young) that is bound to please. This is a small film but one that aspires to greatness through its noir plot, crisp dialog, and excellent acting by all. The larger theme of identity seems, in a way, Hitchcockian, but the movie is not at all derivative. When it came out in the 1980s it received good reviews but went quickly to video, though it deserved wider recognition. Note: although not billed as a "family" flick, the absence of gratuitous violence et al is a welcomed relief. So when is the DVD coming out? It's about time. Until then, buy and enjoy the VHS tape. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Great under-rated FLICK!
This is a GREAT UNDER-RATED little 80's flick that I think more peolpe would enjoy if they just gave it a chance! All of the characters are so great and funny! I've never heard of Ann Magnusen but let me just say that she's great! So is John Malkovich! He plays 2 completely different charcters and does it very well! So just give this movie a chance! If I liked it, I'm sure you would too!

An 80's comic masterpiece!
This movie is absolutely hilarious, with moments that make you laugh out loud. I saw this movie when I was younger and I loved it. It's the type of movie, that after you're done watching it, just makes you feel good. Ann Magnuson is spectcular, her character is trendy, sexy and witty. John Malkovitch shines in this movie. It's one of the few performances of his that I do enjoy. Laurie Metcalf is dynomite! A VERY under-rated actress, Laurie is an incredibly funny woman and a true master of her craft. She steals the movie in her portayal of Sandra. "I told you to call me Sandy!!!!!!"

Dumb
Overall, I did not care for this movie.

There are some very good things about it though. The music is great and there are some very funny scenes in it. John Malkovich does an excellent job with the two different personalities - the android and the doctor.

The acting of the other actors is very poor though and overall the movie was corny and pretty dumb.

A grate movie
I loved this movie it was funny and interging. I love this movie. and I say this is a must see.

What a sweet, little, feel-