Reviews (32)

Accurate look at the life of a 1L (first year law student)
I recently watched this movie after not having seen it for many years, and I am amazed by the accurate portrayal of life for 1Ls and of the "types" of people you will encounter in your first year of law school, regardless of whether you attend Harvard or any other law school. John Houseman gives an outstanding performance as the curmudgeon Prof. Kingsfield. He succeeds in rattling Hart (equally well portrayed by Timothy Bottoms) and teaching contracts using the Socratic Method, a torture device until students learn how to play the game and begin to think about the nuances of the law.
Some viewers have commented about how dated the film is, but I must respectfully disagree. The hair, clothing, and some of the attitudes are dated--after all, the movie was made in 1970! At that time, both men and women had long hair, wore flares (jeans and cords), lots of browns & beiges, etc. That was the style, pure and simple. Racial, gender, and ethnic diversity in the classroom was pretty nonexistent, and the virtually all-male student body accurately reflects those times as well. What has not changed is the portrayal of how 1Ls adjust and adapt to law school (it is so very different from the undergraduate experience, as the unfortunate Mr. Hart learns on the first day of class!), learn to help eachother master first year subjects such as contracts (emphasis on contracts in the movie), property, civil procedure, criminal law, torts, and constitutional law, or turn on eachother as they realize just how important those first year grades are to their futures as law students (competition for an invitation to serve on the Law Review) and attorneys. This is what makes this movie as pertinent now (for law students and would-be law students, at least) as it was in 1970, because the types of students in the class will remain the same, the huge learning curve, the Socratic Method, the study groups and obsessive outlining, and the way that the law permeates every thought are timeless. Unless law schools institute substantial changes in law school pedagogy, this movie will be accurate 100 years from now.
The romance between Hart and Susan is not what drives this movie, but adds human interest to this look at the lives of 1Ls.
Remember, "you enter law school with a skull full of mush, and you leave thinking like a lawyer!" Highly recommended.

James Bridges' Best Directorial Work
I found myself compelled to write this review for a number of reasons: (1) I graduated from law school (although not Harvard), (2) My mother and James Bridges were childhood friends, (3) I've been an admirer of John Houseman's work for as long as I can remember, and finally (4) I've watched this movie several times and like it.

Timothy Bottoms stars as James Hart, a midwestern boy literally dumped into his first year of Harvard Law School. John Houseman is Professor William Kingsfield, a curmudgeonly contract law professor about whom Hart has ambivalent feelings of dread and admiration. Lindsay Wagner is Kingsfield's daughter, with whom Hart is having a relationship.

This picture brought the so-called Socratic method of instruction into the light of day and doubtlessly inspired many professors of subjects other than the law. It no doubt also inspired many impressionable young men to consider a career in the law (as it did me). But the reason to really enjoy this movie is neither of those...it's Houseman's electrifying performance that netted him an Academy Award for best supporting actor. This film also stands as a testament to the short but spectacular directorial career of the late James Bridges, who went on to direct "The China Syndrome" and "Urban Cowboy" among several other films.

It should also be remembered that this picture inspired a short-lived CBS television series of the same name in which Houseman reprised the Kingsfield role. The show spawned the careers of, among others, Jon Lovitz of Saturday Night Live fame and Jane Kaczmarek (of the TV series "Malcolm in the Middle") and after its rather short-sighted cancellation by CBS was picked by Showtime, who ordered new episides, giving the series another five years of life until discontinued in 1984.

Did this picture have an impact? Absolutely. Was it good? You bet! And to James Bridges, wherever you are "thanks for the career advice...and hello from my mom!"

70s drop-out culture clashes with law school discipline
If you want to be inspired to go to Harvard Law School or Harvard Business School (they both use the same intimidating case study technique), this is the film to watch. It is the fear of having your name called out by the professor -- from the hundred students in the lecture theatre -- with his request that you lay out the case, that drives you to prepare well into the early hours the night before.

Harvard is ultra-competitive -- it marks on a bell curve, with the bottom x% of students being automatically chucked out. (That x% may be 10%. The film doesn't spell it out, perhaps because 1973 cinema-goers weren't ready for lectures on the normal distribution.)

The law school culture clashed conspicuously with the student background of the 60s/70s -- i.e. drugs, rock and roll, protests about Vietnam etc -- although little is made of this in the film. Instead we follow a year in the life of Hart, the Nice-but-Bright law student who idolises Professor Kingsfield -- determined to know everything about him, to the extent of bedding his daughter (played by Lindsay Wagner in her pre-Bionic Woman form).

In this film, the lecture theatre experience (studying Contract Law with the Prof) turns out to be a breeze, compared to participating in the Study Group, which contains some really unlikeable individuals. By the end, three of the six students have dropped out of the Study Group -- one even tries to shoot himself.

In the end, this film probably would be better if it didn't try also to be a romance. (I guess it was competing with 'Love Story' at the time.) Its highlights come in the lecture theatre and the study group. This is the potential for a very dark story, and I feel the director missed that opportunity.

On the other hand, no accommodation is made for the audience unfamiliar with contract law -- in other words, there is plenty of technical language -- but this adds to the authority of the drama.

I guess we're unlikely ever to see again the TV series of the same name that this movie spawned. So enjoy this while it's still available. For a similar experience on the page, get hold of a copy of Peter Cohen's 'The Gospel according to the Harvard Business School'.

The most accurate law school movie ever!
This movie shows the brutal truth about law school more accurately than any other movie made to this date. However, its rather old, and doesnt have much humor to it, so expect a bummed feeling after watching this movie. Its not one of those inspiring movies that leaves you happy or motivated.

Bogus Hollywood Moment: Throwing Grades into Sea
Yeah, great film, holds up well over the years. But no Harvard law student would have thrown his unopened grades into the ocean. Particularly one that was as dedicated and competitive as Hart. It would be like a lawyer trying a case and leaving the courtroom before hearing the verdict. One can understand and, in a mercenary way, perhaps admire Hart if he pretended not to care about the grades for the sake of impressing his erratic, anti-establishment/anti-hippy girlfriend. She doesn't make much sense, but she is cute and alluring. But to actually throw the grades into the sea? No.

Apart from that, the scenes of the workings of law school are pretty terrific. The characters of the study group are, for good and bad, very similar to people you actually find at law school. Particularly Bell. (By the way, did anyone notice that Hart's 3rd year advisor was Thirtysomething's Miles Drentell? He is exactly the type that would say, "Grades matter.") Yet, like lawyers themselves, they're not on the whole really awful people. Ford, the quintessential Harvard prepster, bails out James Naughton's character in class and even goes so far as to say that the subject is very difficult to understand. Hart himself is obviously very decent. And Kingsfield is meant to be feared, but moreover respected and admired.

So the romance is a bit unrealistic, but nothing approaching Ally McBeal silliness. That aside, it's a solid film worth seeing more than once. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton prove that revenge is a dish best served cold. Former college buddies, they reunite at the funeral of a dear friend who took a swan dive onto Fifth Avenue. All three discover they share the same unhappy history of husbands who dove into middle-age by dumping them for trophy wives. Forming a warring triumvirate, they decide to get even, and along the way remind themselves of long-forgotten capabilities. The action gets a little too "wacky" at times, but the gals are great. Portraying an aging actress, Hawn is sometimes a little too flamboyant, but there is much fun to be had in her flashiness, especially when she pokes fun at Tinseltown and her persona. Instead of her usual brashness, Midler stretches herself and shows us a woman who is not just unhappy, but also deeply sorrowful. Not that she isn't quick with a wisecrack, but her expressive face alone tells the story of her marriage. As the repressed and guilt-ridden spouse of a self- involved ad executive, Keaton finds her anger, and her voice, when her psychiatrist (Marcia Gay Harden) oversteps ethical boundaries. Watching Keaton grow from an ineffectual homemaker into a powerful businessperson reminds us that it has been far too long since she has done a comedy. Director Hugh Wilson smartly chose supporting players who each brought something unique to the film. However, he does not maintain the first hour's effervescent humor throughout the film, as the ending is weakened by a softening of the wives' resolve. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Wives get their revenge and earn strength
Director: Hugh Wilson

Stars: Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, Diane Keaton, Stockard Channing, Maggie Smith, Dan Hedaya, Sarah Jessica Parker, Victor Garber, Stephen Collins, Elizabeth Berkley

Released in 2001

College friends lose track of each other after graduation until one of them, Cynthia Swann Griffin, played by Stockard Channing, commits suicide after her husband leaves her for a younger woman. Elise, Brenda, and Annie, played by Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler, and Diane Keaton respectively, reunite at the funeral and find that their lives are not as great as they may seem on the surface. The three have a fun filled lunch and discover their middle-aged husbands have dumped them all for younger women. They decide that it is time to quite being mad and unhappy and start getting even. They support each other in this endeavor and find they have strengths they have forgotten about. Elsie, an actress with financial means to back this endeavor is fun and paired with Brenda and Annie make their ex-husband's and soon to be ex-husband's lives miserable. Elsie who is having to split her assets with her soon to be ex-husband as well as pay alimony decides to sell all of their assets to Annie for a dollar. Annie then auctions it off to build enough reserves to buy her soon to be ex-husband's partners out of their share of an advertising firm. The three women find the self-confidence they lost over the years and decide to help other women in similar situations find their strengths and lost self-confidence. Watching these three great actresses get their revenge is entertaining and added bonus is the witty, bitter character Gunilla Garson Goldberg played by Maggie Smith, who has been made wealthy by her several ex-husbands. First Wives Club is a movie that is fun to watch again and again.

Hilarious and Entertaining
Goldie Hawn, Bette Midler and Diane Keaton star in FIRST WIVES CLUB, a movie about three women who's men have traded them in for younger models, and they set out to get revenge. The movie starts when Brenda (Bette Midler), Elise (Goldie Hawn) and Annie (Diane Keaton), all find out their friend Cynthia has commited suicide. At the funeral they meet up again, as they were college friends, and they start hanging out with each other more often. Annie's marriage is in the dumps, she's seeing a therapist, and later finds out the therapist is seeing her husband! Brenda is separated from her husband Morty but is still raising her son, and Elise is divorcing her husband Bill who in turn wants alimony. These women, furious, decide to take a stand and fight back, and they sure do! There are some really memorable moments like when the ladies go to a lesbian bar, when they break into Morty's condo and escape on the window washer stand, and more. Other stars in the movie include Sarah Jessica Parker, Eileen Heckart, Stephen Collins and more. And yes the book is much different, but this movie is still very entertaining. Overall a great movie, one of my favorites.

Funny but over-acted
For a movie with a pretty big idea--that women whose husbands leave them for younger women can regain their dignity, control, and even, in some cases, their husbands--this is a pretty trifling affair. It's embarrassing to listen to Diane Keaton reduce all her acting talent to a 90-minute stream of shrill screams and whines and whimpers. Goldie Hawn's character undergoes plastic surgery, but that's not enough to explain the way she contorts her face throughout the film. And when Bette Midler and the other two get together to burst into song, watch out. You'll probably wince.

Still, this is a funny movie, with a decent heart, a pat but semi-satisfying ending, and a really great cast: Stockard Channing, Sarah Jessica Parker, Elizabeth Berkeley, Dan Hedaya, Balki from Perfect Strangers, the dad from Seventh Heaven, and Maggie Smith all make appearances. You probably shouldn't buy it, but you could do a lot worse than this flipping through channels on cable.

entertaining, but some propaganda
I found the movie entertaining. However, a central plot is that
four women friends from the same college are dumped in their
middle age by their husbands for younger women. In reality, women
initiate most divorces. They get preferential treatment with
ownership of the house, custody of the kids, and alimony.
So, I think this movie is disguising the fact that, statistically,
it's more like a First Husbands Club out there.

Great, Great, Great, movie
I love this movie. Me and my mom saw this in the theater and it was so funny. Me and my mom are huge chick flicks fans. But this is our favorite. We watch this whenever were sad or when we just want to laugh. Goldie Hawn is one of my favorite actresses if not my favorite. So really with the cast that they got, how could this movie go wrong. I didn't give it 5 stars is because it is a chick flick and guys wouldn't like it. ... Read more

Description

An anthology of three Stephen King short stories, connected by a supernatural stray cat who wanders through each tale. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Great horror trilogy from the master of terror!
Stephen King ( whom wrote the screenplay for this movie) brings you three terrifying tales of horror done in the "Creepshow" style as told from the eyes of a traveling stray cat. The first story " Quitters Inc." is about a family man ( James Woods) who just can't stop smoking as he signs up for a program called "Quitters Inc." which secretly monitors his smoking habit, the next tale is in Atlantic city called " The Ledge" which a tennis player makes a bet with a boss to walk a hotel ledge. Then finally our title cat in " The General" must protect a young girl ( Drew Barrymore)from an evil goblin who wants her soul.

Entertaining and well-made collection of comic-book stories with Hitchcock-esque and Twilight Zone-esque tones to them. Good acting and some good special effects for it's time especially the goblin make this worth watching.

Highly recommended if you enjoy the works of Stephen King, Creepshow 1 & 2 and Tales from The Darkside: The Movie.

P.S.: Look for cameo's by Stephen King's other famous characters like " Cujo" and "Christine".

Entertaining Film.
This tells, three stories from the Point of View of a Cat. A Man (James Woods) try to give up smoking by going to a successful Company named Quitters, Inc by being stalked by a Business Man (Alan King) by making him trying to quit smoking. A Crazed Millionaire (Kenneth McMillian) pushed a Tennis Pro (Robert Hays) by making him walking all around the Buliding from a Ledge. The Cat is trying to protect a little girl (Drew Barrymore) by a Monster Troll by stealing Kids Breath and Murdering them.

Directed by Lewis Teague (Alligator, Cujo, Navy Seals) made a fun, entertaining, dark humor, tongue in cheek horror film that becomes a Cult Classic. This wasn`t a huge hit in theaters back in 1985. There`s amusing Performances by Woods, King & McMillian. DVD`s has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an strong Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD`s Extras are the Original Theatrical Trailer and an Audio Commentary by the Director. There`s an amusing trivia that never make it in the final cut:The Original Opening, when a little girl (Barrymore again) dies in her sleep, murder by a Monster Troll and the mother (Patti LaPone) thinking that the Cat has murder her daughter. Trying to take the law in her hands by taking a Machine Gun and trying to kill the Cat. Watch for James Rebhorn, Mike Starr & Charles S. Dutton in Cameos. Screenplay by Novelist:Stephen King (Maximum Overdrive, Sleepalkers, Silver Bullet). Joe Dunton Camera Widescreen (J-D-C Scope). Grade:A-.

Mostly a comedy, but definitely not a horror.
I think it is odd that people view this movie as a horror and then get upset by it. The movie cannot be completely categorized in any one genre since each story attempts to create a different mood. The only pervasive style, however, is dark comedy.

The first segment is nothing but humor, with a slight touch of morbid moments. A good example of the type of humor that's in this story is when James Woods' character has tried to quit smoking and he goes to a party. The room is completely smoke-filled and everybody offers him a cigarette every three seconds. Soon, he starts to hallucinate--and sees a giant pack of cigarettes walking around and taunting him. Obviously, this isn't horror.

The second segment is the most serious of all three. It is supposed to be a suspense story, and it is mostly successful. I've always enjoyed it, but given that it is surrounded by much campier material, it seems out of place here.

The third segment is an adventure story. It could, because of the presence of the troll, be considered a horror by some viewers, but it is incredibly silly. It's the story of a cat fighting out a duel with a little monster, replete with Howie-Mandel-esque voice-overs. It alternates quickly between humor and adventure, but it is not scary unless you are a small child.

The movie suffers only for two reasons: one is that some special effects shots have suffered greatly (although quite a few are still amazing). The other is that whenever the movie does try to be serious, it never works as well as it should. It's like watching a clown do a routine with seltzer water, and then trying to recite a soliloquy from "Hamlet" without changing his make-up. By the time the movie does reach its more serious moments, you'll already be in a laughing mood.

one of my own favorite Stephen King's
It saddens me that this film was not a box office success. It's one that I can wath over and over again, and will always have fond memories of. The framing device is a stray tom cat that is visited twice, in some of the more surreal moments of the film, by the spirit of a young girl, (8-year-old Drew Barrymore,) who is, in fact, still alive. (Perhaps she visits the cat while asleep, in her dreams.) The first two stories a non-horror, non- supernatural, (unless you count the scenes where the girl appears,) cliff hanger stories, in the vein of REAR WINDOW and NORTH BY NORTHWEST. The first is about a company that helps smokers quit, no matter what the cost. The second is about an ex- tennis pro who, after being caught trying to run off with a mob boss' wife, is forced to walk a five inch ledge at the top of a twenty-story building. The last segment is the horrific supernatural tale, when the cat finds the girl, Amanda, just in time, as a miniture troll is about to sneak into her room and suck her life force while she's asleep. However, this isn't really any scaryier than GREMLINS, and it might help to watch it as more of a comedy during the scenes with the troll. Still, a film not to be missed.

Is this meant to be funny?
This is NOT horror, and the effects are tacky. But it's still an average film. Cat's Eye tells the story of a tortoise-shell cat, who seems to be able to save everybody from monsters and other scary things.

The first tale is quite creepy, and is a bout a man who tries to give up smoking. The Quit Smoking company try sinister methods to try and get the man to quit.

The second part is the main NON HORROR film. It's about a man who is forced to walk around a ledge on the top of a tall hotel. An average thriller, but not scary.

The third is where the supernatural comes into it, but the monster has little bells on it's head and is about ten centimetres tall, so this is the worst story of the lot. In places, it's funny, but is it meant to be?

There are better films out there, but watch this if you have nothing better to do. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Not a classic, but good anyway
I think this is a good first coming-out story. Who cares if it's a bit 'after school special'. I still think it's a good take on the subject. I think it's great tool for parents and teens to adress the issue of coming out. Because as tollerant as the world seems, many families aren't open and accepting of the reality of thier child/sister/brother/cousin/nephew/neice/whatever being gay. No, it's not a classic film or a Classic in Lesbian entertainment. It's not even the best Lesbian love story ever, though it does do a fair treament to the emotional termoil of first love, first 'time', and first heartbreak. But it mixes all this within the struggle of a family and fairly treats the issue of coming out with the family. The first female relationship Jane has is little more than a subplot and I thought that made this film different in a good way. Usually it's the family that's reduced to a background plot while one rehashes the same ol plots seen in Hetero and Homosexual movies based on the 'romance' element.

Great coming out story, decent movie, gets my recomendation for anyone looking for films dealing with this subject.

A Must Buy Movie!
This movie is extraordinary wonderful. If you like dramas this is a perfect movie. Telling everyone i know to go out and BUY this movie. Its really worth it. A great story! Inspired by actual events! This movie discribes more then just one persons life. This type of event happens to hundreds of young teenagers who dont know how to confess there Sexuality to there parents. If you are having this problems. This movie may just help. Make them watch it. It may just help them understand what kinds of things your going though. It was a definant help for me! ...

Worth seeing.
Sometimes, just rare little times, it happens, that a movie really touches you. This definitly is one.
It dealt with 15 year teenage girl Jane, fell deeply in love for the first time. With another girl, taylor, the new girl in her class, she also had sex with for the first time.
Giving her pretty hard times realizing the fact, that she's gay. As well as her parents, "friends", teachers... And, that's nothing about it.
Although these stories are as different and unique, as humans theirselves, many things, that Jane has to struggle thru, came familiar to me and I wished, more people would really consider about.
It's not a teaching movie. Trust me. It has great beauty, dramatic and very intense moments. And funny ones too. My favorite: After her coming out Janes father took her for soccer game, she was never interested in her whole life, to show understanding and get to know his "new" lesbian daughter better. After she is refusing, he said: "I suppose even golf is out of discussion?!" ('Damn! Not A thing good about it!')
The characters are well played, especially Jane's, I like most. And the actress is very cute. Just the way she's holding her had, when she looks in love. And that voice! Melting.
So do what you want. But if you do not watch, you'll never know what you miss out.

zzzzzzz I slept through this one
This played like an after school special. It was contrived and predictable and the screenwriting was so awful I think who ever wrote this needs to take english 101 or talk to people and see how they really communicate. The subject could have been done so much better especially in light of the great acting talent in the film....unfortunetly material was lacking and the director must have been at lunch...perhaps worth seeing for the coming out aspects and to see Stockard Channing and the actress playing the school teacher...see it for that, but as a movie it only gets 1 star

After School Special
The subject of the movie is good, as is the message of tolerance but the delivery is painstakingly awful. The movie is trite and poorly acted. This just seems like a bad after school special which simply drags on for an hour and a half. Stockard Channing I enjoy highly in other films like "Six Degrees of Separation" but in this film she just seems to be making the best of the script which is a daunting task. There are better films that bring forth the same message and better capture the essence of the "out casting". I would recommend "Show Me Love" a Swedish film that does a far better job of telling a not too dissimilar story. ... Read more

Amazon.com

French playwright Jean Anouilh's modernized version of the classic Greektragedy Antigone sets the story in the sleek palace of a fasciststate ruled by Creon (veteran stage actor Fritz Weaver). His nieceAntigone (Geneviève Bujold, Dead Ringers) is horrified by Creon's order that the body of her brother--who led a rebellion against the state--be left on the battlefield to rot. When she violates the edict,guards haul her before Creon, who struggles to convince her that hisreasons are honorable, despite the ugly consequences, but Antigone remains steadfast, even though her death will result. The great strength ofAntigone is that there is no easy solution to the conflict, which leads to disaster for everyone involved. Bujold glows as the obsessed,martyrlike Antigone; Weaver brings passion to Creon's mixture of reason and tyranny; and Stacy Keach (Fat City) plays the narrating Chorus with a weary, ironic detachment. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An eloquent, exciting performance of a powerful play.
Genevieve Bujold as Antigone is splendid; Fritz Weaver as Creon, even better. Anouilh's version of Antigone is longer than Sophocles', allocating far more time to the confrontation between the heroine and the king. Bujold has fine moments in this scene, but Weaver's acting skill and stage presence are completely, masterfully at home. What a shame that most of his video work has been with scripts which, compared with this, were poor stuff!

Before the struggle with Creon, there is a love scene between Antigone and her fiance, Haemon. James Naughton's handsome, well dressed, thoroughly decent, college-boy Haemon, is the sturdy male partner, with and around whom Bujold dances in words and movement. Beautifully and affectingly. Stacy Keach as Chorus, Aline Macmahon as the nurse, Louis Zorich as Jonas (the first guard) and Peter Brandon as the messenger suit the performance well and contribute to its excellence.

Jean Anouilh wrote in French. The translation used in this performance is Lewis Galantiere's "adaptation." It was used for the American premiere, New York City 1946, starring Katherine Cornell as Antigone and Cedric Hardwicke as Creon. Galantiere writes beautifully, but so does Anouilh, whom it's a shame to adapt when you can stay true to the original. Often, this production seems to agree, restoring some of the adapter's cuts and deleting various additions and emendations.

Galantiere's understanding of the heroine's motives differs from Anouilh's in important respects. At the beginning of the play, Galantiere has Chorus, when introducing Antigone, assert that she is "on the side of the gods against the tyrant, of Man against the State." That may be how many people, vaguely remembering Sophocles, think of the character. But the take is Galantiere's, not corresponding to anything in the speech at hand, and not consistent with the development of the play.

Anouilh's Antigone does not invoke the gods, the common people, mankind or humanity, or define what she opposes as tyranny or the state. Early in their confrontation, Creon asks Antigone why she tried to bury her brother, Polynices. She replies that she "owed it to him. . . Those who are not buried wander eternally and find no rest." She feels sure that what she did was right, but does not elaborate. One can tell little concerning her notions of an afterlife, and nothing concerning her belief in any gods.

Creon asks whether she really believes that the dead wander as shades if not properly buried, and reminds her that burial ceremonies are often wretchedly performed by the priests, an insult to the dead and their mourners. Then, in a passage omitted by Galantiere but restored in this production, Creon says: "And you still insist on being put to death, merely because I refuse to let your brother go out with that grotesque passport, which you would have been the first to be embarrassed by if I'd allowed it. The whole thing is absurd." She replies, "Yes, it's absurd." Then, for whom did she disobey the law? "For nobody," she replies. "For myself. For me."

Antigone had not seen Polynices, since he left home eight years ago, when she was only 12. Much of that time, Creon (honestly?) informs her, Polynices and her other brother, Eteocles, had spent plotting and attempting the assassination of her father, Oedipus. She is staggered by these charges, but finds a stance, in opposition to the kind of life that Creon exemplifies. To obtain happiness he must continually compromise, doing what he despises, saying Yes to what he hates. On the contrary, she insists, it is better to say No to what you would rather not do, even if you must die for it.

This is her position at the end of the confrontation with Creon. In the last scene, as Jonas takes her to the tomb where she is to be buried alive, she dictates a letter to Haemon: "My darling, I wanted to die, and maybe you won't love me any more. Creon was right. It is terrible to die. And I don't even know what I'm dying for." The last three sentences were omitted by Galantiere, but restored in this production. To make sure that they register with the audience, they occur twice, dictated by Antigone and repeated by Jonas.

Was Galantiere's version commissioned by the Broadway producers? Was he asked to soften the radical, existential despair in Anouilh's play?

On another issue, the Chorus says some fascinating things about tragedy, which seem partly contradicted by the play. His ruminations occur shortly before the confrontation between Antigone and Creon. For example: "Tragedy is restful; and the reason is that hope, that foul, deceitful thing, has no part in it. There isn't any hope. You're trapped. ... In melodrama, you argue and struggle in the hope of escape." But in tragedy, you "shout" to express what you are.

The point does fit Antigone's behavior. She has no hope of escaping death and does not try. But Creon argues and struggles with Antigone, hoping to change the outcome. So does Ismene. Haemon argues and struggles with his father. Even the Chorus gets into the argument, with suggestions to Creon on how to prevent the catastrophe. Should we treat the Chorus' aphorisms as evidence that sometimes he (or the playwright?) doesn't know what he's talking about?

Should the audience respond to tragedy as if there were no hope? Thanks to their myths, the Greek audience knew how Antigone was going to end. Thanks to Sophocles, so do we. But while experiencing the play I seem to suspend this knowledge, hoping against hope that a decent way out exists, even if the characters don't quite manage to see or take it. (...)

It's Not Perfect, but Genevieve Bujold is Excellent
I first saw this production of "Antigone" on a scratchy VHS recording back in 1979. I was a freshman in high school, and the show, especially Genevieve Bujold's performance, made a tremendous impression on me. I had hardly dared hope that it would one day be released on DVD.

It's not quite as perfect as I remember it -- but well worth seeing. Bujold is excellent: her "dark, tense, serious girl" is a near-perfect portrayal of Anouilh's heroine, even if she goes into an excess of hysteria near the end of her confrontation with Creon. She is passionate, stubborn, and vulnerable even in her unwillingness to yield. Fritz Weaver is a fine actor, but his performance was undercut by a terrible hair and makeup job that made him look more like someone who lives in an attic than a king who is supremely conscious of public image. He does, however, manage to make Creon "the most persuasive of tyrants." Stacy Keach does a fine, understated job as the detached, cynical Chorus. The rest of the cast: Haemon, Ismene, the Guard, the Messenger, the Nurse, are competent but not anywhere near the same caliber as the leads, which is unfortunate. It would be nice to one day see a Haemon who actually seems as if he was capable of winning the love of a fierce and passionate creature like Antigone, or an Ismene who was as much a princess as a rationalizing, fearful nay-sayer, or a Guard who seemed genuinely dangerous.

Before the performance, there is a disclaimer about this DVD edition betraying the limitations of the original recording, and it is indeed an issue. The picture is sometimes blurred or scratchy, and the sound is out of balance in places -- particularly at the beginning, when the piano solo is intrusive under the Chorus's introduction. But I'd be very surprised if there were a better edition available.

All in all, this is a flawed production and a flawed recording, but the performances of the leads, especially Bujold, and Jean Anouilh's marvelous script make it well worth seeing. ... Read more

Description

Against a deceptively tranquil background of tropical breezes and secluded beaches, a sultry tale of obsession and seduction unfolds in this riveting erotic thriller. Starring Jacqueline Bisset,Adam Garcia, Alice Evans, and James Naughton, Fascination throbs withdanger, deceit, passion, and suspense. Scott Doherty (Garcia) is baffledand distraught after his father mysteriously drowns. His confusion turnsto fury, however, when his mother, Maureen (Bisset), returns from acruise just a few weeks later with her new lover, Oliver Vance (StuartWilson). Suspecting foul play, Scott confides in Oliver's beautifuldaughter, Kelly (Evans); and as the two begin their own investigation,they succumb to unbridled passion. But Kelly has dark secrets of her own, and while she seems to be the love of Scott's life, she could also be the end of it. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Good Movie! Brock is awsome!
This movie stars a hott kid, Brock Pierce, Hes a really good young actor! It also has Sinbad and Zachary Ty Bryan from Home Improvement. It's basically about the First Kid (The president's son) trying to fit in at his new public school, it's really good!!!

Funny movie with excellent Sinbad
First Kid is a very funny movie that benefits greatly from Sinbad's performance. Secret Service agent Sam Simms is trying to get bumped up to the president but instead is assigned to Luke, the president's son. At first, Luke is your typical stuck-up annoying kid, but soon Simms and Luke begin to bond and have a legitimate friendship. Along the way there are certain problems but in the end all things turn out well. There are some very funny bits here with Sinbad including his running collection of colorful ties, teaching Luke how to dance, and many more. This is a good movie with a great part for Sinbad.

Sinbad plays Agent Sam Simms, the secret service agent assigned to the first kid. He is great throughout and easily the best part of the movie. Brock Pierce is also good as Luke Davenport, the First Kid who struggles to lead a normal life in the spotlight. The movie also stars Blake Boyd, Timothy Busfield, Robert Gillaume, Art LaFleur, and Zachary Ty Bryan. The DVD offers no extras, but the movie is worth a watch even with the lousy DVD. For a funny movie with a great performance by Sinbad, check out First Kid!

I love this film.
This film rules i would have hated to been luke stuck in his house and not allowed to go out with his friends.I really laughed at the bit where luke is asking the girl to the dance and his carers are in the bush telling him what to say and he copies everythink they say on some bits where he shouldnt.
I looked everywhere for this films so i bought it here and it rules!
love and kisses XXXEmilyXXX

Classic
I felt sorry for that poor man in the wheel chair, when he did all that for something he wasn't involved in...

Sinbads best movie
I think this is Sindbad's best movie because I wasnt really into Housegeast with him and Phil Hartman. this is about the first kid(Brock Pierce) and his bodyguard(Timohty Busfield) gets fired and the replacement is Sinbad(damn hilarious) and Sinbad teaches him the ways of being a man, he teaches him how to dance and have fun and talk to girls, who Pierce is in love with this girl but a bully pints over her played by Zachery Ty Bryan(Home Improvment's Brad). a fun and charming movie with a cute cast and Sinbad's best, and where the hell is Sinbad anyway, we dont see him often now, what the frizz happened to him? is he living on a deserted island or something? ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Anthony Hopkins sets the standard
'The Bunker' is one of three films that deal with Hitler's final days as the Soviets encircle Berlin and put an end to the Third Reich in April/May 1945.

'The Bunker' is both one of the best and one of the worst of the three (the others being 1973's 'Hitler: the last ten days' and 2005's 'Downfall') at the same time.The triumph of 'The Bunker' is Anthony Hopkins tour de force performance as Hitler, at times so exact it is as if you are watching a newsreel.The element that makes the film almost painful to watch is that almost a 1/3 of it is dedicated to the whitewashing of convicted Nazi war criminal Albert Speer.

One thing that makes 'The Bunker' different from the others is the occasional use of flashbacks, and although brief they do allow Hopkins to portray Hitler in different venues and in a relaxed mode, casually chating and enjoying the company of friends when times were fat.In the bunker itself Hopkins turns Hitler purple in a full throttle rage as he yells about the need to destroy "the scourge and pestilence of Jewish Marxism!"

'Hitler: the last ten days' does a bit better than the rest in portraying the supporting cast of characters in the drama but one stands out in 'The Bunker' and that is Michael Lonsdale as Martin Borman, Hitler's personal secretary and gatekeeper, a man of considerable power who plays his cards close to the vest and is always scheming to stay one step ahead of his rivals.Despite its flaws 'The Bunker' earns a high rating as the Hopkins performance simply cannot be missed.

Surpassing Portrayal/Slow Moving Film
As much as I'd like to rate this film high, it suffers from onof the classic symptoms of movies like these - it really needs to get moving in spots.It's kind of like going along at 55 MPH, and then coming to a stop light, ad nauseum.

Anthony Hopkins' portrayal of Hitler was surpassing, although I cannot compare it to someone like Alec Guinness, because I haven't seen that film yet, but for an HBO film and the choice of Hopkins, it's like some of the former reviews puts it - he grows on you, and almost transforms himself into Hitler before your eyes.

The supporting cast was okay, as far as supporting casts go.Susan Blakely played Eva Braun, although for some reason, I never expected Braun to be as attractive as Blakely portrayed her to be.

The subject matter, of course, is true to form.How the nation of Germany fell under the spell of what was to become a weak man, suffering from medical symptoms and emotional hysteria and paranoia escapes me, but don't all dictators somehow put their spell on the populace?In his case, he had Goebbels help, another character which was portrayed with chilling accuracy, all the while the propagandist trying to "pump up the Third Reich," but suggesting at times that FDR was dead, and that the cause will live on, and that the Jews were the cause of the problems they had, and wishing the world would take Germany's cue in this struggle.

A very interesting film, but I just wished it had gone a little more smoother.The pauses (momentary blackouts) were a little unnerving, especially as you get into the movie, and the 3 minute intermission was a bit much.Then there was the claim that the film was 87 minutes long.I watched it with my wife, and we figured it at two hours long.

If you're a Hopkins fan, this is a must-see.If you're a history buff, there might be other movies out there a little more appealing.

Hopkins is a Weaker Hitler
This version of Hitler's last days begs comparison with the earlier production with Alec Guinness.Hopkin's Hitler comes across as weaker, less strong, but it is a careful study nonetheless.The production is top quality, although the supporting cast is a bit weak.The actor who plays Goebbels over does it a bit, while Speer is given a more sympathetic portrait than he deserves.The perspective of this movie is larger, as it covers the entire three month period of Hitler's life in the Bunker.At times a little slow, the movie is less dramatic than its earlier counter part with Guinness, but it is a worthwhile version anyway.Hopkin's Hilter starts to grow on you after a while, while his performance lacks the force of Guinness it is still a careful study of a dictator/madman in steady decline.Buy both versions of Hitler with Guinness and Hopkins and you will have a fascinating study of one of the world's most infamous leaders of the 20th Century.

Great acting by Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins is absolutely riveting as Adolf Hitler.He captures all of Hitler's mannerisms, quirks, and facial expressions.My only complaint is that he doesn't use a German accent.The production is poor, and there are some flaws in the story.For example, Albert Speer is made out to be almost a hero in the film.It has been proven that there was actually no assassination attempt made by Speer.The guy who plays Joseph Goebbels is horrible, one of the worst acting jobs I've seen.But overall the acting is great, and the performance by Hopkins makes this movie worth owning.

Hitler's Last Days Revealed
Based on James O'Connell's best selling book, THE BUNKER is one of most accurate depictions of the last months of Adolf Hitler.Sir Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs, Nixon, A Bridge Too Far) was awarded an Emmy for his portrayal of Hitler.Considerable research was put into the book and that same detail transfers to the screen.The sets of the Chancellery, Bunker emergency exit and the Bunker itself are extremly detailed and could double for historic photos of the actual sites.The late Richard Jordan (The Secret of My Success, Gettysburg) contributes a strong performance as Hitler's Armaments Minister Albert Speer -- one of the few surviving senior vistors to the Fuehrer Bunker during the last days of Nazi Berlin.

Far superior to [other]productions ..., this is a definitive docu-drama of the last days of the Third Reich.The historical accuracy is striking.Costuming is accurate in almost every detail.

THE BUNKER was produced as a television movie in 1980 as a joint US - French production.This film is long overdue for release in DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

LET'S BE CURIOUS
This one was very hard to find. Hidden behind six SIXTH SENSE and five DOUBLE JEOPARDY dvd's at my favorite video store. That's a peculiar pleasure, and not the least, for the movie lover to discover a little pearl amidst the hollywoodian dinosaurs. So surprise, surprise ! Firstly, The jacket announced a special widescreen copy ; Nada ! just a pan & scan version, the movie killer by excellence as any movie buff knows it. Then a look at iMDB told me that OXYGEN was a TV-movie, but, in the user section, a reviewer was certifying that OXYGEN had been shown in two theaters ! What a salad ! (french expression).

Let's go back to Richard Shepard's movie which star Maura Tierney and Adrien Brody. Miss Tierney plays the character of a woman detective of the NYPD, married to her chief, and with a slight booze problem. On the other hand, Adrien Brody is a charming young man whose principal activity is to bury alive the women of wealthy men in order to obtain some money while the poor victims are suffocating. Well, that's a story !

And that's not the end of it ! Just imagine that Adrien Brody is also a fan of Harry Houdini, the famous magician of the beginning of the XXth century and likes to play with the nerves of the cops by escaping from the most unusual places. You also are going to appreciate the manner Richard Shepard,with subtlety, plays with one of the most common of cinematographic themes : vampires.

In short, OXYGEN is a very good surprise with excellent actors, it's a nervous little thriller with enough beef to please the most blasés movie lovers.

A commentary and the usual trailers and filmographies. Good sound but average images.

A DVD dedicated to my mother-in-law.

COMPELLING PSYCHODRAMA MAKES FOR AN ENGAGING THRILLER
I of course expected little from this small budget movie with unknown actors (including Brody, at that pre-Pianist time). Given these parameters, this is a very engaging thriller.

Very effectively creepy. The psycopath theme is occasionally so disturbing that it's hard to watch in places. But what frightens even more is the horrifying glimpse we get into the mind of a killer.

Brody offers us a frighteningly friendly and calm, hypnotically conniving psychopath, and Maura Tierney is very credible as a woman so self-destructive and full of self-hatred that in one disquieting scene she can barely look at herself in a mirror.

Definitely worth seeking out.

Tierney and Brody are Great, The Movie is Just Okay!!
It's been a long time since I've seriously blind bought a DVD or video. I normally go the rental way. But as I was passing through ... I stumbled upon this interesting film. It was called OXYGEN. I later discovered it was made for Showtime Television, as an original movie. I can see why, it's a potentially taught thriller, that's half realized.

Maura Tierney (Scotland PA) stars as Madeline Foster, a New York City Cop with a few humiliating secrets. Adrien Brody, (The Pianist) is Harry, a psychopath who has buried a women (Laila Robins, True Crime) alive in an elaborate extortion plot. When Harry refuses to talk to anyone but Foster, these two lives are caught in a dangerous cat and mouse game, and a women's life is at stake.

For what it's worth this is a well thought out thriller here. The elements are there to create a taught and fairly compelling cat and mouse game. But as the pieces fall into place, you realize its foundation is a house of cards and in the end everything is a little forced.

I think the biggest problem is that Brody's character knows too much. He puts two and two together far faster than even the audience does. For instance, he notices cigarette burns on Foster's arm. Instantly he jumps to a conclusion, that while true, takes a leap far to big for it's own good.

Tierney's character doesn't fare much better. The screenplay by Writer/Director Richard Shepard (The Linguini Incident) is too vague about her. Creating tension that goes nowhere. She's fighting demons of course, but does she do it for Alcohol? To give into some crazy fetish? Since the movie only makes a feeble attempt to sort out her problems, it falls flat. Every explanation comes from Harry's mouth a man she's never met before and I don't think he's that bright.

But on a positive note, Tierney and Brody are excellent in their roles. Even if I didn't buy the premise, those two actors are just so damn watchable. Tierney is like the girl next door with edge, the camera loves her, and she's so good at everything I've ever seen her do. I like how her performance transcends the material. She brings it all up a notch, something that a lesser actress would struggle with. Her performance reveals a woman who is struggling, even if the struggles are a little trite and silly.

Furthermore, Brody makes a great psycho. I liked everything about his character. I love how there is never a moment that he feels cornered. He runs the show at every minute. Like Harry Houdini (in which the story makes frequent reference too), Brody's character is an escape artist, with a sarcastic edge. In a better film this kind of character could win him an Oscar. Hmm.... I wonder if they ever did Hannibal Lecter: The Early Years, if they would consider hiring Brody? He's that good here.

OXYGEN is a half realized but watchable film. It wears its flaws on its sleeve. But it also has two really great performances in it. So do I recommend you see it? If you're nit-picky like me, than you probably won't like it. If you can give a movie its due despite it's many flaws, than yes.

*** out of 5

Oxygen - a breath of fresh air!
Oxygen is an ambitious, if little-known thriller. In its short, feature-length span it manages to approach a depth of characterization usually felt in the longer form of the crime novel. It stars Adrian Brody and Maura Tierney when they were far less famous than they are today; it's amazing what a few years can mean to a career. One need only look to this film for validation that their present stature is well deserved (Brody was the star of The Pianist; Tierney is one of the bright spots on TV's ER). Brody plays a narcissistic maniac who buries women alive to extort ransom money. Tierney is the troubled cop who pursues and confronts him and, in so doing, must confront her own demons. A great supporting cast, and a crackling-good script by its young writer-director-producer Richard Shephard make Oxygen - pun not intended - a breath of fresh air. I would give it five stars but there was something a little uneven about the film - perhaps the direction, which was hokey in parts (watch for the brief scene where cops search the city for the Brody character's orthodontist). This may be a case of nitpicking, but the film tended to feel "flat" in spots. These weaknesses are more than compensated for, however, and I heartily recommend this film to fans of thriller, horror, and crime genres. Add the fifth star if you're a fan of Brody or Tierney.

Suspense-filled Thriller
Oxygen is the type of movie that would interest anyone who likes a good thriller. The movie was very well acted, and Adrien Brody does a splendid job of interpreting the character of the sadistic Harry. Maury Tierney also stars as the detective out to catch him. The two share a chemisty on camera that is quite unique and adds to the tension and yet similarities between the two extremely different characters. ... Read more

Description

Every passion has its price. For Anna Dunlap (Academy Award(R)-winner Diane Keaton), a recent divorcee and mother of a young daughter, Molly, the price may be devastating. Discovering true passion for the first time in her life after meeting artist Leo Cutter (Liam Neeson, STAR WARS, EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE), Anna's life couldn't be more perfect. But shocking charges against the young woman place her newfound lifestyle under scrutiny, shattering her sizzling relationship and forcing her to prove that she is a good mother. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

So Powerful, So Wonderful
I was warned before watching this movie that it would not be one of those 'sit in front of the television with a bowl of popcorn' movies. For half of the movie, I just sat there, my eyes glued to the screen, watching Diane Keaton in a simply wonderful and dramatic role.

Anna Dunlap (Keaton) is a newly divorced woman with an adorable six year old daughter. They have a wonderful relationship, and it is very evident when you sit down and watch them together. Enter Liam Neeson. He starts out as a person with whom you would not want to get to know, but after a few minutes, he reveals that he's just in a bad mood and he is actually quite nice. When he first meets Molly (the very adorable Asia Vieira), she is very shy towards him, but she learns to like him and you can see that there is a bond between them. When something happens (I don't want to say what), and Molly's father wants full-time custody of her, the movie becomes a full-blown drama. It is, I admit, hard to watch some of the courtroom scenes, but they are so powerful and they draw you into the story. In a way, I saw the end result coming, but not exactly like it did. It definitely showed finality in the family.

Keaton's performace, like I said above, was incredibly powerful and she does a wonderful job portraying Molly's mother. The main reason I bought this movie was because of Diane Keaton, since she is my favorite actress and this movie shows her in her best dramatic role, in my opinion. If only it had received higher reviews when it came out. But I go by what looks good to me, and to me, this looked good, mainly because of the cast and the story.

Simply a must-see
Being a tremendous fan of Diane Keaton's work, I rented this movie (I'm still... that this movie isn't sold anywhere), and it immediately rated as one of my top-ten favorite Keaton videos. It honestly is an enigma that this movie didn't get enough praise it deserves. Most of the scenes are incredibly sweet, warm, and intimate. That's what makes this movie so great. When Keaton's character, Anna, meets Liam Neeson's character, Leo, there's a unmistakable bond forming. I especially love the scene when Anna goes to Leo's apartment and Leo and Anna becomes one, dancing in front of Leo's sculpture, making shadows on the wall from the light shining on them from behind. This is an esoteric concept of first love. I really thought it was so sweet when Anna confessed to Leo that she thought she wasn't very good at sex, and he gently assures her that they can fix that. There's no judgment in that scene;it's obvious that Leo really loves Anna, and their love is vivid. Another favorite scene is when Anna and her daughter, Molly, are in the bathtub with Leo reading to them. This is truly intimate, and I just love the fact that they were so open-minded about being naked in front of Molly. There's just so much tenderness and love. It was, to me, beautiful. And yet another favorite scene is when Molly has a bad dream and goes into Anna's room while she and Leo are making love, and they comfort her until she falls asleep.There's another display of intimacy, about caring and love. The three of them together was absolutely wonderful. That is why I found it incredibly appalling that Anna's ex-husband, Brian, goes to court for something that happened between Molly and Leo that had absoluely no intention of happening. (I won't ruin the ending for you). But I found the ending truly sad and final. A soon-to-be family are wrenched apart by an innocent mistake. I felt bad, because I knew they could have had a wonderful life together. I also felt bad for Anna and Leo. I could really see their love shown for each other. They were so comfortable together; their feelings for each other were vivid and beautiful. This is a movie of non-judgment and unconditional love, and that's what makes it so special. I honestly don't understand why this movie was considered a failure. Keaton is at her best in this movie, and Neeson is simply wonderful. I consider myself as an efficient movie critic, and I know which movies are bad or good. This movie is a MUST-SEE!!! I acclaim Keaton especially for her wonderful work in this movie. 'The Good Mother' is proof that Keaton is one of the world's most rare and special actresses. If you're not suffering from brain deterioration, immediately rent this movie! You won't regret it.

tenderness
I saw this movie 2 years ago on TV and I was deeply moved by it. I'm looking everywhere to find this movie on video but I haven't found it yet. I also read the book, before I saw the film and I think it's the first time that I like more the film than the book of a same story. I must confess that since this film I became a fan of Liam Neeson. It's a film that sensitive people must see. The scene before the mirror has remained with me all along.

The Good Mother - A GREAT FILM ! Don't miss this one!
Am I glad I bought this video while it was available! I rented it on the strength of the unparalleled Diane Keaton's participation, and found it one of the most moving films I've experienced. It's surprising this movie hasn't received meaningful press, at time of issue or since. Keaton is at her usual gorgeous, inspired best as Anna, a suppressed free-spirit. A divorced anywoman, she is the unquestionably devoted, responsible mother to 6-year old Molly, played to completely natural, adorable perfection by young Asia Vieira. Molly is equally crazy about her mom - their bond is deep and true. Welcome Liam Neeson (I fell in love instantly) as Leo, a charming Irish sculptor, as the first real and passionate love relationship in Anna's life; the two become serious quickly, and life is wonderful. Anna's ex-husband Brian, having moved on in his own life with another woman, reacts the only way he knows how to a controversial "mistake" Leo makes while caring for Molly one day while Anna is at work. Brian sues for custody, and the situation evolves dramatically from there (don't want to give it away).

This is a heart-wrenching, unforgettable story which unleashes a wide range of powerful emotions thanks to totally believable performances by the entire cast under Leonard Nimoy's superb direction: Ralph Bellamy as Anna's grandfather, Teresa Wright as her grandmother, Katey Sagal as friend Ursula, and Jason Robards as her attorney. Leo's mistake and the ensuing results evoke thought-provoking debate. Highly recommended!

interesting and moving
this movie was very interesting. the end is kinda sad and you don't expect it, but still is very good. i'd recommend this movie to everyone! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Priceless
A magnificent documentary that originally aired in AMC in 1998, that acomplishes being an interesting and complete retrospective on the whole "Planet of the Apes" phenomenon. An excellent opportunity to update your "ape-knowledge" just prior to the upcoming Tim Burton "re-visit" (not re-make as he has often underlined) to the Pierre Boulle world. This film is hosted by late Roddy McDowall and includes very interesting and exciting behind the scenes material, such as a first "ape make-up" test.

Go Ape!
As a fan of the 1968 film starring Charlton Heston, a film school graduate, and a fan of the VHS documentary from '98 I was very anxious to see this new version. The 2 disc set has the original 127 minute documentary, hosted by the late Roddy Mcdowell as well as host of extras. For the most part, it serves fans of the films very well. There is a wealth of rare footage showing a lot of behind the scenes stuff not seen in the documentary. The best of that stuff is the full make-up test with Edward G. Robinson James Brolin and Heston. There are all 5 "apes" trailers, a National Association of Theater Owners "preview, outtakes, and dailies. Also included is an unedited or "raw" interview with McDowell that offers some nice tidbits and a unique perspective After watching all of this it reaffirmed my belief that Tim Burton's take on the PLANET OF THE APES is visually stunning. But it doesn't hold a dozen banannas to the original.film in terms of story or impact Anyone who sees the documentary will gain a new respect for all involved with the original film and its sequels

I'm Goin' Ape With This DVD!
About six months ago, I bought the "Planet Of The Apes" box-set with the herald "sixth" disc, "Behind The Planet Of The Apes". So why did I also buy the new 2 Disc "Behind" version recently? Because it doesn't monkey around like the original "Behind" did! This version has the two-hour retrospective like the original, but so much more too! "Apes" N.A.T.O. presentation, more behind the scenes footage, extensive photo galleries, three totally different 1960's featurettes, the full complete E.G.Robinson screen test, and last but not least, an intimate rough-cut interview by Roddy McDowell himself, and it's over AN HOUR AND A HALF LONG! Along with brand new menus, totally different from the original disc, this is a must have for any Apes fan! I'm just goin' Ape with this!

The Ultimate Ape Documentary
This film was the documentary that revealed it all, even the make-up test with Hollywood legend Edward G. Robinson. Hosted by Roddy McDowall, this film goes behind the scenes at all five apes films, the two television series, the mass merchandising campaign, and beyond. Learn that this whole thing started with a novel that was rejected by its own author, and that Arthur Jacobs, the producer, had his wife in all but one Apes film.
Interveiws with Charlton Heston, Kim Hunter, John Chambers, Natalie Trundy, and Ricardo Montalbahn are also included. The Ultimate Ape Event!

Look into the making of the apes saga!!!(...)
This is a great documentary on how the apes saga was made.This 2 disk DVD set takes you behind the scenes of Planet of the Apes.It is an great experience for apes fans.Hosted by Roddy McDowall(actor who played Cornelius,Caesar,and Galen)it is alsome!There is some things I do not like about it though.One thing is on the interview with Roddy McDowall.I just think that its to long and I don't think anywone would want to watch 1 hour and more of Roddy McDowall talking.Also I hate how the dailies and outtakes don't have any sound.You don't even now whats going on half the time.This is still a good experience and I think you should get it!!(...) ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Labor Pains Is Pretty Painful To Watch
Labor Pains while not a completely horrible movie, is pretty hard to watch. This movie does not have a good script and the acting certainly didn't add anything. There is very little character development, most of the characters never move beyond one dimensional, ... and completely unbelievable people. The acting in this movie is some of the worse I have ever seen, even the more famous actors like Mary Tyler Moore completely over act. This movie is supposed to be a romantic comedy, but I never laughed once. I wouldn't rent this movie, but if it is on TV and you are bored I would give it a try.

Refreshingly semi-conservative!
This is an off-the-wall movie about a young woman (Kyra Sedgwick) who gets pregnant by her boyfriend (Rob Morrow), then breaks up with him because he fears commitment. She doesn't bother to tell anyone but her best friend (Lela Rochon) about the little bun she has in the oven. She considers abortion, but (thankfully) not for very long. She finally decides to give the baby up for adoption after its birth (maybe...). She goes into labor maybe 20 minutes into the movie, and leaves everything up to her best friend, who calls the baby's father and her parents, who all converge at the hospital for a hilarious "family reunion". I'm not going to give the ending away...and I'm not going to say that this is the greatest, funniest movie I've ever seen. In my opinion, it's a worthwhile rental. Keep in mind that it's not all that true-to-life; for instance when the doctor asks her how far apart her contractions are, she replies with a big smile and, "you know I've really lost track". YEAH, right! Not only that, but she finds the time somewhere in all of this while she's at the hospital (even though she went into labor at a restaurant and wasn't carrying any visible bags) to slip her huge pregnant self into a clingy red dress, complete with slits up the sides. Isn't that just all the rage in every maternity wing for laboring women??? If you can get past these few little quirks, you might find this movie enjoyable. One of the funniest aspects of the movie was that all of the older married couples seemed to still be quite...active. It has an R rating for some language and a few fairly explicit sex scenes, so it's definitely not a family movie, but it could have been a lot worse. As a young single woman, I get tired of renting movies targeted towards me that are filled with all sorts of propaganda promoting abortion, homosexuality, and/or other things I'm not involved with and don't really want shoved down my throat at every opportunity. It was nice to see a new movie come out that actually promoted marriage and parenthood. ... Read more