Amazon.com essential video

Not only was Barry Levinson's comedy shot in a relatively fast period of 29 days, the satire of politics and show business feels as if it were made yesterday. There's a fresh spin quite evident here, a nervy satire of a presidential crisis and the people who whitewash the facts. The main players are a mysterious Mr. Fix-It (Robert De Niro), veteran Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman), and a White House aide (Anne Heche). Can the president's molesting of a young girl be buried in the two weeks before an election? A war in Albania just might do the trick. In the good old days, the president would just invade. With modern technology, it's even cleaner. The hungry press looks for any lead, convenient misinformation is created by the latest Hollywood fakery ("all developed by the new James Cameron film") creating images and merchandise all instantly packaged. And it must be real, because it's on TV. David Mamet's script never questions the morals or the absolute secrecy needed to pull this thing off. He and director Barry Levinson have enough truth in the story to make you wonder what is real news and what is just promotion the next time you see CNN. Many of the supporting players impact the story with mere presence: Denis Leary as a quote man, Willie Nelson as a songwriter. The three leads are magnificent. With the similarities between history and this film, Wag will forever linked to the Monica Lewinsky saga. This video version contains a new minidocumentary focusing on the parallels of the film with the Bill Clinton scandal, including comments from director Barry Levinson and hosted by newsman Tom Brokaw. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (99)

"We haven¿t declared war since WWII. We¿re going to war"
Despite the appearance that it has the typical "Lewinsky" plot, Wag the Dog is a masterfully scripted satire that concerns more than tainted politics. The movie opens with the seemingly pointless and unanswerable question, "Why does the dog wag its tail?" But it interestingly continues, "Because it's smarter... otherwise the tail would wag the dog." And that's what it's all about: control and intelligence.

Wag the Dog finds the president in a dire situation a mere two weeks before Election Day. Allegations that the president groped a Firefly girl on a Whitehouse tour are sure to hand the election over to Sen. John Neal. Conrad Brean (DeNiro), A political "Mr. Fix-It," is promptly brought into the picture, and he decides to distract the media with a fictitious war in Albania. He and Winifred Ames (Heche), the presidential advisor, delegate the fabrication of the war to a famous but eccentric and self-pitying producer, Stanley Motts (Hoffman). As they use all types of propaganda including film, music, and catchy slogans, the trio tumbles further into the abyss of corruption, continuing with more propaganda, but the public buys it.

Wag the Dog boasts a first-class cast. DeNiro shines in his role; he is sometimes so great at his job of hiding the truth that even his co-workers are unclear about what's real. Hoffman surprisingly deviates from his usual sober, intense roles. His amazing talent gives life to his egotistical attitude and his constant declarations of power as producer.

The movie's witty screenplay is especially potent in its ability of making jabs at the government. Brean says, "We haven't declared war since WWII. We're going to war."

While it is amusing that the movie makes trivial items like shoes become symbolic of patriotism, the disturbing thing about Wag the Dog is that it hits dangerously close to home. The fact that the media can falsify footage that moves the country to tears shows its power over public sentiment. Truthfully, how smart is the American public? It also arouses suspicion because the movie preceded the actual bombing in Albania, which seemed similarly planned to deter attention focused on the Lewinsky scandal.

Probably not the President's favorite movie, but it's mine!
As a Brit living in the USA I have noticed a very welcome trend in life Stateside, you's all starting to take yourself less seriously!. In a country which takes a somewhat harsh view of showing a nipple on NBC, this film is nothing less than an exhilarating ( and apposite) joy!.

Trying to keep the Presidents name off the front page when he's been found to be groping a 13 year old just two weeks before an election demands the services of an extraordinary guy ( Robert de Niro). The answer?, war with Albania! ( does this give you folks a sense of deja vu?)

Not a real war of course, a virtual, televisual war, designed to show the heroic qualities of the American Nation, The American Army ( listen for the hymn of praise to the "men of the 303") and, not least, the American President.

A plot that, though labrynthine, never really loses it's way, and the combined efforts of everybody from De Niro and Dustin Hoffman to Willie Nelson ( yep!, Willie Nelson!) make this film the equivalent of the best-seller you can't put down, We cannot buy it in the UK, I suspect that Prime Minister feels that he owes enough to Bill to at least stop us getting our hands on THIS!!.

Pity though, it's the best film of 1998 by a country mile.

This movie was funnier BEFORE we started engineering wars...
Oh dear.

Originaly a parody of the Lewinsky "situation," this movie has grown even more timely since its release. We are currently embroiled in a fake war that this movie definately saw coming: from manufactured heros that don't quite work out (whatever happened to Jessica Lynch anyways?) to theme songs ("Let the Eagle Soar," anyone?) to photo-op battles (the pulling down of Saddam's statue, with the American tanks off-camera so that it looked like it was being done by a mob of Iraqis).

This is a very funny parody that is sometimes subtle, sometimes abrasive, but always hits its target dead on: whether it is the greasy advisors, the complacent news media, or the easily duped American public. Everyone should give it a watch before the next presidential election.

Wag the Dog
This movie has got to be the worst script ever written. If it even had a script. It must have been conceived during a dream of a left-winger. It is a conspiracy fantasy of how the White House must be for those who have no idea of how to cope with real world.

In the end, the movie has two great actors, Dustin Hoffman and Roberth DeNiro wasting their breath.

CLINTON PARODY
"Wag the Dog" was straight out of the Clinton files. The President (partially shown, but apparently not resembling Clinton physically or politically) defiles a girl scout on a White House trip and it becomes public. In real life Clinton lobbed bombs at Iraq and Bosnia to get the story off page one. In the movie a Bob Evans-type movie producer (Dustin Hoffman) is asked to create fake footage of a war with Albania, in order to get the girl scout story off page one. Think of the personal characterictics of Ron Reagn, then the personal characteristics of Bill Clinton. Nuf sed.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM ... Read more

Amazon.com

Thief's dark noir spaces are tinged with the neon palette that has become the trademark of director Michael Mann (Miami Vice, Heat).This was his first theatrical film, and all the elements that characterize his later style (and this is a very stylistic film) are dominant.Equal parts grit and glamour, the story is simple.Frank (James Caan) is a lone-wolf jewel thief who was, in his words, brought up "by the state."In prison he was apprenticed to a master thief, played by Willie Nelson.When Frank's successful career comes to the attention of an avuncular syndicate boss (Robert Prosky), Frank is offered (and accepts against his better judgment) a deal that should allow him to retire and enjoy the family life he covets.But the deal sours, and Frank is left to decide what his nature truly is, lone wolf or family man.Thief melds its jazzy visual style with heightened realism: the jewel thief's tools of the trade are authentic, up to the 8,000 degree thermal lanceused to cut through a nearly impregnable safe.Some of the bit parts are played by real-life, highly successful jewel thieves, who acted as consultants.And their presence informs the superb dialogue, as every wordrings true. In one long, engrossing scene, James Caan gradually persuades the woman he wants to start a family with (Tuesday Weld in one of her most affecting performances) that they should be together.The film was photographed beautifully by Donald Thorinand further emboldened by the driving rhythms of Tangerine Dream.The DVD contains a very funny commentary track by the director and James Caan. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Before There Was "Heat"
I had to write this review after reading so many rave reviews of "Heat", which is overrated compared to "Thief". It makes me wonder how many of those customer reviewers are adolescents or young adults who have not seen this picture.

This motion picture is somewhat similar in plot to "Heat", but with considerably less violence (until about the final 30 minutes). James Caan is at his best as an ex-con trying to play his cards close to the vest when he makes a deal with a mob leader that ends disastrously. I find myself agreeing with the customer reviewer who wrote that this was Caan's best acting performance ever. The intensity and feel of "Thief" make it a far superior movie to "Heat", with excellent supporting performances from Willie Nelson, Tuesday Weld, and Jim Belushi.

Especially noteworthy is the performance of Robert Prosky as Leo, the mobster who thinks he's got Caan's character under his thumb only to get his comeuppance. Look for Rick Rossovich and Dennis Farina as Leo's hired muscle.

In addition to a great plot and great performances (hallmarks of almost every film Mann's ever done) is a soundtrack by Tangerine Dream that really rocks! Rent or buy this movie, and if you like it, start your quest for the soundtrack album immediately! You'll be glad you did.

Don't get me wrong here, "Heat" was a good movie. "Thief", however, was done first and done better

James Caan At His BEST!
In his finest role to date, veteran actor James Caan plays Frank, an ultra-cool, independent jewel thief with some very definite plans. Frank reluctantly gets involved with a mobster who changes all those plans. Frank is "Joe the boss of my own Universe" as he tells Leo (Robert Prosky)upon their first meeting. Unfortunately for Frank, he'll soon find that Leo has become the boss of his universe once he agrees to "freelance" for him. To get free, Frank has to dismantle the picture perfect life he tried to assemble, and start over again. ................ This film has a wonderful noir mood with all the atmospheric rain soaked Chicago streets, earthy dialogue and colorful characters. These come in the form of crooked DTs and mobster henchmen to name a few, peppering the screen with non-stop action. These characters feel very real, and keep you riveted throughout. ............ Director Michael Mann, who also created "Heat" and "Man Hunter" as well as the "Miami Vice" TV classic of the 80s, did some of his best work in this film. The soundtrack from "Tangerine Dream" is no less than outstanding. The entire score really enhances every scene. I especially love the wonderfully sensual sounding lead guitars during the exciting culmination of the story when Frank faces Leo solo to take back his independence. .......... Willie Nelson as David Okla, master thief that taught Frank his craft, and Dennis Farina in his big screen debut (with BLACK hair!) as one of Leos henchmen are two of many interesting faces and characters along the way. .............. Since this is one of my favorite films, I can truly say, if you have never seen "Thief"... you've been robbed of a truly great film viewing experience.

The revenge is a wonderful dish
The thief is a modern film noir. James Caan gives his most powerful performance to date. Cool, analytical with a hard debt that it must be paid.
There is a film that I still remind very close related, titled Point Blank and directed by John Boorman. The starring in that film was the hard Lee Marvin. I have the inner conviction that Thief was inspired by that one. Please acquire both of two. I have them in my personal collection.
This is the opera prima of Michael Mann as director. Well effort and amazing script.
One of the top ten cult movies from the eighties.
A must in your collection!.

Great 80s film
James Caan does a great job at playing a master thief approaching middle age. Contrary to a superficial viewing he does not glorify the criminal life. His best scene is where he is describing the sense of waste he feels about his life and time in jail. James Caan really carries this scene over better than many actors of today would.

Oldsters will also remember that this is the first peice where James Belushi stepped out of his brother's shadow. He surprised a lot of people with a good dramatic role as James Caan's partner instead of a comedy.

Great Tangerine Dream score. Bit of trivia, the film has a song over the closing credits that was not by Tangerine Dream that is very good but not by Tangerine Dream. This song DOES NOT appear on the CD version of the Thief soundtrack, although it was included on the older cassette and LP releases. You can hear it on this movie release though.

THE SIGNATURE STYLE OF MICHAEL MANN
James Caan in black Armani leather looking better than he did in THE GODFATHER; Tuesday Weld looking angelic; Chicago lit up in neon with non-cliched corrupt cops, desperate crooks and the underbelly of the Midwest. Michael Mann imprinted his signature style on this fierce tale of a career criminal caught in the nightmare of a dream gone bad and a life that could never exist. THIEF is distingushed by its incredible visuals and hard dialogue... the most frightening of both is an exchange between a silent, face up Caan and Robert Prosky (fantastic as Leo) in a back alley shop with an acid bath at arms length. THIEF is the prototype for the new era film noir and Mann a skilled and worthy architect of the genre. Dennis Farina makes his acting debut as a shotgun toting mobster. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Surprisingly insightful, lots of fun to watch
It's hard to like Sonny and Hallie when we first meet them. He's a tipsy has-been cowboy, unsuccessfully living off past fame, and she is an aggressive journalist out for a story and thus a little fame for herself. But then, enter a champion race horse in need of rescuing, and Sonny (Redford) becomes the heroic cavalry, kidnapping the horse and riding off into the Las Vegas night, possibly to rescue himself at the same time. Hallie(Fonda)follows and not surprisingly, but perhaps too quickly, the prickly relationship between these two turns to romance. Perhaps for a few days, during the escapades as Redford sneaks the racehorse across some lovely countryside enroute to being set free from the chains of society, these two characters find what they are truly searching for -- intimacy. The romance is fun, since both Redford and Fonda know how to do on-screen romances very well. But more than that, this is a story with its poignant moments probably more solidly captured in an indictment of advertising and corporate hype, a warning about industrial profiteering, absurd greed, and the loss of humanity. There are a few political messages forced into the plot which are distracting from the overall moral story. But for the most part this is a fun movie. The characters Redford and Fonda meet up with along their route are entertaining and very human. Not a glamorous film, but very nitty-gritty, this is an enjoyable story about caring, really. Caring about the well-being of an animal or about people, about affording living things respect rather than dressing us all up to be celebrities or consumers. It ends beautifully also, with Redford trying to hitch a ride on a lengthy stretch of lonely highway, as the camera pulls farther and farther away and Willie Nelson sings an appropriately romantic and misty song . . .

A Cowboy Finds Redemption
"The Electric Horseman" is one of those movies that I have seen in bits and pieces on TV over the last few years. Just recently one rainy Saturday afternoon I was able to see the whole thing on DVD and find out what a enjoyable fim I had been missing.Robert Redford plays former champion rodeo rider, Sonny Steele, who has become a spokesperson for a large corporation pushing breakfast cereal.His life is now a string of endless, dreary appearences riding around in a ridiculous electric suit.He seems to have lost his self-respect and continually drowns himself in tequila and wild times.It is at a Las Vegas convention that Sonny awakens from his stupor, when he finds out that the corporation is mistreating Rising Star, a former horse racing champion.Sonny kidnaps the horse and on the run meets an enterprising and determined reporter (well played by Jane Fonda)as he attempts to release the animal into the wild. This is a wonderful story of a man who is sick of compromising and must rediscover what was good about himself.It is only then that he can find some redemption. Redford and Fonda are both excellent in the lead roles and have loads of chemistry together.They are also complemented by a good supporting cast that includes Valerie Perine and country singer, Willie Nelson.Mention should also be made of the beautiful cinematography which shows off some amazing western desert landscapes.The movie also has a good soundtrack which includes songs by Willie Nelson.My only complaint is that the DVD itelf is very bare bones and nothing to shout about.There are no extras and not even a trailer or proper menu.Still,it is a very good movie and I highly recommend it.

Image Entertainment release of this movie
I must disagree with the "Widescreen Review" of the image on this movie. They rated it a 2 out of 5. While non-anamorphic, and retaining a certain graininess, as compared to pristinely transferred movies, I have certainly seen much worse transfers of movies. Given that the correct intro music is on the Image release and not the later Universal release, I would still recommend this disk to anyone interested in this movie.

The movie itself is a definite 4 of 5. The transfer rates about a 3.

It is, however, a bare-bones edition. Not even a main menu. Just scene selection and the movie.

A REDFORD CLASSIC
In THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN Robert Redford plays Sonny Steele, an aging all-around champion rodeo cowboy who, as the result of numerous injuries and losing step with rodeo, has lost his vision and become a corporate spokesman for a cereal company. He somehow puts up with a lifestyle that, while making him rich beyond his dreams, has reduced him to nothing more than a poster boy. When Steele discovers that the company has purchased a classic racehorse, Rising Star, and is determined to do the same thing to the horse as they have done to him, doping it up and dragging it down in the process, he decides to save the horse's dignity and in the process saves himself as well.

Redford's performance is wonderful and spontaneous. Jane Fonda shines as a TV reporter bent on getting a story at any cost and in the end gets the cowboy too. Together Redford and Fonda pack the screen with a chemistry that quite literally mesmerizes every viewer.

Willie Nelson is terrific as a Steele handler and contributes with some of his best musical offerings and look for an early Wilford Brimley cameo.

Buy this one for the soundtrack alone. I keep hoping that one of these days Willie Nelson fans and lovers of the classic western harmonica tracks in this one will stage some sort of a revolt to get it released. Until then the movie's the next best thing.

Douglas McAllister

BEWARE!!!
Don't buy the 2003 Universal Edition of this DVD. Instead, sift through the web and find the DVD released by Image Entertainment in 1998. Why? You'd be better off asking "what's in a song?"

The latest version has omitted Willie Nelson's "My Heroe's Have Always Been Cowboys" in favor of some generic faux-Western instrumental. The song was played during the opening credits and when Sonny releases Rising Star into the wild. When I watched the new version (not knowing there was a new version), I was left emotionally flat by the experience, but I couldn't figure out why. Finally, I dug up an old VHS version I'd taped off of cable several years ago and realized the change.

Call it song as metaphor, song as objective correlative...call it any theoretical term you need to. MAYBE it would not matter to a person who'd never seen the original. But I think it would (somehow). The song captures those two moments of the film -- the song makes an emotional connection. The image and the sound, the joyful melancholy, all gel perfectly.

Why'd they change it? Who knows. The rest of Willie Nelson's songs remain on the soundtrack. I tend to think that the dimwits in charge of "product" treat these films like, uh, product. The battle of art versus commerce rages on...

It matters. And I'm sick of the culture industry manipulating music and movies that have affected me. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There really can't be enough movies adapted from Elmore Leonard novels;his sinuous storylines and fluid, surprising dialogue give any movie aboost from the start. In The Big Bounce, laid-back Owen Wilson(The Royal Tenenbaums, Shanghai Noon) plays Jack, asmall-time crook trying to lead an easier life in Hawaii. Trouble is, hecan't keep out of trouble, and when he does stay clean, trouble findshim--in this case, in the bikini-clad form of Nancy (Sara Foster), themistress of a local developer who gets turned on by the whiff criminalactivity. She lures Jack into a scheme that ultimately involves a solidcast including Morgan Freeman, Charlie Sheen, Gary Sinise, Bebe Neuwirth,Willie Nelson, and more. Foster doesn't bring much to movie besides heralarmingly sculpted body and the ending peters out, but The BigBounce has enough snap and crackle that you don't miss the pop.--Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Oh my god this is the worst movie i've ever seen
First of all you must understand my love for Owen Wilson, I find his movies to be hilarious, Starsky and Hutch, Zoolander, I mean come on. Morgan Freeman has also been in like a billion awesome movies, Shawshank Redemption, Robin Hood, Driving Miss Daisy, so don't get me wrong when you see my title, my anger is not at them. This movie was however the lamest, most boring, and stupid movie I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot of bad movies, I don't know if I laughed at all after the first 5 minutes. Charlie Sheen put in what could be considered the worst acting I've ever seen, his character was so stupid, so(...) stupid, Gary Sinese could have been replaced by a tape recorder filled with typical mean bad guy phrases like "find my money" or "get off my island or else", gee what more is there? I swear to god that I don't know if I was supposed to laugh at the ending or not, words cannot describe how I felt after it was all over. In the end I was just saddened as to why such good actors would be associated with this garbage, anyone who liked this movie needs help, or must be a Jimmy Fallon fan or something

A very good show!
The story is a humorous view of those who live by their wits. It pokes fun at greedy people, over zealous types, and has an outstanding plot.

I've seen it twice and want to buy the DVD and poster.

It will become a cult classic like "Strange Brew" did.

Elmore Leonard lite
THE BIG BOUNCE is a moderately entertaining caper comedy about two misfits (Owen Wilson and Sara Foster) trying to scam a sleazy developer (Gary Sinise) out of $200K. The film is based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, who as usual takes as much (if not more) pleasure in the planning than in the actual crime.
The film certainly takes the planning more seriously. The actual crime feels tacked on in a rush at the end. This movie will be a treat for Owen Wilson fans, it's a showcase for his mildly stoned insouciance. Model-turned-actress Foster is very beautiful and suitably pouty. A large number of eccentric characters populate the Hawaiian setting, most notably a relaxed Morgan Freeman as a judge/landlord. What's missing from THE BIG BOUNCE is danger and suspense, and any hint that any of the characters is actually a criminal. The plot to rip of Sinise's character is treated with the seriousness of a practical joke.The supporting cast also includes Charlie Sheen, Bebe Neuwirth, Vinnie Jones, Willie Nelson and Harry Dean Stanton.
Still, Owen Wilson is a fine comic actor, and THE BIG BOUNCE is a low key good time, a good way to kill a Saturday afternoon.

One Man, One Women, Countless Cons!
I really like the films that Owen Wilson pick. "I Spy," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Shanghai Knights," and "Meet the Parents," just to name a couple. Then there is "The Big Bounce" which is a movie based on a book by the same name by crime novelist Elemore Leonard. I have not read the book to compare, and I wouldn't compare because if I had read the book, I would have watched the movie thinking that the book never was written. The only downfall with "The Big Bounce" was that the movie was very short. There could have been a little more added. I also relized that half of the trailer was not even in the movie. The movie couldn't have been longer than eighty-five minutes, and I thought that it would be longer. But I did really like it, nonetheless, because the big question during the movie is "Who's Scamming Who?" There were so many cons going on during this movie that it was always exciting because you knew there had to be another one coming.

The movie had Owen Wilson as Jack Ryan a small criminal(or a matchstick man) who is working at a constuction site for Ray Ritchie. As the locals protest the land being destroyed, Jack gets into a fight with Lou the foreman, and ends up hitting him over the head with a baseball bat. Jack is let out of jail and is hired by Judge Walter, to be a handyman at a motel that he owns. Jack then meets Nancy, a myserious beautful girl who is involved with Ray, dispite he being married to Alison, who is out of town. Nancy and jack spend time together, and she eventually asks him to help her steal $200,000 from a safe in Ray's lodge. Ray's right hand man Bob Jr., who is married, also becomes interested in Nancy, and wants Jack off the island. Jack falls deeper and deeper into love with Nancy, and they both prepare for the big heist. But they also run into a couple of unexpected surprises, when the people they know and trust are not exactly what they seem.

The ending of "The Big Bounce" was both obvious and also surprising. It ended the way that I thought it would, but it also had an added twist. I thought that Owen Wilson was perfect for the role of Jack Ryan because he works well as a criminal. He looks like somebody that you could trust, if he has to play you during a job. The same goes for his actor brother Luke Wilson. I liked seeing them side by side in "The Royal Tenenbaums," but this movie proves once again that Owen Wilson could act alone. Morgan Freeman was good in this movie, but when is he isn't. Sara Foster, who plays Nancy, is making this her first motion picture, but there is probally a big future for her in movies. The supporting cast includes Bebe Neuworth, Gary Sinese, Charlie Sheen, and Vinnie Jones, and all of them workd perfectly off everybody else.

Throughtout just about all the movie, you could see landscapes of Hawaii, where the movie takes place. It takes up alot of the time in the movie. but by watching them you could see why Jack does not want to get off of the island that Ray wants him to. "The Big Bounce" was a very good movie, with a great cast, and a great story. I am looking forward to reading the book. I could already tell that this is going to be one of those movies that nobody sees, but many people love, like "Death to Smoochy," and "Big Trouble." Go see "The Big Bounce," and don't listen to the critics. It was a great heist film.

ENJOY!

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and nudity, violence and language.

Wilson (a great actor) lost in this movie
i really wanted to see this movie and within the first 35 minutes those feelings stayed true. after that though everthing fell apart. even an excellent actor like Wilson couldn't keep this movie together after that. i'm guessing much of this film was left on the cutting room floor and either the director or editor forgot to watch the completed version before sending it to you and i. far to many gaps are included here making one wonder...how are they contected and where did that come from. an intelligent movier-goer can make "leaps of faith", but one should never be asked to jump a between to mountain ranges without some hope of survival. after saying all this, the ending was the worse. the real wrap up. without giving anything away one character who's been killed is just left in the wind, and we are left to guess who was pinned for that. with such an open ending one would guess there could be a sequel...i doubt it. this movie has amature written all over it. too bad amazing stars like Wilson and Freeman let something like this hit the movie screens without having it tweeked. if you doubt this review and see the movie anyhow...be sure to watch some of the surfing scences. it looks as if they took shots from something else, something with far less quality, and just added them with no reguard. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Absolutely brilliant--period.
Don't be fooled by the low budget...this film proves that a story can be well told even without the filter of millions of dollars. The characters of the two brothers in Journeyman are so alike, you might be unsure if it is just one actor playing two roles. A blend of reality, and morphine induced surrealism evoke--besides what you see on the screen--the image of one who is lost, in more ways than one, wandering through God's Country in search of some answer, be it through either redemption or damnation. Both brothers seem lost in their own right, yet while one seems to seek an almost 'Doc Holiday-ish' end by incurring as much violence as he can become swept up into, the other is apparently looking for his brother in hopes of actually saving him from an inexorable doom. Their parts are played to perfection by Brad Hunt and Daniel LaPaine, with Hunt being 'The Morphinist', and LaPaine as the 'The Journeyman'. LaPaine has been apparently raised and educated by a priest who finds him in hiding after the murder of his grandfather (Willie Nelson). After the priest rides away with the young boy, there is a lapse of 13 years, and the only clues one really gets as to his religious education are his silent observation (slow to speak, slower to act), a few moments of concentrated prayer, and his refusal to be goaded by a self-aggrandizing tough, even after he is struck by the braggart. Hunt, on the other hand, has been literally dragged and carried off by the very men who murdered their grandfather, and there are a few references to what happened to him in those 13 years, but these are only through his own drug hazed memory. In fact, his mind has become so imbibed with the morphine he is addicted to, that he kills a Mexican rancher who only somewhat resembles one of the men responsible for what can only be a ruined life. On the surface, it might be easy to regard this film with a host of other garden variety western chases. However, it is, in fact, a powerful indictment of the eventual and inevitable destruction of the vengeant mind. Hunt is a splendid picture of a man laying waste to everyone about him, clearly hoping for someone to put him out of his misery, and perfectly willing all the while to bring down any who cannot. Though some of the supporting characters seem almost comical in their disproportionate rendering, they too portray a wild eyed sense of a grasping to find and maintain that control of a life that seems to have no direction. This is not merely another period film with neat accuracy in 'horse tack', and pissed off guys blazing at each other with sixguns. No, this film will engage your sense of right and wrong--what's more, the root of a mans' pursuit of his own rights and wrongs, and at a deeper level than is found in most other films of any genre. This is still a "man's" movie, but even more, it is a thinking man's movie.

Journeyman, Smokin' Western
The Journeyman is a western which is truly relevant to the hip hop generation. It is a tale of violence begetting violence generation upon generation. It is a tale of the erosion of a man's psyche because of drug addiction. It is a story of sin, but no redemption. It is a story of purposeless hatred and the love of two brothers undistilled by time and space.

Aside from the intriguing story, the sets and locations are really wonderful. The set dressing and props are perfect, down to the most minor piece of horsetack. After viewing this movie several times I noticed that the guns, fashions and machinery changed along with the century. I found this movie truly fascinating. It is a western on a par with The Searchers or The Unforgiven. This film is the most opulent and impressive low budget western ever made.

Gritty And Well Made Western
I disagree with Allan. I loved this film. True, it is confusing at times, but well worth seeing.

Character actors Corbin and Gilliam are great, but this clearly is Brad Hunt's film, from the start. He's a remarkable talent and deserves recognition for it. Not for one second do you doubt that he's an empty shell of a man who's given up on searching for real meaning in his life. It's an incredible performance, and I only hope that he's destined for stardom, in the future.

If you don't care for gritty, downbeat westerns, this one might not be your cup-of-tea (Unforgiven is a walk in the forest by comparison), but otherwise you need to see it for Brad Hunt's stunning performance.

Confusion on the Border
The "Journeyman" is the most confusing Western I have ever seen, and I've seen hundreds and hundreds. Filmed along the border in the Big Bend Country of Texas the story is a complete mishmash to the point of sometimes being unable to determine which character is which. Don't be misled by Willie Nelson's name in the cast: he's killed off in the first minute. The writing, direction, and acting (except for Barry Corbin) are all abysmal. You will be disappointed in the film. ... Read more

Description

Marking the 25th recording for the brand, Smith Music Group is proud to present Willie Nelson Live At Billy Bob's Texas on CD and DVD. It is everything a milestone should be. (def. mile stone n. An important event. a turning point). Born in Abbott, Texas, Willie began performing when he was four and was encouraged by his grandparents to learn musical instruments. Willie opted for guitar and his sister Bobbie chose piano. He began writing songs when he was seven and later penned the Patsy Cline standard "Crazy," Faron Young's "Hello Walls," Billy Walker's "Funny How Time Slips Away" all hitting the Top 40 charts. This musical icon's career has helped shape the sound of country music. Throughout the 1960's, he recorded a series of minor hits, leading to his "outlaw country" image in the early 70's. In the mid-70's, Willie reached superstar status when he released the cross-over hit single "Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain". Making his jump to the big screen, he recorded his signature song "On The Road Again" for the film Honeysuckle Rose. The next few decades teamed him up with many diverse partners including -- fellow country outlaw, Waylon Jennings; Latino pop star, Julio Iglesias; The Highwaymen, Waylon, Kris Kristofferson and Johnny Cash; Electric Horseman, Robert Redford; fellow Farm Aid founders, Neil Young and John Mellencamp; and of course, the IRS. With over 100 albums, months and months of touring, year after year, Willie Nelson has crossed all cultural and socio-economic lines. Recorded in October 2003, at a two-month's-ahead-sold-out-show, Willie Nelson Live At Billy Bob's Texas. Here's your ticket. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Don't Miss It!
Willie has been recording since the '50s. Here's a chance to see Willie performing at home in Texas. Willie is very underrated as a lead guitarist, and here you'll get to see Willie demonstrating his chops on "Trigger," his old guitar. This DVD has every classic Willie Nelson song you could hope to hear. The DVD has DTS sound, and the "bonus" interviews are interesting as band members recount their life on the road. This is essential Texas country music.

This DVD is just like being there!
Here is willie and the band doing what they do best. Every time you see Willie live, you always see his songs in a new light, Willie connects with the audience and performs for the moment. In this concert, Willie is the only lead guitarist (Jackie King was away) and it is great to hear his unique sound throughout the whole concert. This DVD is for the true Willie fan, true fans love to see Willie perform his songs differently every night. Willie is at home here performing in Texas. If you have seen Willie's Amsterdam DVD from 2000, this is a great update to see him 3 years later. I saw Willie in November 2003 and this DVD is not far from what I experienced actually being there. It is also great to see the extra footage and interviews. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Strong cast delievers a stinker
Looking at who is in the movie you would think it wouldn't be a stinker. It was big time. Nothing seemed to work when it came to the comedy and since its a comedy movie that is essential of course. I had this film recommended by a guy at my work. Lets just say I am not going to take any more of his advice. He told me this was one of the funniest movies he has ever seen.

This is the best flick I've ever seen!
I was laughing so hard I almost vomitted! Hillarious!

LAUGH OUT LOUD FUNNY!
Gone Fishin' is a delightful comedy for any ages. The perfect family movie doesn't even begin to describe this. Danny Glover and Joe Peschi are perfect together, and this is that perfect Friday night family movie. It's a ten, ten plus, border line eleven!

Complete Waste of Time
Gone Fishin' is among the worst Hollywood movies ever made. There is simply nothing to recommend within this completely random and unamusing mess. Danny Glover and Joe Pesci (buddies from the Lethal Weapon sequals) unite again here, looking tired and bewildered. The film was unlikely to have a script, giving the two stars the freedom to improvise, however both spend the time jerking around in some boat in Florida. Not even strong Pesci or Glover devotees could sit through this. Unfunny, uninspired, cliched and utterly dismal.

This is the best movie ever made
Hands down, this movie is amazing. nothing else even compares to it. ... Read more

Description

OUTLAWS & ANGELS...Featuring BOB DYLAN, KEITH RICHARDS, MERLE HAGGARD, KID ROCK, AND MORE!

This show, hosted by James Caan, features a laundry list of music's biggest names. Kid Rock, Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, Carole King, Merle Haggard, Toby Keith and many more perform with Willie on some of his and country music's biggest hits! This show was recorded in May 2004 in Los Angeles.

Track Listing:
1. Georgia On A Fast Train / Ramblin' Fever - w/ Toby Keith, Joe Walsh & Merle Haggard
2. You Win Again - w/ Bob Dylan
3. Shotgun Willie / Shotgun Bobby - w/ Kid Rock
4. Funny How Time Slips Away - w/ Al Green
5. Rainin' In My Heart - w/ Al Green
6. One With The Sun - w/ Shelby Lynne
7. Stormy Weather - w/ Shelby Lynne
8. Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - w/ Carole King
9. Still Is Still Moving To Me - w/ Toots Hibbert
10. Midnight Rider - w/ Ben Harper
11. Pressure Drop - Toots Hibbert & Ben Harper
12. I'll Never Be Free - w/ Lee Ann Womack
13. Opportunity To Cry - w/ The Holmes Brothers
14. Cisco Kid - w/ Los Lonely Boys
15. Pancho & Lefty - w/ Toby Keith & Merle Haggard
16. Overtime - w/ Lucinda Williams
17. Mama Tried - w/ Merle Haggard
18. Comes Love - w/ Rickie Lee Jones
19. We Had It All - w/ Keith Richards
20. Trouble In Mind - w/ Keith Richards, Merle Haggard & Jerry Lee Lewis
21. Whole Lot Of Shakin' Going On - w/ Kid Rock & Jerry Lee Lewis
22. I'll Fly Away / On The Road Again - ensemble ... Read more

Description

In the tradition of THE WILD BUNCH and THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN comes this fast-paced, action-filled western with unforgettable performances by an all-star cast:Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Travis Tritt and Waylon Jennings. All hell breaks loose in this riveting story when a group of former outlaws with bad attitudes teams up to catch a killer with murder and revenge on his mind.After Tobey (Jennings), a retired member of the group, is brutally gunned down by former member and killer, Clinton Reese, our band of reformed gunslingers, Lee (Nelson), Tarence (Kristofferson) and Dalton (Tritt), sets out on Clinton's trail.They are joined by Tobey's reluctant young son Bryce. Following the trail of the killer, our heroes are lured across the border straight into Clinton's ambush.Clinton, aided by the Mexican army, squares off against our band of heroes.The action explodes as the ultimate sacrifice must be paid for justice...outlaw style! ... Read more

Description

Barbarosa (Willie Nelson), a gnarly ex-Texas Ranger turnedbandit, lives by his wits and his prowess with a gun.Prowling thelonesome deserts of the Southwest, the wily fugitive meets Karl (GaryBusey), a young, eager farmhand out of his element, forced to run afteraccidentally killing his brother-in-law.Together, the outlaw and theoutcast outwit their bloodthirsty pursuers in this legendary story ofbetrayal, misunderstanding, honor and dignity.Brought vividly to thescreen by director Fred Schepisi ("Roxanne", "Six Degrees of Separation"and "I.Q."). ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Obscure Western... Great Movie
Obscure western from the early 80s starring Willie Nelson and Garey Busey. Good drama; great cinematography; excellent soundtrack.

Willie Nelson plays Barbarossa, an ex-Texas Ranger kept away from his Mexican wife because of a vendetta from his father-in-law who is also the pueblo's elder chieftain. Nelson soon encounters Busey roaming in the desert as an outcast from his own family feud. They soon join together as desperadoes roaming the Sonoran desert while evading men of the pueblo who seek to carry out their jefe's vendetta.

The acting is excellent and all of the characters are given depth. A very touching story. Definitely worth owning.

EXCELLENT Western - one of the best ever
It was hard for me, as a country music hater, to find any interest in Willie Nelson, but in complete contrast to his music, I think he makes a fantastic character in a western. He can actually act and act very well, portraying a crusty outlaw who serves as the unwilling mentor of a goofy country boy, played by Gary Busey. This movie develops the classic master-apprentice theme and crafts a very exciting, well thought story. This is every bit as good as The Magnificent Seven or The Outlaw Josey Wales. Buy it, you won't regret it.

Superior Western
One of the best unknown Westerns of the last 20 years or so, Barbarosa stars Willie Nelson and Gary Busey in a story of revenge and honor. Nelson plays a ex-Texas Ranger, Barbarosa, who's now a lone bandit, preying on rich Mexicans. During a disagreement, he formerly crippled his father-in-law to be, a Mexican landowner and still deeply loves the landowner's daughter with whom he has had a daughter.

Busey is a Texas farmhand who accidentally killed his brother-in-law--his sister's husband--and is now out on his own, pursued by his brother-in-law's two brothers for revenge. Similarly, Barbarosa is being pursued by the landowner's top gun, a fiery Mexican who vows Barbarosa's death.

The two, Nelson and Busey, meet by accident and join up for a time. During that time we get to see the West as it very likely really looked about 100 years ago (more specifically, the Southwest--i.e., southern Texas); the cinematography is magnificent. One of the critical ingredients in any great Western is great cinematography and that is very much in display here. As well, the score by Bruce Smeaton is excellent.

Nelson and Busey do a great job--their accents certainly don't hurt (both men are originally from that part of the U.S.), and so does the supporting cast. Fred Schepisi, the director, has a perfect sense of pacing and momentum that pulls the viewer along with very little tugging indeed. Armadillos figure in the mix, as do old men with guns and younger men buried up to their necks. There's a hacienda, a cantina, and an outdoor festival. The film drips with Western atmosphere, no question.

Highly recommended for fans of the genre.

Full screen version of a 2:35 film
Beware. Artisan has only released a full-screen version of this movie. If aspect ratio is important to you, don't buy it.

GREAT movie
this is one of THE best written movies ever made, the acting makes the writing even better, and the music brings it all together. the final scene is simply wonderful. the premise is so odd one gets the feeling it was written on a dare, like "bet you can't write ..." (i don't want to give it away if you haven't seen it). yet it hangs together as a story. and both busey and nelson are just superb. great movie.
and, yes, there was a scene removed before it was mass marketed. the scene explains why nelson does what he does. unlike bladerunner, i think this (director's cut?) version is better. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

One of the Greatest Willie Movies Ever!!!
Bless my soul, this movie is finally coming to DVD!!! This has to be one of the greatest Willie Nelson movies ever (this and Barbarosa). It is smartly written and has a certain chemistry about it. Everything just fits. It is a wonderful gem of a movie that I'm glad will no longer be one of the moritorium VHS titles. If you're a Willie fan, it's a must own. If you're somewhat curious, check this movie out. You won't be disappointed.

+1/2. Cute Willie Nelson vs. Nashville caper film
A fast-paced, fluffy film about the "outlaw country" lifestyle. Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson play Doc Jenkins and Blackie Buck, two grizzled road warriors who will only face life on their own terms, come what may. Early in the film, Doc gives up life on the road and tries to make it big as a record producer in Nashville; his evil, unscrupulous business partner royally screws him in the contract negotiations, and Willie spends the rest of the film trying to get out from under his thumb. For his part, when onscreen Kristofferson mostly just smiles and acts carefree and high on life. Leslie Ann Warren opens up a gaping black hole of talentlessness and tunelessness, improbably cast as the "next big thing" country star that Doc and Blackie pin their hopes on -- it's all very well and fine, except that the gal can't sing her way out of a paper bag. Regardless, this is a fun film, a nice chance to see Willie, in particular, be completely charming. Some fun songs, too, though at times a bit heavy on the '80s rock influences.

We love it!
My wife and I like to open a few stubbies of beer and settle back to watch/listen to Willie and Kris and the cast having a lot of fun. Unfortunately we have to hire it, and always have our eyes open for a copy. The script, music, acting appeals to us. Definitely one our our favourite films.

fun movie - great soundtrack
I enjoyed the movie a lot, but I enjoyed the soundtrack even more. Songwriter, Under the Gun, etc... now I just need to find a CD copy of the soundtrack (or maybe a DVD copy of the movie?).

Songwriter: One of The Best Pictures of The Year
Dr. Drew Casper PhD., Professor of Critical Studies at U.S.C.'s School of Cinema/Television lamented the lack of Oscar(tm) consideration for this as "one of the best pictures of the year"(1984). As one of his former students, I concurred wholeheartedly. Having seen this movie 3 times upon it's very limited original theatrical release, and countless times since, I think it's a shame the studio didn't know how to market this as a universally appealing Musical Comedy. Produced before the heyday day of The Sundance Film Festival, and before studios knew how to market Independent Films, this hilarious movie was neglected a proper release and ignored except by the small elite group of critics who saw it on the tiniest screen of Hollywood's Beverly Center and in film school. Everyone loved it! Tri-Star mistakenly thinking a movie starring Country Music legends Willie Nelson and Kris Kristoffersen would only appeal in the South, stifled it's theatrical run by limiting it's release to cities south of the Mason Dixon Line. But this movie is actually a very, witty, and fairly sophisticated comedy better suited to a wider City Slicker and Art House movie crowd. As a native San Franciscan who cannot stomach Country music, I made its Soundtrack the first (and last) Country Music record purchase I ever made. I loved this movie, considering it among my top ten favorite movies of all time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With his leathery, whiskered features, his braided ponytails, and anacoustic guitar so well-worn that it's got a hole in it from decades of playing,Willie Nelson has grown so casual in his later years that it's easy to overlookhis consummate musicianship. Kicking off their European tour in Amsterdam onJune 7, 2000, Nelson and his traveling "family" of bandmates range through 30songs and medleys with no-nonsense precision, and for the most part it'sbusiness as usual--just good ol' country music in an intimate setting, capturedsimply but efficiently with three-camera video and expert sound recording.Nelson & family know their repertoire front and back, and although Willie'svoice seems to lack the subtle sweetness it had in the 1970s and '80s, it'sstill consistently smooth and inviting, and Nelson introduces just enoughimprovisational variation to keep his best-known hits fresh and timelesslyvital. They're all here, from "Whiskey River" to "On the Road Again" and everyfavorite in between, and while this career-spanning concert offers flawlessperformance with no particular highlights, it clearly displays the veteranprofessionalism and underrated guitar licks that have kept Nelson in thespotlight for decades. From country classics to the more introspective work ofhis recent albums, Nelson rides high in the saddle, never taking his globalaudience for granted. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Best days are behind him
I have been a Willie Nelson fan for over 25 years and jumped at the chance to purchase this DVD. I was very disappointed. The performance was lackluster and it was obvious to me that Willie's famous "phrasing" is now being used to attempt to cover that he can no longer carry the songs that made him famous. I believe he should retire and write music.

Gimme a W for Willie and an A for Amsterdam
I'm a native Texan so I grew up hearing Willie Nelson. Nelson is a sacrament to me. I'm really a hard rockin', Motorhead banging rock n' rollin man at heart. Then there's Willie. I'm a relatively young (30) year old fan. I wrote Mr. Nelson a letter telling him how I played lead guitar along with his songs. He sent me a real, autographed photo! How cool is that? O.k. the DVD . . . Being a musician, I've watched and been to a lot of concerts. The music performed on this dvd is flawless, the best I've seen, absolutely perfect harmony, technically and emotionally. Willie plays guitar fluidly, seemingly effortlessly. He sings casually, and with a smile throughout the show. It's great to see a performer smile. I mean come on, you're blessed, smile and enjoy the limelight! Every member of the family (band) is right on, flawlessly following Nelson's lead and trading the lead so smoothly. Some of the guitar is the best I've EVER seen. All songs played with heart, soul and it's a long show. Buy this dvd for yourself and then get one for a friend, it's that good. Even though the hole in "Trigger" is getting pretty big, I think Willie is actually getting better with age. He truly is an American song writing legend. See him shine on this disk, and do yourself a favor and go to one of his shows, he'll make you feel good. God bless you Willie, sister Bobby and the rest, really. Look me up next time yer in Dallas! :o)

Don't let the positive reviews fool you
This DVD is a large scale disappointment. As other reviewers have noted, Willie sort of slides through one song after another during the first part of the DVD with idiosyncratic (or lazy) deliveries that lack fire and enthusiasm. The last third is somewhat better but all in all you don't finish watching with a very positive impression. He doesn't seem to really connect with the audience even though there are camera shots of people clearly enjoying themselves. Nelson's guitar playing is one of the few strong points and even with a "lead" guitarist playing as well, Willie plays a lot and well. The sound is also lacking in several places where Willie's distance from the mike makes for a hollow sound. I'm a long time Willie Nelson fan but I cannot recommend this DVD.

One Man Show
This isn't the best show ever recorded ever by willie, But he still has a lot of heart and plays the HELL out of his trusty nylon string guitar. The show starts slow, and you might think they're just playing to pay for their vacation, but the last half of the set is classic and Willie's guitar work is excellent. Recommended for hardcore willie fans and anyone that appreciates good fretboard work. the band may not be all-star but willie is, and always will be.

Willie"s Getting Better -n- Better
Me and my husband have been Willie fans for over 26 years. This video is excellent. We watch it alot. Oh sure, they are all getting a little older (who isn't), but we think they have never been better. It doesn't have the real high energy of say, the highwaymen video's, but this is Willie and his band, doing what they have always done, playing great songs. Even if you own some Willie video's, you know that everytime he does a song, he doesn't do it the same way. I try not to pass up a chance to own a Willie video. If your a true Willie fan, you will truely appreciate this video. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Oh my god this is the worst movie i've ever seen
First of all you must understand my love for Owen Wilson, I find his movies to be hilarious, Starsky and Hutch, Zoolander, I mean come on. Morgan Freeman has also been in like a billion awesome movies, Shawshank Redemption, Robin Hood, Driving Miss Daisy, so don't get me wrong when you see my title, my anger is not at them. This movie was however the lamest, most boring, and stupid movie I have ever seen, and I have seen a lot of bad movies, I don't know if I laughed at all after the first 5 minutes. Charlie Sheen put in what could be considered the worst acting I've ever seen, his character was so stupid, so(...) stupid, Gary Sinese could have been replaced by a tape recorder filled with typical mean bad guy phrases like "find my money" or "get off my island or else", gee what more is there? I swear to god that I don't know if I was supposed to laugh at the ending or not, words cannot describe how I felt after it was all over. In the end I was just saddened as to why such good actors would be associated with this garbage, anyone who liked this movie needs help, or must be a Jimmy Fallon fan or something

A very good show!
The story is a humorous view of those who live by their wits. It pokes fun at greedy people, over zealous types, and has an outstanding plot.

I've seen it twice and want to buy the DVD and poster.

It will become a cult classic like "Strange Brew" did.

Elmore Leonard lite
THE BIG BOUNCE is a moderately entertaining caper comedy about two misfits (Owen Wilson and Sara Foster) trying to scam a sleazy developer (Gary Sinise) out of $200K. The film is based on a novel by Elmore Leonard, who as usual takes as much (if not more) pleasure in the planning than in the actual crime.
The film certainly takes the planning more seriously. The actual crime feels tacked on in a rush at the end. This movie will be a treat for Owen Wilson fans, it's a showcase for his mildly stoned insouciance. Model-turned-actress Foster is very beautiful and suitably pouty. A large number of eccentric characters populate the Hawaiian setting, most notably a relaxed Morgan Freeman as a judge/landlord. What's missing from THE BIG BOUNCE is danger and suspense, and any hint that any of the characters is actually a criminal. The plot to rip of Sinise's character is treated with the seriousness of a practical joke.The supporting cast also includes Charlie Sheen, Bebe Neuwirth, Vinnie Jones, Willie Nelson and Harry Dean Stanton.
Still, Owen Wilson is a fine comic actor, and THE BIG BOUNCE is a low key good time, a good way to kill a Saturday afternoon.

One Man, One Women, Countless Cons!
I really like the films that Owen Wilson pick. "I Spy," "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Shanghai Knights," and "Meet the Parents," just to name a couple. Then there is "The Big Bounce" which is a movie based on a book by the same name by crime novelist Elemore Leonard. I have not read the book to compare, and I wouldn't compare because if I had read the book, I would have watched the movie thinking that the book never was written. The only downfall with "The Big Bounce" was that the movie was very short. There could have been a little more added. I also relized that half of the trailer was not even in the movie. The movie couldn't have been longer than eighty-five minutes, and I thought that it would be longer. But I did really like it, nonetheless, because the big question during the movie is "Who's Scamming Who?" There were so many cons going on during this movie that it was always exciting because you knew there had to be another one coming.

The movie had Owen Wilson as Jack Ryan a small criminal(or a matchstick man) who is working at a constuction site for Ray Ritchie. As the locals protest the land being destroyed, Jack gets into a fight with Lou the foreman, and ends up hitting him over the head with a baseball bat. Jack is let out of jail and is hired by Judge Walter, to be a handyman at a motel that he owns. Jack then meets Nancy, a myserious beautful girl who is involved with Ray, dispite he being married to Alison, who is out of town. Nancy and jack spend time together, and she eventually asks him to help her steal $200,000 from a safe in Ray's lodge. Ray's right hand man Bob Jr., who is married, also becomes interested in Nancy, and wants Jack off the island. Jack falls deeper and deeper into love with Nancy, and they both prepare for the big heist. But they also run into a couple of unexpected surprises, when the people they know and trust are not exactly what they seem.

The ending of "The Big Bounce" was both obvious and also surprising. It ended the way that I thought it would, but it also had an added twist. I thought that Owen Wilson was perfect for the role of Jack Ryan because he works well as a criminal. He looks like somebody that you could trust, if he has to play you during a job. The same goes for his actor brother Luke Wilson. I liked seeing them side by side in "The Royal Tenenbaums," but this movie proves once again that Owen Wilson could act alone. Morgan Freeman was good in this movie, but when is he isn't. Sara Foster, who plays Nancy, is making this her first motion picture, but there is probally a big future for her in movies. The supporting cast includes Bebe Neuworth, Gary Sinese, Charlie Sheen, and Vinnie Jones, and all of them workd perfectly off everybody else.

Throughtout just about all the movie, you could see landscapes of Hawaii, where the movie takes place. It takes up alot of the time in the movie. but by watching them you could see why Jack does not want to get off of the island that Ray wants him to. "The Big Bounce" was a very good movie, with a great cast, and a great story. I am looking forward to reading the book. I could already tell that this is going to be one of those movies that nobody sees, but many people love, like "Death to Smoochy," and "Big Trouble." Go see "The Big Bounce," and don't listen to the critics. It was a great heist film.

ENJOY!

Rated PG-13 for sexual content and nudity, violence and language.

Wilson (a great actor) lost in this movie
i really wanted to see this movie and within the first 35 minutes those feelings stayed true. after that though everthing fell apart. even an excellent actor like Wilson couldn't keep this movie together after that. i'm guessing much of this film was left on the cutting room floor and either the director or editor forgot to watch the completed version before sending it to you and i. far to many gaps are included here making one wonder...how are they contected and where did that come from. an intelligent movier-goer can make "leaps of faith", but one should never be asked to jump a between to mountain ranges without some hope of survival. after saying all this, the ending was the worse. the real wrap up. without giving anything away one character who's been killed is just left in the wind, and we are left to guess who was pinned for that. with such an open ending one would guess there could be a sequel...i doubt it. this movie has amature written all over it. too bad amazing stars like Wilson and Freeman let something like this hit the movie screens without having it tweeked. if you doubt this review and see the movie anyhow...be sure to watch some of the surfing scences. it looks as if they took shots from something else, something with far less quality, and just added them with no reguard. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

When this picture came out in 1979, both Robert Redford and Jane Fondawere at the height of their stardom; in fact, this movie was so big, it took two studios (Columbia and Universal) to make it.Redford plays Sonny Steele, champion rodeo rider turned corporate spokesman (and perpetual drunk).When he discovers that another corporate asset, a racehorse, is just like him--dressed like a buffoon and doped up to the gills--he decides to liberate the animal.Redford's grumpy, wise, and funny performance demonstrates why he was (and is) such a big star (and why director Sydney Pollack made seven movies with him).Fonda is fine as the bright, ambitious, frightened TV reporter whose pursuit of a story pitches her headlong into love. The ending may seem anticlimatic (the big comedy chase comes in the middle of the film), but this is much more a romance story than a chase film.From the beginning, there's little doubt how the story will end (although even then, the movie throws us a little curve), but the movie compensates with sheer star power; Redford and Fonda are all that matter, and in this case they deliver, along with Willie Nelson's fine performance in a pivotal supporting role. --Geof Miller ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A movie for even non-western fans!
I'm not a western fan, but I enjoyed this movie! Country & western singer Willie Nelson does a great job portraying his villainy character, John Henry Lee, a person that tries to blow up a railroad. Former 70's teen rock idol Shaun Cassidy's acting has improved since his work as Joe Hardy on T.V.'s "Hardy Boys Mysteries", even though he still pursued his acting career after the show ended in T.V. and national theatre, and is now a T.V. producer and writer. He does fairly well playing a young gang leader named Cotton. For a T.V. movie, this is made on a good budget and still gets played on T.V. stations. Check it out if you see it advertise on your local T.V. listings! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

dvd does not play all the way through
dvd does not play all the way through..

The war is over, but the hate won't die...
During the 1800's in North America, two worlds met head on. From the East, "civilization" marched relentlessly westward, led by the iron horse and the industrial revolution. People of the west hated and feared this massive expansion and fought with their lives to protect what eas theirs... ... Read more

Description

A delicious double-feature DVD containing two concertperformances by Country Music superstar Willie Nelson. THE GREAT OUTLAW VALENTINE CONCERT features a live concert recording from Austin, Texas...one of the places in whichWillie Nelson is most at home. The program celebrates theromantic side of this great artist relaxed and at ease inthe company of his good friends. NASHVILLE SUPERSTAR CONCERT, Introduced by Willie himself, features fascinating archive footage from his long and varied career. His special touch is illustrated on the standard "Blue Skies"and through the ballad "Angel Flying Too Close to theGround." ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Love Willie but Poor quality DVD
Poor quality, and poor sound DVD. High School students could put together a better quality production. Buy all the Willie stuff you can but stay away from this one.

VERY BAD QUALITY
Me and my husband love WILLIE. But this DVD is not worth buying. The sound is very bad. Very poor quality for a DVD. I was very disappointed. Save your money and wait for a better DVD to come along.

Love Willie - Hate this DVD
Love Willie. Just got a DVD playerand this was my first DVD purchase. I am so disappointed. First of allWillie's band is not backing him up.First rate musicians are playing butits NOT the same. The audio qualityis poor. Very amateurish production.Save your money.... I wish I did. ... Read more