Amazon.com

After viewing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Edgar RiceBurroughs wrote to Walt Disney about adapting his novel of an ape-man into a feature animated cartoon. Sixtysome years later, the tale is finally told with brilliant design work that looks unlike any previous animated film. The story is a natural for Disney since the themes of misunderstood central figures have been at the heart of its recent hits. Disney's Tarzan doesn't wander far from the familiar story of a shipwrecked baby who is brought up by apes in Africa. What gives the film its zing is its clever use of music (the songs are sung by Phil Collins himself rather than onscreen characters) and the remarkable animation. Deep Canvas, a 3-D technology, was developed for the film, creating a jungle that comes alive as Tarzan swings through the trees, often looking like a modern skateboarder racing down giant tree limbs. The usual foray of sidekicks, including a rambunctious ape voiced by Rosie O'Donnell, should keep the little ones aptly entertained. The two lead voices, Tony Goldwyn as Tarzan and Minnie Driver as Jane, are inspired choices. Their chemistry helps the story through the weakest points (the last third) and makes Tarzan's initial connection with all things human (including Jane) delicious entertainment. Disney still is not taking risks in its animated films, but as cookie-cutter entertainment, Tarzan makes a pretty good treat. (Ages 5 and up) --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (300)

Better than average Disney
Looks like Disney is trying improve on the standard Disney animation with Tarzan. The animation quality is excellent! DVD on a large screen TV is the best way to experience the results of the technology Disney developed to make this movie. Parents will appreciate the animation quality which in turn enhances the story and kids will simply like the animation because it's cool!

The story follows the traditional Disney story line, but places a greater focus on positive messages(family, loyalty, respect and acceptance). As a result, this sets Tarzan a part from the standard Disney story line(exception Mulan).

With the exception of Jane, Disney did a good job in matching actors to the characters. Unfortunately, Mimie Driver's voice and lines seemed to be out of place with her Jane Porter character. Maybe its all those Johnny Weismuller Tarzan movies I watched as kid.

As with all Disney animation, music plays a major role. The scores written and sung by Phil Collins are excellent! However, there is one musical score(Trashin the Camp) which seems to be out of place in both the story line and music.

Overall, this is a better than average Disney feature that hopefully is an indication of things to come for future Disney animation features.

Excellent animation, music, songs and story
Despite the inevitable "Disney formular", it is a great animation achievement. Let's face it, you can't expect Disney to really break away from their formula without the parents with young kids screaming murder. Within the confine of the formula, I think Disney did a marvelous job in entertaining the adults as well as the young tots. So stop being a purist and just enjoy a great animation feast.

Tarzan is definitely one of the most "live-like" animation characters in history. The story is rushed at times, and the comic side-kicks can be distracting, and even annoying. But overall it is a powerful story, with powerful emotions and conflicts, great action, and very very touching. The scene with Tarzan and his ape mother brought me to tears, and I am a 30-something guy. The relationship between Tarzan and Jane is sexy and yet innocent, romantic and yet realistic.

As for the violence... Oh come on! I think Disney did a great job portraying violence in real life (but not excessive) without being encouraging or offensive. Death? Disney animation has always dealt with death and violence, starting from Snow White -- remember the Queen and her immenent death? How about Bambi's mother? How about the hundreds of Huns and Chinese soldiers who died in Mulan? Oh, at the end, Tarzan did not throw Clayton off a tall tree... watch carefully. Clayton was trying to get to Tarzan but Tarzan noticed the danger, and he was actually trying to save Clayton! Clayton did himself in because he was too obsessed. There's a lesson to be learn here. So I think the violence in Tarzan is very well done and serves as education... it is not at all gratuitous. I suggest parents discuss it with their young children.

One gripe about the DVD though. I totally agree with other reviewers about the annoying previews and ads. It's a totally unnecessary marketing ploy and will only alienate their customers.

*****Wow!******
This is a great movie but its the kind that you can get a little tired of after a while. I didn't really care for Minnie Driver's voice for Jane Porter; it didn't fit somehow. And while the music in Trashin' the camp was differant from the rest of the soundtrack,it was refreshing and I thought it fit perfectly with the destruction of the camp.
Phil Collins did a superb job with the music. I got goosebumps on several parts,he's that good. His singing voice just seems to fit with the wild jungle setting. All in all,a good movie.

AWESOME MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!
i am a disney movie collector and tarzan is one of my favorites among the disney collection.great animation great story.this movie is a must to get!!!!

Anyone else notice....
....the shadow of the dead body hanging in the noose?! Probably not....most folks set their kiddos in front of a Disney movie hoping for some quiet time. Do the world a favor: toss the movies, better yet, toss the TV and read a book with your children! ... Read more

Reviews (117)

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan give charming and sweet performances!
I still love this movie! "Sleepless in Seattle" is still one of the best romantic films that I have seen since...ever! The performances in the film were top-notch and the storyline was terrific! To me, this film talks about two things...fate and destiny. "Sleepless" focuses on Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a recently widowed father who, because of the death of his wife Maggie (Carey Lowell), decides to move out to Seattle with his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) to start over again. One night, Jonah calls a talk radio show, who asks Sam to come to the phone and explain everything. So Sam sat down and talked about everything that he and his wife had done over the past few years, how he loved her, and such. Sam's story was such a big hit across America that women have been pouring letters of comfort at Sam's home. The story has also reached the heart of a newspaper writer named Annie Reed (Meg Ryan). Annie is single, lives in New York, and is engaged to a man named Walter (Bill Pullman), who is pretty much allergic to everything. After hearing Sam's story on the radio that night, Annie believes that she and Sam are destined to be together, due to typical Hollywood romance from such films as, for example, "An Affair to Remember". And romantic charm and trouble ensues from there on as, for example, Annie goes to Seattle to sort of "spy" on Sam to see what he is like, especially with his son, etc. "Sleepless in Seattle" marks the second teaming of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan from their first hit, "Joe Versus the Volcano" in 1990, and before they starred a third time in 1998's "You've Got Mail", which is directed by "Sleepless" director Nora Ephron ("This is My Life"). And speaking of the director, she directed this film with a lot of heart, soul, and emotion. Nora Ephron's best work to date! "Sleepless in Seattle" has also the absolute best performances of all time from Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I kind of liked the way that Meg Ryan's hair looked in the film. To me, you don't get to see Meg Ryan with hair like that a lot. I like this film because it is one of those films where two people eventually cross paths continuously, and in the end, they meet each other for the first time and live happily ever after! I really hope that there is a sequel to this film in the making, but if there isn't, then I will still enjoy "Sleepless in Seattle" for years to come!

A Laugh-Out-Loud Funny Charmer
First of all, Sleepless in Seattle IS a chick flick, yes, and there are certainly some stretches of the imagination required as far as plot goes, but the real emphasis is the characters, and that is the strength of the movie...the entire cast is excellent, from Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks to the supporting cast (Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger and Robert Reiner). The story and chemistry is charming, but more than that, the movie is hysterical. Everytime I watch the movie again (I've seen it about 5 or 6 times now) I realize how funny it is...Nora Ephron may be the best current writer of real romantic comedies. There are SO many funny little things scattered throughout the movie...even if you don't like "chick flicks," you should watch it because it's one of the funniest movies ever.

Absolutely wonderful!
I first saw this movie when I was in college with my roomate, who knows all the best movies out there. I absolutely fell in love with it, and I went out and bought it immediately. It's ideal if you are single, it gives you hope for finding that perfect someone :), at least it did for me. If you like You've Got Mail, you'll also like Sleepless in Seattle, or if you haven't seen either, they go perfect together!!

great chick flick for chicks
Tom Hanks stars as recent widower from Seattle who talks to a radio show host about his troubles and Meg Ryan plays a recently engaged woman from New York who develops a relationship with Hank's character. The plot is a bit cheesy as well as the lines, but that is how chick flicks are made--cheesy plots and lines. Though most guys will not like "Sleepless in Seattle" unless they enjoy other "chick flicks," most women enjoy this contemporary classic of long distance romance. If you like the movie be sure to check out the DVD, which has many more added features such as a music video and commentary by the director and co-writer.

Sleepless in Seattle
WOW! I LOVE this movie! It's a favorite of all my families. I think this is a great love story and almost anyone would enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (110)

Oh, wow. I loved this movie. I watched it over and over....
This movie is just brilliant! It's amazing! It's about four girls who meet up twenty years later and it's just brilliant! Most of it is set in the summer of 1970, and it's great fun to watch. My favourite character was Samantha, played by Gaby Hoffman at 12 and Demi Moore at 32. I liked the other three as well: Teeny (Thora Birch, Melanie Griffith), Chrissy (Ashleigh Aston Moore, Rita Wilson) and Roberta (Christina Ricci, Rosie O' Donnell). All the actors were great and it's a star-studded cast featuring Janeane Garafolo and Brendan Frasier in cameos. There's only one actress making her debut, Ashleigh Aston Moore, and she gives a stunning performance as 12-year-old Chrissy. You will do anything to get your hands on this video!!!

NOW AND THEN rocks!
I just love NOW AND THEN. It's about four best friends who recall their lives growing up as kids one summer. The film starts out when they are adults, going back to their home, and then it goes into the 60s when they were kids...and then at the end, back to their adulthood. The film is all about what they go through that one summer: hilarious moments, depressing moments, scary moments, and so on. They remember trying to bring back a 12-year-old boy who died and they remember trying to find out how he died. They remember stuff about their families, and they even remember the pranks they pulled on each other and pranks they pulled on a group of neighborhood boys, who also played pranks on them!

NOW AND THEN stars Rosie O'Donnell and Christina Ricci as Roberta, Demi Moore and Gaby Hoffmann as Samantha, Thora Birch and Melanie Griffith as Teeny, and Rita Wilson and Ashleigh Aston Moore as Chrissy. Devon Sawa, Bonnie Hunt, and Brendan Fraser also star in this delightful comedy classic. If you love coming of age films, then I definitely suggest this to your collection. NOW AND THEN is a wonderful film with excellent acting and a terrific screenplay. Go and buy it!

Good for Girls!
In this film four women get together to celebrate the upcoming birth of a new baby and start reminiscing the last summer of thier 'childhood'. In the summer of 1970, the four girls explore the death of a young boy, that died years before they were born. The girls learn more about themselves then anything else. Great performances by the young stars. This is the perfect movie for slumber parties, as long as there is some Kleenex around! This 'coming of age' film is excellent. It makes you really appreciate the friendships that you have, at any age, and that there is nothing better than your own 'girlfriends'! Great film for 'mother and daughter time' for those girls 10 and up!

a really cool movie
i think this movie is really good. and the casting is good too. i really like everything about it especially when the girls are younger discovering heaps of stuff and growing up \, talking about all the things teen girls talk about. so i think this is definitely a girl movie. go see it u will love it.

"Early days of Christina Ricci & Thora Birch"
"Now and Then" is a very great depiction of growing up..
And it features the early days of 2 of now our greatest and most sexiest actresses Thora Birch (here she is a blonde) and my favorite Christina Ricci..They shine as does the other 2 girls in this more then wonderful movie..The movie features a fantastic 1970s Classic Rock soundtrack..It covers all areas of what 70s Classic Rock was..Pick up the cd soundtrack while you are at it along with this dvd..The only downside on this dvd is there is SADLY No Behind The Scenes..I wish they would have behind the scenes and bloopers of this movie would have been great..
And even better would be a reunion of the cast..Coz i am wondering what ever became of the other 2 actresses in this movie with Ricci & Birch..And this too i think they could have casted the "older" versions of the girls better then they did..Rosie O Donnell as the older Christina Ricci in Rosie's dreams..The only one of the "older" versions that is really believable that can really picture is Melanie Griffith as the "older" Thora Birth..But they are not in this movie long thankfully..They are only in start and end with maybe a total time of 5 minutes or a tad more..Not enough to ruin this great movie..The movie focuses thankfully more on Ricci / Birch and the girls..Other then what i just mentioned this is one of the greatest films you will ever see..And if you had been between ages 5 and teen years in the 1970s it will bring back loads of memories..Everything from the opening scene of the girls playing "red rover red rover let (put your name here) come over" to the music to the looks and just things did as a kid and teen in those days..It is reinacted sooooo well that you can't even tell this is a 1995 movie..The sets the feeling is total 70s..It is recreated magnificentally..I am 38 this year *2004* and it brought back many memories for me..Christina Ricci here reminds me sooooo much of My Beloved Mandy when we first met right down to a priceless basketball scene..So this movie has sentimental value to me..Watch this movie maybe it will touch you in that way too..But either way i can guarentee that it will bring back memories..It will be a fun filled viewing exsperiance..A kind of a early teen girl version of Stand By Me..Enjoyable Fun and Wonderful filmed movie adds up fun for all no matter when your generation is.NOT TO BE MISSED
Gets better with every single time you watch it..A must for any fan of the one and only Christina Ricci..If you are a fan of Christina Ricci and you don't have this movie get this movie to prove you are her fan..Christina Ricci Rules...... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Penny Marshall's popular 1992 comedy sheds light on a little-known chapter of American sports history with its story of a struggling team in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The league was formed when the recruiting of soldiers during World War II resulted in a shortage of men's baseball teams. The AAGPBL continued after the war (until 1954), and Marshall's movie depicts the league in full swing, beginning when a savvy baseball scout (Jon Lovitz) finds a pair of promising new players in small-town Oregonian sisters (Geena Davis, Lori Petty). The sisters are signed to play for the Rockford Peaches near Chicago, whose new manager (Tom Hanks) is a former home-run king who wrecked his career with alcoholism. They're all a bunch of underdogs, and Marshall (with a witty script by Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel) does a fine job of establishing a colorful team of supporting players including Madonna and (in her movie debut) Rosie O'Donnell. It's a conventional Hollywood sports story (Marshall's never been one to take dramatic risks), but the stellar cast is delightful, and the movie's filled with memorable moments, witty dialogue, and agreeable sentiment. And just remember: there's no crying in baseball! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (114)

A League Of Their Own (1992)
What an amazing movie! This has to be my favorite Madonna movie, other than Body Of Evidence. It features an all star cast: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Rosie O'Donnell, Jon Lovitz, Garry Marshall, and Bill Pullman.

Geena Davis stars as Dottie Hinson and Lori Petty stars as Kit Keller, two adult sisters who play baseball on a minor team in Oregon of 1943. Dottie is a married woman, whose husband, Bob Hinson (played by Bill Pullman) is overseas fighting in the war that was going on at the time. Dottie is an excellent ball player. Kit is a bitter person who is always being treated like crap. After a game, the two are in their barn milking cows, where a scout by the name of Ernie Capadino (played by Jon Lovitz) walks in and offers them a to try out for the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (A.A.G.P.B.L.). Dottie wants nothing to do with it, but Kit knows that this could be big chance for the both of them, so Kit talks Dottie into going. While on the way to Chicago for the try outs, they pick up Marla Hooch, who is an excellent batter. The three finally make it to Chicago. While getting ready to try out, they meet gal pals Doris Murphy (played by Rosie O'Donnell) and Mae Mordabito (played by Madonna). They all are chose to a team: The Rockford Peaches.

Tom Hanks is in the role of Jimmy Dugan, who is a washed up ball player, who is called by Walter Harvey (played by Garry Marshall) to coach the Rockford Peaches.

The Peaches become a smash, winning every game there ever is, all because of their most popular play, Dottie. Kit is angered at this and is traded to another team: The Racine Belles.

The Peaches finally make to the last game of the season. Their opponents: The Racine Belles. Dottie and Kit are up against each other for one final time. Who will win the championship? The Peaches? Or The Belles? Watch this amazing movie, based on the actual events of the A.A.G.P.B.L. This is a movie that is guaranteed to make you watch it over and over again.

My Absolute Favorite
This has alway been my all time favorite movie! I remember my mom and I were in Blockbuster Video store when I was nine, and she and I couldn't find anything. Then, she saw "A League of Their Own," she told me that I would love this movie. And boy was she right. I have seen this movie over 50 times, I know the entire dialogue, the songs, every moment, I can rehash line for line right now if I wanted to. I think this movie had the most well-rounded cast in over a decade. Geena Davis was amazing as Dottie Henson; a person who loved the game very much, although she tried to pull off that she didn't. Lorri Petty's best role to date, as Kit Keller, Dottie's younger sister, whom is always stuck in Dottie's shadow. The chemistry between Petty and Davis is amazing, they work so well together, they were extremely believable. Tom Hanks was fantastic as the alcoholic, ex-baseball star Jimmy Dugan, which of course, his classic urinating seen is a total laugh. Madonna and Rosie had made the laughs of the film, they were wise cracking and hilarious.

I can go on and on about this film, and the problem is, I can't quite articulate how much I love this film, and why I love it so much. I've cried many times, especially the scene with Betty "Spighetti" and at the end of the World Series. I love this film, Penny Marshall is a Goddess. She chose the perfect actors, and the perfect score, especially Madonna's "Playground" which still makes me cry at the ending sequences. This movie observes a part of history that is ignored. Many to this day, have no idea about the professional baseball league, grant it, this movie "idealized" what really happened, but it made you proud. I think this is still a must-see of a movie, it is still my all-time favorite movie, and it has been for 11 years.

Brilliant film!!
This is one of my favourite films, it made me want to watch it again and again. With an all star cast including Geena Davis, Lotti perri and Tom Hanks, who give brilliant and funny performances. This film is funny,tear jerking and an all round good film. The storyline is brilliant and what more can i say....its definately worth buying!

Good movie but......
Who in the world in Tom Hanks supposed to be. I know he wasnt a real baseball player b/c he said he hit 487 homeruns for Mr Harvys ball team, i have never heard of the guy. Was his name chaged or something? Oh yeah and Harvy Field????? Can u say Wrigley Field. But besides the little things that only people who love baseball would find it is over all a good movie.

I think this is a great movie!
Well I'm biased because my cusin is in this movie. He dances with madonna in the bar sceen.. But I still think that it's a good movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This town drama from Ted Demme centers on former classmatescoming together for their 10-year reunion. Scott Rosenberg's (Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead) script thoughtfully passes over the usual grumblings of young adults who can't believe they still live in the same snowbound town. They accept--even welcome--their blue-collar jobs, whether plowing snow or cutting hair.Willie (Timothy Hutton), the lone wanderer, returns to his listless house in a state of flux, the piano-bar circuit wearing thin as is his relationship with Tracy, a well-off attorney (Annabeth Gish). Heisn't the only one with problems. Tommy (Matt Dillon) occasionally sleepswith his now-married high school sweetheart Darian (Lauren Holly) while theearnest Sharon (Mira Sorvino) is left to wait. Paul (another thickheaded rolefor Michael Rapaport) refuses to commit to Jan (Martha Plimpton) until it'stoo late. Paul is enamored with the idea of the supermodel (the title's "beautiful girls") that, he believes, can make life perfect. It's avery satisfying comedy, with some forced poignancy (Willie's description of Tracy as a "seven and a half" comes off as a death sentence). Rosie O'Donnell's dissertation on why Playboyand Penthouse have ruined males' expectations is much like MegRyan's orgasm scene in When Harry Met Sally...: it's hilarious, even memorable, never wholly believable.

The two wild cards thrown into Beautiful Girls give the film its kick. Uma Thurman enters asthe local barkeep's (Pruitt Taylor Vince) radiant cousin. From the bigcity, she can flirt with the awestruck guys and still keep her head. Willie's real emotional tug is from Marty, the precocious 13-year-old neighbor.If you didn't see Natalie Portman's sophisticated work in the The Professional, her performance here will come as a revelation. You deeply believe that Willie and Marty are connected despite theirage difference. Their courtship will never come to be, but the way the twotalk (and talk some more) about their lives is the most insightful part of Rosenberg's script. Everyone's so comfortable in his or her rolesthat you may truly feel sad when the film ends. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (103)

One of the definitive 'Gen-X' movies
Well now that the Natalie Portman fanclub has had their say, perhaps it's time for some unbiased reviewing. Even if you don't think the sun shines out of young Nat's nether regions, you will still enjoy this film. It's a mature and down-to-earth look at love and commitment in the nineties.

Timothy Hutton is in great understated form as Willie, a struggling musician returning to his hometown for a highschool reunion. Willie is wary of committing to his long-term girlfriend, fearing if he does, he'll miss out on something better. He has this so set in his mind that he even begins to see possible alternative love in a local thirteen year-old girl (Portman) much to the derision of his buddies.

Said buddies are having similar troubles with there own relationships. Tommy (Matt Dillon) is cheating on his faithful girlfriend Sharon (Mira Sorvino) with local harlet Dariam (Lauren Holly). Goofball Paul (Michael Rapaport), is struggling to keep his girlfriend Jan (Martha Plimpton) from leaving him.

Of course, before the movie is over the guy's, after a series of humourous and moving encounters, and aided by a fleeting visit by an almost ethereal Andera (Uma Thurman), realise how special the women in their lives are after all.

Even if the movie is biased in favor of a male viewpoint, it's a timely reminder for guys out there to stop waiting for that dream girl, she doesn't exist (and you won't get her anyway). Learn to appreciate the real women in your life who will love you back.

Beautiful Girls has capable acting from a strong ensemble but with no particular standouts. The script is what makes the film standout. Well done Scott Rosenberg, it's a pity you had to go and do Con Air after this, but I guess we've all got to eat.

Btw. In response to all the other posts, Natalie Portman really isn't all that great in Beautiful Girls, it's a pretty straight-forward role. Check out Leon to see a much better showcase of her particular talents. To be fair I should now point out the best roles of everyone else in the cast, but since their BG performances haven't consistently been getting overrated on this message board, I won't.

Twenty-Something Fun, Guy Style
This is one of the most fun and interesting films I've seen in recent years. Fun, yet not without its serious side. The cast is great, with Timothy Hutton, Matt Dillon, Lauren Holly, Annabeth Gish, and Uma Thurman portraying classic characters in their late twenties. Natalie Portman nearly steals the show as a precotious 13-year-old, who sets her heart on Timothy Hutton.

We all know people (friends) like these characters. They ring true to our life experience. I think all guys struggle with the issues these guys are struggling with. (Maybe its true for women and the female characters as well?)

Do you look back to your past with longing for what could have been, or forge ahead into the future with whatever it brings?
Do you cling to the wild and independent spirit of your youth, or settle down into "commited" and maturing relationships?

Throw in a bar fight, some car crashes (all excused as raging male hormones), and you have a mix that could result in disaster (movie-wise), but director Ted Demme keeps it all together, and with just the right level of finese, comes up with a film that works, and works well!

Dumb Guys but Sweet
Ted Demme has offered us a sweet reunion of small town, New Englander, twenty-somethings. There is some Big Chill here 1990's style, but for the most part, the guys that stayed home and married or almost married are blue-collar, beer drinking, and chick panting types. High school big man, Matt Dillon is still respected for his womanizing skills. Tim Hutton has a girl back in New York City, but his musical career is getting old and his thirteen-year-old neighbor girl attracts. The relationship between a young man and an adolescent could have been really creepy, but there's some deft writing and directing, so we enjoy this impossibility for a few hours. Uma Thurman vamps as the perfect chick. Each of the single guys gives her a rush, but she's just out of reach as any apparition. My wife really liked this one. Maybe there's more appeal to chicks in this flick because Rosie O'Donnell in a minor part sure makes a mockery of men and their desires.

LOTS TO LIKE
I saw this film once before but, unawares, rented it again and, even though I realized I had seen the movie previously after it started, I enjoyed even more the second time. This is quality movie-making: good production values, a good script, good acting. I even ordered a Neil Diamond album after watching the "impromtu" singing of Sweet Caroline in a fun bar scene. Ensemble acting at its best, we have Rose O'Donnell, Uma Thurman and Matt Dillon featured along witn talented others. Timothy Hutton is perhaps the most interesting character in the film as a lost soul and his 30-something character's "romance" with thirteen-year-old Marty played by Natalie Portman is truly remarkable. I don't know what federal laws I was breaking but I was in love with Marty and I secretly hoped that Hutton's character returned to get her when she turned eighteen. What an amazing adult woman in a thirteen-year-old's body! They had a fascinating and strange relationship. Uma Thurman is good as the unavailable spirit who visits and then disappears. Her line about looking for a man who can say (and supposedly mean) just four words ("Good night, sweet girl") was memorable. Rosie O'Donnell's rant about men and their attraction for the false and superficial beauty of media images of women was hilarious and almost show-stopping. Lots to like here.

Wonderful and Overlooked
Humphrey Bogart would say the Beautiful Girls in this film are the "stuff dreams are made of." They stand for the idealized version of women that men seek and never find, the constant promise of a better woman just around the corner that keeps men from being able to commit to the real women in their lives.

The principle men with that "beautiful girls" hang-up are Willie (Hutton), Birdy (Dillon) and Paul (Rappaport). They hold on to that dream of a better life with a better woman and thus sabotage (consciously or not) all their relationships. Birdy clings to the memories of his high school flame, Paul papers his walls with supermodels and names his dog Elle McPherson, and Willie just wants something beautiful in his life. Although in a relationship with a nice-looking attorney, Willie grudgingly acknowledges she would only score a 7.5 on a 1-10 scale.

While not actively looking to replace his "above-average-but-not-great" girlfriend, Willie stumbles into the most charming and memorable sub-plot of the film: his relationship with his thirteen year old neighbor Marty (a totally engaging Natalie Portman). Willie sees in her all the possibilities he dreams about: she is kind, sensitive and dazzles him with her knowledge of psychology and Shakespeare. When she develops a teenage crush on him, Willie must consider the possibility of waiting for this great girl to become an even greater woman. Even though parallels are drawn to the pedophilic exploits of Roman Rolanski and Jerry Lee Lewis, there is nothing creepy or sexual about Willie's feelings for the young girl.

The stories play out in a picturesque New England town, deep into a frozen winter. All the guys are re-uniting for their ten-year high school reunion and are forced to deal with the personal revelations accompanying that important moment. Presented with a karaoke bar's dream soundtrack and told with a thoughtful narrative that is poignant and touching without being sappy and sentimental, Beautiful Girls is a wonderful exploration into the love lives of 20-something males. ... Read more

Description

How do two of the straightest undercover cops in L.A. find themselves on a sex fantasy island where the secret of keeping their cover is to uncover more than the truth? The answer lies in the naughtiest comedy since director Marshall?s ' 'Pretty Woman.' ' ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Great Erotic Comedy
Loosely based on Anne Rice's same-named book (which I haven't read yet, so I can't compare the two), "Exit to Eden" is a humorous and erotic movie about an Australian photojournalist, Elliot Slater (Paul Mercurio), living in California, who goes to a S&M fantasy island resort for some sexual experimentation. There he becomes a citizen (a slave) and tries to win the guarded heart of the head dominatrix, Mistress Lisa (Dana Delany).

Meanwhile, Detectives Sheila Kingston (Rosie O'Donnell) and Fred Lavery (Dan Aykroyd) are trying to nab a couple of South American diamond smugglers: Nina (Iman) and Omar (Stuart Wilson). When the latter two head for Eden in order to steal the pictures Elliot took of them at the airport, Sheila and Fred follow in pursuit, but undercover: she as a guest, and he as the maintenance man. It's a wild goose chase after that, with Elliot chasing Lisa, the cops chasing the crooks and Elliot, and the crooks chasing Elliot--everybody basically in their undies all the while.

"Exit to Eden" is a mishmash of genres--involving detective work, romance, and erotica--but mostly it's a comedy, which lightens the load on a dark topic such as BDSM. Sheila is the main comedic relief, as well as the narrator, but I felt the movie was more about the relationship between Elliot and Lisa, a pairing I thought was believable and enjoyable--one most viewers will be cheering for from the beginning. I was also pleased that Sheila got her own chance at romance with her private citizen, Tommy (Sean O'Bryan), since she was, at times, reduced to just being the chubby jokester. Even so, her one-liners are part of what made this movie memorable for me, e.g. "We're the only two people on this island without handcuffs," as well as in the same scene where she's making fun of Nina's accent.

"Exit to Eden" is yet another favorite guilty pleasure of mine. If you like sex comedies, then you'll probably enjoy this movie. It's all in good fun. Good soundtrack, too. Rated R for--well, I'm sure you can guess.

Not the book, but wonderful on its own
First, a caveat: if you liked the Anne Rice novel this film is loosely based on, you probably won't like the film.

Exit to Eden is a wonderful, lighthearted introduction to the world of BDSM. Unlike Rice's novel, the BDSM in the film is realistic, and the viewer is introduced to elements of real-life BDSM like safewords, mutual consent, and commitment to safety, that most BDSM fiction sorely lacks.

The casting was inspired, particularly of Dana Delany, Rosie O'Donnell, and Paul Mercurio, who like the people i play with are real people behind the leather facade.

Those who are seriously into the scene might find this movie a little tame, with only a couple of real scenes and "bondage" that can easily be escaped from. But the curious will find it a safe and unthreatening introduction to a very real and viable lifestyle. The scene with Lisa, Elliot, and the hairbrush rang very true on an emotional level--and i don't care what anyone says, the scene with Elliot in Mistress Lisa's bath was HOT.

There are only a few complaints i would make. Unlike the real BDSM community (or the novel), there's no hint of homoeroticism in the film. The real-life scene is very pansexual, with people of all orientations sharing space. And the casting of Richard was terrible. Most of all, i wish a lot more screen time had been devoted to Lisa's relationship with Diana, whose heady mix of intimacy and formal role has been an inspiration for my own relationship.

But those are very minor complaints. Overall it's a delightful film, one i've watched again and again over the years. If i were ever to come out to my family about being into BDSM, i would start with having them watch this movie.

Flirty, Funny, Sexy, and Sensual
Great movie!!!! Perfect for those manly men, and dainty women. It's really the best of both worlds. The guys get the action they crave in movies. And the women, well they get the romance, sexual suspence, and desires. Definitly guarenteed to keep you busy all night! Fun for both the sexually daring but also for the timid. Opens ones eyes to both worlds. The comedy is fun and flirty. Rosie and Dan are perfect for these roles. Suprisingly it DOES HAVE A PLOT. Definitly a wonderful snuggle up by the fire type of movie.....NOT FOR CHILDREN!!!!!......by the way this was written by a woman... :)
Everyone enjoy!

Wimped Out
A pity that the movie wasn't filmed as it should have been. Someone said it's a slap in the face to Anne Rice, who's novel was made into a joke with this movie. I strongly agree.

However, it's worth watching--though I roll my eyes through a lot of it thanks to the comedic parts. The book was not written as a comedy, and it shows in this film. A pity the director didn't have the guts to do this film the way the book was written.

I strongly suggest to those who enjoy the theme of this movie to go buy the book. Anne Rice's Sleeping Beauty series (written as A. N. Roquelaure) is an incredible read--better then Exit to Eden.

TERRIBLE TERRIBLE TERRIBLE
This is a complete slap in the face of Anne Rice's work. I heard that they initially shot the version of the film that closely parallels the book. However it did so poorly in audience testing, that they brought in Dan Adroyd and Rosie O'Donnel for post-production, AND MADE A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT MOVIE!! You can tell because the four principals are together only in the end scene. But this effort only confuses and destroys whatever had existed of the original themes. I would be interested to see the original version that followed Anne Rice's book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Basically, this is a collection of songs from 30 years of Sesame Street, in which sweet Elmo and his Muppet pals are joined by David Alan Grier, Jon Stewart, Gloria Estefan, the Fugees, Shawn Colvin, and the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. Grier (of the comically sour face) and Stewart (of the ironic smile) provide some funny stuff, and the Muppets share songs with the musical guests. This nonstop revue is a blast for parents as well as little ones. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Why I Like Elmopalooza, (- by Baby Tiffany, 23 months old)
I am 23 months old and am currently learning how to pottie train. I liked this video because the songs are catchy. I thought John Stewart was very funny and likeable without being condescending to us toddlers, unlike Rosie O'Donnel, who always just goes completely over the top with her forced gregariousness and unnatural repartee with children. Also, I was slightly disappointed that Elmo was pretty scarce throughout the video, but Shawn Colvin's wonderful rendition of "I don't wanna live on the moon" definitely made up for that.

Sesame Street, always a winner!
This is a fabulous and funny musical tribute to Sesame Street. It is a great variety show (a la Muppet Show) which is a plus. Jon Stewart plays a great part of the would-be show host that gets locked in his dressing room. Elmo is prevalent, but not as much as the title would suggest. I don't believe that it is enough to give it disparaging marks!

(For those of you who are hung up on Elmo, check out Elmo in Grouchland!)

Rosie, Shawn and all of the stars are gregarious and wonderful for children to watch. In fact, it is a video that I enjiy watching with or without my children!!!

5 stars!

Not the best from Sesame Street
We have no less than 10 other Sesame Street DVD's starring Elmo and other various characters.
This is the most disappointing one we have bought. It is not similar to the others or the show.
The music video portions of this DVD don't have songs that are as catchy as the typical Elmo/Sesame St. songs. My 18 month old twins lose interest when the songs come on...the opposite of the other DVD's.
Also, the plot line is a little lame with the stars locked in the dressing room and lost in a limo. Couldn't they have made better use of the talented actors and artists that volunteered for this?
Wish I had rented it before buying.

My daughter loves the songs...
I'm glad I got dvd. I skip straight to her favorite parts. It doesn't have a whole lot of muppets in it, but she loves music... I think that is the only thing that saved it. A very misleading title.

Family "Elmo" Movie
My two-year old has had this movie for about 6 months and she still can't get enough of it. Also, it isn't as boring or dull so that mom can tolerate watching it with her without getting bored. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

A League Of Their Own (1992)
What an amazing movie! This has to be my favorite Madonna movie, other than Body Of Evidence. It features an all star cast: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty, Rosie O'Donnell, Jon Lovitz, Garry Marshall, and Bill Pullman.

Geena Davis stars as Dottie Hinson and Lori Petty stars as Kit Keller, two adult sisters who play baseball on a minor team in Oregon of 1943. Dottie is a married woman, whose husband, Bob Hinson (played by Bill Pullman) is overseas fighting in the war that was going on at the time. Dottie is an excellent ball player. Kit is a bitter person who is always being treated like crap. After a game, the two are in their barn milking cows, where a scout by the name of Ernie Capadino (played by Jon Lovitz) walks in and offers them a to try out for the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (A.A.G.P.B.L.). Dottie wants nothing to do with it, but Kit knows that this could be big chance for the both of them, so Kit talks Dottie into going. While on the way to Chicago for the try outs, they pick up Marla Hooch, who is an excellent batter. The three finally make it to Chicago. While getting ready to try out, they meet gal pals Doris Murphy (played by Rosie O'Donnell) and Mae Mordabito (played by Madonna). They all are chose to a team: The Rockford Peaches.

Tom Hanks is in the role of Jimmy Dugan, who is a washed up ball player, who is called by Walter Harvey (played by Garry Marshall) to coach the Rockford Peaches.

The Peaches become a smash, winning every game there ever is, all because of their most popular play, Dottie. Kit is angered at this and is traded to another team: The Racine Belles.

The Peaches finally make to the last game of the season. Their opponents: The Racine Belles. Dottie and Kit are up against each other for one final time. Who will win the championship? The Peaches? Or The Belles? Watch this amazing movie, based on the actual events of the A.A.G.P.B.L. This is a movie that is guaranteed to make you watch it over and over again.

My Absolute Favorite
This has alway been my all time favorite movie! I remember my mom and I were in Blockbuster Video store when I was nine, and she and I couldn't find anything. Then, she saw "A League of Their Own," she told me that I would love this movie. And boy was she right. I have seen this movie over 50 times, I know the entire dialogue, the songs, every moment, I can rehash line for line right now if I wanted to. I think this movie had the most well-rounded cast in over a decade. Geena Davis was amazing as Dottie Henson; a person who loved the game very much, although she tried to pull off that she didn't. Lorri Petty's best role to date, as Kit Keller, Dottie's younger sister, whom is always stuck in Dottie's shadow. The chemistry between Petty and Davis is amazing, they work so well together, they were extremely believable. Tom Hanks was fantastic as the alcoholic, ex-baseball star Jimmy Dugan, which of course, his classic urinating seen is a total laugh. Madonna and Rosie had made the laughs of the film, they were wise cracking and hilarious.

I can go on and on about this film, and the problem is, I can't quite articulate how much I love this film, and why I love it so much. I've cried many times, especially the scene with Betty "Spighetti" and at the end of the World Series. I love this film, Penny Marshall is a Goddess. She chose the perfect actors, and the perfect score, especially Madonna's "Playground" which still makes me cry at the ending sequences. This movie observes a part of history that is ignored. Many to this day, have no idea about the professional baseball league, grant it, this movie "idealized" what really happened, but it made you proud. I think this is still a must-see of a movie, it is still my all-time favorite movie, and it has been for 11 years.

Brilliant film!!
This is one of my favourite films, it made me want to watch it again and again. With an all star cast including Geena Davis, Lotti perri and Tom Hanks, who give brilliant and funny performances. This film is funny,tear jerking and an all round good film. The storyline is brilliant and what more can i say....its definately worth buying!

Good movie but......
Who in the world in Tom Hanks supposed to be. I know he wasnt a real baseball player b/c he said he hit 487 homeruns for Mr Harvys ball team, i have never heard of the guy. Was his name chaged or something? Oh yeah and Harvy Field????? Can u say Wrigley Field. But besides the little things that only people who love baseball would find it is over all a good movie.

I think this is a great movie!
Well I'm biased because my cusin is in this movie. He dances with madonna in the bar sceen.. But I still think that it's a good movie. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

A Thoughtful and Evocative Children's Film...
Harriet the Spy is a wonderfully textured little movie, displaying a welcome amount of emotional depth. Though made for children, its virtues transcend age groups - it deftly touches on some very relatable and universal themes. And unlike other children's fare, it dares to venture into some rather somber and affecting territory.

In the title role of Harriet, Michelle Trachtenberg is a delight. She infuses the role with a wide and impressive range of emotion and displays remarkable talent for her age. The character of Harriet is realistically and refreshingly portrayed - like any 11 year-old she has a wealth of charms as well as her share of foibles. Somewhat of an outsider, Harriet turns inward when trouble ensues - due to her self-imposed isolationism, Harriet has a hard time when she falls out of favor with her friends. She makes mistakes along the way - but ultimately, she overcomes her flaws, reaches out to her friends, and takes a more active role in the world. Seeing this honest portrayal of an 11 year-old makes for a rather satisfying journey.

Young Michelle Trachtenberg deftly captures a sense of innocence, curiosity, and angst. Her performance often tugs at the heartstrings due to its subtle delivery. She very much captures a sense of wide-eyed adorability - yet she's often quite haunting when serving as the film's narrator. In the role of Ole Golly, Rosie O'Donnell puts in a decent, if understated performance. And the actors playing Harriet's friends do a nice job of portraying the camaraderie between the three.

Visually, the film is shot in bright colors and an eclectic style. Yet for all the cheery stylistic content, the film touches on some fairly serious emotional territory. True to real life, when the children turn on Harriet they become quite cruel and antagonistic. Through Harriet's alienation, the mood is quite morose and affecting - once again, Trachtenberg shines in her portrayal of a hurt, confused, and isolated young girl.

The director nicely contrasts innocent childlike elements with a darker undercurrent... like a scene of a child's flipbook that spells out the words 'Everybody hates me'. Or a shot of lonely friendless Harriet washing up in the bathroom, while a sing-song chant of friendship ironically echoes in the background. There's a nice juxtaposition between the dearly childish and the darkly mature.

Yet the darkness serves a purpose - for when the positive themes arise, they shine all the more authentically. After all, the value of friendship seems much more potent after viewing the angst and pain of Harriet's friendless life. Ultimately, the movie ends on a rather charming and positive note - Harriet learns, and grows, and finds her happiness.

Ultimately, Harriet the Spy is a worthwhile little movie. The performances are solid, and there's a strong emotional core. Unlike other children's movies, Harriet the Spy doesn't beat you over the head with its messages. Instead, it subtly touches upon the importance of tolerance, friendship, honesty, and balance. It's a thoughtful and charming look into the world of a child.

Best Movie ever Made By Nickelodean
Harriet the Spy is a movie I would watch time and again! I have loved the book ever since second grade, and the cast is wonderful. Please ignore all the negative reviews, they are just trash. I do however, agree with a one star reviewer that Harriet shouldn't have destroyed her notebooks. Perhaps she should have drawn a picture of the person she was mad at and destroyed it. Rosie O'donnel was out of this world when she played Ole Golly. Forget about the book, this movie is much better. My ten year old cousin thought the part when Marian Hawthorne asked where her notebook was was incredibly funny. Hey, that's fourth grade humor for you.

Best movie since land before time part 6!
There are 88 used copies of this movie for sale, starting off at 33 cents. That may tell you something. People hate this thing so bad they are practicly giving it away!

Apparently, someone at Nickelodeon decieded it was time to make a feature film. What a better way to start out than with a sure fire classic like "harriet the spy"

I remember the hype when this movie came out. I remember the numerous advertisements for it. But mostly, I remember going to see it and feeling like an idiot.

What a great way to kick off your feature film market than to make a movie that completly sucked. Luckily, people knew a bad movie when they saw one, and this thing was forgotten almost instantly.

(...)

Midly entertainitng, but a bit off
Parts of this story are entertaining, but parts of it tended to bother me. What really bothered me was that Harriet did some mean things to people in her class, but her nanny never told her that what she did was wrong. She seemed to tell Harriet to pretend to be sorry, even if she wasn't sorry. That attitude is what really bothers me about the movie and the book.

Brings out the kid in you!
Who says you have to be a kid to like a movie generally made for kids? My daughter has liked this movie for years and I think I like it even more than her. Nickelodeon has produced something special here. Before SPY KIDS there was HARRIET! This is a great adventure with some emotional themes (peer pressure, honesty) for youngsters. Through hip hand-held style camera shooting and a festive funky soundtrack to boot, I like the movie simply for the execution. The fact that Rosie O'Donnel was pregnant (in disquise) during the making is also an interesting obstacle they had to work with. At any rate, Harriet the Spy is a fun, and rather different movie. When I say different I mean not like typical movies today filled with special effects and scenes so crammed with action and expository dialog that you can't even enjoy a scene. Harriet the Spy has some calm moments that cinematically shine (unique camera angles, color choices). The subtle sound effects and many humorous moments make this story fun for everyone.

The only reason I give this movie 4 and not 5 stars is because the DVD version the Paramount has put together offers a FALSE widescreen representation of the movie. If you compare to the earlier VHS edition, you'll notice that they actually CROPPED this movie for DVD to give it the APPEARANCE of widescreen, rather, you're actually seeing LESS of the picture which was originally cropped on the VHS version for full-screen adaptation to begin with! That and NO bonus features to speak for whatsoever (is it so hard to add at least the original TRAILER?) I found that rather disappointing. ... Read more

Description

A comic battle of wills and an outrageous test of endurance ensues when this trio is grudgingly assigned to keep vigil -- as unobtrusively as possible -- in a small, upscale resort community. Pretending to be an average American family on vacation, it's an unlikely domestic arrangement at best. But, like a typical family, they're stuck with one another. Trying to convincingly play house while keeping an eye on the home of their unsuspecting neighbors, this dysfunctional clan of incompatible companions is at one another's throats as they await the appearance of a missing witness for the state's case against a Las Vegas mob boss. And if they'd call a truce for a minute, and get off one another's case, they just might solve this one. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Another Tired Retread
"That's it, nobody calls me Ed McMahon!"

- Emilio Estevez saying the funniest line from a rather dry sequel

"Another Stakeout" was six years in the waiting. After the first film, "Stakeout," made a huge splash at the box office in 1987 (the same year another cop-buddy film came out--can you guess which one?), everyone anticipated an unnecessary--but perhaps funny--sequel that would inevitably result after box office earnings were tallied up by film executives in an office somewhere.

Alas, the six years passed, and we got...this mess?

Richard Dreyfuss and Emilio Estevez reprise their roles as stakeout cops who get paired with a new partner in this watered-down sequel. The new partner is played by Rosie O'Donnell, who is so startlingly unfunny in this it almost makes you involuntarily switch off the television as soon as you see her chubby face smiling at you.

The story starts with a bang--literally--as a trial witness being protected by the CIA is unsuccessfully assassinated--and by that I mean: They die, she lives. What a surprise. (This is the type of scene where the villain is able to blow up a house but the witness just happens to be taking a stroll outside as it happens--or something like that--preventing her from dying along with the other agents who were previously protecting her. This type of thing was spoofed greatly in the truly underrated "Last Action Hero." It's not a joke in "Another Stakeout.")

Unfortunately for the United States, the trial witness never returns--she runs away and doesn't let anyone know where she is. Afraid she may be in danger, afraid to lose a star witness, and believing that she might try to contact old friends, the gruff chief of police assigns the unlucky trio of Dreyfuss, Estevez and Donnell to watch the her old pals to see if she turns up.

She eventually does, of course, but first we get some painfully unfunny buddy-buddy moments between Dreyfuss and Estevez and O'Donnell. She brings a bunch of clothing and a dog with her. They don't like it. Har-har. This was used a bit better in "Spaceballs," in which Princess Vespa brought along that entire luggage through the desert (remember?). This is just a copy of that scene, minus the punch line.

Estevez also shaves his mustache, which is supposed to be a type of sacred moment and is referenced at least ten times throughout the film (he goes to stroke his mustache, he complains about chopping it off, Dreyfuss complains about it, etc.). But for heaven's sake, he's only been in one film so far--we've only seen the mustache once--so a better thing to do would have been this: make a few more sequels and, when the last entry comes, have him shave it off. By then the audience realizes that his mustache is part of him, and that losing it is like losing part of his soul.

But I'm glad they didn't make any more than one sequel.

One of the things that kept the "Lethal Weapon" franchise going was the fresh ideas, fresh buddies, and fresh scripts. (Great actors never hurt an action comedy, either.) The "Stakeout" franchise--which didn't even last long enough to spawn more than one sequel--tries to copy this formula but isn't sure how. The introduction of Joe Pesci in "Lethal Weapon 2" was great because he thereby became the Third Stooge, whereas O'Donnell's entry into the series is nothing but a humiliating reminder that talk show hosts can't always act in front of a camera and maintain the same type of humor they may (or may not) exhibit on their (awful) TV "talk show." (Which is, by the way, consumed of entirely staged so-called "interviews.")

And whereas Pesci, as Leo Getz, added a type of silly vibe to the "LW" series, O'Donnell just seems like a carbon copy clone of Estevez from the first "Stakeout." Dreyfuss didn't like him at first, and--guess what--they suddenly became best buds. The same thing happens in the sequel, much to the audience's chagrin.

Of course, "Lethal Weapon" and its sequels were never more than a few years apart (the first coming out in 1989, two years after the original). But "Stakeout" had six years to make a respectable sequel, and it fails. It fails the same way that many prolonged sequels do. But, for once, it's not because the audience has forgotten the original film--it's because the audience is fed up with the same routine.

The film was directed by John Badham, which is surprising, since he's a talented director ("Saturday Night Fever," "The Hard Way," "Stakeout"). Here he jumps through all the hoops, turning his own series into a pale retread of the original--only watered down: minus the violence, language, nudity, and humor. I'm not saying a movie has to be R to be funny. But if you've got a sequel to an R-rated movie like "Stakeout" and you decide to turn its sequel into a cutesy-tutesy children's entertainment program, you'd better advise the audience before they sit down expecting something funny and fresh.

What a disappointment.

Bothell ROCKS!
I can't believe someone feels just like me about Richard, and the ambiance and relaxation value of "Another Stakeout". It all works from Las Vegas to the end, even the Stickley furniture. The comedic relationship between the three actors and the script is perfection!

Great Laughs
One of my all time favorite comedies. I agree that it is much more enjoyable than the first STAKEOUT and I recommend this movie to anyone who needs a good laugh.

Richard Dreyfuss...THE BEST!
The first reviewer obviously has a problem relaxing with a good humored, fun, well-acted movie with lines well written. It's a kick to just kick back and relax as the movie unfolds. It's the chemistry baby, of the three actors, scenery, set design, writer's workmanship and a plot thick enough to tie it all together. There's too little to relax and chuckle with these days...enjoy and relax. Cheryl, I agree, it totally beats "Stakeout".

Funnier than the first stakeout
I had to write this because I couldn't believe how the first reviewer tanked this movie. OK, so it's not going to win any big awards, but it's FUNNY and has some suspense and excitement. I laughed my head off. That's all you really want when you're looking for a movie to share with friends occasionally. The first stakeout was rather dark and not really that funny, but it's good too. ... Read more

Reviews (117)

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan give charming and sweet performances!
I still love this movie! "Sleepless in Seattle" is still one of the best romantic films that I have seen since...ever! The performances in the film were top-notch and the storyline was terrific! To me, this film talks about two things...fate and destiny. "Sleepless" focuses on Sam Baldwin (Tom Hanks), a recently widowed father who, because of the death of his wife Maggie (Carey Lowell), decides to move out to Seattle with his son Jonah (Ross Malinger) to start over again. One night, Jonah calls a talk radio show, who asks Sam to come to the phone and explain everything. So Sam sat down and talked about everything that he and his wife had done over the past few years, how he loved her, and such. Sam's story was such a big hit across America that women have been pouring letters of comfort at Sam's home. The story has also reached the heart of a newspaper writer named Annie Reed (Meg Ryan). Annie is single, lives in New York, and is engaged to a man named Walter (Bill Pullman), who is pretty much allergic to everything. After hearing Sam's story on the radio that night, Annie believes that she and Sam are destined to be together, due to typical Hollywood romance from such films as, for example, "An Affair to Remember". And romantic charm and trouble ensues from there on as, for example, Annie goes to Seattle to sort of "spy" on Sam to see what he is like, especially with his son, etc. "Sleepless in Seattle" marks the second teaming of Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan from their first hit, "Joe Versus the Volcano" in 1990, and before they starred a third time in 1998's "You've Got Mail", which is directed by "Sleepless" director Nora Ephron ("This is My Life"). And speaking of the director, she directed this film with a lot of heart, soul, and emotion. Nora Ephron's best work to date! "Sleepless in Seattle" has also the absolute best performances of all time from Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. I kind of liked the way that Meg Ryan's hair looked in the film. To me, you don't get to see Meg Ryan with hair like that a lot. I like this film because it is one of those films where two people eventually cross paths continuously, and in the end, they meet each other for the first time and live happily ever after! I really hope that there is a sequel to this film in the making, but if there isn't, then I will still enjoy "Sleepless in Seattle" for years to come!

A Laugh-Out-Loud Funny Charmer
First of all, Sleepless in Seattle IS a chick flick, yes, and there are certainly some stretches of the imagination required as far as plot goes, but the real emphasis is the characters, and that is the strength of the movie...the entire cast is excellent, from Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks to the supporting cast (Rosie O'Donnell, Bill Pullman, Ross Malinger and Robert Reiner). The story and chemistry is charming, but more than that, the movie is hysterical. Everytime I watch the movie again (I've seen it about 5 or 6 times now) I realize how funny it is...Nora Ephron may be the best current writer of real romantic comedies. There are SO many funny little things scattered throughout the movie...even if you don't like "chick flicks," you should watch it because it's one of the funniest movies ever.

Absolutely wonderful!
I first saw this movie when I was in college with my roomate, who knows all the best movies out there. I absolutely fell in love with it, and I went out and bought it immediately. It's ideal if you are single, it gives you hope for finding that perfect someone :), at least it did for me. If you like You've Got Mail, you'll also like Sleepless in Seattle, or if you haven't seen either, they go perfect together!!

great chick flick for chicks
Tom Hanks stars as recent widower from Seattle who talks to a radio show host about his troubles and Meg Ryan plays a recently engaged woman from New York who develops a relationship with Hank's character. The plot is a bit cheesy as well as the lines, but that is how chick flicks are made--cheesy plots and lines. Though most guys will not like "Sleepless in Seattle" unless they enjoy other "chick flicks," most women enjoy this contemporary classic of long distance romance. If you like the movie be sure to check out the DVD, which has many more added features such as a music video and commentary by the director and co-writer.

Sleepless in Seattle
WOW! I LOVE this movie! It's a favorite of all my families. I think this is a great love story and almost anyone would enjoy it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

After viewing Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Edgar RiceBurroughs wrote to Walt Disney about adapting his novel of an ape-man into a feature animated cartoon. Sixtysome years later, the tale is finally told with brilliant design work that looks unlike any previous animated film. The story is a natural for Disney since the themes of misunderstood central figures have been at the heart of its recent hits. Disney's Tarzan doesn't wander far from the familiar story of a shipwrecked baby who is brought up by apes in Africa. What gives the film its zing is its clever use of music (the songs are sung by Phil Collins himself rather than onscreen characters) and the remarkable animation. Deep Canvas, a 3-D technology, was developed for the film, creating a jungle that comes alive as Tarzan swings through the trees, often looking like a modern skateboarder racing down giant tree limbs. The usual foray of sidekicks, including a rambunctious ape voiced by Rosie O'Donnell, should keep the little ones aptly entertained. The two lead voices, Tony Goldwyn as Tarzan and Minnie Driver as Jane, are inspired choices. Their chemistry helps the story through the weakest points (the last third) and makes Tarzan's initial connection with all things human (including Jane) delicious entertainment. Disney still is not taking risks in its animated films, but as cookie-cutter entertainment, Tarzan makes a pretty good treat. (Ages 5 and up) --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (300)

Learning More About Animated Features
If you're like me, then you love animation! One of the enjoyable parts of the Disney Collector's series of DVDs, is that they give you an opportunity to look behind the scenes and see how these animated features are made.

One of the most interesting aspects of this particular DVD is watching the original Story Treatment and comparing it to the final version. Disney even gives the veiwers an opportunity to see the scenes that did not make the final feature.

A highlight for any animation enthusiast will be the Production Progression Demonstration that allows viewers to move through the various stages of production to the final feature.

A must have for collectors!

A brilliant realization of an enduring modern myth
Tarzan is a modern fictional creation--like Superman or Ebenezer Scrooge--who has become a worldwide icon. Ever since Tarzan first appeared in a 1914 novel by his creator, Edgar Rice Burroughs, this story has been both sequelized and retold countless times, by many different authors (including Burroughs), and in virtually every conceivable medium: further novels, comic books, TV shows, movies, and more. It seems that the public never tires of the tale of an orphaned human baby raised by gorillas in Africa, and of his adventures as an adult. Out of this vast body of Tarzan material, the 1999 animated film from Walt Disney is one of the best. A blend of action, romance, and humor, all highlighted by superb music and breathtaking visuals, this film proves that even a familiar story like Tarzan's can always be retold with a fresh style and attitude.

The film starts out with the baby Tarzan, and ensuing portions of the film depict him as both a child and an adult man. His romance with Jane, a key component of past versions, is retold with flair. But the really amazing innovation that this film brings to the Tarzan mythos is its depiction of Tarzan's ape family. These apes are not just typical wisecracking cartoon animals. Instead, the filmmakers take an almost realistic approach to the issue of gorilla communication and interspecies communication--this is a Tarzan story that seems to reflect public knowledge about the work of such scientists as Dian Fossey and Jane Goodall. Tarzan's ape family members are fully developed characters who engage the viewers' emotions.

The animation is stunning; the scenes of Tarzan swinging through vines and "surfing" the twisty, moss-covered tree trunks as if they were ocean waves left me spellbound. And the music by Phil Collins and Mark Mancina brilliantly ties the whole film together. Rather than have the characters break out into Broadway-style musical numbers, the producers have wisely opted to have the gifted Collins sing the film's excellent songs as a backdrop to the action. Collins' performance, rich in emotional nuance, represents some of the best work of an amazing career.

I grew up watching (and loving) the classic Johnny Weismuller Tarzan films on Sunday morning TV matinees. And Disney's excellent "Tarzan" is both faithful to this classic character and successful in bringing new power to his story. This is a great film for both adults and children--it is exciting, emotionally rich, intelligent, and stunningly beautiful.

Wonderful Change for Disney!
I bought this movie for my daughter without ever having seen it. What I found when I watched was THE BEST movie that Disney has ever made. My daughter just can get enough of the monkeys, and I can't get enough of the songs! One of the things that makes this Disney movie stand out is it's break from the "normal" way Disney does their musicals. You know, where say, Belle is walking down the street and all of a sudden everyone starts singing? In Tarzan, the music is not sung by the characters, it's all in the background. If you only ever buy one Disney movie, buy this one. :-)

Belongs to the Best of Disney!
For a long time, Disney has been the best in animation movies. But now, there are a lot of other studio's who try to make animation movies who are just as good as Disney. So Disney must try to keep the quality of their movies and give the audience a reason to come to their movies and not of the one of the other studio. But 2 years ago, Disney released "Mulan" and DreamWorks "The Prince of Egypt". And "The Prince of Egypt" was much better than "Mulan". Because the songs where better and the animation was fantastic. While Disney's "Mulan" didn't had any really new animations or really enjoyable songs. And I was actualy very dissapointed in Disney.

But last year, Disney came up with "Tarzan". "Tarzan" has really fantastic computer animated backgrounds, especialy when Tarzan is "surfing" on the trees. Plus some really good songs of Phil Collins and very funny humor.

There are also of course some famous movie stars who are doing some character voices, like Minnie Driver as Jane, Glenn Close as Tarzan's mother and Rosie O'Donnell as Terk.

If the movies of the last years a bit dissapointed you, you really have to see "Tarzan", because Disney is finally back and is ready to team up with the other studio's.

Together with "The Hunchback of the Notre Dame" (wich was my favourite Disney movie of all-time, untill now) is this the best Disney movie ever made!

I also want to say something about the extra's on the DVD, because this is the first Disney movie who is released in Holland with extra's. And they are really good. Especially the preview of "Dinosaur" which has really cool sound (as well as the movie). I only really missed the score only thing. They actually should have done that. Because I really liked the songs of Phil Collins and especially the music of Mark Mancina.

FABULOUS!!!
First, I am surprised at the two comments I have seen which suggest staying away from the DVD version. I (and several friends) have the DVD version and have had experienced NO problems on multiple types of DVD players. Perhaps these individuals are playing it on a computer based DVD player and that is the cause (FYI - NT doesn't support DVD...)? My Panasonic Stereo Component DVD player has no problems with it. In addition, the DVD is PACKED with extras! The DVD version adds much to the experience. If you're worried, rent it first!

Regarding the film, this is a great example of classic Disney animation. The background detail is breathtaking! It is too bad it takes so long to create this level of artistry (5-7 years)or we would have more films with this style of animation and less with the "Hercules" style. The music is superb - which is no big surprise since it was written by Phil Collins. The characters are engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable. All in all this is a film to see over and over for an enchanting escape to the jungle! ... Read more