Reviews (88)

Wonderful Movie!!
I loved this movie! I applauded De Niro's acting and directing for this film. It's an intriguing Bronx Tale with a young man at its center. It tells the story of Calogero, an Italian boy who grew up in a neighborhood that was run by a local hood named Sonny (Palminteri). Cologero admires Sonny's life of getting things easily like money, respect, and even fear. However his father Lorenzo(De Niro, who's a blue-collar bus-driver, tries to get Cologero to turn his back on Sonny for the sake of his life as well as everything that Lorenzo has instilled in his son. All in all, it's a wonderful movie. It's a story of love, loyalty, friendship and family amidst its violence.
The music's awesome too!! Get the soundtrack.
I recommend this movie to De Niro fans (like me!) and fans of the genre in general.
Oh..and watch for a cameo by none other than Joe Pesci!

Very Accurate Story of Life in the City
This film is definitely one of the most underappreciated films of the 1990s. Besides excellent performances by EVERY actor (I actually can't think of one bad acting scene--even young Francis Capra had his part down cold), there are wonderful sets, great music, and great dialogue. Robert De Niro happens to be my idol in a way, and his directorial debut did not let me down one bit. But for me the most striking aspect of Chazz Palmentieri's script and De Niro's adaptation of it is the way that Calogero falls in with the wrong people. It hits close to home for me, having been in a similar situation and environment. To the people of the neighborhood, Sonny isn't a gangster, he's just an important guy. And that's how it is. Crime is never crime in those neighborhoods, it's just a means to an end. And the way that this movie captures that is truly amazing. My only complaint is the way the movie forks. It starts out as a young man's dilemma of who to listen to, and everything seems to be headed toward a resolution of this. But then a completely alien storyline kicks in about Calogero's crush on a young black girl from Webster Ave. While there is nothing wrong with the second half of the movie, it seems to detract from the first part, in which we were already engrossed in. I think that there could have been a better transition from one to the other. (As a sidenote, all respect to De Niro, I think that he was probably particularly passionate about portraying the white kid/black girl story. After all, he seems to be quite attracted toward black women seeing as how there have been more than a few in his love life. Thank you for showing this, Mr. De Niro. To those people who never lived in a similar place it doesn't seem relevant, but in those neighborhoods it is a very big matter.) Although every actor gave a great performance, I think the shining stars in this film were the uncredited appearance by Joe Pesci, the wonderful job by young Francis Capra, the sets, and last but not least the performance of Palmentieri himself. THis man is a really outstanding actor who stays very true to the central vein of his character throughout the movie. Over all, he playus a very interesting real-life wiseguy.

Don't waste your money!!
This was not a great movie like everyone thinks it is. I really didnt get into it. I thought the actors portrait of "the mob" was not right at all. Very Very off.

Terrific directorial debut
For a directorial debut, Deniros first is impressive. The story takes place in of course, the Bronx, about a bus driver and his kid growing up. Deniro does not overblow the movie....and does capture realistically the street humor and language that makes it very realistic.

It might not be a Scorsese or Coppola film, but its very very respectable just the same. Give it a look, its very good!!

Superb Westsidestoryesque Drama: BEST FILM OF 1993
A compelling insightful drama set in racially-charged New York City of the 1960s. Chock full of wisdom and insight, the powerful message swept along in riveting, tense tale of how making the wrong choices can be truly deadly. Robert Deniro and the youngster that plays his son create a real-life relationship and tug of war that is both fascinating and heartbreaking. Outstanding film that is a must-see for teenagers who think they have all the answers and essential viewing for parents whose uncompromising adherance to can lofty ideals can bring heartbreak to all those around them. Acting is excellent and the staging is superb. One of the top 100 best movies of the 1990s. ... Read more

Reviews (449)

My Favorite Plot-Driven Movie!
I am glad that I waited for the "Special Edition." In all honesty, I'm not really into the "extras" that some DVDs contain. I've purchased or rented several DVDs in the past year, and I can count on one hand the number of times I actually bothered to check out the extra material. Only Disney's "Snow White" had anything that was truly interesting.

THIS "Special Edition" had extras that were unique (the profanity-laced Gag Reel), and truly interesting (the featurettes that included interviews with actors, producers, screenwriters, etc.) My wife and I especially enjoyed the interviews, because they explained how the actors came together to create the chemistry that was needed to drive the plot and keep viewers guessing until the very end.

To summarize, 5 con artists are thrown together in a police line-up, and after getting out, they decide to teach the NYPD a lesson for giving them a hard time. Their act of revenge (more like a thumbing of the nose, or a flipping of the bird) eventually leads them to more criminal acts. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the mysterious Keyser Soze is pulling the strings and making the quintet dance to his own tune. Just who is Keyser Soze? That's the question that keeps viewers glued to the screen, as the plot goes through several twists while leading up to an awesome surprise ending!

Of course, I am truly biased, because this is my FAVORITE movie of all time. I would have a difficult time understanding how anyone could not appreciate the good acting, fine screenplay, and surprise ending. Kevin Spacey became a household name with his portrayal of "Verbal" Kint, and Gabriel Byrne and Chazz Palminteri were perfect for their roles (a con man trying to go straight and a customs agent, respectively). Benicio Del Toro's small part as "Fenster" was hilarious - a portrayal he dubs as his "Mumbles" (as in the bad guy played by Dustin Hoffman in the "Dick Tracy" movie).

If you buy ONE DVD for great acting and a cool story (as opposed to "Whoa! That sounds great on my home theater!"), this should be that DVD.

WHO IS KEYSER SOZE?...
Christopher McQuarrie's Academy Award winning, original screenplay, coupled with Bryan Singer's masterful direction of a stellar cast, makes for a complex and absorbing film. Told in flashback, the film recounts how five individuals on the wrong side of the law hook up to steal a multi-million dollar cache of cocaine from a docked vessel.

Led by former Los Angeles detective turned bad guy, Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne), Roger "Verbal" Kint (Kevin Spacey), Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin), Todd Hockey ((Kevin Pollack), and Fred Fenster (Benicio Del Toro), proceed to their rendevous point and begin executing their plan of action. Their foray into this million dollar drug heist turns bad almost immediately. Something or someone is afoot who does not want them to succeed, and who seems to know their every move.

The story is told in flashback by "Verbal" Kint, a club footed, crestfallen, soft spoken, unlikely looking criminal. He recounts the details of the doomed heist to hardnosed Detective, David Kujan (Chazz Palmentieri), building his story around an almost mythic, Hungarian crime lord named Keyser Soze. As "Verbal" details what happened, the viewer is mesmerized by his compelling narrative of how he and his partners in crime were inveigled into attempting this daring heist, which ultimately led to the disastrous events that culminated on the ship. It seems that their heist was probably destined to be doomed from the start, as another agenda may have been paramount to theirs.

Kevin Spacey won a 1995 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his low key, ingratiating portrayal of "Verbal" Kint. Gabriel Byrne also gives a compelling performance as the cop who ended on the wrong side of the law. The rest of the cast also give stellar performances, with the exception of Benicio Del Toro, who gives an odd, marble mouthed performance. Notwithstanding this, the film is really a splendid tour de force that is sure to captivate the viewer. Who is the mythic Keyser Soze? Watch the film and find out.

A Masterpiece Especially the Ending!!
Usual Suspects is an excellent well plotted movie. It sent chills down my spine when I realized Kevin Spacey was Kazer Soze. You must see this movie!

I Can't Feel My Legs, Keyser
One of the best movies of the 1990s, The Usual Suspects startles and surprises. A fast-paced story told by a wimpy, cripple felon Roger "Verbal" Kint presents a new take on evil, a new face of violence and murder.

"You think you can catch Keyser Soze?" asks Verbal of Special Agent Kujan. "You think a guy like that comes this close to getting caught, and sticks his head out? If he comes up for anything it'll be to get rid of me. After that... my guess is you'll never hear from him again." Of course, he also says things like "Back when I was in barbershop quartet in Skokie Illinois" and "Back when I was picking beans in Guatemala, we used to make fresh coffee, right off the trees I mean." And a really good one (grimacing and teary-eyed): "Why me? I am stupid, I am a cripple. Why me?"

Nietzsche said: "Talking much about oneself can also be a means to conceal oneself."

Throwing someone off the sent, and doing this consciously or subconsciously, is nothing new. Things are not always how they appear or how they sound. Agent Kujan has preconceived notions about Keaton, about Verbal, and about himself. Because of these, he cannot see clearly. He also has his back turned to the bulletin board until the very end of the film.

Great script, great acting, great movie.

Michael

I'm still in a state of shock after seeing this
This movie is the story of five criminals and what happened to them after a "ramdom" police lineup. It is one of the best movies of all time and has the most shocking ending I have ever seen. See this movie and you will never regret it. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A pleasure to watch
A beautifully shot, low-key noir flick, MULHOLLAND FALLS is a pleasure to watch, despite a too predictable plot and sleepy pacing. I guess we're supposed to be more occupied by "mood" which is okay with me. This is the only film I've seen where Melanie Griffith gives a more than tolerable performance, and Nick Nolte is excellent as your grim, conflicted noir hero guy. Not nearly as emotionally wrenching or as well-written as CHINATOWN, and nowhere near the interesting, subtle and exciting LA CONFIDENTIAL, this is still a classy movie worth watching. The 1940s setting is almost too perfect, and oh my, what a car! Chazz Palminteri is excellent, despite the writers not giving us enough depth. The rest of the supporting cast is superb. A mellow murder mystery making for a great late-night watch, in the tradition of the film noir. Cheers.

A Cops vs. Federal Government story of murder

Format: Color
Not for sale to persons under age 18.
Studio: Mgm/Ua Studios
Video Release Date: June 23, 1998

Cast:

Nick Nolte ... Max Hoover
Melanie Griffith ... Katherine Hoover
Chazz Palminteri ... Elleroy Coolidge
Michael Madsen ... Eddie Hall
Chris Penn ... Arthur Relyea
Treat Williams ... Colonel Nathan Fitzgerald
Jennifer Connelly ... Allison Pond
Daniel Baldwin ... McCafferty
Andrew McCarthy ... Jimmy Fields
John Malkovich ... General Thomas Timms

Kyle Chandler ... Captain
Ed Lauter ... Earl
Larry Garrison ... Perino's Maitre d'
Chelsea Harrington ... Lolita
Johnna Johnson ... Bar Woman
Rick Johnson ... Staff Car Sergeant
Britt Burr ... Staff Car Driver
Melinda Clarke ... Cigarette Girl
Ernie Lively ... Foreman
Richard Sylbert ... Coroner
Michael Krawic ... Assistant Coroner
Titus Welliver ... Kenny Kamins
Robert Peters ... Cop #1
Father William M. Thigpen ... Priest
Drew Pillsbury ... Chief's Assistant
Brad Hunt ... Guard
Aaron Neville ... Nite Spot Singer
Buddy Joe Hooker ... DC-3 Pilot
Eddie Caicedo ... Gasping Patient
Price Carson ... Honor Guard
Azalea Davila ... Perino's Girl
Sky Solari ... Perino's Girl
Alisa Christensen ... Spaghetti Girl
Bruce Dern ... The Chief
Rob Lowe ... Hoodlum
Johnny Martin ... Mafia Hitman
William L. Petersen ... Jack, Mafia Mobster
Sharmagne Leland-St. John ... Woman in Night Club
Louise Fletcher ... Esther

Max Hoover (Nick Nolte) is the head of a special police squad that is given carte blanche when it come to methods of running bad guys out of L.A., including throwing them off cliffs; hence the title: as one of the bad guys observed, "There are no falls on Mulholland Drive," Until of course, he discovers them as he falls down the cliff.

The instant crime which the story centers around is the death of a young woman, whose body, it turns out, is discovered to be radioactive, and was a paramour of General Thomas Timms (John Malkovich), who is in command of an Atomic Energy Commission base. The AEC and the FBI, on the one hand, and the LAPD on the other, head for an inevitable jurisdictional clash, in spades.

I will not divulge further details of the plot, except to say that it is rated "R" for language and violence--deservedly.

But, unlike several other reviewers, I found the film interesting and am watching it for the second or third time.

Perhaps not a "great" film, but certainly entertaining within its genre, and well acted and directed.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

Mulholland...FALLS--Oh, NOW I get it!
Let's get to the good stuff about this movie before the real fun of dissecting it. For Nick Nolte fans, you'll enjoy it because he's good in it and cuts a swaggering figure in a fedora. For Jennifer Connally fans, this is a must have (you naughty boys) and you'll want to keep your finger hovering over the pause button. In the meantime, you'll be cursing the director for editing the heck out of that really good 8mm B&W movie starring the impressive Miss Connally and spending most of the film on something about radiation and men with hats in a shiny Buick. Even though this impenetrable storyline features the additional treat of one of the Baldwin brothers (Adam? Stephen??) getting the crap beat out of him, I still found it lacking since the complete footage of Miss Connally's kinky films were never found and fully displayed to their archival stature. Talk about an extra for your DVD edition!

Now for the bad stuff. The film tries for atmosphere, but only occasionally succeeds. The shot out at the A-bomb crater is impressive, but on the whole, the movie spends too long doing too little. Of the cast, only Nolte is given enough meat to excel. This is a strong cast, but with the exception of Nolte, they have little to do. Melanie Griffith looks fresh off collagen injections to enlarge her upper lip, sadly ruining her beautiful face. Lord help me, but I kept expecting her to go "quack!" Why is it some gorgeous women keep obsessing about their bodies-tattooes, piercing, injections, etc.? They are like masterpieces that continue to have work done to them and hence ruin their natural beauty (ahem, end soliloquy). And miscasting reaches new heights with uber-quirky John Malkovich as an Army General! Apparently they offered him the part in the B&W porno flick and he was theirs for whatever role nobody else wanted.

Well, I don't want to give away the ending, but for me , the whole movie FELL FLAT. My interest PLUMMETED in the climactic scene. So don't feel you should DROP EVERYTHING to go out and rent this movie.

entertaining
with a early 1950's flair, this los angeles police drama and suspense movie is no oscar winner, however a saturday afternoon a the movies would be good.
also after seeing the cast;

nick nolte
chazz palmenteri
bruce dern
kyle chandler
treat williams
william petersen
rob lowe

they could have had more of a movie, such as l.a.confidential
than this mess.

i liked it, up to a certain point.

Modern Film Noir... a classic!
This movie is NOT on the level of Chinatown, LA Confidential or some of the genuine film noir made in the late 40s.... however... if you enjoyed them, you will enjoy this one, and I give it 5 stars for the atmosphere, music, style, costumes, and story so typical of those other great films. ESPECIALLY interesting is Jennifer's portrayal of a "Black Dahlia" type character, pale blue eyes and all.... and Treat Williams role as a military thug, which he plays beautifully. The score by Dave Grusin is absolutely gorgeous and brings the perfectly beautiful shots of period Los Angeles and matching sets to life. Cinematography and sound is first rate. I can hardly wait to own this on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (162)

Fun entertainment that suffers from an overly-mawkish tone
Stuart Little

Score: 64/100

He's clever. He's enthusiastic. He's a can-do little guy with an attitude. And he's a mouse. From the co-director of The Lion King and the writer of The Sixth Sense comes an entertaining family film from classic American author E.B. White. It's surely a star-studded crew there, and there's not much a family of four could white other than a couple of talking mouse's and many exciting scenes. Even though Stuart Little falls flat from a few flaws, it's still a fun children's comedy, that will be worth your time, depending on your feelings towards movies like this.

In a cosy house near New York City's Central Park, Mr. and Mrs. Little (Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis) bring home a surprising addition to the family...Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox), and he's a er...mouse. Despite the urgings of Mrs. Keeper at the orphanage to adopt within their own species, the Littles beam with the pride of new parents. At home the little guy with a big heart (not to mention whiskers, a little pink nose and a really dapper wardrobe), searches for a sense of belonging and a place to call home in the decidedly supersized world. When Stuart is adopted by the Littles he embarks on an adventure with a variety of characters - including his nemesis, the cat Snowball (voiced by Nathan Lane) - and learns the true meaning of family, loyalty and friendship. The Littles, in the meantime, each discover there is a Stuart in all of us - the spunk, spirit and courage to be true to ourselves and follow our dreams despite the odds.

Stuart Little is a good movie, but it suffers majorly from an over-corny note. It's big smiles and drowning frowns all the time, none of the characters ever look normal. Their expressions are practically drawn in, and none of them have much originality about them apart from Stuart, of course. Still, the film provides plenty of entertaining scenes, including an exhilarating cat chase and a superb boat race. It may have a sense of bore in some parts of the film, but overall, it's a very bearable movie that will silent children and, surprisingly, adults for a rainy day. It's a film that combines live action with some groundbreaking visual effects by artists and innovators who have taken digital character creation to a bold new level with the birth of Stuart. The visual effects are the most plausible thing about the film, they are truly memorable, it's some of the most amazingly done animal-talking done since Babe.

Not as good as it could've been, Stuart Little is still watchable fun, a film where you can really expect the whole family to enjoy it.

Pleasantly surprised
I rented this DVD because I am a huge fan of British actor (and musician, comedian, novelist...) Hugh Laurie, and was very pleasantly surprised.

The animation is outstanding, so much that you don't even notice it, and Michael J. Fox is absolutely perfect as the voice of Stuart. The very colorful, almost-realistic-but-not-quite setting was quite well done, and the group of acting cats must have been a monumental accomplishment. Jonathan Lipnicki is cute as a bug, and Hugh Laurie (great fake accent!) and Geena Davis are perfect storybook parents who finish each other's sentences and eat a lot of meatloaf. Rounding out the talent is Nathan Lane as the voice of Snowbell, the cat who is mortified at having a mouse in the family.

It is fascinating to watch the extra features and to see just how much work went into making Stuart so real. Excellent work! A clean, fun, enjoyable movie.

Stuart Little brought to life
This is a marvelous adaptation of E.B. White's tale of the little mouse who found himself a place by the hearth in an all too human family. It is such a wonderful story and the animation brings Stuart Little to life. Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis play the adoptive parents to a tee, and the other members of the family provide excellent support. Jonathan Lipnicki turns in a first class performance as the reluctant brother.

The story plays out effortlessly, with wonderful scenes moving back and forth between mad-cap adventure and family bonding. The animation team really outdid themselves with Stuart and his fake mouse parents, who make a fantastic entrance midway through the movie. The conspiracy of cats is mostly humorous, and not overly frightening for little ones. Every scene appears to have been meticulously created. The toy boat race is riveting. The kids will love every minute of it, as will adults as this movie avoids the typical pratfalls of family entertainment. The DVD also provides some nice add-ons, such as storyboard sequences for some of the scenes and mouse trivia games for the kids.

Mickey Mouse
Magical, heartwarming family film based on E.B. White's children's book. A couple's adoption of a second son, oblivious to the fact that he's a mouse, leads to problems with their human son which plae in comparision to the family cat's resentment. High-quality computer-generated detail allows the mouse to appear real and permits the many featured cats to talk freely. Jonathan Lipnicki is adorable as the human son and the voices of Michael J. Fox as Stuart and Nathan Lane as his nemisis Snowbell perfectly fit the roles.

Animals steal the show
There are few kids movies I can sit through more than once--this one I've already seen 7 times! My son is now over 3 and he can load the DVD player himself and turn on the TV. Guess what gets put on now?! I must say that I love that the movie doesn't patronize my son. There are heavy issues here: fear of being alone; fear of violence; fear of failure--but the characters aren't obsessed or broken by their fears, they confront them and work through them. For example, when Stuart is trying to make friends with the family pet cat Snowball, Stuart says rather naively, "Can't we just be friends? Do you want me to scratch your ear? Can I pat your tummy?" to which Snowball answers, "How'd you like to pat it from the inside mouse-boy!?" Direct, without wishy-washy handwringing, or moralizing. My son says that he "loves Stuart." I too love Stuart. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of Woody Allen's best films of the '90s, Bullets over Broadway stars John Cusack as a virtual Woody surrogate, a neurotic, Jazz Age writer whose new play sounds wooden and unrealistic to a low-level mobster (Chazz Palminteri) assigned to watch over his boss's actress-girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly). When the hood starts contributing better story ideas and dialogue than what the official playwright can conjure, questions (not unlike those of Amadeus) about the price we pay to make art at the expense of other responsibilities are intriguingly raised. Palminteri gives a very interesting performance as the enforcer waking up to the desperate (and almost feminine) demands of his own creative psyche, and Dianne Wiest (who won an Oscar), Tracey Ullman, Jim Broadbent, and Jennifer Tilly are very funny together playing the ensemble cast of Cusack's play. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Don't speak, just laugh!
Oh Woody, Woody, Woody. When he is funny, he is one of the best comic writers around, and in this movie his writing is hilarious. What other auteur in the cinema today can poke fun at those little idiosyncracies that we all see in ourselves, and get away with it?
Our hero, in a rare departure is not played by Woody Allen but rather, John Cusack, who gives a subtle performance, rather than the over-the-top pisstake by Kenneth Branagh in "Celebrity". He is trying to get his latest play staged, and can only do so by accepting money from the Mob and having a mobster's girlfriend, with no talent, take one of his lead roles. The humour that ensues centres around each of the plays characters, from the fading diva played by Dianne Wiest to the compulsive eater played by the magnificent Jim Broadbent, as they prepare for the play's debut on Broadway. All the performances are spot on and the only criticism comes in the ham-fisted fashion that the film concludes with a mobsters shootout and its all too happy ending.
Nevertheless this is well worth watching to hear great comic lines and the splendid cast who deliver them.

Pure hilarity
As a die hard Woody Allen fan, I can honestly state that this is one of his best efforts. The characters are so incredibly good (dare I say delicious?) and the actors who bring them to life are equally exquisite. From Dianne Wiest ("Don't speak...Don't speak") to Jennifer Tilly ("Hey, Venus, where's that hooch?") to Chaz Palmentieri("You don't write the way people talk")to John Cusack ("I think I'll go now and get the psychiatric help I need"). The rest of the cast is equally marvelous, especially Tracey Ullman. She really is nothing short of brilliant in everything she does. This movie is just a delight throughout. It is truly droll and clever, never once loosing it's intelligence. The attention to detail is admirable, so much so that the film seemingly leaps out at you from the screen. I've seen this film more times than I care to mention and each time I find myself enjoying it more. Only Woody Allen could have devised such an ironic plot twist. He is, without question, the O. Henry of the cinema. One final note: No one, and I mean no one, can make New York seem more fabulous and intoxicating than Mr. Allen. All his films are love letters to this the greatest of American cities. This is to the person who accused Woody Allen of preaching through the Rob Reiner character: Give me a major break. He was spoofing the tendency of some over-indulgent artists to dramatize and take himself too seriously. Sometimes a cigar, my friend, is just a cigar. Don't read so much into things. It can sometimes get you into trouble.

Funny, funny, funny!!
And funny. Great casting, great script, funny dialogue and good directing. The wonderful thing about this whole flick -- Woody Allen decided NOT to be in it. One of his better decisions he's made in years. (Thanks for giving us a break and breather from your repeatible and stale roles Woody!) Don't miss this little-known gem.

Were they trying to make a movie that makes no sense?
I'm not stupid, but this movie made no sense whatsoever. I didn't understand one bit of the boring, mindless conversations, characters, their purpose, etc. And a plot..? Don't even ask. This "sophisticated" comedy (where they got comedy I'll never know as this wasn't the least bit funny) was dull, shallow entertainment. The theme I got out of this movie was "You're not always who you think you are." A theme that could have easily been told in half the time it took this long, dragged out film. Don't believe what the critics say about this. Siskel and Ebert rated it two thumbs up but what do they know? They gave Gosford Park (warning: stay away) the same rating (Actually, that last one was Ebert and Roeper, but they're basically the same). Take my advice and rent something that wasn't directed by Woody Allen. Every one of his movies I've had the nerve to sit through entirely (without falling asleep or turning it off), have been a complete waste of my time. I kept waiting for the ending thinking (and hoping) it would make the movie. It didn't. Those who enjoyed this movie obviously classify it as a work of art much like Shakespeare: boring, but a masterpiece nonetheless. The only reason to watch this movie (by renting it, NOT buying it) is to see the always brilliant Diane Weist in her Oscar-winning performance.

decent
this movie was enjoyable, but not the best woody allen i've seen. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the remarkable things about making an animated sequel is that actors don't age. It took Disney 46 years to make a sequel to its 1955 hit Lady and the Tramp, yet the events of this made-for-video sequel take place only six months later. Lady and Tramp are getting along fine with their human family, the Darlings, and they have four new puppies. The three girl puppies take after mom, the boy, Scamp, has a lot of dad in him. Scamp dreams of "being a real dog," and that means living on the street as a member of the Junkyard Dogs. Despite his dad's warnings, Scamp (voiced by Scott Wolf) runs off and goes through the trials of a mutt, including run-ins with Junkyard leader Buster (Chazz Palminteri); the dog catcher (Don Knotts); and a fellow stray, Angel (Alyssa Milano). The formula here is the same as other Disney direct-to-video sequels The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, and the justification to return to a classic movie is flimsy at best. To its credit, Disney has made a quality effort in the animation department, adapting sets and characters from the original with great success. But the story is never engaging, the songs are forgettable, and the impact unsustainable (and at 62 minutes, quite trite). Nevertheless, a Disney kid should dig Scamp's rough-and-tumble adventures and the cute tale of puppy love (Scamp and Angel even revisit the Italian diner). The purist: beware. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (70)

Scamp is the poor man's Scrappy Doo...
And just as annoying. My 3 year old daughter loves this movie (mostly because she thinks she's a dog lately), but I just want to bury it in the backyard. Lady & the Tramp was Disney at it's finest, but this movie just felt 2nd tier the entire way through. The animation was dead-on, but the script, music, and voice talents were bland and uninteresting. If it weren't for the special features, and the fact that it keeps the kids quiet for 70 minutes, I'd only give it one star.

Bottom line is that it had little purpose besides dealing [with] how parents are boorish control freaks who set up a bunch of rules "for your own good", but only after children experience the hard-knock life for themselves can they ever accept any guidance or wisdom from their parents. The lessons in these movies are not lost on the kids...I caught my daughter soon after a couple of viewings telling me she doesn't want to take a bath because she's "a wild dog". She took the bath.

I guess there's a market for these halfhearted Disney classic "part 2" direct-to-video disasters, but it sure makes me appreciate efforts like "The Emperor's New Groove" and all of the Pixar movies that much more.

Who let the dogs out? :)
I thought this was surprisingly good for a Disney sequel. Tramp's son, Scamp, yearns to be a "wild dog" and sets out stubbornly to do so. Along the way we see many backgrounds from the first 'Lady and the Tramp'. Old characters are seen as well, from the Siamese cats to old Trusty and Jock. The plot itself is pretty good and goes along nicely. The only time your interest might wane is during the songs which aren't very up to par. The 'Junkyard Rag' started off great, but could've been much better. The characters are great and I really liked Buster. He was sort of like Steele (Balto) and Scar (Lion King) combined. The other Junkyard dogs seemed to fade into the background though once the story gets rolling. Lady's three girl pups, however, are hilarious, and their voices are perfect.The only problems I had with this movie was: The boring songs. How quickly the Junkyard Dogs, (except for Buster,) found a home. The annoying Dog Catcher. When Buster sees Tramp again after all these years he hardly reacts. And Scamp's odd voice. I thought Scamp's voice should've been younger, he sounds more like a teenage dog than a pup.Not quite as good as the original, but I still recommend it. Disney seems to have gotten the "hang" of making sequels....let's see if they can keep it up.

Rehashed and Pathetic.
Take the original, turn it around a little, and you get this piece of trash.

It's sad that this is what Disney has bent to - taking successful films, and turning them into lamed, limping sequels.

While children might find the story entertaining and adorable, their parents will likely find it lacking and a poor attempt to ride on the success of another film. It felt cheap and dirty to me, and like a formula film - which it truely is. Along with a rash of other "II" movies the plot goes like this: Protagonist of first film has kids. Kids face similar issues their parents faced - perhaps with some reversal of situations. Villian of last film is 'not really dead' or has some sort of successor that's pretty much just like them. Kids learn same lessons. The end.

I think it's one of the sad indicators of Disney's current attitude towards animation.

Another reversal of the original.
Scamp, the only male pup of Lady and Tramp, is pretty much the bad seed of the litter. He is rebellious, and disrespectful of his father and owners. He runs away from home, and like the original, falls in love with someone from "the wrong side of the tracks" It took his girlfriend Angel, who eerily resembles Tramp, telling him she would give anything to have what he has, a home and loving family, to finally open his eyes to when you have it all, don't complain about it.

Overall it was decent, but not that terribly great.

DTV
DTV : Abreviataion : Direct To Video.
1. DISNEY : An attempt at making money by producing a sequel to a prior sucess (I.E The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, etc.) Sequel is most normally and/or always about the prior main characters child rebelling against rules, wanting to live life their own way. (I.E. The Lion King II, Lady and the Tramp II, The Little Mermaid II). Result is most normally a terribly bad 72 minute monster. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You wouldn't want to spend much time with the folks from David Rabe's play Hurlyburly. Asensation when it played on stage (with marquee names Harvey Keitel and William Hurt), Rabe's tale of thecocaine-influenced days of Hollywood in the 1980s is a bitter rambling of what humans do with too much drive, power, and money. Robin Williams's joke about cocaine being God's way of telling you have too much money certainly comes into play here. A few days in the life of casting agent Eddie (Sean Penn)and his friends (separated by a year) take place in Eddie's posh L.A. bungalow. Here he and his roomie Mickey (Kevin Spacey) talk nonstop about sex and power, syntax and meaning. Into this wash comes a charitable bigwig (Gary Shandling), a street kid (Anna Paquin), and Eddie's rudderless friend, the violent Phil (Chazz Palminteri). If there is a central story to be found, it's Eddie's drive to fall in love with Darlene (Robin Wright Penn), who finds this world exciting--or at least intoxicating.

This is not the bunch to invite over to your house, and many might even want to skip the two-hour film with its talky, pathetic prose. These characters would probably be despicable even if they weren't addicted to some narcotic. And the talk is endless; conversations that finish with a door slam are taken up moments later on the cell phone (a nice updating touch by Rabe). What draws big-name actors to Rabe's work is the chance to work on one's raw acting talent. Penn and Palminteri fit their roles like gloves, and Spacey again proves he is one of the most watchable actors around. Every nuance, bad pun, and irrelevant slip of Spacey's wicked tongue has a brutal kind of poetry here in a film that can be admired but not loved. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (69)

beautiful
What you must know going into this movie is that you will not be passive about it. You will either love this movie or you will hate it. Many people say it drags on, lacks plot, etc, but I completely disagree. It is a movie about modernism, post modernism, post post modernism, all those absurdities of modern artists, especially existentialism. This is a movie about the next lost generation, people living in a world with no comfort for those who find it goes by too fast for them to find anything to feel passionate about. These people are searching for something, anything, to crave, and we as the viewers simply are introduced to a splice of their thoughts, hopes, dreams, etc. Anna Paquin is amazing in one of her first starring roles since The Piano; her progress as an actress is nothing short of spectacular. Meg Ryan finally sheds her ever-present cuteness and dares to take a role completely unlike any of her others, and does it impeccably. The chemistry between Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn is gripping as always, as they slip into new, absurdly off-center roles. Kevin Spacey is stunning. I love that this movie was created by many of the actors in it, I love the intelligence and creativity they gave it. This is one of my favorite movies, but it is clearly not for everyone.

One word... WOW!!!
I stumbled across this movie "by accident", flipping through the channels like many young Americans, and somehow I stopped dead in my tracks when I got to Hurlyburly. I was attracted to the movie initially by the top-notch actors, but after viewing it from start to finish at that one sitting, I found myself wanting to see it over and over again.

Sean Penn takes his "bad boy" reputation to another level in this well written screen adaptation of the play of the same name. He is so beleivable as Eddie that one might think he isn't even acting at all! That is when you realize you are truly watching one of the best actors in the business. Kevin Spacey, what can you say? He is just as impressive as ever in his role as the cynical Mickey, truly showing his great range and talent as an actor. Chazz Palminteri and Garry Shandling are also stunning in their respective roles as Phil and Artie. Cameos from Meg Ryan, Anna Paquin, and Robin Wright Penn help round out one of the absolute best acting lineups I have seen in a long, long time.

One of the true triumphs of the movie is the excellence to which it is written. The dialogue can be vulgar and lewd at times, but it remains poetic while doing so. The fact is that the world we find ourselves watching is in fact vulgar and lewd, out of control and senseless, but when you step back for a birds eye view, what you find yourself watching is a spin off of today's society. The dialogue, though drug induced in the film, speaks loud and clear to the viewer and watching these characters live their somewhat failed lives while analyzing every bit of it in an eloquent way is ironic, but breathtaking.

There is no "middle ground" with this movie, however. You will know right away whether you are going to love it or hate it, but all serious movie fans and fans of true acting in general, owe it to themselves to at least give this picture a chance.

"I can not stand this semantic insanity anymore!"
I like to find one quote from a movie to use as the header in my reviews - something that is hopefully interesting and perhaps funny, and indicates my feeling toward the movie. The quote is from Darlene (played by Robin Wright Penn) in response to boyfriend Eddie's (Sean Penn) argument about why she can not like Chinese and French restaurants equally.

In most scenes, coke-head Eddie's anger comes from nowhere, but he must try to make it sound as if he's talking about something. Long speeches and big words do not necessarily make a point. Although his room-mate, Mickey, played by Kevin Spacey dishes out speeches as well, it is less overwhelming and makes a little more sense. Perhaps it is because he does not do nearly as much drugs as Sean Penn's character. Another role played by Chazz Palminteri was offensive. It had one note to it, which was to yell, then yell some more, then get physically abusive with women. Anna Paquin's appearance as a street urchin passed off by Artie, played by Garry Shandling, was interesting and not her normal type of character.

The acting was pretty good. The point, plot, and characters were not. One interesting scene was a conversation that was started face-to-face, then continued at different locations via cell-phones over the course of the day.

DVD sound and picture were good. Has 2 OK commentaries.

As Eddie said on more than one occasion..."blah, blah, blah."

Fun yet disturbing.
I was surprised I hadn't heard of this film before, considering the box-office draw of the actors involved. I then realized after putting it on that it was more of a 'vanity' picture. A literary book rather than a 'blockbuster' novel. It's taken from a play, is of course very theatrical and allows the actors involved to flex a bit more of their acting muscle than they would have been given in a conventional Hollywood movie. It's a very masculine play and is quite satirical on the nature of men's emotional inadequeces. Whether they be childish emotions (Sean Penn, Chazz Palminteri) or just plainly non-emotional (Kevin Spacey, Garry Shandling). It also makes no disguise of the characters' blatent mysoginy, exploring the darker side of the male psyche with comedic results. The fast-paced, intelligent dialogue makes it a pleasant change from the usual mid-west subject matter.

I started to feel slightly relieved when I thought that this mightn't be an exploration of men's psychological make-up, but rather a satire on Hollywood movie executives. However concern started creeping back in when I realized these could be some of the brains behind what we consume on TV and at the movies.

One can only wonder who gets it?
Who gets it? All the critics who raved and gave this movie a 5? Or the rest of the world who gives it a 1? I mean, I could see certain people giving it a 3 for the acting...I have to disagree with those who say it's boring, though. It's not so much "boring" and "pointless" and "pretentious." You can watch it in short doses, just like you can watch a train wreck, but you catch on really quick that none of the characters have any redeeming qualities and they are headed very slowly to nowhere.

If that's what you like in a movie, this is your movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Stuart Little
This live-action version of E.B. White's novel doesn't have quite the magic of, say, Toy Story. Instead of entertainment the whole family can be enthralled with, Stuart Little is squarely aimed, and successfully so, at the 4- to 10-year-old watcher. Does this make it a bad family film? Not in the slightest. The gee-whiz visual effects (created by original Star Wars wizard John Dykstra) and the film's ebullient wholesomeness make this a welcome addition to the home library.In E.B. White's world, it's hardly surprising that human parents would adopt "outside their species." The smooth-talking mouse Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox) seems the perfect new child for parents Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie, especially with an adorable wardrobe of very small sweaters and pants. Harder is fitting in with the Littles' family cat, Snowbell (voiced by Nathan Lane, who also deftly voiced Timon in director Rob Minkoff's last feature, The Lion King). The simple story deals with Stuart trying to fit in with his new life, including big brother George (Jerry Maguire's scene-stealing Jonathan Lipnicki). And of course there's an adventure when Snowbell's schemes lead Stuart into true danger, in the form of the devious plans of an alley cat named Smokey (voiced by Chazz Palminteri). Brisk--85 minutes--amusing, and tolerably cute, Stuart Little stands tall. Two curios: The effects are so cleanly done that we could call Stuart the first successfully computer-animated actor, and the screenplay was cowritten by M. Night Shyamalan, who made bigger waves in 1999 writing and directing The Sixth Sense. --Doug Thomas

Stuart Little 2
Stuart Little 2 is that rarest of movie breeds, a sequel that surpasses its charming, popular predecessor to achieve near-classic status. Mr. & Mrs. Little (Hugh Laurie, Geena Davis) are portrayed with good-natured, storybook purity, and the rest of the movie follows suit, beginning when their lonely mouse "son" Stuart (perfectly voiced by Michael J. Fox) befriends an orphaned canary (Melanie Griffith), who is reluctantly stealing from the Littles for the villainous Falcon (James Woods). The con game turns into a search-and-rescue thriller, with family cat Snowbell (Nathan Lane) quipping like a borscht-belt comedian, but the real fun of Stuart Little 2 comes from Bruce Joel Rubin's hilarious, marvelously inventive screenplay and returning director Rob Minkoff's visually dazzling combination of live action and lavish computer animation. Matching the Babe movies as a wondrous marvel of family entertainment, Stuart Little 2 is an all-ages romp that's smart, sweet, and completely irresistible. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Two fun movies, but best to buy the DVDs individually
As has been noted by other reviews, this Stuart Little 2-Pack only contains a Fullscreen format for the original film. A few years ago, it was issued in a wonderful "Collector's Series" widescreen disc with just about everything that is included on the "Deluxe Edition" (save a promo or two for the sequel). It's out-of-print now, but you should still be able to track it down, and it is worth it. Remember, you want "Collector's Series", NOT "Deluxe Edition."

As for the movies, well, both are fun. The original is undoubtedly superior, as it's entirely enveloping for young and old alike, with a mix of heartwarming drama and some witty humor. Michael J. Fox is perfectly cast as Stuart, the little mouse with a big heart and a big family. His adventures in New York City are handled with fairy-tale treatment, that also, seems appropriate.

The sequel feels a little too formulaic, while not remaining entirely true to the first film at the same time. Overall, it doesn't work as well as the original, but it's very entertaining all the same, and James Woods voices the villain like only he can (his recent resume illustrates that this role is a forte).

"Stuart Little 2" contains both Widescreen and Fullscreen on its only release, but you'll want to pass this 2-pack and get the "Collector's Series" (Widescreen) for the original "Stuart Little." (Rating applies to the DVD 2-Pack.)

The Adoption theme is problematic
Adoptive parents should be aware of the problematic aspects of this movie for kids who were adopted. When Stuart's biological parents arrive on the scene and announce that they want Stuart back, his adoptive parents hand him over, no questions asked. There is no sense that adoption is permanent. If your adopted child sees this movie, be prepared to discuss it afterwards and assure your child this would never happen in real life.

CAN'T BELIEVE ONE DISC IN FULLSCREEN OTHER IN BOTH SCREENS
Why should a studio pick a two pack, one disc in fullscreen and the other disc in fullscreen and widescreen. Don't you think it is stupid? Yes it is stupid. Although I wish there was a 5 pack.

Disc One: Stuart Little Fullscreen
Disc Two: Stuart Little Spanish Package Fullscreen
Disc Three: Stuart Little Widescreen
Disc Four: Stuart Little Deluxe Edition
Disc Five: Stuart Little 2

Ding dong ever heard of these collections before. That will be more cooler. The Deluxe should be like the Shrek 2-Disc DVD or The Grinch 2-Disc DVD. Why can't Stuart Little Deluxe Edition be in widescreen or choice of viewing? Columbia Pictures make a Stuart Little Special 2 Disc DVD.

Disc 1: Deluxe Edition
Disc 2: Widescreen Edition,

or make a Stuart Little Widescreen Special Edition of a Stuart Little Fullscreen Deluxe Special Edition.

BEWARE if you have a widescreen TV!
What's the deal, slipping the fullscreen version of Stuart Little in with the widescreen version of Stuart Little 2 and mislabeling the package?! A 4:3 aspect ratio film should NOT be called a "Deluxe Version" when there is a 16:9 version available. I feel very deceived/taken by this, and am docking these otherwise cute movies 2 full stars for Studio Stupidity. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Oscar was Sylvester Stallone's agreeable, 1991 effort at broad comedy, a fast-talking, suspender-snapping gangster farce featuring the Rambo star as a 1930s Chicago mob boss, Snaps Provolone, trying to go straight during overlapping personal crises. No, this isn't Billy Wilder, but director John Landis (Coming to America) has crackling fun with Oscar's fruit salad of traditional comic themes and tools, including mistaken identities, a powerful man's weakness for his children, and a nonstop parade of outre secondary characters. The cast includes Kirk Douglas as Stallone's father, whose deathbed wish compels Snaps to go into legitimate banking at the exact moment the latter's daughter (Marisa Tomei) announces her love for a chauffeur. Meanwhile, another woman claiming to be Snaps's offspring is engaged to a fellow (Vincent Spano) who has stolen $50,000 of the big man's money. Wackiness ensues. The winning cast includes Peter Riegert, Don Ameche, Chazz Palminteri, Eddie Bracken, Harry Shearer, Yvonne DeCarlo, and Bruce Davison. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (72)

great comedy from Stallone and company!
This movie is hysterical, and proves Stallone has a capacity for comedy, especially when surrounded by the stellar cast ensembled here. Stallone stars as Angelo "Snaps" Provolone (like the cheese), a gangster who promises his dying father he will turn his life around and become an honest businessman, but circumstances won't allow for it!

The entire plot takes place in Snaps' palatial home on the morning of his first day as an honest man. The cops don't believe he's trying to be honest, there is a mix-up of a little black bag of cash that keeps appearing and disappearing, Snaps trying to marry off his spoiled daughter (played by Marisa Tomei), discovering he has another daughter, being told off by his wife, having tailors (the Fenucci brothers) in and out of his house, an oily tutor for his daughter traipsing about, etc etc etc!!! Apparently, it's easier just to keep with the life of crime, but Snaps does his best to cope!

Stallone Sleeper Is A Keeper!
I watched this movie 10 years ago expecting a dopey gangster parody with Sylvester "Rocky / Rambo" Stallone in a suit. What I got instead was a very funny, refreshing comedy with lots of great gags and interesting characters. Stallone is hilarious as "Snaps" Provolone, big time gangster and future banker (due to a deathbed promise to his dying father, played by Kirk Douglas). His mob (including Peter Reigert and Chazz Palminteri) are far more inept than intimidating, bumbling along with their boss in his attempt to go straight. You'll never forget the crazy bunch in OSCAR! Merissa Tomei is perfect as Snaps' daughter Lisa, the squeaky, flapper-girl wannabe. Tim Curry plays his best role since Frank N. Furter as linguistics instructor, Thornton Pool. Then there's Kurtwood Smith as the over-zealous cop, Toomey. A riot! I've seen OSCAR at least a dozen times and it still cracks me up! Deserves to be a classic...

Bad Reviews. What? Did they expect Godfather?
Once again, a gem that was given horrible reviews because they were trying to kill off Sylvester Stallone. It worked. When critics gang up on a star they don't like, they can end their careers. Stallone wanted to try comedy, but the critics wouldn't have it. He was hilarious in this very underrated play-turned-movie.

If you like slapstick comedies that are based on one day, in one place such as Clue and Radioland Murders, you will love this. This isn't a mystery like those, but the confusion over everything in one morning is overwhelming to "Snaps" Provolone. And he can't even kill anybody anymore.

It's his first day of "going straight" from the gangster life of the early 30's during prohibition and people are already seemlingly taking advantage of that right away.

This is filled with hilarious dialogue and is delivered perfectly by everyone. Yes, even Stallone. And you felt so proud when Chazz was ahead of everyone else after not knowing a thing about a thing.

I see there are many Oscar fans here and that's great. Listen to them.

If you're a fan of comedy and haven't seen it because of the bad reviews, or you don't think Stallone can do comedy, just rent it and see for yourself. 10 minutes after credits, you'll purchase this DVD here.

Rollicking Fun
This is one of the funniest movies I have seen in a long time. All the characters are funny, especially Dr. Pool(Played by tim Curry). The story is simple: A gangster decides to go straight. But a huge series of mix-ups occur, wreaking havoc. This is a must-see for anyone who likes comedy.

Hilarious!
This is a movie with a truly well-written script. Unlike a lot of the 'comdies' that are written now, which are often primarily full of idiot jokes about sex that anyone could write, this script is truly hilarious without being crude.

Stallone's performance is perfect and really makes the movie happen well: but that's not to take away from the other performances which are also excellent: my favourite other than Stallone is the character "Dr. Pool" who serves as Stallone's alucution teacher, and ends up marrying Stallone's daughter. Bad actors would have turned this script into a horrible movie, but together the strength of the script and the strength of the actors in their respective roles is excellent.

The basic plot is that when "Snaps" Provalone's (Stallone) dad is on his deathbed, he makes "Snaps" promise that he'll 'go straight' and stop being a gangster. The result? pandemonium, and this fantastic movie! ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Mystery and suspense at its best
Some fantasies go too far. Money, sex and power are the things that most corrupt Los Angeles citizens in the modern world and in the classy thriller "Jade", penned by "Basic Instinct" screenwriter Joe Eszterhas and directed by "The Exorcist" director William Friedkin. This is a film I will definitely run out and buy on DVD now that I just got a DVD player. The film, despite many peoples' horrible opinions, is mystery and suspense at its best, delievring powerful dialogue, a chilling and provocative musical score, and unique directing and editing. Not to mention the terrific car chase scene that took the cast and crew three weeks to shoot in the cooperative Chinatown in California. Car chase scenes have become a trifle trite, however it remains tastefully done and riveting in this also riveting film. "Jade" shows that there is a dark side to people of high and low levels of power, and that they will commit heinous and destructive acts to remain in the chair of power, and as clinical psychologist Katrina Gavin (the wonderful and talented Linda Fiorentino) says, "The people who commit these acts are in many ways no different from you and me. But they are no longer able to control their urges. They disassociate themselves from their own actions, often experiencing an hysterical blindness. They are blind to the darkness within themselves."

The car chase alone is worth the price of admission
Jade is an average film. I enjoyed it, but I can see where some didn't. Its a little seedy, and aside from that angle it might have a been there, done that type of plot. The performances are all good. However, the real gem of the film is the fantastic car chase through San Francisco. Hill jumping, collisions and suspense as one character chases an anonymous killer.

It's in the top 5 chases with the all time greats of Bullitt, To Live and Die in LA, French Connection and Ronin. Very tense and realistic scene. Not to be missed!

Seductive.... Jade....Cheating.... Murder...Excellent Movie
Suspensful,Seductive,Excellent Movie!! Another great role for Chazz Palmenteri. No matter what movie he's in or what role hes given he always takes charge! I Love HIM!! The movie is based on a murder in the begining and David Curoso is the investigator and he has to figure out who killed "him". His best friend is married to his ex girl who you can tell is still in love with. Im sorry that wife of Matt Gavins (Chazz Palmenteri) is a hoe! David has to find out who "Jade" is because that will link to the murderer. The Ending is so unexpected and Suprising! I recommend this movie to everyone! Its Great~ but i must say Chazz Palmenteri shows his characters more as a gangster like in "Bronx Tale" You Should Be more in those movies Chazz, your the big boss man who takes over every movie i've seen him in! You go Boy!~

Seductive "Jade"
A corporate man is found murdered and a D.A. (David Caruso) investigates the gruesome crime. He thinks it's his ex-girlfriend, psychologist (Linda Fiorentino) who did it. Ok, there goes the rest of the movie. Better storylines develop on "As the World Turns." All this movie needed was 'small people' with magical powers. But "Jade" isn't a typical movie that deals with 'the dark side.' I mean this woman was icy cold (who I might add is gorgeous)! She made Darth Vader look like an amateur. A huge car chase in Chinatown highlights the movie and the direction by William Friedkin is fine. Ok movie.

Jade is an seducing film by Linda Fiorentino
Basic Instinct screenwriter Joe Esterhas' wicked knowledge of the trangsgressions of the rich and the powerful are deftly exposed by director William Friedkin and Linda Fiorentino. She is perfectly cast as the psychologist and as the illicit liason Jade. Chazz Palminteri, her husband, and David Caruso, a tad young for the role, makes for an interesting storyline. The graphic sexuality exhibited is for adults only but the movie delivers the seedy underbelly of politics and power and illustrates how a woman scorned can enter into a circle from which she has no escape. Unlike the Last Seduction, Fiorentino is the victim and not the temptress yearning for the love she doesn't have. Unfortunately, her husband isn't it either. With Loreena McKennitt's soulful sounds and Linda's great performance, she eventually gets under your skin as a woman looking for love in all the wrong places. Maybe that was the moral rather than Joe Esterhas's preoccupation with all the women he couldn't have in high school (as one critic wrote). Deftly directed, superbly acted, and well-executed. Jade is worth a watch only because of Linda Fiorentino's emotional resonance and convincing performance. Chazz is as excellent as ever. -Felecia Constance Rowe ... Read more

Reviews (449)

My Favorite Plot-Driven Movie!
I am glad that I waited for the "Special Edition." In all honesty, I'm not really into the "extras" that some DVDs contain. I've purchased or rented several DVDs in the past year, and I can count on one hand the number of times I actually bothered to check out the extra material. Only Disney's "Snow White" had anything that was truly interesting.

THIS "Special Edition" had extras that were unique (the profanity-laced Gag Reel), and truly interesting (the featurettes that included interviews with actors, producers, screenwriters, etc.) My wife and I especially enjoyed the interviews, because they explained how the actors came together to create the chemistry that was needed to drive the plot and keep viewers guessing until the very end.

To summarize, 5 con artists are thrown together in a police line-up, and after getting out, they decide to teach the NYPD a lesson for giving them a hard time. Their act of revenge (more like a thumbing of the nose, or a flipping of the bird) eventually leads them to more criminal acts. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the mysterious Keyser Soze is pulling the strings and making the quintet dance to his own tune. Just who is Keyser Soze? That's the question that keeps viewers glued to the screen, as the plot goes through several twists while leading up to an awesome surprise ending!

Of course, I am truly biased, because this is my FAVORITE movie of all time. I would have a difficult time understanding how anyone could not appreciate the good acting, fine screenplay, and surprise ending. Kevin Spacey became a household name with his portrayal of "Verbal" Kint, and Gabriel Byrne and Chazz Palminteri were perfect for their roles (a con man trying to go straight and a customs agent, respectively). Benicio Del Toro's small part as "Fenster" was hilarious - a portrayal he dubs as his "Mumbles" (as in the bad guy played by Dustin Hoffman in the "Dick Tracy" movie).

If you buy ONE DVD for great acting and a cool story (as opposed to "Whoa! That sounds great on my home theater!"), this should be that DVD.

WHO IS KEYSER SOZE?...
Christopher McQuarrie's Academy Award winning, original screenplay, coupled with Bryan Singer's masterful direction of a stellar cast, makes for a complex and absorbing film. Told in flashback, the film recounts how five individuals on the wrong side of the law hook up to steal a multi-million dollar cache of cocaine from a docked vessel.

Led by former Los Angeles detective turned bad guy, Dean Keaton (Gabriel Byrne), Roger "Verbal" Kint (Kevin Spacey), Michael McManus (Stephen Baldwin), Todd Hockey ((Kevin Pollack), and Fred Fenster (Benicio Del Toro), proceed to their rendevous point and begin executing their plan of action. Their foray into this million dollar drug heist turns bad almost immediately. Something or someone is afoot who does not want them to succeed, and who seems to know their every move.

The story is told in flashback by "Verbal" Kint, a club footed, crestfallen, soft spoken, unlikely looking criminal. He recounts the details of the doomed heist to hardnosed Detective, David Kujan (Chazz Palmentieri), building his story around an almost mythic, Hungarian crime lord named Keyser Soze. As "Verbal" details what happened, the viewer is mesmerized by his compelling narrative of how he and his partners in crime were inveigled into attempting this daring heist, which ultimately led to the disastrous events that culminated on the ship. It seems that their heist was probably destined to be doomed from the start, as another agenda may have been paramount to theirs.

Kevin Spacey won a 1995 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his low key, ingratiating portrayal of "Verbal" Kint. Gabriel Byrne also gives a compelling performance as the cop who ended on the wrong side of the law. The rest of the cast also give stellar performances, with the exception of Benicio Del Toro, who gives an odd, marble mouthed performance. Notwithstanding this, the film is really a splendid tour de force that is sure to captivate the viewer. Who is the mythic Keyser Soze? Watch the film and find out.

A Masterpiece Especially the Ending!!
Usual Suspects is an excellent well plotted movie. It sent chills down my spine when I realized Kevin Spacey was Kazer Soze. You must see this movie!

I Can't Feel My Legs, Keyser
One of the best movies of the 1990s, The Usual Suspects startles and surprises. A fast-paced story told by a wimpy, cripple felon Roger "Verbal" Kint presents a new take on evil, a new face of violence and murder.

"You think you can catch Keyser Soze?" asks Verbal of Special Agent Kujan. "You think a guy like that comes this close to getting caught, and sticks his head out? If he comes up for anything it'll be to get rid of me. After that... my guess is you'll never hear from him again." Of course, he also says things like "Back when I was in barbershop quartet in Skokie Illinois" and "Back when I was picking beans in Guatemala, we used to make fresh coffee, right off the trees I mean." And a really good one (grimacing and teary-eyed): "Why me? I am stupid, I am a cripple. Why me?"

Nietzsche said: "Talking much about oneself can also be a means to conceal oneself."

Throwing someone off the sent, and doing this consciously or subconsciously, is nothing new. Things are not always how they appear or how they sound. Agent Kujan has preconceived notions about Keaton, about Verbal, and about himself. Because of these, he cannot see clearly. He also has his back turned to the bulletin board until the very end of the film.

Great script, great acting, great movie.

Michael

I'm still in a state of shock after seeing this
This movie is the story of five criminals and what happened to them after a "ramdom" police lineup. It is one of the best movies of all time and has the most shocking ending I have ever seen. See this movie and you will never regret it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Cast Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal together in a film and it should be a sucker's bet as to who's going to be funnier and who's going to give the more nuanced performance. Somehow, though, De Niro walks away with most of the laughs in Analyze This, a buddy action-comedy about a mob boss (De Niro, natch) suffering from panic attacks who makes a nebbishy shrink (Crystal, natch) an offer he can't refuse--actually, it's not really an offer, it's a command. The good doctor is forced to help the gangster get in touch with his feelings. Had the brilliant TV series The Sopranos not underscored how thin and watery and shticky director-cowriter Harold Ramis's approach to such potentially rich material actually is, the movie--a hit in theaters and De Niro's biggest film ever--would seem more fresh and kicky. De Niro's definitely a hoot as the ever milder menace, and Crystal actually concentrates on giving a credible performance opposite the acting legend (alas, he doesn't turn his character's fear of his patient into inspired comedy, as Alan Arkin did in Grosse Pointe Blank). The conclusion devolves into the requisite gunplay, and Chazz Palminteri and Lisa Kudrow are criminally wasted as an opposing mob boss and Crystal's fiancée, respectively, but overall, it's breezy fun. --David Kronke ... Read more

Reviews (136)

I see 3 movies/dayand this's the greatest movie I ever seen
This is one of the greatest movies I ever seen in my entire life. In this movie DeNiro had prove that he can act what so ever kind of movie ...

mildly amusing but extremely predictable movie
I was disappointed by this movie given all the great reviews. Typically, Billy Crystal plays it "too close to the vest" resulting in humor that belongs on a TV sitcom.

A terrible De Niro movie, shame on him.
This movie is nothing more than a theft of plot from National Lampoon's 1997 hit "The Don's Analyst". If you want to see a hilarious psycho-spoof about a Mob boss, see this one. Robert Loggia is, as always, excellent and very, very funny. The rest of the cast supports with vigour.

As for "Anylyze This", if it weren't for De Niro I would have given it 1 star. Billy Crystal is his usual incompetent self; Harold Ramis fails miserably.

Don't waste your time on this one.

A brilliant refreshing comedy!
This has to be one of the funniest movies that has ever been made. The premise itself is funny. A mob boss getting in touch with his feelings. The therapy sessions bring out very funny scenarios as ideas and concepts are intrepreted from different perspectives. What is normal in phsyco speak is completely repulsive to a mobster. Likewise, what is normal for a mobster is completely irrational to a psychiatrist. When Crystal suggests Deniro may have sexual feelings about his Mother that are described as normal, Deniro is afraid to call his mother after that. Then of course, the patient confidentially issue comes up. As a patient, Deniro shares secrets with his doctor. The consequences for the Doctor violating that confidentially has a whole new meaning when the patient is a wiseguy! This is not a movie that relies on one liners or gags for the laughs. It is the situations that are funny. A movie that will stand the test of time and keep you laughing long after it's over.

Hysterical!
The people who do NOT think this film is funny are the same people who take themselves and LIFE entirely too seriously! This is a great comedy that does what it set out to do... entertain. It was fun to see DeNiro in a comedy and to see that he has such great comedic timing and talent. Crystal is his usual funny self as well, and the two blend beautifully. Buy the movie... it's one you can watch over and over again. ... Read more

Description

Rack up this 2003 theatrical release featuring an all-star cast including Chazz Palminteri and Christopher Walken. A gritty dramatic thriller: POOLHALL JUNKIES.

When Johnny, a poolhall hustler, tries to quit the game, it's not as easy as he thinks. And when his younger brother gets hooked into a con that could cost his brother's life, Johnny is forced to play for the biggest stake of his career. It's bigger than money, bigger than life, and bigger than either player can imagine. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Surprisingly good
A street-wise talented pool player missed his opportunity to play in the big time as his mentor decided that he's better off husting money from the downtrodden. So, the movie fast-forwarded to 15 years later when he's no better off despite that he's got a well-to-do paralegal beautiful girlfriend, a poolhall owner who treated him like his own son in the shape of the late Rod Steiger, a loving brother with a bunch of friends who aspired to be like him. By chance, he discovered that all these years, his mentor betrayed him by witholding the truth from him. The relationships soured & they went separate ways. As fate had it, his brother got tangled up with his ex-mentor & he had to play pool for the one last time to save his brother & his honour. The movie happily chugged along & Christopher Walken played the mysterious chap who backed the talented player & helped him to believe in his own self. The message that this movie tried to say is simply: life is what you made it to be. If you keep thinking that you are a loser, you are bound to end up with losers like yourself whilst if you believe that you are a winner, you can escape from the vicious cycle & be someone truly great. Definitely a feel good movie with no pretension. Highly recommended.

Wannabe Pool Buffs?
How about a wannabe film critic.

First of all, Mike Massey, who has been ranked #l several times over his career and who, in a profession that is predicated on gambling, is ironically a devoted christian, was NOT in the film.

Secondly, a story with definite potential proved a flop due to, yes, lack of focus,but also trite assertions (It's ALL about the money), and poor directing/acting by a Ben Affleck wannabe (who was most appropriately paired with a mobile home salesman who looked like he got a face lift to look like Tony Curtis). Christopher Walken was the lone saving grace of this movie because he is Christopher Walken, not because of any merit by the so-deemed crafters of the film. Alas, Rod Steiger's potential impact was scuttled due to inept scripting and direction, which can nearly be said for the muted Ricky Schroeder as well.

Indeed, the screenplay shamelessly [copied] numerous other works, the game scenes were all flash which at best contradicts the reality (pool hustling is about hiding your skill, not advertising it so all the big-money patsies will steer well clear of you), and hustlers very rarely get hustled by other hustlers, especially from such a sophmoric trick like giving away several balls in an eightball match.

Two stars is a generous rating for this flic which is well outclassed by The Color of Money, which plays a distant second to the classic The Hustler (featuring Willie Mosconi whom many still regard as the best player of all time, Jake LaMotta of belated boxing fame, and not to mention Jackie Gleason who was an expert pool player himself- the camera never blinks when he takes a shot). If you enjoy gambling stories in general, check out The Cincinnati Kid starring Steve McQueen, Karl Malden and Edward G. Robinson, a nearly forgotten gem that is to Rounders what The Hustler is to The Color of Money.

And beware of literate phonies who need attention.

Poor effort
I am a pool junkie myself, and this film, while somewhat entertaining just by the fact it deals with pool, falls well short of the mark. The story itself is very underdeveloped, and leaves alot of loose ends. There are a few clever exchanges of bravado and quips, but any pool player with a few years of experience will tell you that this stuff just doesn't happen. No one loses a few hundred, or few thousand bucks on a drinking or pool game that hinges on symantics like "your" shot or "my" shot, and pays up with a "hey ya got me" grin.

The pool is bad. The main character says he can tell Walken has been playing pool from a crease in his pants and some blue chalk marks. First I'd be leary of a guy looking at my pants, second they return to a table with red felt. Who uses blue chalk on red felt? These "pro" level hustlers end up going three to five rails on almost every shot, playing for upwards of $80,000 in a 9 ball race to 5. While the shots are impressive, I ask you this ... What decent poolplayer has to shoot every shot as a bank or three rail shot? If you can't leave yorself even one straight in shot in 5 games, should you really be playing for thousands a game?

The story is ridiculous. The shots are dazzling, but so ridiculously over complicated for a a poolhall money game. Walken is wasted here. The story is weak. If you can look past the lack of plot development, and the technical deficiencies and just want to watch anything about pool, it is OK. There are a few quotes you will find yourself trying to remember for the poolhall, and an 8 ball shot that you will have to try yourself, but have probably tried already before seeing the movie.

Thi