Amazon.com

Will Smith's easygoing charm makes Hitch the kind of pleasant, uplifting romantic comedy that you could recommend to almost anyone--especially if there's romance in the air. As suave Manhattan dating consultant Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, Smith plays up the smoother, sophisticated side of his established screen persona as he mentors a pudgy accountant (Kevin James) on the lessons of love. The joke, of course, is that Hitch's own love life is a mess, and as he coaches James toward romance with a rich, powerful, and seemingly inaccessible beauty named Allegra (Amber Valetta), he's trying too hard to impress a savvy gossip columnist (Eva Mendes) with whom he's fallen in love. Through mistaken identities and mismatched couples, director Andy Tennant brings the same light touch that made Drew Barrymore's Ever After so effortlessly engaging. As romantic comedies go, Hitch doesn't offer any big surprises, but as a date movie it gets the job done with amiable ease and style. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (71)

2.5 stars...what a waste
This is one of the most overhyped movies out there. I admit, this movie started of strong, but after the 1st hour or so...it just spiralled downhill.

It is about Alex Hitchens, this date doctor who basically helps big-hearted losers to get noticed by their dream girls. In his words, he creates the opportunity for them. One of these guys happens to be Albert who has a thing for Allegra, the rich and beautiful multi-millionaire. Meanwhile, Alex meets Sara who's a gossip columnist and sparks fly. What happens next? I'm sure anyone with a brain would know.

I have nothing against romantic comedies. The thing with this kind of movies is the story. We all know how it's gonna end, so the writers should thrill us with the ride there. A good romantic comedy should evoke some kind of emotions. Unfortunately, even with the talented cast they have here, it's all gone to waste with a lousy and utterly predictable script. The starting 10-15 minutes was great, and I was actually looking forward to the movie. Then Will Smith gave me laughs when trying to woo Sara, played by sexy Eva Mendes. But other than this, there's nothing else that entertained me. And most of the funny scenes are actually in the movie trailer.

Kevin James, who I really like in King Of Queens is underused here. And his chemistry with Allegra (played by Amber Valleta) seems kinda dead. He doesn't really seem that infatuated with her. Will Smith tries to salvage this movie for all he can, but there's just so much a guy can do. The second half of the movie really was pretty boring because of it's predictability and it seemed like I was watching a mixture of other romantic comedies (How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days and Notting Hill comes to mind).

This movie might be good to watch with your partner, but even then...just rent it, it's not worth buying. This movie fails because of the script, the actors bring all they can to their roles but it just isn't enough. If you want good romantic comedies, get Hugh Grant's movies...they're predictable of course but you'll have a hell of a good time watching the story unfold.

Will Smith as Cupid in Terrific Comedy...
Cupid flutters around spreading happiness with his arrows of love and affection.These arrows strike each target with one single attempt, as the person falls in love after the single moment when the arrow strikes them.Love changes everything, as it means commitment, trust, and mutual affection when the love is answered.Hitch (Will Smith) is the human cupid, as he works his magic as a partner consultant that helps men get noticed by the woman who is the target of their love.Everything around Hitch oozes of class as nothing is cheesy, cheap, or corrupt. He is a true gentleman that helps others find their opportunity with love by shooting his arrows of affection.

Hitch ended up becoming a love consultant due to an incident in college when he suffered from a broken heart.Now he focuses on helping guys like he once was, as he helps them strategize their upcoming encounters and dates.Carefully Hitch helps the men with how to approach the women, what to say, and how they must behave around the woman they love.Everything is thoroughly planned, as it all comes down to one moment - the first kiss.

When Hitch meets his freshest client Albert (Kevin James) he senses a disaster.The problems increase when he finds out that Albert loves Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta), a famous and incredibly rich woman.Nonetheless, Hitch believes that he can pull it off by creating a masterpiece.Simultaneously, he meets Sara (Eva Mendes), a relentless gossip columnist, with whom he falls in love.This affair turns into a greater mess than expected for Hitch who finds himself kicking women, having severe food allergies, while Sara finds it difficult to combine personal life and professional life.

Hitch is a warm comedy about love, affection, and the connection between people.Will Smith is perfect for the role as Hitch, as he easily drifts into the gentle and cool character.His performance is well balanced with the supporting cast, and Kevin James complements Will Smith by making the two look like contemporary Laurel and Hardy.In the end, Hitch will offer an easy comedy with some great laughs, but also an interesting notion in regards about the opportunity of love.

Great Romantic Comedy
Will Smith has so much charm and charisma; it's hard to understand why he hasn't been in more romantic comedy roles. In this movie, he plays Alex Hitchins, "Hitch", a date doctor who helps guys with two left feet shape up so that they can make a good impression on the women they want to win. It's a Cyrano story, but in this case the handsome man is supplying the smooth words and actions for the bumbling Romeos-to-be. Eva Mendes is smart and feisty as Sara, who is supposedly a predatory gossip columnist. The film has two (well, three) intersecting sub-plots; Hitch's attempt to help Albert (Kevin James) win the rich socialite of his dream, and Sara's pursuit of dirt on this same socialite (and Sara's best friend has a bad run-in with a rejected Hitch client). The film rolls along really well until the ending, which seems forced and unbelievable.

Funny movie
Will Smith has done it again. It is amazing how this guy can pull off any role, even in a non-action one like the one in "Hitch."

Hitch is a funny and watchable movie.

Smith is a "date doctor" who helps people sort out their romantic problems and he has his formula pat down successfully. But, you know that a formula can have a successful run only for a certain period of time and then it is bound to hit a bump. In this case, Smith's succesful dating formula starts to unravel when his client's successful love life becomes the talk of the town. His client Kevin James,, who plays a bumbling tax consultant is in love with a widowed heiress, and somehow it leaks out that James's success is the handiwork of a "date doctor." And the person who is responsible for getting Smith's life out of control is Eva Mendes, who plays a society gossip columnist.

Eva Mendes and Kevin James did a fantastic job in their respective roles. I really liked James in this movie, and his dance moves are a definite highlight of this movie.

It is a great film to catch on a girls night out. My husband would definitely label this as a chick flick.

Life is the moments that take your breath away
"You is a very fluid concept right now", states "Hitch", a dating consultant, who calls himself the "dating doctor".Will Smith plays the lead in a role designed for him. The premise is as follows; "Hitch" is a dating consultant whose business is helping men sweep women off their feet.He helps a variety of guys meet the love of their life by setting up circumstances to help get them noticed and on dates, and the rest is up to them.The results are often hilarious.One day "Hitch" meets a woman who sweeps him off his feet, and then his well designed strategies for others fail in some of the most memorable ways.

While the movie is funny, and Will Smith is his typical self, this one has some real relationship depth to it.The characters likable, and the courtships and dating are at times awkwardly realistic.I think every man who watches the movie can relate to many of the awkward moments and cringe and laugh along.

Of course the ending is a bit too easy, but still, it works.This movie is not a masterpiece by any means, but it is enjoyable from the opening credits to the end.In this day and age where most comedies have to resort to crass and offensive humor, this one is a gem.Enjoy.
... Read more

Amazon.com

Will Smith's easygoing charm makes Hitch the kind of pleasant, uplifting romantic comedy that you could recommend to almost anyone--especially if there's romance in the air. As suave Manhattan dating consultant Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, Smith plays up the smoother, sophisticated side of his established screen persona as he mentors a pudgy accountant (Kevin James) on the lessons of love. The joke, of course, is that Hitch's own love life is a mess, and as he coaches James toward romance with a rich, powerful, and seemingly inaccessible beauty named Allegra (Amber Valetta), he's trying too hard to impress a savvy gossip columnist (Eva Mendes) with whom he's fallen in love. Through mistaken identities and mismatched couples, director Andy Tennant brings the same light touch that made Drew Barrymore's Ever After so effortlessly engaging. As romantic comedies go, Hitch doesn't offer any big surprises, but as a date movie it gets the job done with amiable ease and style. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (71)

2.5 stars...what a waste
This is one of the most overhyped movies out there. I admit, this movie started of strong, but after the 1st hour or so...it just spiralled downhill.

It is about Alex Hitchens, this date doctor who basically helps big-hearted losers to get noticed by their dream girls. In his words, he creates the opportunity for them. One of these guys happens to be Albert who has a thing for Allegra, the rich and beautiful multi-millionaire. Meanwhile, Alex meets Sara who's a gossip columnist and sparks fly. What happens next? I'm sure anyone with a brain would know.

I have nothing against romantic comedies. The thing with this kind of movies is the story. We all know how it's gonna end, so the writers should thrill us with the ride there. A good romantic comedy should evoke some kind of emotions. Unfortunately, even with the talented cast they have here, it's all gone to waste with a lousy and utterly predictable script. The starting 10-15 minutes was great, and I was actually looking forward to the movie. Then Will Smith gave me laughs when trying to woo Sara, played by sexy Eva Mendes. But other than this, there's nothing else that entertained me. And most of the funny scenes are actually in the movie trailer.

Kevin James, who I really like in King Of Queens is underused here. And his chemistry with Allegra (played by Amber Valleta) seems kinda dead. He doesn't really seem that infatuated with her. Will Smith tries to salvage this movie for all he can, but there's just so much a guy can do. The second half of the movie really was pretty boring because of it's predictability and it seemed like I was watching a mixture of other romantic comedies (How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days and Notting Hill comes to mind).

This movie might be good to watch with your partner, but even then...just rent it, it's not worth buying. This movie fails because of the script, the actors bring all they can to their roles but it just isn't enough. If you want good romantic comedies, get Hugh Grant's movies...they're predictable of course but you'll have a hell of a good time watching the story unfold.

Will Smith as Cupid in Terrific Comedy...
Cupid flutters around spreading happiness with his arrows of love and affection.These arrows strike each target with one single attempt, as the person falls in love after the single moment when the arrow strikes them.Love changes everything, as it means commitment, trust, and mutual affection when the love is answered.Hitch (Will Smith) is the human cupid, as he works his magic as a partner consultant that helps men get noticed by the woman who is the target of their love.Everything around Hitch oozes of class as nothing is cheesy, cheap, or corrupt. He is a true gentleman that helps others find their opportunity with love by shooting his arrows of affection.

Hitch ended up becoming a love consultant due to an incident in college when he suffered from a broken heart.Now he focuses on helping guys like he once was, as he helps them strategize their upcoming encounters and dates.Carefully Hitch helps the men with how to approach the women, what to say, and how they must behave around the woman they love.Everything is thoroughly planned, as it all comes down to one moment - the first kiss.

When Hitch meets his freshest client Albert (Kevin James) he senses a disaster.The problems increase when he finds out that Albert loves Allegra Cole (Amber Valletta), a famous and incredibly rich woman.Nonetheless, Hitch believes that he can pull it off by creating a masterpiece.Simultaneously, he meets Sara (Eva Mendes), a relentless gossip columnist, with whom he falls in love.This affair turns into a greater mess than expected for Hitch who finds himself kicking women, having severe food allergies, while Sara finds it difficult to combine personal life and professional life.

Hitch is a warm comedy about love, affection, and the connection between people.Will Smith is perfect for the role as Hitch, as he easily drifts into the gentle and cool character.His performance is well balanced with the supporting cast, and Kevin James complements Will Smith by making the two look like contemporary Laurel and Hardy.In the end, Hitch will offer an easy comedy with some great laughs, but also an interesting notion in regards about the opportunity of love.

Great Romantic Comedy
Will Smith has so much charm and charisma; it's hard to understand why he hasn't been in more romantic comedy roles. In this movie, he plays Alex Hitchins, "Hitch", a date doctor who helps guys with two left feet shape up so that they can make a good impression on the women they want to win. It's a Cyrano story, but in this case the handsome man is supplying the smooth words and actions for the bumbling Romeos-to-be. Eva Mendes is smart and feisty as Sara, who is supposedly a predatory gossip columnist. The film has two (well, three) intersecting sub-plots; Hitch's attempt to help Albert (Kevin James) win the rich socialite of his dream, and Sara's pursuit of dirt on this same socialite (and Sara's best friend has a bad run-in with a rejected Hitch client). The film rolls along really well until the ending, which seems forced and unbelievable.

Funny movie
Will Smith has done it again. It is amazing how this guy can pull off any role, even in a non-action one like the one in "Hitch."

Hitch is a funny and watchable movie.

Smith is a "date doctor" who helps people sort out their romantic problems and he has his formula pat down successfully. But, you know that a formula can have a successful run only for a certain period of time and then it is bound to hit a bump. In this case, Smith's succesful dating formula starts to unravel when his client's successful love life becomes the talk of the town. His client Kevin James,, who plays a bumbling tax consultant is in love with a widowed heiress, and somehow it leaks out that James's success is the handiwork of a "date doctor." And the person who is responsible for getting Smith's life out of control is Eva Mendes, who plays a society gossip columnist.

Eva Mendes and Kevin James did a fantastic job in their respective roles. I really liked James in this movie, and his dance moves are a definite highlight of this movie.

It is a great film to catch on a girls night out. My husband would definitely label this as a chick flick.

Life is the moments that take your breath away
"You is a very fluid concept right now", states "Hitch", a dating consultant, who calls himself the "dating doctor".Will Smith plays the lead in a role designed for him. The premise is as follows; "Hitch" is a dating consultant whose business is helping men sweep women off their feet.He helps a variety of guys meet the love of their life by setting up circumstances to help get them noticed and on dates, and the rest is up to them.The results are often hilarious.One day "Hitch" meets a woman who sweeps him off his feet, and then his well designed strategies for others fail in some of the most memorable ways.

While the movie is funny, and Will Smith is his typical self, this one has some real relationship depth to it.The characters likable, and the courtships and dating are at times awkwardly realistic.I think every man who watches the movie can relate to many of the awkward moments and cringe and laugh along.

Of course the ending is a bit too easy, but still, it works.This movie is not a masterpiece by any means, but it is enjoyable from the opening credits to the end.In this day and age where most comedies have to resort to crass and offensive humor, this one is a gem.Enjoy.
... Read more

Reviews (86)

In both senses, a black comedy
After the terrors of "Summer of Sam", Spike Lee has come up with "Bamboozled", in which he roasts TV and the way it exploits the black population. Unhappy with his situation at a television network, Pierre knows he can be sued if he quits, thus breaking his contract, so he figures out a fail-safe solution: he'll get himself fired by producing a show so outrageously offensive it will cause a racial backlash. (It's a variation of "The Producers"; even the initial audience reaction is similar.) Pierre is a re-invented man: he wears expensive suits and greets us with "Bonjour", but about half-way through the movie we learn his name is really Peerless and his father is a second-level night club comic. Pierre is very sensitive to racial issues, and so he's convinced his proposed showcase will be a shocking failure: a minstrel show for the new millennium. Two Afro-American street performers are re-named Man-Tan and Sleep 'n' Eat and put into situations (in a watermelon patch, no less) displaying how lazy and untrustworthy Negroes are -- but, hey, great tap dancers! The two are even required to wear black face. (I assume the N word cannot be used in Amazon.com, but it's used ad nauseam in this screenplay.)To Pierre's consternation, the show is a big hit; and he is faced with the dilemma of denying his principles to court success. In fact, he has fantasies of winning everything except a Nobel Prize. One of Spike Lee's strongest points as a writer-director is providing flashy roles for capable actors. I was appalled that Samuel L Jackson's performance in "Jungle Fever" was ignored by the Academy. In "Bamboozled" Lee has provided several such oppportunities, though nothing as showy as Jackson's. At first viewing, Damon Wayans may seem a little excessive with Pierre's affectations, but look again. Paul Mooney is compelling as his father, an entertainer who realizes he's gone as far as he's going to go. Savion Glover, Tommy Davidson, Michael Rapaport, and Jada Pinkett-Smith are all good in their different roles. (Al Sharpton and Johnnie Cochran play themselves, and one can't help but wonder: did they realize they were satirized?) The big flaw in "Bamboozled", the reason I can't give it four stars, is the violence with which Lee has chosen to end his dark comedy. I think it would have been much more powerful to circumvent the deaths and have the characters, chastised, watching the devastating montage which closes the picture: the humiliations, the buffooneries, the relentless yassuh yassuh yassuh that degraded black people for generations. It's the death of the spirit that is the revelation in Spike Lee's screenplay,and he weakens that message with physical destruction.

Minstrel Shows Aren't The Only Cliche
.... Let's take as a given that some of [Spike Lee's] films are "heavy-handed". Anyone see Jungle Fever? Do The Right Thing? School Daze (oh, never mind...)? Anyone ever see or read a Spike Lee interview? He's an intense Brother who makes intense films, and true, subtlety isn't one of his strong suits. But you knew that going in.

...

In Bamboozled, as in many of his other flicks, Spike rubs your face in the problem and challenges the viewer to action, if so inclined.

This was "black comedy" in the more ways than one. Damon Wayans was an excellent choice to play the part of media corporate climber Delacroix, whose plan to stick it to The Man went cataclysmically awry. But I still believe Wayans' best work is before him. He's a talented actor who happens to be a comedian, and he just hasn't broken through the mold yet.

As with many Spike Lee joints, this film either satirizes or condemns everything in sight. In Bamboozled, he sets his sights on "wiggers", rappers and the hip hop lifestyle, the WB, UPN and the television and movie industry in general. Robert Townsend addressed similar problems about a decade before in his film, "Hollywood Shuffle". It wasn't as "heavy-handed", and there weren't any "solutions" offered other than from his grandmother, who told him to eschew portraying racial stereotypes on film for money, because after all, "there's always work at the Post Office".

Bamboozled, on the other hand, took no prisoners. From Scatman Crothers to Shirley Temple's dance routines to Farina and Stymie to Aunt Jemima to Fleishman's cartoons to "Good Times" to "In Living Color" (the reference to which was humorous in that both Wayans and the minstrel show side-kick, Tommy Davidson were cast members of that show) to "Martin" (a true minstrel show) to Jerry Springer.

Tommy Davidson is deserving of more work.

Bamboozled isn't too far from the truth. Martin Lawrence used to bug his eyes out and stick out his [behind] and show his teeth and it was a favored show in police departments throughout Ohio. Don't ask me how I know, but some of you might wanna be judicious in your application of the accelerator, if you know what I mean...

This was a better movie than I thought it would be. I didn't buy Wayan's performance for a minute, but there's some really good acting from people you wouldn't expect. That's all I'm saying.

Say what you want about the other Spike Lee joints. In this one, he was completely on point. And as with the rest, the solution is up to you.

Spike Lee's Best
This is the movie that got me turned on to Mr Lee. When I rented this movie just a few years ago I watched it 3 times and then watched it with the audio commentary. I found the movie *that* interesting. Also, the movie has a few layers to its plot so each time one watches it, they're sure to pick up on something new.

The characters are also great - I especially love Damon Wayan's boss who is a caucasian married to a black woman and tells Damon "I'm more black than you are" From that point on, you know this movie is going to put a lot of stuff in your face.

The basic premise - Damon's character is tired of the types of shows with black people that show on tv nowadays. It's all very stereotypical (think this summer's "Method and Red" on fox) and he wants to do something creative. His boss wants something along the lines of "homeboys in outer space". Damon's character is so incensed that he decides he'll get fired in order to break his contract.

What could be better for getting him fired than to make the most racist and ignorant show on tv? He decides to make a show called "Bamboozled" which will recreate the blackface shows of the 30s and 40s only it will be black actors putting on blackface. There's only one problem with his plan: the show becomes a hit.

The rest of the movie shows what happens to the rest of the characters in the style of a Shakesperean tragedy. In other words, a few things don't quite go according to plan and everyone suffers. (ie Romeo & Juliet, MacBeth, etc)

Another thing that makes this movie so awesome is the fictitious commercial spot during the show Bamboozled. Spike Lee takes a pot shot at Tommy Hilfigger's alleged marketing directed at blacks with another brand whose name I can't write or my review will be banned. You'll be shocked, but in a revealing sort of way.

Some People Just Don't Get It
I have to applaud Spike for making this film. People can argue if he is a racist or not, but on this film he showed how corporate America market their products to black inner city people. I for one used to work in a marketing department at a large corporation and this type of behavior went on all the time. So many times, I had to smile and walk away when I heard "you people" and "those people like stuff like that". What is worst is some black artists (namely rappers) help build on these negative stereotypes. They are NO different from the black actors of the 30s who was paid to demean their race. Instead of black people getting mad at Spike for making these films, I suggest you take your anger out on the real culprits and their marketing schemes. BTW, these culprits come in ALL RACES.

What I really want is O Stars...
In high school, I tried to convince our African American STudies teacher to plan a field trip to see this movie. He rebuffed me, and when I saw this movie on tape, I knew why.

I am glad that I am not the only one who knows Spike Lee is a racist. And a slick one at that. He does these movies and black people go see them (I am black, so don't attack me). Do The Right Thing was horrible, Jungle Fever (he ought to be ashamed) all in the name of "eye-opening" filmmaking. Give me a break

Bamboozled...I don't know what to say about this movie. Stereotypes, senseless violence, just downright shameful. There was no message here...except that, we, as black people, sometimes do it to ourselves (ex. Soul Plane? same problem). And helping this man, for the sake of a paycheck is deplorable.

Please spare yourself of this film. ... Read more

Description

This rock'n'roll adventure story tells of two unlikely lovers who accidentally double-cross the Detroit mob by stealing valuable contraband. Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, flee to Los Angeles where they are sought by both gangsters and cops. ... Read more

Reviews (173)

A great movie.
A young man by the name of Clerence (Christian Slater) gets to meet a bright wide-eyed Prostitute named Alabama (Patricia Arquette) falls in love at first sight and then they get married. But the Couple takes a wrong turn, when Clerence told the wrong suitcase from a Pimp (Gary Oldman), which Clerence did kill him. Then Clerence & Alabama finds out that the suitcase is full of cocaine and than they decide go to L.A. to sell it and cash it in, while the Mafioso (Lead by Oscar-Winner:Christopher Walken) are searching for the Drugs and the Couple.

Directed by Tony Scott (The Hunger, Top Gun, Enemy of the Gates) made an excellent, clever thriller with romance. Excellent Performances from the Cast, including:Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Micheal Rapaport, Bronson Pinchot, Brad Pitt, Saul Rubinek, Chris Penn, Tom Sizemore, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gandolfini & Conchata Ferrell. This wasn't a huge success at the Box Office but it did recieve great reviews by Critics and it become a Cult Classic. DVD's has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (Also on DTS). DVD's has three separate feature-length Audio Commentaries by Stars:Slater & Arquette, Director:Scott & Writer:Quentin Tarantino. DVD has nearly 30 mintues of Deleted Scenes (also an Alternate Ending) with/without commentary by the director & writer. This DVD has great extras. Tarantino wrote a terrific written script, which he's best known for Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction & Jackie Brown. This DVD is a great 2-Disc Set. Do not miss this great film. Panavision. Grade:A.

Stay True To Yourself
Directed with a slick style by Tony Scott (Top Gun, Spy Game), True Romance, boasts an all star cast, a cool soudtrack, and a great script from Quentin Tarantino. He would of course, go on to write and direct Resevior Dogs, and Pulp Fiction. I happen to think though, however, that the script for this film is Tarantino's best work in anything he's ever done. Period I know I'm probably in the minority with that opinion, but most of the the other films he's written/directed himself, have a samenees to them.

Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) likes comic books, Kung Fu Films, and Elvis. He leads a fairly normal life, that is, until he meets call girl Alabama (Patricia Arquette). After a spending a passionate night together, they declare their love for each other, and they decide to get hitched. Clarence is visited by the ghost of Elvis (Val Kilmer) who tells him that he should kill Alabama's pimp Drexel (Gary Oldman)... Dennis Hopper Michael Rappaport Christopher Walken and Brad Pitt also star in this quirky, sometimes dark, love story.

The 2 disc DVD director's cut is a must for fans of the film, over the movie only disc version, that still available.

Disc One has the unrated director's cut of the film. There are 3 audio commentary tracks. Each one offers a unique perspective on the same film and it's kind of fun to have these different takes on the same film. All of the tracks are decent and never lag (especialy Tarantino's who barely misses a beat) The director's storyboard track allows for a side by side comparison between the final film and how Scott laid everything out beforehand. DVD-ROM stuff includes the original script, production notes, and a web site archive with a few links

Disc Two has interviews with both cast and crew, some interesting on the set footage. Cast members offer audio reactions to specific scenes that they appear in as they watch them--this is really cool. Comments are from Hopper Kilmer Pitt and others There are a number of deleted scenes that can be viewed optional commentary from Scott. The best extra is the alternate ending. Rounding out the extras are the ususal trailers and photo galleries and such.

This 2 disc set comes highly recommended

excellent
I loved this movie. Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper we're absolutely fantastic. I was really dissapointed that we didn't see more of Walken throughout the film. The thing that impressed me the most about it though was how each role no matter how small was executed to perfection. Bradd Pitt, Chris Penn, James Gandolfini, Vincent Donofrio? There are two many roles to mention. Scott did an excellent job with the script although it may have a sunnier disposition than Tarantino's other films.

Tarentino's Frist - Possibly His Best...
I recently read Tarantino's original screenplay to "True Romance". Apart from the change in narrative structure (non-chronological), it hints to a bleaker, grittier urban drama, with a tragic ending. It would have been very interesting to see the final film in Tarantino's vision.

Tony Scott's sugar-coated adaptation works wonders though. It was made very clear in the script that the relationship between the two leads was very strong. Scott took this unison and gave the film a fairy-tale tone. The villains in the film are very colourful, contributing to the feel that Scott has established. Hans Zimmer's score does nothing better, than to enforce this vision.

The cast is one of the most impressive line-ups I've ever seen. Much of the film rests on the shoulders of Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, both characters come off very likable with clear, clean, simple motives. These are career performances. Dennis Hopper gives good in his limited screen-time as Christian's ex-cop, ex-alcoholic father. It is in his time shared with Christopher Walken (being a one-scene wonder, like in "Pulp Fiction"), that he comes off at his best. The Sicilian scene is Walken's most intense since "Deer Hunter". Gary Oldman also gives another deliciously evil and memorable performance, the man is a chameleon, he is yet to unimpress me.

But one of my favourite things about the cast is seeing then-relative-unknowns Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini in small, but memorable roles. A real shame that Jackson's performance was cut down heavily from the script, some of the dialogue in his one scene was very amusing, if maybe a little offensive to some.

"True Romance" is a brilliant crime drama, and a perfect (if phased) introduction to Tarantino's work, it is probably the most accessible film he's penned. People will always ponder over whether or not Tarantino's directorial version would have been better, but they can always rest-assure that Scott has given a wonderful adaptation, supported by a very strong cast. It could have been much, much worse.

great scott
what the hell is tony scott doing??? quentin tarantino really knows how to ruin something potentially good. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

One Good Cop
When I bought my first DVD player a number of years ago, Cop Land was one of the films that, I thought about buying right off the bat. I was disappointed though, to discover there were no bonus features on the disc, and I didn't get it. Back then, my rule was simple: no bonus material-no purchase. After a long wait, a special edition for the film, is finally here.

Freddy Heflin (Sylvester Stallone) is the sheriff of a place everyone calls "Cop Land"-a small and seemingly peaceful town populated by the big-city police officers he's always admired. Yet something ugly is taking place below the surface. The sheriff is shocked when he uncovers a large and deadly conspiracy among these local residents. He doesn't know who to trust. Gary Figgis (Ray Liotta) and Ray Donlan (Harvey Keitel) try to persuade Heflin that he is wrong. Soon though, he is forced to take action and make the difficult choice between protecting his own and enforcing the law, as Lt. Tilden (Robert De Niro), an Internal Affairs officer, arrives to begin an investigation of his own.

Writer/director James Mangold assembled a top notch cast that can't be beat. Stallone rises to the challenge and gives his best performance since the original Rocky flick--no really, it's that good. The drama and situations are very real. No over the top, super hero heroics are to be had. It's gritty reality is heightened for me even more, due to Mangold's use of many familiar North Jersey locales, as the story's backdrop.

The DVD showcases a 116-minute "Director's Cut" of film. In this cut, 11 minutes of footage is reinserted, not part of the original theatrical version. For the most part, these scenes are rich in character bits and advance the plot only slightly. Still, the 11 minutes are worthwhile. The audio commentary track from Mangold, producer Cathy Konrad, cast members Stallone and Robert Patrick is a solid one, filled with great insight on how the film came together. Aside from the 11 minutes of inserted scenes, there are a few additional deleted scenes complete with opitional commentary from Mangold, about the editing choices he made. The film's climatic shootout and its corresponding storyboards are detailed for viewers. Pretty cool. Rounding out the bonus material is a featurette called "The Making of an Urban Western" All I'll say is the commentary is better.

The special edition of Cop Land is recommended. And it's worth a re-purchase if you already own the movie only disc. ****1/2 stars.

A memorable movie with an even more memorable cast !
The movie Cop Land combines long lost talent in its leading star, Sylvester Stallone; top notch performances from its supporting cast, Ray Liotta, Robert Deniro, Harvey Keitel, and Annabella Sciorra; wonderful cinematography by Eric Edwards; and brilliant direction of James Mangold who later went on to direct such hits as Kate And Leopold, Identity, and Girl Interrupted.

Cop Land is a fictional tale of crime and corruption in a city run and occupied by New York's unfinest cops. Stallone pulls it off excellently as the city's overweight sherrif, Freddie Heflin, who couldn't get into to the force on account of his deaf ear. When the police force covers up a cop shooting that leaves two innocent men dead and stages a hero story, its up to Sherrif Heflin to reveal the truth and bring order to the city known to everybody as Cop Land.

The movie features an outstanding performance by Robert Deniro as an FBI agent trying to uncover the deceptions and opens Heflin's eyes to the corruption around him.

A memorable film with an even more memorable ensemble cast.

Underrated
Great little movie. Amazing cast, great performances. Nicely underplayed. Will be curiuos to see the directors cut with 11 extra minutes added.

A solid cop thriller in the tradition of Sidney Lumet
Cop Land is a homage to police corruption films like Sidney Lumet's Serpico and Prince of the City. In many respects, Cop Land is also a modern western, complete with a High Noon-style showdown. Miramax previously released this film on a movie-only DVD. This new version is a huge improvement but is it worth the upgrade?

Definitely.

"Cop Land: The Making of an Urban Western" is an excellent retrospective featurette. Stallone to be interested in the role but the actor wanted to something different, to go back to his starving actor roots. After him, came De Niro and then everyone else followed.

Next, there is a "Storyboard Comparison" that allows one to watch part of the film's climatic shoot-out simultaneously with the storyboards for it.

There are two deleted scenes with optional commentary.

Rounding out the extras is a solid audio commentary with director James Mangold, producer Cathy Konrad and actors Sylvester Stallone and Robert Patrick. Not surprisingly, Mangold and Stallone dominate this track. Stallone comes across as a very humble and gracious guy. Mangold keeps everyone talking, acting as an informal moderator and asking everyone questions. This is a really good track and definitely worth a listen if you're a fan of this movie.

Cop Land features a killer cast and allows them to flex their acting chops with a top-notch screenplay. This DVD is a definite improvement over the previous bare bones edition and is worth the upgrade. Miramax has finally done this film justice with an excellent special edition.

SLY IS THE BEST!!!!
I AM A HUGE SLY FAN EVER SINCE I WAS A KID, ANY FILM SLY MAKES I MUST SEE WEATHER IT BE SPY KIDS 3 OR THE NEW MOVIE "SHADE" I HAVE TO SEE IT IF SLY IS IN IT. COPLAND IS A WONDERFUL MOVIE AND WHAT IT DID WAS INTREST ME TO BE A DEPUTY SHERIFF MAYBE IN THE FUTURE. SLY ONCE AGAIN DOES A GREAT JOB AS THE DOWN TO EARTH SHERIFF WHO JUST WANTS A LITTLE MORE CREDIT FOR HIS JOB. APART FROM THE GREAT SLY WE HAVE THE GREAT HARVEY KEITEL, RAY LIOTTA AND OF COURSE ONE OF MY TOP 5 FAV ACTORS ALONE WITH SLY WHO IS NUMBER 3 ROBERT DI NERO. THIS IS A GREAT FILM FOR COP LOVERS I THINK ITS ONE OF THE BEST AND REALISTIC FILMS ABOUT BEING A SO CALLED "COP" AND BEING A "SHERIFF". I WOULD RATHER BE A SHERIFF AND WEATHER MOE TILDEN LIKES IT OR NOT FREDDY HEFLIN IS A COP. ... 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

Reviews (173)

A great movie.
A young man by the name of Clerence (Christian Slater) gets to meet a bright wide-eyed Prostitute named Alabama (Patricia Arquette) falls in love at first sight and then they get married. But the Couple takes a wrong turn, when Clerence told the wrong suitcase from a Pimp (Gary Oldman), which Clerence did kill him. Then Clerence & Alabama finds out that the suitcase is full of cocaine and than they decide go to L.A. to sell it and cash it in, while the Mafioso (Lead by Oscar-Winner:Christopher Walken) are searching for the Drugs and the Couple.

Directed by Tony Scott (The Hunger, Top Gun, Enemy of the Gates) made an excellent, clever thriller with romance. Excellent Performances from the Cast, including:Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Micheal Rapaport, Bronson Pinchot, Brad Pitt, Saul Rubinek, Chris Penn, Tom Sizemore, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gandolfini & Conchata Ferrell. This wasn't a huge success at the Box Office but it did recieve great reviews by Critics and it become a Cult Classic. DVD's has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (Also on DTS). DVD's has three separate feature-length Audio Commentaries by Stars:Slater & Arquette, Director:Scott & Writer:Quentin Tarantino. DVD has nearly 30 mintues of Deleted Scenes (also an Alternate Ending) with/without commentary by the director & writer. This DVD has great extras. Tarantino wrote a terrific written script, which he's best known for Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction & Jackie Brown. This DVD is a great 2-Disc Set. Do not miss this great film. Panavision. Grade:A.

Stay True To Yourself
Directed with a slick style by Tony Scott (Top Gun, Spy Game), True Romance, boasts an all star cast, a cool soudtrack, and a great script from Quentin Tarantino. He would of course, go on to write and direct Resevior Dogs, and Pulp Fiction. I happen to think though, however, that the script for this film is Tarantino's best work in anything he's ever done. Period I know I'm probably in the minority with that opinion, but most of the the other films he's written/directed himself, have a samenees to them.

Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) likes comic books, Kung Fu Films, and Elvis. He leads a fairly normal life, that is, until he meets call girl Alabama (Patricia Arquette). After a spending a passionate night together, they declare their love for each other, and they decide to get hitched. Clarence is visited by the ghost of Elvis (Val Kilmer) who tells him that he should kill Alabama's pimp Drexel (Gary Oldman)... Dennis Hopper Michael Rappaport Christopher Walken and Brad Pitt also star in this quirky, sometimes dark, love story.

The 2 disc DVD director's cut is a must for fans of the film, over the movie only disc version, that still available.

Disc One has the unrated director's cut of the film. There are 3 audio commentary tracks. Each one offers a unique perspective on the same film and it's kind of fun to have these different takes on the same film. All of the tracks are decent and never lag (especialy Tarantino's who barely misses a beat) The director's storyboard track allows for a side by side comparison between the final film and how Scott laid everything out beforehand. DVD-ROM stuff includes the original script, production notes, and a web site archive with a few links

Disc Two has interviews with both cast and crew, some interesting on the set footage. Cast members offer audio reactions to specific scenes that they appear in as they watch them--this is really cool. Comments are from Hopper Kilmer Pitt and others There are a number of deleted scenes that can be viewed optional commentary from Scott. The best extra is the alternate ending. Rounding out the extras are the ususal trailers and photo galleries and such.

This 2 disc set comes highly recommended

excellent
I loved this movie. Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper we're absolutely fantastic. I was really dissapointed that we didn't see more of Walken throughout the film. The thing that impressed me the most about it though was how each role no matter how small was executed to perfection. Bradd Pitt, Chris Penn, James Gandolfini, Vincent Donofrio? There are two many roles to mention. Scott did an excellent job with the script although it may have a sunnier disposition than Tarantino's other films.

Tarentino's Frist - Possibly His Best...
I recently read Tarantino's original screenplay to "True Romance". Apart from the change in narrative structure (non-chronological), it hints to a bleaker, grittier urban drama, with a tragic ending. It would have been very interesting to see the final film in Tarantino's vision.

Tony Scott's sugar-coated adaptation works wonders though. It was made very clear in the script that the relationship between the two leads was very strong. Scott took this unison and gave the film a fairy-tale tone. The villains in the film are very colourful, contributing to the feel that Scott has established. Hans Zimmer's score does nothing better, than to enforce this vision.

The cast is one of the most impressive line-ups I've ever seen. Much of the film rests on the shoulders of Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, both characters come off very likable with clear, clean, simple motives. These are career performances. Dennis Hopper gives good in his limited screen-time as Christian's ex-cop, ex-alcoholic father. It is in his time shared with Christopher Walken (being a one-scene wonder, like in "Pulp Fiction"), that he comes off at his best. The Sicilian scene is Walken's most intense since "Deer Hunter". Gary Oldman also gives another deliciously evil and memorable performance, the man is a chameleon, he is yet to unimpress me.

But one of my favourite things about the cast is seeing then-relative-unknowns Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini in small, but memorable roles. A real shame that Jackson's performance was cut down heavily from the script, some of the dialogue in his one scene was very amusing, if maybe a little offensive to some.

"True Romance" is a brilliant crime drama, and a perfect (if phased) introduction to Tarantino's work, it is probably the most accessible film he's penned. People will always ponder over whether or not Tarantino's directorial version would have been better, but they can always rest-assure that Scott has given a wonderful adaptation, supported by a very strong cast. It could have been much, much worse.

great scott
what the hell is tony scott doing??? quentin tarantino really knows how to ruin something potentially good. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Mira Sorvino won an Oscar for her performance as a bubbleheaded hooker and porn star who happens to be the mother of a bright young boy adopted by a Manhattan couple (Woody Allen and Helena Bonham Carter). The story finds Allen's sportswriter character becoming curious about the identity of his son's biological mom, and he strikes up a relationship with her without revealing why. This 27th feature written and directed by Allen is a nice combination of smart comedy and some of the wackier energy of his earliest movies. (Between scenes, there's a running gag involving a Greek chorus--actually filmed among some real Greek ruins--who do song-and-dance interpretations of the script's events.) This isn't Allen at his best, but it is a fine minor work graced by Sorvino's spin on the cinema's archetypal dumb blonde. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Damn what a good film
There seem to be three camps when it comes to Woody Allen. (1) People who love his earlier works and villify his most recent films (2)People who love all of his films (3) People who hate Woody Allen, his films, and anything else related to him. I belong to the second group, and like most of his films. Mighty Aphrodite is a great movie, featuring the performance that put Mira Sorvino on the map. This film also contains a great performance by Michael Rappaport, who has gone on to do more stellar work with Allen. Every time I watch this movie I laugh. If anything, see this film for the Greek chorus led by F. Murray Abraham. Like most of Allens more recent works this film is funny and wacky, while at the same time you don't leave the movie feeling as if you've lost brain cells by watching it.

Aristophanes would be proud!
This is one gem of a romantic comedy. With all of the delicious allusions to Greek mythology & the props for Greek theatre, one would not be going too far to call it a "cultured" romantic comedy. What really stands out is how the references to archetypal Greek images are tied in so nicely with the storyline.

I must concede I've not seen many Woody Allen films, but he was terrific as a coy and eccentric sportswriter. Likewise, Mira Sorvino is beyond charming as a naive but good natured harlot.

If you're looking for a feel good movie, you can't do much better than this. If you want an RC movie that is funny and yet has more substance than most others, you can't go wrong with MIGHTY APRHODITE. Somewhere above the clouds, I can't help but think that Aristophanes is watching this film over & over again.....and he's loving every minute of it!

Mighty Awful
It has all the subtlety of a train wreck. Woody Allen is a clever man, and indeed there are several good zingers, but each one is repeated in such a juvenile manner that I fear Mr. Allen doesn't give his audience enough credit for getting it the first time.

For example, there is a scene where Woody is matchmaking two idiots. He declines their invitation to join them by saying, "No, thank you. I'm superfluous." To which one idiot replies, "Oh, you're not feeling well?" What a great zinger! But then he belabors the joke by going on: "No, SUPERFLUOUS. Uh... superfluous means unneccessary... I'd only get in the way..." This sort of audience-coddling continues throughout the movie, right up to the end, where even the final scene is amended with a clumsy explanation for the dim-witted. The movie ends with the same gag (a Broadway-Greek chorus) that has already been done 3 times in the last 95 minutes. We got it the first time, Woody.

Acting? You'll hardly notice. The characters are such obvious, stereotypical caricatures that they become entirely boring and predictable--if not offensive to Jews, women, boxers, hairdressers, husbands, wives and barkeeps. I was embarrassed for the lot of them.

Unless you, too, are stuck in the sixties, you might do yourself a favor by skipping this one. Woody even managed to waste the incredible talent of F. Murray Abraham!

Etu Woody!
Woody Allen at his funniest (and *raunchiest*--not for the prudish), particularly during his scenes with Mira Sorvino, who walks off with the film as a ditzy porn starlet. The only thing that prevents this from a full-out four-star rating is a baffling framing device in which characters from Greek mythology drop into the story from time to time to comment on the action. It's annoying and rarely funny.

Greek Tragedy...A La Woody...Not So Tragic
Whenever I need a smile or a good laugh I always turn to Woody Allen. I know he will never let me down, and "The Mighty Aphrodite" is no exception. As always he has gathered a fabulous ensemble that seem to be just perfect for the wonderful characters he creates. This one stars Woody(of course), as sportswriter Lenny Weinrib, who after being convinced by his wife to adopt baby Max, becomes obsessed(who can do obsessed better then he?) with finding the real mother.

The laughs are non stop as Lenny gets a little help on his quest from a very funny Greek Chorus, led by the great F. Murray Abraham. Lenny finds the mother who is not only a prostitute but an adult movie actress as well. "Linda" is not exactly the brightest person on earth, but you can't help loving her, and is played brillantly by Mira Sorvino. Lenny doesn't stop with finding her though, he is now out to change her life!

Meanwhile back at the Weinrib ranch, Lenny's wife Amanda(Helena Bonham Carter), is having thoughts of an extra-martial affair. Could this spell doom for Weinrib family? Can our Greek philosphers say the right words to save this marriage? It's a lot of fun finding out!

Woody takes love, prostitution, adultry combined with greek mythology and the great setting of New York, and gives us an hour and a half of pure delight. Mira Sorvino by the way, won several awards for her outstanding performance including Best Supporting Actress from the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes as well.She's the funniest pro since "Irma La Douce". This great cast includes the likes of Olympia Dukakis,Claire Bloom,Peter Weller,and the wonderful Jack Warden as the blind man(Tiresias) who sees all.

If you have missed this gem,it's a must see. If it's been a while since you've seen it, watch it again and remember why you loved it so much the first time around.

"Of all human weaknesses, obsession is the most dangerous, and the silliest!"(The Greek Chorus)...enjoy...Laurie ... Read more

Description

"Bridget Fonda is pure dynamite" (WWOR-TV) as a murderous misfit reprogrammed as a high-tech assassin. Gabriel Byrne and Anne Bancroft co-star in "one of the top thrillers of the year" (ABC Radio Network). Year: 1993 Director: John Badham Starring: Bridget Fonda, Gabriel Byrne, Dermot Mulroney ... Read more

Amazon.com

Men of Honor presents a great role model for younger viewers, yet it's rated R due to abundant use of the F word. With appropriate discretion, parents should allow their preteen and teenaged children to see this rousing if altogether conventional biopic inspired by the life of Carl Brashear. Played with gravity and gumption by Cuba Gooding Jr., Brashear was the first African American to become a master diver in the U.S. Navy, despite the lingering effects of segregation, opposition from Navy brass, and the amputation of his left leg following a tragic on-duty accident. Robert De Niro adds marquee value and salty bluster as Billy Sunday, the drunken, redneck (and fictionalized) Master Chief who watches, with gradual admiration, as Brashear attains his ultimate goal through sheer force of will.

This is all quite uplifting on its surface, but in attempting to hit the requisite highlights of an inspiring biography, director George Tillman Jr. (Soul Food) reduces Brashear's achievement to a succession of clichés, forcing Gooding and De Niro to battle sentiment with their noteworthy performances. As Sunday's neglected wife, Charlize Theron is completely extraneous; Hal Holbrook's diving-school commander is a ranting caricature; and newcomer Aunjanue Ellis barely registers as Brashear's wife (in part because their obligatory romance is handled with an utter lack of finesse). There's no question that Brashear's efforts are heroic and worthy of recognition, so Men of Honor serves its basic purpose. Still, one can't help but wonder if Brashear's story would be even more impressive with a more authentic treatment. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (114)

men of overratedness
I watched this movie very optimistically for the first time. I thought it was going to be a compelling and intelligent military drama. I knew De Niro and Cuba Gooding, Jr. were going to be fantastic. Oprah said this movie was incredible. How could it be wrong?
I have to say, for what it is, it's ok. I think other movies have done a better job of accomplishing what this film tries to do. DeNiro is always brilliant. This, however, is not my favorite DeNiro character, and I got the impression that the man himself was uncomfortable with the role at times. I've heard everyone rave about Cuba Gooding, Jr. and DeNiro's performances were great. But, not landmark or anything.
The plot, though based on a true story, is basically an inadequate Forest Gump formula. If you want to see DeNiro deliver amazing performance, watch "the Deer Hunter." if you want to be inspired to achieve anything, watch "Forest Gump." If you want to see an incredible Cuba Gooding, Jr. performance, watch "Jerry McGuire." Peace out.

Great acting and very satisfying true story
Gooding and De Niro both gave outstanding performances in this true story of one determined man's fight to become the first African-American Navy diver. De Niro plays "Billy Sunday," an unsavory, basically unlikeable character whose racism only serves to strengthen the resolve of Carl Brashear (Gooding). As time goes by, even De Niro grows to admire Brasheir's character and strength of will. Brashear faces innumerable obstacles. De Niro eventually becomes his champion, assisting his efforts. It is a great true story. The terrible racism of the past is still a disgrace to our society, and we all know that for every successful "Brashear" there were countless worthy but not so fortunate black aspirants in the service who were kept down because of their race. It's a happy story with a positive message...I hope many, many young people will see it.

A man to look up to--Carl Brashear!
"Men of Honor" was another excellent film but it left me wanting to know more. It was the fact-based story of the Navy's Master Diver Carl Brashear. He was the first black man to attend and graduate from Diving School. Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed Brashear who at a young age decided he wanted to be a diver for the Navy. BUT when he entered the Navy blacks were only allowed in the kitchens.

After coming to the attention of his CO, Brashear was given an opportunity to attend the school he really wanted to. He came face to face with Billy Sunday played by Robert DeNiro. In many ways Sunday wanted to see Brashear complete the course but his commander portrayed by Hal Holbrook tied his hands. Eventually Brashear was successful.

As Brashear's career progressed, Sunday's fell apart. Then there was a terrible accident, which resulted in Brashear losing a leg. The Navy wanted to retire him but he fought to stay in. Sunday came to his aid and helped him recover from the amputation. He was by his side when Brashear had to go to court to fight for the right to stay in the Navy. The court scene was very moving.

Yes there was a little romance in the movie and yes there was vulgarity but this film was very good. However it left me wanting more so I will have to go find of copy of the book the movie was based on to learn more about this amazing man's life. I wanted to see more of his training, more of what he went through, and more of the treacherous dives he went on that made him what he became.

Carl Brashear's story deserves to be told...
I have heard some bad things about this film..."overdramatized fluff", "typical cliched writing" and so forth...

This film is so much better than the sum of its reviews.

First, the story--face it, it deserves to be told. This is about a real man who goes through the tenth level of hell and back to achieve his dream of becoming a Master diver. He has to face bigotry from his classmates and his superiors--the latter of whom are determined to fail him based on his skin color alone--and push himself past his limits to succeed. Yes, the plot was hokey in some areas, but a few hokey spots does not a bad film make.

Second, the acting. Only Cuba Gooding, Jr. could have pulled off the role of Carl Brashear, the diver in question. His performance was very well executed and brought me to tears in spots. Robert De Niro was wonderful as always, and I really don't care that Billy Sunday was a composite of Brashear's superiors throughout his career instead of a real person, because he pulled it off without a hitch. At times he reminded me of R. Lee Ermey, but the role would not have had the same depth if the latter had been cast--it was written for De Niro. The supporting cast was excellent as well--especially Charlize Theron and Aunjanue Ellis, whose roles, although small, were nonetheless pivotal.

The DVD version, both wide and full screen, includes a feature about--and narrated by--Carl Brashear himself, who was the head military advisor to the film, and it is definitely worth watching. I myself was amazed at the accuracy of the movie and was deeply inspired by this man who had had so much to overcome. George Tillman, Jr. did a wonderful job with his story.

Overall, I give it five stars out of five. If you thought this film was complete crap, then maybe you should go rent "Gigli." Criticism aside, though, "Men of Honor" isn't so much a biographical feature as it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and Carl Brashear is living proof.

This film is great, no matter what a dumb critic says!
This heartwarming drama is and extrodinary film with extremely great acting as well as cinimatography. I would put this wonderful drama in at least the top 20 greatest movies of all time, believe me this is a truly outstanding piece of work and I would recomend it to any one, with a heart. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The excellent Paper Soldiers shifts fluidly from comedy toserious drama as it follows an overeager burglar named Shawn (Kevin Hart)through the ups and downs of his short, stressful career. Already on parole butfaced with the power being turned off and his child forced to eat nothing butcereal, Shawn convinces an older thief (Derrick "Capone" Lee) to train him. Hesoon finds himself caught between his angry girlfriend (Tiffany Withers), hisincompetent would-be-criminal friends, and a neighborhood sociopath with ahair-trigger temper (Beanie Sigel). Paper Soldiers always feels real, whichmakes the humor genuine and lets the movie shift gears into high tension. Theperformances are compelling throughout--Hart makes you care about Shawn withoutever letting him off the hook for his foolish decisions. Smartly written andskillfully directed, Paper Soldiers deserves to be seen. Featuring cameosby Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, and others. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (8)

garbage
i brought this movie thinking that since Kevin Hart was in it that it might be pretty funny and Kevin Hart was, Kevin Hart did a good job, but i also bought it for stacy dash thinkin that she was on cover and that she might have a huge role but she didnt at all, she was jus the girl kevin couldn't get wit like 3 times she didnt even say more then 100 words...the movie itself seemed so fake...even the fight scenes looked fake...no plot what so ever...complete garbage...only way to describe it

BEANIE NO ICE CUBE- THE OTHER DUDE NO CHRIS TUCKER
Wouldnt we all love to make a ghetto movie as funny as Friday starring a hood comedian as funny as Chris Tucker? but instead of that formaula, dude was straight up annoying! I would even take mike epps. save yourselves. there are no worse actors than at da roc!!

and please get bleek in the studio!!

surprisingly funny
looking at the cover of this movie puts you in the mind of a low budget cheesy comedy but this movie is funny as hell. the acting is good. even beanie siegel holds it down but then again he was probably just being himself so it wasn't difficult. this movie is worth checking out.

This was an unexpected surprise.....
I thought that this was gonna be one of those low-budget, ghetto films, but this was actually cool and FUNNY AS HELL!!!!Much props to Kevin Hart and he's definitely slept-on!!!! If you want a good laugh, I definitely recommend this movie!!!!!

Very Funny!
I just happened to pick up "Paper Soldiers" one day while at the video store, not knowing exactly what to think of it. When I took it home and watched it, I was pleasantly surprised. This film is seriously funny!

The film centers around Shawn, who is on parole and trying to get the almighty dollar fast. The film follows him through his adventures with breaking and entering, yet trying to keep his life on track. It'll have you rolling!

Since the film was directed by Damon Dash, CEO of Roc-A-Fella records, the film is filled with cameos by Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, and Dash himself. Beanie Siegel also gives a convincing performance as a crazy and extremely violent acquaintance of Shawn's. Angie Martinez, Tiffany Withers (from BET's bet.com), and Stacy Dash also have roles in the film

Don't let the fact that this is a straight-to-video film. It is very funny and I know you'll enjoy it!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (130)

It's nice to see the big man back
First of all, this is NOT Total Recall and strictly speaking it's not better either, but don't let that put you off! Arnie plays his usual good guy (but he's getting slighly better folks!) who plays an old fashoned pilot that fears even cloning pets takes away some of our humanity. He then ends up having to fight for his identity, as usual there are chases, fights and some great special effects. I thought that Arnie checking for wrinkles in the first scene was quite funny, obviously a side joke hinting that he might be getting too old for this s**t. The bottom line is that this is the best Arnie flick for many years and proves that there is plenty of life in the ol' dog yet.

Somehow this is one of the best films of 2000
I really do think that this is a great film or at least very good, great plot, entertaining, smart, but confusing and a bit exagerated, but this is a very good one, it also has great acting,I really don't give it five stars i give it ****1/2.

Could've been better
Schwarzengegger's return to action didn't fare much better in this clunker about a regular joe named Adam Gibson who co-runs a helicopter business. Gibson learns that he's been cloned and the "replacement" that is living out his life, means he must be exterminated by a prophetic businessman and his group of dastardly cohorts. This film, while not bad, just seems flat and uninspired. Schwarzenegger's return to action doesn't do much and it seems that the standard action sequences take place with at least one mandatory car chase. The only real amusing scenes involve the continual cloning of the businessman's henchmen, and a scene involving two Arnolds at once, but rather than that, it just seems out of place.

The 6th Day
THE 6TH DAY is science-fiction action film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold plays Adam Gibson, a professional helicopter pilot who has a loving wife and a daughter. The time period is "the near future," and there are laws that ban the concept of cloning human beings, but the cloning of animals and household pets is perfectly legal. The action and the fun begins when Adam Gibson comes home from a seemingly normal day of work on his birthday, and see's a clone of himself eating his birthday cake with his wife and daughter in his house. It seems that an evil corporation has illegally cloned Adam for reasons unknow to him, but Adam is very eager to find out, so he arms himself with some weapons and goes out to kick some human-cloning .... This movie turned out to be way better than I expected, and I recommend it to all action and Arnold Schwarzenegger movie fans!

Th