Amazon.com

The success of Under Siege made a sequel mandatory according to Hollywood's rules of maximum revenue, and as sequels go, this one's not half bad. Steven Seagal returns as former Navy SEAL and skilled chef Casey Ryback, who's trying to spend quality time with his niece on a cross-country train trip. But as luck and action-movie formulas would have it, the train has been hijacked by a demented genius (Eric Bogosian) who is using the train as a moving platform to seize computerized control of a top-secret U.S. satellite that is capable of causing earthquakes from space. Seagal has to stop the train or the villain (whichever comes first), and the action is fast and furious on its way to a high-speed climax. He's not as wacky as Tommy Lee Jones in the first Under Siege, but Bogosian has got a delirious quality that serves the comic-book plot, and action fans get more than their fill of dazzling stunts and special effects. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (44)

A spectacular sequel to an action classic!
And this is a rare thing . . . a sequel that's just as superb as the original. Steven Segal is the cook again, and he boards the Grand Continental luxury express train with his niece. But trouble brews . . . a group of terrorists led by a disgruntled ex-CIA operative hijack the train to take control of a covert space satellite weapons platform, holding the passengers hostage and blackmailing the Pentagon and others into paying a huge ransom. And, of course, ex-Navy SEAL Casey Ryback(SEGAL) goes into action to stop the terrorists from causing a nuclear attack on the Pentagon with the space weapon. OK, the plot is mind candy, but this movie delivers some stunning action scenes and speeds along with a great sense of urgency as it thrills! The DVD enhances the enjoyment big style as the action comes across as more explosive, the sound effects will rock your living room! The cinematography is also nice to look at - great scenery and train footage for any railroad buffs(like me) watching. Also, if one looks at the film's climax, one could say it was inspired by a brilliant 1976 movie called THE CASSANDRA CROSSING, which I would also strongly recommend. But as far as UNDER SIEGE 2 goes, nobody beats Steven Segal in the kitchen!

I've seen it, now give it a rest!
I've always put off watching Steven Seagal movies, due to the fact that they've never really appealed to me. But after a lot of persuasion (arm being twisted up behind your back, you know, the usual), and being told to wait outside until the menus etc had passed, the start credits of the movie was met with a big "oh no!"

It doesn't really make that much sense to watch a sequel, when you haven't seen the original, so lets not go there.

The first thing I thought about this movie was that it had similarities to True Lies. In True Lies, it was Arnie-baby trying to rescue his daughter (Eliza Dushku) from the hands of an evil tyrant. In Under Seige 2, it's Steven Seagal trying to rescue his niece (Katharine Heigl). But apparently, it's just a coincidence that these two films are similar.

Eric Bogosian didn't really come across as your typical bad guy, which I thought was quite good. He looks like a wimp, one of those guys who sits staring at his computer, day in, day out. And the mop-top of curly hair just added to the whole effect.

Steven Seagal doesn't seem your typical action hero either. He doesn't seem to have the muscles that Arnie flexes constantly, nor does he have the drop dead gorgeous looks. (I'm not saying that Arnie's drop dead gorgeous, I'm just - oh never mind) Maybe he would appeal to me more if he cut off that silly ponytail (give me a pair of scissors, I'll do it gladly) and toned up a bit. And he's so deadpan! Imagine someone Botoxed up to the eyeballs, and you'll have Steven Seagal. He shows no emotion either in any of his scenes, and manages to break guys necks left, right and centre quite convincingly. In that way, he's good as the good guy. He gets rid of the bad guys, each time in a different way - although he does break three guys necks. He does set a couple of people on fire.

What I also noticed is that at the end, like True Lies, when the girl originally hated her dad/uncle, she's now all over him like a rash.

It's a shame that Peter Greene - aptly named "Mercenary #1" - has to die in this movie (one of the three who gets their neck broken). He always seems to play the bad guy, and whereas he is quite nice looking, it must be his looks that make him bad guy material.

Overall, it was an OK film, if not a little long between action scenes. Thankfully, none of it follows on from the first, so it's not like you're watching a sequel that you have to have seen the first, to understand the second. But unlike some people, I won't be going all out, and buying the Steven Seagal doll (sorry, it's NOT an action figure). When a film get released, it can sometimes have "action figures" to accompany the movie. So why was there never one to accompany The Matrix? I want to play with Keanu :) Shame it's all plastic, au naturel is so much better.

Enjoyable Obligatory Sequel
If Under Siege (US) is Die Hard on a boat, than Under Siege 2 (US2) is Die Hard on a big fancy train. US2 could also be accurately titled Under Siege Lite. A perfunctatory, though blessedly unpretentious, cashing on the success of its predecessor. The cast isn't nearly as star studded this time around and the whole production seems a bit flat. Siegal is even more blank-faced as usual as he methodically wittles away at the horde of bad guys. Siegal utilizes every possible way to kill a person in close quarters combat and then there's the inevitable explosion and the movie ends just like that.

NOT AS GOOD AS UNDER SIEGE 1, BUT...
THIS TIME, A TRAIN IS HIJACKED AND IT'S UP TO CASEY [STEVEN SEAGAL] TO SAVE THE HOSTAGES. WHILE NOT AS GOOD AS ITS PREDECESSOR, IT STILL DELIVERS NONSTOP EXCITEMENT. IT'S JUST TOO BAD THAT THIS MOVIE DOSEN'T HAVE A VILLAIN LIKE TOMMY LEE JONES. BUT STILL, THAT DOESN'T STOP THIS MOVIE FROM BEING A THRILL RIDE. AGAIN, SEAGAL FANS SHOULD BE THRILLED BY THIS MOVIE.

Entertaining
There are action movies (Schwartzenneger) and then there are Steven Seagal movies. Seagal's movies are nothing fancy. They aren't really there to make you think (although Seagal occasionally explores some right on themes like the problems facing Native Americans and the environment)in a way he's a modern day Billy Jack you might say. But one thing you can always count on with a Steven Seagal movie is even when its bad its kind of good. Generally he has great actors in his films and this one isn't an exception to that rule (i.e. Morris Chestnut, Eric Bogosian) and he always throws in some very likeable characters. And then of course there is his martial arts skills which are pretty top notch considering. This is the sequel to the very successful and superior Under Siege. But this film ain't half bad. I love the train setting. And the shootouts are pretty tight. The only really weak link to this film is the complete implausibility of the plotline. Even for most action films this one is way out there in terms of something that could possibly happen in real life. Watch the film if you're a die hard action film fan. Don't watch it if you're looking for high action art like say Terminator, Robocop, True Lies or anything remotely like that. As I said before there are Schwartzenneger films and there are Steven Seagal movies. ... Read more

Description

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

Reviews (40)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amazon.com

In a time when it seems that every other movie makes some claim to being a film noir, L.A. Confidential is the real thing--a gritty, sordid tale of sex, scandal, betrayal, and corruption of all sorts (police, political, press--and, of course, very personal) in 1940s Hollywood. The Oscar-winning screenplay is actually based on several titles in James Ellroy's series of chronological thriller novels (including the title volume, The Big Nowhere, and White Jazz)--a compelling blend of L.A. history and pulp fiction that has earned it comparisons to the greatest of all Technicolor noir films, Chinatown. Kim Basinger richly deserved her Supporting Actress Oscar for her portrayal of a conflicted femme fatale; unfortunately, her male costars are so uniformly fine that they may have canceled each other out with the Academy voters: Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce, Kevin Spacey, and James Cromwell play LAPD officers of varying stripes. Pearce's character is a particularly intriguing study in Hollywood amorality and ambition, a strait-laced "hero" (and son of a departmental legend) whose career goals outweigh all other moral, ethical, and legal considerations. If he's a good guy, it's only because he sees it as the quickest route to a promotion. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (259)

Another 5 star Classic
It has long been debated - "Can a film noir be made in color?" Many have tried and failed. This film does not. It has all of the classic elements that one looks for in a good ole gangster flick, as well as in a noir flick. This film is shocking in its talent and its craftsmanship. No complaints from me, from the score to the cinematography, from the direction to the casting, everything hits its mark, and brings you along for the ride.

One of the best DVDs yet released; this slick Warner Bros. disc has it all. There are three behind-the-scenes documentaries, including "The L.A. of L.A. Confidential" (an interactive map tour) and "Off the Record," which offers cast and crew interviews. In addition, the disc has a mood-setting, music-only soundtrack; three TV spots; production notes; theatrical trailers; a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen picture; and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks in English and French. They really packed it in there.

This is the best film of the nineties. Titanic was just an overblown soap compared to this complex mystery/crime drama. The plot twists are jaw-dropping and require the film to be seen several times. The acting and direction are superb! Enjoy.

Very Good Movie, and Well Worth Owning on DVD
"LA Confidential" takes detective film noir in a different direction-something I didn't think could be done. Director Curtis Hanson stated that he wanted the focus of this period piece to be on the characters and dialogue rather than the locations, clothing, cars, etc. I think he got it right for the most part, but the cinematography is so spectacular that you can't help but notice the backdrops against which the scenes are set.

The acting performances in this picture are for the most part first rate: Guy Pearce plays the ambitious Edmund Exley to perfection, Russell Crowe is superb as tough guy detective Bud White, and Kevin Spacey (one of my favorite actors of all time) turns in a stellar performance as the hip narco detective who also acts as a consultant on a Dragnet-like TV series. Strong performances by James Cromwell, Ron Rifkin, and the ubiquitous David Strathairn round out the picture. Although I liked Kim Basinger, I thought she was cast more for her look than for her acting skills. She played the role of a Veronica-lake lookalike prostitute quite well, but hers didn't look like a performance any other competent actress couldn't have pulled off.

The DVD version of this picture is more full of features than any other title I've owned thus far. It includes a documentary about the making of the film which includes cast interviews and clips of Crowe's and Pearce's screen tests. There's also a location map that tells the viewer about each of the major locations where scenes were shot, cast bios, a promo for the soundtrack (featuring some very good early 50's jazz courtesy of Chet Baker and other artists of the era), and the movie can be played with just the soundtrack running. Be warned-the features that come in the DVD version take more time to watch as the movie. But it's well worth the time! "LA Confidential" sets a high standard in terms of what studios should include in DVD's of their pictures. Are you paying attention, Hollywood?

Magnificent
This is magnificent. A top notch cast throughout, Guy Pearce is a revelation, Russell Crowe (not my favourite) is just brilliant, James Cromwell is great. I could go on, so see this for yourself. The attention to detail is second to none, it's atmospheric, pacy, clever and, well, just brilliant.

Buy this today. You will not regret it.

'Off The Record, On The QT And Very Hush Hush'.
If not for a film about a ship hitting an iceberg and going down L.A. Confidential would have been a sure-fire Academy Award Best Picture winner. The best parts of the movie are Kim Basinger in an Oscar winning performance for her role as a Veronica Lake lookalike hooker and Russell Crowe as a fearsome cop who finds a surprising capacity for love.

The genius of the film is the three inter-related stories (hookers cut to resemble movie stars, missing heroin and a murder investigation) in LA of the early 1950's. Cops, prostitution, corrupt politicians and gangsters all touch each others lives and in the tabloid press in surprising ways.

The acting is terrific with James Cromwell, Kevin Spacey, Guy Pierce and Danny DeVito all selling their souls for ambition - and the price to be paid; deserved or not. The costumes and set design are first rate. If you like film noir, or just love well-crafted movies you'll have to look hard to find a better film.

She is Lana Turner
Curtis Hanson's "L.A.Confidential" was the best movie of the year. It had class, acting, story line and macabre plot that was captivating. Though one might find it close to a comic Godfather and a cop-mafia movie, there is more to it. Right from the beginning when they introduce the city of Los Angeles in the "Hush Hush" magazine with Danny DeVito, it starts beautifully. I bet that they can never put together such a set of actors in one movie - Guy Pierce, Kevin Spacey, Kim Basinger and Russell Crowe, perish the thought.

I could not believe that they gave Titanic the Best Picture over this movie, the academy must have had a case of temporary dementia. I have no words for how bad that movie was in comparison. This movie was a masterpiece. Some people might have had problems with the violence. Guy Pierce was fantastic in the way he changes from the budding junior cop to the ambitious detective. This was Russell Crowe's ideal role, the part where he and Pierce go and challenge the DA is hilarious. Kevin Spacey is his usual witty self - his badge of honor role is outstanding. This had excellent screenplay - I was disappointed that it did not get enough oscars. ... Read more

Description

Paula, Kelly, Sandi, Janine and Amy will take you to paradise! Aloha and welcome to the ultimate pleasure trip. Your companions: five sensational, erotic women straight from the sizzling centerfold pages of Penthouse. Relax and let them transport you to the steamy, dreamy shores of Hawaii. Succumb to a fantasy adventure of sunkissed beaches, surging surf...and hot, hot bodies. The Big Island awaits. So lie back and enjoy the most provocative views under the sun! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Boring, beyond belief...
I'm usually on board for anything with Janine. But, this a complete waste of both time, and money.

passport to paradise
usually anything just including racquel is awesome but this one was a disappointment

Great
Beautiful girls, beautiful scenes. You'll have them all when you get this dvd.

A video as hot as the Hawaiian weather!
Five gorgeous Penthouse pets take you through their erotic Hawaiian fantasies. The video is a quality production done with class. Most of the nudity emphasizes the exquisite beauty of the female form.

Prepare to experience true paradise. END ... Read more

Description

Where can you find the most desirable, inviting women in the U.S.A.? On the trail of the Great Pet Hunt. We've captured the wildest live performances of seven of the hottest models who have appeared in the pages of Penthouse magazine. You've loved them as centerfolds; imagine what they can do for you on DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Below Average (2/5)
I do prefer Penthouse products over the tame siliconed playboy or the sleazy degrading hustler. I have to be honest though this DVD is not up to par. First off this is more shot like a behind the scenes of a Penthouse centerfold dancing to promote Penthouse. The scenes are contrived of the typical mens club (dark,smokey,neon lights and annoying techno/pop) blaring through overly large speakers. The first scene features Lisa Aiton she is a pretty cute blonde with a very fit bod who dances only with her top off for the scene,pretty boring. Then we have Dominique Croix who is my least favorite ,a redhead with replusive fake breasts,worst scene on the disc. Next Ashley Lauren a attractive blonde who mostly teases a dark scene with bad to no lighting. Then we have Leslie Glass who is a dark-haired very exotic,awesome smile but the shortest scene on the disc next to Seana's. Then Amy Lynn who seems very sweet and humble and makes for a great scene that gets this DVD at least 2 stars,she dances very sexy,erotic and she proves to be very flexible too, with her top off and is in a tiny bikini bottoms,and rubs oil all over her perfect body(Very Hot Scene,Best Scene On This Disc) Finally the last scene I will highlight is Thresa Presley who talks and seems like a fun women and talks about dancing for the first time on the road promoting her Penthouse centerfold. She is very hot but doesn't compare to Amy and Thresa's scene is ruined by poor ligting and grainy picture quality. Seana Ryan also gets cheated a short scene(she is drop dead gorgeous,what was the director thinking) Lastly the other scenes are not worth mentioning I'm not a Janine fan because she frankly disgusts me from her image today of having tatoos covering her whole hand and I don't like porn or porn stars and that is what she has become of today. Bottom Line: Skip this unless your a diehard Amy Lynn fan which I could see why someone would be,she gets this DVD 2 stars instead a 1.

DO NOT BUY THIS
I own the original video version of this and the DVD does not contain the same material. It is just a watered down version with the more explicit material edited out. They then added additional watered down material to bring the total running time up to 60 minutes.

If you're used to the original Penthouse releases on video, you will be extremely disappointed. This is more like a Playboy release.

Still Disappointing
Well, I reviewed this DVD in May 2000 and gave it a thrashing then. Based on the other review I decided to give it another watch. Rest assured, it is the Penthouse - The Great Pet Hunt Part II DVD I have and it is as disappointing as it was before.

Janine is depicted in Chapter 9, as listed inside the front cover. I've just finished watching her again and the only time she strips right off is as she exits the pool and you get a tush shot (that's it - no more). Shame, she is a perfect creature and better shots of her would have been a pleasure.

Such scenes are typical of the complete DVD, a tease with no real content. If you like your women bare breasted, panties on and dancing, then this is the DVD for you. Personally, I like mine a little more nekkid.

There are better DVDs around. Again I state, don't waste your money on this one.

Not up to Penthouse standards.

get it
UH, the last reviewer might be thinking of vol I. Most of the girls get all nekkid and there is no Janine. It's a pretty good video. Highlights are Ashley Lauren - very hot ; The lovely and sexy Leslie Glass, Amy Lynn , and ? Presley. It is in a strip club forum .... If you always wanted to see these girls roll on the floor in a strip club, this is for you. It's better than a lot of Penthouse vids and not as good as some - but definitely worth your while. ... Read more