Amazon.com

ABC's Miracles had a sizable viewership during its brief 2002-2003 primetime run, but the network's coverage of the Iraq war broke the show's momentum, resulting in cancellation after a mere six episodes. Those half-dozen shows and seven more unaired stories are included in this boxed set, which certainly underscores the series' unfulfilled promise as a kind of spiritually based version of The X-Files. Skeet Ulrich (Scream) stars as Paul Callan, an investigator of miracles for the Catholic Church. Demoralized and confused about his purpose in life, Paul takes a hiatus from his job, but is soon asked to check out claims about a dying young boy, Tommy Ferguson (Jacob Smith), with the power to heal. During his research, Paul has apocalyptic visions and is himself saved from death by Tommy, but the effort kills the latter. Tommy becomes a ghost who intermittently appears throughout the series with cryptic warnings about a coming "darkness." Paul grapples with the meaning of that, as well as the significance of a phenomenon in which his own, spilled blood formed the words, "God Is Now Here."

Enter Alva Keel (Angus Macfadyen, who played Robert the Bruce in Braveheart), a paranormal researcher convinced that scattered miracles recently occurring around the world point to a "large event" coming. Paul warily joins Alva's team, which includes a former cop named Evelyn Santos (Marisa Ramirez). Together they investigate such supernatural oddities as the momentary disappearance of a commercial jet (the passengers subsequently live out their dreams), the possession of a paralysis victim by an entity, the spectral appearance of a dead girl prior to several disasters, and the co-existence of a Civil War-era past and present in a small town. The final episode, "Paul Is Dead," is a particularly spooky tale (with an unexpected twist) in which our hero reaches into the afterlife to help, and be helped, by Tommy after Evelyn's son goes missing. The series' storylines are fairly comparable to the adventures of Mulder and Scully, with a lot of recognizable human pain and anguish dovetailing with the fantastic. Some of the elements of Miracles hadn't quite come together by the 13th program--Alva, Paul and Evelyn never really feel like a cohesive unit--but the potential was certainly there and the writing was unusually strong. If Miracles is finally yet another lost opportunity on network television, at least there remains the strong showing represented in this set. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Possibly among the best shows ever aired
A higher reccomendation can't possibly be given.The show is simply astonishing in it's unusually high grade of quality,as the pilot episode alone almost has the same "look" as perhaps something you would see in a theater.

The acting of the core cast from Skeet Ulrich, Angus Macfayden and Marisa Ramirez (particularly Ulrich), along with the supporting players from each seperate episode, is among the best you'll find on television.Add in breathtaking photography, music and brilliant writing and you pull together a program that's very well near flawless.

Take note, however, that what you get is pretty intense.Not for the faint of heart, as "Miracles" is one of the most gripping rides you'll take stretched on your sofa.Scary? You bet (perhaps even terrifying).Emotionally moving? Keep the hankies close by.And for the big cliche (sigh), one could even say truly inspiring.

The extras availble (deleted scenes, commentaries and creator interview) prove to be thoughtful touches, and give some needed insight as the series met a painfully early demise.

If you've ever doubted television can have true artistic merit and relevance, "Miracles" will make you a staunch believer of the opposite.A knockout.

Not as good as hoped
Wondering if the other reviewers watched the DVD's or are basing their reviews on the few episodes which were actually aired? Loved the show when it was on TV a few years ago and was very unhappy to see it cancelled so quickly. However, having just watched the DVD's I must say that the unaired episodes generally don't match up to the ones we did see.

The series has an enticing plot line of ultimate good vs. ultimate evil with the character Paul somehow being the lynchpin. The episods that do focus more on this element are genreally fantastic. However, most of the unaired episodes have little to nothing to do with this plot line and are generally slow and unexciting. This series could have been something special if it had been more fast paced and had focused more on the previously mentioned plot line.

What you basically have here is the X-File syndrome - episodes which unravel the main mystery are great while the other episodes are B grade horror movies. Why did the creators not stick to the main storyline?

Excellent Series
Miracles-The Complete Series is now available on DVD. There is a chance that you might not remember this show. Only a handful of episodes aired before the show was canceled by ABC. It is hard to believe that such an intriguing show that is so well written met the fate of early cancellation. Skeet Ulrich stars as Paul Callan in this series as a young man whose job is to discover potential miracles. In the pilot episode his faith is seriously waning. At times he even questions whether God exists, of course he didn't utter such a phrase on network television, his exact words were , "I wonder sometimes if we are on our own down here." It is learned that Paul was a foster child and this explains his ties to the church. When he is assigned to visit a family with a young boy, he assumes it will be another false miracle. When he meets this young boy named Tommy, he is intrigued to find that the boy has healing powers. He also realizes that everything Tommy heals someone, he gets sicker himself. Tommy's father feels the boys should continue to heal others despite his own sickness, Tommy's mother wants her son to stop healing and to save his straight for himself. Paul promises to stay by Tommy's side.

Not wanting to be a spoiler, but Paul eventually leaves Tommy's family. The incident with the young boy renews Paul's faith and inspires him to continue on with his pursuit of miracles. When he returns to his job and tells the church his findings, he is shocked when the dispel the miracles that he has just witnessed. He quits his job, hooks up with a mysterious man (Angus Macfayden), and a former police officer (Maria Ramirez), they form their own operation in the pursuit of explorer strange occurrences that have a dark underside.

This is a very interesting show and if you like shows like X-Files and CSI, you will love this show and be hooked. You will want to watch the entire series. By the way, the DVD box set includes 7 episodes that never aired in the United States. This isn't a real religious show as some might think it is based on the title. It is more of a supernatural thriller type of show. Watch one episode and you will be hooked. Thanks to Shout Factory you can enjoy this show on DVD. The DVD set also includes interviews, commentaries, series promo and deleted scenes.

Miracles deserves a come back!!!
I just finished the last two episodes today and have to admit this show needs to be brought back to television. The cast is excellent and every episode is uniquely created. Skeet Ulrich is very handsome and talented, this is his best work ever. Angus Macfadyen seems very realistic and explaines occurances intellectually but in a way that anyone can understand. His character is very crucial to the success of this series. Marisa Ramirez is very sweet and brings a sense of calmness and assurance. Her characters law enforcement expertise does good for the team. It's too bad that this show had to end, it's like someone ripped out the ending pages of a great book. In my opinion this show would have been a great success. If you are still wondering whether to buy these DVD's listen, I will be starting it up again so if a movie is worth watching again and again it just has to be that great...you won't be disappointed.

wonderful...
Wish I had known about this series when it was on the air.Skeet Ulrich is outstanding as the troubled Paul Callan, searching for God in everyday life.While he first works for the church to debunk so-called 'miracles', he later questions if he himself had been the recipient of God's touch. Mr. Ulrich brings such depth to his character, and in each episode gives a stellar performance.
I cannot recommend this enough. ... Read more

Amazon.com

For all of its conventional plotting about an obsessive-compulsive curmudgeon (Jack Nicholson) who improves his personality at the urging of his gay neighbor (Greg Kinnear) and a waitress (Helen Hunt) who inspires his best behavior, this is one of the sharpest Hollywood comedies of the 1990s. Nicholson could play his role in his sleep (the Oscar he won should have gone to Robert Duvall for The Apostle), but his mischievous persona is precisely necessary to give heart to his seemingly heartless character, who is of all things a successful romance novelist. As a single mom with a chronically asthmatic young son, Hunt gives the film its conscience and integrity (along with plenty of wry humor), and she also won an Oscar for her wonderful performance. Greg Kinnear had to settle for an Oscar nomination (while cowriter-director James L. Brooks was inexplicably snubbed by Oscar that year), but his work was also singled out in the film's near-unanimous chorus of critical praise. It's questionable whether a romance between Hunt and the much older Nicholson is entirely believable, but this movie's smart enough--and charmingly funny enough--to make it seem endearingly possible. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (226)

Jack, Melvin; Melvin, Jack
Perhaps the most overrated film of the 90s, "As Good As It Gets" is still a quality movie about a man who is mean and surly seemingly for no other reason than because he is supposed to be. Jack Nicholson plays the obsessive-compulsive romance novelist Melvin Udall. Melvin lives across the hall, in a nice New York apartment building, from gay artist Simon Bishop (Greg Kinnear). Melvin also develops a crush on single mom waitress Carol Connelly (Helen Hunt) who has a perpetually sick child named Spencer (Jesse James).

Melvin is moved to be human by the trials he witnesses Simon and Carol experiencing. While he is never able to be entirely decent, Melvin thaws a few degrees by the end of the film to the point where he can maintain a normal relationship with two people who he, by all appearances, should despise.

And they all lived happily ever after. Sorry I couldn't help throwing that in there.

"As Good As It Gets" does have its strong points; but, it is plagued by one enormous problem that has a tendency to afflict these types of films: its own sense of self-righteousness. The movie practically points an accusatory finger at the viewer as if to say, "You little people probably hate the kind of people you see in this film and we're going to show you why you're wrong".

This film is also harmed by the overacting of Helen Hunt. I never understood the Helen Hunt buzz that went crazy in the late 90s. She always seemed to be someone who was in the right place at the right time and was not much better than an above average actress.

Of course the true saving grace of the film is Nicholson. Melvin Udall is the Nicholson character who I think he most likely is when the cameras are turned off. Not the OCD aspect to Melvin but the relentless disgust for other people. This is not necessarily a bad trait in a movie star.

This film is very similar to another film starring Helen Hunt called "Pay It Forward". If you can get over the 'holier than thou' attitude of either film, they're not that bad.

A BEAUTIFUL MOVIE.
It seems like year after year after year I am consistently disappointed with the films and actors chosen for Academy Award nominations. I usually don't even bother to watch the awards show because it's very rare that there is anyone I really want to win. 1998 was one of those rare exceptions...and it was because of this movie.

There is something about Helen Hunt that fascinates me. Not only is she able to display believable emotions but more importantly she always comes across as someone whom the viewer truly, deeply cares about. I am not embarrassed to admit that I cried on more than one occasion during this film. It was at times heartbreaking to watch her character suffer through so many difficult situations.

"As Good As It Gets" features the talents of Helen Hunt, Jack Nicholson, Cuba Gooding Jr., Greg Kinnear and the underrated Shirley Knight. There is, of course, a plot to the film but it seems secondary to what this movie really is about...human interaction. Jack Nicholson plays Melvin, a completely neurotic person who won't step on cracks in the sidewalk and actually brings his own silverware to the only restaurant he'll eat at. Helen Hunt plays Carol, a waitress with whom Melvin becomes quite smitten with. Simon (Greg Kinnear) is a gay tenant in Melvin's building and Kevin (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is his lover.

Circumstances come about which send Melvin, Carol and Simon on a road trip to remember. I would usually go more into detail about the plot mechanics but they seem almost trivial in a movie of this caliber. The true enjoyment is watching some of the finest actors of our time doing what they do best. You really want to see these characters find true happiness. If you are one of the few people who have yet to see this film then please, please go out and rent it...or better yet, buy a copy. You'll be crying with Helen Hunt, laughing hysterically at Jack Nicholson's antics and will feel amazingly fulfilled when the beautiful ending rolls around. "As Good As It Gets" is a modern classic.

pretty boring........yup........boring........(snore)
I watched this movie twice. Both times it sucked. I thought maybe if I watched it a second time, I would have better luck, but no. The first time I wanted to watch this movie bc I thought it was about the dog (who I could spoil all day!!!!). I don't even think it played too much of a role in that movie. There are a couple things I liked about this movie. Jack Nicholson's acting was nothing less than supurb. The dog was the best thing in the movie. I also liked the one line of the movie (as said in the title) 'What if this as good as it gets?'it was a shock of realism there and i liked that. Also, I loved the gay guy. He was...eh.....kinda funny..... I had to sit through everything else. If all that u wanta see Jack Nicholson in 'one of his best preformances' than u should get this movie. If not, don't waste good money on it.

"Come on in, and try not to ruin everything by being you."
AS GOOD AS IT GETS is...
...a beautiful character study.
...an Oscar-garnering comedy of 1997.
...one of the greatest comedies of not only the 90s, but perhaps of all time.
...sharp, witty, and satirical with praise-worthy performances from all cast members.

Jack Nicolson plays Melvin Udall, a middle-aged writer with obsessive-compulsive disorder and a heart of stone (or what you may first think). Melvin is bigoted, cranky, moody, and often times outright nasty. His morning routine consists of things done in methodical order, immaculate routines. One of these rituals includes his daily breakfast at the local diner, served by the one and only waitress who will tolerate him and his odd demands.

Her name is Carol Connelly and she's a single mother to an asthmatic young son. Hospital bills, as well as life's other expenses, have skyrocketed. Carol is having difficulty making ends meet and struggles on a daily basis. She temporarily leaves work to take care of her child.

Therefore, Melvin can't eat his breakfast.

Greg Kinnear plays Simon Bishop, Melvin's out-and-proud gay neighbor. When he's brutally beaten and left for dead, his trusty little pup is left in Melvin's care, despite the fact that the two men despise each other. Melvin's new babysitting job, along with Carol's absence from the diner, means that life is changing - and for the worst, he believes. Melvin's ordered, hermetic world is falling apart due to these conflicts.

These three entirely different people form a friendship and are soon able to see "the sunny side" of life, so to speak, due to the weaving and intersecting of their lives with each other's.

AS GOOD AS IT GETS is an enlightening comedy that the majority of critics agreed with. It is not a typical screwball comedy; it is instead a thought-provoking, earnest look at the lives of 3 people who at first seem to face normal hardships and tribulations. But, as this film progresses, we find that the characters, played by each of the actors with such grace and such astounding skill, are anything but ordinary. This fine film deserved every bit of praise it received from the critics and audiences alike. I've watched it countless times and it never grows tedious or boring, even when I memorize the dialogue.

AS GOOD AS IT GETS is one of those scarce treasures that finds the perfect and ideally comfortable balance between seriousness and humor. The realness of Melvin, Simon, and Carol is something almost undeniable. What can I say? I love it.

you should be made to touch my pubic hair
the part in the resteraunt where jack tells the adjacent table that they should be made to touch his pubic hair.........jack, baby, your beautiful ... Read more

Amazon.com

Great period pictures make you feel as if you've stepped into anotherera, heard its language, breathed its spirit, and come away with a freshperspective on that time as well as your own. Ride with the Devil is oneof those special films--why wasn't it more widely embraced by reviewers andfilmgoers? Did it rely too much on our patience for slow accumulation ofunforced rhythms and meanings (as opposed to The Patriot, which "moved"audiences with cattle-prod simplicity and manipulation)? Ride with theDevil--smart, handsome, tenderly awed by how individual lives get ambushedby history--is ripe for rediscovery.

The Civil War of battlefields and plantation houses is nowhere to be seenhere. Instead we see the war as an improvised and largely blundering but verybloody feud among neighbors in the border state of Missouri. In this bucolic warzone--more than a little reminiscent of the Balkans in the late 1990s--theTaiwanese-born director Ang Lee (Sense and Sensibility) traces thedestinies of several young Southern bushwhackers (guerrilla fighters) as theyexperience violence, the seasons, and different kinds of love. Skeet Ulrichdraws the aristocratic glamour role (and top billing), but he's overshadowed byTobey Maguire as a first-generation American, the magnificent Jeffrey Wright (ashameful oversight at Oscar time) as a freed slave fighting beside his formermaster, and singer Jewel in a very natural acting debut as the young widow whograces all their lives. The title The Birth of a Nation was alreadytaken, but by the end of this movie you feel it would have applied here. -- Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (62)

An Astounding movie wich was shamfully overlooked!
Ride with the Devil is a civil war drama about the kansas/Missuori buskwackers. It is one of the few movies which takes you into its period world so effortlessly. It shows the true violence of the time and yet shows how that violence affected people and changed their lives. Ride with the Devil was directed by Ang Lee, who brought us the brilliant Sense and Sensibility, this is his best work since Sense and Sensibility. Lee knows how to make a period drama come alive to the viewer in a way that few directors can do. Maybe its because he usually does projects he really feels for. The acting in Ride with the Devil was supuerb. Tobey Maguire again proves that he is the most talented young actor in Hollywood, today. He protrays a a first generation american,Jake Rodell, with such heart and sincerity, very few actors could have done that. Skeet Ulrich delivers his best and most seriuos performance to date, as Jack Bull. Singer, Jewel, gives a suprisingly good and nuanced performance as Sue Lee Shelley. Jefferey Wright, protrays a freed black with real integrity and authority. Wright and Maguire were horrible oversights at the Oscars. Actually, i thought the whole movie was a horrible oversight. They brought a whole differnet level to this movie with their performances. they made you see their characters in a way that few could have done. You truely cared what happened to them as if they were a close freind. Wright and Maguire made you see the Civil War not as north and south but as people defending the only life they had ever known. Ride with the Devil is a captivating movie that goes right to your heart and helps you to understand a time in America's history, when nothing was simple and everything was a battle--Freedom, your way of life and survival. it puts a new persepective on a war with split our nation in two and hurt everyone it touched. this movie will probably never get a big following but for those of you reading this you will not be disapointed. so go rent this movie or be like me and buy it. thank you Ang lee and everyone how helped make this magnificent movie!

One of the best films of 1999
In Missouri, in the early years of the Civil War there isn't yet a proper Confederate army, so pro-Confederate folks are pretty much left to defend themselves against the Union Army. Jake "Dutchie" Roedel (Maguire) and childhood friend Jackbull Chiles (Ulrich) become Bushwhackers: roaming, non-regular Confederates who sabotage, attack and kill Union regiments wherever they find them. This film is meandering, giving it an epic quality even though the time covered is only several years. Dutchie and Jackbull join up with other Bushwhackers, including gentleman George Clyde (Simon Baker) and his wry, freed-slave companion Holt (Jeffrey Wright). Led by the grim Black John (Jim Caviezel), these fellows and others fight for their families, revenge, and the thrill of it. The movie gives a thoughtful and not often seen perspective of the Civil War. Like LAST OF THE MOHICANS, it doesn't try to be politically correct or take sides; it concerns itself more with showing how the war the people fight can bear little resemblance to the one the politicians have waged.

RIDE WITH THE DEVIL was one of the most satisfying movies of 1999, featuring one of the strongest ensemble casts I've seen in a long, long time. Highly recommend!

Ang Lee's meditation on friendship during the Civil War
Missouri was one of the slave states that was kept in the Union during the Civil War and since it was on the far side of the Mississippi River it was not really part of the Western Theater of the war. As the critical part of the Anaconda Plan the Union armies were seeking control of the Mississippi, which explained why Grant was fighting his way from Tennessee to Vicksburg while Farragut took New Orleans. In fact, there really was not an organized Confederate army in Missouri, which explains why the young Southern men in "Ride with the Devil" join the Irregulars, who waged guerrilla warfare against Union loyalists. In this part of the war we do not talk about great battles, but rather the infamous raid that torched Lawrence, Kansas on August 21, 1863 as Quantrill's raiders murdered the pro-Union jayhawks.

The story here focus on six young men who join the bushwackers: Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire), a first generation American who wants to be considered as much a Southerner as any one else even though his father can from Germany (which means he is called "Dutchy"); Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich), who hates the Yankees and has seen his family killed; George Clyde (Simon Baker-Denny), a gentleman fighting to preserve a way of life that is going to be gone with the wind; Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright), an ex-slave who fights besides Clyde because the man freed him; Pitt Mackeson (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), who is a sadist who glories in killing; and Black John (James Caviezel), almost as brutal but more driven by anger and revenge.

The idea in "Ride with the Devil" is that when America went to war with itself in 1861 the young boys growing up in Missouri and Kansas were suddenly forced into a less than honorable manhood overnight. Consequently, one of the first casualties of the war was their innocence. In 1987 Missouri-born author Daniel Woodrell wrote his Civil War-era novel "Woe to Live On." For Ang Lee the appeal was the drama of young people coming of age in the worst possible time in American history and the theme of self-emancipation. The principal actors were put through three weeks of "boot camp" to capture the way the war dehumanized the young men forced to fight it.

This film start out focusing on the friendship between Jake and Bull as much as it is on anything else, but then while hiding out from the Yankees during the winter Bull takes a liking to Sue Lee Shelly (Jewel), a young widow woman who is helping to provide them with food. Having lost both his father and his best friend, Jake continues to fight because that is what he is supposed to be doing and starts to connect with two other characters in ways that will eventually change his life. After the Lawrence Raid it is clear that the war is going to be lost and a young man who has not even seen twenty years realizes he is lost as well.

Certainly "Ride with the Devil" is a beautiful film with the sense of period authenticity you would expect from Lee. It is not really a movie about the Civil War any more than "Cold Mountain" is (an obvious comparison), but more about the friendships that take place during a war. It is just not clear that this is the central theme because our expectations are raised by more standard plot considerations (love and revenge) that do not get played out the way you would think. There is also a sense in which Roedel is the least interesting character of the bunch, yet he emerges as the central figure and the most important gun in the film is perhaps the one that is not fired.

Excellent and underrated
Apparently, USA, which produced this film, was going under at the time of its release and it was show in only 14 theaters. This is a beautiful, emotionally engaging and entertaining film capturing a period and part of the civil war not often depicted.

Skeet Ulrich and Tobey Maguire play two Missouri teens who join a rebel group of Bushwackers (Confederate sympathizers). But this isn't a film that promotes one side or the other. Rather, it shows the similarity and familiarity between both sides.

The acting is wonderful and the story sensitive.

A Great Discovery
I bought this movie blind. I enjoy period flicks and, while seeing what was out there in Amazon.com land, I came across Ride With The Devil. I must admit, I know little about the stars in this movie (I did recognize MacGuire from Spiderman, and I've heard of - but not heard - Jewel), so it was a chance to spend my hard earned cash on it.
I'm glad I did.
Engulfing, exciting, suspenceful, and, most importantly, realistic. Not politically correct. Maybe that's why it didn't do well at the box office and critics panned it. But, it IS true to its time.
The border wars was a part of the Civil War that has hardly (if ever) been touched upon - that boundary where one straddles the fence. The problem was that one couldn't straddle the fence in a state like Missouri. They had to choose Yankee or Rebel. Jayhawk or Bushwack. And you feel clearly, while watching this movie, the turmoil that must have been raging in these citizen's minds and stomachs when they chose one side and a close friend or family member chose the other.
You also feel the deep sorrow and sympathy for ALL involved - North and South - no matter what side you stand for - when Jake reads the touching letter from a mother to her son, showing that these were people who had lives and loved ones waiting for them at home.
It's movies like this that brings these mid 19th century people to life, showing us that they're not just flat black and white pictures in a history book. And that is why this movie stands above so many other historical films.
I must warn you, however, that there is quite a bit of graphic violence. Believe me, you'll feel their pain! ... Read more

Reviews (170)

This movie was great, despite it's fictional entities
When I first saw this movie I was blown away buy it. Since then it has become one of my favorite movies of all time. Like many other people this movie gave me false ideas about Witchcraft, which I found otherwise as fictional. Even now as a practitioner of Wicca I still find it to be a great movie. This movie was made for entertainment purposes and not to persuade or disuade anyone one way or the other.

Fairuza Balk as Nancy was awesome. She played and looked the part so well and I don't think anyone could have done a better job. The movie is based around three teenage girls classified as the misfits of the school. They come together to form a small coven and cast spells one themselves and other people. Sarah is the newcomer who is quickly accepted into their circle. As the movie progresses things get out of hand and Nancy ends up way in over her head and it's up to Sarah to use her powerful inheritated gift of magick to stop her. I suggest this movie for anyone who wants to be thrilled.

Craft Services
The Craft is a solid, yet still somewhat predictable thriller, that tried to ride the surging horror wave started by Scream.

Sarah Baily (Robin Tunney) has always felt like an outsider all her life. So, when she and her Dad (Cliff De Young) move to a new town, she finds herself having to start fresh. As the new gal at St. Benedict's Academy, she immediately falls in with the high school's female misfits. But, this group of girls won't settle for being just powerless outcasts, that nobody wants to hang out with. Indeed, Nancy, (Fairuza Balk) Bonnie, (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle (Rachel True) have discovered just how much fun school can be if you have the skills to use "The Craft" and they plan to show Sarah the way.

Director and co scripter Andrew Fleming plays things pretty safe throughout the film. The tried and true horror formula isn't tested that much. Young and trendy stars populate the cast, with moments of humor and a few jolts, thrown in for good measure. The breakout performance for me here is Balk's sassy Nancy. She is one tough witch you don't want to mess with. She helps make the film better than it would be otherwise. As with any film about the wicken way, there's also a certain female "bonding" subtext that has to play itself out, as well.

The special edition DVD substitutes for the movie only edition from awhile back. The audio commentary from Fleming is a nice mix of the tecnical and on set trivia about the film. There are two making Of featurettes on the disc. The first,is a six minute EPK style prepublicity kind of thing, while the second is a 24 minute retrospective, produced for the DVD. Conjuring THE CRAFT features "new" interviews with Fleming, Robin Tunny, Rachel True among others, intermixed with on set comments from Balk and Campbell. This is well produced. Fleming provides commentary for the deleted footage that, doesn't really amount to much as far as the final version is concerned The entire film score from Greame Revell is preserved and given its due as an isolated music track. Talent files, as well as, theatrical trailers for The Craft, among other films top off the bonus material on the disc. Addtional production notes can be found inside the keep case.

The Craft is worth a dabble, with a *** and a half star rating, as long as your expectations are kept in check.

These Girls Know Their Rites!
Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney) is the new kid in town, but even under the best of circumstances she has never been accepted by the popular crowd. At her new school, she falls in with a trio of other female misfits (Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True) who, it so happens, are trying to learn witchcraft and form their own little coven. When Sarah joins them to make it a quartet, they slowly develop multifold preternatural powers and learn how to focus and use them. With such abilities literally at their fingertips, it's not too long until the little coven, initially formed for self-protection and companionship, becomes an instrument for personal gain and revenge. Sarah soon realizes that one of her friends is evil to the core, and fearful of what THAT one may do with the group's newfound powers, she decides it's best to resign from the coven and thereby weaken the magic abilities of the others. But the coven has different plans, particularly regarding Sarah....

The sleeper hit THE CRAFT (1996) could've easily been played for camp, but it is instead a story of modern urban witchcraft that is both literate and emotionally powerful. The success of the film is due to Peter Filardi and Andrew Fleming's tight, well-written script, excellent direction from Fleming, and outstanding acting from principals Tunney, Balk, Campbell, and True. The supernatural elements of the story are handled carefully and earnestly, and witchcraft or the belief in it is never ridiculed or treated derisively. This keeps the tone of the film somewhat dark and edgy, which in turn creates an uneasy, spooky atmosphere that cues the audience to the fact that this is a serious horror film. Fleming wisely keeps the special FX to a minimum until the story's climax on the final reel, and he instead emphasizes the relationships in this group of dysfunctional, angst-ridden girls, well knowing that the primary target audience--to wit, teenagers--will easily relate to these characters and their normal desires and fears.

The Special Edition DVD from Columbia/Tri-Star offers THE CRAFT in anamorphic widescreen at its original aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The digital transfer is very good, with minimal filmic or digital artifacts. The disc also features an informative commentary with director Andrew Fleming, 2 featurettes, deleted scenes, and more. THE CRAFT is a cool horror film that most fans of the genre will enjoy, and the very reasonable price makes it easy for fans to add this DVD to their collections.

Darkly peculiar, yet entertaining all the same
I was looking for entertainment and I found it in THE CRAFT.

So maybe it was filled with holes. Maybe it's a tad unrealistic. Maybe it doesn't portray Wicca with fair accuracy (not that I care about that). So it's flawed. So what?

That said, THE CRAFT is awfully entertaining and worth more than one watch - hence my umpteenth watch a few weekends ago. I especially appreciated Fairuza Balk's performance - just as much as gorgeous Robin Tunney's. It's a shame she's no Hollywood starlet today. A year or more ago I saw her in this dreadful movie called CHERISH, a truly tedious indie flick.

Tunney plays Sarah, newcomer to the neighborhood. After being shunned by the popular girls, a circle of peculiar witches take her beneath their collective wings. Nancy, Bonnie, and Rochelle all have supernatural powers and the rumor mongers have always been spreading gossip about them. (They are played by Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True, respectively.) Now, it is time to get revenge on those who have wronged them - yes, revenge is the only remedy to their teenage angst and turmoil.

Each girl has a different situation. Rumors have been churning through the mill that Sarah Bailey slept with popular jock Chris Hooker (played by Skeet Ulrich, who later appeared with Campbell in SCREAM). Not only that, but he claims she sucked in bed, according to Nancy. Sarah had really been into Chris during their first date and after one kiss on a rooftop, he'd tried to take her back home with him. She'd declined and Chris had seemed a little disappointed. Still, Sarah never guessed he'd begin spreading lies about her. Now, she will get Chris, who snubs her in the halls, to fall truly, madly, and deeply head-over-heels in love with her. In fact, with Sarah's powers, he develops humorous stalker-esque tendencies.

Nancy Down's troubles mainly concern her homelife. Her father is a bum. She and her two parents live the stereotypical white trash lifestyle. Nancy uses her powers to give her father a heart attack (odd, yes...I know) and because of his death, she and Mrs. Down are left with a big 'ole sum of money. They move into a very nice apartment and are able to live quite comfortably.

Bonnie was involved in a terrible accident that left her permanently scarred - much of the high school knows about the disfiguring scars. She has a beautiful face but her scars inable her to wear certain clothes and she's oh-so self-concious about it. She undergoes a painful hospital operation that may or may not improve her condition - it does, thanks to her supernatural powers. :) Because of the operation, her mother and the doctors aren't all that suspicious. They just assume it to be the goodness of medical technology.

Rochelle's dilemma concerns racist Laura Lizzie (Christine Taylor), who is on the school's swim team with her. Laura makes it crystal clear that she can't stand Rochelle because she's black. Whenever Rochelle is at work perfecting her dives, Laura shouts out cruel remarks to distract her and she also calls her racial slurs in the locker room. Rochelle's spell causes Laura's hair to begin to fall out in huge clumps that leave bald patches all over her blonde head. Within days, she's totally bald.

But what you do to others in your spells comes back to haunt you. Times three. So now, the girls will have to deal with the consequences of their actions. Sarah must also deal with the fact that her three friends are turning on her and she must face the harrowing battle all on her own.

That is, if they don't kill her first.

With good performances and an exciting plot, this movie may appeal to fans of HEATHERS, MEAN GIRLS, and other movies in which the theme of all-girl friendships are stressed. Many critics took an intense disliking to this film, but it has been rather popular with many audiences, doing mildly well in the box office and on video.

Awesome movie
On her first day of school, Sarah is snubbed by the more popular girls and ends up becoming part of a circle of girls who are witches.

One by one, it goes through and shows each one of the girls problem. Bonnie was in a fire and left with horrible burn marks, Rochelle is the target of a racist clique, Nancy comes from a broken home, and Sarah is still haunted by memories of a suicide attempt. They all cast spells to improve their lives, and they work. Sarah makes a guy fall in love with her, Rochelle causes her harasser's hair to fall out, Bonnie overcomes her scars and Nancy ends up killing her jerk stepfather, resulting in her mother and her to inherit a bunch of money from him.

As the girls get deeper and deeper into the craft, Sarah realizes that they are taking everything too far. Bonnie has turned into a total snob, Rochelle's tormentor goes completely bald, Sarah's love spell has turned into dangerous obsession, and Nancy has completely turned power hungry. When Sarah makes her desire to leave the circle known, they will not hear of it. Nancy ends up trying to kill Sarah, resulting in one of the best fight scenes EVER.

Overall, some of the stuff referring to the craft in this movie is true. The quarter calls made by the group are actual Gardnarian Tradition quarter calls, and the threefold law is TRUE (I know from experience, lol) ... Read more

Reviews (515)

A must see film!!!
If anyone says that this film is boring, dull, or anything else like that, I ORDER you to shut them up. Scream plays with you like 'I know what you did last summer' or 'Halloween' never could. This movie IS the original teen slasher, a mix of humour and suspense, that will leave you terrified all night. Although it is not as good as its sequel, Scream 2, I feel that Scream is much funnier, and more clever.

The movie is about a group of teenagers, and one by one people in their high school are being brutally murdered. Neve Campbell plays the starring role as Sidney Prescott, a teenage girl who is being stalked by the killer that murdered her mother. The movie also includes Countney Cox, as annoying and persistent News reporter Gale Weathers, and David Arquette as the dim-witted cop, Dewey. The film also features a cameo performance from Drew Barrymore, who's appearance made the film a smash hit, even if she was only in it for 10 minutes!

All in all, this film is a masterpiece from horror director, Wes Craven. You HAVE to see this film. I INSIST!

Make Sure to Watch This Movie With The Lights On!
Scream is one of my favorite, not to mention scarest, movies I've ever seen. It's about a group of five teenage kids, who are all obsessed with scary movies, find themselves in a situation where they are being prayed on by an unknown killer. EVERYBODY'S A SUSPECT, states Randy (Jamie Kennedy) geeky, fifth wheeler of the group. This movie's cast was picked very well. The starring role for Scream is:

starring:

Deputy Dwight "Dewey" Riley: David Arquett Sydney Prescott: Neve Campbell Gale Weathers: Courtney Cox Stuart Maker: Matthew Lillard Tatum Riley: Rose McGowan Billy Loomis: Skeet Ulrich

Co-starring:

Casey Becker: Drew Berrymore Kenny the Camera Man: W. Earl Brown Randy Meeks: Jamie Kennedy Cotton Weary: Liev Schreiber Sheriff Burke: Josheph Whipp

Which one of these 11 people will survive, which of these will die, which one of these 11 suspects are the killer, because tonight, SOMEONE HAS TAKEN THEIR LOVE OF SCARY MOVIES ONE STEP TOO FAR.

Tips to survive: -Don't have sex -No Drugs/Alcohol -Never Say, "I'll be right back" Cause you won't be back -Never answer the phone -Never answer the door -DON'T TRUST ANYONE...EVER!

"Thank you Randy" Billy Loomis (Skeet Ulrich)

Good luck!

Do u like scary movies?
When I first saw the movie I was totally in love with it. But that was in like what? 1997. Anyways, I still think its a really good movie, but not scary at all. The first time I saw it i did think it was, but after that I was like " and why did I think this was scary?" But the plot in the movie is really good and original. I also like how they make fun of other horror movies. This is one of the best teen/slasher flicks though. The Sequals are pretty good. I read someone else's review and I totally agree with them on how the third one probably wasnt the way Kevin wanted it to be. I would have like to see what he came up with as the last installment. But whatever, the guy who wrote it still came up with a good idea.

Scream, ahhh.
If seeing a guy running around in a cheap coustome that he got from party city killing teens and every one's craking jokes all the wile entertains you, there's nothing wrong with that. If seeing all that scares you, well, you better get some help. Scream is a movie that tries hard to scare you but fails. I don't know if it was that cheap costume, the jokes, or the fact that it's amazingly not scary, Scream is a falire. If you want to be scared, go see Halloween. Speaking of Halloween, I was hoping that Michael Myers would come and beat up the killer in this film by the end.

Scary
Scream is an extremely scary movie, but when it isn't scary, it's funny, and that's what makes it so good. The story is Drew Barrrymore's character is murdered one night, so everyone at her school is being questioned by the police. Later that night, Sydney Prescott the main character is attacked by the killer, until her boyfriend Billy comes to rescue her. Sydney then notices that Billy has a cell phone[the killer called her first], which leads Sydney to believe that Billy is the killer. After this accident, Billy is sent to jail, but Sydney gets called again. After that happens, Sydney believes Billy isn't the murderer, and after what happened to Sydney, school is canceled, which leads up to a party that the killer is attending, so in turn, many deaths follow, making this a very scary movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The lovely snowy expanses of Alaska are the setting for ChillyDogs, a goofy comedy about a travel agency clerk (Skeet Ulrich,Scream, The Newton Boys) from Los Angeles who has to provehis mettle by racing a team of mismatched sled dogs from Anchorage toNome. Only this will allow him to claim his grandfather's inheritance--anda wily lawyer (Leslie Nielsen, mugging shamelessly as usual) intends toclaim that inheritance for himself by knocking the clerk out of the race.It's not surprising to see Ulrich in a movie full of clumsy, half-bakedslapstick and bodily function humor, but why is Natasha Henstridge(Species, The Whole Nine Yards) thrown away as a blandromantic foil? Her intelligence and sexy/tough persona deserve better--sheprovides Chilly Dogs with what little momentum it has. Alsofeaturing Rik Mayall (The Young Ones). --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (5)

OH LESLIE WHERE ART THOU?
Leslie Nielsen is finally in a film that didn't make me laugh much. That's saying a lot for this talented gentleman who gave us so many laughs in THE NAKED GUN movies. But this lame effort from director Rob Spiers is so painfully strained for jokes that when a potential funny one comes along, you've already expected it. Skeet Ulrich looks like he's sleepwalking through the whole movie; Natasha Henstridge looks embarrassed, and Lochlyn Munro looks constipated. There are few funny moments in this film, and it's a shame Leslie is reduced to such a humorless performance.

Why Bother
This Movie is tittled Kevin Of The North, in Australia. And I have had trouble finding it to give this reveiw. This is a great example of how bad a movie can be, and this is the only reason why I would recomend that you see this movie. Not even lesie nelson fans could enjoy this movie. The story line is bad so is the so called "humour". The acting is terible. 3-7 year old kids may find some of the jokes amusing, but I didnt laugh once. It was almost embarising to watch the bad jokes. I would highly recomend that Nobody Buys this Movie, and that if you must see this movie (you should see it, just to see a realy bad movie) rent it. This sort of movie writing/acting should not be encoraged.

Cold Dawgs
Ok, Slapstick comedy....bathroom humor.....poodles et all for dogsled team....a little romance.....and Leslie Nielson from Mr. Magoo and Naked Gun series.... funny(but suggest you rent and not own...once u see it, you,ve seen all!)

Not the best comedy effort
I tried watching this film because I am a diehard Leslie Nielsen fan, long having been a fan of "Airplane" and "The Naked Gun" movies.

This effort, however, was rather disappointing. Most of the comic moments are rather boring and predictable, and aside from the initial appearance of the mixed breed sled dog team and the "bouncing bullet" spoof at the end (the only bits that kept me from giving it only one star), I barely even chuckled.

There is none of the laugh-out-loud schtick one typically expects in Nielsen films. The fact that he had to play the villain in this one accounts for part of that, and his stereotypical gay and dumb British sidekick fails miserably in complementing his character.

Sure, there's romance and a little farcical tragedy typical of these films, but the plot is scattered and too many bits just don't make sense. The main guy Kevin Manley, an overworked travel agent looking for a little excitement, by his words never took a single vacation in his life, yet still has a thousand dollars to offer to learn the fundamentals of sled dog racing, plus even more money to initially purchase fancy equipment and real sled dogs.

If you're a Nielsen fan, this might be worth a rent to watch once just to see him in a different type of role. If you're looking for something entertaining, this film is a flop. I don't recommend it.

Entertaining
Some slapstick, some comedy, some tragedy, some romance. Simple and entertaining. Its potential was not realized but it beats some mindless sitcom (or reality show) on TV. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Someone must have really shown Cuba Gooding Jr. the money for him to risk his Oscar cachet on this derivative buddy movie that never quite gets up to Speed despite its blatant ripoff of that breakneck thriller's gimmick. Instead of a bomb-rigged bus forced to maintain its speed of 50 mph, here we have Elvis, a chemical weapon that must be kept cooler than 50 degrees. Standing between us and flesh-melting defoliant devastation are the requisite mismatched antagonists Mason, a short-order cook (Skeet Ulrich), and Arlo, a thief (Gooding).

Elvis was created by Mason's fishing buddy, Dr. Richard Long (David Paymer), a biologist still shaken up by a deadly test 10 years earlier that went awry and killed 18 soldiers. Instead of Long, "thorn in the side" Captain Andrew Bryner (Peter Firth) took the fall and went to prison. Now, the embittered Bryner has been released and is understandably vengeful. A ticking time bomb himself, the demented Bryner leads the relentless pursuit of Mason and Arlo, who have been compelled by Long to transport Elvis to a military base 90 miles away in--get this--Arlo's ice cream truck.

Gooding works hard for the money, although he was shortchanged by the script ("I'd like to kick your ass like last year's underwear" is a sample bon mot). Still, he makes his exuberant Oscar acceptance speech look restrained. And Firth makes an effective villain. "Your lives will end on this miserable road to nowhere," he warns the duo, "and I can't guarantee the end will be quick." Hardly a Factor at the box office, this thriller is fine for action fans who want to put their brains on cruise control and just chill at home. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Good Action Factor
This is one of those movies that often gets overlooked because it was not a big hit at the box office. Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich, Peter Firth, and the rest the cast turn in great performances. I always like Gooding but I think this is one of his best roles. To me much better than "Jerry McGuire" or "Pearl Harbor". The story is good, the sets are great, and the music nicely adds to the action/drama. If you enjoyed "Broken Arrow", "Outbreak", or "The Rock" you should enjoy this movie. It is a rollercoaster ride as Gooding and Ulrich try to stop terrorist from using a nerve gas (ELVIS) on the public and deliver it to a military base. Cuba drives an ice cream delivery truck and Skeet works in a diner.

When a scientist drops this biohazardous weapon in their lap at the diner with terrorist hot on his trail it takes off running. As they try to keep it from the terrorist they must maintain it at a temperature no warmer than 50 degrees. Ever try to defend an ice cream truck driving on mountainous roads in traffic? This is one of my favorite action films and I think it is often underrated by cynics. If you like action movies with Cage, Travolta, Stallone, Willis, or Schwarzenegger I will be surprised if you are disapointed. It is one you will enjoy going back and watching on a regular basis. I recommend buying it on DVD. If you like Cuba Gooding Jr. be sure to see "Murder of Crows" as well.

Not suspenceful, but fun none the less!
An Action film about a bomb (so to say) that will blow up if the temperature goes above 50 degrees. It seems a little Speedish, the bus will blow up if the speed goes below 50. Besides that point the movie is pretty original, and fun. It stars Skeet Ulrich of the hugely popular Scream and Cuba Gooding Jr. from As Good As It Gets. Skeet Ulrich plays a waiter of a small little diner, when in the middle of the night a friend comes in half dead, and explains about the bomb, and the fact that it can't go above 50 degrees. Both of them are a little spooked, and don't really know what to do. When they see a guy approach the diner, not looking like good business, they hide the know dead friend and pretend to be normal, which is a little hard. The guy looks for the body and doesn't find it then leaves. The two then split out of there in an ice cream truck. Talk about perfect timing, and high tell it to get the bomb where it needs to go, with the bad goes hot in pursuit. Chill Factor isn't the greatest action film, but the comedy and the fact that it stars Cuba Gooding Jr. helps it out. It isn't to suspenseful but it is a fun film to watch and love. With a good cast , some good acting and great comedy touches, Chill Factor becomes better then most action films, such as Mission: Impossible 2, or Charlies Angels. Chill Factor is just good old fashioned fun.

"you highjakced me with an empty gun!!!"
great time around though the beginning is stupid and so is the premise but Skeet Ulrich and Cuba Gooding Jr have a razzle dazzle good time and it pays off big with them trying to keep the bomb cool and not to be killed by Peter Firth and his gang at the same time. the highlight would have to be when they slide down the side of a hill with a boat, great scene. David Paymer and Kevin J. O'Connor also star as well

don't waste your money
This film had some decent action scenes, but it was nothing beyond that. The story is a [compilation] of several movies you've already seen, the characters are dry and pointless, and Cuba Gooding Jr never seems to nail down exactly what kind of character he's portraying. I can't watch him act... I never know where he's coming from, and I can't watch him act like virtually the same character in every one of his movies. Skeet plays his part with no heart as well... in fact the entire cast does. I guess it must be hard to do a movie knowing the script is as horrible as this one.

Don't waste your money. There are better action films out there with heartfelt acting. This one isn't it.

Fun flick.
Good stuff. Don't expect Oscar winning performances from it, just watch it to have fun!

The blonde babe is an incredible actress, wish they would have given her more lines...... ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Newton Boys were the most successful bank robbers in the history of the United States.They never killed anyone, never snitched, and only robbed banks (just bigger thieves, in their opinion), until their final deal, which was a botched train robbery for $3 million.Engagingly played by Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Skeet Ulrich, and Vincent D'Onofrio, the Boys don't have the kind of flaws of more brutal criminals that make for more volatile dramas.The film ambles along in a leisurely way to tell its story of the Newtons' bank-robbing career, with an ever-present air of reverent Americana.This may make some viewers impatient, and cause a glow in others.It seems like a departure for director Richard Linklater (Slacker, Dazed and Confused)--a costumer to be sure, but Linklater's deliberately amiable pace perfectly balances the Boys' personalities. You may wander into this movie and feel right at home. The golden-hued cinematography of Peter James (Driving Miss Daisy) adds a level of comfort that makes everything warm-like.The end credits intercut archival footage of two of the real-life Newton boys toward the end of their lives, one from a 1980 appearance with Johnny Carson on The TonightShow. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Worth your time ? DEFINITELY!!!!
This is the type of film that you don't see everyday. Four real-life bankrobbers who happen to be brothers, their safe-cracking accomplice and lots of gunfire, but no deaths. This is entertainment at its best. This is also a very different step for director, Richard Linklater whose other credits include DAZED AND CONFUSED, SLACKER, and SUBURBIA. Allof which were relatively low-budget but true to life. There has been much said about this movie and the "lack of plot" , but this is where you remember that this is a true story and none of Linklater's other films had plots either. The film moves along at a nice leisurely pace giving you a chance to learn about and like the characters. As far as performances go, there isn't a bad one in the bunch. (the cast is outstanding) There is plenty of action to satisfy all of the DIE HARD fans out there and when the action is toned down, it is fun to watch the poor old farmboys plan their next big heist. It has to be said that, of all the performances, Dwight Yoakam, playing a very different role than his Doyle in SLING BLADE, is the best. If you're looking for a night of action and good old fashioned, downhome characters, give it a try. It is suitable for the whole family and it is definitely worth owning. SO, forget renting. Go buy it on DVD. Now!!!

Good Film Overlooked By Most
I saw this in the theater and thought it was great, but no one else I knew had seen it. Then I saw it on DVD and bought it quickly. It was just as good as I remembered.

This is a "gangster" movie without gangsters. No one gets killed or tortured graphically. It's a real life story of depression era brothers trying to get some cash and having some adventures along the way.

I think Hawke puts in one of his best performances ever. Dwight Yoakam also contributes some good acting, especially when compared to his fabulous "Sling Blade" villan.

The only flaw is the length. The movie drags a little after a while, but it still manages to make you care enough about the characters to see it through to the end.

The final credits featuring Willis and Joe Newton at the end of their lives make the film worth owning. It's one of the most clever ways to make the credits worth watching I've seen.

Give this movie a chance. It's well acted and is aesthetically pleasing to watch. Plus it's really low cost!

LAWBREAKERS
THE NEWTON BOYS is a well done period film, richly and warmly photographed and performed by a talented cast. I still have a problem in "justifying" their robberies. Willis' conclusion that he has been done wrong so he can do wrong too is not a quality I find admirable. Stealing is stealing, and Linklater makes it look perfectly normal to "cheer" these boys on. The fact that this is a true story only adds fire to the fuel of how we make heroes out of bad guys because they were "cute" or they got the "system", etc., etc. Nough about that, though. Matthew McConaughey, Skeet Ulrich and Ethan Hawke are splendid; they needed to give the excellent Vincent D'Onofrio more to do; Julianna Margulies was fascinating as Louise; Luke Askew in a great supporting role as the suspect-beating cop; and Dwight Yoakam as the friend who supplies the nitroglycerin.
The movie is a little long, drags some in the middle, but for a period piece, it's effective...just don't think these guys are heroes. (The end credits with the real Willis and Joe is superb)

Excellent Movie!
Matt at his best! Funny, insightful, historical (for the most part). Worth seeing time & time again!

An underrated film if there ever was one!
Richard Linklater's The Newton Boys eschews much of the post-modern trappings that have defined the western genre in the nineties. Sure, it begins with a credits sequence that mimics the style of an old silent serial (complete with a fisheye lens), and it has one scene in which some of the eponymous boys are accused of stealing from a movie house (though they are never convicted), but the film's sensibilities seem much closer to those of the 1920's in which the film was set. It's an old-fashioned work, and that feeling is compounded by some wonderful documentary footage that plays during the credits. The comments of those involved in the actual events lend an immeasurable air of authenticity to the film. It might be tempting to classify the film's identification with the bank robbers as post-modern, especially since Bonnie and Clyde essentially kicked off the modern era of filmmaking, but consider the fact that even 1903's The Great Train Robbery gave more screen time to its criminals than its posse.

That screen time tells a fairly standard story, and there are few genuine surprises to be found in that respect. Still, the movie isn't so much about plot as mood and character. This is the closest Linklater has come to making a Hollywood film, and he uses the resources to enhance, rather than ignore, his worldview. The cast is fairly excellent, with Ethan Hawke's drunkard being the standout. Matthew McConaughey has the largest role, and shows more charm here than in nearly any other film that he has been in. Although the film's setting is far from the modern day slacker world of Linklater's other films, the prevailing attitude seems to be the same. It's a mix of Texan charm and genteel sophistication. This treatment of the subject matter doesn't ever come off as cocky. It creates a wonderful sense of respect toward history. Several times, the Newton boys are allowed to state their socio-political justification for robbing banks. That they use flawed logic isn't the point. That they get a chance to make their case is. Linklater really isn't an astounding visualist (though the film is attractive) nor does he have a tremendous sense of pacing. What he does have is a humanist streak that runs throughout his films. Even when a double cross occurs in the film, he pauses to note that the traitor continued to assert his innocence. That genuine regard for his characters and fidelity to his setting are his strongest directorial traits. I'll take that over puffed up set pieces and quick cutting any day. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Funny and Touching
I was sitting at home one night and this movie came on. I really didn't expect to watch it so I flipped through some other channels for a little while and came back to it. I must say, I really laughed a lot with this movie and it also touched me as well. My eyes were all teary and I had the biggest smile when it was over. There is just so much love on the screen that it will bring you into the movie. It's worth a buy...

Gary Oldman and Skeet Ulrich are a hilarious duo!
I had never heard of this movie - perhaps it was a "straight to video" film - but, being a huge Gary Oldman fan as well as enjoying the work of Skeet Ulrich (the "poor man's Johnny Depp" I have heard him described), I decided to give it a shot. I was amazed! This movie made me laugh AND made me cry and the performances, especially Oldman's and Ulrich's are wonderful. The cast also includes Mary Steenburgen, Matthew Modine, Ed O'Neill as well as some very talented actors I was unfamilar with. Granted, many people (myself included) will think at first that this movie is just another version of "Raising Arizona" but it has some twists and turns in it as well as a very poignant ending that separates it from the Coen Brothers' film. I was also interested to see in the credits that Mr. Oldman was one of the producers. He and Skeet should team up again sometime!

The Best I've seen in to long
I must say I didn't think much of the title when I saw it sitting on the shelf and I would never have picked it up had it not had Gary Oldmen in it. However, I must say, and I am not saying this lightly, Nobody's baby is Great film.

I am a major movie lover and if I had to rank this film I would put this in the top five of all time. the movie made me laugh and the ending made me cry. A big thank you to the writer, director,producers, and actors.

Nobody's Baby
This is the best film I've seen produced by the SE8 Group. I loved it! The comedy smacks of Cheech and Chong. Other parts of the film made me end up sobbing. Especially, the ending. It was an emotional roller coaster.
I'm one who tends to be critical of every aspect of a film or play (as anyone who knows me can tell you), having done theatre most of my lifetime. I've watched this one several times already and have yet to get bored with it. However, I'll wait to purchase a copy when the price comes down a bit. ([price]for VHS! Please!)

Very funny, awesome performances
Being a huge Gary Oldman fan, I bought this DVD the second it came out on..., and I can't say I got dissappointed.

The basic storyline:

Buford (Oldman) and Billy (Skeet Ulrich) are two petty criminals, who get sentenced to serve 10 years in jail. They manage to escape though, and get seperated. Billy rescues a baby from a car wreck, and Oldman spots a perfect opportunity for extortion when he's contacted by Billy.

The story goes on with Billy growing really attached to the baby. On their way to find out who the baby's parents are, they encounter a trailer park community (featuring Peter Green ('Zed' from Pulp Fiction) and the gorgeous Radha Mitchell), and a typical car dealer (Ed O'Neill (Yes, Al Bundy)).

Overall, the movie is both funny and heartwarming. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Not the Movie for Everyone, but Loved by Some
This movie has been panned by countless critics and dissed by even more amateurs all of whom have underappreciated its beautiful subtlety. I'll readily admit that the plot, which often seems to be nonexistant, is annoyingly vague, based on a short story that provides the basis for pretty much only the first ten minutes of the film. But it is an interesting starting point.

Much like she did in her previous (and more widely appreciated) film "My New Gun", director Stacy Cochran sets up the idea: What would happen if an outsider (the elusive, lovely, and slightly dangerous Patty, played by Winona Ryder) were to literally fall into the anxiety-ridden, closed world of a boys prep school. This recurring theme of the influence of an outsider plays out just as it did in "My New Gun," with the main character experiencing a liberating revelation through contact with a mysterious intruder. Imaginative schoolboy John, played by Lucas Haas, is inspired by Patty to leave his life of frustration at the school and defy his oppressive father. After some of the plot details work themselves out, this film ends suddenly. Both "Boys" and "My New Gun," though superficially such different stories, end on the same note of jubilant, romantic defiance.

"Boys" is not for everyone. This is a slow, meandering study of an improbable situation. Its plotlessness makes the actors performances all the more impressive. Ryder and Haas handle the difficult material with maturity and subtlety. A word of praise for excellent cinematography as well- the light and colors of autum permeate every scene with an unforgettable moodiness.

Good movie
An interesting concept, Once again Winona Ryder shows what a great actress she is

A little boring...but otherwise ok
Like I said before, a little bit boring but otherwise ok. This movie was hard to understand and I didn't get the plot at all. What I am looking for is the name of that one hot blonde dude that was a friend of John Baker's in this movie? Also, where can I find some pics of him? Anyone know, please e-mail me at icycool7227@aol.com. Thanks!!

It Is What It Is...
Winona Ryder plays Patty Vare, a troubled young woman with a dangerous secret. Lukas Haas plays John Baker, a prep school student straining against the restrictive and highly rarified lifestyle forced upon him by his ambitious father. Patty recieves a visit from the police and immediately afterward goes for a ride, but in her distracted state of mind winds up falling off her horse. When Baker finds her unconscious in a field, he decides to take her back to his dorm room (Patty comes around just long enough to tell him "no doctors" then conveniently swoons again). While Baker's attempts to keep Patty safe from his marauding dormmates escalate, Patty periodically flashes back on the event that led to her hiding out in a dorm in the first place.

All of the actors in this film do a good job with what they have to work with. The cinematography is lovely. The plot, unfortunately, is thin, improbable and increasingly incoherent. This is not a film to watch for the sheer joy of witnessing marvelous storytelling. This is a film to watch when you're feeling nostalgic for the Gen X heyday of the mid-90's. Winona Ryder, with all of the opposites she is able to encompass (waifish and voluptuous, little-girl-lost and Charlie-girl-who-knows-what-she-wants, Prep School Queen and Goth Princess) is the ultimate Gen X heroine, and Haas, who is sensitive but edgy here, makes a good Gen X hero. The soundtrack is pure mid-90's alternative pop-rock -- soaring guitars and wistful lyrics, all performed by bands you've probably never heard of but whose members you probably have. The clothing and hairstyles worn by the actors scream "'90's!" as loudly as any John Hughes film heralds the '80's -- for instance, Patty starts the film wearing minimalist styles in somber colors but eventually puts on some of Baker's casual clothes and winds up looking grunge.

All things considered, the film's story is too confusing to be truly enjoyable, but the mood is palpable and might be enough to hold your attention on a rainy Sunday afternoon. Terrible story -- excellent time capsule.

Tries to do everything - Winds up doing nothing!
Have you ever been in a situation where you want to do several things but you become so uncertain as to what to do you wind up doing nothing?

That is the problem with Boys. Is it going to be a crime drama? A teenage sex comedy? A coming of age film? A youth in revolt film?

Whoever made the film could not decide what it was supposed to be about, end result it does a little of everything, and a lot of nothing!

It is a classic jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none situation.

Give me Dead Poets Society any day of the week! ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A chilling and entertaining movie
"Albino Alligator" is a movie about three thieves that take a few people at a New Orleans bar hostage. The criminals don't really mean any of the hostages any harm, at least not until the police start to wait right outside the bar and the three criminals don't know what to do to get out with freedom still on their side.

"Albino Alligator" is a pretty good movie, especially when you consider that it was the first movie that Kevin Spacey directed. It's not the best movie of its kind, but it's not bad either. It all happens inside a bar in the basement of a building and the plot doesn't change much the whole movie, but it does have a few interesting twists that keep the movie from being boring. All three of the criminals do a great job in the acting department, especially Matt Dillon. The hostages, led by Faye Dunaway, also do a good job of acting. This movie is both chilling and entertaining, and I recommend anybody who likes movies that center around criminals and hostages to get "Albino Alligator."

Confusing, convoluted, and under-developed plot.
When a new screenwriter is trying to get his script made, the best way to draw attention (nee money) is to attach a star, someone with visibility, someone bankable. Surprisingly, I don't think stars really read a lot of scripts, certainly not all the way through, certainly not with a mindset toward how to make this into a good, completed film.

At the time this film was made, Kevin Spacey was hot, very hot. His performances in Seven, Swimming with Sharks, and The Usual Suspects had brought him not only rave reviews, but an Academy Award. His want to direct, this inherent heat, plus his ability to attract additional star power, namely Faye Dunaway, Matt Dillon, and Gary Sinise, and a spec script from a first time writer had the financial backing it needed.

Maybe Albino Alligator would have been a weak film in even the most accomplished hands, it certainly is a weak film in this first time director's. The premise is sketchy, the through line distorted and vague. Some of the characterizations seem forced, or contrived, as if, for example, Faye Dunaway (or Gary Sinise)'s part were quickly created or expanded to accommodate their agreeing to particpate.

Many good young film makers are making daring, exciting, edgy films right now. This is not one of them.

Say What....?
....the ultimo movie about a bungled heist job and the crooks are holed out somewheres is....Reservior Dogs. This has great actors in it...I enjoyed seeing, f'instance, Dame Dunaway...but, she, Sinise, Dillon, Mantegna, and perpetual co-lister Faison had a poor dialog to work with. Imagine if QT had written it. Or, my favorite tough guy screenwriter, David Mamet. Fortunately though, Spacey will have something to build on develop a director's repertoire...

Strong debuts from Kevin Spacey and Christian Forte
Strong, strong debuts from Kevin Spacey as director and Christian Forte as writer. Strong cast, except for Faye Dunaway, who is apparently still channeling Joan Crawford, or maybe Bette Davis. Sinise is a winner, as is Dillon. Nice to see M. Emmett Walsh still getting quality work. Has its share of "first-time director" problems, including a number of really awkward transitions and jump cuts right in the middle of the second act, but Spacey is a directing talent to watch for in the future. Too bad Forte didn't follow-up such a muscular debut with something equally well-crafted.

A Mixed Bag
Director Kevin Spacey leads a superb cast who do reasonably well considering the material. Don't get me wrong, the film's idea is a good one. But this script seems more suitable as a play, than a film. Being that most of the film takes place in a one room bar. Faye Dunaway is great, as well as Gary Sinise in a subdued role. But Matt Dillion's tough guy routine seems a little forced, and by the end of the film it's a little tired. However, this is suitable start as Spacey's debut. It's enjoyable too watch, especially if you let yourself sink into it, and try not too deconstruct it's flaws. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Sharon Stone, more than makeup and short skirts
I stumbled across this movie on television recently and was mesmerized by Sharon Stone's performance. Her looks were down-played for her role of death row inmate and what showed through was luminous acting and touching vulnerability. Her character, bred from white trash and convicted of a brutal double murder, brought a new insight into the circumstances surrounding violent crime and the reform found in prison. This movie made me doubt my firm stance in support of capital punishment (and that's not easy to do). Rob Morrow is both sensitive and powerful as the rich kid attorney that finds something to fight for in his defence of this woman. Overall, a moving and tragic movie not to be missed, and definitely notable among other death row dramas for its gender reversal and the new perspective that brings.

see it if you haven't seen dead man walking
OK, I haven't seen dead man walking, so I'm not as mad as most people who think this is a rip-off of that movie. The movie isn't lame, it isn't very powerfull either, but it still makes a sad compelling movie. Rick chooses his first case, that of Cindy, who was convicted of a double murder. After she, not having close relatives but a brother whose also locked up, isn't intersted of being saved, he thru showing her compassion and caring, she finally realizes that there's so many things for her to do, she didn't want to die, but she didn't want to be locked up in there forever, but after that, she just doesn't want to die. So, I liked the movie, I was surprised by the ending, because it seemed that rick had done so much, but really, it just seemed that way since you get so involved in seeing how he tries so hard to save her. It shows you how some people can really change, and the dilema of having less than 30 days to save someone you've gotten so involved with.

Dead Woman Walking
Yes, released on the heels of Dead Man Walking, it suffered in comparison. But it does have strong performances by Sharon Stone and Rob Morrow. Other good actors grace the cast list too. It's nice to see Chicago Hope alum Jayne Brook in something else--wish she'd had more to do. Randy Quaid and Peter Gallagher could have been used to better effect. The gender switch makes the prison movie cliches a bit more tolerable.

A very good movie but not as powerful as dead mn walking
This was a very good movie and it was a nice drama but it ain't something where u get that powerful feeling like dead man walking but i do recomend it

definitely inferior to Sean Penn's movie Dead Man Walking
Having seen Dead Man Walking, I became interested in seeing more movies about the death penalty so I got a hold of this movie.... I hated it. The acting was corny and cheesy. Sean Penn's performance as a condemned prisoner facing imminent execution was vastly superior and definitely more convincing than Sharon Stone's. It beats me why this movie was released shortly after Dead Man Walking. In fact, it beats me why it was released at all. Stick to Dead Man....don't bother with this extremely lame ripoff. ... Read more