Reviews (55)

A MOVIE PARODY THAT MEL BROOKS WILL PROUD OF.
Peter Medak directs this HILARIOUS film about the masked 'ROBIN HOOD' of early California. After his AMAZING success of spoofing 'DRACULA' in "LOVE AT FIRST BITE", George Hamilton returned to portray Johnston McCulley's masked hero. Hamilton plays "DON DIEGO VEGA" the son of the original 'ZORRO'. He also plays "RAMON VEGA/BUNNY WIGGLESWORTH" Diego's homosexual long lost twin brother. After an accidentally fall which gives him a swollen ankle,Diego persuades his brother to take over the role of Zorro, which Diego has adopted from their father, until he heals. George Hamilton is HILARIOUS in his dual role, Ron Liebmann is EQUALLY HILARIOUS in his role of Diego's arch rival. Brenda Vaccaro and Laurn Hutton round out the cast as the female leads.

We named our cat Esteban
We named our cat Esteban because he has the same arrogant attitude that the character Ron Leibman plays. They say that cants can't make expressions but this one sometimes made the same faces. This is one of my all time favorite George Hamilton movies. It is right up there with "Love At First Bite (1979)" that is still available at amazon.co.uk. Lauren Hutton also gets to be a vampire in Once Bitten (1985) ASIN: 0792842421. And Brenda Vaccaro makes you feel sorry for Florinda's situation. Brenda also is a seasoned actress who appeared in several movies before this and later in Ten Little Indians (1989) as Marion Marshall.

Actually the movie follows the original script better than the old TV programs. And I would like to know what the music is that they play in the beginning. This movie is so packed with mirth that you can not convey this by telling the shoreline. One of my favorites is when Zorro makes the sine of the Zee and asks a peasant what that symbol stands for. "Senior that is the sign of a two." "My daughter learned this in the school."

Highly recommended
I love this flick. Saw it in the theatre when it was released. Saw it again a few times on television. Recently purchased the DVD.

I concur with the other reviewers here. Was a bit sad when it ended because I wanted to see more adventures of Bunny Wigglesworth!

Zizzling zorro
My family and I have watched this movie so many times that we can recite word for word. It is a classic. We never tire of it. Unfortunately we have it on the old Beta system and it is not to be found in Australia to purchase. I heard about Amazon and what a wonderful surprise to find it here. We have to go out and purchase a multi region DVD now to play the movie. It will be worth it though. Now I won't have to worry about the poor state of the video at the video shop.
Patricia
Brisbane

Australia

One of the Great Memories of the Eighties
I was four when this film came out. I loved it then and I love it now. It's a true spoof classic up there with Naked Gun and Hot Shots! If you have an ounce of humor in you you won't want to miss George Hamilton twirling both his swords ( no pun intended ). Have fun and get this film. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wonderful
This movie seque was great. So often a sequel misses step from te original, but not this time. Grandkids who watched this are 2 and 4 and they enjoyed it over and over and over. Wonderful movie. I recommend this one.

Heartless sacrilege.
It's hard to follow up a beloved movie like Charlotte's Web. However, the writers of this sequel seem to invite antagonism by botching everything that made the original Charlotte's Web so magical. This is always true of sequels made decades after the original. I gave this movie the benefit of the doubt because I always want to believe that the things I liked as a child have some kind of Midas Touch (i.e. Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake). But Charlotte's Web 2 goes out of its way to assert its inferiority to the original. Also, this sequel is just creepy. For example, by the time that this movie takes place, Wilbur has somehow grown sideburns. Ew! And Wilbur's dignity is all but gone. Sure, he's a pig, but in the original movie we never saw him sticking his nose in a pile of dung and enjoying it. What's in the next one - will he actually be eating it too? Another disturbing aspect of this sequel is the change in Fern Arable. The once spirited girl who fought to save Wilbur's life is now a chipped-tooth hick who is only interested in winning a state fair prize for an enormous homegrown tomato. Perhaps the most horrifying thing about this movie is that it is centered around Wilbur trying to save a newly befriended black sheep from being sold. The black sheep's greatest fear is that he'll be used to make sweaters for people, but the writers actually decided to name him CARDIGAN(?!). Overall, I believe watching this sequel just stole an hour and a half of my life.

A Heartfelt Sequel
This is a very good follow-up to the original. It has the charm of the original that should be enjoyed by the younger viewers. However, the drawings are a total departure from the simplicity of the original. That rough and innocent look in some ways demonstrates the delicate power of the original's script that made it so appealing and heartwarming. But there's enough warmth of the heart to go around in this one that most viewers shouldn't be disappointed. I suppose that if you grew up with the original you may still yearn for that beloved simply told tale. But remember that was your day. Now it's theirs.

Not bad, but not up to the original
We bought this DVD as an Easter present for our kids. My wife and I both have very fond memories of the original, and I was curious to see how this one stacked up. I really didn't think it was a bad movie at all. It concerns the continuing adventures of Wilbur the pig, Templeton the rat, and the rest of the barnyard critters of the original, including Charlotte's three children that we met at the end. There's a new baby lamb on the farm, Cardigan, who is ostracized from the other sheep because of his black fur. Wilbur, a pig who definitely knows the value of friendship, takes the lamb under his wing (so to speak). When a trip to the good old county fair results in Cardigan being sold to a neighboring farmer, Wilbur's concerns for his friend leads him, Templeton, and Charlotte's daughters on an adventure to find their friend.

The animation of the movie is very well done, much better than most direct-to-video releases, and the background paintings and such were also well done. In that regard, I was very pleasantly surprised. The voice-over acting was fairly faithful to the original, although I must admit to missing Paul Lynde as Templeton. The songs in the movie are OK but nothing particularly outstanding. I did notice, however, that time has been kind to Wilbur, melting quite a bit of weight off of him and giving him a nice cute patch of fluffy hair on top of his head. Fern, Wilbur's human friend and savior from the original, also appears to have gotten younger, and her friend Henry Fussy is nowhere in sight.

Basically, this is a cute movie, but it is nowhere near the absolutely stellar quality of the first. If you are someone, like me, who remembers the original fondly and think this might be a good movie for your kids, don't be afraid to pick it up. Your kids will enjoy it. However, if you are thinking that it will be as much of a classic as the original, I am afraid you will be disapponted. Still, all in all, it is a decent movie on its own.

JUST AS GREAT AS THE ORIGINAL!!
My girls love the original Charlotte's Web (5&2). I bought this hoping that they would like it and they LOVE it! We have watched it several times already. The new characters are great, the old ones are still there, and Templeton is as funny as ever! The songs are sung around the house and the games on the dvd are also a hit. I recommend this movie to anybody of any age. ... Read more

Reviews (136)

A super good movie!!
Back when superheroes weren't the tortured, emotionally troubled characters they often are today, Ilya and Alexander Salkind brought the Maid of Steel to life in grand fashion. Supergirl was realesed in 1984 with a lot of publicity, but met with public indifference. Most Superman fans are divided on this film-they either love it or hate it. Subsequent versions on home video have done little to foster the fact that technically, Supergirl is superb. Anchor Bay has spared nothing for their newest DVD release of Supergirl. Despite a few flaws in the narrative of Supergirl, the film does contain a certain lyrical quality and a definite sense of innocence. In fact, I have learned that Supergirl was concevied as a fantasy film in the same vein as "The Wizard of Oz". In conclusion, in a time when Hollywood films are often dark and brooding, its refreshing to look back to a time when heroe's hearts were pure. Anchor Bay has done the legend of Supergirl proud.

THIS MOVIE ROCKS!!!!
I saw this movie when it first came out in theaters and have loved it ever since. The music is wonderful, the special effects are spectacular, and I just love Faye Dunaway's character Selena. (true she can be campy at times) I don't care what other people think of this movie, buy the special edition DVD version, you will be happy you did. This film is definitly worth adding to your movie collection!

A flawed classic and guilty pleasure
Almost done in by a campy villainess subplot, Supergirl survives thanks to superb pre-cgi special effects (Chris Reeve praised it as the best flying he'd seen in any of the films), a solid Jerry Goldsmith score, and Helen Slater's, well, *goodness*, in the title role.

I had the advantage of first seeing the film with my own then-seven-year-old blonde superheroine, and my daughter's expression of sheer delight as Kara skimmed over the lake and flew with the wild horses reminded me of the thrill I felt 30 years before when I watched George Reeves hurl himself out of the stockroom window and into the endlessly repetitive stock footage skies of Metropolis.

This is one of those films where you filter out the silly story and watch the pretty pictures.

Make certain to get the international widescreen edition. The film was butchered in its original American theatrical release.

"Let's Get Out Of This Dump..."
This is a classic...Supergirl is a genius. Superman couldn't even tie his own shoelaces, Supergirl runs the show now. The movies features some amazing special effects(like the flight scenes...beautiful) and Faye Dunaway should have won an Oscar. Her "Selena" was hot and sexy and very menacing. Superman fights muscle headed morons, and Supergirl faces....well a devil! Who had more bragging rights? Helen Slater really was terrific and totally rocks my world. My favorite part? Well I would say when Supergirl gets sent to the Phantom Zone and falls into that huge lake of grape jelly, no-when she has to get crazy with those two losers on "Lover's Lane", mama didn't raise no fool!

THIS FILM IS REALLY WELL DONE.
I wrote a review for this film a couple of weeks ago and gave the film four stars. Well, this time Iam giving it five stars. Why did I change my rating, well it all happened when I was surfing the web. I came across a site about the new DVD editions of Supergirl. The site featured an interview with the director of Supergirl, Jeannot Szwarc. I read the interview and was amazed at how fasinating it was. He was explaining how difficult it was to make the film because of all the special effects. Most of the special effects in the film had never been done before, so he (Jeannot Szwarc)and his team of special effects people had to invent new technologies. The film took almost a year and a half to complete, because of all the technical problems they had to over come. For example there is a scene where you see an overhead view of Supergirl flying over Chigago, well most people think that was done with blue screen and special effects, but it wasent. They wanted the shot to look REALLY real, so they hung a stunt double on wires to the bottom of a helicopter and placed the camara over the stunt doubles body. So that seen looks so real because she really was flying over the city. Here is another thing they did that amazed me. There is a scene where Supergirl fly's out of a lake, naturally in those days that couldn't be done, they didn't have the aid of computers, so they had to do everything live. For two months they debated over how they where going to make Supergirl fly out of the water. Finally they had an idea. They took a picture of the actress who was playing Supergirl standing and then blew up the picture and pasted it on a board of wood and covered it with a water proof paste. Then they put the life sized picture under the water and pulled it up out of the water very quickly. You would never had realized it was a picture if I had not told you. In conclusion I have given this film five stars. I get very mad when people give a film a bad rating, because they don't realize how much HARD work and thinking go into making films like this. If you really watch the movie, and I mean REALLY watch it carefully you will be amazed at how real the special effects look, and how hard they had to work to accomplish those scenes. And don't forget that they didn't even have computers! Today we could make a movie like this easy, it would be very easy because we have computers and CGI to do all those special effects. So, really give this film a chance, it really is good, despite what critics say. I hope this review has helped you. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

From a guy's point of view...
Okay, I'm not into chick flicks, but I like romantic movies. This movie is amazing because it avoids the pitfalls that alot of romantic movies fall into by not mixing an essential amount of testosterone necessary to keep a guy feeling like he's part of the scenario. (I absolutely abhored Best Friend's Wedding.) Movies that are of the same genre as this: An Affair to Remember? A classic, but by the time I was old enough to appreciate romance movies, I was intolerant of Cary Grant's accent. Sleepless in Seattle had it's moments. BUT, Love Affair nails it! It's funny, clever, romantic... Annette Benning commands the screen. Warren Beatty--I mean, does this movie strike an exact chord, or what? The chemistry is perfect because, aside from the tragedy it entails, it IS a true story! WB is depicted as a famous womanizing stud (which anybody who's been around for a few years is well aware that he actually was). One day traveling on a plane he meets the woman that's his soulmate. The way she 'operates' him is poetry in motion. Bottom line: The cast, the soundtrack, the storyline, the locations, Ray Charles in concert doing a Christmas song, the cruise ship, the walk on an island in Tahiti, the humor, etc. I could go on & on about how much I love this movie. I recorded this on cable several years ago and can't tell you how many times I've watched it. (Now it's on DVD...Y-E-A-H!!!) Ladies, are you having a hard time of getting your man to watch a romantic movie? Well this is your ticket! Take it from a guy, this movie absolutely rules! Just make sure you get some tissues for him too!

KATE HEPBURN MAKES THIS WATCHABLE
I have not seen the Cary Grant version so I had little to compare this predictable chickflick with. In fact the first 40 minutes or so can pretty much be skipped. I'd say the film even starts when Katherine Hepburn appears on the scene. She lends the movie its spine, the very reason our two protagonists come together, and the movie is a very decent romantic story from then on, with an occasional tinge of humor. Benning in particular is stunning with her understated rendition of a woman in emotional doldrums. A worthy rental overall, but not exactly a spectacular movie.

One of the Best Romance Movies
I have seen An Affair to Remember long before I watched Love Affair. Altho "An Affair..." became one of my favorite classics (along w/ Gone with the Wind and Casablanca), I personally prefer Love Affair because i was more moved by it. the actors are brilliant, especially Ms. Bening, whose eyes captivate the audience. she just GLOWS in it and Mr Beatty is effortless in playing himself. they give the film a sense of reality. the movies basks the audiences in feeling of excitement, despair and hope of falling in love. it's a classic. so yeah, don't forget the box of tissue. i can't get enough of this film!

A pale shadow of An Affair to Remember
I'm afraid this movie is at best a pale shadow of its predecessor (An Affair to Remember). Annette Benning and Warren Beatty are woefully short on precisely those qualities which made Deborah Kerr and Cary Grant (in the original) so unforgettable -- wit, charm, chemistry, and STYLE. The presence of Kathleen Hepburn was no help -- the scene between her and Benning seems so stiff and uncomfortable beside the genuinely warm and charming meeting between Kerr and Cathleen Nesbitt (a truly gracious and affectionate lady, playing Grant's grandma). The only thing in this remake which challenges the original is Ennio Morricone's (as always) beautiful and moving score. It has the one thing the film as a whole lacks -- conviction.

A Classic
It's a beautiful classic made during our time. If you love romance, this is a beatiful remake of a classic. Love the children's and Annette's rendition of the Beatles "I Will". Dissapointed that the song is not on the original soundtrack. I bought the VHS version in 96 and lent it to my friends. They all loved it. They kept wanting to borrow and replay it - for the song; as well as for the beautiful everything that best describes the the movie. The VHS is now kaput and I definitely have this in my list of the next one to add to my collection of DVDs. Hope you will enjoy it too. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

Clever and cute.
I've never watched any other Barbra Streisand movies, and I don't listen to much of her music, but this movie struck a chord in me--I LOVE IT!

Lauren Bacall and Mimi Rogers really make the movie. They play Rose's (Barbra) extremely vain mother and sister, and they are truly funny. The movie is full of humor--not exactly high-brow, but well above the usual un-intelligent jokes in so many movies these days. The more I watch it, the more funny moments I catch!

There is some dialogue that gets a tad bit too deep for this movie, but it's limited enough that you may not even notice. Don't look to this movie for nuggets of infinite wisdom, but for a cozy night with popcorn and a blanket, it's a winner.

It's not for you if you don't like chick flicks. But if you have an affinity for corny, cute movies, this one might be for you! And finally, it hardly hurts to have Pierce Brosnan in the movie!

Finally, a love story with ADULTS!
I agree with most of the reviews criticizing this film for giving us neurotic, frumpy Babs vs. self-assured, Hollywood Babs. Pretty shallow. I also thought the college lecture scenes were embarrassingly unprofessional (BTW, I'm a community college prof. To the reviewer who said "well maybe at a community college," stop showing your ignorance. We're as professional as any professors out there). But, I'm cutting this movie some slack, because it's wonderful to see a good love story involving adults for a change! Overall, it is a good movie. I enjoy watching it each time I see it. Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges have chemistry and are really fun to watch. George Siegal is hilarious; I wish he'd been in more scenes. When you see gorgeous Lauren Bacall, you wonder why other stars don't just allow themselves to age as beautifully as she has, instead of having so much plastic surgery they wind up looking like bizarre androids. It's a treat to see her back on screen.

I'd watch this movie for the sumptuous scenery and well-crafted score alone, but the acting and story are fun, as well. Not perfect, certainly, but a wonderful love story for adults. I think it also does raise the issue of society's focus on ridiculously narrow definitions of female beauty and the effect it has on us all. I had a friend who use to say about a lot of men, "He missed the most gorgeous orchid because he wasted all his time looking for a rose." With all the superficiality and bad relationships out there, does make you think. But, most of all, it's a movie I can watch over and over again and enjoy it every time.

The Mirror Crack'd
Eight years after watching this film in its original theatrical run, I am sad to say that THE MIRROR HAS TWO FACES has not aged well. While its always a delight to see Streisand display her expert comic timing, this film is simply laden with the star's own vain notions and ramblings regarding true love and beauty and its "two faces". While the premise is interesting, the rest of the film rambles on as if Streisand herself wasn't entirely sure what her conclusions were to be. What does not help the process along is the final half hour's blatant "Hello gorgeous!" antics Streisand perpetuates ad nauseum. Its derivitive and vain and frankly quite dull.
Saving the picture are the wonderful performances by the supporting cast. Brenda Vacarro is given little screen time as Rose's pal who is "in the same boat" when it comes to beauty. Austin Pendleton and George Segal are a delight to watch (both of whom worked with Streisand in pictures in the early 70s). Last but not least is Lauren Bacall, who adds a wonderful teaspoon of vinegar to the portrayal of the seemingly vain mother (who ends up actually having a heart of gold).
If you can get past the "Streisand Vanity" which plagues this movie, then perhaps you will be in for an enjoyable viewing.

"I tried that once, he thought I had something in my eye."
Streisand's third directorial effort was greeted with surprisingly vicious reaction from both fans and critics, nearly all of whom immediately labeled it as an over-the-top vanity piece. It also had considerable difficulty at the box office. After opening with strong numbers, the $45 million budgeted film took a nose dive and did not recover. It ended up taking in $46 million domestically ($65 million worldwide), which was a respectable take, but far from the blockbuster status of films like A STAR IS BORN or THE PRINCE OF TIDES. When considering all of the above information, it's a bit surprising to discover that the film is nothing more than an entertaining and heart-felt romantic comedy. In hindsight, it's hard to understand why a such a harmless and light-weight film became such a lighting rod for scathing reviews and harsh comments.

While the storyline is predictable, the movie is actually very well-done with a brisk pace, compelling characters, and a witty screenplay. The finale may come down a bit heavy-handed on the "message" end, but the build-up is effective enough to merit this indulgence. Though MIRROR doesn't match her previous two directorial efforts, Streisand does once again pull off the various actress/producer/director roles with great efficiently, and this results in an effective star vehicle for the then-54-year-old film legend. Jeff Bridges received a lot of flack for his completely unselfconscious portrayal, but I admire how completely he throws himself into the silly role. Lauren Bacall is brilliantly biting and luminous in her turn as Streisand's mother, a role that earned her first (and so far only) Oscar nomination. Mimi Rogers is also fun as Streisand's (...)younger sister, as is Brenda Vaccaro as her self-deprecating best friend - although Pierce Brosnan is wasted as a gigolo-like suitor. All in all, an enjoyably fluffy film, undeserving of the criticism it routinely receives.

About the DVD: This was one of Columbia's first DVD releases, and while the picture and sound quality are great, there are no extras and the menus are hideous.

"The no-frills girl, right?"
Streisand's third directorial effort was greeted with surprisingly vicious reaction from both fans and critics, nearly all of whom immediately labeled it as an over-the-top vanity piece. It also had considerable difficulty at the box office. After opening with strong numbers, the $45 million budgeted film took a nose dive and did not recover. It ended up taking in $46 million domestically ($65 million worldwide), which was a respectable take, but far from the blockbuster status of films like A STAR IS BORN or THE PRINCE OF TIDES. When considering all of the above information, it's a bit surprising to discover that the film is nothing more than an entertaining and heart-felt romantic comedy. In hindsight, it's hard to understand why a such a harmless and light-weight film became such a lighting rod for scathing reviews and harsh comments.

While the storyline is predictable, the movie is actually very well-done with a brisk pace, compelling characters, and a witty screenplay. The finale may come down a bit heavy-handed on the "message" end, but the build-up is effective enough to merit this indulgence. Though MIRROR doesn't match her previous two directorial efforts, Streisand does once again pull off the various actress/producer/director roles with great efficiently, and this results in an effective star vehicle for the then-54-year-old film legend. Jeff Bridges received a lot of flack for his completely unselfconscious portrayal, but I admire how completely he throws himself into the silly role. Lauren Bacall is brilliantly biting and luminous in her turn as Streisand's mother, a role that earned her first (and so far only) Oscar nomination. Mimi Rogers is also fun as Streisand's slutty younger sister, as is Brenda Vaccaro as her self-deprecating best friend - although Pierce Brosnan is wasted as a gigolo-like suitor. All in all, an enjoyably fluffy film, undeserving of the criticism it routinely receives.

About the DVD: This was one of Columbia's first DVD releases, and while the picture and sound quality are great, there are no extras and the menus are hideous. ... Read more

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The first, and only, X-rated film to win a best picture Academy Award, John Schlesinger's Midnight Cowboy seems a lot less daring today (and has been reclassified as an R), but remains a fascinating time capsule of late-1960s sexual decadence in mainstream American cinema. In a career-making performance, Jon Voight plays Joe Buck, a naive Texas dishwasher who goes to the big city (New York) to make his fortune as a sexual hustler. Although enthusiastic about selling himself to rich ladies for stud services, he quickly finds it hard to make a living and eventually crashes in a seedy dump with a crippled petty thief named Ratzo Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman, doing one of his more effective "stupid acting tricks," with a limp and a high-pitch rasp of a voice). Schlesinger's quick-cut, semi-psychedelic style has dated severely, as has his ruthlessly cynical approach to almost everybody but the lead characters. But at its heart the movie is a sad tale of friendship between a couple of losers lost in the big city, and with an ending no studio would approve today. It's a bit like an urban Of Mice and Men, but where both guys are Lenny. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (83)

After Midnight
1969's Midnight Cowboy helped usher in a new era in filmmaking. The industry was no longer saddled with the studio's moral standard codes that did not allow nudity, cursing or violence and directors set out to depict life in graphic detail. British director John Schlesinger's first American film adapted the novel of James Leo Herlihy and follows the paths of two lowlifes living in New York City. Jon Voight appears in his star-making role of Joe Buck, a dreamer who comes to New York from Texas to live what he thinks will be the easy life as a gigolo. He quickly finds out hustling isn't as easy as he'd thought it would be when he actually ends up paying for the first trick he turns. He then runs into Enrico "Ratso" Rizzo, a sickly, gimpy con man who swindles money out of Joe. Ratso is played by Dustin Hoffman who fulfilled the promise he showed in The Graduate with a gritty, gutsy performance. Ratso takes pity on Joe afterwards and invites him to stay in his apartment, which is actually in a condemned building. They try to eke out a living and Joe actually gets his first legitimate customer who takes him to a weird, psychedelic party. This scene is dated with its counterculture imagery, but it doesn't detract from the power of the film. Ratso's illness is too far gone for him to survive the New York winter, so Joe in one act of selflessness turns a homosexual trick to get money for them to take a bus to Florida. The film is filled with what was at the time shocking sexual commentary and scenes that today are commonplace in films and even appear on television. The film received an X rating and became the only X-rated film to win the Best Picture Oscar. Mr. Schlesinger won for Best Director and Waldo Salt won for Best Adapted Screenplay. Mr. Voight & Mr. Hoffman were both nominated for Best Actor, but probably cancelled each other out and paved the way for John Wayne to win his only Oscar. Midnight Cowboy is no longer shocking by today's standards, but it is still a powerful and moving film and captures what the feeling of the New York underworld must have been like in the late sixties.

Who can ever forget Ratzo?
They look soooo young, Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman. Watching this film for the 2nd or 3rd time, I realize not only how old they are now, but also how old I must be!
Midnight Cowboy was really revolutionary for its time, but by today's standards it's kinda tame. Still, what a great flick. After all, it put Jon Voight on the map, and if it weren't for that signature move, where would we be today without Angelina Jolie, his daughter?
In the movie, Jon Voight plays Joe Buck, a naive dude from Nowheresville, TX, who goes to NYC with aspirations of being a gigolo. He quickly finds it difficult to make a go of it and ends up in a dump with Ratzo Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman), a crippled con man and thief who apparently has TB.
One of my favorite blips in movies of all times if Ratzo smacking the hood of a taxi and yelling, "I'm walkin' here, I'm walkin' here!" - not to mention the madman religious freak who turns his toilet into a psychedelic shrine to Jesus.
Basically, though, at its heart the movie is a pathetic tale of friendship between 2 lost losers. A film classic.

A STORY ABOUT THE TRUE FRIENDSHIP.
"Midnight Cowboy" is not easy to see. Even though it has lost a good deal of its original impact, this movie has visually striking scenes and powerful images. But underneath that though surface, "Midnight Cowboy" is a story about the unconditional friendship.

Joe Buck (played by Jon Voight) and "Razzo" Rizzo (played by Dustin Hoffman) are apparently the two more different persons in the whole New York City, but actually they share more in common than they and the audience think at the beginning of the film. Despite the fact that their origins are completely different, Joe and Razzo eventually understand that they only have each other in the tough Big City.

The song "Everybody Is Talking" is very good, and it is a great musical background to the gray streets of New York City. The director John Schlesinger never was known for finesse and subtlety, and this movie proves that he was a risky director. Jon Voight became well-known thanks to his portrayal of Joe Buck, and Dustin Hoffman portrayed a lovable loser with his usual skills.

"Midnight Cowboy" is a very dark film, but intelligent and influential at the same time. Perhaps some elements have lost their original impact, but still this is a powerful movie.

The crude crash against the reality
Midnight cowboy is a bitter and satirical story about the dreams and fantasies which turn around a smart boy village (Jon Voight) who thinks, he is the master of the world and so New York is another land to domain, but this will be a wrong choice as you can imagine.
Our boy goes to NYC and meets an outsider (Dustin Hoffman) who will feed his dreams. But the crude reality will show those men how far and wrong they are about New York as a promised land.
With surrealistic situations , the texan boy will experience slow but progressively, the dissapointment process , and his desired gigolo proyect will become in ashes ; and still yet ...
Well, Dustin is amazing as the uncommitmed street man, the locations in NYC look like a hell's preview; the sense of anguish and claustrophobia are notorius. Hunger, loneliness and hopeless will be his true colleagues in this nightmarish journey.
A well made fable about the dream and reality; the ancient myth of Eros and Psyque ; fantasy against imagination. A methaporical slap for those who still hope that NYC will receive you with open arms without any effort.
An extraordinary film who won the Academy Award and threw the gladiator actoral sand to Jon Voight.
Unforgettable and even recognized soundtrack even now.
Undoubtly the masterpiece of John Schlessinger and one of the most solid gems of the american cinema in any age.
A milestone.

Sappy & sentimental & so manipulative.
This contrived piece of sentimental quasi-gay Hollywood indulgence must really have titillated them back 35 or so years ago, same people who thought Hair was a racy musical. Jon Voight does a fine Elvis impression but Dustin sounds like he's doing a puppet act from an old radio show. I lived in NYC for umpteen years from the 50s on & never ever saw anyone who talked or walked like Hoffman does in this, except maybe outside Actors Studio on 45th street.

Great if too quick shots of Hubert's Museum & Flea Circus & other 42nd street nostalgia, though, makes it worth a couple stars anyway. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A woman's movie for sure--how erotic!
This movie is on my list of "chick" movies or those movies that would appeal to our female need for sexiness, erotic content, and, sometimes, a competent storyline. Other movies on my list would be "Two Moon Junction", "Against All Odds" and "Thief of Hearts". I don't know why David Duchovny seems to shy away from mentioning his participation in this movie and the Showtime cable series that came after. He was so palpably sexy in this movie, and in the "Jake's Story" episode of "Red Shoes" the series. Billy Wirth is also mighty fine to look at as well. How can a girl choose between these two fine specimens? Sigh...

David Duchovny or Billy Wirth...what a choice!
A young woman(Bridget Bako) is torn between her fiancee, played by a pre-X Files Duchovny, and a shoe salesman she is having an affair with, played by gorgeous Billy Wirth...not that Duchovny isn't bad himself! She can't decide between the 2 men...so she committs suicide! After her death, Duchovny finds her diary, along with a pair of sexy red shoes she purchased from Wirth, and tries to put the pieces together. This is bascially the jist of the film. It is shown in flashbacks as Duchovny sorts painfully through her belongings. He reads her diary hoping it will provide some insight as to why she took her life. What he learns about the woman he loves is devastating! I have watched this film many times. I enjoy it very much. I like director Zalman King's films. (Another good one is Two Moon Junction) I think he is able to make sensual films from a womans point of view, which is why they come across as erotic, not smutty. The only thing I don't like is, the version originally aired on Showtime and the rental version have different endings. I prefer the cable version. You end up liking Wirth much better. I don't know why King found it necessary to have 2 endings, the difference drastically alters the tone of the film. If possible, try and get your hands on the cable version first. You can purchase both versions, so know which is which. I must admit that I don't care for the Showtime series, Red Shoe Diaries, for which this movie was the pilot. Bridget Bako is absolutely lovely in the scene were she manically dances about her apartment. She reminds me of a young Jane Fonda. Billy Wirth's smouldering character posesses the uncanny ability to guess his customers shoe sizes the moment they walk into the store. But his character is not as shallow as he appears. Wirth is SO incredible in this film! Then again, let's face it, most woman would be content to watch Wirth read the phone book aloud! This was the first time I ever saw Duchovny, and I immediatly liked him. He has a nice screen presence. He is subtly sexy. I am glad I got to know him in this film before I became familiar with the stone-faced Muldar on X-Files. He CAN do more than play the straight man. I really can't say too much more about Red Shoe Diaries without giving up too much of the story. All I can say is, if I had the dilemma of choosing between Wirth and Duchovny, I certainly wouldn't kill myself! I'd be on the phone boasting to all my girlfriends!

DEAR MEN: This is porn for women!
A sexy guy who talks a woman into a pair of outrageous red shoes and into his bed for some seamy steamy forbidden sex....a nice guy lover who thinks everything is perfect until he comes home and finds her in the bathtub with her wrists slit.... THis is a tragic love story with complicated emotions and no true resolution. Every woman I know loves this movie- it speaks to us. The eroticism is classy and tasteful- even the obligatory bimbos are treated with class as are all of the women in Zalman King's work.

The Red SHoe Diaries worked as a series on Showtime because they discovered that like Fred Savage's mom- women tend to be the viewers of soft porn on cable late at night. We ogle mens bodies, enjoy the sizzle but want a story! Red Shoes the Movie, and the episodes deliver up a healthy serving of fantasy and escapism that is comepletely safe.

A recommendation- guys if you want to give your lady some steamy stuff to read to get ideas and fantasy scenarios from- the Harlequin Blaze line of romances read not too unlike the letters to Penthouse! Fantasy and building a scenario, setting a mood, prolonged foreplay- this is what Zalman King is all about in visual form. Use the books for times when you can't watch a movie ( ie kids are still up!)- try anything by Vicki Lewis Thompson- Notorious has a wild sex scene in a hot tub and in a Vegas hotel that any man would love to have read out loud.

Romantic Tragedy
Duchovny is great in this Red Shoe debut movie. If you ever caught one the series on Showtime, but often wondered how did Red Shoe Dairies ever start, this explains it all. It keeps one guessing throughout the emotional rollercoaster of love. Too bad David didn't make more of these types of films. He is much better as one of the stars (such as in this title) rather than just the narrator, as the series goes. It's nice to see him sensually interactive on film, pure enjoyment, especially if you're one of his fans.

The saddest, most beautiful film ever made.
... it's just an amazingly touching film, about a successful, romantic, loyal man (Duchovny), his neurotic girlfriend (Bako), and the "hottie" she meets by accident (Wirth). What happens next is up to you to watch it.... it's a beautiful and sad film.... ...please check out this film. You will not regret it. It has basically nothing to do with the Showtime cable softcore porn series that followed... this is a beautiful, intelligent, engaging film with a gorgeous score (thanks to George S. Clinton)... Duchovny rules in this film.... it always makes me cry... always. Intense, passionate, and yes, there is sex in the film (don't shy away from it because of that).... just watch, enjoy.... and prepare to have your life and perspective of love and lust forever changed. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Thanks to repeated showings on cable television and home video, this speculative thriller has built quite a loyal following since its release in 1978. The provocative "what if?" scenario still packs a punch, even if it is not always believable. James Brolin, Sam Waterston, and O.J. Simpson star as three astronauts who agree to spare the government embarrassment by faking their historic landing on Mars after their spacecraft is determined to be unsafe for blastoff. When a scheming mission controller (Hal Holbrook) plots to kill the astronauts in a staged capsule fire, the trio embarks on a dangerous mission to expose the truth. Elliott Gould costars as the journalist determined to crack the conspiracy, and director Peter Hyams turns up the tension with an exciting chase sequence involving Telly Savalas as an eccentric barnstormer who comes to Gould's aid in his attempt rescue the hoax mission's sole survivor. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (46)

A Good Yarn
Suprisingly, I saw this movie for the first time just a few short days ago, even though I was old enough to have seen it when it hit the theaters. A shame I let it go so long.

At the beginning of this movie, three astronauts (played by James Brolin, Sam Waterston, and O.J. Simpson) are pulled from a space flight destined for Mars. There was something wrong with the life-support system. The director of the space program (Hal Holbrook) says that they can't afford for the flight to be cancelled, so the three astronauts are coerced through threats to go through with a fake landing filmed on a closed base.

A reporter (Elliot Gould) talks with a friend (Robert Walden) who claims there is something mysterious going on with the flight. Immediately after this revelation, the friend disappears with no trace of him having ever existed. The reorter begins a quest to find out what is going on.

Meanwhile, the now unmanned spaceship burns up on re-entry. This means that except for the three astronauts and few head people in the space program, everyone else thinks they're all dead. This leads to the exciting last half of the movie.

A similar conspiracy theory (held mostly by extreme nutcases) revolves around our own moon shots, but this movie makes the plot an extremely good way to pass a couple of hours.

All the President's Nasa Men
A nifty adventure that fits in well with many of the 1970's paranoid thrillers (i.e. Marathon Man, Three Days of the Condor, etc.).CAPRICORN ONE stars James Brolin (THE AMITYVILLE HORROR, WESTWORLD), Sam Waterson (tv's LAW AND ORDER), and O.J. Simpson (THE NAKED GUN) as the three astronauts who reluctantly agree to stage a fake landing on Mars when Nasa determines the mission is unsafe and that the government does not want anymore failures. However, the astronaut's attitude does not sit well with an unscrupulous mission controller Dr. James Kelloway (Hal Holbrook-MAGNUM FORCE) and plans to kill them. Then, they must escape and expose the truth. Director Peter Hyams (2010: THE YEAR WE MAKE CONTACT,TIMECOP) does a pretty good job in the suspense and action while handling a delicate and very interesting plot. Good support roles especially Eliot Gould as the investigative reporter trying to find the truth, Brenda Vaccaro as one of the astronauts wives, David Doyle (tv's CHARLIE'S ANGELS' 'Bosley'), Robert Walden (tv's LOU GRANT, SHIRTS/SKINS) and Telly Savalas.

Underground Classic for Conspiracy Buffs
If this wasn't the original Black Helicopters movie, it sure went a long way toward immortalizing that aviatory image as a sure sign of evil government conspiracies. On a personal note, I remember it for two things -- seeing it on a Sunday afternoon with my Dad on the best weekend we spent together of my pre-teen years; and first hearing the "black guy dies first" movie custom from Dad.

The plot is simple and, at the time, rather chilling. Remember, it was only nine years after the 1969 moon landing, even less after Vietnam lies began coming to light and four years after Watergate climaxed with Nixon's resignation. Also, it's one year after the Viking unmanned craft landed on Mars.

The first manned mission to Mars has a wee bit of a problem -- a life support system that was too cheap and discovered too late. NASA needs this mission to be successful with no glitches to keep its considerable funding amidst dying interest in the space program. Solution? Fake the mission! Hal Holbrook explains all this to astronauts James Brolin, Sam Waterston and O.J. Simpson (there were athletic black actors who could ACT in the 1970s, but the trend was to use famous and semi-famous jocks. Probably has something to do with Q ratings and bankability). Holbrook persuades them to go along in a manner that makes you ask "Are the government or major corporations such as the aerospace industry siblings, distant cousins, kissing cousins or incestuous siblings with the Mafia?"

All is well until technology and the astronauts begin little rebellions that hint this mission isn't exactly a space oddity. This puts Eliott Gould, a newspaper guy always foolishly swinging for the fence sexually and professionally, on the case. Unlike others, I think the part as written called for Gould, someone who could flow between drama and comedy seamlessly.

So you've got Gould doing his Scooby Gang thing and the whole months long fakery being pulled off when there's another wee problem on reentry. That sets up the last third to half of the movie when we get black helicopters, snake lunches and Telly Savalas.

Not a great flick for the quality cast involved (Gould, Waterston, Holbrook, Denise Nicholas, Robert Walden) but a good one. It does drag in some spots. The DVD doesn't have enough extras to be a great DVD or even a good one -- no commentaries, just some production notes. I bought it just because I wanted the movie. I'm not sorry I did, but the DVD package is still disappointing.

An uneven film, still worth the effort
In many ways, Capricorn One is a quissential example of a '70s action film. The film tells the story of the first manned spaceflight to Mars and the three dedicated pioneers (played by James Brolin, Sam Waterston, and O.J. Simpson -- and yes, it is impossible to watch the film without thinking about Simpson's most recent role) who bring hope to a cynical country by conquering the Red Planet. The only problem, of course, is that the whole thing is a fake. The three men are actually in a hastily constructed studio in the middle of a barren desert and their spacecraft is empty as it journeys through space and time. As implausible as this plot may sound, the film actually goes to the trouble to make the reasoning behind this plot believable and it even goes to the trouble to provide some humanity to the plot's mastermind, a NASA official played by Hal Holbrook. Because the film actually takes the time to set up the situation, it remains compelling even when that empty spacecraft happens to burn up on reentry, meaning that -- in order for the three spacemen to remain martyrs and for NASA to continue to get funding -- they have to die in reality as well. As the three men try to escape across the barren desert (pursued by three very ominous helicopters -- never has a sinister government conspiracy ever looked so realistically sinister), a reporter played by Elliott Gould slowly starts to uncover the conspiracy and soon his life is in danger as well.

While the basic plot itself is similar to quite a few recent action films, what distinguished Capricorn One is that the film -- made while the nation, still feeling the pain of Watergate and Viet Nam, was still getting used to not being able to trust the government -- plays this story totally straight. Neither of the film's leads (Brolin and Gould) manage to get off a single smirky one-liner in the style of our modern action heroes and the film makes it painstakingly clear that neither one of them is invulnerable. Brolin's trek through the desert is almost painful to watch (at one point, nearly dead of dehydration, Brolin very graphically kills and eats a rattlesnake -- a scene that would verge on disgusting if it wasn't obvious that Brolin's life depends on his actions). As for Gould, he has a wonderful scene in which he discovers that his car's breaks have been tamepered with and the entire sequence of his car racing out of control down the streets of Houston before eventually plunging off a bridge is almost totally shot from his point of view -- it's a scary sequence that is well-directed and if it's conclusion seems a little far fetched, the build-up is almost equal to the famous car chase in The French Connection.

That said, this is not a perfect film. Director/Writer Peter Hyams allows quite a few scenes to go on a bit too long. (The film is full of quirky characters but occasionally, the spend so long being quirky that it becomes obvious that they're there for no other purpose other than to show off that quirk.) This is a two hour film that would have been better if it had been thirty minutes shorter. The film has a clever script but far too many scenes (especially of Gould's character trying to figure out the conspiracy) seem to repeat each other for no basic reason other than the lack of a good editor. The performances are a mixed bag. Gould does a good job for the most part except for a few scenes when he was seems to be chanelling Dustin Hoffman from All The President's Men. As for the three astronaughts, their characters aren't strong developed beyond a few identifying quirks -- Brolin is the heroic one, Waterston is the funny one, and Simpson -- well, he doesn't really get any identifying quirks beyond being O.J. Simpson. Of the three, only Waterston gives a memorable performance and this is largely because he gets the funny lines. Brolin is -- well, he's Brolin, vaguely likeable but mostly dull. Simpson's performance is a typical O.J. Simpson performance -- he seems to be trying really hard to excel at something that he has no talent at. You'd almost feel sorry for him if he wasn't O.J.

As far as the supporting roles are concerned, there's a lot of familiar faces and it's a mixed bag. Both Karen Black and Telly Savalas put in what the credits assure us are "special appearances." Black is occasionally amusing even if her character serves no real purpose while Savalas manages to bring the film to a dead stop by wildly overplaying a role that one hopes was meant to be comic relief but, which in the end, just serves as a very annoying distraction. On the plus side, Brenda Vaccaro is sympathetic and compelling as Brolin's wife and the undderrated Denise Nichols has one good scene as Simpson's wife -- one almost regrets that the crew of Capricorn One had to be male as Vacarro and Nichols give the type of performances that should have come from Brolin and Simpson. However, the film's greatest performance is given by the great Hal Holbrook who, instead of playing an outright, melodramatic villian, instead plays a human being who, for good reasons, does some truly evil things. Indeed, the film's main strength is Holbrook's villian who serves as a great testament to what can happen when idealism gives way to self-righteousness. By the film's end, you may hate Holbrook but you never cease to understand him and even mourn the person he used to be.

Capricorn One is a flawed film and it's a dated film but it is still a film that is worth seeing for both it's nostalgia value (Yes, Virginia, there actually was a time when journalists were considered heroes) and for an example of a believable and compelling action film.

Plays to the "Moon Landing Was a Hoax" crowd

Good entertainment. It plays on the old "the moon landing was all a giant hoax" conspiracy theory. There are people who still believe that, and this film is built on the same plot. The trip to Mars was a failure, and so the "power brokers" stage it with real astronauts who have to be killed in the end, and movie and television tricks.

Hal Holbrook plays the heavy (bad government guy in charge of the hoax, including killing folks). Elliott Gould is the plucky young reporter (Caulfield) who is being set up by the government because he knows too much, and suspects more than he knows. The three astronauts are played by James Brolin, O.J. Simpson and a young Sam Waterson. They are supposed to be killed when their heat shield fails on re-entry (to avoid any embarrassing leaks later), but they escape from their southwest location. Even Telly Savalas gets a part in the solution, as Elliott Gould closes in on the bad (read "government") guys who are caught red-handed in their hoax on the gullible American people (aren't they always?).

This film has the whole schmeer, including the black helicopters, bad politicians (probably Republicans, of course), car chases, gun battles from airplanes, and the bad guys getting their comeuppance in the end.

It's good entertainment.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

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

... Read more

Amazon.com

Nicolas Cage once acted in a notably sexy and atmospheric New Orleans movie called Zandalee, so nostalgia may have recommended Sonny as a directorial debut project.The handsome young title character (James Franco) returns to his bordello-district home after Army service, wanting only to lead a normal life, work in a bookstore, meet a nice girl, and settle down.Sonny spent his pre-Army years expertly pleasuring well-to-do ladies, having been taught "everything he knows"--as we are oft reminded--by his own mother (Brenda Blethyn in sub-Tennessee Williams rampage).After discovering that "normal" people can be as fallible as lowlifes, our boy reluctantly resumes his former trade, with dispiriting results.Not half as dispiriting, though, asCage's maiden directing effort.Marginal compensation is supplied by Harry Dean Stanton, sweetly weary as an old family friend, and the copiously zaftig Brenda Vaccaro (cf. Midnight Cowboy) as a once and future client. Cage himself turns up as a poodle-toting pimp named Acid Yellow.--Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Sonny Not Caged In By First Time Director
Sonny marks the directorial debut of actor Nicholas Cage. Right off the bat, I must confess that I am not a fan of Cage, so I didn't quite know how I would feel about this film. Now, I can honestly say that, thanks to strong performances, it turned out better than I thought it would.

Sonny Phillips (James Franco) has come home, after being discharged from the Army, to steamy New Orleans. In the past, Sonny made a name for himself as a hustler, working for his mother Jewel (Brenda Blethyn). Now that he has returned, he wants very much to start fresh, leaving his torid past behind him. He meets one his mom's "girls", Carol (Mena Suvari), and he is almost instantly taken with her. He admires her for, like him, having hopes and dreams of a better life--outside the "Job". However, Sonny soon realizes that the promise of stability, may come at a high cost.

Cage, to his credit, assemled a solid cast, that also includes Seymour Cassel, Harry Dean Stanton, and Brenda Vaccaro. All of whom give their best. I could have done without Cage putting himself in front of the camera as "Acid Yellow" though. The main appeal of the film though is Franco and Suvari. After making quite an impression playing James Dean and in Spiderman--he turns in another intense performance. Suvari lights up the screen and both have great chemistry with each other. They ARE the reason to watch Sonny.

The DVD extras include 2 commentary tracks. The first, by director Cage and producer Norm Golightly, is ok but not great. I can only take Cage in small doses. I enjoyed the second commentary by writer John Carlen much more. Cast and crew information and the theatrical trailer top off the extras.

Despite having one of my least favorite actors behind (and in front) of the camera, Sonny is worth a look. Franco and Suvari continue to be two stars on the rise

Cage' Disappointing Debut as Director;Still Stanton is Great
"Sonny," Nicholas Cage's debut work as director, is about the titular man (James Franco, "Spider-man") who has returned from army to his hometown, New Orleans. The time is 1981, and in front of the house he stops, to meet his mother again (played by over-the-top Brenda Blethyn). And Sonny, fed with his previous life as gigolo in there, confesses that he is going to have a day job in another city.

Now you get the drift of the story. You see, Sonny will find the tough reality, and the easier way of life is more congenial to him. And there is a love interest, love possibly a true one, in a girl played by Mena Suvari. Against the backdrop of the streets of New Orleans, Sonny tries to find the meaning of life in his easy lifestyle.

The purpose of the film is honorable, but the result is nothing remarkable. The problem is, sorry to say, the directions of Nick Cage, who let the actors indulge in each scene too much. The emotional tensions between characters do not go up; the story is too slow, and the result is too predictale. And most of all. the bad acting from many. I don't name names, but when the character looks laughing when he is supposed to be crying, there is something seriously wrong with that.

But there is one great thing about "Sonny," and that is Harry Dean Stanton, who plays "Henry" a perpetual loser, who gets so accustomed to being loser that one small win at a card game (against Seymore Cassel) literally sends him to the Heaven. Into Henry's weather-beaten face and down-trodden life, Harry Dean Stanton infuses the life, and even something sublime and noble. Simply great.

According to the press material, the script was offered to Nick Cage about 15 years ago (as actor), and that explains the similar atmosphere to the 80s films like "American Gigolo." Like that film, "Sonny" shows the languid feeling of the anti-hero, but finally goes nowhere.

Much Better Than Expected!!!
After seeing this movie on the New Release wall month after month and always considering it but never enough to actually rent it, I finally saw it on a cable movie channel. I liked it SO much I decided to buy it. To some, it may not be "compelling" but it definitely reeled me in. And personally, I thought it was SUPERB directing from Nick. And knowing he was the director made sense why Mena reminded me of Patricia quite a bit... Nick even has a small part which I thought was GREAT! I FELL IN LOVE with James Franco in this movie, as well as with the story and cinematography... It's definitely NOT a movie for everyone and that's why I only gave it four stars instead of five...

Through the Looking Glass
Don't ask me what's up with that title, it just seemed to fit. Okay, this movie "Sonny". While it's not a complete masterpiece. It trully sets mood and holds interest. The characters are full of sins and other quirks that draw you in. Acting is exceptional and real. With all the cookie cutter type films out there, this film is trully cool. While the subject is a little racy, it is done tastefully. I believe this is Nicholas' debut directorial film. He's no Kubrick but his choice of shots are intriguing and give a good flow to the scenes. The final note I have to make is on the films music. This movie should have a soundtrack. The music is exceptional and fits perfectly with its feel. If anything this film will take you somewhere different. It's up to you if you like it or not.

A FANTASTIC ACCOUNT OF THE UNDERWORLD LIFE IN NEW ORLEANS!
THIS FILM IS AN EXCELENT ACCOUNT OF THE TRUE REALITY OF THE UNDERWORLD LIFE THAT EXISTS IN NEW ORLEANS. I AM NOT TAKING THE SIDE OF THE FIRST TIME DIRECTOR NICHOLAS CAGE BUT SPEAKING BY EXPERIENCE. I HAVE LIVED IN NEW ORLEANS FOR 12 YEARS AND AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, I CAN TRULLY SAY THAT THIS FILM IS EVERY BIT TRUE TO THE REAL NEW ORLEANS. FOR A FICTIONAL STORY IT IS VERY CONVINCING AND THE CHOICE OF ACTORS COULDN'T HAVE BEEN BETTER. NEW ORLEANS HAS BEEN NICKNAMED "THE CITY THAT CARE FORGOT" AND THE STORY IN THIS FILM SIMPLY SHOWS THAT. THE CHARACTERS IN THE FILM AND THE REAL LIFE RESIDENTS COULDN'T BE MORE COMPARABLE. THEIR PERSONAS IS WHAT GIVES THIS INCREDIBLE CITY ANOTHER NICKNAME: "THE BIG EASY". FOR THOSE WHO WERE QUICK TO JUDGE THIS FILM, I SUGEST THAT THEY PACK THEIR BAGS, GET OUT OF THEIR SANITAZED WORLD AND TAKE A TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS AND GET A REALITY CHECK. THERE'S MORE TO REAL LIFE THAN PRETTY PICTURES. ... Read more

Description

After mistakenly losing the Omegahedron, Argo City's life-sustaining power source, Kara takes off on a mission to Earth to retrieve it and save the city. Upon reaching Earth, she is transformed into Supergirl and carries the alias Linda Lee. She must deal with the evil ambitions of a wicked witch, Selina (Faye Dunaway), and her meddling ex-boyfriend Nigel, who plan on ruling the Earth with help from the power of the Omegahedron, which they found when it crashed landed on Earth. Assisted by Jimmy Olsen and Lucy Lane, Lois Lane's sister, Supergirl is off on an adventure to save the Earth and Argo City. ... Read more

Reviews (136)

A super good movie!!
Back when superheroes weren't the tortured, emotionally troubled characters they often are today, Ilya and Alexander Salkind brought the Maid of Steel to life in grand fashion. Supergirl was realesed in 1984 with a lot of publicity, but met with public indifference. Most Superman fans are divided on this film-they either love it or hate it. Subsequent versions on home video have done little to foster the fact that technically, Supergirl is superb. Anchor Bay has spared nothing for their newest DVD release of Supergirl. Despite a few flaws in the narrative of Supergirl, the film does contain a certain lyrical quality and a definite sense of innocence. In fact, I have learned that Supergirl was concevied as a fantasy film in the same vein as "The Wizard of Oz". In conclusion, in a time when Hollywood films are often dark and brooding, its refreshing to look back to a time when heroe's hearts were pure. Anchor Bay has done the legend of Supergirl proud.

THIS MOVIE ROCKS!!!!
I saw this movie when it first came out in theaters and have loved it ever since. The music is wonderful, the special effects are spectacular, and I just love Faye Dunaway's character Selena. (true she can be campy at times) I don't care what other people think of this movie, buy the special edition DVD version, you will be happy you did. This film is definitly worth adding to your movie collection!

A flawed classic and guilty pleasure
Almost done in by a campy villainess subplot, Supergirl survives thanks to superb pre-cgi special effects (Chris Reeve praised it as the best flying he'd seen in any of the films), a solid Jerry Goldsmith score, and Helen Slater's, well, *goodness*, in the title role.

I had the advantage of first seeing the film with my own then-seven-year-old blonde superheroine, and my daughter's expression of sheer delight as Kara skimmed over the lake and flew with the wild horses reminded me of the thrill I felt 30 years before when I watched George Reeves hurl himself out of the stockroom window and into the endlessly repetitive stock footage skies of Metropolis.

This is one of those films where you filter out the silly story and watch the pretty pictures.

Make certain to get the international widescreen edition. The film was butchered in its original American theatrical release.

"Let's Get Out Of This Dump..."
This is a classic...Supergirl is a genius. Superman couldn't even tie his own shoelaces, Supergirl runs the show now. The movies features some amazing special effects(like the flight scenes...beautiful) and Faye Dunaway should have won an Oscar. Her "Selena" was hot and sexy and very menacing. Superman fights muscle headed morons, and Supergirl faces....well a devil! Who had more bragging rights? Helen Slater really was terrific and totally rocks my world. My favorite part? Well I would say when Supergirl gets sent to the Phantom Zone and falls into that huge lake of grape jelly, no-when she has to get crazy with those two losers on "Lover's Lane", mama didn't raise no fool!

THIS FILM IS REALLY WELL DONE.
I wrote a review for this film a couple of weeks ago and gave the film four stars. Well, this time Iam giving it five stars. Why did I change my rating, well it all happened when I was surfing the web. I came across a site about the new DVD editions of Supergirl. The site featured an interview with the director of Supergirl, Jeannot Szwarc. I read the interview and was amazed at how fasinating it was. He was explaining how difficult it was to make the film because of all the special effects. Most of the special effects in the film had never been done before, so he (Jeannot Szwarc)and his team of special effects people had to invent new technologies. The film took almost a year and a half to complete, because of all the technical problems they had to over come. For example there is a scene where you see an overhead view of Supergirl flying over Chigago, well most people think that was done with blue screen and special effects, but it wasent. They wanted the shot to look REALLY real, so they hung a stunt double on wires to the bottom of a helicopter and placed the camara over the stunt doubles body. So that seen looks so real because she really was flying over the city. Here is another thing they did that amazed me. There is a scene where Supergirl fly's out of a lake, naturally in those days that couldn't be done, they didn't have the aid of computers, so they had to do everything live. For two months they debated over how they where going to make Supergirl fly out of the water. Finally they had an idea. They took a picture of the actress who was playing Supergirl standing and then blew up the picture and pasted it on a board of wood and covered it with a water proof paste. Then they put the life sized picture under the water and pulled it up out of the water very quickly. You would never had realized it was a picture if I had not told you. In conclusion I have given this film five stars. I get very mad when people give a film a bad rating, because they don't realize how much HARD work and thinking go into making films like this. If you really watch the movie, and I mean REALLY watch it carefully you will be amazed at how real the special effects look, and how hard they had to work to accomplish those scenes. And don't forget that they didn't even have computers! Today we could make a movie like this easy, it would be very easy because we have computers and CGI to do all those special effects. So, really give this film a chance, it really is good, despite what critics say. I hope this review has helped you. ... Read more

Description

Lawrence Sanders' nerve-fraying bestseller stars Frank Sinatra as a New York detective coping with his wife's mysterious and incurable illness -- and hunting an ice hammer-wielding killer. Year: 1980 ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A subtle an' creepy adult thriller; one'a Sinatra's best...
This is one'a my favorites. A quiet, subtle an' deceptively simple story about an aging New York City detective on the trail of a mysterious an' unattainable serial killer, all while disputing with his superiors who don't seem to think much of the case, and stressing over his wife, the love of his life, who is hospitalized an' on her death bed. It's character-driven more than anything, as you watch Detective Delaney slowly lose his cool as the weight of his troubles bear down on him. He struggles to put on a facade when he speaks to his wife in the hospital, even as she slowly but surely goes in an' out, an' rambles aimlessly; the medicine an' antibiotics doin' her no good an' operation after operation coming to no avail. It's heartbreaking when he speaks to her about the house that they've long been interested in buying bein' in their mits, all while knowing that she is fading fast. With the inevitable loss looming over him, his anger an' frustration turns to determination as, against the warnings of his superiors an' his arrogant new captain, he trails a killer who has been striking burrough after burrough of the city.

The real highlight of the movie an' the story to me is Delaney's relationship with his wife though, as it is the motivation behind all his actions, for better or worse. To me, as a devoted fan of Sinatra the actor, this is one'a his best performances. He brings such a range of emotion to this role, and even though he is mostly restrained an' bottled up, he is so obviously ready to snap (this to me comes out most in his confrontation with his wife's doctor; I've never seen Frank display such rage an' spite in a movie). Martin Gabel an' James Whitmore have good side roles as a museum curator an' a cynical coroner, respectively, both of whom are two of the few people who actually believe an' support Delaney's claims about this obvious psychopath; Faye Dunaway, though she isn't in the film as much, gives a good performance as Delaney's dying wife who is rapidly slipping away; an' David Dukes makes for a disturbing psyhopath, though the full extent of his character's madness isn't revealed until the final quarter.

But, really, this is by far Frank's movie. As Delaney, he is a person who is losing all that is dear to him an' cannot seem to cope with it an' function normal because of it. Even at his mos' seemingly calm an' collected, you can see the despair beneath the surface. The final scene of him breaking down by his wife's bedside is one'a the FINEST pioeces of acting I've ever seen, not jus' by Sinatra, but by ANY actor. This turned out to be his final role, but, even if he hadn't already had an Academy Award-winning acting career behind him, he woulda proved his worth in cinema with this role alone.

Frank's best
I loved this movie. I read the book first and it was wonderful. A friend of mine gave it to me and after that I read all of the books it this series.

I think this it the best movie Frank Sinatra ever made. It is an excellent movie. It is a good crime story and well done. If you like a good who done it movie you will like this one.

Greatly underrated film
Those who choose to review don't seem to "get" this film. Sinatra is able to portray the character of a realistically strong, dedicated, and loving man. He is one of the few actors who could pull it off. Sinatra is both believable and fascinating in his role as an exceptional police investigator with a palpable off-beat manliness who maintains his allegiance to his chosen duty while suffering the great tradgedy of his own personal life.

Tepid
Disappointing adaptation of Lawrence Sanders' breakthrough bestseller squashes the story down to an under-two-hour format, leaching out the characterizations and offering only a few bare facts. The result is a flat, tepid thriller without much suspense.

In his final dramatic film role, Sinatra shows why he was so highly regarded as a screen performer. Despite a poor script and limp direction, his charisma is sufficient to make this watchable. He conveys genuine emotion and makes it possible for us to empathize with an underwritten character.

Faye Dunaway, unfortunately, is limited to a few scenes, all of which take place in a hospital bed, as she plays Sinatra's dying wife. In the novel, Mrs. Delaney's scenes served as a poignant counterpoint to his search for the killer. He discusses the case with her, sharing all the details, and Sanders paints a powerful portrait of a cop who defeats the killer, but it powerless against the disease that is killing his wife. In the movie this does not come off at all, and viewers not familiar with the book may wonder why these scenes were included.

The DVD is a bare bones, full-screen transfer, with no extras.

Sinatra fans may enjoy this film, but I'd recommend reading Sanders' novel instead if you're looking for a gripping hunt-for-the-killer mystery.

Formula stuff ... but it is Sinatra
On a par with a good TV movie but nothing special, which is unfortunate for Sinatra's last significant film role. Sinatra, though, is as compelling as always on screen and the film is worth viewing, if not one you'll want to revisit often. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Supergirl qualifies as one of the most bizarre comic book adaptations ever to hit the silver screen. Bereft of logic or sensible plotting, but featuring a strong cast and slick special effects, the film follows Superman's cousin Kara (played by Helen Slater in her film debut) as she leaves Krypton to venture to Earth to retrieve the "Omegahedron," a life-force globe vital to her people's survival. She tracks down the device, unaware that it's fallen into the hands of aspiring black magician Selena (Faye Dunaway), which leads to an inevitable showdown.

All of the strong characters in Supergirl are women, making for a nice change of pace from traditional superhero machismo. However, none of the players seem to notice that many things are left unexplained, including how the naive Kara knows so much about Earth while having never been there, how a novice sorceress can attain power so quickly from something she does not understand, and how hardly anyone notices Supergirl flying around their city! (And hey, where's Superman?)

Taken as a campy 1980s comic book relic rather than a serious adaptation, Supergirl is fun because of its engaging special effects and sets, tongue-in-cheek humor, and Dunaway's truly inspired performance. Look for Marc McClure reprising his Superman role of Jimmy Olsen, while Mia Farrow and Peter O'Toole have small supporting roles as Kara's mother and mentor, respectively. The director's cut DVD features 24 minutes of newly restored footage that has never been seen before, which should enthrall Supergirl aficionados, although the additional material doesn't make thestory any more logical. --Bryan Reesman ... Read more

Reviews (136)

A super good movie!!
Back when superheroes weren't the tortured, emotionally troubled characters they often are today, Ilya and Alexander Salkind brought the Maid of Steel to life in grand fashion. Supergirl was realesed in 1984 with a lot of publicity, but met with public indifference. Most Superman fans are divided on this film-they either love it or hate it. Subsequent versions on home video have done little to foster the fact that technically, Supergirl is superb. Anchor Bay has spared nothing for their newest DVD release of Supergirl. Despite a few flaws in the narrative of Supergirl, the film does contain a certain lyrical quality and a definite sense of innocence. In fact, I have learned that Supergirl was concevied as a fantasy film in the same vein as "The Wizard of Oz". In conclusion, in a time when Hollywood films are often dark and brooding, its refreshing to look back to a time when heroe's hearts were pure. Anchor Bay has done the legend of Supergirl proud.

THIS MOVIE ROCKS!!!!
I saw this movie when it first came out in theaters and have loved it ever since. The music is wonderful, the special effects are spectacular, and I just love Faye Dunaway's character Selena. (true she can be campy at times) I don't care what other people think of this movie, buy the special edition DVD version, you will be happy you did. This film is definitly worth adding to your movie collection!

A flawed classic and guilty pleasure
Almost done in by a campy villainess subplot, Supergirl survives thanks to superb pre-cgi special effects (Chris Reeve praised it as the best flying he'd seen in any of the films), a solid Jerry Goldsmith score, and Helen Slater's, well, *goodness*, in the title role.

I had the advantage of first seeing the film with my own then-seven-year-old blonde superheroine, and my daughter's expression of sheer delight as Kara skimmed over the lake and flew with the wild horses reminded me of the thrill I felt 30 years before when I watched George Reeves hurl himself out of the stockroom window and into the endlessly repetitive stock footage skies of Metropolis.

This is one of those films where you filter out the silly story and watch the pretty pictures.

Make certain to get the international widescreen edition. The film was butchered in its original American theatrical release.

"Let's Get Out Of This Dump..."
This is a classic...Supergirl is a genius. Superman couldn't even tie his own shoelaces, Supergirl runs the show now. The movies features some amazing special effects(like the flight scenes...beautiful) and Faye Dunaway should have won an Oscar. Her "Selena" was hot and sexy and very menacing. Superman fights muscle headed morons, and Supergirl faces....well a devil! Who had more bragging rights? Helen Slater really was terrific and totally rocks my world. My favorite part? Well I would say when Supergirl gets sent to the Phantom Zone and falls into that huge lake of grape jelly, no-when she has to get crazy with those two losers on "Lover's Lane", mama didn't raise no fool!

THIS FILM IS REALLY WELL DONE.
I wrote a review for this film a couple of weeks ago and gave the film four stars. Well, this time Iam giving it five stars. Why did I change my rating, well it all happened when I was surfing the web. I came across a site about the new DVD editions of Supergirl. The site featured an interview with the director of Supergirl, Jeannot Szwarc. I read the interview and was amazed at how fasinating it was. He was explaining how difficult it was to make the film because of all the special effects. Most of the special effects in the film had never been done before, so he (Jeannot Szwarc)and his team of special effects people had to invent new technologies. The film took almost a year and a half to complete, because of all the technical problems they had to over come. For example there is a scene where you see an overhead view of Supergirl flying over Chigago, well most people think that was done with blue screen and special effects, but it wasent. They wanted the shot to look REALLY real, so they hung a stunt double on wires to the bottom of a helicopter and placed the camara over the stunt doubles body. So that seen looks so real because she really was flying over the city. Here is another thing they did that amazed me. There is a scene where Supergirl fly's out of a lake, naturally in those days that couldn't be done, they didn't have the aid of computers, so they had to do everything live. For two months they debated over how they where going to make Supergirl fly out of the water. Finally they had an idea. They took a picture of the actress who was playing Supergirl standing and then blew up the picture and pasted it on a board of wood and covered it with a water proof paste. Then