Reviews (32)

Accurate look at the life of a 1L (first year law student)
I recently watched this movie after not having seen it for many years, and I am amazed by the accurate portrayal of life for 1Ls and of the "types" of people you will encounter in your first year of law school, regardless of whether you attend Harvard or any other law school. John Houseman gives an outstanding performance as the curmudgeon Prof. Kingsfield. He succeeds in rattling Hart (equally well portrayed by Timothy Bottoms) and teaching contracts using the Socratic Method, a torture device until students learn how to play the game and begin to think about the nuances of the law.
Some viewers have commented about how dated the film is, but I must respectfully disagree. The hair, clothing, and some of the attitudes are dated--after all, the movie was made in 1970! At that time, both men and women had long hair, wore flares (jeans and cords), lots of browns & beiges, etc. That was the style, pure and simple. Racial, gender, and ethnic diversity in the classroom was pretty nonexistent, and the virtually all-male student body accurately reflects those times as well. What has not changed is the portrayal of how 1Ls adjust and adapt to law school (it is so very different from the undergraduate experience, as the unfortunate Mr. Hart learns on the first day of class!), learn to help eachother master first year subjects such as contracts (emphasis on contracts in the movie), property, civil procedure, criminal law, torts, and constitutional law, or turn on eachother as they realize just how important those first year grades are to their futures as law students (competition for an invitation to serve on the Law Review) and attorneys. This is what makes this movie as pertinent now (for law students and would-be law students, at least) as it was in 1970, because the types of students in the class will remain the same, the huge learning curve, the Socratic Method, the study groups and obsessive outlining, and the way that the law permeates every thought are timeless. Unless law schools institute substantial changes in law school pedagogy, this movie will be accurate 100 years from now.
The romance between Hart and Susan is not what drives this movie, but adds human interest to this look at the lives of 1Ls.
Remember, "you enter law school with a skull full of mush, and you leave thinking like a lawyer!" Highly recommended.

James Bridges' Best Directorial Work
I found myself compelled to write this review for a number of reasons: (1) I graduated from law school (although not Harvard), (2) My mother and James Bridges were childhood friends, (3) I've been an admirer of John Houseman's work for as long as I can remember, and finally (4) I've watched this movie several times and like it.

Timothy Bottoms stars as James Hart, a midwestern boy literally dumped into his first year of Harvard Law School. John Houseman is Professor William Kingsfield, a curmudgeonly contract law professor about whom Hart has ambivalent feelings of dread and admiration. Lindsay Wagner is Kingsfield's daughter, with whom Hart is having a relationship.

This picture brought the so-called Socratic method of instruction into the light of day and doubtlessly inspired many professors of subjects other than the law. It no doubt also inspired many impressionable young men to consider a career in the law (as it did me). But the reason to really enjoy this movie is neither of those...it's Houseman's electrifying performance that netted him an Academy Award for best supporting actor. This film also stands as a testament to the short but spectacular directorial career of the late James Bridges, who went on to direct "The China Syndrome" and "Urban Cowboy" among several other films.

It should also be remembered that this picture inspired a short-lived CBS television series of the same name in which Houseman reprised the Kingsfield role. The show spawned the careers of, among others, Jon Lovitz of Saturday Night Live fame and Jane Kaczmarek (of the TV series "Malcolm in the Middle") and after its rather short-sighted cancellation by CBS was picked by Showtime, who ordered new episides, giving the series another five years of life until discontinued in 1984.

Did this picture have an impact? Absolutely. Was it good? You bet! And to James Bridges, wherever you are "thanks for the career advice...and hello from my mom!"

70s drop-out culture clashes with law school discipline
If you want to be inspired to go to Harvard Law School or Harvard Business School (they both use the same intimidating case study technique), this is the film to watch. It is the fear of having your name called out by the professor -- from the hundred students in the lecture theatre -- with his request that you lay out the case, that drives you to prepare well into the early hours the night before.

Harvard is ultra-competitive -- it marks on a bell curve, with the bottom x% of students being automatically chucked out. (That x% may be 10%. The film doesn't spell it out, perhaps because 1973 cinema-goers weren't ready for lectures on the normal distribution.)

The law school culture clashed conspicuously with the student background of the 60s/70s -- i.e. drugs, rock and roll, protests about Vietnam etc -- although little is made of this in the film. Instead we follow a year in the life of Hart, the Nice-but-Bright law student who idolises Professor Kingsfield -- determined to know everything about him, to the extent of bedding his daughter (played by Lindsay Wagner in her pre-Bionic Woman form).

In this film, the lecture theatre experience (studying Contract Law with the Prof) turns out to be a breeze, compared to participating in the Study Group, which contains some really unlikeable individuals. By the end, three of the six students have dropped out of the Study Group -- one even tries to shoot himself.

In the end, this film probably would be better if it didn't try also to be a romance. (I guess it was competing with 'Love Story' at the time.) Its highlights come in the lecture theatre and the study group. This is the potential for a very dark story, and I feel the director missed that opportunity.

On the other hand, no accommodation is made for the audience unfamiliar with contract law -- in other words, there is plenty of technical language -- but this adds to the authority of the drama.

I guess we're unlikely ever to see again the TV series of the same name that this movie spawned. So enjoy this while it's still available. For a similar experience on the page, get hold of a copy of Peter Cohen's 'The Gospel according to the Harvard Business School'.

The most accurate law school movie ever!
This movie shows the brutal truth about law school more accurately than any other movie made to this date. However, its rather old, and doesnt have much humor to it, so expect a bummed feeling after watching this movie. Its not one of those inspiring movies that leaves you happy or motivated.

Bogus Hollywood Moment: Throwing Grades into Sea
Yeah, great film, holds up well over the years. But no Harvard law student would have thrown his unopened grades into the ocean. Particularly one that was as dedicated and competitive as Hart. It would be like a lawyer trying a case and leaving the courtroom before hearing the verdict. One can understand and, in a mercenary way, perhaps admire Hart if he pretended not to care about the grades for the sake of impressing his erratic, anti-establishment/anti-hippy girlfriend. She doesn't make much sense, but she is cute and alluring. But to actually throw the grades into the sea? No.

Apart from that, the scenes of the workings of law school are pretty terrific. The characters of the study group are, for good and bad, very similar to people you actually find at law school. Particularly Bell. (By the way, did anyone notice that Hart's 3rd year advisor was Thirtysomething's Miles Drentell? He is exactly the type that would say, "Grades matter.") Yet, like lawyers themselves, they're not on the whole really awful people. Ford, the quintessential Harvard prepster, bails out James Naughton's character in class and even goes so far as to say that the subject is very difficult to understand. Hart himself is obviously very decent. And Kingsfield is meant to be feared, but moreover respected and admired.

So the romance is a bit unrealistic, but nothing approaching Ally McBeal silliness. That aside, it's a solid film worth seeing more than once. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A small gem
This film plays a bit like an 80s French Connection. Sylvester Stallone stars in a low-key role that works very well but didn't seem to resonate with audiences the way his Rocky did. He's quieter, human, and intense.

Nighthawks (a rather nonsensical title) concerns international terrorist Wulfar (Rutger Hauer's American film debut), now persona non grata among major terrorist networks after an overdone IRA-commissioned bombing in London, fleeing to New York in order to garner maximum publicity and sell himself back to major terrorist organizations. Sensing the terrorist-for-hire's power play hopes, and guessing that New York would be the likely target, a British Interpol officer travels to the city in order to brief chosen police officers in counter-terrorist tactics as part of ATAC (Anti-Terrorist Action Command).

Part of the chosen officers include Sgt. Deke DaSilva (Stallone) and his partner Sgt. Matt Fox (Billy Dee Williams). Both are reluctant to change duties and are not serious about training, and DaSilva has reservations about risking civilians in a hostage situation.

What follows is a cat-and-mouse through New York that features a couple of exciting and well-filmed sequences. While it seems a bit far-fetched that DaSilva and Fox would bump into Wulfgar one night in a crowded disco, the action scenes make up for it and highlight New York locations well. Especially memorable is the hijacking of the Roosevelt Island tram car. (I can't look at it today without thinking of this film).

The performances are solid across the board. Stallone is engaging in the lead and is quieter than we're used to. The supporting cast includes veteran character Joe Spinell as a surly police lieutenant, Lindsay Wagner as DaSilva's estranged wife, the dusky Persis Khambata as Wulfgar's ruthless aid, and Nigel Davenport as Hartman, the Interpol officer. Rutger Hauer is perfect as the sly and suave terrorist. His talents would be highlighted in films like Blade Runner, Flesh and Blood, and The Hitcher over the years, though unfortunately he seems to have fallen to straight-to-video material in the last 10 years.

The DVD is a little bit underwhelming. For one, it's not in widescreen, which is a real shame. The full-screen treatment does not do justice to the NYC locations, especially the aerial shots of the tram and the ATAC chopper, or the opening subway encounter. The picture is good but rather grainy, and the sound is fine, better than the VHS version. The extras include some cursory production notes and the original, rather underwhelming trailer. Overall, I'd recommend this DVD for fans of the film because of the very reasonable price. The picture and sound are better than the VHS, and it's a good pickup for a small early-80s gem. Keith Emerson's score is easily one of his best. Hopefully it will one day be released to CD.

One of the few gems in Stallone's action film catalogue
A first-rate thriller 'Nighthawks' begins with a bang (literally!) and never lets ups. A top-notch cast, great use of New York City locations and a story that becomes more riveting as it develops further distinguish it. This film was made and released in 1981, a few short years before Sylvester Stallone would begin making his blockbuster mainstream action films like 'First Blood', 'Cobra' and continuing the 'Rocky' series. He has portrayed a variety of "heroes" on film but all of them pale in comparison to the character of Deke DaSilva, the New York City policeman he brings to life here. 'Nighthawks' has a plot that is timelier than ever before and DaSilva is the kind of hero that everyone is hoping for amidst all the concern over the threat of terrorism striking again in America - or anywhere else for that matter.

Stallone is aces as DaSilva and Billy Dee Williams as his edgy partner Matthew Fox is equally as good. DaSilva and Fox are fervently committed to their assignment to the NYC police force's decoy unit working the graveyard shift. Rutger Hauer plays a consciousless terrorist named Wulfgar who in the beginning of the movie plants a bomb in a London department store during midday. Moments after the bomb explodes he calls the international press to claim responsibility for his terrorist faction. Days later, when Wulfgar is considered more of a liability than an effective member of the team by his faction, he relocates to NYC to demonstrate his own brand of intimidation through violence. Interpol agent Peter Hartman, played by the British film actor Nigel Davenport, arrives in NYC to train a newly organized anti-terrorist task force of the city's police force. DaSilva And Fox are assigned to the unit and they initially object vehemently to it but later accept it after a few trials and tribulations with Hartman. Eventually the two policemen pick up the trail of the murderous and destructive Wulfgar who continually evades capture until the climax of the film - one of the best surprise endings you'll ever see in a movie.

The story is the real star here with action taking a secondary stage. In the beginning we see DaSilva and Fox in their urban setting capturing some deadly would-be muggers then switching immediately to London and Wulfgar planting a bomb in a busy store during the same day. The parallel we're supposed to draw is that the pair of gritty and municipal minded police officers will face their biggest challenge in attempting to capture the slick, conniving and elusive international terrorist. And the story's progression is perfect, never moving too quickly or filled with illogical leaps of reasoning. Each filming location is well chosen and used to great effectiveness, with the tramcar sequence a memorable standout. Despite being made in 1981 'Nighthawks' contains no noticeable elements that date it too terribly, even the disco scene remains surprisingly contemporary in appearance (except for the fashions maybe).

Other noteworthy items include the then hugely popular Lindsay Wagner, of television's "The Bionic Woman", who appears briefly in the beginning as DaSilva's unlikely love interest, an upscale clothing fashion designer; character actor and cult favorite Joe Spinell is cast as DaSilva's and Fox's superior, Lt. Munafo, appearing in some of the film's key scenes. For a double feature pair this with either 'Cliffhanger', another superior Stallone action vehicle, or 'The Package', a Gene Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones movie with a vaguely similar theme.

WARNING: Soundtrack altered for Universal DVD release!
This happens to be one of my favorite films/guilty pleasures (the flick on its own easily rates 5 stars), but just wanted to make sure that fans knew that this new Universal DVD release has a *severely* altered soundtrack from the theatrical and earlier home video/DVD releases. This is so unfortunate, as I was excited about finally (for the first time ever) being able to see 'Nighthawks' in widescreen. While the picture hasn't been remastered for this edition, it is a noticeable improvement over the 2001 GoodTimes DVD full-screen release. However, in one of the truly key scenes of the film - where DaSilva (Stallone) discovers Wulfgar (Hauer) in the club - the songs 'Brown Sugar' by the Rolling Stones and Keith Emerson's amazing cover of the Spencer Davis Group's 'I'm a Man' are completely removed and replaced with the lamest possible generic, 70's-era stock music. Words cannot describe how this soundtrack change alters the entire mood of the scene ... it's simply not pretty to watch and is a painful bastardization of the original release. Just wanted everyone to be aware of this change on the new DVD release - I had no idea until it was too late. For those looking for the intact original, theatrical release on DVD, I would sadly still have to recommend seeking out a copy of the (now out-of-print) GoodTimes release. The picture may not be quite as clear as the new Universal DVD, but at least you're getting the Director's complete version of the film. Apparently, the world STILL awaits a definititve DVD version of this minor masterpiece ...

Get this new Widescreen version.
Stallone has some of his best work here. A good movie with a view on terrorism that was ahead of it's time. Most of the other reviews refer to a substandard release from another company called good times video, that is full screen and often comes in a musty DVD case, bad times. This one is a nice new widescreen release.

One of Sly's best (No cheeky comments in this review!!)
NIGHTHAWKS has got to be one of my fave Stallone movies. I know I've taken the mickey out of him on numerous occassions, but this is pretty good, despite being a bit dated. Directed by Bruce Malmuth (HARD TO KILL) and with music by Keith Emerson of ELP, NIGHTHAWKS is a fast paced and exciting thriller which will have viewers overlooking its plot inconsistancies.
Rutger Hauer plays Wulfgar, a terrorist who heads to NYC to play a game of cat and mouse with the cops. Cops Deke DaSilva (Sly) and Matt Fox (Billy Dee Williams) are assigned the task of tracking him to London and New York to stop his reign of terror. Unfortunately Wulfgar always manages to remain a step ahead of them... most of the time.
There's not much of a plot, but from the opening credits NIGHTHAWKS hooks the viewer. Early on we get to see the almost unrecognizable Sly in drag... until the beard gives him away. There are also some great stunts at the climax where Wulfgar has a group of cable car passengers held hostage. The movie also co-stars the late Persis Khambatta (best known as the bald alien Ilia in STAR TREK 1) as Wulfgar's partner; an especially delectable Lindsey Wagner as Sly's girlfriend and last but not least; as a fashion designer, Jamie Gillis; ... Why he hasn't won a slew of Oscars is beyond me.
The DVD quality is actually pretty good, the picture is sharp and the sound clear. The few extras include the movies trailer and subtitles. But at this price it's a good bargain for those who want to update their VHS copies. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

A small gem
This film plays a bit like an 80s French Connection. Sylvester Stallone stars in a low-key role that works very well but didn't seem to resonate with audiences the way his Rocky did. He's quieter, human, and intense.

Nighthawks (a rather nonsensical title) concerns international terrorist Wulfar (Rutger Hauer's American film debut), now persona non grata among major terrorist networks after an overdone IRA-commissioned bombing in London, fleeing to New York in order to garner maximum publicity and sell himself back to major terrorist organizations. Sensing the terrorist-for-hire's power play hopes, and guessing that New York would be the likely target, a British Interpol officer travels to the city in order to brief chosen police officers in counter-terrorist tactics as part of ATAC (Anti-Terrorist Action Command).

Part of the chosen officers include Sgt. Deke DaSilva (Stallone) and his partner Sgt. Matt Fox (Billy Dee Williams). Both are reluctant to change duties and are not serious about training, and DaSilva has reservations about risking civilians in a hostage situation.

What follows is a cat-and-mouse through New York that features a couple of exciting and well-filmed sequences. While it seems a bit far-fetched that DaSilva and Fox would bump into Wulfgar one night in a crowded disco, the action scenes make up for it and highlight New York locations well. Especially memorable is the hijacking of the Roosevelt Island tram car. (I can't look at it today without thinking of this film).

The performances are solid across the board. Stallone is engaging in the lead and is quieter than we're used to. The supporting cast includes veteran character Joe Spinell as a surly police lieutenant, Lindsay Wagner as DaSilva's estranged wife, the dusky Persis Khambata as Wulfgar's ruthless aid, and Nigel Davenport as Hartman, the Interpol officer. Rutger Hauer is perfect as the sly and suave terrorist. His talents would be highlighted in films like Blade Runner, Flesh and Blood, and The Hitcher over the years, though unfortunately he seems to have fallen to straight-to-video material in the last 10 years.

The DVD is a little bit underwhelming. For one, it's not in widescreen, which is a real shame. The full-screen treatment does not do justice to the NYC locations, especially the aerial shots of the tram and the ATAC chopper, or the opening subway encounter. The picture is good but rather grainy, and the sound is fine, better than the VHS version. The extras include some cursory production notes and the original, rather underwhelming trailer. Overall, I'd recommend this DVD for fans of the film because of the very reasonable price. The picture and sound are better than the VHS, and it's a good pickup for a small early-80s gem. Keith Emerson's score is easily one of his best. Hopefully it will one day be released to CD.

One of the few gems in Stallone's action film catalogue
A first-rate thriller 'Nighthawks' begins with a bang (literally!) and never lets ups. A top-notch cast, great use of New York City locations and a story that becomes more riveting as it develops further distinguish it. This film was made and released in 1981, a few short years before Sylvester Stallone would begin making his blockbuster mainstream action films like 'First Blood', 'Cobra' and continuing the 'Rocky' series. He has portrayed a variety of "heroes" on film but all of them pale in comparison to the character of Deke DaSilva, the New York City policeman he brings to life here. 'Nighthawks' has a plot that is timelier than ever before and DaSilva is the kind of hero that everyone is hoping for amidst all the concern over the threat of terrorism striking again in America - or anywhere else for that matter.

Stallone is aces as DaSilva and Billy Dee Williams as his edgy partner Matthew Fox is equally as good. DaSilva and Fox are fervently committed to their assignment to the NYC police force's decoy unit working the graveyard shift. Rutger Hauer plays a consciousless terrorist named Wulfgar who in the beginning of the movie plants a bomb in a London department store during midday. Moments after the bomb explodes he calls the international press to claim responsibility for his terrorist faction. Days later, when Wulfgar is considered more of a liability than an effective member of the team by his faction, he relocates to NYC to demonstrate his own brand of intimidation through violence. Interpol agent Peter Hartman, played by the British film actor Nigel Davenport, arrives in NYC to train a newly organized anti-terrorist task force of the city's police force. DaSilva And Fox are assigned to the unit and they initially object vehemently to it but later accept it after a few trials and tribulations with Hartman. Eventually the two policemen pick up the trail of the murderous and destructive Wulfgar who continually evades capture until the climax of the film - one of the best surprise endings you'll ever see in a movie.

The story is the real star here with action taking a secondary stage. In the beginning we see DaSilva and Fox in their urban setting capturing some deadly would-be muggers then switching immediately to London and Wulfgar planting a bomb in a busy store during the same day. The parallel we're supposed to draw is that the pair of gritty and municipal minded police officers will face their biggest challenge in attempting to capture the slick, conniving and elusive international terrorist. And the story's progression is perfect, never moving too quickly or filled with illogical leaps of reasoning. Each filming location is well chosen and used to great effectiveness, with the tramcar sequence a memorable standout. Despite being made in 1981 'Nighthawks' contains no noticeable elements that date it too terribly, even the disco scene remains surprisingly contemporary in appearance (except for the fashions maybe).

Other noteworthy items include the then hugely popular Lindsay Wagner, of television's "The Bionic Woman", who appears briefly in the beginning as DaSilva's unlikely love interest, an upscale clothing fashion designer; character actor and cult favorite Joe Spinell is cast as DaSilva's and Fox's superior, Lt. Munafo, appearing in some of the film's key scenes. For a double feature pair this with either 'Cliffhanger', another superior Stallone action vehicle, or 'The Package', a Gene Hackman and Tommy Lee Jones movie with a vaguely similar theme.

WARNING: Soundtrack altered for Universal DVD release!
This happens to be one of my favorite films/guilty pleasures (the flick on its own easily rates 5 stars), but just wanted to make sure that fans knew that this new Universal DVD release has a *severely* altered soundtrack from the theatrical and earlier home video/DVD releases. This is so unfortunate, as I was excited about finally (for the first time ever) being able to see 'Nighthawks' in widescreen. While the picture hasn't been remastered for this edition, it is a noticeable improvement over the 2001 GoodTimes DVD full-screen release. However, in one of the truly key scenes of the film - where DaSilva (Stallone) discovers Wulfgar (Hauer) in the club - the songs 'Brown Sugar' by the Rolling Stones and Keith Emerson's amazing cover of the Spencer Davis Group's 'I'm a Man' are completely removed and replaced with the lamest possible generic, 70's-era stock music. Words cannot describe how this soundtrack change alters the entire mood of the scene ... it's simply not pretty to watch and is a painful bastardization of the original release. Just wanted everyone to be aware of this change on the new DVD release - I had no idea until it was too late. For those looking for the intact original, theatrical release on DVD, I would sadly still have to recommend seeking out a copy of the (now out-of-print) GoodTimes release. The picture may not be quite as clear as the new Universal DVD, but at least you're getting the Director's complete version of the film. Apparently, the world STILL awaits a definititve DVD version of this minor masterpiece ...

Get this new Widescreen version.
Stallone has some of his best work here. A good movie with a view on terrorism that was ahead of it's time. Most of the other reviews refer to a substandard release from another company called good times video, that is full screen and often comes in a musty DVD case, bad times. This one is a nice new widescreen release.

One of Sly's best (No cheeky comments in this review!!)
NIGHTHAWKS has got to be one of my fave Stallone movies. I know I've taken the mickey out of him on numerous occassions, but this is pretty good, despite being a bit dated. Directed by Bruce Malmuth (HARD TO KILL) and with music by Keith Emerson of ELP, NIGHTHAWKS is a fast paced and exciting thriller which will have viewers overlooking its plot inconsistancies.
Rutger Hauer plays Wulfgar, a terrorist who heads to NYC to play a game of cat and mouse with the cops. Cops Deke DaSilva (Sly) and Matt Fox (Billy Dee Williams) are assigned the task of tracking him to London and New York to stop his reign of terror. Unfortunately Wulfgar always manages to remain a step ahead of them... most of the time.
There's not much of a plot, but from the opening credits NIGHTHAWKS hooks the viewer. Early on we get to see the almost unrecognizable Sly in drag... until the beard gives him away. There are also some great stunts at the climax where Wulfgar has a group of cable car passengers held hostage. The movie also co-stars the late Persis Khambatta (best known as the bald alien Ilia in STAR TREK 1) as Wulfgar's partner; an especially delectable Lindsey Wagner as Sly's girlfriend and last but not least; as a fashion designer, Jamie Gillis; ... Why he hasn't won a slew of Oscars is beyond me.
The DVD quality is actually pretty good, the picture is sharp and the sound clear. The few extras include the movies trailer and subtitles. But at this price it's a good bargain for those who want to update their VHS copies. ... Read more

Description

From the director of ' 'Highlander' ' comes an action-packed thriller. He's a cop accused of murder - and the only man who knows he's innocent, is the killer who framed him. Now the cop must unite with an old friend - and gangster - if he is to defeat the killer, save his reputation and maybe even his life. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

One of my favorite films...
I can remember the first time I saw this movie. It was on HBO right after the George Foreman vs. Lou Savarese fight a few years back. Being a film with Denzel Washington and John Lithgow, I was surprised that I hadn't heard of it before then but was in for a big surprise.

Being a 1991 film (and an HBO Original Production), this was made before Denzel Washington really hit it big but it's one of his finest films in my opinion. While Washington portays a young cop turned bright futured district attorney, the best job in the film is done by John Lithgow, who plays one of the best psychotic yet genius characters in recent memory (Earl Talbot Blake). Lithgow, in fact, does such a good job playing this insane yet calculating killer hell bent on revenge that it's very strange to turn around and watch him on 3rd Rock From The Sun!

The supporting characters played by Ice-T and Kevin Pollak are well done and well written, but also very important in the storyline...something that isn't always true in mainstream films.

The plot is very interesting, and not something that has been 'done to death'. As the film winds down, it seems a little predictable but also the only suitable way for everything to end. Ok, so it's not a blockbuster 4 star masterpiece, but RICOCHET is still a very well written film that is action packed and keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. Highly recommended.

A solid MOVIE..
Late one night I went to buy a 6 pack and to my surprise I noticed a stack of DVDS at Sav-On Drugs were on sale for 5.99. To my surprise RICOCHET was on sale...I love denzel..lithgow plays a nefarious villan who mindfu*ks Denzel. Such a good early 90's movie...even the soundtrack is cool. I like the basketball game in the beginning of the movie..where you see Denzel slam dunk the basketball!! "HE GOT GAME" - thats for sure!
The character Denzel portrays in this movie is a mixture of his ...training day character and the character he played in Out of Time. He is a victim, but yet he knows how to mess with bad guys. Great movie...ICE-T did ok..this was during the time period Mr. Ice-T was doing films such as New Jack City and Trespass.....Solid performances....and a pretty decent story line. If you want to sit home one day and drink a beer and watch a suspenseful movie....this is it. I laughed throughout the movie at the characters outfits...because its just funny seeing people wear stuff from the early 90's....No more 80's laughter..pure 90's laughter. Perfect movie to illustrate the
90's.

I watched it because I thought it was about Chile
(spoilers, but don't worry; you'll never want to watch it anyway)

Every few years or so, I come across a movie that seriously contends for the title of "worst movie ever made." Godzilla was one of them, then 200 cigarettes, tomb raider... Anyhow, if it weren't for the respectable effort made by Denzel Washington, this movie just might take the cake..

Denzel plays a cop-turned-DA and Lithgow is a psycopathic hitman who has an obsession with breaking out of prison and getting his revenge on the man who put him away.

Nothing here seems to make any sense. For example, the sword fight at the beginning between Blake (John Lithgow) and his cellmate -- first of all, Blake already established his dominance as soon as he entered the jail cell and beat up his new roommate. This bizarre neo-medeival sequence, using books and newspaper as armor, has no point at all. It's just a excuse to showcase some really bad dialogue.

And as for really bad dialogue, Ricochet is unequalled. I cringed at least once every two minutes. Lithgow is so ridiculously serious in his role that anything he says sounds like it's a mockery of himself. It reminds me of the head gangster in the movie Ghost Dog, except in that movie it's *supposed* to be ridiculous. Who knows - maybe that was the idea here.

The end is totally gratuitous. The plan that Denzel comes up with is completely foolish for one thing - if his plan were to fail, which would almost certainly happen, he would end up completely ruining himself. But in the movie, it doesn't fail. Ok, fine. But then, when he has Blake surrounded and could easily have him captured, or at least video-taped to prove that he's still alive (oh yeah, Blake made a preposterous escape at the beginning of the movie and then faked his death), he draws the charade on longer and has Blake chase him down to the Watts Towers.. (The fact that the towers are used is the only cool thing about this movie besides Denzel..) It just seems like he's making things as difficult as possible for himself. He comes off like an idiot.

A good mainstream suspense movie should have a very intellegent protaganist and a slightly more intellegent antaganist; the only reason the protaganist should ever win is because of his absolute commitment to survival and justice, not because the antaganist is easily tricked into silly little scenarios, like being electricuted on Watts Towers (would those towers really conduct that much electricity??)

I misread the title of the movie on my Satellite TV guide and thought I was going to watch a movie about Pinochet..

ANOTHER GREAT ACTION MOVIE
A MURDERER [JOHN LITHGOW] GETS CAPTURED BY A COP [DENZEL WASHINGTON]. THE MINUTE HE STEPS FOOT IN JAIL, HE SPENDS EVERY MINUTE OF HIS LIFE PLOTTING REVENGE. THIS MOVIE PROVES THAT DENZEL WASHINGTON CAN DO PRETTY GOOD IN ACTION MOVIES. THEN AGAIN, DENZEL CAN DO GOOD IN JUST ABOUT ANY TYPE OF MOVIE. THIS MOVIE IS DEFINITELY A GOOD MOVIE TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION.

STARTS POWERFULLY, BUT FIZZLES LIKE "OUT OF TIME"
A sure way to ruin an otherwise intriguing thriller is to loosely tie in patches of action as though someone sat and conceived all these sequences and then threw in a story to somehow tie them in.

"Ricochet" had Dezel W, pretty much the sole reason I picked up this movie. And it started with a bang, literally, followed by some superb action right down to the middle of the film.

Yet, midway through the whole charade I just forgot to care about all the gory violence, not in the least due to its implausibility. Some scenes with Lithgow's terrifying cameo as the bad guy are even quite menacing and impactful. But at the end one only leaves with a taste of crassy action from cardboard characters in a staid plot.

An ignorable number. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A Really Fun Ensemble Cast
This is a really cute movie. One I enjoyed watching with my daughter. I am a Lindsay Wagner fan from way back and I also love Edward Albert. This would be the second time Mr. Albert and Christopher Khayman Lee have worked togther, well, sort of. Chris was Andros the Red Ranger on Power Rangers in Space and Mr. Albert portrayed Mr. Collins, father to Wes, the Red Time Force Ranger.
This movie was better than I had expected it to be. Sometimes when you put many actors and actresses together who haven't done anything in a while you usually get junk. Watching Ms. Wagner, always a pleasure, play the understanding and loving teacher was heart warming. Then seeing Chris play the spirit of the forest, an elf (many fans that I know have always wanted to see him with pointy ears), was both mildly comical, after watching him beat the baddies using martial arts in Power Rangers in Space and then to have him taking flight in this movie almost brought me to tears at the sheer campyness of the fairy folk scenes. the scenes in the "real world" were much better and so was the acting. Mr. Albert as King Otto was very over the top, but much better as Mr. Ridgewell.
All in all very enjoyable, especially if yoy have small children.

Family
I think is film has a heart worming story about Christmas and Magic.

It is truly for the whole family.

A Light in the Forest
I found this movie to be a very delightful, wonderful family christmas film. It touches on some real life feelings and emotions with a young girl. This movie shows the true spirit of christmas and is a must see, even if you don't have kids! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Better on VHS!!!
This is the WORST transfer to DVD I've ever seen!!! I think the VHS copy looks and sounds better, do NOT waste your money!!! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Want Rockford Files on DVD Soonest!
Universal Home Video is releasing 'Thunderbirds' on DVD but still no word of 'Rockford Files'???? What's the hold up!? Is there some tangle of DVD rights? Doesn't Garner want the money? I thought he produced these himself!

Someone please tell me, who do I and a million of my closest friends have to e-mail to get this done?

This show has got to get on DVD NOW!!!!!!!!
The Rockford Files is California of the 70s and it's definitely time to put this classic detective show on DVD! And for those of you who have not seen the show, here are the reasons that it serves as a classic. The hero is actually human because he has real relationships with his ex-con friends, the LAPD, his father and even his pretty female lawyer. The show has car chases, timely altercations and plots that have twists that really engage the viewer each time he/she watches. And I wonder how many devoted Rockford file fans secretly desire to live on a trailer at the beach.

Must have Rockford
Yeah, there's no reason why this shouldn't be out on DVD. I was not born when the series came out, but I found out about it a couple years ago when it was being rerun on TVLand. I still get my Rockford fix thanks to WGN, but I would really like to see a DVD collection so I can view them chronologically. Aside from having the best theme song of all time, and opening sequence in general, Jimmy is one of the best fictitious characters in any media, ever. Please release a collection!!!!!

$200 a day plus expenses
A classic of its time, certainly popular in the UK.

One of the better shows which hasn't yet reached DVD yet - why?

Rockford Files
Add me to the list of those wanting Rockford. Our money is as green as anyone else's. Let's get this show on the road. Thanks! ... Read more