Reviews (54)

The Ramones kick!!
I own Rock and Roll Highschool. This movie is awesome!!! The Ramones totally can't act, and they give all the lines to Joey, but hey, the movie is a classic. Its got some great scenes (i love when they blow up the school) and AWESOME music. I was surprised they put music from Paul McCartney and Wings in their since Paul isn't even close to punk, but thats cool wit me cuz im a big wings fan anywayz. They put great Ramones songs in it too. ( i wish they put beat on the brat in it,i love that song but it has nuttin to do with the movie)

The Kids Are All Hopped Up And Ready To Go
It's hard to admit, but the recent death of Joey Ramone took a lot of the wind out of my sails, bringing with it a feeling of vulnerability, mortality and, yes, approaching middle age. Having said that, it's a treat that this part of his legacy is finally available again for all to treasure. Sort of a twisted mix of low-budget 1950's juvenile delinquent movies and 1960's beach comedies, "Rock 'N' Roll High School" has aged surprising well, thanks in most part I guess to the timeless appeal of the "brothers" Ramone. Highlights, besides the hopped up concert footage (filmed in front of an enthusiastic audience), include the Ramones pulling up to a concert venue in an old Cadillac singing "I Just Want To Have Something To Do," a fantasy sequence in which self-proclaimed #1 Ramones fan Riff Randall (P.J. Soles) imagines the band serenading her in her bedroom, complete with Dee Dee and his bass under a running shower, and the final scene in which The Ramones play the title track while the high school explodes behind them in a piece of perfectly staged incendiary directing by Allan Arkush. Timeless, mindless, exuberantly staged entertainment...

Whose the Ramon-e-s
This is the best movie ever, it's funny, has great music, and has the Ramones in it. ME and my friends watch this movies over and over, and there aren't that many movies that we do that to. So if you love a great laugh and great music then this is the movie for you!!!! Rock on

Cult Classic + Ramones = Fun Fun
This is a masterpiece of low budget cinema. Everything about this movie rocks. The Ramones are undoubtedly one of the best punk rock bands of all time and this film showcases them to great effect. Really fantastic live footage. PJ Soles is mighty sweet and Dey Young is even sweeter. Great stuff from Mary Woronov, Paul Bartel and the mighty Dick Miller as well. Some of the cornball dialogue is unforgettable. And did I mention that Dey Young is sweet? She used to make my heart go pitter patter watching this in high school.

"1,2,3,4!!!"
Hey Ho! Let's Go! Listen up, kids. Rock 'n' Roll High School may have been released way back in 1979 but it still kicks the butt of any of those square MTV movies. Forget about Britney Spears and Mandy Moore's brand of bubblegum pop music -- they don't hold a candle to the unbridled power of those punk rockers from New York City, the Ramones!

The movie does a great job of playfully championing the Ramones as rock gods and yet shows them being accessible to their fans. The band first appears in a car driving down the street on the way to their venue as they play "I Just Wanna Have Something To Do." Once outside the club, they get out of the car and interact with the crowd of ticket buyers. The editing, coupled with the insanely catchy song gives the scene an infectious energy.

From B-movie veterans like Paul (Eating Raoul) Bartel and Mary (Death Race 2000) Woronov to newcomers (at the time), P.J. (Halloween) Soles and Dey (Strange Invaders) Young, the entire cast has a lot of fun spouting the film's wonderfully inspired cornball dialogue ("If you don't like it, you can put it where the monkey puts the nuts."). The Ramones are good sports and mumble their way through the film and truly coming alive during the music sequences. The movie rightfully cements their reputation as legends.

Rock 'n' Roll High School embodies the essence of the punk rock music that made the Ramones famous. The film is bursting with youthful energy, a dose of good ol' fashion anarchy and is loads of fun to watch. These are also the ingredients that made Rock 'n' Roll High School a cult film. It was a commercial and critical failure upon its initial release but repeated midnight screenings, coupled with steady appearances on TV, have helped the film endure over the years.

Producer Michael Finnell, screenwriter Richard Whitley and director Alan Arkush deliver an engaging and rather chatty audio commentary. The three men laugh and joke about working on Rock 'n' Roll High School. They clearly have fond memories of their experiences on the movie.

Also included is a dynamic theatrical trailer that gives away the ending! Definitely watch this last if you haven't seen the movie.

Leonard Maltin interviews Roger Corman about the movie. To his credit, the veteran filmmaker admits that he was wrong about the Disco High idea and was glad that Arkush convinced him to go with Rock 'n' Roll High School.

A real treat for fans of the Ramones are several audio outtakes during the filming of the concert sequence. These are the original audio tracks of the band in action.

While Rock 'n' Roll High School will appeal predominantly to fans of the Ramones (duh!), it is also one of those fun, goofy movies to invite friends over and watch with copious amounts of junk food on hand. Despite a lackluster transfer, the audio commentary and audio outtakes are worth the price of purchase for this fantastic cinematic oddity. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Don't get involved with things you don't understand
"Serpent and the Rainbow" is a classic horror voodoo flick with a good dose of intrigue and mystery to keep the viewer guessing. Perhaps the highlight is Zakes Mokae brillant performance as the evil voodoo high priest Dr. Peytraud. He steals each and every scene that he's in. Bill Pullman is passable as the naive doctor searching Haiti for a magic drug that turns humans into zombies. With any Wes Craven film, there are plenty of spooky "dream" sequences were the lines between reality and the sub-conscious become blurred. This film should not serve as an introduction to the practices of voodoo, possession or zombies but just as a fun, scary film that should remind many of the B-movies of the 50's.

The World of Black Magic
An interesting, yet far-fetched tale of black magic and political upheaval during the final days of the regime of Haiti's dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier is entertaining fare for any horror fan. An anthropologist (Pullman) is sent to Haiti to investigate the mystery of that country's zombies. There he gets himself involved in the chaos that erupts in the world's oldest black republic in addition to discovering a world of black magic that brings him more trouble than he expects.

Directed by horror-king Wes Craven ("Scream"; "Nightmare on Elm Street"), the "Serpent and The Rainbow," is partially based on the novel by the same title by anthropologist Wade Davis. Unlike his book, the film moves away from the books central theme and into a horror movie only Hollywood could create. Although, a reviewer from the neighboring Dominican Republic says that he totally agrees with the voodoo theme of the film, he probably has read or done his research in understanding the complexity of Haitian spiritualism. Due to both countries ongoing strife with one another, I would ignore such comments if I were a newcomer to the topic, and read the book before watching this film.

Having very scary scenes, including a live burial, and a final battle with a the head voodoo master was great, but the film lacks the authencity of a true story converted into a horror film (e.g. "Amityville Horror"). Regardless, this is a good film if you want to take a glimpse of poverty-stricken Haiti and the severity of race and politics on the western end of Hispaniola.

Great, except for the ending.
This is a well-crafted thriller. It weaves together everything from Amazonian shamans and ayahuasca dream-visions to Haitian voodoo rituals into a ripping yarn that follows the explorations of a Harvard anthropologist in search of the next great medical breakthrough. Retained by a medical conglomerate, he ventures to Haiti to find the secret of zombification. He finds it alright, together with a host of creepy characters and a sexy native doctor. The acting is altogether first-rate. Not a weak performance in the lot (though Bill Pullman is not the best of the group).

It's visually fascinating, engrossing, and just enough grounded in reality ... until an ending that is both rushed and almost comical. I don't to ruin it, and you really should watch it--if for no other reason than to speculate about how you might have ended the movie.

Surprisingly Excellent Creepy Drama/Horror
Though not nearly as famous as "Scream" or "Nightmare on Elm Street", this is possibly Craven's best film. It isn't a terrifying movie but is a spooky film with a smart, well written story. This is one of Bill Pullman's earliest roles (first time I'd seen him) and he does a great job as a scientist sent to Haiti by a pharmaceutical firm to research the medicinal potential of a mysterious powder known to plunge people into a temporary deathlike state. The story effectively touches many different topics (life under the Duvalier regime, profiteering drug companies, religion, the supernatural...) without overdoing any of them. This is a diamond in the rough. You'll get more enjoyment out of it than you expect. Always a nice situation.

Great Craven romp
Making an attempt to legitimize a horror film, Wes Craven adapted the best selling true life account by Wade Davis into this creepy horror romp. When a Harvard researcher (Bill Pullman) travels to Haiti to find a mysterious voodoo powder which can put anyone whom it is given to in a state of perpetual death, he gets way, way in over his head as he tries to uncover the mysteries behind the black magic. Craven manages to play with the viewer's psychological fears (including arachnophobia and claustrophobia as Pullman is buried alive with a huge tarantula crawling all over him) while inducing a few visceral thrills as well, but The Serpent & The Rainbow is definitely one of Craven's best films thanks to the realistic touch given to the film and Pullman's superb performance. Just like Universal's recent horror DVD re-releases, The Serpent & The Rainbow is devoid of any extras whatsoever, not even a trailer. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

TEACHER PET
MURDER 101 written and directed by Bill Condon (who would later grab an Oscar for GODS AND MONSTERS) is a great little movie that I had never heard of. Suffice to say, Condon's neat little script gives us two big surprises at the end. The murderer is hard to spot and the ending is just "Wow, did I just see what I think I saw?"
At any rate, Pierce Brosnan in his pre Bond days stars as a best-selling crime writer who teaches a class in how to write the perfect crime novel. Brosnan gained famed writing a true crime thriller that sent his friend to prison for murdering his wife. Brosnan returns to teaching, to meet his estranged wife, played sweetly by Dey Young, who has taken up with another professor, played smarmily by Mark L. Taylor (Fangs). Another friend of his is Detective Mike Dowley (played with a surly masculinity by Antoni Carone). Soon, though, things take a demonic twist when Pierce is set up for murder by one of his students. Rachel Sbarge in a crafty performance seems to be the one who is setting him up.
The pace is good; the script witty and inventive; and overall, a tidy, surprising mystery.

Nothing But Praise For Brosnan's Performance
I really enjoyed this 1991 t.v thriller starring Pierce Brosnan, before stepping into the role of suave secret agent James Bond, Brosnan was College professior Charles Lattimore returning back after a leave of absence due to writing his novel. No sooner when he gets back he tries to ignite his relationship with his ex-wife but she is with someone else. As well he's back into teaching. His first assigment he has for his students is to plan the perfect murder, no sooner one of his students is murdered and he comes under fire from the local autothies. Be prepared for the surpirse ending is nothing you would expect. This film does examine that even people of high moral integrity can still fall for the usual mind games inoving love and passion. Pierce Brosnan in this role has all the crediabillty and durabilty for the viewer to sustain beief. It is indeed a well made film.

It is one of the best
I can't believe i have finally seen this movie. I saw the movie like 13 years ago but i never new the title and did not know any of the actors.(i was just 9). So i did not know anything. Then later,i saw Mrs. Doubtfire and i was like hey i know this guy(this was like 1994). Yesterday i just saw one of my notes where i had written the story down and i said "oh yeah" i always wanted to see the movie. so i got on the internet and started searching. You can imagine going thru all of pierce Brosnans movies and reading the reviews and storyline. bcos i did not know the title. but ihave found it after such a long time. i am soo happy. So ihope yu get a copy of this movie. It is one of the best.

nice little mystery flick
This is a good little mystery movie set on a college campus with none other than Pierce Brosnan playing a prof who has his class try to write the perfect murder. Considering the low price, this movie is definitely worth a look. You won't be disappointed, and if you like Brosnan anyway, you'll probably fall in love with this one.

A Surprisingly good little mystery
With another actor I may have given this 3 stars for me... as in a good little mystery. With brosnan in it i give 4 stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Julie Barnes (Claire Danes), Pete Cochrane (Giovanni Ribisi), andLincoln Hayes (Omar Epps) have one thing in common: They're young adults on the wrong side of the law, arrested for crimes of robbery, grievous bodily harm, and arson. Taken in by mentor and father figure Captain Adam Greer (Dennis Farina), they are assigned to a special task force working undercover for the police--the logic being that these kids can get into the hip young establishments that the older, more cynical officers can no longer infiltrate. Ill-suited to each other and chastised by their peers, this rogue squad is forced to come together when they uncover a seedy world of police corruption. Not knowing who to turn to, the kids are left with their wits and street cunning (they're not allowed to carry guns) to overcome mounting odds against their survival.

With Hollywood facing increased pressure in 1999 to curb its screen violence, this film arrived with perfect timing. The only problem is the film was aimed at an audience that never saw the early-1970s TV series that inspired it, and this dubious recycling resulted in paltry returns at the box office. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable action movie with some noteworthy performances--especially from Omar Epps, who shines with strength and vulnerability, like a young Laurence Fishburne. The energetic camera work and throbbing soundtrack also stand out, alongwith some retro styling and a plot that's refreshingly free of excessive violence or gratuitous special effects.--Jeremy Storey ... Read more

Reviews (29)

MORE CORN & ONIONS
This movie really blows! It's among the worst I've ever seen. Not recommended.

Pretty Good if You're Bound and Gagged for Two Hours
Mod Squad is nothing to watch on purpose mind you. It's one of those bad films that requires no thinking at all to get through. That's probably why you could be watching it for over an hour and not even realize what anyone in the scenes are doing. This is the worst ripoff of a television series I have ever seen. The characters didn't act anything like the originals. Omar Epps rocked and as a black person I was embarrassed he even took a part in the mess. He is too good of an actor to even think of taking a role where he had so little to do. Ribisi was unnoticable as the " dumb " one of the group. His lines were supposed to be funny but he only ended up making me more bored. Claire Danes was stylish for once but she tried too hard to be sexy and once again her acting barely passed. With many more exciting young actresses out there I was surprised that someone thought Claire Danes who played Julie like a ditzy tramp could be smart enough to be a cop. This is the movie that proved Danes is not leading lady material. She does much better as a supporting actress. This was awful and unless you've got the hots for any of these three people don't waste your time. Poor Omar, thank goodness he went on to better roles. If you like new adaptations of old shows, I'd watch the new Charlie's Angels movies. They may not be perfect but at least they aren't boring.

Embarrasing.
For those who don't know, the premise of the TV show was that these three troubled kids had some attitude but were actually decent, sympathetic characters. And they had as their "father figure", Captain Greer.

Just copy that formula, with Clarie Danes--who IS cute--and bingo, instant hit.

But no. First we kill off the guy who's supposed to watch over them. Next, we make them unsympathetic slackers. Finally, add a dash of silly, dated dialog like "Solid, man". (Which sounded ridiculous, even in the 60s, trust me).

I don't know who Giovanni is but he should get some sleep and try breathing through his nose so he can close his mouth occasionally. Even when he isn't talking his mouth is open.

Didn't they give any thought to the lack of chemistry between these actors--and how unappealing they are in these roles? I'd send them back to prison.

more like 2 in a half
this movie has 3 good leads in the roles of Julie, Pete and Linc. but theres some funkyness and stupidity in some of this one, especially in Michael Lerner's Howard character, the man who dances with Omar Epps. Giovanni Ribisi is the stand out here as Pete, hes crazy and likable. my favorite scenes with him are teh scene with the carwash and the ones where he has the gun, hes so great with the gun, Claire Danes looks delicious in her black undies and Epps is buffer then ever. a good view and I having seen the tv show its based on though I hear its kinda good and corny.

Negative Stars Apply
First of all, Peggy Lipton's Julie would have whipped Claire Danes' Julie two times over and thrice on Sunday. How such a cool TV show could go bad as a movie boggles the mind. Ribisi's a great actor, but he's totally miscast at Pete. Same goes for Omar - not the Linc I had in mind AT ALL!!

Seriously, those of us who actually paid money to see this dribble weren't going in for Masterpiece Theatre. What we got was the thrill of telling everyone we know that we paid to see one of the worst films of all time. Yippee. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A major disappointment
It's obvious that the producers had good intentions for STRANGE INVADERS. Unfortunately I found the result tired, forced and lazy; despite the presence of cult faves Kenneth Tobey (THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD, BEAST FROM 20,000 FATHOMS), June Lockhart (TV's LOST IN SPACE) and Fiona Lewis (DR. PHIBES RISES AGAIN, THE FURY). The acting is ham-fisted and this "spoof" of 50s alien invasion movies is almost a complete wash out.

Such a great sci-fi movie!
I remember seeing this movie back in the early eighties...and it was a really good one, with lots of wierd imagery and unexpected scenes. After a while, they didn't show it any more, and I couldn't ever find it on video until now...which made me buy it as soon as I could...and I loved it all the more! I recommend this movie to anyone who likes a sci-fi movie with unexpected twists.

Invitingly Weird!
Both an entertaining sci-fi spoof and a satisfying example of the genre in and of itself. Searching for his missing ex-wife, hero Paul LeMat travels to her hometown of Centerville (aka "Anytown, USA"), where everyone seems a bit odd, and nothing seems to have changed much since 1958. Could the town have been taken over ... by aliens?! That laser-beaming finger might be a clue! Let the scary but good-natured fun begin. Genre fans will want to watch closely for the many homages to films and TV series from the 1950's through the early 1980's including "Invasion of the Body Snatchers", "Lost in Space" (June Lockhart and Mark Goddard have small roles), "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", and dozens more. Other viewers may want to simply concentrate on the fine performances of LeMat, Louise Fletcher, Michael Lerner, Wallace Shawn, and especially leading lady Nancy Allen whose uniquely sassy charm serves the film well. The strangest performance is given by Diana Scarwid, who plays LeMat's ex-wife; she recites her lines in the same flat, sing-song voice that she used to play the adult Christina Crawford in "Mommie Dearest", and while her tone is distractingly obnoxious, she's impossible to dislike.

The widescreen DVD presentation, though not anamorphic, is completely acceptable and beautifully showcases the often gorgeous cinematography. The sound and video tranfers are fine, although the source print does seem a bit grainy near the beginning of the movie. Extras include a director's commentary and the Original Theatrical Trailer. Overall, a very nice edition of a film that deservedly enjoys a small - but loyal - cult following.

Very Entertaining
I remember seeing Strange Invaders back in the mid 80's. It really was an interesting movie. Now, watching it again, I can see that this film is a great homage to the "alien" movies of the 50's. Many of the scenes (especially the opening scenes) are very dark, murky and a little off focus, but many of the 50's films were this way too. It was made to look like a cheap movie. Even the opening credits are a bit odd. Once the plot gets going though, you are treated to a good story with decent special effects. The cast is top notch and they do a great job with this "tongue and cheek" material. Be sure to listen for an old R.E.M. song in the background (when LeMat is feeding his dog) and look for 2 Lost in Space cast members in small supporting roles. Now, if we can just get this in widescreen and on DVD.....

Beware the Avon lady!
A well-intentioned sci-fi romp that suffers a bit due to an indecisive director.He starts out with a campy, affectionate spoof of 50's sci-fi films (a la "Matinee"); but at midpoint does a 180 degree spin and gets "serious". In spite of this problem,the appealing performers hold your interest. Paul LeMat is an etymologist (who should have looked closer at his ex-wife's anatomy!)and Nancy Allen is the "Weekly World News"-type writer who joins him on an "X-Files" style investigation. There are some very funny bits, especially involving an Avon lady (who redefines the concept of "doing a face peel"). You'll have to look fast for a clever visual gag involving Steven Spielberg's photo. There's enough quirky charm here to even forgive the scene showing someone playing a video arcade game (in the 1950's?!).Note of irony: a subplot involving LeMat's daughter eerily pre-sages the Elian Gonzales situation (talk about an illegal alien!) Mostly harmless. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Do your parents know you're Ramones?" With those withering words, Miss Togar (Mary Woronov), the uptight neofascist principal of Vince Lombardi High School, addresses the four mop-haired, leather-jacketed members of America's first and most famous punk band. And you know it won't be long before the Ramones's jackhammer riffs are blaring through the public address system at maximum volume, the kids are running--not walking--wild in the hallways (without passes!), and Miss Togar's gulag is re-christened "Rock 'n' Roll High School." Then, in keeping with the outrageously nihilistic animus of punk, the high school students and the Ramones just blow the place to smithereens. It's a crowd- pleasing, fantasy-fulfillment climax that combines the apocalyptic finale of Michelangelo Antonioni's Zabriskie Point with the explosive conclusion of Alice Cooper's "School's Out." Rock 'n' Roll High School is a blast, a goofy and liberating salute to the rebel spirit behind the teen rock 'n' roll movies of the 1950s, which always pitted the kids' insatiable appetite for fun against the adults' fear-based authoritarianism. The film is emblematic of the disarmingly silly, tongue-in-cheek humor of the youth-oriented B-pictures cranked out in the '50s and '60s by renowned low-budget exploitation mogul Roger Corman (who gave many a hungry young filmmaker, including the creators of this film, their start in the biz), and of the noisy, anarchic energy of '70s punk rock, as personified by the inimitable Ramones. In the words of the maestros' beach-blanket-buzz-saw title anthem, this movie is "Fun, fun, oh baby, fun, fun..." The digital video disc offers audio commentary by the filmmakers, including director Alan Arkush, a Leonard Maltin interview with Corman, and some audio outtakes of the Ramones. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (54)

The Ramones kick!!
I own Rock and Roll Highschool. This movie is awesome!!! The Ramones totally can't act, and they give all the lines to Joey, but hey, the movie is a classic. Its got some great scenes (i love when they blow up the school) and AWESOME music. I was surprised they put music from Paul McCartney and Wings in their since Paul isn't even close to punk, but thats cool wit me cuz im a big wings fan anywayz. They put great Ramones songs in it too. ( i wish they put beat on the brat in it,i love that song but it has nuttin to do with the movie)

The Kids Are All Hopped Up And Ready To Go
It's hard to admit, but the recent death of Joey Ramone took a lot of the wind out of my sails, bringing with it a feeling of vulnerability, mortality and, yes, approaching middle age. Having said that, it's a treat that this part of his legacy is finally available again for all to treasure. Sort of a twisted mix of low-budget 1950's juvenile delinquent movies and 1960's beach comedies, "Rock 'N' Roll High School" has aged surprising well, thanks in most part I guess to the timeless appeal of the "brothers" Ramone. Highlights, besides the hopped up concert footage (filmed in front of an enthusiastic audience), include the Ramones pulling up to a concert venue in an old Cadillac singing "I Just Want To Have Something To Do," a fantasy sequence in which self-proclaimed #1 Ramones fan Riff Randall (P.J. Soles) imagines the band serenading her in her bedroom, complete with Dee Dee and his bass under a running shower, and the final scene in which The Ramones play the title track while the high school explodes behind them in a piece of perfectly staged incendiary directing by Allan Arkush. Timeless, mindless, exuberantly staged entertainment...

Whose the Ramon-e-s
This is the best movie ever, it's funny, has great music, and has the Ramones in it. ME and my friends watch this movies over and over, and there aren't that many movies that we do that to. So if you love a great laugh and great music then this is the movie for you!!!! Rock on

Cult Classic + Ramones = Fun Fun
This is a masterpiece of low budget cinema. Everything about this movie rocks. The Ramones are undoubtedly one of the best punk rock bands of all time and this film showcases them to great effect. Really fantastic live footage. PJ Soles is mighty sweet and Dey Young is even sweeter. Great stuff from Mary Woronov, Paul Bartel and the mighty Dick Miller as well. Some of the cornball dialogue is unforgettable. And did I mention that Dey Young is sweet? She used to make my heart go pitter patter watching this in high school.

"1,2,3,4!!!"
Hey Ho! Let's Go! Listen up, kids. Rock 'n' Roll High School may have been released way back in 1979 but it still kicks the butt of any of those square MTV movies. Forget about Britney Spears and Mandy Moore's brand of bubblegum pop music -- they don't hold a candle to the unbridled power of those punk rockers from New York City, the Ramones!

The movie does a great job of playfully championing the Ramones as rock gods and yet shows them being accessible to their fans. The band first appears in a car driving down the street on the way to their venue as they play "I Just Wanna Have Something To Do." Once outside the club, they get out of the car and interact with the crowd of ticket buyers. The editing, coupled with the insanely catchy song gives the scene an infectious energy.

From B-movie veterans like Paul (Eating Raoul) Bartel and Mary (Death Race 2000) Woronov to newcomers (at the time), P.J. (Halloween) Soles and Dey (Strange Invaders) Young, the entire cast has a lot of fun spouting the film's wonderfully inspired cornball dialogue ("If you don't like it, you can put it where the monkey puts the nuts."). The Ramones are good sports and mumble their way through the film and truly coming alive during the music sequences. The movie rightfully cements their reputation as legends.

Rock 'n' Roll High School embodies the essence of the punk rock music that made the Ramones famous. The film is bursting with youthful energy, a dose of good ol' fashion anarchy and is loads of fun to watch. These are also the ingredients that made Rock 'n' Roll High School a cult film. It was a commercial and critical failure upon its initial release but repeated midnight screenings, coupled with steady appearances on TV, have helped the film endure over the years.

Producer Michael Finnell, screenwriter Richard Whitley and director Alan Arkush deliver an engaging and rather chatty audio commentary. The three men laugh and joke about working on Rock 'n' Roll High School. They clearly have fond memories of their experiences on the movie.

Also included is a dynamic theatrical trailer that gives away the ending! Definitely watch this last if you haven't seen the movie.

Leonard Maltin interviews Roger Corman about the movie. To his credit, the veteran filmmaker admits that he was wrong about the Disco High idea and was glad that Arkush convinced him to go with Rock 'n' Roll High School.

A real treat for fans of the Ramones are several audio outtakes during the filming of the concert sequence. These are the original audio tracks of the band in action.

While Rock 'n' Roll High School will appeal predominantly to fans of the Ramones (duh!), it is also one of those fun, goofy movies to invite friends over and watch with copious amounts of junk food on hand. Despite a lackluster transfer, the audio commentary and audio outtakes are worth the price of purchase for this fantastic cinematic oddity. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Renée Zellweger stars in this approximate remake of a 1956 rock & roll comedy that featured Fats Domino and Joe Turner in concert, and starred Mike Connors, Sterling Holloway, and Margaret Dumont in a story about killjoy adults trying to ban a teen-dance television show. Zellweger's 1994 update, made as part of Showtime Cable's Rebel Highway series, is similarly set during rock's late-'50s primordial beginnings and costars Nora Dunn, Mary Woronov, and P.J. Soles as uptight citizens putting the squeeze on a dance show hosted by a chipper hipster (Howie Mandel). Director Allan Arkush (Rock 'n' Roll High School) brings his arch touch to this silly but endearing tale (with a big boost from former Warhol mainstay Woronov), while America's sweetheart, Zellweger, literally throws herself into the high-octane part of a wannabe singer-songwriter relentlessly wooed by a bad-boy biker (nice work by musician John Doe). The original tunes could be better, but a subplot involving the uphill aspirations of an African American girl group (led by Latanyia Baldwin) in a racist entertainment industry allows for some vibrant doo-wop performances. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Description

Hang on for a wild ride! In this fast-paced romantic comedy, Charlie Dunlap (Sports Night's Josh Charles) always dreamed of being traffic reporter# but when he lands his perfect job in L.A., his relationship with the girl of his dreams takes a turn for the worse. Not even his mentor, famed radio personality Alan Davenport (Monsters Inc.'s John Goodman) can help him, and now he's got to put the pedal to the metal to chase after his one chance at true love. Christine Lahti (Chicago Hope), Anne Heche (Donnie Brasco), and Peter Riegert (National Lampoon's Animal House) co-star in this hilarious comedy about life, love and hot pursuit! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Charming
This is one of those delightful movies that gets overlooked by critics and viewers. But it is one of my favorites because it is so charming and sincere. I love the fact that it's about traffic engineering- something that I've always wondered about myself when driving through congested streets. I would think about the optimal way to time the lights so that less people would be stuck in traffic. The other reason why this movie is special to me is because of the memories it brings back of the time when I first saw it in 1996, with my ex-girlfriend, on HBO on a lazy Friday night. The scenes with the beautiful lighting in the apartment yard or the hilarious scenes of Christine Lahti as the horny landlord sort of meld into the memories and impressions I have of that ecstatic time in my life. I love the way movies or music can do that. So I guess we all have our personal movies that do that to us.

Cute
Hey, sometimes it's great to see a simple movie. This one is no great genius, and it's pretty predictable, but it IS perfectly adorable. An entertaining 2 hours.

a quirky, fun movie about traffic and naked people
One of my favorite new actors teams up with Anne Heche to produce a fun, wacky view of live traffic reports and interpretive dance. I was hooked the first time I saw it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Eight years before he scored a phenomenal hit with Scream, horror master Wes Craven made aworthy effort to "legitimize" horror with this chilling supernatural thriller, based on the best-selling book by WadeDavis. More ambitious than most horror films, this one allowed Craven to generate compelling plausibility with thefact-based story of a Harvard researcher (Bill Pullman) who travels to Haiti to procure a secret voodoo powder thatplaces people into a state of simulated death. His investigation into the hidden world of black magic grows increasinglydangerous until he's caught in a living nightmare--a potentially deadly predicament that inspired the film's advertisingtag line: "Don't bury me... I'm not dead!" Craven pays particular attention to authentic details of Haitian society and therole voodoo plays in Haitian culture, and the film gains additional atmosphere from location shooting in Haiti and theDominican Republic. Craven would, of course, continue to thrive by making more "conventional" horror filmsincluding Scream, but this remains a fascinating departure for one of the genre's most celebrated directors. - -Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Don't get involved with things you don't understand
"Serpent and the Rainbow" is a classic horror voodoo flick with a good dose of intrigue and mystery to keep the viewer guessing. Perhaps the highlight is Zakes Mokae brillant performance as the evil voodoo high priest Dr. Peytraud. He steals each and every scene that he's in. Bill Pullman is passable as the naive doctor searching Haiti for a magic drug that turns humans into zombies. With any Wes Craven film, there are plenty of spooky "dream" sequences were the lines between reality and the sub-conscious become blurred. This film should not serve as an introduction to the practices of voodoo, possession or zombies but just as a fun, scary film that should remind many of the B-movies of the 50's.

The World of Black Magic
An interesting, yet far-fetched tale of black magic and political upheaval during the final days of the regime of Haiti's dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier is entertaining fare for any horror fan. An anthropologist (Pullman) is sent to Haiti to investigate the mystery of that country's zombies. There he gets himself involved in the chaos that erupts in the world's oldest black republic in addition to discovering a world of black magic that brings him more trouble than he expects.

Directed by horror-king Wes Craven ("Scream"; "Nightmare on Elm Street"), the "Serpent and The Rainbow," is partially based on the novel by the same title by anthropologist Wade Davis. Unlike his book, the film moves away from the books central theme and into a horror movie only Hollywood could create. Although, a reviewer from the neighboring Dominican Republic says that he totally agrees with the voodoo theme of the film, he probably has read or done his research in understanding the complexity of Haitian spiritualism. Due to both countries ongoing strife with one another, I would ignore such comments if I were a newcomer to the topic, and read the book before watching this film.

Having very scary scenes, including a live burial, and a final battle with a the head voodoo master was great, but the film lacks the authencity of a true story converted into a horror film (e.g. "Amityville Horror"). Regardless, this is a good film if you want to take a glimpse of poverty-stricken Haiti and the severity of race and politics on the western end of Hispaniola.

Great, except for the ending.
This is a well-crafted thriller. It weaves together everything from Amazonian shamans and ayahuasca dream-visions to Haitian voodoo rituals into a ripping yarn that follows the explorations of a Harvard anthropologist in search of the next great medical breakthrough. Retained by a medical conglomerate, he ventures to Haiti to find the secret of zombification. He finds it alright, together with a host of creepy characters and a sexy native doctor. The acting is altogether first-rate. Not a weak performance in the lot (though Bill Pullman is not the best of the group).

It's visually fascinating, engrossing, and just enough grounded in reality ... until an ending that is both rushed and almost comical. I don't to ruin it, and you really should watch it--if for no other reason than to speculate about how you might have ended the movie.

Surprisingly Excellent Creepy Drama/Horror
Though not nearly as famous as "Scream" or "Nightmare on Elm Street", this is possibly Craven's best film. It isn't a terrifying movie but is a spooky film with a smart, well written story. This is one of Bill Pullman's earliest roles (first time I'd seen him) and he does a great job as a scientist sent to Haiti by a pharmaceutical firm to research the medicinal potential of a mysterious powder known to plunge people into a temporary deathlike state. The story effectively touches many different topics (life under the Duvalier regime, profiteering drug companies, religion, the supernatural...) without overdoing any of them. This is a diamond in the rough. You'll get more enjoyment out of it than you expect. Always a nice situation.

Great Craven romp
Making an attempt to legitimize a horror film, Wes Craven adapted the best selling true life account by Wade Davis into this creepy horror romp. When a Harvard researcher (Bill Pullman) travels to Haiti to find a mysterious voodoo powder which can put anyone whom it is given to in a state of perpetual death, he gets way, way in over his head as he tries to uncover the mysteries behind the black magic. Craven manages to play with the viewer's psychological fears (including arachnophobia and claustrophobia as Pullman is buried alive with a huge tarantula crawling all over him) while inducing a few visceral thrills as well, but The Serpent & The Rainbow is definitely one of Craven's best films thanks to the realistic touch given to the film and Pullman's superb performance. Just like Universal's recent horror DVD re-releases, The Serpent & The Rainbow is devoid of any extras whatsoever, not even a trailer. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Movie is Good But DVD is Bad
One of the better made for TV movies, but the DVD copy I got is of a poor quality (although watchable)!If your a Val Fan its worth the low end price! Otherwise if you want a better than VHS quality recording then pass on this one and wait for the 2nd generation print!

SHE GAVE UP A DREAM AND NOW ALL SHE HAS IS HER MEMORIES
A woman who gave up college to marry her boyfriend, becomes a widow soon after her husband is sent to vietnam ... Read more

Reviews (1)

VERY ENTERTAINING ACTION/HORROR MOVIE
A COP [MARIO VAN PEEBLES] INVESTIGATES MURDERS THAT'RE LINKED TO A DEMON. IT'S A GOOD ACTION/HORROR MOVIE. IT'S COOL HOW THIS MOVIE KEEPS YOU WATCHING. HAS SOME GOOD MURDER SEQUENCES. I REALLY THINK ICE-T SHOULD'VE SURVIVED MUCH LONGER IN THIS MOVIE.
ICE SHOULD'VE GOTTEN MORE SCREEN TIME IN THIS MOVIE. BUT OTHER THAN THAT, THIS IS A GOOD ACTION/HORROR FLICK THAT SHOULD PLEASE FANS OF THE TWO GENRES. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great movie; very underrated
This movie is outstanding! I had never heard of it until I saw it on Amazon and bought it. It is very good, for never hearing of it. The casting is absolutely perfect. Ty Brian and Dunst, if you think about it, do look a little like twins. Anyway, the movie is basically about two lost twins after a plane crash, and what troubles lie ahead of their journey back to civilization. There is much determination in the acting, and is very good in that category. I reccomend this movie to anyone who likes Drama, Action/Adventure, or much less anybody who appreciates movies! ... Read more

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Although it's had a strong cult reputation since its initial release, Strange Behavior was the odd man out at the time:in 1981, horror movies were primarily of the stupid slasher variety. This film deserves better--it's more of an homage to the all-American 1950s B movie. Future Oscar winner Bill Condon (Gods and Monsters) and director Michael Laughlin cooked up this kooky tale of a mad scientist programming small-town teens to kill. Laughlin's long-take style gets under your skin, the Tangerine Dream score is unnerving, and the fact that the whole thing was shot in New Zealand adds a touch of the peculiar to the "Midwestern" landscape. At times the weird science seems to have infected everyone in town (a giddy choreographed dance at a teen party comes from nowhere), which just adds to the sense of general--you know--strange behavior. Condon and Laughlin followed with 1983's Strange Invaders. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (4)

could have been worse
The movie isn't bad. It's not great either, but definitely isn't bad. I have to hand it to these guys. I live in the town that it was supposed to take place in (Galesburg, Illinois), and they actually do a good job makind New Zealand look like my town. There are a few shots, that are almost too close to the real thing. I haven't seen this movie in awhile. The local video store had it with the title Dead Kids. They don't have it any longer, so unfortunately I can't give much more recommendation. I would still say to give it a shot.

Odd but an interesting premise
The gist of the story is revenge by Dr. LeSange against the town who didnt appreciate his ideas on behavior control...the music is typical tangerine dream and enhances the moodiness of the film..i saw this on HBO 20 years ago and videotaped it...not as shocking as when I first saw it except the scene where the cop's son is given the injection...ive seem worse horror films and would recommend it

Even Stranger Music
Very odd horror/slasher flick with its real New Zealand location subbing for a generic anywhere USA. The musical numbers ranging from Popular Mechanix to Lou Christie (for God's Sake!)is actually a lot of fun culminating in an almost Twin Peaks masquerade/dancing party.Special effects are mininmal, as is the blood but nobody plays an erotic college prof. better than the English actress involved,a real hoot and reminded me of the old 1940s' Spider Woman vs. Sherlock Holmes

Shoddy slasher peice!
A very strange film about kids being turned into murderers by a mad doctor. Notable only for a scene where a guy start's pissing blood! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

ok for a normal night
absolutely nothing special, and non convincing at some moments. I cannot understand how could only one person be able to drive an old Russian tank and fire its gun at the same time.

astoundingly bad!
It's impossible to describe the level of absurdity this movie reaches. There is not a single thing right about it. It's incomprehensible that this thing was ever made; you've got to admire the insane levels of self-confidence necessary for letting this project go forward. The most vile assaults on logic accompany a tasteless script and mediocre acting. Every "twist" in this faux-psycho thriller/fighter-jock flick is telegraphed ten miles in advance, but you never believe they are willing to do something so obtuse.

Made in 1998, this movie makes Iron Eagle ('85) look positively clever and up to date. In fact the uber-low budget 'Tactical Assault' looks and feels like an awkward mid-80s clunker. Nothing is at all convincing, despite being utterly predictable. Military jargon is thrown around haplessly and the attempt to portray some kind of "war," that embarrassingly makes no sense whatsoever ("We've got a broken arrow situation here"). They try to pass F-4s off as MiGs, then have them combate F-16s ("He's on my tail. Get him off!!!") - pathetic. Whenever a decision has to be made by any of the characters, exactly the wrong choice is made. The characters, supposedly hot shot pilots, are merely insults to the gene pool. Nothing makes a lick of sense. There's no way and no point to listing this movie's inanities, but the tank scene alone (no security for parked tanks that are actually sitting loaded...) is priceless. We can only compliment it for the humorous lows it achieves.

TYPICAL B-MOVIE
Ok, as much as I hate to say it, this film is nothing special. I think Rutger Hauer is a phenomenal actor, but the movies he's been in over the past five years really stink. The film is bearable but don't expect too much. Special effects are minimal and the filming of flight scenes are not very convincing - poor version of Top Gun. If you are a Rutger Hauer fan stick to movies such as the Hitcher, Wanted Dead or Alive(VHS format only), and Blade Runner. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

The Ramones kick!!
I own Rock and Roll Highschool. This movie is awesome!!! The Ramones totally can't act, and they give all the lines to Joey, but hey, the movie is a classic. Its got some great scenes (i love when they blow up the school) and AWESOME music. I was surprised they put music from Paul McCartney and Wings in their since Paul isn't even close to punk, but thats cool wit me cuz im a big wings fan anywayz. They put great Ramones songs in it too. ( i wish they put beat on the brat in it,i love that song but it has nuttin to do with the movie)

The Kids Are All Hopped Up And Ready To Go
It's hard to admit, but the recent death of Joey Ramone took a lot of the wind out of my sails, bringing with it a feeling of vulnerability, mortality and, yes, approaching middle age. Having said that, it's a treat that this part of his legacy is finally available again for all to treasure. Sort of a twisted mix of low-budget 1950's juvenile delinquent movies and 1960's beach comedies, "Rock 'N' Roll High School" has aged surprising well, thanks in most part I guess to the timeless appeal of the "brothers" Ramone. Highlights, besides the hopped up concert footage (filmed in front of an enthusiastic audience), include the Ramones pulling up to a concert venue in an old Cadillac singing "I Just Want To Have Something To Do," a fantasy sequence in which self-proclaimed #1 Ramones fan Riff Randall (P.J. Soles) imagines the band serenading her in her bedroom, complete with Dee Dee and his bass under a running shower, and the final scene in which The Ramones play the title track while the high school explodes behind them in a piece of perfectly staged incendiary directing by Allan Arkush. Timeless, mindless, exuberantly staged entertainment...

Whose the Ramon-e-s
This is the best movie ever, it's funny, has great music, and has the Ramones in it. ME and my friends watch this movies over and over, and there aren't that many movies that we do that to. So if you love a great laugh and great music then this is the movie for you!!!! Rock on

Cult Classic + Ramones = Fun Fun
This is a masterpiece of low budget cinema. Everything about this movie rocks. The Ramones are undoubtedly one of the best punk rock bands of all time and this film showcases them to great effect. Really fantastic live footage. PJ Soles is mighty sweet and Dey Young is even sweeter. Great stuff from Mary Woronov, Paul Bartel and the mighty Dick Miller as well. Some of the cornball dialogue is unforgettable. And did I mention that Dey Young is sweet? She used to make my heart go pitter patter watching this in high school.

"1,2,3,4!!!"
Hey Ho! Let's Go! Listen up, kids. Rock 'n' Roll High School may have been released way back in 1979 but it still kicks the butt of any of those square MTV movies. Forget about Britney Spears and Mandy Moore's brand of bubblegum pop music -- they don't hold a candle to the unbridled power of those punk rockers from New York City, the Ramones!

The movie does a great job of playfully championing the Ramones as rock gods and yet shows them being accessible to their fans. The band first appears in a car driving down the street on the way to their venue as they play "I Just Wanna Have Something To Do." Once outside the club, they get out of the car and interact with the crowd of ticket buyers. The editing, coupled with the insanely catchy song gives the scene an infectious energy.

From B-movie veterans like Paul (Eating Raoul) Bartel and Mary (Death Race 2000) Woronov to newcomers (at the time), P.J. (Halloween) Soles and Dey (Strange Invaders) Young, the entire cast has a lot of fun spouting the film's wonderfully inspired cornball dialogue ("If you don't like it, you can put it where the monkey puts the nuts."). The Ramones are good sports and mumble their way through the film and truly coming alive during the music sequences. The movie rightfully cements their reputation as legends.

Rock 'n' Roll High School embodies the essence of the punk rock music that made the Ramones famous. The film is bursting with youthful energy, a dose of good ol' fashion anarchy and is loads of fun to watch. These are also the ingredients that made Rock 'n' Roll High School a cult film. It was a commercial and critical failure upon its initial release but repeated midnight screenings, coupled with steady appearances on TV, have helped the film endure over the years.

Producer Michael Finnell, screenwriter Richard Whitley and director Alan Arkush deliver an engaging and rather chatty audio commentary. The three men laugh and joke about working on Rock 'n' Roll High School. They clearly have fond memories of their experiences on the movie.

Also included is a dynamic theatrical trailer that gives away the ending! Definitely watch this last if you haven't seen the movie.

Leonard Maltin interviews Roger Corman about the movie. To his credit, the veteran filmmaker admits that he was wrong about the Disco High idea and was glad that Arkush convinced him to go with Rock 'n' Roll High School.

A real treat for fans of the Ramones are several audio outtakes during the filming of the concert sequence. These are the original audio tracks of the band in action.

While Rock 'n' Roll High School will appeal predominantly to fans of the Ramones (duh!), it is also one of those fun, goofy movies to invite friends over and watch with copious amounts of junk food on hand. Despite a lackluster transfer, the audio commentary and audio outtakes are worth the price of purchase for this fantastic cinematic oddity. ... Read more

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Kirsten Dunst demonstrates her star charisma in True Heart. Dunst and Zachery Ty Bryan star as twins whose plane has crashed in the Canadian wilderness, where they are rescued by a Native American named Khonanesta (August Schellenberg). Khonanesta is fighting to save a giant Kodiak bear from villainous poachers (we know they're bad because their leader has a claw for a hand). Though initially suspicious, the kids soon join him in his struggle, and in turn his simple wisdom helps them resolve their grief over their dead father. Dunst is a naturally engaging actress, but her efforts are thrown away on this clumsily written bundle of clichés. Aside from the bear--because who can resist a great big bear--the rest of the cast flounders. --Bret Fetzer

You'd never guess it from the title, but Courage Mountain is a sequel to children's classic, Heidi. In this handsome production, filmed in Europe and set during World War I, a teenaged Heidi (Juliette Caton) leaves Switzerland to attend school in Italy. Things go wrong from the start. The other girls make fun of her country ways, then the school is seized by the army. Due to a misunderstanding, Heidi and several classmates are separated from their beloved headmistress (Leslie Caron) and sent to an Oliver Twist-like orphanage. Fortunately, they're able to escape. Using her mountaineering skills, Heidi leads them on an expedition across the Alps to her grandfather's house. Charlie Sheen, who plays her sweetheart Peter, acquits himself nicely as a soldier who assists the girls, but his American accent sounds out of place. Odd casting aside, this family adventure is faithful to the spirit of the original story. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (1)

worth it just for "Courage Mountain"
This excellent twofer from the folks at MGM is a fantastic set featuring two top-class movies.

COURAGE MOUNTAIN has been a favorite of mine for years. Essentially a continuation of Johanna Spyri's "Heidi" novels, it concerns the teenaged Heidi (played by Juliette Caton) being sent away to an Italian boarding school on the eve of WW1. Looked after by the kind headmistress Jane Hilary (played by legendary dancing star Leslie Caron), the school and all its occupants are disbanded when the Italian army siezes it as a barracks. Heidi and several of her schoolmates are sent to a sadistic orphanage, and end up escaping over the mountains. Full of fantastic performances, COURAGE MOUNTAIN also stars Laura Betti, Nicola Stapleton and Charlie Sheen.

TRUE HEART is obviously not nearly as entertaining as COURAGE MOUNTAIN but has its own charms and merits. The story concerns twins (played by Kirsten Dunst and Zachery Ty Bryan) who happen across a group of endangered bears, threatened by evil poachers. They decide to rally around and protect them. A fine introduction for young children about the importance of wildlife and nature.

Both discs feature the original trailers and are presented in full-frame versions, and COURAGE MOUNTAIN features an impressive 5.1 sound mix. ... Read more