Reviews (32)

Interesting but seriously flawed
INDECENT PROPOSAL is one of those formularized, supposedly heartfelt movies told in one mess of a tale. It starts off with a couple (Demi Moore and Woody Harrelson) struggling to make ends meet and just as they are about to drown in debt, they hit the jackpot in Vegas and then lose all their winnings again. As they are about to hit rock bottom, Robert Redford, a multi-billionaire, comes into their lives to give them a chance to get one million dollars. The catch: Redford "borrow" Woody's wife for one night. They agree, but this of course changes the course of their relationship forever. Woody Harrelson is truly miscast in a role too serious for him, making some scenes unintentionally funny. Yet the other two leads help keep this vechicle interesting. Despite the limited success of the script, it remains as a flawed but ambitious work.

A treasure
This movie is definitely a treasure, beautifully acted, beautifully filmed, its the kind of movie that stays with you. I can't say much about the movie that hasn't already been said except that I recommend the soundtrack also, the movie score is excellent.

How can any female viewer....
of this movie not be angry about this film? Come on, Robert Redford asks Woody Harrelson to sell him his wife for a million bucks. HELLO? Can't Demi have an opinion on that? In the billiard room scene the two men talk about Demi as if she is some sexual pleasuring device. Plus, there is a microphone in the picture for about 3 minutes.
Other then that, the film is entertaining, but that is only because Robert Redford is in it. Brilliant casting, who needs a million bucks reward to sleep with RR, especially when compared to Woody.
Demi knows that, Robert knows that and the (female) viewer knows that. Poor Woody marvels what went wrong for a bit too long to come over as at least decent intelligent.
Good thing is that we never see Demi and Robert "doing it".
All in all the movie works in favour of RR, and that is not a bad thing.
Yeah, I know my english is bad :)

I'd like to make a proposal,remake the movie with Demi & I !
Demi Moore is a housewife who goes to Vegas with her husband and loses all their money at the casino. A rich tycoon (Redford) offers a proposal. One night in bed with the man's wife (Demi) for a big wad of money. She accepts...however, after the smoke clears, the husband suspects that his wife is still seeing the tycoon & ends up divorcing her. She runs to the tycoon to start a new relationship. Will money buy her the happiness she seeks? Find out for yourself!

Was it really so indecent?
Adrian Lyne is truely a master at exploiting human emotions. In this powerful movie he adds the bonus of 'easy money' in the form of one million dollars to a stuggling couple if the lady is willing to spend just one night with him.. We are all to assume that one night is all the billionaire really wants. "The night will come and go but the money could last a lifetime" he explains, but in a true Coen brothers twist, money proves to be the root of all evil. The irony being, that once the night passes, and the relationship deteriorates, neither of them want the money. The only real flaw in the movie is the fact that neither member of this relatively intelligent couple are able to see what the billionaires alterior motive is.
All through this movie I kept wondering what I would do in the same situation. Now I'm not married but maybe if I were I would look at it differently but right now, I would probably take the money. The reason being that I think I'm mature and responsible enough to deal with it.... But then again, dont we all. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

The cutest, most endearing love story of all time!
An attractively, welldone movie. Meg Ryan's character seemed to be made just for her and she played it superbly. And Walter Matthau was wonderful as Einstein. They couldn't have picked a better guy. I was just cuted out by the characters he and his friends (Lou Jacobi, Gene Saks, and Joseph Maher) played. The were the funniest, most humorous match-makers I have ever seen in a movie. In short, I think that the cast of characters was nothing short of magnificent.

Catherine (Meg Ryan) is the niece of the well meaning but bumbling Einstein (Walter Matthau). She was born with the mind of a scientist who always follows her head, and is just learning what it means to follow her heart. And Ed (Tim Robbins) is just the man to teach her how (with a little help from Einstein and his friends).

This Movie Is, Like, Jivin'!
I have to confess.....I love this movie. I think I've watched it over 300 times, and I'll probably watch it another 300.

Say what you want to about Meg Ryan being too cute, about the plot being predictable, whatever. I think it's just....jivin'. It's a neat love story, about the actions of boy meets girl, fate and love, and Albert Einstien's convertible. Throw in a comet and a few wacky physicists, well, it's just pure fun. I wish to heck I could find the score somewhere; the blend of do-wap and Mozart is as much fun as the movie itself.

I'm prejudiced because Tim Robbins is my favorite actor, but all the acting in this goofy, off the wall film is top-notch. Though it's not one of the late Walter Matthau's most famous roles, I personally think it's one of his best, and I can't think of anyone better to play the eccentric Albert Einstien.

One of the most beautiful things about this film is the accuracy of the set and costumes. Not just Meg Ryan's picture-perfect 50's dresses, but the buildings and vehicles, and especially the heavily wood-panelled bungalows favored by the rich during the late 50's; they're so time-perfect you can almost smell the Lemon Pledge.

Incedentally...look for one of the funniest performances in one of the experiments by Meg Ryan's movie fiance, "Excremental Psychologist" James Moreland. I'm not sure who the actor is, but in the background of his lab is a student driven psychotic by a "time depravation experiment", and his physical humor and antics are about a thousand times better than anything from SNL in the past decade.

By the by, this makes a perfect date movie, and is mild enough for kids...but still fun for adults. It's just all around terrific, and a great buy.

A brilliant romantic comedy
Now this is how to do the genre!

This is brilliantly funny, poignant and tender, but never insipid (the director is Australia...so insipidness is definitely out) movie. Matthau is truly fantastic as Einstein, as are his three sidekicks (especially Godel! and the tree that likes to eat their stuff!) as they try to manuever the two leads together and remove the Lesser Professor, a.k.a the rat man, Chimp Pimp, etc from the picture: the stuffy english fiance of Meg Ryan's Character, played perfectly by Stephen Frey. Of course the Lesser Professor is trying to hang on to Meg Ryan's character and expose Tim Robbin's character as a fraud because of his new found friendhsip with Einstein and the secret paper they're working on so Tim Robbin's character can impress Meg Ryan's charater with 'his genius' because that is what she looks for in a man- a genetic hope of making genius children so she, lacking in her own confidence, can achieve through her children. MEg Ryan's character is Eistein's neice.

I can't understand how Matthau didn't get a best supporting actor nomination for this movie! He is so good, as is all the cast: they fit perfectly, especially the 'four boys'.

The story is fairly linear but well paced. It does deal with a lesser theme of self belief, being yourself, and sexual equality and that brilliant men can be have brilliant women as their equal, or betters. The main theme is not letting the brain rule the heart too much, and to be happy. And that some things-love- defy science!

I can't think of any movie like this one. Its unique, clever, witty and subtle at times (especially the humor: Einstein on a motorbike going wah-hoo...very cool!). So if you like your movies sophisticated, wholesome, honest, stylish and not contrived then you defintely want to see this one! The cinematography and 'fifty-ness' is fantastic!

Definitely 5 stars! More even...!

DVD is very plain: just the movie. No added features or even bio's for that matter. But with a movie this good, who needs them? The picture and sound quality are top notch.

SILLY, BUT CHARMING
Apart from a quote I love ("I'd rather be an optimist and a fool, than a pessimist and always right") the movie is also a relatively intelligent feel-good romantic comedy. Matthau is hilarious as Einstein, almost looks like him too! Robbins is at his suave best, and Meg a prim intellectually inclined neice of Einstein.

If you have any respect for the history of physics and the reputations of the people who formed non-Euclidean theory, leave it at the door. (One cannot but wonder if fictional physicists, instead of real characters could not have accomplished the same thing in terms of compelling characterizations?)

In any case, the movie is a neat little love story, and worth a cosy evening's rental.

Surprise! A good Movie
I caught this flick on cable TV one day and was left feeling I watched a good-hearted romantic comedy. The movie wasn't the funniest or raunchiest and it wasn't a tear-jerker...just the way a romantic comedy should be. Robbins (the actor) was great in his "working man" role. The Einstein twist was marvelous and his (Einstein's) fellow genius' were also great.

Strongly recommended for someone looking to watch a romantic comedy free of zany characters or crazy scenes. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

This is a great sci-fi comedy!
Garry Shandling plays an alien who is sent to Earth to have a kid with an Earth woman. He meets Annette Bening, an AA-member, and soon realizes that social life isn't as simple as in the simulator back home.

This is a very funny comedy, directed by Mike Nichols and co-written by Garry Shandling. He and Annette Bening are great in the lead parts, supported by equally good Greg Kinnear, John Goodman and Ben Kingsley. "The funniest movie of the year", some critics said. It probably is. It's great fun, that's for sure. I strongly recommend it!

Funny Interplanetary Sex Farce
This is a cute little sex farce starring and written by Garry Shandling. Harold Anderson (Shandling) is actually an alien on a very special mission. He must impregnate an earth woman to begin the infiltration of earth for eventual domination and takeover. He has done his research and learned to be a good listener, dutifully repeating "uh huh" at every utterance by a female. Unfortunately, there are certain subtleties he hasn't mastered in the fine art of seduction, and he gets his face slapped repeatedly.

After countless humorous failures he meets his future mate Susan (Annette Benning), and discovers that the only way she will have sex with him is if he marries her. After the nuptials he learns that all the rules of engagement have changed.

This droll script ranges from mildly silly to hysterical as it holds a circus mirror up to our mating rituals. Shandling is always funny with his deadpan whiney style, but the real treat here is Annette Benning. She makes this film work as Shandling's overwrought love interest. As she did in "American Beauty", she plays another caricature role to perfection. Here she is the aging female who has been a continual loser at the dating game and is desperately searching for love. Her brilliant performance is a treat that upstages Shandling at every turn. In addition, the rest of the cast is wonderful and fits well with Shandling's wry sense of humor.

This is a fun and very light comedy that works well most of the time. I rated it 7/10. Viewers who are offended by nudity, profanity and sexual situations should pass. Others will probably enjoy more than a few good laughs.

underrated
The set up of this film seems simple and silly enough. On a planet a thousand years more technologically advanced than Earth, the entire population is male clones with no sex organs, no emotions, and
nothing better to do than conquer the Universe. Their technique--though it's never explained--involves impregnating a woman on the planet they wish to take over. So their leader, Graydon--played by
Ben Kingsley in a nice turn--instructs them in the fine art of seducing an Earth woman, which to their minds mainly consists of complimenting her hair and shoes. Their quickest learner, H1449-6 (Gary
Shandling), is chosen to perform the deed and is whisked to Earth where he is deposited in the lavatory of a passenger jet. The disruption this causes the flight brings him to the attention of an NTSB inspector
(John Goodman). But he is able to rapidly establish himself in a job as Harold Anderson, bank loan officer, and, thanks to the womanizing connivance of a co-worker (Greg Kinnear), he's soon romancing a
recovering alcoholic, Susan Hart (Annette Benning), who they meet at an AA meeting where they've gone to scam babes. And so we have the basic dramatic tension of the film: Will Harold be discovered
before he can complete his mission?

The film gets to this point mostly on the strength of battle-of-the-sexes humor and some physical comedy involving the mechanical penis that Shandling's character has had attached to enable him to
complete his mission. It continues in this vein through the early portion of Harold's relationship with Susan, but when he ends up having to marry her to get her to bear his child the inevitable humanizing takes
place and a more serious message starts to peak out from beneath the more sophomoric sex comedy and the unfortunately disjointed story line. This initial message concerns the utter emptiness of the
modern mating game, which is all about sex and only peripherally, if at all, about meaningful interaction between two people. By the end--when Harold realizes that Graydon won't let Susan keep their baby
and that the experience of love, loyalty, sex, death, and all the rest that makes us human is superior to the supposedly advanced bioengineered culture of his home world--it's become very much a political
film, whether intentionally or no. It comes down so firmly on the side of humanity as it is, with all our glorious and maddening imperfections, and against the vision of a future that is perfect but soulless, that
regardless of an over reliance on genitalia jokes it ends up being a profoundly conservative movie, and a pretty funny one at that.

GRADE: B+

don't bother
what a waster of my time...the whole movie is so predictable and boring. i've spent better time in the can than watching this movie.

Good Fun
Intentionally derivative and utterly hilarious, 'What Planet Are You From?' follows Garry Shandling as an alien with buzzing genitals whose task is to impregnate a human female with an end to total domination of the planet earth. How this is ever to be brought about by producing a human offpsring remains unclear, though Annette Bening's six week gestation period would suggest our alien friends are capable of rapid action. The whole cast of this thing is in fine form, especially John Goodman as an intrepid FAA agent determined to bring an end to Air Arizona's misuse by Shandling & Co who routinely use their flights as a landing facility, as well as Ben Kingsley's Planetary Leader, at once camp, fifties-British and wholly ridiculous. This mightn't be everyone's cup of tea, but anyone who says the yanks can't do irony should watch it. It's very funny. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

calling all nicole kidman fans
All the allure of the early century cloak and dagger tableau in underground new york is subtly and densely captured in this movie. dustin hoffman is brilliant as the ruthless godfather like schultz. the atmosphere created in the movie is definitive gang land new york with its alleys, shadows and deciets. one wonders what bruce willis was doing in this movie however. of course the real charm in this movie radiates from the very luminous and as captivating as ever, nicole kidman. she is the perfect foil to the dark, brooding whispers emanating from the rest of the shadowed characters. this woman has perfected the art of portraying the bewitchingly enchanting but alluringly challenged lover and seducer. all the signs of the later phenomenon she was to become are strongly manifested in this movie. so sit back and take a really long and inspiring look at those entrancing grey tinged blue eyes, the disarming smile and the marvellously delectable theatre of her expressions, sometimes questioning, sometimes tempting, sometimes intelligent, always beautiful. what's more, her 2 full frontal nude scenes will have you gasping with shocked delight.no actress brings more casual innocence and rivetting beauty to a nude than this woman. sit back and enjoy yourselves.

Billy Bathgate--Cinema's Quiet Godfather
"Billy Bathgate" charts the seemingly charmed path of a resourceful street kid (Loren Dean) who latches on to the Dutch Shultz mob in Dewey-era New York City. Shultz (Dustin Hoffman) has a gang which has seen the zenith of its power; its fighting to hold his place in a world with Irish and Italian politicians and mobsters.
As the movie opens with an initial act of betrayal, the moll (Nicole Kidman) is thrust upon both the man and the boy. The movie is blessed with strong performances by secondary characters played by Steven Hill, Steve Buscemi, Stanley Tucci, Bruce Willis, and a number of other actors whose faces you know but might not be able to name.

Since seeing this movie originally at the theatre and several times on cable tv, I've wondered why it didn't have a bigger following. I'll offer up a few reasons, all of which may explain why a great and touching movie is under-appreciated. First, the ostensible lead character--Loren Dean's Billy--is not really the lead character, he's the witness (and possibly catalyst) to the arc of the Shultz gang; Mr Dean, alas, also does not seemed to have had the kind of box office appeal to give the movie a higher profile. The film's erstwhile "star", Dustin Hoffman, plays a character that doesn't have the dominating screen time to make this his story or the film Hoffman's. Finally, the film doesn't really follow the standard arc of a Hollywood hero's journey: the Shultz gang is on the decline, and its not clear that the boy is on the ascent.

This is a quieter version of Mob-America and yet to me otherwise like the Godfather not a single frame is wasted, and the direction is flawless. I hope you like it.

Over looked, underrated Robert Benton period film
"Billy Bathgate" had the misfortune to be released the year after "Goodfellas", Scorsese's great gangster film which revived interest in the genre. True, "Billy Bathgate" is also about gangsters, but if you know the works of its director, Robert Benton, and those of Scorsese, you know they are not similar directors at all. While both men are fascinated by interesting characters, Benton is more intellectual and less visceral. Even in his most famous early screenplay, "Bonnie and Clyde", the characters spend a surprising amount of time sitting around and talking prior to the movie's infamous and violent climax. So, "Billy Bathgate" does not provide as much action or as many gut level situations as a typical gangster film. What is has is great atmosphere, a literate script by Tom Stoppard, brilliant cinematography by Nestor Almendros, and some interesting performances.

Billy [Loren Dean] is a bright kid growing up in New York in the 1930s. The son of impoverished immigrants, he is getting most of his education in the streets. In his neighborhood, the heroes are gangsters like Dutch Shultz [Dustin Hoffman] and his men because they represent a way to climb out of poverty and to earn respect. One day Billy catches Shultz's eye and is soon working for him. The kid's not violent but he witnesses many acts of violence. These obviously unnerve him, but the lure of a fast buck is strong. Things get complicated when he is put in charge of looking after a rich society dame [Nicole Kidman], who has a sham marriage to a gay but powerful New Yorker. She gets her kicks by dating gangsters. She's in terrible danger because of something she saw, but she doesn't seem to be aware of it, though Billy is. He's also aware that she's the most beautiful and desirable woman he's ever met.

I thought the movie was interesting and well done. I can see why others might find it too slow and talky. It has an elegance and a dignity that is somewhat at odds with its subject matter, but I found this contradiction fascinating. I also enjoyed watching Ms. Kidman in a role that predates both her American stardom and her years as Mrs. Tom Cruise. No one at the time was aware of the phenomenon she would later become, but looking at her from a decade's distance, all the signs are plainly there.

An Strong Nearly Perfect Ganster`s Film.
A Young Man by the name of Billy Bathgate (Fine Performance by Loren Dean). A street Poor Kid-Which before becoming Friends with a Dangerous Big-Time Crazy Hood named Dutch Schultz (Well Played by Two Time, Oscar Winner-Dustin Hoffman), which Billy becomes a Coveted Position in the Crime Organization.

Directed by Three Time, Oscar-Winner:Robert Benton (Kramer Vs. Kramer, Nobody`s Fool, Twilight) made a Clever, Something Funny Compelling Ganster Film-Helps also by an Excellent Supporting Cast, Including-Nicole Kidman, Bruce Willis, Steve Buscemi and Stanley Tucci. Sharply Written by Oscar-Winner:Tom Stoppard, which this Movie is Based on the Novel byu E.L. Doctorow. This is a One of a Kind Film, Which is Very Entertaining. Grade:A.

Dustin hoffman is good but its all downhill form there
Lavishly filmed, lengthy mobster drama about a declining Depression-era gangster. Critics praised the lead performance, but consider this flawed. Still, fans of high-budget historical epics and Dustin Hoffman may enjoy. ... Read more

Description

Teenager Johnny Dingle will do anything to keep his date with the hottest girl in school -- even come back from the grave! You see, Johnny had the perfect scheme to win the heart of Missy McCloud, the town beauty. Unfortunately, Johnny's scam goes sour and he winds up dead! Even so, Johnny's determined to keep his date -- unaware of the hilarity waiting for him upon his return! See for yourself why everyone's dying to see this outlandishly funny comedy! ... Read more

Reviews (22)

My Boyfriend's Back (jbordelon@kricket.net)
well first of all WAZZUP !!........i love this movie with a passion i`ve seen it at least 40 times. but last night i rented it for the 41st time......and noticed something i never noticed before......THE NAME OF THE SONG THEY DANCED TO AT THE END OF THE MOVIE........i had my closed-captioning running, and all of a sudden it pops up "hanging on for dear life" BY: MMC *now i was thinking that MMC stood for mickey mouse club, but i don`t think in this case it does. also......comment to other amazon reviwers......i know too much more than ANYBODY about movies and music......but if you want to know the name of a song or something you`ve got to leave your e-mail address in your review so people can write you back. well.....peace love and chicken grease !!!!! BYE BYE BYE BYE BYE

"And As You Can See, He's Got An Axe In His Head..."
This black comedy is not great art. It's silly, cheesy, and totally ridiculous....and I like it!!. I'm always a sucker for stupid B movie films like this. It's fun and funny in a really stupid way. Andrew Lowery stars as a kid who has the hots for a girl. In an attempt to show off to her, he gets killed by a store robber. He comes back as a zombie and begins to live life as if nothing ever happened. Of course, there are certain body parts that fall off and stuff, but that's to be expected from a rotting corpse. There are a few jokes and gags in here that are genuinely funny, in a sophmoric way. The best come from chacrter actor Austin Pendleton as a nutty doctor. The rest of the cast include : Paul Dooley, Edward Herrmann, Cloris Leachman, and Mary Beth Hurt. It's a juvenile comedy with a somewhat delightful and appealing presence. If your into that sort of thing, then you will probably enjoy this. Otherwise, stay far away.

Time enough for love
Johnny Dingo loved little Missy with a love that would not die. His only wish was to take her to the prom. His scheme to get here to go with him goes awry. Johnny finds himself six foot under ground. That night he RETURNS.

We find love, loyalty, and ground Chuck on the menu. This movie is right up there with the best zombie movies such as "Weekend at Bernie's II."

Notice how his parents are very supportive though out the story. And there is an appropriate lesson near the end.

An Enjoyable Fantasy Comedy.
Teenager Johnny Dingle (Andrew Lowery) always wanted to date his long time Crush on the Beautiful-Missy (Traci Lind) by taking her to the Prom. But when he saves her life from Gunpoint from a local General Store. After Johnny dies and then unexpectedly he comes back to life & still wants to take her to the Prom! but Johnny has to eat the living to stay alive!

Directed by Bob Balaban (Parents) made a wonderful, dumb, fantasy-comedy that was a Misfire on the Release in the Summer of 1993. Lowery gives a likeable performance in this film. This film has an terrific supporting cast, including:Edward Herrmann, Mary Beth Hurt, Austin Pendleton, Jay O. Sanders, Cloris Leachman, Matthew Fox & Philip Seymour Hoffman. This might be a forgetten gem & this could be a Camp Classic. DVD's has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) and an good-Dolby Stereo 2.0 Surround Sound. Written by Dean Lorey (Jason Goes to Hell:The Final Friday) & Produced by Sean S. Cunningham (Friday the 13th, House, The Last House on the Left). Watch for Matthew McConaughey & Renee Zellweger as Extras. Grade:A-.

A Delight-The best
I couldn't believe when I first read that this wonderful, witty, funny movie is on DVD. I now finally own it on DVD and it's just fantastic. The picture quality is really good, the sound is beautiful-no complaints. I'm so happy with it. Now some people might think that this is a silly, maybe even cheesy movie, but it's quite the opposite.The casting is perfect, I wouldn't change a thing. I absolutly LOVE TRACI LIN or is credited as Traci Lind with a d. Every film I see her in I love, She is just spectacular. She really is one of the best actress' of her time. I hope and pray that Fright Night 2' gets a DVD release. The storyline in this film is just charming and one of a kind.Johnny Dingles love for Missy McCloud is sweet and believeable. The end sequence is the cream of the crop. This is one of those films where you just feel good. There's a good feeling about this film. And it delivers on all fronts. ... Read more