Amazon.com

Mel Brooks's 1987 parody of the Star Wars trilogy is a jumble of jokes rather than a comic feature, and, predictably, some of those jokes work better than others. The cast, including Brooks in two roles, more or less mimics the principal characters from George Lucas's famous story line, and the director certainly gets a boost from new allies (SCTV graduates Rick Moranis and John Candy) as well as old ones (Dick Van Patten, Dom DeLuise). Watch this and wait for the sporadic inspiration--but don't be surprised if you find yourself yearning for those years when Brooks was a more complete filmmaker (Young Frankenstein). --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (267)

HEY MEL BROOKS WE DON"T NEED A SECOND SPACEBALLS WE NEED
A FIRST ROBIN HOOD MEN IN TIGHTS. After viewing widescreen,fullscreen of the original dvd and the fullscreen vhs and then the TBS presentation not one of them gives you the complete picture.They all give you different corners WIDE;hides the floor and ceiling.FULL;covers elbows and noses TBS;gives you an extreme view to the far right so you can actually see the princess' OLD NOSE!! (which is barely noticible on either side of the original disc) But of course the left side suffers from lack of attention. I don't care what kind of bonus features you put in, bad picture presentation is BAD PICTURE PRESENTATION. All I had to do was read the picture dimensions on the so called "collectors edition" and I knew this was a waste of time and money. And that's a shame because the movie itself is very good and deserves better treatment than just a reissue of the widescreen side of the original disc and a second disc with a lot of fluff.

Collect what? A forced pre-menu trailer?! Not all bad tho!
This is an A++ movie, but the "special" DVD release is not as special as I had hoped.

Let's look at the bad parts first!

The pre-menu "don't pirate this disc" bit is a new live-action waste of time and seems to run much longer than the old-sk00l FBI warnings, despite the new version being in english only.How much money went into producing that claptrap anyway?The usual English/Spanish/French full-screen blurbs are more than adequate.Save the disc space for a better compression rate (not that this DVD release fails where it counts...).

Along with the new, patronizing, live-action piracy bit is an advert for the remake of the pink panther movie.One I was not able to cirumvent by pressing every menu button on my remote.This does not make for a happy viewer.And not just because it's yet another remake of yet another old movie that trashes the old and can't draw in the viewers at the theatres too, making execs wonder what went wrong as they then proceed to make a remake of another old film...but I digress.I also double-checked the price of the disc and all the blurbs on the box.I didn't pay for a pathetic trailer I can't get around.I paid for a movie.Not extra advertising in every place they can shove it.

Also, for "flubs" I had read "bloopers".Unless I missed a menu, there are no bloopers - which are usually far more interesting than pointing out flubs (production goofs such as pointing out the camera tracks in one scene and a poorly set up mirror in another), most people will find or just not care about.I want actors saying the effenheimer or the sclhizzlebler because they couldn't remember a line correctly!!

On the plus side, the opening menu (disc 1) is HIGHLY entertaining if you let it sit there and just run for a while.

DTS sound is AWESOME too.Alone it's worth the price!Specially in the F/X shots, you'll be blown away by the remix - it is INCREDIBLE and exceptionally well done.

Video quality is excellent for a restored 19 year old film too.

Nice to see the trailers and featurettes; especially when they hadn't been given the restoration treatment.(not being sarky here, it's incredible what they can do to restore and preserve film these days!)

The trivia game seems trivial; very obvious questions and the response sequences are too few to maintain interest.

But all in all, the restoration and enhancement of the video and audio is well worth the price.

As for the movie itself...easily one of Brooks' best works and is a great parody of the original Star Wars series, most of which were good in their own right but this parody of the original trilogy is stingingly funny.

I sincerely hope Brooks does a sequel (prequel) to Spaceballs because the "prequel" SW trilogy is so horrendously awful that any spoof of it would rake in far more money, of that I have no doubt!!

DinkDink,DinkDinkDinkDinkDinkDink !
Mel Brooks's "SPACEBALLS" is one of the funniest movies ever! From my childhood until forever this movie is a classic!

One of my favorite movies
I have watched this movie from begining to end so many times that I have lost count! As a clear spoof of all things sci-fi, Spaceballs goes all the way with the references to all the most popular science movies like Star Wars, Star Trek and even Alien.It's technical crew included many of the greats who worked on the original movies that it spoofs.The story is about Lone Starr and his friend Barf who is a half-man, half dog. (He's his "own best friend".) They are on a quest to rescue a runaway spoiled Druish princess who has come too close to the Spaceballs who are trying to steal the pure air from her home planet, Druidia.It is a great story that stands all on it's own without leaning too heavily on the movies that are beinging spoofed.

We needed more Schwartz in the Collector's Edition!
The movie itself is pure Mel Brooks. I really enjoy how Mel brings hilarious havoc to the sci-fi genre, spoofing movies from Flash Gordon and Buck Rogers to Star Trek and Star Wars.I am surprised that MPAA had originally given this movie a PG rating instead of a PG-13 rating since the movie is heavy on adult humor, language, and sexual innuendos - not exactly what I would call a flick for the whole family.Enough about the movie; this review is about the newly released Collector's Edition (CE), especially the bonus material.

The Dolby 5.1 sound quality has been enhanced compared to the original 2000 DVD release, but I will need to confirm this.I'm glad MGM offers a DTS track on disc 1.I have not yet compared Mel's commentary on the CE to the original release.I did make some limited comparisons of the picture quality: The colors are more vibrant (perhaps too much on the red?) and the picture is clearer to my eyes; the skin tones look correct to me. Since the video presentation is not THX quality, you will see some specks and film blemishes. The aspect ratio on the CE (1.85:1 for 16x9) is the same as the original 2000 release, but on my Sony monitor (4:3) the CE widescreen version is "slightly" zoomed in more than the 2000 widescreen released version.

I am disappointed in the Special Features. Why? For one reason, it does not include Rick Moranis.He is mentioned but is not interviewed at all - how can Mel not include Dark Helmet!In addition, you will not find any behind-the-scenes coverage (other than still photos) such as those found on the 2000 DVD release. Mel did not include any deleted scenes or bloopers (no, the film flubs don't count).However, there is a well-produced 29 minute documentary that includes the other main actors and crew members. You will learn that the actors and crew members had more laughs making this movie than the audience had watching it.If this is true, Mel should have included some of those comical moments in the Special Features.Also missing on this CE is a featurette about special-effects.The conversation between Mel and co-writer Thomas Meehan is rather boring, but the tribute to comical genius John Candy is commendable, touching, and about time.

The CE is a 2-disc DVD set.It is a shame that MGM and Mel could not/would not include more about this classic comedy.Overall I give the CE version a 3/5. The movie gets 4/5! ... Read more

Reviews (238)

great satire from the late eighties
Mel Brooks definitely lives up to expectations with Spaceballs. This parody of the Star Wars movies will deliver laughs whether you are a sci fi fan or not. The cast of characters (including Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis...and of course Mel Brooks) closely parallels the familiar cast of Star Wars, but Rick Moranis takes the cake as Dark Helmet, the Darth Vader-like figure. ("And now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.")

Personally, I found this movie amusing at 10, and now at 22 I still think it's wonderful. Most of the other reviews give you an idea of what the movie contains, so I won't get into a long explanation, but I have to recommend this one pretty highly as a great comedy.

Spaceballs
The Planet Spaceball has a problem; They're slowly running out of air. However, they have a plan; Capture Vespa(Daphne Zuniga), the Princess of their peace-loving neighbor planet Druidia, which would force their father, King Roland(Dick Van Patten), to give them the combination to the air shield, which underneath contains 10,000 years of fresh air. Instead, the Princess and her droid Dot Matrix(Voice of Joan Rivers), running away from her wedding to Prince Valium(JM J.Bullock), they find her. After being offered $1 million spacebucks, which they need to pay off gangster Pizza the Hutt(Dom DeLuise), space pirate Lonestarr(Bill Pullman)and his half dog/half man sidekick Barf(John Candy)go to stop the evil Lord Dark Helmet(Rick Moranis)and Spaceball President Skroob(Mel Brooks)and along the way, Lonestarr learns the ways of the Schwartz from the everlasting know-it-all Yogurt(Mel Brooks)

This movie, along with "DRACULA DEAD AND LOVING IT" is Mel Brooks at his best. It's fricking hilarious!! Bill Pullman is great as Lonestarr, a spoof combination of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, Daphne Zuniga gives her all as Princess Vespa, John Candy is hilarious as Barf, Joan Rivers is decent as Dot Matrix, Rick Moranis is downright classic as Dark Helmet, a wimpy puny spoof of Darth Vader(He's the funniest guy on this movie!!!)and the rest of the cast is average.

Highly recommended as one of Mel Brook's best and with lines like "I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate", "You are to refer to me as idiot, not you captain!", you won't stop laughing. So see this film.

AND MAY THE SCHWARTZ BE WITH YOU!!

because good is dumb
although not a mel brooks masterpiece this film does not suffer solely from lack of comedic inspiration. in fact i find it to be one of his best. its main problem, in my opinion, was the shift in audiences. for the most part films such as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein catered to an audience that was, by 1987, much older and focusing on family life. plus, brooks' comedic venom was now aimed at a less familiar target in Star Wars. intially, even i had a hard time time convincing myself it was worth seeing. but after repeated viewings i realized that it was as funny as many of brooks' best. now dont get me wrong, you wont laugh as often as you did for High Anxiety but you'll laugh none the less. sadly, the core players of previous films are missing here (Harvey Corman & Madeline Kahn) and it suffers becasue of it but the times were changing and so were the films. only later on did brooks really get into a stupor with Robin Hood: Men In Tights and Dracula: Dead and Lving It, starring the one dimensional Leslie Nielsen.

The Funniest Movie Ever!!!
Spaceballs, a comic masterpiece directed by Mel Brooks, is one of the funniest movies that I have ever seen. I own the trilogy of Star Wars and I watched every movie in the trilogy before I viewed this movie. After I watched Spaceballs, I found myself in a state of pure laughter as I saw Mel Brooks and John Candy imitating the trilogy of Star Wars. Anyone that wants a good funny movie to view should buy Spaceballs today.

Holy Crap it was good!!
This movie was absolutely crazy and funny!! I couldn't help but laugh the whole way! My favorite moment was the spoofing scene of Alien. Sooo funny. Watch Spaceballs and get ready to laugh hard. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

My favorite romantic comedy
I usually don't like romantic movies. I mean let's face it they are usually predictable and the two stars have no chemistry. However, when done right a romantic comedy can work. In The Sure Thing it works. John Cusack stars as Walter Gibson a freshman at a small northeastern college. He has been down on his luck in the woman department. He meets a girl, Alison in his English class. They have a Pseudo-date and it ends badly. Walter decides to take a cross-country road trip to meet with his friend Lance (played by ER's Anthony Edwards when he still had hair.) Lance assures of a sure thing upon his arrival. He of course through some unfortunate luck and show tunes is stuck with Alison on the road trip. What I liked was the honesty of this movie. Cusak's character learns about women, relationships and the actual meaning of the word love by being stuck with Alison. She learns to loosen up, and accept people for what they are. In every successful relationship that I have had, that is what happens. I learn from her and she learns from me. Yes, the end is a little predictable and it is a little dated, but the story is funny and pretty dead on.

A Sure Winner
The Sure Thing is director Rob Reiner's second film and his first conventional movie after the mockumentary format of This Is Spinal Tap. The film has the classic teenage plot of boy meets girl, girl at first hates boy and then in the end they end up together. But instead of being just another cliché, The Sure Thing features such likable and winning performances by the two leads, John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga, that it becomes a memorable and lovable film. Mr. Cusack stars as Walter "Gib" Gibson who is in a slump when it comes to getting girls. Everyone around him at his New England campus seems to be scoring, except him. He meets a pretty girl, Alison (Ms. Zuniga) in his English class and tries to hook up with her. Alison is a straitlaced girl, who schedules everything she does to the second, while Gib is a spontaneous guy who lives life minute to minute. Alison agrees to tutor Gib in English and he tries to seduce her, but he fails miserably and she ends up hating him. His best friend from high school, Lance (Anthony Edwards) is out at college in California where he has set up a date for Gib who is a "sure thing". All Gib has to do is get to California by 12/22 and he's in. The problem is he has no money to fly, so he finds a ride with a couple who are driving out to Los Angeles. As fate would have it, Alison is also in the car as she is heading out to see her boyfriend in LA. The couple Gary Cooper and Mary Ann Webster are upbeat squares who sing showtunes on the trip. Gary is played by a young Tim Robbins in one of his first roles. Gib and Alison are constantly bickering at one another and eventually they are thrown out of the car and forced to hitch. Along the way, Alison starts to see the real charm in Gib and starts to fall for him. Eventually they reach LA and go their separate ways. They both end up at the party where Gib meets his sure thing (Nicolette Sheridan). Jealousy ensues between the two and Gib eventually takes his sure thing up to Lance's bedroom. The movie flashes forward where Gib and Alison are back in English class and we learn that Gib didn't cash in on his sure thing and Alison and Gib end up sharing a kiss under the stars. Mr. Cusack got his first leading role after a series of bit parts and he shines in his opportunity. He shows that offbeat charm that would become his signature trait. Mr. Reiner perfectly captures life on the road in America and the film is a low-key success.

What's Important
This 1980's teen genre comedy is not as good as the earlier "Ridgeway High." It's not as good as "Pretty In Pink" or the other John Hughes movies. But it has its moments and certainly is far better than the awful "Valley Girls" which appeared in 83. Rob Reiner has an easygoing hand on the direction. He's not going to be remembered as Hitchcock or Ozu, but again, sweet comedy is Reiner's best stuff. I always found John Cusak movies vaguely unsatisfying. His roles are the smart aleck kid that revolts against middle-class etc... But in this movie of boy-girl opposites, he's good, even handsome in a Tom Cruse way. Alison Bradbury is fine as the anal co-ed, and thank you movie god, she's a brunette, not a blonde. This is a "Road" flick and the usual rain drenched hitchhiking scenes unfold. America is big and beautiful. Hard to miss with this material. The moral, getting laid is less important than finding someone you adore. Not a bad idea.

Who invented liquid soap and why?
The Sure Thing has to be the most quotable movie of all time. When I saw it for the first time in the 80s I didn't appreciate it for what it was. When I rediscovered it in the early 90s I couldn't believe what a gem this movie is.

"excuse me I see a sweet young thing whose sarong needs adjusting"

Funny!
While this isn't as good as SAY ANYTHING..., John Cusack's later movie, it is still very good and very funny. John Cusack is better in his earlier romantic comedies like this one, SAY ANYTHING...(a classic and my favorite movie) or the hilariously offbeat BETTER OFF DEAD than he is today (with the exception of HIGH FIDELITY, I didn't like AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS at all). He is very funny throughout the whole movie, but my favorite scene of his is in the pool scene when he's imagining his future ("When I get out of jail, I'm 36 years old.") if his love interest doesn't help him pass English. The love interest, Daphne Zuniga, is also very funny (especially when she tries to prove to J.C. in the car that she's not stuck-up-if you've seen the movie, you know which scene I mean). Overall, very funny. Like all romantic comedies, it is predictable, but the comedy, good acting and chemistry make this movie not MONEY FOR NOTHING. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

themes counter mediocre acting to produce excellence
Since most of the people submitting reviews here are wrestlers, ex-wrestlers, or are associated with wrestling, it is very easy to have a biased point of view towards this movie. While some people critique the screenplay or acting, those that enjoy it are looking past the acting and into the theme of the movie.

After reading the book, it becomes evident that the movie is quite different. While the book focuses on growing up ("coming of age") and life, the movie focuses more on the wrestling aspect, obviously to appeal to the masses. I'd say the book was more award-winning material, while the movie was more inspirational. Wrestling, although a big part of Louden Swain's life, was not as overpowering in the book. The book was not about wrestling per se, but about life and growing up. The movie concentrated on the wrestling aspect more which makes it an excellent motivator. Despite the sometimes mediocre screenplay, this movie is a classic to wrestlers because it shows that the human spirit will overcome all. It accurately portrays the blood, guts, and tears that accompany an athlete involved in the sport. As another reviewer commented, the "Rocky" for wrestlers. A definite recommendation to all wrestlers.

good movie, bad DVD
I'm really hoping that they re-release this movie soon. In terms of the Rocky-esque movies, this is one of the better ones. I liked it even better the second time around because I noticed just how realistic Modine's performance is not only as a wrestler, but also as a highschooler.

The problem with the DVD is that (1) the transfer is positively awful, (2)it's standard as opposed to widescreen (not a big issue in this case), and (3) there are no features. The main problem, of course, is with the quality of the transfer, which probably looks better on some VHS versions of the film.

Re-release this into a more non-hurried DVD format and this rating will go from 3 stars to at least 4.

"You ever hear of Pele?"
There are a lot of reasons to love this movie - It's a great coming of age tale, a solid 80's high school film - and all the reasons that other reviewers have already shared... but it stands out, in my opinion, for providing the most elegant argument for why we as a society love sports and athletes Towards the end of the movie one of the charachters gives a little pep talk about watching Pele play soccer... "and I tell you I started crying... yeah that's right I started cryin..."

Vision Quest
I absolutely love this movie, despite the wrestling. This movie isn't only about wrestling, it's about coming of age, and the human spirit.

DVD version is much better than VHS
I have looked at some of the reviews on the suggested
bad quality of the picture of the DVD version, but I
feel this current full-screen DVD version of Vision
Quest is still very good and a heck of a lot better than my
VHS store bought version. Yes, a wide-screen and special
edition DVD packed with features and with some restoration
of the original film would be great, but this DVD version
will do until then. Also, for those people who do want
a choice of having the full-screen format you may want to
buy this DVD now because if Vision Quest is ever released
in a new special edition it may be released in wide-screen
only format so this full-screen version may be hard to get
at some point in the future. ... Read more

Description

Matthew Modine (ANY GIVEN SUNDAY) stars as Joe Slovak, a brilliant first-year med student whose casual, nonconforming approach to life gets tested when he enrolls in gross anatomy, the toughest course in med school. Joe's freewheeling, independent style creates funny moments in the classroom, but puts him at odds with his demanding professor (Christina Lahti, HIDEAWAY), who questions whether her class "rebel" has what it takes to be a doctor. On top of that, Joe falls in love with his no-nonsense lab partner (Daphne Zuniga -- THE SURE THING, TV's MELROSE PLACE), who won't let anything, especially romance, interfere with her plans. And while Joe's never done anything by the book, he proves he does have what it takes to succeed -- without changing his ways! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A natural portrayal of character
You won't get large explosions, incredible lines, or wonderful camera work in "Gross Anatomy". What you will get, though, is a beautiful and realistic character portrayal of five clean cut kids who are trying to achieve the dream of thousands of students in this country: To become wonderful med students.

Matt Modine has to be one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood. In this film, his development is staggering. From the moment you see him, you think "this kid is special". To see this beauty materialize during the course of the movie is unforgettable.

The film does a superb job of juxtaposing Christine Lahti's character (Dr. Woodruff) with Modine's. You can understand her dream of making her "best students into top doctors" and how Modine may fit this role. Modine's medical partners do a fine job of depicting some of the other practical problems that first year medical students may face.

Overall, this is a highly entertaining film that will leave the thoughtful viewer thinking about his own character development, perhaps juxtaposing it against one of the several fine characters in this film.

Perhaps the most underrated film of all time.
I am always disturbed to see the lack of recognition which "Gross Anatomy" has suffered. It is in my opinion one of the best films ever produced. The humour is good, but more significant is the character development which is so perceptive and subtle. It is certainly worth seeing, unfortunately it appears to be unavailable.

The best med movie ever!
For my opinion the year of 1989 it has been one of the most exciting years in the history of cinema. Three movies from this particular year changed my life. First Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, second Dead Poets Society and third is Gross Anatomy. the last one i saw it the first time in TV but i loved it right away. This movie mixtures two of my favorite items. Colleges and relationships. It has believable and true characters and most of all it has Daphne Zunigha. Its directory it is honest and modest but above all some melancholy corresses the story. I think the character Matthew Modine plays is a genious who he dosen't know he is genious. I loved it and i am waiting for the european edition of the movie because i cant buy it yet.
Dont miss it either youare med student or not...

Don't Watch This Unless You Care About Medical School
The only people I know who've even heard of this movie are med students and aspiring med students. I'll be starting medical school in a few months, myself, so I can't say that I'm any different. That's what initially drew me to the movie, and maybe that's the reason why I liked it.

This movie has Matthew Modine playing a first year medical student named Joe Slovak. He's the antithesis of everything that a stereotypical med student is perceived to be. He's laid back, worldly, handsome, and not especially self-serving. At first I thought his character would be in the style of Robin Williams in "Patch Adams", where he'd end up being the rebel who believed that medicine lacked humanity and would lead a crusade to somehow change things for the better. However, he doesn't really seem to care about people enough to make such a change. While this apathetic lack of motivation might be realistic, it certainly doesn't make for a colorful character in a movie. He is surrounded by four other med students who, as any movie about medical school would require, are all driven to excel and are vilified as a result. The movie tells how these five people worked together to get through their first year in school. All the typical elements are here: cut-throat competitiveness, jealousy, elitism, ways of dealing with stress, and of course, the obligatory subplot involving the budding romance between two lab partners.

If you're thinking about going to medical school, don't use this movie to decide whether it's a good idea. It won't sway your opinion in any particular direction. However, aside from the way in which the characters are skewed, this movie will give you a good idea of what medical school might be like. Though, if you're just looking for a movie to provide you with entertainment, this isn't what you want. Go watch "Patch Adams" instead. It's of the same genre, and it's better. Unless you're medically inclined, I don't recommend this movie.

No Special Features
If you read all the reviews of this film below based on the VHS version, you'll see it is one of the more enjoyable films of the late 1980s. Everything said about it is correct, and I stand by the praise I gave it as well.
I just wanted to alert viewers of the DVD, however, that there are NO special features. It's a bit odd for a DVD not to have any, but that explains why this is is so inexpensive.
Of course, the nice thing is, it's widescreen, so you can see the full picture. ... Read more

Description

Mikhail Baryshnikov brings you the extraordinary animated films of the Soyuzmultfilm Studios in Russia for your whole family to see. "Stories From My Childhood" are based on classic Russian and English fairy tales with new Dolby Digital stereo audio in English, French and Spanish. Volume One includes "The Snow Queen" featuring the voices of Kathleen Turner and Mickey Rooney (French track: Catherine Deneuve; Spanish track: Beatriz Aguirre); "The Wild Swans" with Cathy Moriarty and James Coburn (French: Sandrine Kimberlain); and "Alice and the Mystery of the Third Planet" featuring Kirsten Dunst and Jim Belushi (French: Smain; Spanish: Ludwika Paleta). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

My all time favorite animation from my childhood
I am 41 years old and remember snow days and weekends at home waiting to see this animated tale. It was introduced with a narration by Art Linkletter talking to a child or children about the tale of the Snow Queen. As the story unfolds you are drawn to the colors and voices of this story as well as the characters. The journey that these children endure never seemed dull to me and I am looking forward to sharing this classic with my children. I can see it is the same animated version I knew as a child,only difference being the addition ofnew voices for the characters. It will be a surprise until opened at Christmas. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fun Potboiler B-movie
Another vote for "guilty pleasure". This movie was implausable, a bit tacky, tawdry, but I enjoyed it anyway. An entertaining yarn. Just don't expect to feel too edified at the end of the movie! It's over-melodramatic typical B-movie fare. Also, some people might be upset by the filmmakers' obvious agenda to get a priest involved in a love affair. And let's face it, we all can tell that this is where the film is headed from the beginning.

The main stars, Tom Berenger and Daphne Zuniga are fine. Tom Berenger always does well as the handsome, tormented and conflicted hero; Daphne Zuniga was very pretty, but I was little confused about her role. There were elements of sleaze to her part (the first scene she's in certainly qualifies) and maybe she's not the best actress for sleaze. I haven't quite made up my mind about that. But still, she was capable enough.

If you are a fan of either Berenger or Zuniga, and don't mind a somewhat tacky, implausable B-movie, you'll get a kick out of this film.

GREAT FLICK!!!
This movie is great on two levels: 1) The story is a bit far- fetched, but it is believable due some fine acting. The stars work well together to turn this into an enjoyable movie.
2) Daphne Zuniga gets naked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

High "sleaze"
I own this video; I am on a fixed income so have to choose my purchases VERY carefully. I saw this movie on cable years ago & loved it so much I wanted the video. I love "sleazy" movies [in the old days classified as "film noir"]--mystery, intrigue, plot twists, "good vs. evil," suspense, plot twists & turns]... This movie has all those elements + good acting [I was young when Dane Clark was in his hey-day but have always liked him], Tom Berenger [good in both drama, thrillers & comedy], Daphne Zuniga [CONVINCING damsel-in-distress/victim] & Anne Twomey [I'd never heard of her before this!--MOST capably "playing her part well; there all the honor lies"]. I only wish Donald P. Bellisario would have directed MORE FILMS in this genre. If you like modern-day film noir with a mafia, gangster flavor, you will LOVE this movie. It's not well-known or highly-tauted by the critics, but it's one of my favorites & well-worth the investment.

Guilty Pleasure
I had read years ago this movie was dumped straight to video without a theatrical release, and it seems strange because of how many really bad movies out there get released, but this one is decidedly a guilty pleasure. You can't take it seriously, it's just like most *rebel* or *mafia* movies, it's a lot of fun. In this instance, having the only son of a mafia don (termed "godfather" in the movie, which was going way too far) becoming a priest, and with a strong hint of the sensational reason behind that motivation, it becomes even more interesting as his former brother-in-law's girlfriend comes under his protection and his vow of celebacy is seriously shaken. Actually Freud would have had a field day with this movie. The problem with it, actually, is not enough of the characters - particularly the family itself - is seen interracting with each other so we have a fuller history of the family's relationships and the internal workings of the organization. A rather satisfactory finish, but one could have wished for a sequel or more drawn-out ending. Another problem is star Berenger looks considerably older (and somewhat out-of-shape) than his 33-year-old character should be.

Entertaining Movie
This movie is about a priest who is the son of the head of a mafia family. Of course he cannot walk in his father's footsteps, so his sister tries to take the lead. The movie has an excellent plot with a suprise ending. It's well worth seeing. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Better than it should be
The Initiation should be a horrible movie, but for some reason it isn't. The whole is better than the parts. We have all the stereotypes, we have college kids, angst-ridden wealthy kids, recurring nightmares, and big fat flopping red herrings. There's also some pretty borderline acting, even from people you have actually heard of.

So why four stars? The movie just works for some reason. Somehow the blantant red herrings, in-your-face clues, etc still leave you surprised when the "shocking" twist ending is revealed. Or, maybe I am just an idiot... but all the people I have watched it with never saw it coming either.

Half of the movie takes place in a huuuuuge mall at night. The mall provides endless hiding spaces for the killer (or killers?) to wait and pounce from. The gore effects are really top notch. The attacks come quickly and viciously and look quite real. Even though the mall is huge, there is a claustrophobic feel since the principle characters are locked in without a real way of getting away from their attacker.

Veteran actors Clu Gulager and Vera Miles add some weight to the light, early career performances of Daphne Zuniga (Spaceballs, The Sure Thing, Melrose Place), Hunter Tylo (The Bold and the Beautiful), and brief talkshow host Marilyn Kagan.

The DVD I bought was the Initiation-only version whose only feature was a theatrical trailer. There is now a double-feature DVD that contains The Initiation AND The Mountaintop Motel Massacre. I haven't seen that movie, but you might as well buy it instead and get an extra movie out of the deal. You certainly won't be sacrificing any special features. But, again, this movie is good. There are lots of things to pick it apart over, but as a whole, it delivers.

Disappointing Flick Overall
The Initiation is very slow and dreadful movie. The first 40 minutes are wasted with flashbacks and talking but the end in the shopping mall is decently done. The ending plot twist was a nice surpise but other than that this movie is strictly rental material.

Initiation
1980's teen-slasher flick that is pretty ordinary fare.The only novelty values in this film are a young pre-fame Daphne Zuniga (Melrose Place) and a young pre-fame Hunter Tylo (The Bold and the Beautiful).While the film is probabaly a forgotten past on the ladder up for both ladies it is Hunter Tylo who now campaigns for christian values who desperately tries to forget the film more.Hunter has the all-important vital role of - The pretty girl who takes off all her clothes in front of the cameraman takes a shower in front of him and then gets out and dries herself in front of him just in case the eager teen male moviegoer missed her completely nude body the first times around - .Oh the joy of hollywood!!

cheesey
I got this because I'm a big fan of Hunter Tylo and Daphne Zuniga. Hunter Tylo looks completely different (did she have surgery?) so it's fun and camp to see her here. If you like B grade stuff, this is for you!

Dull beginning, pretty entertaining second half.
The Initiation is another one of those sorority-type slasher films where a group of girls are offed one-by-one by a deranged killer. The catch in this one is that it's set in a huge department store. Fun times? You bet, well, at least once they get into that store. Before that, this one's a snoozer.

The opening does set up an intriguing premise, with Daphne Zuniga constantly having a dream in which she's a young child watching her father fighting another man. After that, the film bogs down quite a bit with repetitive hypnosis scenes, and at least one of the twists involving her dreams is entirely predictable, so for the first half, the film hasn't done much at all.

But then, cut to the second half, once the girls break into the department store, and are knocked off one-by-one by the killer, and the film suddenly turns from sluggish to suspenseful. The kill scenes are built up quite well with plenty of blood, there are a few good jump-in-your-seat shocks, and it's nice to see I couldn't quite guess who would die in what order. The huge mall works extremely well in the movie's favor, making for a fairly complex setting in which the killer could be hiding anywhere.

There are even two scenes of gratuitous nudity, provided by none other than goregous soap star Hunter Tylo (credited here as Deborah Morehart), who happens to look even hotter now then she did 18 years ago! Unfortunately, the film stars Daphne Zuniga, who makes for a very flat heroine. I've heard many describe her as a talented actress, but I just don't see it. The rest of the performances are pretty standard, not even Vera Miles or Clu Gulager stand out.

The big plot twist at the end is pretty ludicrous, but I happen to like absurd twists in slashers (to an extent and depending on the situation), and at least it ties in believably with the opening. Had the rest of the film been as entertaining as the last thirty-five or so minutes, The Initiation would have been one truly nifty little slasher. As it is, the film is simply middling.
** 1/2 out of ***** ... Read more

Description

Morgan Meadows Hall has been condemed and soon will be torn down. Five college students volunteer to close the structure during Christmas holiday. What ensues arebone-chilling events and narrow escapes from a murderer wielding a spiked baseball hat. Everyone is not successful in escaping from the horror of this psychopathic killer. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Three hours you'll never get back
I can only imagine how painful it must of been to "act" in this film. After the first half hour it was like a train crash to watch. Do anything you can to get out of sitting through this.

should be ZERO star
This was an insult to Mr. Patterson's amazing writing. The acting was I agree laughable. The chemistry between actor's, well Preschoolers could act better when asking for a drink of water. I could not even finish this POOR, POOR (worse then first time horror movie acting)movie???? Don't waste your time, read the amazing book.

Three Hours of Total Stupidity
I laughed my way through this movie..oh, it wasn't supposed to be a comedy? Whoever wrote the screenplay for this atrocity ought to be shot and the lawyer for THAT defendent would get the guy off with justifiable homicide.

It was ridiculously easy to figure out who-dun-it the minute the victim hit the carpet. After that, the movie became a "participation party game" for those of us watching it. We got to shout out exactly what was going to happen next and then..dum de dum dum..ta da!

Add to this obvious-as-all-get-out "clever plot with many twists and turns" ::snort::the terrifically incompetent cops and lawyers(cops who don't even bother to process the crime scene and who interview five-year-olds without a parent present; lawyers who have no clue how to run a defense) and the movie is nothing but a great example of how not to make one...

...oh, yeah, and a good party game for your next neighborhood get-together!

Pat Brown/CEO/Investigative Criminal Profiler/The Sexual Homicide Exchange

A Great Thriller!
This was a great thriller based on two books by Richard North Patterson, which are the books "Degree of Guilt" and "From A Childs Eye".

The great cast which includes great actors like Melrose Place Daphne Zuniga, JAG's David James Elliott, as well as NYPD Blues, Sharon Lawrence makes this made for T.V. thriller a must watch movie. This story is full of twists and turns and Mr. Elliott and Ms. Zuniga have great chemistry that adds to their abilty to tell this story.

Zuniga and Elliott play lawyers that have feeling for each other but they are both professional and they don't act on their feelings until Terry (Zuniga) leaves her sociopath husband and asks Chris (Elliott) how he feels. After both admitting that they care for each other they finish the big case they are working on and then they plan on taking a vacation together. Terry's husband though has other plans. He needs cash and he is not going to let her walk away without paying one way or another. He starts blackmailing Terry for custody of their 5 year old daughter Elena. Chris hates seeing Terry hurt this way and on the eve of their departure to France pays Terry's husband a visit. While in France it turns out that Terry's husband has been killed. Who killed this guy? Was it Chris who wanted to save Terry from a ugly custody battle? Or was it Terry who wanted to be with Chris and have Elena as well or is it someone else? Now Chris and Terry have the fight of their lives head of them and the only thing holding them together is their love and trust in each other but will that be enough?

If you like edge of your seat viewing that includes murder, blackmail, romance and a huge whodunit mystery, then you will love this DVD! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Russia's Soyuzmultfilm Studios, one of the most remarkable animationfactories of the 20th century, is celebrated in this fourth volume from the PBS series, co-executive produced by Mikhail Baryshnikov. As with previousvolumes, this one collects several of Soyuzmultfilm's most dazzlingadaptations of European folklore, including a classic 1952 version of "Beautyand the Beast" that is far closer to the original story than Disney's.(Contemporary voicing is provided by Robert Loggia, Tim Curry, and AmyIrving.) A wonderfully fun and painterly version of "The Nutcracker,"including Tchaikovsky's music, is narrated by Shirley MacLaine. Thecollection also includes a pair of adaptations of Pushkin stories, eachgorgeous to see and voiced by the likes of Jessica Lange, Timothy Dalton,Gregory Hines, and Cathy Moriarty. Animation buffs will truly enjoy thecomplexity and lushness of the Soyuzmultfilm style, while kids willappreciate the terrific storytelling and exciting visuals. The DVD hasalternate French and Spanish soundtracks with different vocal casts. --TomKeogh ... Read more

Description

On an ark the size of a house, they quietly headed down the Amazon. For the others, it was a chance for adventure. For outlaw Joam Garral, it was the only way he could go back to Brazil. And while the muddy Amazon water hides its bloodthirsty denizens, even greater danger lurks for Garral. His secret past gets out and a ruthless bounty hunter is hot on his trail. Now deep in the jungle, there's no turning back and few make it out alive! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Satisfactory
Satisfactory adventure film. There are enough tense moments to make the film interesting. The story moves along quickly. The film and actors will win no awards but I found the movie enjoyable enough. ... Read more

Description

Sometimes the brightest stars are the ones you never see. "Stand-Ins" is an insider's look at the women behind the stars in the golden age of Hollywood. Six women, who came to Hollywood with the dream of becoming famous, find themselves working as stand-ins to the glamorous stars of the era. They gather for a birthday celebration at their local watering hole. During the course of that evening, a new stand-in is introduced to the group, instigating a turn of events that will change all their lives forever. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

"Stand-In's" stink!
Stagy, contrived and utterly pretentious production about famous 30's actress stand-ins who congregate at a drearily elegant bar, their only thing in common being the same profession. These women are an assortment of the disillusioned and the daydreamy, or a combination of both, encountering difficulty knowing who they are since they're always "standing in somebody's shadow" and sometimes are in danger of losing their identity as they take on the persona of their famous counterparts. The only non stand-in is bartender Jack Turner (Costas Mandylor), an aspiring dancer who spends most of his time breaking into twirls like a human top, and gazing in the mirror as he runs his fingers through his hair. The rest of the gang consists of Daphne Zuniga as Shirley, Garbo's stand-in, Monica (Jordan Ladd) for Bette Davis, Peggy (Charlotte Chatton) for Mae West, Rhonda (Missy Gordon) for Dietrich, and Martha-Anne (Sammi Davis) doubles for Harlow. Talk about crackpot casting! None of these actresses bears the slightest resemblance to her famous counterpart, a fact which is hard to overlook--except perhaps Davis, but unfortunately she looks more like a drag queen parody of the Platinum Blonde! The movie opens dramatically with a grainy B&W apocraphal recreation of the tragically true event of failed starlet Peg Entwistle's sensationalized suicide off the HOLLYWOOD sign in 1932. Fast forward to 1937, when the stand-in's wait for Martha-Anne to show up for her 32nd birthday party. While waiting, junkie Shirley shoots up some dope, then engages in a spirited tiff with Monica as to who deserved the 1935 Oscar more (Garbo or Davis?) and taking it personally as if they were those stars themselves instead of just their stand-ins, and Peggy relates a pathetic tale of how proud she was to sign autographs when taken for Mae West. The rest of the time they spend dancing, engaging in industry gossip and insulting one another. To show how creative and artistic (wacky in my view) these characters are, the script has them blurting verses from Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" as well as inane poems throughout the film. Then Rhonda shows up with the weirdly named Taffy, Rita Hayworth's 19-year old stand-in. Katherine Heigl plays her and ends up stealing the show with her subtle internalized characterization consisitng of scheming determination and lost vulnerability, and though she's too babyfaced and wholesome to be a deadringer for the sultry star, she bears an effective resemblance and in some lighting and camera angles looks uncannily like Hayworth.

When Martha-Anne finally arrives for her party she steps in the bar just as Harlow's death is announced on the radio, and her distraught emotional state is further rattled by Taffy's devious plans to backstab Martha-Anne so she can become Harlow's double in the actress' unfinished picture, which she hopes will get her some publicity and notice. By underestimating Martha-Anne's anger over using Harlow's death as a golden opportunity and stepping stone as well as her love and devotion for her dead "boss," this turns out to be a fatal move for Taffy, a duplicitous character but ultimately sympathetic since there are tragic filial motivations for her desperate need to succeed and not become another Peg Entwistle. Besides the stagey feel, miscasting, and uninspiring dialogue, the other big drawbacks for the chronologically, historically correct are these--Martha-Anne first hears of Harlow's illness and death on the radio after she's just finished doubling for the "healthy" star, but in reality Harlow was gravely ill days before her eventual death and Martha-Anne thus would have been in professional "limbo" during this time. The other drawback is including Hayworth as a 30's star--while she was acting at the time, she was just a starlet and didn't become a full-fledged star until the 40's, therefore a lowly contract player wouldn't have rated a stand-in. I'm not trying to be nitpicky here, but these things are distractingly obvious to any classic film buff and the writers' should know better, but I'm afraid they counted too much on the audiences' ignorance.

Thoroughly entertaining, superbly produced, memorable film.
Stand-Ins is about six young women, each of whom is a 1937 era Hollywood studio employee who, because of their physical resemblance, takes the place of a famous actress (Rita Hayworth, Greta Garbo, Bette Davis, Mae West, Marlene Dietrich, Jean Harlow) and "stands in" on the film set when directors want to check lighting, camera angels, etc. and don't wish to tire out their stars for such mundane technical production steps in the making of their movies. The setting is a local bar where the six women gather together with the bar tender to celebrate the birthday of a seventh member of their little club of fellow stand-ins. Fascinating character developments with startlingly and intimate revelations throughout the afternoon, a sudden and surprising crisis, all are backgrounded with informative behind-the-scenes movie making insights. Stand-Ins is thoroughly entertaining, superbly produced, memorable enacted film that will enhance any community library video movie collection.

Must stop drooling now....
Worth watching for no other reason than for Katherine Heigl ! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The story of Russia's Soyuzmultfilm Studios is one of the mostfascinatingchapters in 20th century animation. Begun in 1936 as a Soviet response toDisney's success, the organization eventually found its own house style,drawing some of the most talented writers, musicians, and filmmakers in the country, who in turn found relative freedom from government censorship.Another big plus for Soyuzmultfilm artists was its unhurried workingconditions: animators had the luxury of time to create lush, painterly worldsfrom adapted folk tales. This third volume of vintage works fromSoyuzmultfilm, originally broadcast on PBS with contemporary voicing byEnglish-speaking actors and co-executive produced by Mikhail Baryshnikov,includes the lovely "The Snow Girl," in which an elderly couple wishing for achild creates one from snow. (The voice cast includes Amanda Plummer andLolita Davidovich.) A Russian version of "Cinderella" (narrated by SarahJessica Parker) is also quite lovely, while "House on Chicken Legs" is arousing cartoon version of Mussorgsky's Pictures from an Exhibition.Animation buffs will really marvel at the richness and variation from piece to piece in Soyuzmultfilm releases. Kids, however, may find a deeperexperience than they do watching most contemporary U.S. animation. The DVD hasalternate French and Spanish soundtracks with different vocal casts. --TomKeogh ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Cute Children's Ghost Tale!
This movie not only makes for a cute children's ghost tale, but for a funny movie for adults as well. I totally loved this movie and I'm 22 years old. This movie is a wonderful blend of history, fantasy, and humor! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Comedy! Daphne Zuniga is beautiful and very perfect!
A great comedy for all!

A very good movie feature Jack Wagner, Daphne Zuniga and Zack Ward.

The story is original and the movie is enough well made!

Story:
Kyle's a police officer, and his partner is his dog, Hunter. Hunter gets killed in the line of duty, and his spirit comes back in the body of a criminal named Howie. Howie, with the spirit of Hunter in him, helps Kyle in solving a dastardly plot. A police veterinarian, Amanda Morton (play by the actress Daphne Zuniga!!!!!!! from Melrose Place) will help Kyle and Howie for found the main guy...

Daphne Zuniga and Jack Wagner play again together after "Melrose Place" and "Artificial Lies"

I recommend this movie.
Great and good comedy! ... Read more

Reviews (81)

My favorite romantic comedy
I usually don't like romantic movies. I mean let's face it they are usually predictable and the two stars have no chemistry. However, when done right a romantic comedy can work. In The Sure Thing it works. John Cusack stars as Walter Gibson a freshman at a small northeastern college. He has been down on his luck in the woman department. He meets a girl, Alison in his English class. They have a Pseudo-date and it ends badly. Walter decides to take a cross-country road trip to meet with his friend Lance (played by ER's Anthony Edwards when he still had hair.) Lance assures of a sure thing upon his arrival. He of course through some unfortunate luck and show tunes is stuck with Alison on the road trip. What I liked was the honesty of this movie. Cusak's character learns about women, relationships and the actual meaning of the word love by being stuck with Alison. She learns to loosen up, and accept people for what they are. In every successful relationship that I have had, that is what happens. I learn from her and she learns from me. Yes, the end is a little predictable and it is a little dated, but the story is funny and pretty dead on.

A Sure Winner
The Sure Thing is director Rob Reiner's second film and his first conventional movie after the mockumentary format of This Is Spinal Tap. The film has the classic teenage plot of boy meets girl, girl at first hates boy and then in the end they end up together. But instead of being just another cliché, The Sure Thing features such likable and winning performances by the two leads, John Cusack and Daphne Zuniga, that it becomes a memorable and lovable film. Mr. Cusack stars as Walter "Gib" Gibson who is in a slump when it comes to getting girls. Everyone around him at his New England campus seems to be scoring, except him. He meets a pretty girl, Alison (Ms. Zuniga) in his English class and tries to hook up with her. Alison is a straitlaced girl, who schedules everything she does to the second, while Gib is a spontaneous guy who lives life minute to minute. Alison agrees to tutor Gib in English and he tries to seduce her, but he fails miserably and she ends up hating him. His best friend from high school, Lance (Anthony Edwards) is out at college in California where he has set up a date for Gib who is a "sure thing". All Gib has to do is get to California by 12/22 and he's in. The problem is he has no money to fly, so he finds a ride with a couple who are driving out to Los Angeles. As fate would have it, Alison is also in the car as she is heading out to see her boyfriend in LA. The couple Gary Cooper and Mary Ann Webster are upbeat squares who sing showtunes on the trip. Gary is played by a young Tim Robbins in one of his first roles. Gib and Alison are constantly bickering at one another and eventually they are thrown out of the car and forced to hitch. Along the way, Alison starts to see the real charm in Gib and starts to fall for him. Eventually they reach LA and go their separate ways. They both end up at the party where Gib meets his sure thing (Nicolette Sheridan). Jealousy ensues between the two and Gib eventually takes his sure thing up to Lance's bedroom. The movie flashes forward where Gib and Alison are back in English class and we learn that Gib didn't cash in on his sure thing and Alison and Gib end up sharing a kiss under the stars. Mr. Cusack got his first leading role after a series of bit parts and he shines in his opportunity. He shows that offbeat charm that would become his signature trait. Mr. Reiner perfectly captures life on the road in America and the film is a low-key success.

What's Important
This 1980's teen genre comedy is not as good as the earlier "Ridgeway High." It's not as good as "Pretty In Pink" or the other John Hughes movies. But it has its moments and certainly is far better than the awful "Valley Girls" which appeared in 83. Rob Reiner has an easygoing hand on the direction. He's not going to be remembered as Hitchcock or Ozu, but again, sweet comedy is Reiner's best stuff. I always found John Cusak movies vaguely unsatisfying. His roles are the smart aleck kid that revolts against middle-class etc... But in this movie of boy-girl opposites, he's good, even handsome in a Tom Cruse way. Alison Bradbury is fine as the anal co-ed, and thank you movie god, she's a brunette, not a blonde. This is a "Road" flick and the usual rain drenched hitchhiking scenes unfold. America is big and beautiful. Hard to miss with this material. The moral, getting laid is less important than finding someone you adore. Not a bad idea.

Who invented liquid soap and why?
The Sure Thing has to be the most quotable movie of all time. When I saw it for the first time in the 80s I didn't appreciate it for what it was. When I rediscovered it in the early 90s I couldn't believe what a gem this movie is.

"excuse me I see a sweet young thing whose sarong needs adjusting"

Funny!
While this isn't as good as SAY ANYTHING..., John Cusack's later movie, it is still very good and very funny. John Cusack is better in his earlier romantic comedies like this one, SAY ANYTHING...(a classic and my favorite movie) or the hilariously offbeat BETTER OFF DEAD than he is today (with the exception of HIGH FIDELITY, I didn't like AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS at all). He is very funny throughout the whole movie, but my favorite scene of his is in the pool scene when he's imagining his future ("When I get out of jail, I'm 36 years old.") if his love interest doesn't help him pass English. The love interest, Daphne Zuniga, is also very funny (especially when she tries to prove to J.C. in the car that she's not stuck-up-if you've seen the movie, you know which scene I mean). Overall, very funny. Like all romantic comedies, it is predictable, but the comedy, good acting and chemistry make this movie not MONEY FOR NOTHING. ... Read more