Reviews (52)

remember drive-ins
Watching this movie at the drive in Pasadena the age of five or six and actually remembering it means somethings. That it was great movie. Now some...I hate to say it, twenty years later. I still think it great. Growing up in Pasadena, and Houston. I can relate to this move. I ain't being biased, I'm just being honest. This movie actually tells the truth about relationships instead of sugar coating it like all the rest the Hollywood chick-flicks try to do. Instead of all the teen love storis and the rich kid and and poor girl from the wrong side of the tracks dying to be with the rich kid. Nope, this movie is as realistic as Hollywood can manage. Sissy and Bud(that is his name...right?) I mean Travolta's character was a spoiled, wanna-be macho redneck but at the end he forgets all that and finds himself still in love Sissy. And yes there are fights in honky-tonks. Aren't there also fights in any other bar. Then again aren't all girls not just country girls trying to get there guy jealous by dancing with other guys at bars also. I hate it when anyone who is not from the south or southeast making fun of people from here. WE are not all stupid inbreeders with a an IQ and education of fifth grader. I am going to end this with saying that this was and still is a great film.

John Travolta is not a country boy!
Urban Cowboy is a tale of idiot hollywood actors trying to be cowboys and cowgirls. This movie reveals I think country people in a bad way. I am a cowboy and I don't even do half the things that these people do in this movie. The writers have revealed country people as real hard dirty sleezy rednecks who go to places like gilleys everynight get into drunk fights have no respect for women and go around having sex with every cowgirl in the place. Then you have John Travolta who ought to be arrested for even putting on a cowboy hat and wearing cowboy boots and wrangler jeans we are talking about the same idiot who played New Yorker in shows like Welcome Back Kotter and lived in Brooklyn and danced in discos in Saturday Night Fever. I don't why anyone casted that guy for the role. Then Debra Winger is not to bad for the role but her character is dismissed in the story as some dumb southern cowgirl who goes around doing it with any cowboy she can find. Then last but not least you have the trashy other friends and actors who all posess Rotten teeth, smoke considerable amounts of cigarettes, and are playing and immatating country cowboys as people with rotten teeth with a third grade intelligence. These actors no nothing about honky tonks and how they are and these actors all come from cities they don't even live in the country so why do they continually act like real morons throughout the movie. The music is another bad ticket in this flop some moron who knows nothing about country music picked the sorriest collection I have ever heard like someone else pointed out in there review its hollywood country music. The only good song they actually picked was Lookin for love by Johnny Lee and to top it off you only hear half of it. Well anyway it gets two stars because it does follow some sort of story line but man is this pathetic.

Poor social message, but still irrestible!
I read some of the other reviews, and it's interesting the reasons that this movie was praised. Basically this movie presents very poor social messages. I mean, it implies that domestic violence, physical fighting with peers, drinking lots, and having sex with people you don't even know just because your mad, is the cool thing to do. So again, I don't approve of the social messages.
On the other hand, if you are between 25-37 years old, you may have a fond place in your heart for this movie, as I do! The characters are attractive, and in the end, love wins out! You see, I love this movie, only because when I first saw it, I was at the age of wanting to find out who I was. And it did seem cool to be around family and friends, dancing, pushing life a little too far, etc. I also think it's one of John Travolta's best movies. He's handsome, strong, and likeable!

A cowboy's must
John Travolta,who became famous for his role of Vinnie Barbarino on the ABC sitcom "Welcome Back Kotter",had two prior megahit starring films,"Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease". In his third megahit,this film,he is Beauford Uan "Bud" Davis,an URBAN COWBOY who moves to Houston from Spur,a small Houston suburb. He lands a job at an oil refinery where his uncle Bob works. Debra Winger is Sissy,who Bud met at Gilley's,the real-life Pasadena,TX honky tonk. Bud and Sissy fall in love and get married at the hot nightspot. Scott Glenn is Wes Hightower,a paroled convict who steals Sissy's heart and keeps it while she and Bud are separated and nearly divorce. Madolyn Smith in her debut,at least on the big screen,is Pam who is Bud's girlfriend during the separation. Country singer Mickey Gilley owns the nightspot with Sherwood Cryer(both appear as themselves in the film). In addition to Gilley,country artists appearing in the film are Bonnie Raitt,Johnny Lee and The Charlie Daniels Band. All four artists have contributed to the soundtrack album. This film was directed by the late James Bridges,whose prior films include SEPTEMBER 30,1955 and THE CHINA SYNDROME. Bridges subsequently directed MIKE'S MURDER also starring Winger,PERFECT,also starring Travolta,and BRIGHT LIGHTS,BIG CITY starring Michael J. Fox. Sadly,Gilley's was burned down in 1989 by a kitchen fire and was later re-christened as Gilley's Mechanical Bull & Nightclub. Travolta would have no megahit films following this one until 1989's LOOK WHO'S TALKING. He won an Oscar for his role in 1994's PULP FICTION and is still going strong in Hollywood today.

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
THIS IS A GOOD MOVIE I LOVE IT I ENJOY IT. IT WAS MADE HERE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS. THE BAR WAS IN PASADENA@ THE FAMOUS MICKEY GILLEY'S BAR. I LIKE THIS MOVIE IT REPRESENTS TEXAS AND ALSO IT IS A GREAT LOVE STORY YOU CAN'T BUT FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS MOVIE. DEBRA WINGER AND JOHN TRAVOLTA REALLY DO SOME GREAT ACTING IN THIS MOVIE AND I LOVE IT. I WOULD RECOMMEND YOU TO BUY THIS MOVIE IF YOU ARE A FAN OF JOHN TRAVOLTA OR IF YOU LIKE LOVE STORIES YOU CANNOT GO WRONG BUYING THIS VIDEO. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

A good replacement for all those worn VHS copies.
First off, kudos to Rhino for salvaging this cult film from the 1980s. While you're at it ... howzabout doing the same for Valley Girl, Real Genius or April Fools Day! :)

All in all, I'm pretty pleased with this release

The animated bios are for Debby, Sam Jones, E.G Marshal, Howard Hessman and Penn & Teller. They consist of headshots from the movie accompanied by things like Date-of-Birth and filmographies.

The slide show is much like the animated bios, but consist only of about 10 photos or so.

While I am glad to have a "clean" copy to watch now, I do have two small complaints.

1). Sadly, the DVD is full-frame as opposed to letterbox.

2). The transfer, while somewhat clean, does possess some signs of age. I'm sure Rhino did the best they could with whatever print they had. It just might've been my TV, but it did seem to be somewhat darker than my VHS version

I highly recommend this to any Deb-heads out there or fans of 80s cult films.

A Classic, Funny 80's Romantic Comedy
My Chauffeur is a classic 80's romantic comedy. Deborah Foreman as Casey Meadows is quirky, cute and lovable. Sam Jones as "Battle" is the ultimate rich brute, until Casey's cuteness and lovability break him down. This is a cute movie that people still talk about today. Worth checking out.

Oh, to be 25 and seeing this for the first time
This movie was one of the nice surprises I had when I first started renting movies in the late 80's. I just recently watched my bootleg copy I made from a neighborhood video store copy(pre-Blockbuster...they were ALL little neighborhood stores) and had an immediate lovely flashback to those days. I also noted that the music seems to be Michael Nyman, or Nyman-ish, which, in his similarity to Philip Glass, made the movie all that much more charming. I can't speak for the DVD but the VHS version, although weak in places, is still charming in the low-key, New Wave way that now seems so naive. Wasn't it great to NOT have celphones and PCs and the internet? Not to mention that New Wave was still NEW. *sigh* Goes well with the much-more-cool "Something Wild". Or even a nice match with "Repo Man".

My, my it's hot, but at least it's not STICKY!
I discovered this movie in the 80's while working at a TeleVid, a VHS and Beta rental store (REMEMBER Beta!!). This movie is hysterical and SO quotable. Deborah Foreman reminds me of an adorable grownup Shirley Temple. Like another reviewer, I thought The Wigs were excellent and have sought out their music a few times over the years. This movie should be viewed as a time capsule from the 80's, rather than an example of exemplary filmmaking. ENJOY it's humor and cheesiness. Who'd ever think we'd be waxing nostalgic about those years. Sigh...

One of the worst ever
Who's idea was it to combine the talents of the world's two worst actors, Sam Jones and Deborah Foreman? Foreman breaks off into silly accents and facial expressions at the drop of a dime, and Sam Jones was his usual non-emotive self. Terrible storyline, and somehow suckered Penn and Teller to take part. Not even worth a star. Absolutely no continuity whatsoever. Should get a minus rating. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Meredith Willson's musical masterpiece is such an American classic, itdeserves to be known by each new generation--and this sprightly TV-movie versionspiffs it up nicely for the young folk. It's a testament to Willson'sachievement that this 2003 production can survive a casting flub: the usuallyengaging Matthew Broderick's low-key charm is an exact mismatch for the brassyenergy of traveling salesman Professor Harold Hill. When Broderick sings thewords "thundering, thundering!" from "Seventy-Six Trombones," he sounds asthough he's murmuring, murmuring. But he wears well (especially in a nifty"Marian the Librarian"), and he has lyrical support from Kristin Chenoweth'scrystal-clear singing. Director Jeff Bleckner has a maddening tendency to cutaway from the crucial moment of a scene, but the atmosphere of small-town Iowais ably created. Adding zip is Molly Shannon, hilarious as chief busybody Mrs.Shinn. In short, the "Think System" still works. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Broderick ruins great production
This is my second review of this movie, and I have found that I have a few more observations. Has anyone noticed how wooden and mechanical Broderick's performance is? At times he sounds like he's reading cue cards, and at others his movements resemble those of a puppet, marionette, or wind-up toy. I kept looking during "76 Trombones" to see if he had any visible strings attached. And that blank face of his shows almost no emotion. It's really a shame that casting Broderick ruined the whole movie, because the production has so many good points. The period small-town atmosphere is superb, Kristen Chenoweth is great, the staging in many of the musical numbers (eg. "Iowa Stubborn", "Marian the Librarian" "The Wells Fargo Wagon") is brilliant. The cast radiates YOUTH and vitality, unlike the original 1962 version, whose shopworn cast looks like its been hanging around on the set for too long. But believe me - as far as Harold Hill is concerned, Broderick isn't worthy to shine Robert Preston's marching boots. Whereas previously we had a MUSIC MAN with superlative Harold Hill and a weak production, now the situation is reversed. So again I say, what a shame.

One final point: "Trouble" looks and sounds all wrong. Hill is here assuming the mantle of an itinerant revivalist preacher; his mesmerizing patter is like a fiery sermon. He is cataloguing rather scandalous behavior for the time, and the townspeople should be reacting with shock. Here, instead of preaching Broderick dances around like an idiot, while the people just stand there. Tell you what, Disney, why not just get a new Harold Hill and run all the scenes with him in it all over again?

A pointless but nicely done film.
The age old question - why remake a classic?
The original The Music Man is, in my opinion, one of the greatest movie musicals ever made (as I outline in my review of it). When I saw that it had been remade I was, at once, horrified and fascinated. What will they have done to improve the original? Could they improve the original? Well, the short answer is they couldn't and they haven't.
My main concern was, and is, Matthew Broderick. Although undoubtably a talented musical theatre performer (I enjoyed his performance on the Producers and the How To Suceed ... soundtracks) he is no Robert Preston, which in my books means that he's no Harold Hill! He seems to suffer from a stiff neck for the duration of the film as he hardly moves his head (maybe it's those high collars!). In some of the numbers he looks positively uncomfortable! His voice is not suited to the role and in numbers like 76 Trombones, shows itself to be very weak. The rest of the cast is good, but not in comparison with their counterparts from the original film.
The saving grace to this production is the direction and choreography. The original film is slightly stagey with it's direction (something I actually find endearing), but this one really allows us to explore River City, Iowa and meet it's residents. The choreography dares to be different from the original and I especially love what has been done with 76 Trombones. The sets and costumes are equally impressive, especially when you consider that this was made for television.
On the whole, an entertaining couple of hours but I would recommend watching Mr Preston in action first. After that, this is at it's most entertaining when reminding you of the original. Which is no bad thing!

Wonderful production, but Broderick is miscast
On the whole, I prefer this 2003 Disney production of THE MUSIC MAN to the original 1962 movie version. The original was full of bright, garish colors that emphasized the cast members' age and made the supposedly turn-of-the-century high school gym look more like the one in WEST SIDE STORY. By contrast, the new version recreates the period beautifully, with muted colors that give the train, the town, the school, and the ice cream parlor the look of an old-fashioned picture postcard. The original version was also quite stagey, while the new one uses subtle camera angles to suggest the unwelcoming quality of the town in "Iowa Stubborn" and to create an almost menacing mood in the opening train number, "Rock Island." "Marian the Librarian," which looked silly in the original, here becomes a delightful "literary fantasy." And the new cast is youthful and fresh, with a Marian (Kristen Chenowith) both ravishing of voice and much more appealing of personality than the original's Shirley Jones. Chenowith's Marian is no uptight spinster but the town eccentric, an independent young woman of intelligence and humor. Disney regular Victor Garber also stands out as a pompous yet likeable Mayor Shinn.
Matthew Broderick, though, is all wrong as Harold Hill. In an interview, Broderick suggested that he wanted to create a more understated salesman than Robert Preston's famous "bass drum." But in fact Broderick's performance is simply boring. I couldn't imagine duller renditions of "Ya Got Trouble" and "Seventy-Six Trombones," for example - and if Harold Hill doesn't "sell" those two big numbers, then he is not Harold Hill. In short, though Broderick has been fine in other, less dominating musical roles, he is miscast as a fast-talking, charismatic "spell-binder."

No match for the 1962 version.
Okay, okay, the 1962 version of the Broadway musical turned film, starring Robert Preston (in the part of his life) and Shirley Jones, super sweet and sexy at the same time and with the voice of an angel, happens to be one of my favorite films of all time. But this version? Forgettabout it.

When I first checked out reviews for this after seeing it in its first TV showing (or seeing MOST of it since, I think I started switching channels halfway through), and checking out if it was available on DVD, I was not only a bit shocked they'd even waste a good blank DVD on it but then have the nerve to charge people to buy/rent it, but by some of the POSITIVE reviews. What movie were these folks watching, I wonder, or is it just self-denial, or perhaps they've never seen the 1962 version, or perhaps they just don't know what "The Music Man" is and should be all about?

Still, I gave it a chance. The opening sequence looks and sounds good, the production values good, but my first clue something was "wrong" here was the presence of an Afro-American traveling salesman. This was just not realistic for the time period or places involved. And when Matthew Broderick (playing Harold Hill) takes his first stroll through River City, Iowa, circa early 20th century, more blacks. Fancily dressed ladies and little kids, all living in racial harmony in 1912 Iowa? Just not realistic. I think I even spotted an oriental or two, and these are not "racist" remarks at all. It's just that this just wasn't the way it was back then. Nowhere in the country back then actually, but especially the time period this takes place in. Egads, give me a break Disney on the over-the-top and totally inappropriate political correctness.

It was only when Matthew Broderick, already early on in the movie exhibiting none of the personality characteristics or mannerisms Preston made famous, started "acting" however, saying words and speaking lines like he were tied to a morphine drip, did I start to wonder, what the heck are they butchering a classic for? I kept watching though and when Ferris started to dance around like an 80 year old and sing lines with almost no real emotion or energy or spirit, that I knew this was going to be bad. Matthews' energy level compared to Preston is like a 40 watt light bulb compared to the spotlight on top of the Luxor in Vegas. He butchers EVERY song. His "Trouble in River City" is without a doubt the worst though I think.

The woman who plays Marion the Librarian, while she can sing well enough, is also a horrible miscast. While she sings like a bird (though not nearly as good as Shirley Jones in the original), her acting is generally poor, forced, and her voice is squeaky and her whole "look" nowhere near what it should be. As others have mentioned, the barbershop quartet guys seem much too young, the mayor of the town is played all wrong, although the stuttering kid (played originally by Ron Howard) is okay.

The production values are really about the only good thing about this movie, but almost everything else is wrong. It's hard for me to remember such a blatant bad job of casting here mainly. Matthew Broderick can act, for all we know, he can sing or dance. But he "acts" and sings and dances throughout without any magic or enthusiasm at all. Change the two leads here at least, and ditch the unrealistic and almost insulting political correctness here, and this might've been something good. Though still nowhere near the 1962 version.

Save your money and buy the REAL version, and make a VHS copy or DVD recording of this next time it's shown on the tube. Imho, there really are no legitimate excuses for trying to remake virtually perfectly done originals. Witness the color remake of "Psycho." This whole project should've sat in the can. And don't they do screentests and tryouts for parts anymore? If Matthew Broderick performed in those as he does here, he would've been nixed by any decent casting director, so whaa happened?

Buy the original or so see a live performance. This mostly does unjustice to Wilson's classic.

The Music Man is a True American Classic - Despite This!
I will admit that I'm prejudice when it comes to Robert Preston. Preston had a limited range as a singer, but more than made up for it with stage presence, knowledge of the character of Harold Hill, and great moves that dominated every scene (and he was in nearly every scene). I would be hard-pressed to find someone who would fill the man's shoes. Still, Matthew Broderick seems uncomfortable in his OWN shoes. His awkwardness and gangly movement is disconcerting for me, the viewer. I kept waiting for him to fall down! I know they cast Broderick to attract viewers with his familiar name and his reputation as a musical performer in The Producers, but it's like casting Ray Romano to play Don Corleone in The Godfather because he's Italian. ... Read more

Description

An on-screen adaptation of the Tony- award-winning play about a Jewish homosexual who, except for a different sexual preference, goes through the same struggles of love, jealousy and self-doubt that affect us all. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

"A pretty person who goes after a ugly person gets cab fare"
In 1988, the film version of the Tony Award-winning, landmark play "Torch Song Trilogy", which was written by the outspoken and very witty Harvey Fierstein, was released to theaters. Written originally as three separate one-act plays between 1978 and 1979 ("The International Stud", "Fugue in a Nursery" and "Widows and Children First"), Harvey Fierstein combined them into the more familiar three-act play "Torch Song Trilogy" in 1981 since each one-act play focused on the life of a gay man named Arnold (played by Harvey Fierstein), who is a gay drag-show entertainer. In the first act, Arnold meets a stranger at a bar named Ed (Brian Kerwin). A precarious relationship develops quickly between Ed and Arnold, but Ed also wants to marry a woman named Laurel (Karen Young). In the second act, Arnold meets a young man named Alan (Matthew Broderick) at the club where Arnold performs. A long-term relationship develops between Arnold and Alan until an unexpected tragedy occurs. The third act focuses on Arnold taking care of a teenaged son, David (Eddie Castrodad) that he & Alan had adopted, as well as Arnold's ongoing difficulties with his mother (Anne Bancroft).

With excellent dialog, engaging personalities and superb acting, "Torch Song Trilogy" is a fantastic film, demonstrating not only the love that exists within gay couples, but also the very real difficulties that many gay men face in their daily lives, including the all-too-often difficulties with family members who cannot accept them for who they are. Harvey Fierstein's unique voice adds a special flare to his drag show performances, as well as to his arguments with his mother. Anne Bancroft's performance is superb and emotional. Matthew Broderick did a wonderful portraying Alan. Interestingly, he had played the teenaged son David when "Torch Song Trilogy" was being performed on stage as a play. Brian Kerwin and Karen Young also portray their roles well. Other significant characters in the film include Bertha Venation (Charles Pierce), Marina Del Rey (Alex Vera), the young Arnold (Benji Schulman) and Murray (Kevin Page). Overall, I rate "Torch Song Trilogy" with 5 out of 5 stars. It's especially great to be able to watch the film on widescreen DVD.

The great Harvey
I adore this movie for its lead performances and sheer sense of life. It's a one-of-a-kind film with the most unconventional leading man ever to appear in a Hollywood feature: the unforgettable Harvey Fierstein. Not only does Fierstein dominate every scene in which he appears, but he also wrote the screenplay adaptation from his original Broadway play.

The stage version of Torch Song Trilogy, as its title suggests, consists of three self-contained one-act plays. Performed together, the three plays tell the continuing story of Arnold, a Brooklyn drag queen extraordinaire. The movie follows the stage version fairly closely, but adds several new characters along the way, together with some fresh (and sparkling) dialogue in this most quotable of movies. All of the additions, in fact, improve on the original, and Ken Page and Charles Pierce in the roles of Arnold's fellow performers endow the movie with some marvellously campy moments.

The movie is alternately hilarious and heartbreaking. It also manages to be thought-provoking without being preachy. Anne Bancroft is superb as Harvey Fierstein's larger than life mother, and the many confrontational moments between the two are as powerful as they are truthful. Some have complained that Bancroft's performance is too over the top in a scenery-chewing kind of way, but I loved it. Besides, as gay friends in the same situation as Fierstein's character have told me, this is exactly how their mothers reacted to THEIR homosexuality.

Among the other cast members, Brian Kerwin does a fine job as Ed, the confused bisexual lover of Arnold, and Matthew Broderick is a winsome Alan, the young man who walks into Arnold's life at an unexpected moment in the movie. Broderick was no stranger to Torch Song Trilogy, having played the part of David, Arnold's adopted son, in the 1981 stage version. Here the part of David is played by newcomer Eddie Castrodad, who plays an almost-convincing 15-year-old despite the fact that he was in his early 30s at the time.

But it is Harvey Fierstein whose extraordinary presence, wit, and acting range hold this movie together. For those who have only seen his cameo roles in Hollywood fodder such as Independence Day and Mrs Doubtfire, his performance here will come as a huge surprise. He is unique; there is no other word for it.

The only blight on this otherwise splendid movie is Paul Bogart's flat, uninspired direction. His treatment simply lacks the magic touch this story so richly deserves, and it's a great shame that such an outstanding cast and script were let down by his TV movie approach.

But don't let that put you off buying this priceless gem of a movie.

The best gay film of all time
Every person that I turn on to this movie absolutely loves it and eventually adds it to their dvd collections as a result. Even after watching TST many, many times (and believe it or not, it is playing now!) I still believe it is the very best gay themed movie of all time..and I have seen them all...Superb acting, laugh-out-loud funny and very touching...Bancroft and Fierstein shine!

If you are straight (or gay in some cases) and can't stand gay people, don't even bother renting or buying this film. But, regardless of your sexual orientation, if you are a mature, openminded person, and respect all people for who and what they are, you will enjoy it.

Get it. You'll love it!

Warm and Funny and Heartfelt
I gave this 5 stars based on its original release date. Yes, it is a bit dated now, but it really does not hurt the film if you look at it as a snapshot of the time. Fierstein is just wonderful. I dare you to not love Arnold by the end of this movie. He is warm, funny, sentimental, loyal, and kind - and still not sappy; an oddball hero that you can't stop hoping for. (ugh- preoposition). Broderick is charming and romantic as the knight in shining armor. Kerwin is heartbreaking and has some beautiful scenes to work with here. Bancroft is a force-of-nature and while she is sometimes over-the-top, she still remains very human. A comedy, semi-period piece, love story about family,blood or otherwise, and the things that bring us together and ultimately hold us together. Quite wonderful actually.

The No.1 Classic Gay Drama I have Ever Watched.
Finally, I have seen a gay movie which is not merely about the misery of being dumped by a gay lover or trying to come out in a family.

Torch Song Trilogy is a biographical work about the life of the protagonist drag queen, Arnold. The movie starts humourously with the mother's discovery of the son hiding in a closet and trying to beautifying himself with her make-up. The mother yelled, "What are you doing in the ---". Then the mother knew what was going on.

The movie can be basically divided into three parts (that's why it's titled trilogy) - his career as a professional drag queen (or politically correct - a female impersonator), during which he knew a bisexual man; his falling in love with a middle class boy who is still uncontaminated by the world. He, however, was sadly, killed by hateful discrimination. Finally, the movie has a touch of adopting a (gay) son and brings out the issue of gay parenting. The movie ends with a fight, not a reconciliation, between the mother and the gay son. Each part of the movie tells you the life and the bumpy road Arnold was living through at the moment. The movie does not depict it in a pitiful way, or else, it lets the plot bring out the emotio spontaneously to the audience. The dialogues are clever, symbolic and witty. The acting is professional and does not go over the top. The director deals with the fantastic scripts carefully and the final scene of Arnold holding the three most valuable things in his life in a chair is simply self-effacing.

Torch Song Trilogy is a gay classic drama. There is nothing pretentious. The movie does not ask for your pity for Arnold's tragic life, but your understanding of what he has been through. ... Read more

Description

Caught in a clash of cultures and ready to wreak more havoc on Japan than Godzilla, the Bad News Bears are back for their third outing, following the enormously successful The Bad New Bears and The Bad News Bears In Breaking Training. This time the Bears have been spirited off to Tokyo by Tony Curtis as Marvin Lazar, a slick and sleazy con artist who sees in the team a perfect peg for a get-rich-quick scheme. The strikeout-prone Bears are pitted against a murderously skillful Japanese junior baseball team, and the resulting comic chaos is hilarious. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Well - it is the third
This movie rounds out the three Bears movies and helped pave the way to the short lived tv series of the same name. While there is very little baseball in this film (the filmmakers get to caught up with the idea of being in Japan and forget who the film is about) and Tony Curtis is not Walter Matthau (but who is?) the film still has its moments and isn't without the smallest of pleasures. A perfect film for kids around 7 years old who like baseball. All others need not bother.

...
...All the Bad News Bears movies are good. I have all 3 on DVD at home and I watch them all the time and never get sick of it. This third one is good also. It does show the team from the first two of the Bad News Bears through the whole movie. They don't play till the end though. I think my favorite one is the second one where they play at the Astrodome that's my favorite one. It's still a classic and fun to watch.

Cheap Seats with even cheaper CRAP!!
Oh CRUD! Is this a baseball movie or a Japan documentary? If this was supposed to be a baseball movie of little league kids, they should have put a little more baseball in it. I like the humor however. But without Tanner and Lupus, the humor is dry. It's just plain garbage! I wish that they would get the TV series out on video too!! It beats the crud out of this one!!

What's wrong with it!
I think that ALL of the bad news bears including the TV series were exceptionally done! They are MUCH MUCH better than the baseball comidies of today! And I wish they would bring the bears back to the BIG SCREEN!

This Is Why Over-The-Hill Players Play in Japan...
"The Bad News Bears Go to Japan." After all, where else could they go after playing in the Astrodome? Unfortunately, a movie series that started with a movie that really didn't need a sequel, much less two, ends down by a run, two men on and a two-out pop-up in the bottom of the 9th. Or 10th... or 15th... Another one of these movies and we're gonna have to get the commissioner's office involved.

Tony Curtis strains mightily to get laughs out of some paper-thin material, and Jackie Earle Haley is way too old to be playing in this league. The film involves his character in a cross-cultural romance, and pits the Bears against the Japanese national team, but the novelty has worn off.

You're just going to be left wondering, "Why did they bother to make this movie? Free trip to Japan?" If you're interested in how our national pasttime is played in the OTHER country where it's the national pasttime, check out the passable "Mr. Baseball" instead. At least Tom Selleck has some believable moves. ... Read more

Amazon.com

MGM is grouping episodes from the new Outer Limits anthology series by theme rather than chronology for DVD, and this first collection compiles six episodes that focus on matters of the heart (and other body parts). Alyssa Milano's nude scene in "Caught in the Act" will probably garner the most attention, but the disc's strongest hour is "The Human Operators," a thoughtful, award-winning take on man vs. machine that's adapted from a story by science fiction legends Harlan Ellison and A.E. van Vogt. This reworking of the 1963-1965 science fiction series is competent but lacks the palpable suspense of the original series. Also, there's no sense of new ground being broken with its stories; the original series took risks with its parables on war ("Soldier") and technology ("O.B.I.T."). The new Limits also tackles issues, but the end results pack a lesser punch. Hardcore sci-fi fans may take to this tempered-down version; all others will find it mildly diverting. --Paul Gaita ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Nice
I like the themed DVD series. I would have rathered by series but the themed ones are just as good. My only complaint is that MGM is really slow and need to get out the rest of these shows!!!

"The Outer Limits" - just a mystic dream
Hi there...I'm from Germany and I like the series very much, too.
I searched nearly the whole Internet to find episode guides and other information about the series. Today I have found out, that the copmplete series will NOT come out on DVD in our country.

Of course, the two Discs are not bad, but where's the rest ??

"The X-Files" is also out there, but why not "The Outer Limits" ?

However, I'll buy the Original Soundtrack - that's enough for the moment.

And let us hope that at least the two DVDs will also come out in our language.

Mike

Pushing the limits
The original OUTER LIMITS series aired in the early 1960s. It was often compared with its rival (and more popular) show, THE TWILIGHT ZONE. However, there was a distinctive difference between the two shows. TZ only sometimes had stories that belonged in the science fiction genre, while OL was STRICTLY 100% of the science fiction genre.

In the mid-1990s the show idea was renewed on SHOWTIME. Being on SHOWTIME meant that the writers did not have to worry about censors. So, what resulted was a science fiction show with a nice blend of eroticism. The current DVD is 4 of the top episodes from the seasons on cable.

3 of the 4 stories deal with the concept of artificial intelligence, which is a "biggie" at this juncture as we stand right on the threshold of making AI a reality. The fourth story is the most "pure" science fiction story as it takes place almost entirely in outer space.

From the eroticism side of the house, it is good to see that the nudity / sensuality is not contrived in the stories. Rather, it follows along naturally w/the storyline. For me that is the whole KEY to making eroticism "work."

The biggest names in the casting are Alyssa Milano, Natasha Henstridge and the voice of Malcom MacDowell. The sultry Milano does a nude scene which is likely enough to entice a great many people to purchase the DVD. Milano does a memorable job of going from the innocent girl-next-door to seductive vixen in World Record speed.

Although I have never been a huge fan of behind the scenes material on DVD, this does offer a decent package of the thoughts and perspectives of the creation of the storylines. It also gives us some insight from one of the makers of the original OL.

If you like science fiction movies and short stories, you will like this movie. If you like erotic movies, you will like this DVD. If you like science fiction movies AND erotic films, you will LOVE this one!

Good Episodes But...
video transfer quality was poor. Lots of video noise artifacts, making enjoyment of episodes a struggle. Very disappointed. What kind of "master" did MGM use, a copy of a copy?! 2/5

ahhhhh! just right
i usually like television on dvd to come out by the seasons, but i am glad ...no make that ecstatic that m.g.m decided to put these by themes. with six 45 minute stand alone episodes on each disk seperated by themes you can't go wrong......even if M.G.M follows its historical pattern of releasing a few dvds of a series and then following that up with a complete box set you won't regret buying these especially at this great price. ... Read more

Amazon.com

David Suchet and Hugh Fraser team up again as the great detective Hercule Poirot and trusty Captain Hastings for three engaging hour-long adventures. In The Cornish Mystery Poirot has an unusual visitor--a victim who says she's not dead yet but is slowly being poisoned. The Adventure of the Cheap Flat blends international intrigue with the gentle comic relief of a foolish American FBI agent, and Double Sin contains a novel twist: Poirot announces his retirement and Hastings is left to solve the case by himself. The cast has the easy rapport of old friends, and as always Philip Jackson as Chief Inspector Japp and Pauline Moran as the remarkable Miss Lemon are welcome companions. Special DVD features include selected cast filmographies and biographies for David Suchet and Agatha Christie. Brew some tea, check it for arsenic, and get ready for a thoroughly entertaining evening.--Ali Davis ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great Shows, Mediocre Video Transfer
This rating is an average, taking about 5 stars for the quality of scripts and performances, and about 1 for the technical quality of these DVDs. I've been a fan of Suchet's Poirot from the get-go; and have just about worn out my tapes. For my wife and me, Poirot is video comfort food. That's why I'm buying the DVDs-to have wear-proof copies of these beloved shows.

Having said that, Acorn should not be proud that this is the best technical quality they can produce. Basically, these shows on DVD look no better than mediocre VHS; perhaps less than mediocre. The imagery is neither sharp nor crisp; dark scenes have a sort of permanent haze over them; they're almost in a monochrome, washed out with little color to the wonderful period scenery and sets.

I believe the shows were shot on film, which means negatives must exist. One has to wonder if the negs were lost or damaged, and these DVDs were made from secondary or tertiary sources. At any rate, I would love to know the story of how these video transfers came to be.

Whatever the reason, it's too bad that such a great series is being represented this way on DVD.

No Closed Captioning
I bought the previous Poirot set and was extremely disappointed that it did not have closed captioning. I love Poirot but if I had known that cc was missing I would have passed. I haven't purchased this one but no mention of closed captioning here either.

Poirot Series 2
This is classy, intelligent entertainment. I've watched the series many times and have returned to it like an old friend. Beats everything else on TV hands down.

Poirot Gets Better and Better!
The Cornish Mystery - Perhaps not the most complex mystery ever concieved, but the character interaction in this episode more than makes up for that! There are great bits about an Indian restaurant, a man in a scarlet kneeband, a yellow-haired hussie, and Japp once again losing a case to Poirot. The actors really shine in this one! Also the background music is great! - 4.5 stars

Double Sin - This one combines great character interaction as well as a great mystery. The solution is great, and even the background music is good! If this episode has any flaws it's that the Miss Lemon side-plot seems out-of-place, but that doesn't really detract from the episode at all - 4.5 stars

The Adventure of the Cheap Flat - Another great mystery with a tad of a plot stretch. There are some enjoyable side-characters in this one like an American FBI agent and a club-owner who never picks up his phone. Just as good as the first two, rounding out this set rather nicely! - 4.5 stars

Box Set Overall score (Not an Average) - 5 stars

Good fun and no gore
There were many one hour and somewhat less two hour episodes of the Hercule Poirot mysteries shown on PBS; and foresighted fans should have taped them then, because when A&E re-runs them, parts of each have to be removed to make room for all the commercials. Very often, the solution at the end flashbacks to scenes that we never saw because of the abridgments and frankly the value of these episodes are reduced considerably.

But now Acorn Media is reissuing them in complete versions, with the two hour features on DVD and the shorter ones on VHS. Both series are a delight. The acting genius of David Suchet is enhanced by his usual supporting cast (Hugh Fraser as Hastings, Philip Jackson as Japp, and Pauline Moran as Miss Lemon), the wonderful guest casts, the done-to-perfection ambiance of time and place--the late 20s and early 30s--with all those fabulous art-deco buildings they have managed to find and populate.

The first boxed set of 3 episodes contains "The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim," "The Veiled Lady," and "The Lost Mine." In the first, you might spot a bad flaw in the solution. Hint: how long was the playing time of the average 78 rpm disc back then? The second set includes "The Cornish Mystery" (with a genuine "blonde hussy"), "Double Sin" (with a Sweet Young Thing in Distress), and "The Adventure of the Cheap Flat" (with a neat reversal on the plot of Doyle's "The Red Headed League"). And if too many solutions depend on Poirot overhearing by chance some remark early in the story, well that should teach you to be more alert to these things on future viewings. Also if Poirot is not above breaking the law with a little forced entry now and then, well so did Sherlock Holmes. Very amusing sleuthing for one and all--and a very welcome relief to the grizzly "modern" mysteries now being shown with extreme close-ups, whispered dialogue, and as much gore as possible in each frame. ... Read more

Reviews (106)

the ultimate in animated movies
I'd give this movie 10 stars if possible. I watched this movie everyday when I was a kid and when i watch it now, i can still recite it. This is such a great movie. As some of the other reviewers said, this movie is a little more realistic, a little grittier.
This movie truly does have something for everyone. Children will love the talking creatures, the ridiculous crow, Jeremy, (voiced with perfection by Dom DeLuise), and they'll recognize the overwhelming, self-sacrificing love Mrs. Brisby (the mother) displays for her family. Adults will enjoy the more subtle humor as well as the message of pure love conquering all obstacles. This movie (along with my role model mother) formed my image of how mothers should be: loving, strong and self-sacrificing. Even when Mrs. Brisby if forced to face her deepest fears (an owl, the cat), she does it, not without fear, but to save her son's life. This is a touching movie.
Another point of appreciation for this movie is that it does not try to simply dumb things down for kids. I like most Disney movies but this aims a little higher. There are some deep issues, such as death, jealousy, fear and hate, that aren't dwelt on but are brought up and as children grow older, they will grow to understand and love this movie more and more.

An enduring tale of love, courage and trust
Don Bluth's "The Secret Of NIMH," based upon the novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH," was released in 1982 and was quickly forgotten at the box office in favour of Steven Spielberg's E.T. (which was released around the same time). I picked this up for less than ten dollars on DVD and I haven't stopped playing it since. It has been at least fifteen years since I had last seen it, and I enjoy it more than ever.

Bluth and close to two dozen Disney animators defected from Disney's studios in favour of having a chance to express and explore their artistic visions and creativity. One of their first animated films was "The Secret of NIMH." Other Bluth films include "Anastasia," and "An American Tail." But no other animated film captures the sense of magic and wonder like "The Secret of NIMH."

Mrs. Brisby, a recently widowed field mouse, tries desperately to protect her invalid son Timothy from Moving Day, when the farmer's plough will destroy their underground home. She is led to a colony of superintelligent rats, ex-subjects of laboratory experiments at the National Institute of Mental Health. They are led by wise old Nicodemus, a friend of Mrs. Brisby's late husband Jonathan, also an escaped lab mouse from NIMH.

The somewhat dark tale does feature light-hearted comedic relief in the form of Jeremy, a trouble-prone young crow voiced by Dom Deluise. The story sticks fairly close to the book version, although several new elements are added and some side plots are cut due to time restraints. The artwork is breathtaking; vibrant backgrounds, clever special effects, the play of light and shadow. The characters are real and you quickly become attached to them. No one breaks into song every five minutes, although there is a very beautiful lullaby on the soundtrack that Mrs. Brisby sings to Timothy.

To me, this film is deeper, darker, and more imaginative than anything that Disney has produced. There are no fancy CGI effects, only the skilful work of animators that love what they do. The film carries a message of courage, love, and trust without being preachy or simple. There are plenty of tense, dark scenes, some of which might upset smaller children. But "Secret of NIMH" is a beautiful, intelligent movie that is so much more than a cartoon or a children's fable.

filled with wonder
As a kid in the 1980's, this was a favorite film of mine. I remember thinking how cool and imaginative this was compared to the sludge of rerun 80's tv cartoons (did anyone else have to suffer through the "USA network cartoon train" as a kid?) like "The Flintstones."

Don Bluth, like Tim Burton, was a very talented artist and animator who broke away from Disney. Both Burton and Bluth could not stand redrawing the same animation cells for other people all day long. Burton found profit, Bluth, sadly, did not. However, that is not to say that Bluth did not create some very fascinating films along the way.

This is a tale of wonder and imagination. Watching this film is almost like seeing the equivalent of an American film with Miyazaki style and presentation. If you have ever seen "Spirited Away" or "Kiki's Delivery Service" there is an obvious similarity here between Miyazaki and Bluth. However, Bluth is very much an American, as is the setting for this imaginative tale.

It is a tale of rats who were experimented on by humans, who became very intelligent, strange, and different as a result of what the humans had done to them. Eventually, these creatures managed to escape their bondage from humans, and formed their own kingdom far out in the country. This is the tale of Mrs. Brisby encountering this strange race of rats, but it is so much more.

Please check it out and experience one of the more unique animated films ever made. This is not Disney, this is a new and different style. Sadly, these films just didn't catch on with the 80's crowd and Bluth was forced to go underground and now, today, makes a living in the straight-to-video kid market (He churns out those Land Before Time sequels just about every month).

Not the same as the book, but just as good anyway!
While this movie is a bit more fantasy-like than the book, I think it's just as good. The first time I saw this was several years ago when Nickelodeon used to play movies on Sundays. Once I saw it, I immediately went after the book, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Told in the style of Poppy or Watership Down, both the movie and the story have the same main plot: A family of mice must move out of their home before the tractor comes for the yearly harvest. The problem is, little Timothy mouse is sick with pnemonia (forgive my spelling) and if he goes out of the house, he will die. Now Mrs. Frisby must look to the Rats, a race of intelligent rodents, to help them to be able to survive the tractor without leaving their home.

A childhood classic
This had been my favorite cartoon movie since I was six years old. I knew every line Mrs. Brisby spoke. This is the stuff that flying dreams are made of and will always be treasured in my heart.

A great tale of bravery and overcoming the odds with a touch of magic. ... Read more

Reviews (74)

CW Thompson
The best sailing movie I've ever seen. The action sequences were thrilling and makes you feel like part of the race. I've been waiting for the DVD release for some time now, we've almost worn out our VHS copy.

Adrenaline rush on the water.......
To start out with, like other reviewers have stated, it is terrific to see this movie out on DVD after so long. I realized, when I watched this movie for the first time, you don't have to be a fan of boat racing to love this movie.

The cinematography just can't be beat with absolutely wonderful shots putting you dead center in the action. It's a great experience in how the filmmakers shoot you back and forth onto the boats and then create sweeping panoramic views of strategic boat maneuvers. Top notch sailboat racing, bar none.

The DVD is remastered in high definition and is crystal clear with superb detail and color. As for sound, Dolby 5.1 or DTS would have been the icing on the cake but I won't sell this DVD short. The Dolby Surround it does have still gets the job done just fine and sounds excellent.

You can't go wrong with Wind and I recommend this movie to anyone who likes great racing and sporting competition.

Even the hard-core AC snobs and fanatics will admit --
...that they secretly love this movie. Despite its cheesy, Hollywood take on the America's Cup and its retelling of Dennis Conner's adventures 'on-the-other-side-of-the-pizza' this movie is not only beautiful eye-candy but more importantly it is exactly what they say in the movie: its good, clean fun.

If you're trying to get friends and family intersted in taking a sail, this is one of the best tools to get the blood following -- yup, there are a lot of yachts, but there is the scene with the 14s. Enough excitement to dispell the idea of sailing as a laid-back sport.

For the AC die-hards, its a chance to see the 12-meters in action once again, to hear the legendary PJ Montgomery comment on the races and read the tech/advisory credits which reads like a AC who's who list. So it isn't "real" or even possible (the 'whumper' is what kills it for some) but after all, you're looking at a movie. Enjoy it for what it is and appreciate the fact that this movie is the product of a love of sailing!

A must have in your DVD collection!
I got my DVD version from Amazon yesterday (3/13/03), a replacement for my battered VHS tape. I've noticed some scenes in the movie trailer that were not in the movie, and I don't know why they were excluded from it.

The digital enhanced video is overwhelmingly better than the VHS, but I wish the digital cameras were available back when they filmed this movie. The digital audio really puts you in the middle of the actions.

One regret, I wish I had seen this movie in the theater when it came out.

I can't wait to go sailing in a laser this summer...

1 of the 10 best Sports Event Movies EVER... On DVD AT LAST!
It's been more then a decade since this sleeper cult hit was in the theaters and an equally long period of time that this film was only available on VHS and Laserdisc.

Now, at long last, the wait is over!

Wind appeals for a number of reasons.

Primarily its a very human story of ambition, competition, love, loss, and redemption. What makes the film work is fantastic photography/camerawork by Mata Yamamoto, a soaring/pumping soundtrack by Basil Poledouris, and a compelling drama played out by some very brainy characters played by some very good actors.

Think of it as "The Cutting Edge" and "Strictly Ballroom" with a little more testosterone and in a sailboat!

The DVD is pretty bare-bones, but a Digital Widescreen Hi-Definition Remastering and Dolby surround make up for it. A Special Edition would have been nice, but, considering how long we had to pray for this one it's hardly required. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

The Odd Couple
Midnight Run is solid action comedy that has a fine cast, a clever and witty script, and confident director calling the shots. The film also was the first time that I remember tough guy Robert De Niro making me laugh.

Bounty Hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro) is hired by the mob to bring in one of their accountants, Jonathan Mardukas (Charles Grodin), for stealing some of their cash. The cross country trip seems like easy money for Walsh, after all, how much trouble could an accountant be? Walsh soon discovers that he'd much rather have a bullet wound than put up with Jonathan, a germ-a-phobic neat freak, who's also affraid to fly. Soon the two men discover that the mob and the Feds are getting restless. FBI Agent Alonzo Mosely (Yaphet Kotto) and his team are traking them, as are the mafia's Jimmy Serrano (Dennis Farina) and Eddie (Joe Pantoliano).

The team of De Niro and Grodin is just great, and harkens back to the chemistry between Lemmon and Mathau, in all of their work together. Grodin is the perfect foil for De Niro and vice versa. Extra Kudos to De Niro, as he underplays it all, until just the right moment. After which, you are sure he is really going to kill Grodin for real. The script by George Gallo is filled with enough laughs, action and close calls for two films. Directed by Martin Breast, Midnight Run is a fine follow up to Beverly Hills Cop, in the action comedy genre.

As good as the film is, the DVD extras, left me disappointed. Aside from, a brief making of feturette and the theatrical trailer, there's not much else. Special edition anyone?. Still, if you want something to watch that will make you chuckle, then Midnight Run should fit the bill

TOP NOTCH ACTION COMEDY!!!
This is the story of a bounty hunter (De Niro) trying to get to LA with white collar criminal (Grodin) to collect a million dollar bounty. Unfortunately for him though, not only his bounty ann incessant pain in the ass but he's also got the mob, the Feds and another bounty hunter all trying to stop him collecting his pay check. Midnight Run is a rare gem, a top class action comedy with one of the most unusual screen "buddy" partnerships in cinematic history, which has sadly been somewhat overlooked by the majority of people and that's a great shame because it boasts great characters, great comedy, great action scenes, a wonderful plot and a brilliant script with stand-out performances from Dennis Farina, Charles Grodin and in particular Robert De Niro who proves what a great comedic (as well as character) actor he is. Expertly directed by Martin Brest, who directed Beverly Hills Cop (and Scent Of A Woman), this is in my opinion a much better movie than the much lauded Eddie Murphy movie and a must see, particularly if you are a fan of Robert De Niro. In fact it is so good I'd give the movie five stars if it weren't for the lack of extras on the DVD but (especially at a budget price) this is definitely one well worth adding to your collection.

FAST-PACED, WHACKY, A DAZZLING TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND MORALS
One of the funniest films ever made that still manages to hold up an engaging plot. A total winner.

It features some of the most genuinely stupid and amusing tough guys in the history of cinema, and a tantalizing slow burn by Deniro, a shortchanged ex-cop, who just wants a peaceful little coffee shop as payment for his decency and integrity. The comic chemistry between Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin is top-drawer. Surrounded on all side by ethical infants, these two characters at least know the difference between virtue and vice, and are ironically the moral backbone of the film.

Comedies that don't wallow in their humor are twice as much fun, and Midnight Run maintains a swift pace throughout. Situation-wise, it's a dynamo of action. I found the denouement to be quite moving as well, at the very least it provokes thought.

If you're looking for a comedy with depth, bite, wit and excitement, then catch Midnight Run. The DVD's spiffy special features quite simply reinforce my recommendation of purchasing this one, not just renting.

Perhaps the best "buddy" film ever made
The story focuses on a man that has jumped bail named Johnathan "The Duke" Mardukas ( Charles Grodin). Mardukas is the ex-account of a Las Vegas mob boss named Jimmy Serrano ( Dennis Farina). The Duke embezzled millions of dollars from Serrano and gave it away to charity before being arrested. Eddie Marcone (Joe Pantoliano)is the bail bondsman that bailed The Duke out of jail. Marcone only has 5 days left, before the bond is forfieted and he is out $100,000. So he sends bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert DeNiro)to retrieve The Duke and bring him back. Unfortunately, Jimmy Serrano wants The Duke dead, and sends two hitmen to kill him. Not to mention the fact that the F.B.I. want to be the ones who bring The Duke to justice. If things couldn't get any worse, there is also a rival bounty hunter named Marvin ( John Ashton)who is trying to bring The Duke in himself. Now it is up to Jack to keep The Duke alive and in one piece, while avoiding Marvin, the FBI, and the two mafia hitmen that are hot on their tails. However, with The Duke constantly trying to escape Jack's custody, Jack begins to realize that he is in for much more than he bargained for.

Midnight Run is without a doubt the best "buddy" film ever made. The reason is because Jack and The Duke's friendship takes the whole movie to develop. Nothing about their relationship is cut and dry. The Duke will do something to make Jack like him one minute, and then upset him the next with repeated escape attempts. The film also features the perfect mix of action and comedy as well. There are certain points in the film that are extremely funny and entertaining. The dialogue in this film is first rate. Then you are also drawn into the film because there are so many obstacles Jack and The Duke must overcome on their way to L.A.. There are tons of close calls in this film. The two mafia hitmen, the FBI, and Marvin the bounty hunter are all equally close to catching up with them. Robert DeNiro has had a lot of great performances. However, I still feel after all these years that his performance in "Midnight Run" is one of the best he ever gave. Charles Grodin manages to be just as good, and even better than DeNiro at times. DeNiro and Grodin's personalities are so different, that they end up making the perfect pair.

After all these years, "Midnight Run" is still a favorite of mine. I have seen the film many times, and it seems to get better after each viewing. Overall, the film features first rate laughs, an action packed story, and great performances from DeNiro, Grodin, Dennis Farina, and Joe Pantoliano. This is definately a must own film.

A solid 5 stars...

Easily, best movie I've ever seen...nothing can come close..
Best line ever in a movie: "That's right and i got two words for you: Shut the f.;k up!" Watch the ad-libs on the bus as Grodin bugs him to put the cigarette out, DeNiro has to hold from laughing, holding a sick smile, going, "I can't believe this f'n guy"...DeNiro, Pantiliano, Grodin, Ashton, Farina, Kotto,...with a great script by Gallo, Brest directing, Danny Elfman's bluesy music...are you kidding me...this movie is funny, touching, adventorous...just watch it...it's one that never grows old cause' it says so much about all of us... ... Read more

Reviews (9)

You must the face the life no matter what...
Bresson made his most epical film in all his artistic career.
This movie is a homage to the best a man can do when he's persuaded for get that goal.
The story is simple. A prisoner makes his first attempt for escape and he's back to prision. But he's convinced with such passion and inner power that his fellow realize about that and help him for his achievement.
Lyrical and surrounded for arresting images, a perfect script , under the direction of the master of masters, Robert Bresson.
What the genius has of beauty is that it looks like the rest of the world and however, nobody looks like him. (Balzac)
This work is one of the supreme treasures of the french cinema and one of the best top five films all around the world ever filmed.

Bresson: One of many pinnacles in art.
Most every film in Robert Bresson's filmography has the power to steer the uninitiated away from the standard trappings of cinema and to realign the path of the experienced. A Man Escaped, like many other films by Bresson, shows what film can be if you can put aside the unnecessary and head forward with a clear view of what is important and vital. This goes for both the film and the world outside of it.

Bresson's most engaging story
For viewers who have never seen a Bresson film this is an excellent one to start with because its like a student notebook of all the strategies he will put to use in his two early masterpieces Diary of A Country Priest and Pickpocket. Its a prison escape movie which focuses on the inner monologue of Fontaine from the time he is captured and tortured(which we don't see)until the escape but along the way he befriends several other prisoners and each prisoner is there for a different reason and there is very little unity among them and very little hope. One man overhearing of Fontaine's escape plan mutters "freedom" as if the word meant nothing any more. Each day shots are heard and each one knows it is only a matter of time until his turn will come. One prisoner finds solace in his bible and there is a religious quote or two which no doubt will reverberate with the religious minded and Bresson was a devout Roman Catholic but Fontaine is not particularly religious and he finds his very elaborate escape plan a means of keeping his mind occupied and his hopes high despite the overwhelming odds against him. We watch him as he carves at his door and as he winds ropes out of braided bedsheets and makes hooks from his window casing and its fascinating to watch because his life depends on it. There are fatalists in the prison who just accept that this is the end but not Fontaine. Its about as simple a story as can be told and yet there are interesting layers in this film. In such circumstances one is forced to come face to face with what kind of man one is and what one truly believes. In some ways Fontaines sanity lies in the fact he does think too much, he stays busy. This is as good a philosophy as any other. There is no greater incentive to make his every effort count than the one this situation presents. In the last scenes Fontaine is given a cell mate just before he is to make the big break. In just a few conversations he must take an accurate measure of this man who is only a boy and decide whether he can trust him with his plan. Once again its a life and death decision and he takes a leap in making the decision he does. From the cellmates perspective he has lucked out being put in a cell with someone who has an escape plan all ready to go. The actual escape makes you hold your breath and when they scale the final wall and take their first steps of freedom you find yourself as exhausted/exhilerated as they are. The later Diary of A Country Priest(also told mostly in inner monlogue) is not for everyone as it deals with the religious life in a way which will probably only interest those who have some interest in the topic. This film and Pickpocket will appeal to all audiences. Bresson's later films become more and more cynical and if you've seen some of them like Lancelot of the Lake(1974) or L'Argent(1983) this one is a refreshing one to come back to.

Bresson Is Alone.
In spite of Bresson's note at the beginning, this amazing film about a condemned man's miraculous escape from a Nazi prison is so much more than just a re-telling of the historical event it is based on. It is an intimate, spiritual story of transcendent grace leading a man to freedom and within the context of the entire body of Bresson's work this prison can be seen as a representative example of the spiritual condition of the entire fallen world itself. But notice how Bresson does everything to avoid making this a large-scale story, as most directors would. The viewer spends most of the film time in the tiny cell with the prisoner and the camera is rarely more than a few feet away from him throughout the film. There is no use of the camera to create a large setting for the story. And for the viewer expecting such usage this film could seem claustrophobic. There is no development of character or plot beyond the preparations for escape. In fact there is nothing but the minutely observed details of the work of grace unfolding in the narrow confines of the prison grounds. And yet this film is boundless. And the only thing that makes such a film even possible is Bresson's extraordinary style of choosing images that relate to and suggest nothing but the strict, precise meaning and purpose of the film. Observe the very small amount of content in each image. Bresson lets absolutely nothing in that is not immediately related to this man's encounter with the Spirit that blows where it will. In the entire history of cinema there is not another film maker who could have achieved such concentrated profundity. Bresson is alone, he is in a category by himself. This is a great film by one of the great artists of all time.

this is French?
(...)

(...)

It seems strange to me that Robert Bresson referred to himself as a "Christian atheist", because God is very much present in this film. A
Man Escaped is based on the true story of André Devigny, a member of the French Resistance who managed to break out of prison just
hours before he was to be executed by the Germans. The movie begins with the prisoner, here called Fontaine, being driven to jail. The
men beside him are cuffed, but he is not. He tries to get away when the car stops but is recaptured and beaten about the head.

In prison, Fontaine nearly succumbs to despair, fearful that his fellow Resistance fighters will be rounded up too, but then a stranger
intervenes, a prisoner exercising in the courtyard who promises to get a note to them. Relieved of this concern, Fontaine once again sets
his mind to escape. While other men remain bound either physically or mentally, Fontaine develops a detailed plan of escape and
arduously sets about implementing it.

Bresson presents Fontaine's machinations in painstaking detail. He also confines most of the film to Fontaine's cell, so the viewer too
feels like a captive. Seemingly forgotten by the Germans, Fontaine delays his escape attempt. He believes that two people will be
required to make the attempt work, but is unable to convince anyone else to join him. He is himself afraid to take the leap of faith that it
requires, seemingly waiting for a sign that he should go ahead. The sign comes quite suddenly in the form of his death sentence, his
crimes not forgotten after all.

But now, just when everything seems to have fallen into place, another prisoner is placed in the cell with Fontaine, a very young man
whom he has every reason to distrust as a stool pigeon, planted at the last minute by the Germans. His execution scheduled for the next
day, Fontaine has but two choices : kill the boy or include him in the escape. Once again Fontaine has thrust upon him a matter of faith.

His resolution to this problem and the ensuing escape are exciting stuff. The very sparseness of the film and the way Bresson strips it of
emotion, makes the action, as he intended, speak for itself, and it speaks volumes. But there are also big ideas at work here, the most
refreshing of which, particularly coming from a Frenchman in the 1950s, is that faith and hope matter and that we can take some control
of events through our own actions. The most famous image of the French intellectuals' view of life is the example of Sisyphus, as per
Albert Camus. Sisyphus, a Titan sentenced to eternal punishment for rebelling against the Gods, has to push a boulder up a hill all day,
and at the end of the day, just as he arrives at the top, it rolls back down again. Bresson's film is perhaps best understood as a refutation
of this fatalistic and futile worldview; A Man Escaped suggests that indeed we can escape the fates, can create our own destinies, if only
we have faith and make the effort. The impetus remains with us, even if the ultimate outcome remains in the hands of "The Spirit".

GRADE : A+ ... Read more

Amazon.com

The setting is grim, but Carandiru is easily one of Brazilian filmmaker Hector Babenco's most living, thriving works, with scores of powerful performances and an engaging style underscoring the cathartic power of storytelling. Based on a bestselling novel, Carandiru concerns an oncologist (Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos) who treats patients at Sao Paulo's House of Detention, a terrible place largely policed from within by longtime prisoners. The doctor is specifically interested in collecting blood samples for an HIV study, but the more prisoners open up to him, the more compassionate and committed he becomes about their survival. Babenco's episodic structure gives Carandiru a dimension of memory and constant shots of energy, so that even the most horrifying events--drug-related murder, rape, revenge--can't drive this tale into abject misery. Based on actual events, the drama's climactic police raid on the prison (a reconstruction of a 1992 riot called the Carandiru Massacre) is a tour de force. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Extremely Entertaining
This movie has outstanding visual style and tells a story with humor and color. Most films I see about jail are dark and gritty. This was fun at some parts and helped the viewer develop a connection with its inmates, because of their humaness, not from emotional manipulation. It is a true story about the eventual and horrific demise of 111 prisoners, but the story really doesn't get in to the whole demise thing that much. The ending devotes about 30 minutes of footage to this aspect of the jail. It was more about the inmates and their personalities. How the doctor saw them and how they relayed their stories to the doctor with such quirkiness. At first I thought this is going to be a boring movie, but it just kept getting better and better. If you are going to see a historical account of the jail's demise you will only see that part at the end. This is a human story with colorful characters and distinct and original storytelling on how those characters came to be in jail and how they were coping with there imprisonment while they were incarcerated. Funny but Dramatic, some gritty scenes of violence/ and odd but enticing creativity. Very Reccommended!

Lisa Nary

"Truth has no place in jail."
Upon the initial arrival of Dr. Drauzio Varella to his new job as physician at the overcrowded and dilapidated Carandiru penitentiary in Sao Paulo, Brazil he is shocked and disturbed at his new surroundings; but it doesn't take him long to befriend the inmates and take an active interest in the inmates circumstances and personal histories. Through his practice of advocating AIDS prevention and education he forms friendships with a variety of prisoners who fulfill various social roles within the prison hierarchy. The conditions of the prison are alarming; there is little order or established routines and prisoners are left to their own devices.

Based on a true story, CARANDIRU attempts to portray the events leading up to a brutal massacre of 111 prisoners in 1992 when riot police smothered a rebellion within the prison grounds. This film is officially described as a drama but at times it masquerades as a comedy, which attributes to its eventual downfall. Included are many unnecessary scenes that distract from the tension and seriousness of this film, such as the gender bending wedding and the cat-fighting lovers. Also distracting is the often transparent and scripted scenes of the doctor asking the prisoners how they ended up in prison. Although there were some humorous scenes I couldn't help feeling that they just didn't belong.

All in all, CARANDIRU was a disappointment. It could have been a much better film with careful editing and more focus.

If you likes marginal films, see this right away
The Casa de Detenção de São Paulo (Carandiru) was a notorious prison made more so by the 1992 massacre of 111 prisoners. The film Carandiru is directed by Hector Babenco (Pixote, Ironweed, Behind the Sun) in a documentary-style telling of the lives of at some prisoners and employees at the jail leading up to the horrifying event. The documentary style gives the director the ability to get into the minds of the prisoners through fictional interviews with prisoners through the eyes of a doctor working at the jail (the author of the book the film takes its cue from). The problem though, is that the shorts which make up the stories of various prisoners are interesting enough in themselves and at times hilarious, but don't form a cohesive tale as a whole. The bursts of continuous narration are compelling but end up frustrating because they inevitably end up with another sub-plot or side story.

The massacre at Carandiru is a worthwhile story in and of itself. It comes across here as brutal and arbitrary as one would expect. The deaths were condemned by every human rights organization and eventually led to the conviction of Colonel Ubiratan Guimaraes, the head of the operation. The massacre makes up the most effective aspect of the narration and comes across as physically unsettling. The inhumanity of Carandiru makes for an uncommon experience partially captured by Babenco but the unnecessary subplots of this film ruin a great deal of the more rewarding aspects of the film. There is a good film to be made from the story of Carandiru, but at two hours + of largely superfluous running time, this isn't it. ... Read more