Reviews (5)

Family Viewing
Atom Egoyan's second film (1987) seems dated and grainy, and sitting through it until you are used to the pacing can be excruciating, but ultimately you may find this to be one of your favorite films, especially if you are interested in how film affects our lives. Told through film augmented by home movies and juxtaposed television viewing and security cameras, this deep and complex film shows that Egoyan was interested in themes surrounding the act and effects of filming right from the beginning. Also, his layers upon layers style is here in all its glory, as is actor-wife Arsinee Khanjian.

The story revolves around a young man just graduating from high school, his strained relationship with his father, his doting on his maternal grandmother who lives in a shabby nursing home, and his friendship with the telephone sex operator who visits her mother in the next bed.

This is one of those films that you will watch again and then watch with commentary and then want to talk to others about. Egoyan is a wonderful filmmaker, always interesting.

Extras include commentary, a very interesting bio/filmography of the director, over 12 minutes of rehearsal footage, stills and three early short films by Egoyan -- Open House (25 min), Howard in Particular (12 min, 1979) and Peepshow (7 min, 1981). The film can be heard in English with English or French subtitles.

"When you're not feeling connected."
In this double DVD set "Family Viewing/Next of Kin" from director Atom Egoyan, both of the films are about alienated young men who are unable to interact in any sort of healthy fashion with their emotionally dysfunctional families. When watching these films, I recall a quote from Tolstoy's Anna Karenina: "Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." This quote can be easily applied to the unhappy families in Egoyan's films "Family Viewing" and "Next of Kin."

In "Family Viewing" a 17-year-old named Van lives with his video and television obsessed father and his father's lover, Sandra. Van's mother disappeared years ago, and Van's maternal grandmother Armen is stuck in a nasty nursing home. Van has a complicated relationship with Sandra, but his relationship with his father is strained. The fact that Armen is neglected in a nursing home--regularly visited by Van--only serves to alienate the father and son even further. Van's father is gradually erasing home-made videotapes of Van and his mother--filmed in Van's childhood--and replacing these treasured memories with some nasty films of his own. While visiting his grandmother in the nursing home, Van, strikes up a relationship with an emotionally stunted telephone sex operator named Aline (played by Egoyan's wife Arsinee Khanjian).

"Family Viewing" may seem amateurish at first, but don't let Egoyan's techniques fool you. Egoyan's films are created with the precision of mathematical equations, and "Family Viewing" is a very concise, perfectly constructed film. It has the feel of a daytime soap opera, and this is intentional. The scenes with Van's family seem almost mechanical, and indeed perhaps the lives of the quiet and restrained emotionally dysfunctional do boil down to simple television watching. Watching television and eating seem to be the two activities Van's family indulge in regularly. In this film, Egoyan uses technology as a way of recording history--or showing the truth, but of course, tapes can be erased or rewound. The plot moves forward with the use of video, television, and surveillance cameras. Television programmes serve as an ironic background to the real life action taking place in Van's home and also in Armen's nursing home. For example, Van's mother has simply disappeared off the face of the planet, and yet a nature programme watched intently by Armen notes that Polar bears are tracked with implanted devices--no matter where the bears roam--so they can always be found.

I really liked the character of Van in "Family Viewing." He progresses from adolescence to adulthood in this film, and he emerges as a strong, intelligent, and independent person. I particularly enjoyed the scene between Van and the nursing home Dr when they discuss the charitable and the business sides of their natures. This really is an excellent, excellent film. I think it may be my favourite Egoyan.

"Next of Kin" is the story of 23-year-old Peter--an only child--who still lives at home with his eternally bickering upper-middle-class parents. As a result of years of listening to his parents fighting, Peter gradually retreats, and soon he rarely emerges from bed. Peter's parents seek help from family counseling, and they participate in video therapy. The family meets with a therapist who videotapes their sessions, and each individual family member then reviews the sessions. Peter views a videotape carelessly left from another family's session.

The other family---the Deryans--are Armenian immigrants who gave up a son, Bedros, for adoption before coming to America. The parents feel extremely guilty about this, and unfortunately the guilt manifests itself in dissatisfaction with their other child--Azah (Arsinee Khanjian). Peter is fascinated by video therapy, and by the powerful role of the therapist, and so he tells everyone he's going off on a holiday. Peter presents himself as Bedros to the hardworking Deryan family. He's rapidly accepted--no questions asked, and soon he's swamped in a different set of family-related issues. Peter simply steps seamlessly from one unhappy family to another.

"Next of Kin" is a very early Egoyan film, and it's not as sophisticated as "Family Viewing." Peter's acceptance in the family is a little too smooth, and the solutions he offers are a bit too simple. Nonetheless, "Next of Kin" is a marvelous film, and it makes some very powerful statements about the nature of family, and the fact that we are not able to choose who we are related to. Peter manages to overcome this obstacle, however. Keep an eye open for a glimpse of Egoyan in this film.

I love the emotional distance Egoyan creates between his audience and his characters. There's nothing I dislike more than a tear-fest. While I find myself riveted to Egoyan films, and fascinated by the characters, I never feel emotionally manipulated by the characters or by the director--displacedhuman

Next of Kin
Atom Egoyan is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors. While many people consider his films "too artsy," I find them brilliant pieces of filmmaking. I have yet to view FAMILY VIEWING, but I will soon. NEXT OF KIN, however, was an incredibly impressive first feature, especially considering Egoyan was only 23 when he made it. I mean, what a fascinating plot. I commend Egoyan for having his first film deal with an Armenian family, he being of Armenian descent (as am I). The film follows a troubled family, who decide to go through video therapy to solve their problems. Peter, their 23 year old son, comes across a tape of another troubled family, Armenians (surprisingly, the film never mentions that the family is of Armenian descent, but they are) who had years before given their only son up for adoption upon moving to Canada. Peter pretends to be their long-lost son, suitably named Bedros, which is the Armenian equivilant of Peter. The family accepts him with open arms and treat him like he was never gone. Peter (Bedros) tries to fix the troubled relationship between his "father" George and "sister" Azah, as he learns about the family's Armenian culture. Now, I found the film very enjoyable, well acted, and for the budget, wonderfully directed. However, I felt Egoyan could have explored many more aspects of the Armenian family and at a mere 69 minutes, the film was WAY too short. (Why does the IMDB have this at 105 minutes, did I get an edited version??) How would the relatives have treated Bedros since he had been gone for some long? (They all gather for his surprise party, but we hardly see them for two minutes before Bedros disappears to the bedroom with Azah.) The relationships between George and Sonya, and even Bedros and Azah could also have been explored quite a bit. Overall, this was a fascinating, interesting, and wonderful film, but it didn't seem fully developed and ended way too quickly...This is one film I wish was longer.

Atom Egoyan's First Two Terrific Films
If you like Atom Egoyan or you just want to see two great movies, watch this 2-disc DVD set, with great commentary by the director. It's Egoyan first two features. Next of Kin is a funny, touching film about a young man who is unsatisfied with his parents and learns about another family suffering from the guilt of giving their son up for adoption twenty years ago. The young man decides to pose as the long-lost son and gain new parents that love him more. Family Viewing is about a young man who finds that his father is recording over home movies of his childhood with his homemade porn sessions. Wim Wenders won the Grand Prize at the Toronto Film Fest for Wings of Desire, but he gave his award to Egoyan saying that Family Viwing was one of the most honest films he had ever seen. Both Next of Kin and Family Viewing were nominated for multiple Canadian academy awards, including picture, director, and screenplay. Egoyan is one of today's great auteurs and has received numerous accolades, including Oscar noms for Director and Screenplay for The Sweet Hereafter. See these two films. Of interest are also Egoyan's Speaking Parts, Exotica, The Adjuster, Felicia's Journey, and my personal favorite, Calendar. Check 'em out.

Odd.
Family viewing tells the story of a not so typical family going through the motions of their perverse and depressing lives. To sum it up. Technology will destroy all.

A teenage boy, Van, lives in an apartment with his father, Stan, and stepmother, Sandra. At some point Van carried on an affair, or so it seems, with Sandra. Meanwhile Van and Stan have a very strained relationship, although they do not talk about it. It becomes worse when Van finds out Stan is recording "private" videos with Sandra, using old VHS tapes of Van as a child. Addtionally Van wants Stan to visit his mother, who has been abandoned in a nusring home. Enter into the picture a woman named Aline, who makes her money soliciting phone sex and things really get interesting. It all ties together in the end, with some surprising plot developments, into a twisted little story.

All of the characters in this film are strangely sedated. This is a very effect plot device though, because it really helps isolate the characters from one another. It also leaves the impression that these peoples' lives are so empty and unfulfilling they have become numb to it all.

Very well shot, and poignantly directed, this is a good film. Atom Egoyan is a director new to me. I have heard nothing but positive things about his films so I will certainly be checking out others he has made. Unfortunately I have not seen Next of Kin which is also featured on this DVD. Sorry, but Family Viewing is worth checking out. ... Read more

Amazon.com

No sci-fi show can be without a trial episode accusing someone of past crimes. "Forced Perspective" sees Dylan accused of a 300-year-old war atrocity and having to argue thecase from very peculiar perspectives. This episode feels like filler, but the viewer ought to pick up on two important aspects of the show happening on the periphery. What'sgoing on between Tyr and Beka? Even more importantly, what's going on with Trance? An interesting reversal of roles is presented to Dylan when an organized group of machines offer for him to join their Consensus of Parts. Neither is fully willing to join the other,however, and so "The Sum of Its Parts" turns out to be less than either hoped for. This episode was another cowritten by a noted science fiction author, and Steven Barnesinjects some welcome introspection into the proceeding story arc. "Fear and Loathing in the Milky Way" is experienced by all following the return of the Eureka Maru's original commissioning lowlife, Gerentex ("Under the Night"). Trance's deftsleight of hand helps at the casino tables, while Harper's wisecracking front finally slips to reveal a man capable of action in a tight spot. We also learn exactly how Bekapractices Valentineology. At long last we learn Rev's full name (Reverend Behemiel) and get a fuller explanation of his Wayist belief. "The Devil Take the Hindmost" reveals Jesus to be one of the reveredSaints, too. This was actually one of the first plot lines considered for the show, but Rev's character has had to wait until now for aproper spotlight. --Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not so good
This show is a pale imitation of other sci fi shows. The episodes in this volume are probably some of the better ones. Of course, that's not saying much. It's a shame that this show continues while good sci fi shows,i.e. Farscape,are cancelled.

Be prepared for disappointment.
The Andromeda DVDs have been somewhat of a disappointment to me, this one, 1.4 more so then the other. The episodes themselves are in wonderful quality and are the main reason I bought the DVD.

However the limited number of episodes on each disk is appalling. And the extras on it, doesn't even come close to making up for the lack of them. The bloopers were short, and were mostly of Kevin Sorbo. The behind the scenes of the alien makeup seemed promising, however was less then five minutes. And then there was the fact that I could never find the commentary for "Fear & Loathing in the Milky Way."

So my advice to you is, if you are truly an Andromeda fan, then this is something for you. But be prepared for disappointment. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Classic acting, classic directing
When I was younger, the appeal of SOB was seeing Mary Poppins bare her chest. Well, it's still great.
But when I got older, and really watched this film again, it was the incredible timing and acting chops of the entire cast that blew me away. The skewering of the Hollywood system this movie delivers is first-rate. It's fascinating seeing a film so greatly crucify the underside of Hollywood, when these days its so common knowledge the incorporation and bureacracy the film industry is. We have the internet and a million entertainment magazines now, its common knowledge how cut-throat it is. But in 1981 things were different and when SOB came out, it disappeared quickly it seems. It was probably too "inside" for general audiences to appreciate. Plus I'm sure the forces that be made sure to not trumpet a film which made fun of the people who brought it to screen.

If you appreciated the 'adult' humor of Blake Edwards other films such as '10', and 'Skin Deep', you must see 'SOB.' You have veteran actors tackling matters and situations that really apply to being an adult in the adult world. Mid-life crisis', integrity over indecency, getting older, standing up for principles as society seems to worsen around you...these themes run rampant in Edward's films. Its as though Edwards was the last 'Rat Pack''-ideaology director making movies about loveable drunks and womanizers who's hearts were in the right place, though we watch them comically learn life's lessons through trial and error choices. Good people dealing with the anxiety of getting older and realizing truths about themselves and the world, good and bad. But Edward's always presented it with a 'Boy's Club' mentality that, at least for me, made one hope to have such colorful characters as friends as I matured and got older.

To any prospective watcher of the film reading these reviews, I'd suggest one thing per your first viewing. Pay attention to the repoire between Felix (the suicidal director) and his cohorts Erving (the doctor), Cully (director friend), and Ben (Felix's wife/Julie Andrew's publicist). These guys are pros and the timing of the scenes they share is stellar , old-school, drinking pal ensemble acting. Especially as they 1-by-1 come by the beachhouse to see Felix and fall into their routine of spending time together (drinking and one-liners). These characters were partying Hollywood-style in the 50s and 60s and are now alumni of that classic generation, elders in the world of late 70s early 80s starlets and studios. They've seen it all and nothing shocks them. And boy do they still keep up.

Just lots of little moments, subtle nuances of comraderie that make this film a gem.

I've spent the last few years anxiously awaiting SOB on DVD, searching and contacting studios,websites, anyone who may have known something but to no avail. Suddenly one day it was just another title on a DVD site's "Upcoming Releases." I was ecstatic. I hope it looks and sounds as good as I imagine.

Wish Edward's would have done a commentary track for this, like supposedly he's done for 'Skin Deep'. Then again, maybe since most of the male leads of the film are deceased, it may have been tough for him to watch and reminisce.

Have you come to see her bare herself?
Well, Julie Andrews DOES bare herself in this movie--which is why some may first want to see it--but this film by her real life husband Blake Edwards (who also brought us The Pink Panther) does have some other very good qualities. The trouble is that the film-and the DVD itself--also have some potentially bad points.

On the bright side, we are treated to excellent performances by some very talented people including Julie Andrews, Richard Mulligan, William Holden, Loretta Swit, Larry Hagman--and more! These actors really worked! The story is comparatively simple: in Hollywood, director Felix Farmer makes a terrific flop of a movie and despite his many previous successes in true Hollywood style the studio, his wife (Julie Andrews) and everyone else are abandoning him. Yes, as another reviewer points out, some people in Hollywood try to shield them from reporters and publicity backlash--but they really don't succeed. Felix tries four times to kill himself until he realizes if they re-shoot the film as some type of pornography flick it will make millions and be the biggest money making film of all time. Everyone is afraid at first of taking the gamble; but they see Felix's idea may just well be right and then they all jump on the bandwagon in a brazen and crude greedy rush. When the film makes it even Felix thinks gleefully of the money it will make as he dies a premature death! The film therefore really lashes out at Hollywood greed and backstabbing. A good reminder to us all of how NOT to behave in life! The characters rush around so deeply concerned about money and JUST money that the film illustrates very sharply how shallow, greedy and cruel Hollywood "people" can be.

Then there are the potentially bad points. I say they are potentially bad because not everyone will think they are bad! The film does go downhill a bit because of Edwards' heavy reliance on slapstick to make the film funny. There are, as another reviewer points out, very few exciting extras on this DVD. I agree that it would have been great to have Julie Andrews discussing the scene where she bares her chest as well as her thoughts about the movie in general. An interview with Blake Edwards himself would also have been a really interesting extra.

All in all, this is a movie noteworthy for its attack on Hollywood politics, greed, corruption, game playing manipulation and shallowness. The actors worked their tushies off, too! I was impressed with their fine effort. The humor is fairly good, about a B+ in quality--although if you like slapstick (which is perfectly fine, of course!) then the humor grade goes higher. Nevertheless, the sound quality could definitely be better and there are few extras, however, so I give this DVD four stars.

Almost saved by Julie Andrews's secret talents
And I don't mean her bared chest. S. O. B. was Blake Edwards's attempt to get his own back after the failure of his film DALING LILI over a decade previously: in this film, a director (Richard Mulligan) has a complete nervous breakdown after his film starrign his famously wholesome movie star wife (Julie Andrews) fails at the box office: he tries to recoup his losses by reshooting the film as a softporn fantasia with his wife baring her breasts.

This film was considered wildly funny satire at the time of its release but has aged less well than you might expect. The Lew Wasserman-style Hollywood Edwards mocks was already on its way out when this movie was made in 1981: it reflects the Hollywood of the 1970s much more than the blockbuster-driven Hollywood that was already taking its place. Most of the actors (particularly Robert Preston, Robert Vaughan, and Loretta Swit as a shrieking harpy of a gossip columnist) seem to be having the time of their lives. Julie Andrews isn't very good in her scene throwing an Oscar at Mulligan, and she may wear the most hideous clothes ever in this film, but she redeems not only her performance but almost the entire movie when Preston has to make her high to ensure she can do her breatbearing scene: she's really, really funny whooping it up.

Smutty soft porn
I know that Julie Andrews was trying to make a statement as to how versatile she is and after Victor Victoria she showed the world how versatile she was, but did she have to make this film in between?
This showed a side to her that people who liked her didn't know about, the "i'm going to be modern and trendy and stay the box office draw, even if i have to bare my breast," attitude. She sings brilliantly in it but her acting is over the top, especially in the confrontation with Felix, when a bloke who's in bed is sick through a whole in the roof on Felixs head. The whole film is boring and over the top sexiness and Richard Mulligan, good actor that he is, does go over the top and starts acting like Jim Carrey on happy tablets.
Generally, i'd say rent it or see it on T.V and if you are a Julie Andrews fan then buy it but other that don't bother.

Viking Funerals and Hollywood
Blake Edwards's filmography is quite impressive. This is the man who brought us the Pink Panther films, The Great Race, Victor/Victoria, and 10. Edwards was the king of the 1970s, creating films that blended adult themes with memorably comedic moments. The filmmaker carried this approach into the early 1980s with S.O.B., a black comedy about the backbiting, cynical world that is Hollywood. This 1981 film fields some heavy hitters in its cast: William Holden, Richard Mulligan, Robert Vaughn, Julie Andrews, Robert Preston, Larry Hagman, Loretta Swit, Robert Webber, Stuart Margolin, Shelley Winters, and Robert Loggia all play parts, both big and small, in this movie. Look for a young Rosanna Arquette as one of the hitchhikers Culley (William Holden) picks up on the highway.

S.O.B. is a movie within a movie. Felix Farmer, played with brilliant alacrity by the late Richard Mulligan, never lost money on a picture until "Nightwind" came out starring his wife Sally Miles (Julie Andrews). Now Felix is on the outs with his studio head David Blackman (Robert Vaughn), his wife is divorcing him, and he just tried to kill himself. Since this is Hollywood, a whole host of publicists, agents, and advisors try to shield Felix and Sally from the critical backlash. As Felix stumbles around his beach house in a dazed stupor, his friends Tim Culley, Dr. Irving Finegarten (Robert Preston), and publicist Ben Coogan (Robert Webber) all arrive on the scene to lend a hand. Nothing seems to bring Felix out of his funk until he arrives at the realization that the only way to save his career is to reshoot his stinker by having wife Sally, who is a G-rated film queen, bare her all. When it looks like Felix might be on to something, everyone jumps on the bandwagon to make a buck or take some credit for the success.

I had hopes that this film was as funny as it was when I first saw it in the mid 1980s. It isn't, but there are still some great performances along the way. Mulligan is electricity as Farmer, adding even more gusto to his character here then he did as Bert Campbell in "Soap." Holden always does a good job as the weary soul that must witness the slow decay of those around him. Preston is great too as Finegarten, whipping out one-liners with great aplomb. The problem I had with the film is that it is almost too sad to watch it. Here are all these great actors giving one last gasp before passing into the great beyond. S.O.B. was Holden's last film, made before he hit his head and bled to death during a drunken binge. Preston died a few years later from lung cancer, and Mulligan died in 2000 from colon cancer. It is difficult, nay impossible, to forget this as you watch the film. The habits of the characters do not make it easier, either. Holden actually plays a drunk in the film, so knowing that he was one in real life makes it a tad painful to see it here played for laughs.

Another problem more noticeable with repeated viewings years later is the schizophrenia of the film. Edwards starts out with a bang, introducing the characters and establishing their quirky traits. After Felix buys the rights to "Nightwind," however, the movie morphs into a farce with slapstick elements. The latter half of the film still delivers laughs (Felix's last words concern bringing in another ten million at the box office, hardly what a normal person would think during their last seconds of life), but it doesn't mesh as well with the scathing first half. Add to this a mediocre DVD transfer, with some haziness and sunburns on people who shouldn't have them, and this adds up to a good, not great, film.

I would have liked to see more extras on this film. While Holden, Preston, and Mulligan are dead and therefore unavailable for comment, Julie Andrews and Blake Edwards are still alive and could have contributed many insights on a commentary track. Hearing Andrews discuss her topless scene would have been worth the price of the movie in and of itself. As it stands, there is a filmography of Blake Edwards plus the trailer for the film and that is about it in the way of treats. Taken as a whole, S.O.B. falls strictly into the "rent, not buy" category. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Based on an idea by Gene Roddenberry, the syndicated series Andromeda confidently wears its debt to Star Trek on its sleeve, recalling the best sci-fi of Roddenberry's heyday. The two-part premiere "Under the Night" and "An Affirming Flame" makes for a terrific introduction to the lead character, Captain Dylan Hunt, played by Kevin (ex-Hercules) Sorbo. He's a sympathetically flawed idealist in command of the Andromeda Ascendant, a massive starship of the now-disbanded Systems Commonwealth. The fall of civilization has meant that although she ought to be a relic, she remains the zenith of technological advancement.

In the first of these five episodes, we see Captain Hunt in battle against 10,000 enemy ships, winning a bout of fisticuffs with a close friend turned enemy traitor, wrestling with the shock of being frozen in time for 300 years, and then diplomatically negotiating his way out of a salvage rights battle for his ship. The Andromeda Ascendant's emotionally driven, lifelike computer is desired by the Eureka Maru salvage vessel, and feisty Captain Beka Valentine can barely stop her engineer Harper from drooling about tinkering with her. The Maru's shipmates are similarly driven: Rev Bem (from another sworn enemy race) has a spiritual calling, while cutesy-pie Trance Gemini's motivations are part of her winning mysteriousness. One final addition is the show's muscle, Tyr, the enemy with a conscience, but Andromeda is Dylan's show all the way.--Paul Tonks ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Great DVD set for a good show.
When Andromeda started I was really sceptical.
I didn't like Kevin Sorbo much, the SFX weren't that great and some of scripts were pretty weak.
But I kept watching and during the first season I started to like the show for one big reason: likable characters.
While I'm still not a big fan of Mr. Sorbo, the other other actors are really great and the writing has (apart from a few episodes at the end of season two) improved.
And of course there's Lexa Doig to look at - which is a really big plus. :-)
While it's still far away from the consistent genius that Farscape shows each week, Andromeda is one of the better TV shows at the moment and this DVD set is really great: picture and sound are good, the commentary is very interesting and the other extras are great too - except for the bloopers. I hope that on the next sets we get some bloopers that feature some of the other actors and not only Kevin Sorbo.

Surprisingly good
Since the main character is from "Hercules", I had my doubts. I picked it up anyway, because Gene Roddenberry's name is on it. I am glad I did.

The show does have some weakness- 1. Special effects are always interesting, but look fake sometimes 2. The premise seems to be a little bit shaky: why would those crew decided to join the idealist Captain? They are obviously not the noble type.

Despite those two flaws, it's still worth watching. The concept is original (in the sense that the variation of classical theme done well), the story is good (I think "double helix", the last episode of Vol 1. is the best so far), acting is adequate. In sum, the series has a promising start. It's certainly not Farscape or Star Trek, but you'll enjoy Andromeda if you like this type of sci-fi shows.

As for DVD itself:
Good-
Many special features (alternative takes were interesting).
Good picture quality
Bad-
No subtitles...

A great beginning
The two hour premiere is one of the best episodes of the Andromeda series. It takes off quick, and even allows for some characterization, which many series seem to miss. Though, as soon as the premiere ends, the series seems as if it is going to be a failure. The third episode, "To Looses the Faithful Lightning," is a ridiculous episode to be put at the beginning of the series. But do know, that episode three isn't at all like the rest of the episodes. Four and five are descent episodes, and they both help illuminate the character of Tyr, the Nietzschean of the crew. If your unsure of the series, be sure to start here, at the beginning.

Very enjoyable!
Great charracters, great set up & premise, fantastic acting and sets. This is a show that I think Gene would have been proud of. Great job to Majel and everyone else involved!

Great series but the interviews?
I am really enjoying what I've seen so far. I now have the first two vols. and I'm really getting into it.

The only problem I'm having is that every interview I've tried to watch within the "extras" section appears to not work. It plays for 20-30 secs and the abruptly stops and repeats from the beginning over and over like records use to do sometimes when they'd skip. :( I purchased the first 2 vols. at one time and this occurs on all interviews on both vols. Any suggestions? hehe

The show? 5 stars
The DVD set? 4 stars due the the afor mentioned problem. ... Read more

Description

A former FBI profiler who has recently undergone a heart transplant comes out of retirement to track down the serial killer who has recently begun killing victims with the former agent's blood type. ... Read more

Reviews (90)

MediaGab Review
Dirty Harry meets Grumpy Old Men, really that about sums up this movie. Blood Work is a detective movie that Clint Eastwood is at the heart of. A FBI Profiler Terry McCaleb (Eastwood) tries to runs down a suspect outside of a homicide crime scene but has a heart attack before he can catch him. He has to have heart transplant in order to live. He learns that the heart he got was from a murdered woman.

The sister of the murdered woman tracks Terry, who is now retired from the FBI down and pleads with him to look into the investigation. So with a license or the authority he takes on the investigation. The investigation goes from one unbelievable twist to another.

I found this movie to move way to fast. The twists and the conclusions that Eastwoods makes from the clues are really hard to swallow. In particular the part when the sister asks for his help. He basically jumped to this womans rescue without even thinking about what he was getting himself into. He was only sixty days post-op from his transplant surgery.

I think this was Eastwoods last hurray at a detective movie. At least I hope. He should stick to directing as he states he wants to do more of in the making of special feature. I think he wanted one more Dirty Harry moment before he stepped behind the camera.

blood work
this is the worst detective movie i have ever seen. in twenty minutes i solved the crime that it takes clint eastwood's character the rest of the movie to solve. the motive, the crime, etc., are completely given away by the first clue. yet the movie keeps draging on as clue after redundant clue fail to yeild any progress. it's like watching wheel of fortune and all but one letter has been revealed, yet the contestant can somehow not solve the puzzle. absolutely horrendous, please don't waste your money.

Decent crime-thriller flick but awkward at times.
I happened to have had a fascination with the whole way that forensic investigators have used unusual evidence to track down and find who the real criminals behind crimes really are. 2002's Clint Eastwood directed "Blood Work" for the most part does succeed in being a really good and sometimes challenging movie for crime-drama thriller moviegoers.

Terry McCaleb is a former FBI agent Miami who recently retired after a minor heart attack forced him to retire from the job of police investigator until after a string of killings, he comes out of retirement and goes back on the job when the sister of a murder victim is desperate to have her sister's killer brought to justice. Terry McCaleb has had a hard life because of the frustration of letting the killer slip through his hands due to the heart ailment that he suffered just as he was about to catch him. Even more daunting is that the victims' blood matches McCaleb's and he in fact got a heart transplant from one of the murder victims but defies the health effects of his heart transplant to bring down the killer before he strikes again.

This movie is a really good thriller for the most part but the movie does have it's share of flaws like even a lot of positive reviews have emphasized. One of the is that the acting by the entire cast, while decent, does from time to time, drift off in all directions. However my favorite one was actor Paul Rodriguez. While he doesn't have a whole lot of acting time on this film, he is so funny as the hot-tempered chief who has had a long standing semi-rivalry with McCaleb. Seeing his character go ballistic all the time is so funny and to be honest, besides Clint Eastwood, Paul Rodriguez really is the shining star for me.

"Blood Work" is also marred somewhat by a slow moving storyline and it drags on in places and as a result it's sometimes hard to watch the movie without sitting still or getting bored but it does pick back up before you would fall asleep. One lovemaking scene between Gracielle Rivers(Wanda De Jesus) and McCaleb was somewhat iffy in my opinion due to their age differences and it felt cold to me.

However, The idea of the killer targeting individuals with the same blood type is in my opinion quite original and keeps this movie from being totally predictable. This is not an essential movie by any stretch of the imagination but for those who like shows like "CSI" as well as "CSI: Miami", then this film is worth a look or two. The DVD has offers no worthy extras in my opinion.

Read the book...
I give kudos to Mr. Eastwood for seeing a great book in the novel - Michael Connelly is a gifted writer - and developing a movie, however, the movie does not have the suspense of the book.

As a devout reader of crime mystery, I had to have this movie for my library because it was a Michael Connelly novel - no other reason. It was distressing not to at least have an interview on the DVD with Mr. Connelly. The acting is mostly mediocre, with the exception of Eastwood. Buddy is miscast with Daniels, as is Graciela with DeJesus. I like the work of Daniels, and he would have been better in the cop role.

If you want a good cop movie, by another great writer, try the Onion Field.

Not all that great but far from bad.
This movie is a rather average crime drama about a retired FBI agent who recieved a heart transplant from a murder victim and is now on the case of solving the murder and finding who is behind the heinous crime that took place at a convenience store.

He gets out of retirement after being asked by the sister of the murder victim to help her track down the one responsible for the crime. This serial killer targets individuals who have blood types that match that of the former retiree.

This movie is good to a degree but the whole thing is just watered down by a very predictable outcome and does nothing to make it very memorable. The acting has seen better days as well.

Not a bad film but this could really have been a lot better in my honest opinion. ... Read more

Description

Based on a true story about a bored 14-year-old girl who seeks excitement in the seamy drug scene of '70s Berlin, "Christiane F." is one of the most shocking and controversial films of our time. This visually adventurous, gripping story is enhanced by David Bowie's soundtrack, including a live performance and such Bowie classics as "Station to Station," "Heroes," "Boys Keep Swinging," and others. Startling in its honesty, "Christiane F." is a powerful, unforgettable look at youth and innocence seduced, and then imprisoned, by modern life's compelling dark side. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Powerful and Gripping! - Why No Subtitles?
If you are interested in the substance abuse genre, this movie is the most realistic, powerful, and disturbing I've seen. Compare this to the likes of "Days of Wine and Roses", "The Man With the Golden Arm" and "28 Days", and the others all seem lame and glossed over. The only film that I thought came close to the level of realism of "Chrstiane F." was "Panic in Needle Park".

This film takes you to the horrifying depths of heroin addiction, as excruciatingly experienced by a German teenager and her "friends". Based on a true story from the 1970's Berlin drug scene, the title character is from a dysfuntional family who eventually falls into the grips of heroin addiction and prostitution by age 14. Great soundtrack, with Bowie (I especially liked the version of Heroes that is sung partly in German), great depiction of the 70's club scene in Berlin, which was rampant with drug use. Even though in color, has the gritty feel of a noir. The film also captures dead-on the desperation of addiction, and how the addicts life becomes all about the next shot. The film also does a great job of conveying the depravity and desolation of the Berlin Zoo train station, a haven for prostitues and addicts at the time.

Based on a book of the same name (unfortunately, last I checked, the book was out of print), the movie of course does not go into as much detail (what movie based on a book does?) but nonetheless, this is a brutal, accurate portrait of the ravages of drug use.

Two things, if you can find the book, buy it. The book was riveting and goes into much greater depth of the girls family background, and her early drug use pre-heroin addiction. Also the movie condenses her many "cold turkey" episodes into one or two instances, and the true horror of her withdrawals are much more graphic and real in the book.

Secondly, I would have given this 5 stars if the movie were subtitled instead of dubbed. It takes a lot away from the film, and I would recommend waiting until it is released (hopefully) in German with subtitles. I was fortunate enough to have seen the film in the theatre in German with subtitles, and it made a big difference.

A classic movie of this genre, a must see, even with the dubbing!

THIS FILM IS A MUST!
I first saw and heard "Wir Kinderen Vom Banhof Zoo" when I was a child and I will never forget the impact it had on me. Beyond the obvious "Dare to Keep Kids Off Drugs" message, this film and music are a bittersweet snapshot of a tantilizing, tragic, and triumphant era gone by as captured so beautifully in Bowie's epic song "Heroes." Watching it now in a new millenium it still packs the same punch it did twenty years ago. Although it is unfortunate that a sub-titled edition has not yet been released, the original German language version is a must for anyone who ever lived on the edge and survived to tell about it. Regardless of what language you speak, you'll understand.

Harrowing ordeal
...as any good movie that explores the world of drug addiction should be. Quite graphic in its depiction of the consequences of drug addiction, and the heartbreaking, and seemingly unbreakable, bonds involved. Just when you think someone is about to break free, they get sucked back in. Very sad, and frustrating.

About as searingly graphic, if not more, as "Requiem for a Dream", another excellent movie that should convince anyone who watches it to avoid the scourge that is drugs. Another movie you wouldn't want to watch too frequently, due to its gruesome honesty and the fact that the images are burned into your brain.

Excellent soundtrack from David Bowie, including live concert footage. Most of the songs are from his "Heroes" album, which was written and recorded in West Berlin, and conveys the feelings that living in West Berlin evoked in Bowie. Ideal soundtrack then for Christiane F, being set in West Berlin.

A Movie About Youth
I agree with the previous reviewers that the stark, realistic depiction of drug use is a powerful aspect of Christiane F., but there is so much more that makes the movie outstanding. It brought tears to my eyes the first time I watched it because of the way it portrays a young person's search for love, for acceptance, to find meaning. To me this movie drives home the frailty as well as the value of life.

More specifically, the movie works because it shows a variety of human emotions: Christiane's anger at her mother; her boredom in the grey concrete world of West-Berlin; her tender love for Detlef and pure desperation in the end. We really get a glimpse of her world and why she gets into drugs, even though everybody warns her about it. It's not simple peer pressure, but her own desparate need to belong and her compassion with Detlef that drives Christiane. Despite its length (130 min.) and the limited number of locations, the movie keeps you glued to the screen because it relies on competent, subtle acting rather than beating the viewer over the head with fake "dramatic" scenes. In contrast to most movies today, music is used rather sporadically, yet all the more effectively. My favorite scene is in the beginning when the youth gang runs through an empty mall, while we hear David Bowie's "Heroes" in full blast. I couldn't convey more effectively the sheer enthusiasm of being young and alive. Director Uli Edel (whose oevre includes other highs such as Last Exit to Brooklyn and lows as Body of Evidence; he also directed one Twin Peaks episode) effectively switches between fast and slow motion, dialog and image driven scenes. This is the perfect example of a well-paced movie.

Even to those English speakers whose Highschool German has become rusty, this is well-worth the effort of finding it. Once you got the gist of the story in the dubbed version, listen to the sheer emotion in the original voices. Christiane F. is one of those rare movies that haunt you long after watching it.

Movie is good - DVD is bare-bones
This is a gritty movie about one girl's experience in the Berlin underage prostitution/drug scene of the 70's. This is no glamorized Hollywood movie with mid-twenty year old actors as teens.

This is a depressing movie, although ultimately it has a good ending, at least for Christiane.

I read the 5-star book years and years ago, and after buying the DVD a few months back, I wanted to re-read the book as it has much more detail, and more cycles of getting clean and relapsing than shown in the movie. The book is out of print (natch!), but it is worth checking out used-book stores for it.

The DVD has no extras at all, and as noted by others, no subtitles - you get it in original German, or second-rate dubbed English. I watch it both ways - German for the emotion, English for understanding.

Still, highly recommended for a change from the Hollywood usual. Much David Bowie in the soundtrack. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Overall, a Satisfying Hillerman Adaptation
"Coyote Waits", brought to the small screen by the same team that produced the lamentable "Skinwalkers", is a satisfying experience for Tony Hillerman fans, for fans of movie mysteries in general, and for folks interested in the portrayal of Native Americans, in this case the Navajo (Dine'). It would appear that the writers listened to the complaints about "Skinwalkers" and came up with a story that adheres much more closely to Hillerman's plot and to the author's portrayal of his main characters, particularly Jim Chee (played by Adam Beach) and Joe Leaphorn (Wes Studi). Like any novel adapted into a two-hour movie, there are conflations of characters and substantial trimmings in the narrative. Nonetheless, the major plotlines in the book are dealt with here in a generally satisfactory way, although the climax was a bit too pat based on the information that the viewer was given during the course of the investigation into the death of Officer Delbert Nez. The principal character change in the film involves the substitution of Leaphorn's wife Emma(who died in the earlier book) for Professor Borbonnette, a change that is not particularly jarring in this context. Kept intact from the book is the relationship between the traditionalist Chee (studying to be a haatali, or medicine man) and the rationalist Leaphorn (firmly in touch with his own Dine' culture, but deeply skeptical of some of its beliefs). All in all, the treatment accorded to "Coyote Waits" bodes well for future productions in the series. Hopefully, "Thief of Time" will be next.

"Perhaps we don't solve anything."
"We just rearrange the mystery"

For those who have read the book you will notice many instances where the story is altered and people moved around. The most striking is that Emma is still alive and the cat (Slim) is back. They had to add the character of Slick Naki to cut out about an hour of skinwalker investigation. I can say no more without giving away the mystery.

Jim Chee sits drinking coffee while partner Tribal Policeman Delbert Nez meets his demise. Chee catches the obvious perpetrator. A Navaho shaman, with a bottle in one hand and THE gun in his belt. Case closed.

Because of his guilt at not backing up his partner and at the insistence of Chee's on again and off again relationship with the defending attorney, Janet Pete, Chee must find out for him self what happened and if he may have made a mistake.
Because of a relationship through is wife, Emma, with Ashie Pinto's (the defendant) clan, and her insistence that Ashie is being railroaded, Joe Leaphorn must also investigate from a different angle. Emma helps in the investigation and lends support to Joe.

Both men are pushed into what looks like an endless number of overlapping mysteries of which the murder of Delbert Nez is just one. They - and we - must deal with the history of the CIA and that of witches. ... 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

Book Description

screenplay to Egoyan's film, w/illus, photos ... Read more

Reviews (6)

"You've just got to know which buttons to push."
In Atom Egoyan's film, "Speaking Parts" bit-part actor, Lance, works in the housekeeping department of a posh, but strange hotel. Lonely co-worker Lisa (Arsinee Khanjian) stalks Lance during the day, and at night, she rents and re-rents his films. Lisa maintains that Lance may never actually speak in his roles, but that his scenes are crucial to the films. Lance, however, is not content with minor roles and understandably wants a big break. That big break seems to arrive when a writer named Clara checks into the hotel. When cleaning Clara's room, Lance discovers a script, and he approaches her for an audition. Clara is smitten with Lance, and soon auditions him for a part in a film.

Clara seems to have some artistic control over the film, but this power rapidly diminishes as the story progresses. In selling her true story to a film producer, Clara becomes disenfranchised from her own history, and soon she doesn't have a voice--or a speaking part in her own truth. Lance and Clara are both presented with occasions for moral compromise, and speaking out jeopardizes the tenuous positions they both hold.

"Speaking Parts" is about power--the power in relationships, and the only truly powerful person in this film is the producer (played with delicious icy gravity by David Hemblem). The producer lives on quite a different plane of existence, and he mostly communicates to his minions via television conferences which he entirely controls. Hemblem and Gabrielle Rose (she plays Clara) appear in many of Egoyan's films. I particularly enjoyed Lisa's odd relationship with Eddy, the video shop owner whose initial interest in Lisa sparks friendship.

Egoyan once again shows his obsession with television and technology. Egoyan seems to delight in placing his characters in front of the camera, and I can't think of another director who exploits and explores this medium quite so thoroughly--displacedhuman

80's Avante Garde
This movie is a prime example of 80's egosim and the human need to see the way others view you. Lisa played by Khanjian,(I think she is also Atom's wife) is a hotel maid that craves the attention of Lance a co-worker. The bulk of the movie is centered on Lance and Lisa and how they their need for attention ultimately throws them into a web of intrigue, delusions, sexual desire and ultimatley death. This is a movie that is best seen more than once, due to it's hidden meaning and dialogue. If possible I would highly recommend getting the DVD version, because there is commentary from Atom that is very helpful. F.Y.I. Micheal McManus also appears in the sci-fi show "Lexx," as the dead bun-headed assassin Kai and he also has a cameo in "Dog Park," as the waiter.

Riveting and Spellbinding!!
I was pleasantly surprised to see the release of this film, since it got less than it's deserved attention. The moodiness and underlying tension focus on Lance, a part-time actor/houskeeper/ prostitute trying desperately to break into the forefront of dramatic performances, but all of his efforts seem to be thwarted at every turn. His employer wants to keep him as her own personal sexual property to be doled out upon demand to customers, and Lisa, another employee at the hotel where he works has raised the level of obsessiveness to new heights, dragging other people into her obsession. Claire, a screenwriter Lance seduces into helping him to be cast in a locally produced film, has her own obsessions, and incorporates Lance into compromising his own needs with disatrous results. The performances were outstanding, especially from McManus, who portrays the effete Lance with a mixture of selfishness and torment. Lisa's descent into madness is underplayed just right, no over-the-top histrionics. The only flaw I found was the unbelievably bad wig they put on McManus for the comparison to Claire's brother's image. It must have been dreadful to acheive the desired results with the stringy locks hovering around just enough to distract his performance. But then, bad wigs pretty much come with the territory for McManus, who is also one of the lead actors on the sci-fi epic, "Lexx", currently on television, but his performances are just as spellbinding.. The Dvd comes with lovely extra goodies, especially the narration by Egoyan, which explains motivations behind each and every scene. Also contained were deleted scenes, which explained a few things not evident on first viewing. Highly recommened, but ignore the bad costumes and hairdos...

A deeper look into Speaking Parts
"Speaking Parts" is far more than just the script for the movie. This softcover book also includes an introduction by Ron Burnett, an essay by Atom Egoyan, and an interview with Egoyan by Marc Glassman. These all lead the viewer to a deeper understanding of the complexity and artistry of Egoyan's second major film. The book is also enhanced by black and white stills as well as pages from the original script showing hand written sketches and dialogue changes. Also included is a filmography of Egoyan's films through 1993. If you've been carried away by the film as I have, you must find a copy of this book!

Speaking Parts, Brilliant!
An excellent film by Atom Egoyan. The moody atmosphere enhances the plot and the production is excellent. McManus fans who know him through Tales from a Parallel Universe, or Lexx as it is called in the UK, will love him in this. McManus' portrayal as the ambitious, but emotionally ambivilant Lance is fantastic as is Arnesee Khanjan's performance as the frustrated Lisa. UK buyers will be pleased to know that this tape will play well on a video with duel PAL and NTSC format, with a decent PAL t.v. and is a must. Well worth the wait and not as pornographic as some reviews make out, but very erotic in parts. Not rated but not suitable for veiwers under eighteen. ... Read more

Amazon.com

With the release of Wiseguy on DVD, one of the best TV series of the 1980s gets a new lease on life. Long before Donnie Brasco brought similar drama to the big screen, Ken Wahl brought charisma, credibility, and chutzpah to his small-screen role as Vincent Terranova, a handsome 30-year-old agent with the FBI's Organized Crime Bureau. As conceived by cocreators Stephen Cannell (of The Rockford Files and The A-Team fame) and Ken Lupo, Wiseguy followed an innovative "story-arc" structure, allowing Vinnie's deep-cover missions to last only as long as necessary to bring each case to a sensible conclusion. Since copied by countless TV shows, this unique approach to storytelling attracted a devoted following of viewers addicted to the self-contained plots that forced Vinnie, his sourpuss OCB handler Frank McPike (Jonathan Banks), and disabled covert liaison Dan "Lifeguard" Burroughs (played by double-amputee Jim Byrnes) to achieve their objectives within 6 to 10 hourlong episodes.

Season 1, Part 1--the first of six Wiseguy DVD sets--includes the entire nine-episode arc (plus pilot) in which Vinnie infiltrates the New Jersey mob family of Sonny Steelgrave, a silk-suited kingpin played by Ray Sharkey in his finest TV role. Their brotherly relationship poses a moral dilemma for Vinnie (giving the arc its dramatic core and primary source of suspense), and Wiseguy earned its reputation as a well-written series that favored character-driven tension while providing the requisite pulp fiction (i.e. occasional murder and mayhem) that kept viewers and advertisers happy. While the DVD packaging gives bogus equal billing to Annette Bening (who appears here in one pivotal episode), her pre-stardom appearance is indicative of the show's consistently high standards in writing, casting, and stylish direction. The styles may be dated (including poodle-puff hairdos for women, including Bening), but there's not a weak episode in the bunch, including the stand-alone shows (involving domestic crises for McPike and Burroughs) that allowed character growth beyond the story-arc structure.

After the intense "Sonny Steelgrave" arc of first-season episodes, the producers of Wiseguy faced the challenge of topping themselves, and they did it by casting a relatively unknown New York stage actor named Kevin Spacey, who proceeded to chew up the scenery as only a future Oscar®-winner could. But Spacey's not the only reason for the giddy success of the "Mel Profitt" arc, which finds OCB agent Vinnie Terranova (Ken Wahl) teaming up with sociopathic assassin Roger Lococco (William Russ) in an effort to infiltrate the global drugs-and-guns empire of the Proffitt siblings Mel (Spacey), a "manic-depressive genius with acute paranoia," and his codependent sister Susan (Joan Severance), who keeps her incestuously devoted brother happy by injecting home-brewed narcotics between his toes (hence giving Spacey his trademark line, "Only the toes knows!").

TV audiences in 1988 had never seen such a twisted sibling relationship, and there's plenty of eccentric chemistry between Spacey and then-newcomer Severance, who later developed a loyal male following as a B-movie sexpot. Completing their triangle of terror is Russ, playing Lococco as a tormented Vietnam vet with a massive chip on his shoulder, luring Vinnie into a life of luxury and lethal behavior, thus complicating matters considerably for Vinnie's covert handlers McPike (Jonathan Banks) and Lifeguard (Jim Byrnes), who grow increasingly worried as Vinnie gains Mel Profitt's hard-won trust. The quality of these 12 episodes remains consistently high as the Profitts reach "psychotic critical mass," leading to Mafia connections and a new direction for Vinnie's loving mother (well-played by Elsa Raven). Through it all, Wahl (who proves himself a man of few words in a sparse one-episode commentary) maintains his strong presence as a leading man, generously allowing Spacey's rising star to shine. Wiseguy still had some highlights in its future, but the "Mel Profitt" arc represents the series at its best. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wiseguy - Change in themes
I just finished the Sonny Steelgrave arc and was disappointed with only one thing. In the last episode of the Arc, when Sonny and Vinnie are in the theater, they changed the background music from the original. They kept Good Lovin', but replaced Nights in White Satin with some nondescript instrumental track. Other than that, the set was great! ... Read more

Reviews (31)

One of the Best
First off -- I am writing this the day after the passing of John Ritter. Ritter was one of the best physical comedians. He wow'd us with his antics and sweet heart for many years on 3's Company. John -- thanks for all the great laughs.

Now on to the review of this movie. To this day, this is one of my favorite movies even though I've only seen it 3 times (I'm purchasing the DVD today). Yes, the condom scene is one of the funniest scenes in movie history -- but I prefer another funny scene. John's character follows a woman into a upscale "physical therapy" office and is then tortured with muscle stimulators by a scorned former lover. When Zack comes out of the office he is twitching so badly he can hardly walk. This is classic John Ritter physicality. I laffed so hard the last time I watched that I almost couldn't breathe any more.

Also, while very funny, this movie follows a man who is trying desparately to repair his life and at every turn keeps failing. At one point, in his physcharist's office, his cry for help is so real-looking that it made me cry.

So, again, John, thanks for the many years of laughter. You will be missed!

A very funny film, with a message
John Ritter is certainly under-rated and under-appreciated. As a physical comedy actor he has few peers. His timing, honed on TV's 'Three's Company,' is spot on.

But NOTHING will prepare you for the scene in the middle which is shot entirely in the dark. Even if you've had a hint of it from other people, ignore them and laugh your head off. One of the funniest in any movie, ever. Several other scenes and lines are pretty funny, too, like Zack trying to walk and drive after getting a shot from his dentist. Nobody does it better than Ritter.

The film has a message, of sorts, about taking personal responsibility and growing up. The way Blake Edwards tells it, that's not as much fun as it might seem. Still this does not validate the hedonistic lifestyle, and Zack gets his comeuppance in the end.

Whether you're a fan of John Ritter or not, see this film. Not a great movie, but better than most of those you'll rent and forget as soon as the credits roll.

Put the kiddies to bed, dim the lights, bring your bowl of popcorn, and don't let anyone interrupt the scene in the dark. You can clean up the spilled popcorn later...

Skindeep with late John Ritter a great classic
John Ritter stars as Zach who is a womanizing writer/piano player, who has just been caught cheating by his
girlfriend Angela Smith (Denise Crosby from Star Trek the Next Generation who played
Tasha Yar).

What's funny about this is that Zach has a history of womanizing and cheating, in which he has fullfilled the fantasies of every woman he meets, yet he finds himself alone and without someone he can really say he loves, with
the exception of his ex wife.

A bit phased by this Zach continues his lifestyle until he realizes, it is perhaps his ways with women that has resulted in his short relationships. He goes to his friend Barney the bartender (Vincent Gardiana who is best known for
playing the police investigator on the heels of the vigilante killer, Charles Bronson in Death Wish) who gives him
a couple of tips, but none of which help much.

The movie is funny because we see the character of Zach going from one mishap to another like Jack Tripper's character in Three's Company (which Ritter played). In one funny scene,
Zach dates a bodybuilding woman who in his
words leaves his private parts "scared stiff". LOL

Then in one of the more funny scenes, Zach and his female character get caught in the dark by the female's boyfriend, since both of them are wearing glow in the dark condoms!!! It's as funny as it sounds. Blake Edwards who has been making great comedy films for over 20 years, from early hits like
"10", to more modern hits like "Blind Date" and "Skindeep" , has shown that he still has the romantic, comedic
touch.

Very funny movie to watch.

I hate this movie...
This movie is horrible.
It claims to be a comedy but I've never found it funny ever. Back in the late 80s or early 90s (I try not to remember) my mate Stuart forced me into lending the video off him. I watched it and it was an absolutely depressing experience!

On the other hand, my mate Stuart loves this film (for some unknown reason) and has asked me to get it for him because he can't find it anywhere (ahhh - what a shame!) and so I'll probably get it for him because I'm nice like that, you see.

Anyway, if you like this film then you should meet my mate Stuart as you'll probably get on well with him and you can talk about what is good about "Skin Deep" as I haven't a clue why people would like this film at all...

John Ritter loves women too much. Those glowing condoms.
I've seen this funny Blake Edwards film before. I saw it again recently on television and boy did they edit so much of it. Shortly afterwards, we all got the shocking news that John Ritter unexpectedly died. Interesting time to show this film, er ah, I mean ironic. John Ritter and his work was making a comeback. On television they were showing, The Waltons, Three's Company and the unforgetable film, The Other (1972) in which John Ritter played the role of "Rider". John Ritter had a new tv series called "8 Simple Rules...". It became a hit. While rehearsing the fourth episode of the new season, John became ill and collapsed. Rushed to the hospital. He died during emergency surgery. It was his heart. In artery was leaking blood, a condition that can not be caught in x-rays. A condition John Ritter did not know he had. The whole nation took pause at the passing of John Ritter on September 11, 2003. This 1989 film stars John Ritter as a man going through mid-life crisis. His woman (Denise Crosby, "Star Trek: The Next Generation")catches him with another women first in the kitchen and then in the bedroom. This time she is holding a gun right at him. He sees a psychiatrist to find out what his problem is. He loves women too much, but has such bad luck. THIS MOVIE IS FOR ADULTS ONLY! There are several scenes with John Ritter is wearing a glow-in-the-dark condom. These particular scenes and all nudity are cut out of television prints. This film is brilliantly written and directed by Blake Edwards (husband of Julie Andrews). It is a comedy (like "10" with Dudley Moore and Bo Derek), but it is also serious too. Some good dramatic acting by John Ritter. Cast includes Vincent gardenia, Alyson Reed, Joel Brooks, Dee Dee Rescher and Sherl Lee Ralph. Nice tune by Ivan neville, "Falling Out Of Love". Don Grady (My Three Sons) provided additional music for the movie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

growing on me like a tumor
I never took the Andromeda series very seriously, even though I'm an avid Trek fan. Watching one every now and then but not being very entertained. Getting over the captain is not easy for most people and it's what turned me off to the show as well. It was this disk that made me take a second look at the series as a whole.

"Tunnel At The End Of The Light" is a slight rip-off of Predator, but hardly a bad one. And by the end, it's taken in a very original direction. If you can get over Sorbo and be entertained by a decent "space-show", Andromeda may be for you. Harper gives excellent comic relief and Rommie is just friggin sexy. The stories are not bad once you give them a chance, and for the most part, original. Graphics are fantastic, even if they are re-used and altered from time to time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Supreme silliness doesn't stop The Day After Tomorrow from being lots of fun for connoisseurs of epic-scale disaster flicks. After the blockbuster profits of Independence Day and Godzilla, you can't blame director Roland Emmerich for using global warming as a politically correct excuse for destroying most of the northern hemisphere. Like most of Emmerich's films, this one emphasizes special effects over such lesser priorities as well-drawn characters and plausible plotting, and his dialogue (cowritten by Jeffrey Nachmanoff) is so laughably trite that it could be entirely eliminated without harming the movie. It's the spectacle that's important here, not the lame, recycled plot about father and son (Dennis Quaid, Jake Gyllenhaal) who endure an end-of-the-world scenario caused by the effects of global warming. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the awesome visions of tornado-ravaged Los Angeles, blizzards in New Delhi, Japan pummeled by grapefruit-sized hailstones, and Manhattan flooded by swelling oceans and then frozen by the onset of a modern ice age. It's all wildly impressive, and Emmerich obviously doesn't care if the science is flimsy, so why should you? --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (568)

lame
There is something positive about in this movie. It managed to start some public conversations about the greenhouse-effect at least somewhere in the globe but the enviromental message in "The Day After Tommorrow" got finally buried under its stupidness. No wonder, unfortunately. This is exactly something that could have been expected from the same director who has made such rubbish as "universal soldier" and "the Indepencence day". Unlike many other foreign directors Emmerich has found his way to stay in the big budget business by adding each time some korny and sentimental patriotism in his films, often directly out from the mouth of the president himself. There`s lots of holes in the script which can`t be filled not even by the massive special effects. Maybe I`m just too old( yet still a teenager) but I just can`t get excited by stuff like some crappy animated CGI-wolfs anymore. In this cont