Description

It is a new dawn for mankind.The Shizuma Drive has brought clean, limitless energy and launched humanity into an age of prosperity. But even in this Eden of technology, there lurk the shadows of envy and greed.Big Fire is a secret brotherhood whose only goal is to direct the world toward chaos. The world is protected by the Experts of Justice, a team of operatives assembled from around the globe to stop the ultimate disaster of The Eternal Night.The key to everything is the bravery of their newest member, a boy named Daisaku Kusama, and the great machine he commands. ... Read more

Description

A motley crew of animals help a young girl who is no bigger than a thumb make her way home after she is kidnapped by a toad and taken to live on a lily pad in a swamp. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Definite kid-pleaser
My three-year-old daughter fell in love with this the first time we borrowed it from the library. I enjoyed it myself; my only gripe is Conchata Ferrell's performance. This usually very talented actress seems bored to tears and injects absolutely no feeling into her role as Thumbelina's mother. It's as if she was directed to perform as stoically as possible. I don't get it at all. I am also not impressed with Carrie Fisher's singing here. I know she is capable of singing quite beautifully, I just don't think the folkish songs in this tale are well suited to her instrument. It's hard to pull off such dirges unless the singer has that ethereal, almost mediaeval quality to her voice (think Loreena McKennitt, Mediaveal Baebes). But those minor complaints are of no consequence whatsoever to the intended audience. Children will certainly be enchanted! It's witty script and a fun production.

The Little Thumb with a Big Heart
"Thumbelina" is a fantastic retelling of the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, "Little Thumb".

Produced in 1983 (and released the following year), as part of Shelley Duvall's charming live-action "Faerie Tale Theatre", the narrative is told with good humour, imagination, and a great sense of fun. The magnificent cast adds much colour and warmth to the proceedings. In particular, Carrie Fisher, in the title role, delivers a captivating performance. She makes an extremely attractive heroine, not to mention one who's "more than just another pretty face". She's an absolute delight, adding her unique qualities to the role. Not only is she pint-sized in real life (although not quite as tiny as a thumb!), she has a lovely, deep voice that is quite at odds with her diminutive stature. When she sings, it is a beautiful and rewarding experience. Indeed, she sings with "an angel's voice". (This is also a highlight for any Carrie Fisher fan, as she began her career as a singer, and yet she only sings briefly in "Hannah and Her Sisters", 1986, and in the Walt Disney live-action comedy, "Sunday Drive", also released in 1986.)

Carrie Fisher is supported by equally delightful character actors. The late Burgess Meredith is in top form as Mr Mole, the second would-be husband of Thumbelina. Likewise, William Katt makes a very positive impression as the Prince of the Flower Angels.

This wonderful fairy tale is further enhanced by excellent production values, including great music, atmospheric sets, and good costumes and creatures like Mother Toad, her hapless son, Herman, the Fieldmouse, and the Swallow.

The script faithfully follows the original story, although the gender of the Fieldmouse has been changed, making for a more convincing friendship with Mr Mole to exist, as well as creating a heartfelt guardianship of Thumbelina along strictly platonic lines.

This well-written and perceptive tale ("I'm always the bride, but never the bridesmaid") makes for enchanting family entertainment. "Thumbelina" delivers a great message, too, but above all, it's storytelling at it's most memorable.

I applaud executive producer Shelley Duvall, and all involved, for giving such a wonderful gift. It's up there with Jim Henson's equally engaging "Storyteller" anthology series, produced in the late 1980s, and the "The Doll", an Emmy Award winning episode of "Amazing Stories" (of the same era).

For me, it's an extra special treat because Carrie Fisher became much more than just Princess Leia with this performance. Besides, she continues to melt me every time she smiles as the Ultimate Flower Angel! Let's hope that this "Faerie Tale Theatre" production, along with my other favourites like "Beauty and the Beast", are re-released soon. Preservation on DVD for future generations is highly recommended. ... Read more

Description

A clever cat comes up with a way to transform his master into a nobleman, but first he demands a new wardrobe. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Puss in Boots
This is a great movie. It's real light hearted and comical. The characters are all very love-able, except for the ogre of course! I also thought it was neat that all the main characters are African American. I highly recommend this film if you're looking for a good, clean, fun movie to enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

another awesome brady bunch
I don't know what everybody else is saying about this movie but it is actually really good!!! i didn't really care for the new and improved characters because they did a fine job!!!!! i tthink every single brady bunch fan should buy this dvd!!!

The Brady Worst
The only reason I bought this DVD is b/c it was a Brady Bunch film and...came as a set with Growing Up which is an awesome movie.
Well,let me tell you this movie is just awful! I mean the actors couldn't been worst casted, Greg looks gay, Peter is fat, I think Bobby somewhat fits the original (Lookinland)
Marcia and Jan act so fake and Cindy looks like she is either a midget or she is four years younger than Bobby.
Alice is freaky, she doesn't resemble either Ann B. or the one from the 2 brady movies and her acting is just horrible, she is not cheesy...she is stupid
Mike and Carol are the dearest Gary Cole and Shelly Long, these two actors are good, they do resemble the original actors, I don't have any objections about them
The producers better think of making a new Brady movie b/c if they expect to have this film as the last one....The Bradys are dead!!
Don't buy it!!! for your own sake!!!!!!

skip it
Wow, this one was really bad. I didn't get to see it when it aired on TV and just got the DVD. I watched about three quarters of it and gave up. It is no where near as good as the two theatrical versions. Missing are actual Brady Bunch sub-plots that are written or reffered to throughout the movie. None of the kids really looked like any of the actual Bradys in either the two movies or the show- execpt for Marica, but she doesn't seem as genuine as Christine Taylor's version.

Gary Cole and Shelley Long are back, and that was the only reason I bought this movie. But the whole story about them in the white house is an unbelievably bad idea. The producers didn't even get the actress who played Alice to return, and her replacement isn't that great either.

A Very Brady Disappointment
There are some things in this world that refuse to die. Things that will stand the test of time. If the world was to end tomorrow, three things would still be here. Cockroaches, Cher, and the brood from Clinton Way. The Brady's. Our favorite ployester pests return in this made for TV movie that aired during Thanksgiving of 2002. The tele-film followed in the steps of the two recent big screen adventures, but the fun and hilariousness that made those two films, especially the first one, hysterical and endearing, did not cross over this hodepodge of a film. Bobby Brady finds a lottery ticket and takes it home. The ticket turns out to be the winning one with a grand prize of $67 million. But Mike, being Mike, refuses to keep it and tries to find the rightful owner. Because of his good deed, he is to meet the President. Through some situations, Mike becomes the President Of The United States himself and the first family of TV become the first family of the country. There were many chances here to do something, but the writers play it safe and the situation never rises to what it could of been. Speaking of writing, you know it is not going to be much when it is written by a Schwartz. Lloyd, that is. He tries to mimic the writing and feel of the spoofy big screen adaptions, but he never aces it. The writers of those films wrote it with a sure hand, but he just comes across as an old fashioned "Brady' writer trying to be hip and self aware. The only good thing this missfire has going for it is the return of Shelley Long and Gary Cole as Carol and Mike Brady. Their association with the project bring that level of hilarity and spark to the proceedings. The kids are not good. The kids are all new, and not that impressive. Jan and Marcia do okay, but the rest leave a lot to be desired. The actress playing Marcia has the uppity up persona of Marcia down pretty well, and has the right kind of 'tease' to her performance like Christine Taylor did in the movies, but she is still no equal. Jan had the mannerisms right, but it seemed too forced. The actor playing Greg isn't playing Greg. He's playing Christopher Daniel Barnes playing Greg Brady. And Alice. I don't know what they were thinking when they cast this actress to play Alice. You will know what I mean when you get a look at her. Veteran actor Saul Rubineck appears in the film as a White House aid with plans of his own, and why he agreed to do this film I have no idea. But most of all, it didn't feel right to be out of the Brady home. But that's just me. All in all, a very weak and disappointing effort in the Brady cannon. If this is the way it is now, then those good 'ol "Sunshine Days" may just be over for good. ... Read more

Description

A cowardly king offers a young man who isn't afraid of anything all the riches in the land if he rid the castle of a ghost. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

TheBoy Who Left Home to Find out Aboutr the Shivers
The Shivers is the greatest Faerie tale in the whole theatre.I grew up on these videos. I have been searching for a few years now to purchase these videos.I can't wait for them to become available. I would love to own the whole collection.These classic tales should be available for all children to see and enjoy.I must say The Faerie Tale theatre collection is the greatest among faerie tale production.

Utterly Enjoyable!
The Fairy Tale Theatre Series is wonderful. I watched them as a child, and still enjoy watching them. This one especially. It makes you laugh and at the same time has enough scare to it to make a child feel that they just watched their first horror movie. In actuality there there is nothing horrible about it. A perfect family entertainment movie.

Truly a classic!
Faery Tale Theatre movies are masterpieces! They follow the tales they tell fairly faithfully as they were originally written. I only hope they will soon be re-released as my children are now asking for copies, and I don't want to give mine up!

My favorite out of the Faerie Tale Theatre collection.
I am a collector of these series by Shelly Duvall. I have the complete 26 set of movies. It is a great set of movies for families, young and old alike. My sister's favorite is "Cinderella," starring Jennifer Beals and Matthew Broderick. My Mom's favorite is "Rumpelstiltskin," starring Ned Beatty. This is a great collection of movies and a must for every family. ... Read more

Description

A superb English cast in the acclaimed comedy of manners from Merchant/Ivory based on E.M. Forster's novel of wit and romance. Off to the sensuous landscape of Florence for her horizon-broadening tour, Lucy, a perfectly proper young Edwardian lady, is chaperoned by her even more proper Aunt Charlotte. At the merest hint of scandal--Lucy is kissed by an improper suitor--Charlotte whisks her back to the serene English countryside, where she is betrothed to a supposedly suitable gentleman, insufferably in love with himself. With its "superb ensemble acting, intelligent writing and stunning design" (The New York Times), this delightful comedy of manners sparkles with keen observations of class behavior and genuine humor. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Merchant/Ivory bursts onto the scene
One of the most charming films of the last century was this chamber love story. Extremely literate and intelligent, this Victorian story is easily accessible as an extremely well versed John Hughes could easily write the simple boy-meets-girl storyline. Fortunately for us, he was unavailable and the resulting film, made outside the Hollywood Studio system, avoids many current clichés and uses smart character to propel the story. Well, this is a Merchant Ivory film so propel might be too big a word. There films are usually soft character driven stories with a lack of speeding cars, ricocheting bullets or clever profanity. If you can tolerate small, romantic character pieces, this is one of the best. Great performances by Denholm Elliot, Maggie Smith and Judy Dench sturdily support the love triangle of Daniel Day Lewis, Julian Sands and the phenomenal Helena Bonham Carter. With beautiful classical music and nice cinematography, this view is a pleasant one. The DVD has a shaky video transfer and sufficient audio. It offers no extra material.

ELEGANT, THOUGHTFUL, FUNNY...A MASTERPIECE YOU NEED TO OWN!
This exquisite classic of Merchant-Ivory is sensually explores the struggle between the tight exterior of the British upper crust and the seething passion that lurks just beneath in the increasingly powerful middle class. You've seen a movie or two for sure that veer around such themes, but very few films have captured this combination of class struggle and personal liberation any more evocatively!

Our protagonist is a young, passionate and repressed Miss Lucy Honeychurch (Helena Bonham Carter in possibly her best role ever) who exemplifies this unspoken inner-outer conflict. As she struggles between what is expected of her, to marry the effete and obnoxious Cecil Vyse (Daniel Day Lewis in a richly textured performance), and what she really wants, to be with the yearning, romantic George Emerson (a soft and unfocused Julian Sands) Miss Honeychurch must juggle class concerns and personal desires.

As with any Merchant Ivory product, the all-round cast is vivid and intriguing. Maggie Smith never leaves a dull moment in any of her movies, a credo she maintains here as well as Lucy's nervous and confused escort -- for which she received a well deserved Oscar. As George's bewildered and sweet father, the marvellous Denholm Elliot steals every scene in which he appears. Lastly, Simon Callow as the ebullient, robust Reverend Beebe captures all that is good and true about humanity.

A word for the DVD. The cinematography in this movie sparkles, and the DVD does complete justice to Ivory's camera skills -- the shots are so pure you will want to taste the dew resting atop the grass in the sumptuous English gardens.

What a complete movie, full of life, love and hope! Highly recommended for your collections, you'll watch this more than once.

They do not come better than this
James Ivory's "Room With a View" is a tour de force. Adapted by Ruth Prawer Jhabvala from the novel by E.M. Forster, "A Room with a View" is a shining example of Merchant-Ivory's ability to achieve maximum quality and opulence at minimum cost. It shows the life of Lucy Honeychurch starting from Italy, going through England and ending in Italy. This is a thoughtful movie that requires one to understand the standards of England then to realize that it is fighting against the set rigid style of life. This style of life is eternal and can be seen in movies like "Guess who is coming to dinner". Denholm Elliot raises his son to not care about anything but truth and beauty. The acting and screenplay is wonderful. Daniel Day Lewis does a superb job as Cecil. Judy Davis is superb as the novelist, Eleanor Lavish as is Maggie Smith.

Even the humor in the movie is unusual. When the English chaplain in Florence, Mr Eager shows a chapel and mentions, "Remember that this was built by faith in the full fervor of medievalism", it prompts, Mr Emerson to say, "Faith indeed. It simply means that the workers were not paid well." The movie has understated humor that is refreshing compared to the usual slapstick. Scenes were the brother and sister are together are especially funny.

A lot of people found the movie too slow. Well, this is not a cop movie, it requires one to think about what goes underneath each person. The movie is based on one of the special books that breaks down class distinctions, though it is subtle and dignified. I personally felt that this was the best movie of the year and easily bet "Platoon" in its class. A winner of three Academy Awards, "A Room with a View" is not what one could call fast-moving, but fans of the Merchant-Ivory team will enjoy luxuriating in the film's leisurely pace and stimulating cast of characters.

One of my favorite films!
I saw this film when it first came out, in the theater, and it has remained one of my favorite films. It was the first film I bought when I got a VCR. This is one of those elegant Merchant-Ivory productions (which also include Maurice and A Passage to India, other E.M. Forster adaptations to film) that sets the late Victorian/early twentieth century world in upper- to upper-middle class England in such gracious light.

The stars of this film include Helena Bonham Carter as Lucy, the heroine, and Julian Sands as George Emerson, her free-spirited suitor, who shocks everyone by doing such risque things as running around without a jacket, or kissing someone (willing) in a field of poppies. The official suitor of Lucy is the stuffed-shirt Cecil Vyse, whose personality seems like it is jammed in a vise. There are great performances by Judi Dench (as a conventional free-spirit, one who likes to be freespirited but not at the expense of reputation), Rupert Graves, Simon Callow, Denhom Elliot, and an outstanding performance (as always, she just has to walk on the set and the film gets an extra star) by Maggie Smith, as the gossipy and fretting aunt and chaperone to Lucy, who eventually comes round to recognizing and rejoicing in the true love of Lucy and George.

The sets are beautiful, the costumes all very much a part of the period, as are the small touches that make up the style of English society that Forster was trying to expose and celebrate in different ways both at the same time. The music is enchanting, with the glorious opera piece "O Mio Bambino Caro" sung by Kiri te Kanawa.

Are you serious?
I heard such wonderful things about this movie and was really looking forward to seeing it. I had a couple friends over to watch it and out of the four of us I was the only one left awake to see the end. I was so disappointed. The movie was too long and left me feeling cheated at the end. So gald I didnt buy it. Rent it first before buying... ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Not that bad...
Ok, so I watched this movie today and it was actually better than I expected. Longer too ~2hr 45mins which is something to rival Star Wars.

I also managed to see the original movie again a couple of weeks ago (after first seeing it years and years ago). What was most noticable to me were the flashbacks to the past which were so different to what was in the original movie. Ok, I don't mean not using any of the original actors like Heather Locklear or Drew Barrymore (like they would do this kind of movie now anyway) but the way the parents died, for example, was completely different to the way it was portrayed in this movie.

It was also sad how John Rainbird had developed his own personal little army which would eventually lead to a gigantic showdown btwn Charlie and the young "gifted" boys. I did however like the young guy who was helping Charlie through the majority of the movie. It's always nice to have someone you can trust who won't just run away when they learn the truth about you - as frightening as that can be. Too bad things didn't go as he or Charlie expected in the end.

I think the girl who played Charlie did a pretty good job but it's a bit of a shame that they didn't use the bits from the first movie as the flashback sequences. However, seeing they inserted some extra footage in the flashback scenes that weren't in the original movie it's understandable that they would need to use other actors to play those roles. Of course the special effects - including sound - were much better in this movie. Not surprising since the first movie was done 18 years ago.

See it on video if you're curious to see how Charlie turns out.

You guys need to lighten up
After browsing through a few of my fellow critics reviews I need to say this, lighten up. This movie is not that bad considering that it is a sci-fi channel miniseries style film. For a movie that does not need to rely on saying things like (beep) or having tones of (sexual intercourse) that most sequels rely on they really pulled off a treat to the eyes.

I think the problem that most of my fellow critics had was the fact that they read the book, did not like the first film because it did not faithfully adapt to the book. Who cares? The first film was fine and the second one lived up to it's predecessor.

Malcom McDowl played a fine Rainbird as he did an excellent job just like George C. Scott did. The new Charlie (what you expected Drew Barrymore to reprise her role) does a good job as the now grown up Charlie trying to survive as she is still being hunted. Rainbird new plan of more experimented kids provides a deadly advisary for her and overall I would say this movie is worth seeing.

However like I said I am little more liberal with the way I see movies but I honestly think that if one was to give this half a chance they would enjoy it. It is entertaining to watch to those who are willing to give it a chance.

Should not be compared to the original.
Many people are comparing this to the original and because of that are giving it bad reviews. This should not be. If you are looking for complete continuity of the original, then your looking in the wrong place.

Instead, view this a a completely seperate movie. It's also important to realize that this was a mini series, not a regular movie, so it's long.

Yes, it differs in many aspects from the original, but if you can look past that, its a very good movie/mini series.

Interesting but long...
I really think that the Sci-Fi channel did a really good job on this movie, especially when you compare it to the other movies that they've done. All and all it was really interesting but it's definately one of those movies that you can't get up and walk off for a second because then you don't know what is going on anymore. I watched the movie on cable and they made this 2 hour movie last for a whole 4 hours and honestly I think that was just plan out unnecessary!!! Not to ruin it for anyone but... the ending is really disappointing and kind of predictable especially if you've watched any kind of horror movie EVER!

Better than I thought...
Okay, this movie was made by the Sci-Fi channel so I'm not going to be so hard on them for not having the best script/special effects/story. I'm just going to focus more on the entertainment factor.

Yes, I was a huge Firestarter fan. I was a bit disappointed in the changes from the past during the flashback pieces... but the main story was still there. But this is the biggest reason I did not give them five stars... diverting from the real story.

However, I did enjoy the entertainment value. The idea of more children with unique abilities was fun... I wish they had shown more of these children. A glimpse at Charlie's life as she was all grown up was interesting, as well as other characters from the Lot 6 experiment.

The only thing I did not like was the ending... but this is the story of Charlie so it should have been expected. I'll leave it at that so I don't blow the ending for anybody. But it somewhat disappointed me.

No, this wasn't as good as the original. Of course, Stephen King wrote it and didn't have a hand in this, so of course it is better. I wasn't expecting much and was prepared to turn it off it if didn't catch my attention well. But I was entertained and I watched it to the end. Overalll, I would say, "Job well done, Sci-Fi Channel."

Would I recommend it? Maybe... if your expectations are high (don't expect a Terminator 2 type of sequel) then I would suggest skipping out on this one. But if you are into a night (this is a long movie) of cheap entertainment, pick this up! ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Catches the spirit of Hendrix
At times I wonder if I saw the same video as those
who gave the negative reviews. I thought it was a
good easy-viewing synopsis of the career of Jimi.
Although I never met him, I think I've tuned into his
personality through his between-song comments and
movie and television interview appearances. He was,
as presented in the movie, a kind and easy-going soul
who was somewhat unsure about his leadership role in
the music industry. He was prone to let others take
advantage of himself.
At that time, the drug culture was in vogue in 60's
London -- and Hendrix fell right into that trap. It's
too bad, but a mighty creative force is also balanced
by a highly destructive one. Hendrix rode his creative
force into superstardom, but his self-destructive
demons caused his early demise.
I believe that the people who were consulted during
the making of this film know more about Jimi than
some of the negative reviewers on these pages. By the
way, Eric Clapton did look that way during the late
sixties in his Cream incarnation. Also, the soundtrack
was extremely well done! I have been trying to find
out who did the guitar parts. He (or she) captured the
subtle inflections of Hendrix's playing marvelously.
I think that Jimi would have been honoured.

Unintentional Humor and Intentional Boredom.
Hmmm... Where to start?
Wood Harris isn't really that terrible of an actor. (Although I've only see him in one movie.) This has to be one of the most challenging roles for any actor. Wood, however, plays Hendrix as if he was a mumbling airhead. The filmmakers also needed to get an actor who could actually play guitar. He didn't have to necessarily be good, just know enough to fake it. (Hendrix is one of the best guitarists in history, so it's okay if you can't play like him.) Also, this film, being a TV-movie, had a limited budget. The Woodstock scene was painful to watch, especially when it appeared as if Hendrix was only playing in front of a crowd of 10 extras. The costumes were great, but the hairpieces really needed some work.
The biggest disappointment was the music. Since, the filmmakers were unable to license Hendrix's music, we get some really bad cover tunes with a singer that doesn't even sound like him. It should have been a sign that his movie should have never been made.

Horrific
I would rather have my eyelids pinned open and be forced to watch Gigli for 24 hours strait than live through another 20 minutes of this horrific movie. O. My. Gawd. This is seriously the worst rock-n-roll movie of all time. I said: ALL TIME WORST. It is so bad I almost cried. The poor actor can't even play a chord. He would just slide his hand up and down the neck flipping his fingers around. Oh, this is sooo sad. The only thing sadder is that some people (obviously being sarcastic) gave it more than 1 star in their review. I am in tears. Jimi, if you can hear us, we apologize for this atrocity.

Don't buy it
This movie is horrible. Picture a guy with 6 pack abs talking effeminately, pretending to be Jimi Hendrix. It's that bad. They throw in a softcore lesbian scene, hoping to save the movie I suppose, but it can't be saved.

It's worth seeing once despite it's many flaws.
"Hendrix" isn't exactly a top-notch movie, in fact, in many ways it's a real dud. However, it is a movie that is indeed worth seeing at least once if you're a Jimi Hendrix fan. Admittedly there are many problems with it, and while it has some positive aspects it's not easy to overlook the downsides.

First and foremost the movie very hastily covers Hendrix's early years, most notably his childhood, which should have been focused on more. His cold relationship with his mother is hardly established, aside from a brief scene between the two. Another important part of Jimi's life, his tenure in the U.S. Army as a Paratrooper is very hastily done and is quite dissapointing. While it's entertaining to see Jimi outplay Little Richard and then get booted off the tour for doing so, it's incorrect, I wont bore you with facts, but it's something to keep in mind. Jimi's time as a studio musician is only mentioned by Jimi himself during one or two scenes, and that's about it.

Now I can overlook those facts, but the thing that dissapoints me the most is how they handled The Experience. Bassist Noel Redding, while with some short and so-so scenes, is hardly paid any mind to, and even less for drummer Mitch Mitchell. They fail to truely give Hendrix's band mates credit, nor do they do justice to the charisma between the three. Hendrix's time after The Experience with The Band of Gyspys is served even less time, another important fact to Jimi's career brushed aside.

Another flaw are the "musicians" themselves...they aren't even playing the instruments or making any attempt to make it look like they are for that matter. During several drum rolls Mitch Mitchell sits there and hits one cymbal, it looks quite ridiculous to say the least. Even Hendrix himself looks like he's just an amature who walked into a guitar shop, plucking the strings. Last, but not least, is the movie uses no actualy Hendrix recordings, calling upon studio musicians to try and mock Hendrix, as many reviewers have mentioned before, the National Anthem at Woodstock is almost painful to listen to.

So why see this movie just once? To be honest, while I took issue with all of these negative facts, I still enjoyed it to a degree. Wood Harris, who plays Hendrix, does a fairly good job of capturing Jimi, though this is almost impossible to do. The dialogue between Hendrix and others is entertaining with some unrealistic yet memorable lines. I was glad that Hendrix's conflict between appealing to a mainstream white audience and appealing to his black roots was shown during a conversation with two Black Panther representatives.

If you're a Hendrix fan, be prepared for this movie to have it's flaws, but don't dwell on them, see it at least once for the positive aspects, not the negatives. As for the three men who wrote this, if you plan to write a more in depth sequel of sorts, do it right this time. A movie about Jimi Hendrix needs time to establish his life, his career and his downfall, even if it meant a three hour film, I don't know of one Hendrix fan who wouldn't enjoy every minute of it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Edie and Pen are two women who've come to Reno to get divorced. Edie(Jennifer Tilly) already has a new fiancé lined up; Pen (Stockard Channing)can't quite get over the end of her nine-year marriage. After a brief drunkenquest that leaves them stranded at the edge of town with Harry (Scott Glenn), abitter cowboy whose wife just left him, the two women bond--but later that nightit turns out they have more in common than they knew. Edie & Pen is fullof quirky bit parts played by a wealth of character actors, but the grounded,well-crafted writing and warm performances keep things from getting too cute.Channing and Glenn have lovely chemistry, while Tilly gives charm and justenough weight to the ditzy Edie to make her relationship with Pen more than agimmick. A modest but genuinely sweet movie. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Interesting Pairing
Channing and Tilly...an appealing duet. Who would have thought. I just liked the movie.

A MUST SEE FOR EVERY WOMAN!
THIS MOVIE IS A MUST FOR EVERY WOMAN (OR MAN) THAT HAS EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A DIVORCE FOLLOWED WITH A NEW RELATIONSHIP. THE DIALOG IS FULL OF THE LITTLE "TRUISMS" THAT WILL TOUCH ANYONE WHO VIEWS THIS FILM. "FUNNY"? ABSOLUTELY!! THIS IS A COMEDY IN THE TRUEST SENSE. JENNIFER TILLY AND STOCKARD CHANNING ARE HILARIOUS. I RECOMMEND SEEING THIS FILM NO LESS THAN TWO OR THREE TIMES, AS EACH TIME YOU WILL PICK UP ON A NEW PIECE OF THE PUZZEL THAT TIES THESE CHARACTERS. HOW MANY LITTLE "NUGGETS" CAN YOU FIND!! P.S. BETTER TO WATCH ALONE OR WITH A GIRLFRIEND. GUYS CAN HAVE A TOUGH TIME WITH THIS MOVIE! ... Read more

Description

A committee investigating TV’s first uncensored network examines a typical day’s programming. This outrageous and irreverent send up of television launched the careers of top comics Chevy Chase, John Candy, Howard Hesseman, Larraine Newman, PhilProctor, Rich Hurst, Roger Bowen,Bill Saluga, Joe Flaherty, Al Franken and Tom Davis! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Tunnelvision the (unofficial) sequel to The Groove Tube
A step below Groove Tube, Tunnelvision is still pretty funny. The best parts are of course Chevy Chase, Laraine Newman in Ramon & Sonja, a hilarious sketch, the game show, John Candy's spot in Get Head, as well as many of the many commercial parodies. Only a few problems exist.
1: no inside booklet
2: too jumpy, there are 12 chapter selections and, like... thirty chapters
3: no cast bio's (other cool features, but, no bio's!)
Still it's worth a few laughs and the money, should be intended for those who have seen the Groove Tube & want more.
Great cast though: Chevy Chase (Caddyshack), John Candy (Great Outdoors), Laraine Newman, Al Franken, Tom Davis, Betty Thomas, Howard Hessman, Neal Irael (Bachelor Party).

A blast from the past but Chase and Candy are not the stars
Tunnel Vision is the name of a fictional TV Network similar to S.C.T.V. The premise is that in the not too distant future (1985) Tunnel Vision will have knocked out the other three big networks and left the entire population a mass of vegetating slackers. I'm not sure if Howard Hesseman is all that believable as a Senator, but it's fun to see him in action. This upstart network is on trial and we are led to the courtroom where the "evidence" is put on display. One of the first items that date the video right away is when they run through a brief visual history of the US presidents. The list pauses briefly on Lincoln and Kennedy and makes its way up to Ford before it shows us the subsequent "future" ones.
Now of course the political commentary is not as sharp as the best of Saturday Night Live, there is nowhere near the polish, but it does have its charm. I was reminded of the similar vintage Woody Allen movies like "Take the Money and Run" with the voice-overs and exteriors.
Essentially it looks as though this tape was packaged to cash in on Chevy Chase's and John Candy's faces but they have very little to do on screen. Chase's bit is less than a minute and Candy's is not even a speaking role.
And the low spots are in the skits. There is one Hispanic Bunker-like skit that has Laraine Newman using the F-word and is generally just unfunny mostly due to the quantity of racial slurs which neither seem to comment on or inform any particular world view.

However, the commentary on the Middle East is fun and probably gives a present-day viewer more to laugh about. What the contemporary audience might have seen as grim extrapolations on current 1970's affairs (but not likely), can now be openly praised for its insight (even though their predictions are still clearly farcical).
But the true value of this video is not for its biting social commentary or wit or insight (most half-hour Simpsons episodes have more of these qualities), it is in the nostalgia or even the historical value. We get to see what was important to a group of young writers and commentators in the mid 70's (the boomers were older now and took their protests out of the streets and into the airwaves). In its day it might have been pretty edgy stuff, and much of it would not have cleared the censors for SNL (then or now). These were young people who were just beginning to practice the skills that would lead to the true ironic detachment that we have today. Their goal no doubt was to entertain and inform, but there is the additional energy that is present when someone is doing something they believe might have a real impact. This is what is now missing in the new SNL crew and what is starting to go missing even in the Simpsons.
If you think you are going to see Chevy Chase and John Candy in some kind lost classic that has an eternal entertainment value, your hopes are set too high and you should look for "The Best of SNL" or some early Simpsons instead. But, if you want to get a good look at the unpolished beginnings of the modern history of popular social commentary, this is a fine video, but nothing more.

No DVD extras / 70s comedy, love it or hate it
Tunnelvision accurately mocks -- or perhaps it just reflects -- tasteless mid-Seventies TV programming. A disclaimer suggests that the film parodies the era's rampant on-screen sexism and assorted prejudices, but the script lacks the edginess needed to accomplish this successfully.

Mid-Seventies television was, let's face it, even schlockier than Fox is today. The writers and comedians behind Tunnelvision -- fresh from Second City Television (SCTV) and not yet honed through SNL -- knew TV was tasteless. But regrettably, their early effort at parody is often more cynicism than wit. We're supposed to laugh when a "Spy TV" victim kills himself, giggle every time a male news anchor tries to shack up with compliant "weather girl," roar with delight when a nearly naked Betty Thomas must pass gas to win a game show, and gasp at unexpected racial profanities.

The political vision behind Tunnelvision is much funnier: The film takes sharp, well-executed jabs at Israel, Exxon, air pollution, phone companies, political mudslinging, and a sporty new national anthem punctuated by nuclear missiles. These "news" items are well worth seeing, and the DVD format lets the viewer skip the stuff in between.

Ultimately, Tunnelvision's theme -- TV on trial -- is a well-crafted excuse to string together 70 minutes of SCTV skits and SNL-style fake commercials. Tunnelvision offers us a worthwhile glimpse at countless great comedians' humble beginnings, and it reminds us of an era that was coarser, more troubled, more cynical, and less hip than the fantasy depicted in "That 70s Show."

DVD buyers please note: While it lets you skip to the good skits, the DVD format also exposes Tunnelvision's low-budget video and audio production quality.

Tunnel Vision is Dated and Crude
Poor production values, but that's not the worst. It tries desparately to be funny but it's not very often anyway. This stuff is soooo dated. Perhaps, it was interesting and funny in the 70s, but I got bored watching it. I thought I had seen it at a drive-in years ago, but I realize now that what I really saw was The Groove Tube. Pretty bad when you watch something for nostalgia's sake and it ends up making you depressed. Save your time and money. SNL on even a bad night( which is frequent) is much funnier.

The Best of the Parodies
Following "Groove Tube" and before "Kentucky Fried Movie" came this gem of a spoof of Television in the future, well at future of 1985 anyway. The story involves a Televsion network president at a hearing in front of the Senate for putting on "obscene" programming (WKRP's Howard Hesseman is great as a senator). You are then taken thru a typical day at Tunnelvision from the sign on (a presidential montage with David Eisenhower and a black female president named Washington) to sign off (the news featuring the selling of New York to a Japanese businessman). In between are alot of hilarious spoofs of TV shows and commericals. There's "Mary Tucker Talent" (gues who this is?) and "Ramon and Sonia" (with Laraine Newman) about a gypsy family where family values means sonething else. You can catch a glimpse of John Candy in "Get Head" and Betty Thomas (from "Hill Street Blues") in a game show. Chevy Chase gets a minute of screen time too. I am sure I am forgetting some names because it has been a while since I have seen it, but the fact that I can remember this much shows you how much of this movie stays with you.

I have always laughed hard at this movie because it is funny and in incredibly bad taste (but not as bad as the "Groove Tube"). Some of it seems rather dated now when you look at what we can get on cable, but for its day, it certainly took a few risks. There is even a bit of social commentary about inept people trying to catch an assasin.

You can watch "The Groove Tube" or "Kentucky Fried Movie" or "Amazon Women on the Moon". But defintely watch Tunnelvision. There is a difference! (See the movie to find out what that means) ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Save your money
This poor quality flick barely kept my attention. I would list it next to the Ed Wood films. I didn't expect a blockbuster, but a good movie would have been nice. Save your money.

UNDER RATED MICHELLE PFEIFFER MOVIE
Michael Pfeiffer stars in this Hollywood tale of glitz and glamor set in the thirties she plays a rising starlet who is in love with a married man and together display uncontrolable passion. With her career on the line, despite hollywood's gossip and scandall, she chooses to continue her affair. When tragedy strikes she must forever live with overwhelming guilt, feelings of betrayl and heartbreaking lonliness. Pfeiffer delivers a stunning performance in this classic tael of love, passion & scandal.

The Most Divine movie I've ever seen!
I loved Power Passion and murder! I could watch it over and over again. Michelle was absolutely divine. I actually thik it diserves more than 5 stars. Way more.

Tiffany Collinsville IL ... Read more

Description

With the fate of his brother still fresh on his mind, Domon must face his former master once more! And just when Domon thinks things couldn't get any worse, Rain leaves… only to be kidnapped!Now, Domon and the rest of the Shuffle Alliance must face the ultimate test as they rocket into space to save the Earth.Beside them stands all of the Gundams from all of the nations of Earth.The Gundam Federation has been formed to prevent the destruction of the Earth from the Ultimate Gundam. But is it too late? ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Final Chapter in a long, sad running
Domon is such a tool! But you have to love him anyway. He gallantly blasted off to save the day, after being prodded and pushed by his friends of course. Rain, who is for all intents and purposes a smart woman, leaves because she is guilty about the sins of her father. We love you Rain, it doesn't matter that your father is a punk! Then the Earth is pratically maimed by the DARK GUNDAM, oh my! Can't that thing ever die??? Guess it can, cuz I want a happily ever after to come out of this!

Batlles outside of the ring...
After 11 discs which crisscrossed the plot of the Gundam Fight and the Devil Gundam, the former is now finally over. One of the Shuffle Alliance has become the champion (guess who?) and it looks like life will return to normal...sadly, not so. After the revelations of the last disc, Rain has decided that it would be better if she and Domon never saw each other again. Domon avoids this issue until he receives an SOS from Dr Mikamura- the Devil Gundam is back and it's after Rain! Domon heads off to the Neo-Japan colony to rescue her but is attacked by Wong in the Walter Gundam. The former ruler has now been DG cell infected and is determined to take revenge on Domon and claim the Devil Gundam again for himself. Domon receives a final gift from Master Asia- Fuunsaikii, his noble steed. Domon returns and easily defeats Wong and then heads into space for his final battle with the Devil Gundam. Behind him are the rest of the SA and the other surviving fighters... G goes out with a bang. On this disc are some of the show's finest episodes. You'll see why us fans of the original version think Devil Gundam fits Domon's nemesis MUCH better then Dark Gundam and some of the best acting from the Japanese cast, especially Seki Tomkazu's incredible job as Domon. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ordinary Thriller Featuring Irons, Whitaker, & Rampling
The title of "The Fourth Angel" refers to the Revelation, but the whole content of the filck has little to do with the Bible. It is about Jack Elgin, a British magazine editor whose wife and daughters are killed by hijacking terrorists. Now Jack turns an avenger to gun down all those responsible for the deaths of his beloved.

It sounds familar, and it is familiar. But the point is its casting for Jack is played by Oscar-winner Jeremy Irons, who is getting more and more character actor as seen in "Dungeons and Dragons" and "The Time Machine." In this film, thankfully, he avoids hammy acting, delivering pretty a decent one.

The problem is, I think, that casting itself, however. I don't beleive in the idea of one-man army (especially when formerly he was a man in suit) who can eliminate the trained terrorists. If it is Arnold or Sly, well, that's another story, but the guy who can play the love of Lolita so convincingly cannot play such kind of part.

More intersting is the supporting actors. Forrest Whitaker appears as FBI investigator while Jason Priestley is clad in suit, posing arrogantly like any gvernment agents are required to do on screen (which is incredibley shot in widescreen). But the most surprising part is the inclusion of Charlotte Rampling who is still gorgeous. It is always good to see her, and hear her say "Matey" to Irons' hero on yachet, but she is not required to do much.

And the story is clumsily told (though it goes fairly smooth), and the awkward conclusion is saddled with most heavy-handed flashbacks that would question the intention of the film. There's little action that thefilm can boast of, and the shoot-out scenes (too brief) are not well conducted. Some good ideas are there, like showing a pretty daughter of a terrorist, but that doens't amount ot much because the film somehow forgets about it in the course of its 90 minutes running time. Regardless of the urgent matters about terrorism suggested here with its serious tone, this film fails to deliver, deliver whatever it wants to.

After disturbing opening, becomes ridiculous...
This movie was dropped from U.S. release after Sept. 11th. It should have been dropped for just being dumb. After a traumatic opening sequence where Irons loses his family in a hijacking, the movie spirals into unbelievable twists as Irons tracks down those responsible. Honestly, after the past few years, can anyone believe that finding terrorists is this easy? Makes you wonder what Irons and Whitaker are doing with their careers and confirms (for those who doubted) that Jason Priestly can't act.

Iron Thriller
Jeremy Irons has played in good and bad movies but his acting is usually quite good. This movie is one of his better roles. He plays a husband and journalist. He loses part of his family when terrorist hijack the plane while they are going to India. He decides to go after the killers when they are released without punishment. He uses the resources of a journalist and some hints from the CIA to track them down. What he doesn't realize is he is being used by the CIA to clean up their involvement. He receives assistance from an FBI agent well played by Forest Whitaker. All in all a very good movie. Not constant action but a good action thriller with excellent production values, sets, music, and direction. If you like movies were an average person takes matters into their own hands to protect their family or to get justice, you will enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Not as fun as when I was ten
I think if they had included the studio audience laugh track, it would be more fun to watch (kind of creepy without it). The later shorts do include the laugh track, which must have come from the SNL broadcasts.

so what
can't rewind a one minute film? Who cares? You DVD nerds are the worst.
The menu is cute.

Classic hilarity, abominable DVD
The "Mr. Bill" short films are as bizarrely endearing as ever, but the DVD is a disaster. (Note that all the earlier reviews are for the VHS tape.)

Here's the rub: ***ALL*** scanning and skipping functions are disabled throughout the entire disc! Want to go to the next film? Don't press the skip button; it won't work. You have to go back to the tedious menu and arrow your way slowly to the episode you want. Want to back up or fast forward a little in the film you're watching? Sorry, but there's no way AT ALL to do that.

This disc is a cruel joke and should be withdrawn. It cannot be recommended at all as issued, though I found it impossible to give poor Mr. Bill only one star....

Classic and hilarious
You may feel bad laughing at the sufferings of the benevolent, upbeat Mr. Bill, but you can't help it. This is as funny as anything ever seen on SNL. Although the video is less than an hour long, it packs more laughs than some of the best comedy movies. I highly, highly recommend this.

If you like Mr. Bill (or the Pizza Head commercials) get it!
This Mr. Bill video is very funny I believe. And what makes it so great, of course, is how "cheap" it's done. No one but Mr. Hands ever moves, and Mr. Bill just has to "stand" for anything Mr. Hands does to him, or anything Sluggo, a guy who hates Mr. Bill, tells Mr. Hands to do to him. Hilarious I believe! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Surprizing Good
Although the stars in this film are not top-line movie names. The film is well acted and it has a fresh approach, rather than most other action type flicks, and the twist are refreshingly different. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who likes action and suspense movies.

Twists and turns galore.
Jeff Fahey plays a magazine owner, who sends his photographer fiance to Africa to shoot photos of some rare birds for the next issue. In the small resort, she discovers Eric Roberts, a mysterious adventure junkie, and becomes instantly fascinated. The beginning of the movie has some beautiful scenery and it sucessfully combines romance and intrigue. There is a steamy love scene with Roberts and the unknown lead actress (which Eric Roberts fans will love), mixed with some intense action sequences, making this movie enjoyable to men and women alike. ... Read more

Description

Broadcast on Cartoon Network's popular Toonami block - Mobile Fighter G Gundam has topped the ratings chart among anime features currently on broadcast! With a full line of action figures and model kits, apparel, Playstation 2 video games, and other related merchandise - Experience Gundam like never before on DVD home video! Directed by Yasuhiro Imagawa (Giant Robo) - The action and excitement of Gundam reaches epic proportions! The year is Future Century 60 - It is time for the "Gundam Fight" tournament! Each country sends a Gundam to Earth for this prestigious tournament in the hopes of winning power and glory for their homeland! But this time, there's an unseen evil lurking behind the scene. Domon Kasshu, Neo Japan's reluctant Fighter, is determined to uncover this evil and clear his family name! The fight to the top begins now! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

My least favorite Gundam DVD....
but that isnt saying its not good. It is good and i like this DVD. Just that Episodes 6 and 7 i dont like that much. Episode 6 confuses me very much and I have seen every Gundam episode and I dont get it. Episode 7 i just dont like for some reason. To me it doesnt make much sense at all. Though Episodes 5 and 8 pick up the slack. 2 Argo episodes and Argo is my 2nd favorite character next to Domon so it more than makes this DVD worth buying.

excellent series
this series is excellent while it does not posess the dramma and serious nature of other gundam seres it is still and excellent series and should not be missed ( and koodos to bandi for being able to switch audio tracks on the fly in these dvd) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Upon its release in 1981, John Irvin's version of Peter Straub'sbestselling horror novel was deemed one of the worst adaptations that the genre had ever produced. Now it's available on DVD, and for the first time in widescreen presentation, and not much has changed. It's still a nearly unwatchable dud. Fred Astaire, John Houseman, Melvyn Douglas, and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. play old friends, members of the self-created Chowder Society, who get together and tell ghost tales. The scariest story of all, however, is the one they never speak to each other. Fifty years ago, the four men accidentally killed a young woman, and now she's back(with much less meat on her bones) and seeking vengeance. Sound chilling? Well, in Straub's hands it was, and the novel remains the author's finest achievement. Irvin, however, distills Staub's rich characterizations, gradual tension, and creepy atmosphere, and replaces them with aging golden oldies (only Houseman appears to be having any fun) hamming it up and hokey special-effect shots of a rotting corpse. The film moves about as quickly as its ancient cast could during a relay race. The whole thing has arthritis. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (47)

GREAT LITTLE CHILLER!
People have been dumping on this movie ever since its first release. I think these folks are comparing the film to the book of the same name and not judging the movie on it's own merits. We had the same problem with "The Shining." Well, I haven't read the book and I've always thought that this was a neat little chiller from the first time I saw it on tape years ago. The DVD, in widescreen, looks even better. It moves along quite briskly and the cast do a good job. The plot? Five old men get together from time to time and tell ghost stories....but don't mention that many years ago, when they were young men, they accidentally killed a beautiful woman friend after a drinking binge. Now the girl has come back to get them one by one. I love it! Not big on special fx but what there is is adequate...and the atmosphere is great! So if you like Kubrick's "The Shining", I think you'll like this creepy little gem from Universal Studios.

Novel: Excellent, Film: Not!
First, let me say that Straub's novel is one of the finest ghost stories ever written. It's terrifying, too, as good ghost stories should be. Hence, I had high expectations of this film. The fact is the film is dreadful! It's almost nothing like the novel, and the only reason I give it two stars is due to some atmosphere. The cinematography looks good. That's about it. Spend your money, sure, but spend it on the novel and you'll spend many dark evenings in your reading chamber casting furtive glances at those darkened corners.

SENIOR SCARES
When I first saw GHOST STORY on its initial release, I found it to be an entertaining, if not faithful, adaptation of Peter Straub's frightening novel. Now, some 20 years later, I found the movie less entertaining. The main problem I think is the enigmatic nature of the ghost, Eva Galli or Alma Mosely. Was she evil or supernatural prior to her death? And why doesn't she kill Donald as she did his brother? Was she really alive when she went down in the car? And what in the world do the Bates have to do with anything? And the classic "I am You" line is powerless without an explanation.
John Irvin's direction is also lackluster and sober. Of all the classic actors involved, none of them showed the power they have possessed in other roles. Although a talented actor, Craig Wasson was woefully miscast. Only Alice Krige as the ghostly Alma and Jacqueline Brookes as Astaire's wife bring any luster or poignancy to the film.
It's not a bad film by any means, and it does have some frightening moments with a wonderful score by Phillipe Sarde. I wish someone would remake it, however, and bring out more of the wonderful scariness of the novel.

Guaranteed To Keep You Awake Late Into The Night ... ...
Universal plans to re-release Ghost Story on September 7, 2004
just in time for Halloween. Most likely this re-release won't have any extras, although we can always hope. I have always enjoyed this film and although the story line does'nt quite gel with the book's, who cares. This movie is genuinely creepy.
Anyway, all of us fans of this film can start the countdown. Til' then, enjoy.

No - No - No - No - No
This is the way you film a very poor adaptation of a well writen and very scary novel.
Here's the problem: Only a very small piece of the storyline from the book made it to the movie. Ordinarily I would have no issue with this. Except in this case hints of the rest of the plot from the book are included without explanation. Why does Alma say to Don "I am You"? What does that mean in the context of the story on film? It's not explained and doesn't make any sense at all. It is fully explained in the novel, and very well.
Why are Gregory and Fenny Bate even in the movie? They don't need to be to further the story. Especially because of the great side story told by Sears about them in the book.
This film has too many holes, too many unanswered questions and Lawrence Cohen's adaptation of Peter Straub's novel is nowhere near the great job he did with Stephen King's "Carrie".
Do yourself a favor - read the book. You will be much more satisfied. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Because it was released less than a year after Oliver Stone's Platoon and within months of Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket, this exceptionally well-made film about one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War was largely overshadowed and overlooked. It's a pity, because in some respects this is the best of the Vietnam films of the late 1980s, at least in terms of the everyday authenticity it depicts. Stripped clean of dramatically extraneous narrative, the movie opts instead for a straightforward approach to its day-by-day account of one of the war's costliest victories--a deadly siege on Hill 937 in the Ashau Valley, where soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division engaged the enemy over the course of eleven brutal assaults between May 10th and 20th, 1969. The film specifically follows the 3rd Squad, 1st Platoon, a mixture of "new guys" and battle-weary "short-timers" who fought against terrifying odds and suffered a 70% casualty rate. From first scene to last, Hamburger Hill traces the rise and fall of their battle experience, from the horror of firefights to the camaraderie of men who've faced death and survived. Racial tensions flare and subside, trusts are established, and courage emerges from unexpected places. Through it all, writer Jim Carabatsos and director John Irvin maintain a purity of focus that pays tribute to the soldier's life without promoting false patriotism or gung-ho theatrics. In addition, the film features a cast full of talented and well-known actors in the early stages of their careers, including Dylan McDermott (from the TV series "The Practice") and Don Cheadle, before gaining fame in Devil in a Blue Dress and Boogie Nights. Color accuracy, image clarity, and the explosive soundtrack have been remarkably preserved in a flawless DVD transfer, lending even greater immediacy to this underrated film. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Realism - but not truth
This is a very realistic movie about the combat experience at Hamburger Hill. It will probably become to Vietnam what "Battleground" has become to the Battle of the Bulge -- a classic, a very realistic portrayal of the experience, conveyed via fictitious characters.

But the biggest difference in the selling of "Hamburger Hill" from "Battleground" is that the promotional text for "Hamburger Hill" tells us "The most realistic portrayal of the Vietnam War ever filmed. Because it is the only one that's true." And yet when the small print rolls at the end of the movie, we see that these characters in the squad are entirely fictitious and not to be confused with anyone who actually ever lived -- and died.

This is not a minor point. We need to know what is fact and what is fiction. If we allow Hollywood "truth" to inform our decisions at the expense of real truth, then real truth is going to grab us by our tender parts someday, and we are going to be shocked to realize that we were off in some in-our-head fantasy that kept us from knowing the truth.

There were real men, with real names and probably not so Hollywood-viable lives in that squad. Perhaps someone someday will tell us their real story.

So, I do recommend this movie -- highly so. What is told here needs telling -- and thinking about. But please do not tell us it is the truth: keep the line between fact and fiction clear, or we will all suffer for it eventually.

The toughest movie about the Vietnam War
"Full Metal Jacket" and "Platoon" are probably better movies ABOUT the war in Viet Nam - this is one of the only movies IN the War. Other reviewers have referred to a lack of plot; they're right. This is not a tale, it's a chronicle, a portrait of a series of events and of the men who lived them. Every soldier who went to war and survived two or more battles will see Truth in this movie - especially the truth that brotherhood is the only explanation for surviving combat. Those who do not assume responsibility, who do not recognize the job to be done and do it do not survive, let alone prevail. Hill 937 was one of those places where the 101st made their names to shine, and the sergeant's warning to the reporter could be the division's watchword: get out of here - you haven't earned the right to be here. "Hamburger Hill" shows soldiers earning their right, and that's enough.

"The battle of every war cliche in existence"
This is a sucker's movie. We're supposed to retire our minds and emotionally offer our feelings and hearts on a platter to whatever happens on the screen.

Goodness! Combat is SO dirty and muddy. Isn't that just so squalid. Nice that no one gets sick and the guns work, isn't it?

My, my! Th