Reviews (323)

At the End of the Universe, Lies the Beginning of Vengeance
Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan succeeds because it strikes the perfect balance of drama, action, humor, pathos, and depth. After the critical failure of the first Star Trek movie (which hit movie theaters before being properly completed), the producers took the trouble to view every episode of the original series to figure out what made it enduring. They replicated it successfully in The Wrath of Khan. Unlike the first film, the plot is driven by the actions and motivations of the characters. This is not a story about spatial anomalies or an excuse for technobabble and flashy special effects. This story is about the classic themes which have served drama well since ancient Greek theater: the quest for vengeance; lost loves; the alienation, anger and reconciliation of fathers and sons; and the realization of mortality. Of the many science fiction films I have seen, few have tugged at the heartstrings as deeply as The Wrath of Khan. The most powerful moments are the bittersweet reunion between Kirk and Carol Marcus, the death of Spock and Kirk's eulogy, and the long delayed embrace between Kirk and his estranged son David. These moments are so universal that any "science fiction" label for this film seems limiting.

The script is helped by what is undoubtedly William Shatner's finest performance as James T. Kirk. Shatner brings the perfect balance of bluster, brio, and vulnerability to the aging Admiral. Toward the end of the movie, Kirk, shattered by Spock's death, tears down his defenses and allows us to see the human being behind the uniform. Ricardo Montalban, in a blood thirsty, Ahab-like performance, proves that there is much more to his acting than what was seen on Fantasy Island.

The special effects, which are entirely at the service of the story, for the most part hold up remarkably well--two exceptions are the Ceti Eels and the Genesis Cave Waterfall, which look rather primitive by today's CGI standards. James Horner's crisp, vibrant score hints at the great things which were to follow from him--it's a pity he has not been used in more recent Star Trek fare.

This Director's Edition contains some additional footage which was not in the theatrical release. Among this are scenes which reveal why Scotty was so upset over the death of the Cadet in Engineering, as well as some minor additions. Unlike the DVD release of the first Star Trek movie, there have been no enhancements to the few dated visual effects, such as the Genesis Cave Waterfall. The bonus material features interviews with Shatner, Nimoy, Montalban, and Bennett, as well as several behind the scenes looks at the visual effects (this was the first film to make use of computer graphics) and production design. Less interesting is an extended look at the Trek universe as seen through various novelizations (which, as every Trekker knows, are not considered "canon.")

The picture and sound quality are identical to the earlier DVD release, a definite improvement over VHS and laserdisc, but not spectacular by DVD standards.

DVD is superior to all previous video releases of the movie
This is the first Star Trek movie I have purchased on DVD. And I was quite impressed.

As far as I can tell, the entire movie panarama is restored within the 2.35 letterbox. Apparently this was *not* the case with the laserdisc and VHS widescreen versions, as this DVD has more material in the frame. Even the closing titles are authentic letterbox (not the vertically cropped, horizontally-compressed pan-and-scan version titles that were coppied onto the laserdisc).

Picture quality is also improved. Starfields are actually black this time instead of grey. Images are cleaner and sharper. The spaceships are more intense-looking than ever before, and I finally understand what's in the Genesis cave. The video transfer is darker, hiding some of the now-familiar film artifacts but also revealing a few new ones. Then again, even the cleaned-up special edition of Star Wars still had its film artifacts.

Sound is improved. I noticed some background effects I had never heard before.

Extras on this disc are limited to the theatrical trailer, which is letterboxed in 1.85. Personally, I would have liked to have seen the extended scenes from the ABC broadcast version of Star Trek II -assuming those can be restored in widescreen. The main menu looks like the menus for the TV episodes and does not capture the personality of the film.

Overall, a good disc. Buy it.

One for the ages
Back when "The Wrath of Khan" first hit the theaters, I remember thinking that Khan now ranks with the best movie bad guys of all time. I think Ricardo Montalban may have turned out the best performance of his career by bringing complexity, passion, pathos, and humanity all at once to the role of Khan. I'll never be able to read Moby Dick the same way ever again - "He tasks me, and I shall have him... I'll chase him 'round the moons of Nibia and 'round the Antares Maelstrom, and 'round perdition's flames before I give him up!" Sure, I'm an avowed lifelong trek fan, but I don't think I'm exagggerating this by much.

On a more objective note, the movie works very well at multiple levels...

The soundtrack itself is exceptional and, at the time, somewhat ground-breaking for the movie industry. This is evidenced by the fact that subsequent soundtracks in the sci-fi genre seem to have borrowed from Horner's original score. I think it was a shame that "Khan" was not nominated for an Oscar in the original score category.

The visual effects, which were state of the art at the time, still hold up over twenty years later. It serves as a good example and reminder that movies used to have good special effects even in the pre-computer era.

The acting was also superior. I already mentioned that Montalban may have given the performance of his life as "Khan", but I don't think it ends there. William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and DeForest Kelley also recaptured the feel of the cameraderie from the original series. I am aware that Shatner is often criticized for being overly-dramatic, but my opinion is that this may also rank among the top two or three performance of Shatner's career as well (including the TV show). One of the more memorable moments came following Khan's failed attempt to have Chekov and Terrell kill Kirk: [Kirk to Khan] "You've managed to kill just about everyone else, but like a poor marksman you keep missing the mark.", which was, of course, followed by Kirk's timeless "KHAAAANNNN!!!" exclamatory. The acting was so good, IMHO, that the audience doesn't really notice that Kirk and Khan never really meet face-to-face, and the movie doesn't suffer because of it.

The Director's Edition DVD comes with a well-produced disc of supplementary material (interviews, commentaries, etc.) as well. I particularly liked the recent interviews with the actors on their recollections from when the movie was being produced. My favorite interview was Ricardo Montalban telling how horrified he was upon realizing how much he sounded like Mr. Roarke from Fantasy Island when he started reading his lines for the first time - "This is going to be a disaster! The audience is going to laugh at me!" He then tells of how he fixed the problem by requesting a copy of the original TV show "Space Seed" where the crew of the Enterprise first encountered Khan, and watching it over and over again until he began to recall his original work with the character. Shatner also delivers a pretty good interview as he describes how he'll one day make Nimoy and Harve Bennett pay for not letting him in on the secret that by the time the movie had been shot that they already had plans to bring Spock back. Whether or not Shatner really knew is irrelevant - the interview is delivered w/ a deadpan that leaves the viewer in stitches. There is also a good piece about how the visual effects were accomplished.

Overall, I rate "The Wrath of Khan" as the best movie in the entire series of Star Trek theatrical releases, and one of the better movies ever produced in the sci-fi genre as a whole.

If you see just one Star Trek movie.....
MAKE IT THIS ONE. This is it...the movie that defined that reinvented Star Trek in the 80's and paved the way back to television for Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Why you'll like it:
Shatner and Nimoy: No matter how you slice it, there is a chemistry between these two people (both off and on screen) that makes you want to watch them together.

Ricardo Montalban: The man "chews scenery". Khan is one of the great villians.

GREAT special effects: all cutting edge effect done by Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic. It was done sooo well - like they were going out of there way to apologize for the visual trainwreck that was Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

And - if you don't like Star Trek - it's still pretty good fun.

I won't spoil the ending - but keep the tissues handy. No one can keep a dry eye when you hear bagpipes playing "Amazing Grace".

I also really enjoyed watching this film with the director's commentary. I actually got a whole new perspective on the film from the first time I saw it (more than 20 years ago).

Revenge Is A Dish Best Served Cold
"I have been & always shall be your friend. Live long & prosper."

"Of my friend..., I can only say this. Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels. His was the most- .... human.

- Captain Spock says goodbye to his close friend while Admiral Kirk honors the fallen in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan".

After 22 summers (to the day) "Star Trek II:The Wrath of Khan" is still the movie that "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" wanted to be and after ten films in the "Star Trek" saga, "II" is still the film that all other "Trek" films are measured up to (for me personally, this one is tied for first with "Star Trek: First Contact").

Admiral Kirk and the crew of The Enterprise face an old enemy (Khan Noonian Singh) from the television series (see the episode entitled "Space Seed").

Simplistic plot, but, what makes the film work so well is:

1. - The crew act there age & try not to be the young crew they tried to be in "The Motion Picture".

2. - Admiral Kirk has a mid-life crisis as his past catches up with him in the form of the son he hardly knows.

3. - Khan seeks revenge for the death of his wife (the Enterprise historian from the T.V. episode). Wouldn't you?

4. - Aside from the senior staff, The Enterprise crew is made of cadets, giving the film an extra element of danger(the plotpoint w/ Scotty's cadet nephew is one of the extended scenes in the film).

5. - The senior staff, unlike in the T.V. series, is expendable (Scotty gets a bout of radation poisining, Checkov becomes Khan's hostage, and Spock, ..., well you know. I won't give that away for the 2 people who haven't watched the film).

6. - The Genesis Project is one of the most dangerous of all "Trek" weapons, yet, it was never meant to be one.

7. - The battle in the Mutara Nebula is classic "Star Trek" all the way (the Nebula is featured again in one of the episodes from "Star Trek: The Next Generation". I think, it might be The Best of Both Worlds Part I).

8. - Cherish what you have before its gone and a renewed sense of purpose is never a bad thing.

Quite a lot of detail was put into this film.
Gone are the disco style uniforms from the previous film. In its place, are the now classic, military/naval style uniforms complete with rank pips and badges.
The effects are a lot better than in "TMP". The first digital effects featured in a film are of the Genesis Proposal and were made by Pixar (the company would go on to super success with, the 1995 film, "Toy Story").

Origianlly titled the "Undiscovered Country", but, was replaced by the title "Vengeance of Khan". It was retitled to "The Wrath of Khan" when Paramount found out that the last "Star Wars" film would be titled "Revenge of The Jedi" (that would be changed to "Return of The Jedi").

This 2 disc extended edition of "Star Trek II" has everything but the kitchen sink thrown in (its lightyears ahead of the drab first DVD release). What I like most about these special releases is the triva track option that can run at the bottom of the screen without blocking out any of the screen itself.

This version of "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan", is a 2 disc set that will live long & prosper. Steady as she goes, Mr. Sulu. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

As revisionist history, Michael Mann's intelligent docudrama The Insider is a simmering brew of altered facts and dramatic license. In a broader perspective, however, the film (cowritten with Forrest Gump Oscar-winner Eric Roth) is effectively accurate as an engrossing study of ethics in the corruptible industries of tobacco and broadcast journalism. On one side, there is Jeffrey Wigand (Russell Crowe), the former tobacco scientist who violated contractual agreements to expose Brown & Williamson's inclusion of addictive ingredients in cigarettes, casting himself into a vortex of moral dilemma. On the other side is60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino), whose struggle to report Wigand's story puts him at odds with veteran correspondent Mike Wallace (Christopher Plummer) and senior executives at CBS News.

As the urgency of the story increases, so does the film's palpable sense of paranoia, inviting favorable comparison to All the President's Men. While Pacino downplays the theatrical excess that plagued him in previous roles, Crow is superb as a man who retains his tortured integrity at great personal cost. The Insider is two movies--a cover-up thriller and a drama about journalistic ethics--that combine to embrace the noble values personified by Wigand and Bergman. Even if the details aren't always precise (as Mike Wallace and others protested prior to the film's release), the film adheres to a higher truth that was so blatantly violated by tobacco executives seen in an oft-repeated video clip, lying under oath in the service of greed. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (233)

Exceeding my expectation
I didn't go to the cinema to watch this movie because I thought it's 3 hours length would have put me to deep sleep. Then, I reasoned the imposssibility of a director to dwell on an issue for 3 hours when we already knew beforehand that smoking is bad for you. Well, I will have to put my hands up in air & admitted defeat as this movie is compelling to watch. It could be the tightness of the script, the intensities of the main characters; played so well by Al Pacino, Russell Crowe (with his new found American accent), Christopher Plummer (a far cry from his Sound of Music day); brilliant directions by Mann; or semi documentary format of the movie. I had watched his previous offerings such as The Last of the Mohicans, Heat but The Insider would have to be my all-time favourite. I admired Wigand's bravery for standing up against the big giant corporation amid losing everything that he's owned, the loyalty of the Producer of 60 minutes for not hanging out Wigand to dry. Whilst it's true that in real life, that might not be the whole truth but the ideal is definitely worth reminding. One thing that niggled me would be Mann's usage of same actor & actress in his other movie such as Al Pacino (who could fault him?) & also the lady who played his wife in Heat, who played Wigand's wife in this movie. Highly recommended. Wide screen format is an extra bonus.

Of Smoke, Mirrors...and Truth
I enjoy a well acted and well written movie, especially if it's a true story, and most especially if the story is based upon a newsworthy event. For me, "The Insider" delivers on all accounts! I found myself completely captivated by this film from start to finish. It combines a compelling true story, sparkling performances by an all-star ensemble cast, an outstanding screenplay filled with sharp, crackling dialog, a beautifully haunting musical score, and cinematography which is darkly brooding. All add up to a taut and suspenseful real-life thriller.

This is the riveting tale of how the lives of two men - Jeffrey Wigand, the famous tobacco industry "whistleblower," and Lowell Bergman, a producer for CBS News' "60 Minutes" - become suddenly entwined in the maelstrom of one of the most controversial political and social issues of the mid-1990s: the conspiracy by American tobacco companies to enhance the addictive properties of cigarettes, and then cover up that conspiracy. It is the story of how one lone "whistleblower" publicly exposed the secret actions of the tobacco industry, and endured his enemies' public vilification for his efforts. It's also the story of how one of America's greatest and most respected news organizations, when confronted by the truth of that "whistleblower's" information, betrayed its own journalistic principles in the face of a threatened lawsuit by the tobacco industry.

This film abounds with superlative acting. Al Pacino delivers yet again a stunning performance as Lowell Bergman, the self-assured, still idealistic-after-all-these-years CBS News producer. Russell Crowe, nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Jeffrey Wigand, richly texturizes his character - in part a tormented soul, in part an easy to dislike cynical tough guy, and in part a dreamy idealist. Christopher Plummer brings a perfect blend of shirty arrogance and pomposity to the character of Mike Wallace. Other performances of note include Diane Venora as Liane Wigand; Philip Baker Hall as CBS News boss Don Hewitt; and Michael Gambon as Brown and Williamson CEO Thomas Sandefur.

If you enjoy an intelligent, fact-based movie, one that is unafraid to confront real and controversial issues, and one delivers a powerful message, you will most definitely enjoy "The Insider." It is a movie that I will view and savor...over and over again!

Saved My Life
Dear reader, I was a 5 packs a day man when the insider moved my insides and thus forced a desion from within my soul barren to quit this awful fart inhalation. Well I didn't quit but I changed from a Brown and Williamson product to a Philip Morris product and I now smoke the great Marlboro Reds(recommend by me).

But in our hazen discovery of the truth lest us not neglect our shakeperian duty to rise and fall like an empire of sand, liquid sand. dissolving me and you and the constipation and lts us have our deeply desired laxative, yes dear reader, a laxative is what THE INSIDER reminded me of and it is the best laxative of 1999. But crowe has acne, but I dug venora you know.

A superb thriller!
"The Insider" starts out slowly, but with arresting gravity, and snakes its way into a riveting, superb thriller. The acting is magnificent, the direction superb, the pacing precise, and the dialog riveting. It's a long movie, but you can't stop watching it. Everyone involved should be congratulated, for this is the telling of a complex story on film that captures multiple layers, human pathos, and modern paranoia, all equally effectively. A MUST SEE!

Doesn't really go inside
Quick camera movements and hushed dialog heighten the claustrophobia and paranoia faced by Russel Crowe, the putative hero of "The Insider". A former scientist for a cigarette manufacturer. Crowe's Jeff Wigand is already an outsider in the first few frames, and on the verge of losing a severance package negotiated to keep him silent about the workings of his ex-employer's marketing tactics. Al Pacino, a producer for 60 Minutes proves, at about the same time, that he's not afraid to put his personal saftey on the line for the story. Christopher Plummer is a surpisingly effective Mike Wallace. Unfortunately, this account of the dirty tricks the cigarette makers will stoop to to hide business practices that ensure continued addiction to smoking is undone by its own murky paranoia - just how do these menacing guys manage to hold onto their political power the way nicotine holds onto smokers? Least convincing is speed with which the editorial staff at "60 Minutes" caves into corporate pressure to dump the story. It's never really explained how guys who regularly face-off against government bureaucrats, corporate honchos and the leaders of terrorist factions in the darkest corners of the new century crumble like a house of cards before big tobacco. The film, by never explaining the stranglehold of the cigarette industry implicitly supports them - that the "big" in big-tobacco is a myth created by the self-righteous of the media and government to explain their own inability to deal with America's nicotine problems.

For all its murkiness, the film remains evocative, a collection of great scenes, like Crowe's epiphany in a hotel room, and Pacino's giving a hotel attendant long-distance instruction in the art of talking like Al Pacino. Remember this as the movie in which TV action fixture Wings Hauser played a lawyer for the tobacco industry. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Tyrone Power at his best!
During the age when swashbuckling action films were the most popular form of entertainment, there arose from Twentieth Century Fox an adventure film that topped all others. This film was "The Mark of Zorro" starring Tyrone Power and Basil Rathbone. The daring masked avenger cloaked in black has been an American legend for 80 years, and many films have been produced starring the masked fox. However, I believe that this film is the best Zorro production ever made.

The setting is Spanish California in 1820. Don Diego Vega (Tyrone Power), an expert fencer of Madrid an in the elite training corps, is summoned back to Los Angeles by his fahter, Don Alejandro (Montagu Love), the alcalde. Upon arriving home, Diego learns his father has been run out of office by Capitan Esteban Pasquale (Basil Rathbone). Esteban holds in his hand the perfect puppet, a superstitious, greedy alcalde, Luis Quintero (J. Edward Bromberg). However, Diego pretends to be a fop, unmotivated to fight the capitan, befriending the alcalde and his wife Inez (Gale Sondergaard). However, Diego soon dons the mask of a daring hero, identifying himself as Zorro. Zorro terrorizes the alcalde and robs Esteban of the money he has robbed from the peons. Zorro and a local padre (Eugene Pallete) work to return the money to the citizens of Los Angeles. Diego/Zorro also falls in love with the beautiful Lolita Quintero (Linda Darnell), the niece of the alcalde. She cares nothing for her father's plans, her full support to Zorro. However, when the padre is arrested, Diego abandons his mask and leads the caballeros on a revolt.

This film added into the Zorro figure a new trait. In most Zorro stories, Zorro forces his enemies to return stolen money themselves. This Zorro, more serious, delivers the gold himself. This is a definate classic.

Of course, the film has it's problems. Power spends less time as Zorro and more time as Diego. Zorro only battles one soldier, the main battle occuring between Esteban and Diego. However, dispite minor errors, this film is an undisputed classic, and cannot not be missed by Zorro fans.

The supreme Zorro film
After the success of Warner Brothers "The Adventures of Robin Hood," starring Errol Flynn, Twentieth Century Fox released a film of their namesake, "The Mark of Zorro," starring Tyrone Power. It was a box office hit, and is a classic of it's time. While not in color, and wary of action, this film holds up as, in my opinion, the best of the Zorro films.

In the 1800's, the Spanish Empire rules California. Don Diego Vega (Tyrone Power), is "the best fencer of Madrid." He is ordered home by his father, Don Alejandro. Upon arrival, he hears that the alcalde is an evil tyrant. But Diego's fahter is the alcalde!
Diego learns from Capitan Esteban Pasquale (Basil Rathbone) that his father resigned, and that Luis B. Quintero (J. Edward Bromberg). Both Esteban and Quintero are worthless land theives, taxing the peons into pverty to fill their own pockets. However, Diego suddenly appears to have lost his swordsman skills, now acting foppish and peaceful, much to Alejandro's dissapointment. However, Deigo soon becomes the black-clad Zorro, a daring freedom fighter rescuing both the rich and poor from the tyrants. To disguise himself, he must remain foppish. Only the padre Felipe (Eugene Pallette) knows his true identity, along with Diego's fiance Lolita Quintero (Linda Darnell), a kind girl against her uncle and his henchman. However, when Fray Felipe is arrested as Zorro for trying to defend the mission taxes, Diego abandons both disguises and leads the caballeros and peons to battle, personally taking on Esteban in a spectacular showdown.

"The Mark of Zorro" was bassed on three stories. One was Johnston McCulley's original Zorro story. Unlike the Fairbanks film, the theme here focuses on saving the people from corruption, rather than defending Lolita. Another was Douglas Faribanks's "The Mark of Zorro" (1920). The other was "The Adventures of Robin Hood." Basil Rathbone and Eugene Pallette had roles in the Robin Hood film before starring in "The Mark of Zorro." Zorro here as a Robin Hood characteristic: he steals tax money and returns it to the people. Most Zorros force their enemies to give the money back themselves.

Sword battles in this film occur mainly between Diego and Esteban. The fencing in this movie is excellent. Rathbone is one of the best fencer's of all time, as is Power. The Zorro in this film is the closest thing ever that fits the Zorro legacy. This is a beautiful colassic, one than cannot be missed.

the classic fox period
the films of 20th century fox had a sheen unlike the other studios output.
one of their main stars; tyrone power (an underrated star today)was an embodiment of this sylized sheen.
he was different than errol flynn. while you always sensed flynn's bad boy personality even when he played squaeky clean heroes, power was far more an actor and his performances always seem more professionally toned. he is more 'with the film' than standing out against it and this may be the reason for the lack of appreciation for him.
this film is the shining example to the hollywood of old.
its excellence was predictable when you mix the beauty of power and darenll with the down right fun villany of rathbone, the music of newman, the goya toned cinematography and the virtually flawless direction of mamoulian.
sadly, its the like of which we wont see again for numerous reasons.
NOW, IF FOX WOULD DIG INTO THEIR ARCHIVES AND RELEASE POWER'S BEST ACTING IN FILM; NIGHTMARE ALLEY' a film that has never even seen the light of vhs.

Zorro the fey blade.
Tyrone Power's Zorro is both effeminate and masculine, one moment the picture of delicate and fey passiveness and the next the masculine caballero of legend. The film has held up well, mostly due to the excellent swordplay and Power's magnetic persona. The lack of actual Spanish actors will be noticeable and perhaps offensive to today's audience, although in 1940 it was probably a minor point at best. The DVD transfer could have been better, although it is generally grain-free and vivid. A 60-year old film can only look so good, after all. A fine version of the Zorro legend, lacking somewhat in political correctness but making up for it in sentiment and charm.

Movies - and Ty Power - don't get better than this!
Beautiful faces, gorgeous b&w photography, an array of old Hollywood's best character actors, brawling and tumultous fight scenes, probably the best sword fight ever filmed, and a rousing musical score that must have sent people almost dancing out of theaters with big smiles on their faces in 1940 - and will still make you smile in your living room. And dialogue laced with wit and humor as well as drama. Now THIS is what a Hollywood action movie should be!

This is one of the all-time best. Got the blues? This ought to chase them right away. Really got the blues? Try a double-feature of this with Flynn's The Adventures of Robin Hood. And you can keep all the Wars and Treks in the stars. They are made by mere children as compared to these old pros.

Why doesn't Tyrone Power have a cult of his own today? He was handsome and versatile, and a good actor whose performances hold up better than many of his competitors'. Ty Power's the Man! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

GREAT!!! (My rating for this movie is actually 3 1/2 stars)
This movie was far above my expectations. This story surrounds Helen (Kate Hudson) who works at a modeling agency. Everything is going well for her until she finds out her sister and her husband died in a car crash and they left in their will custody of their three children to Helen. Helen first thinks this is absurd because her older sister has children and is more mother like than she, but she ends up taking them in. She learns how to be a mom and things go wrong. She has never had to take care of kids ever. Kate Hudson does another fantastic performance. She fits the part perfectly. When I went in to see this movie, I knew it was going to be sad, but not so sad. I almost cried. I think everyone should go see this movie, especially moms. It has a few inappropriate parts, but not very bad at all. It just has some issues about growing up. This movie was excellent!! I am so impressed. Go see it everyone!!

BEST CHICK FLICK I'VE EVER SEEN!
Like most red-blooded American males, this reviewer doesn't usually go for this kind of show, but I thought it was one my wife would really enjoy so I took her out to see it. To my utmost surprise, "Raising Helen" was a hit with both of us and one I can readily recommend to any prospective watcher.

"Raising Helen" is the story of a carefree New York fashion agent played perfectly by Kate Hudson whose life is turned upside down when her sister and brother-in-law are tragically killed in a car accident, leaving behind three stunned children in need of a parent. Helen expects the children to go to her big sister Jenny, Supermom, but to everyone's shock the will makes the inexperienced and flighty Helen the kids' guardian. Totally unprepared, Helen must learn what it takes to be a mom in a hurry--and ultimately if it's all really even worth it.

Three-fifths light family fare and two-fifths bittersweet drama, "Raising Helen" is a touching, funny, and poignant portrayal of maturation and self-discovery. Hudson is perfectly cast and shines throughout, and John Corbett is likewise excellent as a fully-realized pastor at the kids' school whose unexpected attentions throw yet another monkey wrench--ableit a positive one--into Helen's spinning world. Combining romance, comedy, and drama in a suprisingly effective mix, "Raising Helen" is worth seeing at least once by anybody. Go see it and remember how important love and family are to your own life!

Lowering Expectations
It seems hard to believe that Garry Marshall - creator of some really fine work (The Flamingo Kid, Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries, Beaches) and a creative workhorse dating back as far as 'The Danny Thomas Show' - would release something as lazy and formulaic as 'Raising Helen.'

There were stories during the production that Marshall consistently addressed star Kate Hudson as 'Goldie' (we should be so lucky). That's about the level of attention we get here.

I'll give Hudson the benefit of the doubt and assume it's the material that makes her character so unlikable. I figured Felicity Huffman and Joan Cusack could 'raise' "Helen" but Huffman isn't on the screen enough to make an impression and Cusack is handed a role and directed to a performance that makes her look frumpy, unfunny and unpleasant, which is a shame. Check out Richard Linklater's 'School of Rock' - there's a guy who understands how to employ Joan Cusack's comedic skills to maximum effect.

Leave Helen where she is
Where to start?
If you're a fan of movies that will throw you into depression and leave you pining for that seven dollars you just spent on the movie, then this is the dvd for you.

The movie is about Helen Harris, a gorgeous women with a wonderful job and a ride of a boyfriend. How could it all go so wrong? I'll tell you how: Her sister and her brother-in-law were killed in a car accident and they left their children to Helen, instead of the other sister, an uptight mother personality. Cue millions of highly unrealistic situation, some-not funny jokes, enough morals to write a book about and several cameo apperances by Paris Hilton.

Now, if you're into that sort of thing, then this is your sort of movie. I don't happen to be. And if you're wondering why I gave this two stars instead of one, it's because Joan Cusack is funny. Happy viewing.

Outstanding! Halarious!
As I started to watch this movie in the theaters, I was almost certain that Kate Hudson was going to be the star! But clearly, Joan Cusack took everything away! She had the best character, ane best lines. I'm waiting for "Raising Helen to steel the Oscars! Everyone sould see this movie. Funniest of the year!
10/10 ... Read more

Reviews (20)

GREAT!!! (My rating for this movie is actually 3 1/2 stars)
This movie was far above my expectations. This story surrounds Helen (Kate Hudson) who works at a modeling agency. Everything is going well for her until she finds out her sister and her husband died in a car crash and they left in their will custody of their three children to Helen. Helen first thinks this is absurd because her older sister has children and is more mother like than she, but she ends up taking them in. She learns how to be a mom and things go wrong. She has never had to take care of kids ever. Kate Hudson does another fantastic performance. She fits the part perfectly. When I went in to see this movie, I knew it was going to be sad, but not so sad. I almost cried. I think everyone should go see this movie, especially moms. It has a few inappropriate parts, but not very bad at all. It just has some issues about growing up. This movie was excellent!! I am so impressed. Go see it everyone!!

BEST CHICK FLICK I'VE EVER SEEN!
Like most red-blooded American males, this reviewer doesn't usually go for this kind of show, but I thought it was one my wife would really enjoy so I took her out to see it. To my utmost surprise, "Raising Helen" was a hit with both of us and one I can readily recommend to any prospective watcher.

"Raising Helen" is the story of a carefree New York fashion agent played perfectly by Kate Hudson whose life is turned upside down when her sister and brother-in-law are tragically killed in a car accident, leaving behind three stunned children in need of a parent. Helen expects the children to go to her big sister Jenny, Supermom, but to everyone's shock the will makes the inexperienced and flighty Helen the kids' guardian. Totally unprepared, Helen must learn what it takes to be a mom in a hurry--and ultimately if it's all really even worth it.

Three-fifths light family fare and two-fifths bittersweet drama, "Raising Helen" is a touching, funny, and poignant portrayal of maturation and self-discovery. Hudson is perfectly cast and shines throughout, and John Corbett is likewise excellent as a fully-realized pastor at the kids' school whose unexpected attentions throw yet another monkey wrench--ableit a positive one--into Helen's spinning world. Combining romance, comedy, and drama in a suprisingly effective mix, "Raising Helen" is worth seeing at least once by anybody. Go see it and remember how important love and family are to your own life!

Lowering Expectations
It seems hard to believe that Garry Marshall - creator of some really fine work (The Flamingo Kid, Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries, Beaches) and a creative workhorse dating back as far as 'The Danny Thomas Show' - would release something as lazy and formulaic as 'Raising Helen.'

There were stories during the production that Marshall consistently addressed star Kate Hudson as 'Goldie' (we should be so lucky). That's about the level of attention we get here.

I'll give Hudson the benefit of the doubt and assume it's the material that makes her character so unlikable. I figured Felicity Huffman and Joan Cusack could 'raise' "Helen" but Huffman isn't on the screen enough to make an impression and Cusack is handed a role and directed to a performance that makes her look frumpy, unfunny and unpleasant, which is a shame. Check out Richard Linklater's 'School of Rock' - there's a guy who understands how to employ Joan Cusack's comedic skills to maximum effect.

Leave Helen where she is
Where to start?
If you're a fan of movies that will throw you into depression and leave you pining for that seven dollars you just spent on the movie, then this is the dvd for you.

The movie is about Helen Harris, a gorgeous women with a wonderful job and a ride of a boyfriend. How could it all go so wrong? I'll tell you how: Her sister and her brother-in-law were killed in a car accident and they left their children to Helen, instead of the other sister, an uptight mother personality. Cue millions of highly unrealistic situation, some-not funny jokes, enough morals to write a book about and several cameo apperances by Paris Hilton.

Now, if you're into that sort of thing, then this is your sort of movie. I don't happen to be. And if you're wondering why I gave this two stars instead of one, it's because Joan Cusack is funny. Happy viewing.

Outstanding! Halarious!
As I started to watch this movie in the theaters, I was almost certain that Kate Hudson was going to be the star! But clearly, Joan Cusack took everything away! She had the best character, ane best lines. I'm waiting for "Raising Helen to steel the Oscars! Everyone sould see this movie. Funniest of the year!
10/10 ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Not too bad sequel
"The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter" is a decent and on-par sequel to the original 1984 classic. Although it lacked the direction that acclaimed director Wolfgang Petersen(sho also helmed "Air Force One" and "The Perfect Storm"), I thought i t was still a nice little fantasy adventure film.

Jonathan Brandis was okay in his role as Bastian, but I feel that someone else could have done better in carrying the role. John Wesley Shipp probably did the best acting job of the whole cast in his portrayal of Bastian's father. However, his role was very limited. The only key cast member that returned from the original was Thomas Hill, who reprises his role as the bookstore owner Mr. Koreander. I feel this movie would have benefited from additional cast members from the orginal had returned to reprise their roles in this sequel. But I was glad to see a lot of characters from the original featured in this sequel, and some of the new characters were good too.

I found the plot to be rather depressing at times. Bastian is giving the Auryn necklace, but the evil sorceress Xayide, has cast a spell on the Auryn which causes Bastian to lose a memory everytime he makes a wish. Somes of the memories he loses are of his mother(it is explained that she died of cancer when Bastian was very young).

I thought Bastian's friendship with Atreyu was very unconvincing. Bastian's friendship with the bird Nimbly(a messenger of Xayide) was more convincing. Nimbly is a likable character, but his betrayal of Bastian was questionable.

I feel that the producers tried to make this movie too mainstream, which alienated fans of the book. It doesn't have the heart or magic the original had. "Neverending Story II" tries to be too much like other fantasy movies. It's a decent little movie and a decent sequel, but is a masterpiece compared to the stinker "NeverEnding Story 3", which ruined the "Never Ending Story" series. If you are a fan of fantasy adventure films, this is for you. If you liked the original, you may have mixed feelings about this movie. But "NES2" is still worth a look.

The Adventure Continues....
The Neverending Story has been a childhood staple for many years. To me, it's my favourite movie from my childhood. When the second movie came out, I was curious, but seeing how it is involved with The Neverending Story, I gave it a try. To be honest, the movie is actually quite good. This time around Jonathan Brandis (Ladybugs, Seaquest DSV) puts on the shoes as our hero Bastien. Here, Bastien must return to Fantasia to stop the evil Xayide from taking over the land. In his return he rejoins his friends Rock Biter, Atreyu, and of course Falcor. He even encounters new Fantasianites that either aid/delay Bastien in his journey. The movie is full of adventure, great scenery, strong characters and even a few life-lessons. In terms of the DVD treatment, an excellent transfer has taken place. You are able to get the full-screen or widescreen option on a two-sided disc, along with the movie trailer, and even Bastien's Word Challenge, which is a different, but nice addition to the disc. All in all, The Neverending II is a decent movie that helps to continue the saga of the adventues of Bastien. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a nice adventure flick that's easy to follow, or just wants a watch a movie that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Better than the first by far!
The first movie was one of my favorite movies of all time, I watched it all the time...but I thought the Batian in it was SOOOOOOOOOOO bad. He was to quite. On this movie, the Bastian is way better and the story is also way better, just like in the book, the second half was better than the first. Xyidea (sorry if I mispelled it) is a much better enemy than the nothing or the wold. She actully is one of hose enmy who befriends the main character and tricks him, and almost persuades him to do things bad, when he doesnt even realize he is doing it. So if you want a better, but more complicated (not for adults , but more complicated than the first was for younger children) then this is the one, Is much better than the first, but I love both.

Depressing sequel
The first movie was interesting, but this just gets weird. Pretty bad acting by most involved too, including the main kid. Corny lines don't help much either.

"Letrayel...get real!"
"I am real."
[Bad laugh track]

This is truly the movie that never ends.

Shoddy Sequel
I've seen all the series and a book. First one is no doubt a masterpiece but second one is quite a failure. This is based on the second half of the story and has more important message than the first half where the first movie is based. According to the book Bastian is so charmed by fantasy world and keep making wish he forgets even who he is and how to get back to the world he belongs. This movie however is following similar steps to the first one (what is the difference between "nothing and emptyness"?) forgetting what has to be done. Artrayu this series is closer to the book I think. Second one is more forgettable than the third which has tried original story. Because it is better to read a book. But Neverending Story has more future if the directors shed the effort to start from scratch. Let Miyazaki do the series. ... Read more

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A red hot-air balloon floating gracefully over the green English countryside leads to a shocking death in Enduring Love, an eerie and hypnotic movie based on a novel by Ian McEwan. Two men tried and failed to help, and afterwards Joe (Daniel Craig, Sylvia, The Mother) finds himself being stalked by the hungry-eyed Jed (Rhys Ifans, Vanity Fair, Human Nature). Like a gangly wraith, Jed follows Joe and begs him to recognize the passionate love Jed feels certain was sparked by the balloon accident. Jed's obsession crawls into Joe's head and his life, clawing at his happy relationship with his girlfriend Claire (Samantha Morton, Morvern Callar, Minority Report) and derailing Joe into an obsessive spiral of his own.Enduring Love builds the taut delirium of a Hitchcock movie. Ifans, best known for his comic performances, curls his tall frame into a seemingly helpless but creepily aggressive shuffle; the haunted eyes of Craig and Morton make the crumbling of their relationship as suspenseful as Jed's stalking. Director Roger Michell (Notting Hill, Persuasion) uses fresh, jarring images and sinuous visual rhythms to craft a tight thriller with unsettling emotional layers. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (13)

God only knows where I'd be without you...
Genre: Thriller, Drama

Genre Grade: C+

Final Grade: B+

I thought this movie had a strong Hitchcock feel to it, even if the cinematography was very artistic. I wish they would have made this movie a little more mainstream because I think it had potential to be a classic film. The director (who also directed Notting Hill and The Mother) seemed to be trying some new camera styles during certain that just did not fit this movie at all. However, the first 10 minutes of this film are riveting enough (and suspenseful and disturbing enough) that I will forgive him for falling into some experimental techniques where they didn't belong.

If you enjoy slow but powerful stories and enjoy Hitchcockian suspense, you might like this movie. The part when the psycho character starts singing "God only knows where I'd be without you..." will send chills down your spine. This movie is definitely not for everyone, and it might take a second viewing to understand exactly what is going on, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

"Will you pray with me?"
Enduring Love is all about chaos of love and how we must endure this chaos, in the form of chaotic romantic love, obsessive love, and perhaps also the love of faith. Chaos can suddenly strike at any time to derail love, even in the deceptively calm and tranquil English countryside. How do we survive love even when we don't want it, or even when we do? And, with everything that can and does go wrong with love and in the world, how does love ultimately sustain itself?

These are complex issues, which director Roger Michell admirably achieves in bringing to dramatic life in this intriguing, thoughtful, and dark psychological thriller. Incredibly ambitious on what was obviously a shoestring budget, Enduring Love is visually arresting, daringly scored, athletically and brilliantly acted, and powered at all times by an unstoppable edgy and uneasy spirit.

The story opens in a gorgeously serene green field somewhere on the outskirts of London where Joe (hunky Daniel Craig) and Claire (Samantha Morton) have gone for a picnic. Just as Joe's about to pop the cork on a bottle of Champagne when a red passenger balloon drifts near, its basket skipping across the ground. A man suddenly tumbles out and frantically tries to get at the terrified boy still in the basket.

After a beat, and the merest of hesitations, Joe and Claire race toward the balloon along with four men, each of whom has come running as though out of nowhere. Amid a flurry of rapid edits and blurred shouts, the five men manage to steady the balloon. Then a strong wind swoops in low and carries the balloon up with the men hanging off the basket. Realizing that they can no longer hang on, four drop to safety, but one tragically falls to his death.

It's a horrific sight, both for the onlookers and for us. The accident shakes Joe to the core. A university lecturer (although it's never really clear what he teaches), Joe just can't wrap his mind around the pointlessness of the disaster, and while he spends his days sprouting philosophy on biology and love, his nights are filled with violent nightmares and interrupted sleep. He begins to draw balloons on scraps of paper, and stares, transfixed, at oval-shaped vases and red apples, repeatedly insisting to Claire that they could have saved the man.

When Jed, (an extremely creepy Rhys Ifans) who was one of the other men hanging off the balloon, calls, Joe responds with a kind of harried inquisitiveness. He seems pulled to the idea of another witness, but there's something about Jed that leaves Joe uneasy - perhaps it was Jed's insistence that they both pray next to the body. For Jed, the accident came as a revelation of divine love, and possibly another kind of love, since he can't leave Joe alone, and can't stay away from his house.

Jed suddenly turns up when Joe is having lunch with a friend, and later when Joe is lecturing in the classroom. Jed begs Joe to reciprocate his feelings and to spiritually acknowledge the divine will of the accident. While Joe continues to view the accident with a kind of detached and disconnected cynicism, Jed becomes even more passionate and stalker-like, and as Joe's relationship with Claire steadily begins to unravel, Jed ratchets up the urgency and supplication, eventually turning into a kind of scorned lover and fully-fledged psychopath.

What is so terrific about this movie is the way that Roger Michell captures the grief and helpless rage of those who witness calamity about which they can do nothing. All the protagonists are powerless to help as the terrified man hangs by a rope, high atop the field. But more importantly, Mr. Michell manages to convey quite brilliantly, the universal theme of sexual longing, which constantly courses throughout the film - Claire and Jed both want Joe, who is too distracted and differently unavailable to both of them.

Joe, godless, has lost sense of the world, and when he's faced with Jed's profoundly spiritual reaction to the accident, he finds his suppositions about love and life gradually falling apart. The ensemble cast are a joy to watch with the lanky and loose-limbed, Mr. Ifans as Jed suitably unkempt and creepy with his fine flaxen hair that occasionally brushes into his eyes. But is it Daniel Craig who is the true standout as Joe - with his lean, sinewy body, piercing blue eyes, and restless physicality. Craig fits the role so beautifully that you actually believe in his crisis and that his spirit is irrevocably troubled.

A huge and unpredictable emotional force continues to build through this film, and while none of the characters imbue that much sympathy (they're all wine swilling psuedo-intellectuals with bad table manners), the audience will be weirdly convinced that all three of these people are right, even though each of their positions have significantly switched by the picture's end.

Nervy and complex, Enduring Love constantly teases the boundary between reality and hallucination. Is Jed just a part of Joe's psyche, a figment of his imagination? The viewer never really knows until film's end, and by then, love in all its forms has definitely and undeniably endured. Mike Leonard May 05.

A Contemporary Tale
Polished, crisply written, with brilliant score and cinematography.A profound story simply told that does justice to yet another, of Ian McKwan's beguiling but sinister novels. Well acted with Daniel Craig as Joe and Samantha Morton as his live in girl friend Claire. Rhys Ifans is totally convincing as Jed the lonely misfit who finally succumbs to his demons by committing a disturbing and psychotic act of violence.

The film begins with a sweeping panorama of English countryside in summer, and ends on the same note when we see the identical shots passing before us in a montage -- Joe and Claire carrying a picnic hamper of wine, food and as we learn later, an engagement ring. But when a hot air balloon begins to drift toward them they have no idea that from this point on their lives will irrevocably change forever.

The balloon is in trouble, the ropes are tangled, and a small boy remains trapped, its sole occupant.Despite others rushing to the scene, Joe and Jed struggle to gain control and finally succeed until a fresh gust once again lifts the balloon into the air as Claire watches helplessly from the sidelines.

All four would-be rescuers now become airborne.Joe and Jed jump with a third man and manage to land safely.The fourth member of the group Logan, waits too long and is killed.

From this initial encounter a relationship springs up between Jed and Joe, as Jed tries to convince Joe that theirs, is a shared destiny.Joe, still in shock and feeling guilty over abandoning the balloon alternates between annoyance and amusement. But as Jed persists, he gradually realizes that he has become the object of Jed's obsession.

A visit to Logan's widow only compounds the problem, adding further to his confusion and remorse. The continuous and unwelcome presence of Jed now causes a rift not only between Joe and Claire, but between the couple's well-meaning friends as well.The relationship reaches a crisis when Claire asks Joe what he has done to encourage Jed's abhorrent behavior.

The Film's climax is a shocker, and the last scene but one comes full circle to leave us with more questions than answers about the power and terror of enduring love.

Real Tension, but Insufferable Characters & Unfocused Story.
"Enduring Love" is a combination psychological thriller, character drama, and exploration of the nature of love adapted from the novel by Ian McEwan. It would have been better off concentrating on one of those things. College professor Joe (Daniel Craig) and sculptress girlfriend Claire (Samantha Morton) are picnicking in a tranquil meadow when a hot air balloon with 2 passengers crash-lands nearby. A man is thrown from the basket, but his young son is still inside as the balloon threatens to take off again. Joe, Claire, and several bystanders rush to hold the balloon down. With some difficulty they seem to have succeeded, when a gust of wind launches the balloon into the air again with the men still hanging on. Most of them let go of the balloon before it's too late, but one man holds on and falls to his death shortly thereafter. Joe becomes preoccupied -if not obsessed- with the incident and blames himself for the man's death. Another man who tried to help with the balloon, Jed (Rhys Ifans), finds another meaning entirely in the balloon incident and begins to stalk Joe.

I don't know if this film's title was intended to imply "love that endures" or "suffering on account of love". Either idea would be suitable. "Enduring Love" might have been all right if it were simply a story about a delusional stalker preying on a man who initially indulges him out of a misplaced sense of guilt. Rhys Ifans' Jed is a genuinely creepy character. Unfortunately, Joe is an insufferably neurotic character himself who spends much of his time -and ours- desperately trying to find meaning in life's events while denying that they have any. He turns out to be as dysfunctional as his stalker. I don't buy his bizarre preoccupation with the balloon incident, his failure to understand his stalker's motives, or his reluctance to simply call the police, either. This is too bad, because Daniel Craig and Rhys Ifans generate a lot of palpable tension, and the conflict between the meaning that Jed sees in the balloon incident and the meaning that Joe so desperately wants to find is interesting. But both characters are repulsive, and there is only an hour's worth of material in this hour-and-35-minute film. Even the performances can't make "Enduring Love" worth sitting through, because it's just a film about someone's neurosis. Subtitles are available in English on the Paramount 2005 DVD.

McEwan's Internal Dialogues Made Visual
Ian McEwan's masterfully written novels capitalize on interior dialogues, tracing mental vagaries that reveal the workings of the mind.While reading McEwan is a particular intellectual joy, transposing his tightly wrought stories to the screen would seem a daunting project.Thanks to the fine screenplay by Joe Penhall and the sensitive, minimalist approach to directing of Roger Michell ENDURING LOVE bleeds into our visual fields as a more or less successful transformation.

Joe (Daniel Craig), a professor of 'biology/philosophy' mix, andClaire (Samantha Morton),a sculptor, are in a long-standing relationship taht seems well grounded.They are introduced sunningon a picnic near Oxford when a red hot air balloon glides by and gradually begins a disastrous descent.The pilot John Logan (Lee Sheward) is trapped by a rope, his son in the basket of the balloon is unable to respond to his cries to release the cord and the balloon takes off with John dangling.Joe and two other men rush to help, grabbing the basket, when a mighty wind whooshes them upward while they dangle precariously from the basket.The three men disengage and fall to safety leaving Logan trapped along with his son. Logan is lifted dangerously high and eventually falls to his death, the boy surviving in a simple landing of the balloon some miles away.

The accident triggers the story: one of the helpers - Jed (Rhys Ifans)- on finding the mutilated body of Logan turns to Joe and pleads with Joe to pray: a connection or bond is formed in Jed's eyes.That evening as Claire and Joe dine with their close friends Robin (Bill Nighy) and Rachel (Susan Lynch) Joe's guiltand remorse over not saving Logan surface and despite support form Claire, Robin, and Rachel those feelings builds in intensity.One of McEwan's signature 'arbitrary nightmares' begins when Jed begins trying to contact Joe, a schema which becomes a stalking: Jed is obsessed with Joe, constantly trying to have Joe admit to a profound love that started between the two of them at the moment of the accident.

Joe is slowly sucked into Jed's obsession and this perseverating behavior becomes a distancing wedge between Joe and Claire.Joe tries to assuage his guilt by visiting Logan's wife (Helen McRory) who introduces yet another circumstantial twist to the quagmire of the consequences of the accident.How Joe and Claire spin away from each other is part of the delirium incited by Jed's incessant interference.The final confrontation with all three involvedends tensely and with bloodshed: Joe's perception of 'love' as a biological entity is challenged as he sees the impact of a single circumstance erode his life.

The ending is weak (hence four stars as opposed to five) and sort of gasps for air in a disappointing 'anti-resolution.'Each of the actors is strong, especially Craig, Morton, and Ifans, and while we may not empathize with their characters, there is much to admire from their skills.The cinematography by Haris Zambarloukosis extraordinary for both the glorious exteriors shots and for the production design sets by John Paul Kelly.The musical score by Jeremy Sams is well motivated until the gushy mush that accompanies the end credits.Michell's direction feels related to McEwan's novel and if the addition of visual extremes at times breaks away from his otherwise terse, minimalist approach, that is probably the need of creating a motion picture for audiences accustomed to gory details.Doubtless there will be different responses from those who have read the book and those who have not, but that is part of the pleasure of seeing a novel become film.It is all relative.Grady Harp, May 05

... Read more

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In some ways, HBO's Six Feet Under plays kid brother to stellar BMOC The Sopranos: it's spunkier, less refined, chancier, and a bit of a punk. Nevertheless, the show set in the Southern California mortuary Fisher and Sons deserves its place in the pantheon of great television series. Ruth (Frances Conroy) is the stern matriarch who has trouble expressing emotion and snaps at the slightest problem. Daughter Claire (Lauren Ambrose) is an underachiever who cultivates a moody, mysterious loner image in high school (she's indulging in illegal substances too). Brother David (Michael C. Hall) works in the family business, and is uptight beyond belief (he's indulging in a secret homosexual relationship too). Elder brother Nate (Peter Krause) is the black sheep, who, eschewing responsibility, fled to Seattle but got lured back. And Dad (Richard Jenkins) watches it all bemusedly. Did we mention Dad's dead? Oh, and that the Fisher family business is a funeral home? It might sound off-putting, but coming from the mind of Alan Ball, the man who strip-mined suburban life to find the mordant wit underneath in American Beauty, Six Feet Under is a trenchant, stylish spin on standard family dysfunction.

This HBO series initially aspired to fits of Twin Peaks-like whimsy, with each episode starting with a death more outlandish than the previous, but soon settled into a comfortable groove that harkened back to the most familiar of TV family dramas (in fact, it's almost a mirror image of '70s drama Family, down to the three sibling archetypes). Of course, its HBO roots allowed it ample leeway with sex, drug usage, profanity, and violence. While the writing strove to be a little too clever, the overall look and tone of the show remained solid and sometimes profound (sometimes absurd too, but usually with good reason). Krause and Hall, as initially warring brothers who come to a wary understanding, are solid anchors, but it's the women in the cast who do the most phenomenal work. Conroy infuses her almost stereotypical mom with an obstinate but ultimately accepting heart, and Ambrose's Claire is by far the show's most appealing character. And stealing scenes left and right is Rachel Griffith's Brenda, a mystery woman with an outlandish backstory who meets Nate on a plane, has sex with him at the airport, and infiltrates his life. Like Brenda herself, Six Feet Under is fascinating--and highly addictive.

Slowly, the major force in season 2 is the unassuming lead, Peter Krause. Part of the long line of good-looking actors who never get respect because they make it look too easy, Krause (Sports Night) finds the perfect blend of optimism with a wonderful, bittersweet anguish as Nate, the prodigal son.The initial season's happy ending is forgotten as relationships change, the business is still under fire from the evil conglomerate Kroehner, and a lively dream sequence is just around the corner. The eccentricities of the characters are shaped, and not always suddenly. Take daughter Claire (Lauren Ambrose), who sheds her bad boyfriend only to find more complex relationships on her road to discovering her own groove. One person in the mix is Ruth's beatnik sister (Patricia Clarkson, in an Emmy-winning role), a joyous embodiment of thriving--if aging--counter culture. Another new character is Nate's old girlfriend, the granola-loving Lisa (Lili Taylor). For fans who groove with the wild, serio-comedic world of the Fishers (and let's face it, many didn't), the second season goes down like a fine meal of fusion cuisine. The show shares an unfortunate family trait with its HBO big brother: although both were lavished with multiple Emmy nominations the first two seasons, both took home only token awards. But then there's always next year. ... Read more

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Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt dance their way through Girls JustWant to Have Fun, a glorious example of 1980s kitsch. Janey (Parker),the new girl at a Catholic high school in Chicago, dreams of becoming adancer on Dance TV. With the help of new wave hipster Lynne (Hunt), Janey enters a dance contest and gets paired with Jeff (Lee Montgomery), a rebel in spandex, and the two are soon smitten with each other. Unfortunately, they've made an enemy of a snooty rich girl, who vows totake them down. Everything about Girls Just Want to Have Fun ischeap and cheesy--it doesn't even have the Cyndi Lauper version of thetitle song--but that doesn't make it any less goofily entertaining,particularly when a debutante ball is wrecked by a bizarre combinationof punk rockers and female bodybuilders. Featuring a very young ShannenDoherty as Jeff's little sister. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (74)

This movie is du-bomb!
This movie is so cool, I have only seen it once, but I fell in love with it the first time I saw it! I am planing on buying it as soon as I can! Sarah Jessica Parker is raidiant. Her dance moves are grace-full and at the same time very cool! All of the other actors: Helen Hunt! My gosh, this is one of the best preformences I have ever seen! This young girl is so talented! Now even more! With the awards that she has won! She is a great actress! Shannon Doherty, the cutes little girl I have seen! She has done alot too, and her preformanc was great! I have to give cudose (thanx) to all the actors! This movie was great! And I could watch it 1,000,000,000,000,000,000 times! I loved it! Out of all the movies that I have seen, this is one of my favorits! Every hting in this movie was perfect! The actors! The extras! The sets! Everone was great! Thanx to the directors for the great flic! You people make movies for our enjoyment and this one hit the spot! Thanx your a talented bunch of people! I loved this movie! Sincerly,

Sarah McClain! :o) P.S. Great movie! :o) LoL

The FUN of the 80's
Girls Just Want to Have Fun is an 80's classic, representing the time and culture perfectly. If you want to know what it is like try thinking of an 80's version of Center Stage and mixing it with Dirty Dancing. The movie follows Janey Glenn(Sarah Jessica Parker), who has just moved into town, as she tries out for the DanceTV contest to be a regular on the show. But as always in the 80's the parents get in the way and she has to sneak out in order to practice with her elected dance partner Jeff Malene(Lee Montgomery). As romance blossoms so does jealousy for a spoilt brat Natalie Sands(Holly Gagnier) as she tries her hardest to break the two up, to win the guy and the contest, by getting Janey into trouble with her strict folks! But who will win? Well Getting into trouble is easy, but getting out of it is all the fun! Look out for some younger versions of stars of today - Helen Hunt(Lynne Stone - Janey's new friend), Shannen Doherty(Maggie Malene - Jeff's younger "Punk" sister) & Jonathan Silverman(Drew - Jeff's annoying friend).

Incredible !!!
This is a fantastic movie I love this movie it stars : Shannel Doherty, Helen Hunt, and Sarah Jessica Parker . Sarah and Helen meet at a private school when Sarah and her family moves to Chicago when Janie's dad retires from the military and Janie is very interested in the show "Dance TV" and wishes to try out for an audition for a chance to become a regular dancer on the show and her friend doesn't make the cut but she does so she meets a trouble maker and she is very rich and she causes a lot of problems but Janie and her friends get even with her by crashing her party and it turs out hilarious they really do get even with her in a really good way and Janie wins the part and becomes a regular on the show!!!!!! But I would recommend any Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt fan to buy this movie!!!!

I would be " Dancing in Heaven " with Lee Montgomery....
I really love this movie...the cast is great, the music is
phenominal. It certainly is a totally 80's experience not to
be missed. The Dance contest at the end is the greatest.....
The best part to me is that sexy Lee Montgomery....whoo hoo..what
a body...what a face:) The nice thing about the movie is no sex
and I don't recall any language..so it is family friendly...
Just a all around great movie, but don't take my word...see it
yourself.......

I love this movie
I can't count the number of times I have watched this movie.It's one of those movies you can watch over and over.I have.I think that Lee Montgomery is so sexy.I also like the other famous actors and actresses in this movie,its also about dancing so that's a major plus too!!I love this movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Blow mad killer Jason Voorhees to smithereens in the opening sequence of the movie? Sorry, folks, you have to do better than that. Jason's evil spirit finds its way into a series of host bodies, thus continuing the carnage at Crystal Lake, in Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday. Naturally, part 9 is not the final Friday the 13th movie (no big deal: part 4, you'll recall, was titled The Final Chapter). Jason confronts a long-lost sister at the lake, while the usual assortment of naked teens are dispatched. This one tries to vary the formula a bit but ends up with a story line every bit as nonsensical as those that came before. The final sequence tries to put Jason away for keeps and calls upon the demons of hell for support. The last shot is an outrageous joke, which is perhaps what this franchise deserves. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (153)

One-of-a-kind: The Best Jason of them All!!!
I've been a F13 fan for as long as I can remember (both in film and especially in the Canadian TV Series). This final addition to the Jason Voorhees anthology is truly a superb cumulative finale to the many sanguinary exploits of one of Hollywood's most insuperable murderous madmen! This "Friday" was laden with an interesting twist-of-plot (Jason now a "Body Snatcher" in spirit), special FX that are orders-of-magnitude better than in past Friday installments, and decent performances by Steven Williams as the undaunted bounty hunter Creighton Duke and by John ("F13 Series'" Ryan Dallion) LeMay. I think the decision for New Line to obtain the rights for this sequel was a judicious decision since Robert Shaye's company has had the best notoriety for cranking out some of Hollywood's most staunch and bloody horror pieces in modern cinema ("Nightmare on Elm Street", "The Hidden", & "The Mangler"). Paramount just couldn't hack it (no pun intended) to keep Jason at a spine-tingling pace towards the close of the 80's (albeit F13 7 was a decent try) as it had in the first two films. Plus, adding "Friday" creator Sean E. Cunningham to the production's lineup really made a difference in the story's action when compared to past sequels. The scene of Duke's telling of Jason's hideous plot for an immortal muderous rebirth through one of his blood relatives to Steven in the jail cell will surely grab your attention, though you may wonder why they waited until now to divulge this legacy so many years later. Also, the ending has an excellent, campy "Battle for the New Line Bad Boy" with Freddy Krueger's famed razors snatching Jason's decayed, blood-soaked hockey mask from the ground and down to the depths of Hell, where it belongs! A true treat for "Friday" fans of all ages, although the plot may seem greatly sporadic in explaining Jason's psychotic motives in the longevity of the anthology.

Evil Has Finally Found A Home....And A Good Script!
I know I'll get bashed for this, but I thought this movie was a classic in it's own time. I personally think every F13 movie is horrible but this one just blew me away. Fast paced and director Adam Marcus really gives fans what they want and delievers it in the coolest way possible. This is Jason Vorhees for generation X. The special effects are top notch and for the firs time, we actually have some believable characters. John D. LeMay, who was on the first three seasons of "Friday The 13th: The Series", stands out in his role as the hero, but Kane Hodder gives him a fight as Jason's last stand. Also, check out that cameo from another very well known horror icon! Rest In Hell Mr. Vorhees!

Unworthy of your valuable time
"Jason Goes To Hell" blatantly rips off "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." It doesn't even attempt to cover it up. But what do you expect in a film that was literally written in a weekend?

Now, there are a lot of Friday the 13th fans out there, and many of them are die-hard loyalists to the "Jason mythology," which includes, believe it or not, a list of rules of what he can and cannot do. This film tosses out all those rules and says, "Let's up the make-up budget by $100,000 and forget about everything else."

So in this film you get graphic and creative murders, but little substance to keep the red gooey stuff sticking together. A wave of embarrassment washes over you ever time a character opens his or her mouth. You think to yourself, "Is this my life? Am I really watching this movie?" and then you realize yes, you are, so you'd better cope or get help now, friend, or it's going to be a long, brutal old age.

Even though they cannot target these types of films to kids -- those bastards at the MPAA have ethics and standards -- this is one of those films that is. Full of glistening red gory stuff, your children will love eating this up. They'll sleep like little angels, too.

It's a shame that with its budget and the cool new look Jason gets, this film had to suck tailpipe so hard. It's even more so a shame that this is Part 9 in a series that hasn't decided to quit yet. When people will tire of relentless gore is beyond me ... but I really hope it doesn't end.

Honestly, the slasher flicks in the eighties represented a time when Americans wanted to get scared on cheap effects and bad scripts. It worked, and movies such as Friday the 13th became massively successful. The modern horror genre has "smartened up" and become "hip," and now its died down into the deepest pits of remake hell. So the Friday the 13th series, as well as those other quickie gore-fests during that blissful Ronny Reagan time period, hold a special place in America's heart.

"Jason Goes To Hell" holds a place at the bottom of the toilet, floating amongst the throw-away goo of a dissatisfied audience.

"I'm going to kill Jason Voorhess, and I wan't you to help
Now before I rewview, I want to thank amazon. When I bought this DVD from a store, there was a JUMBO size crack in it! I whent back to the store, but they wouldn't give me my money back!!!!!!
Amazon gave me this DVD at a nice low price. Thanks! Now, to the movie. Jason is tricked and blown up by the F.B.I. He is belevied to be dead, but he's evil spirt( which turns out to be a fake looking demon) goes to a diffrent body. Many murder's are commited by Jason, and every one now think he is alive again. The Boundy Hunter Duke says he knows how to kill Jason once and for all. He teams up with Jason's sister and her daughter, because only a blood reletive can kill Jason. What I liked about the film the most is that it had the feel of Friday the 13th 3 and 4, the first "real" Jason movies. Sure people will won't agree with that, but you just need to wach the film for yourself and wach the old ones to see what I mean. I hate it when people say this is bad. Here are some complant's I have heard.

Jason jumps body's: So? It's trying to be scary, it's a horror movie. Do you think every horror film will be the same?

Jason's a demon: Well he alway's acted like a demon to me. He runs around killing people with a hockey mask on.

Jason has a sister: Hey his Dad left him, don't you think he got remarried?

Deleted secencs: I saw those sence, they were not a big deal. the Tree Trunk Demons looked fake.

They made a sequel: They made other movies with Jason in them but they never did another Friday film. Jason X does not have Friday the 13th in the title so it's not a Friday film.

Well that's it. You'll like this film if you liked the old ones. 80'S FAN'S REJOICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason Goes to Hell - The Final Friday
I'm extremely suprised that this film wasn't half bad.Ok sure the characters weren't memorable and the dialogue wasn't great, but I thought the whole possession thing was kinda interesting.Even though Jason wasn't in the whole film it was still interesting.(SPOILERS)One scene I liked was the part when the man started breaking that boy's fingers before he would tell him any info.I also like the whole backstory about Jason only being able to be killed by a Voorhees or brought back by one.My most favorite part was the ending.(SPOILERS)Freddy's claw coming up and grabbing Jason's mask.It was great!You may not like it as much if your an average viewer, but check this one out.Supposedly the last of Jason's gore-fests as he writhes in hellfire facing the long legacy of murder splattering his resume.(6/10) ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Garry Marshall's 1988 drama about a 30-year friendship between two women, one wealthy (Barbara Hershey) and the other (Bette Midler) seeking her fortune in show business, is well written (based on the novel by Iris Rainer Dart) and nicely textured in its contrast between the characters' separate destinies. When Hershey becomes ill with cancer, the film takes a predictably sentimental course, yet Marshall brings out the best in both actresses and catches some very fine drama. The film is a little too long, perhaps, but overall it is a fine experience.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (113)

Best Bette
Bette Midler strikes again in this excellent Comedy/Drama about friends. Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey star in this movie about an singer(Midler) and a ritzy uptight lawyer(Hershey) who as kids became best friends ( they wern't singers and lawyers then). But, I would tell you about the ending but it would ruin it for you so.............

So long,
Bettelover

Tear Jerker and excellent movie
I fell in love with this movie the first time I saw it and to this day I still love it so much. The plot is so well-written and the friendship between Bette Midler and Barbara Hershey's characters are very well acted and make you truly believe in them. I advise this movie to anyone who wants a movie where you'll cry a lot, laugh some and leave with just a great feeling of friendship.

Beaches the best friendship movie ever
Beaches is my favorite movie of all time!! I showed it to my friends at school and most had already seen it and LOVED it and we are in teh 7th grade now if it is liked by 7th graders you knwo it is great!!!! I love this movie and i would definitely advise you to watch it with your best friend, your mother, your sister, your aunt, anyone you will all cry your heart out!! the Best Tear jerker since Terms of Endearment
LH

Melodramatic Tear Drencher...
Trust, communication, and care are three key ingredients when two individuals