Reviews (22)

The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T
Ted Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, wrote and helped design this eccentric fantasy about a young boy named Bart (Tommy Rettig) who, like most young boys, doesn't enjoy his piano lessons with the mean-spirited Dr. Terwilliker (Hans Conried). He figures his time would be better spent playing baseball with his friends or helping his grown-up buddy Arthur Zabladowski (Peter Lind Hayes), a plumber. One night, while fast asleep, Bart has a long and remarkable dream in which he's trapped in the kingdom of the fearsome Dr. T, who has enslaved hundreds of little boys, forcing them to practice on the world's largest piano until they drop. With the help of a familiar plumber, Bart plans a revolt that will topple Dr. T's evil empire once and for all.

This is a pretty goofy flick, but fun nevertheless. It has its share of dance numbers, and you can definitely tell that Dr. Seuss had a hand in making it. The props, characters, and one musical number in particular that Bart spies on just scream Dr. Seuss. The scene takes place in a cavern with musicians flying around playing all sorts of weird and gigantic instruments. Definitely worth watching if, you are in the mood for a goofy flick.

Genuinely Disturbing
Dr. Seuss's 5,000 Fingers

of Dr. T

Genuinely Disturbing!

Reviewed by Bruce Cantwell (visit a-movie-to-see.com)

I always thought there was something a little disturbing about Dr. Seuss. Remember the total anarchy of Cat in the Hat, the hubris of Yertle the Turtle and, of course, the parsimonious Grinch? Illustrations of negative personality traits have always had their tutorial value in children's literature, but Seuss's miscreants always seemed so vivid and his morals tagged on simply for social acceptance.

In this little nightmare, Bart Collins (Tommy Rettig) runs around wearing a "Happy Fingers" beanie, topped by a rubber hand, chased by an army of pudgy men in skin tight suits and balaclavas bearing colorful child-catching nets.

He awakens from his daydream to the stern admonitions of his piano teacher Dr. Terwilliker (Hans Conried) for whom "practice makes perfect."

Bart introduces his young and Betty Crocker beautiful war-widowed mother Mrs. Collins (Mary Healy) and surrogate father figure/plummer August Zabladowski (Peter Lind Hayes). From here, Auntie Em, we're not in Kansas anymore, but at the Terwilliger Institute where we find Bart mano a mano with Dr. T, diligently exercising his "10 Little Dancing Maidens" at the 44,000-key extended bi-level keyboard designed for 500 little boys.

The films most inseussiant highlight is a ballet sequence of by the non-pianistic instrumentalists that Terwilliker has banished to one of his dungeons. Here green skinned trumpeters, string players, percussionists, saxophonists etc. bound about in their tattered tuxes as if performing the halftime routine at the Hell Bowl. How does one play an instrument resembling a man with bells attached to his antlers? You grab him by the neck and shake him, of course. Buglers sway their instruments from right to left while overhead, a percussionist on a rope swings over to bang his drum. A half dozen men in colorful fuzzy mittens man the xylophone. Occasionally, during this bacchanale, there's a cutaway to fresh faced Bart looking on in wonderment. One only hopes he didn't have to witness the event.

There is no moral to this story and no apologies for its perversity. Did anyone have a problem with the roller skating Hassidics who fly about joined at the beard? And what about a piano teacher who wants to wear...well, check it out.

Yes, sir, it's VERY atomic!
"The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T" is a journey into the extraordinary, the unbelievable, and the entertaining. Albeit, it's wacky, but how else should the wonderful world of Dr. Seuss be? If you are up for a fantastic adventure into dreamland, than look no further!

Bart Collins is your average little boy--he loves his mom, he likes to play with his dog, and there is nothing he despises more than practicing the piano. No doubt his eccentric, but strangely captivating piano instructor, Dr. Terwilliker, has something to do with this. After a particularly trying lesson, Bart falls asleep at the ivories and is transported to the Terwilliker Institute, a prison-castle for tiny piano players like himself. He immediately attempts escape, but finds himself surrounded by a whole lot of bizarre characters, including some green-skinned musician-hostages who do not play the piano.

This colorful film may be a bit quirky, but beneath its oddity is a charming story that is sure to involve you and stimulate your imagination. Every aspect of "Fingers" is truly memorable, from the beautiful set to the catchy sing-along numbers to the original screenplay. This is a movie that the entire family will love--kids can identify with Bart and Dr. Seuss, adults can enjoy the music and choreography, and everyone will want to watch it again and again.

Once you watch "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T," you'll see why I went crazy when I was able to tape it on TV (and went crazy when someone taped over it!). I couldn't wait until this title appeared on DVD! Get it while it's hot! :)

YOU MUST SEE THIS
This was my favorite movie as a little kid... and it still is. Its musical peices are fun for children and devilishly clever for adults. The insanity of its plot puts a smile on my face and makes me laugh even though I've seen it so many times. This is a timless classic that is good for people of all ages and is sure to make you laugh. This is just one of those films that you have to see.

Very Seussian
This movie is an excellent movie if you enjoy Dr. Seuss. It does much better than either "The Grinch" or "The Cat in the Hat" in being Seuss-like, and has a pretty good story. Some parts are highly illogical, but what do you expect? I loved it.

Oh, and I'm 13, not 12. ... Read more

Description

In this continuation of "El Mariachi," a traveling musician looking for work gets mistaken for a hitman and is thereby entangled in a web of love, corruption, and death. This leads to a very high body count, involvement with a beautiful woman who works for the local drug lord, and finally, the inevitable face-to-face confrontation and bloody showdown. Stars Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. Deluxe Edition packed with special features! Featurette: "Sneak Peak: Once Upon A Time in Mexico. Featurette: "10 More Minutes: Anatomy of a Shootout." Audio Commentary with Director Robert Rodriguez. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

I couldn't stop laughing
You don't have to be a Kiss fan to love this move (although it sure helps) But of all the comedies of the year, inlcuding Austin Powers 2, Big Daddy, and AMerican Pie, this is the funniest! Not for all tastes, but a must fro everyone with an open sense of humor!

The best 70's movie!
This was the best movie of the summer of 99. Everything about it was awesome. If you liked Dazed and confused, this movie has a great plot and is about four times better.

Detroit Rock City - movie review
Detroit Rock City is a classic teenage rebellion movie. It has a mixture of comedy, teenage pranks, sexual situations, drug use and just plain rock and roll. Even though I didn't grow up in the '70s, this movie will definintely take you back to that time period. Great acting by Edward Furlong and the supporting cast. This movie is a must for KISS fans. The story is of a group of friends, who are in a band and want to goto a KISS concert, but something terrible happens to their tickets, and after that the adventure begins. A very good movie. I am surprised it didn't do that well at the box office. I recommend it highly. If you like teenage rebellion movies or movies set in a different era you will love this film.

A GREAT MOVIE...
I was not expecting this movie to impress me at all and almost didn't go. Being a KISS fan though, I had to see it. 20 minutes into the movie, I knew I was buying it. Sure the acting wasn't the best, but the characters were endearing and the film itself and directing was great. You can see the thought and detail that went into this project and I think Adam Rifkin did a great job in capturing the mood of that era and age. His directing is definitely not "all over the place", but he draws you into the scene and then all of a sudden it changes and you are taken by surprise. The music selections which play through the movie also help in this effect. Let's face it - this is a movie about three guys going to a concert - let's appreciate it for what it is...an entertaining, nostalgic and funny film.

This movie Rocks...and Rolls!
This movie is reminiscent of the great teen films we all loved in the 70s and 80s. It is up there with Animal House, Meatballs, and all the other greats. I am not a huge KISS fan, but this movie was so much more! I recommend this film to anyone who wants to remember what fun, goofy, fantasy fulfillment films were like. ... Read more

Description

Let COREY FELDMAN and COREY HAIM (LICENSE TO DRIVE) take you on a wild romantic comedy adventure with MEREDITH SALENGER (THE KISS), VICTORIA JACKSON (CASUAL SEX?) and screen veterans HARRY DEAN STANTON, PIPER LAURIE and JASON ROBARDS!Set to a hot, hit-filled soundtrack featuring R.E.M.VAN MORRISON, MICKEY THOMAS (of STARSHIP), and the #1 smash hit ROCK ON by MICHAEL DAMIEN, DREAM A LITTLE DREAM is a fun-filled, non-stop adventure for the young at heart."My best friend Bobby is totally cool.We hang together, go to the same school and think rock' n' roll's rad.Bobby's kind of a dreamer.Now he's stuck on some dreamboat named Lainie.She's pretty hot, I guess, but doesn't know he exists.Bobby's got just three days to convince Lainie that she loves him, even though she already does but doesn't know it yet.This whole thing is just too weird - but I'm sticking around to see what happens." - DINGER ... Read more

Reviews (18)

The 80's at it's finest! Not to be missed!
I saw this movie when it first came out... I"ve owned the soundtrack on tape and now on CD... I've bought the movie used from a video store when I couldn't find it new - and I hope that it will somehow get onto DVD... The movie is a must see if not a must own.. the Soundtrack is a MUST OWN for sure... one of my fave's of all time with it's ONLY problem being that it doesn't have the song "Where Is She" by Blue Future on it - if you've seen the movie, you know the song... other than that it's near perfection... another great soundtrack "The Lost Boys" ironically another Corey/Corey tagteam hit...

Great Movie for all Generations.
This movie is a great movie and I have been enchanted by it since I first saw it in the 80's. Now it is out on DVD and I still enjoy it. It is so romantic and has alot of human emotion in it. I have to also admit I used to be in love with Meredith Salenger. She is such a fine actress and Wow, what a bod. This movie has soooo much cool music in it and it appeals to all ages. The romantic part of me loves this movie and it is right up there with another romantic movie that I love, "Xanadu" with Olivia Newton John. Corey Feldman might not have been the best actor ever, but he was excellent in this and the Academy Awards should have noticed. (Like they ever vote for anthing that REALLY deserves it). The rest of the crew made an excellent movie and the dirctor and editor did a first rate job. What else did the director go on to do?

Pick up the sound track and you will love it. I listen to it all the time and the inclusion of the Van Morrison hit "into the mystic" sets the mood for any situation. Beautiful movie and all time classic.

my favorite movie of all time so far
although a hard movie to follow at times,its very entertaining and i know it word for word.i have probably watched it 50 times or so.its not for everyone,but if you like 80s movies about romantic comedy with wild twists you will love this one.its worth a buy for sure,and i suggest getting it new ,for only a few dollars more.

Dinger lives / An 80's gem
One of my favorite films so defining of the 80's. A classic teen angst high school movie but with imagination. I think Corey Feldman & Corey Haim made a great team in this. This film makes you want to go back to the 80's as a teenager in high school, watching it nowadays. I completely related to Corey Haims character Dinger. Dinger and Bobby are best friends Bobby falls for Lainie the hottest girl in school and has to convince her that she loves him before the night's over but here's the story in an accident Bobby switches his body with the old man next store living life thru his eyes and vice versus. The same thing with Lainie and the old man's wife. A romantic comedy with a twist. Pay attention to the characters and their bond. A great film about friendship & relationships in high school. An essential to collection for anyone who grew up in 80's cinema. I own the DVD and the soundtrack is great too.

Dream a little dream on dvd
Just to let you know Dream a Little Dream was released on dvd ... Read more

Reviews (306)

Electrifying and Suspenseful
My favorite film character of all time, the notorious Hannibal Lecter, is gracing film for the last time. Red Dragon is acted with delight and directed with the best. Brett Ratner shocked critics and audiences when he made Red Dragon work.

Anthony Hopkins returns as the cannibalistic doctor who was caught by Will Graham(Edward Norton). Will Graham retires from the FBI, but returns when asked to help find THE TOOTH FAIRY(Ralph Fiennes). The cast is asembaled well. The suspense is good and the overall atmosphere is fantastic.

The DVD is the best. I had to search everywhere for the Director's Edition and when I found it I was pleased. The Directors Edition includes another disc of extras that aim to please. The picture is fantastic and the sound is crystal clear. The extras include: criminal profile of Hannibal, life history of Hannibal, Hannibal's FBI case file, commentary, deleted scenes, (disc 2) directors journey, directors student film, screen tests, makeup application, and much much more.

So if you like thrillers and a good cast, this is a definate buy. If not, be sure to rent it.

Red Dragon Is A Red Hot Thriller
Red Dragon is a fresh remake of "Manhunter". It's the prequel to Silence Of The Lambs, the first film in the Hannibal Lecter Trilogy, whose story concludes with "Hannibal". Based on the novel by Thomas Harris, the suspenseful crime thriller marks the first time Hannibal Lecter appears as a powerful and villainous character. On DVD, it is an experience worth watching, especially for its innovative use of special features.

Anthony Hopkins is Hannibal Lecter, whose very presence, menacing albeit elegant, has become an American cinema icon. Hopkins hosts the DVD, which is quite a treat for his fans, and takes us on a tour of "the dungeon", chalk-full of his criminal profiles and behind-the-scenes looks on the making of the film. Danny Elfman provided the music and we are also treated to some of his more chilling orchestral pieces.

The erratic loner that is Ralph Feines character is similar to Norman Bates in Hitchcock's Psycho, unstable, threatening and unbelievably cruel. He lived in a large home by the swamps of the rural South, and there are hints that he was abused. Eventually, he loses grip on reality and transforms himself into "The Red Dragon", otherwise known as Satan the Devil as seen in the Book of Revelation. In psychotic delusion after seeing a William Blake painting, he is convinced he must do the Devil's work by bringing death and disaster in Apocalyptic proportions.

The F.B. I. agent played by Ed Norton tracks down the killer, and his mission becomes more urgent when the Red Dragon killer is bent on murdering his wife and child. The film is the most gruesome of the Hannibal Lecter films in my personal opinion. It has more R-rated visuals, blood, etc than any of the other films. Not even the dinner scene in Hannibal in which Lecter makes his victim eat his own brain is as shocking in material as some of the horrific atrocities the Red Dragon commits during his killing sprees. Evidently, this film is for a very mature audience, and to be taken as a film that exposes the terrible, inhuman and psychotic psychological make-up of crazed killers. The F.B.I. and police authorities can benefit immensely from watching this film. Other than the gore, the drama is full of suspense, and of course, Anthonly Hopkins as the incarcerated Dr. Lecter is a must see as always. He is witty, dark and humorous and makes his introduction in a film that begins the series.

So, You like the Good Doctor?
Then, Red Dragon is Ok, worth seeing. But, DO NOT MISS "MANHUNTER"!
Aside from some 80's stylings, most notably the closing music over the credits, while still fitting, dates Manhunter, however, appropriately.
Red Dragon is only compelling in that you "Get More", of the book.
The ending is truer.
The acting, and directing is clumsy.
It's difficult to watch Ed Norton fumble through Will Graham's wondeful legacy of Peterson's portrayol in "Manhunter".
Worse still, is watching Anthony Hopkins spew the same lines as Brian Cox, as the "Original" Hannibal Lechtor. Hideous.
Oh, Tony adds his own "Lechtorism's, but, this film is a money grab.
It's odd too, because Dino owns "Manhunter"!!
So, this movie is ONLY a Remake!
When you watch "Manhunter", you will see where Clarissa got her lines.....
"Silence", is the direct descendant of "Manhunter".
And, with Hannibal (the movie, not the book), being left unfinished, there will more than likely be another money grab, hopefully, however, from a book as brilliantly written as the first three.
Make no mistake, Red Dragon exists, simply to "fill a gap" in time, where something can be sold to those of us, who want more "Lechtor".
Manhunter is by far, the superior Movie.
The film's color, and score, all add to the tension, that was only since recaptured in "Silence".
In years to come, Manhunter will stand as the far more mature movie, as it draws on more time honored cinematic core values.

Red Dragon is difficult to watch also, with Lechtor's and Chilton's charachters, hopelessly "Made up" to look as if they're 20 some years younger than (the actors) actually are! It looks silly.
Yes, in the original movie, they were afraid "Red Dragon" would denote a karate film. "Manhunter" is derived from the fact that Will Graham, is Hunting the new serial killer, Frances Dolarhyde.
Bottom Line: I wouldn't advise you miss this movie, if you like the series. But, certainly don't choose this over the real original: "Manhunter". See them both, if you must.....
Dream much, Will?

Pete

"Manhunter", updated for the 2000s
Red Dragon, third in the line of "Hannibal Lector" series featuring Anthony Hopkins, is preceded by the 1986 Michael Mann film, Manhunter. Standing alone, Red Dragon is a good solid film from beginning to end; however, I feel those interested in buying this film or otherwise completing the legacy, should get an idea for how the two film versions of Thomas Harris' first Lector novel differ.

Red Dragon feels more like a psychological horror film than does Manhunter. Those who remember 80's police action films like Clint Eastwood's "Tightrope" or Silvester Stallone's "Cobra" will find Manhunter in common thriller territory. The tension in Red Dragon is strong throughout the film; however we see little development of the Francis Dolarhyde (Tom Noonan) serial killer (known as the Tooth Fairy). While we see the central elements that define his psychosis, we only barely glimpse at his struggle with his own humanity except for through emotion expressed in Ralph Feinnes' eyes. Tom Noonan's Francis is distant and perhaps zombie-like, and so the character is development more through subsequent scenes. Red Dragon is also more bloody -- appropriate for the times; whereas Manhunter has virtually no gore (that I can recall). Absent from Red Dragon is the 80's power pop-rock music that scores Manhunter. This is perhaps for the best as the music used in Red Dragon actually adds atmosphere to the scenes.

The central figure in Red Dragon, FBI agent Will Graham (Edward Norton) is more clearly defined as having a sixth sense that aids him in his investigations. This is less clear in Manhunter as it's arguable that Graham is just highly intuitive. However, William Petersen's portrayal of Graham is darker, more complex. This helps to enrich the drama even more since both the protagonist and antagonist seem to be living inside themselves, shut out from the rest of the world. Brian Cox portrays Hannibal Lector with confidence, but pales in comparison to Anthony Hopkins' more sinister performance. As good a film as Manhunter is, it is difficult to recommend movie fans from overlooking Red Dragon since the success of the film has been built largely on Hopkins' role as the good, er evil doctor.

The 4-star rating I gave to this DVD is not based on the caliber of the film itself but on it's presentation in the DVD and on the extras. The DVD is pretty much standard fare for today, which is a good thing; however, I didn't find myself overly thrilled about the extras.

Ok, but no Manhunter....
Red Dragon was a decent movie by itself, though it relied on the prestige of SOTL too much. It starts off adding an extra scene to include Anthony Hopkins, and continues this habit throughout the movie. These scenes are not in the book and do nothing to further the movie. Red Dragon has an all-star cast, though no one seems to put effort into their role. Most importantly, Edward Norton (playing Will Graham) fails to portray the innner conflict in Graham. He seems unaffected by the case, which couldn't be farther from the truth. Manhunter was a much better movie, with much better directing and acting. In Manhunter, William Peterson plays Graham and does the part much better. Peterson plays a dark, brooding investigator who is truly sacrificing a part of himself to take on the case. This self-sacrifice is the heart of the book, and was largely lost in Red Dragon. I recommend that anyone interested in Red Dragon watch Manhunter instead. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

'Not One of Bruce's Best Work'
I rented this movie because it was supposed to be a suspensful thriller with a shocking twist to it. PLEASE, the only reason- and I do mean reason that I got thru this movie is the fact that I love Bruce Willis and will pretty much watch anything that he does. This movie plot is sooo bad that in this case the word BAD actually means BAD!! I figured out the whole plot within 20 minutes flat. That wasn't even worth the money that I paid. Bruce Willis playing a psychiatrist was different and interesting considering he's always playing tough-guys. I certainly don't know how Jane March got the female lead in this movie. Her acting was very laughable. There are alot of sex scenes in this movie-a first for Bruce. His body looked pretty good. I know he got slammed in this movie for his body and his sex scenes, but I mean if his wife can do it and be successful why can't he? However in the future, the public would rather see him with his clothes on or at least with a sheet around his body.

I'm A Naked Psychopath Schizo - Check Me Out
So here's the deal - Mr. Willis shows up at his buddy's house who is the dude from Quantum Leap. That dude gets aced. Then Willis goes to town on this chick, who's got a sweet ass body, but is kind of weird in the face. Don't get me wrong - I'd tear it up - I'm just saying her face is a little wrecked. Then in the end she's wearing some make-up to make her look like a dude. There was a dude in my junior high that we thought was a chick (...).

Worse than a low budget erotic flick
This movie has everything that any bad movie usually has: bad plot, poor acting, absolutely no chemistry between Willis and March, bad make-up, dissappointing sex scenes, and a primitive dialog.

The ONLY reason to watch this movie is if you absolutely must see Jane March naked. But I think you'd be better off with "The Lover."

It's a guilty pleasure not a great film
I watched this film originally because of Jane March, who I think is a real cutie. (Full disclosure: my wife thinks she looks like a chipmunk but she likes Bruce Willis so she tolerates this film.) It's all I expected: lots of Ms. March, wearing very little when she wears anything at all, and smiling a lot; Bruce Willis ('nuff said), and some really lame "suspense" plot that does little more than provide excuses for more nudity and sexual antics. Do you care? Well, it's no Pulp Fiction! Depends what you want to see, and at least it's a lot easier on the eyes than some of her other turkeys (Provocateur, Tarzan).

Honestly, if you're looking for a film with a story, go elsewhere -- even March's first hit, "The Lover" -- is a good alternative. If you're looking for some guilty pleasure, look no further. Fast-forward through the non-nude scenes and you'll be watching this one over and over. It's a guilty pleasure, but sometimes you just gotta give in.

Color of Night---WOW!!!!!!
I saw this movie as soon as it came out on video and again when it was released on DVD last March 2003. I liked this movie a lot, but was disappointed that the cover on both the VHS and DVD stated (15 extra steamy minutes not shown in theatres). Well, I didn't get a chance to see it in the theatre and finally saw it on DVD and VHS and counted only 5 minutes total and that is all the love scenes combined. I heard that there was a lesbian love scene cut out and probably some more cut out, but who knows. If there is anyone out there who knows where to get the unrated version with NOTHING cut out, let me know. I did like this movie. It kept me on my toes and at the edge of my seat. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When attorney Julie Hastings (Frances McDormand) uncovers corrupt city real estate dealings, evil thugs attack her scientist boyfriend, Peyton Westlake (Liam Neeson). Left for dead after his lab is detonated, he miraculously survives when the ensuing blast hurls him into the nearby harbor. Treated as a John Doe at a city hospital, he is unknowingly submitted to radical therapy which numbs his nerves to feeling--but which heightens his strength and his emotions. Once conscious, Peyton escapes from the hospital and builds a ramshackle lab in an abandoned industrial plant. Horribly burned and scarred by the lab explosion, he uses synthetic skin to impersonate his would-be murderers and seek retribution for their evil deeds. Peyton also tries to reunite with Julie, who believes him to be dead. While the film has an average script, it is overcome by the flashy cinematography of Bill Pope, the bombastic score by Danny Elfman, and the well-choreographed direction of Sam Raimi. The director confidently walks the line between suspense, action, comedy, and romance as he examines a bitter, victimized antihero who risks becoming as monstrous on the inside as he appears on the outside. --Bryan Reesman ... Read more

Reviews (51)

It's a Dark Comic Book Movie.
This is a rather dark movie, based off of a comic book. The film came out not too long after BATMAN and that movie's influence upon DARKMAN is clearly evident (Danny Elfman composed the score and it sounds like he just recycled some of his BATMAN stuff). The story is about a brilliant scientist who is turned into a mutant after his lab is destroyed by some hired criminals. Liam Neeson does a decent job of acting considering how much cheese and cliches are involved in his scenes. Frances McDormand is a great actress but her skill and beauty are wasted here and she looks like she just took this gig so she could pay the bills. Sam Raimi is a talented director and his skill as a filmmaker continues to improve with each movie he makes. By the time he made DARKMAN he was becoming an established talent, and his skill is what keeps the movie together. The script isn't horrible and contains some allegorical connotations. However, the film doesn't allow for those issues to really be examined and explored. Overall, the movie makes for a nice piece of jawbreaker-mind-candy.

A very special movie
Sam Raimi doesn't ever seem like it's hard for him to make movies this good, probably because he has natural talent to make his movies funny, fun and full of excitement. Close viewers and movie buffs will fully realize the larger-than-life style all of the characters in this movie have. Actors like Liam Neeson and Frances McDormand put alot of power into this flick, and Raimi puts so much over-the-top style into it, it's not just a Batman spin-off, it's able to hold it's own as a great superhero movie.
Extra nodds to Raimi and Neeson, who really are apart of what made Darkman a spectacle of cinematic viewing. P.S. Also look out for Bruce Campbell at the climax.

Comic THRILLER!!
I'm not a Darkman fan but I have to admit this movie was great. There is lots of good action and great lines. I certainly loved this movie. Great!

snoopy133704
Darkman is one of the best Dark comicbook adaptations ever done. Sam Raimi directing Liam Neeson and a excellent cast in what I call a movie that i never tire of seeing( and i've seen it at least 40 to 50 times!!! 10 when it was in a regular theatre!!!!!!!) Good transfer to DVD. I would've given it five stars if it would've had DTS or Dolby 5.1 and more extras!! Hope Universal does a 10th Anniversary ED. in 2005! If you love Action in the Batman or comic book Genre this is it!!!!

This Movie Deserves 0 Stars
I walked out of the theatre after about a half hour of this violent mess. I literally could not stomach such grossness. The reviews led me to believe this might be fairly good, so I went to see it in the theatre -- it was nothing like they described.

I could not stomach it, and as I wrote, I walked out of the theatre after about thirty minutes, which was about twenty minutes too long. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Hilary Duff Shines as Cinderella
Hilary Duff stars in this movie as a girl whose father dies in an earthquake. Because there is no will left her stepmother gets everything, including Sam (Hilary).

The movie picks up 8 years later where Sam is a senior in high school preparing to go to college at Princeton (that is, if she gets accepted). High school isn't exactly a happy experience for Sam as she has only two friends. One real, one an email friend that texts her constantly. To everyone else in the school she's know as Diner Girl.
Home isn't any better, as she is forced to live in the attic, do all of the chores, wait on her stepmother and sisters constantly, and work seven days a week at the diner owned by her stepmother.

Since I saw the previews of this movie I thought it looked funny. I've been looking forward to it since the first preview. However, now that it's out and I read the reviews I was nervous. Luckily my fears weren't realized. This movie ended up being a sweet, family friendly, romantic comedy. Duff does an excellent job of portraying Sam. She truly is an excellent young actress, the pep rally scene is proof of this.

While this movie wasn't really laugh out loud funny, it was funny at times, but more than that it was sweet and, for lack of a better word, cute. The direction was really nice. It wasn't super artsy, but it was well done and added a certain beauty to the film.

Cinderella Story ended up being a really sweet movie that deserves a better reaction than it recieved. Great acting, a clever update of an old fairy tale, an awesome soundtrack, and a likeable cast makes for a great afternoon at the movies.

Cinderella Story Is Better Than Expected
Cinerella Story is about a not-so-popular girl finding love online and meeting her prince charming who turns out to be the school's most popular guy.

While it is a simple story, the movie turns out to be hilariously funny and immensly entertaining. It is by no means Oscar-worthy, but it is a great movie nonetheless.

Hilary Duff delivers a good performance as Sam, our Cinerella, and her football playing prince, Chad Michael Murray also does well. Jennifer Coolidge brings in the laughs as the evil stepmother and Regina King delivers a strong performance as always as Sam's co-worker and her 'fairy godmother'.

Overall this is a great movie and I'd recommend it to all, especially fans of Hilary's or the other stars and those of you who want to see a comedy or a feel-good movie now. So, go see it!

Exellent
A cinderella story was the best movie in the world,and better then any of the other movies hilary duff played in. I love hilary duff so i see all of the movies and buy all the movies she is in!! If you buy this movie you WON'T regret it!! I am a 12 year old girl that is very critical about judging movies so take my advice!!

Fabulouse
i dragged my boyfriend to see this film because i just love hilary duff and have to see any film she is in and we BOTH really enjoyed it! i thought it was fantastic how they acted out the story of cinderella and gave it the perfect modern day teenage twist. As usual Hilary looks absolutley gorgeous expecially with her sparkling dress on. Prince charming is also gorgeous and and girl my age would die for him and i just think its the perfect file for any teenager who doesnt want to admit shes loves a good fairy tale and all the children will love it too! Get it and believe me u will love it!

A Cinderella Story
I really think that this movie was really really good! I give it 5 stars, but some parts were kinda cheesy. Some parts of this movie are kind of inappropriate for younger children eyes, as in the end at the football game. (Yo, Hilary, let someone else have Chad, will ya?)Laugh out loud.
The movie is really about a girl named Sam who dad dies in a earthquake. Her meanie-mo step-mom name is Fiona, and Sam has to do everything Fiona tells her. Then there is Sam's "Fairy God mother" whos name is Rhonda. Rhondas name for Fiona is PotatoHead. Then Sam gets all these Text messages and e-mails. Oops! You have to watch the movie to know the rest! ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A classic without peer
The brothers Hocheiser make a solemn promise to their dying father that they will "never put their mother (Ruth Gordon) in a home." But brother Gordon (George Siegel) gets stuck with the old dingbat and she is wrecking his life. His law practice is falling apart, his sex life nonexistent, and he can't even hire a nurse to take care of the wacko. Then, suddenly, a nurse-- the girl of his dreams comes along, but mother has other ideas. This wonderful, creative, hilarious 1970 classic comedy directed by Carl Reiner with its gallows humor could not be made today. We have lost much of our artistic freedom to political correctness, commercial timidity and lack of creative talent. But don't take my word for it, ask Mel Brooks who has remarked that some of his movies could not be made today either. Fortunately we can get the video. The movie does require a somewhat offbeat taste to appreciate. Everything and everyone is in a kind of reality warp, the Hocheiser family, the Central Park muggers, the police, the nurse Louise (Patricia Van Devere). The movie is also comment on life in America in 1970, and on how family members manipulate each other with guilt. Finally, I like the ending the movie was released with, it really does work better artistically.

Hilarious Adult comedy!
One of Carl Reiners best! George Segal (Just shoot me) is at his best. Ruth Gordon(Any Which way but loose) steals alot of scenes though as George`s senile mother.This movie is a must see for everyone over the age of 18. I guarantee you`ll hurt yourself laughing.

Been there, done that
If you've ever taken care of an elderly parent, you've got to see this movie. Each time I watch it, I feel like I'm living it. The person who wrote this movie must have taken care of an elderly parent or relative. Totally hysterical. If you don't think it's funny, it's because you have taken care of any older person.

A VERY BLACK COMEDY....
George Segal is wonderful as Gordon the attorney stuck with his aging addled Mama. Ron Liebman is appropriately befuddled as the nerdish brother Sidney and Trish Van Devere (in her film debut) is strangely idyllic as Gordons' new girlfriend. But it's Ruth Gordon who's watchable here. She is fearless in her hilarious (and, yes, touching) portrayal of Mama. You never know if it's all an act to keep her son Gordon hamstringed or if she's really senile or ,by todays' standards, in the onset of Alzheimers'. She's such a skilled performer. Whatever the truth is, she's delightful to watch. This is a "bare bones" disc: no real extras except the trailer and the bizarre alternate ending ("Papa's here") which I won't describe. The film looks great and it is very tasteless in spots but nonetheless enjoyable if you're game. A must if you're a Segal or Gordon fan and a rare treasure of way-y-y-y off-beat black comedy.

Controversial Even Then
From the moment George Segal dons a gorilla suit and leaps on mom's bed, growling and beating a shaggy chest, whereupon mom (Ruth Gordon) delivers a paralyzing fist to his groin, the audience knows this is not a typical family relationship. In fact, the rest of the film elaborates hilariously on the mounting desperation middle-aged bachelor and attorney Segal faces as he tries to outwit the aged and addled Gordon, who turns his every stab at independence into humiliating defeat. Poor Gordon Hocheiser, he's facing a bleak future, unless something is finally done about mom.

This is a signature movie of the 60's, a companion piece to that other iconoclast comedy of the period, Harold and Maude. Only here, the counter-cultural message is less noticeable, limited pretty much to mock face-offs with a deranged army general and a marauding football coach. The screenplay is richly inventive, trading on the unexpected in often highly provocative ways. The film however belongs to Segal whose comedy instinct proves flawless, his hang-dog deadpan growing ever longer as the gallows grow ever closer. We want him to win, get control of life, and escape mom's clinging grasp. But can he.The film is not so much an attack on aged parents as a healthy plea for adult independence--old lady Hocheiser has few redeeming qualities while Gordon's irrepressible girlishness, unlike her role in Harold and Maude, resembles that of a demented kewpie doll. Admittedly, the movie is not for everyone, many scenes being as outrageous as they are funny. Yet the social commentary remains lively and incisive, and despite fashions of the day, retains a distinct relevancy. (Consider the old age home operated as a zombified warehouse by Paul Sorvino looking and acting like a mafia capo.) (My copy, incidentally, contains a humorously satisfying conclusion of a car exiting in long shot.) So, if you're curious about what even the permissive and freewheeling 60's found controversial, then take a chance on this one. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Billy Chapel (Kevin Costner) is having a bad day. His girlfriend Jane (Kelly Preston, stunning as ever) says she's leaving, and his boss (Brian Cox) says he's selling the business and ace employee Billy may be out of job. Sounds like business as usual for an old-fashioned veteran. However, the business is baseball and for Billy Chapel, the 40-year old former all-star for the Detroit Tigers, it means his career--and his life--is at a crossroads.

Although it is no Bull Durham, For Love of the Game finds a solid and very believable role for Costner. The film is based on Michael Shaara's (The Killer Angels) stream-of-consciousness novel (the rough manuscript was found after his death 1988). The entire film takes place on Billy's day on the mound against the Yankees, a meaningless late-season game for the Tigers, but everything for Billy. In flashbacks, he lingers over his long relationship with Jane and his baseball career (from World Series heroism to a career-threatening injury). His one viable link to the game at hand is his catcher, played winningly by John C. Reilly. Costner, like Chapel, is looking for one more great performance, but the film is too simplistic and loopy at times to resonate. The love story has an extra helping of cuteness, and legendary baseball announcer Vin Scully nearly takes on a leading role, waxing grandiloquent. It's no grand slam, but a soliddouble. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Brings back memories of when I loved this game.
I've always been a Costner fan, even when he has stretched my patience. "For the Love of the Game" did a lot for me in bringing back fond memories of the game which I used to love when I was a kid. Costner's sports movies are among his most entertaining, and bringing in Vin Skully added tremendously to the realism of this film.

Although I do agree (somewhat) in many reviewers' disappointment concerning the relationship aspect in this film, it still held enough interest for me that I enjoyed the film as a whole (heck, I almost bought it hook-line-and-sinker, but then again, I can be a real sucker). I also liked how the love aspect of the story was told in flashbacks as Chapel (Costner) was pitching the game of his life. I believe that many people may actually enjoy this film who are not baseball fans, but it sure couldn't hurt if you were.

Between 1 and 10, I give "For the Love of the Game" a solid 7. It's nice to see an actor who is athletic enough to pull off a sports movie and make it look real. Some of the scenes (where people are watching the "game" on television, ala Kelly Preston at the airport bar) looked 100 percent authentic. I would have no hesitation in viewing this film a second time, especially the dvd version (if it puts back what was left on the cutting room floor, as one reviewer indicated).

Kevin Costner plays a 40 year old pitcher
Kevin Costner again stars in another baseball movie. This time he is a 40 year old pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. As the movie opens, he has dinner in his hotel room and a drink at a minibar. The next morning he awakes with 3 bad news.

(A) The team owner (Brian Cox) has sold the Tigers, (B) He might get traded, (C) His on and off girl firend he leaving him and taking a job in London, Because she tells him "you don't need me, you'r perfect with the ball and the diamond. Not the thing you want to hear when you are facing retirement.

Billy Chapel (Kevin Costner) has to decide to hang it up after 19 years or have a 20th season? His girlfriend is Jane Aubrey (Kelly Preston). She is his on and off girlfriend.

Then it flashes 5 years before a game in New York, when Billy and Jane first met. At first she doesn't know who he is until a tow-truck driver says, "Hey your Billy Chapel."

Anybody Kevin Costner's age might be retired from baseball. Kevin Costner had two or more baseball films before this, and when of them was called "Field of Dreams".

Soon he has to look for his grandfriend's daughter named Heather (Jena Malone). Which after first she says freedoom. The movie was directed by Sam Raimi. If you love baseball, then this is the one for you.

I loved this movie
this movie has to be one of the best baseball and love movies I have ever seen. It is perfect for a date because the guy can get into the baseball part and aa little bit of the love story and the girl can get into the love story and a little bit of the baseball story without feeling let down

Costner should stick to baseball and Westerns
If Costner stuck to baseball movies and westerns he would be fine. This was a really good movie. It is actually a cross between a chick flick and a sports movie. The baseball scenes are expertly done and the other part of the storyline is expertly woven into the movie. I really enjoyed this movie and think lots of other people will too. Even if you've read the book, you should still see this movie. Just my opnion though, I could be wrong.

Not a baseball fan
I am not a baseball fan but i can tell you this movie is really good it is really deep full of emotion. I don't know anything about the game basball i live in England but yet i was able to really enjoy it bcoz it doesn't really focus on the game but on the personal life of a successful baseball player. Brilliant buy it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Allies had barely driven the Nazis out of Rome when RobertoRosselini went to work on Open City, considered by most to be his greatest work.Shot on bits and short ends of scavenged film, this film helped define Italian neorealism.Audiences were convinced that the actors were all amateurs (they weren't) and the whole film was improvised (it wasn't; the three screenwriters included Federico Fellini).With its semidocumentary camera style and use of actual locations, the film does feel very real.Of course, so does the opening half-hour of Saving Private Ryan, and like that film Open City is at its heart a classic war yarn any Hollywood studio would feel at home with. The story involves members of the Italian underground trying to smuggle badly needed cash out of Nazi-occupied Rome to partisan fighters in the mountains, while the Nazis are hunting down one of the underground, a notorious freedom fighter and seditionist.Anna Magnani (an actor well established in her own country who became an international star with this film) is often singled out for her portrayal as the pregnant, unwed woman who gets caught up in the action on her wedding day, but the entire cast is topnotch.The sparse subtitles are both a blessing and a curse--there is less to read, which allows the viewer to concentrate on the visuals, but there are times when non-Italian-speakers will feel like they're missing out on some juicy dialogue. --Geof Miller ... Read more

Reviews (16)

In the smallest list of the greatest films of all time
Open City is generally considered to be in the top ten films of all time in terms of historical cinematic importance, stylistic achievement, and emotional power. It established the modern film, using available light, actual settings and a mix of theatrical and non-theatrical actors. Its musical score is breathtaking. It remains the first modern film, the first Italian neo-realist film, and possibly the most powerful film ever made. I have seen it three times in a theatre. Each time, virtually the entire audience was overwhelmed, sobbing uncontrolably at the end of the picture.

There has been so much written about this picture, I will only mention a few details. It was shot in Rome using captured German newsreal film as the Nazis left town. (Which is the reason the film quality bounces around as the differing film stocks were used.) When Ingrid Bergman saw the picture, she fell in love with the director she had never met, left her husband, flew to Italy, and married Rossellini.

There are too many great scenes to list. Let me just say that the near-final scene when the little priest damns the German officer and then apologizes to God is, for me, the single greatest moment in film.

Open City should be seen and owned by anyone interested in the movies.

Rossellini's Breakthrough
Italian film owes much to Roberto Rossellini. World film owes him more than he's worth, I'm afraid. Made under some of the most impoverished conditions an underground film ever had to face, Rome Open City has its moments of almost "documentary" realness. But then Rossellini had to tell a hopelessly melodramatic story of partisans betrayed by faithless women (most assuredly not Anna Magnani!) tortured by Nazis without betraying a single comrade, while an Italian priest watches over it all like Edmond O'Brien and invokes the wrath of God on the Germans. Far less "neo-realist" than propagandistic. Yet Rossellini got a career (and Ingrid Bergman) out of it.

Filmed in Anger
I watched Jean Renoir's Grand Illusion and Rossellini's Open City one day apart. Renoir's film about WWI prisoners of war was filled with nuance, ambiguity, and a sense of now muddy the waters are in life.

Rosselini's Open City rejected nuance and ambiguity; it was an angry film and understandibly so. Yet both Rosselini's film and Renoir's film attempt to reveal what is noble in humans.

Many criticisms can be made of Rosselini's film--other reviewers have made them--but it is a film that has an impact on the viewer. But the viewer should be reminded of one of Renoir's points: to what exent does the belief in black and white and the belief that good will eventually triumph serve as a grand--but false--illusion.

The viewer of Open City should keep in mind the real world political context of the film: the resistence movement in Italy was often led by communists. This was true in many other European countries during WWII. Rossellini's film certainly presented a communist leader as noble and heroic.

This was a real problem for the US forces which displaced the Germans. Domestic communists often had the most legitimacy of all groups who resisted the Germans. US policies in the immediate post-WWII period often attempted to undercut the political standing of the communists. Some have argued that the post-war Marshall plan for the reconstruction of Europe was based on the attempt to foster pro-business groups in Europe in order to undercut the social standing of communists.

I'm sure that the US post-war European authorities hated Open City because of OC's celebration of the role of communisits.

Five stars for the film - Four stars for the DVD
This is an awesomely powerful film - great movie! This is a must-see film for all movie fans worldwide. I loved the characters! They are so memorable - wonderful characters!
There are so many subtleties in this film, such as the "inverted" sexuality of the evil Nazi leaders, the cooperation of the Catholic clergy and the Communist rebels, the "good wife" vs her wanna-be starlet younger sister, the future of Italy expressed by the children at the end of the film, etc that it takes several viewings to absorb it all, but the ride is worth it.
The DVD is mastered at somewhat less than perfect standards however and the subtitling is part of the film and not overlaid and clearer in image unfortunately. There are no extras on the DVD, nor is there an audio-commentary track which would have been a wonderful addition! (Maybe next time).
Still, this is a brilliant film and I highly recommend it!!!

All roads lead to OPEN CITY ...
A few thoughts after reading these reviews...

OC is one of the top half-dozen films ever made. The attempt by Kino Video to make a version of this classic for the 'sweet-and-light' crowd by excluding (actually, they diminish) the blowtorch shot, is an abomination.

I'm glad this film is only $.... It is abridged in this edition. The Conoisseur Video print is, as others here have indicated, superior for that reason. Films like this go for about $... in these 'art house' editions. The viewer is, however, being cheated of the overall impact of the film by this Kino 'dollar-saver' edition.

You can regard a scene as brutal. However, trying to adapt a classic like OC for the 10-year-olds' market, or for effetely over-sensitive types is ridiculous. Would you take 'White-Out' to a Bosch painting ?

I consider this slashing of OC to be on the order of tampering with the classic scene in 'Citizen Kane' of Orson Welle's trashing the bedroom. It is regrettable.

For this reason, I am unlikely to procure a Kino Video copy of this film. I would be cheating my guests who I introduce this film to. I lament that I have waited so long to procure a copy. The more complete Conoisseur Video print is, as of this date, unavailable.(It features the Italian title footage,'ROMA: Citta Aperta' at the beginning, with an overhead shot of the city, by the way, for those who like to know such things...)

... and Kino has the gall to feature a snip of the blowtorch scene on the back package/cover, as though to imply it is included in their print! What a rip-off ... Rossellini would turn in his grave.

Kino deserves to be snubbed for the violence they have done to this print. It offends and irritates me deeply. They should be hissed off the stage. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Escaping? Why Not Take the Train?
A lot of effort went into this 1965 military war film classic. Now you don't have to wait for the movie on American Movie Classics to see it in wide-screen. The DVD version was released in Summer 2001. Frank Sinatra, playing the part of a downed American pilot, leads hundreds of POWs on a dash for the Swiss frontier in this action packed movie. Most of the action takes place on a hijacked Italian train, formerly commanded by the German military, as it winds its way ever deeper into enemy territory. Trevor Howard and Edward Mulhare (Known best for his roles in American television shows such as The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and Knight Rider)co-star. Also, look for Wolfgang Preis reprising the role of a German officer for the un-teenth time in his long career (The Longest Day, Anzio, Raid on Rommel, A Bridge Too Far, Battle of the Commandos, The Train, Is Paris Burning?, Ike the War Years, etc.). This film has nonstop action, train chases, aerial attacks and scenic Italian locations. If you haven't seen this film in wide-screen, now's your chance.

Frank Sintatra Express
Von Ryan's Express is a somewhat unheralded -- yet must see -- film for WWII fans and Sinatra fans alike.

Granted, the movie is a smidgen below The Great Escape, but not by much. If you liked that movie, and who didn't, then you are sure to like this one. Instead of Steve McQueen this has Frank Sinatra who carries this role off to perfection. What makes Von Ryan's character so appealing is the believable character growth. Ryan begins appeasing his captors in exchange for fairer treatment; but over the course of the movie this changes radically and he leads a prison escape on a hijacked train through the spectacular Alps of Northern Italy.

The movie also offers fine acting by Trevor Howard, and an unknown Italian beauty. The costumes and sets are perfect recreations and of interest to people who reminisce or read about that era. Dialogue is excellent. And scenery is of sweeping beauty. I also loved the old trains.

This movie is an unheralded gem. Recommended.

outstanding WWII action film
Easily one of the best action movies I've seen, and it just goes to show you that action movies don't need gratuitous violence to be awesome (it's rated PG). If this had been made today, it would have probably starred Brad Pitt and would have been gruesome just for the sake of being gruesome, but instead it stars Frank Sinatra (?? didn't know he could act well, this was first movie I saw him in) and most violence is implied, making it seem almost more intense. Awesome and highly recommended.

Surprisingly good
My apologies in advance to the legion of fans out there, but somehow the idea of a "good" Frank Sinatra film seems oxymoronic. But this is a fine film, with Sinatra believable as the American martinet, and a simply outstanding supporting cast. I must single out for special mention the wonderful performance by Edward Mulhare, a much underrated actor, who rarely had the opportunity to show what he could do. His performance as Father Costanza is a gem, and one of the elements that makes this movie really work (and his German is excellent!).

Top Quality
This is a great WWII movie with a wonderful storyline. ... Read more

Description

At the Blue Iguana, in the heart of LA's San Fernando Valley, the lives of five strip club dancers converge over the course of one week. Angel (Daryl Hannah), attempts to qualify as a foster mother; Jasmine (Sandra Oh), is a clandestine poet who finds love at a coffee house reading; Jo (Jennifer Tilly), faces an unplanned pregnancy; Stormy (Sheila Kelley), confronts her bewildering past and Jesse (Charlotte Ayanna) gets a tough introduction to life in LA. This glimpse into the oft-misunderstood world of the strip club bares each girl inside and out both onstage and off, providing an insight to the story behind the dance. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A Daring Chance for All Involved..and It Works!
How refreshing to see a film that is made as a group effort, that gives as much credibility to the Director (Michael Radford) as it does to the actors (Daryl Hannah, Jennifer Tilly, Sheila Kelly, Charlotte Ayanna, Elias Kosteas, and Sandra Oh) and to the camera men, costumers, etc. This is a tough slice of life to examine - the sordid existence of the women who work the strip joints in the San Fernando Valley - and the technique of using the improvisational style greatly enhances the feeling of reality.

Each of the characters in this dark film were given enough information about their character to have an outline which they then fleshed out into the richly three dimensional characters we see on the screen. This takes great courage on the part of a director, but given the quality of talent involved, the payoff is well worth it. Sandra Oh gives a thrilling performance of a poet-by-day/stripper-by-night and finally has a venue for showing how richly talented she is. Daryl Hannah turns in a wholly believeable bravura performance as a less than bright yet tender and near delusional young woman in search of a life that makes sense. Jennifer Tilly gives an over the edge portrayal of a leather-type who perhaps holds more aching tenderness beneath her tough shell that she herself knows. Sheila Kelly's character just smolders. All of the actresses have the courage to 'bear it all' in the dance sequences and we can only applaud their commitment to Michael Radford's sense of style.

This is a much overlooked little movie that will probably surface in the art houses on a routine basis as a film ahead of its time.

Don't pass it by
Too many people (including myself) passed this by upon its release, and thankfully with the advent of Video and DVD, it may get a second shot at life.

Cast off any aspersions that this is another T&A movie. There is nudity, but it's (for the most part) tastefully done, and not always gratuitous. Unlike such moronic fare as "Striptease" or "Coyote Ugly", this film aspires to much higher ground, more along the lines of Atom Egoyan's brilliant "Exotica".

*side note* like that film, it includes a lot of Leonard Cohen and features noted Canadian character actor Elias Koteas! Coincidence?

Daryl Hannah acquits herself admirably, and Jennifer Tilly does a great job of combining pathos and comedy (the S&M scene is hysterical), but the standout here is Canadian actress Sandra Oh ("Last Night"), who plays outside of type and has you alternatively seduced and saddened along with her character.

Not to be ignored; rent it, then tell a friend. Films like this are few and far between.

Too lousy to be campy
This movie is so poorly directed and acted (Hats off to Darryl Hannah for a horse faced perfromance) that it can't even be enjoyed as a midnight movie. All the characters are underdeveloped and the story so muddled, you actually get bored when the girls are stripping. The movie is really long and horribly improvised. Sandra Oh is the only credible actress and does her best to carry all the scenes. The documentary about real strippers (on the dvd edition) and where the story was inspired, is what should have been released as a movie. It's more interesting and gritty.

just purely terrible
...in which a group of moderately talented big name movie actresses get somebody to film their improv class. Said class apparently exists to allow them to fulfill their fantasies of being strippers, a lifestyle they interpret with all the eloquence and passion you'd expect from poorly educated, not very bright in the first place young women who've skated through life on their looks.

Not what one would expect...
When I first looked at the cover and saw that the movie had Jennifer Tilly in it, I figured it was just another soft-core quasi-porn film and put it back on the shelf. Months later, out of boredom, I finally rented it. The movie turned out to be quite interesting and not at all like what the cover would lead one to believe. Jennifer Tilly is still Jennifer Tilly of course but, fortunately, she has a minor role.

I highly recommend this intelligent film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Wayne and Robert Ryan co-star in Flying Leathernecks, Nicholas Ray's intense 1951 war movie that managed to appeal to RKO studio chief Howard Hughes's passion for thrilling aerial footage while supplying Ray's own fascination with the human psyche under near-inhuman duress. Wayne plays Major Dan Kirby, commander of a Marine Flying Corps squadron in the South Pacific of World War II. After witnessing the slaughter of men under his command at Midway, Kirby is battle-hardened and in no mood for the familiar style of his executive officer (Ryan). Emotions are further strained as Kirby's pilots are picked off one by one in grueling missions, leading to a crisis that ultimately forces each man to reevaluate his attitude toward sending men to their likely doom. The drama is built around extensive, startling documentary footage of battle action in the sky, but what makes Flying Leathernecks unique is its literate, psychologically probing script. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Flying Leathernecks!!........cool flying.........go Marines
Flying Leathernecks is one of my favorite war dramas to watch on a boring, rainy, summer day. John Wayne is a Marine avatior who drives his men to the edge during training and in the war, installing hatred in their hearts againist him, especially his second in command, played by Robert Ryan, who clashes with Wayne, but goes easy on the squad. Later in the movie, Wayne teaches Ryan the importance of being hard and rough on the squad. This movies should have got some Oscar nominations for
Best Actor: John Wayne
Best Cinematography
Best Supporting Actor: Robert Ryan and for
Best Special Effects.
If you were in the Marine Corps, and if you want to see some old war planes, like Corsairs, Wildcats, a PBY seaplane, and a real harsh look at what Marine Corps pilots went through in WWII, give this movie a try. I recemend it to anyone who served in the Marines, John Wayne fans, and models buffs. Semper Fi Go Marines.

Sands of Iwo Jima in the air
Flying Leathernecks is an entertaining John Wayne adventure about a squadron of Marine fighters stationed on Guadalcanal during the fierce fighting. The Duke plays Major Daniel Kirby, a new squadron leader who tries to get the men into fighting shape as he tries to prove his theory of ground attacks heavily supported by air support. Kirby and his executive officer, Captain Griffin butt heads as they argue over how to treat the men. The plot might sound familiar to Sands of Iwo Jima which it is, but it is still a quality movie. The aerial shots are taken from actual WWII footage that work pretty well with the shots of the actors in their planes. The story is fairly predictable, but it is still worth a watch if nothing else.

John Wayne is pretty good as tough as nails Major Kirby, a role very similar to his role as Sergeant Stryker that earned him a Best Actor nomination. Robert Ryan gives a decent performance as Captain Griffin, who Kirby believes is not ready to take over command of the squadron. Wayne and Ryan work well together throughout. Don Taylor plays Griffin's brother-in-law and fellow squadron member. Jay C. Flippen has a very funny role as Master Sergeant Clancy, Kirby's line chief who has a talent for taking things that are just lying around. Like all Duke movies, I hope this one gets a DVD release since the VHS is not in the best of shape. For an enjoyable Duke adventure, check out Flying Leathernecks!

The Duke on Command
The Duke himself is in this movie about Marine pilots in the South Pacific during World War II. Since this movie was made in the fifties, there is not a lot of gore and violence. The fight scenes you see are mostly actual footage from aerial combats during WWII.

The movie centers around two things. First, it shows the usage of military planes providing close ground support. Repeatedly, everyone mentions it can't be done, but the Duke and his group continue to show that it is viable. Second, we see the agonies of command.

John Wayne is a major who is not always liked by his subordinates. He is a career military man trying to keep his team, mostly young college men, alive by enforcing discipline. He drives them relentlessly as the executive officer tries to ease up on them. By the end of the movie, the executive officer gets an explanation on why it is necessary for commanders to push their men.

For military film buffs or John Wayne fans, I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

flying leathernecks
This is one of the finest of the DUKES WWII movies which exemplifies the American fighting mans indominatable wills to endure and win above all odds

john wayne gives the marines air support
typical world war two aviation yarn starring the duke as the tough as nails squadron commander. good supporting cast. a plus for the film is the fact that its shot in color, a rarity for this type of film at the time. if you like john wayne and ww2, you'll like flying leathernecks ... Read more

Description

In New York City, the Hasidim are a common sight, but their way of life remains a mystery to those outside their community. With their use of Yiddish, their distinctive clothes and their strict observance of Jewish ritual and law, the Hasidim are considered by many an insular people with little connection to mainstream America. And yet their values are those that many Americans find most precious: family, community, and a life of meaning.In this extraordinarily intimate film, seven years in the making, we are taken into the depths of the Hasidim's joyous, sometimes harsh, and often-beautiful world. From mystical tales to mesmerizing music, Rebbes to Holocaust survivors, A Life Apart reveals a strange, insular world few outsiders have seen, and fewer yet could imagine. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Vivid portrait of a living people...
Even after several viewings, this video is still compelling and colourful. Nimoy and Parker lovingly narrate, describing accurately the joy and depth of life in these religious communities.

I found that a few of the interviewees came across as caricatures: the lazy yeshiva student (all grown up but unwilling to take on the responsibilities of real life), the dissatisfied feminist poet (Pearl Gluck, who was raised in a Chassidic family and decided to leave). So, please... if you watch this movie (and I do recommend it!), be aware that these caricatures are not representative. Most members of these communities are hard-working and devout; the "dropout rate" is astonishingly low. But that's a little less interesting on film, so you've got to take what you can get.

This documentary would be valuable for anyone interested in Judaism, or religious life in America, but it's especially helpful for non-religious Jews who have always been curious (or suspicious, or even hostile) about this closed little world.

Vivid portrait of a living people...
Even after several viewings, this video is still compelling and colourful. Nimoy and Parker lovingly narrate, describing accurately the joy and depth of life in these religious communities.

I found that a few of the interviewees came across as caricatures: the lazy yeshiva student (all grown up but unwilling to take on the responsibilities of real life), the dissatisfied feminist poet (Pearl Gluck, who was raised in a Chassidic family and decided to leave). So, please... if you watch this movie (and I do recommend it!), be aware that these caricatures are not representative. Most members of these communities are hard-working and devout; the "dropout rate" is astonishingly low. But that's a little less interesting on film, so you've got to take what you can get.

This documentary would be valuable for anyone interested in Judaism, or religious life in America, but it's especially helpful for non-religious Jews who have always been curious (or suspicious, or even hostile) about this closed little world.

Excellent documentary
This is an excellent documentary. It is narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker and Leonard Nimoy. There is a great deal of footage of several Hasidic groups in Brooklyn, many interesting interviews (of course), and some footage filmed in Eastern Europe. Although the point of view of the film is from the outside looking in, there is a definite affection for the subject matter on the part of the filmmakers. The film includes some dissenting voices as balance (a neighborhood person who finds the hasidim rude, a former hasidic woman who has left the community to become a professional academic). The tape also includes a PBS interview with the two filmmakers. Highly recommended as cultural documentary and as a film about the Hasidim.

A MUST SEE
I was given this Video to look at by a friend who had converted to Judaism. Since much of it was filmed where I live and I know personally some of the people in it, I have a different perspective. I have suggested to a number of people to see this in order to see what real chassidim are like. It is the closest you will ever get to it unless you actually live in the community. It is NOT perfect, and there are a few things that I would like to point out.

1. Most of what the scholars say is funny, and not to be taken seriously. They seem to show an uncanny ability of not understanding.
2. Some of the critiques of chassidim show a non-Jewish perspective. (The feminist views were funny. I find it hard to believe that a man who has to rise early and go to work in the cesspool of Manhattan is exposed to more spirituality, then a women who stays home in a pure enviornment raising pure holy children. It seems women get more spiritual benefit from that lifestyle then the men.)
3. I never got an understanding of why Pearl Gluck left the community. In general they did not point out that people leaving is very rare, and women leaving is even rarer.
4. Some of the Yiddish translations are not so correct.

However, the positives far outweigh the negatives. And in any case, there really is nothing out there that gets as close to the truth as this does.

In Search of...Jews
With Manis Friedman and Shmuely Boteach popularizing the philosophy and beliefs of Orthodox Judaism, particulary the Chasidic branch of Lubavitch from which they both began (although Rabbi Boteach parted ways with Chabad over a decade ago) the world of the Hasidim is larger than ever before. Of course, the Lubavitch branch of Hasidim is merely the most popular and "evangelistic" (using that term loosely since they only reach out to Jews and they are much less eager to tell non-observant Jews what's good about them than what's wrong.) but there are several branches and most are based in NYC. Many filmmakers have recently used the Hasidic lifestyle in their movies - Price above Rubies, Kadosh, Stranger Among Us, The Chosen - and interest continues.

Unfortunately this video is merely window dressing. There are some good stories, some vignettes, plenty of shots of the neighborhoods (which are hard to get if the director of THe Believer is right) but a lot of it is reinforcement of the romanticized image vs. the distaste that non-observant Jews have with Chasidic Jews. It shows the female "rabbi" complaining that the Chasidic Jews didn't want her talking to their son because she was dressed immodestly. It has the formerly Chasidic woman talking about her life outside the community and her continued affection for it. It shows the professors painting the communities with broad strokes (don't go to college, only gets married, doesn't take jobs that require advanced degrees, stay poor, etc.) ignoring the exceptions like the Lubavitchers going to college or the diamond businesses. Most of it rings true. Some rings rather false - especially the non-Chasidim passing judgment on the Chasidic - as with the Macalaster professor smugly stating that if men are distracted by women's voices why would G-d want to use them (the flip side of that argument is why would G-d create men that are so uptight that they can't feel a stirring at a woman's singing voice)

The narration is amusing just because Leonard Nimoy is in full "In Search of..." voice as if he's talking about some strange tribe that eats bugs while piercing their noses and not his own relatives. Sarah Jessica Parker's narration is so entwined with Sex and The City that you expect her to say "Do Frum Jews have sex? Do they enjoy it?"

It's a nice video. A good introduction to the world of Chasidim. There's nothing too deep about it. YOu aren't going to hear about the Yeshiva drug scenes or the ways in which Chasidic Jews embrace and pull away from the communities. They don't even mention WHY the Gaon of Vilna excommunicated the Chasidic movement which has a lot more to do with Shabbtei Zvi's lunacy of a generation before and a lot less to do with any dogma on his part. Nor is the movie going to even mention that the Modern Orthodox students playing hockey are just as frum as the Bobov Rabbi that's teaching them - just in different ways.

The movie ends with the wedding of the great granddaughter of the Bobov Rebbe and the subtitles read that he was the last rebbe to bring his community over from teh Holocaust. The sheer number of people celebrating that wedding is astounding but that's the main point of the movie - Chasidic Jews are nuts but they keep Judaism alive. Like Sholem Aleichem it seeks to romanticize a people that it doesn't want to join, rather than the works of I.B. Singer which engages them like real flesh-and-blood people. However, it does an excellent job of presenting a general overview - even if it's superficial. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Derivative fluff from 1987, made tolerable by its bawdy exuberance and an appealing performance by Michael J. Fox, who was still enjoying TV stardom and the career momentum he earned by traveling Back to the Future. Here he plays a Kansas farm boy who dreams of scoring big in New York City, but reality turns out to be brutal to his ambition. When his uncle (Richard Jordan) gives him a mail-room job in the high-rise headquarters of a major corporation, Fox occupies an empty office and poses as a young executive, winning the attention of a lovely young colleague (Helen Slater) and having an affair with his boss's wife (Margaret Whitton). Sporadically amusing as a yuppie comedy and rather off-putting as a wannabe sex farce, the movie's still recommendable for its lively cast and a breezy style that almost succeeds in updating the conventions of vintage screwball comedy. Whitton is a standout performer here, so you may wonder why her comedic talent has been underrated, apart from a good role in the first two Major League movies. This may be little more than a big-screen sitcom, but it's not without its charms. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (19)

It's Michael!
"The Secret of My Success" owes all its minimal success to the casting of Michael J. Fox, one of the most likable screen presences in all of film history. In "Back to the Future," he was the overwhelmed high schooler who accidentally traveled back in time to 1955 and had to find a way back. In "Teen Wolf," he was the highschooler turned into a werewolf. In "The Hard Way," one of the best cop-buddy films of all time, he was the eager-to-please Hollywood actor trying to do some good-natured research.

All his roles fall back on the Sweet Guy persona. In "The Secret of My Success," he plays Brantley, a Kansas boy who makes the big move to the Big Apple, where he lands a job at his uncle Howard's (Richard Jordan) firm. He gradually makes his way up the ladder as a mail boy, but his real break comes when he is mistaken for a higher-up and tries to woo hard-to-get girl Christy (Helen Slater), a beautiful co-worker of the company who buys Brantley's job position.

Simple premise, but it becomes all the more entangled when Brantley has to run back and forth between different job positions, changing clothes in the elevator and getting in a heated affair with his uncle's wife (played by Margaret Whitton), the kind of lady who doesn't take no for an answer.

The film's amorality is what struck me on multiple viewings. It sort of seems dirty and unclean -- Brantley's a farm boy but he's eager to get in a romance with his aunt. The casual sexuality of the film is what, ultimately, makes it sort of disturbing, and also sort of memorable, as odd as that may sound.

Fox shines in the lead role, and with any other actor the film would simply fall flat on its face. And, to be honest, a film like this could never be made nowadays -- I can imagine Jim Carrey in such a role, but the outcome would be wholly different. The eighties were an entire generation of comedy unto themselves. A lot of people love the comedies from the eighties because so many were made with so little thought and yet a lot of heart, kind of like "The Secret of My Success." Its mediocrity is what drives it, amazingly, but also its heart, and so many comedies nowadays lack the heart of the comedies from the eighties.

I come back to "The Secret of My Success" a lot, probably because I saw it on TV when I was younger and it's been in my head ever since. It's a routine film that's hardly recommendable, but I actually enjoy it a lot the more I watch it, and it has a kind of frenetic comedic energy that most of the films of the genre are lacking nowadays.

The script, by Jim Cash nd Jack Epps Jr., seems as though it were one from an earlier decade. It has a delightful sweetness to it that's simply not unnoticeable.

I understand how many would dislike this film. The critic Roger Ebert gave "The Secret of My Success" 1.5/4 stars upon its inital release in 1987. I can't say I wouldn't have, either, if I were in his shoes. But comedies, over time, sort of grow on you, and this is one of those cases.

It's not as good as "Back to the Future," or "The Hard Way," but it's a lot like Fox's "Teen Wolf" (1985): fast-paced, extremely routine, cliched, flawed, and lots of fun. Don't miss this one, even if it isn't exactly the pinnacle of comedy.

Fluffy, delightful, fun.
I think a good test of how good or bad a movie is, is by how long it feels. Some 90 m. movies feel like three hours and vice versa. Secret of My Success feels like a half an hour. That's pretty good.

Brantley moves from Kansas to NYC in order to make it in the corporate world. Problem: he gets laid off even before he starts. He's a trooper, though, and doesn't want to run home with his tail between his legs so he goes to his Uncle Howard for a job. It's not exactly what Brantley envisioned as he is stuck in the mailroom. Using corporate bureaucracy against itself, he manages to swing a job as a vice-president. It gets pretty funny from there as Brantley tries to maintain two identities without being found out. The elevator scenes are priceless!

This movie is the definitive eighties comedy. Michael J. Fox gets to showcase his screwball comedy antics and the rest of the cast is equally fine. Helen Slater stands out as a female executive that manages to break through the glass ceiling only to be pressed up against it and fondled by the smarmy CEO. "Auntie Vera" is also a hoot as the sex-starved wife of Uncle Howard.

The DVD doesn't offer too much in the way of extras, but that's okay because the movie alone is worth having on disc. Get this one right away.

QUIRKY COMEDY FROM THE EIGHTIES
A fairly strong recommendation for a charming feel-good entertainer about a young gun making it to the top, starting of course from the mail roon. We might as well have called it "The secret of how I succeeded without really trying". The script is thus obviously doozy and relies on some major implausible situational gaffes, but the energy of Michael Fox and the brilliant comic timing of Margaret Whitton as his aunt makes it all borderline credible. Plus, the snappy final half hour is the best part of the film, with some thoughtful romance thrown in for good measure. I guess we all have a hint of Bradley (Fox' character) buried in ourselves. A fun rental to lighten things up.

New York here we come
this is a graet Michael J fox movie. its about a man who is liveing to lifes. he gets a job in new york at his uncles company as a mail boy. then he makes himslef out to be a new employee with a desk job and a secrotery. that may be confusing but trust me is a good movie. If you like Michael J fox i would say go rent it or buy it

Michael J. Fox's performance makes up for some big holes
It has dawned on me that I have probably used "The Secret of My Succe$s" as an example in class more than just about any other film ever made. Part of the reason is that most students have seen this film, so I am likely to get nods of recognition more than if I mention "Battleship Potemkin" or "Citizen Kane." This 1987 comedy tells the story of Brantley Foster (Michael J. Fox), who heads from his family's farm in Kansas to the Big Apple to put his business degree to use, but all he can get is a job in the mail room of a firm owned by a distant uncle (Richard Jordan). Brantley comes up with a short cut but there comes a moment when he has to step up to the plate and impress a group of potential investors with a brilliant idea. We see Brantley explain but his idea to an enthralled group of rich businessmen, but...WE HEAR NOTHING. The script by Jim Cash & Jack Epps, Jr. and AJ Carothers ("and" does not mean the same thing as "&" in Hollywood) could not come up with anything good enough to carry the scene so they just turned up the music and figured if we had enjoyed the movie to that point and if we liked Michael J. Fox then we would just buy this and proceed to the happy ending.

Contrast this with the movie that might be the one I mention second most in class, "The Karate Kid," and the great scene where Mr. Miyagi explains to Daniel-san that "sand the floor" means a whole lot than he ever imagined. That is the sort of scene that makes an entire movie, and "The Secret of My Success" has a big hole where that scene should be. There are more holes in this film, which allow Brantley to create the persona of Carlton Whitfield, a young executive in a previous empty office (being in the mailroom has its advantages in such a scheme) and provide a fairy godmother in the person of his Aunt Vera (Margaret Whitton). Meanwhile, Brantley (or Whitfield, depending on your perspective), is interested in Christy Wills (Helen Slater), who is introduced in the most erotic display of drinking from a water fountain in the history of American cinema.

This is Michael J. Fox's movie and his engaging performance forgives most of the film's faults in this mindless comedy (mindless in that you will like the film if you mind the holes in it less). Actually, I was amazed to really see how many stupid things happen in "The Secret of My Succe$s," but I still like Fox's performance. If nothing else, this film is a reminder that Fox was a gifted physical comedien. The world of business does not come out looking well, but then it is hard to find too many movies in the past twenty years that make you think kindly towards big business. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Young Lady Chatterly
I recently ordered this video... . It was the same movie that I watched 20 years ago on cable TV. It is a great soft core movie. Great sex scenes and lots of them. This is a good movie thank god for the fast forward button though the story sucks..............

Soft core erotica
Not a bad movie all in all. Harlee Mcbride is breathtaking, though her acting skills leave much to be desired. The sequel has better sex scenes, and the presence of Adam West makes it somewhat humourous.

Classic Softcore
I am a little irritated. I wrote a lenghty review of this months ago and it was never posted. Now they want me to do another one. Ok, but this is abbreviated and isn't as informative. This is classic, top quality, 70's softcore. This is probably the best softcore flick of all time. Good plot, nice sets, some flesh, but all tastefully done. Harlee McBride is supersexy in a "real" sort of way. She looks like someone you would know, but she is really cute. Sort "naturally hot." Plus, she is a pretty good actress, too. Harlee is an orphan who in her late 20's realizes she has inherited a huge British estate in the middle of nowhere from a long lost relative. The problem is, a huge amount of taxes are owed on it that she cannot afford. Before selling it, she decides to visit it for the weekend. She, well, let's put it this way, "gets to know" a whole lot of people who work on the estate, mostly men, but a few ladies as well. She falls in love with the place and vows not to sell it. What is she to do? Don't worry, our screen heroine figures out a way to keep her estate (and her gardner). Nicely done!

That guy who plays her rich fiance is hot stuff if you're into older, dark haired men, but it is Miss McBride who shines through. You are rooting for her at the end. It's silly, but fun. The DVD has all the more explicit scenes that apparently the VHS version is missing.

Pretty good but the not the Original
this Film was So On time back in the day on Late Night Cable.but this Version seems cut up&loses Points for missing that Element that made it a Must see.Harlee Mcbride is a Babe.

Soft core classic
This 1977 softcore extravaganza is one of the finest and most erotic softcore films ever made. Harlee McBride stars as Cynthia Chatterly, the title character of the film who after inheriting an estate decides to have sex with anything and everything that moves. The big shock of the film isn't the sex, it's the fact that the storyline is great for a softcore film, and the acting is as well. McBride and the chambermaids make this worth watching alone, and those who dig the good 'ol days of late night premium cable porn will love this classic. ... Read more

Reviews (93)

This Story Sounds Familiar
I always appreciate two things about a Rob Reiner movie: the casting and the dialogue. I know that the casting director is the brains behind the first and the writer is behind the second, but I think Reiner is usually a magnet for good talent. Which is not to say that he's bulletproof. The Story of Us shows that even great directing and casting can't save a film with a lukewarm script.

I enjoyed The Story of Us insofar as it was a somewhat engaging tale of a marriage in ruin. All of the usual cliches were thrown out. There was no infidelity, no abuse, no financial struggle. In the case of Ben (Bruce Willis, The Sixth Sense) and Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer, A Midsummer Night's Dream), they just ran out of love. After 15 years of marriage, they didn't want to be married any more.

But the movie failed when it tried to recapture the magic of Reiner's earlier film When Harry Met Sally.... Using interview-style narratives, multiple flashbacks, and diametrically opposing characters it feels reminiscent of the other work. This is not a coincidence. When Reiner set out to make The Story of Us, he likened it to "Harry and Sally 15 years later."

This alone, however, does not invalidate the movie. After all, he spared the world a sequel, and for that he deserves some praise. The Story of Us is smart and funny, it makes us laugh and feel sad. But the film never became real enough for me. I never cared enough about the characters to get into the story. As a result, I was aware my feelings were being manipulated.

While the scenes between Willis and Pfeiffer are often wonderful, supporting cast members like Paul Reiser, Rita Wilson, and Reiner himself are delegated to bit parts that rarely move the story forward. Dinner talk sounds more like stand-up comedy routines than real conversation. Likewise, Tim Matheson pops up like a cardboard villain. His appearance and disappearance are equally unexplained. If not for Willis and Pfeiffer, the movie wouldn't be at all convincing.

There's a real possibility that I didn't "get" The Story of Us because I'm a guy. I'll be the first to admit that I have to be in just the right mood for a "chick flick." One of the people I went with said she would have given this movie a ten. A ten? I think that's a little extreme, considering it isn't even in the same league as movies like American Beauty. Still, for what it's worth, that's one woman's opinion.

In my opinion, The Story of Us was an interesting little movie without any warm & fuzzy feelings. It won't be that memorable in the long run. I'll stick with the classics, or at least something written by Nora Ephron.

Must see for couples!!!
This is a movie that does hit very close to home...that's what makes it so good! My husband and I were both in tears but the end, and we felt an instantaneous closeness at the same time. I loved the ending and highly recommend it for any married couples. It never hurts to remember why love is so precious.

Pathetic
Uuuuugh this movie was H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E. It not only features the most annoying and whiny yuppie couple to grace the sceen in years, but it is overly-sappy, sentimental, and the movie tends to repeat itself over and over again with the same lines, arguments, etc. In my opinion their entire problem lies in the fact that wife caters too much to her children's needs while neglecting those of her husband's. It's that simple. She should have told the children (who are not toddlers) time and time again that she was speaking with their father and that she would be with them in a minute. Oh, and the worst part of the movie was the last scene when Michelle Pfeifer gives this God-awful weepy and over-melodramatic speech which attempts to summarize why they shouldn't give up on their marriage. It's like listening to five munutes of someone scraping their fingernails across a chalkboard. Great actors/actresses, but awful material.

A good film. Willis and Pfieffer play well together
This is a good film. Harry and Sally-ish, but after the marriage. What happens in between children and meetings and chores and work??? Where does the love go? Excellent look at what we do to work it out and whether or not we can let go.

a male pig's perspective
I'm sitting here, half drunk recently alone again. I put in the only "chick flick" romantic movie I own, "The Story of Us". Since the first time I saw this movie I have loved it, and I'm a war, epic film buff to see my collection. This is the only movie I asked for in my divorce because I wanted it THAT bad. Rob Riener's best work ever in my opinion. A movie that jumps around from place to time and back again so often, it keeps you riveted to the seat. The dialog is the heart of the story. And the way, under Riener's direction, Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer portray this stuggeling couple, makes me feel part of the story, not just watching it from a distance.

I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes sappy romance movies or believes in true matter of the heart. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you don't think Austin Powers is one of the funniest movies of the 1990s, maybe you should be packed into a cryogenic time-chamber and sent back to the decade whence you came.Perhaps it was the 1960s--the shag-a-delic decade when London hipster Austin Powers scored with gorgeous chicks as a fashion photographer by day, crime-fighting international man of mystery by night. Yeah, baby, yeah! But when Powers's arch nemesis, Dr. Evil, puts himself into a deep-freeze and travels via time-machine to the late 1990s, Powers must follow him and foil Evil's nefarious scheme of global domination. Mike Myers plays dual roles as Powers and Dr. Evil, with Elizabeth Hurley as his present-day sidekick and karate- kicking paramour. A hilarious spoof of '60s spy movies, this colorful comedy actually gets funnier with successive viewings, making it a perfect home video for gloomy days and randy nights. Oh, behave! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (451)

This Is My Kind Of Happeing And It Freaks Me Out
That's a qoute from Mike Myers in Ausitn Powers: International Man Of Mystery. I must say it's the funniest most clever comedy I've ever seen. Much better than Casino Royale. Myers plays the swinging secret agent of the 60's Austin Powers who is a groovy sexy fashion photographer by night and international man of mystery by night. He after his arch nemisis Dr. Evil also played by Myers, an uptight square out to take over the world. Dr. Evil freeze himself up in outerspace in 1967. Austin offers to freeze himself in case Dr. Evil ever returns. Thirty years later, in 1997 Dr. Evil was back and they must get Ausitn unfreeze Austin so he can stop Dr. Evil's sinister plan of world domination. Incredibly funny flick, even funnier if you've seen the James Bond series. Myers duo roles are both hilarious in their own way. The Movie also stars Elizabeth Hurley, Robert Wagner, Mimi Rogers and Carrie Fisher. Austin Powers is a must see for all ages. It's shagnificent baby, yeah!

Hilarious, influential movie gains little from DVD
I should note here that people who have not read many of my reviews might be insulted at the rating. I never give a DVD release of an outstanding movie more than three stars unless buying the DVD gets you significantly more than just seeing the matinee. In other words, the special features are worth two stars.

"Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery" catapulted Mike Myers onto the Hollywood A-list from the "former Saturday Night Liver trying to make it" list. Taking a broadside at James Bond lore and adding Myers own inherent goofiness along with a tragic period in fashion history gives Austin Powers, a British secret agent/fashion photographer/music star. Unlike James Bond, Austin is extremely goofy, bespectacled, possessed of wretched teeth, and bad at any game. Of course, he still gets the girl. His nemesis: the frequently funnier Dr. Evil, an obvious copy of Bond villain Blofeld. Dr. Evil's marginal competence provides an ongoing source of laughs.

The plot (as it were) centers around a bit of cryogenic time travel so that Austin is displaced out of his time, providing a (pleasantly) surprisingly small number of fish-out-of-water gags. The movie's real drive comes from the unique cast of secondary characters: Seth Green's Scott Evil, Mindy Sterling's Frau Farbissiner, Robert Wagner's Number Two, and the unforgettable Alotta Fagina (figure out who THAT is a parody of). Elizabeth Hurley is also in the movie, and seems to be a pretty good sport. While this movie would ultimately be outshone by its first sequel, it remains an influential and often-referenced work.

The DVD is a mediocre package. The commentary track is a dead air-rich bore, (I think Mike Myers and Jay Roach were new at this gig. The track on the sequel is much better) and the deleted scenes are better than average, which is to say mediocre. Most deleted scenes should stay so. Additionally, the transfer quality on these scenes is terrible.

AUSTIN POWERS THE FIRST TWO
VERY VERY VERY FUNNY, BUT WOULD LOVE TO HAVE IT IN FULL SCREEN VERSION.

Yeah, Baby
Austin Powers is one of the funniest characters to ever grace the screen. The spy spoof movie series is fantastic and it all started with this hit movie.

Austin Powers is pretty simple to follow. Dr.Evil(Myers)has escaped from his cyro-genetics and is now in the 1990's. He has plans for world domination and his evil empire is doing great since he was frozen 30 years ago. The world can't let Dr. Evil rule it, so Austin Powers(Myers) Englands greatest secret agent is unfrozen from his cryo state and sent to stop Dr.Evil. He is not alone as he has the beautiful Vannessa(Hurley) there to help him bring down Dr. Evil.

Mike Myers is a comic genius. Very few people in the world can match his comic intelligence. This movie is fantastic. Myers wrote the perfect script with this movie and it's hilarious. You have to love how much this movie spoofs spy movies.

When you think spy movies you think James Bond. The spoof of Bond in this movie is done to perfection. From the costumes, music, characters, it is all there. Other spy movies are spoofed in this as well like Our Man Flint. If you love spy movies you have to appreciate this movie and the way it pokes of fun of them.

I liked Elizabeth Hurley in the movie. She is absolutely gorgeous in the movie and this role works for her. She is to often a miscast in her moives and her sex appeal is suppose to carry her. It's not much different in this, but she fits the characters personality and this is the best role she has ever played.

I love all the cameos in this movie. Like all the great movies with former SNL cast members this movie is jammed full of cameos of Hollywood stars. You have Will Ferrell, Ceri Oteri, Rob Lowe, Carrie Fisher, and Tom Arnold to name a few. I get a kick out of it everytime I watch this, because I almost always see something new.

The DVD extras are good. There are some alternate endings and deleted scenes. There is commentary from Myers. The special features are decent.

This is a great movie. It's comedey at it's best and it has all the elements of the genre. It's one of the best ever made. If you love comedies you have to pick this one up and the same if you like spy movies. If you haven't seen this go get out from the rock you've been living under and prepare yourself for a good time.

Satire of all 'swings' Sixties
It would be worthless for me to repeat what other reviewers have said here before me, as regards the fun spoofy plot and the thoroughly enjoyable crass humor. I'll add that it's a bit of a classic, great fun especially if you already know Blow Up, early 007 movies, and A Hard Day's Night.

I just want to mention that the VHS issue has on it several extras... alternate endings and deleted scenes (including one of the excised Rob Lowe scenes, although not the one in which Lowe is shown as a henchman inside Dr. Evil's lair... Asian audiences got to see that version).

Good, silly fun, but too much sexual content for kids under 13. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Based on a Larry McMurtry novel, this Martin Ritt film was a testament to the sex appeal of the young Paul Newman. Playing the title character--a total rotter who, by the end of the film, has double-crossed or screwed over everyone he knows, including his hard-working father and brother--Newman turns him into an intriguing antihero. Things are tough on the ranch and Hud's dad (Melvyn Douglas) needs help, but Hud is too busy looking out for number one, even as things fall apart. And guess who's going to land on his feet? Beautiful black-and-white cinematography by James Wong Howe won an Oscar, as did performances by Douglas and Patricia Neal. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Magnificent in every respect
I cannot say enough about this movie. Paul Newman ("HUD") is completely convincing as the narcissistic son of an aging cattle rancher (Melvyn Douglas) who takes all he can get from life, leaving only destruction in his wake. Perhaps the reason Newman is so convincing is that, despite HUD's reprehensible character, one is drawn in to the allure of his personality, just like those on the screen that are used and tossed aside. Although we may not be "rooting" for HUD, we become more than a little sympathetic to his cause, probably a reflection of our own selfish natures. And it is a tribute to Newman's acting ability to draw out these conflicting emotions from the audience.

The supporting cast in this "character study" is nothing short of superb. Melvyn Douglas as the pious and self-righteous father is the perfect mirror image of HUD. Patricia Neal (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress) is simply outstanding as the earthy, motherly yet somewhat-still-sexy housekeeper who both HUD and Lon (Brandon De Wilde) have sexual yearnings for, but for very different reasons. James Wong Howe's cinematography is top notch and his choice of black and white film really makes this movie work - far more than it would have in color.

There are also other "small touches" that add so much to the film. When HUD picks up Patricia Neal by the side of the road with her groceries, she offers him a Fig Newton. The same effect was used again when Lon is discussing the book "From Here To Eternity" with the local drugstore owner. Not a just a "cookie" or a "book", but real pieces of "Americana" the help set the mood, tone and timeframe of the film.

There is one last item I think is worth commenting on, because it is often overlooked. That is the seeming genuine affection that HUD has for his nephew (Lon). Yes, HUD is a scoundrel out for himself first and foremost, but there are many scenes where HUD appears almost human (particularly when HUD finally tells Lon how his father died), and those scenes are always with Lon. This is why, if the movie has any flaw in my mind, it is the ending where Lon is leaving the ranch and HUD is left all alone. I get the sensation that HUD is practically begging Lon to stay, though outwardly this isn't the case at all and HUD tries to act aloof and non-caring, shouting one of his famous lines "This world is so full of ..., a man's gonna get into it sooner or later whether he's careful or not." Whether my reaction was the one Martin Ritt had in mind I am not sure, but the last scene always leaves me unsettled, at least in terms of HUD's humanity.

Regardless, a first class film in every way. There are very few this good.

POWERFUL, POIGNANT and PACKING A WALLOP ON DVD
"Hud" is the story of an embittered, ruthless son (Paul Newman) of cow rancher Homer Bannon (Melvyn Douglas). Determined to take over his father's prosperous farm, Hud bides his time with sexual conquests and playing big brother to Lonnie (Brandon DeWilde). Lonnie worships Hud as a god, a rabid fascination that will be irreversible shattered when Hud attempts to rape the ranch's cook and housemaid, Alma Brown (Patricia Neal). However, before the disillusionment comes the spoils. The family partake in a county fair in which Hud wins the 'greased pig' contest. He and Lonnie start a victory fight inside a barroom. Hud takes Alma to the movies. There's really nothing extraordinary about the film, and yet it captures, perhaps better than most, the raw emotion of a powerful slice of Americana in the mid-west. However, as the story drags on the tide begins to turn away from Hud's favor. Homer becomes ill and unable to tend the far. The cattle contract an infection, forcing the farm hands to exterminate the entire herd. Alma, realizing that Hud is incapable of any sort of compassion or tenderness, abandons him and the farm in search of a new life somewhere else.

The transfer is a bit disappointing. Though the picture is free of many age related artifacts and digital artifacts, the overall presentation is somewhat soft, with blooming around the edges that renders parts of the B&W picture in various rainbow hues - even with the color on one's television set turned to zero. Also edge enhancement is sometimes obvious. Finally, the overall presentation tends to be just a little too soft for the vintage of the camera negative. Close ups and medium shots look fairly sharp but long shots become a blurry mess. The gray scale is reasonably balanced, though during scenes shot at night, fine detail tends to get lost in the shadows. The audio is remastered and well balanced. There are NO extras.

You're an unprincipled man, Hud
Welcome to the last Western. HUD is a chronicle of what killed the western ethos - it was done in by a man with a "barbed wire soul" driving a pink cadillac. Before HUD men raised cattle or plowed the earth, after HUD men ceded the land to the oil drillers.
The movie opens with 17-year-old, wide-eyed Lonnie looking for Hud. The trail leads him past a busted up saloon and ends when he finds a married woman's high heel shoe carelessly flung on her front porch. Hud seems to have a taste for married women and a way with the bottle that the curious Lonnie finds attractive.
When they get home Homer drives them out to a freshly dead heifer. There are no bullet wounds or other signs of injury and Homer decides to call the authorities. Hud disagrees. If the heifer died of a disease it could jeopardize everything, and Hud is too close to inheriting the ranch for that. Homer has more at stake, but burying the cow without an investigation would simply be wrong. The drama proceeds from there as deliberately, and inevitably, as a Greek tragedy.
Like other epics, and HUD deals with epic themes, there are great battles. Hud Bannon battles with his father, Homer Bannon (Melvyn Douglas) for the heart and mind of his nephew Lonnie (Brandon de Wilde.) Hud and Lonnie battle over their "half-wild" maid Alma (Patricia Neal.)
Hud, a man of little patience, is brutally direct in his approach to Alma. The inexperienced Lonnie admires her from a gentler distance. Director Martin Ritt includes two scenes that highlight this difference. One night Hud tomcats his way into Alma's room asking for a cigarette. The experienced and wary Alma gives - Hud lights the handout and blows out the match just as Alma asks for a light. With his back to her Hud drops the burnt out match into her hands and waits a beat before dropping the matchbook. It's a short throwaway that highlights Hud's loutish behavior. It gains relevance a little later when Lonnie takes a blow to the head and has to take to his bed. Alma brings him a glass of 'fresh squeezed lemonade.' Lonnie takes the drink and a worried look beetles his brow. Alma puts her hand under his mouth and urges him to spit. 'C'mon, honey,' she says, 'they're just lemon pits.'
Lonnie spits his seeds into her hand, Hud a useless, burnt out stick, and Dr. Freud has just left the building. Maybe Ritt put those scenes in to delight louts like me four decades on. HUD is filled with powerful, multi-layered scenes. Another memorable one occurs when Homer Bannon's herd is driven into an enclosure. It is very long, maybe four minutes, and deliberately edited. I don't know if we'd see its like today, but its length and deliberation gives it awesome power.
Melvyn Douglas won an Oscar in this movie, and he portrays Homer Bannon as a man about as played out as his over grazed land and about as obsolete as the two longhorn he keeps solely for sentimental reasons. Neal also won an Oscar in this one, and her character is almost as worn out as the elder Bannon. Life has used her hard. Paul Newman was nominated as the title character, and in my opinion would not have made an embarrassing winner. One of the most charming and charismatic actors in movie history, Newman manages to play a man of hollow charm. When he flirts, we see the snake lurking behind his smile. HUD won a third Oscar for photography, and James Wong Howe presents a parched and arid black-and-white landscape.
This is an excellent movie, and well worth the investment of anyone's time.

Out of the dust rise an excellent cinematic experience...
The charming Hud Bannon (Paul Newman) is a restless, selfish, and cynical man in his 30s that lacks the ability to be compassionate and caring for others as he fights his own demons. Hud drowns his feelings in booze and takes any woman he can to fill the void and loneliness. In essence, Hud is a very lonely and sad character that seems to be looking for something, but does not know what it is. On the family farm Hud has his dad Homer, nephew Lonnie, and maid Alma who all care about him. However, blinded and lost in his inner battle Hud rejects and hurts them as he feels that they all are doing something wrong. The question is whether Hud's close family will care for him as he is careless of the family. Martin Ritt creates a story that enters the personal lives of the Bannon family and through this family the audience can learn some very valuable lessons in love, trust, and care. These life lessons are brought to the audience with a brilliant cinematic experience as the theme of the story will always be of vital importance to mankind.

A Great family Drama!
Here is a motion picture that is never written or produced any more. A family drama that is more about relationships between father & son, grandfather & grandson, uncle & nephew, rather than
about who is sleeping with whom with four letter words making up the dialogue. It's about people finding out what they mean to "significant others" and what those "others" mean to them. And, who they are to themselves. What they want from life, what their values are, or in Hud's case aren't. Douglas his father has the value - That money isn't everything. How "dated" is that value, 40 years later? ONE OF THE BEST MOVIES I HAVE SEEN IN QUITE SOMETIME., of course GREAT ACTING BY NEWMAN, NEAL, DOUGLAS AND DE WILDE adds to the package. ... Read more