Reviews (1789)

Video Excellentus!
In 2001, two fall blockbusters involving witchcraft and wizards reached the theatres. Unfortunately, I don't have a wand with which to say "Review autoscriptus!" or some snowy owls on one-day delivery standby so I have to do this with my fingers (sigh) and create words of wonder on the movie I liked better.

While I haven't read J.K. Rowling's books, it must have been chock full of detail I don't know of the movie:book accuracy ratio, but for director Chris Columbus to fit it in two and-a-half hours, it must have been a book spectacularis.

Witches and wizards were persecuted throughout the ages, regarded as threats more than freaks as Harry's aunt did her sister, and more often than not, burned at the stake. With Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the song remains the same, only this time, his uncle, aunt, and obnoxious cousin treat him contemptuously, as if he's an unwanted burden. Who knows how his life would have been without the flurry of invitations to Hogwarts School courtesy of one-day owl delivery? Fortunately, giant Rubeas Hagrid comes crashing to the rescue. The real adventure begins from there.

Daniel Radcliffe gives a performance competentus and credibilis as the totally likeable title character. Of the troika of main characters, he's the most human. However, Emma Watson as the resourceful and well-read Hermione Granger steals the show wands aloft. Despite being snooty and knowing who she is, she proves herself to be a cut above others in classes (see her frantically waving on Professor Snape to call on her, and her proficient wand handling). She does have feelings, though, as she angrily stomps past through Weasley, who fed up with her conceit, was verbally cutting her down a peg to Harry, finishing with "No wonder she doesn't have any friends." If Hermione's character leads more children to flip pages instead of flipping bad guys on their PS2's or X-Box's, so much the better. Rupert Grint, as Ron Weasley, makes a good foil for both his counterparts, being a fellow explorer and Christmas holiday companion with Harry or someone for Hermione to impart knowledge.

The other performer to whom this show belongs to is veteran actor Robbie Coltrane as the friendly giant gameskeeper Rubeas Hagrid. After Krull, Nuns On The Run, two James Bond movies, and From Hell among others, he has finally become a recognizable face on American shores. American audiences should have warmed up to this talented performer earlier, and that's something I should've said.

As for other veteran actors, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Zoe Wanamaker do wonders as the professors of Hogwarts, but Alan Rickman turns in a solid performance as the sinister Professor Snape, who doesn't seem to like Harry all that much.

People, (or should that be muggles?) this is one movie specialus. The special effects, while spectacular, do not detract from the character development or dialogue, like certain films I'm not going to name. They merely support the magic whether it's the entrance to the square or the action scenes, such as the Quidditch match.

Well, review terminatus, and see you at the theatres for the Chamber of Secrets

I didn't want it to end!
Though by no means the only example of the subject, Joanne Rowling's imaginative book about an eleven year old boy discovering his new-found talent for magic, reintroduced the age-old genre of the fairy story to modern children. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" benefits enormously from modern CGI effects to bring to life a film which will entertain everyone. The basic story concerns an orphaned boy living with his appalling cousins who are determined that he should not find out that he was actually born a wizard. Through outside help from the magical community, he finds himself enrolled at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the fun starts.

Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman help to back up the principal child stars and give this film some real presence. Daniel Radcliffe is rather flat as Harry Potter and Emma Watson, as the precocious Hermione Granger, is excessively theatrical and both are shaded by Rupert Grint who is excellent in the role of their cynical friend, Ron Weazley. No doubt all the child actors will improve with time, given that they stay with the series. At the moment they are still finding their feet.

There are plenty of special effects to amaze and amuse and I can't imagine how such a film could have been made without them. The cinematography by John Seale, ACS, is excellent and the whole film has a very pleasing look. The two-disc DVD set has many extras, some of which seem to require an intimate knowledge of magic to access.

On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and I wait with baited breath for the sequels. It is not a five star film; I did not expect it to be, but it certainly rates considerable merit. I have yet to figure out why WB chose to release it as anything other than "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", since that is both the title of the original book and the title of the film in any other market than the US. Apart from a few little blemishes, an excellent movie. Kids will give it five stars; parents will enjoy it, too. Thoroughly recommended.

"A rather BIG surprise"
When Harry Potter came to the big screen, I did NOT go to see it. I was of firm standing that it was kidd stuff. Then, a few weeks ago, the people on abc2 news had it on as a "movie event". I figured since it was free, why not watch it? Needless to say, I was realllyyy surprised. I sat, spellbound through ALL commercial breaks, so I would'ent miss any of the story. I've never read a single book in the series, so I can say with out them, this movie still can stand on it's own. P.S. John Williams' score is amazeing!!!! P.S.S. Still, I will say that "The Lord of the Rings" are much better movies, and if you LIKE Harry Potter, You'll LOVE them.

The Best Movie of 2001
Harry Potter is a great movie that the whole family can sit down and enjoy. And the Harry Potter series has a big future. This is the first one in the series that introduced the school of withcraft and wizardry that Harry Potter would be going to. It's called Hogwartz. It introduces many characters such as Harry himself, Ron Weasley who becomes Harry's friend, Hermione Granger who also becomes Harry's friend, Draco Malfoy who is Harry's enemy, Albus Dumbledore who is the headmaster of Hogwartz and many more. Get your kids, get this movie and watch it. Trust me your going to love it. It's great fun really. Then when your done this one go to the store and get Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and then see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in theatres.
10/10
Rated PG for Some Scary Moments and Mild Language.

helloo! its the best!
harry potter is the BEST series in the world and kj rowling is sooo talented!!! there's a reason why harry potter's so popular! get THEM ALL ... Read more

Description

The next installment in the Harry Potter series finds young wizard Harry Potter (DANIEL RADCLIFFE) and his friends Ron Weasley (RUPERT GRINT) and Hermione Granger (EMMA WATSON) facing new challenges during their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as they try to uncover a dark force that is terrorizing the school. ... Read more

Reviews (649)

Fascinatingly enchanting as it is entertaining
Summer vacation is a dreaded time for Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) as it means having to endure the histronics of his mean aunt and uncle. Returning back to his Hogwarts School of Witchcraft would seem a much wiser option but Dobby the House Elf warns him of "a plot to make most terrible things" is in the brewing. With disregard of the warning, the boy wizard begins his sophomore year at the school of magic - and things happen - when his schoolmates are 'petrified' into statues. In fact this is only the beginning when he later takes on gigantic spiders, screeching mandrakes, Fawkes the phoenix and the fearsome Basilisk.

The second entry adapted from J.K Rowling's legacy has neither the epic sweep of the fourth book (The Goblet of fire) nor the mystery of the third (The Prisoner of Azkaban) but is nonetheless an engaging adventure and a riveting story. What's more with director Chris Colombus at the helm who shows more precision and familiarity after his first attempt, Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets is a majestic adventure filled with visionary sets and fluid CGI effects that astonishingly enhance the darker fantasy tale and adventure. The soaring adventure thrills with its enshrouding perils, awesome moments of wonder and enlightening morality and friendship.

It thus resembles more of an awkward adolescence stage in this saga for the three main casts. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grinch as Harry, Hermoine and Ron reprises their role with the loss of their innocence along with veterans Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, the late Richard Harris as the benevolent headmaster Dumbledore, Robbie Coltrane as giant Hagrid and Alan Rickman as Professor Snape. The new interlopers are equally scene-grabbing in their own rights: Kenneth Branagh does a rib-tickling interpretation of braggadocio Gilderoy Lockheart as well as Jason Issacs as the wicked Lucius Malfoy.

With a solidly ensembled cast and sumptuous sets, the second installment is fascinatingly entertaining as it is enchanting enough to sustain its 3 long hours without any misgivings.

Just as good if not better!
This DVD gives you a great movie, lots of special features, and great commentary from the stars and people behind the scenes. Just as good a movie as the first Harry Potter installment, this is definitely a great addition to anyone's DVD collection!

Not as goood as the book
This film is not as good as the book, but still a very good film. There are a few scenes from the book that I wish had made the final cut. It does drag a little after the climax, but those scenes are need to tie up loose plot lines as well as items that might have an impact in future editions.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets-Widescreen Edition
This movie was definately a great work of theatre and art alike. The entire movie was captivating, and while the director, Christopher Columbus, could of done better on some parts, this movie does what most do not, and it stayed true to the book. I loved this, and I watched it about 3 times before I was satisfied with it! Go get the movie and see it, and you'll see what I mean!!! The scenes with the Chammber of Secrets were beautifully detailed, giving you a clearer picture than even the book did! So buy this, sit back and be amazed by the production of Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts school of Withcraft and Wizardry! Enjoy!

Harry Does It Again! Better Than The First!
"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" pulls off something that only "The Empire Strikes Back" has done. It's better than the first film! Not only is the story more interesting(though the first was tops as well), it's packed with even more wonder and imagination than the first as well. The castmembers of the first flick return, as well as Kenneth Branagh in a superb performance as Lockhart, the bumbling, vain writer of "Magical Me."

I'm sure the naysayers had a wonderful time bashing this sequel for its evil undertones. Students get "petrified" and the basilisk takes shots at Harry, but all in all, Harry prevails. He makes the right choices, does the good deeds and fights a good fight. How dare he promote such horrible values!

Please folks, I used up a lot of space harping on how kids need to have fun in my review of the first film. The same applies to this movie as well. Don't worry about your kid becoming a warlock or praying to Satan, just let them have a little fun. If you raise them right, you won't have to worry about any of that anyway.

The "Potter" books encourage kids to read and use their imagination. That's a good thing in my book. The movies encourage kids to use their imaginations as well.

You've just got to love something that promotes so many good things. We need more heroes like Harry. He's a good character to let your kids read about and watch on the big screen. He's caring to others, takes his studies reasonably serious(you might want to promote Hermione's study habits to your kids, though) and he always tries to do the right thing.

Overall this movie is fun and enjoyable for the whole family. Some of the scenes might scare the little ones, but this movie is worth explaining those scenes in order to get the message across.

Watch this one and have a ton of fun. It's great for everybody. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Way before she grabbed an Oscar nomination for her searing performance as a world-weary prostitute in Leaving Las Vegas, Elisabeth Shue was known as one of the squeaky-clean actresses of the '80s. Having made a splash in The Karate Kid and the '60s-nostalgia TV series Call to Glory, Shue cemented her good-girl reputation with the charming but badly titled Adventures in Babysitting. Set in the John Hughes-style suburbs of Chicago, the titular adventures follow babysitter Chris (Shue), who agrees to watch the Anderson kids (Keith Coogan and Maia Brewton) when her boyfriend cancels their anniversary date. All is quiet on the home front until Chris is called upon to rescue her best friend (Penelope Ann Miller, also doing good-girl duty) from the seedy downtown bus station. She can't leave the kids, and she can't leave her friend alone in the big bad city, so she packs everyone in the station wagon and heads into Chicago. Screwball craziness begins as they encounter car thieves, knife-wielding gangs, gun-toting truck drivers, and, worst of all, Chris's duplicitous boyfriend. It's hardly mature entertainment, but Shue makes it work; when she wins over the audience at a blues club with her improv singing, you'll be won over, too. In his directorial debut, Chris Columbus (who later when on to helm the sap-fests Mrs. Doubtfire and Home Alone) gently skewers the suburbia white-bread mindset of the main characters, and plays up the comedy over the schmaltz with a subtlety of which he now seems incapable; the near romance between Shue and Coogan is played lightly and adorably. Look for brief appearances by art-house faves Lolita Davidovich as a college party girl and Vincent D'Onofrio as an unlikely savior. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (72)

My Babysitter was NEVER this Fun!
Elisabeth Shue is Chris Parker, a normal seventeen year old who begins the night with an ordinary babysitting job, sitting two normal suburban children, Sarah and Brad. After her friend - Brenda (Penelope Anne Miller) -- calls from a bus station in the city (Chicago), stating that she has runaway from home and needs Chris' support, Chris takes off to the city with Brad, Sarah, and Brad's friend, Daryl. What should have been a 30 minute ride to the bus station turns into a run through the city as the group of four encounter car thieves, weird mechanics, and a place where nobody leaves without singing the blues.

Adventures in Babysitting is THE fun movie of the 80s. Well, THE fun movie that doesn't contain little monsters, goonies, or Tom Hanks. As we follow the quartet through Chicago, we are introduced to hilarious scenes and crazy antics as they get themselves in the middle of a car heist, a cheating wife and her enraged husband, and many more. I must say that one of the biggest highlights of the film is the Blues Bar scene where Elisabeth Shue and the kids absolutely have to sing before leaving the bar. It's great.

The films is full of great characters. Elisabeth Shue is vibrant as Chris Parker, the babysitter gal. Her interaction with the kids was great, and she handled her leading status with ease. Maia Brewton is little Sarah who offers a lot of the laughs in the movie. She was awesome - I wonder where she is now? Keith Coogan and Anthony Rapp (Rent! Mark in Rent! I love Rent!) are Brad and Daryl, and both stay true to their roles and make them entertaining. But did anyone else want to occasionally strangle Anthony Rapp for that laugh?! We also see the likes of a young Penelope Anne Miller and Vincent D'Onofrio in cameo roles. Although Miller's role is a bit bigger, and very hilarious.

Although the DVD release is bare, without even a nice trailer to suit a fan, we do get a nicely widescreen anamorphic presentation with nice picture (Although there are signs of an aged film) and good audio.

Adventures In Babysitting is definitely one of my favorite 80s movies. For the fact that it's a great, fun, and crazily adventurous comedy.

Don't Mess With This Babysitter!
In the tradition of the "Goonies," Elisabeth Shue shines in her first starring role as Chris, whose day starts out on a bad note. After her boyfriend cancels their date, Chris decided to babysit for a couple who are in dire need for her services. In care of charges, Brad and Sarah, Chris believes this will be an ordinary job, however trouble comes knocking, first when Brad's pest of a friend, Daryl comes to stay over, and then when Chris' best friend is stranded at the bus depot in downtown Chicago.

What follows are a series of madcap adventures that take these suburban kids into the heart of the city. After their car's tire goes flat, the Chris and the kids must find a way to find their way back home and go help her friend at the same time. However, when they run into a car-theft ring headquarters, their night won't be the same again.

Featuring a wonderful cast including many actors unknown back then (Penelope Ann Miller as Chris' friend; Vincent D'Onofrio as the mechanic, etc.), "Adventures in Babysitting," marks the directorial debut for director Chris Columbus ("Home Alone"; "Stepmom"; the upcoming "Harry Potter" film adaption) who does an excellent job of making this film work. His ability to stretch character limits works well here, as he is able to place the kids in nearly impossible scenarios. The most memorable scene in this film that captures Columbus' imaginative directing features Sarah scrawling the windows of the towering building in downtown Chicago where her father works at night. As she scrawls the windows in fleeing from a member of a car-theft ringleader, she sees her parents at their party from the outside. Who could have thought of such a funny way of seeing your parents at the wrong place and wrong time?

Similar to other amazing average-day adventure films such as "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," and the "Goonies," - "Adventures in Babysitting," is still as entertaining today as it was over a decade ago. Truly this is one of the late 1980's hidden comedic gems.

WHEN THE SHUE FITS
ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING is a wonderfully entertaining film from the late eighties that still resonates almost 20 years later. Chris Columbus (the future director of the first two Harry Potter films) brings us a series of vignettes resulting in Elizabeth Shue's Chris Parker babysitting for the precious Maia Brewton and the mooneyed Keith Coogan. Shue is marvelous; Coogan and Anthony Rapp are delightful; and little Maia is appropriately cute and loveable. Penelope Ann Miller as the nearsighted Brenda is a riot...especially when she picks up a stray "cat" at the bus station.
Of course, the primo scene is the "nobody leaves till you sing the blues" with Albert Collins. Shue's transformation as she gets into the "Babysitter Blues" is priceless.
This is one feel good movie, and in spite of some of its profanity, a film everyone should enjoy.
It's a minor classic to me!!!

Excellent movie...not too many great DVD features, though
This is an 80's classic! I have always loved this movie...and I was pretty shocked when I found out that Anthony Rapp...aka Mark in RENT is in it! That was soo cool, especially since I liked his character alot. If you've never seen this movie, you should check it out, but if you're going to buy it, unless it's to add to your DVD collection, I'd stick with VHS.

stray dog
if i've said it once, i've said it a million times: keith coogan, where are you? this 1987 flick is hysterical! ya think? ... Read more

Reviews (1789)

Video Excellentus!
In 2001, two fall blockbusters involving witchcraft and wizards reached the theatres. Unfortunately, I don't have a wand with which to say "Review autoscriptus!" or some snowy owls on one-day delivery standby so I have to do this with my fingers (sigh) and create words of wonder on the movie I liked better.

While I haven't read J.K. Rowling's books, it must have been chock full of detail I don't know of the movie:book accuracy ratio, but for director Chris Columbus to fit it in two and-a-half hours, it must have been a book spectacularis.

Witches and wizards were persecuted throughout the ages, regarded as threats more than freaks as Harry's aunt did her sister, and more often than not, burned at the stake. With Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the song remains the same, only this time, his uncle, aunt, and obnoxious cousin treat him contemptuously, as if he's an unwanted burden. Who knows how his life would have been without the flurry of invitations to Hogwarts School courtesy of one-day owl delivery? Fortunately, giant Rubeas Hagrid comes crashing to the rescue. The real adventure begins from there.

Daniel Radcliffe gives a performance competentus and credibilis as the totally likeable title character. Of the troika of main characters, he's the most human. However, Emma Watson as the resourceful and well-read Hermione Granger steals the show wands aloft. Despite being snooty and knowing who she is, she proves herself to be a cut above others in classes (see her frantically waving on Professor Snape to call on her, and her proficient wand handling). She does have feelings, though, as she angrily stomps past through Weasley, who fed up with her conceit, was verbally cutting her down a peg to Harry, finishing with "No wonder she doesn't have any friends." If Hermione's character leads more children to flip pages instead of flipping bad guys on their PS2's or X-Box's, so much the better. Rupert Grint, as Ron Weasley, makes a good foil for both his counterparts, being a fellow explorer and Christmas holiday companion with Harry or someone for Hermione to impart knowledge.

The other performer to whom this show belongs to is veteran actor Robbie Coltrane as the friendly giant gameskeeper Rubeas Hagrid. After Krull, Nuns On The Run, two James Bond movies, and From Hell among others, he has finally become a recognizable face on American shores. American audiences should have warmed up to this talented performer earlier, and that's something I should've said.

As for other veteran actors, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, and Zoe Wanamaker do wonders as the professors of Hogwarts, but Alan Rickman turns in a solid performance as the sinister Professor Snape, who doesn't seem to like Harry all that much.

People, (or should that be muggles?) this is one movie specialus. The special effects, while spectacular, do not detract from the character development or dialogue, like certain films I'm not going to name. They merely support the magic whether it's the entrance to the square or the action scenes, such as the Quidditch match.

Well, review terminatus, and see you at the theatres for the Chamber of Secrets

I didn't want it to end!
Though by no means the only example of the subject, Joanne Rowling's imaginative book about an eleven year old boy discovering his new-found talent for magic, reintroduced the age-old genre of the fairy story to modern children. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" benefits enormously from modern CGI effects to bring to life a film which will entertain everyone. The basic story concerns an orphaned boy living with his appalling cousins who are determined that he should not find out that he was actually born a wizard. Through outside help from the magical community, he finds himself enrolled at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and the fun starts.

Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane and Alan Rickman help to back up the principal child stars and give this film some real presence. Daniel Radcliffe is rather flat as Harry Potter and Emma Watson, as the precocious Hermione Granger, is excessively theatrical and both are shaded by Rupert Grint who is excellent in the role of their cynical friend, Ron Weazley. No doubt all the child actors will improve with time, given that they stay with the series. At the moment they are still finding their feet.

There are plenty of special effects to amaze and amuse and I can't imagine how such a film could have been made without them. The cinematography by John Seale, ACS, is excellent and the whole film has a very pleasing look. The two-disc DVD set has many extras, some of which seem to require an intimate knowledge of magic to access.

On the whole, I thoroughly enjoyed this film and I wait with baited breath for the sequels. It is not a five star film; I did not expect it to be, but it certainly rates considerable merit. I have yet to figure out why WB chose to release it as anything other than "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", since that is both the title of the original book and the title of the film in any other market than the US. Apart from a few little blemishes, an excellent movie. Kids will give it five stars; parents will enjoy it, too. Thoroughly recommended.

"A rather BIG surprise"
When Harry Potter came to the big screen, I did NOT go to see it. I was of firm standing that it was kidd stuff. Then, a few weeks ago, the people on abc2 news had it on as a "movie event". I figured since it was free, why not watch it? Needless to say, I was realllyyy surprised. I sat, spellbound through ALL commercial breaks, so I would'ent miss any of the story. I've never read a single book in the series, so I can say with out them, this movie still can stand on it's own. P.S. John Williams' score is amazeing!!!! P.S.S. Still, I will say that "The Lord of the Rings" are much better movies, and if you LIKE Harry Potter, You'll LOVE them.

The Best Movie of 2001
Harry Potter is a great movie that the whole family can sit down and enjoy. And the Harry Potter series has a big future. This is the first one in the series that introduced the school of withcraft and wizardry that Harry Potter would be going to. It's called Hogwartz. It introduces many characters such as Harry himself, Ron Weasley who becomes Harry's friend, Hermione Granger who also becomes Harry's friend, Draco Malfoy who is Harry's enemy, Albus Dumbledore who is the headmaster of Hogwartz and many more. Get your kids, get this movie and watch it. Trust me your going to love it. It's great fun really. Then when your done this one go to the store and get Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and then see Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in theatres.
10/10
Rated PG for Some Scary Moments and Mild Language.

helloo! its the best!
harry potter is the BEST series in the world and kj rowling is sooo talented!!! there's a reason why harry potter's so popular! get THEM ALL ... Read more

Reviews (111)

A Holiday Classic...
In 1990, another Christmas movie classic was made. This movie, "Home Alone" is a holiday classic that you can't find anywhere else. The cast is great, the scenes are hilarious, and it's wonderful family movie. Macaulay Culkin starts his fame as the family icon for parents and thier children.

The movie starts out in Chicago, IL at the McCillister house. Here we meet Kevin's family that is running all over the house preparing for their Christmas trip to Paris. Also in the house scoping out the place is Harry (Joe Pesci), a crook posed a cop that is planning on robbing the house after they leave. Now here is where the problems start. When the whole family is eating pizza for dinner, Kevin (Culkin) is looking around for his plain cheese pizza because that's all he eats. So his older brother Buzz (Devin Ratray) eats it on purpose. Then Kevin attacks him and the place becomes a mess and soda is spilled and the passports are soaked, etc. Kevin's mother Kate (Caterine O'Hara) sends him to his room. In Kevin's state of anger he says to his mother that he doesn't want to see his family again. Now while in bed Kevin says, "I wish they would all dissapear." During the night the power goes out and the alarm clocks goes out. The next moring they are rushing left and right to get to the airport. Here's the problem: THEY FORGOT KEVIN!

Now kevin wakes up an sees nobody is home. He actually thinks that his wish came true. Now at first Kevin loves this. He jumps on the bed, shoots his brother Buzz's BB gun, takes his brother's life savings, and eats all the junk food in the world and watches "R" rated films. While the family is on the plane, Kevin's mother gets the feeling they forgot something. Kevin's father Peter (John Heard) asks her, "What could we have forgotten?" Then Kate screams: KEVIN! Now while Kevin still is having fun back at home, the family is in Paris trying to get a flight back home. and calling the police, etc.

One day, Kevin goes out shopping and spots a misterious van in the neighbor's driveway. It's the crooks. Marv (Daniel Stern) and Harry (Pesci), The Wet Bandits. Now after Kevin actually goes out shopping to get food and milk, he notices the guys in the van. Now he realizes they are after his house. Sorry Christmas Eve night he plans his battle against the crooks.

The gadgets and the tricks he pulls on the crooks are undoubtably hilarious. First, when the crooks starts talking to Kevin through the back door pretending to be Santa Claus and an Elf, Kevin takes his borther's BB gun and sticks it through the cathole and shoots Harry is the lower region. Then Marv sticks his heasd through the cathole and he gets shot in the head. Now there is ice on all the stairways, the front door knob is burning hot and when Hary touches the knob, the knob's inprinted "M" is impronted into Harry's hand. Lol! Then in the basement there is tar paper on the stairs and eventually there is a nail sticking up which Marv steps on with his bare foot. See what other tricks Kevin has got up his sleeve.

This movie, "Home Alone" is the perfect holiday movie that the entire family can enjoy. It's another Christmas classic. One thing this movie does for me is it gets me into the holiday spirit. In the beginning when Kevin said he didn't want to see his family again, throughout the movie, you realize how important family is, especially around the holidays. Buy this movie for you and your kids and you will love it as much as I do. Merry Christmas! Ho, Ho, Ho!

A Christmas Favorite
Home Alone has always been one of my favorite Christmas movies, It's funny and entertaining!

The movie is about a boy named Kevin McCallister[Macaulay Culkin] who accidently gets left behind in his home in Chicago when his family goes off on a trip to France. While Kevin is at home, two burglars are trying to break in. The burglars are played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. One of the burglars was at the house at the beginning, pretending to be a policeman, to check out the house. After Kevin finds out, he sets up a set of booby traps on the night they arrive. Meanwhile, Kevin's mom[Catherine O'Hara] wan'ts to get home as quickly as she can when she finds out that Kevin was left behind. So, instead of going on a plane she travels back to Chicago on a truck with a group of musicians and their polka king of the midwest[John Candy] when they offer to take her home. After the burglars get arrested with one of Kevin's plans, Kevin's mom arrives home with the rest of the family including his dad[John Heard] and they all feel so grateful to see him.

This is a movie your whole family will enjoy!!!

Home Alone
This is a great family film. You will laugh and laugh when you see keven (macaulay culkin) jumping for joy that his family is not at his house, but when robbers try to brake in the house he starts to see that he really wants his family. This will make the kids laugh seeing growns up laughing. This truely is a great movie!

Great Maculay Culkin
I own 1,2,and 3! I don't own 4. I don't like it!

My favorite holiday movie of all time (Or for any other day)
I am EXTREMELY happy that this movie finally made it to DVD because this is one of the most exciting and nicest holiday and family movies ever made. Everything from beginning to the end reminds me of the Back to the Future movies - when I watch that movie, I always notice something interesting, familiar, funny, or exciting when I see those movies and Home Alone. Many people may not like this DVD release because of inferior picture and sound quality and lack of bonus features - I THINK THIS DVD IS GREAT! Of course, the only bonus features on this DVD are the trailers to the Home Alone trilogy, and the sound is only stereo, but still, that's great because I LOVE THIS MOVIE! You know, because I love the funny parts - including the fake movie Kevin watches and uses to scare off the pizza guy and the villians (I always wanted to try that!) The fake movie, in case you didn't know, is translated into foreign languages as well! Speaking of which, this DVD comes in English, French, and Spanish audio and English subtitles. I've seen this DVD in English sound with closed-captioning from the TV, and on the computer in Spanish sound with English subtitles (still remains Kevin's infamous scream)! Yeah, I'm glad Fox has a Spanish option for this disc because I'm currently finishing up my Spanish class at my prep school and from time to time, I watch DVDs in Spanish (if available; otherwise it's French for the Canadian viewers!) You know, this week or next week, I'm bringing this DVD into Spanish class for my teacher to show. EVERYONE WOULD LAUGH!

This is a sweet movie. The DVD may not be the best, but it's still a great buy! Enjoy!

sethn172 ... Read more

Amazon.com

Bicentennial Man was stung at the 1999 box office, due no doubtin part topoor timing during a backlash against Robin Williams and his treaclyperformances in two other, then-recent releases, Jakob the Liar and PatchAdams. But this near-approximation of a science fiction epic, based onworks by Isaac Asimov and directed, with uncharacteristic seriousness ofpurpose, by Chris Columbus (Mrs. Doubtfire), is much better thanone would have known from the knee-jerk negativity and box-office indifference.

Williams plays Andrew, a robot programmed for domestic chores and sold to anupper-middle-class family, the Martins, in the year 2005. The familypatriarch (Sam Neill) recognizes and encourages Andrew's uncommoncharacteristics, particularly his artistic streak, sensitivity to beauty,humor, and independence of spirit. In so doing, he sets Williams's tin man ona two-century journey to become more human than most human beings.

As adapted by screenwriter Nicholas Kazan, the movie's scale isnovelistic, though Columbus isn't the man to embrace with Spielbergianconfidence its sweeping possibilities. Instead, the Home Alonedirector shakes off his familiar tendencies topander and matures, finally, as a captivating storyteller. But what reallymakes this film matter is its undercurrent of deep yearning, the passion of Andrew as a convert to the human race and his willingness to sacrifice all togive and take love. Williams rises to an atypical challenge here as afuturistic Everyman, relying, perhaps for the first time, on his considerableiconic value to make the point that becoming human means becoming more like Robin Williams. Nothing wrong with that. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (109)

Good movie, but DVD has few amenities
The movie is very good, and I enjoy it very much. Unfortunately, when they put this DVD together they didn't include any deleted scenes. The movie's theatrical trailer and a short featurette are included. If you watch the movie first, then watch the trailer you will be able to see which scenes got left on the cutting room floor. Obviously, the movie could have been much longer, and I understand the need to make it work within a "reasonable" time, but it is to Chris Columbus' detriment that we don't get to see what those scenes may have been...

Bicentennial Man
For years I have been a great fan of Issac Asmov. Without a doubt, Bicentennial Man was my favorite of his stories because, although most of Asmov's robot novels have a more intellectual ending, this one had more real depth and feeling than anything I have ever read from him. The movie expands on this in a profound way and extends Asmov's novelette into a full feature in a way I have seen few books rendered to film. Although I have seen some bad press on this movie, (notably Robert Ebert) DON'T believe it, my fiancee loved it so much she had to see her favorite parts again after it was over, and she is NOT a science fiction fan (of a fan of Asmov for that matter.) I have also heard that the humor was also rather dry, and I don't believe that this is true either. Although Robin Williams was not the zany character he usually is, many of his jokes were extremely funny. (Ex. A buddhist walks up to a hotdog vender and says, "make me one with everything.") I believe that the more subdued tone he played worked with the tone of the character. His usual antics would have looked inappropiate for a robot who was not supposed to have a personality at all. Over time, his character does learn to be more expressive, but never to the extreme extent of Williams in other movies (Ex. The Fisher King.), however, my fiancee said that William's concept of phyisical and emotional love was one of the most romantic things she had ever heard. Other comments aside, I believe this is one of the best films I have seen in months, and I would HIGHLY recommend it. The DVD is well done with an excellent transfer, good Dolby Digital effects, and it DOES have a trailer and movie featurette. (a previous review made on this BBS before the DVD was even released, says it did not.)

Robin the Robot
Years ago, Robin Williams burst onto the comedy scene as a strange alien named Mork. In the years that followed, Williams has distanced himself from science fiction and made a name for himself as a serious actor. Now, in the new film Bicentennial Man, the Oscar-winning performer has returned to science fiction to play a robot searching for humanity.

Bicentennial Man is based on the award-winning short story of the same name by science fiction pioneer Issac Asimov. The story deals with one robot's search for freedom, rights, and recognition as a man over the course of his 200 year life. Sadly, everything that made the story great: the conflict, the thought-provoking issues, and the sense of wonder has been lost or watered-down in this film.

Williams plays a newly purchased NDR-114 robot, quickly renamed "Andrew" by Little Miss (Hallie Kate Eisenberg) the youngest member of the family. As a robot, Andrew is expected to follow orders and do chores, but it soon becomes apparent that he is capable of much more. He begins exhibiting signs of creativity, which leads Sir (Sam Neill, The Horse Whisperer) to teach Andrew everything there is about being human.

Although Williams does an excellent job conveying emotion despite the robotic facade he wears, his true talent is shown when he still appears robotic after obtaining the face of a man. Yet, the characters in Bicentennial Man are cardboard caricatures. Truth be told, Asimov writes them that way. His sole concern is Andrew, and as a result the other characters in the story lack appeal. But in the film, all of the characters suffer from one-dimensionality and it reduces the story to the worst type of science fiction.

What ultimately fails, however, is the inability to recreate the world that Asimov so richly designed in his Robot series. While the movie does pay tribute to his work and his Three Laws of Robotics, they ultimately throw out those laws at the very end of the film.

The movie becomes little more than a modern retelling of Pinocchio, centering on Williams' comedic abilities. The heart and soul of the story, the chilling conflict of what makes us human, is lost amid sight gags and a prolonged sappy romance with Portia (Embeth Davidtz, Fallen), the grand-daughter of Little Miss.

Finally, haven't we all seen this before? For seven years, Brent Spiner played out this storyline for us as Lt. Cmdr. Data on television's "Star Trek: The Next Generation." And while there were certainly moments where humor was used to highlight Data's unique condition, his search for humanity was ultimately a very serious and believable one. I'll take those old episodes like "Measure of a Man" over Bicentennial Man any day.

Excellent Movie
I keep a lot of odd hours. I popped Bicentennial Man in my VCR around 3 in the morning thinking it would put me to sleep....WRONG! This was an excellent movie, it kept me riveted to the screen. Robin Williams seems to have a magic about him in movies like this. Touchstone gives this movie a very Disneyesque feel. The story is great and you will love Andrew and the relationships that he forms with people. Sam Neill and Oliver Platt are very good supporting actors in this movie. Overall, there are quite a few moments that will make you laugh...some that might make you cry, but its an excellent movie, that both you and your kids or other loved ones can enjoy together! Highly Recommended!

It seemed like 200 years...
Typical of Robin Williams' "New Age" drivel that he's been making lately. Where is the actor of "Dead Poet's Society," "Good Will Hunting," and "Good Morning, Vietnam"? This film is TERRIBLE! Not is it only overlong (it seemed like 200 years), but the character development is nearly nonexistent and the themes overstated and underdeveloped. A clunker. Some nice set design, though. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Extra features are great!
I have already watched Mrs. Doubtfire many times before buying the DVD. Still, the extra features on the DVD were wonderful, especially the deleted scenes. I wished that some of these scenes could have made it to the movie.

CUTE!
I have the widescreen version of this DVD-it's the same show, but hey, what the hell! :) This is one movie someone would never tire of-Robin Williams is such a great impressionist (I'm jealous!), & Sally Field can be quite a "hard-nosed whatsit" hahaha--but it all turns out for the better in the end :) ... Read more

Description

The next installment in the Harry Potter series finds young wizard Harry Potter (DANIEL RADCLIFFE) and his friends Ron Weasley (RUPERT GRINT) and Hermione Granger (EMMA WATSON) facing new challenges during their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as they try to uncover a dark force that is terrorizing the school. ... Read more

Reviews (649)

Fascinatingly enchanting as it is entertaining
Summer vacation is a dreaded time for Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) as it means having to endure the histronics of his mean aunt and uncle. Returning back to his Hogwarts School of Witchcraft would seem a much wiser option but Dobby the House Elf warns him of "a plot to make most terrible things" is in the brewing. With disregard of the warning, the boy wizard begins his sophomore year at the school of magic - and things happen - when his schoolmates are 'petrified' into statues. In fact this is only the beginning when he later takes on gigantic spiders, screeching mandrakes, Fawkes the phoenix and the fearsome Basilisk.

The second entry adapted from J.K Rowling's legacy has neither the epic sweep of the fourth book (The Goblet of fire) nor the mystery of the third (The Prisoner of Azkaban) but is nonetheless an engaging adventure and a riveting story. What's more with director Chris Colombus at the helm who shows more precision and familiarity after his first attempt, Harry Potter and the Chamber of secrets is a majestic adventure filled with visionary sets and fluid CGI effects that astonishingly enhance the darker fantasy tale and adventure. The soaring adventure thrills with its enshrouding perils, awesome moments of wonder and enlightening morality and friendship.

It thus resembles more of an awkward adolescence stage in this saga for the three main casts. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grinch as Harry, Hermoine and Ron reprises their role with the loss of their innocence along with veterans Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall, the late Richard Harris as the benevolent headmaster Dumbledore, Robbie Coltrane as giant Hagrid and Alan Rickman as Professor Snape. The new interlopers are equally scene-grabbing in their own rights: Kenneth Branagh does a rib-tickling interpretation of braggadocio Gilderoy Lockheart as well as Jason Issacs as the wicked Lucius Malfoy.

With a solidly ensembled cast and sumptuous sets, the second installment is fascinatingly entertaining as it is enchanting enough to sustain its 3 long hours without any misgivings.

Just as good if not better!
This DVD gives you a great movie, lots of special features, and great commentary from the stars and people behind the scenes. Just as good a movie as the first Harry Potter installment, this is definitely a great addition to anyone's DVD collection!

Not as goood as the book
This film is not as good as the book, but still a very good film. There are a few scenes from the book that I wish had made the final cut. It does drag a little after the climax, but those scenes are need to tie up loose plot lines as well as items that might have an impact in future editions.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets-Widescreen Edition
This movie was definately a great work of theatre and art alike. The entire movie was captivating, and while the director, Christopher Columbus, could of done better on some parts, this movie does what most do not, and it stayed true to the book. I loved this, and I watched it about 3 times before I was satisfied with it! Go get the movie and see it, and you'll see what I mean!!! The scenes with the Chammber of Secrets were beautifully detailed, giving you a clearer picture than even the book did! So buy this, sit back and be amazed by the production of Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts school of Withcraft and Wizardry! Enjoy!

Harry Does It Again! Better Than The First!
"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" pulls off something that only "The Empire Strikes Back" has done. It's better than the first film! Not only is the story more interesting(though the first was tops as well), it's packed with even more wonder and imagination than the first as well. The castmembers of the first flick return, as well as Kenneth Branagh in a superb performance as Lockhart, the bumbling, vain writer of "Magical Me."

I'm sure the naysayers had a wonderful time bashing this sequel for its evil undertones. Students get "petrified" and the basilisk takes shots at Harry, but all in all, Harry prevails. He makes the right choices, does the good deeds and fights a good fight. How dare he promote such horrible values!

Please folks, I used up a lot of space harping on how kids need to have fun in my review of the first film. The same applies to this movie as well. Don't worry about your kid becoming a warlock or praying to Satan, just let them have a little fun. If you raise them right, you won't have to worry about any of that anyway.

The "Potter" books encourage kids to read and use their imagination. That's a good thing in my book. The movies encourage kids to use their imaginations as well.

You've just got to love something that promotes so many good things. We need more heroes like Harry. He's a good character to let your kids read about and watch on the big screen. He's caring to others, takes his studies reasonably serious(you might want to promote Hermione's study habits to your kids, though) and he always tries to do the right thing.

Overall this movie is fun and enjoyable for the whole family. Some of the scenes might scare the little ones, but this movie is worth explaining those scenes in order to get the message across.

Watch this one and have a ton of fun. It's great for everybody. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

You guys give up? Have you had enough pain? "Nevahhhhhh!"
What kind of idiots do you have working here?
"The finest in New York."
- This is just an idea of the great writing & acting in Home Alone 2:Lost In New York. This is the second of 4 movies by Chris Columbus. Lil' Kevin McCallister gets caught up in more trouble again in this sequel to Home Alone.
Home Alone 2:Lost in New York starts with the Christmas Pageant where young Kevin manages to get himself in a bit of bother with Buzz who manages to make Kevin look like a laughing stock in front of many parents. Buzz then makes a very phony,but convincing apology to the family who accept it (as idiots).As he brings this apology to an end,he calls Kevin a "troutsniffer". The acting in this film is pure brilliance,especially the parts of the two "Wet Bandits" played by Joe Pesci & Daniel Stern.This film is such a hilarious film especially with great actors such as Joe Pesci,Daniel Stern,Catherine O'Hara,Tim Curry,Rob Schneider & not forgetting the fine young actor Macaulay Culkin. If you like Home Alone 2:Lost in New York then you are bound to love Home Alone.Although Home Alone 3 & 4 are not worth seeing as they are not the originals with Macaulay Culkin & the original Bandits

"He's Done it Again"
this is the best movie ever! if you liked the first one then you will definetly love this one no matter what! Little Kevin has done it again-he's all by himself again but this time in New York around christmas time. at first he is really happy that he is in new york without his family who are in Florida (where there is no christmas trees)after getting in a fight with his older brother (Buzz) and then in a fight with the rest of his family. But he soon learns that he wants his family to be with him after reuniting with the wet bandits (Marv and Harry). But on the way he gets in trouble with the Plaza hotel (New Yorks most exciting hotel)and he saves DUNCANS TOY CHEST from being robbed. and he also meets a couple of friends that at first scared him.on christmas eve his mom finally finds him at rockafella center and the family is all together. this is by far my favorite movie because (1) it takes place in New York (2)it takes place during christmas time and (3) the story is great!

Kevin McAllister Strikes Again!!!
This movie is too FUNNY!!!I love the Second Home Alone Movie as much as I like the 1st one.My favorite part the movie when Kevin sets up those Boob Traps for the 2 Burglars.And gets the wrong that goes to New York & Kevin gets sparated from his family again.This movie is the best,I gotta get this movie!!!

A brilliant sequel
Ok, so Home Alone 2 is very similar to Home Alone, but that's what's so brilliant about it. I think that the this film is better than the original, mainly because of the superb addition other characters make to the movie. Tim Curry is brilliant in this.

So yeah, if you like Home Alone, you'll love Home Alone 2. It rocks!

Best Movie EVER!!
This is the best movie of all time!!! Although the first one was EXCELLENT, this one is a little better. When Kevin gets separated from his family, he winds up in New York City, where he gets into some mischeif. BEST MOVIE EVER!!! I recommend this movie for everyone! Macaulay, YOU ROCK!!! ... Read more

Reviews (64)

A "LAUGH SO HARD IT HURTS" MOVIE!
Dude looks like a lady! I loved, loved, LOVED this movie! At times I laughed so hard I cried, and Robin Williams is most definitely at his absolute wacky, zany BEST! In the film, an estranged husband, (Williams), wants so desperately to spend time with his three kids, that he goes so far as to dress up as a kindly, matronly female housekeeper - hence, "Mrs. Doubtfire" is "born"! The most hilarious scenes in the movie involve Williams having to rush in and out of his heavily padded, Mrs. Doubtfire get-up! (Just visualizing this in my mind "cracks me up" right now)! Yet, at the same time, Williams' character also manages to tug at your heart with his sincerety and good intentions. If you haven't yet seen this movie, you're missing out on a real laugh fest. My advice is to treat yourself to this comedic delight, now, and add it to your collection of "feel good" movies!

rolling-on-the-floor laughing entertainment
If you want a funny movie with a good blend of human emotions and sensitivity, "Mrs. Doubtfire" is the one. It is just hysterical, and an excellent film. Robin Williams portrays Daniel Hillard, a laid-back father who is absolutely crazy about his three children, who love him just as much. When Daniel's behavior becomes more than his wife Miranda (Sally Field) can handle, she files a divorce. Daniel is devastated at the loss of his wife, but more than that, he cannot stand to be separated from his children. He is willing to make as many sacrifices as he needs in order to be with them, even if it means putting on a dress, a bodysuit and a little makeup and portraying a devoted old nanny whom Miranda instantly hires to help take care of the kids. In the process, Daniel works hard to shape up his own life and ultimately mature as a parent. You will laugh hysterically at Daniel's attempts as "Mrs. Doubtfire," and you will be touched at the special pains he goes to just to see his children every day. Of course, it's not just Robin Williams who supplies the entertainment in this movie. Mara Wilson, who plays Daniel's youngest daughter Nattie, will have you rolling on the floor laughing. With that sweet little lisp and the innocence of a 5-year-old, she almost stole the show (in my opinion). There is a very good cast here, and this movie has everything. Humor, tears, sensitivity....you name it. Do yourself a favor and watch this one. If you haven't seen it yet, now is the time. It's the kind of film that you can watch over and over and laugh just as often every time, if not more. You'll love it--trust me! =) It's pretty much impossible not to be touched in some way by this moving film about persistence, love, and dedication to your family.

The Last Great Williams Comedy
Hard to believe its already been ten years. William's hasn't done anything nearly this funny since. He seems to be getting more reflective and less whimsical in his middle age. A divorced dad pretends to be a middle aged british nanny to spend more time with his kids. Ingenious. Inevitable hilarity ensues. William's talent is in taking an obvious joke or set up and succeeding brilliantly whereas most other comedians would flail about and fall flat.

Not A Big Robin Williams Fan, But...
It's fine to see Mork from Ork fans gushing about how perfect everything is that Robin Williams has even touched or ever will touch. In reality, however, he's just a decent TV actor who can also do cartoon voice dubs.

That's why I feel that when someone like me praises a movie of his, it should mean a lot more. Watching Mrs. Doubtfire, I was forced to admire his sheer guts in tackling this Tootsie role (sans roll) despite the huge success Dustin Hoffman already had with it.

Most of Robin's film parts amount to a large junkpile of bad remakes, half-written plots and other "at least it's a fat paycheck" duds. It is also mind boggling how he got an Oscar for his minor foul-mouthed cameo in Good Will Hunting. However, every once in a long while he incredibly rises far above his journeyman talents and rightfully dons the mantle of a true master of the art.

(Not that co-star Sally Field was just using up air here, either - she was a great anchor of reality for the film. Which is not an easy task to perform for someone as cute and bubbly as she normally is.)

Robin's actually done five other proper acting jobs, which round out an even half dozen when added to Doubtfire. And these few other fine movies are, not surprisingly, parts where he really doesn't play himself: Good Morning Vietnam, Hook, Jumangi, Dead Poets Society and Cadillac Man.

Well, most actors when their careers are over should consider themselves lucky to even end up with a trilogy of film classics in the can, after doing the usual 25 to 50 major works. But right now Robin's got those six gems, and he still has time to complete a crown of an even dozen.

Of course he'd already have had time to do that by now, if only he had just said no when his agent called to ask him if he wanted to do flop-bound flicks like Shlubber, Jerk or Bicentennial Bum.

A Charming Movie!
Mrs. Doubtfire is a cute movie, it's one of Robin Williams best movies and he was hilarious. He plays an unemployed actor who's wife dumps him because of what she thinks is irresponsible behavior including letting his sons birthday party get out of hand and after a rather messy divorce only gives him limited visitation rights he disguises himself as an older woman when he hears his ex wife played by Sally Field is looking for a nanny/housekeeper for their kids and she hires him thinking he is really Mrs. Doubtfire and what follows is a great hilarious movie with some tender moments that tug at your heartstrings and I highly recommend this movie! Not only is Robin Williams good but so is the rest of the cast including Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan and little Mara Wilson. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Though Stepmom was dismissed as a contender in the 1998 Oscarrace, it'sworth giving a second chance to this rather cogent, sharp-tongued look atsecond chances. Susan Sarandon's performance as a mom about to be replaced byher ex-husband's new girlfriend (played by JuliaRoberts) has a lot of bite, and it's a shame the script opted to marginalizeand trivialize her plight in its final reel. Initially, the rancor thatpasses between divorced mom Jackie (Sarandon) and trendy fashion photographer Isabel (Roberts) rings true, aided by the sincerity of Jackie's ex-husband Luke (Ed Harris) and the emotional plight of their children, who have the most to lose in their parents' divorce. As the drama makes clear, the kids are the real victims in the agony that ensues between old and new love.

Director Chris Columbus, who is adept at showing familialchaos (he directed Mrs. Doubtfire and Home Alone) with a sanitizedminimum of lingering emotional damage, actually manages to dig atrifle deeper than usual in exploring the jealousy and hurt that occur when the baton is passed between a birth mom and the younger wife who steps into her shoes. Stepmom fortunately manages to touch on that chord--showing howan ambitious woman might feel hampered by the responsibility of children justbecause she's fallen in love with their dad--as well as the haunting griefthat it causes their birth mom. It's an issue that haunts millions of secondwives everywhere, and while Roberts conveys the confusion of beingtaken for granted in the melee that follows, it's Sarandon who walks off withthe film. She's relentless in her fury, and everyone else in the film--thegenerally excellent Harris included--is sideswiped. It's just a shame thatHollywood once again wimps out in the end, solving the problem by givingSarandon a terminal illness. Instead of allowing Jackie and Isabel'srelationship to unfold on something less than a high note, the movie has to quell its best thing with a false payoff because it doesn't know what to do with real life. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (157)

THE BEST MOVIE EVER!
I recently bought this fablous movie. Even though I have now watched it five times, every time I start crying! It's a very touching movie that really makes you stop and think about life, and how wonderful it is! Susan Sarandon really seems like the charater she portrays (Jackie Harrison the mother of 2 children). She is diagnosed with cancer just as her ex-husband gets engaged. She fears that the children's new stepmom will take her place after she passes away, yet the stepmom (Julia Roberts as Isabelle) is afraid that she will never be able to make the kids accept her. The two of them become friends at the end. The song "Ain't no mountain high enough" really portrays the meaning and moral of the whole picture. This fantastic movie will make you laugh and cry at the same time! Take my advice and see it! I wish I could rate it higher than 5 stars because it deserves at least 10!

Fall in love a little... with everyone in this movie...
This is a 5, to me. Sure, I'm a dad, and not a mom, and sure, this does seem like a bit of a "chick flick"... but it's not.

It's something much more powerful.

Julia Roberts, Susan Sarandon, and Ed Harris make this movie believable and there's so many scenes where the feelings are so strong, either happy or sad, that you can't help but shed a tear.

The reality of being "the evil step-mom", of children rejecting new loves, of the hateful/hurtful games that angry parents can play... This movie portrays the best and worst that love can bring out...

The movie finishes up by bringing it all home, with a powerful message that loving is better than hating, that there is so much hate, sometimes you have to stop being selfish, and you have to take a while and learn to love one another.

You can't get much better than this one. Get it. Watch it with your significant other, your mother, whoever... be prepared to feel deep down in your soul... it will happen.

One of the saddest movies I have ever seen.
Stepmom may not be a definate classic but It will be remembered as a sad sad movie. It is one of the most heartbreaking films I have ever seen. Susan Sarandon gave what should've been an Academy Award nominated performance as a single mom battling cancer. Julia Roberts has another good performance as well as Ed Harris. The film does move you and make you feel lucky. It isn't my favorite, but for anyone who loved Terms of Endearment and Steel Magnolias this is the movie for you.

a emotional movie
i can see 2 moms have to get alone for the family and child. it's impossible sprits after a break marriage.

Well-Rounded Movie
Great movie!! 2 hours of comedy, drama, and a little romance too! Acting was very believable and kept me very hooked in the story! Although I must admit parts of when Susan Sarandon's sick character was witnessed truly grossed me out!! But that was really only for 2 short moments!! I hope everyone enjoys this movie because I really did!! ... Read more

Reviews (34)

"You have a girl. Unless I cut the wrong cord"
There are many other hilarious quotes in this movie, mainly from Robin Williams, in a fantastically Russian role. But most of them are way too rude, and Amazon would be no doubt getting their red pen out. And I'm not having that happen to my review.

This movie is typically predictable, of this sort of chick-flick, women only film. With a lot of actors (Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore, Tom Arnold, Joan Cusack and Jeff Goldblum, the latter playing their usual kooky parts), you feel swamped by the stars, but yet, who is the true main star? Robin Williams. He is hilarious, as soon as he appears. The movie is worth watching for him alone, and you fill be in fits of laughter, by the finale, the double-labour scene.

For a guy who dumps his girlfriend, and then decides he wants her BACK, Samuel (Hugh Grant) doesn't seem to try to hard! But then again, neither does Rebecca. But then, I'd let Samuel do all the chasing personally! Jeff Goldblum plays his 'best friend', and manages to throw in any of his old nonsense (that makes sense to him, but to no one else) and it works in the script. I don't think so. He didn't have much to do in the movie, one minute he's telling Samuel to be with Rebecca, embrace fatherhood, and then he's telling him that he dumped his girlfriend because she wanted his "essence". Uh-huh. (Not necessarily in that order, but you know what I mean)

Tom Arnold plays a very over-the-top role, alongside his baby-making machine, played by Joan Cusack. Oh, I'm sorry, you mean that's his wife?! Could've fooled me! As Samuel so rightly says, you need a licence to drive a car, but anyone can become a parent, and sometimes a very lousy one. I'm not saying that Tom & Joan's character are lousy parents (there's not much interaction between them and the kids), it's just - she must have spent half her married life being pregnant!

Why was Hugh Grant given the main billing for this movie? To me, this will always be a Robin Williams. He's so funny, especially when he gets his words muddled, or says the completely wrong thing, and still manages a big cheesy grin. And the Russian accent never falters!

There's nothing in the way of extras, except a trailer. For once, I watched the trailer AFTER the movie (nyah nyah) - I've seen this movie so often, the trailer didn't particularly appeal to me. But then I noticed scenes that were obviously cut from the movie, IN the trailer! If you're gonna cut scenes from the movie people, take them OUT of the trailer too! It just ruins it. You see what could have been a potentially funny scene, but it's no longer there.

This is a terrific movie, although as one reviewer said, it's enough to put any guy over to the other side! But no film will put women off giving birth, because it's not real! Although it's hilariously funny!

Hilarious comedy!
"Nine Months" deserves credit just for being a Columbus film. But there's more to it than that: It's outrageously funny, with the film indeed coasting on Hugh's antics and boyish charm, and Moore's radiant beauty.

An aging bachelor (Hugh Grant) is trying to make up his mind whether or not to commit to his girlfriend (Moore) for life. Then, she spills the beans that, oops, she's pregnant! Poor Hugh doesn't know what to do, and therefore starts a roller coaster of hilarious one-liners and silly gags.

The movie works because Moore and Hugh have definite sexual chemistry with a lot of snap, crackle, and pop. Plus add Robin Williams as an Russian obstretrician, Tom Arnold as Grant's doltish friend, and Joan Cusack as Moore's pregnant friend (one of her best roles since "Addams Family Values"). Add a frantic Columbus directing, and you have a charming, hilarious comedy that'll leave you breathless with laughter!

Rated PG-13 for frank sexual discussion, innueudo and for language.

9 Mos is cute and fun, but also annoying and unrealistic.
I like Hugh Grant. His facial expressions and exasperated Englishman's blathering is hilarious. I also adore Joan Cusack and Tom Arnold is a riot in this movie. Robin Williams is a bit over the top as the OB/GYN, but when isn't Robin over the top?!

The birth scene at the end irritates the heck out of me just because it's so silly and so unrealistic. The race to the hospital scene is just as ridiculous, but it does offer some laughs. Overall this is definitely a must see.

NOT BAD!
This movie was funny but some of the humor seemed forced.

An Amusing Distraction
The Question:
How can Hugh Grant, Julianne Moore, Robin Williams, Tom Arnold, Jeff Goldbloom and Joan Cusack all be in the same movie and it is still not incredible?

The Answer:
Predictable writing, easy puns, rehashed characters and less than inspired performances.

I am a fan of Grant, Williams and Goldbloom, but in "Nine Months" I saw the same personalities they have in many movies.

Grant was the same cute, surprised, humble and step-behind Brit. It is a great personality, and appropriate for the movie, but he was given so little good material to work with that I could barely muster a smile. His struggle with leaving youth behind to take on the responsibilities of fatherhood asks important questions, but the screenwriters used formulas rather than insight to create the conundrum's complexities. It felt as if no real fathers were involved in scripting.

Unlike Danny Kaye, Robin Williams is unable to replay the naive foreign speaker with freshness every time we see him. His doctor sounded like a mix of Dr. Nick Riviera on the Simpsons and Williams as the Russian in "Moscow Over the Hudson." His lines were largely mispronunciations of female anatomy. The writers overdid the gag, and it grew tiresome by the movie's end.

Goldbloom was the diehard bachelor who loves his independence. He is philosophical about in that Goldbloom way. It gives depth to the movie as he serves as a vehicle for Grant's conscience. Goldbloom is living and promoting the lifestyle Grant must leave to be a good father. Again, Goldbloom presents in a way that will remind viewers of him in "Jurassic Park" and "The Fly."

Moore is shown as a stereotypical mom-to-be. The emotional mood swings are followed by lines heard in every movie involving childbirth. As a stronger part of her character, when considering abortion, she knows that she cannot after experiencing the life inside her. The writers didn't let it become a political or even moral dilemma, but let the story tell itself here.

I liked the movie for its easiness. Despite the routine performances by otherwise incredible actors, and the flaccid writing and directing, it turns out to be a nice, pleasing movie. I would not buy "Nine Months," but I would rent it. I watched it while working on a puzzle and found it to be an amusing distraction.

Anthony Trendl ... Read more

Description

It's 1972, and Johnny Wolfe (Charles Schlatter -- 18 AGAIN, BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY) borrows his mom's pink Cadillac and gets swept up in a series of outrageous events. After successfully kidnapping Elvis Presley (David Keith -- AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN), Johnny's family and sleepy hometown will never be the same! Another lively hit from the makers of ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING, HEARTBREAK HOTEL delivers nonstop entertainment for everyone! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Better than Prozac - or something..."naughty!"
When I'm not in a particularly pleasant mood, there are five movies that I watch as sort of "mood elavation." When I yearn for "days bygone," I sigh wistfully, think "been there-done that" and watch Cheech & Chong's "Up In Smoke." When my wife is in a rare cozy mood, we watch Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve in "Somewhere In Time." When I am angry enough to, say, send Usama Ben Dover a map of...somebody's hometown with the caption, "Yo Mama Eat Poke," I will gleefully watch Chevy Chase's "Modern Problems." And when I'm of a most irresponsible frame of mind, I will almost wet my pants laughing at Nicholas Cage in "Raising Arizona." But as an ex-musician, a Southern ex-musician, one who sadly acknowledges the grim fact that Rock and Roll did indeed DIE on August 16, 1977, "Heartbreak Hotel" defnitely tops them all. The plot is almost non-existent - indeed, it ADMITS in the opening credits that "there are many stories about the King...this is a fable." The..."fable," you ask? It's 1972, Johnny Wolfe's Mom, as portrayed by the GORGEOUS Tuesday Weld, runs (and evidentally owns) a decaying motel, and she seems to be suffering from depression. She even has a jerk of a drunken, abusive boyfriend to make things "dramatic" or something. So Johnny, in between school, babbling about Alice Cooper, playing with his band ("The Wolfe Pack"), and raising his little sister Pammy, comes to the conclusion that kidnapping >Elvis Presley!< will cheer up his Mom. See? I TOLD you! CHEESE! NO plot! Still, watching Johnny "kidnap Elvis" and transform him into "the '56 Elvis" ("that's when Mom said you were the coolest"), and then, the sight of David Keith as Elvis, singing "Love Me" as Mrs. Wolfe comes home from a date - this is Rock and Roll CHEESE at its absolute FINEST, folks. And Heaven knows, given the current state of the mung that calls itself "rock and roll" right now, we could ALL use a few cheeseburgers ("cheeseburgers," by the way, are featured quite prominantly in the movie). No use in recounting any more of the plot - except that the next-to-final-scene, where "Elvis" and the "Wolfe Pack" hijack Johnny's high school's talent show and perform the song "Heartbreak Hotel" gives me the EXACT SAME THRILL as ANYTHING in the movie "Woodstock" ("Gimme Shelter" - now that's ANOTHER story altogether...we'll discuss IT later...). No, "Heartbreak Hotel" will never win any awards for anything (and thank The Lord for THAT), but if you want a GUARANTEED grin...check it out, y'all: excellent, EXCELLENT cheese!

One of the best Elvis impersonations ever!
It's 1972 and Johnny Wolfe(Charlie Schlatter) and his band prepare for a performance for a talent show at their high school. His mom Marie(Tuesday Weld) is a die-hard Elvis Presley fan. So to "make her happy",Johnny and his buddies "kidnap" Elvis(David Keith) after a concert via an anesthetic,and drive him to the Wolfes' home. It was there when Elvis awoke. Johnny wanted Elvis to stay so his mom can meet him(Elvis). Elvis subtracts 16 years off his life. He shaved off his big heavy sideburns and wore an outfit that he regularly wore in 1956. Johnny told Elvis,"My mom says you looked the coolest in '56!) Marie had returned home from the hospital after being severely beaten up by her drunk and physically abusive boyfriend(Chris Mulkey). She finds "young" Elvis at the top of the Wolfes' staircase,playing guitar and singing one of Marie's favorites,"Love Me". A shocked Marie changes into a beautiful dress and invites Elvis to stay for dinner. Johnny's little sister(Angela Goethals) is so afraid to sleep in the dark until Elvis convinces her that doing that is not scary. Elvis even redecorates the Wolfes' home and in the process,discards Johnny's rock band posters. At the talent show,Elvis appears with Johnny and his band backing him up. Then Elvis' band of bodyguards fly to Elvis' whereabouts so he can go on with his touring elsewhere. Elvis was like a husband to divorced Marie and a father to Johnny and his sister. At one point in the film,Johnny beats up Steve,Marie's boyfriend,revengefully("You stay away from my mother!") At another point,while returning from a grocery store,Johnny is later beaten up by Steve and a couple of Steve's buddies in front of a bar where Steve and his buddies were shooting pool. I dedicate this film to the memory of Elvis Aaron Presley(January 8,1935-August 16,1977). HEARTBREAK HOTEL is strictly fictitious and is no way based on actual events that occurred during the real Elvis' life. The film was directed by Chris Columbus,who also wrote the story and screenplay. Columbus also directed ADVENTURES IN BABYSITTING,a year before this film.

GREAT
My wife bought this movie used from a video store preveiwed for $$ many years ago. When she saw I had found it on DVD she was delighted. We watched it together (I have said no way for 10 years) We BOTH enjoyed the movie.

Good... but Kieth sounding and looking like Elvis?
I love this movie. Its a great feel good movie. And while other reviewers here have stated that Kieth sung ALL the music in this movie... is simply NOT TRUE. He did sing some in it... like the scene where he is coming down the steps. BUT... if anyone thinks he sounds like ELvis then they haven't listned to Elvis that much. If anyone thinks he sounds better than any impersonator... I would ask for you to listen to a man by the name of Doug Church.

I have been an Elvis fan for a VERY VERY VERY long time. Kieth doesnt look anything like Elvis... however, as one reviewer stated, he DOES capture that essence superbly. He does a great job in this movie all things considered.

This movie can be enjoyed by Elvis fans and non Elvis fans alike. ITs a good, humorous story with a feel good ending. It does Elvis justice and leaves you wishing that this had happened.

If you loved Elvis, you're gonna want to see this film
This is a great film. Of course David Keith is a great actor, but, in this he really shines. You get to hear the music of Elvis & the grand fin