Amazon.com

Ice Cube has turned his frown upside down with the family-friendly screwball road movie Are We There Yet? We know the actor/rapper can use his trademark scowl to be funny (the Friday and Barbershop series), or to be mean (Boyz in the Hood)--but can he use it to melt kids' hearts? That's the question Are We There Yet? answers with a resounding yes for youngsters in the audience (which will be the lions' share), but it'll probably be an emphatic shrug for the grownups. The contrived plot has Cube playing a wannabe-player (as in ladies' man) and ex-player (as in washed-up minor league baseball star) who now owns a sports memorabilia business. His partner, played by Jay Mohr is just a throwaway, as is the talented Nia Long, the single mom that Cube sets his blinged-out sights on. To try to get in her good graces, he offers to transport her two bratty kids in his pride-and-joy Lincoln Navigator for a joy ride to a distant city where she's attending an emergency business meeting so they can have a New Year's Eve celebration together. This kiddies version of Road Trip and Planes, Trains and Automobiles has its cute moments, but plenty more gross-out moments which will please the kids no end, especially as the Navigator gets more and more trashed. Suffice it to say they all learn about each others' good sides and hearts are suitably melted all around--until after the credits roll, then you'll probably forget about the whole thing.--Ted Fry ... Read more

Reviews (20)

A somewhat a clean, fun comedy -- more like 3 1/2 stars
I thought this was a funny movie to some degree. At least there isn't any bad language in it and for a change it's fun to see a new Lincoln Navigator get abused.
Sure, the plot isn't that special and the whole movie is a little flat to say the least, but I can say that the kids like the movie and have watched it already a few times over the last few days -- so it may become a babysitter standard -- we'll see.
I would give this movie more like 3 1/2 stars if even that many, but overall the 4 stars are more a rating from my kids and the neighborhood kids who really liked this flick.

Cringing throughout a comedy is not a good thing
There is quite a bit of perilous tightrope walking involved in mixing violent slapstick comedy and heartfelt pathos.Charlie Chaplin did it a lot and you can certainly point to the original "Home Alone" as being a successful mix.But in the former the target of the physical attacks was usually some guy twice the Little Tramp's size and in the latter it was the Wet Bandits.That is not the case with "Are We There Yet?"There are certainly some laughs to be had in this 2005 comedy, but for the most part I find myself cringing at what was happening on screen and the only reason director Brian Levant's film gets 3 stars is because there are a few success and rather important moments of pathos in this mess.

Nick Persons (Ice Cube) has an upper scale sports collectible store and a brand-new Lincoln Navigator, when he is smitten by the sight of Suzanne Kingston (Nia Long).The bad news is that she is a single mom with a pair of terror tots, Lindsy (Aleisha Allen) and Kevin (Philip Daniel Bolden), who have been taking care of all of mom's would-be boyfriends.They are waiting for their mom to reconcile with their dad.Nick wants nothing to do with children, but he and Suzanne become friends and when she has to go to Vancouver for work and her ex-husband bails on having the kids for New Year's, he ends up agreeing to transport the kids and the madness begins.

The core problem here is that these kids are viscous little monsters who physically assault innocent men.This is not cute little Kevin hurting the bad guys who are trying to rob his home, but two kids going after every guy who wants to date their mother.It is not funny it is mean.It is also dangerous, which gets us to another key problem with this movie in terms of how many times the attempted humor has to do with cars and trucks.In other words, situations that in the real world would get these kids killed are repeatedly done for laughs in this movie.Watching a couple of kids screaming while the car they are in is squeezed against the railing on the highway by a fully loaded semi-truck is not all that funny in the real world and we kept cringing through all of these types of scenes (there are several).Granted, it is not wise to confuse a movie with the real world, but there are moments when this film wants to talk to the reality that there are a large number of African-American children being raised without their fathers living in the house.More importantly, those are the best moments in the film.

This is because Nick is not a bad guy, which is the flip side to the core problem, and another reason to cringe every time they go after him.Nick thinks he does not like children and this particular pair of demons give him ample reason to reinforce that idea, but when these children need help, physical or psychological, he immediately goes to their help.The latter is the more important part, because you know full well that these children are going to get their comeuppance when they find out the truth about their father and the moments in which Nick talks to the kids, as opposed to screaming or sticking out his tongue at them, are the best moments in this film because they are the most real.

The fault for this film is to be found in the screenplay by Steven Gary Banks, Claudia Grazioso, J. David Stem and David N. Weiss (four writers is rarely a good sign), because the performances by Ice Cub and the two kids are fine given what was written (Long is reduced to a minor part in the story, which is why the resolution is problematic for me).Jay Mohr has a small part in this film as Marty, Nick's friend who keeps reminding him of how much he does not like kids, and Tracy Morgan does the voice of the Satchel Paige bobble-head doll that Nick has on the dashboard of his vehicle (who does Nick think will be watching DVDs in the backseat if he does not like children?).It was also great to see Nichelle Nichols in a bit part as Miss Mable.What would have been even better was a film that dealt more realistically with the basic idea, which is certainly an important one.

For certain ages probably
The kids behavior makes you think what a sad state of affairs parenting has become in this age of having to work, single parenting, etc.If you can get past the snotty behavior the children have and lack of respect they have for anything that doesn't benefit them well, good.The film tries to soften it by explaining their father has been absent and thus this excuses their actions, well I don't know.For me it was an uneasy way to view a movie.

Horrible Film
I first saw this film with my class on an after-school trip. I was reluctant to see it, because it would be a stupid film, and guess what? I was right. I can't believe Ice Cube wasted his time and money on such a mediocre movie. It's one of those movies showing the declining quality of the medium. I admit some of the jokes were funny, but the rest of the film just didn't make any sense. It does have a happy ending. In my opinion, Not happy enough to make up for a bad movie. If I could, I would shout "It Stinks!" a'la Jay Sherman, out loud in the theatre. Don't watch this. Instead try one of many of Pixar's finest.

Some People are just plain NUTS!!
Yes, this film has the typical formula when it comes to family films...disaster (divorced dad does not hold up to his end of the bargin) Feel sorry for factor (MOM needs someone to watch the kids while she works, and kids really want to see daddy) The other man (Ice Cube) The "villian" (truck driver who thinks he is doing the right thing...but really isn't. Spoiled rotten kids (if you think of it, they did it...and did it well) but hey, this is a cute, funny film...it is not HILARIOUS no, and yes, some of the jokes get carried away, but this is not a movie to be picked apart by any means...this is a movie that is suppose to be enjoyed!! A great rainy day movie that you can actually sit down with the family and have a great time with!!

Christopher Berry ... Read more

Amazon.com

When Married... with Children debuted on Fox TV on April 5, 1987 (followed by The Tracey Ullman Show a half-hour later), the grungy sitcom became an instant flagship for Rupert Murdoch's upstart network. The program's much-publicized working title, Not the Cosbys (a dismissive reference to the cheerful vitality of Bill Cosby's hugely popular television clan on NBC's The Cosby Show) was a dead giveaway. Married... with Children was going to be a trashier, raunchier, and far more cynical view of the American nuclear family. But it turned out the series actually fell into other caustic-domestic entertainment traditions, notably the Don Ameche and Frances Langford radio comedy series from the 1940s, The Bickersons, and Jackie Gleason's TV classic, The Honeymooners.

The jokes were savage, key relationships were marked by ennui and indifference, and the Bundy family name couldn't help but make one think of America's most notorious, real-life serial killer at the time. Yet the show had a hint of Golden Age Hollywood gloss, a retro-screwball feel that one could detect in the snappy verbal warfare between husband Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) and wife Peggy (Katey Sagal). The characters, and the show, eschewed sentimentality, which certainly opened the floodgates to comic cynicism but also kept a door ajar for moments of genuine sweetness. A decade later, however, by the time Fox cancelled the increasingly expensive series, Married... with Children's first-season tone would be considerably different, replaced by a stronger reliance on running jokes and character stereotypes, particularly concerning Bundy children Kelly (Christina Applegate) and Bud (David Faustino).

That evolution makes watching Married... with Children's first 13 episodes, once again, quite instructive. Those programs are all on this two-disc set, including the startling pilot, in which Al and Peggy lock horns over marital politics and enlist naive new neighbors Steve (David Garrison) and Marcy (Amanda Bearse) in a battle of the sexes. There's also the classic "Whose Room Is It, Anyway," concerning the Bundys'competition to connive Steve and Marcy into building a recreation room, and "Thinnergy," a very funny piece about a diet that supposedly boosts sexual interest. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Long live anti-cosby!
Finally, after hearing fans that wanted full-fledged season box sets, Fox answered their prayers. So get ready for those outrageous Bundys in Married...with Children:The Complete First Season, featuring all 13 episodes from the show's debut. Though the funniest episodes are yet to come in the second season, season 1 is the groundbreaking season that completely changed sitcoms forever. This taboo-shattering hit series was often deamed too hot for TV, introducing everyone's favorite dysfunctional house hold. These are the 13 episodes:

1.Pilot-Peg forces Al to forfeit his coveted basketball game to have dinner with their annoying new neighbors, Steve and Marcy.

2.Thinergy-Hoping to rekindle Al's flame, Peg takes Marcy's advice and goes on a crash diet, much to Al's dislike.

3.Sixteen Years And What Do You Get?-After Peg runs his credit card to the max, Al is forced to show up at his own wedding anniversary empty-handed.

4.But I Didn't Shoot The Deputy-Mistaking it for a burgler, Al accidentally shoots his neighbor's watchdog.

5.Have You Driven A Ford Lately?-After restoring a vintage Mustang, Al discovers the backseat isn't the only thing "hot" about his cherry ride.

6.Whose Room Is It Anyway?-A battle between Al and Peg is waged over who has the final word on the neighbor's room addition.

7.Al Loses His Cherry-After a bad fight, Al vows to teach Peg a lesson by not coming home all night. Instead he's the one who ends up getting schooled by a blonde bombshell.

8.Peggy Sue Got Work-When Al refuses to buy Peg a new VCR, Marcy convinces her to get a job herself.(laughs)

9.Married...Without Children-When Al and Peg get away for the weekend, Marcy and Steve volunteer to baby-sit Bud and Kelly-but get more than they bargained for.

10.The Poker Game-When Steve sits in on a Friday-night poker game, he loses more than his shirt to Al.

11.Where's The Boss?-Fooled into thinking his boss is dead, Al threatens to quit his job unless he gets a little respect.

12.Nightmare On Al's Street-Marcy is living a nightmare when a too-sexy Al starts popping up in her dreams.

13.Johnny B. Gone- When Al's favorite hamburger joint closes, he must choose between family and food

Remastered and avalible for the first time on DVD, this show is truly a gem, so go out and get this set today!

Definitely not the Cosbys!
Being a child of the 80's, it was hard to miss all the wonderful sitcoms on television. I still vividly remember watching "Married...With Children" every Sunday night, and I feverishly looked forward to each new episode. In the years since then, I have seen all the episodes many times in reruns, and I am now glad to own them (at least the first season) on DVD. It is one of the few shows I have never gotten tired of.

The first season is rarely the strongest in the series, but the first season of "Married..." has quite a few gems. The second episode, "Thinnergy", has Peggy putting the family on a crash diet, with Al obviously disapproving. The dinner scene always cracked me up, especially Al's sarcasm when he tosses out the salad. Another excellent episode was "Where's The Boss", where Al threatens to quit his job at the shoe store unless his boss meets him and commends him on his work. It has the first of the classic "fat woman" jokes ("Madame, when Shamu needs a mate...you'll be there!"). But my favorite episode is the season finale, "Johnny B. Gone", where the kid's problems prevent Al and Peggy from going to the closing of their favorite restaurant. Seeing Marcy in a towel and Al making fun of her ("Here's a mystery...what's holding that towel up?") never dulls.
The first season contained 13 episodes, which you'll go through pretty quickly. My hope is that the second and third seasons find their way onto DVD soon.

The DVD package is light on the extras (most TV show DVD sets are), but there is one main attraction. The much-lauded "Reunion" special in 2003 is included here, which is a must have for fans. While is provides nothing of real substance, it is fun to see the cast out of their element, reminiscing about their experiences on the show. The only drawback to this is that very little is touched upon about the show's cultural impact in the 80's, which was not inconsiderable for the series. It is just a fun reunion of the cast, nothing more. Sadly, they did not include the E! True Hollywood Story that was done on the show. It would have been a prize addition to the set.

While better episodes were to come in later seasons, the first season is still very solid, and should satisfy fans of the series waiting for a proper release. And with the addition of the Reunion Special, it is a must have for fans of the series. Add this to your collection along with the two "Most Outrageous Episodes" DVDs that are already out.

The Bundys first run
I don't see why so many are bashing the picture quality, I don't think it's bad at all. I love Married ... With Children and this DVD is a great way to start off the collection, for I'm sure they're will be more.
The Married ... With Children show did get a lot better once Steve was gone and Jefferson came into the picture, but these are still classic, great episodes. You can tell these are the early days for Al seems a lot more affectionate towards Peggy and Peggy seems more loving to Bud and Kelly but they are still funny, especially when they do go off and insult each other.
This show has the best insults, it's witty and hilarious. There really is no DVD extras so I suggest if you already have them on tape, there is no need to get this. This is just for people who want to keep reliving the old episodes.

Bad picture quality
While the episodes themselves get an automatic 5 stars, the DVD has bad picture quality. I didn't notice it at first until I viewed one of the first season episodes on regular cable--the picture quality was much sharper, clearer and felt like it added a good five years to the episode's age. Other than that, the DVD could have used some more extras, but the picture quality is a real pain in the ass for the money you dish out. Still recommended, because we're not seeing any other 1st or 2nd Married... DVDs.

GREAT EPISODES.......HORRIBLE PICTURE QUALITY
TO SUM THIS REVIEW UP......I THINK THAT THE EPISODES A VERY FUNNY BUT I WAS BLOWN AWAY ON HOW HORRIBLE THE PICTURE QUALITY IS!!! ALL THE REVIEWS ARE TRUE!!! I THOUGHT EVERYONE WAS JUST PICKY BUT I WAS WRONG! THE QUALITY LOOKS LIKE AN OLD VHS TAPE OR A LOCAL STATION ON TV!! IF YOU DON'T MIND PICTURE QUALITY THEN BUY IT.......BUT IF YOU DO .....RENT IT FIRST SO YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF!!! ... Read more

Reviews (108)

didnt REALLY enjoy it
What I saw was "Snow Dogs." It stars Cuba Gooding Jr., Sisqo, James Coburn and Nichelle Nichols. Gooding is Ted Brooks, a dentist from Miami who inherits some racing snow dogs in Alaska from his mother. He learns that he was adopted from his mother's will and begins a half-hearted search for his natural father.

In Alaska, he meets a bartender who knew his mother. Ted wants to leave because he doesn't belong in Alaska. But to stop him, the bartender tells Ted who his father is. He finds out that his dad was white (and Ted is black). One kid in the theater asked what a diary was when Ted found his late mother's diary in the house that she lived in.

Overall, I didn't really enjoy this film, but I guess that young kids could give it a shot. I did chuckle a little bit at some parts, like when he said that one of the dentist operations would hurt more than a tickle and less than paying your taxes (a little adult joke, the kids wouldn't get it). Some of the lines in the movie didn't come out right, though. One of my favorite parts was when Ted was dreaming and Michael Bolton made a cameo.

R.I..P Mr. James Coburn aka Thunder Jack
Although Cuba Gooding has always gotten on my nerves, this movie is worth the watch for James Coburn's turn as Thunder Jack, a grizzeled mountain man. To lose Rod Steiger, James Coburn and Charles Bronson all in such a short time marks the end of an era and a goodbye to the last of the 'Real Men' of both Hollywood and the world...

What's with the running gag about Michael Bolton???
My 6-year-old is obsessed with this film. It seems like every time I hear the TV turn on, my daughter's got "Snow Dogs" popped into the VCR...again (sigh...)! It's harmless good fun and I certainly don't mind hearing her gleeful laughter resounding through the house. The only thing that gets on my nerves are the Michael Bolton references. Michael Bolton's music is used in the film soundtrack. Michael Bolton is a White recording artist, but his most successful releases have consistently been cover versions of songs by Black artists. The central character in "Snow Dogs" finds out that he's not only adopted but also only half-Black. His foster mother promptly quips that maybe this is the reason he likes Michael Bolton's music so much. Then at some point Michael Bolton himself makes a cameo in the film. And Bolton's music returns as the credits roll, this time a cover of a Stevie Wonder classic. Was this redundancy really necessary? Aside from that, I think "Snow Dogs" is a heartwarming family movie that parents will be able to tolerate without going nuts the twentieth time the kids put it on. Don't hesitate to check it out!

A charmer fit for the family, even the pets will love it!
A Miami dentist and a team of sledding dogs combine for a humorous, snow-filled adventure. Dr. Ted Brooks (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) has a successful practice, "Hot Smile," when one day his mother drops the news that he was adopted. He soon finds himself in a small Alaska town to claim his inheritance, which includes no money but plenty of dogs - not such a good match for the wealthy, canine-hater! Before heading back to balmy Florida, however, he braves the frigid climate in search of his biological father. He slowly finds himself drawn to the simplicity of the town and its people, including Barb, a tough but sweet bartender, and Thunder Jack (James Coburn), a very rough-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside "musher." When the "Arctic Challenge" sled race begins soon after, Brooks and his new canine friends discover the meaning of love and family.

There is so much to enjoy about this movie, which comes from a long tradition of Disney snow/dog/sled racing classics ("Snowball Express," "White Fang," "Iron Will"). It's lighter in tone but still provides some thrilling moments against a spectacular Alaskan backdrop. (They could have capitalized on the scenery even more.) The laughs come naturally in this script, as a Southern city slicker thrust into the Alaskan wilderness is bound to run into goofy situations. Cuba Gooding, Jr. is in fine comedic form, and a scraggly James Coburn easily takes to his lighter side. Both actors have proven their dramatic prowess with serious, decidedly adult roles, but the two fit snuggly into this family film and share some amusing and touching scenes. Though "Snow Dogs" lacks the scriptural tightness of films before it, it warms the heart.

THE DOGS ARE THE SHOW
Critics have pretty much bashed this movie, stating that Oscar winner Cuba Gooding has sunk to depths unprecedented by previous winners. A little harsh; SNOW DOGS works not because of Cuba; it works because it's hearts in the right place and the dogs are a pleasure to watch, especially Demon and Nana. There is one hilarious dream sequence where the dogs are sunning themselves on the beach, in lounge chairs, sunglasses and drinks in hand. Cuba does better once he gets over the prat-falling sequences early in the movies; Gooding comes nowhere near the masters of this: Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, Dick van Dyke and Jerry Lewis. But once Gooding stops trying to be these guys, his performance settles down, and he avoids killing the movie. Also, James Coburn is delightful as his "father", and Nichelle Nichols is even more beautiful than she was in "Star Trek." There's nothing new in this movie, but as typical Disney fare, it has an upbeat message and everything goes just as one would hope and expect; the Alaska backdrop is sumptous, too. Don't let the horrible reviews influence you; if you like this kind of "feel good" movie, it's fine. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Put Charles Grodin together with a 200-pound Saint Bernard and you're likely to come up with some good laughs. In this popular family comedy from 1992 Grodin plays a beleaguered dad who reluctantly lets his kids keep the lost puppy they've adopted. The dog quickly grows into the huge and clever hound named Beethoven. In a marked departure from his nice-guy roles in several Disney comedies from the 1960s and '70s, Dean Jones plays the villainous veterinarian who abducts Beethoven to be a subject in his sadistic animal experiments. The kidnapping sets the stage for a raucous rescue and, of course, an inevitable sequel. Innocuous but harmlessly entertaining, Beethoven is one of those movies that some kids can't get enough of. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (15)

great family film
With the exception of a few more intense scenes in this film (namely the ones with the antics of the villian veteranarian), "Beethoven" is a great choice for the whole family. It's just a very lighthearted and fun film with real characters and a plot that is just as funny as it is heartwarming. It focuses on the Newtons, who are just a normal, happy family with their own set routine until a stray puppy comes upon them and "puts the dents in their home." The father George's (played to perfection by Charles Grodin) feelings for this dog are beyond indifferent, but he finally gives in to his three young children and allows them to keep the puppy, whom they soon dub with the name "Beethoven." As the dog grows into an enormous St. Bernard, the kids are having a ball with him, but George is....well, this is not quite the kind of change in his life that he had hoped for, and what unfolds are some often hilarious moments between George and Beethoven. I remember watching it over and over when I was younger, and I still love it now.

Charles Grodin and Bonnie Hunt are great as the kind and loving parents, and Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, and Sarah Rose Karr are equally delightful in their roles as the 3 kids. Overall just a really sweet, funny, and good family film.

enjoyable for the most part...
I would regard this as a good family film with some reservations. Since I remember how much I used to watch this when I was a kid, I remember what parts I enjoyed and what parts I didn't. It's okay to have a darker side to a family movie, but perhaps not with such unnecessary rough dialogue and violence with an evil veteranarian attacking and abusing animals. And since when does a father earn praise and honor from his wife and children when he punches out the bad guy?

The strength and the fun of this movie comes from the family who adopts a lost St. Bernard puppy, much to the father's dismay. The three children in this film, Ryce, Ted, and Emily (played by Nicholle Tom, Christopher Castile, and Sarah Rose Karr) are cute enough; what I like so much about this movie is the way they're shown as such a normal, loving, typical family that many of us could probably say we have seen before somewhere in our own lives. You've got the grumpy yet loving father, the nurturing "stay at home" mother, and the three mischievous kids. Overall, it's a film you might enjoy with your family...worth at least a rental.

stupid
don't watch this movie. because this movie ain't that funny.

One huge puppy/dog. 15th april 2004.
The newton family have just adopted one huge saint bernard dog that was kidnapped out of the shop it came from. He's big,he drewles,and he's a big responsibility. Beethoven made him self happy in the newtons, emily dreamed of having a dog and she woke up with one right beside her in her bed. No one knows about him been there until her mum brother and sister walk into the room. He grows massive, and it is about a family who love him too bits, exept they had to work round there dad. Great family film.

NOT for younger children
This movie is terrible in that it sends very mixed messages to children. A veterinarian "villian", a father hitting a "bad guy" and getting cheers from his family, etc. This, and a very scary and intense near-drowning scene (of a child) made my 4-year-old cry. We ended up turning it off and having a long talk afterwards with our daughter. I'm glad we only rented it but I'm kicking myself for not previewing it first. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Here are more select episodes from the grungy, middle-class existence of the Bundy family, centerpiece of Fox TV's early hit series Married with Children. Choice bits include "A Man's Castle," finding Al (Ed O'Neill) in a crisis of masculine confidence after wife Peg (Katey Sagal) redecorates his bathroom fortress-of-solitude with frilly trappings. "Who'll Stop the Rain" concerns Al's misguided (and cheap) effort to fix a roof leak, resulting in multiple, earthbound falls. "Raingirl" is a good showcase for sexy comic actress Christina Applegate, playing Bundy daughter Kelly as a television station intern-turned-weather bunny suddenly offered a $250,000 contract; the problem is that her manager is also her bungling father, Al. "If Al Had a Hammer" finds the Bundy patriarch building a private room with his heirloom hammer--until the secret gets out. Gross, outrageous, but often sharp about the heaven-hell dichotomy of family life. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Married with children DVD
Once again companies refuse to understand that best of dvd's are pointless. While they capture a variety of episodes from varies seasons, a true fan would much rather have a complete season that is organized and packaged well. I would not recommend buying this because of the fact that shows like Friends did the same thing and came out with best of dvd's and then followed that with complete seasons. The clock is ticking though for tv shows to appear on dvd and before too long the TV powerhouses will come out(FRESH PRINCE, SEINFELD, Home Improvement, and Roseanne)

Married with Children vol2
it is great tv show married with children if everything goes well we will be see the married with sesaon sets soon because the people at are tri-star are going to see if the public like vol1,2,they will start making sesaon set with lots of extra i hope so call tri-star and tell them you like to see sesaon sets with lots of extra stuff not that boring stuff you see in past dvd shows from tri-star because fox gives good extra stuff on dvds

Great series - DVDs need work though
Married With Children is the show that reinvented the sitcom. From its debut in 1987 to the finale in 1997, it provided non-stop laughs. And now, five episodes are available on DVD at long last. But is this a good thing? Read on and see.

First and foremost, the good points about this DVD:
-DVD means excellent picture quality and sound
-5 extremely funny episodes
-The price
-Each episode is the complete original, not the syndication edit

Now onto what ultimately derails this collection - the bad points:

-It's a compilation of episodes from mixed seasons. Why not just release a first season box set, and then a second season, and so on?
-Episodes are NOT in original air order
-NO CHAPTER SELECTIONS! Uh, isn't that one of the reasons we hold the DVD format in such high regard?
-No extras other than trailers. I was hoping for interviews with cast and crew.
-ONLY 5 EPISODES!? Surely more than that can fit on a DVD, especially assuning they sacrificed chapter selections and extras!
-I don't care what the title says, there are episodes many times more outrageous than this.

Overall this collection is disappointing, compared to what it could have been. The other reviews also demonstrate this point excellently. Rather than buying this, consider holding off and seeing if Fox releases box sets.

You gotta be kidding me!!!!
Let me start by saying, Shame On You Fox!!! This was one of the greatest comedy sitcoms of all time. It changed comedy on tv, like no other sitcom before it. And you got the stones to release these sub par "best of" sets...no chance, i aint buying! This was the only tv show that i watched with my father growing up. This show has fans from all age groups. This series needs the respect it deserves...Season by season box sets!!! So many stupid shows get season by season releases...just take a look at any dvd section in any store!!!! these "best of" discs are a joke. If fox has any respect for the fans that stuck by that amazing show for so many seasons that will release the greatest season by season box sets this world has ever seen. We want Justice, No Pieced together "best of" sets!!!!!

more crazy Bundy-fun!
This second volume of episodes from the cult classic MARRIED WITH CHILDREN contains some real gems, including the infamous "Raingirl" and "If Al Had a Hammer".

"A Man's Castle" - Peg (Katey Sagal) takes a redecorating class to help the Bundy abode look more livable. But when she decides to make-over the bathroom, Al (Ed O'Neill) will stop at nothing to protect his most sacred sanctuary!

"Raingirl" - When Kelly (Christina Applegate) becomes the weather-girl for the local TV station, it looks like financial success may finally be in the forecast for the Bundys. But with her reading-skills as scant as her outfits, it may not be sunny skies for long...

"Have You Driven a Ford Lately?" - Al and Steve (David Garrison) buy an old Ford Mustang and bond over fixing and restoring the hunk of junk to it's former glory, much to Peg and Marcy's (Amanda Bearse) dismay. But the boys' dream of cruising the open road 'Born to Be Wild'-style are about to come to a crashing halt...

"If Al Had a Hammer" - A new li'l Bundy is on the way and Al, in need of some space, builds his own private quarters with the help of his father's beloved hammer. But not even this mystical mallet can save his manly oasis from Peg and Marcy and their group of pregnant girlfriends!

"Who'll Stop the Rain?" - It's raining and pouring but it's never boring...especially at the Bundy house! To save money, tight-wad Al goes the do-it-yourself route when the house starts leaking, but he'll end up with both roofing and medical bills when he's finished!

These hilarious episodes will keep the entire family laughing for hours.

Also starring David Faustino. The DVD also includes a promo for the "Salute to Sinatra" CD. (Single-sided, dual-layer disc). ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Not a Bad Christmas movie...
Someone called this movie and its characters mean. I can only assume that this person has nver been out on a holiday rush to get the season's hottest toys...Tickle Me Elmo? Furbys? Beanie Babies? Well hey, sometimes it does get brutal out there as parents fight to get that toy.

Jingle All the Way may exaggerate it a little bit, but not by much as Arnold and Sinbad battle through the streets of Minneapolis to find the Turbo Man action figure. I've seen, on many occasions, parents racing through the stores to get to the store aisles just as the store opens, just like in this movie.

Mean? No..perhaps a bit misguided but both men just want to make sure thier kids have a great Christmas. Phil Hartman is hilarious as the slimy, anal neighbor, cozying up to Arnolds wife and Robert Conrad is a treat to see as a cop who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Look for Jim Belushi in a cameo as a dept. store Santa. Not a classic, but good escapist holiday fun.

Great Holiday Family Movie
We didn't have much expectations with Arnold as the lead. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast pace. Funny and spreads holiday cheer. Good movies for kids. I like the ending.

GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE
THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER. ITS FUNNY, AND ENTERTAINING. AND BECAUSE OF ARNOLD THIS MOVIE DESERVES MORE THAN 5 STARS.

Just Love Watching This Every Christmas
It's not going to win an academy award. It's not going to be the best acted or scripted movie that you will see. Arnie's acting, 'nough said. However, my family and I have seen this moview every holiday season, and quite honestly, this is the pick of the litter. Second,third and subsequent viewings were always more appreciative than the first. It is unique, and really hits upon the Christmas experience. Phil Hartman is great, as is Arnie. I know for the next 30 years my family will watch this every Christmas season, and I'm glad that Arnie took the risk to make a comedic Christmas experience.

Make your own decision
Enough has been said explaining what the movie is about so I won't go into that. What I want to ask is that you watch the movie and decide for yourself if its trash or treasure. Don't let the negitive reviews keep you away, it is a happy, funny, holiday escape which is all it was ever meant to be. Also, Phil Hartman is great in this. ... Read more

Description

America's most outrageous family comes to DVD! Married With Children, featuring the delightfully dysfunctional Bundys--Al (Ed O'Neill), Peg (Katey Sagal), Kelly (Christina Applegate) and Bud (David Faustino)--changed the face of television comedy with its bawdy humor and campy characters. Volume 1 is a collection of the show's wildest episodes sure to offer hours of hilarious domestic bliss! (Includes the infamous "Lost Episode," deemed too raunchy for TV!)

Includes the following hysterical episodes: A Dump of My Own, You Better Shop Around Part 1, You Better Shop Around Part 2, No Chicken No Check, I'll See You In Court (The Lost Episode). ... Read more

Amazon.com

Kids will enjoy the dinosaurs, gaudy prehistoric decor, and cartoon humor of The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas. The movie begins before Fred (Mark Addy from The Full Monty) and Wilma (Kirsten Johnston from Third Rock from the Sun) Flintstone ever met, back when Wilma was an unhappy rich girl seeking happiness in a less snobby environment. Running away from her smothering mother (Joan Collins!) and an oily suitor, Chip Rockefeller (Thomas Gibson from Dharma and Greg), she winds up at a drive-in restaurant where she meets Betty (Jane Krakowski from Ally McBeal), a waitress who thinks Wilma is actually homeless and invites the runaway to live with her. Our blue-collar heroes, Fred and Barney Rubble (Stephen Baldwin from The Usual Suspects), ask the girls out on a double date, and before long Fred and Wilma bond over bowling. But it turns out that Chip is in debt to a ruthless loan shark and needs Wilma's money, so he invites the couples to his new casino in Rock Vegas, where he plots nefariously to ruin their blossoming love. The plot holds no surprises and the dialogue is clumsy, but there's a blithe dimwittedness to the whole affair that makes it curiously inoffensive. Adults will most enjoy the sly performance of Alan Cumming (Eyes Wide Shut) as the Great Gazoo, an alien sent to Earth to observe human mating behavior. Also featuring Harvey Korman as Wilma's doddering father. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Much better than the first movie
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" isn't what you would expect it to be. Instead of being a sequel to the "The Flintstones," it's a prequel. It shows how Fred, Wilma, Barney, and Betty came to meet in the first place. Oh yeah, don't forget the well animated Dino. You'll find out some things about Wilma, Barney, and the others that you most likely never knew about, such as Wilma being rich.

If you've ever watched the cartoon series in your life, then you'll already somewhat know how this movie turns out, such as Fred and Wilma being together, but you'll find out a lot of interesting stuff along the way and find out that everything wasn't all smooth sailing for the Flintstones and the Rubbles.

I used to watch the cartoon series of The Flintstones when I was a kid, but I didn't like the movie, "The Flintstones" much at all. "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" is a much better movie than the first one in my opinion. Parts of it are hilarious, and the whole movie is very entertaining. My only complaint is that I sort of doubt that a few parts of the story hold true for a stone age family, such as Mick Jagger being alive and Coca-Cola existing. But there are some of the famous Flintstone antics such as a dinosaur being used as a bridge.

If you've ever been a fan of the cartoon series, and even if you haven't ever been much of a fan, I would recommend watching "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas." It has good acting, it's funny and entertaining, and it has good effects that make it look like a live episode from The Flintstones.

A great time will be had by all...
I was one of the few adults out there who will admit to enjoyed the first flick, but I still stand by that decision. So, I eagerly rushed to the video store to snag a copy of the DVD. I hadn't seen it before viewing it and wasn't really sure what to expect. I shouldn't have worried...the film was great fun.

A little juvenile, a little too silly but what do you expect from a movie based on a cartoon? If you're a fan of The Flintstones tv series or enjoy the work of actors Mark Addy and Alan Cumming you'll be sure to enjoy this flick. The appearance of the Great Gazoo was a nice touch and something well-remembered by this fan. Take a chance...I'm sure you'll love it.

Underrated, Viva Rock Vegas!!!
"The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas" brings the iconic 60's cartoon about the "Modern-Day Stone-Age Family" back to the big screen for a second run. During it's first-run in the theatres people blasted the movie for its changes from the first movie (prequel instead of sequel, B-team cast instead of A-team cast). However, taking a look at the movie on it's own merits you'll find an equally well-done story and rendering of America's favorite Modern-Day Stone-Age Family.

THE MOVIE:

The Story:

Again, this movie is actually a prequel to the first movie as well as cartoon. It tells the story of how Fred and Barney first met Wilma and Betty. Buddies and Rock-Quarry workers Fred and Barney meet Betty and Wilma and engage in a whirlwind romance. Along the way the gang gains a pet dino (Dino) and cross paths with an exiled alien (The Great Gazoo). Things in paradise aren't quite perfect though as Wilma's ex-beau shows up to reclaim Wilma and throw a monkey wrench into the boys' relationship with the girls.

The Cool Stuff:

It's all about the story here and effects here. As in the first movie, Bedrock (and Rock Vegas) are beautifully rendered. All the charm of the cartoons shines through in the film from the way Fred bowls to how he and Barney float into the air when things go right (Yabba-Dabba Doo!!!) all the way to Dino's seemingly perfectly transferred animation from the cartoon to the film. While people lambasted this film, the storytelling is once again done very well. The story is classic Flintstones, Fred does some dumb things to his regret landing him and Barney in trouble, Barney's lovably innocent and the girls, of course, prove they are smarter than the men. The addition of the Great Gazoo to the film is icing on the cake.

THE DVD:

While a little sparse compared to most new release DVDs, there are some nice extras here to enhance your viewing pleasure. Among the goodies included here are:

1. "Making of Feature" - 15 minute feature that talks about, among other things, the making of the Rock Vegas set, the CGI animation and the casting of the actors.

2. Trailers: The theatrical and teaser trailer plus trailers for other movies.

3. Production Notes - more insight into the movie

4. Cast and Crew Bios

THE VERDICT:

Overall this movie was just nice. It may have may have been lambasted or passed by your radar the first time around but if you are looking for a nice rental for the weekend or evening this is your film. The storytelling is very solid and is just classic Flintstones in every respect. In my opinion, the movie is perhaps even superior to the first movie in this respect. All the charm of the cartoon translates perfectly is this movie. The DVD features, while a little sparse, help make this particular DVD a nice addition to your DVD library if you are so inclined to purchase it.

Final Grades:

Movie: 5 stars
Extras: 3 stars

Total: 4 stars

Highly Recommended

"Viva Rock Vegas" See how everyone met and fell in love.
This film is NOT a sequel to THE FLINTSTONES (1994), but a prequel. This story takes place before the story of the first movie. A new cast is in this film telling the story (the movie version) of how Wilma, Betty, Fred and Barney meet each other. When it becomes love at first sight, they all become friends and decide to go to Rock Vegas. Ann-Margret sings "Viva Rock Vegas" to the tune of "Viva Las Vegas". Joan Collins plays the rich mother of Wilma who looks out for best interest. Harvey Korman has a fun role. And Dino is born. Locations include, Malibu, Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, California and Blayney Ranch, Palmdale, California. This DVD contains "Spotlight on Location", a behind-the-scenes look of the making of the film. Mark Addy played a wonderful and easier-on-the eye Fred Flintstone.

Mostly [garbage].
Rated 1.5
The actor who played Fred was likeable, but ... dull and unconvincing. The Baldwin brother who portrayed Barney was ideally cast. 'Greg' from 'Dharma & Greg' should've been over-the-top cornball, but he seemed to barely act at all. He seemed like a mildly skewed version of 'Greg', strange that an actor wouldn't want to act completely different. Wilma and Betty are finely casted, though Wilma is a very different from the show. She used to be a 'straight' character, now she's more humorous. Alan Cumming is spectacular as usual, but the script doesn't give him much of anything to do. Joan Collins and Wilma's father, 'Colonel' are perfect.

The SFX are ok, but the script is unredeemably shallow, immature and full of second-rate puns and gags. The biggest payoff is the impressions and the sets, and the original movie had way more of both (along with a decent plot!). The last movie felt like it had a beginning, a middle, and an end, this just slumps the whole way through, but actors help out immensely. I think it tried to be too serious or goofy in scenes. I constantly thought, 'I guess I'm supposed to laugh now' or 'care now'.

I love the surreal nature of having this imaginative world in live action. It sounds strange, but to see Wilma get her pearls is... *weird*. I guess that's where most of my enjoyment comes from, but again, Spielberg did it better.

To put this in perspective, I paid [money] for it and I'm starting to wish I had saved the cash. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's Christmas Eve, and Arnold needs to find a Turbo Man action figure, the craze of the season.Only they're sold-out, of course.So the race is on, and Arnold does fierce battle with other shoppers and merchants alike, all for the prize toy with which to purchase his son's affections. His chief rival and nemesis is Sinbad, a mailman who's always going--you guessed it--postal.(Must have looked good on paper.)All of which is unwittingly very sad, on the content level.But the film supposes itself to be amiable enough, on its own shabby terms, even when it climbs out of the screen and starts gnawing at your furniture.If the humor were to get broader it would make HDTV obsolete.The tone can only be termed good-naturedly mean-spirited.Goofy carnival music runs continuously in the background so we never forget that what we're seeing is, er, um, funny.All the action is composed of comic violence, like an unhip Warner Bros. cartoon.Do the filmmakers actually consider this cynical foray to be indicative of the Christmas spirit?Apparently so, because the resolution hasArnold winning quite inadvertently, and offers no clear alternative to the competitive commercialism that drives the film's attempts at humor.In a key scene that's meant to be touching, Arnold and Sinbad sit down for aheart-to-heart in which we learn that receiving much-wanted Christmas presents in our formative years is responsible for our success in adulthood. You get that Turbo Man, you'll be a billionaire; don't get it, you'll be a loser. Such is the formidable challenge of parenthood, to cater to the child's whims while it can still make a difference.This is what's wrong with this country. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Not a Bad Christmas movie...
Someone called this movie and its characters mean. I can only assume that this person has nver been out on a holiday rush to get the season's hottest toys...Tickle Me Elmo? Furbys? Beanie Babies? Well hey, sometimes it does get brutal out there as parents fight to get that toy.

Jingle All the Way may exaggerate it a little bit, but not by much as Arnold and Sinbad battle through the streets of Minneapolis to find the Turbo Man action figure. I've seen, on many occasions, parents racing through the stores to get to the store aisles just as the store opens, just like in this movie.

Mean? No..perhaps a bit misguided but both men just want to make sure thier kids have a great Christmas. Phil Hartman is hilarious as the slimy, anal neighbor, cozying up to Arnolds wife and Robert Conrad is a treat to see as a cop who is always in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Look for Jim Belushi in a cameo as a dept. store Santa. Not a classic, but good escapist holiday fun.

Great Holiday Family Movie
We didn't have much expectations with Arnold as the lead. We were pleasantly surprised by the fast pace. Funny and spreads holiday cheer. Good movies for kids. I like the ending.

GREAT CHRISTMAS MOVIE
THIS IS THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIE EVER. ITS FUNNY, AND ENTERTAINING. AND BECAUSE OF ARNOLD THIS MOVIE DESERVES MORE THAN 5 STARS.

Just Love Watching This Every Christmas
It's not going to win an academy award. It's not going to be the best acted or scripted movie that you will see. Arnie's acting, 'nough said. However, my family and I have seen this moview every holiday season, and quite honestly, this is the pick of the litter. Second,third and subsequent viewings were always more appreciative than the first. It is unique, and really hits upon the Christmas experience. Phil Hartman is great, as is Arnie. I know for the next 30 years my family will watch this every Christmas season, and I'm glad that Arnie took the risk to make a comedic Christmas experience.

Make your own decision
Enough has been said explaining what the movie is about so I won't go into that. What I want to ask is that you watch the movie and decide for yourself if its trash or treasure. Don't let the negitive reviews keep you away, it is a happy, funny, holiday escape which is all it was ever meant to be. Also, Phil Hartman is great in this. ... Read more