Reviews (16)

Best Romantic Film of 2004
"Before Sunset" is a beautiful, well-crafted sequel to "Before Sunrise", that holds well on its own even if you didn't see the original film chronicling the romantic adventure undertaken by Jesse and Celine. It's nine years later and Jesse is now a succesful American novelist at the final stop of his European book tour, Paris' Shakespeare and Company. Much to his amazement he sees Celine, and realizes that he still has a deep romantic feeling for the beautiful French girl that he had won, and then lost. With only a little more than an hour to spare before Jesse heads to the airport for his flight bound for home, he joins Celine in remembering their adventure and warm, intense feelings which each still has for the other. Director Richard Linklater - working from a screenplay co-written by himself, Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke - has wrought yet another cinematic gem that is a romantic version of "My Dinner With Andre", showing in real-time how Jesse and Celine stumble at first with their words, before gradually realizing how strong their passion remains for the other. This builds up into a surprising, unexpected climax which is truly a perfect, elegant ending for this sweet cinematic ode to love. The film is accompanied by several stirring love songs in French and English composed and sung by Julie Delpy herself. Both Hawke and Delpy distinguish themselves in their performances, and yet, I can't help but notice how radiantly beautiful Delpy is, as the insecure, but brilliant, Celine (For Ms. Delpy, all I can say, is je t'aime.). Without question, this is the most romantic film of the year I have seen so far.

I grew up with these characters
I was thrilled AND suspicious when I heard there was a sequel to Before Sunrise. After all, part of the thrill with the first movie was wondering if Jesse and Celine would meet again. I wondered if the magic of the first film would be ruined by continuing the story. In my honest opinion, the romance and chemistry continues in Before Sunset. Delpy and Hawke do a great job of making an 80 minute conversation entertaining.

I am the same age as the characters, and I feel that Hawke, Delpy and Linklater accurately captured the change between being young 20 year olds to finding yourself in your early 30's. I saw myself reflected in these characters in both films. I know these films aren't for everyone, but I like both of them because I could relate to them. They reminded me of conversations I've held, dilemmas I've struggled to resolve and the excitement of connecting with someone special. Before Sunset may be boring to some, but its normalcy is what I find enchanting.

I would love to see a third chapter to Jesse and Celine's romance, and I hope that I won't have to wait 9 years to see it. Yet, if there isn't a part III, I am satisfied with Before Sunset's ending. Like Before Sunrise, there are questions left unanswered, and there is the possibility that these two may never see one another again, depending on how you interpret the final scenes (which I loved). Where the story goes, if it continues at all, is left up to the viewers' imagination...at least until the next film is made.

simply serene........
I remember catching Before Sunrise on tv a while ago and thinking what an incredible movie it was. I loved how things were drawn out and how it never cut to a specific scene. It didn't really seem so much like a movie but a beautiful piece of life. It's a shame that this movie isn't more mainstream, but I guess its' obscurity makes me love it even more. The ending was easily one of the best endings I've ever seen, if you like romantic movies, or even if you don't, I'm sure you will love Before Sunset

Beautiful sequel to a perfect movie. Flawless and powerful.
Maybe because I am the same age as Ethan Hawke, I could really relate to Before Sunrise when it came out in 1995. I was hopeful when I heard there was finally a true sequel (not counting the Jesse/Celine segment from Linklater's Waking Life) coming out. Well, just as I could relate to the conversations in Before Sunrise, Before Sunset offers up a whole slew of new topics for us 34 year olds to relate to. Amazing. I am now married with 1 child. Jesse (Ethan Hawke) brought up some things in this film that really hit home. Richard Linklater is a true master at conversation. Unlike Kevin Smith, who writes great dialogue that sounds very unnatural, Linklater's conversations are 100% real. It also helps that Delpy & Hawke have a real love of these characters (Jesse & Celine). Anyone who dismisses this movie as "boring" or self-indulgent is someone I would not want to associate with personally. It is a beautiful work of art. We need more films like this.

Worth watching and useless drivel at the same time
I liked watching this film simply because the encounter feels so real in a way that very few films that are made convey.

However, seeing the exact same people 9 years later, their schtick seems tired and old.

Personally the first film was also worth watching but nothing really revelatory. I find mad romance more along the lines of what Punch Drunk Love could have been (not actually that great a movie) or Leaving Las Vegas to be far more interesting.

Delpy actually gets rather annoying after awhile, and the worst thing about the movie is how short it is (80 minutes). Although Hawke and Delpy reveal quite a few things, it did not get as deep and involved as it should have..

Had it gone deeper and lasted a week instead of 80 minutes before a flight....(ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS, you write a book in order to find a woman. You find her and you can't take a day or two to spend with her???? This from Hawke who has obviously been thinking of her for the past 9 years. ... Read more

Reviews (142)

A tiny, overlooked, but brilliant little gem.
"Before Sunrise" is a small film but a charming and rewarding one. Celine, a young Frenchwoman, and Jesse, a young American, meet on the train from Budapest to Vienna. Jesse has 14 hours before he must board his plane back to America; he persuades Celine to spend that time with him wandering around Vienna; they spend the time talking, meeting various eccentric Viennese, and falling in love. In the morning they part, probably never to see each other again, although they vow that they will. That's all there is to it, but it's delightful, thanks to Richard Linklater's savvy writing and direction and the sweet performances of Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy. The dialogue captures perfectly the thoughts and personalities of two intelligent, thoughtful but not-quite-mature young people, and Linklater's camera takes us on a panoramic tour of Vienna (including several sites immortalized by an earlier, much darker film set in Vienna, "The Third Man"). What is most affecting about Before Sunrise, however, is the poignancy and urgency it gains as Celine and Jesse's time together comes to its inevitable end. Jesse's quotation from W.H. Auden--"O let not time deceive you,/You cannot conquer time"--is most appropriate, and as touching an endorsement of the philosophy of "Carpe Diem" as has ever been put on screen.

22 Again
"Before Sunrise" is a realistic dialogue of two college aged young adults that meet by "chance" on a train in Austria/Germany/Hungary. Ms. Delpy is the one of the romantic leads, paired with American actor Ethan Hawke. Her role as the emotionally mature and aware young woman on holiday, finishing a visit with her grandmother, is not only refreshing, but should send EVERY young man's heart aflutter. Ethan Hawke is the young man, that has just finished a disasterous meeting and break-up with his American girlfriend in Europe, and aimlessly "bumps" into Ms. Delpy's character on the train. After an initial meeting, that realisically portrays the most charismatic scences of love at first meeting, the couple spend the next 90 minutes developing not only their characters, but the most sincere
portrayals of feelings ever seen on film. A real sleeper. Though eight years old as a movie, this movie's emotions, intensity, and realism shall never age. Definitely buy or rent this movie. E-mail me and tell me what you think.

I Still Love This Movie
I was one of the few who actually watched this movie when it was in the theatres in 1995. 9 years later and I still think its one of the best romances I have ever seen. For me, the dialogue was very real. They used the same venacular and posed the type of philosophical questions that my friends at the time often brought up in our discussions. Of course it is still a drama and connecting with a stranger in Vienna is something that has never happened to me, but the idealism and the romantic spirit of the film epitomizes the 20 something college student I was in 1995.

Great movie, lousy DVD
I loved this movie or all the reasons stated by the other reviewers but beware those who buy this DVD-unbelievably the ONLY extra is the trailer. If you can tape it off a TV showing you won't be losing anything.

Intense and Sexy
This is a great movie to watch on a first date.

It will get you to some intense concepts and situations for you and the other person -- and might get things in gear.

If you are trying to set up a situation to try the "New Sex Now" dvd techniques
this should do it for you.

Choose your intended "target" wisely, as this is poweful amunition. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (43)

Full On Idle
When the film "Slacker" opened in 1991, it wasn't long before its director, Richard Linklater, found himself in the spotlight, fielding questions about the generation portrayed in his movie. This enlightening companion book was published a year later and not only addresses some of the media hype surrounding the film, but includes a wealth of additional information, insights, and trivia for fans. There's a brief section on Texas' slacker past, a bit on why Austin was the perfect backdrop for the film, and Linklater describes the ideas that led up to its creation. An early 'roadmap' of the script lays out the basic action of each scene, followed by the full transcription of the final film (which is very handy for quoting the dialogue). There's also actor profiles, providing over 70 entertaining bios of each of the folks who appeared in the movie, as well as a section of notes from the crew. The pages often recall the feel of a fanzine, filled with numerous photos, stills, clip art, and flyers from Austin rock shows and film festivals. The sidebars are peppered with Linklater's diary entries, chronicling the "Slacker" project from the beginning brainstorming stages to the eventual screenings and publicity. All in all, this is a fantastic book for both aspiring directors and devotees of the cult film.

SLACKER ON DVD. AMAZING. THANK YOU CRITERION.
I am so happy Slacker is finally getting a dvd release, and the fact it's going to be released as a special two disc set, as part of the Criterion collection, is awesome. Dazed and Confused, and Waking Life were great, but Slacker is Richard Linklater's best film. Strange, funny, and sad, it is the most unique film I have ever seen. If you have seen it, then your probably just as stoked as I am. If you haven't seen it, holy cow, your in for a treat. One of the best films of the 90's. I still don't understand why Slacker has been under the radar for so many years, it's a classic. There is a free flowing structure that works perfectly for the characters, (there are about 80) and locations. The only way I can describe this movie, is that it takes place in Texas, bounces from character to character, getting to know a little about each one along the way. Like all Richard Linklater's movies, It has a very dream like quality. This is a great film.

Finally on DVD, and a double-disc Criterion no less!
Linklater's brilliant debut done in one continuous shot. You've never seen anything quite like it. If you loved Waking Life, then here's the more organic live people version.

Oh, how I miss the early 90's, and they were captured here so well. The look, the feel, the fatalism. He successfully captured a moment in time (the 70's) again with Dazed & Confused, another double-disc set coming soon.

Very disappointing.
I thought I would like this one. The subject appeals to me. I've enjoyed some of Linklater's other films. But after the first half hour of "Slacker" I was wondering how much longer it would drag on.

There isn't anything that bad about the film, but there isn't anything that good either. The characters are mildly interesting, but only mildly. The average PBS documentary is far more entertaining. Watching "Slacker" is like watching paint dry -- splattered, multicolored paint, but still paint. I feel like I was conned into paying to watch someone's film school project. The fact that 101 minutes are so poorly spent does make the film sort of a slacker performance art piece that we can all take part in, but there are far better ways to waste time.

looking for the dvd?
i had been looking for that dvd hi and lo, and well, it's not available in region 1 (ie: the u.s.), but it's available on a uk edition (ie: region 2, make sure your dvd player is region-free)... i suppose i can't write here which uk websites still have those slackers dvds, but if you just google 'slacker' and dvd' you should find them. it goes for about 8.99 pounds a pop, plus 1 pound shipping. cool, uh? thought you might wanna know. ... Read more

Reviews (213)

"The 70's...oh my god, they obviously suck!"
That is one of many classic lines from this movie that makes it a classic. However, this movie could have been set in the 70's, 80's, 90's or 2003 and people would have seen themselves or their friends in this outstanding cast of characters. We all lived through high school, and we can all identify with the characters depicted in Dazed and Confused.

For example, there's the kid who's 27 and still hanging out with all the high schoolers, still trying to date high school freshmen 13 years his junior (Matthew McConaghey). For some kids, you can tell that high school will be the pinnacle of their sad, pathetic lives, and Ben Affleck plays this character to a tee. There are also the ludicrously bitchy and snobby girls (Parker Posey), the perpetually nice and perky girls (Michelle Burke), and the kid who comes to parties "to drink some beer and kick some ass." (Nicky Katt)

This movie is funny because it is so true. High school is pretty much the same regardless of decade or location. You have your jocks and your intellectuals, your snobs and the kids who are nice to everybody. In that way it's like real life, but in real life you're not bound together with 800 other kids you grew up with and who know your entire embarassing life story.

This movie depicting only one day in the life of a high school student is hilarious and touching. Though it will make you laugh out loud, it will also bring back memories of feeling inadequate or ugly that were magnified by the clausterphobic setting of high school. This movie features some stellar performances by actors who went on to become very famous. Though the characters in this movie could have gone to school at any time period in the 20th century, the 70's setting adds to the hilarity. Dive into this world of bell bottoms, bongs and Black Sabbath and try not to cringe when you recognize yourself or your friends in the wonderful cast of characters.

Smoked out hilarious
Ok, being born in 1974 I never got to experience the weirdness of the '70's. I've longed to live in the days of bell bottoms, platforms and the beautiful women with the straight ironed hair. This is one of those movies that captures exactally how I perceive the mid 70's to be. This film is about, well, graduation night and future freshmen and seniors. They basically go around smoking weed and trying to terrorize the up coming freshman. The line up is an all star cast of who's who in movies. Ben Afleck, Mathew Mcconaughey, Jason London and Milla Jovovich.

This is a film that takes a comedic, yet precise look at life in 1976. The music is absolutely awesome and the dialogue will keep you laughing from beginning to end. You get the guy that's always doped up, the jock, the preppy little bi**h and the freshman who wants to fit in. It's hard to describe just what this movie is about because it is really about nothing. One night in 1976 would have been just as good a title as "Dazed and Confused". I love this film. If you enjoy great humor pick this one up.

WOOD-A-BEEN, HAPPENIN'
Finally, a DAZED AND CONFUSED special edition. This is one of the best comedies ever made. Some people find it boring and plotless, but they're just unable to appreciate the honesty that comes along with the movie. Whenever I watch this movie, I watch the whole thing, no scene selections. There is just something about this movie that makes you feel comfortable. It is probably the familiarity that accompanies each of the characters that reminds you of people that you know. There is also something about the feeling of following the characters from the end of their last day of school into the party and concluding on the next morning. There is a feeling about joining the party that makes this movie watchable at most any time. You can feel like you are in the movie, and there is something about it that just wants to make you have fun or go hang out with your friends. People who haven't seen this movie will also be surprised to see the a lot of the cast, which includes many now-famous actors. This cast includes Jason London, Ben Affleck, Rory Cochrane, Mila Jovovich, Matthew McConaughey, and, well there is too many, but believe me, if you remember high school, or you like comedies and you haven't already, you have to check this movie out, and watch the whole thing. It is also good to watch it with a friend so you have someone to talk to about it. An unforgettable set of characters, some good jokes, an unforgettable party, and finally, some special features to go along with the movie. I was one of those people who was told about the movie from a cousin and I picked up the DVD (old one with no special features) and it became one of my favorites. The thing that surprised me was that nobody really knew about it, except for some older people, because the movie was like AMERICAN PIE when it came out. This special edition will definitely get some new recognition. The only thing that pisses me off is that when this special edition does come out, new people are gonna see it and they are gonna act like they discovered it, like I haven't seen it before them. That is gonna suck, but it is gonna be worth it when I see those special features. I hope they have some behind-the-scenes footage or a reunion of the cast or something. By the way, Richard Linklater is a genius who writes with honesty (he also directed this movie). I am gonna buy WAKING LIFE (also starring Wiley Wiggins), BEFORE SUNRISE, and see BEFORE SUNSET. If you liked this movie, you'll probably like DETROIT ROCK CITY and ALMOST FAMOUS. Those movies are good, but we'll get to those later. DAZED AND CONFUSED is a movie you gotta check out. I can't wait for this special edition. You'll also like AMERICAN PIE, THE GIRL NEXT DOOR, and a lot of other comedies with honesty. By the way, I forgot, there is some stupid dialogue in the movie, but it is overweighed by the good stuff, and you won't notice it until you have seen the movie around three or four times. By the way, that doesn't mean I think that the movie is stupid or anything, I can say that because I am a big fan, and I still really like that movie. Plus, you've got to take some stupid jokes along with every good comedy. Anyway, my hands are starting to hurt, and I'm running out of ideas. DAZED AND CONFUSED is one of the greatest comedies ever made. This isn't the only move coming out with a special edition. There is MEET THE PARENTS and a bunch of other UNIVERSAL movies coming out with special editions.

Hilarious!!
This comedy is a scream!! It perfectly captures high school in the 1970s - if you were in school then, you'll recognize everyone in this film as someone in your class. Every detail is perfect - the clothes, haircuts, parties, parents, attitudes, cars, everything. And unlike many teen movies, it doesn't pretend to be heavy or deep - its just and all out good time. I could not stop laughing, watching it, and the soundtrack is awesome.

Looks like someone's smoking the reefer...
I saw this movie and was certainly surprised at how different from its peers it is. "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is deep, and certainly funny, but it lacks that underlying tone of what will happen to the kids once they get out of school. "American Pie" is hilarious, but it's too bogged down by clichés. "Dazed and Confused", however, finds the perfect middle ground. Set in Austin, Texas, on the last day of school in 1976, the film follows a rouges gallery of colorful (if not fun-loving) teenagers who plan to spend the afternoon and night having as much fun as possible, and that's an understatement. The story itself is very simple, yet captivating and intriguing. Each teen spends his/her night doing something different, yet they all eventually convene at the party at the moon tower. It's like a combo of a day-in-the-life movie, an in-depth character study, and a great teen comedy. And it is of course the comedy that more then any thing explores the alienation and unsettling nature that teenagers feel, regardless of age or timeframe. We see this through such lines as: "I came here tonight to do two things: kick some ass and drink some beer. Looks like we're out of beer!" and "If I ever refer to these as the best years of my life remind me to kill myself." That captures how these kids feel about school, and about life. Cause hey, you want the best years of your life, forget high school. Try college ... Read more

Reviews (213)

"The 70's...oh my god, they obviously suck!"
That is one of many classic lines from this movie that makes it a classic. However, this movie could have been set in the 70's, 80's, 90's or 2003 and people would have seen themselves or their friends in this outstanding cast of characters. We all lived through high school, and we can all identify with the characters depicted in Dazed and Confused.

For example, there's the kid who's 27 and still hanging out with all the high schoolers, still trying to date high school freshmen 13 years his junior (Matthew McConaghey). For some kids, you can tell that high school will be the pinnacle of their sad, pathetic lives, and Ben Affleck plays this character to a tee. There are also the ludicrously bitchy and snobby girls (Parker Posey), the perpetually nice and perky girls (Michelle Burke), and the kid who comes to parties "to drink some beer and kick some ass." (Nicky Katt)

This movie is funny because it is so true. High school is pretty much the same regardless of decade or location. You have your jocks and your intellectuals, your snobs and the kids who are nice to everybody. In that way it's like real life, but in real life you're not bound together with 800 other kids you grew up with and who know your entire embarassing life story.

This movie depicting only one day in the life of a high school student is hilarious and touching. Though it will make you laugh out loud, it will also bring back memories of feeling inadequate or ugly that were magnified by the clausterphobic setting of high school. This movie features some stellar performances by actors who went on to become very famous. Though the characters in this movie could have gone to school at any time period in the 20th century, the 70's setting adds to the hilarity. Dive into this world of bell bottoms, bongs and Black Sabbath and try not to cringe when you recognize yourself or your friends in the wonderful cast of characters.

Smoked out hilarious
Ok, being born in 1974 I never got to experience the weirdness of the '70's. I've longed to live in the days of bell bottoms, platforms and the beautiful women with the straight ironed hair. This is one of those movies that captures exactally how I perceive the mid 70's to be. This film is about, well, graduation night and future freshmen and seniors. They basically go around smoking weed and trying to terrorize the up coming freshman. The line up is an all star cast of who's who in movies. Ben Afleck, Mathew Mcconaughey, Jason London and Milla Jovovich.

This is a film that takes a comedic, yet precise look at life in 1976. The music is absolutely awesome and the dialogue will keep you laughing from beginning to end. You get the guy that's always doped up, the jock, the preppy little bi**h and the freshman who wants to fit in. It's hard to describe just what this movie is about because it is really about nothing. One night in 1976 would have been just as good a title as "Dazed and Confused". I love this film. If you enjoy great humor pick this one up.

WOOD-A-BEEN, HAPPENIN'
Finally, a DAZED AND CONFUSED special edition. This is one of the best comedies ever made. Some people find it boring and plotless, but they're just unable to appreciate the honesty that comes along with the movie. Whenever I watch this movie, I watch the whole thing, no scene selections. There is just something about this movie that makes you feel comfortable. It is probably the familiarity that accompanies each of the characters that reminds you of people that you know. There is also something about the feeling of following the characters from the end of their last day of school into the party and concluding on the next morning. There is a feeling about joining the party that makes this movie watchable at most any time. You can feel like you are in the movie, and there is something about it that just wants to make you have fun or go hang out with your friends. People who haven't seen this movie will also be surprised to see the a lot of the cast, which includes many now-famous actors. This cast includes Jason London, Ben Affleck, Rory Cochrane, Mila Jovovich, Matthew McConaughey, and, well there is too many, but believe me, if you remember high school, or you like comedies and you haven't already, you have to check this movie out, and watch the whole thing. It is also good to watch it with a friend so you have someone to talk to about it. An unforgettable set of characters, some good jokes, an unforgettable party, and finally, some special features to go along with the movie. I was one of those people who was told about the movie from a cousin and I picked up the DVD (old one with no special features) and it became one of my favorites. The thing that surprised me was that nobody really knew about it, except for some older people, because the movie was like AMERICAN PIE when it came out. This special edition will definitely get some new recognition. The only thing that pisses me off is that when this special edition does come out, new people are gonna see it and they are gonna act like they discovered it, like I haven't seen it before them. That is gonna suck, but it is gonna be worth it when I see those special features. I hope they have some behind-the-scenes footage or a reunion of the cast or something. By the way, Richard Linklater is a genius who writes with honesty (he also directed this movie). I am gonna buy WAKING LIFE (also starring Wiley Wiggins), BEFORE SUNRISE, and see BEFORE SUNSET. If you liked this movie, you'll probably like DETROIT ROCK CITY and ALMOST FAMOUS. Those movies are good, but we'll get to those later. DAZED AND CONFUSED is a movie you gotta check out. I can't wait for this special edition. You'll also like AMERICAN PIE, THE GIRL NEXT DOOR, and a lot of other comedies with honesty. By the way, I forgot, there is some stupid dialogue in the movie, but it is overweighed by the good stuff, and you won't notice it until you have seen the movie around three or four times. By the way, that doesn't mean I think that the movie is stupid or anything, I can say that because I am a big fan, and I still really like that movie. Plus, you've got to take some stupid jokes along with every good comedy. Anyway, my hands are starting to hurt, and I'm running out of ideas. DAZED AND CONFUSED is one of the greatest comedies ever made. This isn't the only move coming out with a special edition. There is MEET THE PARENTS and a bunch of other UNIVERSAL movies coming out with special editions.

Hilarious!!
This comedy is a scream!! It perfectly captures high school in the 1970s - if you were in school then, you'll recognize everyone in this film as someone in your class. Every detail is perfect - the clothes, haircuts, parties, parents, attitudes, cars, everything. And unlike many teen movies, it doesn't pretend to be heavy or deep - its just and all out good time. I could not stop laughing, watching it, and the soundtrack is awesome.

Looks like someone's smoking the reefer...
I saw this movie and was certainly surprised at how different from its peers it is. "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is deep, and certainly funny, but it lacks that underlying tone of what will happen to the kids once they get out of school. "American Pie" is hilarious, but it's too bogged down by clichés. "Dazed and Confused", however, finds the perfect middle ground. Set in Austin, Texas, on the last day of school in 1976, the film follows a rouges gallery of colorful (if not fun-loving) teenagers who plan to spend the afternoon and night having as much fun as possible, and that's an understatement. The story itself is very simple, yet captivating and intriguing. Each teen spends his/her night doing something different, yet they all eventually convene at the party at the moon tower. It's like a combo of a day-in-the-life movie, an in-depth character study, and a great teen comedy. And it is of course the comedy that more then any thing explores the alienation and unsettling nature that teenagers feel, regardless of age or timeframe. We see this through such lines as: "I came here tonight to do two things: kick some ass and drink some beer. Looks like we're out of beer!" and "If I ever refer to these as the best years of my life remind me to kill myself." That captures how these kids feel about school, and about life. Cause hey, you want the best years of your life, forget high school. Try college ... Read more

Reviews (227)

Should have learned my lesson from Shallow Hal
Why does Jack Black keep getting lead roles in movies?

After reading the reviews here I was expecting so much more with this movie, but was flatly disappointed. The kids were cute, yes, and Joan Cusack did a fantastic job, yes, but that was as good as the movie got. Oh, and the jam session during the closing credits was pretty good as well.

First off, Jack's character (Dewey) was just unlikable. There was nothing that had me rooting for the guy. He was deceitful, greedy, and unloving. Worst off, he just wasn't all that funny. There was one scene that actually made me laugh out loud... but I laugh easily so this isn't saying much. And it is most definitely not a reason to keep handing this guy lead roles. Supporting cast... yeah, he does great there. But lead role? He is not of that caliber. Leave that to the pros.

Second, the story was too unbelievable. I can handle a little bit of make-believe, but this had you saying, "Yeah, right!!" throughout most of the movie. Basically because you've got an IDIOT who dupes a school of geniouses into thinking he is the real thing. If the top private schools were this easily dupes I would never have served detention in the public schools I attended.

If you are a Jack Black fan, then see this movie. It is very typical of his other roles. If you cringed through Shallow Hal, don't waste your time/money/patience on this movie.

entertaining, irresistible, rocking fun
Things aren't going well for Dewey Finn (Jack Black). He's been kicked out of his band and is facing eviction by his roommates when he decides to impersonate his friend, a substitute teacher, and try to make a few bucks. As you'd expect, he's not much of a teacher -- UNTIL he discovers that his middle school charges are gifted classical musicians and he decides to indoctrinate them into the world of rock so they can participate in an upcoming Battle of the Bands.

The role was written for Black by actor-writer Mike White (The Good Girl), one of the most interesting screenwriters in Hollywood, and Black is perfect -- believably crotchety and endearing -- with a flawless supporting cast. The kids, musicians found in band camps and similar venues, do a great job, while Joan Cusack as the school's uptight principal, and White and Sarah Silverman as Dewey's roommates, never hit a wrong note.

Directed by Richard Linklater (Clerks), the film is paced well, thoroughly enjoyable, and filled with great music, culminating in a great Battle of the Bands and a fun jam session over the closing credits.

DVD extras include a terrific commentary track with Black and Linklater (too bad White is missing); a commentary track with the kids; a 25-minute behind-the-scenes featurette that shows how funny Black is and how close the cast was; an hilarious pitch by Jack Black to Led Zeppelin; a music video; trailer; a 16-minute MTV diary; an 8-minute video diary of the kids at the Toronto Film Festival; and the film's awesome History of Rock chart, unfortunately available only to Windows users.

The film is great fun for the whole family, Black and his supporting cast are terrific, and the dvd extras rock! Can't go wrong.

PREDICTABLE, BUT SO WHAT? A FUN RIDE.
The storyline is predictable, farfetched, and things get a bit cute and fluffy, but I still enjoyed this movie. I enjoyed it so much that I watched it again to listen to the Director's and Jack Black's commentaries, then again to hear the kids'. The kids' comments aren't earth shattering, mostly limited to "I remember filming that," giggling, and reciting dialogue in time with the movie, but once in a while they'll say something interesting.

A nice thing about this movie is that Black and the performing kids really do have musical talents. These folks are the real deal, not poser wannabes like the Partridge Family kids who don't even know how to hold instruments, much less play them. If you check out the DVD's extras you'll learn that the instrument-playing kids are talented musicians in real life who had to learn how to act, not actors who had to learn how to fake playing instruments. I thought they did a great job with the acting and the music. Also, Black is no slouch when it comes to music, and does a credible job portraying the crazy phony substitute teacher. He reminds me a bit of SNL's John Belushi and Chris Farley in the way that he attacks his character with wild abandon, never holding anything back. Whether he's improvising with the kids a song about not getting allowance, or stage diving into the audience during a concert, Black does so with "Farley Conviction."

The extras on the DVD are pretty nice but I was hoping for deleted scenes. Both commentary tracks mention certain scenes that got axed that sound interesting. Bios on the cast would've been nice, too.

It's not a terribly innovative film, but I found it to be a fun ride and a nice escape. Makes me wish I was 10 years old, playing in a rock band, and had a goofy, likable teacher like Black.

What a load of ruuuubbbiiisshhh
perhaps the worst sounding film I have ever heard about!!
I could practically visualize the whole naff film in my head with just reading the official blurb!! it had all the usual soul searching coming of age type emotional cringing moments that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
I thought this type of film went out of style in the 80's!!
"Funny" so the other reviewers thought, yeah i thought it was soo funny i nearly kecked my drawersh looking for the off switch!!
Good for kids though my nephew loves it but he is only 8 and is still too young to have developed a decent sense of humour.

Great
This is a really great family film... three thumbs up! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A remastered set with new 5.1 Dolby Surround audio, commentary tracks, new documentaries and deleted scenes.
Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Before he became an overrated filmmaker, Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous) was a reporter for Rolling Stone who was so youthful looking that he could go undercover for a year at a California high school and write a book about it. He wrote the script for this film, based on that book, and it launched the careers of several young actors, including Jennifer Jason Leigh, Judge Reinhold, Phoebe Cates, and, above all, Sean Penn. The story line is episodic, dealing with the lives of iconic teen types: one of the school's cool kids, a nerd, a teen queen, and, most enjoyably, the class stoner (Penn), who finds himself at odds with a strict history teacher (a wonderfully spiky Ray Walston). This is not a great movie but very entertaining and, for a certain age group, a seminal movie experience. --Marshall Fine

Dazed & Confused
You remember high school? Really remember? If you think you do, watch this film: it'll all really come racing back. After changing the world with the generation-defining Slacker, director Richard Linklater turned his free-range vérité sensibility on the 1970s. As before, his all-seeing camera meanders across a landscape studded with goofy pop culture references and poignant glimpses of human nature. Only this time around, he's spreading a thick layer of nostalgia over the lens (and across the soundtrack). It's as if Fast Times at Ridgemont High was directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The story deals with a group of friends on the last day of high school, 1976. Good-natured football star Randall "Pink" Floyd navigates effortlessly between the warring worlds of jocks, stoners, wannabes, and rockers with girlfriend and new-freshman buddy in tow. Surprisingly, it's not a coming-of-age movie, but a film that dares ask the eternal, overwhelming, adolescent question, "What happens next?" It's a little too honest to be a light comedy (representative quote: "If I ever say these were the best years of my life, remind me to kill myself."). But it's also way too much fun (remember souped-up Corvettes and bicentennial madness?) to be just another existential-essay-on-celluloid. --Grant Balfour ... Read more

Reviews (213)

"The 70's...oh my god, they obviously suck!"
That is one of many classic lines from this movie that makes it a classic. However, this movie could have been set in the 70's, 80's, 90's or 2003 and people would have seen themselves or their friends in this outstanding cast of characters. We all lived through high school, and we can all identify with the characters depicted in Dazed and Confused.

For example, there's the kid who's 27 and still hanging out with all the high schoolers, still trying to date high school freshmen 13 years his junior (Matthew McConaghey). For some kids, you can tell that high school will be the pinnacle of their sad, pathetic lives, and Ben Affleck plays this character to a tee. There are also the ludicrously bitchy and snobby girls (Parker Posey), the perpetually nice and perky girls (Michelle Burke), and the kid who comes to parties "to drink some beer and kick some ass." (Nicky Katt)

This movie is funny because it is so true. High school is pretty much the same regardless of decade or location. You have your jocks and your intellectuals, your snobs and the kids who are nice to everybody. In that way it's like real life, but in real life you're not bound together with 800 other kids you grew up with and who know your entire embarassing life story.

This movie depicting only one day in the life of a high school student is hilarious and touching. Though it will make you laugh out loud, it will also bring back memories of feeling inadequate or ugly that were magnified by the clausterphobic setting of high school. This movie features some stellar performances by actors who went on to become very famous. Though the characters in this movie could have gone to school at any time period in the 20th century, the 70's setting adds to the hilarity. Dive into this world of bell bottoms, bongs and Black Sabbath and try not to cringe when you recognize yourself or your friends in the wonderful cast of characters.

Smoked out hilarious
Ok, being born in 1974 I never got to experience the weirdness of the '70's. I've longed to live in the days of bell bottoms, platforms and the beautiful women with the straight ironed hair. This is one of those movies that captures exactally how I perceive the mid 70's to be. This film is about, well, graduation night and future freshmen and seniors. They basically go around smoking weed and trying to terrorize the up coming freshman. The line up is an all star cast of who's who in movies. Ben Afleck, Mathew Mcconaughey, Jason London and Milla Jovovich.

This is a film that takes a comedic, yet precise look at life in 1976. The music is absolutely awesome and the dialogue will keep you laughing from beginning to end. You get the guy that's always doped up, the jock, the preppy little bi**h and the freshman who wants to fit in. It's hard to describe just what this movie is about because it is really about nothing. One night in 1976 would have been just as good a title as "Dazed and Confused". I love this film. If you enjoy great humor pick this one up.

WOOD-A-BEEN, HAPPENIN'
Finally, a DAZED AND CONFUSED special edition. This is one of the best comedies ever made. Some people find it boring and plotless, but they're just unable to appreciate the honesty that comes along with the movie. Whenever I watch this movie, I watch the whole thing, no scene selections. There is just something about this movie that makes you feel comfortable. It is probably the familiarity that accompanies each of the characters that reminds you of people that you know. There is also something about the feeling of following the characters from the end of their last day of school into the party and concluding on the next morning. There is a feeling about joining the party that makes this movie watchable at most any time. You can feel like you are in the movie, and there is something about it that just wants to make you have fun or go hang out with your friends. People who haven't seen this movie will also be surprised to see the a lot of the cast, which includes many now-famous actors. This cast includes Jason London, Ben Affleck, Rory Cochrane, Mila Jovovich, Matthew McConaughey, and, well there is too many, but believe me, if you remember high school, or you like comedies and you haven't already, you have to check this movie out, and watch the whole thing. It is also good to watch it with a friend so you have someone to talk to about it. An unforgettable set of characters, some good jokes, an unforgettable party, and finally, some special features to go along with the movie. I was one of those people who was told about the movie from a cousin and I picked up the DVD (old one with no special features) and it became one of my favorites. The thing that surprised me was that nobody really knew about it, except for some older people, because the movie was like AMERICAN PIE when it came out. This special edition will definitely get some new recognition. The only thing that pisses me off is that when this special edition does come out, new people are gonna see it and they are gonna act like they discovered it, like I haven't seen it before them. That is gonna suck, but it is gonna be worth it when I see those special features. I hope they have some behind-the-scenes footage or a reunion of the cast or something. By the way, Richard Linklater is a genius who writes with honesty (he also directed this movie). I am gonna buy WAKING LIFE (also starring Wiley Wiggins), BEFORE SUNRISE, and see BEFORE SUNSET. If you liked this movie, you'll probably like DETROIT ROCK CITY and ALMOST FAMOUS. Those movies are good, but we'll get to those later. DAZED AND CONFUSED is a movie you gotta check out. I can't wait for this special edition. You'll also like AMERICAN PIE, THE GIRL NEXT DOOR, and a lot of other comedies with honesty. By the way, I forgot, there is some stupid dialogue in the movie, but it is overweighed by the good stuff, and you won't notice it until you have seen the movie around three or four times. By the way, that doesn't mean I think that the movie is stupid or anything, I can say that because I am a big fan, and I still really like that movie. Plus, you've got to take some stupid jokes along with every good comedy. Anyway, my hands are starting to hurt, and I'm running out of ideas. DAZED AND CONFUSED is one of the greatest comedies ever made. This isn't the only move coming out with a special edition. There is MEET THE PARENTS and a bunch of other UNIVERSAL movies coming out with special editions.

Hilarious!!
This comedy is a scream!! It perfectly captures high school in the 1970s - if you were in school then, you'll recognize everyone in this film as someone in your class. Every detail is perfect - the clothes, haircuts, parties, parents, attitudes, cars, everything. And unlike many teen movies, it doesn't pretend to be heavy or deep - its just and all out good time. I could not stop laughing, watching it, and the soundtrack is awesome.

Looks like someone's smoking the reefer...
I saw this movie and was certainly surprised at how different from its peers it is. "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" is deep, and certainly funny, but it lacks that underlying tone of what will happen to the kids once they get out of school. "American Pie" is hilarious, but it's too bogged down by clichés. "Dazed and Confused", however, finds the perfect middle ground. Set in Austin, Texas, on the last day of school in 1976, the film follows a rouges gallery of colorful (if not fun-loving) teenagers who plan to spend the afternoon and night having as much fun as possible, and that's an understatement. The story itself is very simple, yet captivating and intriguing. Each teen spends his/her night doing something different, yet they all eventually convene at the party at the moon tower. It's like a combo of a day-in-the-life movie, an in-depth character study, and a great teen comedy. And it is of course the comedy that more then any thing explores the alienation and unsettling nature that teenagers feel, regardless of age or timeframe. We see this through such lines as: "I came here tonight to do two things: kick some ass and drink some beer. Looks like we're out of beer!" and "If I ever refer to these as the best years of my life remind me to kill myself." That captures how these kids feel about school, and about life. Cause hey, you want the best years of your life, forget high school. Try college ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Newton Boys were the most successful bank robbers in the history of the United States.They never killed anyone, never snitched, and only robbed banks (just bigger thieves, in their opinion), until their final deal, which was a botched train robbery for $3 million.Engagingly played by Matthew McConaughey, Ethan Hawke, Skeet Ulrich, and Vincent D'Onofrio, the Boys don't have the kind of flaws of more brutal criminals that make for more volatile dramas.The film ambles along in a leisurely way to tell its story of the Newtons' bank-robbing career, with an ever-present air of reverent Americana.This may make some viewers impatient, and cause a glow in others.It seems like a departure for director Richard Linklater (Slacker, Dazed and Confused)--a costumer to be sure, but Linklater's deliberately amiable pace perfectly balances the Boys' personalities. You may wander into this movie and feel right at home. The golden-hued cinematography of Peter James (Driving Miss Daisy) adds a level of comfort that makes everything warm-like.The end credits intercut archival footage of two of the real-life Newton boys toward the end of their lives, one from a 1980 appearance with Johnny Carson on The TonightShow. --Jim Gay ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Worth your time ? DEFINITELY!!!!
This is the type of film that you don't see everyday. Four real-life bankrobbers who happen to be brothers, their safe-cracking accomplice and lots of gunfire, but no deaths. This is entertainment at its best. This is also a very different step for director, Richard Linklater whose other credits include DAZED AND CONFUSED, SLACKER, and SUBURBIA. Allof which were relatively low-budget but true to life. There has been much said about this movie and the "lack of plot" , but this is where you remember that this is a true story and none of Linklater's other films had plots either. The film moves along at a nice leisurely pace giving you a chance to learn about and like the characters. As far as performances go, there isn't a bad one in the bunch. (the cast is outstanding) There is plenty of action to satisfy all of the DIE HARD fans out there and when the action is toned down, it is fun to watch the poor old farmboys plan their next big heist. It has to be said that, of all the performances, Dwight Yoakam, playing a very different role than his Doyle in SLING BLADE, is the best. If you're looking for a night of action and good old fashioned, downhome characters, give it a try. It is suitable for the whole family and it is definitely worth owning. SO, forget renting. Go buy it on DVD. Now!!!

Good Film Overlooked By Most
I saw this in the theater and thought it was great, but no one else I knew had seen it. Then I saw it on DVD and bought it quickly. It was just as good as I remembered.

This is a "gangster" movie without gangsters. No one gets killed or tortured graphically. It's a real life story of depression era brothers trying to get some cash and having some adventures along the way.

I think Hawke puts in one of his best performances ever. Dwight Yoakam also contributes some good acting, especially when compared to his fabulous "Sling Blade" villan.

The only flaw is the length. The movie drags a little after a while, but it still manages to make you care enough about the characters to see it through to the end.

The final credits featuring Willis and Joe Newton at the end of their lives make the film worth owning. It's one of the most clever ways to make the credits worth watching I've seen.

Give this movie a chance. It's well acted and is aesthetically pleasing to watch. Plus it's really low cost!

LAWBREAKERS
THE NEWTON BOYS is a well done period film, richly and warmly photographed and performed by a talented cast. I still have a problem in "justifying" their robberies. Willis' conclusion that he has been done wrong so he can do wrong too is not a quality I find admirable. Stealing is stealing, and Linklater makes it look perfectly normal to "cheer" these boys on. The fact that this is a true story only adds fire to the fuel of how we make heroes out of bad guys because they were "cute" or they got the "system", etc., etc. Nough about that, though. Matthew McConaughey, Skeet Ulrich and Ethan Hawke are splendid; they needed to give the excellent Vincent D'Onofrio more to do; Julianna Margulies was fascinating as Louise; Luke Askew in a great supporting role as the suspect-beating cop; and Dwight Yoakam as the friend who supplies the nitroglycerin.
The movie is a little long, drags some in the middle, but for a period piece, it's effective...just don't think these guys are heroes. (The end credits with the real Willis and Joe is superb)

Excellent Movie!
Matt at his best! Funny, insightful, historical (for the most part). Worth seeing time & time again!

An underrated film if there ever was one!
Richard Linklater's The Newton Boys eschews much of the post-modern trappings that have defined the western genre in the nineties. Sure, it begins with a credits sequence that mimics the style of an old silent serial (complete with a fisheye lens), and it has one scene in which some of the eponymous boys are accused of stealing from a movie house (though they are never convicted), but the film's sensibilities seem much closer to those of the 1920's in which the film was set. It's an old-fashioned work, and that feeling is compounded by some wonderful documentary footage that plays during the credits. The comments of those involved in the actual events lend an immeasurable air of authenticity to the film. It might be tempting to classify the film's identification with the bank robbers as post-modern, especially since Bonnie and Clyde essentially kicked off the modern era of filmmaking, but consider the fact that even 1903's The Great Train Robbery gave more screen time to its criminals than its posse.

That screen time tells a fairly standard story, and there are few genuine surprises to be found in that respect. Still, the movie isn't so much about plot as mood and character. This is the closest Linklater has come to making a Hollywood film, and he uses the resources to enhance, rather than ignore, his worldview. The cast is fairly excellent, with Ethan Hawke's drunkard being the standout. Matthew McConaughey has the largest role, and shows more charm here than in nearly any other film that he has been in. Although the film's setting is far from the modern day slacker world of Linklater's other films, the prevailing attitude seems to be the same. It's a mix of Texan charm and genteel sophistication. This treatment of the subject matter doesn't ever come off as cocky. It creates a wonderful sense of respect toward history. Several times, the Newton boys are allowed to state their socio-political justification for robbing banks. That they use flawed logic isn't the point. That they get a chance to make their case is. Linklater really isn't an astounding visualist (though the film is attractive) nor does he have a tremendous sense of pacing. What he does have is a humanist streak that runs throughout his films. Even when a double cross occurs in the film, he pauses to note that the traitor continued to assert his innocence. That genuine regard for his characters and fidelity to his setting are his strongest directorial traits. I'll take that over puffed up set pieces and quick cutting any day. ... Read more

Reviews (227)

Should have learned my lesson from Shallow Hal
Why does Jack Black keep getting lead roles in movies?

After reading the reviews here I was expecting so much more with this movie, but was flatly disappointed. The kids were cute, yes, and Joan Cusack did a fantastic job, yes, but that was as good as the movie got. Oh, and the jam session during the closing credits was pretty good as well.

First off, Jack's character (Dewey) was just unlikable. There was nothing that had me rooting for the guy. He was deceitful, greedy, and unloving. Worst off, he just wasn't all that funny. There was one scene that actually made me laugh out loud... but I laugh easily so this isn't saying much. And it is most definitely not a reason to keep handing this guy lead roles. Supporting cast... yeah, he does great there. But lead role? He is not of that caliber. Leave that to the pros.

Second, the story was too unbelievable. I can handle a little bit of make-believe, but this had you saying, "Yeah, right!!" throughout most of the movie. Basically because you've got an IDIOT who dupes a school of geniouses into thinking he is the real thing. If the top private schools were this easily dupes I would never have served detention in the public schools I attended.

If you are a Jack Black fan, then see this movie. It is very typical of his other roles. If you cringed through Shallow Hal, don't waste your time/money/patience on this movie.

entertaining, irresistible, rocking fun
Things aren't going well for Dewey Finn (Jack Black). He's been kicked out of his band and is facing eviction by his roommates when he decides to impersonate his friend, a substitute teacher, and try to make a few bucks. As you'd expect, he's not much of a teacher -- UNTIL he discovers that his middle school charges are gifted classical musicians and he decides to indoctrinate them into the world of rock so they can participate in an upcoming Battle of the Bands.

The role was written for Black by actor-writer Mike White (The Good Girl), one of the most interesting screenwriters in Hollywood, and Black is perfect -- believably crotchety and endearing -- with a flawless supporting cast. The kids, musicians found in band camps and similar venues, do a great job, while Joan Cusack as the school's uptight principal, and White and Sarah Silverman as Dewey's roommates, never hit a wrong note.

Directed by Richard Linklater (Clerks), the film is paced well, thoroughly enjoyable, and filled with great music, culminating in a great Battle of the Bands and a fun jam session over the closing credits.

DVD extras include a terrific commentary track with Black and Linklater (too bad White is missing); a commentary track with the kids; a 25-minute behind-the-scenes featurette that shows how funny Black is and how close the cast was; an hilarious pitch by Jack Black to Led Zeppelin; a music video; trailer; a 16-minute MTV diary; an 8-minute video diary of the kids at the Toronto Film Festival; and the film's awesome History of Rock chart, unfortunately available only to Windows users.

The film is great fun for the whole family, Black and his supporting cast are terrific, and the dvd extras rock! Can't go wrong.

PREDICTABLE, BUT SO WHAT? A FUN RIDE.
The storyline is predictable, farfetched, and things get a bit cute and fluffy, but I still enjoyed this movie. I enjoyed it so much that I watched it again to listen to the Director's and Jack Black's commentaries, then again to hear the kids'. The kids' comments aren't earth shattering, mostly limited to "I remember filming that," giggling, and reciting dialogue in time with the movie, but once in a while they'll say something interesting.

A nice thing about this movie is that Black and the performing kids really do have musical talents. These folks are the real deal, not poser wannabes like the Partridge Family kids who don't even know how to hold instruments, much less play them. If you check out the DVD's extras you'll learn that the instrument-playing kids are talented musicians in real life who had to learn how to act, not actors who had to learn how to fake playing instruments. I thought they did a great job with the acting and the music. Also, Black is no slouch when it comes to music, and does a credible job portraying the crazy phony substitute teacher. He reminds me a bit of SNL's John Belushi and Chris Farley in the way that he attacks his character with wild abandon, never holding anything back. Whether he's improvising with the kids a song about not getting allowance, or stage diving into the audience during a concert, Black does so with "Farley Conviction."

The extras on the DVD are pretty nice but I was hoping for deleted scenes. Both commentary tracks mention certain scenes that got axed that sound interesting. Bios on the cast would've been nice, too.

It's not a terribly innovative film, but I found it to be a fun ride and a nice escape. Makes me wish I was 10 years old, playing in a rock band, and had a goofy, likable teacher like Black.

What a load of ruuuubbbiiisshhh
perhaps the worst sounding film I have ever heard about!!
I could practically visualize the whole naff film in my head with just reading the official blurb!! it had all the usual soul searching coming of age type emotional cringing moments that made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
I thought this type of film went out of style in the 80's!!
"Funny" so the other reviewers thought, yeah i thought it was soo funny i nearly kecked my drawersh looking for the off switch!!
Good for kids though my nephew loves it but he is only 8 and is still too young to have developed a decent sense of humour.

Great
This is a really great family film... three thumbs up! ... Read more

Description

Live From Shiva's Dance Floor is a short documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater. The film follows Timothy "Speed" Levitch as he tours lower Manhattan and Ground Zero.Speed - a philosopher, historian and self-described "cruiser" - believes that "life is an ongoing opportunity for celebration."The film focuses on how he can reconcile that belief with the devastating events of 9-11 and how we as a city and a society can mourn yet move forward.It also incorporates Speed's unique vision of what should be done with the "sacred land" that is Ground Zero. This film was originally supposed to be part of an anthology of eight to ten films about 9-11 that the producers were working on for HBO.Their offices were in the Tribeca Film Center and everyday when they stepped out of the building and looked south, they saw the lights and cranes that populated Ground Zero.When the project fell through with HBO, the producers felt they still had something and decided to try and make the film independently. When the producers contacted Speed about the project, he thought Richard Linklater would be the perfect collaborator.Richard - who he knew from working on "Waking Life" - was immediately interested in the project and not only agreed to contribute his valuable time and considerable talents, but brought in some of his top colleagues as well. "Live From Shiva's Dance Floor" is Linklater's first documentary. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A surprise. Speed is something to watch.
If September 11th changed your life in some way (which I'm sure is true for everyone) you need to see this short and refreshing gem. Linklater and Levitch give a unique perspective on how we are to see tragedy and what can be done with the "sacred ground" of the WTC. Whether you agree or disagree with the ideas, it will for sure get people talking. ... Read more

Amazon.com

School of Rock
Turbo-charged comic Jack Black shakes School of Rock to its foundations, wailing with born-again metalhead passion as Dewey Finn, a guitarist who gets kicked out of a band because he grandstands too much--or, to put it another way, enjoys himself. Through an intercepted phone call, Finn gets a job as a substitute teacher for a fifth grade class at a private grade school. Neither students nor teacher quite know what to do with each other until Finn discovers that some of his young charges can play instruments; at once he starts turning them into a blistering rock-n-roll troupe that can crush his former band at an upcoming competition. School of Rock is silly and formulaic, but director Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused), writer Mike White (The Good Girl), and especially Black and co-star Joan Cusack invest the formulas with such glee that the movie is irresistibly fun. --Bret Fetzer

Orange County
While it invites charges of Hollywood nepotism, Orange County overcomes that stigma with a delightful cast of newcomers and veterans alike. It's no better or worse than many teen comedies, but director Jake Kasdan (son of director Lawrence Kasdan) astutely combines teen-flick staples (stoner gags, raucous parties) with a biting undercurrent of southern California absurdity. This comedic texture helps Colin Hanks (son of Tom) and Schuyler Fisk (daughter of Sissy Spacek) to prove their big-screen promise. They play (respectively) an Orange County teen and aspiring writer named Shaun who yearns for admission to Stanford, and his sensible girlfriend who knows just how to nurture his dreams. Much of the comedy arises from the foibles of Shaun's dysfunctional family (played to perfection by Jack Black, Catherine O'Hara, and John Lithgow), while unbilled cameos by Ben Stiller and Kevin Kline add zest to a movie that tries to be different, and mostly succeeds. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Both Movies are Great But . . .
It's actually cheaper to buy them individually.
Although, School of Rock is a great movie. The PG-13 rating is wrong. It's appropiate for younger kids, but at the same time it is not a kid movie. It's for everybody because everybody has got to rock!
Orange County is pretty funny. The scenes with Jack Black definitely are the stand outs, but the entire movie is funny. Sure, it's a bit watered-down, but it does have heart and any aspiring writer can relate to the main character.

Jack Black Rules
Okay if you don't all ready have both movies this isn't a bad deal. But if you can wait a little while I would bet this set will drop to twenty dollars. Either way, fans of Jack Black will love them both, he after all is 90 percent of the comedy in each one. School of Rock is great. When Jack pretends to be a substitute teacher at a private school he teaches a lesson about music those students will never forget. Orange County may not be as good but it still fairly funny thanks to Jack Black and some cameos by some other comedians. Get them! ... Read more