Amazon.com

The late, much-missed River Phoenix had his first starring role in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, one of the more unusual teen comedies of the 1980s. Jimmy (Phoenix) is a lower-class kid whose parents have gotten him into a wealthy school, where he hangs out with kids who can't comprehend not having money. Jimmy puts the moves on almost every girl he meets, including Denise (Ione Skye from Say Anything and Gas Food Lodging), the girlfriend of his best friend Fred (a very young Matthew Perry, who has gone on to huge success on the TV show Friends), even though his own girlfriend, Lisa (Meredith Salenger), is about to move to Hawaii. On the evening of graduation, Jimmy ruins just aboutevery relationship he has and wrecks his dad's car along the way. A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon is based on a novel that screenwriter-director William Richert wrote when he was 19, and you can tell--the movie is full of self-aggrandizing gestures, bad poetry, and wounded looks. But despite that--or because of it--the movie also has something of the genuine chaos of late adolescence, when you start to realize that the dreams you have might not be what you want, and that your worst fears might not be the worst that could happen. Phoenix is a truly charismatic presence, though his fresh face is a bit at odds with his scamming character. The movie isn't a cinematic Catcher in the Rye, but it's exploring the same troubled territory. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A Simple Twist
The ending of this movie had an interesting twist which I myself enjoyed, or found funny, but others might hate. I reccomend watching this movie ONLY if you HAVE SEEN any of River Phoenix's other movies already. If you see his style of acting first then you will know why River himself didn't like making the movie that much...although I did love the ending.

Excellent coming of age film / River's talent
I remeber this movie in 1988 quite well because I was transfixed by River Phoenix's character. Based on the novel by Bill Richert "You never said goodbye" Phoenix plays Jimmy a smooth talking charming kid from a working class family who moves to the richer side of town. Hangs with these rich kids who are the type to die if they ever lost their money. While trying to impress and win the heart of the one girl who ever really got to him his girlfriend Lisa ( Meredith Salenger) before she moves to Hawaii. He gets himself into hard situations and troubles just about every relationship he has by sleeping with his best friends ( Mathew Perry) girlfriend, has sex with his mothers best friend. Then smashes his fathers car up in the course of one night. River's character in this film is the type that has a charisma that makes it hard for people to say no to or stay mad at. A funny teen angst movie excellent performance by River Phoenix they couldn't of casted anyone else for this role. One of my favorite 80's coming of age films worth viewing.

one of my favorite movies of all time
i went through alot of trouble to see this movie when i was a kid. my mom let me rent it after i looked for it all over the place. i searched everywhere and then i found it at a blockbuster. she said for me to rent it but that she had to watch it with me because she didnt want me watching r rated movies. so i said okay and we went home to watch it and after time after time of having to put my hands over my eyes (and peaking through my little fingers and smiling) jimmy started getting it on with joice fikkit on the floor and mom said for me to go to my room and i was unable to finish the movie.
then finally i go to a friends and we rent it on her dads card because he didnt care what we watched. then of course i could rent it at home because "mom, ive already seen it". this movie was out of print for years but now its on dvd.
jimmys got this holden caufield, rebel without a cause thing with him. in the process of trying to get what he wants he screws things up i guess thats why as 23 year old ive grown to connect with jimmy. i think anyone who has chased the person they love out the door after they chased them out knowing that the person will never come back can appreciate this movie. i think anyone who enjoyed catcher in the rye would appreciate this movie and yes even though i dont like connecting old movies to new ones because i like the old ones better. i think if you liked igby goes down youll find a place in your heart and your movie collection for jimmy.

a past one night stand informs jimmy falsly that she needs his college fund so that she can get an abortion and now jimmys got 36 hours to get his life situated. during this 36 hours jimmy can have any girl he wants but jimmy doesnt want just any girl what he wants is lisa. jimmy finds out his girlfriend lisa is moving to hawaii and he is bound for an all male business school. once jimmy can get the money for the plane ticket he will be destined for a life in hawaii with lisa where she has declared she will go all the way with him.
during these 36 hours jimmy manages to get himself into more trouble than most could manage in years. (based on the book "jimmy reardon" also titled "arent you even gonna kiss me goodbye" by william richert) if you find this book get it when you see it, it is VERY hard to find. i searched for about 10 years and i just got a copy today

River...
I am a teen boy and I can relate to River Phoenix. He is hot and great in this movie about a sexually frustrated teen. Matthew Perry stars as his "friend". A good teen movie from the 80's. River, you are missed...:(

Not River's best,but interesting.
A hard film to review this one. I'm tempted to say it's a crock of ..., but I'm a Phoenix fan. And while the direction is uninspired (and at times downright sluggish), Phoenix is as usual engaging. The supporting actresses are all very unique and decidedly quirky - particularly amusing is the underused Louanne as Susie, and Matthew Perry in an early role as Phoenix's best downtrodden friend is amusing.

Director Richert worked with Phoenix again in Gus van Sant's My Own Private Idaho, this time acting. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This exhilarating kaleidoscope of a movie, from a surreally layerednovel by Richard Condon (The Manchurian Candidate), combinespost-Watergate paranoia, gallows humor, political sci-fi, dazzling suspense setpieces, something we might call postmodern historical burlesque, and gonzoperformances by a truly all-star cast. It's held together by Jeff Bridges as thesurviving scion of a Kennedy-like dynasty who reluctantly sets out to solve hisbrother's assassination. John Huston's own dynastic credentials and rough-hewnaristocracy make him perfect casting as the family patriarch, a simultaneouslygenial and appalling American monster. Writer-director William Richert, avirtual unknown, somehow corraled an amazing ensemble, including an unbilled LizTaylor, North by Northwest production designer Robert Boyle (who alsocontributes a delicious cameo), composer Maurice Jarre, and the greatcinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond. The widescreen camerawork and zestyprimary-color palette demand DVD, which may finally do right by this quintessential '70sfilm that the '70s just weren't ready for. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Expect The Unexpected!....
This review refers to the Anchor Bay(2 disc)DVD edition of "Winter Kills".....

Based on the novel by Richard Condon("Prizzi's Honor"), "Winter Kills" is a somewhat dark comical thriller that seems to parallel the Kennedy Assassination investigation.

The story opens 19 years after the death of President Tim Kegan.The "lone gunman" theory is about to come to an end! A dying man gives his confession to the half brother of the President, Nick Kegan(Jeff Bridges).He was the second gunman hired by some very notorious characters. There's evidence to prove it and Nick decides to go after it.Nick soon finds himself involved deep in a "conspiracy theory" that leads to more deaths and suspects leading to some very surprising twists and turns along the way. Nick doesn't know who he can trust and may now be a target himself.

It's a very enjoyable film for it's neverending unpredictable turns of events that keep you on the edge of your seat. One that is certainly worth pulling out and viewing every so often.Bridges is excellent in the role and the list of Hollywood greats that make appearances as the larger than life and somewhat zaney characters is worth the view alone(even though some may be considered as mere cameos).
John Huston steals the show as the all controlling "Pa Kegan". The list also includes Anthony Perkins, Eli Wallach, Sterling Hayden(as a crazy billionaire war freak),Toshiro Mifune, Ralph Meeker,Dorothy Malone, Belinda Bauer, Richard Boone(sorry... no "Pallidan" music),and Elizabeth Taylor, who only has one line, that is mouthed, but what a line it is! Maurice Jarre supplies the wonderful music and William Richert superbly directs.

This 1979 film looks fabulous on this DVD. A nice clear picture with good color in widescreen(2.35:1). The sound is good in DD2.0(Mono) with all the dialouge, music and background noises clear and distinguishable.There are 2 discs. Disc one contains the film and commentary by the director. Disc 2 has a ton of special features to peruse including, interviews on a feaurette called "Who Killed Winter Kills", a trailer, a still gallery and more(see tech info for complete list).It is also very nicely packaged with the case inside a slip-sleeve. I agree with the other reviewers that the price is a little high, but it's definatly worth the view. You may want to rent it, or put it on your wish list and watch for a reasonably priced used edition.

It's something out of the ordinary with a few chuckles and some great thrills..check it out....Laurie

A DISTURBING SATIRE
Twelve years before Oliver Stone dazzled (or repelled) audiences with "JFK," director William Richert delivered a more potent vision of a political assassination, and the country that fostered the implements of such an act, with his unbelievably radical adaptation of the late Richard Condon's novel.
As surreal as it is plausible, Richert's 1979 movie about a man's search for the truth behind the slaying of his president-brother ranks among the best political thrillers Hollywood ever produced during the conspiracy-happy '70s. As with "The Parallax View," "Executive Action" and other similarly themed films, "Winter Kills" is enthralling entertainment that puts the viewer on the front seat of a rollercoaster ride through an eerie labyrinth of deceit and corruption.
The two-disc DVD version of this neglected gem is way overpriced and could have been included on the reverse side of a single disc but the package does include several extras that complement this wild movie that reflected the public's growing distrust of the government and the people who run it.

/ Dead On Arrival \
"Winter Kills" is supposed to be a satire on the political thriller film or, as the jacket says, a black comedy. It doesn't succeed. The film moves with a leaden pace between scenes that are, presumably, intended to be either funny or satirical, but that in fact are lethargic and boring. The fault must be laid squarely on the script and the direction. The actors are capable, but their talents are wasted. The producers of the DVD even had the temerity to make it a kind of special edition DVD with an extra bonus disc at a higher price. A waste of time. A waste of money. That about sums it up.

Paraniod visionary political thriller
One of those 70s films that haunts me (John Huston's Wiseblood is another, there are lots more). This was based on a story by Richard Condon who also wrote The Manchurian Candidiate. A great cast with a very young Jeff Bridges as the lead in this partially based on fact, darkest of comedies, paranoid controversy theoretical waking nightmare of a movie.
Richard Boone, Sterling Hayden, Toshiro Mifune, Liz Taylor, JOHN HUSTON, Anthony Perkins, Ralph Meeker, Eli Wallach, Tomas Milian, many only get a scene or two, some only a scene, but they are all used for all the iconic power they are capable of generating. Not to mention exquisite cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond and an astounding debut for director/actor/etc., William Richert. This film was way too early for it's time, and in the same way Welles' Citizen Kane stepped on the feet of a giant this film also played with the thinly veiled mythology of real people, in this case the Kennedys. The story of why this brilliant film was stillborn upon it's initial release is likely a story worthy of the intrigue and rampant angst that fuels this spectacular film itself; though it's only hinted at in the Who Killed Winter Kills documentary, (that helps to flesh out the second disc disc of this set). I must admit that this all could have fit well onto one disc; but whatever the form, this is a film that is well worth seeking out, and it holds up very well to repeated viewings. It's one of those movies you'll want to turn other people on to. Check it out.

A COMIC CELEBRATION OF PURE PARANOIA
The much anticipated DVD release of WINTER KILLS is a cause for celebration to cult film fanatics everywhere.

Richard Condon's dazzlingly paranoid comic novel about an American president's assassination investigation has been perfectly captured by writer-director William Richert. This little seen film, barely released in 1979 after a torturous, much delayed production, received strong reviews and then disappeared.

There was talk the Kennedy family didn't approve and put pressure on parent company Avco Embassy (which had military contract associations) to withdraw the film, Condon suggested in an article, "Who Killed Winter Kills" for Harper's magazine. Whatever the case -- and the story behind the filming is certainly as interesting as the film story -- this marvelous, all-star thriller about the brother of a murdered president looking into the killing plays with the darkest, almost subconscious fears this country has collectively harbored about the death of JFK.

The once in a lifetime cast includes: Jeff Bridges, John Huston, Sterling Hayden, Richard Boone, Elizabeth Taylor, Eli Wallach, Ralph Meeker, Toshiro Mifune and Belinda Bauer. Plus a great score by Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia). Extras on this two-disc set (seems like it could've all fit easily on one disc) include a lively, sometimes startling, commentary from Richert and OK interviews with Bridges, Bauer, cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and production designer Robert Boyle. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Expect The Unexpected!....
This review refers to the Anchor Bay(2 disc)DVD edition of "Winter Kills".....

Based on the novel by Richard Condon("Prizzi's Honor"), "Winter Kills" is a somewhat dark comical thriller that seems to parallel the Kennedy Assassination investigation.

The story opens 19 years after the death of President Tim Kegan.The "lone gunman" theory is about to come to an end! A dying man gives his confession to the half brother of the President, Nick Kegan(Jeff Bridges).He was the second gunman hired by some very notorious characters. There's evidence to prove it and Nick decides to go after it.Nick soon finds himself involved deep in a "conspiracy theory" that leads to more deaths and suspects leading to some very surprising twists and turns along the way. Nick doesn't know who he can trust and may now be a target himself.

It's a very enjoyable film for it's neverending unpredictable turns of events that keep you on the edge of your seat. One that is certainly worth pulling out and viewing every so often.Bridges is excellent in the role and the list of Hollywood greats that make appearances as the larger than life and somewhat zaney characters is worth the view alone(even though some may be considered as mere cameos).
John Huston steals the show as the all controlling "Pa Kegan". The list also includes Anthony Perkins, Eli Wallach, Sterling Hayden(as a crazy billionaire war freak),Toshiro Mifune, Ralph Meeker,Dorothy Malone, Belinda Bauer, Richard Boone(sorry... no "Pallidan" music),and Elizabeth Taylor, who only has one line, that is mouthed, but what a line it is! Maurice Jarre supplies the wonderful music and William Richert superbly directs.

This 1979 film looks fabulous on this DVD. A nice clear picture with good color in widescreen(2.35:1). The sound is good in DD2.0(Mono) with all the dialouge, music and background noises clear and distinguishable.There are 2 discs. Disc one contains the film and commentary by the director. Disc 2 has a ton of special features to peruse including, interviews on a feaurette called "Who Killed Winter Kills", a trailer, a still gallery and more(see tech info for complete list).It is also very nicely packaged with the case inside a slip-sleeve. I agree with the other reviewers that the price is a little high, but it's definatly worth the view. You may want to rent it, or put it on your wish list and watch for a reasonably priced used edition.

It's something out of the ordinary with a few chuckles and some great thrills..check it out....Laurie

A DISTURBING SATIRE
Twelve years before Oliver Stone dazzled (or repelled) audiences with "JFK," director William Richert delivered a more potent vision of a political assassination, and the country that fostered the implements of such an act, with his unbelievably radical adaptation of the late Richard Condon's novel.
As surreal as it is plausible, Richert's 1979 movie about a man's search for the truth behind the slaying of his president-brother ranks among the best political thrillers Hollywood ever produced during the conspiracy-happy '70s. As with "The Parallax View," "Executive Action" and other similarly themed films, "Winter Kills" is enthralling entertainment that puts the viewer on the front seat of a rollercoaster ride through an eerie labyrinth of deceit and corruption.
The two-disc DVD version of this neglected gem is way overpriced and could have been included on the reverse side of a single disc but the package does include several extras that complement this wild movie that reflected the public's growing distrust of the government and the people who run it.

/ Dead On Arrival \
"Winter Kills" is supposed to be a satire on the political thriller film or, as the jacket says, a black comedy. It doesn't succeed. The film moves with a leaden pace between scenes that are, presumably, intended to be either funny or satirical, but that in fact are lethargic and boring. The fault must be laid squarely on the script and the direction. The actors are capable, but their talents are wasted. The producers of the DVD even had the temerity to make it a kind of special edition DVD with an extra bonus disc at a higher price. A waste of time. A waste of money. That about sums it up.

Paraniod visionary political thriller
One of those 70s films that haunts me (John Huston's Wiseblood is another, there are lots more). This was based on a story by Richard Condon who also wrote The Manchurian Candidiate. A great cast with a very young Jeff Bridges as the lead in this partially based on fact, darkest of comedies, paranoid controversy theoretical waking nightmare of a movie.
Richard Boone, Sterling Hayden, Toshiro Mifune, Liz Taylor, JOHN HUSTON, Anthony Perkins, Ralph Meeker, Eli Wallach, Tomas Milian, many only get a scene or two, some only a scene, but they are all used for all the iconic power they are capable of generating. Not to mention exquisite cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond and an astounding debut for director/actor/etc., William Richert. This film was way too early for it's time, and in the same way Welles' Citizen Kane stepped on the feet of a giant this film also played with the thinly veiled mythology of real people, in this case the Kennedys. The story of why this brilliant film was stillborn upon it's initial release is likely a story worthy of the intrigue and rampant angst that fuels this spectacular film itself; though it's only hinted at in the Who Killed Winter Kills documentary, (that helps to flesh out the second disc disc of this set). I must admit that this all could have fit well onto one disc; but whatever the form, this is a film that is well worth seeking out, and it holds up very well to repeated viewings. It's one of those movies you'll want to turn other people on to. Check it out.

A COMIC CELEBRATION OF PURE PARANOIA
The much anticipated DVD release of WINTER KILLS is a cause for celebration to cult film fanatics everywhere.

Richard Condon's dazzlingly paranoid comic novel about an American president's assassination investigation has been perfectly captured by writer-director William Richert. This little seen film, barely released in 1979 after a torturous, much delayed production, received strong reviews and then disappeared.

There was talk the Kennedy family didn't approve and put pressure on parent company Avco Embassy (which had military contract associations) to withdraw the film, Condon suggested in an article, "Who Killed Winter Kills" for Harper's magazine. Whatever the case -- and the story behind the filming is certainly as interesting as the film story -- this marvelous, all-star thriller about the brother of a murdered president looking into the killing plays with the darkest, almost subconscious fears this country has collectively harbored about the death of JFK.

The once in a lifetime cast includes: Jeff Bridges, John Huston, Sterling Hayden, Richard Boone, Elizabeth Taylor, Eli Wallach, Ralph Meeker, Toshiro Mifune and Belinda Bauer. Plus a great score by Maurice Jarre (Lawrence of Arabia). Extras on this two-disc set (seems like it could've all fit easily on one disc) include a lively, sometimes startling, commentary from Richert and OK interviews with Bridges, Bauer, cinematographer Vilmos Zsigmond and production designer Robert Boyle. Highly recommended. ... Read more