Amazon.com

Get ready for some seriously big hair. The Last Dragon--or, to call it by its full title, Berry Gordy's the Last Dragon--is a stunning example of 1980s camp cinema. One-name kung fu wonder Taimak plays Leroy Green, a.k.a. Bruce Leroy, a humble student of kung fu who has achieved the highest level of skill, but hasn't yet found his inner master. Wandering through the streets of New York in a Chinese peasant outfit, he accidentally becomes the protector of nightclub hostess/video jockey Laura Charles (played by former Prince protégé Vanity, who also costarred in the trash classic Action Jackson). She's being threatened by a height-challenged mobster who wants her to play his girlfriend's video (the girlfriend is something of a Cyndi Lauper look-alike, played by Broadway star Faith Prince). Meanwhile, a man who calls himself Sho'Nuff, the Shogun of Harlem, wants to kick Leroy's ass and prove himself the baddest kung fu master in town. Add to this Leroy's smart-mouthed brother Richie (who calls Leroy "the chocolate-covered yellow peril"), a dregs-of-Motown soundtrack (DeBarge is a high point), ninja battles, pseudo-Eastern philosophical babble, and a jaw-dropping club performance by Vanity, and you have a hilarious example of why we're all so very glad the '80s are over. Featuring a bit role by William H. Macy (Fargo, Magnolia). --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (170)

I wanted more, but at least it's on DVD
Before I was old enough to buy things on my own, I wanted to own the Last Dragon. This is easily one of my favorite 80's movies growing up. Who can forget the hair, the music, the crazy plot and the killer fight scenes. Waiting for this one to be released on any format seemed like an eternity. The VHS version was released for a short period over a decade ago, but was then quickly a discontinued item. Well after countless years of waiting, fans can rejoice, we can all finally enjoy, probably the best version ever, a DVD version of "The Last Dragon." Although Columbia didn't go all out with this DVD, just the fact they decided to put in on DVD is good enough reason to get a 4 star rating. The movie, simply put, is cool. It has a great 80's soundtrack and is still one of the funnest, and silliest movies ever made.

I was diappointed to see that the DVD did not offer the Dolby Digial 5.1 format, but the Dolby Surround 2.0 does the job nicely. The picture quality is as good as I have ever seen this movie look since I saw it in the theater in 1985, but you can notice it looks a bit aged and perhaps a little more remastering from Columbia would have made it look like new. The DVD lacks all the extras. Although the director commentary was nice, it would have been nice to see some bio's. And where in the heck is the theatrical trailer? But as a whole, fans won't hesitate, and probably already have it on the shelf. Knowing Columbia and how they have treated this movie for 15 years, it will probably only be out for a short period. So you better get your copy now while you can. If you've never seen the movie and just want to enjoy a silly, but fun movie, The Last Dragon is a good DVD to add to your collection.trailer.

A vintage 1980s kung fu/comedy classic
I have always loved this movie. Sure, it's a little bit kooky, but Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon just about has it all: plenty of kung fu action, comedy, romance, great vintage mid-80s music, a little bit of funk styling, and plenty of tributes to the great Bruce Lee; it is also the only film I know of whose two main characters are known by only one name in real life. I actually saw this film twice in the theatre back in 1985, and I can say that of only a few movies. Taimak plays Leroy Green, better known around the New York streets as Bruce Leroy for his impressive kung fu skills. His pursuit of the martial arts is a search for truth and mastery of self, and he is only one step away from acquiring "the glow," a state of being wherein mind and body are one. His pursuit of a new and final "master" keeps getting sidetracked, however. Sho'nuff (Julius Carry III), a particularly nasty dude who proclaims himself to be the Shogun of Harlem, is constantly provoking him and baiting him to fight. Then he finds himself the fated protector of star video jockey Laura Charles (Vanity), who is constantly being kidnapped and pressured into showing a certain video on her show. Eddie Arkadian (Christopher Murney) is determined to make a star of his untalented, Cindy Lauperized squeeze Angela (Faith Prince), and he will stop at nothing to get her video on the air. All of Leroy's enemies, naturally enough, come together for a slam-bam martial arts extravaganza finish.

Laura Charles naturally quickly develops some affection for her knight in flowing Asian robes, and a pretty darn innocent Leroy struggles to overcome his shyness in the ways of love. It makes for a rather sweet as well as comical budding relationship. There is ethnic humor scattered throughout the film, all of which I found funny and in no way offensive - by way of example, there is the somewhat Asian fellow trying to act like Bruce Lee because he thinks that alone will scare away any opponents. The music is great; Debarge's video for his hit song Rhythm of the Night gets prominent placement in the film, as does a rather illuminating performance by Vanity which seems a lot sillier now than it did 18 years ago. Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson contribute to the soundtrack, and Willie Hutch provides a couple of great tracks.

The best thing about The Last Dragon, though, has to be the martial arts. I know this was a somewhat cheesy martial arts film, but I still enjoyed all of the action. This is due in no small part to the fact that clips of Bruce Lee movies are shown at several points in the film, and a scene reminiscent of the huge melee that took place late in Lee's Enter the Dragon is a really nice touch. The whole thing with "the glow" was cartoonish in conception and execution, yet it too was pretty cool. I think The Last Dragon is just a great, entertaining film, but it is probably not for everyone. If you have no interest in martial arts, the romance and sometimes goofball comedy of the film may not be enough to satisfy you, but anyone who enjoys seeing everyone kung fu fighting should have a heck of a fun ride over the course of this somewhat underrated movie. It always leaves me feeling pretty juiced up and positive about life, which is a pretty nice feeling to take away from any movie.

steveo
i first saw this video when i was 10 years old.I THOUGHT IT HAD BEEN DISCONIUED,then finally i come across it again this is one cheesy film but i love it to pieces

5 Stars--Brilliant, Baby!!
I absolutely LOVE this movie. This is one of my favorites! I don't know how people critique movies, and what they call "great", but I'm tired of them, they don't know what the (bleep) they're talking about!!

This movie is sooooooo great! I love Taimak and Vanity (a protegee of the man Prince I awesomely adore) and all of the characters. Sho'nuff may be ug-ly but he makes me laugh! The whole movie makes me laugh.

The tough, strong, yet cute and gentle Leroy Green (son of Daddy Green and his Pizza) a.k.a Bruce Leroy is a funny character I just love. Laura Childs is so pretty and sassy, you just love her. The Plot is endlessly good and I LOVE THIS MOVIE! I recommend it to you and your family (PG-13, though) and you will love it! I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT, I LOVE IT!!

BUY IT, WATCH IT, LOVE IT!!

Forget the critics! I love this movie!
I don't know why such a bad review is posted here on Amazon? I am sad that the 80s are over, but I still have my DVD to watch any time I want. Bruce Leroy has to go up agienst a bad dude by the name of sho nuff.. All while tring to find the inner glow that will give him the power to defeat his foes...
He has to help a beautiful lady named Laura Charles a video DJ who is harassed by some crazy promotor who will stop at nothing to get a video played on her show..
I love the film for the action and we get to see some Bruce Lee in it too! Leroy is sent out on a mission to find the way to reach the glow and when he has to fight Sho nuff, he finds out that he is the master!

I loved this movie and I wish that there was a sequel... Grab some popcorn and just sit back and have fun... ... Read more

Description

In this movie based on the life of Russel Simmons, hot young record producer/manager Russel Walker has all the hottest acts on the record label Krush Groove records. The acts include Run-DMC, Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Kurtis Blow. When Run-DMC has a hit record and Russel doesn't have the money to press records he borrows money from a drug dealer/loan shark. At the same time Russel and Run are both competing for the heart of Sheila E. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Classic Material --- "F" what you heard
This movie is a hip-hop classic. It's not a movie for the bling-bling, bounce-bounce, hip-hop listener or the late comer to hip-hop culture. If you were down with this movement when it first started then you will definitly want to add this one to your video collection. If you are somebody that just got into rap music in the 90's or later... you may not feel it the same way. One of the other reviewers said they were "dissapointed" and didn't understand why Sheila E. got more props than LL or Beastie Boys... that's because they weren't known yet and Shelia E. was... if you were down from the start you would know that. This movie is not for the ignorant or casual hip-hop listener but rather for the seasoned conesiuer that REMEMBERS (not just heard about) when nobody even knew what rap was. This is not for the cats that think they know hip-hop becasue they went out and bought a bunch of old school records and now they think they're an expert. This is for heads that bought LL's "Radio" album when it was brand new in the store... not the one who just got it last week. This is for the REAL hip-hop heads...not the avant-guard backpacker who didn't buy RUN-DMC until after they became legends or thinks LL is different now than he was in '83.

Krush Groove is an interactive experience of Joy!
This movie is so cute, so happy, so silly, so fun. It has become a member of my family. The music is good, the characters are hilarious, and you can pick out bits of truth and history if you look. You can also play "Where's LL?". He is scattered a few places in the movie. And you get to see the real Russell Simmons talking to the character based on Russell Simmons, played by Blair Underwood. MTV had a hip hop day a couple of years ago, and they featured Krush Groove, hosted by Fab 5 Freddy. (You can also see F5F in the beautiful, classic, solid Wild Style.) The only advisory is to erase or fast-forward through the scene in which the Fat Boys (the Disko 3) are in their science class, right before they get into "Don't you dog me.... Aaarh aaarh, aaarh aaarh....". The classroom part contains an unnecessary dissection scene. Watch it and you'll see what I mean. Enjoy this movie, and by all means --- keep the spirit of Krush Groove alive! Word. :)

KRUSH GROOVE IS A CLASSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!
HIP HOP WILL NEVER BE THE SAME... I'M GLAD WE HAVE ALL STAR MOVIES LIKE KRUSH GROOVE,BEAT STREET,AND GRAFFITTI BRIDGE... IF YOU'RE A TRUE HIP HOP HEAD,AND YOU DON'T OWN KRUSH, THEN YOU'RE JUST NEW SCHOOL...WHICH ISN'T REAL HIP HOP

Classic... sort of.
This movie featured some of the best talent of the day, but the poor script and contrived plot bring it down a few notches. As an entertainment movie, it doesn't quite cut it; however, if you're a fan of the music, it really won't matter. Lots of fun, nonetheless.

good
it's rated r for absolutely nothing. barely any cuss words compared to todays rap. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Very funny movie with soul
I've seen this movie many times. It's funny and I don't agree when people say this movie is funny but doesn't have a lot to say. One of the characters struggles with his identity as a black man in "white" America and his character struck me as being very real. You could sense his frustration and in the end understood him better. Another part of the movie deals with a character who is an ex-con who is trying to move on with his life and put his negative past behind him. But you have to sympathize with him because he is a middle aged man whose only skilled enough to work at a car wash.

I think basically the story is this; everyone who works at the car wash dreams of something better. In the mean time they just keep working at the car wash. I think you'll like it. The characters are great and it's a good movie if you want to check out how people REALLY dressed in the 70's. That alone should give you a good laugh. Don't forget guest appearances by Richard Pryor and George Carlin. Rose Royce also did a great job with the Soundtrack.

Classic!
Car Wash is a classic.
It doesn't send some life changing message.
It's not profound.
Its not revolutionary.
So what!!!

Afros, Bell Bottoms, Smoggy days in LA....this was just a day in the life.....normal folks! A trip down memory lane for some of us I am sure.

But the MUSIC!!! CLASSIC CLASSIC CLASSIC!
I know i'm not the only person who sings along EVERY time I watch!
Two thumbs up from me...

There are FAR worse movies out there than this....
Folks that diss (that's disrespect for the non slang speakers),
really shouldn't take this movie...or THEMSELVES so seriously.

WORK AND WORK!!!!
This is a good movie with some good music provided by Rose Royce. This is a cool movie with a jamming soundtrack I love this movie and this soundtrack. I recommend anyone who likes this movie to buy it right along with the soundtrack. I think that the movie is great, fun, and entertaining. This movie is about everything that happens at a carwash. This is a good movie if you enjoy watching black 70's movies then I would definitely recommend you to watch this movie. Richard Pryor a.k.a. "Daddy Rich". makes an appearance with the Pointer Sisters I enjoy this movie and I like it .

Mama Knows Best 2
This is Mama's other favorite movie. I watched this one after Cooley High. Funny. Funny. Funny. I thought Chris Rock was funny, but Richard Pryor is a trip. And those Afros. You need to know where you came from befroe you know where you're going. Watch this movie. They don't make them like this anymore.

So THAT's what it's like working in a car wash!!!
Classic Americana! Competitive car washers, good times, bad times, weird & freaky customers, and the invisible camera capturing a day in Car Wash's life...all set to classic tunes. SweeeEEEeeet!!!

Car Wash is an essential for any classic movie collection. Don't get caught without it!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cooley High has frequently been compared to American Graffiti, and for good reason. Like that classic, Cooley High has a loose, multicharacter structure, autobiographical origins, and the rich texture of its time. Set in Chicago in 1964, the movie follows aspiring writer Preach (Glynn Turman) and local basketball star Cochise (Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, who went on to star in Welcome Back, Kotter) as they wander their neighborhood, drifting in and out of their classes at Cooley Vocational High School. The two friends pull pranks, crash parties, commit petty crimes, and generally try to enjoy their lives in an impoverished urban environment. Preach falls in love with a smart girl named Brenda (Cynthia Davis), whom he wins over by reciting poetry--leading to one of the silliest and sweetest love scenes you'll ever see. When Preach and Cochise go on a joy ride with a pair of young hoods, they end up arrested. Their history teacher, Mr. Mason (a superb Garrett Morris), gets them off, but the hoods think the boys sold them out and come seeking revenge. Cooley High depicts the rough life of African Americans in the 1960s with honesty and humor, offering no easy solutions or pat lessons. It's a roughly made movie, but Turman and Jacobs are both excellent, and there's an attention to reality that makes it engaging, refreshing, and ultimately moving. The soundtrack is a great compilation of 1960s soul, including the Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas,Stevie Wonder, the Four Tops, and Smokey Robinson. An unjustly neglected film that deserves rediscovery. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (28)

The original "Boyz N the Hood" flick
All of the Black "coming-of-age" films of the 90s -- such as "Boyz N the Hood", "Juice", and even the more romantic "Jason's Lyric" -- owe a debt to "Cooley High". It's as much a classic as "American Graffiti". See familiar faces when they were much younger, like Glynn Turman, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, and Garrett Morris. See Robert Townsend's QUICK cameo (on the basketball court in the gym). See the seeds of what would later become the "What's Happening" TV show (Preach, the skinny writer with glasses became Roger, the skinny writer with glasses). See a death scene that had viewers in tears years before the death scene in "Boyz N the Hood". Hear the original version of "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" (Had Boys II Men even been born in 1975?) No doubt about it, there will never be another "Cooley High". [I can't listen to the song "Reach Out (I'll Be There)" by the Four Tops without thinking of this film. Once you see it, you'll understand why.]

A Trip Down Memory Lane
I recall watching this movie at my 7th. grade English teacher's home when it debuted because she was one of the very few people who had cable TV at this time. This movie along with Cornbread Earl and Me hold a deep connection with me as I can still recall the music and general style of the late 60's and early 70's. The main characters were/are so easy for me to relate to that I always have the same touching reaction whenever I think about their story. I almost feel like I knew Preach and Cochise because their characters are so authentic. I played this DVD for a group of my contemporary friends and I saw tears in the eyes of the men as well as the women. Although the audio on the DVD is very poor, Cooley High is at the top of my DVD collection. The ending alone makes this movie a pure classic.

Excellent!
A sad ending for a great film. This was not some cheap, run of the mill Black 70's movie. It was well acted with a solid plot with very good direction, a definite classic.

The Real BOYZ IN THE HOOD
People tend to have short memories. Cooley High, while an interesting film about the urban black experience seems to be dwarfed by newer black films. Not only this, but the film Boyz in the Hood is a direct rip off of this film. The plotlines are very similar, with the protagonist who is about to make it out of the ghetto eventually struck down in their prime. Anyone who sees this and Boyz in the Hood will realize that John Singleton is a sham and that his "breakthrough" work, Boyz in the Hood, was actually a remake of Cooley High.

Love it
Cooley High is a wonderful movie. It is funny and sad at the same time. I am happy that it is on DVD, because I have a VHS copy and I can forward to my favorite scenes. You must own this. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A MUST share !
This play will minister to all viewers. It is VERY emotional. After I saw the play here in Columbus, I wanted to take friends to see it the next day. Unfortunately, it was only showing one night.I told several women about the play, and they wanted to see it too. Now that it is coming to video, they can share the blessing.The Lord has a great anointing on this play. It will touch every viewer in a different way.

A Must SEE
I saw the stage production of this play just last week and I loved it. I can't wait until it comes out on video. I want it the same day it comes out because it was just that good! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Fine art? No... Funny? Hell yes!
This movie has been dismissed by reviewers for its crudity. Well, "Which Way Is Up?" wasn't meant to appeal to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. It was, unashamedly, made to appeal to the Black audience (there was no such thing as African-American in those days), and its total aim was to make that audience laugh! And it succeeded, spectacularly!! I was familiar with Richard Pryor from his toned-down appearances on The Flip Wilson Show, but this was a comedian who would do or say anything for a laugh. During his prime, no one was funnier than Richard Pryor, and he became a big star, so it wasn't just Black people who recognized his genius. This movie was his first opportunity to showcase his comedic vision in a starring role (acutally three of them). There are so many memorable scenes, and I don't want to give any of them away, so I won't. What I will say is that if you want to laugh, and you have any knowledge at all about Black culture thru the late seventies, and you haven't seen this movie, you've missed a treasure. The first time I watched it, I nearly split my side laughing. I'm talking about laughing so hard, I was crying; laughing so hard, my stomach hurt; laughing so hard, I hyperventilated; laughing so hard -- Well, you remember that phrase from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" about, "It's a gasser!"? Yeah, laughing THAT hard. For my money, Richard Pryor may have become more famous after "Which Way Is Up?", but he was never funnier than this!

THE GREATEST X 3!!!
To the Critics,

Which Way Is Up is not only Richard Pryor's greatest masterpiece it is also one of the funniest movies ever made! It's like a cult classic only because the critics never gave Richard his due. Had this been a Robin Williams movie (closest white imitation to Richard) it surely would have been more acceptable and "mainstream" to critics like you I'm sure.

When I first saw this movie in the theater everyone was literally falling out of their seats into the isles laughing so hard to the point of tears, myself included! I've watched this movie many times and I believe the funniest parts occur (no matter which character he plays) during the super quick transitions from anger to fear and vice versa through out the movie.

Richard masterfully plays three roles all of them extremely well. The old man role was great but I thought the preacher was hilarious! He (Richard) did this way back in the 70's when make up and special effects were not "King" as they are now. Many others such as Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence have taken from the master and tried to duplicate this feat but have come up short even with today's technology. In fact, theirs and many others whole careers are based on the comic genius of Richard Pryor.

Even though Richard crossed all racial barriers back in the 70's it's really a shame how deep and unconscious racism really is. The critics outta check themselves.

The many funny faces of Richard Pryor!!!!!
This movie is one of my favorites by Richard Pryor and I just truly love it. This is a movie that I can watch over and over again and never get tired of it. This movie is funny in every scene . Richard Pryor plays many roles in this film, his father, Leroy, The Reverend, and he plays them all well and he is very funny. This movie is so funny that it is indescribeable. He gets even with the Reverend for getting his wife "Annie Mae" pregnant. He also falls in love with Lonette McKee and she has a baby for him and everything gets all mixed up and crazy this is a hilarious movie I love it; It is one of my favorite movies by R.P and one of the funniest movies ever. I love you Richard thanks for the laughter hang in there I hope that you get well!!!! This is a great funny film This is a King of Comedy a True Legend I mean this is one of his best movies so therefore I would recommend anyone who enjoys R.P or if you are a fan of his to buy this video you would definitely enjoy it!!!!!

Maybe I was wrong
to call Blazing Saddles the funniest movie of all time. W.W.I.U. certainly holds it own in the hilarity category. Richard Pryor's funniest work for the simple reason that it gave him three vehicles for his expressive talents: an inept worker, promoted beyond his talents, the man's own father, a randy talk-it-the-way-I see it kind of guy and a philandering preacher with a platinum healing glove. These three characters interact with predictably insane results.

It is not the scatological and regularly profane Pryor that many people came to know, or the tragic cocaine-addicted Pryor of the late '70's. Also, he is not as cutting in political and social commentary he is later in his career (particularly in his standup). But this is vintage Pryor. Many of the lines of this movie are not just laugh-out-loud funny when heard while viewing the movie, but also when those lines said to any other movie cognoscenti.

Great to finally find this on DVD. A must have.

BUY THIS MOVIE !!!!!
I saw this movie for the first time in a theater as a child and laughed histericaly(I'm from New Orleans,kids can do that here,O.K.?).Now as an adult it's 100 times funnier.AWESOME.RICHARD PRYOR RULES !!!!!Warning:The Pryor and Sr. Sara scenes may be too funny for the unprepared!!! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Harmless early 80's racial comedy
Segal is Walter Whitney, an easy-going yet privileged Angelino who is enjoying the easy-going life of an executive reached after years of hard work. A very-pre everything Denzel Washington is Roger Porter, the son of an African American woman who was once the love of Walter's life. When a righteous Walter realizes that Roger is his son, he's a bit shocked, but tries to assimilate him into his family anyway. Unfortunately, Walter didn't consider...anything, and soon he's on the outside, cut off from his wife (Susan St. James) and cozy job, with no choice but to assimilate to Roger's way of life. Soon, the former exec is waiting at street corners for day-jobs, or getting arrested by cops. Through it all (actually most), he's still the same old Walter, feverishly wondering how he'll get back to what he lost.

This was sort of a lost-gem-in-the-rough. The script isn't sure whether to make Walter and Roger rivals (in which each would at least subconsciously be out to prove who's better at living his way) or a true father&son team. The flick starts out with a running gag that Walter is actually a descent guy whose achievements have incidentally led him to be surrounded by incredibly bigoted people (they haven't affected him, but they haven't revealed their own darker side...yet). Once Walter is cast out from Brentwood, that joke disappears, and Segal is trapped in a fish-out-of-water story - consigned to a car without breaks, and a wreck of an apartment. (Other jokes include Walter's disgust when he realizes that his black son can't play basketball). Though weak, it's still fun. If Segal and Washington don't work well with each other, they still bring some fun to the table - especially Denzel Washington's disarmingly cheery outlook, now against the grain of his more recognizable seriousness. "You can teach me to build a model airplane", he suggests, "I can teach you how to pick a lock." Jokes like that should cater to the worst in you, but Washington's delivery reminds you it's all in good fun.

A Terrific Movie
This is a funny wonderful film that can be viewed a thousand times and you never get tired of it!

Fun movie with great chemistry between the two leads
I've always enjoyed the great comic talents of George Segal however what is not commonly known is the fine dramatic skills that he also possesses as seen in such fine dramatic roles as "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf". "Carbon Copy" came late in Segal's incredibly successful run of comedies through the 1970's and early 80's that included hits such as "The Duchess and the Dirty Water Fox, "A Touch of Class","Who is killing the Great Chefs of Europe", and "Fun with Dick and Jane". This film fittingly involves a comic story with many serious undertones and is an early very fine effort in depicting white and black relations in film.

Carbon Copy", tells the story of a very successful white business executive (George Segal) who appears to have it all, the great house, top job, beautiful wife and all the luxuries that money can buy who one day comes face to face with the son he never knew he had (Denzel Washington in a terrific movie debut). The major problem here is however that the son is not only the result of a previous love affair but black as well which would not sit well with his upwardly mobile lifestyle and snobby family. The resulting situation once his son is introduced to his family has both funny and sad repurcussions as Segal sees his whole world crumble before his eyes and he finds himself out of a job, homeless, with no money, sharing a rundown apartment in a "bad neighbourhood" with his son and being reduced in a very comical scene to shovelling horse manure to earn a few bucks for food. Along the way much soul searching is done by both father and son as they realise the other is not naturally the enemy and that colour should not be something that necessarily should keep them apart.

The chemistry between the two leads, the more experienced George Segal and a young Denzel Washington is terrific and they are in turn very funny together as seen in the scenes when driving in Washington's beat up old car and in the scene when they are booking into the cheap motel for the night, and touchingly dramatic as they slowly discover more about each other and decide to try at a life together as father and son. The rapport between them is terrific and both play off each other to great effect.It is easy to see that Denzel Washington, one of today's finest actors was destined for great things even at this early stage in his career. He is perfectly natural and delivers a refreshingly honest performance as th eyoung black man trying to find his roots. His performance is a mixture of frustration, curiosity and comic ability. He has you alternately laughing and crying which is the sign of true talent indeed. While definately a light comedy "Carbon Copy",does however deliver an important message about race relations and perceptions while not deliberatly pointing the finger at either racial group for being distrustful of the other. Many significant points on how we should view people are delivered in among the great comedy moments in the film.

Being a big George Segal fan there is much to like in "Carbon Copy". While not his greatest film he still displays that wonderful comedy delivery that charmed audiences in the 1970's and 80's. It's only a pity that he didn't continue in films at a later period rather than moving fulltime into television. I highly recommend "Carbon Copy", for an enjoyable hour and a half that will also get you thinking in a subtle way about how people do actually relate to each other. Enjoy the highjinks of white father and black son as cultures collide in "Carbon Copy".

Light hearted clean comedy
This movie was very entertaining! It is a must see for all Denzel Washington and George Segal fans.

A BLAST!!
My family had this video for a few years, and I can truly say that it is one of the best movies I have ever watched. The movie itself is fun, but yet shows the ups and downs of a father son relationship in a prejudiced society.

There are also a lot of funny one liner, like when the main charchter refers to his son as being "Hickory Bronze", the same colour as a car, or when her learns the hard way, that being black does not mean you can play B-Ball.

I great movie for ALL members of the family.
Highly recommended ... Read more

Description

LA Law: The Movie reunites the cast of the award winning televisionseries for a two-hour network film.Nearly the entire original cast returns to the fictionallaw firm, McKenzie-Brackman.Following the series finale, founding Partner LelandMcKenzie (Richard A. Dysart) retires thereby leaving Douglas Brackman Jr. (AlanRachins) as Senior Managing Partner.Another former Partner is summoned in effort tostop the execution of a past client.However, the prosecution is lead by his old flameGrace Van Owen (Susan Dey).Meanwhile, McKenzie-Brackman divorce attorney,Arnie Becker (Corbin Bernsen) deals with his own divorce from his estranged wife. Inaddition to the memorable cast of the series,the reunion also includes new additions tothe firm. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

L.A. Law is back.
The L.A. Law reunion movie was very nice to see. The plot was a little lame and it would of been alot better if Jimmy Smits was in it. Maybe with this release they will do what other studios have done and release the series on dvd in boxed sets. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Funny! Doubles me over in Laughter!!!
I thought that this movie was funny... Seeing the old man trying to act young and hip after a night out. after the 3 boys lose the pills, he suddenly gets better... I thought that the film had plenty of laughs in it. The scenes where the Fat Boys were hitting themselves were a take of the Three Stooges. The scene that has me doubled over in laughter was when one of them got trigger happy with a machine gun and kills a coo coo clock!

soon we see the clock in ruins... Look for Cameos by the following:

Ray Parker Jr. (Pizza Man) Ghostbusters fame
Hellen Reddy ( lady ay party) Pete's Dragon fame
Beach Boys ( what more is there to say)

I hope that some of you will give Disorderlies a chance.. It was ment to be fun... It shows that the boys can have fun and laugh at themselves... This is for people that need a good laugh...

Really really funny
The Fat Boys movie and its a great one. The 3 guys have to look after a rich guy and they get into all kinds of misadventures. Really really funny all the way through.

Get a big bag of popcorn, and a soda, and set aside 2 hours cause you will laugh!! Get it today!!!

PHAT
This was a hilarious movie, almost nonstop laughter. This is a classic comedy and should be preserved on DVD.

Classic
The Fat boys are orderlies who can't do anything right.
So a millionarie's spoiled relative hires them hoping they
will be clueless when he kills him off to collect the
inheritance.

This movie is a classic 80's comedy. The fat boys sucess in music and other wise depended on their great personalities.
Disorderlies showcased all there talents.Nothing complex here, but if you like Police Academy and similar 80's comedies
you can't go wrong with this movie.

RIP Buffy, we still miss you...
Comedy is best when all age ranges can enjoy it. Sure, there is some crude humor to be found here. But if I had kids of my own, this is definitely a movie we'd watch together. The slap stick is plenty. Watching it all these years later, I'm reminded why I loved "The Fat Boys" so much growing up. Call them what you will (Immature, stupid, crude) they enjoyed being themselves. Playing here as bumbling idiots who are supposive to watch an old helpless man. You know from the jump though, that things will go haywire. Watching this I really believed the characters. And they never took themselves all that seriously, which is perfect for a comedy of this type. There is no strong moral message behind this flick, there's no scenes that will make you think. It's a movie to entertain you. The scene with the pool and the slide and the woman in the Bikini, especially sticks out in my mind. It's a shame that this was it as far as movies went for them. They had obvious chemistery, and loved what they did. Which was being goofy. It's also a shame Buffy passed away some years ago. There can never be a Disorderlies II. This is something kids of the new generation should see. It's good, clean fun. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Of all the films in which Richard Pryor was the main star in the 1970s and 1980s, this was one of the only ones to come close to capturing his impishly mercurial stage presence as a standup comedian--and also to aspire to coherency, perhaps because it was cowritten by Pryor and award-winning playwright Lonne Elder III. Pryor plays an ex-convict who gets strong-armed into helping a schoolteacher (Cicely Tyson) drive a busload of physically and emotionally handicapped children across the country. Though there is the kind of irascible adult-cute kid interplay you would expect, Pryor makes it work, even as he finds the heart in a ne'er-do-well who discovers a talent for caring for others. Watch for the scene in which Pryor finds himself face to face with a hooded group of Klansmen and comically finesses the situation. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (12)

FUNNY BUT UNEVEN STARRING ROLE FOR PRYOR
Bustin Loose was not Richard Pryors first major movie but it was his first movie where he was the top-billed star.He plays a conman named Joe Braxton who violated the terms of his parole.But he's given another chance and is hired by school teacher Vivian Perry (Cicely Tyson) to repair and drive a school bus full of special education students from Philadelphia to a farm in Washington.

Meanwhile Donald (Robert Christian), a social worker is trying to screw things up and get Joe sent back to prison and the kids sent back to Philadelphia where their group home had been shut down.Joe at first wants nothing to do with these kids who have severe problems but in a kind of coming of age type story, Joe eventually bonds with the kids and Vivian and all is well in the end.

Bustin Loose had some funny scenes but it never could really decide if it wanted to be a comedy or a sappy sentimental movie as Joe copes with these special children and they teach him about life.As it was, neither element came off too well.Prior would suffer the same fate to a degree in "The Toy" made one year later.Prior is just at his best when it's more slapstick and pure humor as in "Stir Crazy" or "Silver Streak"A decent movie, but manipulative and Pryor is just so much funnier than this.

Pryor Genious and previous talent
Richard Pryor has become an icon , in the comedic world , of standup. However , his film work displays sheer emotional and electric moments , that can be compared to catching a tornado and training it to turn , only when you photograph it. In lamens terms , he portrays his characters with an emotional depth that only an individual who's been through the ropes of life , can show....and come across as spontaneous and believable. From , Lady Sings The Blues , Some Kind Of Hero , Which Way is Up ? , Stir Crazy , and Bust'in Loose , we get to see Pryor double as a comedic talent and dramatic actor. Whereas , Bust'in loose doesn't display the raunchy humorous side of Pryor , it does give us some very funny scenes and dramatic ones as well. Bust'in Loose , can be appreciated for two reasons. One , if you've seen Pryor's infamously hilarious raunchy stand up , or earlier works , you can apprecite seeing him in a role that doesn't call for over the top profanity and innuendo's. Second , the film can stand on it's own merits , because Pryor and Tyson light up the screen and provide so much chemisrty , that even if you've never heard of them before , you'd still enjoy the film. Bust'in Loose is written and acted fantastically. The only downside , is a scene in which , it becomes a slapstick farce , which takes away from the film. I mean , c'mon ? Cicily Tyson , making a light bulb , light up , in her mouth ? Ridiculous. That's why this film gets a three star rating , instead of a five. I felt betrayed by the writer or director , for even going there , after I've invested over an hour , getting to know the characters. Whoever stuck that in the film....it was a bad choice. Probably the ( obviously )insecure director , because that idiotic , buffoon-riddled, scene didn't get edited. I guess they wanted to reach all audience levels. Even those with IQ's lower that two.Anyhow,the film , luckily , returns to it's believability. The, current dvd edition offers nothing except providing an abitlity to choose a scene. But , I loved the movie as a kid , and I was willing to settle , just so I could enjoy the film on a lazy Sunday or something. Hopefully , they'll re-release it soon. I'd like to hear commentary and updates on the "kids". Great soundtrack and cinematography ( especially , the shots of Washington state , as they're driving through the mountains ). I highly recommend Bust'in Loose. It's just as enjoyable as the first time I saw it , when I was nine.

Showstopping
This movie was funny, and made for everyone. I would be happy to
share it with my daughter. One of the few movies Richard stars in for a kid crowd. Ms.Tyson plays the mother role to perfection
with all the childrens roles shining. I think this movie was a
big hit for foster children.It showed the system in a funny way.
Again, it was so funny.I think every home should own this movie.Richard of old, with the funny for all time.

Sweet & Fun
As usual, Richard Pryor steals the show....It's no wonder that to this day, he still stands out as one of the greatest comedians of all time. He is so talented and skillful in his craft. If you buy this video and enjoy Pryor's humor, I also recommend "Which Way Is Up?". This movie has a pretty good message and storyline. It's sweet, sincere and entertaining. Definitely worth checking it!

2 Funny 4 Words!
This is an older movie but it is still as funny as it was the first day I saw it, Richard Pryor is as funny as ever!... Its a great movie!! Dont laugh 2 hard! ... Read more

Reviews (92)

Once in a lifetime film & great fun too!
This is one of the most fun films ever made and as a wine improves with age, so does this film. When this film was first released, it was scoffed at and rebuked by "true" Beatles fans throughout. What? the Bee Gee's doing the Beatles - Heaven forfend! - this is an outrage! Hogwash! It died a sudden death in the theatres because it was released into a critical sarcastic period of time where we, during the party crazed 70's weren't ready for it. The film is a perfect reminder to us now in the 90's to have fun and not be so critical. Enjoy life - enjoy this movie. Listen to the music, don't make comparisons, enjoy it for what it is - a fun journey, making fun of itself and us too with wonderful music delivered in a unique format. The critics are always critical - that's their job. Trying to analyze this film critically is a mistake as it doesn't fit within the standard confines of a typical film. Don't be surprised if this film takes on a cult personna, ala Rocky Horror - it's unique, it's great fun, and you've missed the point if you take it too seriously - have fun, sit back, and go on a journey unlike any other...

Nice Keith!
Not for the weak of stomach! And NOT for all Beatles fans. There are those who, finding themselves confronted with the sight of Alice Cooper singing Because, or worse yet, George Burns singing Fixing A Hole, may want to cut and run while they still think themselves sane. I however, love the movie wholeheartedly, rejoicing in the Bee Gees in all their seventies glory. Peter frampton gives me a queasy feeling in my stomach, and I think Sandy Farina has no self respect, but that doesn't keep me from thoroughly enjoying the performances of Paul Nicholas, Dianne Steinberg, Donald Pleasance, Frankie Howerd, Steve Martin, Stargard, Aerosmith and so on. The storyline is basic (good slugs it out over evil to the sound of Beatles tunes remade in the image of the artists who cover them), the costumes are WILD, and the hair is LONG. It does give one pause to consider how much more beautiful the movie would have been with Andy Gibb as Billy Shears, in place of the toothy and pop eyed Frampton. But that's just a thought from this very devoted Gibb fan.

25 Years Later, 'Sgt. Pepper' Is Still Painful To Watch
The ficticious place called "Heartland" finds all kinds of musicians coming together in orange, pink, red and purple satin. "Sgt. Pepper" unites all kinds of Beatle tunes into one large ball of cheese. How many careers were ruined by this film? Is it easy to spot that only a handful of people here actually had (any) acting experience out of the hundreds of people in this film? Outside of some brief narration by George Burns, it's ALL song and dance. There's a few good performances here (Aerosmith's "Come Together", Robin Gibb's "Oh Darling", Earth Wind & Fire's "Got To Get You Into My Life", and the Bee Gees' "Golden Slumber")... and one hilarious - Steve Martin singing "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" in the green tiled room... but most of this is tedious to get through. THE HEROES: Peter Frampton plays the starring role of Billy Shears (dig those white overalls with "Billy" printed on them). Barry, Robin and Maurice (RIP) Gibb play the roles of the Henderson brothers who help Shears find the stolen instruments. George Burns plays the role of narrator and Mister Kite. Donaled Pleasance (from "Halloween" fame) as BD Hoffler. THE VILLAINS: Alice Cooper as the mean Marvin Sunk (why was his version of "Sun King" omitted on the "Sgt. Pepper" movie soundtrack?). Aerosmith as the infamous (FVB) Future Villain Band. And a wonderful performance by Steve Martin as the evil Dr. Maxwell Edison. In the stands for the Grand Finale, you'll spot numerous "guests" from 1970's world of music... including Tina Turner, Robert Palmer, Hank Williams Jr, Seals & Croft, Sha Na Na, Nils Lofgren, Heart, Leif Garret, Jose Feliciano, Johnny Winter, Wolfman Jack, etc. Outside of the trailer and a language selection, this DVD has no extras. For those of us that grew up in the 1970's, it would have been nice to see some interviews or commentaries with some of the musicians. Thank goodness Billy Preston saved the day at the end of the movie (singing "Get Back")... bringing back to life the already deceased Strawberry Fields with a zap of his finger, and then saving Billy Shears from certain suicide and a very sad ending... Ugh.

a notoriously rotten movie!
The Beatles had nothing to do with this farce,and it shows.The performances are awful and the movie is just plain silly.

If you're not a Bee Gees fan, it's not worth your trouble
The Beatles never existed--as far as this film is concerned, anyway. Before watching this movie, you should empty everything you know about the Beatles from your mind. While you're at it, you might as well empty everything else from your mind, because your intelligence may be insulted.

I watched this movie knowing it would be bad, but I was hoping it would be classic bad, cult following bad, Rocky Horror Picture Show bad. I wanted to hear George Burns sing "Fixin' a Hole" and Steve Martin deliver a slightly pervy redition of "Maxwell's Silver Hammer." I wanted to hear robots perform "Mean Mr. Mustard". And I really wanted to see Peter Frampton and the Bee Gees become the Lonely Hearts Club Band.

The movie delivers all of these and more, horrifyingly more. I can't even explain how bad this movie is. Let's just say that it makes Rocky Horror look like Les Miserables. This movie is also pretty racist; I'm white and I was offended by the portrayal of black people in it (Earth, Wind, and Fire, of course, were the exception; the guy who played the weathervane, on the other hand, made me feel like I was at a minstrel show). Sargeant Pepper's not bad in a fun way; it's just bad in a bad way.

I should say that the best performance of the movie is Aerosmith's snaky redition of "Come Together." This is coming from someone who is not even an Aerosmith fan. There are a lot of unbelievable moments in the film, but that one was surprising in a good way. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It is a sordid fact of life that were it not for Robert Blake's newfound infamy as an accused wife murderer, Baretta, which lasted three seasons beginning in 1975, might have been relegated to late nights in TV land. But as they say in Hollywood, there's no such thing as bad publicity. So for those who do not want to invest in the Season One boxed set, here are three episodes from this offbeat cop series' first season, including the atypically gritty and brutal pilot, in which funky undercover cop Anthony Baretta goes after his girlfriend's killer, and speaks those grimly prophetic words: "If you can't do the time, don't do the crime." As these episodes testify, Baretta is more than a newly minted sick joke. The randy, rule-bending Baretta was a cop like no other on TV. And, as Tony was fond of saying, you can take that to the bank. --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (2)

WHY BUY THIS???
I give this two star, ONLY BECAUSE....and I mean this....WHY BUY THIS DVD SET WHEN THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON HAS THESE SAME EPISODES? I give the FIRST SEASON DVD SET about 10 stars, because I love watching Baretta. It brings back some great memories. Truly just "one" of the best shows from the seventies. So any fan of this show would know, why waste the money. I'm not sure why the companies do this. JUST PUT OUT THE OTHER SEASONS. Then we'll be happy.

I LOVE BARETTA
I watched aLL THE bARETTA SHOWS AND I just love him and still do. THis episode is one of the hottest.Only robert blake can come across as he does for I BELIEVE a little of it is part of him....he is just great!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Richard Pryor's face is plastered all over the cover of Car Wash, but don't be fooled. This slight comedy, made in 1976, is an ensemble piece much like Robert Altman's or Alan Rudolph's all-star movies in that there are a lot of familiar faces who have relatively little screen time or business to attend to. Set in smoggy Los Angeles, the film opens with a radio announcer's voiceover, "Hey, hey, L.A. It's a brand new day." And the camera pans the street, zooming in on the Dee-Luxe Car Wash, which is owned by the ultimate cheapskate, Mr. B (Sully Boyar). In rapid succession, we're introduced to a dizzying array of characters who all work or hang out at the car wash: drag queen Lindy (Antonio Fargas), brothers Floyd and Lloyd who want to be in show business, a hip brother, an angry brother, a taxi driver (George Carlin), cashier Marsha (Melanie Mayron), and a plethora of "types" who wash, dry, and polish everything in sight while making time to make time. Car Wash doesn't do much or have a lot to say, the laughs aren't particularly original, and the actors don't have much to do save for Fargas, whose role as a drag queen was groundbreaking because the character wasn't discriminated against or killed at the end. Even Richard Pryor is wasted in his single scene as a wealthy preacher named Daddy Rich. Car Wash, which was written by mainstream director Joel Schumacher (Batman and Robin, Falling Down, The Client), is ultimately uneventful. Its revival on DVD is puzzling because it looks about as faded, dated, and undistinguished as a rusty old car. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Very funny movie with soul
I've seen this movie many times. It's funny and I don't agree when people say this movie is funny but doesn't have a lot to say. One of the characters struggles with his identity as a black man in "white" America and his character struck me as being very real. You could sense his frustration and in the end understood him better. Another part of the movie deals with a character who is an ex-con who is trying to move on with his life and put his negative past behind him. But you have to sympathize with him because he is a middle aged man whose only skilled enough to work at a car wash.

I think basically the story is this; everyone who works at the car wash dreams of something better. In the mean time they just keep working at the car wash. I think you'll like it. The characters are great and it's a good movie if you want to check out how people REALLY dressed in the 70's. That alone should give you a good laugh. Don't forget guest appearances by Richard Pryor and George Carlin. Rose Royce also did a great job with the Soundtrack.

Classic!
Car Wash is a classic.
It doesn't send some life changing message.
It's not profound.
Its not revolutionary.
So what!!!

Afros, Bell Bottoms, Smoggy days in LA....this was just a day in the life.....normal folks! A trip down memory lane for some of us I am sure.

But the MUSIC!!! CLASSIC CLASSIC CLASSIC!
I know i'm not the only person who sings along EVERY time I watch!
Two thumbs up from me...

There are FAR worse movies out there than this....
Folks that diss (that's disrespect for the non slang speakers),
really shouldn't take this movie...or THEMSELVES so seriously.

WORK AND WORK!!!!
This is a good movie with some good music provided by Rose Royce. This is a cool movie with a jamming soundtrack I love this movie and this soundtrack. I recommend anyone who likes this movie to buy it right along with the soundtrack. I think that the movie is great, fun, and entertaining. This movie is about everything that happens at a carwash. This is a good movie if you enjoy watching black 70's movies then I would definitely recommend you to watch this movie. Richard Pryor a.k.a. "Daddy Rich". makes an appearance with the Pointer Sisters I enjoy this movie and I like it .

Mama Knows Best 2
This is Mama's other favorite movie. I watched this one after Cooley High. Funny. Funny. Funny. I thought Chris Rock was funny, but Richard Pryor is a trip. And those Afros. You need to know where you came from befroe you know where you're going. Watch this movie. They don't make them like this anymore.

So THAT's what it's like working in a car wash!!!
Classic Americana! Competitive car washers, good times, bad times, weird & freaky customers, and the invisible camera capturing a day in Car Wash's life...all set to classic tunes. SweeeEEEeeet!!!

Car Wash is an essential for any classic movie collection. Don't get caught without it!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Of all the films in which Richard Pryor was the main star in the 1970s and 1980s, this was one of the only ones to come close to capturing his impishly mercurial stage presence as a standup comedian--and also to aspire to coherency, perhaps because it was cowritten by Pryor and award-winning playwright Lonne Elder III. Pryor plays an ex-convict who gets strong-armed into helping a schoolteacher (Cicely Tyson) drive a busload of physically and emotionally handicapped children across the country. Though there is the kind of irascible adult-cute kid interplay you would expect, Pryor makes it work, even as he finds the heart in a ne'er-do-well who discovers a talent for caring for others. Watch for the scene in which Pryor finds himself face to face with a hooded group of Klansmen and comically finesses the situation. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (4)

horrid
this movie is horrid--i wonder if the acting was supposed to be this bad on purpose. and the message--that "success" somehow makes you white--the charicatures may have been there to make a point, and yeah it's playing like a period piece (early 90's) -- but why did baby bam (jungle brothers) have to be in this? as the narrator, "sidekick", he was the best thing about the flick.

Decent...
I thought this was a pretty cool movie for the time period it came out in. It even had a message in it, which is : never forget who you are, where you have come from and gone through when you reach the success you set out to reach in life.

it's garbage
This movie is apparently a comedy that turns out not to be funny when it tries to be and when it doesn't. I'm trying to think of one redeeming quality this movie contains, but there is none. Don't buy it.

Oh, but no . . .
Don't waste your time with this one. It could have been a good movie, but the script got in the way. The only good thing about this flick is future "Living Single" star T.C. Carson (whom, you'll notice, NEVER mentions this movie). ... Read more

Reviews (2)

In the Tarzan movie tradition
For a true Edgar Rice Burroughs fan this one misses it once again but we have grown to expect that from Hollywood. However, if you enjoyed the campy old-time Tarzan movies, this one is just for you. The "Jane" in this movie is not the typical as expected in the role. She is a New York city cab driver and breathes some fresh air into the rather stale stereotyped role. The writing and the acting is B movie grade but it is a fun one for the kids with nothing you need to screen. If you are looking for serious cinema, go somewhere else. But for fun, family entertainment in the old time Tarzan movie tradition, try this one out.

Funny!
I really liked this light hearted movie, part serious part comedy. Makes one wonder whose more civilized, New Yorkers or Tarzan. Best bets on Tarzan. Great first role for Joe. Jane was hysterical, as was Archemedes Porter played by Tony Curtis.We should all have fathers as protective as he is.Seeing Cheeta drive the cab was a hoot! Jungle comedy in da big city.A must see for seeing a light hearted ape man. ... Read more