Amazon.com

Like a Hardy Boys mystery on steroids, National Treasure offers popcorn thrills and enough boyish charm to overcome its rampant silliness. Although it was roundly criticized as a poor man's rip-off of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Da Vinci Code, it's entertaining on its own ludicrous terms, and Nicolas Cage proves once again that one actor's infectious enthusiasm can compensate for a multitude of movie sins. The contrived plot involves Cage's present-day quest for the ancient treasure of the Knights Templar, kept secret through the ages by Freemasons past and present. Finding the treasure requires the theft of the Declaration of Independence (there are crucial treasure clues on the back, of course!), so you can add "caper comedy" to this Jerry Bruckheimer production's multi-genre appeal. Nobody will ever accuse director Jon Turtletaub of artistic ambition, but you've got to admit he serves up an enjoyable dose of PG-rated entertainment, full of musty clues, skeletons, deep tunnels, and harmless adventure in the old-school tradition. It's a load of hokum, but it's fun hokum, and that makes all the difference. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (263)

Entertaining movie!
Imagine a cross between "Indiana Jones" and "Mission Impossible" and you have some idea of what's in store for you with this movie.Nicholas Cage plays the current generation of a family which long ago was given the secret of the location of the Knight's Templar treasure.Succeeding generations of the family have hunted for the treasure with no success.Cage takes the hunt one step further and discovers that vital clues are on the back of the Declaration of Independence.Unfortunately some of the men who were originally helping him look for the treasure have decided that they want it all to themselves and they plan to get to the Declaration before he does.Throw in a beautiful government agent and an amusing sidekick and you have all of the ingredients for an entertaining evening.Enjoy!

A Fun Movie
I liked this movie. Lots of adventure, history and it reminds me of the Indiana Jones Trilogy. Some of it is a little formulaic and you might roll your eyes when 200+ year old torches light up like they were made yesterday, but the story is intriguing and gets your attention. If you don't know the story line by now it involves Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates whose Family has been convinced about a massive treasure older than colonized America, hidden away during the revolutionary years. Through each succeding clue he finally learns that there is a map on the back of the Declarition of Independance, the only drawback is his partner has turned on him and is going to steal it for himself. No on in the government will listen to him, so Gates decides he'll steal it first to protect the document and the treasure. Lots of High-Tech action, spooky Mason intrigue and history, although some of it is a little questionable. All in all, definetely recommended.

Accomplishes An Entertaining Goal
One of the first things taught at journalism schools is that most "news stories" are to be written at a 6th grade level of education - the editorial page is the place for more erudite discussion.National Treasure is written at a level that would make the "average" person think "hey, that's pretty clever!", keeping in mind that the "average" person might not know that Benjamin Franklin wrote anonymous letters to newspapers while a teenager under the name "Silence Dogood". (He wrote hundreds of OTHER letters under other fictitious names as well and, given the piddling state of education in the U.S. I'd guess that the "average" person doesn't know that Old Ben was also "Poor Richard" or even know what his almanac was all about.) But I digress. Some people love to trash things that they think aren't up to their level, and so "National Treasure" didn't receive stellar reviews from the professional critics. I think it's safe to say the movie wasn't made for professional critics.

It's an entertaining little adventure and anyone who claims that it has no clever parts must be very clever indeed.Much of the movie is a historical scavenger hunt that the founding fathers have laid out for the person who can decipher the clues - with the treasure of the Templar Knights at the end of the rainbow.One of the first clues is carved into the stem of a meerschaum pipe. The stem of the pipe detaches from the carved bowl, andhas raised etchings.Our hero figures out that these etchings are intended to be used like an ink stamp, so he pricks his finger to use his blood as ink and rolls the pipe stem out to reveal the next clue.I thought that was pretty clever.

The hero, Benjamin Franklin Gates, is the Grandson of John Adams Gates, and the Gates have been thought of as the mad scientists of American History because every generation has handed down the story of the hidden treasure and spends decades of their life trying to find the treasure, or at least get other historians to take them seriously.The plot takes them to Washington (to steal the Declaration of Independence in a concise little caper that's at least as clever as the one in "After the Sunset", and THAT was SUPPOSED to be a "caper" movie.) Ben has an assistant named Riley who serves two purposes: to add clever little comments like "so who wants to go down the creepy tunnel first?" and to provide someone that Ben can give exposition to: such as who Silence Dogood was.Diane Kruger is the love interest - a Washington Ph.D. who works at the National Archives.She's the pretty face used to represent all the keepers of the Declaration of Independence.Sean Bean is a rival treasure hunter and the movie goes to great lengths to show that Heroic Ben is only after the treasure for it's historical significance while Bean's Ian is only out for the money.Harvey Keitel plays the FBI agent who becomes interested after the Declaration is stolen, but he's little more than a plot marker himself.A couple of times he gets to say "SOMEBODY's going to prison."

Hmmmm... Will good Ben or Evil Ian be the one going to prison?Will Ben and company find the magnificent treasure? For the answers to those questions check out National Treasure.... but is it too much of a clue if I tell you it's a Disney movie?

Fun for the WHOLE family!
It is very unusual to find action films in today's society that is appropriate for kids and adults alike. That is just one reason that I was thrilled to see National Treasure. It has the wit and humor one would expect from a Disney film as well as a lot of action and adventure thrills, but steers clear of gratuitous language and violence. If you like "Indiana Jones" or "Pirates of the Carribean", this film is a must see. Be sure to bring your kids, though, because they're sure to love it too!

national treasure
this is avery good movie, i watched it last night. the things that ben(nicholas cage) does are hard to predict and the story has many twists. i would recomend renting this movie because it is not as goodf the second time around and there after because you now what is going to happen ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like a Hardy Boys mystery on steroids, National Treasure offers popcorn thrills and enough boyish charm to overcome its rampant silliness. Although it was roundly criticized as a poor man's rip-off of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Da Vinci Code, it's entertaining on its own ludicrous terms, and Nicolas Cage proves once again that one actor's infectious enthusiasm can compensate for a multitude of movie sins. The contrived plot involves Cage's present-day quest for the ancient treasure of the Knights Templar, kept secret through the ages by Freemasons past and present. Finding the treasure requires the theft of the Declaration of Independence (there are crucial treasure clues on the back, of course!), so you can add "caper comedy" to this Jerry Bruckheimer production's multi-genre appeal. Nobody will ever accuse director Jon Turtletaub of artistic ambition, but you've got to admit he serves up an enjoyable dose of PG-rated entertainment, full of musty clues, skeletons, deep tunnels, and harmless adventure in the old-school tradition. It's a load of hokum, but it's fun hokum, and that makes all the difference. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (263)

Entertaining movie!
Imagine a cross between "Indiana Jones" and "Mission Impossible" and you have some idea of what's in store for you with this movie.Nicholas Cage plays the current generation of a family which long ago was given the secret of the location of the Knight's Templar treasure.Succeeding generations of the family have hunted for the treasure with no success.Cage takes the hunt one step further and discovers that vital clues are on the back of the Declaration of Independence.Unfortunately some of the men who were originally helping him look for the treasure have decided that they want it all to themselves and they plan to get to the Declaration before he does.Throw in a beautiful government agent and an amusing sidekick and you have all of the ingredients for an entertaining evening.Enjoy!

A Fun Movie
I liked this movie. Lots of adventure, history and it reminds me of the Indiana Jones Trilogy. Some of it is a little formulaic and you might roll your eyes when 200+ year old torches light up like they were made yesterday, but the story is intriguing and gets your attention. If you don't know the story line by now it involves Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates whose Family has been convinced about a massive treasure older than colonized America, hidden away during the revolutionary years. Through each succeding clue he finally learns that there is a map on the back of the Declarition of Independance, the only drawback is his partner has turned on him and is going to steal it for himself. No on in the government will listen to him, so Gates decides he'll steal it first to protect the document and the treasure. Lots of High-Tech action, spooky Mason intrigue and history, although some of it is a little questionable. All in all, definetely recommended.

Accomplishes An Entertaining Goal
One of the first things taught at journalism schools is that most "news stories" are to be written at a 6th grade level of education - the editorial page is the place for more erudite discussion.National Treasure is written at a level that would make the "average" person think "hey, that's pretty clever!", keeping in mind that the "average" person might not know that Benjamin Franklin wrote anonymous letters to newspapers while a teenager under the name "Silence Dogood". (He wrote hundreds of OTHER letters under other fictitious names as well and, given the piddling state of education in the U.S. I'd guess that the "average" person doesn't know that Old Ben was also "Poor Richard" or even know what his almanac was all about.) But I digress. Some people love to trash things that they think aren't up to their level, and so "National Treasure" didn't receive stellar reviews from the professional critics. I think it's safe to say the movie wasn't made for professional critics.

It's an entertaining little adventure and anyone who claims that it has no clever parts must be very clever indeed.Much of the movie is a historical scavenger hunt that the founding fathers have laid out for the person who can decipher the clues - with the treasure of the Templar Knights at the end of the rainbow.One of the first clues is carved into the stem of a meerschaum pipe. The stem of the pipe detaches from the carved bowl, andhas raised etchings.Our hero figures out that these etchings are intended to be used like an ink stamp, so he pricks his finger to use his blood as ink and rolls the pipe stem out to reveal the next clue.I thought that was pretty clever.

The hero, Benjamin Franklin Gates, is the Grandson of John Adams Gates, and the Gates have been thought of as the mad scientists of American History because every generation has handed down the story of the hidden treasure and spends decades of their life trying to find the treasure, or at least get other historians to take them seriously.The plot takes them to Washington (to steal the Declaration of Independence in a concise little caper that's at least as clever as the one in "After the Sunset", and THAT was SUPPOSED to be a "caper" movie.) Ben has an assistant named Riley who serves two purposes: to add clever little comments like "so who wants to go down the creepy tunnel first?" and to provide someone that Ben can give exposition to: such as who Silence Dogood was.Diane Kruger is the love interest - a Washington Ph.D. who works at the National Archives.She's the pretty face used to represent all the keepers of the Declaration of Independence.Sean Bean is a rival treasure hunter and the movie goes to great lengths to show that Heroic Ben is only after the treasure for it's historical significance while Bean's Ian is only out for the money.Harvey Keitel plays the FBI agent who becomes interested after the Declaration is stolen, but he's little more than a plot marker himself.A couple of times he gets to say "SOMEBODY's going to prison."

Hmmmm... Will good Ben or Evil Ian be the one going to prison?Will Ben and company find the magnificent treasure? For the answers to those questions check out National Treasure.... but is it too much of a clue if I tell you it's a Disney movie?

Fun for the WHOLE family!
It is very unusual to find action films in today's society that is appropriate for kids and adults alike. That is just one reason that I was thrilled to see National Treasure. It has the wit and humor one would expect from a Disney film as well as a lot of action and adventure thrills, but steers clear of gratuitous language and violence. If you like "Indiana Jones" or "Pirates of the Carribean", this film is a must see. Be sure to bring your kids, though, because they're sure to love it too!

national treasure
this is avery good movie, i watched it last night. the things that ben(nicholas cage) does are hard to predict and the story has many twists. i would recomend renting this movie because it is not as goodf the second time around and there after because you now what is going to happen ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like a Hardy Boys mystery on steroids, National Treasure offers popcorn thrills and enough boyish charm to overcome its rampant silliness. Although it was roundly criticized as a poor man's rip-off of Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Da Vinci Code, it's entertaining on its own ludicrous terms, and Nicolas Cage proves once again that one actor's infectious enthusiasm can compensate for a multitude of movie sins. The contrived plot involves Cage's present-day quest for the ancient treasure of the Knights Templar, kept secret through the ages by Freemasons past and present. Finding the treasure requires the theft of the Declaration of Independence (there are crucial treasure clues on the back, of course!), so you can add "caper comedy" to this Jerry Bruckheimer production's multi-genre appeal. Nobody will ever accuse director Jon Turtletaub of artistic ambition, but you've got to admit he serves up an enjoyable dose of PG-rated entertainment, full of musty clues, skeletons, deep tunnels, and harmless adventure in the old-school tradition. It's a load of hokum, but it's fun hokum, and that makes all the difference. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (263)

Entertaining movie!
Imagine a cross between "Indiana Jones" and "Mission Impossible" and you have some idea of what's in store for you with this movie.Nicholas Cage plays the current generation of a family which long ago was given the secret of the location of the Knight's Templar treasure.Succeeding generations of the family have hunted for the treasure with no success.Cage takes the hunt one step further and discovers that vital clues are on the back of the Declaration of Independence.Unfortunately some of the men who were originally helping him look for the treasure have decided that they want it all to themselves and they plan to get to the Declaration before he does.Throw in a beautiful government agent and an amusing sidekick and you have all of the ingredients for an entertaining evening.Enjoy!

A Fun Movie
I liked this movie. Lots of adventure, history and it reminds me of the Indiana Jones Trilogy. Some of it is a little formulaic and you might roll your eyes when 200+ year old torches light up like they were made yesterday, but the story is intriguing and gets your attention. If you don't know the story line by now it involves Cage as Benjamin Franklin Gates whose Family has been convinced about a massive treasure older than colonized America, hidden away during the revolutionary years. Through each succeding clue he finally learns that there is a map on the back of the Declarition of Independance, the only drawback is his partner has turned on him and is going to steal it for himself. No on in the government will listen to him, so Gates decides he'll steal it first to protect the document and the treasure. Lots of High-Tech action, spooky Mason intrigue and history, although some of it is a little questionable. All in all, definetely recommended.

Accomplishes An Entertaining Goal
One of the first things taught at journalism schools is that most "news stories" are to be written at a 6th grade level of education - the editorial page is the place for more erudite discussion.National Treasure is written at a level that would make the "average" person think "hey, that's pretty clever!", keeping in mind that the "average" person might not know that Benjamin Franklin wrote anonymous letters to newspapers while a teenager under the name "Silence Dogood". (He wrote hundreds of OTHER letters under other fictitious names as well and, given the piddling state of education in the U.S. I'd guess that the "average" person doesn't know that Old Ben was also "Poor Richard" or even know what his almanac was all about.) But I digress. Some people love to trash things that they think aren't up to their level, and so "National Treasure" didn't receive stellar reviews from the professional critics. I think it's safe to say the movie wasn't made for professional critics.

It's an entertaining little adventure and anyone who claims that it has no clever parts must be very clever indeed.Much of the movie is a historical scavenger hunt that the founding fathers have laid out for the person who can decipher the clues - with the treasure of the Templar Knights at the end of the rainbow.One of the first clues is carved into the stem of a meerschaum pipe. The stem of the pipe detaches from the carved bowl, andhas raised etchings.Our hero figures out that these etchings are intended to be used like an ink stamp, so he pricks his finger to use his blood as ink and rolls the pipe stem out to reveal the next clue.I thought that was pretty clever.

The hero, Benjamin Franklin Gates, is the Grandson of John Adams Gates, and the Gates have been thought of as the mad scientists of American History because every generation has handed down the story of the hidden treasure and spends decades of their life trying to find the treasure, or at least get other historians to take them seriously.The plot takes them to Washington (to steal the Declaration of Independence in a concise little caper that's at least as clever as the one in "After the Sunset", and THAT was SUPPOSED to be a "caper" movie.) Ben has an assistant named Riley who serves two purposes: to add clever little comments like "so who wants to go down the creepy tunnel first?" and to provide someone that Ben can give exposition to: such as who Silence Dogood was.Diane Kruger is the love interest - a Washington Ph.D. who works at the National Archives.She's the pretty face used to represent all the keepers of the Declaration of Independence.Sean Bean is a rival treasure hunter and the movie goes to great lengths to show that Heroic Ben is only after the treasure for it's historical significance while Bean's Ian is only out for the money.Harvey Keitel plays the FBI agent who becomes interested after the Declaration is stolen, but he's little more than a plot marker himself.A couple of times he gets to say "SOMEBODY's going to prison."

Hmmmm... Will good Ben or Evil Ian be the one going to prison?Will Ben and company find the magnificent treasure? For the answers to those questions check out National Treasure.... but is it too much of a clue if I tell you it's a Disney movie?

Fun for the WHOLE family!
It is very unusual to find action films in today's society that is appropriate for kids and adults alike. That is just one reason that I was thrilled to see National Treasure. It has the wit and humor one would expect from a Disney film as well as a lot of action and adventure thrills, but steers clear of gratuitous language and violence. If you like "Indiana Jones" or "Pirates of the Carribean", this film is a must see. Be sure to bring your kids, though, because they're sure to love it too!

national treasure
this is avery good movie, i watched it last night. the things that ben(nicholas cage) does are hard to predict and the story has many twists. i would recomend renting this movie because it is not as goodf the second time around and there after because you now what is going to happen ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you don't mind a heavy dose of schmaltz and sentiment, this romantic comedy has a gentle way of seducing you with its charms. While You Were Sleeping was the first starring role for Sandra Bullock after her blockbuster success in Speed. In a role that nicely emphasizes her easygoing appeal, Bullock is the reason the movie works at all. She plays Lucy Eleanor Moderatz, a Chicago Transit tollbooth clerk who's hopelessly smitten with a daily commuter, Peter Callaghan (Peter Gallagher). She saves the object of her affection from certain death after he's mugged and falls onto the train tracks. While Peter is in a coma, she lets his family believe that she is his fiancée, and surprisingly finds herself drawn to his brother (Bill Pullman), for whom the attraction is definitely mutual.How Lucy gets out of this amorous predicament is what makes this pleasant movie less predictable than its familiar ingredients would initially indicate. It's feel-good fluff, with characters and performances that keep you smiling through the drippy plot mechanics. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (143)

Thoroughly Likable Romantic Comedy With Some Complexity
A lonely subway ticket-booth worker, Sandra Bullock, has a crush on a daily commuter, Peter Gallagher. When suave Gallagher is mugged and almost killed, Bullock saves the day. At the hospital, she is mistaken for Gallagher's fiancee, which feels so good that Bullock goes for it. Gallagher's slightly eccentric but very warm and likable family instantly adopts her. Meanwhile, Bullock finds out that the comatose Gallagher was not really very charming, but was actually shallow, materialistic, and snobbish, as is his real fiancee. However, Gallagher's brother, Bill Pullman, is what Bullock thought Gallagher was, and . . . well, nature takes its course.

Sandra Bullock is completely charming in her first starring role, and you want to either take her home or have her move in next door. Her "fiancee's" family consists of a very likable and somewhat eccentric group, played by a veteran cast including Glynis Johns, Jack Warden, and Peter Boyle.

This is a very nice movie filled with nice people. For my money, it's better than "Sleepless in Seattle". It has a little more depth, more realism, and less perfection. "While You Were Sleeping" is not completely predictable, like "Sleepless" is. For what it is, few movies do it better.

Perfect Romance for the Holidays!
In the overfed, overtired stupor that was my Christmas Day 2000, I decided to watch this movie again, having seen it maybe five times before. I never realized before what a perfect holiday movie it is! Of course, it's funny and romantic, and Sandra Bullock is perfect in her role as the lonely toll booth worker (though she may be just a tad too beautiful to be entirely believable as a single woman) and Bill Pullman-funny, smart, boyishly handsome Bill Pullman-finally gets the girl in a film.

But the movie also makes one realize the importance of family and people to love and be loved by, especially around those Major Holidays when we're usually too stressed out with gift-buying and feast-cooking to notice the really important thing-people. Watch this film some cold winter day, either alone or with loved ones, and you'll realize the same thing, along with being warmed from the inside out.

SWEET MOVIE!!
While You Were Sleeping is endearingly sweet and laugh-out-loud funny. Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman, the romantic leads, are excellently cast and have an even more excellent chemistry between each other. This movie will have you awwwing at the love between Lucy and Jack, and laughing at the family and situation. Highlight to look out for is the icy sidewalk scene- very very well done!! This movie is also very appropriate. In all, great movie, a little predictable but cute!

Sweet but not (too) overdone
While You Were Sleeping represents the pinnacle in chick flicks. Girls, you already know what I'm talking about. But guys, if you're looking to score with the ladies as a sensitive, caring man, watch this movie with your girl. It's guaranteed to promote feelings of goodwill, kindness, and heartfelt gratitude on their part.

Like virtually all those movies in this genre, Sleeping one doesn't really deserve a review for its dramatic value. The entire plot hinges on a few engineered coincidences while the story, cute and engaging, wins no awards for its daring portrayal of real life. But as I said before, that's not what we're looking for. Lucy, a sweet, lonely young thing who works in a Chicago tollbooth, is ably played by Sandra Bullock. The love of her life, to whom she has never spoken, is Peter Callahan, a rich young playboy who rides the train to and from work every day. It all comes to head when his not so understanding friends push him into the tracks, necessitating his resuce (by Lucy, of course) and his subsequent move to the hospital. Here's where it gets interesting--Peter's family rushes in and in the confusion mistakes Lucy for Peter's fiance. Hilarity ensues as virtually all the family welcomes her with open arms without any idea of the mistake. It's only the younger son, Jack (Bill Pullman), who is suspicious, and in his search for the truth finds more than he bargined for.

The power of the movie is found in its two stars. Tension between Sandra Bullock (in her signature role, to be reprised in countless movies afterwards) and Bill Pullman are palpable, moving the silly plot along with their realisic chemistry. In the end, While You Were Sleeping is a lovely story about family, friends and love, and I highly reccommend it for anyone who needs a pick-me-up and have already seen Amelie.

Lucy and jack. 16th april 2004.
Lucy[sandra bullock], see A man peter[peter gallagher] again even though i don't think she even knows him, she fancies him. He is pushed onto a train track, she saves him by moving him away before he gets killed. Peter is in a comber, and all his relatives think that she is his fiancee. Peters brother jack meets her and while he is still in hospital, they both fall in love, but when peter is finally out of hospital, he wants her too. WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, EVERYTHING WENT ON WHEN HE WAS IN THAT HOSPITAL BED. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Phenomenon: A Moving, Under-rated movie
I took me awhile to catch on to the John Travolta "comeback." Always a good actor, he is trancendent in "Phenomenon." Taking his character of George, struck by a mysterious light, and turning him from an average man to a genius, could have been an actor's trap. Travolta makes it his triumph. He gives George such a humanity that even with the genius powers we are aware that George of old is still there, trying to desparately to just be his old self, and only the girl he longs for, played excellently by Kyra Segwick seems to understand his wanting to remain the same, no matter how many "miracles" he performs. So many films like this are too serious, use too many special effects, or are just plain ridiculous. Travolta great performance seems to lift the entire genre and wins us over like he does Segwick and her two children. The supporting cast is excellent, especially Robert Duvall, who does miraculous things with the town doctor. Forrest Whittiker is also good as George's best friend. The town accepts the miracles like no other movie town does. Yes, they are in awe, but they still doubt, as George doubts, that he was given a gift as a mistake, but when all is said and done, we know the "bright light" made the right choice, that he was able to even handle his own mortality. There is a scene near the end of the movie, when George is sharing his last moments and an apple with the two young children, that is as moving as any I've seen in recent memory. Some may see "Phenomenon" as too far-fetched or mauldlin, and if so they are as jaded as many movie goers are getting. What does an audience want? Here is a movie without much violence, blood, or spectacular special effects and does have a message but does not force it on you, how all of us have the possibility to be more than we think, that there is genius on a small scale, in the feelings for love, simple pleasures, sharing an apple with children, or facing one's own mortality without fear. A great Movie.

One of Travolta's best
Phenomenon is a great movie in every sense. It's about a mechanic (John Travolta) that sees a bright light in the sky one night and wakes up the next morning to find out he's a genius. He knows things such as when and where an earthquake is about to strike, national defense secrets, and he learns a new language in a matter of minutes. All the while he's interested in a good looking woman (Kyra Sedgwick), and like the other people she is scared of Travolta's new power of knowing just about everything. Watch Phenomenon and you'll see how a man struggles with his friends and the media even though he knows just about everything and could do any job on earth since this light hit him.

John Travolta gives a phenomenal performance in Phenomenon and this is one of the most underrated movies of all time. Travolta and Phenomenon should've won a few oscars, but it wasn't even nominated for any. Kyra Sedgwick, Robert Duvall, Forest Whitaker, and the kids also give good performances throughout the film. Phenomenon is without a doubt John Travolta's best drama film so far and one of my favorite movies of all time. If you're a Travolta fan or you like drama movies, I recommend getting Phenomenon because it's phenomenal to say the least.

Underrated, moving film
Phenomeonon was advertised as a sci-fi movie, and whilke it has a sci-fi sort of theme at its core, anyone going to see the movie based on that was sorely disappointed.

What this movie is, actually, is a story about a man learning to cope with something that he can't understand, and how it brings him closer to his friends and his community, and how it allows him to understand and deal with his own fate.

Yes, it's a bit sappy at times, but it also contains some really excellent performances. Travolta delivers what it certainly his most authentic and touching portrayal of a real human being yet seen in his post-Tarantino career. Forrest Whittaker and Robert Duvall likewise contribute first-rate performances. A wonderful contemporary soundtrack ties it all together.

A gift for your 37th birthday
George Malley is part of a close knit rural community. He is celebrating his birthday. On his way home he sees a bright light. After that his world changes. He finds he can think clearer and do extraordinary things.
Now we see if this is a gift or a curse. How will his friends and others deal with his "Phenomenon?"

The concept of the movie is not new. However it is the execution of the story and the interaction of the characters that make this a top notch film. You could also tell that John Travolta has a great time making this film. Many of the other actors fit the parts so well hat you forgot they were acting.

If you like this film, the film "Resurrection" (1980) with Ellen Burstyn is similar but more serious.

Romantic Drama With Healthy Comedy
I originally saw this movie in the theater and was pleasantly surprised. Not that I can see it at home the film's wonder has not disappeared.

Phenomenon stars John Travolta (with an appearance by Brent Spiner of ST:NG). The premise of this film is that John sees a light in the sky that hits him and knocks him out. After that he has increased brain usage. This enables him to read quickly, comprehend, think clearly and even perform minor telekinesis. In the small town in which he lives this sort of thing can cause some problems and fear. Robert Duval gives an excellent portrayal of a small town doctor and the rest of the cast does a marvelous job.

Phenomenon is partly a love story as John pursues the woman of his dreams, but it is also much more. It is a film about facing the unknown and the wonder of learning. While much of the film is funny it is definitely not a comedy and you should be prepared to have various emotional strings pulled throughout the film. An excellent choice for fans of romantic comedies and romantic dramas. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Cool Runnings warms the heart
I remember seeing this movie in the theatre when it first came out. It's the heart-warming true story behind the 1988 Jamaican bobsled team. After jumping through numerous hoops such as racial discrimination, a coach with a shady past, and a rickety bobsled, they land themselves a bobsledding spot in the Winter Olympics, something Jamaica never had before.
John Candy gives a stellar performance, unfortunately it was one of his last. At times he's comical, while others, more dramatic. He's a character easy to fall in love with. I miss him.
Overall, Cool Runnings teaches the fundamentals of determination and never letting anything come between yourself and your dreams. Even when catastrophy ended the Jamaican's third bobsled run, they still got up and carried their sled across the finish line. Even if their time didn't earn a gold medal, their heart did.

Heart- warming and inspiring...
Bobsled to a Caribbean is like a Yeti to the Sahara desert. Both simply dont exist!. And yet, 4 guys with dreams in their eyes, set out to acheive the unmaginable in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. To represent their country Jamaica in Bobsledding!.

"Cool Runnings" is based on this true story, but with a few changes that needless to say, is aimed at making the movie more dramatic. Leon(Derice Bannock)is an athlete aimed at making amends for his failure to secure a berth in the Jamaican Sprint Team. With no way out, he decides to try Bobsled, a sport no Caribbean in his right mind would even know it exists. Irv Blitzer(John Candy), a disgraced former champion Bobsledder decides to train Leon the intricacies of this "bone-shattering" sport. To compete in the event would however require 3 more bobsledders to make up the team. In comes his best friend Sanka(Doug.E.Doug), the tempermental Yul Brenner(Malik Yoba) and the reserved Junior Bevil(Rawle Lewis). What you end up with is a team of hysterical proportions, but with a heart.

"Cool Runnings" is not so much about the event as it is with the main characters. The Jamaicans are determined to compete in an event that is considered solely the domain of a few Icelandic- Nordic nations. The 4 guys are felt out of place, racialized and ridiculed at the event while the coach(Candy) is humiliated and taunted at every turn by the organizers. The crux lays in how they overcome their hardships and ultimately win the crowd, if not a medal. The movie is absolutely hilarious considering the Jamaicans have never seen snow in real life. The initial training on their island is itself worth every penny you paid to watch this movie. However the movie's main strength is in its moral message. "Believe". The movie is based entirely on this one word.

Leon is superb in his role as the leader who never gives up. John Candy is without doubt an actor with a heart of gold. Every movie he has been involved in, he brings in that 'human element' into picture. He is perfect as the flawed but determined coach. The find of the movie however, is Rawle Lewis as Junior Beville. He has the best dialogues and behind that meek physique ,stands a truly compassionate and competitive character. Sanka is the funny bone whose expressions are enough to spill your guts out while Yul Brenner is a tough but protective fellow who eventually warms up to the team and gets transformed at the end of the event. Ultimately it is the will and the confidence they derive from each other at every turn of the event that makes this movie so heart-warming.

The movie has a nice flow to it and the music is catchy. Jon Tutletaub(Director) puts everyting in the right place and the direction is straight forward but slick. Though some parts of the movie are fictionalized, it is forgivable since the main theme isn't lost. Infact it actually enhances it. I must say that movies like this generally tend to have a predictable ending. You'll know you'll have a happy one at that. But watch Cool Running's final few scenes and the phrase 'finish the race' will take a whole new meaning to you. The ending is inspiring..surprising..simply magnificent. Go watch it.

Hillarious and Inspirational
Everytime I watch Cool Runnings, I still feel the magic and excitement of the first time I watched it. This movie is exceptional. Everything about it works.
The acting is powerful, the story is both exciting and moving, the comedy is fresh and enjoyable, and the soundtrack is perfectly suited to support the mood of the movie.
Cool Runnings is a perfect family film. People of all ages will be drawn to it and enjoy cheering for the Jamaican Bobsled team. There is some mild use of profanity, but it can be overlooked in favor of the moving story, and the morals that children will pick up along with it. Cool Runnings shows the value of pride, tolerance, and persistance.
Throughout the course of the movie we see the team prove to the world through their persistance that they are just as good as any other team, regardless of where they come from. They learn to become a team, learn to take pride in their culture, and do a lot of self discovery.
This movie is one of the few that is sure to touch you and to uplift your spirit.

Teenagers dig this movie!
Catchy music, funny crashes, bar fight, a sledder who pees in the sled because he's so scared, calling each other names like Sanka and Yul Brynner....all make for a great laugh in the eyes of a teenager. I've shown this movie to dozens of teens and it never disappoints. The fact is that it's a true story of people chasing their dream, and it has a perfect blend of silly with poignant and great pace to keep adults and young adults alike INTERESTED and entertained the entire time. Also, it follows real life at the end and doesn't have a bunch of no-name Jamaicans taking the gold at the Olympics....teens expect a Disney ending like that and appreciate seeing, instead, the truth. However, ANYONE who watches it finds themselves rooting for these no-name Jamaicans and kind of wishing they would medal even though, realistically, they have no chance. BUY IT and watch it and show it to others...its timeless themes never go out of date.

One of the Best Movies I've Seen
"Cool Runnings" is one of the best movies I have seen.
The story line, John Candy and the Jamaican Bobsledders,
the switch from warm Jamaica to cold Calgary all make for a
warm and funny movie. I'm going to take the advice of another
reviewer and watch it now to revive the "feel-good" feeling
of the entire movie. A classic to buy and keep. A true
comedy. ... Read more

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Reviews (87)

not a great film, and yet...
This is not a great film, but perhaps it could have been. The actors are, of course, excellent. And I enjoyed seeing Cuba Gooding Junior getting the chance to play so much and so often one-to-one with Hopkins; what a great learning experience that must have been for him; and he held his own, or rose to meet Hopkins very admirably: good for him.

There is something about this movie for me: I feel like I'm sensing the seed of something very, very good that didn't quite come to fruition, despite what on the surface seems to be a season filler kind of movie. There's something more there (I wish the people involved could give it a few more tries--oh well). But that not yet really well developed "something," the promise that seems to be inherent in this movie, is compelling enough for me to buy it.

I also highly recommend the other movie I logged on to buy, now that I heard it's been re-released: "Never Cry Wolf" with Charles Martin Smith, based on the true story of a biologist's 6-months in-the-field study of the Artic wolf--now that's a movie, a story, that has *fully* come to fruition (in art *and* in life). And for anyone interested in a story based on a real-life experience with the mountain gorillas, I'd highly recommend *Gorillas in the Mist*, based on Dian Fossey's experiences.

Anyway, I will be placing *Instinct* alongside those two for that promising *something* that it seemed to be trying to reveal to me and that I did indeed sense in some way as I watched it...

Are You Free?
Instinct is simply the most under-rated movie of all time. Hopkins and Gooding gave us great performances that were backed up by the talented supporting cast of Maura Tierney, Donald Sutherland, John Ashton, George Dzundza, and Doug Spinuzza.

It's too bad that most people who watch Instinct really don't understand the message, because it is one of the most important messages of all time. The message is that humans need to stop acting like we are gods, and give up the delusion that we are the masters of the universe.

How can such an awful film like Fargo gets praised left and right as one of the best, while this incredible masterpiece called Instinct goes unnoticed? Don't know? They are called CRITICS. Critics are generally people who have seen so many films, that they are burnt out, and try to analyze films in ways they never did when they truly enjoyed movies. They tend to develop a distaste for entertaining movies, and a taste for bizarre or boring films. Once some of the top critics blasted Instinct, it didn't have a chance. The domino effect took over, and a movie that I thought was destined to be hailed as one of the best, was very quickly stomped into obscurity.

How can this movie be so often described as derivative by the exact same people who praise one of the most derivative movies of all time, called The Shawshank Redemption? Watch Shawshank right after watching Escape from Alcatraz, and you should see what I mean. Was it King, or was it a writer for Shawshank the movie that stole those ideas and scenes? I don't know.

We all have opinions, and mine aren't any better than yours; but when a movie that has the entertainment, acting, writing, and messages of the caliber that Instinct does, can be successfully portrayed by the so-called experts as a horrible film, then you know something screwy is going on. Just watch this masterpiece, and do it with an open mind. From the words of Ethan Powell, played by Anthony Hopkins: `Are you free?' Not many of us are.

Surprisingly good!
I'd heard some criticism of this movie, basically that it was the same thing they did with Hannibal Lecter, same actor, so why bother seeing it, yadda yadda. Not so! I was expecting a different type of movie, and was VERY pleasantly surprised by Instinct. I agree with some of criticism of "stereotypical" prison guards, "eccentric" inmates in the psych wing... yet it works. It's worth your while!

You do not need to watch this movie to figure it out
As is more and more often the case the trailer for "Instinct" provides what you need to know about this movie. Noted anthropologist Ethan Powell (Anthony Hopkins) was reported missing in the jungles of Africa and lost for almost two years. It was said that he was walking amongst the gorillas that he was studying. Then he murdered a couple of game wardens with a wooden club. Now he has been returned to the United States and placed in the mental ward of a prison where he refuses to speak. The case is discussed by a pair of shrinks: Dr. Ben Hillard (Donald Sutherland), who is old and wise, and Dr. Theo Caulder (Cuba Gooding, Jr.), who is young and smart. Hillard engages briefly in deep thought and then muses: "He lives with the animals, takes on their behavior, and becomes one. How does that happen?"

Of course that is what the movie is about, and young Dr. Caulder is going to go have a series of confrontational sessions with Dr. Powell in prison, get him to talk, and eventually find out the answers to the big question. But as soon as Hillard articulated the big question I had my hand up because I was pretty sure I knew the answer. I mean I saw "Gorillas in the Midst" but even without that big clue common sense would pretty much tell you why somebody studying primates in the jungle would favor the apes and side with them against human beings. There might be some surprises in terms of the details, but certainly the general idea here is clear even before we actually "learn" the answer. However, to be fair, this film gets credit for not having a sexual relationship develop between young Dr. Caulder and Powell's daughter Lyn (Maura Tierney),

Will Anthony Hopkins staring at an inquisitor in a prison setting it is hard not to see parallels between "Instinct" and "Silence of the Lambs." Caulder admits at one point that he has become a student as well as a therapist and this 1999 film is one where the patient may well do more for the doctor than the other way around. Added to this film are your standard roster of prison goons, apathetic doctors, and eccentric prisoner-patients in a simplistic combining of "The Shawshank Redemption" and "One Flew Over the Cukoo's Nest." Consequently Caulder not only has to bring Powell back to sanity and his family, but has to fight to reform the corrupt system that he finds.

The extras on this DVD consist of the trailer for "Instinct," as a reminder that it was a lot better than the actual movies, and then pictures of other movies you could have watched instead of this one. Apparently someone in a decision-making capacity recognized that most people watching this movie were probably to hit the eject button as soon as the credits, so why waste time and money adding extras nobody was going to want to see?

Beautiful movie!
As another reviewer said, one of the really good things this movie did was mention Daniel Quinn's book in the beginning.

I have just finished reading Ishmael by Quinn (which I wouldn't have known of hadn't it been for this movie), and I must say that Instinct's scriptwriter has done an excellent job of creating a story *based* on the thoughts of the book but making it so much more interesting and dramatic. The movie has IMPACT. It caught my attention when I saw the trailer on TV, and I knew I had to watch it, and I *drank* it in like I had longed for it for ages.

It's a beautiful, excellent movie. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Still one of my all-time favorites.
I can't get enough of 3 NINJAS!! Well, actually, I only really loved the first two 3 NINJAS films [3 NINJAS and 3 NINJAS KICK BACK]. The rest of them aren't as good. I haven't seen either film in quite a while, but I'm waiting for the day when I can go out and buy them so I can watch them all the time! 3 NINJAS is basically about three brothers who are learning Martial Arts from their grandfather, who is a Martial Arts expert. Their father is an FBI agent, and then their father gets into some sort of trouble with some bad guys and the three brothers end up helping the father by using their Martial Arts skills to fight the bad guys and get them caught by their father! Hilarious movie with some great Martial Arts moves and wonderfully acted by the entire cast. My favorite character in both movies is Max Elliot Slade -- I think he's soooo cute! Everyone should see this movie...it's one of the best. And 3 NINJAS KICK BACK is ever better.

Rocky ,Colt ,Tum Tum are the 3 NINJAS
The movie is about 3 kids name Rocky,Colt,Tum Tum that are ninjas train by there grandpa.There dad is a FBI agent trying capture a black market salesman but it only leds bad things to home!Actually I enjoy this movie alot because Its so cool kids kicking kindappers butts and fighting together as a team against bad guys.Even though its corny it still a good humor and movie to watch.

Probably the worst film I've ever seen.
I saw this movie for the first time several months ago. The only reason I actually watched it is because my friend had two valid points - there was one hilarious part, and it had the word "'za" in it.
The only reason I've given this film 2 stars instead of one is because of the scene where the door slams in the kidnappers face. That is probably the funniest scene in the movie.
3 Ninjas is full of horrible jokes and bad action sequences. Just when I was starting to take them seriously, the Grandpa names the kid "Tum-Tum". Ancient ninja warrior, Tum-Tum!
The ending is the worst. I don't want to ruin it for you.
Finally: The DVD. It has nothing on it, save the movie. I wanted to see something - behind the scenes, trailers, I don't know. If you really want the movie, buy the VHS.

fun kid movie
Its a good movie that kids and adults can enjoy. The movie is about three brothers, ( Samuel aka rocky. Jeffery aka colt and Michael aka tum tum) whose grandfather is teaching them martial arts during the summer when they go to stay with him. when they come back home for school they get into trouble when a criminal master mind their cop father is after decides to come after the boys.

The Classic
One of the best movies ever. It is so light hearted, and the comedy is so corny that you can't help but fall in love with it. Each of the boys are awesome, and almost seem inhuman the way they Tear up their adult competition. Its the type of movie you watch when you are having a bad day, heck it is the type of movie u can watch n e time u want. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Russ Duritz (Bruce Willis) is an ultracynical, 40-year-old L.A. image consultant who fashions bogus façades for scumbag clients. Oblivious to his own need for a makeover, he's a tyrant in the office (to the chagrin of his sarcastic assistant, played to perfection by Lily Tomlin), and he's emotionally unavailable to the morally centered woman (Emily Mortimer) who senses goodness beneath Russ's hardened veneer. Not a moment too soon, a pudgy kid (Spencer Breslin) mysteriously appears in Russ's life, revealing himself to be Rusty Duritz--that is, Russ's 8-year-old self, arriving by some magic to put the adult Russ's life into beneficial perspective. This variation on A Christmas Carol has Rusty guiding Russ on a tour of his past to reveal how he became a loveless, hard-shelled loser. It takes a bit of smarmy chicken-soup psychology to explain it all, but The Kid is an otherwise charming and involving fantasy, suggesting that perhaps we'd all benefit from a bit of counseling by our younger selves. Written with admirable restraint by Audrey Wells (who brought a similar appeal to The Truth About Cats and Dogs) and directed by Jon Turteltaub (Cool Runnings), the movie doesn't force its supernatural elements or attempt to explain Rusty's existence. It's just a fable for our modern age and a reminder to embrace the better angels of our nature. Delivered with an easy blend of humor and sentiment, that message makes The Kid an unexpected pleasure. (Look closely for Matthew Perry as Willis's shaggy-haired client.) --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (75)

What are you gonna do with your life??!!
Well, this movie has Bruce Willis starring in it, so from the very start, you know that it's definitely not going to be bad. This was the first Disney movie I've seen in a long time. It was strange to hear words like "jerk" and phrases such as "holy smokes" instead of the more commonly-used swearing we always hear in movies!

I liked the premise of the story, since I've often wished I could meet mini-me, so I went along to check it out.

I thought it was going just okay, until I started crying just that little bit! It really makes you think about your own life, and how being an adult can eliminate your dreams... if you let it. Sometimes you have to think about, and allow yourself to remember the negative events that occurred in your past, in order to get over it, forgive yourself and move on.

The kid wasn't annoying, so that was a bonus too! Brucey Baby, of course, was in amazing form. A great movie for the whole family, as they say!

highly enjoyable with a great cast and realistic story!
Disney's The Kid is a very real and original concept because almost any businessman in america could be Bruce Willis's character. DO NOT let the Disney logo stop you from watching this wonderful movie. It is fun and great at the same time. The acting was superb all around. bruce Willis is at his cometic finest and this is also one of his best performances. Spencer Breslin(the little boy) was fablous you could just see Bruce Willis being like that at eight. Lili Tomlin is as sacastic as ever and does her job to the "t." the perfromance that strikes you the most is Emily Mortimer. She has an amazing screne presence and the best chemistry with Bruce Willis I have ever seen. She even got to keep her acsent! This is the movie that will make her a star.(you may recognize her from Scream 3) She will make it in hollywood because she has a sweet, down to earth look that people just love. Disney's The Kid is great and a must see! A lot of people can identify with at least one of the characters. This is one for Adults and Children alike!

Sorry but I can't agree
This story has been done dozens of times over the centuries -- the hardened, cynical adult looks back over their life and has an epiphany. Stories like this and Dicken's "Christmas Carol" seem to me to drag the audience through a lot only to get them to an ending which we all know -- bad guy turns good. I much prefer the twist versions of the story, like "Harold and Maude" and "It's A Wonderful Life", wherein the protagonist is a more likeable character who comes to see how much they are liked and valued by others in the world. Saw this on a plane and I'm sure that hurt it a little but honestly I hated this movie.

Barely watchable emotional comedy
The movie starts off with Bruce Willis living a fast-paced lifestyle, and approaching his 40th birthday. He wakes up in the middle of the night to see a kid in his house. He recognizes the kid to be himself, 32 years ago! Willis is obviously hallucinating, but medications don't make the kid leave. The movie ends with an explanation of why the kid arrived in the first place, and once the reason is figured out, the kid leaves.
There are some comedic and emotional moments, but not quite enough to give this movie a higher than 3-star rating.

Spencer and Bruce good, but need different movie.
Spencer Breslin and Bruce Willis are good together, but it is almost impossible to make an excellent movie out of this plot. They were using A Christmas Carol's plot, but did not even come close to the success of it. Spencer is hilarious about Bruce's job and about Bruce not having a dog, and Bruce is Bruce displaying his acting talents all over the screen, but this movie just did not live up to its wonderful predecessor, A Christmas Carol. It was actually an okay film, giving a good moral and displaying acting talent, but they didn't follow through all the way. ... Read more

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