Reviews (172)

Probably the Greatest Western Ever!
A few years ago I had the opportunity to speak personally with Robert Urich about his role as ill-fated Jake Spoon in the epic western Lonesome Dove. Simply put, he said that it was "the most fun I have ever had making a movie. Think of it. Riding and shooting every day with two of the greatest western stars ever: Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones! I won't have that much fun ever again!" I am sure that he could have gone on for hours but, unfortunately, time would not permit. The look on his face and the light in his eyes said it all. Tragically Urich passed away a year or two thereafter.

The legend and the story live on in the Pulitzer Prize winning book by Larry McMurty and in this faithful video depiction of the classic story.

A star-studded cast, headed by Duvall, Jones and Urich, along with one of the most beautiful western soundtracks ever composed make Lonesome Dove a viewing experience that you will enjoy time and again.

One of the best things ever done for television.
Although the phrase "made for television" conjures up the images of the tabloid story of the week and women-in-peril films; Larry McMurtry's epic novel "Lonesome Dove" would not have been given justice in any other format. Television allowed that magnificent work to be brought to life in some form resembling the novel. The six hour running time enabled character and storyline development that would not have been possible if the novel had been adapted for theaters.

Although it does have the jarring breaks that marked where a commericial interuption had once been and it's share of television stars (Urich, Shroeder, Corbin); "Lonesome Dove" is movie big. Big stars. Wonderful cinematography. Great locations. An authentic look. A terrific score. The producers, cast, crew, and director went the full measure to ensure that this movie did not look or feel like a "movie of the week" production.

Personally, I believe it, along with "Roots," to be the finest work ever done in the medium of television. It really does make you feel for its characters. The viewer will cheer and hope for them, and when tragedy occurs, as it does throughout the film, it will shake the viewer. Nobody is safe: comic relief characters, children, and, even, experienced Rangers. McMurtry drives home the message that death in the Old West could occur to anyone at anytime with shocking suddenness. In the end, Captain Call looks back and remembers his friends and comrades who did not return with him. As he does, tears come to the eyes of this taciturn character; and rest assured he is joined by many in the viewing audience.

The Return of the Western
It's ironic that the western, a staple of TV until sci-fi eclipsed its presence, would find its home again on the small screen during a time when big budget westerns seemed to be biting the dust to space opera blockbusters. And that it would take an Australian to realize it. Director Simon Wincer's big-vista understanding of the genre is apparent throughout "Lonesome Dove," which also features some great performances by screen familiars Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, even if the latter too often looks like a scowling Kenny Rogers here. This tale of an arduous cattle drive by two retired lawmen has the sweep and grist of such classics as "True Grit," "Red River," and "Once Upon a Time in the West," with which it shares many elements (the conversational style, the brutal drive, and the buddy relationship, respectively, the most obvious). And while "Lonesome Dove" doesn't really say anything new about the old west, it is entertaining and fares better compared to many westerns past in terms of presenting the ethnic diversity that history records. Look for many bravura--and few corny--moments like Captain Call's (Jones) reaction to a cavalry scout's whipping of Call's alleged son (a likable but sometimes too aw-shucks Rick Shroeder), MacCrae's (Duvall) gutsy stand against a pack of outlaws, and the touching and remarkably in-character last goodbye between the leads. Basil Poledouris, an underrated composer, provides a solid score. Of the episodes, only one stands out as pedestrian, making this a pretty good choice for viewers who want to savor their entertainment choice.

Yes, it is 360 minutes, not 240.
240 minutes refers to the much shorter Return to Lonesome Dove mini-series. There is nowhere on the the Amazon website that the original series of Lonesome Dove DVD set is only 240 minutes, it is 360 minutes.

By the way, my daughter and I loved this series when it was on TV and I purchased the multi-tape set VHS way back when. But the last tape was bad and Cabin Fever, the manufacturers/publishers, would not replace my bad tape (they never even answered my mail except to tell me how to order the set), so, now that I have the DVD version, I finally have a complete set of watchable scenes.

Sorry SD, you're wrong. It's not complete. Check IMDb.
I'm sorry to have to point out to those of you who think this is the complete version, but if you go to IMDb and look up Lonesome Dove, you will find that it has a 384 minute running time. Amazon's version is listed at only 240 minutes. That's over two hours difference from the original film, and no, we're not talking about commercials.
So unless Amazon has their listed time wrong and it is actually a full 6.4 hours, you've been duped. I wouldn't pay for less than the original length film.

So, the question stands for those of you who actually bought this DVD, was it 6.4 hours long, or only 4 hours long? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Until you've seen NASCAR: The IMAX Experience, you haven't really seen NASCAR. Even without the advantage of a gigantic IMAX screen and 70-millimeter 3-D projection, this 48-minute IMAX film is a perfect primer for newcomers to the sport of stock-car racing. Like all IMAX films it's aimed at a mainstream audience (hardcore NASCAR fans won't learn anything new here), so it covers a broad spectrum of general history, technical information, and pure high-speed adrenaline, from NASCAR's origins in 1947 to the oval-track highlights of the 2003 season. While Lonesome Dove director Simon Wincer captures the action (including some amazing mid-pack and cockpit footage during actual races), Kiefer Sutherland narrates an informative survey of season-long activities, from car building and safety measures at Mooresville, North Carolina, to pit-crew practice, transportation logistics, constant danger and its effect on drivers' wives and families, and the aerodynamics of drafting. Interesting trivia (each tire costs $389!) is included along with driver profiles and a compilation of memorable race finishes, but it's the IMAX footage that makes this a thrill-a-minute DVD, perfect for anyone who's just beginning to enjoy the world's fastest (and fastest-growing) sport. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Don't Buy It..
Unlike some of the other detractors of this DVD. I don't care about it not being 3-D or whatever.I was let down in a big way.I am not a big NASCAR fan, but I do live&breathe motorsport , so I thought "what the heck,this looks good". While it served as a decent documetary,with interesting facts and so on. I felt the "action" portion of the program is what let me down.Simon Wincer missed the mark as far a I'm concerned.The hodge-podge editing of multiple tracks/events as one raceday seemed contrived. Just my humble opinion.

a visual knockout but it could have had more racing footage


There would be no point in denying that "NASCAR: The IMAX Experience" loses a little something in its transference to the small screen.However, it's still an eye-popping documentary for both diehard racing fans and those viewers who know little or nothing about the sport - although the hardcore aficionados might wish there had been a little less talk on the soundtrack and a little more action on the racetrack to make the experience a more compelling and complete one.

This comes as a bit of a surprise, especially considering the fact that the film was originally shot in the 3-D IMAX format.One might reasonably expect that the movie would be little more than a succession of speeding cars and hurtling objects aimed directly at the stunned eyes of the audience.Not so, for the movie actually spends far more time on the nuts-and-bolts, behind-the-scenes aspects of NASCAR than on the racing itself.The film provides a brief background on the organization's less-than-savory moonshine roots, then proceeds to fill us in on various aspects of the sport itself, including the construction, specifications and testing of the cars, the training of the pit crews, the loyalty of the fans, etc.It also takes time out to honor the memory of the late racing great Dale Earnhardt, although due to the film's rather meager 49 minute running time, the tribute, like virtually everything else in the movie, comes across as a little more halfhearted and perfunctory than, perhaps, in all good conscience, it should.

To get most of the racing shots, director Simon Wincer strapped his camera crew into vehicles of their own in order to provide audiences with an experience as close to the real thing as possible. The majority of these sequences come in the last ten minutes or so of the film.As with all IMAX productions, the clarity and beauty of the picture is, indeed, a wonder to behold, with the colors literally leaping off the screen in many-hued splendor.Even without 3-D glasses and a two-story sized screen, this is a great visual experience. Now if they could have just shown a little more racing...

Vrrrroooooommm !!!!!!!!!
Wow.From Boogedy, Boogedy, Boogedy to the Star Spangled Banner (which gives me chills when i watch it) this movie ROCKS!!! I loved to get up close with the racers and feeling like you are actually along for the ride! The quality of this movie is unlike any other I have seen...I am so impressed with this DVD! NASCAR fans-- I HIGHLY recommend it!!! You wont be disappointed.

Exciting and Enjoyable
As a huge NASCAR fan, we had to rush out and see this IMAX film.While I had never seen something like this before, the experience itself was fascinating.The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because the driving scenes had to be created using special equipment.It's not like they filmed this during an actual Daytona 500. Even if I had known this BEFORE going to see it, I still would have gone...because it was a rather cool experience.I'm not quite sure how you will get the same effect at home - unless, of course, you have a heck of surround sound system and a mammoth TV!

No 3D??!!
I don't understand why they couldn't have released this in 3D.The Imax movie, Santa vs the Snowman, was and so was Spy Kids 3D.Other than that, it's as great as the four times I went to see it in the theatre. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There are unmistakable pleasures to an old-fashioned Western, and Crossfire Trail has 'em. Tom Selleck has a lean, weathered face that sits nicely atop a horse and beneath a broad-brimmed hat; he plays a canny cowboy who's come to make good on a promise to a dying man and ends up caught between a beautiful woman (Virginia Madsen) and a wicked man in black--a couple of them, actually. Crossfire Trail has just about every element you could ask for (a Sioux war party, a cruel hired gun, a shootout in the street, even a cattle stampede), but it spins them out with such clean efficiency that you can't help but enjoy it. Directed skillfully and with heart, Crossfire Trail will satisfy any Western fan. Based on the novel by Louis L'Amour; also featuring Wilford Brimley and Mark Harmon. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (22)

CROSSFIRE TRAIL HITS ITS MARK
COMBINE A LOUIS LAMOUR NOVEL AND VETERAN WESTERN ACTOR TOM SELLECK AND YOU GET A WINNER. THESE TWO GO TOGETHER LIKE BISCUITS
AND GRAVY.
SELLECK PLAYS RAFE COVINGTON A CODE COWBOY PLAYING TRUE TO HIS PROMISE TO A DYING FRIEND. HIS LOYALTY IS TESTED BUT HE CARRIES ON.
COVINGTON TRAVELS TO HIGH COUNTRY WITH A COUPLE OF FRIENDS. HE MAKES A FEW MORE FRIENDS BUT MANY MORE ENEMIES. AS HE ATTEMPTS TO RENOVATE HIS DEAD FRIENDS RANCH AND KEEP THE MAN'S WIDOW SAFE HE ENCOUNTERS TROUBLE FROM VARIOUS FOLKS INCLUDING THE RESENTFUL WIDOW.
MARK HARMON SHINES AS VILLIANS AND HE PLAYS THE BAD GUY IN THIS ONE WELL. HARMON IS A WHEELER DEALER OUT TO CLAIM THE WIDOW AND HER RANCH BY WHATEVER MEANS REQUIRED.
THE ONLY PERSON IN HIS WAY IS THE RUGGED COVINGTON WHO WORKS THE RANCH AND EVENTUALLY MAKES WAYS WITH THE WIDOW.
SELLECK IS WELL SUPPORTED BY VARIOUS ACTORS INCLUDING WILFORD BRIMLEY WHO PROVIDES THE HUMOR IN THIS PLAY.
THIS IS AS CLOSE TO A CLASSIC WESTERN AS ANYBODY HAS MADE IN AWHILE. SIMON WINCER WHO HAS GIVEN US 'LONESOME DOVE' AND 'QUIGLEY DOWN UNDER' DIRECTS AND DOES IT WELL.
THE DIALOGUE IS WITTY AND EFFECTIVELY DELIVERED.
MY FAVORITE SCENE IS WHEN SELLECK IS CALLED OUT BY A TOUGH WHO HAS A SCORE TO SETTLE. THE MISCREANT TELLS SELLECK'S COVINGTON THAT "IM GONNA BLOW YOU OUT OF THOSE FANCY BOOTS." BUT WHEN LEAD FLIES AND COVINGTON IS FORCED TO FIGHT A WELL PLACED ROUND FROM COVINGTON'S .45-60 ENDS THE DISPUTE. AND FITTINGLY SO THE BAD GUY LOOSES ONE OF HIS OWN BOOTS AS HE DIES IN THE DIRT.

LATER WHEN ONE OF SELLECKS COHORTS CONCLUDES "THAT WHAT SOME SHOOTIN." COVINGTON COUNTERS SOLEMNLY "THAT WASNT SHOOTIN..............THAT WAS KILLIN."

UNLESS I AM MISTAKEN, THIS FILM STANDS AS THE HIGHEST RATED SINGLE EVENT IN CABLE T.V. HISTORY. IT IS WORTH A WATCH. AND THEN ANOTHER. IT WILL BE AN ESTEEMED ASSET TO ANY VIDEO COLLECTION AND A STAND OUT TO FANS OF THE WESTERN.

CAN'T MISS WITH CROSSFIRE TRAIL
Based on a great story by Louis L'Amour, Crossfire Trail pits Tom Selleck's Rafe Covington, a cowboy who has promised a dying friend to protect his land and his wife, Ann Rodney, portrayed by Virginia Madsen, against a gang of Wyoming ruffians portrayed very capably by Mark Harmon as crooked businessman Bruce Barkow, Marshall Teague as general bad guy Snake Corvill and Brad Johnson as gun-for-hire Bo Dorn.

Wilford Brimley as Joe Gill, David O'Hara as Irish immigrant Brendan "Rock" Mullaney and Christian Kane as John Thomas Langston support Selleck in his classic good against evil quest. Add to the cast and setting the unparalleled direction of Simon Wincer (Lonesome Dove) and you just can't miss with Crossfire Trail.

Crossfire Trail is the classic western tale: The evil land grabber, the hapless heroine and the avenging hero who, taking on all comers, overcomes evil, restores justice and gets the girl.

Tom Selleck has emerged as the leading actor in the modern western genre. With stellar performances in Quigley Down Under, The Shadow Riders, Monte Walsh and Crossfire Trail, he is well on the way to achieving the same western star status and appeal as Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Duvall and Clint Eastwood. Crossfire Trail is a fitting showcase.

Douglas McAllister

an ok cowboy tale
this is an ok cowboy tale. I dont want to summarize it because im tired and I cant. saw this on cable tv on channel 42 over the weekend. wasnt that bad though Tom Selleck(An Innocent Man, In and Out) and Virginia Madsen(The Candyman, The Florentine) share a bunch of screentime and they have a nice relationship on screen. the only reason I watched it was because Christian Kane(Tv's Angel, Life Or Something Like It, Just Married) starred in it as one of Selleck's cowboy buddies. wasnt the greatest but it is a time waster

Almost as good as Monte Walsh
It was hard to follow in the beginning but once you caught
on it was GREAT!!! I love Selleck, he makes a good kick-ass
cowboy. I recomend this movie to anyone who loves a good
kick-ass western!!

crossfire trail
Based on reveiws I thought it would have been a better movie.It was ok. ... Read more

Reviews (61)

A Typical and Atypical Western
"Quigley down Under" stars Tom Selleck in the title role as an American sharpshooter who answers a help wanted poster for the best rifleman in the world. The job is in Australia and Quigley travels there not knowing exactly what the job is.

When he arrives in Australia, Quigley meets Crazy Cora, played by Laura San Giacomo. Cora is a slightly deranged American who believes Quigley to be her husband Roy. Cora continues to believe Quigley to be Roy even after he insists his name is Matthew Quigley.

When Quigley finally meets his new employer, Elliott Marston (Alan Rickman), he is disgusted to find out that Marston wants him to shoot Aborigines. Cora has become the self-designated defender of the Aborigines and gets abused by Marston for it. Quigley intervenes and winds up roughing Marston up a bit. Marston then has Quigley and Cora beaten and left in the desert to die.

"Quigley down Under" becomes, after this, a set piece movie about good versus evil. This is typical of the Western genre. In this Western though the good guys are a little "gooder" than usual. Both Quigley and Cora are pure hearts who only want what's right for the Aborigines. Cora is more determined to see it happen while Quigley is only interested in it so far as it gets him out of Australia alive.

The most interesting part of the movie is the relationship between Quigley and Cora. In most Westerns the woman is a one-dimensional cutout whose only raison d'etre is to stand by in horror as her man goes out to fight the bad guy. However, Cora is a fully fleshed out individual with both a history before Quigley and an existence independent of him. She still does the "stand by in horror" thing; but, it's with a sense of grace and composure you don't often get from that role.

From that relationship between Quigley and Cora is where I derive my four-star rating. Absent it, this movie would only get two stars from me. The Western is one of the most overdone genres in the cinema. To be able to find a unique spin on it after so many have been done is a well accomplished task.

Another plus for "Quigley down Under" is its cast. The three main players in this movie; Selleck, San Giacomo, and Rickman; are all first-rate actors. That Tom Selleck has not become a film star similar to Tom Cruise or Robert De Niro amazes me. He has an ability to fill a screen like so few actors can. The one actor who comes to mind by way of comparison is Charlton Heston. They both have that ability to project the necessary emotions and feelings of a scene without much effort. Laura San Giacomo is also another actor that I have a hard time figuring out why she hasn't become a star. Her portrayal of Crazy Cora in "Quigley" should have been a springboard to better roles but it hasn't panned out. Rickman is probably the one from this movie to have the best movie career to date. Rickman is one of the best bad guys going and even when he plays an angel ("Dogma") he still has that sideways sneer that makes you wonder what kind of a criminal he would be if he didn't find acting.

"Quigley down Under" is not your typical Western, which is why it might not be for those who enjoy movies like "Unforgiven" or "The Outlaw Josey Wales". However, it is a good movie from a non-Western genre standpoint and one that I'd recommend.

Tom Selleck's best ever
Like many TV actors, "Quigley"'s star Tom Selleck gave much attention, during and after his small-screen career, to attempting to break into movies. If he'd been born in 1926, instead of 1946, he would probably have gained fame, not as Thomas Magnum, but in Western films and/or TV series like this one. Quigley is the role he was born to play, and in Quigley's adventures he has made, to my mind, the best movie of his career.

This slam-bang actioner, though often labelled a "Western," actually takes place, not in the American West, but in the Crown Colony of Western Australia, probably around 1875 (there are still convicts there). Selleck plays Matthew Quigley, a soft-spoken marksman from Wyoming, who answers an advertisement by Australian rancher Marston (Alan Rickman) for "the finest long-distance marksman in the world." After three months on a sailing ship, he steps ashore at the port of Fremantle, where he promptly gets into a brawl with what turn out to be three of Marston's men, come to meet him, and is mistaken by displaced "native-born Texian" Crazy Cora Cobb (Laura San Giacomo) for her husband Roy. At Marston Water he offers a display of his skill with his primary weapon, a customized Sharps .45 buffalo gun, and impresses everyone, including Marston, who describes himself as "a student of your American West" and is a fast draw, pinpoint-accurate, and quietly proud of it. Only now does Quigley find out that he was being hired, not to kill dingoes (Australian wild dogs) as he thought, but to clear Marston's lands of the native Aboriginies. He promptly throws Marston out the French window of his own house, but is eventually overwhelmed by Marston's crew and, with Cora, taken out to the desert to die. Managing to kill the two men who fetched them there, he recovers his rifle and big Stetson, but loses the buckboard and horses. Trying to walk out, he and Cora are found by a clan of Aboriginies, who take them in, and when a group of Marston's men appears to hunt the natives down, Quigley takes up his Sharps in their defense. Eventually he eliminates Marston and all but three of his men in a sort of one-man "long hunt," climaxed by a shootout in which, though wounded and battered and admitting that he "never had much use" for handguns (he doesn't even carry one), he kills three men so fast that his shots sound like one.

Though there's a good deal of violence in this video--in fact, it will probably be too intense for kids under the age of 12 or so--none of it is gratuitous: each instance either serves to further the story in some way or is portrayed as an inevitable result of the choices and character of the person acting or being acted against. Selleck's Quigley is a '90's version of the classic John Wayne hero: soft-spoken, quietly competent, modest and unassuming (he "spent a night" in Dodge City once, and describes it as "a nice place to get some sleep"), chivalrous toward women and even a little unsure of how to react to them. (His early interactions with San Giacomo's Cora, on the Fremantle docks and in their first outback camp, add a whimsical touch to the movie's tone and should draw laughs from all watchers.) He also has an iron code of behavior, and he doesn't hesitate to learn even from the primitive Aborigines: one of the most delightful sequences finds them teaching him to use a spear-thrower and to suck water out of the sand through a bamboo--after which he repays them by conducting a class in the making and proper use of a rawhide lasso. Rickman is the kind of villain you love to hate: smooth, silky, sneering, yet acting from what seem to him to be completely valid reasons. San Giacomo may be "touched in the head," but she's also earthy, practical, and fiercely loyal to Selleck and to the orphaned Aboriginie baby they find; her story of how she came to be in Australia is touchingly delivered.

And, like most of the best movies, "Quigley" can serve as a starting point for some penetrating family discussion. Parallels will quickly be seen between the Aborigines' situation and, not only the experiences of the American Indian, but the "ethnic cleansing" through which the former Yugoslavia suffered, and which kids may have studied in school. Quigley seems not to be revengeful against Marston and his crew of 20-odd tough English and Irish until they act against the Aborigines who have been his and Cora's friends, and even then a case can be made for his killing as many of them as he can hit: afoot and outnumbered, he doesn't want them in the area and angry at him; after the second Aboriginie drive and the accidental killing of a storekeeper's wife, he is simply resolved to keep them from doing any more harm.

Though action is the movie's keynote, it is above all the story of how three people inspire one another to certain inevitable acts--in short, like all the best stories, it turns on character. And its characters will remain in the memory for a long time to come. (A side-benefit is the blood-stirring score by Basil Poledouris, which was one of the first CD's I ever purchased.) The cinematography gives a powerful sense of the size and loneliness of the Australian outback (filming was done in Alice Springs and other Australian locations), as well as of how important it is that Quigley seems far better able to adjust himself to it than Marston's men are willing to do. Director Simon Wincer, though not of American birth, has turned out a movie which, while not strictly a "real" Western, should become a classic of the genre. By my criteria, it's definitely a 10--or perhaps even a 12.

Great comedy
You will be laughing your tail off. Here is why:

Quigley (Tom Selleck), investigates a report on human right violations by the English settlers against the aboriginal population of Austria.

(Obviously, Quigley had improved the inter-racial relationships in his native Wyoming to perfection: black, indians, white, all live in equality, peace and harmony, and now he is on a mission to do the same in Austria)

Quigley quickly discovers the horrible truth, and being a superman, supperherro, suppersshooter, quickly brings justice. All bad guys (english, irish, scotch) are punished, aboriginals are free. No more slavery, genocide, collonialism and exploitation.

A blond Texan woman shares his passion and adopts a little black baby; the baby fell from a 200 feet cliff and survived!

Have fun!

Ernesto Ce Gevara

Western with a twist
This is an American Western to be sure, filmed in the outback! Classic good vs. bad! And lots of fun with the interaction between crazy Cora and Quigley! Fine acting all around and a nice twist at the end! Very enjoyable.

Boring CD, good movie
In glancing at the reviews I see that many of them are for the moive which is much better than the soundtrack. I've liked the title theme since I first heard it and always wanted the CD for that reason. Out of the 11 tracks I was disappointed to find that I really liked only about three selections, maybe one or two more than that. #1 Main Title is good and #11 Matthew Quigley amounts to about three different versions of the tune, it might be even better.
Out of the eleven tunes six have varying degrees of the theme worked into them in some way, thats what makes the CD boring, so little variety. I think I did like #4 Marston's Murderers, actiony but no Quigley bits. #4 Native Montage had no Quigley and certainly nothing Native to it, guess it was all right otherwise.
All I can really recommend this album for are the two Quigley selections, easily the best on the CD. Shiloh Rifle, the company that made the Sharps that Selleck used in the movie still uses the title selection on their website 12 years later, that's how good that tune is. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

good and with a happy ending
it was a little sad but great!!!! It was a imax show. and it was big. All the horse talk thrilled me and i learned a lot.The settings were very pretty and so was the horses. i loved the show. ... Read more

Description

The series D.A.R.Y.L. explores the life of a young boy named Daryl who demonstrates profound talent in all areas of his life. From solving advanced mathematics to dominating difficult video games on his first try, Daryl continues to awe everyone in his town including his foster parents. Consequently, the government has a hidden interest in Daryl that threatens his very existence. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

EXCITING MOVIE FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS
This is an exciting and intelligent film for everyone. Do not let
the box cover art make you think this is a kiddie film only. It
is a neat little film that teaches many lessons. D.A.R.Y.L. is
actually a child robot that is too perfect a child and a scient
ist working with him wants him to have a life outside the gov
ernment lab. D.A.R.Y.L. winds up with a foster family, makes a
life long friend has an exciting finale. This is a uniformly
well-made and acted film with excellent special effects on what
was a shoe-string budget. This film is as enjoyable as most of
Disney's big budget offerings. Also it shows that a wonderful
film without gratuitous trash and language can be made.
The film works so well because of the performance of Barrett
Oliver as D.A.R.Y.L. He gives the presence of the perfect, loving child. He also was in The Neverending Story and Cocoon
parts one and two. Strangely he seems to have disappeared from
film in his teens. I would like to see him in more films

d.a.r.y.l.
from the first time i saw this film,i knew this was a great family movie.has a very good story line and excitement for all ages.paramount is brining this film out on dvd sometime in 2004.hope it will be in widescreen.check it out,you'll love it!

A Good Movie!!!
I remember watching D.A.R.Y.L in the 80's and thinking it was a cute movie that has humor mixed with drama and a great cast, Barrett Oliver (The Never Ending Story), Michael McKean (Laverne and Shirley) and Mary Beth Hurt (Chilly Scenes of Winter) and is about a robot made to look like a little boy who is set free by a scientist and sent to live with foster parents who at first have no clue that he isn't a real little boy. I don't want to give too much away but I think this is a cute movie and I recommend it but I wish they'd put it on DVD (Widescreen)!

One of the best movies of the 80s
Long before Steven Spielberg's A.I. came out in the summer of 2001,there was a film that came out in 1985 called D.A.R.Y.L.which is way better then A.I.I grew up on this film since the age of 4 years old and it's still wonderful to me even at the age of 22.While A.I. is a good film,it lacks the warmth,awe and the wonder that Daryl had.His name stands of Data Analyzing Robot Youth Lifeform and noone,not even Daryl himself knows he's a robot,they just think of him as a normal boy with extraordinary talents.Daryl is a warm and touching film not only for childern but for adults too.

miraculous
Barret Oliver, who plays DARYL, is one of the greatest child actors in my opinion. This movie is not only heartwarming, but intreaging. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

SUPER FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT five stars
He is a hero who is simple a decent person. A hero without super powers or trust funds. A very humane person with a code of decency. A hero who is certainly needed today. It is a film that is needed today. It is a film to watch and enjoy. This movie leaves one with a good feeling. It is not a film to nitpick or compare to others because that would totally miss the reason for escaping into it. A truly wonderful family film, that will live in the memories of those lucky enougn to watch it together. What a great cast! Billy Zane,his penetrating eyes framed by the Phantom' mask, brings the hero to life. Kristy Swanson and Catherine Zeta-Jones are strong,independent women. Veteran actors such as John Capaodice, Al Ruscio, and Samantha Eggar to name a few,lend their considerable expertise to the production. Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa appearence dominates the screen, generating much excitement. Patrick McGoohan's presence and voice is a outstanding. He is truly an screen legend.

Unfortunely the critics in their wisdom contributed to the short run at the box office office nevertheless the viewers know quality. The Phantom and all he stands for lives in the hearts of those willing to understand.

Ineptly written and directed
The Phantom has one saving grace: Billy Zane. Without this fine actor, the film would have been absolutely horrendous, possibly unwatchable. The simple fact is that The Phantom could have been good entertainment, but it's so poorly written, directed, and acted, I have to wonder why the film was greenlighted in the first place.

Sure, the prospect of an Indiana Jones-type film is a fun idea, but it's nowhere in the vein of the the films in that series; it never generates any thrills or genuine fun. The action sequences are simply too routine and are occasionally terribly choreographed.

As for the script, it's been a while since I've heard dialogue this hackneyed. It makes the recent Mission to Mars look like something written by David Mamet in comparison. The plot's also fairly ridiculous and is done with a touch of camp, but nowhere near enough to at least make the movie so bad it's almost enjoyable to watch. I can't believe Jeffrey Bowman doesn't show any of the creative touches he put in The Last Crusade.

Performances, the less said the better. The only guy who does a fine job is Billy Zane, and though he never always convinces as a superhero, he's charismatic enough to make the experience bearable. Treat Williams as the villain overacts to an extent I would rather not describe. Catherine Zeta Jones also shamelessly hams it up with a cheesy accent; I bet she's taken this film out of her resume. As for Kristy Swanson, I guess we can tell why she won't nowhere. If anything, the movie proves she's not a very capable actress.

Pulp hero
Billy Zane plays the Phantom perfectly. He's not a dark, grim superhero like Batman or a neurotic superhero like Spider-Man. The Phantom loves being a superhero and being the good guy.

This is one of the best adaptions of a comic book (cartoon strip) ever captured on film. This is the type of movie meant for children of all ages. If you're looking for a movie with deep meaning, thought provoking dialogue and lots of introspection, what the heck are you doing watching The Phantom? Go see a different movie. If you're looking for entertainment in the vein of pulp fiction heroes from the Golden Age this is the movie for you.

Nifty live-action comicbook
This is the type of DVD that works best if you watch it on a rainy Saturday morning. I missed "Phantom" when it was released theatrically many years ago and discovered it on DVD. This is an old-fashioned comicstrip/movie serial sort of film that's perhaps too straightforward for most tastes. There's no irony or winking references here, which sets it apart from most other superhero movies. I liked it, but didn't love it, and I can fully understand if it's not to everyone's taste. I suggest you rent it, watch it on a gloomy weekend and see if it doesn't make you feel like a kid again if only for a few minutes.

Great Comic adventure
The Phantom is quite good and the cast is great too. The Phantom was an enjoyable facinating comic, and any fans of the comic book will find no reason not to watch the feature-length movie. This movie is a great action ride adventure and i'm sure you'll love the story. Same charecters and no flaws, this movie is perfect. 8.5/10. ... Read more

Reviews (36)

This sequel is not a crock!
"Fun for the whole family!"

How often to you see that quote when reading movie reviews these days. Unfortunately, not often enough. Well, I'm happy to say that "Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" *is* fun for the whole family, and if you don't agree with me, you must be a dirty old crocodile!

Subaru Outback spokesperson Paul Hogan returns to the silver screen as Mick "Crocodile" Dundee - our favorite bloke from "down under" since Yahoo Serious.

After seeing John Carpenter's "Escape from L.A.", I was hesitant to see another movie based in the city of angels. Carpenter's dark and violent vision of the not-so-distant-future left me with an uncomfortable chill. Although, that scene where Snake Pliskin surfs with Henry Fonda (or was that Peter?) was pretty sweet!

"Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" doesn't need the "Hollywood special effects", "big budget" or "competent director" to succeed - it does just fine by itself. Filled with knee-slapping pratfalls, and crazy hijinks, don't be surprised if you wake up your neighbors with your boysterous laughs (assuming you live close to your neighbors).

Paul Hogan and Linda Kosolowososswski are Hollywood's best on-screen (and OFF-screen!) couple since Keanu Reeves and Lori Petty in "Point Break". Their chemistry is simply priceless!

"Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles" will leave you with a wonderful feeling!

Utterly forgettable: what movie am I reviewing again?
Hopefully, Crocodile Dundee In L.A. is not Paul Hogan's swan song for the Dundee series. Paul's previous films to this name are much more inspired in plot, montage, and acting. In this film, Hogan seems to be along for the ride, and for this I blame the direction and screenwriting which is listless and dull. Mind you, CD in LA is not a bad film by any means, nor is it memorable. But there is a sense that Hollywood is merely attempting to cash in on the Dundee character and not use Hogan as the charming, affible actor that he is.

Alas, poor Paul Hogan, I knew him well, and miss him in this film. Was it to pay for Linda Kozlowski's plastic surgery, or has Paul Hogan truly lost his bearings in a foreign land? The setting of Los Angeles must have been a dream come true for the Studio execs who signed off on the funding for the film, and the Aussie actors seem to enjoy themselves well enough in the city of Angels. Yet, the jokes, and the humor in Southern California lifestyle is tired. Zzzzzz.

Wait for the next film in the series. Hopefully ole' Lightning Jack will be back in his true form by then.

Don't Do It
Don't rent it, don't watch it, don't borrow it from the library, and most of all don't buy it. I can't think of any reason why this movie was made. Hopefully someone was able to make a mortgage payment, but that is the only upside I can hope for.

I loved the original Croc Dundee. I thought it was witty, and warm, and a lot of fun. I thought the 2 leads had amazing chemistry. They have NO chemistry is this movie. NONE. They were barely in any scenes together, which is a shame. It's almost as if they are in two separate movies that intersect every now and then.

THe story is so contrived- she has to help her Father out- they come to LA (no- I can't beleive they live in Walkabout Creek full time), she gets enmeshed in a story, Mick yet again saves her by getting to the route of the problem, blah, blah, blah. What happened to the strong female character from the first movie? What happened to laughs? I saw nothing cute, charming, or other in this movie.

A harmless light-hearted sequel
Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles should have been a made for video sequel or television. It's not the terrible movie a lot of people say is though. It's cute, not really a bad movie, not great but nothing to really hate about it. Paul Hogan is fun and he has some good lines. The plot is bad and it's lacking the musical score that I loved from the original two films. The film needing a villain just wasn't necessary either.

Paul Hogan has a lot of chram though. Watching this guy explaining the world of L.A. to his son or his big lug Croc hunting friend is just a delight. The film has a tv sit-com feel to it and it's sad that's the direction the series took after the first 2 enjoyable films. Don't get me wrong this film is still enjoyable in a light-weight sort of way but the first 2 are better. While the other 2 have some comedy mixed with adventure, this one is all comedy. That's not a bad thing though as Paul Hogan is funny and Mick Dundee is an amusing character. The Crocodile Dundee series may have ran out of steam long ago but you have to admit Mick Dundee would make a fun guy to hang-out with.

Bad movie and zero DVD features.
All they have is one short film on how the movie was made, and a patheic theater trailer attached to it. Mediocore DVD results for a medicore film... ... Read more

Reviews (40)

'Modern Classic' and the Hard Road of Life
This is a much deeper more evolved movie than most realize at first glance. On the surface, its a simple action adventure movie about the little guy vs. the BIG corporation. It has enough action in it to satisfy the action movie buff many times over with everything from exploding motorcycles to jumping off of rooftops. On a more subtle level, character development is strong and quick. The internal demons that haunt Harley Davidson (Mickey Rourke) and the Marlboro Man (Don Johnson) are very real bringing these characters to life. Their moral dilemmas and loyalty to themselves, each other and their friends are believable. The movie does take the 'action' movie formula: Good Guys versus Bad Guys but includes an element often not seen in 'classic action' movies where the good guys actually have flaws. This movie is more 'classical' in that respect where the villian is the villian, but the good guy isn't perfect. For a comparative type movie, 'The Replacement Killers' is a good example: Action Movie where the 'good guys' aren't necessarily all that good but 'Do the Right' thing. Another way to view it would be 'Robin Hood' meets the 21st Century. This is must have 'Classic' of eighties film making. Amazingly deep dialog for an 'action' movie. It includes excellent cameo performances by Chelsea Field, Vanessa Williams, and Tia Carrera. The last three lines of the movie are classic in themselves: Harley: 'Hey, where you headed?', Girl: 'Nowhere Special.', Harley: 'Get on, I'll take you there'.

ride on!!!!!!!
simply put when i was 9 yrs old and heard that opening song "wanted dead or alive" while harley (mickey rourke) is burnin across the desert, i was a fan for life.... though now i wondered why they didn't pick ccr's "run thru the jungle" for the opening credits...

Butch & Sundance Adaptation
Mickey Rourke is Harley (Butch Casidy) and Don Johnson is the Marlboro Man (Sundance Kid), two struggling men who reunite to help out their friends. With crystal clear spoofs on scenes and dialog from "Butch Cassidy & The Sundace Kid", this movie is the essence of a buddy action flick from the late 80's and early 90's. A cast worthy of "School Ties" tags along, including Tia Carrera, Tom Sizemore, Dan Baldwin, Vanessa Williams, WWF Wrestler: Big John Stud, and quite a few familiar faces from likewise action movies. While it was a little sad to see two actors, both of whom at one time were considered to be at the top of their occupation, drudging along in a movie more suited for Steven Segal and Dolph Lungren, it's also fun to see them handle the parts with skill and a balance that keeps things from getting down right stupid. Tom Sizemore, who plays the bad guy steals the show as a smooth talking, sinister, drug pusher, that has zero fear of a biker and his cowboy buddy. All in all this is a great flick for those nights you just can't seem to get to sleep, which is exactly when the television stations play it.

Classic Movie - badly publicised
What a great movie! Two cool dudes, one excellent bike, great support, good story and cinematography......and then a lousy bloody trailer which probably kept the vast majority away from seeing this movie when it launched and so stopped it becoming a far bigger hit than it ever was.
Great, escapist fun. Turn the lights out, turn the surround sound to 10, couple of cold tinnies and just watch the opening few minutes...woow, what a bike! and a great opening track with Jovi at their best!

A man's movie
"Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man" is one of those frat house movis that only guys who's diet is mostly pizza and beer could like, and I ate it all up. This is a pretty simple movie; a pair of loseres rob a bank to help a buddy save his bar, except that they accedentlly stole a new designer drug. From there the two go through Los Angles's Century City to Los Vagas casinos and back again being chased by men in bullet proof black jackets. The two leads, Mickey Rourke and Don Johnson, have a very witty repore between them, raunchy, but funny, and at least as good a team as Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. So this movie is not for everyone, but it is underappriciated and should be givin a chance; although if you're a woman without thick skin, you might want to stay away. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Paul Hogan, better known as Crocodile Dundee from the popular film series, takes on a new character. He's an outlaw named Lightning Jack Kane who'squick on the draw but not terribly bright. Jack's gang gets wiped out, leaving him to continue his bank robbing career alone... until, by chance, he takes hostage a young mute (Cuba Gooding Jr.) who decides he'd rather team up with Jack than be a put-upon store clerk for the rest of his life. Against his better judgment, Jack agrees, and they embark on a series of criminal escapades, bonding over bank heists, bar fights, jailbreaks, and women. The always lovely and charming Beverly D'Angelo plays Lana, a dance hall girl who's madly in love with Jack. Gooding is his usual exuberant self, even without words, and Paul Hogan is Paul Hogan. If you're a fan of his, you'll enjoy this movie, and if you're not, you probably aren't reading this review in the first place. Lightning Jack doesn't offer much in the way of historical recreation; this is a Disney-style old West, with women's underclothes that look like they came out of a Victoria's Secret catalog and some pretty 1990's haircuts. But the movie rambles along amiably. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Whole Family Liked This Western Comedy!
Yikes, some people just don't like Paul Hogan, do they? After seeing a surprisingly negative review of this movie when I logged on to buy the DVD, I decided to add my two cents. This is a VERY entertaining movie. It's well-paced, originally plotted and funny! Really. As the two heroes of the story fumbled their way through one sloppy crime after the other, I chuckled and looked forward to each new scene. This is not just for hardcore Western lovers. My mother enjoyed it, my kid loved it, my brother liked it, etc. That's why I'm buying it. Of course, I happen to like my westerns light -- think of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Quigley Down Under, Silverado, Support Your Local Sheriff, Shanghai Noon, etc. I give it 5 stars for being purely entertaining. (Made me go rent Crocodile Dundee. I liked that, too.)

THE 2ND WORST I'VE EVER SEEN!!!!!
The reason I say this is the 2nd worst is because Crododile Dundee in L.A. is the worst.After I saw this movie in the theater I swore off seeing anything with Paul Hogan again,and the woman I was dating at the time,who liked the movie when we saw it was booted faster than lightning,jack.The plot is terrible as are the actors,sets,sound and directing.I had reasonably expected Cuba Gooding JR. to play a decent role since he had a few good parts under his belt but his deaf,mute character was ridiculous.I had thought at the time this poor guy had just killed his career but I am glad I was wrong.He has since put this behind him and went on to achieve an Oscar while Paul Hogan still bumbles around like a wallaby with a hangover from drinking to much Foster's Lager.If you want to see Cuba at his best see him Pearl Harbor in a small but pivotal role or Jerry Maguire or the upcomung Rat Race.If you want to see Paul Hogan at his best he's probably on a cancelled Austrailian postage stamp .

One of the most entertaining comedy/westerns
If you like western or comedy movies, you will probably like "Lightning Jack." Paul Hogan stars as Lightning Jack, a cowboy that is famous for craftily robbing banks. He is one of the most wanted criminals in the country. Cuba Gooding, Jr. is a mute that later tries to team up with Lightning Jack and become a successful robber and cowboy in his own right. That's when the movie gets a lot better and more interesting. It will keep you interested throughout the movie so you can find out if Lightning Jack will remain successful at robbing banks across America or if he'll get caught. The movie also has a lot of funny parts that make it even better.

Excellent western movie.
Good movie about an australian american outlaw [Hogan] named Jack who's gang gets shot up, and in need of help, accepts a black mute orphan to help him out. While Jack is trying to get a reputation in the U.S. as a mean cold blooded killer, the mute orphan barely knows how to fire a gun and ends up slowing them up, until Jack teaches him what being an outlaw is all about. If you liked Crocodile Dundee, you'll really like Lightning Jack. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tom Selleck is at his iconic best in this made-for-cable remake of Monte Walsh, a poignant Western about the passing of an American age and the people attached to it. Selleck plays the title character, a career cowboy whose rhythms are aligned with the seasons and the annual herding of cattle from Wyoming to Texas. Faithful to his ways, loyal to his best friend (Keith Carradine), and satisfied with his part-time romance with an ailing, aging saloon girl (Isabella Rosselini), Walsh is happy until his 1890s world rapidly unravels. Eastern corporations are buying up land and shutting down ranches; trains are shuttling livestock faster than an army of cowhands. Walsh can't accommodate the future, and those closest to him are moving on. Director Simon Wincer (Lonesome Dove) masterfully balances the epic and elegaic, Selleck is perfect as a fading footnote to history, and Monte Walsh becomes a universal tale of loss and integrity. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Remake is good but fell short of original, especially music
This remake of the all time great "future shock" western is very good but the original with Lee Marvin and Jack Palance was better. The original movie had Momma Cass Eliot on the soundtrack with the haunting melody "The good times are coming" which played well in the story line. Why doesn't someone put the original out on DVD remastered for quality? Still, especially if you haven't seen the original, Selleck plays the lead role well albeit the ending, which deviates radically from the original, is a bit corny.

Monte faces a new world.
Monte Walsh is a dramatic western released in 2003 starring Tom Selleck. Along with Selleck is a star cast, with Isabella Rossellini, James Gammon, Marshall Teague, William Devane, and Keith Carradine giving fine performances. The director, Simon Wincer, is also known for making westerns such as Shane and Lonesome Dove. Monte Walsh features a recurrent theme of man vs. technology, but it can be very forceful in presentation.

Monte Walsh is introduced in Antelope Junction, Wyoming territory in 1892. It is a comfortable, familiar surrounding, which suits Monte well, with no hint of modernization. Monte is leaving to winter on the range and while he is gone, an eastern corporation, Consolidated Cattle, is changing the cowboy lifestyle in the Wyoming territory. Consolidated has been buying all the land surrounding Antelope Junction, and fencing it in. This is unknown in the territory, putting a stop to free-ranging cattle. Consolidated has also allowed a railroad to build on the land with a railhead to help load horses, which the cowboys are not happy with. It is a new replacement that stops the cowboys from doing the job they love, moving stock from one place to another. Monte and his best friend Chet get a job with Consolidated, who now is the only employer of cowboys in the area.

The theme continues as Monte and his fellow cowboys battle a train, the dreaded new development in their environment, whose engineers have done them wrong. The cowboys win the battle, but everyone fears they have lost the war against impending technology. Meanwhile Monte has fallen in love with Martine, the whore with a heart of gold, but cannot force himself to leave his life as a cowboy to enter a world that he does not know as a family man. Chet decides to do just that and marries a widow who owns a hardware store. He begins to run the store and becomes involved with town life, leaving his old ways behind.

After having the theme of the movie forced upon the viewer, the style changes and symbolism is used to represent the battle against the new way of life. Consolidated is used as a symbol of impending technology, as they lay off cowboys to help increase the corporation's return on their investment. One cowboy turns to crime since he did not know how else to make a living in the new world. The rogue cowboy kills Chet in a holdup and Monte hunts him down to avenge Chet's death, symbolizing how the past must take care of what technology has caused. Monte is wounded by the outlaw, but continues on to kill the cowboy gone wrong. The wounding symbolizes what has been done to Monte and the other cowboys by the changing times, but the cowboy way continues on to fix what has gone wrong.

Monte does not return to Antelope Junction for seven years. He has decided to ride to Canada, down to Texas and back, living the cowboy life as the world leaves him behind. He arrives to find a horseless carriage driven by the former accountant and new ranch manager of Consolidated. The old meets the new as they both meet in the road and neither refuse to yield their ground. Finally Monte moves aside for the new invention to go through. After discovering that while he was gone, things have changed in Antelope Junction, he decides to leave again. It is not shown what he plans to do, or where he plans to go, but it is hopeful he finds a new place where the old cowboy lifestyle has not diminished, but appreciated.

I would give this movie three stars out of five. The theme can sometimes be overbearing, sometimes with the subtleties of a sledgehammer. However, the viewer can feel sympathy for Monte and make parallels into modern times. It serves as a documentary about those who embrace new technology and those who choose to stay behind.

George Eads is a hottie
This was worth watching for George Eads alone!!! I'm not usually into westerns, but he is so yum, I was actually glad in the end I saw it. Not too bad. Probably very underated.

The story of a great generation, when men were men

Director: Simon Wincer
Format: Color
Studio: Warner Home Video
Video Release Date: February 3, 2004

Cast:

Tom Selleck .... Monte Walsh
Isabella Rossellini .... Martine
Keith Carradine .... Chester 'Chet' Rollins
George Eads .... Frank 'Shorty' Austin
Robert Carradine .... Sunfish Perkins
Barry Corbin .... Storekeeper
James Gammon .... Fighting Joe Hooker/Albert Miller
Rex Linn .... Hat Henderson
John Michael Higgins .... Robert Slocum
William Sanderson .... Skimpy Eagens
Wallace Shawn .... Colonel Wilson
Marshall R. Teague .... Wallace 'Dally' Johnson
Rick Ravanello .... Henry Louis 'Sugar' Wyman
Joanna Miles .... Sairy Brennan
Lori Hallier .... Mrs. Mary Wilder
Matt Cooke .... Rufus Brady
Ken Pogue .... Old Doctor
Zack Ward .... Powder Kent
William Devane .... Cal Brennan
Shane Pollitt .... Jumpin' Joe Joslin (as Shane Pollit)
Tom Edwards .... Plump Lawyer
Tom Glass .... Marshal
Tim Koetting .... Henry, Stocky Barman
Bruce McFee .... Burly Man
Marty Antonini .... Farmer
Eric Keenleyside .... Engineer
Terry King .... Trainman
Peter Skagen .... Fireman
Michael Tod .... Boy
Gillian Carfra .... Young Woman

This is the story of Monte Walsh, last of the cowboys. "If I was starvin' I wouldn't rustle," says Monte. But, "This is the twentieth century" it was explained to him, and cowboyin' for a livin' is on its way out. Monte is in love with a little French girl, a "Lady of the Evening" who has tuberculosis, often fatal in those days. Offered a job in a Wild West Show, under a pseudonym, he refuses. "I ain't spittin' on my whole life," says Monte.

This is a wonderful movie, with a deep sense of realism. It's about the age-old story of men outliving their vocation, which happens just about every generation to some group.

One of the best films I've ever seen.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

1970 VERSUS 2003 (YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST LOVE)
Three of my five favorite Westerns concern the extinction of Western Ideals and self-reliant principles in the face of "progress." I commend TOM SELLECK for his desire to explore this theme, unfortunately, however, this story had already been committed to film and more successfully. True, this version illustrates a larger slice of the book upon which it was based, but that does not necessarily translate to better cinema, and it may be responsible for the slightly forced pacing of this newer rendition. -------- MONTE WALSH (2003) does contain inspired photography and an adequately bracing (although derivative) Western score, and Fightin' Joe Hooker's demise is much better handled this time around. Otherwise, 2003 is clearly overmatched by its 1970 predecessor. -------- A major drawback lies in the fact that SELLECK and KEITH CARRADINE lack the likeability that LEE MARVIN and JACK PALANCE brought to the principal roles. The sense of camaraderie between these two old saddle pals just does not come across. The dialogue misses the nuance and leisurely pace of the original. Where have all the "pregnant pauses" gone? Placed beside the earlier version, this one seems almost like a high school production where inexperienced actors rush through their lines, failing to experience the moment. Even all of the minor players of the 1970 MONTE bested the 2003 actors when it came to endowing their characterizations with distinct personality and unique qualities. Only the little dog here managed to go toe to toe to toe to toe with his 1970 counterpart. -------- But the biggest problem of all can be found in the love story subtext. ISABELLA ROSSELLINI who played Monte's "Countess" this time around is no JEANNE MOREAU in the acting department. She was fine, but the 1970 MONTE WALSH gave us one of the silver screen's most beautifully rendered, understated, and underrated movie romances ever! It was filled with subtle grace and magic. The easy-going rapport and playful attraction expressed in the original, by comparison, nearly reduces to an almost cold sniping the scenes between SELLECK and ROSSELLINI. It came as no surprise when JEANNE MOREAU revealed in an interview many years after the fact that she felt LEE MARVIN was "the most masculine" actor she had ever worked with. Her scenes with him in which they showed us a tender, wistful, and doomed love affair made for absolutely dynamite viewing. Trust me, BOGART and BERGMAN had nothing on MARVIN and MOREAU! -------- My lesser complaints have to do with being bludgeoned by the Cowboy Code. Don't tell it; show it! The Code came across loud and clear in 1970 without words. Less was indeed more. The bronc-busting scene was a mere child's ride on King Arthur's Carrousel compared with the 1970 wild "E Ticket" equine roller-coaster! And finally, although it's such a minor issue: I just couldn't accept Shorty Austin as a Hollywood Hunk with a Colgate Smile. Cowboys spent time in saloons; not salons. Cowboys spent time at the faro table; not the dentist's office. -------- Yes, the 1970 MONTE WALSH remains a relatively unknown Western masterpiece. But, don't get me wrong - I'm not saying that the 2003 MONTE WALSH was bad; just perfectly superfluous. And not necessary either. ... Read more

Reviews (172)

Probably the Greatest Western Ever!
A few years ago I had the opportunity to speak personally with Robert Urich about his role as ill-fated Jake Spoon in the epic western Lonesome Dove. Simply put, he said that it was "the most fun I have ever had making a movie. Think of it. Riding and shooting every day with two of the greatest western stars ever: Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones! I won't have that much fun ever again!" I am sure that he could have gone on for hours but, unfortunately, time would not permit. The look on his face and the light in his eyes said it all. Tragically Urich passed away a year or two thereafter.

The legend and the story live on in the Pulitzer Prize winning book by Larry McMurty and in this faithful video depiction of the classic story.

A star-studded cast, headed by Duvall, Jones and Urich, along with one of the most beautiful western soundtracks ever composed make Lonesome Dove a viewing experience that you will enjoy time and again.

One of the best things ever done for television.
Although the phrase "made for television" conjures up the images of the tabloid story of the week and women-in-peril films; Larry McMurtry's epic novel "Lonesome Dove" would not have been given justice in any other format. Television allowed that magnificent work to be brought to life in some form resembling the novel. The six hour running time enabled character and storyline development that would not have been possible if the novel had been adapted for theaters.

Although it does have the jarring breaks that marked where a commericial interuption had once been and it's share of television stars (Urich, Shroeder, Corbin); "Lonesome Dove" is movie big. Big stars. Wonderful cinematography. Great locations. An authentic look. A terrific score. The producers, cast, crew, and director went the full measure to ensure that this movie did not look or feel like a "movie of the week" production.

Personally, I believe it, along with "Roots," to be the finest work ever done in the medium of television. It really does make you feel for its characters. The viewer will cheer and hope for them, and when tragedy occurs, as it does throughout the film, it will shake the viewer. Nobody is safe: comic relief characters, children, and, even, experienced Rangers. McMurtry drives home the message that death in the Old West could occur to anyone at anytime with shocking suddenness. In the end, Captain Call looks back and remembers his friends and comrades who did not return with him. As he does, tears come to the eyes of this taciturn character; and rest assured he is joined by many in the viewing audience.

The Return of the Western
It's ironic that the western, a staple of TV until sci-fi eclipsed its presence, would find its home again on the small screen during a time when big budget westerns seemed to be biting the dust to space opera blockbusters. And that it would take an Australian to realize it. Director Simon Wincer's big-vista understanding of the genre is apparent throughout "Lonesome Dove," which also features some great performances by screen familiars Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones, even if the latter too often looks like a scowling Kenny Rogers here. This tale of an arduous cattle drive by two retired lawmen has the sweep and grist of such classics as "True Grit," "Red River," and "Once Upon a Time in the West," with which it shares many elements (the conversational style, the brutal drive, and the buddy relationship, respectively, the most obvious). And while "Lonesome Dove" doesn't really say anything new about the old west, it is entertaining and fares better compared to many westerns past in terms of presenting the ethnic diversity that history records. Look for many bravura--and few corny--moments like Captain Call's (Jones) reaction to a cavalry scout's whipping of Call's alleged son (a likable but sometimes too aw-shucks Rick Shroeder), MacCrae's (Duvall) gutsy stand against a pack of outlaws, and the touching and remarkably in-character last goodbye between the leads. Basil Poledouris, an underrated composer, provides a solid score. Of the episodes, only one stands out as pedestrian, making this a pretty good choice for viewers who want to savor their entertainment choice.

Yes, it is 360 minutes, not 240.
240 minutes refers to the much shorter Return to Lonesome Dove mini-series. There is nowhere on the the Amazon website that the original series of Lonesome Dove DVD set is only 240 minutes, it is 360 minutes.

By the way, my daughter and I loved this series when it was on TV and I purchased the multi-tape set VHS way back when. But the last tape was bad and Cabin Fever, the manufacturers/publishers, would not replace my bad tape (they never even answered my mail except to tell me how to order the set), so, now that I have the DVD version, I finally have a complete set of watchable scenes.

Sorry SD, you're wrong. It's not complete. Check IMDb.
I'm sorry to have to point out to those of you who think this is the complete version, but if you go to IMDb and look up Lonesome Dove, you will find that it has a 384 minute running time. Amazon's version is listed at only 240 minutes. That's over two hours difference from the original film, and no, we're not talking about commercials.
So unless Amazon has their listed time wrong and it is actually a full 6.4 hours, you've been duped. I wouldn't pay for less than the original length film.

So, the question stands for those of you who actually bought this DVD, was it 6.4 hours long, or only 4 hours long? ... Read more

Description

An exciting comedy adventure of enormous proportions, OPERATION DUMBO DROP was cheered by critics and audiences across America! A savvy veteran army captain (Danny Glover, LETHAL WEAPON I-IV, ANGELS IN THE OUTFIELD) is teamed with a by-the-book West Point officer (Ray Liotta -- NARC, HEARTBREAKERS) to lead the "weightiest" military maneuver ever. Their job: To secretly transport a full-grown elephant across 200 miles of rugged terrain -- fording rivers, scaling mountains, and crossing canyons -- to reach a remote jungle villlage! You'll discover laughter around every hilarious corner as these hardy Green Berets prove that with a little luck ... and tons of hard work ... no mission is impossible! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A great adventure-comedy!
I first saw this at the movies when I was eight years old. I thought it was a good movie then and I think it's still a good movie. A small squad of US soldiers in Vietnam are ordered to escourt a young Vietnamese boy and his elephant to a village in a remote part of the country. After some failed attempts of getting the elepahnt there on foot, they finally decide to air-drop it near the village! While being filled with adventure(not that violent) and comedy, it will make almost everybody in the family happy. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Freedom
The reason this film is so moving is because it is about freedom. We all value freedom and the human spirit longs to be free. Animals are born to run free, on the earth or in the sea. The thought of trapping a whale in a tank just large enough for dolphins seems rather cruel. So, we cheer on, as a 12-year-old spunky street kid makes freeing this beautiful Orca whale possible.

Jesse is the star of this movie and is at first a troubled kid who keeps thinking his mother will come back to take him home. Willy is the whale who was also taken from his family, so the two find common ground. When Willy saves Jesse's life, they form a bond of friendship and Jesse is the only one who can train the whale. The owner of the Pacific Northwest Aquatic Park plots to get insurance money by destroying the tank and when Jesse hears of the plans he has to race against time to save his friend.

The scenes of the Pacific Northwest are spectacular and the whales playfully dancing in the water is a pure display of joy. These are truly on of God's most magnificent creations. Keiko, a 7,000-pound Orca is the whale star, but they also have back-up from a full-sized "animatronic" whale. I could not tell the difference between the whales, it was that good.

One of the best parts of the film is when Jesse spends his pocket money to buy the whale his favorite treat, salmon. I just thought that showed Jesse's true character. While he acts tough on the outside, he seems to be fascinated with nature and animals and that brings out his more loving side.

Throughout the movie, the theme of family is very important and I think that might be why this film is such a favorite. There is a music video at the beginning of this video and there is also information for children about helping save whales from becoming extinct. Overall, I felt this was a great movie for children and adults and it teaches such great lessons: that we all need a family and that we should respect animals. I was captivated from beginning to end. A wonderful movie for all ages.

Classic Family Entertainment (Good For The Grownups, Too)
Young Jesse -- abandoned by his mother at an early age -- is a troubled kid. His antics keep his social worker and foster family worried and busy. He runs away, begs for spare change, steals food and spray paints graffiti on walls. His foster parents really love and care for him but Jesse resists them, believing that his mother will someday return.

Jesse's life takes a turn for the better when he encounters Willy, a giant orca, at a marine park nearby. Jesse's fascination with the whale leads to an emotional bond based, at least in part, on their similar circumstances. Willy misses his mother and, like Jesse, tends to 'act out' once in a while.

I saw "Free Willy" in 1993 when it was released in theatres. I remembered agreeing with the critics who praised it as great family entertainment and I'm happy to say that the film remains very effective today.

My niece (age 8) was thoroughly entertained by this movie but the younger children in the group were alienated by the somewhat advanced, dramatic themes of abandonment, responsibility and love. For what it's worth, I enjoyed the film immensely.

Over a decade since its release, "Free Willy" holds up quite well. I got "misty" and "choked up" throughout the desperate climactic rescue sequence that gives the movie its name. The opening sequence, during which Willy is captured, is also quite touching.

This is efficient storytelling offering a steady, sustained buildup to a thoroughly satisfying climax.

"Free Willy" also offers believable performances by all members of its small ensemble cast, including Michael Madsen, Michael Ironside, Lori Petty, Jason James Richter (as Jesse) and Keiko (as Willy).

i like it
i like this movie, it has pretty colors

Great Family film
I have this film, its really great for the family,amzing ending too that will shock us, just get this film for the family if u never saw it yet.

If you take it as fantasy...
The odd thing about Free Willy is that it's a film which makes money using a captive animal to do tricks--and it's about the evils of capturing animals to do tricks for money. The film came out at the same time as and with the same mentality of its partner-in-ideology Jurassic Park (using technology to make money by condemning the use of technology to make money).

If you can get over that, it's a beautiful piece of work. The best part is Basil Poledouris' wonderous score, which should have been released on its own without all the clutter of pop songs. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Freedom
The reason this film is so moving is because it is about freedom. We all value freedom and the human spirit longs to be free. Animals are born to run free, on the earth or in the sea. The thought of trapping a whale in a tank just large enough for dolphins seems rather cruel. So, we cheer on, as a 12-year-old spunky street kid makes freeing this beautiful Orca whale possible.

Jesse is the star of this movie and is at first a troubled kid who keeps thinking his mother will come back to take him home. Willy is the whale who was also taken from his family, so the two find common ground. When Willy saves Jesse's life, they form a bond of friendship and Jesse is the only one who can train the whale. The owner of the Pacific Northwest Aquatic Park plots to get insurance money by destroying the tank and when Jesse hears of the plans he has to race against time to save his friend.

The scenes of the Pacific Northwest are spectacular and the whales playfully dancing in the water is a pure display of joy. These are truly on of God's most magnificent creations. Keiko, a 7,000-pound Orca is the whale star, but they also have back-up from a full-sized "animatronic" whale. I could not tell the difference between the whales, it was that good.

One of the best parts of the film is when Jesse spends his pocket money to buy the whale his favorite treat, salmon. I just thought that showed Jesse's true character. While he acts tough on the o