Reviews (49)

Never even heard of this!
I just stumbled upon this movie because there was nothing else on TV that night! It was SO funny! I can't believe I've never heard of it before. I went online and bought the DVD that same night. It's one movie that you'll have in your collection that no one has seen yet! The critics gave it one star in the cable guide, but everyone that I show it to says "This is hilarious!" So, go ahead and buy it. It's great. I'd ignore the reviewer who gave it one star though. You really shouldn't watch (or rate) a comedy when you take life too seriously and don't have a sense of humor. No, it didn't get an Academy Award. So if you don't expect anything more than a good dose of laughter you'll love it!

Help me up from this chair... I can't stop laughing!!
This one caught me by surprise. I've always wanted to see Stewart French in movie and caught this on the satellite one night. I laughed till I cried. I watched it 2 more times that night and then I went online with Amazon and bought the DVD!

Bridgette Wilson and Stewart French do a great job with this underrated dose of comedy! Everyone I've shown this movie to agrees that it has extraordinary "entertainment value"! I have discovered one thing however... it is not to be viewed by everyone. Just a warning - DO NOT show this movie to a couple about to get married!! OOOHHH yeah... The movie watching "comfort zone" can become a little tense if you do!

This was a great movie that I would recommend to all of you with a true "funny bone"! A sense of humor and an open mind about relationships is required when watching this one!

Great humor, all in all a great movie!!
This movie starts off great and ends even better. It's about two best friends who work together writing for a TV show. When one of the friends gets married, he tries to make his friend think about doing the same. So when Seth (French Stewart) meets a young lady named Chelsea (Bridgette Wilson) at the wedding the group is very excited. Chelsea Who happened to be at the wedding is also best friends with the newly married Wife. But problems quickly begin to surface, his new girlfriend seems to want to get married NOW! But Seth has a bit of a problem with comitment. So after a break up things really begin to heat up with pranks and threats of sueing. So the relationship is really of now!! But is it?? A great movie with good acting French Stewart really does a good job!!

Has it's funny moments
First off, if you are engaged or hoping to become engaged, I'd wait until later on to watch this movie as the humor might be hard to find. The plot revolves around a lady who thinks that this guy she has met a wedding is the ONE. While the guy eventually starts dating her, the pressure is put on him to propose to her. She feels her time is being wasted if he won't marry her. As expected, things get ugly. Horribly, vindictive ugly. The kind of ugly you hope no one in real life ever shows, but in a movie can be fairly funny.

wast of your time and money
This is the most disgusting movie I have ever seen.
Nothing funny and happy ending. This film would be made at small cost and wouldn't be worth watching. She has totally stupid ideas and all she thinks of is just let the guy propose to her forcibly. Totally selfish and ridiculous. The only reason that I picked this one was Bridgette Wilson but this was just tasteless and all wrong. ... Read more

Description

Mecha (Graciela Borges) is a middle-aged woman with several accident-prone teenagers, a husband who dyes his hair, and the tedious problem of sullen servants. Nothing that a few drinks can’t cure. To avoid the uncomfortably hot and humid weather, they spend their summers at a country estate whose glory has long faded, where the swimming pool is filthy, but still offers some relief. Mecha’s cousin, Tali (Mercedes Morán), lives in the nearby city La Ciénaga ("The Swamp") and has a crew of small, noisy children and a husband who loves his home, his kids, and hunting. Before long, the crowded, rough-and-tumble domestic situation strains both families’ nerves, exposing repressed family mysteries, and tensions that threaten to erupt into violence. Like Luis Buñuel before her, award-winning filmmaker Lucrecia Martel offers an unapologetic peek into the world of Argentina’s decadent bourgeoisie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bright as a wound and warm-hearted as a fever
Lurid colors cover a visual stink that permeates La Cienaga and turns all interaction sinister around the edges.The camera work was queasy and the cuts were brutal--sometimes fatal...I loved it.La Cienaga sticks in the memory like the urban legends the children tell to scare each other.The story is an almost voyeuristic tour of the families of two sisters, Tali and Mecha, one in the city, one in the swamp. We meet Mecha, the rich swamp-dwelling sister, by her filthy swimming pool surrounded by other zombie-esque party-goers, all half passed out in pool chairs from the combined effect of alcohol and the rainforest heat.All of her bored kids are scarred, beat-up, scratched--one is missing an eye.Armed with hunting rifles, the swamp is their main source of entertainment--except for awkward Momi, who spends most of her time clinging to Isabella ("Isa"), the native Argentinean house servant in Mecha's crumbling estate.
Tali's family, living in the city, seems a little more sane, a little more whole, but her kids are smack in the middle of terrifying stages of growing up.Her two hyper-gendered daughters on the verge of puberty wear enough woman's make-up to look like kiddie-porn stars or circus clowns.When they are not being chased by little boys with water balloons, they are taunting their little brother with stories of the African rat-dog.
Some of the only music in the film follows Isa, the native; all else is the constant rumble of thunder, the ice tinkling in the Mecha's drink, and the silence of sullen frustration.Every scene is dangerous in its way, every volatile character was so full of desires gone bad, and all beauty was rotten underneath.Director Lucrecia Martel has created a refreshingly unromantic film in the romantic location of the Argentinean rainforest that leaves you with images as sticky as the heat.
... Read more

Reviews (17)

OH MY G-D
I have seen this movie at least 100 times, and it is still as funny since the first time I watched it! Anne Ramsey is a remarkable actress and I don't believe she has ever performed like this before. The combination of Danny Devito and Billy Crystal couldn't have been pulled off by anyone else. They gave an outstanding performance in this film. The plot is absolutely fabulous and is more realistic than you might think because there are quite a few of us that have, at one time or another wanted to 'Throw Momma From the Train'. The picture quality might not have been the best, but with a story line as 'to the point' and commendable as this one....... Does it really matter?

A classic I grew up with
This is one of the movies I saw before I reached 12 in a tiny cinema and I loved it. I then forgot about it until this year when I found I had a copy of it taped from Cable TV in video library, I made some popcorn sat down and watched a very, very funny movie starring Billy Crystal and Danny Devito, and now it's coming to the DVD format.

Throw Momma From The Train is a classic comedy in which an aspiring man Owen (Devito) wishes to kill his mother who treats him bad. He channels his energy into his writing, for which he takes a class led by Billy Crystal, to which he lets him in on the plan to get rid of Momma.

I can't say any more fearing I would spoil this great, great movie for you all, it simply is a must-see, and definately a must own.

A little dissapointing that the DVD doesn't have an Audio Commentary either by Crystal, Devito, or the Director, but nevertheless, at this price, with scene access, crystal (no pun intended) transfer, and something I'm looking forward to: Deleted Scenes, It is really a crime if you don't pick up this title.

It really is funny, and has a place in my heart, so if you have seen it, click add to cart, if you haven't, get down to the video store, rent it, kick back with some popcorn, and prepare to enjoy some of the best comedy the 80's had to offer.

The story of Owen Lift's momma
Danny DeVito directed and starred in this film about Owen Lift's elderly and senile momma. Owen(DeVito) takes a literature class given by Larry Donner(Billy Crystal). Momma(the late Anne Ramsey) is frequently annoyed by the striking of Owen's typewriter(the kind used was a manual with typebar assembly). He wants to kill her in the worst way. She survives the poison given to her(Pepsi with lye). The lye softened her up mentally! But that doesn't last long. She resumes being her bitchy self. Kate Mulgrew is Larry's ex-wife who's a novelist like her ex-husband. Larry hears on the radio that she was missing and presumed dead. Margaret,the ex-wife promotes her new novel on Oprah Winfrey,who appears as herself. Kim Greist is Larry's girlfriend Beth Ryan. Jazz musician Branford Marsalis is Larry's buddy Lester. Marsalis,a saxophonist,even plays in the film. After seeing a murder movie,Owen suggests that Larry kill Momma,and Owen kill Margaret. Rob Reiner,Crystal's longtime buddy is Joel,Larry's agent. Joel quit representing Larry. Memorable scenes include when Larry introduces Owen to Beth,Larry tells her,"Owen is a dead man!". Owen suddenly appeared in a moment of passion between Larry and Beth. Momma calls the police to report Larry murdered his ex-wife. That's when Larry,Owen and Momma are on a train to God knows where. Larry is physically evicted by Momma from the moving train,resulting in hospitalization. Following his discharge,Larry finally musters up the courage to proceed with his novel which he initially began months ago. A year passed,and Owen phones Larry at a booth near Larry's apartment("Look out your window!"). The two wave to each other and Larry invites Owen in. Momma had died of natural causes. Owen wrote a book entitled "Owen,Momma and Owen's friend Larry". Owen is about to fly to New York to promote the book. There is nothing violent in the book,according to Owen. It tells about what the three did together in the film,them taking a picnic and Owen,Larry and Beth on vacation. Margaret becomes engaged to an Oriental man who revived her when she was drowning. Bruce Kirby(Bruno's father) appears in the film as detective who investigates the rumoured murder at Owen's home.

So Funny I Had To Own It
There is no reason that I would ever want this movie on DVD. There is nothing special. A trailer and extra scene... However There was one reason I did buy this on DVD and that is that it was the funniest movie I had ever seen. This is Dark humor and to me there is no better humor.

NO Comedy Greater
Wow there is no words that describe how hard I laughed when I watched it. After that I could not stop renting it and then I had to buy it. Get it or loose out. ... Read more

Description

Acclaimed drama based on the controversial life of Larry Flynt.Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actor in a Leading Role - Woody Harrelson, Best Director - Milos Forman) and won two 1997 Golden Globes (Best Director - Motion Picture, Milos Forman; Best Screenplay - Motion Picture). Commentaries with Milos Forman and writer Larry Karaszewski, and with Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love and Ed Norton. ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Great movie, definitely worth seeing
I can understand that a lot of people on this board don't like the topic of this movie, but that shouldn't keep them from enjoying a fantastic movie. I personally found this movie absolutely hilarious--Larry Flynt is definitely a colorful character, as is Althea. Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love, and Edward Norton give outstanding performances. It's really amazing to see how a dirt poor red neck kid can end up being a millionaire. You'll be left wondering what stunt is Larry Flynt going to pull next. So what if Hustler is disgusting to you? As Edward Norton said, you have the right to not buy it. A brilliant, brilliant film. I would definitely recommend picking this one up.

Superb biography with an edge to it
Telling the story of Larry Flynt, the unsympathetic character behind Hustler magazine, was always going to be a hard job. However, Foreman's movie manages to pull it off thanks to great jobs from all round. It starts with a brief clip of Flynt's early life as a boy, peddling booze to redneck farmers and throwing a jug at his father, who's drunk all his wares. Fastforward to his strip joints where he meets feisty, unpredictable but undeniably sexy Althea (Love). Before long they've set up Hustler magazine and not long after that they find themselves in a series of court cases concerning the decency of Flynt's publication. The story really switches gears though when Flynt is gunned down by a sniper's bullet, leading to his Althea's drug addiction and Flynt's increasing eccentricity.

The fact that not only is the direction good, but the acting and script are also brilliant. Woody Harrellson gives the best performance of his career as Flynt, evoking sympathy in a character that's bravely rarely played for the sympathy vote. Courtney Love was born to play the role of grungy white trash glamourous drug addict Althea and pulls it off so convincing that it's surprising that she was nominated for an Oscar as well as a Golden Globe. Edward Norton turns in another great performance in the supporting role of Flynt's lawyer and anyone who's seen his performances in American History X or Primal Fear won't need to hear any more convincing about his abilities as an actor.

The best part of the story is the pathetic nature that it draws out in its protagonists. Love in particular enters her character so much that when she wraps her arms around her husband after just using his drugs it's close to heartbreaking. Whilst the argument for Flynt as a liberator of free speech may seem a bit over the top (despite some very funny scenes in the courtroom), the film gently suggests the intense melancholy behind the larger than life character. The last scene especially evokes this superbly, with Larry watching videos of his wife telling him that he'll grow old and ugly as she's playfully dancing naked for him. As the camera shows us Larry's face we know that he realises this to be true as he's sat alone in his luxurious bedroom despite his greatest victory against the Supreme Court.

LARRY FLYNT: DEMOCRAT
When Ronald Reagan became the President, a shift to conservatism occurred in Hollywood and the media. Hustler founder Larry Flynt flirted with Christianity, but it did not take. When his editors suggested that the Reagan mood should portend more "family friendly" fare, Flynt fired that messenger and went from sick and disgusting to really hardcore porn (which is better than sick and disgusting). He aligned himself against the Republicans, who were asking 7-11s to keep their porn mags away from minors (a move since described by liberals as tantamount to Stalinist censorship). In 1998, Flynt became the mouthpiece of the Democrat party, a de facto Clinton spokesman and unofficial public relations firm for the DNC. In 2003 he decided to run for Governor of California as a Democrat. While his intentions may be to benefit the Democrats, he could not have harmed them more. Republicans need say nothing about this fact. It exists for what it is, on it face. Republicans just smile and say, "Hey, you Democrats, you can have Larry Flynt." They have him and he has them. A mariage made in...?

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM

Controversy At Its Finest
"The People Vs. Larry Flint" is one of the most controversial releases of 1996, starring Woody Harrelson, Edward Norton, and Courtney Love. It earned two Oscar nominations and two Golden Globe wins. This real-life film wonderfully desplicts Larry Flint's struggle to publish "Hustler", a sexually explicit magazine. He risks his freedom to prove that the bans violate the First Amendment on the US Bill of Rights, which is freedom of speech. Through every step, he causes tremendous controversy throughout the country. Some love him, some hate him. Either way, nobody can get enough of him. The plot is brilliant. The daring material expressed deserves tremendous respect for doing what few writers have dared. The climatic story keeps audiences interested in every scene, always wondering what Flint will say or do next. The unexpected events keep the energy intact. His eccentric behavior adds a more interesting flavor to the film.

Woody Harrelson and Courtney Love prove that they were made for their roles. Harrelson's Oscar nominated performance as Larry Flint is the best in his career. Nobody else could have played Flint better. Love makes a triumphant film debut in her Golden Globe nominated role as Athena, Flint's wife. Her erratic behavior is wonderfully displayed through every scene. Athena's life struggles are beautifully expressed. Edward Norton's role as Flint's lawyer is beautifully performed. All other performers also acted their roles wonderfully.

"The People Vs. Larry Flint" is a great film for those looking for something risque. This is sure to please audiences of all kinds.

Ha, this film just rules!
Larry Flynt is a sleaze, and he's not afraid to exlpoit that fact. The People Vs. Larry Flynt doesn't make him look like a saint, as some have said. Milos Forman is a great director, and he takes this material and turns it into a very compelling look at a man, (who is very sleazy, mind you), that cared immensely about the First Amendment and turned the judicial system upside down. (And made and spent lots of money!) Like it or not, Flynt is a crusader for free speech in the annals of American history. Great film, and FINALLY a great DVD. However, where's the Forman commentary? ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Perhaps only Pedro Almodóvar could come up with a story about a mental patient who stalks and kidnaps an ex-porn star--and turn it into a tender love story. But that's exactly what happens in Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!, a lively installment from the Spanish director's wacky middle period (after the scruffy early films, and before his mature melodramas). Two of Almodóvar's sexiest stars, Antonio Banderas and Victoria Abril, play the leads:a cracked young man with dreams of bourgeois domesticity, and an actress who used to specialize in porno and heroin. Despite that fact that he binds her limbs with cord when he leaves the house, he always returns with a cheerful "I'm home!" For all Almodóvar's outrageousness, there's a touch of classical Hollywood in his construction. And while this movie is not for the politically correct, it does play by its own warped rules. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Antonio Banderas Was Better When Euro Film Star
I watched Banderas in his European movies before he became an American movie star. I really liked all of his work then whereas now his work is very uneven in quality. "Evita" is the only work of his I've admired since his "conversion." This film was his very best prior to his coming to America. I'll confess that director Pedro Aldomovar's 2 most commerical films, of which this is one, appeal to me more than his other films. The other is "Woman On The Verge of A Nervous Breakdown." Perhaps this is because these two works involve heterosexual love affairs and are also comedic and satiric. They're broadly played but enjoyable for a bigger audience than Aldomovar's work normally gets. Banderas is incredibly sexy in this film as the patient fresh from a mental hospital who wants a regular married life and seeks to find it with a porno star woman. Bringing these two together for a black comedy was a stroke of genius. The Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down in the title refers to the woman's liking kinky stuff and Banderas's literally tying her up and down to the bed. This is a very sexy, romantic even, film and for those who feel Aldomovar's films typically are aimed to please only gays and not straights, this film should convert them to becoming fans of his considerable talent. It will also make them sad that Banderas decided to become an American movie star.

Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (¡Átame!) is one of the two movies by renown director Pedro Almodóvar (the other being Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown) that got wide attention in the US, albeit in the art house scene. Nothing since Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! (made in 1990) has gotten nearly as much attention, despite several efforts since than by Almodóvar. Both movies have a similar style, but Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! is a bit more disturbing as it revolves around a kidnapping.

Marina Osorio (Victoria Abril) is a former porn actor and junkie trying to make a more respectable living as a B movie actor. Ricky (Antonio Banderas), is a troubled youth who has just been released from a mental institution where he had spent the last several years due to his constant running away from orphanages and reform schools. Somehow Ricky has decided that Marina is his future wife and after some very lame attempts to get her attention on the set of her new movie, decides to break into her apartment and "kidnap" her until she is convinced to love him as he does her.

This seems somewhat straightforward, but most would assume that this would be a terror-filled, disturbing film about stalkers and people who's reality is warped. It is disturbing, but not for those reasons, but rather for its very light-hearted atmosphere and slapstick comedy in the face of this rather serious situation. One might call it a black comedy, but the mood is generally so light, that a better term might be "gray comedy." Marina, though occasionally showing some terror, seems more angry and annoyed at being tied up and kept captive than in fear for her life. One thing ran through my mind when watching this - that quote from Die Hard with the expert commentator on the news talking about how kidnapped victims sometimes go through the "Helsinki Syndrom" and start empathizing with their captors. Well, it does not take all that long for Ricky to actually convince Marina to love him. This again, leads to the very light-hearted and surreal nature of the film, and everything in the film seems to have this quality, almost as if what is happening is not real, but being acted on stage. This relates to the film that Marina is acting in at the beginning of this movie, where likewise, everything is pretty fantastic and unreal.

Other than the shear oddity of this film, the main other noteworthy quality seems to be in its steamy sex scenes with Abril and Bandaras. The film actually got an NC-17 rating due to this, which shows the hypocrisy of the MPAA which gives incredibly violent films like Saving Private Ryan an R, but because of a little sexual content will brand a film with NC-17 and make it hard to sell at the box office in most communities.

The DVD is lackluster, containing no special features except for a Trailer. The anamorphic transfer is a good one, very clear with vibrant colors. The audio is the original mono Spanish and is very clear for a mono soundtrack.

If you are a fan of the offbeat, you may enjoy this film for the shear "different" quality it has compared to most mainstream movies, but its light treatment of very disturbing theme may be too much for others.

"You can't be that kinky."
Pedro Almodovar's film "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down" stars one of the director's favourite leading ladies--Victoria Abril as Marina--a former adult film star with a nasty narcotic habit. Marina is trying to stay clean with the help of her protective, responsible and non-stop talking sister, Lola. Marina has almost finished making a second rate horror film, "the Midnight Phantom." The film's wheelchair bound director, Maximo is obsessed with Marina. There's something about Marina's fragile sensuality that makes men want to protect and possess her. Ricky (Antonio Banderas)--just released from a mental hospital--is also obsessed with Marina. Ricky decides that he will kidnap Marina and keep her tied up until she falls in love with him.

Of course, there's a fundamental flaw in Ricky's plan, but Almodovar's playful script shows how the obstacles to Ricky and Marina's relationship are overcome. Victoria Abril is--as always--splendid, and Banderas is at his best. As with all Almodovar films, "Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down" is full of great, eccentric characters (the pistol-packing pharmacist, for example), and Almodovar's humour, acceptance and generosity towards human flaws always ensures some sort of good outcome.

"Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down" contains a controversial scuba-diving gadget scene, and many Almodovar fans will note a very similar scene in "Talk to Her." (...). I loved the scenes when Maximo's frustration is shown by his endless circling in the wheelchair, and when he dances in his chair with Lola. The film also includes some amazing Spanish music. Almodovar and Abril fans will not be disappointed in this film--displacedhuman

A loving kidnapping drama...
Ricky (Antonio Banderas), a newly released mental patient, enters society with hope of building a family after have convinced the woman in his life that she loves him. This woman is Marina (Victoria Abril), a former heroin addict and porn star, that is filming a horror film with a director who has recently suffered a severe stroke. Ricky enters the film studio and retrieves Marina's keys, which he uses when he breaks into Marina's apartment and kidnaps her. In doing so Ricky wants Marina to get to know him and fall in love with him as they have had a brief affair once before, which changed Ricky's life.

Pedro Almodóvar knows how to make the absurd feel authentic and in this story he does it well as Marina and Ricky get to know each other. The story is planned down to every last detail as both characters have some heavy luggage from their pasts, which serves as a solid foundation for them to relate and understand one another. Almodóvar uses vibrant colors that improves visual representation of the likes and dislikes between Ricky and Marina as it expands on the audience's understanding of what is going on. There are also several interesting shots that are out of the ordinary as they draw attention to the characters and develop the persona around the characters. Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! fades away from the silver screen with a good cinematic experience, which can be pondered over a glass of sangria.

Subverting types!
When originally writing this film, Pedro Almodovar asked himself the question "Can love be calculated or sketched the same way one could study for an exam?" This is certainly the conviction of the Antonio Banderas character who seeks to capture his former lover and eventually convince her of her love for him. Although one could initially interpret the theme of the film as overtly misogynist - man tries to physically force woman to love him - gender stereotypes are typically subverted in true Almodovarian fashion.

It would seem that the women are the figures of power in this film and both Ricky and wheelchair-bound film director Maximo are at a loss in trying to seduce the object of their desire in any conventional sense. They are both addicted to Marina, but the only thing she's ever been addicted to is heroin. By the end of the film the Antonio Banderas character is almost totally domesticated, making food, cleaning the appartment, making sure Marina has enough drugs etc.

There's also the reference to the Sacred Heart at the beginning of the film and masochism has often been perceived in some of the more archaic rituals of our Roman church.

None of these subtleties were apparantly noticed by the American classification board who initially wanted to give this film an 'X' rating because of playing with toys in the bath! (?) ... Read more

Reviews (60)

EXCELLANT COMEDY, ONE OF CANDY'S BEST!
In this satire on the Cold War mentality, the President of the United States and an arms manufacturer find it in their best economic interests to plant rumors of a potential nuclear attack--by our neighbors in Canada! Then, following a cross-border incident at a hockey tournament, a patriotic sheriff, Bud B. Boomer, and his deputy, Honey , and suicidal friend, Roy Boy, plan a counter-offensive... with hilarious results. John Candy plays Bud Boomer, a Niagara County, N.Y., sheriff who spends much of his day fishing for laid-off, suicidal defense-plant workers at the foot of the Niagra falls. His sidekick, Honey (Rhea Perlman), is psychotic; his buddies Roy Boy and Kabral (Kevin J. O'Connor and Bill Nunn) are thickheaded and unemployed. The plant, owned by R.J. Hacker (G.D. Spradlin), has become the victim of the pro-peace policies of a President (Alan Alda) whose approval ratings are on a slide; he needs a war in order to give people jobs and keep his own. With most of the world's major villains dead or imprisoned, the President's oily national security adviser, Stu Smiley (Kevin Pollack)--who is also in Hacker's pocket--suggests Canada. The smear campaign is under way. This movie is a perfect example of how great character casting can be the movie all in its self. In my opinion all the characters were cast greatly. Their terrific acting only added to an already hilarious movie. The acting in itself was also excellent, very believable and in no way were the actors simply 'reading the lines'. John Candy added great humor to this movie as his portrayal of Bud Boomer. The acting of the supporting roles was no less impressive, especially by the witty psychopath female deputy, Honey. Then you have the desperate President who would do anything for a thirty point raise in his approval rating. The description of the characters is indirect but very well shown through the movie's events. Their development is also gradual and flows very well. The plot is like the acting, excellent. It hooks the audience from the very beginning keeping the audience wanting more and more as they sit on the edge of their seats, or while they're rolling on the floor laughing. The plot definitely flows well, it sticks to the same event not leaving any 'holes' or any skipping around and leaving the audience lost. Although "Canadian Bacon" is a hilarious comedy, the validity of the events is to be debated. A war with Canada? Canada is a valuable trade partner with America, and a war, even a cold war would set both the nations into a depression. And compared with other films by the director, Micheal Moore, this movie does well to his reputation. As well as setting the reputation for the director, John Candy does honor to his long list of comedy films as his role in "Canadian Bacon", one of his best films done, as well as his last. The ratings this film has been given are extremely varied. They range from completely devastating to extremely praising. It depends on how much you expect in the beginning. But in my opinion, this is by far one of the funniest films I have viewed in a very long time, and will stay in my memory for a time to come. I recommend this movie to everyone and anyone interested in having a great laugh!

It's a burlesque, folks!
Like all burlesques, what people take out of it has a lot to do with what they bring in. What I saw was a light burlesque that even-handedly skewered both American stereotypes of Canadians and Canadian stereotypes of Americans.

It doesn't get five stars, because it's a little rough, but it's an excellent sleeper comedy that deserved a much longer theatrical run than it did. It's quirky, bizarre, and very funny.

However, there are a lot of people who just don't get burlesque. This is not a nice thing to say, but it has to be said: there's a reason that John Candy and most of the rest of the Toronto Second City troop left Canada so that they could have careers. For people who get burlesque, the offended reviews of this movie, all of which seem to reduce to classify it as this or that, will just appear as more burlesque.

But seriously. People who think that Goldie Hawn is a dumb blonde or that Andrew Dice Clay is a misogynist or rhat Repo Man failed as a documentary of the reposessing trade or that Dr. Strangelove offensively made light of nuclear holocaust would do best to stay well away from this movie. It will only bore you or raise your blood pressure. People who want another Michael Moore docutainment or want to pick apart a Michael Moore docutainment are also advised to stay away. Those who think that the best thing to do with a prejudice is angrily to deny that it's a prejudice or bloodlessly denounce it rather than bring it out in the open and laugh at it won't have much fun, either.

However, if you want a light, sleeper burlesque on the order of _Serial_, _L.A. Story,_ or _True Stories_, you will probably enjoy it.

It's not about Canada, stupid!
In 2004 it seems impossible to see this film without Iraq in mind.

Haven't we been looking for "the enemy" since the end of the cold war?

There has to be an evil empire....How could we sustain all the
"military industrial" complex ( Eisenhower) without an enemy
and without regime change?

Michael Moore has really proved how right he is ---even without
the Cannes Film Festival!

Honestly
You all take yourselves way too seriously. Live a little, will you?

Offended me as a Canadian.
This film is Michael Moore's attempt at political satire. Canadian Bacon is an un-funny borefest that really says nothing about relations between Canada and the U.S. That said, the thing that really bothered me was the urbanite Toronto hipsters that sat in front of me during a screening of the film. They rolled thier eyes, made obvious anti-American comments and congradulated themselves on being saintly, right thinking people.

This film will appeal to members of "the cult of Moore" as Canadian Bacon reflects Mr Moore's twisted view of Canadians as innocent and dull saints. Moore also shows a shocking contempt for working class Americans. The main characters are ignorant hicks who bungle thier way through an attempted invasion of Canada. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Tony Richardson's adaptation of The Hotel New Hampshire proves that the unique qualities of John Irving's fiction are accessible in print and elusive on screen. (Not surprisingly, Irving's books were not truly successful as films until Irving himself adapted The Cider House Rules, although some viewers will prefer The World According to Garp.) Here, Richardson distills the essence of Irving but misses the author's dominant themes; the result is a film that follows Irving closely and understands its characters without ever giving them complete and coherent personalities. Without that essential ingredient, this film--about the exploits of a highly eccentric and dysfunctional family--grows thin and repetitious. We're left to enjoy the quirks of a fine ensemble cast, and the resilience of a family that has learned to survive by "passing open windows" (in other words, avoiding suicide no matter how tempting).

Beau Bridges is the Berry family patriarch and resident free spirit of the Hotel New Hampshire, where his children thrive on liberal parenting, a parade of unusual patrons, and their own lust for life, love, and--in the case of incestuous siblings John (Rob Lowe) and Frannie (Jodie Foster)--each other. Their coming-of-age tales are often a joy to behold, and Richardson draws some excellent performances from his young, stellar cast. What's missing here is a sense of deeper meaning and resonance; the film seems oddly random, while Irving's book clearly conveys an affectionate fascination with the tenacity of the human spirit. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (16)

Bizarrely entertaining
This movie is quite odd, but never boring. I didn't read the John Irving book from which it was adapted, but I can guess that, as is typical of the author, the book must juggle a multitude of characters and sub-plots. Unfortunately, it really doesn't work as a movie and ends up feeling like a series of loosely connected vignettes. The plot speeds along much too quickly and characters appear and disappear without much reason. The movie does, however, have a few positive points...

First, the cast is first-rate and Rob Lowe has one of his most unusual roles (this was his third movie after "The Outsiders" and "Class"), as a confused young man lusting after his sister (Jodie Foster, who's ok). Paul McCrane (ER's Dr. Romano) has one of his few relatively large film roles. The movie looks great, with beautiful location shooting with Canada substituting for New Hampshire and Vienna. Finally, this is probably the only place you can see Matthew Modine being raped by a person in a bear suit. Overall, a very strange journey that makes little sense and doesn't bear up to much scrutiny. A definite disappointment.

Crowded Hotel
Based on author John Irving's story about the ecletic Berry family, The Hotel New Hampshire, may boast a star studded ensemble and have a steady hand behind the camera, yet, the film isn't as good as the sum of its parts at times.

Patriarch Win Berry (Beau Bridges) has an obsession with hotels, which leads to the purchase of a delapidated New England monastary, to be transformed into a hotel. This leads to the coming together of the entire Berry clan. The family's eldest son John (Rob Lowe), foul mouthed Franny (Jodie Foster), Frank the dwarf (Paul McCrane) Egg-the youngest son (Seth Green), Iowa Bob (Wilford Brimley) Win's Dad are just some of those who put their two cents in. Soon the brood is invited by a family friend (Wallace Shawn) to take over another hotel in Vienna. Upon arrival, the get more then they bargained for.

I never read the book so I can only guess as to how it compares to the film. The movie, though watchable thanks to its cast, can at times seem like a jigsaw puzzle--with some pieces missing. The story as told through the eyes of Lowe's character, has great and "darkly" funny moments, with some satire thrown in. But the film can also be quite disjointed at times--perhaps so that the writer/director Tony Richarson could adapt the story for the film. The cast does their best and gives solid peformances, despite some of the scripts faults. There's enough subplots in The Hotel New Hampshire to fill two movies.

The DVD doesn't have any extras on it. That is to say, save of course, for the theatrical trailer. I thought the film was good--but had Richardson reworked the script a bit--it could have been much better.

Black-humored, subtle, inteligent, explicit - fun.
"The Hotel New Hampshire" is, indeed, not "very easy". If you're into "American Pie" or something, it's likely not to work for you. It's fast, subtile, black humor, surrealistic sometimes, and there's no "audience laugher" to know when you're supposed to laugh - and that's probably why people don't like (or understand) it. It can take more than one watch to get it all, and it sure deserves it.

The book's no requirement at all, like some of the obtuse reviewers above are arguing. In fact, i only know of Irving's existence from hearabouts - and still HNH was a masterpiece that made me laugh to tears. The flatulent dog named Sorrow. The (quick) way people die. Incest, clowns, rape, and Kinski wearing a bear suit. Do you want more to life than this? and there is.

Like one of the reviews i've read before, in this film the joke isn't assigned, all weird is put as just normal and if you don't have the hability to laugh at the bizarre on normal things you'll maybe find this movie a bored, puzzling experience.

It's ironical, thought, to think that maybe it was made to be this little hermetic and still so little people can get it. This world is ruined.

Not your typical movie
I first wanted to see this movie because I am a fan of Jodie Foster. I rented it and found it a little muddled. I liked it, I was just confused as to what was going on in certain parts. After watching the movie, I decided to read the book (which is very, very good!!!), and I rented the movie again after a while and found it much more enjoyable. My advice is to read the book before you see the movie!!! It's an oddly entertaining film... but you might get lost without the help of John Irving's novel.

Please spare me the agony...!!
A savagely bad movie, adapting John Irving's novel wherein the baby boomer generation attempts to digest the muddled narcissism of the '70s. That description, however, gives this flick too much credit. Mostly this is just a terrible film -- badly written, uninvolving and lurching about without apparent purpose, and without an emotional center. An incestual relationship between brother and sister, amid a wacky, unconventional family is supposed to somehow elicit our sympathies -- but its execution is as flat an unbelievable as the rest of the film. The cast, however, has some nice celeb-spotting eye-candy: Jody Foster, Wallace Shawn, and a 9-year old Seth Green. Rob Lowe is the movie's sole saving grace... As the perv-bound sibling, he was certainly breaking out of his brat pack bimbo typecasting; it's fascinating to see him working on the quirks and mannerisms he later built into a solid acting style. And at age 19, he's pretty hunky... easy on the eyes. But other than a chance to see a bunch of famous folks at an odd moment in their careers, this film is a total waste of time. (See also: "The Royal Tennenbaums.") ... Read more

Amazon.com

Don Coscarelli directs and Bruce Campbell stars as the King of Camp in this intentionally over-the-top schlockfest.Bubba Ho-Tep is partially about Elvis Presley and partially about the title character, an Egyptian cowboy zombie, but mostly it is about camp.The movie is equal parts story and back story.We learn through narration and flashback how Elvis didn't really die, ending up instead in a rest home in East Texas with JFK (played by Ossie Davis), who was dyed black and had his brain removed, presumably for reasons of national security.Campbell and Davis realize that something strange is going on when their rest-home compatriots start dropping off suspiciously.The whole movie leads up to a final showdown to the death with the Egyptian cowboy zombie who has been sucking the souls of their fellow residents because he thought no one would notice.The movie unfolds a bit slowly; it is, after all, a geriatrics-fight-Egyptian-cowboy-zombie movie.However, one wishes this self-conscious movie's pacing took its cue from the atypically fast-moving zombie instead of from the senior-citizen Elvis and JFK.In the end, though, Campbell is flawless as the aged King; his accent, intonations, glasses, and trademark karate are at the same time sincere and over the top.--Brian Saltzman ... Read more

Reviews (191)

A thoroughly entertaining movie
I recently saw "Bubba Ho-tep" over the weekend with some friends. It has to be one of the most subversive comedy I have seen in years. Bruce Campbell (of Evil Dead/Hercules/Xena fame) stars as an aging Elvis Presley who earlier in life, switched lives with an Elvis impersonator and ends up in a nursing home. Ossie Davis plays Jack Kennedy, or someone who thinks he is Jack Kennedy but put in a black man's body. The two men join forces to combat a mummy Amenho-tep who is sucking the souls out of residents who are at the nursing home that Elvis and Jack lives. It is a hilarious concept based on a short story. Bruce Campbell, one of the best unknown actors, plays Elvis Presley with a dead on accuracy. I thought his interactions with the nurse played by Ella Joyce was hilarious. They antagonized each other like a brother and sister would. Like the "Evil Dead" series, "Bubba Ho-tep" mixes horror with comedy which always works well with any movie that Bruce Campbell makes. My other favorite scenes were when the dead bodies had to be taken to the morgue. The two men from the funeral home were hilarious. And my other favorite scene was when Amenho-tep would speak. "Bubba Ho-tep" is one of those movies that should have gotten more than just a limited release. Bruce Campbell is one of the best comedic actors around that the public needs to see more of (and less of a lot of big name actors).

Off the Wall Greatness
Come on.....an aging Elvis and a black man who thinks he's JFK fighting an ancient mummy who's slowly sucking the life and souls out of residents of an old age home? It has to be silly, right? No!  Surprisingly, this premise came together on all levels and the movie was more serious than I expected going in. Yes, there are some sexual innuendos and laugh out loud moments.  But it wasn't just another cheesy b-movie. The Elvis and JFK you see on screen aren't simply caricatures, but living, breathing people. Bruce Campbell and Ossie Davis do a superb job of bringing them to life, and by the end of the movie you can't help but wonder if their stories of how they came to be there might just be true. If this movie has any flaw, it would be that I'm not quite sure what the bugs were all about in the beginning. But there's so much to like about this movie that it's unimportant by film's end. It was definitely the the best movie of 2003. Highly recommended, especially if you are into slightly off the wall flicks.

Bruce Campbell does it again!
Bruce Campbell does it again in Bubba Ho-tep. Even though it is completely different from his "Ash" character in the Evil Dead movies, his Elvis-impersonating character in this movie will surely gather a cult following. Just as we are used to, his one-liners and quirky sayings will keep you laughing long after the movie is over. The story line is pretty ridiculous, but what did you expect? I definitely recommend this movie.

HYSTERICAL Premise, Film falls short, though
We ALL know and love Bruce Campbell thru the Evil Dead Trilogy! So when I heard that Campbell was starring in a B Movie about Elvis and black JFK battling a soul sucking Mummy in a retirement home I literally RAN to the video store! With a cheesy premise like that what can go wrong?!?

For some reason the film fell short. I don't know exactly where or how but the movie doesn't quite cut it. Although you can see the love and heart dedicated to this picture and Campbell was awesome, as always, it just wasn't something to write home about. I think my favorite part of the film was watching the extra features. It's so awesome to see all that went on behind the camera. The costumes, make-up and stunts.

I don't mean to dump on this film, but with such an amazing premise, one was hoping for another "Evil Dead" type trilogy with Elvis battling more absurb creatures that go bump in the night! But this is a good start!!

Not quite what I expected
When I popped this DVD into my player, I was looking forward to 90 minutes of Sam Raimi-ish horror comedy. To my surprise, this movie ended up being a character study of an elderly Elvis (maybe) and an elderly black JFK (possibly). Characterization is usually completely lacking in the horror genre, and I welcome any attempt to flesh out the characters in this type of movie. But the characterization ended up being tedious and repetitive in parts. Indeed, this movie slows to a crawl in more than one location. And ultimately, a movie about Elvis and JFK fighting a mummy in a rest home should never get tedious. Unfortunately, this movie never quite goes over the top in the way that you'd expect based on the subject matter.

Fans of Bruce Campbell will enjoy his excellent (as always) performance. And no one will be disappointed by the copious extras on this DVD. For those with surround sound, the sound mix on this disc is first-rate, as well. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

What a neat little soft-spoken comedy
A neat little Rusiian film that takes place in September of 1944, a few days before Finland dropped out of WWII, about a Finnish soldier (Veikko) dressed as a SS officer who was chained to a rock by Germans and left to die, a Russian soldier (Ivan) who is being taken to be court-martialed by his troops when a overpassing war plane kills everyone but him, and the Lapp woman (Anni) who finds both of them and takes them in.
Anni lives a simple life, living out of a hovel on the water and catching fish to survive. Her husband has been dead for years, so having these two men in her home, even if no one speaks a word of each other's language, is still a bonus for her. And therein lies the crux of the humor here. All three of these characters are total chatterboxes, yet no one understands a word anyone else is saying. It makes for some unexpectedly laugh-out-loud situations, and as the film plays out the characters become very well-defined and we see that language is clearly not the only impenetrable barrier between these three.
The first half hour of this film is just set-up, as we get introductions to the three characters and their dilemmas. Not much funny going on. But once they meet, it all becomes very enjoyable, and even a well-filmed but somewhat morbid scene with Anni calling one of them back from the "paths of the dead" doesn't change the pace, so much as it gives Anni a greater depth for us.

"My soul's been emptied by the war"
Somewhere in the isolated and stark Lapland countryside a few days before Finland pulls out of World War II a Finnish sniper is chained to a rock after being accused of being a pacifist and a reluctant fighter. After he is deserted and left for dead he struggles and perseveres to unhinge the chains and break free. He then befriends a Lapp woman farmer and an AWOL Russian soldier on the farm and hides until he can safely return home. What follows is a marvelous film of friendship between unlikely individuals in difficult circumstances. There are obvious language barriers between the three but they continue speaking with each other in their own tongues. The farm is almost completely self-sufficient so there is much hard work to do before the winter sets in. In addition there are apparent romantic feelings between the farmer and one of the soldiers that leaves the other feeling bad. All three elements add for an interesting DVD experience.

The cinematography of THE CUCKOO is excellent and the story is captivating. This is the second terrific Finnish film I have seen lately (THE MAN WITHOUT A PAST being the other) which makes me believe that Finland can produce entertaining and innovative films. I will definitely keep my eye out for more DVDs from this small yet impressive country.

An extraordinary delightful cinematic experience...
At the end of World War II when the Nazis were leaving occupied Finland, Veikko, young Finnish soldier, is chained to a rock. Veikko struggles resiliently to get free from his chains as he knows that his life depends on it. After a long struggle with the rock he is finally free and he stumbles across the home of Anni, a Lapp, who is sheltering a Soviet soldier, Ivan, that has been injured from an attack. Ivan attempts to kill Veikko as he thinks he is a murderous fascist, however, Ivan fails in his slaying of Veikko. This is the beginning for a friendship among the three as Anni provides a sanctuary for both men. However, this sets up several misinterpretations and assumptions as none of them speak the same language. Cuckoo is a warm and funny drama that keeps the audience smiling and feeling the pain and happiness of each character as they regain some hope after a long and cruel war. This sets up a delightful and extraordinary cinematic experience that will keep the audience cheerful.

At the edge of the world, at the end of the war
WWII. Lapland. The last days of the hostilities between Finland and Russia. A Finnish sniper, Veiko, who for some unknown reason is wearing an SS uniform, is chained to a rock and left to die. For several days we follow his ingenious attempts to free himself from his chains. Meanwhile, a Russian soldier, Kartuzov, is being held by the Russian military police, awaiting trial. They both eventually escape their respective predicaments and end up in the remote farm of a Sami woman, Anni, whose husband has left four years earlier to go to war and has apparently been killed.

Once they reach the farm, they settle in with Anni and an interesting triangle develops. The Finn is a friendly pacifist, the Russian is suspicious and hostile and the Sami woman has no interest in the war at all. The Finn is also decidedly more attractive than the Russian, a point that is not lost on Anni. The relationships that develop have to do with a lot more than just their political viewpoints.

Anni speaks only Sami; Veiko - Finnish and some German; Kartuzov only Russian. They make no attempt to communicate by other means, such as pointing at objects or using facial expressions and gestures. They just continue to engage in monologues in their own language, even though it is clear the others cannot understand what they're saying. Only the viewers know what is said, as it is all accompanied by English subtitles. I found this three sided monologue quite irritating at first. After a while, the comedic aspect of this lttle tower of Babel grew on me. It served to enhance the anti-war message of the film, as it showed how human relationships developed between the three despite the lack of verbal communication and despite the Russian's hostility and mistrust.

All three actors are excellent. Veiko is played by the Finnish actor Haapasalo, Kartuzo by the Russian Bychkov. But the star of this movie in my mind is Anni, played by Anni-Christina Juuso - beautiful, impish, strong, happy, full of life, cute and confident.

The first part of the film is somewhat tedious. It was hard to understand who's who and what's going on, and the sniper's struggle to free himself from his chains dragged on and on. As the film progressed, I grew more and more entranced with Anni and intrigued by the whole story. It is set in a beautiful environment and beautifully shot. Towards the end there is a particularly striking scene depicting a magical and surrealistic journey.

Highly recommended.

Outstanding Film! Not to be missed!
The Cuckoo was one of my favorite films at the Seattle International Film Festival 2003. The DVD is great. Special features include interviews with cast, director and producer. It is beautifully filmed, the actors are perfect and the story is life affirming. I wish the film was more widely distributed. Major hunkster, Finnish actor Ville Haapsalo, deservedly won the best actor award at the Moscow 2002 International Film Festival. ... Read more

Description

Randolph Smiley (ROBIN WILLIAMS) has it all - as the costumed star of the highest rated kid's show on TV, "Rainbow Randolph" has a Manhattan penthouse, a Times Square billboard featuring his beloved character, cars , boats, horses and all the indulgence that celebrity brings. Until he get's caught by the Feds in an under the table bribe, busted and instantly reviled, Randolph is a star no more. Enter Sheldon Mopes (EDWARD NORTON) and his alter-ego "Smoochy", a puffy, fuscia rhinoceros. Smoochy is the perfect remedy for what ails the networks...Now it's Smoochy who's got the swanky penthouse, the Times Square billboard and the smooth-talking agent (DANNY DEVITO). Sheldon soon learns that children's television is a dangerous world steeped in corruption, back-stabbing and violence with his biggest problem being Rainbow Randolph. Broke and homeless, Randolph seeks revenge on the Rhino that stole his job and his house; he's convinced the foam rubber carpetbagger is the face of evil sent by the devil to destroy him and he will not sleep until Smoochy takes a permanent dirt nap. ... Read more

Reviews (134)

This movie kicks..., critics don't know...
If your open-minded and got a sense of humor (not one of those stupid... romantic comedy or "goonie-google" white sense of humors) this movie will make you laugh so hard that you'll be having a six-pack at the end. God Bless the cynics and the sadistics because if you don't fall some where in between those two categories you won't fully enjoy this masterpiece.

"SMALL BUT FIERCE !!!"-Rainbow Randolph.

Brilliantly, ingeniously twisted...
This film boasts one of Robin William's finest comedic performances, as a scorned ex-kiddie show host hell-bent on revenge, as well as some excellent, hilarious work from the likes of Ed Norton, Danny DeVito, and Jon Stewart. It also boasts amazing directing from Danny DeVito, in this, his most accessible (yet still, thankfully, demented) work yet.

This film is a freewheeling satire of the dumbing-down and commercialization of children's television, and has a ball taking pot shots as such kiddie pop culture travesties as Barney the Dinosaur. The twists and turns that the plot takes are not only completely unpredictable, but hilarious to boot, as our beloved purple...um...rhino, gets involved with everything from the Irish Mafia to the Ice Capades. There a few moments in this film where you will literally need to have your jaw scraped off the floor, and also hold your sides, in pain, from laughing too hard.

Now, not everybody enjoys or "gets" this type of humor. If you are a fan of very dark comedy, I would recommend you pick this film up instantly. If you're not, you just might find yourself not enjoying yourself very much.

The funniest black comedy I've seen in a long time!
Upon learning of Robin William's decision to take on some more darker roles in future movies, I was definitely interested and intrigued by this career move... in watching 'Death to Smoochy' I knew he definitely did NOT make a mistake in being in this film. The film is not only a laugh out loud, almost nonstop laugh fest, but it also does an excellent job at poking fun and showing the darker side of children's television. and there is a great dichotomy in the characters of Rainbow Randolph and Sheldon Mopes (played respectfully by Robin Williams & Edward Norton). both characters represent two complete opposite ends of the spectrum in regards to light and darkness within us. Rainbow Randolph is a corrupt, selfish, greedy, manipulative degenerate person, while Sheldon Mopes is honest, kind, caring, and a sweet person, but even these qualities don't exactly make him perfect either. but regardless of their rivalry and all the other circumstances that threaten to destroy them both...this is one of the coolest and funniest films I've ever seen...

A real sick comedy
I'm not going to go on and on like i usually do because words can not discribe how sick and funny this film is. Seeing that this film comes from the brains of DeVito, your in for a rare treat of real sick demented belly-gut laugh humor.I have a great respect for Ed Norton as an actor. I believe he is one of Hollywoods most gifted and veritile actors to ever come down the pike. In this film you'll see even a different Ed Norton,,,,a real sick Ed Norton. He is GREAT!Can't wait for the DVD!

!this movie was funny as hell!
this movie was the funniest movie ive ever seen i hope they make death to smoochy 2 ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Czech girls gone WILD!
Saw Vera Chytilova's *Daisies* the first time way back in the late Eighties at an art-house, which was featuring a retrospective of the aborted Czech "New Wave" of the mid- to late Sixties. I distinctly remember being blissed-out on the ganj (flaming youth!) while watching the movie, and I remember thinking that my altered state contributed a great deal to my enjoyment of what I was seeing. You may feel the need to reach for the chronic too, after watching the opening credits. (More prosaic individuals may want to reach for a highball or two, at least.) I'm frankly shocked, but obviously pleased, to discover that *Daisies* has made it to DVD. (Thanks, "Facets Video"!) Clocking in at 74 minutes, the movie isn't really all that much, but what it has is sublime: a pair of sexy, giggling young buffoons named Marie and Marie who prostitute themselves to hideous middle-aged men for free meals and booze. They're teases, they're rather dumb, they're childish, they're drunken, they're funny as hell, and they see right through the revolting hypocrisy of the totalitarian socialist state in which they're sadly marooned. The last sequence, where the girls break into some commissar's private banquet hall and proceed to devour and defile everything in it, laid bare the hypocrisy of Czechoslovakian political life so thoroughly that it virtually destroyed Chytilova's career. The astounding psychedelic camera work by Jaroslav Kucera, incidentally, is simply icing on the cake. [Be sure to read the transcripts of the letters concerning *Daisies* on the "features" menu. One is from the Official Cultural Commissar of the Czech Communist Party, which predictably condemns the film as "elitist", unintelligible, and not consistent with the aim of glorifying the Workers and Families of the State. The other letter is from Chytilova herself, written to the Czech President some years later, in an attempt to get her career back on track. Unfortunately, she's obliged to employ some Orwellian doublethink by saying that *Daisies* is REALLY about the potential destructiveness of those who haven't learned to be good little socialists.]

a very important yet rarely seen film
Quite unfortunate that one of the best and most beautiful films of the new wave was banned for most of its life. "Daisies" is a remarkable film. The editing, actors, surrealist film techniques, and humor all help to make this a challenging, yet very rewarding film.
The director Vera Chytilova may have said in interviews that the film isn't feminist, but it's the assumption of many that these comments were spoken in hopes to silence the same critics who had it banned the film. Critics refused its release because they believed viewers identified with the protagonists wasteful and anti-communist attitudes. We do take pleasure in the girls' giddy and childish antics, but I'm sure Chytilova didn't want her film silenced, so she said it was an allegory about the consequences of wastefulness. However, it's really an allegory about women as dolls, scene through a feminist perspective.

A Madcap Ride for Rollercoaster Lovers
Two bored dizzy gals on a colourful, dadaist adventure - I can't think of a film more removed from the social realism of the period. Whether you are into an intentional existential artificiality as sarcasm or just a wild ride, you can have either/or/both with Daisies. I love it.

Banned in the Czech Republic for good reason.
This film was Banned in the Czech Republic during Communism. This fact has apparently led many to believe that the film was banned because it was offensive to Communists, but in my opinion that is not the case. The film was banned because it's crap.

There is no plot to speak of. The film is basically a montage of random scenes roughly based around the two female protagonists. These scenes have no clear beginning or end and are not tied together with anything other than the artistic transitions between the scenes. These transitions are artistic and the only thing of merit in the film, but the disturbing speed of the transitions could make you sick if they were any faster.

If you're looking for good Czech films Daisies is not what you're looking for, try Kolya, Dark Blue World, or the Fireman's Ball and stay away from this...

Amazing!!
I loved, loved this crazy movie. It deals with feminist issues on so many levels all while having a blast. Very colorful very beautiful. Makes you want to go out and raise some hell. I've been looking for it all over and finally found it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

B movie maverick Larry Cohen always enjoyed slipping a littlesocial commentary into his genre pictures, and the satirical sci-fi/horrorcomedy The Stuff is no exception. A mix of Invasion of the BodySnatchers and The Blob, The Stuff is an insidiously addictive, low-calorie dessert sensation that soon wins the hearts and minds ofthe nation, but mostly the minds. You see, to borrow a title from another Cohen classic, it's alive.

Michael Moriarty is an industrial spy with questionable ethics and acertain moral flexibility behind his disarming drawl. "No one is as dumb as I appear to be," he informs his newest client, a snack food CEO who wantsthe secret of The Stuff. Needless to say he becomes the film's hero, asmart-talking everyman battling a compromised FDA and a corporate baddiewho sees dollar signs in every Stuff snarfing zombie he converts. Cohen'ssatirical swipes at consumerism, advertising, and the ethics of corporateprofit come fast and furious, if not exactly focused, and help drive thefilm past his--at times--sloppy direction. Moriarty's energetic performanceis hilarious, and his rag-tag crew includes Andrea Marcovicci as anadvertising wunderkind (who improbably falls in love with Moriarty),Saturday Night Live alum Garrett Morris as "Famous Amos" parody"Chocolate Chip Charlie," and Paul Sorvino as a commie-hating,conspiracy-spewing militia leader.

The DVD features commentary by Larry Cohen along with trailers and detailed biographies. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (30)

The Stuff ... there's never enough!
The stuff is an alien substance of sorts, found bubbling out of the ground in small towns across the United States. It looks like ice-cream, tastes great, but ... once it takes hold of you, it becomes addictive and deadly. But what is its secret ingredient?

Enter Michael Moriarty ('Troll', 'Courage Under Fire'), who is hired as an industrial saboteur by representatives of a food company to discover just what makes the stuff so addictive. As the stuff becomes more readily available, the people selling it are no longer content to merchandise through the smaller outlets. They begin to advertise it nationwide.

David 'Mo' Rutherford (Moriarty) tracks the stuff across the country with the help of Nicole (Andrea Marcovicci) and a young boy, Jason (Scott Bloom), witnessing its effects on the population. During their efforts, they are assisted by Col. Malcolm Grommett Spears (Paul Sorvino) and the wacky cookie entrepreneur, Chocolate Chip Charlie (Garrett Morris, 'Saturday Night Live'). As the film progresses, it becomes impossible to know just who to trust, and resisting the stuff becomes increasingly difficult.

Larry Cohen has become a hero to those whose interests are in cult horror/sci-fi films, having turned out classics like 'A Return to Salem's Lot', 'The Ambulance', and 'Q: The Winged Serpent'. This is his fourth collaboration with Moriarty and it is well worth the money. 'The Stuff' contains comedy, action, science fiction, and horror - a combination of 'The Blob' and 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers', with Cohen's crazy sense of humor thrown in for good measure.

Also stars Brian Bloom, Danny Aiello, and Patrick O'Neal.

Bonus features on this edition include an informative audio commentary with director, Larry Cohen, TV Spots, original theatrical trailer, and widescreen presentation.

Buy it! You'll be addicted.

Excellent sci-fi and marketing satire!!!
This movie works on many levels. It's a sci-fi movie about Stuff that bubbles up from the ground to become the latest food rage. The problem is the more you eat the more it takes control of you. But at a more critical level it attacks the product marketing by executives and ads that will sell us anything as long as they can make a buck. Even stuff that will destroy you.

The DVD has the added value of comments by the director Larry Cohen which include great stories about making the film. Michael Moriarty is great as the quirky industrial spy hired by the ice cream companies to find out the secret formula for the stuff. Garrett Morris plays Chocolate Chip Charlie an obvious takeoff of Famous Amos.

Simply a great movie.

Silly, Gooey Fun!
Larry Cohen did it again with THE STUFF (1985): he concocted another Horror/Social Comedy offering, this time using the theme of food as the point of entry! A biting satire of advertising and consumerism (the best since George A. Romero's 1978 classic DAWN OF THE DEAD), THE STUFF is entertaining, gross and flat-out fun. Starring Michael Moriarty in another of his patented quirky Tab Hunter-Gone-To-Hell performances, this film is not great, but it is quite likable. After his breakout starring role in the great baseball drama BANG THE DRUM SLOWLY (1973), the Method-trained, blond-haired, blue-eyed, 6'4" Moriarty has carved out a niche starring in "B" movies (usually for Larry Cohen), and he's always fun to watch!

Here he plays a Southern-drawlin' FBI agent named David 'Mo' Rutherford---"'cause no matter how much ah get, ah always want mo'" (great line!)---who is hired by the dairy industry to find out mo' about The Stuff. You see, The Stuff was discovered by an oil-well worker who witnessed a strange meteor crash and found a pool bubbling with thick, white goo, decides to taste it, discovers that it tastes sensational, and is quickly able to market it to the general public as---what else?--The Stuff! An instant hit, outselling ice cream by five-to-one, The Stuff unfortunately has some gruesome side-effects that gradually become known to the few who do not partake of it. Let's just say that it has a similar result as those nasty space-plants in INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS (1978). Mo and a ten-year-old boy named Jason (who is the only one in his family not to have eaten The Stuff) begin to get to the bottom of things, aided by a most unlikely pair: A black cookie entrepeneaur nicknamed Chocolate Chip Charlie (the hilarious "SNL" alum Garrett Morris) and a racist militia leader named Col. Malcolm Grommett Spears (an even-more hilarious Paul Sorvino). Add to the mix veteran actors Danny Aiello and Patrick O'Neal, and you have a recipe that calls for you to just sit back and have fun! THE STUFF may not be for everybody (certainly not for anyone under 13), and it's not to everyone's taste (or lack thereof), but if you like "B" films---especially those by schlock-meister Larry Cohen---then give THE STUFF a try. Don't say I didn't warn you!

RECOMMENDED
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR LARRY COHEN FANS

Awesome and Funny
The Stuff, what an awesome and funny film this is. Though there are some funny parts to it, this B-film presents itself with some gore to it. All of the actors did a good job in this low budget film. While this isn't your typical big budget film, I highly recommend it to enjoy.

Ummmm....
I wanted to see this movie so very bad when my friend and I saw the preview of it. The preview made us laugh so hard and it looked like a good ol' B movie. Well, I hate to say it but this movie was a dissapointment in my book. Everything you see that is cool in the preview is the only thing worth watching in the movie. This movie had its funny parts but few and far between. If it is at your local video store and you have a free coupon this is a good movie to rent with a bunch of friends. This is a type of movie that is just so bad that your friends will have fun making fun of it. The movie would have been better if I didn't expect it to be an awesome B movie. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Brilliant and Hilarious Dark Comedy, English Style!
If dark comedy is your forte, do not miss this witty and outrageously funny offering from Hand Made Films! Richard E. Grant portrays Dennis Bagley, a brilliant young advertising executive whose downfall is caused by his latest glamorous account: pimple cream. He desperately needs a clever new ad campaign, but his mind is one big blank. Despite support from his lovely wife (Rachel Ward), Dennis cracks. His unblemished career is about to break out in chaos, just like the annoying pimple that has broken out on the side of his neck. To save his sanity, Dennis quits his job. But his neuroses, like his strange pimple, keep growing. Soon, what ensues is a hilarious chain of events that has the viewer wondering who's really in charge of Dennis' life! This movie is one of many by this-then relatively obscure English film company, that is as well made and it is well cast, as it is outrageously funny! Not to be missed by fans of dark comedy, this film is sure to find it's way into your private library. An excellent comedy, you can enjoy over and over again! Don't miss it!

Brilliant and Darkly Hilarious English Comedy!
If dark comedy is your forte, do not miss this witty and outrageously funny offering from Hand Made Films! Richard E. Grant portrays Dennis Bagley, a brilliant young advertising executive whose downfall is caused by his latest glamorous account: pimple cream. He desperately needs a clever new ad campaign, but his mind is one big blank. Despite support from his lovely wife (Rachel Ward), Dennis cracks. His unblemished career is about to break out in chaos, just like the annoying pimple that has broken out on the side of his neck. To save his sanity, Dennis quits his job. But his neuroses, like his strange pimple, keep growing. Soon, what ensues is a hilarious chain of events that has the viewer wondering who's really in charge of Dennis' life! This movie is one of many by this-then relatively obscure English film company, that is as well made and it is well cast, as