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Set in Victorian England, Robert Hamer's 1949 masterpiece Kind Hearts and Coronets remains the most gracefully mordant of the Ealing comedies. Dennis Price plays Louis D'Ascoyne, the would-be Duke of Chalfont whose mother was spurned by her noble family for marrying an Italian singer for love. Louis resolves to avenge his mother by murdering the relatives ahead of him in line for the dukedom, all of whom are played by Alec Guinness. Guinness's virtuoso performances have been justly celebrated, ranging from a youthful D'Ascoyne with a priggish wife to a brace of doomed uncles and one aunt. Miles Malleson is a splendid doggerel-spouting hangman, while Valerie Hobson and Joan Greenwood take advantage of unusually strong female roles. But the great joy of Kind Hearts and Coronets is the way in which its appallingly black subject matter (considered beyond the pale by many critics at the time) is conveyed in such elegantly ironic turns of phrase by Price's narrator/antihero. Serial murder has never been conducted with such exquisite manners and discreet charm. --David Stubbs ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Clean, Clear, and Funny
This movie introduces no new material to Monty Python's body of work. It selects several key routines from the first two series of Monty Python's Flying Circus and reshoots them. So why bother?

Because this is easier to watch.

This film was shot as part of an abortive attempt to introduce Monty Python to an American audience (which wouldn't actually be accopmlished for another three years). Where the original series suffered from a low budget and spotty production values, this film has high-end production quality, including clean sound, a single variable-angle 35mm camera, and the exclusion of the laugh track that muddied the sound on the TV series. There was obviously money for retakes, allowing the boys to edit out minor line muffs and giving them permission to experiment with their character delivery.

The picture is clear and organic. The sound is clean and audible. The characters are fun and believable. Just what we've always loved about Monty Python, isn't it?

But be warned, except for one or two linking jokes, this is material that you've already seen. Don't expect anything that will take your beloved boys in new directions, and don't think you'll get anything new. Just sit back, hear the jokes you've never heard clearly before, and laugh out loud. That's what they wanted, isn't it?

Funniest comedy ever- beside Holy Grail
This is simply the outright funniest sketch comedy to be had on DVD, or anywhere else. Every skit is as funny or better than the last, and that's saying something for Monty Python to top itself. The Holy Grail (by the Python also) is only better due to the solid story for a complete movie. Some of the humor on Something Completely Different is a bit abstract, such as the "How's the wife?" man in the bar. The dead parrot, the lumberjack song, and the marraige counselor are only the jems in this collage of the obscure; every skit here is a winner. One of the best parts of the 'movie' is how each skit is strung together, usually with the troupe's cheap old animation that makes everyone laugh just as hard as they did at the skits.

And Now for Something Completely Similar to the TV Show
And now for something completely different...if you've never seen the first two seasons of the series.

"And Now..." was put together with the specific purpose of "breaking" Python in the States and never meant for British audiences already familiar with the group. In one of the great ironies of showbiz history, it was a flop Stateside but a hit in England!

The film collects skits from the first two seasons and redoes them with a series of linking devices like the Colonel and Gilliam's animation to form a cohesive form. On some levels, it feels a bit stale compared to the original. While the Pythons have complained about the harsh TV lighting and studio audience, the film with the same skits seems lifeless at times. But the humor still comes through, and I can't knock this film as it was my own intro to the more surreal side of the group.

There's some great familiars such as "Dirty Fork", "Dead Parrot", "The Two Kilimanjaros", "Hell's Grannies" and so on. This film works best for those unaware of Python, but the diehard fan will find this enjoyable as well (though, again, it suffers in comparison to the actual TV series). Share it with your friends and neighbors, force it on them. They'll either laugh or wonder what the f#$k is the big deal.

ABSOLUTELY WRETCHED
Hello. My name is Johan Gambolputty de von Ausfernschplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitz-wemache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shönendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm. I would like to take this time to apologize to my pet penguin Terry-even though it wasn't technically penetration, I still feel bad about it. (He's allergic to television sets). I also wish to revoke my rating of this DVD - I give it 5 stars (it was delightful).
Thank you,
Johan Gambolputty de von Ausfern-schplenden-schlitter-crasscrenbon-fried-digger-dingle-dangle-dongle-dungle-burstein-von-knacker-thrasher-apple-banger-horowitz-ticolensic-grander-knotty-spelltinkle-grandlich-grumblemeyer-spelterwasser-kurstlich-himbleeisen-bahnwagen-gutenabend-bitte-ein-nürnburger-bratwustle-gerspurten-mitz-weimache-luber-hundsfut-gumberaber-shönendanker-kalbsfleisch-mittler-aucher von Hautkopft of Ulm.

And this is just one of the many virtues of not being seen.
This will always be my favorite movie. Monty Python's unique brand of humon really is at it's peak here (i feel it bottomed out with the not-so-funny "the meaning of life"), and it provides the silly realease one needs after a long day. as an added bonus: turn on the movie to any point, even if you havn't seen it, and watch for five minutes for a guarenteed laugh. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

how to exploit monty python fans...
What wankers! Like the Life of Python set, here is another bloated two DVD set, so you will spend twice the cash.

Features the classic Live at the Hollywood Bowl movie, though the transfer seems rather lazy. Well, I guess you are not gonna watch it for the picture quality anyway, but at least they could try. Then, there is the Live at Aspen interview, if you didnt catch it on HBO a couple of years ago. A nice extra, I guess, but hardly a main reason to purchase. Features classic snipets of old Python stuff, that you, since you are already a fan, already have seen.

The second CD has Parrot Sketch Not Included, 20 years of Python, a "greatest hits" from the TV series, made for Showtime 12 years ago. Since you are probably already a fan who may have the TV series DVD, this is pretty pointless filler. Parrot Sketch not Included should have been a stand alone release, for the more casual fan who does not want to purchase all the DVDs. Features unnecessary introduction from Steve Martin, and a short shot of the "troupe" (thereby the rationale of it being a "live" performance) before Graham Chapman died. Then the rest of the DVD is the first Monty Python German Episode. More creative Python silliness. How come the two German episodes were not released on the same DVD? ... other than too try to validate the existance of both Life of Python and Monty Python Live DVD collections.

Monty Python should be ashamed (Can't blame Graham Chapman thou... he is long dead).

monty python live 2-disc set WHERE'S THE PARROT SKETCH?
just one complaint but it's a big one. under the blurb on the hollywood bowl it states clearly that the "incomparable parrot sketch" is one performed along with the lumberjack song and the philosophers song. the only reason i bought the set was for the parrot sketch. CAVEAT EMPTOR---THE PARROT SKETCH IS NOT ON EITHER DISC! there is about a 2 minute clip of the parrot sketch included in the aspen part of disc 1. but that is all. terribly disappointed not to have the parrot sketch! but there is a bit in the aspen discussion group involving GRAHAM CHAPMAN'S ASHES that is worth the price of the 2-disc set. i saw it on tv when it initially aired and laughed probably as hard as i did the first time i heard the parrot sketch. when i saw it these 5 years later i was surprised that i laughed just as hard and as long as i did the first time. you have to see it to believe it.
just be aware of what you are and are not getting. would have given it 5 plus stars if the parrot sketch were included.

And Now For Something Not Completely Live!
A&E has done a great service to Monty Python fans the world over by finally releasing rare, out of print, or otherwise unavailable Python material. Disc # 1 starts with Monty Python Live At The Hollywood Bowl. The group opens with the song "Sit On My Face" wearing long aprons and, when they turn to go off stage, reveal their bare buttocks! This is followed by Graham Chapman, playing Colin 'Bomber' Harris, who wrestles himself to a pinfall. The Crunchy Frog skit concerns the Whizzo Chocolate Company and their choice of chocolate-covered confectionaries, such as anthrax ripple and cockroach cluster. This sketch is highlighted by Terry Gilliam throwing up in his policeman's hat and then being forced to wear the hat! The Custard Pies sketch involves demonstrating the history of physical comedy with pratfalls and pie throwing, with Terry Jones getting the worst of it. Truly, this is Monty Python at their subtle best. The concert ends with a rousing version of the Lumberjack Song. That concert is followed by Monty Python Live At Aspen, hosted by comedian Robert Klein. The group members talk about their early days at the BBC and their transition into movies. For their film work in particular, they receive an American Film Institute Star Award. Since this show was taped in 1998, Graham Chapman sadly had passed away. An urn supposedly containing his ashes represents him and also gets the biggest laughs at the event!

Disc #2 starts with a 1989 retrospective of the group, hosted by Steve Martin. Steve talks about Monty Python for a few minutes, followed by an hour of sketches from their classic TV series. This is very much a hit or miss affair, as some of their weaker skits are included and some of their best sketches are not shown in their entirety. Steve Martin appears at the end of the hour, opens a door to find the Pythoners huddled in a closet, and then promptly shuts the door on them. That retrospective is followed by Monty Python's German Episode #1. Apparently, German TV paid for the Pythoners to perform two episodes of their series in Germany! Naturally, the sketches are in German with English subtitles. It's surreal to hear the Lumberjack Song sung in German! Some of this footage appears in various collections, particularly the Olympic events and the Little Red Riding Hood sketch. It's great to finally see the 45 minute German show in its entirety. For completists, Monty Python's German Episode #2 is included in A&E's "The Life Of Python" boxed set. With 2 DVDs clocking in at 4 1/2 hours, "Monty Python Live!" is an essential addition to every Python fan's collection.

Great comedy but....
It lacks replay value.You watch a few times and then,all of the funny is sucked out the next time.You can watch it about 3 times before you stop laughing.Only half of it is actually live and the live parts aren't even the best.The best part on the entire set is 20 years of Monty Python,which is the greatest of Monty Python's Flying Circus(I really enjoyed "How Not To Be Seen")I was disapointed that only part of the Parrot Sketch is shown,it is shown during Live at Aspen so you know.Alltogether, it is a good compilation for a Pyhon lover,or a comedy lover but,like I said,it lacks replay value.If you like this set, you'll LOVE Search For the Holy Grail because that movie is so funny,you can watch that one over and over and over and laugh.

Even better live!
Monty Python Live must have been such a treat to those lucky people you see at the beginning of the show, anxiously entering the Hollywood Bowl. It is certainly a treat for anyone who watches this DVD at home. The boys revive their classic sketches, from the Lumberjack Song to Sit on My Face to Crunchy Frog, as only they can.

In Disc One of this 2 DVD set, the boys are in perfect form, and the live element to this show makes it even more entertaining. They feed off the audience's reactions, and the audience (and you) find themselves reciting every line along with the cast. It is a really fun time!

The Aspen special also included on the first DVD is a tribute to the Monty Python cast as significant contributors to the world of comedy. Even the late Graham Chapman makes an appearance...in a funny fake urn...and the rest of the guys have a ball reminiscing about old times and old sketches, yukking it up with the host and the audience.

The second DVD includes "20 Years of Python, a compilation special hosted briefly by Steve Martin. It features clips from all of the most famous sketches from the TV series. The second DVD also features a special episode written specially for German/Austrian audiences ("Fliegander Zirkus").

So, if you love Monty Python, if you love comedy, and/or if you're German or Austrian, buy this DVD! You will not regret it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Snapper may be the funniest film ever made about anunexpected pregnancy. In adapting the second novel of his popular Barrytown Trilogy, Irish authorRoddy Doyle brilliantly captures the hilarious dynamics of a working-classfamily, the virulent gossip of their nosy Dublin neighbors, and the mixedemotions of a young woman on the verge of single motherhood. Sharon (TinaKellegher) is the 20-year-old daughter of Dessie (Colm Meaney), and her refusalto name the father of her unborn child turns into an escalating crisis that's astraumatic (especially for Dessie) as it is delightfully amusing. The film wasdirected for British television by Stephen Frears, but its flawless blend ofcomedy and drama made it worthy of a theatrical release, landing it on manycritics' top 10 lists for 1993. Best known as Chief O'Brien on Star Trek:Deep Space Nine, Meaney mines gold from the role of his career, and hisfatherly love turns The Snapper into a heartwarming charmer withuniversal appeal. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Sequel to "The Commitments", "Snapper" falls short...
"The Snapper" is the second part of the Trilogy of a group of impoverished North Dubliners, the first part being the excellent and almost perfect movie, "The Commitments." "The Snapper" falls short of the quality of the first movie in part because the plot line is muddled. Characters portrayed in "The Commitments" reappear in "The Snapper" but are played weakly by different actors. The dilemma of the sister being pregnant out of wedlock is not really funny, nor is it a large enough crisis on which to build a movie. The single exception to the mediocrity is, as ever, Colm Meaney, once again brilliant, funny and poignant as the father of the family. He paces the film with his performance, laced with perfect comic timing and a delivery as good as any you'll see in any movie anywhere. See "The Snapper" for Meaney's performance--he won't disappoint you.

Wickedly funny
Based on the second book in Roddy Doyle's Dublin trilogy, The Snapper is a wickedly funny glimpse into the lives of a working class Irish family. The eldest daughter of a large family becomes pregnant and refuses to name the father. Not your traditional comic premise, but in this case it works beautifully. The characters are fully developed and presented in such a manner that you care deeply about them, and experience their pain as well as their joy. Veteran actor Colm Meaney (Star Trek DS9), who appears in the other two films that make up the trilogy (The Commitments and The Van), masterfully carries the story as the father of the unruly brood. He comes across as a good man who tries to do the right thing and loves his family, but is painfully human at every turn. The rest of the cast is mostly unknown but very believable and capable. I highly recommend this film (and the books, too). It may be the closest you ever get to Dublin without actually crossing the Atlantic.

A realistic view into an Irish home.
No other film has ever captured the zeitgeist of Irish life as well as the snapper. Roddy Doyle was teaching in a North Dublin working class school when he wrote this book. Much of the dialoge that you hear in the film is directly out of the mouths of his students.

What you see in this film is as close as an outsider is ever likely to come to an understanding of working class Irish life. The unmarried daughter giving birth accounts for 1 in four of all children born today in Ireland. This is as real a situation as you can have. The language, the wit, the sarcasm and the lifestyle are all iminently recognised by Irish people as being true to daily life.

The bonus of the Snapper is that you get a bellyaching laugh at the same time. There are few films as funny as this.

Absolutely brilliant!

A real look at an Irish working class family.
I've seen this video several times and it never fails to entertain me and make me feel good. My maiden name was Curley and my Mother was going to name me Sharon but named me Cheryl instead because all the girls in the ward were being named Sharon. Although my Dad was not born in Ireland, he was very "Irish" and had many of the same mannerisms of the father in this movie. The father reminds me of my Dad (although he would not have been as understanding). Irish Dads typically idolize their daughters and defend their honor at any cost. This Irish dad was no different.
The antics of the family are typical of a large Irish working class family as is the love you see for the girl as she goes through the painful process of growing up and entering motherhood. Having visited Ireland (to scatter my Dad's ashes), I found the dialect true and understandable (even the cuss words). The pub scenes were authentic as well. All in all, a great movie, somewhat dramatic in its content but a very feel good ending. Can't really understand why anyone would compare it to the Committments as it is a totally different type of movie. I enjoyed that as well.

absolutely brilliant!
This is one of the funniest films I've ever seen! Tina Kellegher is brilliant as the knocked up daughter, and Colm Meaney's performance is top notch as always. Anyways this film definitely does justice to Roddy Doyle's wonderful book. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

A surprise hit and one of the highest grossing films ever to come out of Great Britain, this effortlessly enchanting romantic comedy finds confirmed bachelor Hugh Grant (Nine Months)attending weddings with his single friends as they all lament not being able to commit. Grant keeps running into an attractive American (Andie MacDowell) at these festivities and begins a long-running affair with her, even as he attends her own wedding, the funeral of one of his best friends, and his own pending nuptials. Featuring a spirited supporting cast including Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient)as the acerbic friend quietly in love with Grant, this touching and funny film with a mischievous sense of humor and some truly heartbreaking moments is destined to become one of the classic romantic comedies of all time. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Very Best Romantic Comedy
"Four Weddings and a Funeral" may not be the greatest movie in the history, but it surely is the best modern romantic comedy I ever saw. The only film that can possibly surpass this delightful one is, perhaps, "When Harry Met Sally ..." Maybe tied.

Hugh Grant has starred in many films since then, but his best role is still Charles of this film, who unwittingly finds his love in Carrie, an open-hearted American played by beautiful Andie MacDowell at his friend's wedding. One miatake is, he foolishly couldn't realize it before he let her go after one-night stand. But as the number of ceremony goes up (including one funeral), he gradually comes to notice that he threw away the best thing in his life. And while he is wondering what to do, friends around him start to search for their real love, including his own brother David, his timid friend Tom, Tom's sister Fiona, and Charles's eccentric roommate Scarlet. But where should Charles go? Going back to his countless ex-girlfriends? Or, Carrie? But she got already married.

To be honest, a little abrupt ending of the film damages an entire movie's strength a bit, but all comedies have to pay the price to end the show within an appointed hour. What is incredibly splendid about "Four Weddings" is that the characters are all so lively and sparkling with witty dialogue that you think they are not acting at all. Actually, on top of Hugh Grant, many actors are still associated with the roles in this film even if they got more populality after this film; Kristin Scott Thomas is later to be nominated Oscar for her turn in "English Patient," but she will be remembered as deliciously aristocratic Fiona. John Hannah made his name popular through the Hollywood blockbuster series of "Mummy," but still he is kind-hearted Matthew to those who have seen him recite W H Auden (most touching moment) in "Four Weddings." This is that kind of film that changes the cast's life. It happens once in your lifetime.

With this great ensemble cast, we have fantastic script by Richard Curtis, filled with funny lines uttered by completely believable characters. He does not fail to take great care of minor characters, and give them equally good moments. Look how Serena, in love with handsome David who is hearing impaired, learns sign. Trying to impress him, she mixes up "nice" with "mice," but, you know, when boys and girls are in love. nothing can stop them from understanding each other. Cute.

Brilliantly written, "Four Weddings" is a superb model of romantic comedy. If you like this type of movie, you surely will fall in love with it; and if you're not, your mind will be changed just like mine (I didn't expected much from it, so I didn't go to theater until the last day). And the film never forgets the sad side of life as the title implies. Sad thing is one of the cast Charlotte Coleman, who played most unconventional bridesmaid Scarlett, has passed away recently. She is terrific.

Insightful and Fun!
This movie features memorable comic vignettes and great insights into relationships, love and fear of commitment. The mumbling Hugh Grant delivers an effortlessly charming performance, he is rapidly becoming the British Cary Grant. Also extremely good supporting cast. Unfortunately Andie MacDowell doesn't add enough life to her important character and makes 'Carrie' almost lifeless and dull, which is the exact opposite of Kristin Scott Thomas performance which is quiet but right on the money. The whole movie is ultimately entertaining, fun and very funny at times. The ending is out of place and doesn't seem as smart as the rest of the film. From a scale of 1-10 I give this film a 7!

Great Movie . . . Ugh! Except for Andie MacDowell!
Yet another smashing British comedy. Yes . . . Yes . . . It would have been perfect if not for Andie MacDowell.

The movie carries on rather wittily (if not cynically) as seven friends: one pair of siblings: Charles and Scarlet; another pair of siblings, decidedly richer: Fiona and Tom; a pair of homosexual lovers: Garreth and Matthew; and a deaf man: David; attend four weddings (one being Charles'own) and a funeral with a particular air of skepticism.

Hugh Grant plays the main character, Charles, who in the first wedding is the best man, the tardy best man. During the reception, Charles falls in love with Andie MacDowell's character, the uncharismatic Carrie. That night the two "make love." The following morning is another wedding at which Tom is the best man (hilarious wedding indeed!) and Charles arrives late again. He finds Carrie's there also to discover that she is engaged to a Scottish "gentle"man, after which the two end up in bed again. Over the course of the movie, and after a considerable period since their last lovemaking session, Charles receives Carrie's wedding invitation and the gift list. She asks him to help her pick out a wedding dress, then accompanies her to coffee where she gives him the lowdown on her thirty-three sex partners. Charles actually attends her Scottish wedding (still in love with her). After which he decides to settle down with a woman who, for lack of a better word, stalked him after they dated. Carrie shows up, confesses her divorce to Scottish bloke, and her love for Charles.

In the end Charles denies his bride at the altar and lives happily ever after with Carrie after she agrees that she will not marry him.

Yes, it' just that empty. Only where Charles and Carrie are concerned, though!

MacDowell is just . . . all wrong for this movie. How Grant's character could still love her after he discovered she was a jaunty harlot (33?!) and engaged escapes me! MacDowell wasn't even a likeable harlot (Kristin Scott Thomas's character, Fiona, said it right: American slut). Her plain country voice just clashed horribly with Grant's charming British one. Nothing she said was funny. She just should not have been here. Another American actress would have been better suited, or a British actress even better.

Having said that, the rest of the movie is fantastic. Most of the humor is laughable, at other times it is clever without being sidesplitting, like most British humor.

James Fleet is wonderful as the bumbling Tom.
Simon Callow is perfectly cast as the flamboyant Gareth whose funeral is the Funeral from the title.
John Hannah has a lot of chemistry as Gareth's Scottish lover, Matthew, the more optimistic of the group.
Kristen Scott Thomas brilliantly plays Fiona, the more critical of the seven because of her secret feelings for Charles.
Charlotte Coleman is Charles' sister, Scarlett: the wild child with scarlet hair.
David Bower is the deaf David who, despite speaking in sign language, adds to the film (whereas Andie MacDowell, who spoke often, contributed nothing).
And of course Hugh Grant is Charles, the convincing bachelor who falls into an unconvincing relationship that flaws the movie.

Highly Recommended!

Overrated Piece of Garbage
I can't believe this movie was a hit, unless I saw a different movie with the same title.

We are given the rare priviledge spending time around a bunch of shallow, annoying, whiney, vacuous people as they attend the titular events. Why we are meant to care what happens to any of them, we are never told.

The only character who is almost halfway likable is a condesending jerk, and its his funeral in the title.

The only reason I went to see this was that Rowan Atkinson is billed as one of its main players. He is only in two scenes, and is even less funny than the rest of the cast ("Oh, he said 'spigot' instead of 'Spirit,' I think my sides are about to burst.") Screenwriter Richard Curtis, who also wrote for "Black Adder," must have blackmailed him.

I think Americans who like this movie, and others like it (the Curtis genre), think that seeing it makes them really sophisticated. The joke is on them, however. Just before dying, the jerk makes fun of some Americans for not knowing Oscar Wilde is dead. The American who is ignorant of things British is one of the most tired cliche's in Brithish "comedy." Many who laught at it, I'm sure, don't recognize a difference between types of Americans. We're all stupid, in their books. The ones who vist Britain as tourists or watch their movies and TV shows are the most visible to them. They like to take our money, as much as they seem to resent us.

Don't get me wrong. There is a lot of British stuff I like. I dream of one day visiting the Sceptre'd Isle. The Curtis genre, however, occasionally mocks Americans while pandering to a certain type of American, while the charcaters, but for their accents alone, are indistinguishable from the most boring types of shallow, middle-class Americans.

And seeing Hugh Grant in this movie caused me to wonder from under which rock he was found. The slime oozing off his body was quite obviously palpable to me. Why nobody else? Is this a hoax? Is everyone just pretending to like this guy for some reson? Even assuming he's good looking and all that, so what? There are lots of pretty boys, and some of them don't engage in marathon sessions of nodding and blinking. I think hundreds of actors could do just as well, if not better than him in most of his movies in I've seen. For a list of the few good movies he's been in, see my "Films with Hugh Grant that are Actually Worth Watching" in Listmania Lists.

After ten years, the bad aftertaste of this movie lingers on.

Not enough funerals
If it's possible for a movie to be any worse, I don't know how. Oh, that's right... LOVE ACTUALLY!

This meandering, pointless hodgepodge of unsympathetic and amoral characters in unbelieveable settings is a complete waste of time and film. And what was the ending about, anyway? Hugh and Andie agree to "not be married" for the rest of their lives? So, like, they're gonna just shack up for life? We all know that works soooooo well... see Hugh's non-marriage to Liz Hurley for details.

One star, but only because I can't give it zero. ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Not The Quiet Man, Thank God
Someone called this movie a romantic comedy for people who don't like romantic comedies, and I think that's pretty accurate. The story of a hapless senator's aide (Garafalo) who is shipped to Ireland to search out Irish relatives (bogus or otherwise) of her dim boss, it is refreshingly funny, cynical and lighthearted. While there are, of course, some of the Irish stereotypes and cliches to be found, they are presented in a very sly, acidic, tongue-in-cheek manner, and some of the digs at tourists are particularly funny. The characters are charming, from the matchmaker(s)to the Kelly brothers who run one of the local hotels/pubs. David O'Hara is a find as a romantic leading man--no pretty boy but very sexy--and Jeananne Garafalo makes a great, offbeat romantic foil for him. The scenery is beautiful (it's Ireland, after all) and the dialogue very funny and, at times, touching. Even Murphy, the dog, is funny (note especially the scene in the home of the crusty and anti-tourist Aran Islander). In sum, this movie has some of the best comedic scenes I've seen and some of the most endearing characters as well. Highly recommended for light viewing.

Refreshingly different romantic comedy
The Matchmaker is a romantic comedy with a twist - it has an orginal premise, funny characters, truly comic moments, and the leads look like real people, which only adds to their appeal.

Janeane Garaofalo, as the U.S. Senator's aide visiting a coastal Irish village during their annual matchmaking fair, is funny and caustic. David O'Hara, as the seemingly n'er do well bartender who turns out to have a bit more going for him, is sexy as all get out, without looking anything like a Hollywood pretty boy.

The two stars have great chemistry and timing with each other, and the supporting cast is excellent. The only false notes are sounded by Dennis Leary, who overacts a bit as the obnoxious Senator's aide, and the character of the Senator himself, who is too much of a caricature. Milo O'Shea brings a poignancy to the key Matchmaker role that could have easily sunk into a stereotype.

This film has some very funny moments, with one of the best being a desperate car ride by O'Hara and his brother, both sporting full leg casts and trying in vain to pilot a stick shift.

All in all, you could do worse than to spend a couple of hours with "The Matchmaker". It left me smiling, as well as wanting to see more of O'Hara in future lead roles.

a sweet little sunday afternoon type of movie
having visited Ireland and flown into Shannon airport like Janeane Garofalo does at the beginning of this movie,it is a favorite.the scenery is beautiful,Janeane is adorable. i absolutely love the scene when she judges the singing contest!this movie is something you can simply enjoy-let it take you away to Ireland,its beautiful there!

Worthy of a Deluxe Turbo Tan!!
Bollix to those of you who don't like this movie! It is filled with quirky off center humor and constantly had me asking, "Did I really just hear that?" As a very pale caucasion myself, I related particularly well to the various jokes about the lack of pigment in the Emerald Isle. Anyone who's ever been set up on a blind date will find the matchmaking humor particularly entertaining as well. The charachters are wild and eccentric, but entirely lovable. This is one of those movies that leaves you feeling warm fuzzys, and is not to be missed. Even if you end up hating it, I recommend that you watch it and decide for yourself.

A Disappointment
This movie has beautiful scenery of Ireland but beyond that I can't recommend it. The acting is weak and the story hard to believe. There is a lot of offensive language that isn't really necessary to the story. The film never held my attention but did make me want to visit such a beautiful country. ... Read more

Description

The smashing misadventures of fashion femme fatales Edina and Patsy remains one of the most popular and talked about comedies in BBC history. The New York Post called it "Utterly original, utterly hilariousone of the best television comedies ever made." Episodes 7-12: "Hospital" - Patsy's upcoming photo spread with Hello Magazine has her thinking face lift. "Death" - Edina's father dies and we confront the eternal question ("Yes, but is it art?"). "Morocco" - The girls travel to Morrocco. "New Best Friend" - Edina's minimalist friends visit with their maximalist new baby."Poor" - Edina learns to economise when her ex-husbands cut her off."Birth" - Patsy nearly burns the house down. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Superb as usual - the best Ab Fab series?
After the incredibly successful run of six Series 1 episodes, Jennifer Saunders' genius creation Absolutely Fabulous was back for a much-hyped second series. The wait was more than a year, but definitely worth it when the Series 2 opener, Hospital, was shown on 27th January 1994. Series 2 is perhaps the best Absolutely Fabulous series of the lot, and portrays the mother/daughter reversal role the best of all the seasons. Jennifer Saunders is brilliant as ever as Edina Monsoon, as are Joanna Lumley and Julia Sawalha as Patsy Stone and Saffy Monsoon respectively. There's an increasing role for June Whitfield as Edina's crazy mother, yet with this good news there's the bad that Jane Horrocks as Bubble (Edina's brain-dead office assistant) isn't is Series 2 as much as Series 3.

Series 2 opens with Hospital. At the beginning of this superb episode, we see Patsy arrive at Edina's house being followed by the press after she's caught up in a sex-scandal. She's all over the papers and her reaction to the suggestion that she's 47 years old is hilarious! She goes mental! Hello! magazine want to do a photoshoot of Patsy, so she has to try and look 35; the result is rather unexpected...walking like a skeleton and eyes that appear to be closed are the highlights. Of course, Edina has to buy tons of new "things" for her living room after hearing Hello! are coming, including an eskimo papoose! Absolutely Fabulous constantly takes the mickey out of the stuck-up and snobby fashion world we live in today. The ditzy Hello! magazine interviewer who doesn't even know what she's doing is another side of the fashion world mickey-take by Jennifer Saunders - this being that most people who work in fashion have nothing to do. Death is the next episode, and probably the most disturbing one of all the series. Edina's mother tells her that her father is dead, and she just doesn't care! "What, did she finish him off?!" she says to her daughter Saffy about her mother. Edina takes a trip to an art store to buy some "things," saying that ...to the shop assistant. The episode is very funny, but a bit disturbing. In the episode Morocco, Edina and Patsy take a trip to Marrakech to get away from it all. A good episode, but not a highlight.

New Best Friend is another excellent episode in which Edina's old friends come to stay at her house. The last time she met up with them, they were incredibly minimalist - white rooms, white clothes, etc. Edina wants to makes her house look as tidy as possible for when her two old friends arrive, but Patsy's jealous and she falls out with Edina. Trying to act as if they have friends other than each other when they find themselves in a restaurant alone are the highlights. But now Edina's friends have a baby! Their lives have totally changed, and the mother is hilarious in the situation-type comedy scenes where everything that can go wrong do, especially when she hears her husband with Edina...you know, doing stuff on the baby monitor! Absolutely hilarious. Poor is a favourite episode for many fans of the show. Edina's ex-husband has threatened to stop his money income to support the family and she's furious. She has to cancel food orders from Harrods and is forced to go to a supermarket! She has no idea what one is, so you can expect the mayhem and chaos she and Patsy will cause when they have to drive themselves there! They get out of their car and hurl abuse at a driver who dares to hoot their horn at them, expect assistance at the supermarket, park their car on the pavement outside Harvey Nichols, and are forced to visit "The Car-Clamp Club" to try and get the damn thing off their wheel! The ending results with Edina and Patsy in court, facing charges of driving without a licence, driving without insurance, not wearing a seatbelt, having no tax-disc displayed, driving over the legal speed limit, driving under the influence of alcohol, allowing another person to drive your vehicle under the influence of alcohol, in the region of £5,000 of parking fees owing, £6,000 of damage to property, charges of assault and abuse, and shoplifting while the charges of attempted murder and robbery are dropped! Birth is probably the best episode of Series 2 - and a superb series finale! Saffy has a man coming round to her house, but she doesn't want Edina and Patsy to know. When the three are locked in the living room by Edina's insane mother, they are forced to put up with each other. In these desperate situations, Patsy's worse nightmare is confronted - she'd rather die than be locked in a room with Saffy. Edina and Patsy try to help Saffy with her "first sexual experience" with a Cosmo Sex Quiz - hilarity ensures. Edina tells Saffy about her birth and how beautiful it was. The news pleases Saffy, but of course it's a pack of lies. Patsy (telling that the first few years of her life, she was locked in a room!) and Edina's flashback to their births are also superb.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

I can't stress enough how superb Absolutely Fabulous is. This truly is the greatest British comedy ever. A lot of people love it, but some people think it's gross - because of its drugs, sex and drink references. But this is what real life is like - people live their lives like this and to ignore it would be ignorant. The DVD extras are not exactly amazing, but the "15 Minutes Of Out-Takes" is superb. Jennifer Saunders is a genius, and the acting in Ab Fab is amongst some if the best I have ever seen. Buy Series 2 of Absolutely Fabulous now - you won't regret it!

The Brits know comedy
After seeing several commercials for AbFab being broadcast on Comedy Central, I gave in to my curiosity and watched it. The result was that I found one of my favorite comedies of all time! AbFab is truly original, fresh, and just downright funny. Edina and Patsy aren't ready to give up their lives of binge drinking, wild parties, and uninhibited sex. This series follows their lives one crazy event after another and is unlike any other show on TV today.

Well *someone* needed some money
OK, I DID like the ep where Patsy, Eddie, Saffy and Bubble go to Paris. But the rest of it just did not ring my chimes like the first three seasons did.

The bloopers, bio and extra material was fun and, of course, the best part about having it on DVD is that I don't have to pay cable fees, watch adverts, or rewind after viewing.

Cheers, thanks a lot.

GET READY FOR A SECOND HELPING, DARLINGS!
Get ready darlings, because ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS continues in its second series on DVD, with all six remastered episodes along with a fair few extras.

HOSPITAL - Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley) has got a week to look 35 for a Hello! Magazine photo shoot - cue a trip to the hospital for a face peel and eye rejuvenation.

DEATH - Edina Monsoon's (Jennifer Saunders) father is dead. But is it art?

MOROCC0 - Edina and Patsy jet off to Morocco for cheap drugs and underage sex, but with Saffy (Julia Sawalha) in tow, its going to be tough.

NEW BEST FRIEND - Lacroix and baby-spew don't mix, and Edina finds this out when old friends Bettina (Miranda Richardson) and Max (Patrick Barlow) decide to visit along with their new baby.

POOR - Harrods has stopped delivering! Call the stress guru! Edina is going to be poor, her two ex-husbands have cut her off, and Patsy is fuming. What the hell is a supermarket?!?

BIRTH - Saffy's is in love; her top button is undone and something in a blue kagool is hovering at the front door. Edina is armed with her Cosmo Sex Quiz for some long-overdue mother/daughter bonding.

With Jane Horrocks (Bubble), June Whitfield (Mother), Helen Lederer (Katriona), Kathy Burke (Magda), Meera Syal (Hari), Jo Brand (Treasure), Adrian Edmondson (Hamish) and Eleanor Bron (Patsy's Mother).

Ab Fab!!
There's no inbetween with this show. You either love it or hate it. Obviously I love it. At first, I didn't think my American friends would appreciate this dry humour but after viewing this DVD with them, I was proven wrong. This show is about two 'ladies' who don't want to grow up. It's a hysterical comedy show about two middle aged women still living in their pasts of drugs, sex and outrageous clothes. You have to have a strange sense of humour to enjoy this show which is probably why the British love it so much! (From a British person by the way). ... Read more

Reviews (38)

An Entertaining Musical Sci-fi Comedy!
"Earth Girls Are Easy" is a musical sci-fi comedy about valley-girl Valerie (played by Geena Davis) living in 1980's Los Angeles, and who is engaged to a cheating, boyfriend doctor named Ted (played by Charles Rocket). Catching her boyfriend at home playing with a nurse, the disgruntled Valerie gets the surprise of her life when a spaceship crash lands in her swimming pool. The spaceship's crew (played by Jeff Goldblum, Jim Carrey and Damon Wayans), haven't had any "shore leave" in a long time. Not wanting to cause too much of a stir, Valerie takes the alien trio to her best friend Candy (played by Julie Brown) who owns a beauty salon. After Candy transforms the furry trio into believable human males, Valerie finds their captain, Mac (Jeff Goldblum), very attractive. Wild things happen when the alien trio are taken to a dance club and letting them drive in California traffic!

The fact that this film is also a musical only adds to the humor as there are several original songs by Julie Brown!

If you enjoy remembering the excesses of the 1980's and New Wave music, you will probably enjoy this film!

The Greatest Cinematic Acheivement Of All Time...
Alright, maybe not. But I can't think of a movie I love more. The parody of all things 80's is hilarious to those of us who suffered through them, though at times it's a tad heavy-handed (I mean, the exotic fish named Mercedes, Beamer, Aston & Martin is a bit...well, heavy-handed). But Geena Davis is cute and funny as a sweet, airheaded manicurist. Julie Brown is hilarious. Julie Brown is ALWAYS hilarious. Jeff Goldblum doesn't say much and is very, very sexy as a shaved alien. Of course, everyone knows that Jim Carrey & Damon Wayans were in this before In Living Color made them into stars. Both are very, very funny. Jeff Goldblum is much more a straight man, but this movie left me with a crush on him that I still have.

This movie is a great send-up of all things 80's, especially the SoCal sex comedies and beach flicks. Someone said that they thought this movie was supposed to bring back musicals. I don't think so. It's too quirky and too strange (I mean, the salon Geena Davis & Julie Brown work at is called "Curl Up and Dye" for gods sake). I don't think it was made to be a blockbuster. It is, however, a really good time. Julien Temple is marvelous with film visuals, and the silly, sexy humor is lots of fun. Get this movie. It's a treat not to be missed.

Could be an episode of "Before They Were Stars"
It was all about flash and glitz during the 80s, which makes me wonder why there simply weren't more musicals. Well, at least there was this one. Earth Girls Are Easy is a silly, kitschy romp with songs that are as fun as the goofy storyline.

Valerie (Geena Davis) is a manicurist at a styling salon in "The Valley" called Curl Up & Dye. She's engaged to a philandering doctor (Charles Rocket), and looks forward to the day that she'll be a bride. Life is confusing, but headed in the right direction, Valerie thinks. Until the fateful day when an alien spaceship crash-lands in her swimming pool.

The brains behind Earth Girls Are Easy is Julie Brown, who takes part of the credit for writing the script and the songs, who sang several of the songs, and who also co-stars as Valerie's best friend, Candy. Before this movie, really the only thing Brown had been known for was serving as a vee-jay on MTV. Likewise, two of the aliens who at the time were unknowns would later become comedic powerhouses, Jim Carrey and Damon Wayons. Rounding out the trio of aliens was Jeff Goldblum, who was Geena Davis' real-life boyfriend at the time and who, not surprisingly, plays her character's love interest in this film.

Mostly the movie is a series of setups for each of the songs, as well as some great comedy skits. Keep your eyes peeled during the "Cause I'm A Blond" sequence for uncredited dancer Robia LaMorte, who would later become well known to fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as computer science teacher Jenny Calendar - she becomes de-throned as "this month's Miss August" by Julie Brown when she's exposed as really being a brunette.

There's also a great turn here by Michael McKean as over-the-hill surfer Woody.

If you enjoy a good, goofy musical-comedy, you don't want to miss Earth Girls Are Easy.

Terrible Movie
This movie was extremely poor lacking in taste, acting quality and humor.

Snap shot: 1989ish
For better or worse, this film really represents an era, particularly in So Cal. This film is superficial but bright and smart... and has VERY bright colors -- like a 90 minute Starburst commercial. The entire look, in every nook and cranny, is eighties glitzy-junk new wave excess taken to the extreme. And then grunge (Seattle, Nirvana, Clinton:-) put an end to it all, sort of. But while it lasted, the end of the eighties ($ boomtime for So Cal) is shown here in all its glory: Yuppiedom, lots of gadgets, almost disposable clothes, accesories to the max, disposable pop-culture references, and big-haired beautiful women. Julie Brown epitomizes all of the above with a postmodern wink. She is the heart here... while Geena Davis is the straight person, properly vacant, wandering through this neon world. As so many reviewers wrote, the Julie Brown musical numbers are real standouts. And Geena's "Ground That You Walk On" is great too. Highly recommended time capsule. (Compare this film to 1980ish "Xanadu," where lots of this glitz was in its infancy, more serious and innocent). ... Read more

Reviews (216)

Unexpectedly wonderful
Ok I admit I was forced to watch this the first time but I was floored by how good it is! It's rare to find a movie with so many unexpected plot twists and all aspects are top notch. It really is a new classic as mentioned in other reviews. I watched it 20 nights in a row before tiring of it =)

About a What?
First of all Hugh Grant? Why?
This is a film that makes absolutely no sense and has abosolutely nothing of value in it. It quite frankly put me to sleep faster than Moulon Rouge, and that didn't take long. This is what seems to be a british attempt at comedy which failed miserably. I can't handle Hugh Grant any more than I can handle watching someone vomit. And for someone to pay him to actually put him on the big screen is absoulutly absurd to me. If you seriously want to walk away from a movie being less intelligent than when it started, then watch this moive.

An Amazing Movie
About three people recommended this movie to me when it came out, but I only just saw it, and it's one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The movie is told from two boys' point of view; first, there's Will, a lazy, self-centered 38-year-old man who "does nothing" except live off the revenue from a hit Christmas song his father wrote. Then there's Marcus, an unusual 12-year old boy who's the outcast at school and who's only family is his depressed mother.

When Will decides that single mothers are the perfect people to date, he goes to a SPAT (Single Parents Alone Together) meeting and pretends to have a 2-year-old son. This results in a date with one of the single moms from the group, but after their first date - where they're babysitting Marcus - they find Marcus's mom attempting to commit suicide. Although she lives, it scares Marcus to think that she might try to kill herself again. Marcus decides that two isn't enough (you need backup), and tries to set up his mom and Will. This doesn't work at all, but Marcus ends up coming over to Will's house every day after school. His mom isn't happy when she finds out, but can see that Will is important to Marcus, so their unusual relationship continues to grow.

Then after Christmas (which Will unwillingly spends at Marcus's) both boys develope crushes. Marcus falls for the bad girl at school, Ellie, with her dreds and nose ring, and although they are complete opposites, she excepts him as a friend so the rest of the school does as well. Then Will meets an interesting woman, Rachel, at a New Year's Eve party, and is forced to admit that he's "taking time off from taking time off." The only thing he can think to do to keep from loosing Rachel is pretend that he has a son again, only this time Marcus is forced to play the part. Other than Rachel's son Ali being a little troubled about his mom dating, everything seems to be going well, although Will realizes that the whole lieing thing isn't exactly good idea, but he doesn't want to give up Rachel.

Meanwhile, Marcus's mom seems to be losing it again, and he's desparate to find a way to make her happy. Although he's warned by Ellie that "it's suicide" and he'll be teased by everyone again, Marcus signs up to sing in a show at school, because his mom told him that her heart was filled with joy when he sang. Of course I'm not going to tell you what happens, but I will say that this there's a great ending (it's actually my favorite part). I would recommend About a Boy to anyone who can appreciate a movie right on the edge between seriousness and humor.

Not bad at all.
You've got to have a regular job to melt into your society, otherwise you'd only become an romote and isolated island. The guy in this movie lived a peaceful life, a kind and gentle man, but still a loner and loser in other standards. This a man who could afford a not-so-bad living by not doing a job is actually everybody's day dream. I just wish I could be that kind of guy.

I love this movie!
This is such a great film. This movie is to Hugh Grant what 'Jerry Maguire' is to Tom Cruise (assuming you thought Jerry Maguire was a groundbreaking role for Tom Cruise) The screenplay stays so true to the book, while still managing to update it to keep it current. For example, in the book Will introduces Marcus to Nirvana but in the movie, he gives him a Mystikal CD. I hate it when I read a great book only to see the film version not do it justice, but this film stays true to the book while still being funny and original. You'll laugh, you'll cry...see it!

The DVD has several extras that make it worth the price. It has director commentary, behinds the scenes special, and an 'English-to-English' dictionary. You can also see videos from the soundtrack done by Badly Drawn Boy. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Sirens Can Come Calling to Anyone
I viewed this movie the first time in the theatre and loved it completely. Any woman, or man for that matter, who grew up in a sort of repressed world can understand the obvious fasination that this couple might experience when they come to Australia and become guests of this notorious artist and his family.

From the first momentous scene, when the couple encounters the Rasputinesque man with the missing limb, the film hints at the terrifying prospects of life beneath the lush beauty of earth's surroundings. Beware, behind all beauty lies death---but ah! the pleasure in living!!!!The elegant subtlety of Sirens lies within its ability to unmask and shyly peek at the longing we have of freely given love and the fasination of discovering the beauty of our genders. Even as the threat of death and decay peers through the trees, we crave the acknowledgement of our sensual needs and fears; we, sometimes cautiously, bend to the impossible curiousity that nags us in viewing our sexual opposites, and yes, in acknowledging our own sex.

My only critism of the VHS/DVD, is that one misses the humor and in large the major comment of what the movie seeks to share. The newspaper articles originally shown on the large screen, are unreadable on the small screen. The VHS/DVD viewers suffer from this loss because the impact of the film in the juxtaposition of these humorous and tragic observations shown through the medium of local news. They whisper to us of the uncertainty of ife, the quickness of death, the need to seize upon the gift of love and life.

The visual impact of the film is sensual and lovely; the actors are equally so. For once, Hugh Grant's bumbling bumbles aren't so irritating and the elegant Tara Fitzgerald lures you gently into her search of discovery for the sacred place where love and lust can happily survive. The cast is outstanding.

If they release a better version of the DVD in the future, I hope that the viewing of the headlines can be remedied. It makes all the difference in the perception of the film.

A little deeper into Sirens > a different interpretation
Spoiler alert: You might not want to read the following if you haven't seen the movie yet.

Most of the reviews of Sirens at Amazon focus on Elle, the nudity in the movie, and themes surrounding the Church's stance against freedom of expression. A few reviewers have touched intelligently on some of the biblical, Atlantean, and Homeric symbolism that suffuses the movie.

Only one reviewer, who happened not to like the film, touched on what I consider to be one of the most telling elements of the story: that Tara Fitzgerald's character Estella cheats on her husband, Hugh Grant. The reviewer thinks this is a problem, and it is, because Estella is a clergyman's wife. This should require some explaining, as Estella changes a great deal in a short amount of time during the film.

The cover of the movie shows Hugh Grant and Elle McPherson in poses suggesting a light-hearted romantic comedy. The movie is actually completely about Tara Fitzgerald's character's journey. What are the clues? The movie starts with Estella both flirting with and rebuffing a sailor on an ocean liner. Hugh Grant is not in the scene at all.

The movie follows Estella much more closely than any of the other characters and at key moments we even see hallucinations as Estella sees them: when she imagines herself naked in church and most importantly, when she "dreams" that the sirens are baptizing her (with water that turns to blood, no less, at which point she "wants to wake up") toward the end of the movie. The offensive painting for which Estella and her husband travel to Sam Neill's house shows a woman crucified in Christ's place, signalling that the female lead, not the male, is the protagonist.

But is the movie about Estella's sexual awakening? Not really.

It is not until after she awakens from the dream described above that the viewer learns the ship on which Estella sailed was the Titanic (look above her head when she and Hugh Grant are on the train leaving Australia--it is the same ship shown throughout the film). What could this mean? Estella is drowning in the wreck of the Titanic. As she is dying she experiences the events in the movie, a mix of Ulysses' sailors drawn to their watery graves by the beautiful sirens, a magical trip to the island of Atlantis (Australia), and religious rumblings of the moral tension between fidelity and self-expression. The "mission" to convince Sam Neill not to exhibit his blasphemous painting represents Estella's fight to stay alive. When she and her husband accept that they will not change Sam Neill's resolve (including the fact that he has painted Estella), Estella is giving up her grip on life. Look at the expression of relief and release on her face in the movie's very last scene before fading to the sirens on the rocks.

With a seemingly slapped on ending in which Estella and husband leave some of their sexual repression behind them, voila: you have a movie that viewers enjoy but is quite a bit deeper, as well.

Check it out, it's beautiful and brilliant!

Sirens
I am not overly fond of arty movies like Sirens so I admit a bit of bias that probably colors my reaction to it. The real theme of the movie, unless I completely missed the point, is the spiritual damage, if not emotional damage, that sexual repression exerts on the individual (and society, if one takes the logic a step further).

Set in the 1930's, a catholic priest is sent to compel a famous artist from displaying an erotic painting that mixes religious with erotic themes that the church finds offensive. This repressed priest and his wife find themselves in the midst of an almost bacchanalian atmosphere, as the artist's models cavort around in a carefree, playful, sexually liberated manner. The real focus the movie really becomes the priest's wife, who starts to find herself drawn into experiences around her and frees herself of her own repressions.

The drawback to the movie is it's just not that entertaining and has no real plot. I enjoyed the imagery and the acting was top notch. But on the whole, I found it somewhat boring.

a work of art
Although I'd love to bore the readers with my thoughtful analysis of this incredible film, I will restrain myself, because the previous reviews (especially those concerning mythologies) are quite thorough and nicely stated.

What I *would* like to point out are the easter eggs throughout the film. Any art buff will have a wonderful experience as classic works of art are recreated "live" during the movie. The movie is worth watching just to see how many you can catch.

But the deeper plot of the movie is art in itself. I highly recommend.

Never Tire of Watching
"Sirens" was about a woman, a preacher's wife, who appears to be intimidated by the sexual frankness of an artist and the models. But she is sexually sealed in the presence of her husband and the people she is staying with. The artist is proud of his work despite what others think.
Tara Fitzgerald is splendid in her performance as a timid preacher's wife. She immerses herself in the roles that she has portrayed relating to what the individual is feeling. The expression shows. She stood out mostly in the movie. ... Read more

Description

Peter O'Toole gives a tour-de-force performance as Jack, a man "cured" of believing he's God-only to become Jack the Ripper incarnate. Based on Peter Barnes' irreverent play, this darkly comic indictment of Britain's class system peers behind the closed doors of English aristocracy. Insanity, sadistic sarcasm, and black comedy-with just a touch of the Hollywood musical-are all featured in this beloved cult classic directed by Peter Medak. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A unique and hilarious black comedy
The Ruling Class remains a unique film in many ways. Totally iconoclastic, brilliantly concieved and executed, original in style and tone from start to finish, it is both hilarious and touching in its story of the 14th Earl of Gurney (played by Peter O'Toole) who believes himself to be Jesus Christ. The picture painted of the British upper classes is mercilessly biased but the comedy that is mined from their shallowness and greed is as funny as when the film was made. O'Toole's performance is delightful. He gets to do a little bit of everything in this film, including sing and dance. The cast of supporting players is brilliant, especially Alister Sim as a tongue tied Bishop trying to perform a wedding between 'Christ' and the bride picked for him by his family so they can control his fortune. Other standouts include such characters as 'The Master in Lunacy', who decides that the Earl is sane because he has the right school pretensions. The pivotal twist of the plot comes in the 'healing' sequence when the Earl is transformed from 'Christ' into 'Jack'. Unfortunately, the Jack in question is Jack the Ripper. This new persona seems so much more sane, but violently less so.

This is a strange concoction but never fails to amuse. Everything about it continues to be fresh because nothing about it has ever been copied. It is a one of a kind film that deserves a place in any serious video collection of great, original movies.

o'tooles tour de force
the main flaw of this film is that it overstays its welcome. that said, o'toole delivers one of his most powerful over the top performances.
this is a true cult classic and, thanks to criterion, it has gotten the remastering it deserves.
not for the closed minded to be certian, but a challenging and rewarding comedy that delivers and jolts.

A Fantastic DVD of a Fantastic Film
I will eschew the plot summary which ye will find in other reviews above . . . as well as a few spoilers!

This is one of my favorite films that examines a number of issues, particularly what is "acceptable" in a religion. It is extremely well-cast, with Peter O'Toole turing in one of his best performances. It is a pleasure to watch Alister Sim--the best Scrooge ever--as a befuddled Anglican bishop. Fans of the Blackadder will enjoy seeing "Nursey" as a village busy-body who wishes to bring back flogging.

The DVD is a wonderful treatment. The US release--and subsequent videos--lacked some scenes lost for length. This is a film that is based on a play, and every character had a soliloquy--until someone cut them! Here, finally is the complete film. Visually, it is beautiful.

A big suprise is the "goodies." The running commentary includes the director, Peter Medak, the playwright/screen writer Peter Barnes, and even Peter O'Toole. It is an excellent addition to the movie rather than voices blathering about themselves.

The insert also has a nice essay from a British film professor.

Fans of the film need this DVD.

A review above complained it was not "funny." How one cannot laugh at Harry Andrews in a tutu, military garb, hanging himself in order to [CENSORED--Ed.] I do not know?! However, it is NOT a comedy. It is a play that has social satire, some comedy, a fair amount of farce and darkness and tragedy.

The only warning that I give is the DVD back-notes reveals some spoilers! If you have NOT seen the film or stumbl'd upon them in some reviews above, make sure you do not read the back!

the brother of Sherlock Holmes!, you illeterate oaf!
wow, this is quite honestly the weirdest(not to be confused with strange, that is reserve for clockwork orange) movie i have ever seen, and ive seen some weird ones, but nevertheless, very very funny but make sure you dont have some apahty for dark british humor, imean honeslty its a fanstatic film and hsa some great songs(everybody do the varsity slag!) its very very pricey though, so keep in mind to have an open mind nad very liking to british humor, i am very proud it is in my collection though, deffinatly worth price

Decent, and very British
I wasn't sure what to expect of this movie. The concept is brilliant: an aristocrat who believes himself to be Jesus, and is "cured" of this mania only to become Jack the Ripper--with musical numbers interspersed throughout. Genius idea. The movie is ripe for a modern re-make.

Unfortunately, a lot of the British-isms and dated style of humor can make the movie seem awfully corny in places. And I agree with the reviewer who mentioned a dragging pace at many points. The musical numbers aren't quite as funny as they could/should be, I thought. The funniest moment for me was when we see Peter O'Toole as Jesus for the first time, absurdly made up, commanding the people on his estate to bow down before him while he delivers a pompous monologue to the Heavens. And there are a few classic, great lines here and there. (Society Lady: "When did you first realize you were God?" Jack/Jesus: "When I realized that every time I was praying I was really talking to myself.")

The movie seems dated, I have to admit. In all, I have mixed feelings about it. I found myself wishing the whole ariistocrat-as-Jesus angle could have been played up more. The movie is definitely worth seeing, but don't let all the ecstatic, glowing reviews by the hardcore cult fans prepare you for some unbelievably, otherworldishly hilarious comedy. It's best to go into it with low expectations and be pleasantly surprised by what does work.

Like I said, a re-make of this in the right directors' hands would be marvelous. The concept is brilliant. The execution could have been better. That said, rent it before you buy it and see if it's for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Unquestionably one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, Roman Polanski(Chinatown, Rosemary's Baby, The Pianist) turns histalents to the realm of sexual perversity and its emotional toll. While ona Mediterranean cruise, Nigel and Fiona (Hugh Grant and Kristin ScottThomas) find a young French woman named Mimi (Emmanuelle Seigner) cryingin a bathroom. Mimi's paraplegic American husband Oscar (Peter Coyote)forces Nigel to listen to how Oscar and Mimi fell in love--as well as howthey discovered kinky erotic games and finally arrived at a curdled,mutual sadism. Bitter Moon veers erratically from salaciouserotica to black comedy to clumsy psychodrama, but individual scenes havea definite punch. Coyote chews the scenery with glee, Seigner (Polanski'swife, adding a hint of lurid autobiography) flounders moodily, and Grantseems miscast, but Scott Thomas gives the movie some actual dignity.--Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Fascinating Erotic Story
Roman Polanski has never been accused of being a timid filmmaker. Over the years, his many movies have been distinguished by their potent subject matter and sure-handed direction. They are certainly not for everyone's taste, but those who like Polanski films tend to like them very much indeed. Bitter Moon is no different. It is one of the most frank and deliciously outrageous films I have seen in a long time.

The story begins with a very staid and proper British couple on an ocean voyage. Nigel and Fiona (Hugh Grant and Kristen Scott-Thomas) are hoping to rekindle the faint spark of romance that is left in their marriage. What they get instead is something much more than they bargained for.

Almost immediately, they meet Mimi (Emmanuelle Seigner), a seductive French femme fatale, and her crippled husband Oscar (Peter Coyote), a failed American writer. Oscar knows that Nigel desires Mimi and he is willing to accommodate him, but first Nigel must listen to the sordid story of their life together.

I don't want to give away too many of the details, for the shock of hearing their tale is the best part of the film. It is, at various turns, erotic, outrageous, outlandish, hilarious, titillating and unbelievable. What it is certainly not is boring. As we peek in on their bizarre sex life, first stimulated, then horrified, we are never quite sure what is true and what is fantasy. Against his better judgment, Nigel finds himself drawn into their twisted, little world and the results do not disappoint.

It seems that it always takes a European director to make a film such as this one. Americans are far too timid about sexuality to deal with it in an frank and adult manner. You can count on Polanski or Paul Verhoeven or Bertrand Blier to make a film like "Bitter Moon." But what about Spielberg or Scorsese or Coppola? Never. When it comes to films involving violence, American directors can be as bold and explicit as one could ever desire. In stories involving eroticism and sensuality, however, they are sadly lacking.

Due to some regrettable incidents in Polanski's past, his films seldom get the respect they deserve in this country. That is unfortunate because his work is generally superb. His 1988 thriller "Frantic," starring Harrison Ford, remains one of the best, most unappreciated films of recent years. "Bitter Moon" was first released in Europe in 1992, but it took two years for it to finally be shown in America. Anyone who ignores this one, though, will be missing a damn fine film.

Whoa!!
This is probably one of the most depraved movies I have ever seen. It's a Roman Polanski film. (I usually have high regard for his films, so it's no surprise to me that I "enjoyed" this one.) Nigel (played by Hugh Grant) is on a cruise ship with his wife. He meets a strange couple, the crippled husband and his lovely young French wife, Mimi. The story he tells is one of extreme sexual passion and the consequences of a greedy sex life. (A strange sex life, at that!) There are two extremes to this relationship. This movie had my gut tied up in knots the entire time I was watching it. I was still having flashbacks from the film the next morning! I really can't recall having a movie effect me in such a manner. This movie is NOT recommended for the more "reserved" people.

Accccaaip güzel bi film
Yaw yýllar önce tv de seyretmiþtim, bi daha da yayýnlamadýlar. Çok þaane bi film harbiden. Þimdi de DVD olarak alacam. Ama Türkçe altyazýlý veya dublajlý olarak bulamadým.

Less than 3 stars?!! Madness....
I was compelled to write this review based on the handfull of negative reviews (like the one below).

I think this movie is an absolute gem. First off, taking a step back, this movie isn't about two good people that meet and fall in love. I believe this movie is about what happens when two very base, very bored, and largely devoid of virtue collide. It's about the danger in irrational immoral entanglement (again, this is just my opinion). You see, the sex scenes (some of them anyway) are meant to be laughable. These two hit bottom together and reach (what Peter Coyote, the male partner calls) "sexual bankruptcy"....right in front of your eyes, they get slaughtered by their own insane urges! Brilliant, strange, interesting, depressing, important (especially if you're prone to confuse urges with love).

Peter Coyote gives an amazing performance, Polanski offered up his own wife (Emmanuelle Seigner) as the temptress (c'mon, you've got to give him at least one star for having enough love for this film to direct his own wife through sex scenes).

If you haven't seen Bitter Moon, don't miss this film. I think it raises important questions and warnings about certain popular behavior (or at least tendencies) in relationships. All the while being entertaining, and at times utterly shocking.

Hope this was helpful.

Atrocious
I admire director/actor Roman Polanski very much; not only because he can be a consumate filmaker and has made some of the more interesting films of the late 20th. Century, but also because he has managed to surive the loss of his family to the Nazi gas chambers, the loss of his pregnant wife to the Manson lunatics as well as many other problems.

"Bitter Moon", in my opinion, has no redemming features whatsoever. If I didn't know that Polanski was involved I never would have believed it. The script is trite, corny and shallow. The acting performances, without exception, are utterly pedestrian and completely unbelievable.

In case anyone believes that my distaste for "bitter Moon" stems from its sexual or violent content let me assure you that is certainly not the case. I did, however, find the sexual content to be absolutely laughable. I am a great fan of intricate and thoughtful movies; some of my favourite directors are Atom Egoyan, Krystof Kiewslowski, David Lynch, Martin Scorsese, Stanley Kubrick, David Cronenberg, Akira Kurosawa and, indeed, Roman Polanski.

However intricate, deep, simple or spectacular a film may be, it must be engaging. In my opinion, "Bitter Moon" is a laborious and boring film. I wouldn't be surprised if Polanski wishes he had never made it. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

"Don't worry...He knows you're an idiot!"
HE in this case is NAPOLEON of CRIME,Professor James Moriarty. YOU is "the world's most famous consulting detective",SHERLOCK HOLMES. Speaking is Ben Kingsley essaying the role of CRIME DOCTOR,John Watson.The case is WITHOUT A CLUE. Directed by Thom Eberhardt,WAC is a deft, wacky satire on Conan-Doyle's genius master detective positing what if Dr. Watson was THE MAN;and Sherlock Holmes was master of CLUTZ. Parody works because humor is arch but neither ham-handed nor condescending. Michael Caine (usually epitome of cockney cool from Super spy Harry Palmer, to Super thug Jack Carter)is Clouseau Goofy without overshadowing Kingsley who plays a genuine hero sleuth against England's most nefarious MASTER CRIMINAL. This is a very funny movie with excellent production values and superb(Victorian)ambience. And there is genuine mystery to solve. THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN is sure to revive interest in THE PROFESSOR if not Sherlock. WITHOUT A CLUE may or may not(like Spielberg's YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES)help much with its satirizing of the first League of Extraordinary Crime Fighters. But Doctor Watson's cloning of a Sherlock of extraordinary ineptitude and rank(though charming)stupidity is OXYMORONIC episode of Holmsian mythology in a Major League of its own.(4 & 1/2 stars)

This is a great movie!
Sherlock Holmes has solved unnumbered cases for Scotland Yard, but it turns out that Dr. Watson (played by Ben Kingsley) has a secret - there is no Sherlock Holmes! Having hired Reginald Kincaid (Michael Caine) to play the part of Holmes, Watson now wants to get rid of the man, as he is "a liar, a drunkard and a womanizer." But, when the Chancellor of the Exchequer arrives with a case that threatens the very existence of the Empire, and will talk to no one but the great Sherlock Holmes, Watson has to take Kincaid back for just one more case, and it's a whopper! There is a deep mys