Reviews (149)

Merely the Ultimate Musical
I've watched "Xanadu" probably about fifty or sixty times - or more. I've worn out two VHS videos, and am now, even while typing this, watching my Xanadu DVD. I can't believe that anyone would call this undiscovered wonder of the world "wimpy" or "anemic". This movie deserves its current status as a cult classic.

The Stars. I'll have more to say about Gene Kelly later. Olivia Newton John, still on the top of her conversion from Country Western to Pop Rock, never sounded or looked better. Her ability to seemingly switch back and forth on a moments notice from her old image of sweetness and nice to her new image of almost a dominatrix was great. Her combination of any boy's fantasies with a girl you could take home was wonderful. Mike Beck does a good job as "Sonny" - the modern-day version of Danny McGuire, although, in comparison to Kelly and Olivia, he looks kind of flat. But who could hold a candle to that caliber of actor or actress?

The scenes. The scene where Danny dances with Kira and ends up with her in his arms ("Whenever You're Away from Me"), followed by a similar scene with Sonny and Kira minutes later in the movie ("Suddenly"), only help to reinforce the Deja-Vu like sense of wonder that permeates this entire film. We are treated to this sense of deja-vu over and over again. The scene where the Big Band era meets the rock-and-roll era still gives me a thrill. Olivia Newton John's singing blends virtually perfectly with Electric Light Orchestra's symphonic sound, but heavy rock influence.

The musical numbers. Done by Electric Light Orchestra and Olivia Newton John, they include the pop hits "Xanadu" and "Magic", as well as: "I'm Alive", "All Over The World", "Dancin' Round and Round", "Suspended in Time", "Whenever You're Away from Me", "Don't Walk Away" and "Suddenly". Imagine, if you can, a blending of the best of the 30's and 40's Big Bands with the best of the 70's and 80's rock and disco. Now imagine it on the same stage - blended almost perfectly. That =is= what happens in this movie.

The dancing. What can anyone say about Gene Kelly that hasn't been said already? Watching Gene trip the light fantastic with Olivia was worth the price of admission all by itself. This was, I believe, Gene Kelly's last movie, and it is a fitting send-off to his long career. It was kind of fun to see him as a clarinet player and construction company boss. He doesn't look the least bit "silly" - it's easy to see where he could have been Kira's love interest back in the 40's. It was appropriate to see Gene's character called "Danny McGuire" as that was actually the name of one of Gene's characters in another movie.

In addition, to cap off this film, Don Bluth did the animation for a wonderful sequence ("Don't Walk Away") where Kira and Sonny are transformed into fish and birds. This provides a perfect sense of surreal to Sonny's and Kira's developing love.

This movie means more than its outer shell of "a muse is sent from 'heaven' to help with the creation of a disco roller derby". It means it's OK to have dreams - because a dream is a wish your heart makes. The emphasis, told in various ways, that you should always follow your dreams, is a message that needs to be emphasised today. Both Danny's dream of opening a new club, and Sonny's dream to do something more than his boring job of painting recreations of album covers are fused together by Kira (or should I say "Terpsichore"? :-) into a single dream that they, with her help, make a reality. Do a search on the Greek Muses and you'll find a lot of the inspiration for this movie.

If there really is a real Xanadu, I would love to go there. If there never really was a real Xanadu, there should be. This still ranks as one of the most underappreciated musicals ever. Get it. You will not be disappointed.

The movie bites big time - but the music is awesome!
Xanadu is a hard film to review, because, as a movie, it is a terrible piece of dreck. As a music video it works just fine and even succeeds immensely at times.

Originally conceived as a disco movie, the producers decided to cash in on the popularity - at the time - of roller skating, so they made the movie - at the last minute - a roller disco film. Throw in Olivia Newton John and Gene Kelly and you've got: DISASTER!

The plot of the film is so transparently thin that it falls apart several times throughout. The dialogue is so agonizingly bad that even Gene Kelly (a man not known for his acting but his dancing) must have been embarrassed by it.

As the male romantic lead, a little known actor by the name of uh, just a minute I'll think of it.....was cast on the heels of his turn in the highly successful fantasy gang film: The Warriors. Michael Beck (the actor's name) can't act, can't sing, and can't dance...... so he was cast in the lead of a musical? Huh?

Newton John plays a Muse (of the old Greek mythology variety) who comes to life off of a wall painting - why we just don't know. She decides to glom onto Michael Beck's character (an architect who wants to create the most fabulous nightclub ever - Xanadu). And that, folks, is the plot of the movie. Oh, that, and apparently John's Muse was once the inspiration for Gene Kelly's character back in WWII. Huh?

Anyway, if it weren't for the producers wisely employing Electric Light Orchestra, The Tubes, and Newton-John, then this would have been insufferably bad. As it is, the movie has some really fantastic moments of musical fun. There's an interesting mixture of styles when The Tubes performs with a pseudo-swing band from the 1940's. Then there are Newton-John's songs throughout, which were orchestrated by ELO. The title song is possibly the most fun because it is where Newton-John met her former husband Matt Lattanzi (he was a dancer in the sequence). However the sequence employs the whole roller disco thing (not terribly effectively) and feels forced and just looks terrible!

However, as I said earlier - Xanadu works as an extended music video - something that was not in true existence at the time - it would happen about a year later on MTV.

Xanadu was made in the very late 1970's and released in 1980 and just happened to hit theatrers when disco was becoming reviled and New Wave was the latest sensation. Also by 1980 roller disco was VERY passe. Xanadu laid a big old egg (although I've read that it did fairly well at the box office on Newton-John's Grease fame and general popularity alone).

Get the DVD and select the song chapters and you'll have a great time watching this. Don't bother actually watching the film.

Love the movie, but DVD transfer quality is so-so.
I really enjoyed this as a kid (10 yrs old when it was in theatres). I even have the LP soundtrack somewhere. So I was excited to buy the DVD. On the nostalgia level, it doesn't disappoint. Great scenes with Gene Kelly, Olivia Newton John, and the real star of the movie -- the Pan Pacific Auditorium in LA, an art deco landmark that burned down years ago. But technically, I think Universal did a lazy job. The sound is wimpy and muddy, which is disappointing. These awesome ELO songs should jump out of speakers, not struggle out of them. The picture quality is also substandard: it looks like a 3d generation videotape (except with the ability to freezeframe). If you're like me, you'll hold your nose and buy this, because it's the only game in town. It's unlikely that Universal will go back and remaster this for another DVD release (but who knows?). Overall, it was a great late-night, flashback DVD to watch, and I'll definitely watch it again, as time goes by. One final thing: don't expect toooo much from the DVD extras. Other than the film trailer, all you get are static text bios to flip through.

A CULT CLASSIC and an EXCELLENT SOUNDTRACK
When this big budget Olivia Newton-John vehicle hit the silver screen, it actually did make money at the box office. However, because of the high expectaions of the film's star, Olivia Newton-John's performance in "Grease", it was called a bomb, which, financially it wasn't. It also became one of the top selling videos in 1981 in days when Vhs and Betamax both ruled the markets! The soundtrack went #1 and has 5 hit songs spun off of it, and it later gained a bigger following when it hit the movie channels! Critics hate this movie, but I don't care! I LOVE IT! Olivia Newton-John is so gorgeous and sings some great tunes as well as dances it up with Gene Kelley(in his final movie role). Michael Beck, however, falls flat on his face, showing no charisma and terrible acting chops. But Olivia and Gene pick up the slack, thankfully, and the end result is a very glitzy, campy,yet dazzling old fashioned musical tinged with 80's songs by Olivia, E.L.O. and The Tubes.Light on plot, heavy on song and dnace and special effects, Xanadu is fun for the entire family. Just don't expect anything more than to be entertained and you'll love it!

Roller-Disco epic from the 70's! Outrageous!
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You have to wonder what they were thinking when they decided to re-make the Rita Hayworth film "Down to Earth" as a roller-disco musical epic starring Olivia Newton John.

It's interesting, but when you realize that the running time of this film itself lasts longer than the actual fad of roller-disco did, you have to wonder why they bothered!

Gene Kelly seems lost in a musical nightmare, and the production numbers seem to scare him silly. It's as if he wonders how he got on the soundstage at all.

The music is cute, the production numbers are a perfect example of 70's excess, and the story is ridiculous.

All in all, I think it's a guilty pleasure to watch. Just don't tell anyone you enjoyed it, because they'll probably make fun of you.

A perfect double-feature evening would be to watch this along with "Can't Stop the Music" starring the Village People. (Read my review on that one!)

To quote Olivia Newton John: "Xanaduuuuuuu, Xanaduuuu-uuu-uuu!" ... Read more

Reviews (219)

one of the greatest westerns of all time
I was going to say that this is the greatest of the spaghetti westerns but truthfully, this movie is bigger than that. Every single thing about is incredible. The theme, the filming and the music is almost operatic. The casting of Henry Fonda as one of the most vicious villains ever seen in a movie was brilliant. Fonda tears into the role. Claudia Cardinale never looked as gorgeous again and Jason Robards, as the movie's wise man takes what could've been just a supporting character and makes him a hero. Finally, there's Charles Bronson, playing a man with no name, a man with only one thing to live for. When the camera leans in for a close up of Bronson's eyes they are cold, empty and seemingly dead. The only time he allows them to light up is when he looks at Claudia and when he and Fonda finally have their little chat. Every time I watch this film I see something that I never noticed before. It's great.

Once Upon a Time in the West
Not only is Once Upon a Time in the West the best western ever made, it is also the best movie ever made, period. The incredible cinematography, the awesome Ennio Morricone score, and the shockingly brilliant casting of Henry Fonda as one of the most cold-blooded villians ever to light up the big screen combine to produce a true movie masterpiece. Sergio Leone's meticulous attention to detail produced a film which is, at once, both a visual work of art and an exciting action picture. Please add my name to the list of people who are anxiously awaitng its release on DVD, and PLEASE use whatever influence you have to encourage its availability with Dolby Digital 5.1 or DTS audio. The soundtrack is the best I have ever heard, and it would be an awful shame to release it in a lesser format.

The Greatest Western of all Time.
Even though Sergio Leone is Italian, he's very precise about American history in all of his westerns. Once Upon A Time In The West is based upon such American events as the opening of the western frontier and the age of the Railroad barons ( or " Robber Barons " ). The movie takes place in a small western town called Flagstone, although it's in the middle of nowhere it thrives, probably because of the Railroad ( HINT : If you look carefully at Mr. Morton's private train car, you can find out the name of the railroad ). A widow named Jill McBain ( Claudia Cardinale ), is defending the land she inhereted from her murdered husband against the greedy and powerful railroad tycoon, Mr. Morton ( Gabrielle Ferzetti ) and his pure evil gunman, Frank ( Henry Fonda!!!! ). She soon teams up with a notorious bandit, Cheyenne ( Jason Robards ), and a lonely gunfighter, Harmonica ( Charles Bronson ) to help her. But what she doesn't know is that Harmonica doesn't care that Frank might try to kill Jill, he wants revenge for something Frank did along time ago. Once Upon a Time in The West is full of important expressions, clever ironies, and Sergio Leone's famous close-up shots that truely make this movie an all-time classic.

This is one of Sergio Leone's best, BUT ....
... Charles Bronson and that damn harmonica! Over and over again those same three notes!! Play something else for God's sake!!! Yes, he's a loner who's beyond words - we got it the first 20 times!!!

Don't get me wrong, harmonica aside, this is a great movie - amazing composition, great pacing, very stylized, awesome score (of course). I still think The Good, the Bad & the Ugly is a better movie though. If you haven't already, BUY that DVD!

Henry Fonda is a scary dude
If you have never been scared of Henry Fonda, this is the movie that will do it for you. The scene in the beginning, right after the whole family is killed is so eerie as the gunmen just appear silently from the brush. Henry Fonda's cold, killer eyes staring down the little child before he shoots him. Wow.

This is a very well made film, nothing like is has been made in years. Every scene takes its time to build up the right mood. This is a movie to watch when you have alot of time and nobody is around to bother you. The DVD transfer is nothing short of amazing, the color and quality of this 35 year old film will leave you speechless.

Claudia Cardinale is an absolutely stunning beauty, Charles Bronson is perfect as the vengeful quiet loner. I didnt expect Jason Robards to work well but he is very effective.

Definitly a movie to buy, not just rent. Something to give to someone who really appreciates epic movies the way they used to make them. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A broad science fiction thriller in a classic vein, Equilibrium takes a respectable stab at a Fahrenheit 451-like cautionary fable. The story finds Earth's post-World War III humankind in a state of severe emotional repression: If no one feels anything, no one will be inspired by dark passions to attack their neighbors. Writer-director Kurt Wimmer's monochromatic, Metropolis-influenced cityscape provides an excellent backdrop to the heavy-handed mission of John Preston (Christian Bale), a top cop who busts "sense offenders" and crushes sentimental, sensual, and artistic relics from a bygone era. Predictably, Preston becomes intrigued by his victims and that which they die to cherish; he stops taking his mandatory, mood-flattening drug and is even aroused by a doomed prisoner (Emily Watson). Wimmer's wrongheaded martial arts/dueling guns motif is sheer silliness (a battle over a puppy doesn't help), but Equilibrium should be seen for Bale's moving performance as a man shocked back to human feeling. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (326)

You Should Not Miss These Sensational Action Scenes
Sci-fi flick with stunning visuals, "Equilibrium" deserves much more attention not only from fans of genre, but also from general audiences. Sure, its flaws are too visible, borrowing Orwellian ideas from other films like, say, "Brazil," but it is not that ideas themselves but the way they are put into practice that really counts, and on that score "Equiliburium" is a winner. (And critics, please let me know, why do you all praise Steven's "Minority Report" which actually borrows ideas from other films of this genre? So, why not give this one a due respect?)

Well, I admit the opening chapter of "Equilibrium" is a bit weak, introducing us to the dystopia world after the WW3, but soon you will forget that. The totalitarian government established after the war decided to eliminate anything that might possibly make humans emotional, forcing the people to inject a certain doze of [chemical substance] to be unemotional every day. Moreover, it decrees there should be no more music (not only hip-hops, but classic music), no more motion pitures, and no more decorated interiors. Those who love them hide underground, becoming rebels while the authroity set up a super-cop troop called "Grammaton Clerics."

Christian Bale ("American Psyco") is John Preston the best of the Clerics, and dedicates himself to the job until he arrests a woman Mary O'Brien who possessd illegal stuffs. But her strong creed and perhaps beauty make their way into the sleeping heart of Preston, who has been long fighting for his cause.

The film's philosophical messages are in themselves not new at all, and director Kurt Wimmer might have kept his idea a little too long. I say so, because today, in the 21st century, it is not this Orwellian society that we are afraid of most. The story has enough twists to surprise us, but maybe one too many, I think, and the wrap-up part of the film feels a bit hurriedly done.

However, those are noting before the film's sensational action scenes, which can make up for any flawed part of the film. The "Gun-Kata" fighting deserves special mention, using [weapons] like Japanese swords, and its hyper-kinetic movement is very violent and very beautiful at the same time. Incredible it might sound, but Christian Bale shows excellent action star quality here, displaying the beauty of "Kata"s -- and "kata" means in Japanese "style." Yes, there are lots of styles in "Equilibrium."

Other plsyers are also effectively cast, and most unexpected is Emily Watson, who quite naturally becomes the Joan D'Arc-like character. Taye Diggs is good as Preston's partner, and though short time, Sean Bean, cast against type, is also perfect as Partridge who plays a key role in the story.

I was quite surprised and satisfied, and even thrilled to see this neglected film, which should have been more pushed. Again I say, its actions are sensational. Not that this is "Matrix"; rather, it is more unique and has its own "kata" = style, which means a lot these days.

Compulsively watchable
Confession time. I never saw the Matrix. I am not a big fan of the genre. I was merely intrigued that several fine actors such as Emily Watson, Christian Bale and Sean Bean were in a movie that was getting literally no promotion. So without really knowing what to expect, I took a chance with $... bucks and two hours of my life.

I haven't had so much purely unexpected fun at a movie since a serious film buff friend dragged me to see a dubbed copy of one of John Woo's early Hong Kong gangster epics starring the ever charismatic Chow Yun-Fat.

Like those movies, Equilibrium took me on one heck of a visual and emotional roller coaster ride.

Was the plot derivative and full of holes? Yes, but I did not care, for my eyes were glued to the screen. Kinetic direction and a set of charismatic actors caused Equilibrium to soar above its well worn plot lines.

Movies like this are for entertainment not great enlightenment. I hope it finds an audience on DVD or as a feature movie on the Sci Fi channel. It deserves far better marketing than the studio gave it.

KILLER ACTION WITH A BIG HEART
To Kurt Wimmer: Thank you for introducing me to the genuinely new experience of not wanting to leave the theatre! I saw this movie 6 times (a personal first), and each time I was amazed at how I could just sit through it again!
Whenever I tell people about it, they jump in with a comparison to The Matrix, but the truth is, while both films are incredibly exciting to watch, Equilibrium makes you care about the characters in ways the other never did. We never knew why the good guys in The Matrix were drawn to fighting for their freedom, it was never explored. In Equilibrium, Wimmer DOES explore this, and Christian Bale and Emily Watson give fantastic performances that will bring tears to your eyes.
I also found Equilibrium interesting because of the commentary it makes on issues that are here today---the militarization of the police, police raids, victimless crimes, etc. (WACO would have been a lot different with a John Preston around, eh?)
The bottom line is this movie NEVER STRAYS---it's exciting, great gun-kata scenes, thought-provoking subject matter, and all of it balanced with the more human elements that keep us caring.

It's strange, but for the only time in my life I felt like I was going to miss a movie after it stopped playing. I don't think there's a greater compliment than that....

WOW
WOW..and WOW.. and WOW and WOW and WOW!

How have I never heard of this movie before?!?!?
To read the reviews here, I thought I was in for another mindless action movie (always welcome of course) but I was treated to something very much more special.

This is a thought searing movie, to say the least. Have you read 1984? Or seen Blade Runner? Or Apple Computer's "1984" ad? This is there. This is great. This is art. It really is.

The movie itself was very well thought out and detailed.. down to the shape of the "drug" pills they took. Scenes like the re-organizing of his desk, with the background dialog perfectly syncronising the scene, give testament to the thought and detail put into the movie. It also makes me sad at the shlock that Hollywood turns out these days. Kudos to the director, writer and actors.

I didnt expect much going into this, and I was really really surprised. To read amazons comment : "Based on customer purchases, this is the #39 early adopter product in cult movies", after seeing this movie, that comment makes me shiver - im not sure why. Forshadowing our future?

In anycase, Im going to see the Cruxshadows so cant write more, but take my advice, if you're a thinking person, rent this movie. Its worth the time/money.

P.S.
Im glad to see the guy from Lord of the Rings/Ronin play a noble part for once!

UNBELIEVABLE action sequences!
Of course it's not the Matrix. Equilibrium actually begins and ends with an excellent storyline and tight plot!

I wonder why I've never picked this DVD up before - it honestly boasts of some of the best, if not the best, choreography and fastest action sequences I've ever seen! Few movies can live up to this kind of lightning-quick action. Yes, if you loved the Matrix, you will DEFINITELY love this one. However, this is actually a 1000 times more satisfying than the Matrix, considering Reloaded. Wish I discovered this earlier! You won't regret this. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Baadasssss is Bad asss
This movie was revolutionary. Unfortunately it spark the blaxploitation era in cinema, a genre of low budget kill whitey flics, that with their high violence, low budgets, and great soundtracks(minus the political message of Sweetback) began to define an era in cinema when black directors where able to make black movies with black cast in leading roles. Released independently by Melvin Van Peoples in 1971 at a time when blacks in the cinema was next to non-existent (unless they were docile and shuffling their feet). Sweetback tells the story of a man that has had enough of the man and fights back. This movie was revolutionary from its polititcal message to its cinematography. The cinematography of this film which set the president for all other blaxploitation movies to follow was amazing.

This film is for people who can appreciate independent films
This is a great film. The story line isn't completely coherent, but the cinematography is great, the soundtrack is great and the cast is great. The film edits and audio layering are so seventies but, so sweet; reminiscent of seventies porn (I'm not even talking about the sex scenes). I'm really glad I picked this one up. This film is for people who can appreciate independent films.

Please let's get serious ....
I bought this DVD based on a .... believe it or not .... three star review in USA Today film selections last week. The negative reviews didn't scare me because I have seen campy, thought provoking movies get drubbed before and I had to see for myself.

This DVD has hit the high point as to the worst garbage ever put on a DVD. The acting is the pitts, if you can call it acting. Matter of fact th other people watching with me had to keep asking if the hero of the film, played by Melvin Peebles, talked or if he was dumb. To even bring up cinematography and the name of this DVD in the same sentence is ludicrous. The one song track is so badly played it's repeated ad infinitum just in case you didn't get to hate it in the first place.

Toward the end of the movie, at least one quarter of the film by the way deals with short shots of a minute or less of Van Peebles running from the man through the brush, the sewer, the street, tunnels, railroad tracks, desert, parks, highways .... you get the picture .... To make matters worse, the best part of the movie was when after wearing the same crushed gold velour jump suit, and dark shirt, for the WHOLE movie during the last five minutes he FINALLY managed to convince a vagrant to change clothes with his ....

Finally, to equate this film with any sort of greatness of black society and their creative ability is really doing an injustice ...... please please please just because it's done by and about blacks does NOT make this DVD great .....

I am however giving serous consideration to cancelling my USA subscription!

Sweet Melvin's Horrible Asssss Movie
This is one of the worst motion pictures ever made and I am not exaggerating in the slightest. Forget the technical stuff-bad lighting, worse acting and no screenplay to speak of, this is boring, incoherent and almost unwatchably slow. It gets a lot of credit for being the grandaddy of "Blaxploitation" cinema, but the truth is black movies were about to happen anyway and this one just happened to get there first. If I could give this zero stars, I would, but unfortunately one is as low as you can go. Unmitigated crap!!!

Baaaaaddddd DVD quality
This movie may have been groundbreaking in its day, but the DVD is horrendous in terms of image and sound quality. Why wasn't this film cleaned up if it's an anniversary edition? The image has too much debris and the crackling and hissing in several sections of the soundtrack is annoying.

Some of the acting is amateurish, but there are moments when the cinematography, editing, and directing is excellent. I would given the movie 5 stars for its uniqueness alone had it not been for this grotesque DVD transfer! ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Meeting Expectations
What so many people don't realize is that Attack of the Killer Tomatoes was made to be bad. It was written as a cheesy satirie of a silly genre of films. I think it achieved that. The expectations were met. There are two classic scenes: The Japanese scientist being dubbed and the slow speed car chase. They both stand out in my mind. A bit of trivia: The helicopter crash early in the movie was real. They didn't plan on it crashing, but got it on film. Nobody was hurt, but the helicopter was obviously destroyed. Jack Riley (the future Mr. Carlin on the Bob Newhart Show) was in it when it crashed.

Finally: The guy in the Arab outfit in the final scene was me. I wonder why my career didn't take off after that? Oh, well.

Not a perfect DVD release...but close
Call me sad, but I've been a fan of Attack of the Killer Tomatoes ever since I saw the last half of it on Elvira when I was a pre-teen. It was one of the first pre-recorded videos I bought. I've probably seen the film at least 20 times. So, needless to say, I was quite happy when I saw that the film was going to be released on DVD.
Like many, I was disappointed that the original version of the film was not on the disc. No, this is not the "director's cut" that was released by Buena Vista several years ago. It's a new cut that retains the overdubs and sound effects of the director's cut, while restoring the Mindmaker song. However, for some strange reason, a scene of Lois Fairchild being yelled at by her boss is missing from this version. Oh well, in any version this film is a fun waste of time if you don't take it seriously (and with that title how could you).
The DVD extras are great. The commentary is entertaining but I wish they would have said something about the several different versions of the film. The two super-8 short films are a hoot to watch and show the creative process that lead to the feature film. The documentaries are quite funny - and you'll be surprised by a few of the people they got to come back and talk about the film.
This would have easily rated five stars if only they had given us the option to view the original version.
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FUNNY!
Even thought the movies plot's not that great, the film itself is so funny you can't help but love it. The songs are incredibly stupid, so are the characters, storyline, and pretty much everything else about the movie, but it's great! It even has great sequals! At least that's something Hollywood's never done.

Who made the salad?
Yes, there are movies made to be bad. The producer of this film made a wholehearted and sincere effort to make this the most appalling and repugnant movie of all time. I'm not sure of the success since I can't make comparisons; I don't usually waste my time or money viewing these types of films. Here we get to see the havoc wreaked on one of California's finest cities, San Diego. It left me to think where the Padres and Chargers would play their home games and where the Marine Corps would relocate their west coast boot training facilities if the tomatoes succeeded in destroying the city. If you are entertained by these types of flicks, you won't be disappointed by this one. Did they ever make a sequel where the tomatoes attacked Camden, New Jersey to get their revenge on the Campbell Soup Company?

Definitely NOT a good/bad movie
Some movies are so bad, they are good...unintentionally. However, this movie actually tries to be funny and fails miserably. It is neither funny through its intended satire, nor funny because it is bad. It is just plain bad.

To get an idea of the concept of this film, picture a movie trying to be like "Airplane" or "Naked Gun". Add to that production values equivalent to a 70's porno movie.

Despite it's "reputation"....this is one to avoid. Get your kitsch elsewhere. ... Read more

Description

A sensuous but innocent college freshman is seduced by a most obsessive lover. ... Read more

Reviews (76)

Alyssa Milano! Mostly Nude!
If you're looking for a plot, good acting, thrilling action sequences, characters that you can care about, a good script, or a memorable movie experience, then you're looking at the wrong movie. However, if you're looking for a softcore porn movie starring Alyssa Milano's bare breasts, you're looking at the right movie.

Alyssa Milano gets naked. You see her nipples with amazing frequency. She lets guys touch her in dream sequences. She lets a female photographer touch her, remove most of her clothing, and then kiss her. But beware, Lesbian Sex Scene seekers - Alyssa does not go further than kissing. Yes, that's right - she loses her nerve and runs out of the room. Taking the time to get dressed again, unfortunately.

So if you're a fan of Alyssa Milano's breasts, then by all means rent this movie. Or buy it. It's worth it if you enjoy seeing her bare, heaving bosom. However, if you like movies that you can watch all the way through without saying "God, Hollywood will produce ANYTHING!", then this movie is not for you.

Intriguing Vampire movie with Alyssa Milano!
Alyssa Milano is so beautiful in this movie. She is by far the one of the most stunning actresses today.It is unfortunate that this is the type of movie that she did to resurrect her career, but overall it's not half bad. It is very dark,sensual, and intriguing, and Alyssa plays Chartlotte, a virginal freshman who dreams of a vampire who seduces her in her dreams. the film is beautifully shot with semi-convincing performances from the attractive cast which includes Rachel True, Jennifer Tilly, Charlotte Lewis, and Harrison Pruett. Alyssa does what she can with the weak material and overtakes the movie... Main problem is the vampire himself. Martin Kemp does well as the vamp, but I cannot for the life of me understand what the attraction to him would be. He is not mysterious and daring looking. He is quite unattractive. I would have pictured more of a Brad Pitt/Tom Cruies type vampire. It would have been more convincing Charlottes obsession for him. This movie is soft core porn, but it is more than that. An interesting, sensual look, at how our dreams can sometimes take over our lives.

What was she thinking?
Oh yeah. No one would hire her so she needed to lose the good girl image. Thanks, it worked and now she is working, also.

Just for Alyssa...
This is one of the worst films I've ever seen in my life. But, wait a minute... Alyssa is naked and her breasts are just amazing. I have to admit that I loved Alyssa since the moment I saw her for the first time, so if you are a very fan of Alyssa and you are not interested in a good movie, this one is for you...

Low budget soft porn
Despite this movie's title, it's not even close to being a horror flick. This is a very low budget made-for-cable style soft porn with a rather random vampire element thrown in to make it seem more legit. The main reason for movie was made was to show Alyssa Milano nakkid.

The acting and casting are terrible. Alyssa doesn't do too badly, but doesn't really have all that many lines. She's mostly expected to look like she's enjoying the erotic scenes, then look confused in all of the other scenes. The best scene in the movie is Milano's encounter with the photographer.

There's a lot of cheesy, annoying voiceover by the vampire to substitute for plot, story and character development. His acting is the worst in the movie.

Overall, the only reason to see this movie is to see Milano nude. Other than that, there is nothing else compelling about this film. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

I can dig it!
I am 21 years old. My mother raised me with the monkees music and tv shows. I did not see this movie until 2 years ago. I was impressed. And so should everyone else be that called them a "fake" band and so on. The talent is remarkable, as well as the direction and the writing. This film involves all of the angst and emotion of their personal lives as well as the sign of the times. They were trying to find love and peace in a world ridden with war. At the time they were so passionate about their beliefs, as well as with trying to strip off the stereotypes that people put on them by thinking that they weren't original or by comparing them to the Beatles (with whom they were friends with and hung out with on a regular basis). Everyone will have a different opinion after watching this movie. My opinion is that it is thoroughly enjoyable and an absolute shame to never see. There are so many different scenes and wonderful actors and great music! I think I am going to watch it again right now. Oh, and remember:Nobody ever lends money to a man with a sense of humor.

The Ultimate Acid Trip
Bob Rafaelson and Jack Nicholson were at a party with the monkees while all of them were stoned and asked them questions about their fame, their desires, and their fantasies and the result was Head, a psychodelic, plotless mindtrip which flows like a good Monty Python Episode.

Those tuning in to see the rapid-fire improv-filled laughtrack which was the TV series are in for a shock as this has none of their ultrasticom comedy, but hey! Hey! it's still the monkees....everything is just a bit more abstract and surreal :) And let's not forget the music! Wow! The monkees have never sounded so good, writing nearly all of their material. Mickey shines on Psychodelic "Porpoise Song" (while we see him jump off a bridge into a mermaid-filled sea) and the sweet ballad "aas We go Along. Mike Nesmith really rocks on "Circle Sky" and Peter Tork gives us more songwriting weirdness with his rapid fire "Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?"

This is a good movie to sit back with your friends and watch entranced at its path. Lots of fun cameos by the likes of Teri Garr, Frank Zappa, and of course Victor Mature and his hair!

Groovy!

cult classic
All I have to say is if your a true monkees fan your wasting your time I'ts terrible. How ever if your a huge fan of Rocky Horror Picture Show, Shock Treatment,J-Men Forever and any movie that director
Ed Wood did "except" Orgy Of The Dead (thats just asking for punishment.)than this movie is awsome.
I don't under stand why Peter Tork is the star of the movie ,he's on the least compared to the other guyes.

Head is a trip!
What is so unique about HEAD is that it's dreamlike in a way that few movies are. A uniquely crafted film inspired by the underground films of the 50s & 60s. Few movies manage to be entertaining solely on the strength of editing, but here a series of dreamsequences are seemlessly strung together in a fun and innovative way. The most revolutionary part has to be the way the beginning and end sequences were connected by the events between them yet are the same scene with only slight variations. Huh? As the Monkees put it, "when you see the end in sight the beginning may arrive". How they do it is masterful. If you try to make sense of this movie, you'll be missing the point. The best thing to do is just mellow out before you watch it and allow HEAD to mess with your head a little. It will if you give it a chance and that makes for a truly rewarding viewing experience. Outside of the Monkees trying to escape their manufactured image, nothing really makes sense in this strange little movie. However, criticising HEAD for it makes about as much sense as critising your dreams for being equally strange and nonsensical. Where comedy is concerned, HEAD is not funny in a humorous way but rather in a peculiar way, similar to the way dreams have you saying, "what was that all about?" later on. If this had been a hit, it could have taken popular filmmaking in a whole new direction.

The Definitive Anti-Masterpiece
When this film was made the career of the Monkees was already in decline as their show had been cancelled and their music was no longer charting ('Porpoise Song' from the "Head" soundtrack got up to number 62 on Billboard). The group was tired of their squeaky clean image as the 'Pre-Fab Four', and they just wanted out. This film was conceived in an effort to reach out to more adult audiences, and to hasten their departure from the scenes as the prototype MTV 'boy band'.

The film itself is a quirky, stream of consciousness movie that treads the line between anti-war statement film to over the top comedy in scenes where, for instance, they have to frolic on the scalp of Victor Mature (in a sequence known as 'dandruff') and are subsequently sucked into a giant vacuum cleaner by Victor Mature's hairdresser. There is no plot as such, but there is some redeeming social commentary such as when Frank Zappa tells Davy that he needs to work on his music more (but compliments his dancing, done with Toni Basil). At the end of the scene Frank Zappa's cow offers her opinion of the Monkees, in a scene that must be my favorite of the movie.

Some of the music is great, with the Nesmith tune 'Circle Sky' getting top mention. It's a great song, filmed live in a scene designed to show how the boys had been devoured by their public image. Other musical numbers are a bit lacking, particularly 'Daddy's Song' and 'As We Go Along.'

Highlights in the film are in the cameos. Not only do Toni Basil and Frank Zappa put in appearances, so do boxer Sonny Liston (who fights Davy), Terry Garr (who pleads to have poison sucked from her finger), Annette Funicello (who pleads tearfully with Davy in a love interest scene), and Jack Nicholson and Dennis Hopper in a cantina scene. Most peculiar of all credits are for writers and producers, namely longtime Monkees collaborator Bob Rafelson, and Jack Nicholson, who later collaborated on "Five Easy Pieces" and "The Postman Always Rings Twice", among other projects.

There are also extras consisting of theatrical trailers, including one in Portuguese, and television ads for the film. The film was essentially not promoted, certainly didn't connect with the typical Monkee demographic, and was a disaster at the box office. This didn't trouble the band, as it gave them a clear path out, with Peter quitting very shortly after the movie was released. This is as unlike the Monkees TV show as can be imagined, and I recommend it for anyone looking for a trippy sixties flashback stranger than most any other. I was fortunate enough to see this in a theater, and have loved it ever since. I recommend the film to people who know about the Monkees or just think they do. I guarantee that it will shatter your preconceived notions of the band. ... Read more

Reviews (183)

Unique & Different - A Campy Cult Classic
This is a differen't movie, from any other movie that I've ever seen. You could definately tell that Paul Verhoeven had more creative freedom, because of the big-budget, and the NC-17 rating which allows you to do basically anything you want.

I LOVED the dance sequences. All of the bright, big, and fancy dances and the over-the-top props and desings. Verhoeven did a good & effective job with the dance sequences. Elizabeth Berkley can't act, but she can dance. The dance at the Cheetah Club, where she dances to a Prince song, is pretty good. Kyle MacLachlan was worse than Elizabeth Berkley; Kyle just can't act anymore, although he was very good in "Blue Velvet". Gina Gershon pulled off "Cristal" very well. She was mean and sneaky. Elizabeth Berkley looks beautiful though. She has a very exotic face, and the differen't color eyes, makes her more mysterious. As a person who likes "Valley of the Dolls", I enjoyed the campy acting, and dialogue. So few movies are afraid to go down that road, that it's refreshing to see something differen't once in a while.

Three of my favorite scenes, are when Nomi does the gospel-singing disco dance sequence, and when she finally gets to rise out of that volcano, and the announcer says "Ladies and gentlemen, the stardust proudly presents Miss Nomi Malone!". And my third favorite scene is when Nomi and Jeff drive past the billboard with her face on it, and they drive off to L.A. with the Siouxsie and the Banshees music playing.

This movie isn't BAD, it is just too raunchy. The nude scenes and the dialogue from Henrietta Bazoom, are real raunchy. There is only 1 sex scene. I can definately see where people would be offended by Showgirls, but being offended doesn't make a movie bad. NC-17, means that only MATURE people should watch Showgirls because they can handle it, and that means that people who can't handle nudity shouldn't watch it.

I was shocked to see Jessie from "Saved by the Bell" doing lap-dancing, and pole-dancing.

Brilliantly Bad, Terrifically Terrible
As an avid fan of the wonderfully worthless "Valley of the Dolls", I thought I had seen the ultimate in the "so bad it's great" filmmaking genre. Then along came "Showgirls", which showed me just how wrong I was. Glory hallelujah, I have seen the light! Yes, friends, this is the most delightfully deplorable motion picture of all time.

As if Joe Eszterhas and Paul Verhoven (who apperantly have some SERIOUS issues with women) hadn't squeezed enough gratuitous nudity and sex in their thoroughly unenjoyable "Basic Instinct", they have topped themselves in one of only two movies ever to get an NC-17 rating ("Crash" is the other one, and it's actually pretty good). This perfectly pathetic film follows the adventures of Nomi Malone, a hot-headed drifter who hitches a ride to Vegas and becomes the biggest thing to hit the sex industry since former president Bill Clinton. Along the way, she'll throw many a hissy fit, befriend an angelic stripper, lock horns with a self-absorbed rival, avenge a brutal rape, and utter some of the worst lines of dialogue ever written for the silver screen. Former "Saved by the Bell" star Elizabeth Berkely plays Nomi like John Travolta played Terl; she overacts to the brink of Spontaneous Human Combustion, shouting the horrid dialogue at the top of her lungs, which surprizes me because they are buried under twin Everests of silicone. The other actors don't fare much better, partially because they are acting to the worst script ever, worse even than the plotline to the Carrot Top movie.

So why five stars? Because you'll love every minute of it. The film is howlingly hilarious, from the actors to the script to the dialogue. You'll be awestruck by the film's monumental depravity from beginning to end, and because the movie is 131 minutes long, you'll have plenty to savor. So put the popcorn on the stove, invite your closest friends, and enjoy the most deliciously detestable movie ever made. It's a guarenteed good time, and remember, this flick cost United Artists 40 million bucks. Oy!

Hea, we all know why we love this film
Let's all be honest with ourselves. This film is about Elizabeth Berkley and how gorgeous she was in the nude.

Eye candy
Showgirls is one one of the most universally panned movies of the nineties. Everybody hates it, or laughs at it.

Frankly, I don't know why. Or rather, I do know why, and it is not because it is bad. OK, granted, it is pretty bad when you consider some of the acting, and most of the story. But how many movies is this not true for? Certainly it is no worse than most action flicks, and you don't see Jean-Claude van Damme being drop-kicked all over Hollywood.

The thing is that this film is obviously eye candy. And today you cannot be politically correct and not attack something like that. I notice that it moved straight to the third place nationally when it came out on video, and that it has an average rank of four out of fives stars with the audience at Amazon. Critics; can't live with them.

See it for the girls. What girls! They can even move. Elizabeth Berkley's moves are smoking sexy.

And that's all I have to say about that... (Lahf is lahk a box of chokolates.)

Paul Verhoeven's most daring film to date.
Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is a great film. It's flawless, it's funny, erotic, realistic, intense, violent, etc. It was very well received in Europe. It has a lot of cool modern dancing in it, being very close to be a musical. "Showgirls" is the "Dirty Dancing" of the 90s. See it for yourself. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Probably my favorite little-known horror film.
If you're all stocked up on the requisite horror/sci-fi DVDs and are looking to go deeper in your collection, here is a little gem from 1987 that I guarantee will please. Everyone has a movie they love that nobody else saw - this is one of mine.

You can get a feel for the story from the Amazon blurb above. My testimony is for the fun of the film. It's not gory, or even necesarrily bone-chillingly scary. It's just extremely entertaining and really well done (it's cousin in this genre is TREMORS, for the fun and campiness of it all).

But what makes this DVD worth BUYING is its extras, especially the commentary by director Jack Sholder. This guy is a B-movie director if ever there was one, and his resume isn't all that impressive: Nightmare on Elm Street 2, Renegades, some other forgettable 80's films, and the recently abysmal Supernova. But gosh darnit if he didn't make a good enough film to warrant some director's audio commentary, and boy does he go to town. You can tell he's probably a real jerk to work with, and quite impressed with himself. And his cranky disposition makes for some great dirt on the making of this film. He disses the star, Michael Nouri, and even blasts the poor acting of some of his bit players. This is a guy who likely makes few friends with his commentary, and it's VERY entertaining, especially after having enjoyed the film for your first time. On top of that, he's a pretty practical low-budget director who shares the tricks of what he did and adds depth to one's appreciation for the film.

So to sum up - a great little movie on its own merits, with great director's commentary to warrant purchasing the DVD.

Graphic sci-fi with a sharp sense of humor.
"The Hidden" turned out to be a real surprise. The aliens in this picture love fast cars and rock-'n-roll music. The story is about an alien cop of one species looking for a criminal alien of another species, which he follows to Earth. Both aliens enter human bodies and control these bodies until the host is dead. Violent and graphic, this film doesn't cover new ground, but twists it by juxtaposing this violence with a keen sense of humor. Michael Nouri is fine as the haggard city cop trying to understand the random killings suddenly spreading throughout his city, and Kyle MacLachlan is perfect in the roll of the quirky alien using an FBI agent's body to hunt down the criminal. Between 1 and 10, "The Hidden" gets a marginal 7.

An Excellent Sci/Fi Thriller.
A Series of Bizarre, Unusual Crimes are Committed by Seemingly Ordinary Citizens of Los Angeles. L.A. Police Detective (Micheal Nouri) is totally buffled by these stranges crimes. When a Mysterious F.B.I. Agent (Kyle MacLachlan) is helping the Police Detective with these inexplicable robberies and murders but not telling the detective that a Demonic Extraterrestrial Creature is Invading the Bodies of Everyday Citizens and Transforming Them into Inhuman Killers.

Directed by Jack Sholder (A Nightmare on Elm Street 2:Freddy's Revenge, Wishmaster 2:Evil Never Dies, Alone in the Dark) made a entertaining, wildly violent, kinetic, sci-fi action/thriller that is even touching with a sense of humour. This Independent Film has High Production Values was made with a Budget of $5-6 Million. This was a Small Hit for then Independent Studio-New Line Cinema. MacLachlan and Mouri are good in the film. DVD has an fine anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer (also in Pan & Scan) with an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound.

DVD has an great filmmakers commentary track by the director:Sholder and another film director (Who nothing to do with the film production but He's a fan of the film):Tim Hunter (River's Edge). DVD also has Unused Footage, never seen before special effects production footage with narration by the director of the film and the Original Theatrical Trailer. This film has become a Cult Classic and it's also a Underrated Film. This is a Fast, Violent, Edge of your Seat Thrill Ride of a Movie. Writer:Bob Hunt, who wrote this film is really-Jim Kouf. Which Kouf wrote "The Stakeout Films" and the little seen-"Gang Related". Terrific Music Score by Micheal Convertino. Grade:A.

Kill Those Smarmy Car Salesmen!!
This movie takes a tentacled stab at the Human Race. A great sense of humor throughout the film. Wild special effects. Surprised faces on nearly everyone in the movie! If you need a worthy SCI-FI flick for your collection this would be a good choice. Very re-watchable for the [gory scene/surprised faces] laughs alone.

The Hidden (1987)
Director: Jack Sholder
Cast: Michael Nouri, Kyle MacLachlan, Ed O'Ross, Clu Gulager, Claudia Christian.
Running Time: 97 minutes.
Rated R for violence, sexual situations, gore, and language.

A nice surprise of an action-science fiction feast, pitting police detective Michael Nouri and federal agent Kyle MacLachlan to join forces against an unknown evil. When a bizarre series of crimes wreck havoc on the streets of Los Angeles, California, the two discover that they may be up against a slithery alien intruder that wants to take over the world. MacLachlan's behavior gets stranger and stranger as the film goes on, prompting Nouri to suspect that he may have something to do with it.

Director Sholder creates a "Lethal Weapon" on extra-terrestrial steriods, creating an original and amusing cop-buddy flick that is satisfyingly different. While the script is fairly bogus and the performances are only mediocre, the action sequences and special effects are very well-done. Not a film that should cause anyone to drop all of their things and watch at once, but an exciting motion picture that will gratify those who enjoy many genres. ... Read more

Reviews (109)

Can't Remember the Last Time I Laughed This Hard
For some reason, I had no idea that this was a Coen brothers production until the end of the movie. Then, when it was all over and the credits began to roll, it all finally made sense. In fact, I didn't know why I hadn't guessed it. Because this movie is so... Coen brothers.

Nicolas Cage plays Hi, a repeat inhabitant of the Tempe, Arizona prison, where he meets police officer Ed (Holly Hunter) and falls in love with her. After Hi's third parole, he agrees to give up his life of crime for Ed, and the two get married. Before long, they decide that they want nothing more than to start a family. Ed, however, is barren -- and they find that it's not exactly easy for a repeat offender to adopt a child.

When Nathan Arizona, owner of the furniture chain, Unpainted Arizona, is blessed with quintuplets, Hi and Ed decide that the Arizonas have more than they can handle -- so they decide to take one of the babies. But before Hi and Ed can settle into their new lives with little Nathan, Jr., Nathan Arizona offers a reward for the baby, and suddenly everyone's after him.

I honestly can't remember the last time I laughed so hard while watching a movie. I laughed so hard that I choked. I almost died -- but really, can you think of a better way to die? I can't.

Raising Arizona is bizarre and quirky -- and just the expression on Nicolas Cage's face throughout this movie (not to mention his wild hair) will keep you snickering from start to finish. Mix the perfectly ridiculous dialogue and the perfect amount of slapstick, and you've got the perfect addition to any DVD collection.

Quite possibly the funniest movie ever made
I've seen Raising Arizona far more times than I can count. It is, in my humble opinion, next to Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove the most original, inventive comedy ever made.

The dialogue is absolutely razor-sharp -- plenty of examples are certainly readily available in the reviews preceding this one -- and the camera work is wonderful, as well. I'd rank Raising Arizona a VERY close second to Miller's Crossing in a list of the Coen's best films. It is admittedly not as visually stylish as Miller's Crossing (then again, very few films ever made are), and the storyline is not as cohesive as Miller's Crossing, Fargo, or Barton Fink. However, the film is so full of verbal gems that it definitely ranks as the Coen's best dialogue writing effort. Cage and Hunter are wonderful, and John Goodman and William Forsythe are absolutely perfect as the Snopes brothers.

Admittedly, the DVD is nothing very special. All you really get is the more durable medium and a widescreen format. Some kind of "The Making of..." mini-documentary, or better yet, a commentary option with two or three of the actors, the director of photography, or ideally the Coens themselves would have been a priceless addition to the DVD.

Raw, Unvarnished Comedy -- Laughs Galore!
One of the earlier films of the Coen brothers (Joel and Ethan), "Raising Arizona" nevertheless lays the foundation for the Coens' later, more polished efforts.

H.I. ("Hi") McDonough, played with an earnest romanticism by Nicolas Cage, is a classic Coen protagonist. He means well, even if he can't get his master plan to quite come together (this is a man of dreams, forced into the life of a small-time hood by trickle-down economics), and he is prone to speaking in fits of poetry that often go awry ("There's what's right and there's what's right, and never the twain shall meet"). In one of the most inspired courtings ever to be put on film, Hi woos and wins Police Officer Edwina ("Ed"), played by Holly Hunter in a career-defining role, while being booked on numerous occasions.

Denied the joys of parenthood by Ed's infertile womb ("a rocky place where my seed could find no purchase") and Hi's criminal past - Ed's police service doesn't quite "cancel out" Hi's record like they had hoped -- Hi and Ed can't really enjoy their "salad days" in their trailer in the Arizona desert. That is, until the Arizona Quints are born to unpainted furniture magnate Nathan Arizona. Deciding that old Nathan and his wife have more kids than they could handle, Ed and Hi decide to kidnap one of the little nippers. In a scene that parodies "Jaws," Hi snags Nathan Jr., and Ed and Hi are parents.

Unfortunately, Hi's criminal past catches up wtih him as Gale (John Goodman) and Evelle (William Forsythe) break out of prison and hide out with Hi at the family trailer. Soon they are on to Hi's kidnapping, and they decide to pursue their own agenda. Unfortunately for all concerned, bounty hunter Leonard Smalls is on the hunt for the kidnapped youngster, too -- and a nasty bloodhound from hell he is, too. Surely casting "Tex" Cobb in this part is one of the most inspired bits of casting ever!

The movie is chock full of surprises, from the chase scenes involving what seems like ten packs of hounds and more gunfire than one could possibly imagine, to a fight in the trailer that won't be topped until "Kill Bill, Vol. 2," and an over-the-top cameo performance by Frances MacDormand as a nosy neighbor with a fondness for bibical names and a trove of baby advice. The dialogue is rich, filled with comic inspiration and a touching devotion to family. And, like most Coen brothers movies, things generally turn out all right for our heroes, they definitely don't wind up the way they planned.

For fans of the Coens, off-beat comedies, Nic Cage and Holly Hunter (which should describe an awful lot of folks), this is a heck of a film.

Did anyone else notice??
Did anyone else notice that while H.I. (Nicolas Cage) was working in the sheet metal factory after being released from prison, the patch on his jumpsuit said "Hudsucker Industries"??

Had the Potential to be Better
Although this movie had its funny moments and some very memorable lines and quotes, overall I thought it was mediocre. I'm normally a big fan of Nicholas Cage and Holly Hunter, however this movie just didn't deliver. The plot was original and it could have had the potential at becoming a real classic, amusing film, however the hysteria overshadowed the entertainment value of it. There was too much predictable shrieking, screaming, and yelling that it just got annoying after awhile. I thought the worst part was towards the end when things just starting dragging on. Because it's a typical Hollywood movie, the storyline climaxes towards chaos and turmoil, but you can predict that in a typical fashion, there will be a few carchases, some yelling and screaming, some explosions, and then a happy ending (surprise). This movie could have been outstanding if the humor were more carefully thought out and skillfully crafted. ... Read more

Amazon.com

George Lucas transports audiences back to the future with Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace, the first installment of a prequel trilogy in which the director imagines the foundation for the entire six-part saga. Despite receiving a storm of adverse criticism (notably for Jar Jar Binks), Lucas continually fascinates with his ability to place his characters--some new, some old, some CGI--in the same dramatic situations posed in the original trilogy: whether it be the juxtaposition of primitives with technologically advanced societies or the timeless battle between good and evil, the very familiarity of these recurring scenarios and rhythms galvanizes the viewer. Of course, the state-of-the-art visual effects contribute mightily to the final impact: the kinetic Pod Race sequence, the epic military battles, the Romanesque grandeur of Naboo, the underwater city of Otoh Gunga, the decadent brio of Tatooine, and the dizzying skyscrapers of the city planet Coruscant. --Kevin Mulhall

If The Phantom Menace was the setup, then Attack of the Clones is the plot-progressing payoff, and devoted Star Wars fans are sure to be enthralled. Ten years after Episode I, Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman), now a senator, resists the creation of a Republic Army to combat an evil separatist movement. The brooding Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) is resentful of his stern Jedi mentor, Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor), tormented by personal loss, and showing his emerging "dark side" while protecting his new love, Amidala, from would-be assassins. Youthful romance and solemn portent foreshadow the events of the original Star Wars as Count Dooku (a.k.a. Darth Tyranus, played by Christopher Lee) forges an alliance with the Dark Lord of the Sith, while lavish set pieces showcase George Lucas's supreme command of all-digital filmmaking. All of this makes Episode II a technological milestone, savaged by some critics as a bloated, storyless spectacle, but still qualifying as a fan-approved precursor to the pivotal events of Episode III. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (31)

An objective view.
First, the movies themselves: Episode I retained the old school mystic feel of the originals, and takes the viewer back to when it all began. It suffers however, from idiotic droids and Jar Jar Binks (who posseses the most annoying voice since C3PO). It's a four star movie at least.
Episode II tells its story well, but the story is unfortunately unconvincing. Anakin is nothing but an obnoxious teenager for some reason...is the viewer expected to believe that the distinguished order of the Jedi would not educate one of its own disciples on the rudiments of life? Then there's the romance between Senator Amidala and Anakin; even given the circumstances, it's hardly believable due to Anakin's generally creepy nature. Great special effects though, a decent villian, and we finally get to see Yoda do some fighting which was simply awesome. Even though it's got some great points, it's at best a three star movie. It does require, however, a substantial amount of 'suspension of disbelief' to view and enjoy.
Now a word about formats: Put simply, if it's not widescreen, it's not worth the money.

both lack the spirit the originals had
Phantom Penice and Attack of the Boners lack the spirit and greatness that the original Star Wars had. George Lucas has gone completly overboard with the special FX. I think they say that 96% of the movie's have a SFX shot in them somewhere. And watching the behind the scenes as actors are doing nothing but jumping around infront of green screens is a complete and utter bore.

The original Star Wars movies had somthing special about them, but it wasnt just the SFX. I think George has lost it by thinking the FX will carry these movies. In the original it had a new excitment about what was happening? and what was a Jedi? and it was filled with action and adventure... then Umpire Strikes back continued that, with alot of newer great action seaqunces, but also adding that Vader is Lukes father, and in Return of the Jedi, Luke and Leia are brother and sister... and many more things added to the charactors and plot of the films.... which is where these 2 new ones fail. Going monsterous over board with computers and FX and not concintrating hard enough on plot ideas, and originality has brought these 2 to screw up the Star Wars saga. The FX can be ok in some parts of the films, but there is just too much of it, enough to make me sick. Film makers these days should be concintrating on making the best film they can, not worrying about how to do somthing on a computer, putting it on screen, and then at the end of the day just before knock off time, think about a plot to go around the FX for a minute, and go with whatever is off the top of your head?

George needs to rethink his statagy and worry about the FX of these things after making a great movie, not just slapping a few actors together and then seeing what great things the computer can do these days. It seems that Lucas knew he had a billion devoted fans who think apon him as a god, and knew that if he put 2 stick figures on the screen, blasted the intro, and showed an Ewok shave his underarms for over 2 hours, he'd make million sof it. What is sorely missed in these movies is the beleivable models used in the originals. This whole CGI thing has gone WAY overboard, and made things look too unrealistic.... to the person who said they wouldnt be suprised to see Shrek and Donkey waving in the background... good call... I agree with you 100%!

The CGI is too much in these films and rueins them

Re: Another dazzling space adventure from George Lucas
I hadnt seen a Star Wars movie in the theatres in almost 20 years before I saw this one....and Ill tell you....I forgot how GOOD it sounded!!! The light sabers sounded incredible to say nothing of the full battle sequences. Ok I had to get that out hehe...on with the review.

Now...call me a purist....call me old fashioned etc....Im still trying to get used to all the computer special effects in Star Wars. Im used to puppets....now we get computerized monsters. Ill have to grow to like them hehe. The movie is very very good....loads more action than in Episode 1.....Its fascinating to me to see these guys Annakin Skywalker and Obi Won Kenobi 'back in the day' when there was a Republic and loads of Jedi Knights.

The storyline is as engaging as ever....in this case Annakin is real stuck on Padame....Count Dooku is building a massive droid army under the noses of the Republic....and the Jedi knights and the Clone Army have to go stop them. Really intense action sequences.....the light saber duels are as great as ever....the full battle sequences are awesome!!! They really put in the time on this one.

So if youre a Star Wars fan....go and get it. Its terrific!!!

STAR WARS FILMS ARE NO LONGER RELIVENT FILMMAKING
GEORGE LUCAS IS A LAZY UNINSPIRED DIRECTOR JUST LOOKING TO MILK THIS PATHETIC FRANCHISE FOR ALL IT IS WORTH. STUPID CHARACTERS, STUPID PLOT, AND TAKES OVER 10 YEARS TO COMPLETE THE LAST THREE FILMS??? AND THE BEST CHARACTER HE COULD COME UP WITH IS JAR JAR BINKS??!! WHAT A JOKE. If you want a great adventure Trilogy filmed with top notch actors, supurb plots, production and FX it is by far and away THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY. This even makes the first three Star Wars films look like a joke. And all of this yes all of this was done in less than 4 years!!! Lord of the Rings has made George Lucas look and his films irrelevent. its like who cares any more???? There is nothing out there and probibly nothing will ever come close to capturing the epic sacle, the superb story telling and complete magic of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. You just will not beable to top LOTR in any way. George Lucas sit down before you boar us all to death and take a lesson from a real director--all hail PETER JACKSON. The new standard had been set--can any thing come close-only when Peter Jackson films The Hobbit. End of story.

I feel sick!
These movies suffer from: bad acting, bad dialogue, over the top CGI fxs, lack of emotions, and too much overall politics. I love the original trilogy but these prequels are the worst ever. ... Read more

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Adapted from the controversial novel by J.G. Ballard, Crash will either repel or amaze you, with little or no room for a neutral reaction. The film is perfectly matched to the artistic and intellectual proclivities of director David Cronenberg, who has used the inspiration of Ballard's novel to create what critic Roger Ebert has described as "a dissection of the mechanics of pornography." Filmed with a metallic color scheme and a dominant tone of emotional detachment, the story focuses on a close-knit group of people who have developed a sexual fetish around the collision of automobiles. They use cars as a tool of arousal, in which orgasm is directly connected to death-defying temptations of fate at high speeds. Ballard wrote his book to illustrate the connections between sex and technology--the ultimate postmodern melding of flesh and machine--and Cronenberg takes this theme to the final frontier of sexual expression. Holly Hunter, James Spader, and Deborah Unger are utterly fearless in roles that few actors would dare to play, and their surrender to Cronenberg's vision makes Crash an utterly unique and challenging film experience. It's rated NC-17, so don't say you weren't warned! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (142)

This is SO wrong...
What 'Deliverance' did for kayaking down remote rivers out in the middle of nowhere, and 'Jaws' did for going to the beach, 'Crash' does for head-on automobile collisions! And just when I thought there were no more weird sexual fetishes to go 'round. People getting off to car crashes and accident scenes? Yeesh-it's definitely one of the most perverse concepts I've ever been exposed to. But then again, writer-producer-director David Cronenberg is infamous for making (or in some cases re-making) movies that contain surreal & disturbing elements ("Naked Lunch", "Scanners", the new version of "The Fly", "The Dead Zone", et. al.). Here, his realization of concepts from the book this flick is based on helped make 'Crash' into a disquieting, rather than erotic, movie experience. A sex-scene-filled NC-17- rated feature that's more a turn-off than anything else is definitely a rare cinematic find. And even though the 'crash' fetish was something that was imagined for this film (or, to be more precise, imagined for the book that was- well, you know...), I'll never look at those highway accident-scene rubberneckers in quite the same way ever again!

Of course, if you're too uptight to watch the extra-naughty version, you can select the somewhat-more-prudish R-rated rendition. Rounding out the bonus features are a restricted-audience trailer (never knew they made those!), text mini-bios & filmographies of the marquee cast & crew, and- well- that's about it. But it's not like you're gonna watch this for extra features anyway, now is it...?

'Late

Very good
This is a very unusual film. The basic plot involves a group of people who are turned on by car crashes thus allowing a series of sex scenes invovling scrapes, bruises, leg braces, scars, etc. If you are disgusted by the thought of that description, don't see this movie because you would probably (a) not understand the film or (b) be completely disgusted by its graphic sex, violence, and car crash related gore.

The film is very well made. Throughout most of the film, a dark atmosphere is kept giving the film a sort of surrealistic and noirish quality. The actors take the film very seriously and never play it for humor or take the film's subject matter lightly.

By taking a sexual fetish (car crashes) that nobody has, the director (David Cronenberg) has allowed himself the freedom to explore the realities of such a fetish. Had he chosen to direct a film about something that people actually are turned on by, he could have disappointed many by inaccurately portraying this.

This film is not for everyone. Some may consider this merely an excuse to show graphic sex scenes boardering on pornography (the reason why the film is rated NC-17 - the R rated version was created for Blockbuster since they do not carry NC-17 rated films). As realistic as the sex may appear in some scenes, it is soft core, just like any other R rated film.

If you can appreciate this film, you will see nearly flawless acting from James Spader, Holly Hunter, and Elias Koteas. The film is expertly directed by a master (Cronenberg, director of such masterpieces as "Naked Lunch" and "Dead Ringers"), and based on a novel that has become over time a cult/underground favorite by J. G. Ballard. If you have an open mind, see this film and appreciate it, otherwise seek out any of Cronenberg's other films (except "M. Butterfly").

Wow! Trully Unforgettable.
Soon after a head on car crash James Ballard (Spader) is introduced to a world of fetishists who find arousal in mixing raw sexuality, the mangling of human bodies, and the twisted steel of a fresh auto accident. Their fetish soon becomes a suicidal obsession with death and the ultimate pleasure.

Based on the novel by J. G. Ballard, Crash was one of most controversial movies of the 1990's. Exploring the psyche of those who extract pleasure through risk and eroticism through automobile accidents. James and Catherine Ballard are a married couple whose sex life has been reduced to recounting tales of mutual infidelity to turn each other on. James is eventually involved in a car accident that leaves one man dead. After his long rehab he meets the other survivor of the crash Helen (Hunter). They soon realize that the accident was the biggest turn on of their lives. Helen introduces James to a group, led by Vaughn (Koteas) who share in their fetish. To up the ante the group engage in more and more dangerous accidents to heighten their own arousal.  

Anyone familiar with director David Cronenberg's work should know what to expect from this movie, only here it seems that Cronenberg has license to go as far as possible with the message he was trying to get across about the human animal and our twisted psyche when it comes to what we find erotic. His experiment with Crash was met with much controversy at the time of it's initial release in 1996. While many will find the film repulsive and/or sick, I happen to find it a rather genius character study. A film that succeeds in challenging the viewer by showing them a different side of the human spirit and hopefully pointing out their own sick little perversions. One thing is for sure, whether or not you "like" the movie you have to admire the balls it took to make such an anti-Hollywood film that went against everything "politically correct." What's sad is that a challenging, though provoking film like Crash couldn't be made today and if it were the people making it would most likely be jailed. 
 
Cronenberg injects the film with a dreamy, trance-like quality that sucked me in from second one. That along with the low key score created a menacing atmosphere. The acting from the always brilliant James Spader is top-notch as always. Elias Koteas is one of the most underrated actors out there, he's brilliant here as well. Holly Hunter and the lovely Deborah Unger are also strong in supporting roles. This is what happens when a great script (written by Cronenberg), a great director, and great actors merge to create a truly original and daring film.

Much can be said about Crash, but the bottom line is: GO SEE IT! Rent the NC-17 version if your video store has it and explore this movie with an open mind. Whether you love it or hate it, Crash will challenge, make you think, and hopefully enlighten. Now days when crap films are recycled over and over like a commercially friendly PG-13 pop can, it was great to see a film that didn't treat the viewer like an idiot. Check it out! 

Pitiful; a major turn-off. What was Holly Hunter thinking?
One of the worst movies I've ever seen. No redeeming qualities whatsoever. What was Holly Hunter thinking? Trust me; leave this one behind. It's a pitiful excuse for a movie.

You either GET IT or YOU DON'T
No, there are no limits to human stupidity. I don't know where to begin...Crash opens up like an after-dark Cinemax movie (which made me cringe). However it foreshadows the promise of a strange sensuality between metal and skin, something that James Ballard and Remington slowly find it as a kindling to stir up actual emotions to their boring, orgasm-less sex lives. Ballard meets Vaughan (played by Koteas) and he descends into the strange, twisted and druggie like world of Crash. Koteas is the real star of the movie here...James Spader and Holly Hunter merely serve as vehicles of boredom and a sense of being lost, finally finding what's missing in the oddest of places, while Koteas really drives the point across, really gives you an idea of what this underworld is like. He's slimy, creepy and insane, yet plausible.

This movie is not for everyone. There are a heavy amount of explicit sex scenes--and I only use the word explicit when I mean explicit. These scenes aren't porn. You watch these scenes, and the