Reviews (227)

Brad Pitt as Achilles
Brad Pitt stars as the legendary Greek warrior Achilles in "Troy," an epic drama full of action and adventure based on Homer's Iliad. Lovesick Prince Paris has run off with Helen to his land of Troy. Helen's husband wants her back, and convinces Greek King Agamemnon to "launch a thousand ships" and bring Helen back. The King enlists the aid of Achilles, and the battle begins.

On the plus side, the movie looks just great, with spectacular sets and thousands of soldiers who fight gallantly. The supporting cast is wonderful; in particular Eric Bana as Paris' brother, Hector, and Peter O'Toole as his father, King Prium. Their scenes are the best in the film.

On the down side, Brad Pitt, while ruggedly handsome and sincere, never really loses himself in the character of an ancient Greek hero; you can't forget he's Brad Pitt. The actress who plays Helen is not the classic beauty one would expect and looks like so many modern starlets. The battle scenes are for the most part filmed in close-ups and edited in very quick shots, which makes them look blurry and chaotic, and you may need a scorecard to keep up with all the characters.

Troy has the look and feel of a good epic, but isn't a great one. If you enjoy sword and sandal war movies with handsome leading men, you'll like Troy. Brad Pitt is delicious eye-candy and that just may be good enough after all.

A Beautiful War
If you happen to be a fan of Homer's epic, be warned that it is time, place, and character that are the same but not truly the story. Filled with beautiful people, scenes and clothes, this movie misses the mark. Helen could no more inspire me to go to dinner than to war and I need to eat to live. Orlando Bloom as Paris, is so beautiful of a boy that it is unbelievable that he would have the requirements needed to steal another man's wife, no matter how usavory the other man proved to be. Yet he would be just the fool to wage a ten year war over a woman. Only in the movie the war accounts for slightly over 12 days worth of action.
How the Greeks managed to be so hard up that after 12 days or so of war they need to build a wooden horse to enter the city is beyond me.

However Hector is amazingly played as are most of the other roles, with the exception of Achilles who falters here and there. You manage to be blinded by the beauty of the spectcale presented to you, and when you begin to object to the brusing of Homer's great works you see Brad Pitt semi-naked and forget all about it. For that alone I give this move 3stars and well worth seeing. You should know, that if you plan to see this move instead of reading the book you will fail. Neither is this movie a match to the TV movie of the Odyssey which manages to capature the book and you along with it. But Brad Pitt naked should not be missed.

Not Homer, but great, lively entertainment!
OK, so the film's not faithful to Homer's epic. That doesn't really matter. It's good, old-fashioned entertainment with lots of spectacle, fine battle scenes, gorgeous performers (mostly male), and some fine acting. Critics tend to penalize Brad Pitt for his remarkable good looks, but he does a very nice job here. His Achilles, of course, looks godlike whether in armor or in the buff, but he also conveys an undercurrent of humanity, even sensitivity, beneath the sullen, violence-prone facade. Eric Bana is also excellent as the stoic, honorable Hector. Brian Cox has a hammy old time as Agammemon, and Peter O'Toole is memorable as Priam. Two pretty faces, Orlando Bloom's and Ms. Kruger's, don't do much for the movie acting-wise, but provide some eye candy for the younger viewers. Quibbles: it would have been nice to have a little greenery in the scenery instead of all that sand, but the walls and city of Troy looked spectacular. All in all, "Troy" is worth seeing more than once (perhaps not for those under the age of 12).

What was the name of this movie???
I don't think it was Troy! Why? Because it had nothing to do with the written story by Homer. Menelaus dies only because he has to be the bad guy in this movie... and there wasn't enough time to show the real death of Agamemnon, (he was killed in his bath by his own wife after returning to Greece) , so they killed him in a way they liked best. Also, Achilles (Brad Pitt) and Hector are the only ones who fight quite well. The rest just get slaughtered. But as we know from the Iliad there were also other great fighters which in this film were left at home! The only strong thing in this movie is Brad Pitts performance but he alone can't save this fiasko! The t.v. movie HELEN OF TROY is closer to the true story although its low budget and this unbelievable and unexeptable bald Achilles... Just read the book! You will love it!

"This will be the greatest war the world has ever seen"
Hollywood's recent obsession with historical epics has produced some truly amazing films... and some truly not. "Troy", mercifully, falls into the former category. The whole production was a risky endeavor; would mainstream audiences be interested in ages old myths? Would scholars and classics devotees condemn the film for it's reworking of Homer's "The Iliad"? And of course there was the expensive price tag; $200+ million, which brought to mind the similarly-themed and legendarily pricey box office bomb, "Cleopatra". Though never quite reaching such wondrous heights as historical epics such as "Braveheart" and "Gladiator" and not earning enough domestically to make a profit, "Troy" succeeds as a fine film reminiscent of old Hollywood epics such as "El Cid" and "Ben Hur".

The production values are simply astounding. Wolfgang Peterson's flawless reproduction of Ancient Greece engulfs audiences in the wonder and glory of the age. The breathtaking cinematography by Roger Pratt makes this a film best seen on the silver screen. From the pulse-pounding battle sequences to the sweeping shots of the Greek fleet that shall be emblazoned in my mind forever, this is a truly handsome film. James Horner creates yet another pitch perfect score that works perfectly with the film's visual style.

The acting chops of Brad Pitt are (quite literally at times, ladies) put to good use here. It is my belief, and one that is most certainly not shared by all, that Pitt is a wonderful and versatile actor. Consider some of his most prominent roles; as Death in "Meet Joe Black", a vampire in "Interview with the Vampire", a criminal in "Ocean's 11", a mental patient in "12 Monkeys", a cowboy in "Thelma and Louise", an Irish boxer in "Snatch", a detective in "Seven" and on and on. This boy has talent! He proves himself even further with the role of Achilles. Pitt 100% becomes the legendary fighter, from the body to the mannerisms to the swordplay. He IS Achilles. I pity all actors who have played Achilles or will play him in a future film; their performances are/will be tremendously dwarfed in comparison. The rest of the cast; Brian Cox, Brendan Gleeson, Diane Kruger, and Eric Bana are all fantastic with the exception of Orlando Bloom, who proves without a doubt that a handsome face does not equal talent. Bloom should take notes from fellow heartthrob Pitt, who does indeed know how to act!

Like the old Hollywood epics, "Troy" does regrettably lack that certain level of emotional pull and human drama that modern audiences demand (i.e. don't expect to be sobbing uncontrollably by its finale as you might very well have done in "Braveheart"). "Troy" and old Hollywood epics also share a certain level of melodrama and almost joyful corniness. Audiences nowadays dislike this style of filmmaking, yet I found myself embracing it simply because it helped to make "Tory" even more old Hollywood. ... Read more

Album Description

Soundtrack with music by Michael Kamen, for this 1997 filmdirected by Alan Rickman and starring Emma Thompson. 13tracks. Varese. 2003. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

A work of visual beauty....
The setting for "The Winter Guest" (based on the stage play) is a small fishing village in Scotland where the sea is frozen as far as the eye can see. Frances (Emma Thompson) is a professional photographer mired in grief over the recent death of her husband. She cannot make herself climb out of bed -- even for her son. Photographs Frances took of her deceased husband line the walls and run up the stairs. At one point during the film her son tells a friend their house is haunted and his dead father has imprisoned his mother.

One cold winter day, Frances' mother Elspeth (Phyllida Law--Emma's real mother) comes calling -- she is the 'winter guest.' She encourages Frances to start living again. At Elspeth's urging, she and Frances spend the day together walking and talking in the frozen landscape -- Frances with her camera in hand and Elspeth with her cigarettes. At the end of the walk, Frances seems a bit less grieved and the frozen space between the mother and daughter has thawed.

Three subplots have been worked into the main tale: two small boys playing hooky; Frances' son meeting a new girl; and two older ladies taking the #22 bus to an out of town funeral.

Alan Rickman dircted this masterpiece of stunning visual beauty. The film consists of shot after shot of black and white photographs suitable for framing. Some color is provided by the occasional jumper (sweater) or other inanimate object, but mostly this is a black and white film. If you're fascinated with photograpy and/or cinematography, you will enjoy this film. The musical score is lovely and quite appropriate for the setting (piano solos by Michael Kamen with a female vocal during the final credits).

The photography reminds me a bit of the footage from "The Sweet Hereafter" though most of it is very original. The story line is reminiscent of "Truly, Madly, Deeply" which starred Rickman. This is a thoughtful film. My husband has watched it twice, so I don't think it appeals only to women.

This "Winter" is warm, indeed.
The conversations, the discoveries, and the small adventures of four various "couples" are shown to us in this lovely film, set in a small, sea-side Scottish village during a bright, but bleak, Winter's day. Two young boys delight in the frozen world around them, rather than attend school, and talk about their folks, their future, the things they find on the icey beach, etc. A young woman's fancy toward a young man she has spied on for some time becomes a curious friendship/affection when she finally approaches him, in her own rambunctious way. The young man's recently-widowed mother is visited without notice by her own doting mother, bent on snapping her once-lively daughter out of her funk, and hopefully, encouraging her not to go back to Australia where she met her departed-husband. Finally, two older ladies who delight in attending the funerals of strangers, for their own macabre reasons, take the lone bus out of town for the day to attend yet another. On this cold day, one of the ladies becomes frightened, apparently at the knowledge of her own mortality, and it's up to her more stoic friend to "keep her from falling." The stories of these four pairs often intersect with one another, and almost-equal time is spent with each couple, which I appreciated. This is a very mature film, lovely to watch and listen to. Several key scenes stand out for me. One is when the elderly mother slips and grabs for a railing on the slippery sidewalk, as she approaches her daughter's street; at that moment, the camera shows the daughter in bed, dreaming perhaps, raising her hand up to grab the head-board rails, as if she sensed her mother's plight and wanted to keep her from stumbling, too. Such a small scene, yet so perfect. A final scene with the young boy holding a kitten he has found, walking out onto the frozen-over sea, telling the feline he and her will explore this new world, while his friend calls for him to come back, oblivious to the first boy's intention to keep going, is moving and eloquent. There are humorous moments sprinkled throughout, so this drama isn't as dry as I was led to believe. The striking scenery, the touching dialogues, the lovely piano-score; it all adds up to one memorable movie, for those who will appreciate it.

Winter Guest
riviting. drama at it's best. A wonderful story about life's problems, growing up and changes.

Bleak yet wonderful... with magical horizons ahead
With Alan Rickman's commitment in playing Professor Snape in the Harry Potter movies, it's doubtful he will ever return to the director's chair to deliver a memorable movie such as this.

At a Scottish coastal town facing the North Sea, the sea has frozen over so that it's like a wonderland, with an endless horizon. The discovery of new horizons in the experience of life is key to The Winter Guest.

Four dual relationships are examined here. The first is that between Frances and her mother. Frances (Emma Thompson) is a recently widowed photographer who lives in a studio flat with her young son. Her mother (Thompson's real-life mother Phyllida Law), has walked all the way from her house, minus her walking stick, to break the defensive barrier Frances has erected. The mother keeps chatting on, fixing the bed, but Frances at first spends time avoiding her in the bathroom.

The confrontation is much on the mother trying to get Frances to live again, to become full of life. As she tells her daughter on some photographs, "Why not use colour? The world's in colour." And why photograph buildings instead of people? The mother is more in colour and livelier than the death that has gutted Frances of any feeling of life. She firmly believes that "it's the kingdom of youth we're living in" in response to Frances's defeatist talk of embracing the years and welcoming instead of fighting them. She wants the best for her daughter and if it takes being emotionally overbossy, so be it. "A happy woman does not ruin her own beauty", as she believes Frances has done by her haircut.

Alex, Frances's son, has an unexpected encounter with Nita, a dark-haired tomboy who gains his attention. Nita's more impulsive, daring Alex to walk on the ice, and Alex is more cautious, perhaps living under the gloomy shadow of his father's death and the aura of his mother. Alex's grandmother espies the two from the flat and while seeing the encounter as normal, all the same speaks to herself. "Be careful. It wants that face. Give her the moon, she'll want the stars as well." Fortunately, Nita isn't that way at all.

The thin bespectacled Lily and fat Chloe are two elderly women who keep themselves occupied attending funerals to the point of looking through the paper and jotting them down on appointment books. Chloe, though seemingly dotty, proves to be the more lively and stronger of the two, literally on the bus and metaphorically having the window seat. Yet they wonder about today's ways. "There's nothing like watching a coffin slip down to the earth and the soil thudding down." They question cremations and how that squares with conservation and ecology.

Tom and Sam are two truant youngsters in their early teens and they hang out on the shore talking about things. The red-haired Sam is shorter but is more in tune, more aware of things than his taller friend. He has hopes for a future, whereas Tom feels hopeless, resigned to a fate of pushing carts at a food mart. There's little to do other than go to school and be at home and obey one's parents, and what's it all for, wonders Tom?

Of the pairs, it's clear who emerges as the stronger and braver of the two. However, one of them turns out to embrace that spirit of hope and possibility, surprising the ostensibly more assertive one. All the pairs work wonderfully together in this slow-paced drama.

The Scottish coast town is bleak yet wonderful, a place I'd like to visit or even live in one day. The setting appears to be in Fife County, separated from Edinburgh by the Firth of Forth. Michael Kamen's haunting piano score, most of it in a higher octave, matches that bleak and wonderful tone, as does the closing song "Take Me With You" by Elizabeth Fraser.

It all comes down to that certain strong and loving someone saying, as Lily tells Chloe, "You will not fall while I'm here."

A Beautiful Masterpiece of cinematic art...
Not to mention hilariously funny. Sean Biggerstaff (who you HP junkies may recognize as the all-grown-up Oliver Wood) turns in an absolutely hysterical performance that had my girlfriends and I rolling on the floor. A preview:
Boy#1- Ugh! It's a worm! A big skooshy worm!
Sean- It's not a worm. It's a condom.
Boy- Aack! I TOUCHED that!
Sean(as boy wipes hands in snow)- I once found one up a tree. Can you imagine doin' it up a tree?... Can you imagine doin' it?
All of this done in the cutest Scottish accents... well, now I'm just sounding like a smarmy American. But that doesn't even touch the surface... there's still the Deep Heat incident ("You try it, just you bloody try it!"), Fanny the cat, and those two old ladies who go funeral-hopping. Add to the innate humor the poignant beauty and marvelous acting from the entire cast, and you have one of the greatest movies of all time... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Oddball scientist Fred Z. Randall (Harland Williams) is nobody's idea of an astronaut. But he turns out to be NASA's only hope when the first manned mission to Mars comes up one man short. So it's up to Fred, who instantly rubs the ship's commander (William Sadler) and specialist (Jessica Lundy) the wrong way--but makes eerily good friends with the ship's chimp. A movie whose rude, gas-laced sense of humor will appeal to kids; adults may also get a few chuckles out of Canadian funnyman Williams, who does countless impressions and makes endless faces and funny noises. Think of him as the poor man's Jim Carrey. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Rocketman soars with laughs
When I first started watching "Rocketman," I thought it was gonna be corny and that it wouldn't be a good movie. I was wrong, it was hilarious. An unlikely candidate for the first ever mission to mars goes on the mission with an experienced mission commander and an attractive woman. Also on board to stir things up is a monkey.

"Rocketman" has some parts that are hilarious and will keep you laughing for awhile. Some of the funniest parts are when the monkey steals Fred's (Harland Williams) contraption in which he's supposed to sleep for months in and when Fred and Captain Overbeck (William Sadler) go for a walk on mars and Fred finds out that he's got just a little bit of gas overload.

"Rocketman" is hilarious and if you like comedy movies, I recommend getting it. It's a comedy movie that you can watch with the whole family and never get tired of it.

One of the Funniest Movies I've Ever Seen
Strange as it may seem, this really IS one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. Unexpected twists. Bizzare stange things that make no sense. And weird goofy euphemisms. That's what makes me laugh. As another reviewer said, the fist time you see the "anti-theft device" you can't help but laugh. And I really get a kick out of the things Fred says instead of curse words "Sweet swirling onion rings!". And the way he keeps launching into old classic songs (the one from the wizard of OZ was pretty great), it's just not the kind of humor you see in movies very often. But I think this movie's funniest moments come from the over-the-top crazy things that keep happening (the monkey biting his hand and him flailing across the room while other people talk in the next room over oblivous to what's happening, and the testing he goes through in the isolation chamber and the G-Force Tunnel).

This movie is good, clean fun and truly appropriate for all ages. If you like any of the movies I mentioned at the outset, or are just looking for something to show the kids, give this one a try.

AWESOME!!
About 6 years ago I had an incident in school which left me bedridden for a few weeks. A couple boys decided they wanted to fight and I happened to be in their way. Anyways, my Dad was constantly renting me movies since I had nothing else better to do. He rented this movie and I absolutely fell in love with it. I had him rent it 6 more times because I loved it so much! It just brightened my day with laughter. Recently I rented it again and had my sister and brother-in-law watch it and they felt the same way. Their favorite part was the gas on Mars. Such comment as "It wasn't me... It was the hairy one!" My brother-in-law just laughed so hard he almost cried. Needless to say this is my all time favortie movie!!

Tim Man
Origninally I rented this movie for my kids but I think I may have laughed harder than they did, then again maybe not.... Favorite part in the movie was of course the gas on Mars scene, "that had to be Julie"..and, "its in my mouth!!"........such classic moments, my kids and I will remember that movie forever......now if we could only get it on DVD......Spectacular fun for the whole gang...Perfect dinner and a movie night movie, just don't drink and watch at the same time.

bring it to DVD!!!!
Rocketman has got to be hands down the funniest movie my family has ever watched. We laughed till we cried and I had to watch it a second time to see it all because my eyes were shut laughing so hard during a few scenes. It is a great family movie for any age. My only wish is that Disney would bring it out on DVD. Come on Disney!! We've been waiting years!! ... Read more

Reviews (158)

Even Better Than The 1st--Great Antonio Banderas Performance
With a cast that includes John Cleese and Julie Andrews as Princess Fiona's royal parents, Rupert Everett as Prince Charming, both Antonio Banderas AND Jennifer Saunders stealing the show as Puss-In-Boots and the Fairy Godmother, respectively, SHREK 2 actually manages to do the seemingly impossible: build on---and even improve upon---the original! Usually, the first in any film series is the best, being fresh & original; sequels almost never live up to the original story. However, SHREK 2 plays not like a sequel; it's really more of an extension of the wacky SHREK. It actually throws more at you this time around, and resultingly turns out to be a laugh-a-minute animated comedy that blows you away. It is startingly original, inventive, edgy, satirical, rude, crude, romantic, cute---all at the same time! Mike Myers still does an incredible job as the voice of Shrek, as does Eddie Murphy as the motormouth Donkey and, of course, Cameron Diaz as the feisty Princess Fiona. I couldn't count all the great lines there are in the film! Also, as visually stunning as the 3-D CGI animation was in the original, it is even more amazing this time around: for example, Prince Charming looks so real that you have to remind yourself that he's not CGI. SHREK 2 is a feast for the eyes, yet you don't even realize how much it is because you're too busy laughing at the hundreds of gags, of which I will not dare to reveal!

As with the original, this film is not appropriate for kids under the age of 8. As with the original, more than 20 million kids under the age of 8 will have seen this film by this time next year. That's just a fact of life, I guess! Already SHREK 2 is breaking box office records, most notably the coveted five-day-opening-weekend record, earning over $125 million. It will undoubtably end up with an over-half-billion-dollar take at the U.S. box office alone, easily surpassing that of the original. But really, it isn't all hype: SHREK 2 definitely earns its standing as the most anticipated movie sequel of the year. Add to that the best comedy of the year!

MOST RECOMMENDED

Can't remember feeling this good leaving a theater ...
First, you start off with a dream cast: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas, John Cleese, Julie Andrews, Jennifer Saunders, and Rupert Everett. Then, you put them in a movie sequel that - while maybe with not quite the same level of heart the first film had - is funny, well-written, action-packed, and with a good story to tell.

And that's how "Shrek 2" comes to be, on a different level, a sequel to equal its predecessor. I literally can't remember when I've left a movie feeling this good, it's a film that deserved to break records, and hopefully will continue to do so.

The film opens right where the first one left off; Fiona and Shrek (Diaz and Myers) enjoy a blissful honeymoon ... after which they head home to the swamp, where they are reunited with Donkey (Murphy) -- it seems the romance between him and Dragon didn't work out. Soon after they're arrival, the newlyweds are visited by messengers from the Kingdom of Far Far Away, who inform them that Princess Fiona and her husband, Prince Shrek, have been invited to Far Far Away for a celebration of their marriage, with a gala ball where the king and queen (Fiona's parents) will bestow their blessings on the marriage union.

Shrek, figuring correctly that Fiona's parent may not be thrilled with their daughter marrying an ogre -- much less that Fiona is now an ogre permanently herself -- allows himself to be talked into going to the kingdom by Fiona, who is absolutely sure her parents will not only accept her in her current form ... but will also accept her ogre husband, whom she dearly loves.

The trip back -- in a carriage shaped like a garlic bulb -- takes Shrek and Fiona and Donkey to a kingdom where the streets resemble a strip mall (Burger Prince, Tower of London Records, etc. -- it looks like Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, Disney-style). When they get to the castle, they see that practically every loyal subject in the kingdom has gathered to celebrate the return of the long-lost princess. But when the happy couple steps from the coach, a hush of shock falls over the crowd ... and sure enough, the reception on all levels is much closer to Shrek's vision than what Fiona had in mind.

Add a conniving Fairy Godmother (Saunders), who has her own plans for Shrek and Fiona, and is blackmailing the King (Cleese) into helping her ... a catsassin name Puss-in-Boots (Banderas) who is hired to "take care of" Shrek so the evil plan can unfold ... and a magic "Happy Every After" potion that must end in a kiss before midnight for it to take hold ... and you have a great sequel that is funny, adventurous, and will appeal to the young and old alike.

The animation is tops; classic as "Shrek" was, there have been still new advances in animation that make this film look even more amazing on the big screen. The characters are all warm and human -- especially Shrek and Fiona of course -- but you'll get your best laughs from Donkey ... and especially from Puss, who has a secret weapon (when fighting off the guards in one scene) that may just have you falling off your seat with laughter.

While "Shrek" may be a more "fully-rounded" film, as some have said, there is not a single frame - or moment - wasted in this terrific sequel. In some ways, I liked it even better than the first, and for Murphy and Banderas alone the L.Q. (Laugh Quotient) will make it worth even a second or third viewing in the theater (and a no-brainer to own on DVD). Highly recommended, and I can't imagine anyone not liking this film -- unless you got a good bit of ogre in you, too.

Fantastic Movie! Better than the first!!!
This is a great film. It has a good moral and is a good family film. Most of the the innuendoes and other innapropriate jokes will go over the heads of most children.

Taking films into the next century!
Shrek 2 is one of the most funniest films of 2004 with its great graphical charaters to the funny jokes and phrases put into the film this is a definate 5 star!!

comically hillarious, action-packed and new characters
I was actually unsure about Shrek 2 because I was worried they'd ruin the first movie by throwing in irrelevant and painful gags with no real plot, but I was shushed into silence as I watched this hillarious and feel-good film. It's again a mickey-take of all the original fairytales like Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Pinochio, and Cinderella, but it's still so funny. Whilst this is for kids, it has some quite, let's say, controversial scenes which could upset young children. The parts where Shrek and Fiona need a little privarcy to make love is quite a scare for three-year-olds. And many people love Puss N Boots fairytale, yet in this they put him on drugs! But still, this is an excellent follow-up to the blockbuster hit Shrek. I would definitely give this one a see, it's just as good as the first one! ... Read more

Description

From the Academy Award(R)-winning creators of TOY STORY comes the world's #1 computer-animated film that captured the hearts of fans and critics everywhere. MONSTERS, INC., is "visually dazzling, action-packed, and hilarious" (Boston Herald), featuring groundbreaking animation, imaginative storytelling, and unforgettable voice talent. John Goodman stars as the lovable James P. Sullivan (Sulley) and Billy Crystal as his wisecracking best friend, Mike Wazowski. Top scarer Sulley and his enthusiastic Scare Assistant Mike work at Monsters, Inc., the largest scream-processing factory in Monstropolis. The main power source of the monster world is the collected screams of human children. Monsters believe children are dangerous and toxic, however, and they are scared silly when a little girl wanders into their world. Sulley and Mike do their best to return the girl home, but they face monstrous intrigue and some hilarious misadventures along the way. MONSTERS, INC., is "supremely clever -- fun for kids and adults alike" (CBS-TV). Treat yourself to the most entertaining movie of the year with all-new exclusive bonus features and animation for monster laughs and monster fun. ... Read more

Reviews (749)

Destined to be a classic.
My title may sound a tad cliche, but I believe it. The guys at Pixar understand the mind of children - because they still haven't grown up! That's why Monsters, Inc. is the perfect balance of children's entertainment and adult sophistication. I love it when a studio produces movies that kids love, but at the same time are able to add a level of maturity and sophistication that adults appreciate - without sexual innuendo or appealing to the lowest-common denominator. (i.e. several instances in the movie, Shrek)

The animation is simply incredible; the characters are compelling and hilarious; Boo is worth the price of TWO admissions; the plot and backstory are completely ingenious.

Buy this movie. Enjoy it. Enjoy Disc 2. (Tons of extras - including "Mike's New Car" and another Pixar short entitled "For the Birds" -- PLUS, clips from the Monsters, Inc. office musical production "Put that thing back where it came from or so help me..." !!) With the possible exception of Toy Story 2, one COULD argue that this is the (or at least ONE of the) greatest animated movies ever made.

Sorry if I'm gushing too much. I love this movie. My kids love this movie. It's just plain, good, old-fashinoned FUN.

"MONSTERS, INC." will scare up a treat for audiences
Delightful, uproarious, fun, hilarious, cute and cuddly, jovial... Just a few of the numerous "happy" adjectives you could pin on Pixar's latest pixilated masterpiece "Monsters, Inc." Pixar once again proves itself Disney's most valuable asset with their knack for original stories and often witty and clever humor.

John Goodman and Billy Crystal provide their trademark voices for Sully, the big blue furry monster, and Mike, the cycloptic short green monster as they scare up kids' screams which are converted to energy to power the televisions and alarm clocks of the monster metropolis. (Seems very allegorical of the California power outages this past summer, no?) Conflict brews when Randall, the gecko-like monster, gets greedy and wants to become the top "scarer" by exploiting the screams of the innocent human child, yet show-stealing cute, Boo. While kids might get lost in the action of the movie, the CGI effects and clever Laurel and Hardy-esque slapstick of Sully and Mike (or Lenny and George, which ever way you want to look at it) will have the kiddies captivated from beginning to end.

While Dreamwork's box office baby "Shrek" may have just as good edgy, clever humor and depth, Pixar is far from being out of the running. Keep in mind, Pixar is already a veteran with "Toy Story 1 & 2" (with a third on the way), and "A Bug's Life". There's no doubt in my mind that Pixar and Dreamwork's will be at the helm of the fully computer animated feature for years to come. May the best company win!

For the time being, strap yourself in for the first in some great holiday flicks coming to the silver screen near you! "Monsters, Inc." is already off and running to box office gold, and is a wholly satisfying and entertaining movie for kids, parents, and "Average Joe" movie critics alike.

A big Kid at Heart
I was in the library with my niece and she grabbed this DVD. How can you say no to someone with the most adorable eyes. So I checked out the DVD, we went home and had a wonderful, wonderful time. This is the kind of movie you can appreciate no matter how young or old you are. James P Sullivan (voiced by John Goodman), and Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) are monsters who work for Monsters Inc. Sulley is the best at getting his fair share of scares, but he has some competition in Randall who wants to be the top scare monster. The more screams collected, the more energy for Montropolis. The monsters are led to believe that if a child enters their "world" they will be contaminated and everything could be destroyed. The real fun part starts when this adorable human child named Marry (Boo buy Sulley) sneaks into Montropolis by accident. The kids are scared of the monsters, and the monsters are terrifiedof the kids. Sully and Mike try to get Boo back to her world, but she won't leave. Turns out Randall is her scary monster. Also turns out that Randal has a plan up his sleeve to extract screams that could put the other monsters out of work. It's up to Sully and Mike to save Montroplis and Monsters Inc. This is a fun, entertaining film that will leave with a happy, happy feeling when it's all over. Steve Bucemis I the voice for Randal Boggs, and other notable actors are James Coburn, and Jennifer Tilly (who has the perfect voice for animation, she should do more of it!!!) and Bonnie Hunt.

This is an adorable movie. One I will watch again, with or without my niece.

More Family Magic from Pixar! Great DVD Extras!
"Monster's, Inc." combines a fantastic cast, cutting edge imagination, and a tender storyline into a wonderful, delightful family film . . . it may even cure the nighttime frights of your wee ones!

Most of us were scared stiff at some point in our childhood by the spooky, imaginary "monsters in the closet," usually after we've read "Where the Wild Things Are" for the first time. "Monsters, Inc." plays on that near-universal fear by creating a rational explanation -- monsters live in a parallel universe, connected to ours by closet doors, and they power their land by the energy contained in human screams. Makes perfect sense!

Sulley (the hilarious John Goodman) is a celebrity in Monstropolis as the leading scare-getter for Monster's, Inc. Sulley is generally a lovable big blue yeti-bear-creature, but he can be quite terrifying. Blissfully unaware of the terror he unleashes, he enjoys his job. Basking in Sulley's reflected glory is his sidekick and assistant, Mike Waznowski (Billy Crystal, perfect as ever). Mike is a lime-green-yellow glob with one giant eye and an even larger mouth. He helps Sulley get the screams and stay one step ahead of the competition.

And the competition is fierce. The dragon-chameleon Boggs (Steve Buscemi, suitably creepy without being too scary for the kids) is right on Sulley's heels to be the scream champion, and he's willing to go to any lengths to beat his nemesis.

All is well in Monstropolis until Boo, a human child, accidentally finds her way through the closet and into Monstropolis. It seems that as scared as kids are of monsters, the monsters are equally scared of the kids -- their touch (allegedly) brings death and ruin. (This misunderstanding leads to great comic scenes as X-Files-type HAZMAT crews invade every time there's a kid sighting, usually to the woe of the monster who has seemingly been infected by the kid!)

Like all Pixar films, the glories are in the details. Check out the gentle satire of Hollywood celebrity culture, of mindless bureaucracy, and the perils of romance in the office. The animation is also wonderful -- Pixar continues to evolve with every picture. For example, Sulley's fuzzy hair is fully articulated as he zooms through various escapades.

The story is fast-paced, with enough jokes to keep the adults laughing . . . which is good, 'cause your kids will likely keep throwing this into the DVD player.

Speaking of the DVD -- there are lots of fun extras on this two-disc set. Personal favorites include the fake "outtakes," similar to those at the end of "A Bug's Life," a short film featuring Mike showing Sulley his new hi-tech car (with hilarious consequences), and an Oscar-winning short film, "For the Birds," which shows how funny animation can be, even in short doses. There are additional extras that will keep the kiddies occupied for hours.

All in all, a must for the family's DVD library.

100% Kid Friendly
There aren't many movies that can be seen over and over and over again and still be enjoyed so much. My little sister is addicted to Monsters, Inc. Instead of having to look under the bed to make sure there are no monsters there, she wishes and hopes that when the closet door is opened, Scully will be in there waiting to "scare" her. She was Boo for Halloween last year and requested a Little Mikey stuffed animal for her birthday. Basically, she can not get enough of anything to do with Monsters, Inc.

OK, I admit it. I'm hooked on Monsters, Inc. too. After seeing it thirty plus times with the little one, I still find myself actually watching it and laughing out loud. What a great movie with lovable characters.

Monsters, Inc. is a 100% kid friendly movie that adults will enjoy as well. ... Read more

Reviews (212)

Best Space Fantasy Adventure of all Time¿AFI's Top 100
'Stars Wars: Return of the Jedi, Episode VI' is one of the best of all the episodes of the trilogy ('Star Wars: A New Hope, Episode IV' and 'The Empire Strikes Back, Episode V'). Besides all the excitement and energy, special effect galore-you find out the secrets behind the mysterious legacy of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher). The romance between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia is subtle without all the sex appeal. The confrontation between Luke and his father, Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) and the final battle of the Rebellion vs. The Evil Empire is just some of great climatic moments, plus those cute teddy bear-like Ewoks (Do I sense Lucas merchandising here?). When I attended the first prequel I was disappointed over the story plot. The only thing that made it hold together was the special effects. So I'll stick with the original trilogy. At least it has Han Solo and Chewbacca. A perfect additional to the video is the great Soundtrack by John Williams. I miss the jivey song-and-dance number to the Jabba the Hut lair scenes. An original 1983 version of the Soundtrack album I recall that had the track from the film. It was titled "Lapti Nek." But I did find it on a reissue of 'Stars Wars Trilogy: The Original Soundtrack (Box Set)' with all the original tracks including the Cantina Band and the Ewok celebration songs. I'd also like to mention that there is more humor in the original films than the prequels. It has the best overall story plot.

The prequels are just overpriced productions with a very weak story and dialogue. I'm not sure in the case of Lucas further venture into creating the origins of Obi-Wan Kenobi (One seems to appreciate the much older, wiser and the good side of "the force" Jedi Knight as played by late actor, Alec Guinness), how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader and the parents of the future Luke and Leia. Lately, Lucas seems to be trying to appeal to a broader audience other than focusing on a great story. Nothing can beat the original trilogy story by a stretch. I had alot of great memories about Stars Wars when it first started in 1977. It's become a American culture phenomenon commerically. It's something that everyone will remember and hand down their character, music and book collections to their kids. Yes, I'll say it I saw each one more than 10 times. Shame on me :)! The first book to come out after the first 'Star Wars: A New Hope' movie was Alan Dean Foster's Star Wars Novel "Splinter of the Mind's Eye." It's about the further adventures of Luke & Leia. There has even been spoofs in hiliarious tribute to this like 'Hardware Wars' and 'George Lucas in Love.' This is one of my top 5 desert island films. It's just one movie that will never grow old. It's just as entertaining as it was before. "The Force" is definitely with this for it to be one of the top 100 movies of all time named by the American Film Institute (AFI). That says alot. May the Force Be with You Always!

A Sweeping Epic, Grandiose In Scale
Return Of The Jedi is the final installment in the amazing masterpiece trilogy: Star Wars, and is one of the best in the trilogy. It perfectly interweaves emotion, action, and romance in this epic masterpiece which finishes one of the greatest movie trilogies of all times.

The Galactic Empire has begun construction on a new Death Star which is even more powerful than the first Death Star, and meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, R2D2, and C3PO are attempting to rescue Han Solo from the evil clutches of Jabba The Hutt. After they rescue Han, they plan for the destruction of the new Death Star and find out that the Emperor is personally overseeing the final stages of the construction of the new Death Star. Han, Luke, Leia, 3PO, R2, and a group of rebel commandos must disable the Shield Generator on the orbiting moon of Endor to allow rebel fighter pilots to fly into the Death Star and destroy the main reactor. While the battle rages on, Luke must face his own destiny and confront Darth Vader in a battle to the death which may spell certain doom for the Rebel Alliance and their cause to restore freedom to the galaxy.

The entire movie shines with an epic look whether its a space battle, a sail barge assault above the jaws of a hungry Sarlacc, a Speeder Bike chase through the redwood forests of Endor, or a lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. The emotions involved between Luke Skywalker and the truth about his past grip the audience in the same way that Luke feels, and suspend them above the fate of the Rebel Alliance. Han and Leia's feelings for each other are more developed in this movie, and really tie up loose ends that were left from The Empire Strikes Back. The entire movie actually ties up loose ends and is kind of the resolution point for the Star Wars trilogy. This movie is definitely the best in the trilogy, and worth buying. It is not a disappointment, but one of the greatest movies of all times.

Give Me a Break
Greatest Movie Ever. The "Special Editions" ruined it. Too many great moments to even begin. Love or hate it, if you haven't seen this turning point in film history, you are either uninformed or living in the past. It is more amazing than Wizard of Oz anr Return of the King put together.

The Empire Falls. . .
"So be it. . . Jedi."
- The Emperor

With Return of the Jedi, the space opera saga/cultural phenomenon that began with Star Wars in 1977 and continued with The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, comes to a close.

This perhaps the most difficult film to categorize as far as quality and living tup to expectations. Executive Producer Gary Kurtz parted ways with Lucas after Empire, and Jedi would have been a different film in many respects had he and his ideas stayed put. However, Lucas wanted certain things and would not buge, and what the viewer gets is a climactic and spectacular, if somewhat unfocused, conclusion to one of the most beloved film trilogies of all time.

Luke Skywalker, an older and wiser man for his defeat at Cloud City, attempts a daring rescue mission in the seedy lair of the gangster Jabba the Hutt, a mission to free Han Solo who is being kept as a showroom piece by the ruffian slug. This premise gives birth to the first in a string of incredible action set pieces ranging from monster pits to desert oceans to the blackness of space to the luch forrests of the forrest moon of Endor.

Moving the action along, the plot is more daring even than that of the first movie. The Rebel Alliance, having learned of a new, more powerful Death Star, prepare to mount a final resistance against the station in the hopes of ending the war with one swift stroke. To help accomplish this, Luke, Han, and Leia must deactivate the generator that keeps the Death Star shielded.

However, this won't even be as easy as it sounds. Luke no knows that Darth Vader is his father, and he must confront him if he is to become a fully-fledged Jedi Knight. Han and Leia are caught by a legion of Imperials and must fight a fierce geurilla battle with the help of some unexpected (and sickeningly cute) allies. The Repel fleet is caught between a rock and a hard place - literally - and must contend with both the might of the Imperial Navy and the destructive power of the Death Star while our heroes race to accomplish their mission and restore freedom to the galaxy.

There are parts of Jedi where it really shows that George was going this one alone, particularly the inclusion of the Ewoks (cute, furry, evil Teddy Bears of DOOM), but even with a few marketing concessions and a bold narrative, Jedi still manages to do a LOT of things right. Luke is a more confident character, taking charge of the movie and making you care about him more than ever before as he battles Vader, the Emporer, and the Dark Side. Han and Leia, though not as prominent in Jedi as they were in Empire, are still a joy to watch, particularly in the case of their sometimes-bumbling relationship. Even Lando is given a good deal more screen time, and more importance. Though the characters seem driven by the plot rather than the other way around, this is really the only way the concluding chaper ot the Star Wars Saga could have played out.

As for the Special Edition of Jedi, it is perhaps the most despised of the three. In addition to the requisite digital additions, Lucas added in an entirely new ending sequence of galtactic (literally) proportions to play along with the Ewok celebration after the battle, going so far as to include all new music. Sure, it's still nice, but why mess with something when it's so good?

Either way, this is still a darn good version of a darn good movie, and one that had a hefty bill to fill coming out of the gates. No movie collection is complete without the Star Wars Trilogy, and the trilogy isn't complete without Return of the Jedi. And hoestly, it's really such a FUN movie that it shouldn't be any other way.

If you don't have this, buy, it, or, even better, wait for the DVD release later this year. Either way, the Force will be with you, always.

Return of the Jedi or
King wins! Jedi is not as big a movie as return of the King.11 oscars.WON EVERY ONE FOR KINGUM!!!! Nobody wants to award Lukey.
Luke is back again trying to save his buddies from the fat,massive blob called Jabba. da pizza hut.Thats how he got so obese.eating pizza. The young Jedi fights well and fufills his destiny.but Apoohy is still waiting to get him.WHAT? Yoda is mean and says he has to kill his old man daddy o so justice can be served in the galaxy!!! Then he dies. good riddance. Lukey is the only jedi.Boba falls in the slimy "Pit of Despair"(Ya know,Like the Westley guy that gets tortured)except the princess Leia likes the smuggler. does that Boba kid make it out alive?
After Han solo is unfrozen and back to his happy,smuggy smiley self it;s time to blow up another Death Star.(Palpatine doesn't have many ideas for scary space horror ships.When he was a kid he probably was scared of stars.)So Chewi starts the trouble getting hungry.Oh by they are on Endor trying to destroy the shield of the death star(badly gaurded it looks...hmmm.)But walk into trap they do by Empire...hmmm after almost being killed by Teddy Bears almost.Luke does his Jedi stuff and then everybodies happy.Except when the Rebels get stubidly tricked into being prisoners of mean officers who call them scum.But the teddy bears who led them into it are still at large and the only hope for the rebels(is there any hope Gandalf? For the rebels?)(there never was much hope in teddies.)Luke meanwhile has gotten brainwashed by Yody and Ken-Obi.So he thinks he shouldn't kill Vader or Palpatine for the wrong reasons.But he still has to kill em.They mix him up.Then Poohy has a lightsaber right in front of him.Don't give in to hate Lukey must not.Lando is face to face with a huge fleet of desroyers.Will he blast the death star?Will darth Vader become what he was born to be? A GOOD JEDI? Will lukey take up the saber of the jedi or throw it away? The succsess might depend on one little Ewok somewhare in the wilderness......I hope you also watch Return of the King,because I think Star Wars took the end plot from Tolkien.I still love em! Everybody goes home happy!! But not a thinker end like Lordies.Just more weird how Leia doesn't care her dad is dead.Bye.AAPOOOOOHY!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Caught between the purest of intentions and unimaginative shortcuts tosentimentality, The Mighty is nevertheless rewarding enough to make itworth seeing. Kieran Culkin stars as Kevin, a terminally ill but spiritedyoung boy who befriends a healthy but illiterate social outcast, Maxwell(Elden Henson). They realize that together they are a stronger, braver forcethan they are as individuals, and the various opportunities they have toconfront persecutors and memories of their bad fathers are handled veryeffectively by director Peter Chelsom (a very original filmmaker who made theterrific Funny Bones). The curious adult casting includes Sharon Stone(a natural scene-stealer even when she doesn't intend it) as Kevin's saintlymother, and Gillian Anderson in a quite-unbelievable supporting role.Chelsom's lapses in judgment are not terribly significant (imaginaryappearances by Camelot-era knights on horseback are the most annoying), thoughone could argue that a plot to kidnap one of the boys is a cheesy way tounderscore the kids' redemptive loyalty to one another. Still, all in all, youcan laugh and cry at this tale of rare friendship, and admire the sensitive performances by Chelsom's younger players. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (109)

The Mighty(1998)
This movie is about two boys who become really good friends (Culkin & Ratliff) both have really wild imaginations. Both boys are different from each other and everyone else, but much like one another in many ways. This film is the only drama that didn't make me cry, because everything that happened was expected. Sharon Stone who plays Gwen Dillon (kevin's mother) did a fine job with her part. Gillian Anderson (scully from the X-FILES) fit her part very well as an ex-cons girlfriend, who gives max a helping hand. My favorite quote from this movie was said by Stone "Congratulations, you must be proud. You've just given birth to a healthy seven pound dictionary." I think this movie is much like "Simon Birch". Both Simon & Kevin were born with birth defects, and both found one very special friend who was always there for them. I think this movie was very good and so was the book. You should read the book first before you see the movie.

The Mighty(1998)
This movie is about two boys whobecome really good friends (Culkin & Ratliff) both have really wild imaginations. both boys are different from each other and everyone else, but much lie one another in many ways. This film is the only drama that didn't make me cry, because everything that happened was expected. Sharon Stone who plays Gwen Dillon (kevin's mother) did a fine job with her part. Gillian Anderson (scully from the X-FILES) fit her part very well as an ex-cauns girlfriend, who gives max a helping hand. My favorite quote from this movie was said by Stone "Congratulations, you must be proud. You've just given birth to a healthy seven pound dictionary." I think this movie is much like "Simon Birch". Both Simon & Kevin were born with birth defects, and both found one very special friend who was always there for them. I think this movie was very good and so was the book. You should read the book first before you see the movie.

The Mighty
I think that the movie THE MIGHTY was one of the best movies I've ever seen in my life. It followed the book pretty well which is good and the casting was very good. The book brought tears to my eyes and the movie did too. If you like drama, this is a touching story that is good for the whole family. I really enjoy watching it.

A Sweet Film
As of this writing, there are 108 reviews for this film, detailing the plot, the cast, and the plot. I'm not going to repeat any of that.

I'm just going to say that this film was very enjoyable to watch, and certainly worth an evening. This is more than a message film, that the least of us have worth, that good can triumph over evil, that one person's shortcomings can be filled by another's strength.

The Mighty is all of that, but it is entertaining as well. There are life lessons to be learned here, for sure, but the inventiveness and imagination of Kevin, the disabled boy, brings a touch of whimsy and light humor to the film that might be unexpected.

It may not follow the book (which I have not read) closely, but it stands on its own as a sweet film that doesn't lay a message on too heavily, but, with the help of an excellent cast, strikes just the right balance between humor, drama, and pathos.

Recommended.

For those who've ever felt different, inferior or left out!
Some folks like to "put down" movies that are obviously meant to make a person feel good. This movie really struck me deep down to the core. I was transported back to my own childhood to relive a little pain because I related so much to both of the main characters. With that little bit of pain, I also got to relive a whole bunch of joy, because I also related so much to their triumphs!!! Buy this movie and let yourself feel good. ... Read more

Reviews (195)

Here Come THE JETS!
WEST SIDE STORY remains unique...to the point of astounding...in status among most accomplished classics in cinema history. Legendary director Robert Wise[whose eclectic mastery of film ranges from "lost" mythology epic, HELEN OF TROY to sci-fi milestones-THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL and STAR TREK:The Movie]perfectly renders a film of passion;tragedy;humor and ultimate celebration of youthful humanity. Leonard Bernstein's score is peerless Americana: classic ART and popular entertainment.Jerome Robbins'choreography is electrifying;Steven Sondheim's "libretto lyrics" are ensconded in popular music immortality.

West Side Story's ensemble cast is likewise peerless.
Natalie Wood is superb as American JULIET, Maria. Richard Beymer's Tony/Romeo charcterization wonderfuly combines heroic "tough guy" with star-crossed lover. George Chakris(Bernardo)and Russ Tamblyn (Riff)jive; fight and dance their rival gangs into legend. My favorite is Rita Moreno.Her performance as earth mother/eternal woman figure, ANITA is remarkable. Her ferocious sexual brio;lioness-Queen humor("if you can fight in/for AMERICA!");home girl insouciance, and passionate GRACE are archetypal.WEST SIDE STORY thematically equals--if not surpasses--its SHAKESPEAREAN progenitor.It is America's SOUND OF MUSIC.The ten Academy Awards could be justly re-awarded.

[When I learned "my" homies back in Massachusetts'Pelham Regional High School...citadel/incubator of so-called 5-college professoriate and University of Mass'PC satrapy centered in Amherst...BANNED WEST SIDE STORY as Racist(this year the school is featuring VAGINA MONOLOGUES)I wondered: "WHERE ARE THE JETS when you need them?"]...

Certainly WSS was never conceived--as Mel Gibsons's THE PASSION OF CHRIST--to stir Culture War and rally believers. WEST SIDE STORY is,"unsimply",American film making at its finest and cinema art of world class caliber. It is movie ICON,which,as The JETS challenge, remains at-the-ready: "to beat every last f.....'gang on the whole f.....'street!"(10 Stars)

powerful,realistic , the finest musical drama I have seen
This ia a very intense, fast moving story in which many of the scenes easily could have happened in real life in New York at that time.

The quality of the music and lyrics blends beautifully with the action, and the choreographed dances are breathtaking.The actors fit their parts to such perfection that I could not imagine anyone else than Natalie Wood playing Maria, or George Chakiris as Bernardo, and on and on for the rest of the Jets and Sharks. My favorite musicals are those from 1950-1970 and of all the great ones like Oklahoma, South Pacific, and the Sound of Music, West Side Story impresses me as the most exciting dramatic musical of all time. It is hard to find a boring moment in this movie. When I think about this movie, the ballet numbers, choreography, and excitement stand out the most in my mind. For a fast moving drama this is a classic against which to compare other musical drama. Who would have thought that a mere conflict between two gangs could have been portrayed into such a dynamic movie. The producers certainly succeeded in bringing up to date the Romeo and Juliet saga. The romance and tragedy of Tony and Maria will always be indelibly impressed in my mind.

Magnificent adaptation of Romeo & Juliet!
Robert Wise made his masterpiece with this film mixing the essential spirit of the shakesperian mood , recreating it in the modern times as a racial conflict.
Wise mixed the drama with a credible plot . The coreography is towering and the music ( Oh what kind of inspiration was in the mind of Leonard Bernstein , acquire buy also the soundtrack; Maria became a classic ), Rita Moreno won a deserved Academy Award and this became a personal triumph for Natalie Wood one of the most beautiful faces ever seen in the cinema story .
The sequence fights between the bunchs is perfect articulated , there is a fine balance between drama and music.
Enjoyable film and of course for all a generation of teenagers in that age , who actaully are grandparents , still remember with nosthalgie that unforgettable jewel picture .

The Best Musical
West Side Story is one of my favorite musicals. The music and the choreography is incredible. Natalie Wood and Richard Beymer make a perfect Maria and Tony. Now that it is on the 2 Disc Special Limited Edition, it is even better. You can have the original intermission music if you wish and there is a great documentary called West Side Memories which shows how this amazing musical was made. Along with the special edition you get a book that contains the original screenplay, a timeline of the show from when the idea was first thought of and to when it came to the screen, a pamphlet you could of bought in the theaters when it first opened in 1961, and newspaper clippings of what critics thought of the show. Even if you didn't get the special edition this show is still worth owning. The songs are incredible. My favorites are "Maria", "America", and "I Feel So Pretty" which a ninety minute instrumental version is used for the intermission.

Best movie Ever
This movie is a must anyone who loves musicals, it's a total classic. If you thought you knew a lot about the movie, think again, because with all the extra fetures will provide you with more knowledge that you than think about.

The movie has definatley got some of the best dance seguences ever made for a musical. ... Read more

Description

The Old West comes to life in this taut, searing bloody tale of crime and vengeance starring Sam Elliot (Mask, Sibling rivalry) as Conagher and Katharine Ross (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Graduate) as Edie. Year: 1991 Director: Reynaldo Villalobos Starring:Sam Elliot, Katharine Ross, Barry Corbin ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Saddle Bum
When Louis L'amour suggested to Sam Elliot that he should read Conagher, a novel he wrote, I doubt he ever envisioned it would result in becoming an instant classic western. Sam Elliot befriended Louis L'amour while filming The Sacketts, a movie based on another L'amour novel series. Unfortunately, L'amour died before Conagher was filmed; I'm sure he'd have been pleased with the results.

After reading this novel as well as viewing the movie several times I would surmise that they are both equally extraordinary, but I like the movie better. It is a very rare occasion when a movie can hold up to the book it's based on; much less surpass it in quality and interest.

Conagher (Sam Elliot) is a drifter, working wherever enough money or a warm bed and a meal can be had. His job with the stagecoach and fate brought him to Mrs. Teal (Katherine Ross), but it was something else that kept bringing him back. Through his drifting, he made a few enemies of folks who swayed to the other side of the line between good and bad. He was always true to the brand he rode for though, and sometimes his honesty caused him to be outnumbered, but never outfought.

When something, like this movie, has so many good parts that make up the whole, a resulting masterpiece can often not be avoided. Elliot, the greatest living western actor, was able to co-script this movie, based on his friend Louis L'amour's novel, and star opposite his wife Katherine Ross (whom he finds love with in the story). The movie is a perfect balance of drama, action, and love blended beautifully into an accurately portrayed frontier western.

Excelent Western, Sensitive character study,
Sam Elliot has been in a lot of junk movies, but he himself is a GREAT actor, as intense as DiNero and as subtle as meryl Streep, when the writing is solid and the role actually gives him Something to do.This is a story about 2 sensitive people coming to terms with each other on the frontier. The chemestry between Katherine Ross and Sam is amazingly nuanced, no doubt a tribute to a very happy marriage.Her stoic lonliness and his sensitive reticence is heart breaking. The writing is solid, with no flaws. It's films like this that allow both of them to exercize their substantial talents, its a shame Sam is not in more Sam Elliott vehicle films that maintain the nuanced finesse and literary merit of this film. Too often he's dropped into a pop cult machine made mediocre action film as a macho icon: he has great moments in almost every film he's in, but he needs to be in more handcrafted, literary vehicles, and work with directors like Altman & Scorsese. Connagher is Sam's best film to date. the supporting cast is quite fine, Sam & Kathryn are brilliant.

"You couldn't hurt Conagher with an axe."

Format: Color
Studio: Warner Home Video
Video Release Date: May 11, 1994

Cast:

Sam Elliott
Katherine Ross
Gavin O'Herlihy
Daniel Quinn
Barry Corbin
Ken Curtis
Cody Braun
Anndi McAfee

Conagher was written by Louis L'Amour (Lamoore) about life in the West around the end of the 19th century, with trouble with the Indians, rustlers, and a widow woman (Katherine Ross) tryimg to raise her children on a hard scrabble farm. Conagher comes to their aid.

L'Amour was a student of Western history. He understood the common man, having worked as a cowboy, circus roustabout, merchant seaman, boxer and served in the U.S.Navy. He was also a prolific writer of Western fiction, among other things.

This is not the first L'Amour story that Elliott has played in. He also performed as Tell Sackett in The Sacketts, which was an amalgamation of several of Louis's stories in that series on that family.

This story of Conagher was one of his good stories, which you will find typical of L'Amour's writing...good entertainment.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

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

A lover of Western American history
Only a few westerns have become true favorites of mine over the last 40 years. Conagher ranks with the best of them. Why? The movie was not filmed in a movie lot specially made for movies, like Universal Studios or Old Tucson. But rather, you could say it was filmed 'on location' in a rugged, true-to-life environment that honestly represents what it was really like in the Old West. The Teal cabin and the surrounding country, the ranch of Seaborn Tay, the town - all have that authentic realism that lend excellence to the movie. Often in the film the lighting in certain scenes appears lacking as compared to other films in the genre. But actually, this is what gives the film a special feel, a special ring of realism. It's because you feel as though you are really there as a bystander, watching this drama play out right in front of you in the same way it would appear in real life. The direction of the film by Rebaldo Villalobos is superb and the performances by the actors are absolutely memorable. The musical score couldn't have been better because the selections chosen for the soundtrack apply perfectly and leave an indelible impression on the viewer. I don't know what Sam Elliot would think about this, but I believe this film is his best, most memorable performance of his career, bar-none. His rendition of Conn Conagher imprints Sam Elliot on my mind for all time - he IS Conagher. I don't think he has played characters in any of his other films that have struck me the way that Conn Conagher has in this one. But this is not to detract from the other performers in the film: Catherine Ross, Gavin O'Herlihy, Daniel Quinn, Barry Corbin, Ken Curtis, Cody Braun, Anndi McAfee, and the rest - they've all portrayed believable characters that make for a very enjoyable, memorable film that you will want to watch again and again over the years because it brings something special to the heart. Don't pass up the opportunity to see Conagher if you haven't seen it yet - you'll never regret it.

TALL IN THE SADDLE
IT APPEARS OUR ONLY HOPE FOR THE FUTURE OF GOOD WESTERNS LIES IN THE HANDS OF SAM ELLIOTT AND TOM SELLECK. I HOPE THEY DONT TIRE OF MAKING THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE BOTH IDEALLY SUITED FOR THIS GENRE.
THIS IS A SIMPLE STORY AS ALL GOOD ONES ARE. CONAGHER IS AN OLD SCHOOL COWHAND LOYAL TO HIS EMPLOYER AND TO HIS OWN TRUE BLUE MORALITY.
HE SIGHNS ON TO RIDE FOR A SMALL RANCHER EXPERTLY PLAYED BY THE LATE KEN CURTIS. A COMPETING OUTFIT WANTS TO KILL THE OLD MAN AND STEAL HIS STOCK. CONAGHER WONT ALLOW IT AND GIVES THE RUSTLING COWBOYS A TASTE OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE.
HE ALSO TAKES A SHINE TO A WIDOW WOMAN, MRS. TEAL PLAYED BY ELLIOTTS REAL LIFE WIFE KATHERINE ROSS. THE LONELY WIDOW WRITES HER THOUGHTS DOWN ON NOTES AND ATTATCHES THEM TO WANDERING TUMBLE WEEDS. CONAGHER FINDS SOME OF THEM, NOT KNOWING TEAL IS THE AUTHOR. CONAGHER HAS TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HIS NOMADIC COWBOY LIFESTYLE OR TRUE LOVE AND FAMILY LIFE. ONLY HE FEELS UNFIT TO PURSUE THE LADY. LOUIS LAMOURS STORIES ALWAYS HAVE A MORAL THROWN IN AS ALL GOOD WESTERNS DO. ELLIOTTS CHARACTER STANDS HIS GROUND, RIDES FOR THE BRAND AND SHARES HIS PHILOSOPHY OF DOING 'THE RIGHT THING' TO YOUNGER TIN HORNS.
IN THE END HE WHIPS THE BAD GUYS,.... BUT DOES HE OPT FOR ROMANCE OR HIS WEATHERD WAY OF LIFE? HAVE TO SEE THE MOVIE TO FIND OUT. THE MUSIC IS GREAT IN THIS ONE. IT IS SWEET AND SIMPLE LIKE THE FILM ITSELF.

ELLIOTT IS TODAYS QUINTESSENTIAL COWBOY AND SITS THE SADDLE WELL. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Again? Yes. Even though no other movie has been released as many times on video as Star Wars (except for its sequels, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi), George Lucas and the folks at 20th Century Fox have actually released a slightly different film this time. This video followed the mega-successful 20th-anniversary theatrical rerelease, in which Lucas personally remastered the image and sound quality of his baby. Other revisions are more obvious, if hardly radical. Lucas enhanced several special effects with updated computer technology--most noticeable are the explosions and removal of matte lines during the Death Star battle finale. And the creatures that populate Mos Eisley's spaceport--though meticulous--are aesthetically superior improvements. The inclusion of extra scenes (originally outtakes), however, is not an improvement. Both the meeting between Jabba the Hutt and Han Solo, and Luke talking with his childhood pal Biggs, do nothing to enhance character development or theme, and serve only as distractions that preoccupy the waiting viewer.And, really couldn't Lucas find something better to do with his time than mess around with a national treasure? As for the video, this boasts both visual and sound enhancements. But since Star Wars has been available with these tweaks numerous times before, the decision whether to purchase this latest new version depends on how badly you want to see Lucas's cosmetic surgery. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (283)

A long time ago, in a cinema far, far away...
A long time ago, in a cinema far, far away, a certain film called STAR WARS was released. Now, George Lucas' first installment in the hugely popular STAR WARS franchise is generally regarded as the greatest movie ever made. Why? Well, what's not to like? From the opening shot of the Blockade Runner accompanied by that great theme tune by John Williams, you know you're in the unique world of the STAR WARS universe. Before George's action-packed THE PHANTOM MENACE and ATTACK OF THE CLONES, A NEW HOPE was known only as STAR WARS. Audiences had never seen anything so original and amazing. Now, the series has entered into the fanboy culture all over the world. In comparison, Episode 4 seems somewhat tame compared to ATOC, but it's still an astounding adventure filled with great characters, great action set-pieces and strident theatrical music.

From Hero Luke Skywalker's symbolic journey from his home Tatooine to the moment of victory at the finale, we are greeted with a myriad of fantastic characters, especially Han Solo, played by a pre-Indy Harrison Ford and his buddy Chewbacca, flying around in their Millenium Falcon. And the ultimate incarnation of evil, Darth Vader. British veteran actors Alec Guiness and Peter Cushing are excellent as a wise yet ageing "Old Ben" Kenobi and Vader respictively. And that, more than anything, is what made TPM so hollow. While the action was good, the lack of good characters was disappointing. But AOTC has regained much of the sense of adventure that this film started off.

Lucas' grand vision illuminates the entire film, with inventive creatures and events. Several scenes that are my favorites are Obi Wan's conversation to Luke about the Clone Wars and Vader, Solo's disposal of Greedo, Obi Wan and Vader's last battle and the destruction of the death star. The prominant influences that left their creative mark on the film range from westerns to Akira Kurosawa's Samurai pictures. The influence the film itself had on cinema (it invented the Summer Blockbuster) is astounding, with everything from figurines to frisbees from the hysteria over the film's captivating originality and subsequent zeitgeist. One of my all-time favorite films, STAR WARS is THE great adventure.

Do I really have to Say anything?
It's what? Going on 30 years since "A New Hope' was released to massive success (and even again in 1997)? You bet, and it still looks fresh and feels right. The film has an attitude to it. A little arrogant and a little sarcastic, but still thrilling and and made the foundation for almost every action and fantasy movie to follow. Only the recent release of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has had near that much impact (which I consider this generation's Star Wars).

George Lucas was at his creative peak in the "Hope," and it shows. The special effects are used to help paint the world in which the characters live. They don't distract and they don't take away from the actors' performances. The trench run with the Death Star can still live today with modern special effects laden scenes. And the actors are so convincing in their roles, unlike some in the prequels. Alec Gunniess leads the cast with his Shakesperian wisdom, and the cool Harrison Ford is just , well, cool. Also Mark Hamill is great, as is Carrie Fischer as princess Leia. And who can forget Chewie? Star Wars still delivers, watch and enjoy.

It's Star Wars!
If you have seen this movie, then no words need to be said. But if you haven't, come out from under that rock and watch it!
This movie just has to be seen!
By the way, just skip the prequels. Those ones suck.

Yes, Han Shoots First!
Ah, c'est la vie, the best movie of the trilogy, followed closely by "The Empire Strikes Back". "Star Wars" is a classic tale of friendship, loyalty, and bravery. Full of action. Ah, and this version has no CGI Jabba. Han shoots first. Jawa scene where they unload R2 and 3PO. A lot better than Lucas' pile of dog sh*t the so-called Special Editions. Go, original theatricals. Nothing stops these movies in their 1977, 1980 and 1983 debut.

Hard on the eyes - I must disagree with the fans
I much rather want to think about the great theme music by Meco (for which I am giving the 2 stars) than the almost painful visual roller-coaster ride of a movie it came with. The special effects may have been ground breaking, but they were a bit much to watch. I was 15 and could handle such things much better than I could today -- I'd just walk out! Princess Leah was beautiful, but I liked her much better on SNL doing the Beach Scene with Frankie & Annette (Gilda & Bill).** ... Read more

Description

The final battle for Middle-earth begins. Frodo and Sam, led by Gollum, continue their dangerous mission toward the fires of Mount Doom in order to destroy the One Ring. Aragorn struggles to fulfill his legacy as he leads his outnumbered followers against the growing power of the Dark Lord Sauron, so that the Ring-bearer may complete his quest. ... Read more

Reviews (941)

The new "King" of film
The heavily-anticipated film adaptions of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" began in 2001 with THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, a truly extraodinary film. In 2002, it was continued with THE TWO TOWERS, which topped THE FELLOWSHIP. And now, in 2003, we have THE RETURN OF THE KING - a film which rules all others. Here, ladies and gentlemen, is a serious candidate for best movie ever made.

The first part of the film is actually taken from the novel of "The Two Towers". We find Pippin (Billy Boyd) being taken to Gondor by Gandalf (Ian McKellen), who hopes to prevent war there by counselling stubborn, angry Denethor (John Noble). At the same time, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), Legolas (Orlando Bloom), and Gimli (John Rhys-Davies) lead King Theoden's (Bernard Hill) men into battle.

Meanwhile, as they approach the outskirts of Mordor, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam's (Sean Astin) friendship is tested as the scheming Gollum (voice of Andy Serkis) leads the two into a trap. All looks dark for the forces of good.

RETURN OF THE KING goes beyond words. Adventurous story, terrific acting, perfect direction, flawless visuals - it is a perfect film. Peter Jackson has done an outstanding job of bringing Tolkien's beloved fantasy tales to the screen. I can think of no one who could do it better.

Howard Shore once again contributes the film's score. He creates here music that is more beautiful than the previous two films', much less forceful, with the exact feeling of hopeless surrounding it as is with the movie's characters. This is almost certainly Shore's best score.

The acting is terrific, better than the first films, if such a thing is possible. We see more of the characters which were paid lesser attention to in the previous installments. Gollum's character is almost completely re-done.

There is no doubt that about 90% of the people who see this movie will shed a tear or too. There are some dramatic, emotional moments to the film, but most of the crying going on will just be because we've come to the end of a magnificent, beautiful journey - which has become one of the most important in cinematic history.

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING is a triumph of modern moviemaking. It goes past the previous two, seemingly unbeatable films to become a serious candidate for the greatest film of all-time. It is sheer brilliance. The Lord of the Rings has been a beautiful experience. It is sad it has finally come to an end. At least it has an ending fit for a king.

The first masterpiece of the trilogy - astonishing!
It goes without saying that I have not been a huge fan of the LOTR series at all. The first film is corny and overdrawn, and most of The Two Towers suffers from what many middle sections of 2-hour movies do - the 2nd act drag. Only at the end of The Two Towers do Frodo and Sam and the gang really feel like they're becoming fleshed-out characters and not just action figures charging a castle wall. If you look closely at the end of Towers, it's Sam's speech to Frodo about the possibility of them becoming legends that the movie begins to whisper of what's to come, and what has come to pass in The Return of the King is...well...astounding. I tell you, reader, if you're not terribly fond of The Lord of the Rings, it is the compelling, deeply-moving final film that shows of what director Peter Jackson is truly capable.

Actor Andy Serkis's Gollum has been a joy to watch ever since he appeared on screen in Towers, even despite constant ribbing by Saturday Night Live and the fact that, yeah, he does sound a little silly when he menacingly screeches "My preciousssssssss!" every few minutes. The Return of the King takes a moment to bring additional depth and meaning to Gollum's character by showing his first discovery of the ring even before "The Return of the King" logo graces the screen. Luckily, Gollum is not the only character in the film that is made into a living, breathing, three-dimensional being and not a comic book caricature. The whole film seems to take on a lush, heavy air of true dramatic consequence that seemed to be holding back before.

Frodo and Sam are ever-so-closer to reaching Mordor; Aragorn is coming ever-so-closer to his destiny as, well, look at the title; and (in the most inspiringly great plot move of the film) Merry, Pippin, and Eowyn show their capacity for uncanny acts of heroism they've had in them all along. In addition, Gandalf kicks more Middle Earth butt like he was born to do while protecting Pippin (who is thought to have the ring), and the time for the final battle for the Middle Earth comes nearer by the minute. It seems like a lot is going on, but this third film is remarkably the easiest to follow and also the most accessible. The third film also has a few huge advantages that work in its favor: (1) it actually has an end (and what an ending!), (2) the characters have had more than 6 screen hours to develop, so they're at their peaks here, and (3) the tension leading to that do-it-or-die moment is worth two years of waiting. It's more obvious than ever by King that all three movies are just one big movie chopped into three parts, but that means that this is the equivalent of a no-holds-barred, all-the-stops-out, slam-bang finale of a 2-hour movie -- and that's exactly what it feels like.

The Battle of Helm's deep looks like nothing compared to the steadily-climaxing action of The Return of the King. Unlike some of the scenes in the first two films, the action seems to have a purpose here, and this reviewer will admit - I alternated between tears and the giddy excitement of a schoolboy throughout most of the movie. I'm sure that will be a common reaction. At the same time, Frodo's greed for the ring, and how