Reviews (160)

Mary Poppins on DVD
This is probably one of Walt Disney's best films, if not the best. It is the most excellent realized combination of live action and animation. It contains eternal charm, wit, and magic as it introduces us to the "practically perfect" nanny who brings profound change to the Banks family of London in the early twentieth century. Every song composed by Richard and Robert Sherman is pure magic. The believable visual effects, the heartfelt scripting, and the solid performances by Julie Andrews and the heart rendering Dick Van Dyke are truly eternal. Every element of production came together at their zenith to create a treasure of cinematic endearment. The DVD is excellent. The supplemental material is very good and nostalgic. One of the best films ever made. The superb cast also includes: David Tomlinson, Glynis Johns, Elsa Lanchester, Arthur Treacher, Ed Wynn, Hermione Baddeley, Reginald Owen and Jane Darwell as The Bird Woman. Director, Robert Stevenson is at his best.

Do Movies get much better than this???
This is my favorite musical of all time. It's wonderfully done, and the story is excellent. Julie Andrews did a great job in her first ever cinematic role, she plays a magical nanny that comes to a rich man's house in order to bring the family back together. What I love about her performance is that she looks very confident and so straight forward and firm, not as playful as you may think. The film also has Dick Van Dyke in the role of Bert, who is a very good friend of Mary Poppins and also handles magic very well. That role was funny and very entertaining(the accent is a bit confusing though), and i loved all of his dance numbers, especially Step In Time, the dance on the roof-top. Another excellent performance was David Tomlinson, who did the role of George Banks, the father of the children. He is very firm and strict, but he can also be very clumsy and forgetful, which is another reason I liked him. His song The Life I Lead was also great. This film was prized with five well-deserved Academy Awards, for the excellent Film Editing, the Visual Effects, like the jump into the pavement picture, the tea party on the ceiling and the smoke ladder, the excellent score, the song Chim Chim Cheree, which may have not been the best song, but one of them had to win, and last but not least, the excellent (oscar-winning) performance by Julie Andrews. I cannot find any more words for this film, so I'll leave you with one word. Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

"Perfect Nanny"
Mary Poppins is my favorite movie. I love the charictors, the singing, the dancing. It is fun for the whole family. When I was alittle girl I watched it over and over again. I love to dance with the chimeny sweeps; I can't do everything they do, but still. This is the best master piece Walt Disney ever created besides Micky and friends. I love it and I am a teen.

It is about a fun nanny who has magic. That is probobly why I like her. There is never a dull moment when Mary Poppins is around: fox hunting, laughing in the air, riding a merry-go-round without the going arout. One of the best parts of all, supercalafagilisticexpialadocious.

My Kids Love it!
I have a preschooler and a kindergartener. They both watch it together. They get up and dance to "Step in Time" and "A Spoon Full of Sugar". We purchased the music CD, and listening in the car, makes the time go faster.

This Movie is Defintately a "Jolly Holiday"
I had not seen this movie for a very long time until last week I borrowed a copy from my cousin and it was very good.It was so much better than I remembered.My favorite part of this movie is the scene where Mary,Bert,and the children go into the painting and they see the pinguin waiters who do a very funny dance with bert,and they sing my favorite song in the movie called "Jolly Holiday".This is a very good movie.I recomend this movie to anyone. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In his book, Robert C. O'Brien called his brave widow mouse "Mrs. Frisby," but Disney escapee animator Don Bluth must have thought kids would laugh the wrong way at that. They renamed her "Mrs. Brisby" for NIMH. That acronym stands for the National Institute of Mental Health, and the rats that live near Mrs. Brisby came from NIMH--they have strange ways. But they're the only ones who can save her house and her children, so Brisby seeks them out with the help of a humorous crow (Dom DeLuise). The magic gets laid on a little thick but this is Don Bluth's most successful attempt to achieve a complete, sincere, animated film. It's often forgotten, but it's a true surprise and a rare treat in the vast wasteland of insubstantial children's fare. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (106)

the ultimate in animated movies
I'd give this movie 10 stars if possible. I watched this movie everyday when I was a kid and when i watch it now, i can still recite it. This is such a great movie. As some of the other reviewers said, this movie is a little more realistic, a little grittier.
This movie truly does have something for everyone. Children will love the talking creatures, the ridiculous crow, Jeremy, (voiced with perfection by Dom DeLuise), and they'll recognize the overwhelming, self-sacrificing love Mrs. Brisby (the mother) displays for her family. Adults will enjoy the more subtle humor as well as the message of pure love conquering all obstacles. This movie (along with my role model mother) formed my image of how mothers should be: loving, strong and self-sacrificing. Even when Mrs. Brisby if forced to face her deepest fears (an owl, the cat), she does it, not without fear, but to save her son's life. This is a touching movie.
Another point of appreciation for this movie is that it does not try to simply dumb things down for kids. I like most Disney movies but this aims a little higher. There are some deep issues, such as death, jealousy, fear and hate, that aren't dwelt on but are brought up and as children grow older, they will grow to understand and love this movie more and more.

An enduring tale of love, courage and trust
Don Bluth's "The Secret Of NIMH," based upon the novel "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH," was released in 1982 and was quickly forgotten at the box office in favour of Steven Spielberg's E.T. (which was released around the same time). I picked this up for less than ten dollars on DVD and I haven't stopped playing it since. It has been at least fifteen years since I had last seen it, and I enjoy it more than ever.

Bluth and close to two dozen Disney animators defected from Disney's studios in favour of having a chance to express and explore their artistic visions and creativity. One of their first animated films was "The Secret of NIMH." Other Bluth films include "Anastasia," and "An American Tail." But no other animated film captures the sense of magic and wonder like "The Secret of NIMH."

Mrs. Brisby, a recently widowed field mouse, tries desperately to protect her invalid son Timothy from Moving Day, when the farmer's plough will destroy their underground home. She is led to a colony of superintelligent rats, ex-subjects of laboratory experiments at the National Institute of Mental Health. They are led by wise old Nicodemus, a friend of Mrs. Brisby's late husband Jonathan, also an escaped lab mouse from NIMH.

The somewhat dark tale does feature light-hearted comedic relief in the form of Jeremy, a trouble-prone young crow voiced by Dom Deluise. The story sticks fairly close to the book version, although several new elements are added and some side plots are cut due to time restraints. The artwork is breathtaking; vibrant backgrounds, clever special effects, the play of light and shadow. The characters are real and you quickly become attached to them. No one breaks into song every five minutes, although there is a very beautiful lullaby on the soundtrack that Mrs. Brisby sings to Timothy.

To me, this film is deeper, darker, and more imaginative than anything that Disney has produced. There are no fancy CGI effects, only the skilful work of animators that love what they do. The film carries a message of courage, love, and trust without being preachy or simple. There are plenty of tense, dark scenes, some of which might upset smaller children. But "Secret of NIMH" is a beautiful, intelligent movie that is so much more than a cartoon or a children's fable.

filled with wonder
As a kid in the 1980's, this was a favorite film of mine. I remember thinking how cool and imaginative this was compared to the sludge of rerun 80's tv cartoons (did anyone else have to suffer through the "USA network cartoon train" as a kid?) like "The Flintstones."

Don Bluth, like Tim Burton, was a very talented artist and animator who broke away from Disney. Both Burton and Bluth could not stand redrawing the same animation cells for other people all day long. Burton found profit, Bluth, sadly, did not. However, that is not to say that Bluth did not create some very fascinating films along the way.

This is a tale of wonder and imagination. Watching this film is almost like seeing the equivalent of an American film with Miyazaki style and presentation. If you have ever seen "Spirited Away" or "Kiki's Delivery Service" there is an obvious similarity here between Miyazaki and Bluth. However, Bluth is very much an American, as is the setting for this imaginative tale.

It is a tale of rats who were experimented on by humans, who became very intelligent, strange, and different as a result of what the humans had done to them. Eventually, these creatures managed to escape their bondage from humans, and formed their own kingdom far out in the country. This is the tale of Mrs. Brisby encountering this strange race of rats, but it is so much more.

Please check it out and experience one of the more unique animated films ever made. This is not Disney, this is a new and different style. Sadly, these films just didn't catch on with the 80's crowd and Bluth was forced to go underground and now, today, makes a living in the straight-to-video kid market (He churns out those Land Before Time sequels just about every month).

Not the same as the book, but just as good anyway!
While this movie is a bit more fantasy-like than the book, I think it's just as good. The first time I saw this was several years ago when Nickelodeon used to play movies on Sundays. Once I saw it, I immediately went after the book, Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH. Told in the style of Poppy or Watership Down, both the movie and the story have the same main plot: A family of mice must move out of their home before the tractor comes for the yearly harvest. The problem is, little Timothy mouse is sick with pnemonia (forgive my spelling) and if he goes out of the house, he will die. Now Mrs. Frisby must look to the Rats, a race of intelligent rodents, to help them to be able to survive the tractor without leaving their home.

A childhood classic
This had been my favorite cartoon movie since I was six years old. I knew every line Mrs. Brisby spoke. This is the stuff that flying dreams are made of and will always be treasured in my heart.

A great tale of bravery and overcoming the odds with a touch of magic. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The Salem witch hunts are given a new and nasty perspective when a vengeful teenage girl uses superstition and repression to her advantage, creating a killing machine that becomes a force unto itself. Pulsating with seductive energy, this provocative drama is as visually arresting as it is intellectually engrossing. Arthur Miller based his classic 1953 play on the actual Salem witch trials of 1692, creating what has since become a durable fixture of school drama courses. It may look like a historical drama, but Miller also meant the work as a parable for the misery created by the McCarthy anti-Communist hearings of the 1950s. This searing version of his drama delves into matters of conscience with concise accuracy and emotional honesty. Three passionate cheers for Miller, director Nicholas Hytner, and costars Daniel Day-Lewis and Winona Ryder. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (77)

It's About Time
You'd be hard pressed to find a story more compelling than the one that inspired Arthur Miller's 1953 drama The Crucible. Except the one about how it became a movie. It's taken all these years to bring a full version to the screen, and the only thing that explains it is Hollywood's perpetual cluelessness. The Salem witch trials of 1692 destroyed nineteen lives and countless reputations. Hoodwinked by a bunch of flighty teenage girls who wished to escape a whipping for their frolics in the woods, the town brought in the colony magistrates to sort out the devils from the angels.

Miller, who also wrote the screenplay, expresses his blatant contempt for hypocrisy in all forms through the character of John Proctor (Daniel Day-Lewis), a humble but once-adulterous farmer. Proctor's sexual escapades with the town's main accuser Abigail Williams (Winona Ryder) could, through the girl's treachery, end in his wife's hanging. He can either save himself with a lie or free Elizabeth (Joan Allen) with the truth about himself and Abigail.

It's potent stuff any way you slice it, and the actors here aren't afraid to take big bites of their meaty roles. The film's pacing is fast and furious, hysterical like the history of the event it interprets. If it lacks the McCarthyist subtext it once had, so what. This here's a tragedy--a good old American one.

The movie's inevitable ending won't satisfy those who want only fluff and feathers at the cinema, but the hard lesson won by those who refuse to compromise their principles can't be denied. The Crucible is a faithful testament to their sacrifice.

Great Adaptation of an American Masterpiece
Since Miller helped write the screenplay and one of his sons produced or coproduced the movie, it shouldn't be a shock that the movie is so faithful to the original text where it needs to be and broadens the story where it needs to, as well. Miller knows how to write for the stage, and he apparently knows how to write for the screen, also. After seeing so many "classic" books and/or plays butchered by Hollywood, this movie is a real delight, despite its morbid and all-too-realistic story. This movie has become an essential to my Grade 11 American Literature classes, spectacularly complementing their reading of Miller's play and several pieces from the Salem Witch Trial era.

Ignoring the play's historic flaws and inaccuracies (that's another debate for another time), Miller brilliantly captured the essence of the Salem Witch Trials in his play and has conveyed them to the screen. Hatred, fear, jealousy, hypocrisy, religious mania, attention-seeking, conviction, strength, determination, repentance, and a host of other emotions and character traits are vividly brought to life by a superb cast: Daniel Day-Lewis is a great John Proctor (nobody else could have done better), Winona Ryder is very good as the conniving and bitter Abigail Williams, Joan Allen was nominated for an Oscar for her portrayal of Elizabeth Proctor, and Paul Scofield should have won an Oscar for his cold-hearted portrayal of Justice Danforth. The conflict between Proctor and Danforth is what sustains the play's momentum for the second and third acts (about the last hour and fifteen minutes of the movie), and Lewis and Scofield bring that epic conflict to life: the classic good v. evil, with the sides getting somewhat mixed up as to who is who. . . . Lewis plays the flawed hero to Scofield's self-righteous and vindictive villain with palpable energy. How Scofield's performance was overlooked by the Academy is just another example of their oblivion. He gives me the willies with his methodical, calculating delivery of Miller's chilling dialogue: "Who weeps for these weeps for corruption" (among a bunch of great lines from the play/movie).

This isn't simply a play enacted in front of movie cameras (like Death of a Salesman). The director uses his camera very effectively, capturing some great close-up moments, unique perspectives and camera angles, and bringing a sense of "bigness" to the whole story. The play can seem very isolated, with its sparse sets and black-and-white costumes. Miller also expands the movie to begin well before the play does (giving the movie-goer information that he must have assumed the play-reader would already have) and extending it beyond the conviction of Proctor to include his execution, along with that of Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey. Just as a side note, each of those three was hanged in a separate group in the original trials--great symbolism from Miller, including each larger original group of victims in the final trio. Also great symbolism in Proctor's Christ-like physical placement in the middle of the two "sinners," as he takes their sins upon him--the crucifixion is represented very effectively.

Bottom line: You won't see a better adaptation of a play to movie anytime soon. Nothing essential is left out, and some nice details are brought in to give the movie a distinction from its original source, the play. If you can make it through this play and not be outraged by the injustice and hypocrisy, then you have a heart as cold as Danforth's. What Miller would likely want you to do is apply that outrage to similar situations that go on every day, just as he intended with his original play (the McCarthy hearings, the "Red" Scare). At least watch the movie, though.

"Your justice would freeze beer."
Although the playwright Arthur Miller was also the screenwriter for this production starring Winona Ryder and Daniel Day-Lewis, the film bears little resemblance to the play in tone and impact. Director Nicholas Hytner has abandoned the intimate, almost claustrophobic atmosphere of the dark, interior scenes in the play, in favor of an expansive setting, with many scenes set outside, including panoramic shots of Salem in 1692, full of costumed "citizens." The expanded setting makes the psychology and motivation of the witchcraft hysteria more difficult to determine, since the intensity of the settlers' repressed, interior lives is not obvious. The explanatory notes which Miller incorporates into the play about land disputes, religious controversies, and personal animosities, which led to specific individuals being accused and arrested for witchcraft, are seen only peripherally.

As a result, we see Winona Ryder, as Abigail Williams, and her coterie of bewitched girls, screaming hysterically and accusing innocent women of witchcraft without the background which would make these accusations plausible. Her previous relationship with John Proctor (Daniel Day-Lewis), in the absence of other motivations, seems to be the primary reason for her behavior, but this thwarted love does not explain the extent of her rage and, especially, the involvement of the other girls. Day-Lewis is reduced to the role of victim, and one of the hallmarks of his acting, his subtlety, is absent here, except in a wonderful final scene with his wife, played by Joan Allen. Details of the scenery also ring false--houses in this period were very small because of the difficulty of heating, one third the size they are here, and the church/meeting houses were modest in accordance with religious restrictions against unnecessary display.

This is a Hollywood version of the witchcraft trials, capitalizing on the sensational at the expense of the complex and subtle forces behind the accusations of witchcraft--the Indian wars which were just ending, the growing independence of individuals, the increasing resentment of hard-line theocratic rule, the abolition of traditional property laws, and most importantly, the lack of any societal role whatsoever for young women, who were not old enough to assume a woman's role and who, bored and left out of decision-making, were on their own in dealing with their adult feelings. The film is beautiful, and the acting, though one-dimensional, is as effective as it can be in the absence of fully-developed motivation for the girls' hysteria. The "witches" are reduced to cartoons here, and Miller's parallels between these trials and the McCarthy hearings of the 1950s, which give the play a modern context, are missing. Mary Whipple

A Superbly Directed and Acted Film
It is rare nowadays that I come out of a movie feeling moved and enlightened. Suffice it to say that when I first saw The Crucible in the theatre several years ago, I left the movie understanding a bit more about human nature and a greater appreciation for the power of group hysteria. This film draws on the fine acting talents of Daniel Day-Lewis, Winona Ryder (in her best role ever), and Joan Allen. Not only is the dialogue brilliant, but the emotional content is incredibly affecting. I am so glad to see it finally on DVD. In this day and age of disposable art, it is heartening to see that movies of this caliber are still being made (even if it is with less frequency).

A great film
I have seen this movie perhaps a dozen times, and never tire of it. It is one of the most compelling, well-written movies I can think of, and the acting is superb throughout, particularly from Day-Lewis, who gives a heart-stopping performance. Because of its theme about witches, the movie gets played a lot around Halloween, but it is by no means a horror movie. It's not even a thriller, really, yet it does manage to thrill and keep the viewer totally involved. I love this movie and can't wait for the DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

It's Okay, But It Doesn't Do the Play Justice
"The Diary of Anne Frank," as directed by George Stevens, is certainly not a bad movie. However, it seems to lack the certain spark, sincerity, and tight acting of a truly great movie, and come to think of it, the play on which it is based. The movie is hurt severely by Millie Perkin's, who is whiney and lifeless as Anne Frank. Of all the worthy talent out there, why did they have to pick someone who was not only bad, but 10 years to old for the part. Ed Wynn is dreadfully miscast as grumpy dentist Dussel, and the whole movie is dragged on for so long that the ending is anticlimatic. On the positive side, Joseph Schildkraut and Lou Jacobi recreate the roles they held on Broadway with sincerity and gusto, and Shelly Winters won an Oscar for her delightful performence as Mrs. Van Daan. The screanplay by Albert Hacket and Francis Goodrich is also quite moving. Not a bad showing, but Stevens could have done better.

This play is an inspriation to me&I'm sure to others as well
I rented this movie from Blockbuster last night and I watched it (I'm watching it again right now).It is a wonderful movie.I know that it was/is based on the real thing and I am glad to know that I can not only read her diary and other books to know what Anne,her family,and the Van Daans suffered through,I can watch a movie and/or play about it as well~! I really did enjoy it and I reccomend it to everyone,old or young.It should make you think that no one in this world should be killed just because they are Jewish,America,Chinese or any other race.We are all one and will always be one as long as we all work together.I honestly believe what Anne said:
(quote)Anne Frank:"In spite of everything,I still believe people are really good at heart."(/quote)So please,watch and/or read "The Diary of Anne Frank".I guarentee that it will touch your heart;it touched mine all 10 times (and forever more when I read about Anne Frank)! =}~Jackie

Anne Deserves Better
There is no excuse why the best and most widely read Holocaust narrative couldn't have been made into a far superior movie than this disorganized and boring flick. For most Americans, The Diary of Anne Frank is the only Holocaust book they will ever read and most Americans won't even read that. Consequently, it is vitally important there be an excellent film adaptation of the book. This dull, watered down and not particularly well cast or acted film is not the perfect film memorial to the 7 million victims it needs to be.

This is the definitive movie for Anne's Diary
*** SPOILER if you have not read the diary or seen any of its movies yet

Absolutely no scene in movie history is as simultaneously gripping and gently conveyed as the final scene, when Peter Van Damme and Anne Frank hold hands and look out to the sky as the Gestapo beat down their door to take them to a death camp. The adults look down in the direction of the door and stand or sit still and wait for them to enter, resigned to the fact that they just can not escape the fate that the Nazis have assigned to them.

Nobody runs or even speaks, and Otto Frank puts down the newspaper and hands his wife her bag, as if they are going on a trip. Such small simple movments convey such finality for these 7 people who have shared the unimaginable experience of being caged liked animals to escape being killed like animals, because one man in power decided people of their religion and race should not live.

That scene says more than a million car chases and explosions. Watch it and see what I mean.

unfortunate timing
there was only one reason this monumental film was not awarded the "Best Picture" oscar at the academy awards. that reason is simple; the year of its release. 1959 was an unfortunate year for George Stevens to release this masterpiece of filmmaking, because released that same year was "Ben-Hur". any connesieur of classic films can attest to the magnitude of "Ben-Hur", winner of 11 academy awards. inspite of the legendary status of "Ben-Hur", "The Diary Of Anne Frank" deserves just as much recognition.
"The Diary Of Anne Frank" deserved the oscar just as much if not more than "Ben-Hur". the film was based on the diary written by Anne Frank while she was hiding out in the attic of an old house with her family and several others to avoid Nazi capture during those tragic days of WWII.
the movie is nothing less than monumental and a perfect tribute to Anne Frank and her family. it is nearly 3 hrs. long but easily maintains one's interest throughout.

there exist no words to justly express greatness of this magnificent opus of filmmaking. accolades to George Stevens for giving us this film. and God bless the entire Frank family for continuing to bring hope to the hearts of people globally for over 60 years. AMEN ... Read more

Reviews (231)

So, what's your diag-nonsense?
The movie is based on the real life story of Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder), who was admitted to Claymoore, a mental institution, in the late 60's after drowning a bottle of aspirin with a bottle of vodka. She insists this wasn't a suicide attempt, but her parents and psychiatrist don't agree. While at Claymoore, Susanna meets the ohter inmates, Georgina (Clea Duvall), her roommate, who's a pathological liar, Polly (Elisabeth Moss), who everyone calls Torch and has been badly scarred by fire, Daisy (Britanny Murphy), who won't eat in front of anyone, Janet (Angela Bettis), who won't eat at all, and most importantly, Lisa (Angelina Jolie). Lisa is a sociopath. She constantly escapes Claymoore, only to return after having a crisis (or running out of money). She "runs" the place and is a major pain in the ass for Nurse Valerie (Whoopi Goldberg).

Soon after, Susanna starts to wonder if she's indeed crazy or if she's turning crazy by being there. The doctors at Claymoore, Melvin (Jeffrey Tambor) and Dr. Wick (Vanessa Grave) seem to think she's mentally ill, while her boyfriend Toby (Jared Leto) disagrees.

Susanna has to deal with the situation, trying not to spiral into insanity, but at the same time finding a substitute for a home amongst this group of rejects.

As for the acting, it is solid all across the board. Ryder does a convincing job as the lead character and all of the other actresses shine in their roles, especially Murphy, but this is Jolie's film. She steals almost every scene she's in, from the distressed crying on one of her downs, to frighteningly mad outbursts, to maniac lunacy. She earned a well deserve Oscar for her supporting role.

The director, James Mangold, has also helmed films like Cop Land (1997, with Sylvester Stallone, Robert DeNiro and Harvey Keitel), Kate & Leopold (2001, with Hugh Jackman and Meg Ryan) and Identity (2003, with John Cusack, Ray Liotta and Amanda Peet).

"I didn't try to kill myself...I had a headache"
"Girl, Interrupted" is the true story of Susanna Kaysen (Winona Ryder), a young woman who was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder during the 1960s. My favorite parts of the film were the transitions between scenes; the movie flowed beautifully. Susanna signs herself into Claymoore, a mental institution, after a failed attempt at suicide. At Claymoore, she meets a wide variety of different girls, each with different problems. There is Lisa the sociopath, played by Angelina Jolie and Daisy, a loner, played by "Clueless's" Brittany Murphy. Whoopi Goldberg rounds out the cast as Valerie, the head nurse on Susanna's floor. A bit reminiscent of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," "Girl, Interrupted" is one of the finest films I have ever seen. Winona Ryder is brilliant, I have never seen her portray a character better.

One Flew over the Girl
Of course any movie made about people in a psychiatric ward will resemble the classic 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest'. This we also do not know for sure if the leading character is sane or not.

Winona Ryder is great in this movie, though a little too pretty. The best perfomance comes from Angelina Jolie, who is just amazing. The movie is sometimes a little sad, frightening, scary but also moving. The ending is a little sweet but not too sweet. A happy ending with a twist.

The music is great since it plays in 1968, although the theme of the sixties is a little underplayed. It is still a great movie though.

It gives you a new look on how normal some people are.
This is one of the most brilliant movies. The acting is superb, and the story grabs you. Angelina Jolie and Wynona Ryder do really good performances. The movies makes you think about how different people are and not to judge and be more aware of people's feelings. The movie is awesome. I highly reccomend it.

BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER
Girl Interrupted was on last tonight. You know when the shoplifter reads about BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER? What a revelation! That's me - well, except for the CASUAL SEX - but the DIRECTIONLESSNESS and the SELF-DESTRUCTIVE ACTS (I quit my job the other day).

All this time I thought I was an existentialist. I was wasting my evenings on Camus and Kierkegaard (my back is like a tightrope dancer's, twisted in my childhood, and therefore it is easy for me. One, two, three - I can walk upside in existence). What comfort: the condition is medical not metaphysical.

All I needs do is clear up my skin. Then I aim to complete those symptoms ... and I'd like to begin with Anjelina Jolie ... and even if she got all serious on me, that would be okay: I'd explain to her: the disorder was what was casual (- it was part of my directionlessness). Not you. My aim is true - I'm an existentialist. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

the standard setter
there have been 4 movies that blew all other sci fi movies away and set the standard for new omes.this one was the second one to do so.the story here is that the rebel alliance had a message transmission going out.the empire picked up on it and overtook the ship it came from.before they could be found out,they jettisoned 2 droids out in hopes of survival.some desert people sold the droids to lukes uncle.luke accidentaly found the message.it was a chick trying to find o.b.won ken o.b.[i know i know]he found him and ben took him along to adventure.luke ends up in the rebel alliance flying a starship.the kids will enjoy it as it is full of giant teddy bears,fantastic laser light demonstrations and exitement.george lucas made this film.it rules!did he ever do a non-star wars related movie?this is the 1st of a big set.the best set anywhere with 6 soon to be 7 awesome episodes.this movie is for everybody.theres one slimy part where theyre trapped in a garbage disposal.leia is the only chick about and she kisses her brother!thats some sick sh........stuff.of course she didnt know but still.oooohhh!the special effects were top of the line in 77.theyre still cool now.this movie is one the all time greatest contributions to film ever!

Everything I need 2 know about life I learned from Star Wars
Title of the review says it all. Move on with life:)

Great 1977 Original
Star Wars (1977)

This is the great original Star Wars, the 1977 movie in which the world first discovered the allure of The Force and the Jedi Knights. Young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) teams up with Jedi veteran Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and the mercenary Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to rescue the gorgeous Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) from the sinister clutches of Darth Vader and the evil empire.
High space adventure, with creatures like Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and the delightful R2-D2 (Kenny Baker).
With the final Star Wars (but will it be the final?) set for release later this year , the original trilogy is a great buy to refresh your memory.

A momentous battle between good and evil. With the empire perhaps at the time representing the evil Soviet Empire, which the free world was then fighting against for freedom in 1977. It has that wonderful 1970's feel, and who would not want to rescue the sexy huggable Princess Leia, even if it means battling the goons of the empire and the horrific Darth Vader?
In my opinion this great original one is the best of the lot.

Great 1977 Original
This is the great original Star Wars, the 1977 movie in which the world first discovered the allure of The Force and the Jedi Knights. Young Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) teams up with Jedi veteran Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi (Alec Guinness) and the mercenary Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to rescue the gorgeous Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) from the sinister clutches of Darth Vader and the evil empire.
High space adventure, with creatures like Chewbacca (Peter Mayhew) and the delightful R2-D2 (Kenny Baker).
With the final Star Wars (but will it be the final?) set for release later this year , the original trilogy is a great buy to refresh your memory.

A momentous battle between good and evil. With the empire perhaps at the time representing the evil Soviet Empire, which the free world was then fighting against for freedom in 1977. It has that wonderful 1970's feel, and who would not want to rescue the sexy huggable Princess Leia.
In my opinion this great original one is the best of the lot. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This live-action version of E.B. White's novel doesn't have quite the magic of, say, Toy Story. Instead of entertainment the whole family can be enthralled with, Stuart Little is squarely aimed, and successfully so, at the 4- to 10-year-old watcher. Does this make it a bad family film? Not in the slightest. The gee-whiz visual effects (created by original Star Wars wizard John Dykstra) and the film's ebullient wholesomeness make this a welcome addition to the home library.

In E.B. White's world, it's hardly surprising that human parents would adopt "outside their species." The smooth-talking mouse Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox) seems the perfect new child for parents Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie, especially with an adorable wardrobe of very small sweaters and pants. Harder is fitting in with the Little's family cat, Snowbell (voiced by Nathan Lane, who also deftly voiced Timon in director Rob Minkoff's last feature, The Lion King). The simple story deals with Stuart trying to fit in with his new life, including big brother George (Jerry Maguire's scene-stealing Jonathan Lipnicki). And of course there's an adventure when Snowbell's schemes lead Stuart into true danger, in the form of the devious plans of an alley cat named Smokey (voiced by Chazz Palminteri). Brisk--85 minutes--amusing, and tolerably cute, Stuart Little stands tall. Two curios: The effects are so cleanly done that we could call Stuart the first successfully computer-animated actor, and the screenplay was cowritten by M. Night Shyamalan, who made bigger waves in 1999 writing and directing The Sixth Sense. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (162)

Fun entertainment that suffers from an overly-mawkish tone
Stuart Little

Score: 64/100

He's clever. He's enthusiastic. He's a can-do little guy with an attitude. And he's a mouse. From the co-director of The Lion King and the writer of The Sixth Sense comes an entertaining family film from classic American author E.B. White. It's surely a star-studded crew there, and there's not much a family of four could white other than a couple of talking mouse's and many exciting scenes. Even though Stuart Little falls flat from a few flaws, it's still a fun children's comedy, that will be worth your time, depending on your feelings towards movies like this.

In a cosy house near New York City's Central Park, Mr. and Mrs. Little (Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis) bring home a surprising addition to the family...Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox), and he's a er...mouse. Despite the urgings of Mrs. Keeper at the orphanage to adopt within their own species, the Littles beam with the pride of new parents. At home the little guy with a big heart (not to mention whiskers, a little pink nose and a really dapper wardrobe), searches for a sense of belonging and a place to call home in the decidedly supersized world. When Stuart is adopted by the Littles he embarks on an adventure with a variety of characters - including his nemesis, the cat Snowball (voiced by Nathan Lane) - and learns the true meaning of family, loyalty and friendship. The Littles, in the meantime, each discover there is a Stuart in all of us - the spunk, spirit and courage to be true to ourselves and follow our dreams despite the odds.

Stuart Little is a good movie, but it suffers majorly from an over-corny note. It's big smiles and drowning frowns all the time, none of the characters ever look normal. Their expressions are practically drawn in, and none of them have much originality about them apart from Stuart, of course. Still, the film provides plenty of entertaining scenes, including an exhilarating cat chase and a superb boat race. It may have a sense of bore in some parts of the film, but overall, it's a very bearable movie that will silent children and, surprisingly, adults for a rainy day. It's a film that combines live action with some groundbreaking visual effects by artists and innovators who have taken digital character creation to a bold new level with the birth of Stuart. The visual effects are the most plausible thing about the film, they are truly memorable, it's some of the most amazingly done animal-talking done since Babe.

Not as good as it could've been, Stuart Little is still watchable fun, a film where you can really expect the whole family to enjoy it.

Pleasantly surprised
I rented this DVD because I am a huge fan of British actor (and musician, comedian, novelist...) Hugh Laurie, and was very pleasantly surprised.

The animation is outstanding, so much that you don't even notice it, and Michael J. Fox is absolutely perfect as the voice of Stuart. The very colorful, almost-realistic-but-not-quite setting was quite well done, and the group of acting cats must have been a monumental accomplishment. Jonathan Lipnicki is cute as a bug, and Hugh Laurie (great fake accent!) and Geena Davis are perfect storybook parents who finish each other's sentences and eat a lot of meatloaf. Rounding out the talent is Nathan Lane as the voice of Snowbell, the cat who is mortified at having a mouse in the family.

It is fascinating to watch the extra features and to see just how much work went into making Stuart so real. Excellent work! A clean, fun, enjoyable movie.

Stuart Little brought to life
This is a marvelous adaptation of E.B. White's tale of the little mouse who found himself a place by the hearth in an all too human family. It is such a wonderful story and the animation brings Stuart Little to life. Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis play the adoptive parents to a tee, and the other members of the family provide excellent support. Jonathan Lipnicki turns in a first class performance as the reluctant brother.

The story plays out effortlessly, with wonderful scenes moving back and forth between mad-cap adventure and family bonding. The animation team really outdid themselves with Stuart and his fake mouse parents, who make a fantastic entrance midway through the movie. The conspiracy of cats is mostly humorous, and not overly frightening for little ones. Every scene appears to have been meticulously created. The toy boat race is riveting. The kids will love every minute of it, as will adults as this movie avoids the typical pratfalls of family entertainment. The DVD also provides some nice add-ons, such as storyboard sequences for some of the scenes and mouse trivia games for the kids.

Mickey Mouse
Magical, heartwarming family film based on E.B. White's children's book. A couple's adoption of a second son, oblivious to the fact that he's a mouse, leads to problems with their human son which plae in comparision to the family cat's resentment. High-quality computer-generated detail allows the mouse to appear real and permits the many featured cats to talk freely. Jonathan Lipnicki is adorable as the human son and the voices of Michael J. Fox as Stuart and Nathan Lane as his nemisis Snowbell perfectly fit the roles.

Animals steal the show
There are few kids movies I can sit through more than once--this one I've already seen 7 times! My son is now over 3 and he can load the DVD player himself and turn on the TV. Guess what gets put on now?! I must say that I love that the movie doesn't patronize my son. There are heavy issues here: fear of being alone; fear of violence; fear of failure--but the characters aren't obsessed or broken by their fears, they confront them and work through them. For example, when Stuart is trying to make friends with the family pet cat Snowball, Stuart says rather naively, "Can't we just be friends? Do you want me to scratch your ear? Can I pat your tummy?" to which Snowball answers, "How'd you like to pat it from the inside mouse-boy!?" Direct, without wishy-washy handwringing, or moralizing. My son says that he "loves Stuart." I too love Stuart. ... Read more

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This completely absorbing three-hour documentary follows the lives of two inner-city African American teenage basketball prodigies as they move through high school with long-shot dreams of the NBA, superstardom, and an escape from the ghetto. Taking cues from such works as Michael Apted's 35 Up, director Steve James and associates shot more than 250 hours of footage, spanning more than six years, and their completed work actually moves like an edge-of-the-seat drama, so brimming with tension, plot twists, successes, and tragedies that its length--170 minutes--is never an issue. Yet, what makes the film more impressive is how James moves his scope beyond a competitive sports drama (although the movie has plenty of terrific, nail-biting basketball footage) and addresses complex social issues, creating a scathing social commentary about class privilege and racial division. The film opens by introducing William Gates and Arthur Agee, two Chicago hopefuls, as they are being courted and recruited by various high schools to play ball, and continues until the pair are college freshmen. James allows the audience the experience of not only watching their journeys and daily routines (it's a sobering portrait of inner-city life), but also witnessing their maturation. Each takes a separate path along the way, stumbling over several obstacles (William suffers injuries, Arthur fails to meet his coach's high expectations); but James takes particular care to stress the importance and strong commitment of each character's family along the way, giving the film a essential center. The parents and siblings emerge with as much depth and complexity as the two main "characters," and turn Hoop Dreams into an unforgettable film experience. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (31)

good, but a bit too long and narrow
This film follows the lives of two inner city kids who aspire to play basketball in the NBA. All of the hopes and dreams of the youngsters and their failures and succeses are monitored. From young kids to young men, the harsh realities of growing up in the inner city are also shown.

The two main things that bother me about this documentary is that it was too long and narrowly focused. Two hours would have been more than sufficient espeicially for only two people. The extra time diminished the value of the film for me. I also think the film is too narrowly focused because there are only two subjects. The director could have selected 5 or maybe 7 subjects from the different cities to give more of a perspective.

I won't spoil the film, but I must say that nothing extrodinary happens. Both subjects seem content (one of them more than the other) with their lots in life however.

For those interested in seeing an excellent documentary series which follows the lives of people very well though different stages of life, see Micheal Apted's "Up" series.

Perhaps the Greatest Film Ever Made
And easily the best of the nineties. I've heard people using excuses such as "It's too long" or "It's a documentary" or "It's just a sports movie." Well it is a documentary, but I've seen two other documentaries ("Roger and Me" and "Hearts of Darkness") that rank among the finest I've seen. "Hoop Dreams" encompasses not only basketball, not only the ghettos, but life itself. We see ups and downs, successes and failures, and because we know it's all real, the film affects us tremendously. Its length is no factor. When the Gates or the Agees make bad decisions we cringe, when they gain succeed we cry (literally.) No other film has such an incredible impact emotionally and intellectually. This film will change your life.

Still brings tears to the eyes after 10 years
When this movie first came out 10 years ago, I remembered sitting for several minutes in the theater as the credits were rolling, collecting myself. I never cry in movie theaters. And this movie moved me to bawl like a child. To think about the ups and downs, the raw enthusiasm of the young boys when they first started chasing their hoop dreams, the rough realities that they both faced without consistent fatherhood, without steady incomes, without one advantage in their lives, still brings tears to my eyes. This was a brilliant movie that moved public discourse about the importance of steady parenting, the need for educational and employment opportunities in all corners of America, the costs associated with our obsession for celebrity athletes, and the limitations of athletics as a vehicle for moving young men from poverty to wealth. Because of the openness of the families being documented, and because the film's editors and director were able to cut to the core of human needs and desires, this film broke through cultural barriers, bridged gaps in our understanding of one another, and helped us to understand that every life has value, every person has a story to tell, and every child has the right and the power to dream. It also helps us to understand that it is not always the content of character or talent that enable these children to achieve their dreams. It is also privilege, opportunities, and the right guiding hands. And without these, dreams become melancholy memories of something that could have been, only if...

One of the greatest
In my opinion, being a big fan of the genre, Hoop Dreams stands as one of the greatest nonfiction works of film, most probably the most important movie of any genre made in the last 35 years and a serious contender for the somewhat silly "greatest movie of all time" credential, comparing favorably with such cultural fixtures as Citizen Kane. I'm not a sport fan whatsoever, I dont know anything about basketball, and my life has been about as different from the two kids in the film as possible. When I first saw this movie about ten years ago I was bracing myself for some blaxploitation movie. I have since watched it at least a half a dozen times since, and I never fail to be awed by the incredible scope and pathos of this film. On the surface, the movie is about basketball, poverty, aspiration, frailty, loss, hope, marginalization, ghetto life, and youth. When put together over the most engaging 3 hours I have ever had, the film constructs a monumental testament to the human experience. Brilliant in its themes, virtually flawless in its execution, stunningly humane in its treatment of its subjects, Hoop Dreams is big, important, and excellent. Like other true greats, its greatness is often overstated, but it's the type of movie that if you have half a brain and half a heart, you will be seized by the brilliance dripping from every pixel.

very tight Documentary
I went to see this Film at the Movies&it was very moving.it showed two Cats who were going for the Gold&leaving nothing for chance. this is a documentary that shows about How hard Cats work at doing what they want to do.still a very Moving Picture. ... Read more

Reviews (265)

Wonderful, gentle romance.
Ever wish you could find a romantic movie not filled with cynicism and sex? Well, this is the one. Grace (Minnie Driver) is dying of a heart ailment and needs a transplant. Bob (David Duchovny) and his wife are blissfully happy... until a tragic accident takes her life. Bob agrees to donate his wife's organs. In one night two families are changed and united forever.

One year later Grace is fully recovered physically, but is still emotionally tired and lonely. She yearns for love, but fears being treated differently. Bob is angry and pained as he slowly lets his wife go. Then he meets Grace. The two soon realize they are perfectly matched and begin a sweet relationship.

However, Grace still needs to tell Bob the truth, that she had a heart transplant. When she realizes that it was his wife whose heart she received, she is devestated. Will the love they've created be enough to help them through this trial?

The supporting cast in this film is absolutely perfect. From womanizing David Allen Grier to best-friends Bonnie Hunt and Jim Belushi to old men Carol O'Conner and Robert Losiar... all of them will make you laugh out loud as they root for and meddle with Grace and Bob. The ending will make you tear up and you will come away believing in true love.

Highly recommended!!

What A Pleasant Surprise
I wasn't expecting Return To Me to be bad, but I originally thought the premise sounded a little sappy and the cast sounded a bit odd. I wasn't sure about how the on-screen chemistry btw DD & Minnie Driver would work, and what plot could have David Allen Grier, James Belushi and Carrol O'Conner in the same movie? So, I didn't go in expecting too much.

I was really happy with the movie, though. It tugs at the heartstrings and it also makes you laugh a lot. The entire crowd at the screening I attended seemed to enjoy the movie.

I highly recommend it as a great date movie. As DD has said in interviews, RTM is wonderful because it's an old-fashioned love story. The soundtrack is wonderful too -- lots of big band music which adds to the old-fashioned feel.

It was also really nice to see David Duchovny in a much more light-hearted role. He had some great comedic moments and some great romantic moments.

Carrol O'Conner, Robert Loggia and co. almost steal the movie with their hilarious banter. I can't wait to see Return To Me on the big screen when it opens, and I will definitely be adding it to my video collection.

Absolutely wonderful! And finally, nothing offensive!
This film is the first romantic comedy in a LONG time that has been worth two hours of my time. It is absolutely fabulous, and is not filled with offensive language, sex-scenes, or adultery. I LOVED it, and I do not typically enjoy romantic comedies.

Unapologetically, unabashedly sentimental
Check your cynicism at the door, please. This film is somewhat courageous in the way it wears its heart on its sleeve in these days when any spark of sentiment is usually couched in irony. Bob Rueland (David Duchovny) has lost his beloved wife (Joely Richardson) in a traffic accident; Grace Briggs (Minnie Driver) has received her heart in a transplant operation. It's not giving anything away to let you that fate brings them together in the end. As soon as the film opens, you know that it couldn't go any other way.

It must be difficult to make such an innocent story work for today's audiences, but writer/director Bonnie Hunt (with co-screenwriter Don Lake) pulls it off. The cast is warm and likeable, the dialogue is sharp, and the music is romantic. Hunt and James Belushi are wonderful as a couple whose affection for each other shines through their constant bickering.

Cute
This movie is one of my favorites. It has a great story, puppy love, a doting grandfather, and offers lots of laughs! What else could you want? It does drag a bit at the end.... but I could watch it a million times without tiring. ... Read more

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Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed, and starred in this mesmerizing drama with haunting overtones of To Kill a Mockingbird. Thornton plays a mentally retarded man who has spent 20 years in a psychiatric hospital for killing his mother and her lover. Released into the community from which he came, he befriends and protects a lonely boy regularly harassed and abused by his mom's boyfriend (a terrific performance by Dwight Yoakam). The story is ultimately about sacrifice, but Thornton certainly doesn't get twinkly about it. Some of the best material concerns the hero's no-big-deal efforts to integrate into a "normal" life: working, eating fast food, earning admiration for his handyman skills, and attaining a semblance of community among other damaged souls. John Ritter has a great part as a gay shopkeeper who tries to assuage his own loneliness by spilling his guts out to Thornton's uncomprehending character. The DVD release presents the film in its original 1.85:1 widescreen aspect ratio. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (138)

Parting the waters of the medulla oblongata of mankind
Normally, movies that are written, directed and star the same person have some fatal flaw due to over-control and a lack of another voice of reason. However, in this case, Billy Bob Thorton put together a great movie.

Billy Bob's portrayal of "Karl", a retarded man who killed his mother and lover as a child, is one of the best characters ever on screen. With his high-water pants, bad haircut, underslung grin and gravelly voice, he's not someone you'll soon forget.

A finely acted film, even the smallest parts were well-done. Suprisingly, John Ritter (an actor who I can not normally watch), gave the finest performance of his career as a gay store manager. Dwight Yoakum was great as the abusive boyfriend, and Lucas Black was good as the kid. J.T Walsh, Robert Duvall, and James Hampton are also in it.

This is not a Disney type plot, and there is a fair amount of swearing and yelling, and some violence. It all is natural to the story however, and the dialogue is some of the best you'll hear anywhere.

I don't give out 5 stars to movies very often. Mmm-hmmm.

An terrific wonderful film, which is unforgettable.
When a man by his early forties living in a Mental Hostipal, who being release by the first time in thirty years by the name of Karl Childers (Billy Bob Thornton) for murdering her's mother lover and then his mother. Karl is a mentally challenge man, who never really experience the outside world. Once he's out to the World, Karl befriend with a sad-sensitive boy (Lucas Black), His Mother (Natalie Canerday) and a nice man (John Ritter), who take a liking in him. Karl hits reality with mean-spirited alcoholic abuser man (Dwight Yoakam) and his past comes to haunt him.

Writted and Directed by Billy Bob Thornton (All the Pretty Horses, Daddy and Then), which is based on his Play, which also he win for an Oscar for Best Adatped Screenplay. Thornton was also nominated for Best Actor. This independent film has First-Rate Performances by all. J.T. Walsh, James Hampton and Brent Briscoe appears in Small Roles-including Oscar-Winner:Robert Duvall. This film is touching, sad and funny also. This is a real one of a kind, unique film. A true classic of the 90's-A Winner. Grade:A+.

Billy Bob does everything but sell the popcorn
Billy Bob Thornton took his screenplay and directed himself in this unforgettable film.

Thornton's Karl Childers became one of the Icons of American cinema, and I still hear people doing Karl's gravel-throated mumble which gets an immediate look of recognition from the people around.

Karl is an essentially good man who is mentally challenged. He recognizes good and bad in others, and he seems to understand his place in the world, even if the intricacies of complex human relationships pass by him as unnoticed as the ozone layer.

As the movie opens we learn that Karl is being held in a State Mental Hospital many years after he has killed a couple of people he thought were doing wrong. I'd say more here, but I think it might spoil some of your enjoyment of the movie to learn more - so just watch the movie! We also learn that Karl is being released because they've "cured him".

He goes back to his home town with all his worldly belongings in a sack. A kindly Doctor from the institution gets him a job as a lawn-mower mechanic and he meets a little boy who is friendly to him.

This is a movie of characters, and simply describing them would not do the characters justice. Karl is a simple man with a pretty well-developed sense of right and wrong. The little boy has lost his father, and the boy's mother, Linda, (portrayed in a wonderfully understated performance by Natalie Canerday) has taken up with a hard drinking, bad-mouthing redneck played by Dwight Yoakam. The late John Ritter is almost unrecognizable playing the soft-spoken crew-cut manager of the store where Linda works. Ritter's Vaughan is devoted to Linda and the little boy, Frank (played by Lucas Black), but Vaughan is also a homosexual in a small town in the south, and his social status is precarious.

There are many serious and tender and hilarious and moving scenes, and most of them involve Billy Bob's Karl. For example, there is one scene where Vaughan invites Karl to the diner where Vaughan proceeds to pour his heart out to the uncomprehending Karl. Vaughan goes on about the difficulties he has had in life, and with his father, and being a homosexual. The entire time Karl sits silently, eating his "french-fried 'taters".

Vaughan finally pauses and says "You always seem to be deep in thought. Tell me, what are you thinking right now?"
Karl replies: "I was thinkin', I'm gonna take me some of these taters home with me."

This movie will stick with you long after you have seen it. Highly recommended.

A legendary performance for Billy Bob Thornton
Sling Blade starts out at a mental home where Karl, played by Thornton, is being released after 25 years. He killed his mother and a boyfriend after he caught them having sex and he didn't think it seemed right. But Karl is deemed to be safe for society and he is also a man with a good heart that when asked if he will do it again replies,"I don't reckon I got no reason to kill nobody." Karl, by the way is somewhat mentally challenged. So it is time to be released, and Karl returns to the town he used to call home with no place to go and no one to return to (except a father who will not recognize him).

Karl befriends a young boy named Frank, and the two are friends from the start. Both of them share some of the same emotional issues, but in Frank's case it is due to his mother's abusive boyfriend Doyle (played by Dwight Yoakam). Karl gets a job working on small engines at a local garage and lives there for a while, but Frank and his mother agree it would be good for Karl to live with them. From the first time Karl meets Doyle, he begins to see what a terrible person he is. Doyle is constantly belittling Frank and Vaughn (a friend of Frank's mother who is gay), and is verbally and physically abusive to Linda (Frank's mom). Karl appears to be a very simple man, but it is apparent that his mind is always at work analyzing the people around him. Doyle grows worse and worse, and Karl becomes increasingly fed up with him. Karl always remains calm no matter the situation, but we start to see that he is the only one who can make things better for Linda, Frank and Vaughn and that as the movie progresses Karl realizes something must be done. I will spare you the ending, but the final conflict revolves around Karl's love for Frank and Linda and with him making a choice, a choice that could send him back to the mental hospital.

This is an incredible movie that deserves all of the notariety is has collected since its release. It won many awards, and deservingly so. There is a little bit of dark comedy here, some tragedy (like when Karl is talking about his brother he had to bury when he was just born), but most of all it is a disturbing examination of internal conflict in one simple man that really is a good guy at heart. It is pretty disturbing at times, so you have been warned. The movie is nothing short of perfect though and it is definately one that you need to see in your lifetime.

A darker, more sinister Forrest Gump
Thornton portrays a man whose apparent stupidity masks a deeper understanding of morals and circumstance than the common man. Everyone treats him as, and calls him, a "retard", yet he sits in his own presence watching and learning...taking in his surroundings to figure out who is decent, and who isnn't. He just wants to get on with his life, yet, he befriends a young boy by happenstance who he can relate to through common toils and emotion, who he can share his innermost thoughts and dark history with, and who he can - within his own diminished capacity- protect in full with his own paternal....no fraternal....regards.

This movie will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you cringe. But it won't let you go until you see it in its entirety, and question the fact - is it okay to kill if it's for a better cause?

A must-see. ... Read more

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They skydive, they kickbox, they travel through space. Is there anything these crayon-colored teens can't do? The answer seems a resounding "no," until some construction workers unwittingly open a manhole cover and loose Ivan Ooze upon Angel Grove. Although incarcerated in his egglike tomb for 6,000 years, Ooze gets right to work at that world domination thing. First up: Strip those eager teens of their morphin uniforms and associated powers and send their leader Zordon to his crystalline deathbed. There's nothing to do but head for a distant planet to meet up with a bikini-clad warrior babe who imparts ancient wisdom and power. Meanwhile, Ooze has been turning parents into zombies who craft giant metallic insects--all the better to take over the world with. This 90-minute film features some cast changes from the Fox television series, as well as better special effects and extended fight scenes, which account for the PG rating. Parents must weigh in for themselves on the famous violent-influence-or-not question. Although, like anything else, what seemed violent in 1995 may seem a bit tame today. Ages 5 and up. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Okay but to cheesey.
As I am writing this review, I am watching the movie. It has been a pretty long time since I have viewed it, and to tell you the truth, it's pretty good despite the cheesey lines and sort of bad acting. The action scenes are awesome.
I grew up with the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers since they started in 1992, and until Power Rangers Turbo, I was their biggest fan. I watched as they gained their powers from Zordon, fought the pif who ate everything, Lord Zed took over, They got their new Zords and powers, Putties were replaced, The girl who could turn into the cat joined when Kimberly(who I still think is hot)left, and when Jason saved Tommy from the green candle.
Since all these things happened, the Power Rangers changed so many times I litteraly lost count. Probably because I can't really count higher than 6 but that is beside the point. What I mean is they have changed a lot and lost their first generation audience.
When I was sitting in the theater waiting for the Indian in the Cubard to start, I saw a preview that made me jump for joy. I actully think I screamed in the theater when I saw Ivan Ooze shoot a glob of slime on Rita's mouth.
They story begins when the team are jummping out of a plane for a charity thingy-ma-bobber. They discover that an evil guy named Ivan Ooze. They have to travel to a distant world to find a new energy source so they can defeat Ivan. They they meet an extremely hot warrior named Sofia. They get new costumes and new Zords.
This movie is somewhat entertaining and is kinda funny. I don't recomend it unless you are a young kid who doesn't know the origanal power rangers.

Action packed fun
It may be a little cheesy to older viewers, but if you're like me, Power Rangers was your world when you were a kid. The action is fun, the effects are amazing, the actors are all VERY beautiful people, and its just general fun for the family. If you need a day to just escape, this movie is good to watch. Plus it has Kimberly(Amy Jo Johnson) who is VERY beautiful and the ONLY Pink Ranger worth watching. I stopped watching the series once she left, no other girl compares...

*Shakes Head*
When this movie came out when I was a kid, I doubled over with excitement because it was state of the art and just downright awesome. Recently, I watched it again, except now I'm grown, and I couldn't help but laugh at the cheesiness of the movie. The reason I give it four stars is because overall, I remembered what it was like to be a kid again, imagining the possibility of these things and how cool the Power Rangers really were in their day. I would recommend it for nostalgic reasons; not for entertainment because it is over 10 years old and is, officially, cheesy.

GO GO POWER RANGERS, YOU SUPER FANTASTIC POWER RANGER!!!
As the biggest Power Rangers fan in the world, I know that this movie is totally awesome!!! Thee Power Rangers' new costumes and zords are totally rad, the plot is great, and the humor is even better. I like the part where the rangers are ready to skydive and Bulk and Skull get freaked out and Aisha tells them that they should put on their airbag thingies and they said, "Good Idea." I also like when the Rangers are fighting Ivan Ooze's purple creepos and Billy gets slime all over his hand and says, "You Ooze You Lose." Well, that's true because Ivan Ooze oozes allot and the power rangers beat him bad!!! I recommend this movie wheather your 3, 63, inbetween, or even older than 63!!! This movie is great!!!

Cool movie for a cool series
INTRODUCTION:
The Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers was a classic sci-fi action series that debuted on FOX in 1993. This series tells the story of five teenagers who are given superhuman abilities to battle an evil empress who has her sights set on destroying the world. The series lasted for a number of seasons, and has spawned at least half a dozen spin-offs (all of which are inferior to this, the original series.) The series became wildly popular almost immeadiately, so just about two years after it debuted, a feature film was released! Read on for my review of Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers - The Movie.

BASIC PLOT:
This episode takes place between seasons two and three of the classic series. Lord Zedd has set out to resurrect an evil entity from hundreds of years ago called Ivan Ooze. He succeeds in this, but discovers that Ivan has a mind of his own. He imprisons Lord Zedd and Rita in a glass jar, and sets his sights on destroying the earth. He destroys the command center, which causes the Rangers to lose their power. Also, Zordon's glass jar was broken in the process, meaning he will die soon. Alpha says that there is enough power left to teleport them to a distant world where they can get a new source of power, and maybe save Zordon's life, but there's a problem. There isn't enough power to bring them back. If they fail to get the new power source, they'll be stranded on a distant world. They accept the task, and Ivan sets his sights on causing universal destruction.

FILM OPINIONS:
This is a pretty cool movie. Sure, it's very cheesy by modern standards, but back when I was a kid this stuff was state of the art. For the film, the Rangers outfits, the Command Center, and the city of Angel Grove, and the Rangers weapons got huge makeovers - and all for the better too. Only problem is these things only took on their new appearances for the movie - they didn't stay that way for the new season of the series. I bet that confused a lot of people! Although the plot has been done to death in the movie industry (there are enough "I want to destroy the world" movies out there), it's still a cool film.

OVERALL:
If you can find this movie for a good price, it's a worthwhile diversion from all of the junk that has been flooding the motion picture industry recently. If you're going to watch the Power Rangers, make sure it's the classic series - and not those lame spin-offs FOX has been showing in recent years.

SIDE NOTE:
The movie has recently been released on DVD, as a double feature with one of the movies for a later Power Rangers series. ... Read more

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This huge 1993 hit for Robin Williams and director Chris Columbus (Home Alone), based on a novel called Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine, stars Williams as a loving but flaky father estranged from his frustrated wife (Sally Field). Devastated by a court order limiting his time with the children, Williams's character disguises himself as a warm, old British nanny who becomes the kids' best friend. As with Dustin Hoffman's performance in Tootsie, Williams's drag act--buried under layers of latex and padding--is the show, and everything and everyone else on screen serves his sometimes frantic role. Since that's the case, it's fortunate that Williams is Williams, and his performance is terribly funny at times and exceptionally believable in those scenes where his character misses his children. Playing Williams's brother, a professional makeup artist, Harvey Fierstein has a good support role in a bright sequence where he tries a number of feminine looks on Williams before settling on Mrs. Doubtfire's visage. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (64)

A "LAUGH SO HARD IT HURTS" MOVIE!
Dude looks like a lady! I loved, loved, LOVED this movie! At times I laughed so hard I cried, and Robin Williams is most definitely at his absolute wacky, zany BEST! In the film, an estranged husband, (Williams), wants so desperately to spend time with his three kids, that he goes so far as to dress up as a kindly, matronly female housekeeper - hence, "Mrs. Doubtfire" is "born"! The most hilarious scenes in the movie involve Williams having to rush in and out of his heavily padded, Mrs. Doubtfire get-up! (Just visualizing this in my mind "cracks me up" right now)! Yet, at the same time, Williams' character also manages to tug at your heart with his sincerety and good intentions. If you haven't yet seen this movie, you're missing out on a real laugh fest. My advice is to treat yourself to this comedic delight, now, and add it to your collection of "feel good" movies!

rolling-on-the-floor laughing entertainment
If you want a funny movie with a good blend of human emotions and sensitivity, "Mrs. Doubtfire" is the one. It is just hysterical, and an excellent film. Robin Williams portrays Daniel Hillard, a laid-back father who is absolutely crazy about his three children, who love him just as much. When Daniel's behavior becomes more than his wife Miranda (Sally Field) can handle, she files a divorce. Daniel is devastated at the loss of his wife, but more than that, he cannot stand to be separated from his children. He is willing to make as many sacrifices as he needs in order to be with them, even if it means putting on a dress, a bodysuit and a little makeup and portraying a devoted old nanny whom Miranda instantly hires to help take care of the kids. In the process, Daniel works hard to shape up his own life and ultimately mature as a parent. You will laugh hysterically at Daniel's attempts as "Mrs. Doubtfire," and you will be touched at the special pains he goes to just to see his children every day. Of course, it's not just Robin Williams who supplies the entertainment in this movie. Mara Wilson, who plays Daniel's youngest daughter Nattie, will have you rolling on the floor laughing. With that sweet little lisp and the innocence of a 5-year-old, she almost stole the show (in my opinion). There is a very good cast here, and this movie has everything. Humor, tears, sensitivity....you name it. Do yourself a favor and watch this one. If you haven't seen it yet, now is the time. It's the kind of film that you can watch over and over and laugh just as often every time, if not more. You'll love it--trust me! =) It's pretty much impossible not to be touched in some way by this moving film about persistence, love, and dedication to your family.

The Last Great Williams Comedy
Hard to believe its already been ten years. William's hasn't done anything nearly this funny since. He seems to be getting more reflective and less whimsical in his middle age. A divorced dad pretends to be a middle aged british nanny to spend more time with his kids. Ingenious. Inevitable hilarity ensues. William's talent is in taking an obvious joke or set up and succeeding brilliantly whereas most other comedians would flail about and fall flat.

Not A Big Robin Williams Fan, But...
It's fine to see Mork from Ork fans gushing about how perfect everything is that Robin Williams has even touched or ever will touch. In reality, however, he's just a decent TV actor who can also do cartoon voice dubs.

That's why I feel that when someone like me praises a movie of his, it should mean a lot more. Watching Mrs. Doubtfire, I was forced to admire his sheer guts in tackling this Tootsie role (sans roll) despite the huge success Dustin Hoffman already had with it.

Most of Robin's film parts amount to a large junkpile of bad remakes, half-written plots and other "at least it's a fat paycheck" duds. It is also mind boggling how he got an Oscar for his minor foul-mouthed cameo in Good Will Hunting. However, every once in a long while he incredibly rises far above his journeyman talents and rightfully dons the mantle of a true master of the art.

(Not that co-star Sally Field was just using up air here, either - she was a great anchor of reality for the film. Which is not an easy task to perform for someone as cute and bubbly as she normally is.)

Robin's actually done five other proper acting jobs, which round out an even half dozen when added to Doubtfire. And these few other fine movies are, not surprisingly, parts where he really doesn't play himself: Good Morning Vietnam, Hook, Jumangi, Dead Poets Society and Cadillac Man.

Well, most actors when their careers are over should consider themselves lucky to even end up with a trilogy of film classics in the can, after doing the usual 25 to 50 major works. But right now Robin's got those six gems, and he still has time to complete a crown of an even dozen.

Of course he'd already have had time to do that by now, if only he had just said no when his agent called to ask him if he wanted to do flop-bound flicks like Shlubber, Jerk or Bicentennial Bum.

A Charming Movie!
Mrs. Doubtfire is a cute movie, it's one of Robin Williams best movies and he was hilarious. He plays an unemployed actor who's wife dumps him because of what she thinks is irresponsible behavior including letting his sons birthday party get out of hand and after a rather messy divorce only gives him limited visitation rights he disguises himself as an older woman when he hears his ex wife played by Sally Field is looking for a nanny/housekeeper for their kids and she hires him thinking he is really Mrs. Doubtfire and what follows is a great hilarious movie with some tender moments that tug at your heartstrings and I highly recommend this movie! Not only is Robin Williams good but so is the rest of the cast including Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan and little Mara Wilson. ... Read more