Reviews (43)

The Entity One of My Favorite Movies
The Entity was one of my favorite scary movies; one of the reasons is that it was based on a factual account of another's life. Imagine being that woman, the horrors she must have faced, and the terror she still must be facing. I think that Barbara Hershey did a wonderful job portraying in this role. The effects for that time were done very well, especially when the hands were touching her and you could actually see the imprints on her skin. It surely left chills up my spine. I can't wait until this movie comes out on DVD. One of your previous reviewers from Greenville, SC USA said," This movie had great acting, intriguing story, and good music, but it is not even the least bit scary or disturbing. I really think it had potential, but it was way too predictable. If you thought it was scary, well whatever. I didn't think it was scary. If you want real scary get The Other (not The Others), The Exorcist, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Salem's Lot, Pet Cemetery, or Evil Dead". That person needs to realize the difference between the Gore factors and the Fear factors. His/her opinion is fine if your looking for blood and gore then this movie isn't for you. I found this movie to be more of a suspense/drama/thriller. So, if you are looking for blood and gore like (i.e.: Troma type movies) than this movie isn't what you'll be getting. So, Mr./Ms. Greenville, SC USA should really reevaluate his or her perspective before giving an opinion on movie genre's and not compare suspense and fear flicks with blood and gore....it just isn't appropriate.

Poor Barbara Hershey
I really like Barbara Hershey, and I wish she had saved her talents for something better than this movie. This is the story of a woman stalked by a ghost who rapes her repeatedly. Puportedly based on a true story, it fizzles after a promising beginning, and believing that some woman actually experienced this (or thinks she did) doesn't help matters.

The special effects are quite convincing for the time, but fail to carry the movie. I watched this at home, alone, late at night, and wasn't scared at all. Perhaps my expectations were too high after several recommendations, but I was frankly bored by this movie.

That said, Barbara Hershey does turn out a solid performance. That held my interest just enough to watch the entire film. Had it starred a lesser actress, I think I would have stopped watching after the first half hour. If you are a dyed-in-the-wool Barbara Hershey fan, you should catch this movie (it'll make you miss her old lips, however). But if you want to be scared out of your wits, choose something else.

Scary as Hell
This is the ultimate haunted house flick that will scare you dead. What makes this film so scary is the fact that you can't see the ghost/entity when it decides to attack Carla Moran, and do other violent things.

The Entity appears to have an insatiable appetite for sex, and Carla just happened to be the ghost's favorite victim (he does have great taste I must say). Poor Carla can't seem to shake this psychotic ghost from following her around. It's really creepy. Perhaps he didn't get enough while he was alive.

On the more serious note, Carla's family gets caught in the middle of all this mess and don't know what to make of it. And if this wasn't creepy enough, "The Entity" is based on a TRUE STORY!

It's basically a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Carla and her family decide to move into this house (haunted as hell I might say). She had no idea of the history of the house or perhaps didn't care. Once she moved in that was it, the entity drilled her like there was no tomorrow. And she couldn't escape. EVERYWHERE Carla went, the ghost ran after her [lustily]. Apparently, the ghost had an endless supply of viagra!

If you have trouble sleeping DON'T watch this movie. If you get scared easily, DON'T watch this movie. If you're superstitious DON'T watch this movie! If you don't care and want to have fun while peeing on yourself, GET THIS FILM! It's not available on DVD yet, but you can enjoy it on VHS. You might also want to light a few candles before watching it. If this film doesn't scare you, check your pulse!

new millenium
This is a fantastic horror flic.
I cannot believe that it is not available on DVD with widescreen format. Some body should tell the video industry that the twentieth century is over, VHS is out of date.

Honesty
This is one scary movie. Based on a true ongoing story. Kind of want to know what life like today for our main character. I've watch this 3/4 times and it still gets to me. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Talk about epic grandeur! This magnificently photographed account of the first cattle drive on the Chisholm Trail has everything you could ever want in a western: gunfights, stampedes, Indian attacks, hangings, betrayal, revenge, romance, glorious scenery, and a towering performance by John Wayne that prefigured his definitive portrayal of the bitter Ethan Edwards in John Ford's The Searchers eight years later. Tom Dunson (Wayne) adopts a young boy, Matt (brilliantly played as an adult by Montgomery Clift), whose family has been massacred by Indians. Years later, after Dunson has become a successful rancher, mentor and protege have an acrimonious falling out during a grueling cattle drive and go their separate ways, with Dunson vowing to kill Matt. Red River is a true classic and unquestionably one of the greatest westerns of all time. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (41)

THE cattle-drive movie
Having weighed-in on _The Culpepper Cattle Company_, I have to genuflect at the altar of THE cattle-drive movie-- _Red River_.

This film pre-dates _The Searchers_ by about eight years. The lead character, Tom Dunson, is a sort of prototype for Ethan Edwards. This is John Wayne without sentiment or schmaltz, until the final scene which differs from the story on which the film is based, and which jars a bit.

That being said, _Red River_ still stands as the definitive cattle-drive movie. Wayne/Dunson builds an empire but then must head the herd north on a drive that simply _has_ to get through-- despite conflicts with nature, rustlers, Indians, and between Dunson and his men, including his adopted son, Matthew Garth.

Wayne is cast against his own stereotype as Dunson and comes across as a hard and unlikeable character. Walter Brennan as his sidekick, Groot, nearly steals the show just as he did (again) in Hawk's _Rio Bravo_. Montgomery Clift does a passable job as Matthew Garth, but is outclassed by John Ireland as Cherry Valance, the gunfighter turned cowhand.

The rest of the cast is outstanding. You need only look at the cast list to appreciate the fine ensemble company that Howard Hawks put together for this movie. This is also on of Dimitri Tiomkin's finest musical scores.

Finally, I agree with Maltin on this point: beware edited and abridged copies of this film. Anything less than a 133 minute running time should not be bothered with.

"Take `em to Missouri, Matt!"

A Flawed Western
For an hour and 20 minutes or so, Red River is a great western (even with such embarrassing moments such as Wayne killing the Indian and discovering the bracelet he had given his girl, the stuttering cowboy who is killed in the stampede, etc.). It boasts a stunning Dimitri Tiomkin score, terrific B&W photography by Russell Harlan, a wonderful performance from Montgomery Clift, a powerful (if typically one-note) performance from John Wayne ... and then Joanne Dru enters the story and it basically falls apart from this point on. She is so completely incompetent that she manages to almost sink the film! Her dialogue is, admittedly, terrible (Hawks bragged that he wrote most of it!), but her line readings are so terrible that it just makes the awkward dialogue even more awkward. The ending is absurd, a complete build-up to a deadly collision and it ends up a rather weak fist-fight. Perhaps, had Wayne's performance included emotional shadings, the ending might have worked, but since he is so one-note hard and uncompromising throughout, not for one moment do I believe the final sequence. In the original Borden Chase novel, the character dies at the end. It should have happened here, also (same major flaw in Wayne's The Searchers, too). On top of which, the John Ireland character is built up as a major challenge to Montgomery Clift, but this is simply dropped halfway through. Indeed, the Ireland character is allowed to fizzle out. The auteur theory is what keeps critics from analysing this film from a more objective viewpoint. But it is very watchable and its strengths certainly outnumber its weaknesses.

Black and white sensation!
John Wayne's Red River is one of the most exciting and classical westerns of our century. So, if somebody hates black and white, screw them, it's their problem. Don't even review the product, genius! Alongside The Searchers, this is one of the Duke's landmark films. Also, John Wayne was our ultimate hero, prevailing in every gunfight and every story. His acting AND his strength certainly prevail here. Also filled with action packed gunfights and suspenseful scenes. The ending is fine.
The DVD transfer is nothing special, and somewhat grainy at times. MGM DVDS are not known to be the best DVD makers on the market. To shape up this classic western, expect a Criterion Collection re release and enjoy!

An American Treasure
In the rich history of American film, this piece of work by Howard Hawks makes the short list. It has been used as a template for any filmmaker wishing to make a Western, and further, it is one of those rare pieces of culture by which a society defines itself. If you needed to demonstrate to a foreigner what the American character is all about, you could show them this movie.

As a Western, it certainly has it all: cowboys killing Indians, men leaving women for the call of the trail, gunfights, stampedes, love, betrayal, and finally redemption. It is also gorgeously filmed, beautifully written, and well acted throughout. And finally, it stars John Wayne, an actor that towers over today's crop of male actors like an oak over weeping willows.

This film also stars Montgomery Clift as the surrogate son that eventually challenges Wayne for control of the drive. In terms of acting styles, Clift and Wayne were about as different as two actors could be: Wayne seemed always to act on instinct and charisma, while Clift was one of the young Turks through the 40's and 50's, a proponent of a new style of acting - the method developed by Lee Strasburg (one can easily imagine Wayne giving his crooked sarcastic grin over the very idea of a "school" where young people learn acting). Yet, casting these two together works. By all reports, the two hated each other at the beginning of the production, but had developed an actor's respect for one another by the end of filming. Wayne, after watching Clift in one of his scenes, was quoted as saying something like "damn, that little queer sure can act."

John Wayne, for his part, goes toe-to-toe with the new school of internal acting and more than holds his own. His portrayal of a powerful, unbending man who slowly descends into bitterness and hate is a real treat to watch. His performance was, to use a phrase Wayne would have hated, multi-layered and very, very skillful.

Other performances to watch: the ever-faithful Walter Brennan, one of the greatest character actors of all time, is perfect as Wayne's partner/friend. It is in watching Brennan's reaction to Wayne's increasing dementia that we see how far off track he's gone. John Ireland also is a standout as Cherry Valance, the pistoleer, who is full of casual grace and menace. As if all the above wasn't enough, the great Harry Carey is onboard briefly as Mr. Melville, radiating authority.

Every film lover should own this film and watch it at least once annually.

Every American should treasure it as a source of national pride.

One note: this is one film that simply demands a better DVD treatment. The picture and sound isn't bad, but it isn't widescreen, and there are absolutely no special features. C'mon, Criterion Collections, where are you? --Mykal

Mutiny on the plains
Howard Hawks' 1948 RED RIVER is an ambitious, sprawling, epic western. It's on a number of top-100 lists, and it belongs there.
The movie tells the story of cattle rancher Tom Dunson and the first drive along the fabled Chisholm Trail. It's based on Borden Chase's "The Chisholm Trail"
The movie hits the ground running. Within the first five minutes there's a romantic leave taking, an indian attack and a burning wagon train. The romantic parting of Dunson (John Wayne) and his intended is a key incident in the development of this bitter and hard-driven character. Dunson and Groot Nadine (Walter Brennan), who left the wagon train with Dunson, are joined by a survivor of the massacre, Matt Garth - who, fourteen years later, will become the quick-drawing Montgomery Clift. The shocked boy is leading a cow, Dunson and Groot have a surviving bull, and with this bovine first couple they make for the open land south of the Red River.
Fast forward 14 years and Dunson has 10,000 head of cattle and a depressed, post-Civil War southern economy that can't afford to buy them. They must drive them to Missouri and sell them to the more prosperous northerners or face ruin. During that drive Dunson descends to near insanity and Matt ascends as a moderating influence and, apparently, becomes the only one who can successfully lead the men and cattle to market. Without giving too much away, something happens on the drive that will drastically change Dunson's and Matt's relationship and jeopardize both of their lives.
It's pretty heavy stuff, and John Wayne is rock solid great as the troubled Dunson. This is one of the greatest roles in the career of a sometimes under-rated actor. Montgomery Clift is fine in his screen debut.
Walter Brennan's Groot is a marvel. That guy was such a good actor. Like all good sidekicks, and Brennan was the best, Groot is part court jester and part moral barometer. It helps that he plays most of the movie without his upper teeth in, too. Brennan was always better when his mouth was half empty.
There are some images that will stick with you for a while. Thousands of cattle crossing the Red River, a midnight stampede with a couple of hair-raising rescues. And there's a neat little bit with an angry John Wayne striding down a long street crowded with cattle - Wayne doesn't break stride, of course, and the cattle move out of his way like a longhorn Red Sea parting for an angry Moses.
For the most part the script is well written, and there's enough amusing scenes (usually including Brennan) to keep the whole thing from collapsing under it's own weight.
For instance, when Dunson and Matt are deciding who's to go along on the drive, Dunson excludes Groot (bum leg.) Groot mutters to himself like a live-action Popeye while Dunson and Matt continue their conversation. A distracted and exasperated Dunson finally says:
Dunson: What are you saying? I can't understand you. Where's your store teeth Matt bought you?
Groot: They're in my pocket.
Dunson: Well, why don't you use them?
Groot: 'Cause they whistle. I use them for eating.

Then there's the Joanne Dru character, Tess Millay. It doesn't help that her first appearance occurs in the third scene. One hour and forty-one minutes into the 2:20 movie, by my clock. My guess is the scriptwriters didn't want to clutter up the action with a romantic subplot until absolutely necessary. Fair enough, but it means that Millay's and Matt's romance has to be telescoped severely. Basically they meet, fall in love, and part in a day. It stretches an audience some. Worse, Dru as an actress simply wasn't right for the part.
One of her character traits, as written, is to talk and keep on talking when something worries or frightens her. She does this to negligible effect. It's a role that seemed to have been custom written for Jean Arthur, who always could blabber on to good effect, who could always drop her voice down to a husky purr or have it emit an abrupt squeak for maximum dramatic effect. Unfortunately Arthur was nearly fifty when this movie was made, so I guess casting her as a romantic lead opposite the young Clift would have, uh, added an strange and unwelcome dimension to the movie. Dru, in one of her earliest roles, just doesn't have the chops to carry off the role convincingly. All things considered, I think this piece of miscasting is more Hawks' fault that anyone elses. Anyway, I shaved a point off because of it.
I don't normally notice bad transfers, but there are a few dark night scenes in RED RIVER that look like someone lit a Fourth of July sparkler. And, less forgivable, my new factory-sealed-from-a-reputable-national-outlet retailer did NOT contain the advertised four page booklet. Finally, I've played the movie twice so far, and each time the start up menu screen doesn't appear until AFTER the movie is over. ... Read more

Reviews (186)

"Once this baby hit's 88 miles per hour..."
"Back to the Future" has to be one of the funnest movies I've ever seen and it's one the greatest films of the 1980's, if not of all time.

Marty McFly is a 17 year-old living in the small town of Hill Valley (not sure of the state) and hasn't got a great life; he's stuck in a family of losers, notably his wimpy father, and is not a successful student. The only things Marty has going for him are his pretty girlfriend Jenny and his friendship with the zany Doctor Emmett Brown. Marty's life begins to make a huge turnaround when he travels to the past in a time machine that Doc Brown has invented out of a DeLorean sports car. Landing in the year 1955, Marty inadvertently prevents his parents from meeting the way did as teens and this change ends up disrupting the events of his future; if Marty is unable to get his parents toghether, he'll cease to exist! Marty's is forced to go onto a madcap scramble to save the future and his very life.

So many things work great in "Back to the Future." Rob Zemeckis gives the film some excellent direction, packing it with lots of energy and excitment. Something else I really love about the film is the script. You can describe it in three words: smart, snappy, and witty. You don't see that in a lot of sci-fi movies and it's certainly a welcome addition to this film. The acting, meanwhile, is superb. Michael J. Fox gives what may very well be the best performance of his career playing Marty McFly. Christopher Llyod and Crispin Glover, who play Doc Brown and Marty's dad respectively, are just as good. Llyod virtually steals every scene that he's in with that eccentric look of his and Glover plays the role of a nerd to perfection. Though this film was made almost 20 years ago, the special effects look pretty good, even by todays standards. I'm betting this film laid a lot of ground work for special effects later on.

This movie is a must-see. If you really consider yourself a movie fan, then you can't miss out on "Back to the Future." It's the complete package. Check it out.

Its a wonder I was even born at all !
Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, time travel and an ingenious story. What more could you want. All of these terrific actors disappear melting into their original characters. When you think of Michael J. Fox, you may think of Spin City, but more likely than not the name Marty McFly enters your mind. Christopher Lloyd has done many characters in several movies, but none compare to his perfect portrayal of Doc Emmit Brown. Lea Thompson's post Caroline in the City role had me wondering when I was a child whether it was possible that she was playing both young and old versions of Marty's mom. In fact, I had an argument with my own mother about it. "No way!" I said. Now that Im older I know better, but it just seems that a more perfect cast has never been assembled.

Robert Zemeckis has crafted a fine story envolving a paradox and simplicity. Guess what? The Trilogy is coming to DVD in December! I can't wait to add them to my collection. I'm sure you can't either!

Back to the Future is a movie so close to so many heart's that it will forever remain a classic, whether or not it makes A.F.I.'s top one hundred list. I consider it to be one of the funniest and incredible movie's ever made. What would you do if you could take a trip into the past?

Time Travel Adventure filled with Pop-Culture
An 80s high school kid (played by Michael J. Fox) must travel back in time to make sure his parents actually end up together. A "nutty professor" has come up with the machine to enable the trip: A 1985 DeLorean powerd with plutonium. Fox not only manages to make his parents fall in love with each other, but ends up changing the future of his entire family forever.

There are many enjoyable references to 50s life (they never heard of skate boards or using your hands to twist the cap off a bottle of Pepsi, not to mention "Calvin Kline briefs" or the "devil music" of Chuck Berry). This is a wonderful film for any age audience. It's in my personal all-time top 10 (and I've seen my share of good films!). Zap yourself an Orville Reddenbacher, grab a "ring pull" Pepsi and enjoy this fun fun fun film!*****

Really movie-like movie
As a tenager in the real life 1980's I personally testify that no one had life like the fictional character of Marty McFly in BTTF. Nobody! His whole life, dialogue, situations all totally Hollywod style and thus movie-like. Oh yeah-- and we didn't travel around in cars that could go back in time eithr.

maker that made the story nobody have thought is wonderful.
The Back to the future‡T is the best favorite works in1-3. Certainly for 1985 film, the fashion and film making etc is a little out of date. But the comedy and wondeful story that nobody have though ever will not be inferior to all other works. From a long ago, time mathine etc, there have been such tume theme stories, but they go back old age and by varying the codition as should exist originally, they recover now truth themself. The story was tempted very much.

The character of the cast was tempted me too. For instance, the docter that is devoted to the crazy experiments always or the timid but comic father that can not resist to the aggresive boss and funny dog that was named to Ainsyutaim.

Though it was pitiful, the scene that the father was tease to the boss in the child age even in a coffe shop was fun. the last scene that the father beated the boss is happy to me too.

Certainly the maked film is old, for instance in the movie Chicago Cubs was said the lowest rank all the time and could get to the victory, but last year the team advanced to the play off games.
But the story was very wonderful. After I wathced to the film, my feeling became refleshing though I can not express very well. Anyway old, young, woman,man, it is the movie that everybody can enjoy.

Thank you for reading poor English. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The era of Molly Ringwald's profitable collaboration with writer-producer-director John Hughes (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club) was at its peak with this 1986 film (directed by Howard Deutch but in every sense part of the developing Hughes empire). Ringwald plays a high school girl on the budget side of the tracks, living with her warm and loving father (Harry Dean Stanton) and usually accompanied by her insecure best friend (Jon Cryer). When a wealthy but well-meaning boy (Andrew McCarthy) asks her out, her perspective is overturned and Cryer's character is threatened. As was the case in the mid-'80s, Hughes (who wrote the script and produced the film) brought his special feel for the cross-currents of adolescent life to this story. In its very commercial way, it is an honest, entertaining piece about growing pains. The attractive supporting cast (many of whom are much better known now) does a terrific job, and Ringwald and Cryer have excellent chemistry. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (68)

John Hughes At His Best
Movies like this are what make one want to cry over the media-provoked labeling and fall of "The Brat Pack". The stars of the 1980s teen films were expected to form the next generation of great actors until Hollywood tore them apart and sent them scraping for whatever cable-movie parts they could get their hands on. Though Pretty in Pink was more-or-less the swan song of John Hughes'-masterminded films, to this day it continues to bring in fans to the genre with it's sweet and simple poor girl/rich guy romance and the social issues therein. Though star Molly Ringwald is occaisonally over-emotional in her portrayal of the girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it is not unfitting with her strong but somewhat neurotic character, Andie. Andrew McCarthy, though of greater acting capability than he displays here, still plays his rich but insecure Romeo (Blane) to a T, and is cute enough to make any teenage girl fall in love with him-despite the wierd eye thing. Annie Potts and Harry Dean Stanton are both memorable in their roles of somewhat bizzare parental-type figures, as is a young James Spader as Blane's perfectly condescending best friend. However it is Jon Cryer, as Andie's best and besotted friend Phil "Duckie" Dale who truly steals the show with what is surely one of the top performances of Cryer's varied career. Though on the outside this movie may appear to be pure teen fluff, the story has an endearing quality that will continually find it back in the VCR on any all night movie fest.

A girl from the wrong side of the tracks and her life
This movie set in the mid 80s era of brat-prack movies is a unique shining star. Molly Ringwald is Andie a girl from the wrong sides of the tracks who has romantic intrests from both sides of the spectrum; Duckie (Jon Cryer) who's puppy-dog love for her is both sweet and endearing to watch, and Blane (Andrew McCarthy) the rich guy who has everything going for him. What follows is Andie having to deal with this, the bitchy cheerleader type girls at school, her loving but dishonest father (Harry Dean Stanton) and through all this will she get an invatation to the prom? This is a great film, with both Blane, and Andie having to deal with their friends disagreeeing with their relationship. Steff (James Spader at one of his very best) Blane's best friend, who tries to make Blane try to decide between Andie and himself, when really he just wants his finger in the pie. Annie Potts as Iona, Andie's quirky older best friend is excellent and her weird and orginal costume changes throughout the movie are a highpoint. This is a emotionally raw film a rareity at the time it was made. If you ask me this should have swept the Oscar nominations with Molly Ringwald getting Best Actress, but hey regardless of the miss of Oscars watch this, it is a powerful film and a great piece of film making

Watch 16 Candles or The Breakfast Club, instead
Pretty in Pink is truly one of the worst bratpack movies ever made. Whiny Molly Ringwald has by this time thoroughly worn out her welcome; her perpetual pout, her eye-rolling and her generally sour disposition are extremely grating, all the moreso because she is in virtually every scene! The only interesting thing about Ringwald's "performance" is her ever-changing haircolor (throughout the movie, her hair goes from strawberry blonde to dark auburn to nearly chartreuse back to strawberry blonde, and so on. At least SOMETHING changed; her expression never did!).

Andrew McCarthy is the wimpiest "romantic hero" ever, and, like Molly, his expression never changes. "Must remain bland" was surely his mantra throughout filming.

Jon Cryer plays "Ducky" (did YOU go to high school with anybody who had a nickname like that???) like a spastic goofball. James Spader is wasted in a one-note role as "The Mean Snobby Guy." There's no end to the talent wasted in this film: Annie Potts and Harry Dean Stanton are also squandered in thankless, my-character-only-exists-to-showcase-Molly-Ringwald roles.

As if all that's not annoying enough, Molly's character is the richest "poor girl" ever, with her own lilac-colored Kharman Ghia, an endless supply of funky vintage dresses, petticoats, sweaters, granny boots, and hats (if you think she picked all that swag up at Salvation Army, you're crazy), and her own phone complete with answering machine (no big deal now, but it was in the '80s).

The cherry on top is the fact that the dress Molly cobbles together and "triumphantly" wears to Prom is ugly. Ugly, ugly, UGLY. That's not just my opinion, either: I saw this dog in the theater, and people LAUGHED when she made her entrance.

Bottom line: if you're in the mood for a bratpack movie, watch 16 Candles or Breakfast Club, instead.

One of the better Brat Pack movies.
Molly Ringwald did an good job in this film. The movie wasn't the best brat pack movie, but it is enjoyable. The supporting cast is okay, and the romance you are able to relate to. All, in all good, and heartfelt. See it, if you love teen romance movies.

Pretty good 80's movie
This isn't really my favorite movie that John Hughes made, Sixteen Candles is my favorite, but this one is also pretty good..besides the ending. Molly Ringwald was SO much better with Duckie. Duckie is the best character in this, he's so funny. The part at the end when he's at the dance and he looks at you through the camera, it's priceless!! You got to check this movie out, it's a good one. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A Great Adaptation
This is another film that's been secreted away in the MGM vaults that just cries out to be adequately transferred to DVD.

Talent abounds here. Start with a great director in Tony Richardson (Tom Jones, A Delicate Balance, The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner, The Entertainer, etc) who is the perfect choice for such a project. Have Christopher Isherwood and Terry Southern adapt the screenplay from a wonderful Evelyn Waugh novel. Assemble a perfect cast, including James Coburn and Dana Andrews, Milton Berle, Tab Hunter, Roddy McDowall, Margaret Leighton and Liberace (unforgettably!) in cameo roles. Feature the likes of Rod Steiger (why didn't he try more comedy? He's brilliant here!), John Gielgud, Jonathan Winters in memorable supporting roles and top it off with excellent leads in Robert Morse and Anjanette Comer (both relative unknowns at the time, but perfect for the roles).
How could the movie not be memorable?

Suffice it to say it holds up amazingly well after almost 40 years. It has to rank as one of the great classic comedies of the sixties.

The plot revolves around a young English twit named Dennis Barlow (Morse) who shows up at his uncle's (Gielgud's) doorstep, having won his air passage to LAX through some absurd stroke of luck. He has no money and his gregarious uncle takes him in and introduces him to the expatriated Brits that inhabit LA. Chief among these is the snobbish Sir Ambrose Abercrombe (Morley) who takes an instant dislike to Barlow, whom he feels doesn't adequately represent the proper English gentleman (and he doesn't). In short order, Uncle Francis is canned by his crass Hollywood Studio boss (McDowall), in spite of the fact that he has been a faithful employee for 30 years. Unwilling to face the future at his advanced age, Uncle Francis hangs himself beside the decrepit pool that represents his sagging fortunes.

It's at this stage that the movie shifts satirical gears and the humor gets darker and darker. Waugh's study of American mores and materialistic mindset as represented by the funeral industry is brilliantly captured by the screnwriters, director and cast. It's a great ensemble effort from a once in a lifetime creative team. THE LOVED ONE deserves a broad DVD release, hopefully in the not too distant future.

BK

Strange comedy, not for all tastes
MY RATING: 6.4

I've watched this one last night on tv, and I must say its's quite an odd mov. It's a comedy, a black comedy as many say, yet it's not for all tastes since cause it contains an amount of strange characters and situations. Some good points for the presentation of the eternal rest of the loved ones and that horrid mother of Rod Steiger, who is probably the best character on the film. Also starring Robert Morse as the brit who has just arrived from London, John Gielgud as his gay uncle, a dual role for Jonathan Winters, Roddy McDowall, Robert Morley and the irritating voice of Anjanet Comer.
Really an mov with some importance in the 60's, but nothing special now.

I haven't forgotten
I just order a VHS copy and look forward to seeing this unforgettable movie again. (There are just)Too much brilliant characterizations and scenic situations! But above all, one scene:

Dennis Barlow{Robert Morse},
Mr. Joyboy's mother{Ayllene Gibbons},
a roasted turkey in the refrigerator.

Nothing Much to Add...
In a parallel universe this is a flick that's as well known as Strangelove or The Producers. Yes, Steiger should have done more comedy--he's incredible in this movie.

I write this with the hope that someone out there is adding up the votes for a DVD release. I'll also add that the long out of print "Catalogue of Cool" dubbed 1962 " The Last Good Year." After that...well, we lost a lot of our wit, charm, whimsy, humanity, and creativity to Viet Nam, Watergate, and all the other dreariness--from Reaganism to Political Correctness--that led up to this uniquely ugly moment in history. There were a lot of sharp films made in the late Fifties to early Sixties that had qualities sadly lacking since--check out Wilder's "One, Two, Three" or "Inherit the Wind." One reviewer notes that "The Loved One" is black comedy without the nihilism. I agree and that's kind of what I mean. This era of film deserves a re-examination and we could all probably learn a lot from it.

Black Humor At It's Best
As many have already stated, this is one dark, funny movie. The casting is perfect. It is on my top ten list. It has been since I saw it as a youngster. It is a film to see over and over. This really needs to be on DVD. SOON! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This gentle reworking of Ted Hughes's 1968 novella was the unseen gem of 1999.Hogarth, a young boy who lives in the Maine woods during the cold war, befriends a giant robot.As with E.T., the iron giant is a misunderstood outsider who becomes a child's best friend, andHogarth does his best to hide the massive figure from his mom (voiced by Jennifer Aniston) andthe local scrap-yard beatnik (Harry Connick Jr.). Soon the suspicions of neighbors and agovernment agent (Christopher McDonald) spell trouble.

With no songs, no sidekicks, and no cheap ending, The Iron Giant is a refreshing change-- like an off-Broadway production compared to the glitz of Disney's annual animated extravaganzas.Director Brad Bird may have Family Dog and The Simpsons to his credit, but thisfilm doesn't have that brand of scatological humor. As with the best family entertainments, thereare gags that adults will howl at while the kids are watching something else (see Bird'sinterpretation of cold war propaganda). And the star is one cool piece of animated magic. Voicedby Vin Diesel (Saving Private Ryan's hulking Private Caparzo) and filled with moregadgets than a Swiss army knife, the giant is a grand thing to behold. And like another famouscinema tin man, our hero--and the movie--has heart. Superb entertainment for ages 5 and up. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (317)

An absolutely first rate animated film.
It is a shame that Warner Brothers chose to give an uninspired prerelease publicity campaign to the gentle, joyous and original animated movie, The Iron Giant. Precious few saw it in theaters.
Thank God for film preservation in the form of DVD!

Like the book, the picture takes place in 1957, during the height of The Cold War. The Soviet Union's satellite, Sputnik, flies across American skies. Our country is filled with paranoia. What else may they have launched?

One stormy night off the coast of Maine, a huge object falls from the sky. A frightened sailor sees it and swears that it is a giant made of metal. The townsfolk chalk the tale off to the sailor's love of drink. A giant made of metal, indeed!

A night or so later, young Hogarth Hughes, whose Mom is working overtime at the local diner, gets mad when his TV starts acting up. He goes to the roof to check the antenna and finds it missing. He then notices huge footprints leading away from the house and into the woods. He grabs his deceased Dad's old army rifle and a flashlight and goes off in pursuit. He soon discovers that there is indeed a metal giant. In fact, he saves it when it bumps into some high voltage utility wires. The adventure has begun.

Rarely has a movie for children - or adults! - addressed the need to search for a peaceful solution to our problems as gently or as wisely as The Iron Giant. It never preaches and is always accessible. It does not address us from on high. It remains at our level. It also shows how clever we can be at overcoming the most unexpected obstacles. It reminds us that things alien to us are not always hostile to us. In fact, it is we who often initiate the hostilities. Perhaps best of all, The Iron Giant examines these and other issues in the guise of a wonderful story that should hold almost anyone's attention.

The animation is first-rate. Most of the voices are good, especially Harry Connick, Jr.'s as Dean Cooper, a hip young artist. As Hogath's voice, Eli Marienthal speaks like a real boy, not a cartoon boy. Speaking for Hogarth's mother, Annie, Jennifer Anniston gives her a loving quality. Vin Diesel does well with the most difficult voice, that of The Iron Giant.

Rated PG for a couple of spooky scenes and a few mild profanities. Recommended without reservation for children seven and up.

The Iron Giant has Landed
Vin Diesel and Jennifer Aniston lend their voices in the first-rate animated adventure "The Iron Giant". In the dawn of the Cold War, a curious New England boy discovers a gigantic metal-eating robot (voiced by Diesel) from another world. Their special friendship is put to the test when the boy must protect his new pal from an ambitious government agent and the US military. "The Iron Giant" is an amazing animated wonder that rivals Disney's best. From director Brad Bird ("The Simpsons"), the film combines a well-written story and some memorable characters. The talented voice cast also includes Eli Marenthal, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney and Harry Connick Jr. as artistic scrap yard owner Dean McCoppin. The animation is colorful and quite enjoyable. The animated feature is presented in both 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen and standard full screen formats. The DVD contains a detailed video transfer and a well-balanced 5.1 Dolby Digital sound. Its supplemental extras include a delightful "Making of The Iron Giant" featurette and a music video. Despite a lack of supplemental extras, "The Iron Giant" earns a pleasing "B+".

It's about time.
Here's what we can expect with this true release of The Iron Giant:

-Anamorphic widescreen format with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.

-Eight never-before-seen additional scenes with introductions by Brad Bird, including an alternate opening sequence.

-13 mini documentaries revealing the origin and the in-depth development process of The Iron Giant.

-Interviews with creative consultant Teddy Newton on the storyboard sequence development process.

-The Voice Of The Giant: Brad Bird and Vin Diesel discuss voicing The Iron Giant.

-Scene-specific commentaries by filmmakers

-A motion gallery of original animation

-A letter from Ted Hughes, author of the original book upon which the film was based.

-DVD-ROM access to the original web site and Easter eggs revealing the behind-the-scenes filmmaking process.

The only thing I see wrong with this is the box/case. Click on the image here to see a larger version, and you'll see that it's the horrid snap cases. Oh well, at least the movie's getting the treatment it deserves. Pick this up when it comes out.

Now this is what we've been waiting for.
Here's what's going to be on this true edition of The Iron Giant:

-Eight never-before-seen additional scenes with introductions by Brad Bird, including an alternate opening sequence.

-13 mini documentaries revealing the origin and the in-depth development process of The Iron Giant.

-Interviews with creative consultant Teddy Newton on the storyboard sequence development process.

-The Voice Of The Giant: Brad Bird and Vin Diesel discuss voicing The Iron Giant.

-Scene-specific commentaries by filmmakers

-A motion gallery of original animation

-A letter from Ted Hughes, author of the original book upon which the film was based.

-DVD-ROM access to the original web site and "Easter eggs" revealing the behind-the-scenes filmmaking process.

This is the treatment the movie should've got in the first place.

ONE OF THE BEST ANIMATED MOVIES EVER MADE!
This is seriously one of the best animated movies I have ever seen. Unfortunatley it got poor advertising when the movie came out, and it cost the movie, which did very poor in the box office. But it came back in a big way with the DVD release. I cannot recommend this movie enough to people, and with director Brad Bird now directing the upcoming Pixar movie "The Incredibles," this DVD should do better. If you like a good story, and well done animation I highly suggest this movie for you! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

An Early Solo Classic from Jerry Lewis
Long before "Mr. Mom" or "Kramer vs. Kramer", Jerry Lewis made a great argument for fathers to have as much say in the raising and nurturing of their children as mothers. This delightful comedy (with just enough drama added in for good measure) is about a man who goes beyond expectation to care for three baby girls who are left at his doorstep.

Moreover, this is not merely a comedy, but a musical, with songs that deserve the right to be as well remembered as any from "The Wizard of Oz" or "The Sound of Music".

This, among other Jerry Lewis classics, should be issued on DVD, but until they are VHS still looks pretty good.

Excellent and I'm not even a big Jerry Lewis fan!
This is one of my all-time favorite movies and I'm not even a big Jerry Lewis fan. My children and I laugh until we're crying every time we watch this movie.

From the other reviews you know it's about a guy trying to take care of baby triplets on his own. It's an EXCELLENT family movie with a sweet story as Clayton Poole (Jerry Lewis) does everything in his power to take care of these little girls. Sure, it's hilarious but it also has a strong family theme as the Clayton, the babies' aunt and grandfather do whatever they can to do what's best for the babies. Even the mother realizes in the end that the babies are what's most important.

There is definitely something for everyone in this movie.

Why, oh why don't they put it on DVD???

Ohhhh!, Baby!
It's tough to choose which Jerry Lewis movies is my favorite, but I have to start with this one. It's sweet, darlin' and romantic all rolled up into one. It's about Clayton Poole (Jerry Lewis) a bumbling TV repairman, who by surprise becomes an adopted father to triplet baby girls. Clayton's former girlfriend turned movie star, Carla Naples (Marilyn Maxwell) springs the surprise when she leaves them on his doorstep. Noble Clayton tries to keep everything a secret but all mayhem cuts loose. And Clayton's other love interest Sandy Naples (Connie Stevens) helps Clayton out of his dilemma and from the suspicions of their father Gigi (Salvatore Baccaloni). I'll leave the ending for you to see. If you love the wacky antics of Jerry Lewis and romantic comedy by all means go for it!

Jerry is funny!
My children and I love this movie! Jerry is funny and adorable. This is definatly one of his best (it's so hard to pick a favorite!)In the movie Gerry is left to raise tripplet girls who are babies until there mother finishes shooting a film in which she star's. In the funny and famous style that only Jerry can do he makes it heaps of fun that you never get tired of watching. A good clean, funny movie for everyone.

Whoa Baby!
This video is awesome. My kids love to watch it and laugh hilariously. It is great for all ages (even me). It is about a man (Jerry Lewis) who is stuck helping raise 3 babies and it is really funny. If you buy this video, you won't be sorry. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Structured as a star vehicle for country singer turned actor Kenny Rogers, Six Pack is an amiable little film that aims low but showcases the pleasant and easygoing charm of its star. Rogers (The Gambler) plays a down on his luck race car driver saddled with a half dozen delinquents. As he tries to resurrect his fledgling career, he bonds with the little waifs and they form a sort of family, even as they are pursued by a corrupt sheriff who wants to send the kids to an orphanage and ruin Rogers' comeback. A blatant knockoff of films like Smokey and the Bandit, this family-oriented movie works best as a breezy comedy of errors, with the hapless racer contending with his unruly brood as they stay one step ahead of the law. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Enjoyable and Entertaining!
I remember watching Six Pack with my mother who is a Kenny Rogers fan and I thought it was a very cute movie and Kenny Roger's is just as good an actor as he is a singer! Roger's plays former racecar driver who is attempting to make a comeback and one day he catches six orphans who are trying to strip his car and after that rough first meeting the kids latch on to him and they all develop a warm relationship but a crooked sherrif and his thugs are out to make troube for all. Not only was Kenny Rogers good but so was Erin Grey (Silver Spoons) as the love interest and the kids especially Anthony Michael Hall (The Breakfast Club) and (Diane Lane (Under the Tuscan Sun) and I recommend this movie and I hope they put it out on DVD (Widescreen).

Six Pack
This was one of my favorite movies growing up . I just recently purchased a copy of this movie for my family and now my kids love it as well . Kenny Rogers was terrific in this simple role and who doesn't love Erin Gray . Some how we all were able to relate to these kids in some way . I give this movie 4 stars for plain simple enjoyable fun .

Six Packed with Fun
The only objection I have heard to this movie, that was halfway objective, was that the attitude of the kids and language could be improved. Now I understand that judgement, but either you need to get eye surgery or or be realistic about your outlook. When I first saw this movie when it was released I fell in love with it. I'm no kid either, in fact I'm now 52. This movie is realistic and has some great acting and comedy. So if you're concerned about how it will affect kids, why don't you sit down and watch it with them. Everyone should have a laugh.

It is sad to me that funny family movies like this have not come out on DVD when there is so much junk that has come out on DVD. I don't know who is keeping this from coming out on DVD but I for one will buy it when it does. I went ahead and ordered this on VHS because there is no indication that it will be on DVD anytime soon.

This movie is bad, but it was filmed in my hometown.
Once upon a time in the '80s, when I was in elementary school, a film crew and Kenny Rogers invaded Buford, filming scenes of SIX PACK. I thought it was cool at the time, for I watched Erin Gray, the love interest in the film, on "Silver Spoons" and "Buck Rogers." (Little did I realize that the coolest person in the film would turn out to be Diane Lane, who would go on to get an Oscar nomination in 2003. Of course, her biggest claim-to-fame then was "A Little Romance.")

When it came out months later, everyone crowded the theater to see how the whole thing came out. And it was bad. To give you an example of how bad the film was, it has a character in it named Breezy, and it's about unruly children and NASCAR racing.

But the town was recognizable, so that's something interesting. I can say I've walked past the same Western Auto that Diane Lane did in that rain scene.

(To see more films made in my hometown, rent Steve Martin's A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE, which was a modern version of "Silas Marner." It bombed at the box office like this one, though the reason it bombed is because "Silas Marner" is awful.)

Anyway, SIX PACK is bad.

Six Pack rules.
When I was a boy I loved this movie. I would watch it everyday. Play, rewind. Play rewind. My friend Alisa would come over to my house and we would hold hands and watch the movie. We loved being together to watch the cinematic masterpiece that is Six Pack! Diane Lane is fantastic as the innocent looking vixen. See her in 'Unfaithful'. Good movie with a lot of explict adult situations. Schwing! ... Read more

Reviews (56)

Superlative!
This is a film that will appeal to children of all ages. A definite MUST, and this is no exaggeration. Secrets and hidden passages abound in Misselthwaite Manor, where orphaned Mary Lennox is to live after coming from India (her parents were killed in a great Indian earthquake which happened a few months earlier in the storyline.) Adding to the depth of the story is an almost absent uncle who lives in the shadow of a tragic past. There is also her sickly cousin of a brat, who just can't stand the sunlight and fresh air. Put in too, impatient Mrs. Medlock, who is your "perfect" housekeeper. And top these with The Secret Garden, a sanctuary where the story finds its turning point from dark and despair to one of life, healing and hope. It is a place where things begin, and not without the efforts of the children, to grow.

There are moral lessons to boot all throughout the story. And for sure, the photography deserves praise. Suberb! Overall a perfect film that deserves a place in a collection. Frances Hodgson Burnett would not have been ashamed to see this film version of her classic novel were she alive today. Don't miss out on this one.

A lovely, wonderfully done film
There are so many wonderful things about this vivid, affecting film: mesmerizing cinmetography, a captivating story, a pretty good script, a very good music score, wonderful acting, even gorgeous flowers! Agneiska Holland does a wonderful job of bringing out all the subtle little points and lavish details of Frances Hosgson Burnett's classic story, and also in getting great performances out of her child actors, particularly from Kate Maberly as Mary, who at the age of ten succeeds remarkably in carrying the whole film. At her most effective when biterly recalling her parents and angrily confronting Colin, also played well by Heydn Prowse, she also makes a believeable transformation into a good, caring little girl as she tends a lovely hidden garden. Maggie Smith also delivers as Mrs. Medlock, the housekeeper who seems to be mean but really is only doing what she thinks best, even if it means locking Mary up and attempting to control Colin's every move. There is not a dud performance to be found here, but those mentioned are the best. The magical qualities in the garden are very apparent here, and wonderfully demonstrated. There are many good film versions of this great book, and some that aren't so good. If you want to own only one, my vote would go to this one, the best of the bunch.

Beautifuly done but "creative" with the plot
This is a beautiful film, there is absolutely no denying that. It is also exceptionally well cast: Mary's transformation from sour little brat to glowing wee lass is completely believable, and the bratty, dour Colin makes a perfect "to the manor born" invalid. My only problem is the liberties taken with the plot.

Having the parents die in an earthquake while Mary is watching is a needless, though minor liberty (though it does mean that the touching line about "there's no one left to come" must be left out). But there was no need to change the plot to make the housekeeper (a wasted Maggie Smith) evil, and the chanting around the campfire is just weird.

The movie is worth watching for the scenery alone, but make sure that you read the book first. It is much better.

Nice Try
I didnt like it. It was not true to the book wich is wonderful.They left out when Mary was in India completely and they interpret the magic Mary and Colin are always talking about all wrong. Also Mary didnt get locked in her room at all. It was a poor job and a great disapointment.

looks like I'll have to explain the part about the chanting
The point of the Indian chanting is the sharing of the culture. Which is one of the things I love about this movie. The message is for all the people to see the difference of culture and ACCEPT it. If you have a certain religious belief and don't agree with it. Just think about your opposite: someone who don't believe in your religion and watches something that has its element. For example someone who isn't a Christian watching " the Crucible" how do you think they feel??? the only thing I don't like about this movie is that it didn't win ANY Oscars. This proves the Oscars are sooo ignorant of its visual beauty and music. screw them!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Baz Luhrmann(Strictly Ballroom) takes a shot at reinventingShakespeare's story of star-crossed lovers as a visual pastiche inspired by MTV imagery, Hong Kong action-picture clichés, and Luhrmann's own taste for deliberate, gaudy excess. The result is explosive chaos, both in terms of bullets and visual sensibility, which some may find impossible to stick with for more than a few minutes. Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes play the leads, though not with much distinction, while Pete Postlethwaite makes a huge impression as this movie's version of Friar Laurence. The film is successful in spots, but overall its fever-dream game plan is difficult to ride out.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (332)

Open Mind Folks!
We have been watching this movie in our eighth grade English class, as well as reading the play Romeo and Juliet, as well as meeting with our Shakespearean expert who just happens to work at our school to act out scenes. Not only that, but we have also been studying the Shakespeare's time period. That being said, let me also say that Shakespeare was not this serious man who didn't understand comedy. In fact it was quite the opposite. True, Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy but is a comedy as well. That's how most of his works are. An example of this is how he would cast men as women. Just the sight of this would bring laughs from the audience. With all that understood, the movie Romeo and Juliet is a great adaptation.
We have only watched the first 30 minutes, and I might add more to this review once we finish it, or when I get the DVD, whichever comes first! But I loved the newscaster as the chorus. What a creative touch. As for the swords or guns controversy, this is set in modern times. Who uses swords in our day? But to keep the Old English was smart. After all, what is Romeo and Juliet without Old English? It would not be the same. I mean, the famous Queen Mab's speech in anything but Old English? Hard to imagine. And te contrast between Old English and modern times was a very interesting one. And even if it was written in today's language, it would be too much like West Side Story. They wanted to stick to the roots of Romeo and Juliet. Also for all those people who criticized Mercutio for being a drag queen, he is not a drag queen or a transvestite. Well what can I say? This is the modern version. The performance given by Leonardo DiCaprio is great, he speaks Old English like he's spoken it his entire life. However Juliet, I don't quite agree with. I don't think she brought her best to this film. The acting isn't the best and she looks quite bland compared to Romeo, who is quite handsome, and I don't really understand the whole Cuban thing with Juliet's family.
All in all, a great film, one that must be seen with an open mind, otherwise don't even bother to watch it at all. It was filmed to show today's fourteen year old's that yes, Shakespeare lived in the 1600's and true, Romeo and Juliet takes place in the 1400's but it has a universal message of love, one that can still be understood today, even if it is 2004.

My Favorite Flic
Hi, to whoever's reading this, thanks for taking the time to see what I have to say. I won't say that this was one of the most brilliant movies ever, even though I think so, cause that's my opinion. If you have not seen it yet, you should watch it. Shakespeare is my favorite writer and also one of the most awesome, influential people in the entire history of man. He's able to capture you in two hours and not let you go. Romeo and Juliet is a passionate, beautifully written love story that takes in the kind of love everyone dreams about. I must admit that I rented the movie at first for two reasons: because I was a huge fan of Shakespeare and had read the story hundreds of times already, and also because of well...Leonardo DiCaprio. (He is pretty hot, you have to admit). Anyways, to all those who hated this movie, open your mind! The performances were not perfect I know, but who is perfect anyway? They all put forth their best effort. In the end, it became a popular, amazing movie that's great for couples to watch together!

It Almost Worked for me, but...
Read kerki and Eric's review. I won't be redundant and say the same things, because I agree wholeheartedly. Visually, this was quite stunning..beautiful. The outlandish, as they say "MTV" look was good, kinky, modern. If they would have dropped the accents and brought Shakespeare's words into today's vernacular, I probably would have given it 5 stars. The new story idea was that good. The cast was delicious, as were the sets. It's really too bad. With just the one change to modern English, this could have become a cult classic. As stands now, I'll just keep watching Zeferrelli's version forever. Now, that's Shakespeare.

I don't think Shakespeare's rolling in his grave, but...
Maybe my viewing experience of this film was tainted when, while seeing it in the theatre, one of the 13 year old girls sitting in the row in front of me turned to the other and said, "is Leo going to talk link this THE WHOLE TIME?".

For a Shakespeare purist (as I am myself), the problem is not the modernization of the setting and the use of the language in that setting (I personally love it), but it's the absolutle murder of the language by the majority of the cast that makes my skin crawl. This movie, in terms of the execution of the script, does a disservice in getting kids hooked on the poetry of Shakespeare's writing.

However, I will admit that visually it's great. The setting is apt. Mercutio is amazing. But, teachers, I would think twice about showing this version to your class.

The Best movie ever
This movie is awesome Leonardo DiCaprio is the best Romeo yet ... Read more

Description

A documentary, combining real footage and scenes played out by actors, following the life of Elvis Presley. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

King of Rock & Roll
This is a moving documentary of the life of the greatest entertainer of all time. I was completely satisfied when I watched it, though I can hardly make it through the ending without shedding alot of tears. It depicts the high and low points of his life, from being on the Ed Sullivan Show to marrying Priscilla, then going off to Vegas for his most famous concert tour EVER! Seeing the real footage of his funeral at the end was extremely sad, and the different clips from home movies and hollywood movies was great, but I gotta tell ya, the clip from his concert just 6 weeks before his untimely death is heart-wrenching. He struggled with his weight, but as Joe Esposito said his voice never failed him even to the end. I recommend this video to any Elvis fan.

And for once, it really is
Love him or loathe him, regard him as a genius or a joke, Elvis Presley was the single most influential performer of the second half of the 20th century, and "This is Elvis" does an excellent job of depicting the rise and fall of this immensely gifted and controversial performer. Plenty of film clips and classic performances from "The Ed Sullivan Show" and Presley's own TV specials track the singer's explosive assault on the consciousness of his times, and the tragic end that, with hindsight, seemed almost inevitable. The film is marred a bit by an unnecessary narration with singer Ronnie McDowell as a less than convincing Elvis, and by the inclusion of some dramatic reenactments of key events in Presley's life. None of these embellishments contribute much to this otherwise superb documentary, nor do they detract from the miles of authentic footage of the King in all his glory, and, sadly, in his decline.

Good Documentary
This video has Elvis singing 2 songs from his last tour when he was fat from the CBS TV special done 2 weeks or so before he died. This is rare footage. He actually does an inspired performance of "My Way". He was truly "facing the final curtain" as the words to that song say. This is probably one of the best documentaries available. It's interesting though. I saw this movie when it came out in the theatre in 1981. This movie has been edited to cut out dirty words Elvis used during the filming of some of the concert tour footage from 1972. Most notably in the back of a limo, Elvis in unaware that a microphone is on during filming. He tells Joe Esposito he didn't see the launch of the Apollo space craft because he was busy doing something with some lady at the hotel that night. What he really said was scrubbed and new words were dubbed over his voice making him appear to say something completely different or really toned down at least. Also, arriving at another coliseum he jokes with his body guards about what he was doing with a lady the night before at the hotel. Once again in this video, his original real words are scrubbed out and a voice double is used to put other words in Elvis's mouth which I guess are supposed to be less offensive. What he originally said might not even rate a PG rating but it's interesting to note that someone thought it better to edit out the truth and replace it with a lie apparently to make Elvis appear less... I don't know what. The new words kind of say the same thing but in much toned way which only comes out kind of weird though. The story of his life. Like Elvis says in one interview, "The image is one thing and the human being is another." Yea, even in death. If you want a good summary of the Life Of Elvis with some decent concert footage thrown in, this can work for you.

A lovely introduction to Elvis.
I am a new Elvis fan, having only discovered the King about four months ago, and only much more recently did I become curious about his life. I purchased _This is Elvis_ four days ago and have watched it no fewer than eight times since then.

Much has been said here already about this film, so I will focus on two much-maligned aspects of the film--the dramatic reenactments and the voiceovers.

The first moments of the film are dramatic reenactments. We open with a reenactment of Elvis's loved ones finding his body at Graceland, and then we have reenactments of scenes from Elvis's childhood growing up in Tupelo and then, Memphis. While the phrase "dramatic reenactment" can immediately bring to mind fears of copious cheese, this need not be the case here. These portions of the film are tastefully done and decently acted and directed. Most importantly, they are crucial to the structure of the film. It would have been odd, indeed, for a film claiming to be a definitive portrait of Elvis to pick up when he's nineteen or so and cutting records. We need a vision of his earlier life. Since there is no video record of that time, the dramatic reenactments are necessary to fill the void. At any rate, these only take up about the first ten or so minutes of the film.

Some have also criticized the use of narration, in general, and the first-person narration of the Elvis impressionist, in particular. First of all, without narration, this film would be nothing more than a collection of video clips strung together. Narration is called for to give this collection the shape of a narrative (as the term "narration," of course, suggests). That said, one might still ask, why first-person narration? Personally, I find the use of first-person narration here to be inspired. It draws the viewer in and gives the story an immediacy and an intimacy that third-person narration would lack. The first-person narration works equally as well for the secondary subjects of this documentary (Priscilla, Gladys, etc.) The film is all the more compelling for the use of this dramatic device.

And now for some brief notes on other aspects of the film. I thought the way it handled the issue of Elvis's infidelity to Priscilla was smart and tasteful without skirting the issue. His cheating is never explicitly mentioned, but we do get two instances of Elvis discussing his dalliances with women, during the time that he was married to Priscilla. It is surprising then, that Vernon's brush with the law is baldly misrepresented. The voice of Elvis says that Vernon was sent to jail for writing a bad check--the more full truth is that Vernon forged a check.

At the same time, the film references Elvis's displeasure with many of his movies and with his film contracts--even though Col. Parker was a technical advisor on the film. So, in some ways, the film is surprisingly honest, and in other areas, the viewer is advised to take its assertions with a grain of salt.

That said, I rate this video five stars. There is a great wealth of footage here, and we are treated to *full* performances--not just little clips and tidbits. We get to experience a bit of Elvis's personality--I had no idea how hysterically funny he could be, or how self-effacing. It is also great to see the reaction of the popular media to his music, particularly in the 1950s. We get clips of a number of officials denouncing Elvis for bringing n****r music to white America. This really helped me to put Elvis into the cultural context of his time, and to understand just how truly groundbreaking and controversial his contribution was.

For the price, A must own.
Inspired by Gary's review below, I purchased this video through an Amazon seller expecting that anything so cheap would have to be utter rubbish. I'm pleased to report that this video is most decidedly not utter rubbish. At over 140 minutes of run time it is chockablock full of enough Elvis material to make any Elvis fan happy.
The premise of this video is to document the life of the 'King' from childhood to overnight sensationalia through military, marriage and moviestardom and finally to decline and ultimate demise. The director's conceit is to use actors to portray phases of his life as a set up for the plot and then to use actual film footage of subsequent events to flesh out the story. In addition, we are guided by narrations from 'Elvis,' 'Priscilla,' his 'Mom' and others all with suitably hill billy accents, where appropriate. In my opinion this departure from straight documentary hurts the film and I found my mind wandering from bits because they seemed bothersome and artificial. In addition, I believe that the story was poorly told in any event because the video comprised more than two hours of material (some of which was not on the big screen release), and still did an inadequate job of covering many of the many issues the story raised. For instance, we are shown a gathering of Elvis impersonators and Teddy Boys in Liverpool England which, apart from the spectacle, had absolutely nothing to do with the film. It was almost as if someone wanted to do a section on the spawn of Elvis kitsch, clubs, and impersonators but then begged off, and forgot to cut this clip. Also, a section is given over to a revelatory book written by his former body guards and mention is made of law suits, but with no other information. Now, these visual and audio clues might be enough to inform an Elvis fan, but it leaves one such as I who knows little about Elvis clueless. It is possible that since this film depended upon cooperation from the Elvis estate the director was unable to do more, I wonder?
On the plus side is the large amount of film footage of early Elvis performances, his hollywood numbers and interviews he gave and shows he put on. Especially nice are the interviews because they seem to allow one to observe Elvis form honest responses to unexpected questions; answers which often make him seem to be a really thoughtful and intelligent human being. The early performances are, of course, riveting and alone would make the video worth owning.
One walks away from this video thinking that it would have been much improved by extracting the faked bits and adding more actual film footage of Elvis. If this had been done, I'd have given this four or five stars without a thought. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

The Wild Geese
This is one of the best made and realistic mercenary action adventure movies ever made. The film depicts how it happens in the real world how mercenaries are hired to go on a mission but are then left out to dry after a deal is struck between the adversaries. They then have to improvise their way out from deep within enemy territory and they even have room for honor and idealism and payback. It reminds me of a modern version of the Magnificent Seven with similar star power with Richard Burton, Richard Harris, Roger Moore and other good actors better known in the UK. I just wish it was available on video again. I would certainly purchase it and so would many other fans of quality action adventure.

It's the BEST WAR drama
The WILD GEESE demonstrated, unequivocally, that Officers are indeed GENTLEMEN. These men (Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris, Hardy Krooger, etc,) are extra-ordinary mercenaries, they have scruple. These bunch would not do just anything for money, they are on the side of good, and goodness saw them through all the dangers they faced in the jungle of South Africa when they were abandoned. It is not just a war about killing, but of killing evil dead in all its forms. There are many real life issues that touched the heart, and are so very well dramatized that every scene arrests a viewers attention. This movie has every emotion in it, humour, actions,espirit de corps, sorrow, losses, recovery of humanity and new understandings, etc. It started with Roger Moore refusing to be a cocaine pusher, to Richard Harris failing to fulfill his promises of a wonderful Christmas holiday to his only son because of a heart wrenching tragic event, to Hardy Krooger (a black hating South African)finding a new understanding of humanity and friendship in the black president Limbani they went to rescue. It ended by paying treachery in its own coin. Just when the doer proclaimed peace a sudden distruction landed on him. A clear lesson for discerning minds. It is a movie I have watched over and again many years ago, and still long to see it again. BRING IT OUT AGAIN, and "Shout at the Devil".Many would love it for Christmas. I am hoping it would come out in DVD version suitable for the USA viewers.

A Classic 70s Study in Moral Ambiguity
Murderers and mercenaries with conscience? The scene where Roger Moore forces a dope dealer to eat a bag of heroin is particularly disturbing. That, and the sacrificial ending, which I will not spoil.

I loved this film as a kid. This, and the excellent (and available) "The Dogs of War" are two of the best mercenary films ever produced.

As a fan of Burton, Harris and even Moore, I would love for somebody to finally release a region 1 version of this film on DVD. They've already done the telecine for region 2, so what's the hold-up?

Oh, and Hardy Kruger is great, too--as he was in "The Flight of the Phoenix."

PLEASE RELEASE THE REGION-1 DVD!!!

"THE WILD GEESE" Soar
Like everyone else who has discussed this extraordinary film, I implore the powers that be to please release it on dvd as soon as possible.

Burton, Harris and Moore are excellent...
I am truly a fan of great films and this is arguably my favorite. The synopsis has been given in previous reviews here so I will avoid a lengthy description...this is probably the best mercenery film made to date, and films like "Tears of the Sun" pale outlandishly in comparison. I encourage all to sign up on the waiting list to hopefully persuade the studio to release this on DVD. Hard to believe ALL the second rate sequels, which star none of the original cast, are readily available on either DVD or at least VHS and it is next to impossible to find a good used copy of this, which has been out of print for some time. My VHS copy is getting worn and I feverishly await the DVD release!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hardly shameful that The Three Godfathers ranks as the slightest John Ford Western in a five-year arc that includes My DarlingClementine, Fort Apache, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Wagon Master, and Rio Grande. The source, a Peter B. Kyne story both hard-bitten and sentimental, had already been filmed at least five times--once by Ford himself as Marked Men (1919). The star of that silent version, Harry Carey, had recently died. This remake is dedicated to him ("Bright Star of the early western sky") and proudly introduces his son, Harry Carey Jr. (who had already appeared in Howard Hawks's Red River--as did his father--but we won't quibble).

Just before Christmas, three workaday outlaws (John Wayne, Pedro Armendáriz,Harry Carey Jr.) rob a bank in Welcome, Arizona, and flee into the desert.The canny town marshal (Ward Bond) moves swiftly to cut them off from the wells along their escape route, so they make for another, deep in the wasteland. There's no water waiting for them, but there is a woman (Mildred Natwick) on the verge of death--and also of giving birth. The three badmen accept her dying commission as godfathers to the newborn. Motley variants of the Three Wise Men, they strike out for the town of New Jerusalem with her Bible as roadmap. It becomes increasingly apparent that saving the child's life will cost them their own.

Ford's is the softest retelling of the tale; in place of Kyne's bitter/triumphant final twist, he adds a very broad comic postlude. Elsewhere, the nearly sacramental treatment of the mother's death is followed by an extended gosh-almighty sequence of the banditos reading up on childcare. But it's all played with great gusto and tenderness--especially by Wayne, who's rarely been more appealing. Visually the film is one knockout shot after another. This was Ford's first Western in Technicolor, as well as his first collaboration with cinematographer Winton Hoch. What they do with sand ripples and shadows and long plumes of train smoke is rapturously beautiful. It's also often too arty by half, but who can blame them? --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

One of my favorite westerns!
It's amazing how a simple idea can be so powerful if it's handled well. This film shows 3 men wanted by the law who promise a d