Reviews (87)

Good Entertainment if not Historically Correct
I enjoyed this movie. If you read all the newspapers seems like all the critics want to do, is criticize Disney for claiming it is based on a true story. Well if I remember correctly, if a movie is all true, it is probably a documentary. Hollywood always takes libertys with the truth in the sake of good entertainment. There is even one website devoted totally to trashing anything about Mr. Hopkins. Regardless I liked it!
Viggo Mortensen plays Frank T. Hopkins, mostly just a lover of horses, but happens to have gotten a nice mustang named Hidalgo, a horse known for his fortitude. After an incident at Wounded Knee, and a stint in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Mr Hopkins is propositioned by a few gentleman about competing in an endurance race of 3000 miles across the Middle Eastern deserts. His mates in the Wild West show chip in the entry fee, and off he goes. Encounters with many cultures and sandstorms , thirst, thievery, kidnapping, murder etc; follow. Viggo's performance is good, although much different than Lord of the Rings. Check out the performance by Omar Shariff, playing the Sheik of Sheiks. A good escapist movie in the realm of Indiana Jones et. all.

Good, old fashioned adventure in a faraway place
Last year, we had MASTER AND COMMANDER: FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD and PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN, old-time adventure epics produced just for pure fun (and box office receipts, of course) and lacking any overt social or political correctness agendas. Now, we have HIDALGO.

Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) is one of the acts in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show on the basis of his reputation as the world's greatest cross-country horse racer. But Frank, the son of a U.S. Army scout and an Indian woman, is drinking himself out of a job, tortured by self-guilt over a tangential and relatively innocent association with the Army's massacre of Native Americans at Wounded Knee. Hopkins is challenged by an Arab sheik to participate in a grueling, 1000-year old horse race across the deserts of the Middle East. To redeem his self-esteem, Frank signs-on with his horse, Hidalgo, a mixed-breed Spanish mustang. Arriving in Arabia, Hopkins is despised by the locals for his infidel status, while Hidalgo's small size and lineage are held in contempt relative to the purebreds he's running against.

Omar Sharif appears as Sheik Riyadh, the Sheik of Sheiks whose own stallion is the favored entry in the race. (I guess Omar has been wandering the desert these past 42 years since appearing in a similar role in the sandblown epic LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. He looks weathered.) Zuleika Robinson plays the sheik's daughter, Jazira, unnecessary to the plot except that she provides Frank with a Damsel in Distress to rescue, but little else.

HIDALGO is perhaps 15-20 minutes over-extended. The Jazira In Peril bit could've been left in the digital-editing trashcan quite handily without sacrificing too much of a story that's otherwise everything anybody could want in escapist entertainment for the whole family.

The real darling of the film is, of course, Hidalgo, who pluckily braves a host of perils to win the prize purse: sandstorm, concealed pit with sharpened stakes, attack leopards, sniper, horde of locusts, broiling sun, blistering heat, and human treachery. (Hmm. Sounds like my hometown on a daily basis.) By the movie's conclusion, you just want to take Hidalgo home with you and to hell with zoning ordinances.

Not that impressed
My biggest mistake was probably going into the theater with high expectations, and by the end of the movie, i was thoroughly disappointed. I expected more action, and a more interesting storyline. Sure, there were some really cool scenes, but most of those can be seen in the theatrical trailer, so there were no surprises there. I found the dialog to be boring, especially with Viggo Mortensen's monotone voice. Also, since I have never really been a horse lover, i haven't really been interested in horse-racing, which the whole story revolves around. Some people will really like this movie, but as for me, i would much prefer to see Viggo in LOTR.

Great western with a twist
I loved this movie so much. This movie reminded me of all those westerns my dad would watch when I was younger. Finally an adventure movie WITHOUT the language, lame acting, poor story line, & over done special effects. It reminds me of "Quigley Down Under" only better. This movie has breathtaking shots throughout and a solid lead character. And did I mention Viggo is hecka fine in it! Don't pass up this one. Get it! Do it! Do it!

Hottie
Viggo Mortensen is a hottie!!!!!!!!!!!!! And so is Hidalgo!(but mostly Viggo!) The tower boy is kinda cute too! ... Read more

Amazon.com

George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid) directed this 1988 comedy that gives star Chevy Chase one of his better-quality vehicles. Chase plays a New York sportswriter who turns to the country for a simpler, happier way of living. He discovers, of course, that things don't work out that way. Hill's usual touch with comic timing, tone, and dialogue give Chase a rare career opportunity to be part of something a little classier than most of his other movies; but Funny Farm nevertheless has its share of so-what gags. Still, the film's overall tone is winning and laid-back, and it makes for nice escapist fare. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (36)

PRETTY DARN FUNNY...
This is definitely one of the better Chevy Chase vehicles, as it does not go too far off the beaten path and is handled with a lighter touch than many of his other films. It is funny, wry, and deftly humorous.

The plot is simple. A sportswriter from New York, Andy Farmer (Chevy Chase), and his wife, Elizabeth (Madolyn Smith-Osborne), decide to move to the country so that he can write his great American novel. They move to rural Redbud, Vermont, and instead of a bucolic, pastoral setting with friendly, kindly, country folk, they find snakes, a postman who maniacally drinks and drives, a sheriff who can't drive a car, a corpse in their back yard, and a whole slew of the weirder than weird.

Instead of writing the great American novel, Andy only manages to turn out some useless drivel, while Elizabeth turns out a charming children's book. This causes great friction between the two, and it looks as if their sojourn in the country, as well as their marriage, is to be a brief one. They decide to move back to New York and inveigle the entire town of Redbud to assist them in selling their house, by turning the town and its environs into a warm and cozy setting out of a Norman Rockwell painting. What happens next is quite funny.

Just about every one in the film is a little wacky, with the exception of Andy's wife, Elizabeth, who is the one sane, grounded character. Madolyn Smith-Osborne gives an excellent performance as the wife. She is a perfect comedic foil. Chevy Chase as Andy is well...Chevy Chase and, as always, funny. The supporting cast is likewise excellent and contribute to the many humorous moments in the film. All in all, this is an enjoyable comedy that is fun for the whole family.

Typical Chevy Chase Comedy Fare.
Funny Farm was an average Chevy Chase film. Very funny and goofy, with a no-rules screenplay and a stupid plot which grows onto to you, and makes you get used to it. Funny Farm isn't a National Lampoons kind of movie, this one is acceptable for kids and adults...who both should find something amusing about it. Personally, I think that if you don't rent it, then you're missing the fun, because Tv edits out too many funny parts [like the scene where he drops his wife threw the door]. Overall, Funny Farm is worth the time to watch, and is a winner for hard-core Chevy Chase fans.

Funny Farm A Great Laugh Anytime
Funny Farm is...well.. funny! I remember when it came out in the theatres it got about 2 or 3 stars. However if you like romantic comedy set in the backwoods this film will have your sides aching from laughter. The premise is rather simple. A big town guy turns to a small town in search of a better life. The only problem is that everything goes wrong. The movers cant find the house. No one will give directions. There are a pair of sign stealers that appear all throughout the movie. Of course our heroine Andy needs to see that sign that they just took (Look! No bullet holes!) There is a scene in a diner and a Sheriff that has you wondering about small town law enforcement. The whole thing ends up at Christmas with beautiful decorations and even more hilarity as our stars come back to Earth. Chevy and Madeline play off one another well in this funny movie. Just when you think things are straightening out for the couple, something else falls apart. Its another movie that is no Oscar winner but its one I watch over and over. I couldnt have a collection of movies without Funny Farm. Dont miss it.

FUNNY...AND VASTLY UNDERRATED MOVIE
This movie doesn't get a lot of love but through repeated showings on the Comedy channel I have grown to really appreciate it. Chevy Chase is a big city sports writer who decides to give up city live and move to the quaint New England town of Redbud, Vermont to write a crime novel. He's accompanied by his wife played by Madolyn Smith.

Well in classic Murphy's law, everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. They get to their new house and find that their furniture is late arriving, they have no phone, their mailman is a nut who tosses the mail out as he speeds by, and they have a body buried on their property.

Chase tries to acclimate himself to the new townfolk by filling in in a fishing contest...promptly hooking one of his partners in the neck with the fishing hook. In an attempt to remove the hook Chase punches the hapless man to try and knock him out. This prompts one of the other men to say, "you're not knocking him out, you're just beating the Sh*t out of him!"

Throughout, Chase battles the crazed mailman as well as the rest of the nutty townfolk who are like demented members of Hooterville.

Later they decide and sell their dreamhouse and offer to pay the townspeople to act normal for just one day to impress the prospective buyers. They put on a show right out of a Norman Rockwell painting as its now during the Christmas season. funny stuff.

Chase is at his finest as the put upon writer, becoming slightly more crazed himself with everyday he spends in redbud. The townspeople are tremendous.

Pick this one up

my favorite movie of all time
This is just plain good entertainment. I never get tired of it. I love the town of REDBUD. Too many classic scenes to mention. Okay I'll mention one. "gotta love the mailman". They don't make movies like this anymore that you can share with your whole family and laugh. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's astonishing that one man could have written so many memorable songs, but musical gems keep popping up in De-Lovely, about the life and loves of Cole Porter. Played by Kevin Kline (In & Out, A Fish Called Wanda), an elderly Porter is summoned by a mysterious director (Jonathan Pryce, Brazil) to view his own story, which unfolds as a series of theatrical tableaux. The movie is open (if a bit chaste) about Porter's homosexuality, but argues that the love of his life was still his devoted platonic relationship with Linda Lee (Ashley Judd, Ruby in Paradise, Kiss the Girls). Unfortunately, the narrative suffers from the fate of many biographies; by trying to cram in a person's entire life, it ends up a collection of snapshots without depth or context. The parade of celebrity singers (Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow) were apparently chosen for their jarringly modern vocal mannerisms. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (111)

DE-LIGHTFUL...
This film is an interesting bio-pic of noted songwriter Cole Porter. As with so many bio-pics, an individual's life is crammed into a set time constraint. Naturally, much of the individual's life is reduced to glimpses of highlights, important events, and significant others that give the viewer the flavor of that person's life, rather than a real blow-by-blow description. This film is no different.

In looking at Cole Porter's life, the film weaves in the wonderful music he wrote, and it is wonderful hearing it sung by contemporary artists. It is nice to know that a new generation will have an opportunity to hear Porter's music through this film. The film itself is a high-end production with wonderful period costumes, lavish sets, and musical numbers that ground the film in the era out of which it arose. Told in flashback, with terrific actor Jonathan Pryce in the role of the Angel Gabriel as Master of Ceremony, the viewers sees Cole Porter looking at his life retrospectively and watches his life unfold along with him.

Cole Porter is played by Kevin Kline, who does a yeoman's job as the talented songwriter that dazzled the music world in his time. While some have commented on the fact that Kevin Kline's singing voice is not up to par for the role, the viewer should keep in mind that he is playing the role of a songwriter and not that of a singer. It is the music that he wrote, and not the music that he sang, that made Cole Porter famous. So, Kevin Kline's voice is in tune with the role he is playing, and playing it magnificently, at that.

Ashley Judd is lovely as Linda, Cole Porter's wife and life-long companion. Hers is a sensitive portrayal of a worldly woman who fell in love with Cole Porter, the songwriter, only to realize later that Cole Porter, the man, was sexually attracted to other men. Still, these two managed to form a union that would endure and ultimately flourish, despite this elemental issue. Theirs was a bond fraught with understanding, deep love, and true friendship. It was one that would ultimately survive, despite Porter's sexual proclivities and Linda's occasional frustration with the status quo. Companions to the end,the film's treatment of their relationship is sensitive and delicate.

Cole Porter's music is interwoven throughout the entire film, along with some wonderful musical numbers, although I wonder at the omission of one of his most popular standards, "I've Got You Under My Skin". As his life unrolls in flashback fashion, almost as if it were a film within a film,the viewer is able to witness Cole Porter's popularity with cafe society, his rise to fame and fortune, his complex relationship with and his marriage to Linda, his homosexual escapades and affairs, and the riding accident that left him physically challenged to the end of his life.

This is an entertaining film, filled with some of the best music written in the twentieth century. While the film may not be to everyone's taste, it is certainly worth a rental, at the very least. Those who opt to view this film will be treated to a deftly directed, quality production, well-acted by a stellar cast, a glimpse into the life of a conflicted and talented individual, and wonderful music, beautifully interpreted and sung by contemporary musical artists.

GET THIS UNDER YOUR SKIN
While certainly not perfect,this film about COLE PORTER's life was generally satisfying.Some can say that his homosexuality is not treated as well as it should have been,but at least they dealt with it;others might complain about the modern singers singing his songs which is legitimate,but it keeps the memory of the composer alive.I enjoyed hearing all the different singers singing his songs ,especially ALANIS,LARA(was i surprized to see her play PATRICIA MORRISON,the original star of KISS ME KATE)and ELVIS COSTELLO.KEVIN KLINE whom i am not usually a big fan is very good,and so is ASHLEY JUDD.The idea of having the composer witnessing his life was of course stolen from AMADEUS.My favorite scene is the one where COLE arrives in HOLLYWOOD and meets L.B.M.and then do BE A CLOWN as a elaborate number.My only real deception was that they omitted I'VE GOT YOU UNDER MY SKIN,probably because no one can sing it like FRANK SINATRA in his prime.Watching this film won't waste your time.

de-lovely
This movie should not have been made. They should have let the beautiful illusion of "Night and Day" live on depicting Porter, as his life should never have been made public.Also, if Hollywood has forgotten how to make musicals, they should just give up.You don't put the latest pop stars performing what can only be described as classical standards, and each number should have gotten the performance recognition it deserved, as they did in "Night & Day."When the entertainer who did Begin the Beguine could not even sing the song in the right key, that was a disaster. Also, Kevin Kline may have been in broadway musicals in his time, but as a singer, he is sadly lacking now.There was too much emphasis on Porter's activities as a gay than there was on his highly aclaimed talent as one of the foremost, if not the foremost - musical talent, next to Sigmund Romberg, of his time.Anyone who appreciates good music and good performance of that music would shutter and hold their ears on the musical performances in this movie.Also, why is it that Hollywood has to destroy a man's image as a great talent, in the manner in which they did.Lousy movie. Not worth the money.

Anne Beard

A Wonderful Experience
This movie was fantastic!It was imaginative, wonderfully directed, musically innovative, cleverly acted, cinematically beautiful, and requires active viewer involvement to truly appreciate the story.If you are a "costume-watcher," you will surely appreciate the detail of Georgio Armani in this film - in a word - F-A-B-U-L-O-U-S!De Lovely not only reintroduces Cole Porter to a new generation but, introduces current musical artists into new musical styles.It is a reminder of a wonderful time in history of grand music, grand living and human exploration.The actors in this movie were brave, touching and wonderful.The film deals with the unconventional yet, touching life of Cole Porter and the love he shared with his wife Linda Porter - as well as with their extended family.The script writer found a creative and yet ironically appropriate way to travel through the highlights of Mr. Porter's life.Moreover, this film resonates with human relevance as it effectively uses Cole and Linda Porter's life to explore the often mysterious concepts of love and adult relationships.Enjoy!

Cole Porter spinning in his grave...
Cole Porter would have never given his approval for this poorly prepared, unfocused account of his life and works.Even 1946's "Night and Day" the Technicolor, autobiographical movie with Cary Grant as Porter, was a victim of Porter's vanity.Porter wanted Grant to portray him in his biopic because he considered the production's choice and the more elegantly suited actor to portray Porter, Fred Astair, as unattractive.

I want to apologize for insulting those movie viewers who enjoyed `Delovely' for its' pure entertainment value.`Delovely' glitters with vivid visions of costumes, hair and make-up and lavish movie sets.The film had the look and feel of a TV network movie of the week.This is largely due to the attempt to jam pack all of Porter's talent and very interesting life into 125 minutes of Hollywood storytelling and partly due to the film's desire to be a Broadway musical.

With `Delovely' portraying Porter as a sexually confused, gallivanting dandy during his peak song writing years, it's a wonder he had time to compose as many wonderful songs as he did.It also left me wondering, did he only prefer men or was that marriage-bed scene between Cole and Linda just overenthusiastic platonic love.

Kevin Kline and Ashley Judd skillfully delivered debonair performances as the nattily attired and charming couple.The staged performances of Porters classics were spotty.Some were spectacular, Vivian Green, some did well, Natalie Cole, John Barrowman, and some should have insisted a re-do be shot, begged for more rehearsals, asked for a vocal coach or maybe some examples on HOW Cole Porter songs should be sung, Sheryl Crowe, Elvis Costello, and the terrible, warble throated, church lady singing performance by Alanis Morrisette.

I love movies, Hollywood type, Independent films, B-movies, non-English language films, student films, poorly made films, well-made films.Because I love Cole Porter, I am not about to accept `Delovely' as a film worth recommending. To accept the compromised version of Cole Porters life story and equally compromised interpretations of his life's work is too much to ask of this movie junky.I want to ask a movie mogul or an independent movie company to challenge themselves to make a film that Cole Porter would consider writing a song about.
... Read more

Amazon.com

For director Robert Redford the trick was directing himself. The Oscar-winning director (Ordinary People, Quiz Show) says that he is one kind of actor (in the moment) and a different kind of director (more controlling). Whatever the problems, Redford has worked it out beautifully in this leisurely paced adaptation of Nicholas Evans's bestseller. When the prized horse of New York magazine editor's (Kristen Scott Thomas) daughter suffers a horrible accident, she tracks down Tom Booker (Redford), a Montana horse healer who is known for working magic. Soon East Coast brashness meets Old West simplicity as the reluctant Annie takes her even more reluctant daughter (Scarlett Johansson) to Marlboro country. Booker's influence goes beyond the horse through healing the heart of daughter and mother. The 2-hour and 44-minute film is a beautiful travelogue of scene and sky (with a giant assist from Oliver Stone's usual cinematographer, Robert Richardson). Never complicated, the movie's rewards may be hidden in its length and Redford's tendency to introduce us to a way of life instead of focusing on a story. The major deviation from the end of Evans's novel is a welcomed change. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (167)

unwind in the Montana mountains
This is a unique movie from the millions of others out there. The plot starts with Grace(Scarlett Johansson) and her best friend meeting to go horse back riding and with Grace's mom Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas) working hard in her magazine office. When the girls are riding a tramatic and tragic accident happens causing the death of Grace's best friend and severe injuries to both Grace and her horse Pilgrim. Grace's right leg is severely hurt so they must amputate it. With her daughter becoming more distant from the family and Pilgrim becoming more afraid of humans, Annie is desperate to find relief or an answer somewhere. She reads an article about a horse whisperer named Tom Booker (Robert Redford) who heals horses. Anxious to give it a try, Annie, Grace, and Pilgrim travel from their home in New York to a cattle ranch in Montana and begin Pilgrim's healing process while Grace's father stays behind. What no one expected was the love situation that would come about when Tom and Annie met. Combined with a teriffic plot and the beautiful Montana scenery, this is definitely a movie not to be missed.

A beautiful, spiritual story of hope and despair...
"The Horse Whisperer" is unlike any other movie that I've seen. The story opens as a young girl, Grace, experiences a terrible accident while riding her horse, Pilgrim, on an icy road. Driven mad by shock and pain, Pilgrim is almost to the point of death. Grace is also in critical condition, for she has badly injured her right leg in the accident, and it must be amputated. Grace's mother Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas) reads about a man named Tom Booker (Robert Redford) who is known as a "horse whisperer," able to communicate and see into the troubled souls of these animals. A few days later, Annie, along with her hesitant daughter and Pilgrim in tow, sets out for Montana. There, at Mr. Booker's ranch, do you witness the amazing changes that occur as Tom begins to heal Pilgrim's spirit (along with Grace's). Soon after, Annie and Tom fall in love. The rest of the story unfolds in a symphonic display of love, hope, and miraculous recoveries. The film's ending is not your typical movie closing, but it is very good nonetheless. The beautiful Montana landscape adds to this special aura, and the characters are brilliant (both human and equine). I highly recommend this excellent movie to absolutely anyone. You'll fall in love with "The Horse Whisperer."

The Horse Whisperer
Okay, okay lets all agree on one thing here: the book is always better. that said, lets move on. "The horse whisperer" was a beautiful movie. It opens up with a young girl, Grace MacLaen. She lives in New York with her parents and her horse Pilgrim. One early morning her and a friend go out for a snow-filled trail ride. But where there is snow, there is ice and Grace's friend, Judith, slips (actually her horse, Gulliver, does)and they come crashing down into a fatal and life changing accident. After grace recovers enough to walk again, her mother realizes that something has changed within the young girl and forces her and pilgrim to take time out and seek help in montana. The "horse whisperer" tom booker (redford) sees that the threesome needs him in the worst way possible. Going against his belife in helping the horses, not the people, he sets out to help them. And so begins his long and demanding "healing" process. Pilgrim reaches a breakthrough and an old frienships is born again with the girl he once loved and trusted. But Grace's mother isnt ready to leave montana quite yet for she has fallen in love with the magical cowboy. All in all it was an excellent movie. but as i have said before the book is always better. watch the movie first and then "feel" (not see) what really happens when you read the book!

Read the book....
First off, I'm an avid reader. I read this book shortly before I heard about the movie coming out and I loved it. I couldn't put it down & cried through the last chapter. Now, to clarify...I'm not one of those weepy women who cries over hallmark comercials & other such drivel. It takes a lot to make me shed a tear. That said, I got so into the book that I couldn't help feel the pain the characters were going through.

When the movie came out, I went to the theatre to watch it...excited about seeing it all come to life before me. I know better than this b/c rarely are movies as good as the books, but still I hoped for the best. It was beautiful. I'll give it that...but it was slow. I felt every mile of the drive from NY to Montana. Besides being bored through most of the movie, I got more & more angry as I realized just how little respect was paid to the book with the screenplay. The characters weren't the ones that I had fallen in love with...or in the same respect hated. They were just kinda emotionless, middle of the road representations of the characters that Nicholas Evans created. Then...somewhere along the line, I'm guessing the screenplay writer decided that the book that they had bought the rights to wasn't good enough so they took the liberty to omit the last 4th of the book & reinvent their own Hollywoodized ending. As a reader and a Nicholas Evans fan, I couldn't help but feel that they butchered his work.

BUT, if you like long, slow, movies and have never read & don't intend to read the book...go right ahead and see this movie. You just might like it. Scarlett Johanssen is good and the scenery is beautiful.

Great Movie!
This is a great movie. It depicts real people in real life situations. Acting of Redford is marvelous!

Cinematography is breathtaking :)

Thumbs Up!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Wonderful Classic
All I will say is "I LOVE THIS MOVIE"!! I am so glad to have found it online! I haven't seen it since it first came out and I was a kid. I have always wanted to find it on video to buy! It is just a western romance about a cowboy's heart ache and his search for his runaway wife. But I won't tell you much more (like other reviews). I don't want to ruin it for you. Other people are making this mistake of telling the ending, such as who kills who and when and so forth. HELLO!! Don't ruin the ending!!!

The Other Devine Miss M?
What can I say- this movie's more fun than you might think... despite the dreadful performance by Morgan Fairchild (far from devine)!! Where are the Petticoat Junction girls when you need them? As always- Willie's cool and collected and he manages to keep a straight face whenever Ms. Fairchild dribbles her lines! Why the producers failed to cast Katharine Ross or, perhaps, the sexiest woman in the film- "Cindy" (Baytowns Miss Marinell Madden... who eventually offs Mr. Nelson while wearing a wonderfully campy wig!) is beyond me, but I always enjoy this movie whenever I catch it, and will long for a DVD of out takes whenever somebody sees fit! Just checking for you!

RED HEADED STRANGER
I JUST WANTED TO SAY WILLIE IS A GREAT ACTOR/SINGER/ GODBLESS YOU WILLIE..I WANT THIS MOVIE ON DVD

Don't forget the yellow haired lady...
Am I the only person that remembers Marinell Madden played the yellow haired lady? She actually has the first line in the movie and is killed later on. She actually had a big part and yet is not even listed in the credits. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Let Jack teach you how to play golf his way.
I picked up this book as a 15 year old kid and its the only form of golf lesson I have ever had. My handicap got down to 7 witin 5 years and then I stopped playing. Ive now started again and im going to read this book again and this time with Jacks help im sure I will get down to 2 or 3. Im not saying it will work for everyone, but, I cant think of many other people I would rather have teach me to play golf.

Essential Full Swing Instruction Manual
still the single best instruction manual after all these years. (and not just because of the author!) for the first time, proper setup, feel and how to shape your shots is all laid out in one terrific easy to follow book. for example, did you know that after you have mastered one basic swing to hit the ball straight, how just a few simple pre-shot adjustments using the same swing will allow you to hit on command just about any type of shot you want?: the high fade, low penetrating draw, slice or hook (yes there are times when you intentionally want to hit these last 2!) will will become a standard part of your arsenal after reading this book. I was at a clinic being delivered by Jerry Pate once where he said "no one knew how to mechanically hit these shots until Jack Nicklaus taught us all in Golf My Way. before then, it was all done pretty much by feel." I agree with Jerry.

The one thing you won't find here is adequate instruction on the short game other than putting. since chipping and bunker play was never Jack's forte (why bother when you never miss a green!), this is not surprising.

A Classic
I recently restarted playing golf after a six year hiatus. I bought this book years ago and after skimming through some more recent books I can say that Jack's book is still the best for beginners learning fundementals. I would also recommend Tiger Wood's book which complements Jack's. Whereas Jack is heavy on explanations and swing theory, Tiger's is heavy on photographs (for those who really need pictures).

It helps, trust me
I ordered this video on here, it helped my game.
It explains,
The Grip, Aiming, Ball Position, The head, Foot Action, The Takeaway, The Backswing, The Downswing, The Follow Thru, Power.
Plus detailed slow motion swings.

I would rate this 5 out of 5 stars.

Easy read
Jack has written a very simple book to read. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Gymkata- 80's Cult Classic
GYMKATA starring gymnast Kurt is not the best action-adventure film, and Kurt Thomas isn't the greatest actor in the world, but the last half hour of the film is worth its weight in gold. A small third world nation, Parmistan, teetering on the edge of going towards communism, stages an athletic contest to see which country would best represent their presence there. Kurt Thomas as Jonathan Cabot is chosen to represent the U.S. in the contest. It is a deadly obstacle course in which in which the natural elements as well as human intervention are the obstacles. Kurt Thomas' athletic gymnastic abilities are the highpoint of the film in which gymnastics and martial arts are fused together as a form of self defense ...hence the name "gymkata". The style is reminiscent of comic book super hero fighting and Kurt Thomas pulls it off convincingly. The film is a little slow in te beginning trying to establish the characters, the situation in Parmistan, as well as a tiny romance between the Jonathan Cabot (Thomas) and Princess Rubali (Tetchie Agbayani). However, the meat of the film is when the deadly contest/obstacle course starts. The climax and best part of the film is at the end of the obstacle course athletes must go through a strange village filled with violent, psychopathic peasants bent on killing any stranger who comes through the village. They swarm towards their prey like zombies with pitchforks, hatchets, and other farm handtools. This is when Kurt Thomas turns on his gymkata fighting skills and it is a very tense and exciting piece of film making. Overall, an entertaining film made at the time when martial arts films were at a decline.

Classic Crud
When I was growing up, it seemed like every other movie on cable television was either called Iron Eagle or Gymkata. I had no use for Iron Eagle. Sorry. Gymkata, however, was a altogether different story. I must have seen this movie a few hundred times between grades 10-12--generally at three in the morning, stumbling in, stumbling out--less of a choice, more of a compromise. As if the pay channels didn't milk the Gymkata cash cow dry, local stations decided to make it their duty to keep it in heavy rotation on a weekly basis. The only movie that came close in its domination of b-string broadcasting was the 1972 classic, Gargoyles. But I digress. Gymkata is about a martial artist (Kurt Thomas) who loses his military papa (Eric Lawson). He goes to a small fictional nation that encompasses every cliché relating to villains from the 1980's. There's intrigue, a great feast, and more intrigue. There's an exotic princess who, to this day, still looks pretty good. The best part of the movie is the game of death--mostly because there isn't a great deal of dialog. As other reviews have mentioned, the asylum/village has some classic moments (the cackling woman comes to mind). Long story short, an olympic wannabe offers up a textbook example of why his acting career went nowhere. Of course, who am I to judge? I have yet to make a single movie about ninjas or good cops gone bad.

One last question: Why isn't this movie on DVD?

Unintentionally hysterical
Kurt Thomas as a gymnast turned lethal martial artist? Only in Hollywood! The idea only works if every time Thomas gets into a fight there just happens to be a piece of gymnastic equipment nearby (parallel bars, pommel horse, etc.) and of course the bad guys attack one at a time, but I guess that's just a martial arts movie tradition. The acting is brutal, the plot could've been thought up by a ten year-old, and there's a village of insane killers. Put it all together and it all adds up to a hilarious movie.

Lousy But Fun
As a serious film, this one is a real dud. However, as a piece of hilariously inept production, it's a real winner. The plot is ludicrous, and the acting is equally poor. Still, some of the scenes are rather good, particularly the bizarre sequence which takes place in the village of the lunatics. Of course, the greatest lunatics are the people who produced this silly little film. No stars for quality, but 2 stars for pure comedy value.

Gymkata is a low-rate film second to none
What can one say about Gymkata?

If you want to see the worst action film ever committed to vinyl, you couldn't go wrong here. The plot is a laugher, the acting is worst, and everything else in the film falls somewhere between the two.

However, this film is so bad it will probably become a cult favorite in the years to come. It makes Ed Wood Jr look like Steven Spielberg. Simply put, Gymkata has no equals when it comes to low-rate films. That's why it should be ported to DVD and every person who likes films SHOULD have a copy of this movie. But I feel the distributor should PAY the viewer to take a tape or disc of this film off their hands, instead of the other way around.

Gymkata will make you laugh more than most comedies. The action scenes are predictable, unrealistic, etc...And look for some good flubs, too. Although the characters are supposed to be native to some remote areas of Asia/Europe, the blond antagonist often reveals a strong New York City accent. Hysterical! And watch closely how nervous that same guy looks riding a horse - obviously a first timer. You will laugh so hard you'll cry.

... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

No film better utilizes Audrey Hepburn's flighty charm and svelte beauty than this romantic adaptation of Truman Capote's novella. Hepburn's urban sophisticate Holly Golightly, an enchanting neurotic living off the gifts of gentlemen, is a bewitching figure in designer dresses and costume jewelry. George Peppard is her upstairs neighbor, a struggling writer and "kept" man financed by a steely older woman (Patricia Neal). His growing friendship with the lonely Holly soon turns to love and threatens the delicate balance of both of their compromised lives. Taking liberties with Capote's bittersweet story, director Blake Edwards and screenwriter George Axelrod turn New York into a city of lovers and create a poignant portrait of Holly, a frustrated romantic with a secret past and a hidden vulnerability. Composer Henry Mancini earned Oscars for the hit song "Moon River" and his tastefully romantic score. The only sour note in the whole film is Mickey Rooney's demeaning performance as the apartment's Japanese manager, an offensively overdone stereotype even in 1961. The rest of the film has weathered the decades well. Edwards's elegant yet light touch, Axelrod's generous screenplay, and Hepburn's mix of knowing experience and naiveté combine to create one of the great screen romances and a refined slice of high society bohemian chic. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (156)

Fascinating ......they're after the same rainbow end
I love this film.From the first scene when the yellow cab stopped with Holly alighting,having her breakfast in front of Tiffany's to the very last scene when Holly & Paul reconciled and kissed in the rain...

Simply marvellous piece of work. With the flawless performance from Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. The unique mood of the movie.And my fave song "Moon River". Who can forget the part when Holly sitting by her window plucking the guitar strings and singing...."Moooonnn River...." Great adaption from Truman Cropte's book with many magical touches and refinements. It's about a free-spirit girl Holly's struggle in Life,her fear of Love and commitment, she didn't even think she own her nameless 'cat'. Paul is a struggling writer who actually a 'kept-man' by a rich lady. Fate brought them together,first as neighbours to friends and eventually lovers. They were soul mates who needed each other and are made of each other....they are after the same rainbow end.

The idea was refreshing....esp.doing things that each have never done:- Strolling down New York street in the morning, stealing, visiting the Library and of course Tiffany's. Simply amazing, fantastic and romantic .

The best part about it was both Holly and Paul were practical people with dark secrets and not really perfect human beings and it make the story more realistic but not losing the romantic fairy tale feel.

This film is one of the best in movie history. It touches my heart my soul with scenes with the perfect combo of laughter,sadness,ironic,truth,secrets,romance,life,etc....... Timeless and Unforgettable......

Fascinating¿They are after the same rainbow end!
I love this movie. From the first scene when Holly(Audrey Hepburn) alighted from the yellow cab to have breakfast in front of Tiffany to the very last scene when Holly and Paul(George Peppard) reunited and kissing in the rain.

Mesmerizing film, shine in all departments. Excellent adaptation from Truman Capote's same name novel. Skillful directing by Blake Edwards and flawless performances from both the leads and not forgetting great supporting casts. This role was made for Audrey Hepburn, she was graceful, witty, charismatic and totally awesome. One of her best performance ever!

The story was about a free spirited and helpless Holly Golightly who lived with a nameless 'Cat', didn't want to own anything and afraid of love and commitments. Life pretty much socializing because holly's goal in life to marry one of the richest man under 50. Things take a twist with Paul Varjak moved into the apartment below hers. Paul was a struggling writer who actually a kept man by a rich lady. They became neighbour to friends then soul mate and eventually lovers.

This is not the usual romance story, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" is a timeless classic, showed sincerity, sensibility and class.

I also love the song of this movie "Moon River". Who can forget the part when Holly plucking the strings of the guitar and singing it "moonnn----riv---ver"......

This movie touch my heart with memorable characters, song, etc and I've watched it from time to time because each time I watch it, I renewed the feeling. Marvellous vintage classic.Simply divine!

One of the best chick flicks ever
I loved Breakfast at TIffany's. I had read about it from all of the gossip girl books and eventually became curious about the movie. I figured the movie would be good but I didn't expect to fall in love with it as much as I did. It is one of the best romantic comedy, chick flicks I have ever seen.

Good for ALL ages!
Because of the fact that I'm only 17 years old, I just got around to watching this movie. I'd always heard about it but I never knew what it was about. And, to be quite honest, I didn't even think about watching it because I thought it was in black and white! (Eh, I didn't know when it was made!)

My dad made me watch it this past weekend and I fell in love with it! Unlike most romantic comedies made today, both main characters are broke. It doesn't follow the mold of: poor/average girl falls for rich guy blah blah blah or the other way around. It was funny (Mickey Rooney's character was HILARIOUS!) and sad (when Holly finds out about Fred) and sappy (the last 20 minutes) all at the same time.

This movie is great for anyone, whether you saw it the first time around or you're a "late viewer" like me.

my fav movie!
i love this movie so much!
it is a love story but its not sappy it is so fun to watch

it is not an earlier version of pretty woman at all (as another review stated) audrey hepburn does not play a prostitute really she just has a lot of suitors. Anyway i completely recommend it so worth the $ ... Read more

Reviews (655)

A heart pumping rollercoaster ride of a movie.
The 3rd installment of the JP franchise is without a doubt that darkest, fastest-moving, heart-pounding, and exciting movie in the film series. Sure the 1st JP is a pure classic and The Lost World tries to recapture the awe of the orginal and The Lost World *tries* to do the same thing but doesn't pull it off very well. Jurassic Park 3 tells you right from the start with a claw ripping through the JP logo that this time the dinosaurs aren't playing around. Sam Neil returns and gives a excellent performance as usual. The supporting cast does well also with William H. Macy and Tea Lenio giving strong performances. The real winners here though are the dinosaurs. As soon as humans once again arrive and disrupt their natural habitat they are just fed up it seems and don't play any games. In the first two films the dinosaurs seem a bit hesitant to eat some good ol' human flesh but, not in this film though. The new bad boy Spinosaurus quickly claims himself as the king of the jungle by taking out one of the legendary actors of the series. (You will seat what I mean) The raptors return badder and smarter. The most immpresive new Dino by far in the flying Pterandons. The special effects are as usual .. amazing. This a perfect addition to any Jurassic Park fan's DVD library.

JPIII
This movie is just pure fun. Thats all it is! The series is going to be if not already classic. See these films! Theyre a blast!

Newer Dinos Means A Fresh Film
Being a lifelong Dinosaur fan, I had to check out JP///. The trailers were making the movie seem really big and fresh with bringing Spinosaurus in to replace Tyrannosaurus as the starring role as super-predator in the JP series. The film moves at a pretty fast rate which can be good and bad. The Dinosaurs in the film are more believable now that the CGI programmers had the ability to make the Dinos' skin wobble when they moved and to have other parts of their body be in sync with the rest of their body.
The characters really don't have much development in the film which is okay considering you came to see Dinosaurs. But there is just enough character development for the moviegoer to understand each character.
My only gripes are with the film that it just seemed like the Dino action seemed to go downhill as the movie progressed. It starts off very well with the Spinosaurus attacking the plane and then eventually battling Tyrannosaurus (which I was hoping wouldn't show up until the final minutes of the film, giving it a climatic ending). After that, the Dinos seemed kinda sparse and the action shorter and shorter. The raptors also kinda got old. Like with T-rex, the filmmakers should have replaced the raptors with other Dinos. Maybe Baryonyxs? Also some science is forgotten in this film. But they had Jack Horner as their Dino supervisor, so it was a given some wrenches would be thrown in the mix. Also, the film seemed really short. With some newer dinos added to the screen that have never been seen before, I was hoping that they would have some pretty nifty Dinosaur battle sequences and Dinosaur-human encounters.
All in all, while JP/// was, somewhat, of a letdown for me, it still provided the goods for the most part.

Redeeming Qualities
Yes, this movie does have some plot holes, and it is not as good as the first movie in the series, but this movie is definitely better than "The Lost World." Somewhat formulaic at this point, but still a decent movie with a simpler and more plausible plot line than the previous movie.

A couple's son is parasailing off the back of a boat off Isla Sorna when something unseen happens to the people driving the boat. The boy's parents, Paul Kirby (William H. Macy) and Amanda Kirby (Téa Leoni), enlist Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) to help get the boy back. However, they have to trick Dr. Malcolm into returning to the island, because he, rightfully, thinks being on that island is a very bad idea.

As it turns out, landing a plane on the island was a very bad idea, and now the erstwhile rescuers are running for their lives. Along the way they find Erik Kirby (Trevor Morgan), and the only remaining task is to escape from the island.

Several new dinosaurs are introduced in this movie, including really cool pteranodons and a spinosaurus. The pteranodons act like giant birds, and are appropriately scary. The spinosaurus shows that the tyrannosaurus was not the king of the world. The encounters with the dinosaurs recall the thrills of the first movie in this series and are interesting and enjoyable.

There are a few plot holes in this movie, but fewer than in the previous movie. By keeping the plot simple and having fewer characters with a simpler motivation the movie avoids the incongruities of the previous movie. This movie was more creative and intriguing and favored adrenaline over depth, as in the first movie. The shorter length of the movie also minimizes opportunities to overly analyze the plot, keeping the focus on the action. A sequel not quite as good as the original, but superior to its predecessor.

Better than the 2nd, not as good as the first
Good movie. It was an improvment over the 2nd. It has a lot more dinosaurs, which makes it entertaining. If you like the first two, i recommend you to see this one.

MPAA: PG-13
Running Time: 93 minutes
Year released: 2001 ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Both the televison pilot and the first Fleisher cartoon
Volume 1 on "TV's Best Adventures of Superman" has the first and last episodes of the syndicated television series starring George Reeves that ran from 1952-1957. "Superman on Earth" (Episode #1), written by Richard Fielding, tells the story of how the infant Superman was rocketed from the dying planet Krypton to Earth, where he was raised by a kindly couple, the Kents (renamed Sara and Eben for some reason). When he grows up Clark Kent gets a job as a reporter at the Daily Planet, a great metropolitan newspaper, while Superman makes his first appearance and rescues a man from a dirigible. Then in "All That Glitters" (Episode #104), Superman's friend, Professor Pepperwinkle, has figured out how to transmutate base metal into gold. Of course, crooks force the professor to make lots of gold for them, but it seems the professor has an even bigger secret. He knows how to turn any man into a Superman. This final episode, directed by George Reeves and filmed in color, was written by Robet Leslie Bellem and Whitney Ellsworth. Phyllis Coates plays Lois Lane in the pilot while Noel Neill had the role from the second season on, Jack Larson is Jimmy Olson and John Hamilton rules as Perry White. As a very special treat, in between these two episodes is the first Superman cartoon by Dave Fleisher, which was nominated for an Oscar in 1941. The cartoon provides a brief explanation of Superman's origin (this time he is raised at an orphanage), and then we are introduced to what would be the standard format for this cartoons: Lois Lane goes off on an assignment, gets into big time trouble, and is rescued by Superman. Clearly, this first volume is the one to have if you are only going to have one Superman tape in your collection (the "Superman and the Mole Men" two-part episode/movie would be the second).

Wish these were still on TV...
This is it! That great first episode when Superman comes to Earth. Great fun, good fiction, campy directing. Who could ask for more. There is a cartoon between 2 George Reeves episodes. The cartoon is clever but not nearly as much fun.

Must see television !
This stuff is the basis of the 50'S! Reeves was the #1 hero of his generation. You should see this historical footage. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What can two little mice possibly do to save an orphan girl who'sfallen into evil hands? With a little cooperation and faith in oneself,anything is possible! As members of the mouse-run International RescueAid Society, Bernard and Miss Bianca respond to orphan Penny's call forhelp. The two mice search for clues and, with the help of an old cat namedRufus, track Penny to the clutches of the evil Madame Medusa in adilapidated ship in Devil's Bayou. It turns out that Medusa is using Pennyto locate and retrieve the Devil's Eye Diamond--a stone she'll stop atnothing to possess. With a cunning plan, courageous acts, cooperation fromlocal animal life, and lots of faith, Bernard and Miss Bianca helpPenny find the diamond and escape from Medusa. The result of theiradventure is that Bernard and Miss Bianca become close friends and Pennygets adopted. This somewhat dark, classic 1977 animated Disney film is based on MargerySharp's The Rescuers and Miss Bianca, and features the AcademyAward-nominated song "Someone's Waiting for You." Voice talents includeEva Gabor as Miss Bianca, Bob Newhart as Bernard, Geraldine Page as MadameMedusa, and Jim Jordan (radio's Fibber McGee) as Orville Albatross. Followedby the sequel The Rescuers Down Under. (Ages 5 to 11) --TamiHoriuchi ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Nero!!...Brutus!!....Stop that making that noise in there!!!
The Rescuers is one of my all-time favorite Disney films to watch. I saw this movie when I was 6 years old and now that I'm 21, I still love this movie.
The story begins when a little girl named Penny is kidnapped by a evil woman named Madame Medusa who forces Penny to search and find a large diamond called the Devil's Eye, thats hidden in a underground cove called Devils Bayou. Penny, however, manages to send messages in bottles to get help from the outside, and the R.A.S. Rescue Aid Society, the secret organization that's composed of mice from around the world answer Penny's call for help and they send two mice Bernard, who's the janitor, and a agent from Hungray named Miss Bianca. The only way to get to Devil's Bayou is the Albatross Air Service that's ran by Orville, a bumbling, wise-cracking albatross who's the pilot, flight annoucer, and the plane.
When they do get to Devil's Bayou, Bernard and Bianca witness a escape attempt made by Penny, who get snatched by Medusa's two bumbling pet alligators, Nero and Brutus.
My favorite scene is where Nero and Brutus are trying to catch Bernard and Bianca when they're trapped in a pipe organ, and while Nero is playing the organ, Brutus trys to catch them when the air comes up through the pipes.
If you want a good family classic to watch, give The Rescuers a try, I love it.

I didn't know
I didn't know that Disney was planning are releasing this movie on dvd, until today. And I watched this movie tonight. I had a vhs copy of this movie around. And I think this was the first Disney movie to have a sequel, and this movie was out about 13 years, before the sequel to this movie was made. It tells a story about 2 mice, 1 a janitor and the other a lady on a mission to save a young girl named Penny that was kidnapped from an orphanage. As the movie opened, Penny (Michelle Stacey) drops a bottle that is a cry for help, and the bottle finds its way to New York, where a couple of mice discovers it, and the Recure Aid Soceity calls to order, a meeting. A janitor mouse named Bernard (Bob Newhart) brings ladder (that is really a comb), cames the comb, and goes inside, manges to get the message out of the bottle, but keeps falling back to the bottom of the bottle. The message is all watered out, and a mouse named Miss Bianca (Eva Gabor) manges to make out some of the message, including Penny's name. Miss Bianca decides to ask to take the misiion, even though Bernarnd doesn't think it is a good idea for Miss Bianca to go alone. So the chairmouse, decides for Miss Bianca to selct a co-agent to go with her, and she has a lot of vanletters, which makes it hard for her to chose, and she picks Bertand.

Theatre Gem
I remember my parents taking me to see this gem of a film in the theatre. I was captivated by the cute girl Penny and the two mean gators. This film was a fun Disney film. It seemed weird when they released "Resuers Down Under" WAY before this one?!?!? But now you can complete or expand your Disney collection with this piece of Disney Gold!

Cool film!
Although this film doesn't particularly follow the same story line as the forgotten Margery Sharp classic, I have to admit that the film is better in it's own way. To start, in the book, the rescuers, janitor Bernard, Lady Miss Bianca and sailor mouse Nils go into the Black Castle to rescue a Norweian poet, but this is just some no-one who you really don't get to know that well, since he comes at the end of the book and barely even speaks, you can't feel for the character, however, Penny is filled with charming personality, and you learn to love her as you watch the film. Nils was a very charming little mouse in the book, too bad he wasn't in Disney's film. Then Madame Medusa is a great villain compared to the boring jailers and gate keepers in the book, since they do nothing to stop the young poet from scaping. In Disney's film, Madame Medusa has held Panny captive for months because she needs her to find the world's largest diamond, and the rescuers are flying into a journey to her rescue. Lovable film, pretty disappointing DVD, hopefully Disney will give us another, better edition.

There unconfirmed rumors that a new sequel, The Rescuers III: Journey to the Black Castle is in the works, and this time, little cute Nils would be joining us, I would loooove to see that!

R-E-S-C-U-E, Rescue Aid Society....
When a young girl's plea for help it found via bottle in the ocean, Miss Bianca of the Rescue Aid Society, along with her partner Bernard, go on an action packed adventure to rescue her.

Young Penny had disappeared from Morningside Orphange one day and no one has seen her since. With a tip from the Orphange's wise old cat, the two mice track down a pawn shop run by Madame Medusa. She is the one, along with her goofy sidekick Snoops, who kidnapped Penny and is holding her hostage deep in the bayou on a rundown Riverboat. Time after time Penny attempted to escape, only to be tracked down and brought back to her prison by Medusa's two pet crocodiles. The only reason Medusa is holding Penny hostage is because Penny is the only person small enough to fit down into the cave where Medusa's greatest desire, the Devil's Eye diamond, is at.

With the help of Miss Bianca, Bernard and some of the swamp's resident critters, Penny manages to bring Medusa her coveted diamond, outsmart her crocodiles and escape back to the orphanage and, ultimitly, unite Penny with the family she so yearned for.

A touching tale. I can see why this is considered a classic! ... Read more

Reviews (1484)

Great Action Film
"Gladiator" is a film that should suit all tastes. It is an expertly mounted and eye-filling event; the blood and gore, delivered in split-second imagery (allowing your head to fill in the rest) should satisfy the most blood-thirsty movie goer; and the story is a superb tale of good vs. evil, power vs. honor, and "Might for Right". I was reminded of "Camelot" many times during this film, especially by the almost unrecognizable appearance of Richard Harris as the wise and noble Marcus Aurelis. Joaquin Phoenix gives a bone-chilling performance as the evil and cowardly Commodus, who inherits the title of emperor upon his father's death. But the sole weight of this overwhelming piece rests on the shoulders of the magnificent Russell Crowe. If one doesn't believe in him, then one doesn't believe in this epic costume drama. Kudos to the rest of the cast as well, and hand over heart for the late Oliver Reed. But back to Crowe--he is an actor to contend with. His work in "Gladiator" is a tour de force performance; he very nearly sprays testosterone from the screen. It's what was exactly demanded from him in this role, and he exceeds expectations in that regard.

Gladiator ROCKS!!!
I completely dug this film from beginning to end,and every aspect of it,from the breathtaking cinamatography,the expertly staged battle sequences,and exqusite set-design,to the stellar performances of a top-notch cast,rang true.The film starts with a stunning battle and doesen't let up from the time Maximus says"on my mark,unleash Hell". Do they ever.Russell Crowe is perfect in the lead role,as an expert warrior with a grieving soul and a deep sense of honor and loyalty.It's a true star-making turn,and he oozes rugged charisma from every pore.Equally impressive,but in the exact opposite way,is Juaquin Phoenix as the conniving,decadent,deeply evil Emperor.Also great support from Richard Harris and the late,great Oliver Reed.Director Ridley Scott uses his gift for composition and visual flair to great effect,giving each scene a painterly burnish and unforgettable depth,whether it's the after-life of Maximus' dreams,the bustling,grand sprawl of Rome,the rip-roaring battles of the Coluseum,or the sinister twinkle in the Emporer's eyes.At one point Maximus admonishes the bloodthirsty crowd:"Is this not what you wanted? Are you not entertained?" Indeed we are Russell,very much so.What a great film.

okay
this is a three star movie with a five star dvd. one of the biggest problems with the movie was the first battle. i was expecting braveheart quality but ended with a battle less entertaining than the one in dragonheart. the blurry camera and closeups made it impossible to tell what was happening. if you want to see a movie like this but better, see the last samurai or braveheart.

A Modern Classic of an Old Age
I seldom write reviews for anything, but for a movie like 'Gladiator' I'm willing to make an exception, and gosh if it's worth doing it!!
The movie, by far the best of the year 2000, is not only an award-winning production, but it is also one of the few that I personally enjoy watching again and again and again. Not because it is flawless (at times the storyline is quite predictable) but because it portrays life and death in the Roman Empire in such a way that it really bring those old buildings we all know since childhood (the Coliseum, the Forum, Via Appia, etc) back to life.
And yet it does so not at the expense of the story but through it, from the characters, to the script (they're so many quotables lines from Maximus and Commudus alone to make a CD)...in fact everything in the movie, from the battle in Germanica to the last fight at the Coliseum, is portrayed with realism plus an amazing score lacking in so many movies these days.
The movie of course is not to be seen as "history" in the academic sense but rather as an historical exercise, Holywood style, of one of the most facinating and complex periods of Western History. The attention to the detail is amazing, especially in the opening scene (the battle in Germanica) and the gladiatorial fights. Even most deleted scenes are great in the sense that they allow us to understand the characters a little bit more (Commudus' sword smashing of his father's marble bust is a most see), although they neither add nor take of the story. The casting is superb, with Russell Crow in the main role, Joaquin Phoenix as the Emperor Commudus, along with such legends as Oliver Reed as the freedman slaveholder and Richard Harris as the great Marcus Aurelius.
I'll recomend strongly that anyone who sees this movie shoudl do his/her homework and do a little of reading about Rome, both as a Republic and after, and the huge importance of the entertaining business in her late everyday life (an importance unreached until recent times).
Overall, a classic epic of an scope and ambition not seen since 'Ben Hur'; full of action, drama... and yes, more action.
As the Romans themselves said, Faber est quisque fortunae suae... each one is the architect of his own fortune. Feliciter!

Decent story, captivating effect
Ridley Scott's movie, "Gladiator" is one based on fiction of a General in the times of Marcus Aurelius. It tracks the life of a general who is effective in battle and is to rewarded by the emperor with the crown of Rome until it can be handed back to the senate. The movie won 5 oscars and is compared to Ben-Hur, which is ludicrous. For starters, Ben-Hur had William Wyler as the director who went to Gore Vidal to fix the screenplay. This movie will imaginative has so many historical inaccuracies, it is funny that it can be even thought to be in the same league.

Some of the actors did a decent job, these include Richard Harris as Marcus Aurelius and his daughter, Lucilla. I had problems with Russell Crowe's acting. He is unmistakably patrician, however, and physically very like Richard Burton, with Burton's battered face and gravel-voiced machismo. But Crowe's Maximus is no Mark Antony; there is no destructive love interest in the picture. Maximus is sweetly devoted to his late wife; though it turns out he once had a bit of an unbuckling thing going in his backstory for Commodus's lovely sister Lucilla (Connie Nielsen). I did not think that he deserved the best actor oscar. He has a very limited repertoire of actions and emotions. Crowe is no Tom Hanks or Geoffrey Rush in acting, he does not have depth and breadth of acting.

This movie cannot stand the test of time, it does not have great screenplay and historical integrity. It will gradually ebb away from the minds of the people. To stand out from the other movies, it has to have a new paradigm, either in acting or story or screenplay, none of which are depicted. Another one of those movies that do not deserve the best picture oscars. It is OK to watch this once. If you compare this director with Ang Lee, who did "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman", and "Sense and Sensibility" you can see the difference in directing talent. See them and judge for yourself. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

A movie I have searched for , for a long time.
Having been born in 1968, the year of the tet offensive, I have only second and third hand imformation from books, movies, and anecdotes, concerning that time in history. So, it is from that perspective I review this movie. This story takes place during the Tet offensive, in which a small American firebase is forced to defend itself against overwhelming odds. The only hope for this base is a battle hardened seargent, who takes control of the situation and becomes the young soldiers only hope for survival. This movie is in my opinion the most realistic war film, prior to "Saving Private Ryan" and holds the top spot along with "Hamburger Hill" as the best of the Vietnam war movies. Forget "Apocalypse Now" this is the movie that tells the Vietnam experience. Buy it you will not regret it.

I'm not a soldier, but I REALLY enjoyed this movie
I can't really comment on it's authenticity, but I enjoyed this movie more than most Vietnam era equivalents. Wings Hauser is very good in his role, but I can't say enough GREAT things about R. Lee Ermy in this movie. His voiceovers about the situations faced by he and his troops, as well as his acting and actions are top notch. This movie is visually powerful, and yet manages to tow a fine line between history, and entertainment. As well, it takes a suprisingly neutral stance on the Vietnamese themselves, giving you things to ponder as you watch it, making you wonder if you would behave any different if your country were being 'invaded'. It pays its respects to the compatants on BOTH sides, and isn't just another one of your typical American flag waving propaganda war films. This movie deserves to be seen by a wider audience, it is a keeper.

Brilliant
I have just watched this film and I thought that it was the best Vietnam War film I have evey seen. After watching Full Metal Jacket, Platoon and Hamburger Hill I find 'Siege of Fire Base Gloria' refreshing and hard hitting. War at the best of times is harrowing and usless but this film brought home the comradeship and closeness one finds in the services and during times of conflict. It was well directed and very well acted and showed a true representation of war you would not find other wise by actually being there. Its a shame you only have five stars because this film and its actors deservse 10+

HA HA HA !!!
This is defintely a B-grade movie when a company of VC with AK-47's and a squad of GIs with M-16's stand 10 paces away in full view of eachother during broad daylight, then fire away on full automatic for minutes on end.
Probally the highest body count of any movie ever made!
Rambo, eat your heart out!!

excellent movie
This has got to be the best movie & the most realistic on Vietnam ever made. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1982 effort at adapting John Steinbeck's Sweet Thursday and Cannery Row is barely watchable, salvaged only by the thoughtful performances of Nick Nolte as a marine biologist and Debra Winger as a drifter. David S. Ward (Down Periscope) made his directorial debut and thoroughly botched such essentials as pacing and verisimilitude. (The sets look as artificial as any of Francis Ford Coppolla's more egregious contrivances.) If you can stay with it, however, there are plenty of good acting moments to hang your hat on. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (53)

The greatest underappreciated romantic comedy since the 40s!
This is a perfect movie all around! First off, it's a Steinbeck story, second, it's shot almost entirely on a sound stage. For my money it's the best movie Debra Winger ever did. The chemistry between her and Nick Nolte is (forgive the word) charming. The movie's a 'who's who" of Hollywood character actors (Audra Lindley, Frank McRae, M.Emmet Walsh and Santos Morales). Everyone of these actors shine with some of the movie's most memorable scenes. John Huston narrates the almost pure John Steinbeck dialogue, puntuating and filling out this incredible gem of a movie. All the bases are covered in this flick: Humor, Romance, Action, Philosophy and brotherly love. A must see movie!

HS students beware!
First of all...to all High School students out there who are required to read Steinbeck's book "Cannery Row" ...if you try to get by with just watching this movie and writing your report your grade will suffer! Oh, it has nothing to do with the quality of the film...I'll get to that later, it's just that this film is a blending of two of Steinbeck's books, "Cannery Row" and "Sweet Thursday." Both of those stories are set along Cannery Row in Pacific Grove/Monterey, CA, and have many of the same characters in them, but unless you already know the stories you may well include material from "Sweet Thursday" in your report on "Cannery Row," and...OOPS...there goes the old grade! So, beware! Now...on with the review...

Nolte plays "Doc" the main character in the story. His character is based on a real life person, a marine scientist named Ed Ricketts who lived and worked along Cannery Row (which was certainly not the tourist attraction in the 1930s-40s that it is today). You can, by the way, still see the building where Doc Ricketts worked if you visit Pacific Grove...it's just down the road from the Monterey Bay Aquarium. OK, OK, enough history, back to the movie...

Nolte does a great job of playing the out of the way, but not really down and out "Doc." Things are going along smoothly until Winger hits the scene, then there's romance in the air, though it doesn't land until much later.

I suppose you could call this movie a romantic comedy, or you could call it a romance, or you could call it drama, or you could call it real life -- Steinbeck was like that -- he was into real life.

This is, I agree, an underrated film. It's true that there are slower parts, and if you don't like narration in films then you won't like this one much. If you're looking for a barn-burner action thriller this is NOT the film for you. But if you are looking for interesting character and plot development you will enjoy this film.

Nolte and Winger have good on-screen chemistry, and you will enjoy being the mouse in the corner are you observe their developing relationship.

5 stars for the thoughtful crowd.

Alan Holyoak

Just a nice piece of film work in so very many ways.
Absolutely one of my all time favorite movies. I love every bit and piece of it and have never understood why so few people know of it or why it wasn't a bigger hit. Funny, heart warming, and a bit off beat. Love the narration, the music, the acting, the characters, and the "boys". I really, really want this movie on DVD. As someone else wrote, every once in a while you gotta put this movie on and get your fix.

Not a Classic, but a lot of fun, GREAT SOUNDTRACK
Debra Winger is very alluring. Nick Nolte is good. I wish there was more of the supporting cast, particularly Emmet Walsh. John Huston narrates, so there's that wonderful voice. The screenplay is OK, they probably should have stuck closer to Steinbeck.

The Soundtrack, with Dr. John on the piano, features great boogie woogie piano music as well as nice 40s style pop-blues. This film should have a soundtrack CD. I would also like to see it on DVD.