Reviews (1)

Please Release This On DVD !!!
Excellent World War II movie about one of the most important convoys / supply lines in the European Theatre. I'm really surprised this movie hasn't gotten more support. PLEASE RELEASE THIS MOVIE ON DVD !! ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Disney's Down Under Delight!
This is one of my absolute favorite animated films. I liked it even better than Beavis and Butthead Do America (that's right, I actually said that!)! I really enjoyed the first Rescuers, I give that one 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. But I'd give this one 10 stars if I could!

The Rescuers Down Under was Disney's very first, theatrically released sequel, and I'll tell one thing: it makes all the other recent Disney-made sequels look like crap! Forget Return to Neverland, forget The Little Mermaid 2: Return to the Sea, forget the Jungle Book 2, forget Stitch: The Movie, The Rescuers Down Under is the sequel that you REALLY want! I think it is Disney's best to date, or as Jake, the kangaroo mouse would say: 'Well done, mate!"

PLOT.

When a young, Australian boy named Cody who has befreinded a giant, golden eagle is kidnapped by a greedy, murderous poacher, Percival McLeach, who wants the eagle for himself to sell for a crap-load of cash, a messege is sent to the R.A.S. (Rescue Aid Society), which is a hidden organization of mice who help humans in danger. The top two R.A.S. agents, Bernard (voiced by Bob Newhart) and Bianca (Eva Gabor) are given the assignment to rescue Cody from McLeach's clutches. They fly on the wings of Wilbur, the bumbling, fumbling, chatter-boxed albatross (voiced with vest by John Candy). When they land in the outback, the mice are greeted by Jake, a cunning kangaroo mouse with amazing outback survival skills, who agrees to help them save Cody from McLeach.

COMMENTS.

What the H, E, double hockey stick made the more recent Lilo and Stitch so popular and well known anyhow? Who's idea was it to turn that into a TV series after the straight-to-video Stitch: The Movie? They did the same thing with the Little Mermaid (before the sequel, that is)! They could have just as easily made The Rescuers into a TV program, too! They could have even made Jake, the Australian kangaroo mouse a new member of the R.A.S.!!

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS.

I loved RDU so much I decided to buy it on DVD. There is something note about the DVD: it has clearer, more life-like animation that the somewhat foggy VHS version, compare the DVD to the VHS and believe me, you WILL see a differance! You also have a wider perspective of the surrondings, plus the sound has been upgraded. The only downside is: the DVD does not have too many extras. All you get here as extra stuff is a theatrical trailer, foriegn language and subtitle chooser, a quiz game (which is a fun thing to fool around with after the movie), and some stroybook thing. I wish Disney would come out with a special Platinum edtion of this (Platinum editions are always loaded with hours of extras).

OVERALL.

On the overall score, I give the DVD itself at most 3.5 stars. Not the movie, though! The movie alone is worth the purchase! Buy this overlooked, forgotten gem now, without thinking twice! That's an order! And DON'T let the lack of good extras change your mind!

And one more thing: Did anyone else notice that McLeach's looks are based on an actuall person, George C. Scott (that's right, the very same Scott from A Christmas Carol (1984)). He is even voiced by Scott, too!

Brilliant, Non-Musical Disney Animation
THE RESCUERS DOWN UNDER will satisfy viewers repeated times. Parents will appreciate the story's emphasis on loyalty to friends, courage in the face of difficulties, and acceptance of responsibility. More importantly, though, parents and children will enjoy the fully realized cast of characters through the talents of animators who effectively realize Eva Gabor, Bob Newhart, John Candy, and George C. Scott as cartoon counterparts.

Disney has also apparently reviewed its pricing and packaging policy. This DVD, at the lower "gold collection" price, includes a read-along storybook and a trivia game. Unfortunately, the "animals of the outback" booklet promised on the packaging is only a pamphlet half devoted to other Disney product. Viewers will also have to jump to the menu immediately upon inserting the dvd in order to avoid a long list of ads for other Disney material. I suppose we pay for the lower-priced packaging by watching the ads. While it would have been nice for Disney to have included a "captions in English" option so children could learn to read as they watch the movie, viewers will get to enjoy the film in its widescreen splendor and see how big a giant eagle looks without its wingspread truncated by the edge of the screen.

Still, this movie will get repeated viewings in your home, and it will deserve them. Were I rating the movie itself, I'd give it four and a half stars; its yet to be fully realized presentation lowers my rating to four stars.

Rubbish
What rubbish.

Way too much violence. Why do kids movies have to be so violent these days? (or when it was made).

Had a few laughs (I'm an ex-pat Australian) but not worth the plastic it was made from.

Certainly not recommended for general viewing as the cover shows.

The animation is far better than the original.
In the sequel to the Rescuers the animation is far better than the original film. This is a perfect example that sequels can be just as good as the originals. The voice casting is back, but this time John Candy comes along, and makes the film even more enjoyable. George C. Scott is a really good villainous character once again. The location is more outrageous and exotic and far more exciting. One of Disney best adventure films. A good reccomendation.

I Grew Up On It, That Should Say Something...
When I was a kid, this was the movie that always touched me... Along with Lady and the Tramp, Dumbo, and The Little Mermaid. I don't know why it's not more well-known. A fast-paced Disney adventure filled with characters that are nothing but lovable. Little kids nowadays are totally spoiled on all the Pixar junk. Getting back to basics like this are what Disney's all about. I wish the company could see that. I'll never remember the computer-animated crap they're going to produce now... It's stuff like this this I'll buy for my children when I grow older. An enchanting story of two adventurous mice out to help children, this one has them traveling to Australia to rescue a little boy and several creatures being trapped by an evil poacher. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out... Go get it, now! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Here's the film of a novel nobody liked in high school (but probably succumbed to when they read it in later life, as they should). Based on the book by Edith Wharton, it's one of those repressed romances of longing and regret carried out in real time and real life. Liam Neeson plays the humble Ethan, manipulated into marrying a plain and sickly woman (Joan Allen, every bit as good as she is in The Contender), who still manages to dominate him. When she grows so ill that Ethan requires help to care for her, they import her poor cousin (Patricia Arquette), who sparks thoughts in Ethan that never occurred to him with his wife. Neeson has a great fire within, as he confronts an array of possibilities that simply remain out of reach because the alternative is unthinkable in this tight-knit New England community. Arquette bubbles with life, while Allen can freeze blood at 100 paces with one of her icy glances. Slow-moving at times but worth it for the final payoff. Directed by John Madden (Shakespeare in Love). --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Are you a Born Romantic ?
If you love Romance, you simply must have this video! Yes, Ethan and Mattie are what we call "star crossed lovers" in a way, so all the more reason why their courtship escalates so far beyond the mundane.

I promise you this: there are at least two love scenes in this film that are so amorous and seductive that you will most certainly rewind the tape just to reassure yourself that it was accomplished completely without nudity.

Liam Neeson (Ethan) is at his expected best, portraying a character who is astonishingly sexy and lovable regardless of his physical deformity or intensely tragic circumstances. And Patricia Arquette (Mattie) exquisitely personifies a beautiful and kind young woman approaching her first peak of sexuality.

All of the actors are wonderful and the film follows the book very closely. Buy the video, read the book, and then if you are a true Romantic you will watch the video again and again.

Do read the previous reviews from other customers, I enjoyed reading all of them.

It could've been a great movie...
...If only Patricia Arquette weren't in it. I never had anything against her before I saw this movie, but boy, does she know how to ruin a good movie. Liam Neeson was brilliant, and Joan Allen's performance was good, too, but Arquette's "acting" (I use the term loosely) was so overblown, so limp and clumsy and unbelievable, that it ruined the whole film for me; I've seen sixth-graders with better acting skills than I saw out of Arquette in this movie. It's a shame, because the scenes without her in them are brilliant, and the other actors turn in commendable performances. If only they'd hired a more competent actress or paid for some lessons for Arquette.

It was a good book
Ethan Fromme is a great romance book, however as books to movies go, this is one of the worst. Most of the facts were there, but there were added details, and a few missing things which just destroyed the message portrayed in the book.

In the book, Ethan's crippled condition is only barely highlited, yet in the movie, it is dragged out to almost hillarious proportions. This reduces the novels intended effect on viewers of the movie, as the fact that it is supposed to seem almost a punishment on Ethan is lost almost completely. Zeena, the lifeless doll which we see with a certain sense of dread at her introduction in the novel, is a beautiful young woman when she appears in the movie, with only a little less charm later on, when, in the events of the novel, she is supposed to seem almost like death itself. Zeena in the movie is constantly portrayed as being not as bad as we are led to see in the book, therefore making us care for her and almost wonder why Ethan would want to have an affair when he has such a 'good' wife. Also, the character of Mattie, an innocent, vivacious character in the novel, is portrayed as a flirtatious... and almost instigates the affair more than Ethan. In the novel, Ethan is the one who truely begins everything, secretly longing for her, but never able to express his feelings to her until he fears she will be gone.

All these changes destroy the tone with which the author of the book adressed Ethan, and ruined the message that we were supposed to get out of her work. Instead of feeling for the characters of Ethan and Mattie as the evil Zeena destroys Ethan, we feel a sense of disgust at Mattie and Ethan's affair. While the movie was true to the book in many ways, it was the ways in which it wasn't that make this movie sub-par, and almost disgraceful to the book.

Interesting Movie
I really enjoyed the VHS version of this film and I'm looking forward to watching the DVD. I purchased the video a few years ago for a relative and I recently tried to buy one for myself. I was disappointed to find out that it was no longer for sale on VHS format. Fortunately, they are now going to offer it on DVD...I'm placing my order today!

AWESOME CHEMISTRY!!!
If you LOVE Romantic movies with chemistry, especially between the actor and actress, you will LOVE this movie. The chemistry between Liam Neeson and Patricia Arquette is breath taking!!!
I get butterflies in my stomach on a couple of scenes. I wouldn't change a thing in this movie it is absolutely superb!!! ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Delicate and Delightful
This movie is just as the character Tammy herself, charming, kind, and good natured. It isn't driven by heavy, complicated themes, but does everything have to be? There is something of great value in simplicity and honesty. I much prefer them to arrogance and cruelty. When I think of a young girl in love, I will always see Debbie Reynolds at her windowsill, bathed in moonlight, singing Tammy. Tammy and Bachelor is a delightful, delicate movie, well worth watching.

A Sweet Movie in Need of a DVD Release!
I saw Tammy and the Bachelor on American Movie Classics and I think it is a very nice movie. Tammy was such a nice sweet girl and Debbie Reynolds did a fantastic job playing her. The rest of the cast is wonderful too but especially Leslie Nielsen as Pete and Mildred Natwick as his eccentric aunt. I'm surprised that this movie hasn't been transferred to DVD yet and I think that a sweet movie like this should definitely be on DVD! I would love to see it get a nice widescreen edition and hopefully commentary and interviews with Debbie Reynolds and Leslie Nielsen.

Values.........with Ike and Mamie then [and Now?]
A period of great innocence, beautifully reflected in this really sweet little tale about a Country Girl [Debbie at her most charming] mixing with those City Folk and finding true love [bit of a journey, but she gets there]. AND it somewhat all plays for real and pulls you in! THERE IS ALSO Debbie's hit song. Leslie Nielsen is perfect as the love interest, great casting.

NOW, if only Miss Carrie Fisher could pen a sequel ... I'm sure that Debbie and Leslie would instantly accept. Along the lines of "Tammy, was it True?"; "Tammy 2002?", you get my drift......

GREAT MOVIE CLASSIC!
I WATCHED THIS MOVIE WITH MY MOM A FEW YEARS AGO.. AND I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIKE AN OLDER MOVIE.. BUT THIS ONE IS SO GOOD THAT I WILL WATCH IT ANY NIGHT OF THE WEEK! DON'T BE AFRAID TO BUY THE VIDEO.. YOU WON'T BE RETURNING IT UNLESS YOU JUST DON'T LIKE ROMANTIC MOVIES. I RECOMMEND IT! AND DON'T FORGET TO GRAB THE BOWL OF MUNCHIES TOO!

Great Fifties Fun with Debbie Reynolds!
This is perhaps the only romantic comedy that Leslie Nielsen ever made, and he does a great job of it. He was a real hunk in his younger years! I'm also a big fan of Debbie Reynolds' movies from the Fifties and Sixties, and this is one of her better ones. It was a big box-office hit in 1957 and continues to wear well as a romantic comedy, though, of course, the attitudes toward women and African Americans will seem very paternalistic to many people today (though very accurate to the times).

Tammy Tyree is an uneducated orphan living on a riverboat on the Mississippi with her moonshiner grandpa (Walter Brennan) when a private plane crashes near them. While nursing its pilot, Pete (Leslie Nielsen), back to health, Tammy falls in madly in love with him. But Pete sees Tammy as a child (she is 17 and he is about 30). He does promise her grandfather that if anything ever happens to Grandpa, Pete will take in Tammy.

Soon after Pete leaves, Tammy has to take him up on his promise, because Grandpa is caught red-handed operating his still and hauled off to jail. After a long, tiring walk, tugging her goat behind her, Tammy is amazed to encounter the, to her, opulent lifestyle of Pete and his parents and aunt, who live on a rundown Southern plantation. She is terribly disappointed to discover Pete is engaged, but the relationship is rocky, because Pete wants to grow prize-winning tomatoes and save the plantation, while his fiancée wants him to move to the big city and work at her rich daddy's corporation. Meanwhile, Pete's best friend has been in love with Pete's fiancée for years, and begins to make moves on both her and Tammy while Pete is preoccupied with his tomatoes.

The song, "Tammy's In Love," sung very pleasingly by Debbie Reynolds in the film, was a big hit the year the film came out. Debbie was probably in her early twenties at the time and very pretty and perky. I found it fascinating to see Fay Wray of King Kong fame playing Pete's fifty-something mother. She looks beautiful. Mildred Natwick, a delightful comic actress, plays Pete's aunt and adds a lot to the story. I love Walter Brennan, a hugely talented comic actor. His portrayal of Grandpa was both warm and funny. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This blistering little black comedy was well ahead of its time when released in 1947. Originally, Orson Welles had wanted Chaplin to star in his drama about a French mass murderer named Landru, but Chaplin was hesitant to act for another director, and used the idea himself. He plays a dapper gent named Henri Verdoux (who assumes a number of identities), a civilized monster who marries wealthy women, then murders them (as we meet him, he's gathering roses as an incinerator ominously bellows smoke in the background) and collects their money to support his real family. The Little Tramp is now a distant memory, though this was the first film not to feature Chaplin's beloved creation. Verdoux is largely viciously clever until it gets too heavy-handed, as evidenced when a woman he spares returns years later as the mistress of a munitions manufacturer. Ultimately, Chaplin breaks character (much as he did in The Great Dictator) to preach to the masses, declaring that against the machines of war that grip the planet, humble killer Verdoux is "an amateur by comparison." --David Kronke ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Chaplin's Best Talkie
In his 1964 autobiography, Charlie Chaplin called "Monsieur Verdoux" (1947) "the cleverest and most brilliant film I have yet made." Though not without its faults, this sardonic black comedy remains one of his finest achievements -- and it's certainly his best foray into sound. Chaplin's detailed performance as the business-minded Bluebeard is a masterpiece of screen acting. However, the supporting cast ranges from excellent (Martha Raye) to amateurish (Marilyn Nash) while the final minutes get bogged down in endless talk. Chaplin later admitted that "Monsieur Verdoux" could have used a bit more pantomime and less dialogue. Still, it's a thought-provoking and hard-hitting film. Henri Verdoux and the Little Tramp have much in common.

A TRIUMPH
Monsieur Verdoux is Chaplin's unsung masterpiece. A very dry film, it lives in the shadow of the much broader 'The Great Dictator'. The humor is subtle (the Martha Raye scenes aside) and one has to think to get it. Example: Verdoux is tending to his rose bushes while the incinerator is finishing up one of his wives in the background. He's just murdered a woman yet he refuses to step on a little catepillar. In picking it up and moving it to safety, he becomes very squemish at touching the little creature! This character is as far away from the Little Tramp as one can get. They are the same though; both long for love however, Verdoux uses love to his 'business' advantage whereas 'Charlie' was ususally scorned by it. This is his best written talky (any viewer of the over preachy 'Limelight' would concur) while it looks technically cheap at times (a not too uncommon area of some of his later productions). Such criticism is small though and the 'speech' at the end fits well into the narrative, not to mention that with the passing of over five decades....it still makes sense. Chaplin should be commended for putting out such a daring film at a time where America didn't want to hear such things. Not for everyones tastes but still a film that should not be ignored.

Plagiarism Alert!
I must take offense to scotsladdie's November 2001 "review" of "Monsieur Verdoux," since its ripped off almost verbatim from David Shipman's excellent book "Story of Cinema," which also is available from Amazon. Perhaps you should give Mr. Shipman the proper credit instead of scotsladdie. Otherwise, delete this particular review from you web site. Many thanks.

One of Chaplin's highest achievements.
If the willingness to take risks is the mark of a great artist -- and I believe it is -- then Monsieur Verdoux is Charles Chaplin's greatest films. And amidst all the controversy stirred by his portrayal of a serial wife killer, it's easy to forget that it's also a hilarious black comedy with plenty of sharp lines that would have succeeded even without its sociological message.

Chaplin's ability as an actor is pushed to a new level on this film through his portrayal of a morally ambiguous, unscrupulous ex-bank clerk who has no qualms about putting a body into an incinerator in his backyard. While much has been said about this film's break with Chaplin's Little Tramp character, careful examination reveals that Henri Verdoux is just a logical, and daring, advancement in the character: The more devilish, sometimes sadistic sides of the Little Tramp taken to their inevitable conclusion, where comic mischief crosses over the line to villainy. And it's highly compelling, the perfect foil to Chaplin's most heartwarming films (eg. City Lights and Modern Times), allowing Chaplin to express an insidiousness hitherto unexplored. Martha Raye nearly steals the show as the airheaded, supernaturally unkillable Mme. Bonheur (the name itself means "happiness"), and Marilyn Nash is winning as the Belgian derelict who inspires a spark of compassion in Verdoux. The conclusion of this character relationship is one of Chaplin's most complex writing feats: Imagine the ending of City Lights twisted into a dark, steely, uncompromising version of itself.

There are certain moments when the film does threaten to fall into self-involvement -- in his later years, Chaplin did let his ego take ahold of his work -- but in the case of Monsieur Verdoux, he uses this larger-than-life persona so well, and it fits the character so snugly, that the ego becomes an advantage and adds to the depth of the character. And the script has none of the self-conscious mix of silent film and talkies that plagued The Great Dictator; Chaplin had grown quite well into dialogue writing, allowing him to formulate moments of murderous irony that are cuttingly funny. ("Don't pull the cat's tail...") I have no problems with the ending speeches in this film as I did with the final speech of The Great Dictator: In the context of this story, they fit in quite well. Verdoux at the end is a man who has given up all hope, and he seems to mock his own fate and character while unmercifully unveiling his anger at the world. The speeches are not meant to be taken for face value, and I find them thought-provoking and fascinating rather than moralistic or self-important.

I first saw this film at Symphony Space in New York City and the audience was laughing so hard it was in tears. With modern audiences generally less inclined to judge a film by its "moral standing" (Kill Bill, anyone?), Monsieur Verdoux can be seen for what it is: A hilarious, complex sociological examination which identifies social ills while at the same time taking part in it. In that, it is unique in the Chaplin canon and deserves to rank among his most important films.

A quick note about this DVD edition: For some reason, the bonus materials for this film are far less numerous than on the other DVDs in this series -- hence the single-disc package and lower price. By the standards of this series of reissues, the DVD materials are really quite scant -- a useful yet brief half-hour documentary featuring good insight from director Claude Chabrol, a trailer, some storyboards. The picture and sound are of good quality, however, and the film is one to own. Highly recommended.

A charming, yet disturbing cinematic experience by Chaplin
Monsieur Verdoux (Charles Chaplin) is a sad story about Monsieur Verdoux who is a swindling murderer that charms women whom he marries for their assets which he sells after he has murdered a newly acquired wife. Monsieur Verdoux is driven to commit murder as he feels determined to provide the best possible life style for his family. However, Monsieur Verdoux is lost in his determination as it clouds his moral decision making, which he recognizes. Monsieur Verdoux is the darkest of Charles Chaplin's films, and as in his other films it offers a social message. This ominous message becomes apparent from the beginning of the film as Monsieur Verdoux's gravestone is depicted in the initial shot with Chaplin's voiceover that embarks on how he ended up here. Chaplin's direction offers both tragedy and comedy which in the end leaves the audience with a charming, yet disturbing cinematic experience. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Apropos
What better movie for a priest to review than 'Mass Appeal'? Directed by Glenn Jackson, and co-starring veteran actors Jack Lemmon and Charles Durning with relative newcomer Zeljko Ivanek, this story has influenced me in interesting ways.

Lemmon plays Father Farley, a jaded, settled Roman Catholic rector of a prominent parish, ultimately dis-satisfied with his lot in life but terrified nonetheless of losing it. Into this comfortable world steps an upstart seminarian Dolson (played by Ivanek), who has more principle than tact, and more passion than people skills.

The rector and the seminarian end up being placed together in a mentoring situation by the seminary dean, Mons. Burke (Durning), an autocratic moralist with strict rules on priestly formation. Various issues resound in the relationships of each of these characters with each other, the seminary, the congregation, and ultimately with their own destinies. Farley's issues with past abuse, Dolson's life on the wild side prior to seminary, and Burke's paranoia all enter the interplay of church politics and the discernment of a spiritual calling.

Farley is both irritated by and inspired by the seminarian. The seminarian takes a stand for honesty which costs him his appointment. The dean refuses to listen to anyone, including his friend Farley, and begins to question Farley's integrity as a priest as well.

Farley learns that it is never to late to hear a call, and that what he thought was his call in fact was a facade. Dolson finally realises that the in-your-face approach to public relations is not very pastoral, but his listening skills far exceed those around him, and he becomes trusted by Farley. Alas, the dean--what becomes of him? We never know.

Where God leads is a difficult question, with no easy answers, and we can spend much of our time following our version of that vocation without really ever touching the substance of it (as did Father Farley). We can be so overzealous for it that we might burn it out before it comes into being, rather like a forced hot-house flower that blooms prematurely and then dies too soon (similar to Dolson's experience).

This is an interesting film which brings up issues of polity, morality, reconciliation and redemption, themes that are far more prevalent in life than we would ordinarily think. This movie may not have mass appeal but can be enjoyed and, perhaps, give insight to all viewers, be they Roman Catholic, other denominations of Christian, of other religions, or even no religion at all.

Lemmon at his sourly best.
Humphrey Bogart, Bing Crosby, Spencer Tracy, Montgomery Clift, Jack Lemmon--what do they have in common? All played priests, but no one more convincingly than Lemmon in this story about a popular, "bourgeois," crowd-pleasing conservative priest who is suddenly challenged by a young liberal seminarian representing honesty, forthrightness, and social change. The "message" primarily concerns the old dog, popular priest learning to change his ways, while the radical young seminarian also absorbs lessons about the real world and dealing with people. But forget about the story and its themes. As a movie, "Mass Appeal" is 3 stars; as a script 4; as a vehicle for one of the screen's most colorful, personable, irresistibly charismatic actors, it's 5 all the way. Here's proof positive: though the story calls for Lemmon to play the part of the rather "bad" guy--someone who lies and schmoozes and sugar-coats the Gospel in order to fill the offering plates each Sunday--it's his character and not the seminarian's who rivets our attention, maintains our interest, and inhabits our memories long after the film is over. The truth-telling, liberal, activist seminarian, on the other hand, is little more than a "generic" character cast from a late 1960s mold. The point is that neither of the parts is especially distinguished on the basis of the writing alone; rather, it's Lemmon's unique ability to give a "face" to his role that makes both his character as well as the film work.

Simply Amazing!
This is one of the finest films I've ever seen. As a seminarian myself, I am convinced this film should be required viewing for all seminarians, priests, and all formators in the pre-seminary and seminary systems. Jack Lemmon and Zeljko Ivanek give poweful performances as Father Tim Farley and Deacon Mark Dolson; Lemmon's character is a wildly popular but complacent parish priest. Ivanek, in the role of a newly ordained transitional deacon, plays the idealistic and brash seminarian who conflicts with Fr. Farley's "song and dance" theology. As the two interact, a friendship is forged and the aging priest rediscovers his priestly vocation from the prodding of the young deacon. Ultimately, Fr. Farley finds himself in the position of defending young Dolson against the homophobic attack of the seminary rector.
While the theology of this film is not 100% sound, the overall theme is absolutely solid and gives you a lot of truth to think about. Whether it be Deacon Dolson's sordid past or the laziness of Father Farley's priestly ministry, the issues addressed are poignant and powerful. You simply must see this film!

Mass Appeal? Massive Lawsuits!
Unfortunately too many Catholic dioceses took the advice of this movie. Now they're being sued by the victims of homosexual priests,who seduced them when they were teenagers.

Splendid Comedy About Church & Homosexuality
***POSSIBLE SPOILERS***

Father Farley (Jack Lemmon) is certainly the most popular clergyman around. His congregation adores him and his dialogue sermons are well attended. So he is not exactly thrilled when young seminarian Mark Dolson (Zeljko Ivanek) takes the word "dialogue" literally (Should women become priests?) and transforms his church into a political platform.

Mark is something of a problem, for himself and others. He would give anything to become a priest, but his moral is sometimes selective: He is filled with indignation that his sister is in love with a married man, yet his own past is not immaculate...

Being popular, providing "mass appeal", father Farley can permit himself an occasional slip of tongue and little weaknesses ("It's only wine. Making wine was Jesus's first miracle"). Yet, he owes much of his comfortable life-style (playing golf, driving a mercedes) to his unique ability to crawl, especially before Monsignor Burke (Charles Durning). And it's so easy to find excuses: a broken marriage or a potential abortion are always at hand when he isn't in the mood to spend an evening with his superior. Harmless little lies...

But now Monsignor Burke is concerned about two seminarians who apparently maintain homosexual relations, and instructs Farley to , well, spy ont them. Farley is furious at the thought of having to do this dirty work, but his fear to be pushed off to Iowa or some other province is a stronger driving force.

Just watch the following sequence to understand why Lemmon is considered by so many people (including me) as the greatest actor who ever lived. While Mark reproaches Burke with homophoby ("St. John always referred to himself as the one whom Jesus loved. Jesus was also a man! And he asked for love!"), Farley tries at once to be in and out of the room, to mediate and to be invisible, to help the boy, but without falling into disgrace himself.

The only consequence of Marks outburst of fury is, that Monsignor Burke now suspects him of being gay himself. Still, he is willing to postpone his exclusion from the seminary for a month, under the condition that father Farley takes him under his wings. In Farleys opinion, Mark is sincere but needs guidance. But Mark is not enthusiastic: "You're popular. That doesn't mean you can teach me what I have to learn."

Before Farley allows Mark to give a sermon to his congregation, he has to learn "charm" and "technique". What if he doesn't please the audience? As a precaution, Farley introduces him as a "new James Dean", an appropriate comparison, since Mark manages to scandalize many church-goers ("I come here because of you. I don't want to be preached to" says a lady to Farley).

Farley's lessons about what a priest has to learn (How to console mourning relatives?) glide imperceptibly into a confession. The moment when Farley reveals that he was a beaten child is a shock for the viewer ("My mother remarried. I hate her new husband. I cry myself to sleep because I think that she will go to hell"). But now his lonely life as a young priest ("Men ignored me. Women were painfully polite to me") is over! Never will he sacrifice his comfortable home, HIS people. Not for Mark, not for anyone!

One evening, during dinner, he draws Mark out about his sexual past ("Have you ever seen Paris?"). Mark cannot lie to Farley, and he cannot lie to Monsgnor Burke (although Farley implores him to). Burkes reaction is what was to be expected: He throws Mark out. Father Farley has now to make the decision of a lifetime. Can he rise above himself?

The screenplay (Bill C. Davis, from his play) is nothing short of brilliant. Funny, yet touching, filled with humor, but not for the dumb and dumber but for smart and discriminating viewers. The beautiful music is by Bill Conti.

The performances are impeccable, all actors shine, but it's really the star who makes this film. I have been exposed to method-acting during my whole life now. I hear them mumble. I see them stare. The most famous exponent of this species has just two facial expressions: either teeth clenched or mugging, but this with great self-assurance. So, if I want to see REALLY great acting from time to time I have to rely on Lemmon. Just watch the expression in his eyes, when, at some point, he is driven to slap the boy in the face: this moment he is overwhelmed by his own, sad childhood memories. Or, when his "dutch courage" (from wine) enables him to confront Monsignor Burke with the words: "Celibacy is celibacy. Even if your thing is goats!". It's such a finely tuned and precise performance, so colourful, dazzling and full of verve, that I still cannot understand why this film was so overlooked, by audiences and academy-members alike.

I can recommand this film to everyone. It's a masterpiece. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This Mike Todd production was a star-studded, multi-million dollar extravaganza when first released in 1956. It remains enjoyable family fare, but time has somewhat dulled its shine. Still, it compares favorably to the overly long, TV mini-series starring Pierce Brosnan and Eric Idle.

Elegant David Niven plays the neurotically punctual Phileas Fogg, a British gent who is spurned on by a wager to prove he can travel around the world in 80 days. He is accompanied by his valet, played with persnickety humor by Cantinflas.

Nominated for several Academy Awards, this was written by John Farrow (Mia's dad) and S.J. Perelman, based on Jules Verne's 1873 classic. The fun part is the razzle-dazzle. Todd knew what he was doing with all those exotic locales and over 40 cameo appearances, including Charles Boyer, Ronald Colman, Marlene Dietrich, José Greco, Peter Lorre, Buster Keaton, Frank Sinatra, and Red Skelton. A very young Shirley MacLaine was painted and dyed to play a lively Indian Princess. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Approaching 50, but Entertaining as Ever
If you're looking for a steely-eyed, completely objective review of Mike Todd's 1956 blockbuster "Around the World in 80 Days," don't look here! As a very unsophisticated boy of 12 I saw this film in its first release, and though I'm long past being an innocent 12-year-old, its spell over me has never faded. I loved the story, and I thought the "twist" at the ending was wonderfully clever (it still is!), but in 1957 it was the technical aspects of this movie that really blew me away--it was the first movie I ever saw in a super-wide-screen format, and the first I ever heard that was in stereophonic sound. Today, however, as I see ATWIED through adult eyes, the acting and the production values are what make it a great film for me.

The story is about Phileas Fogg (David Niven), a wealthy Englishman of compulsively punctual habits who wagers a staggering sum that he can complete a journey around the world in 80 days--quite a feat for 1872. Accompanied by his somewhat seedy gentleman's gentleman Passepartout (Cantinflas), Fogg sets off on his journey, unaware that Scotland Yard suspects him of masterminding a recent robbery of the Bank of England. Fueled by the bumbling and thick-headed Inspector Fixx (portrayed by Robert Newton, who died shortly after this film was completed), this subplot helps move the action along very smartly.

For movie buffs, the best feature of this film is the profusion of cameo roles, often delightfully tongue-in-cheek, that punctuates the action. (In fact, the term "cameo role" originated with this movie!) In some films--"The Longest Day" comes immediately to mind--cameo roles are often hokey, and an annoying distraction. In this one, they work beautifully because the casting is so good: Evelyn Keyes as a snooty Parisian girl, John Carradine as an blustering denizen of the American West, George Raft as a sinister saloon owner--every role is perfectly filled. And if you're not the type of viewer who immediately recognizes classic film actors at first glimpse, don't worry about it. You won't miss a thing. The good-natured cameos are so skillfully worked into the fabric of the film that they never intrude upon the plot.

Is "Around the World in 80 Days" flawless? Of course not. Parts of it, like the opening monologue by famous, cigarette-in-hand newscaster Edward R. Murrow, are certainly dated--but in a way, this gosh-gee-whiz segment showing a relatively tiny rocket being fired into the stratosphere is a nostalgic reminder of what life was like mere days before the first artificial satellite orbited a planet that would never be the same again.

Now, after a seemingly endless wait, nostalgia buffs can see this wonderfully good-natured film on DVD. The restoration is virtually flawless (there are a few places where the print could have been cleaned up a bit), but compared with the faded VHS copies that have been floating around for years, this release of ATWIED is absolutely stunning, its color and sound brilliantly restored, and well worth the modest investment to obtain it. The special added features are generally worthwhile, too. Highly recommended!

Lots of fun
This wonderfully comic, beautifully photographed mini epic is one of my favorite films of all time. The plot sticks pretty close to the Jules Verne novel of the same name as it relates the unlikely Victorian tale of Phileas Fogg, a mysterious millionaire played with panache by David Niven. (Was there ever a more perfect stiff English gentleman type?) Fogg bets his snooty London club that he can travel around the world in eighty days, and sets off immediately with his new servant Passepartout (played by Cantinflas, the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico.) In beautiful travelogue photography we follow the pair through many adventures in Spain, India (where they rescue an Indian princess, played by Shirley McClean, which may seem absurd today but heck it was made in the fifties), Japan, and the wild west of America. Along the way they take balloons, trains, boats, handcars, etc. all the while playing whist, having four o'clock tea, and encountering as many Hollywood cameos as are found in the other great comic epic of this film era, "It's A Mad Mad Mad Mad World." Dogging their every step is the detective Mr. Fix, who suspects Fogg is really a bank robber. Is he? Will they make it around the world in time? And has there ever been such a winning cast in such a splendid story?

A Must
Superb release of the star-studded Michael Todd venture. The film looks great. But what makes this special is the feature-length commentary by Brian Sibley. He not only gives a run down on all the actors (including, helpfully, those whose stars have faded -- how fleetingis fame) but gives an extraordinary wealth of information about the music, costuming, back lots, writers and, especially, Michael Todd. Anyone weary of commentaries with tired directors and vapid actors who tell nothing more than what's going on on-screen, will find Sibley's commentary not onlyl informative but a lot of fun.

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS
I only give this one 2 stars because it is such a poor transfer. The picture image is very soft. Such a shame...but then that is Warner Brothers who do not seem to take a great deal of care in their work. One of my all time favorite movies....I can't tell you how many times I saw it in the theatre and was thrilled when it came out on VHS a few years ago. But the picture is soft focus....actually gets hard on the eyes. Shame on you Warner Bros.

Aound The World, 1956,
This won best picture in 1956. I cannot understand why. Very cheesy plot in many places. Phileas Fogg is a bore most of the time. Events fall into place so easily its almost laughable ! Phileas Fogg and his assistant just leave with no planning. Just grab some money and go. Phileas Fogg seems to never plan ahead and just assumes the next ship is ready to take him and his assistant to the next location.

Oh yes, when in France and all trains have been cancelled due to a bad crash, the guy selling the tickets happens to have a hot-air balloon ready to go for them !

And don't even mention that Phileas Fogg can just carry larges amounts of cash in a large handbag. And in India they save an Indian princess who is a young Shirley Shirley MacLaine dressed up to look Indian. If filmed in India, you think they could have hired an Indian actress. In the west the Indian attack on the train is so phony, its almost a joke.

Only once did the movie add a bit grit, by having the team buy a steam ship that was headed for South America. They make it go to England with some hard work and ingenuity. ... Read more

Description

Confronted with life-changing news, a middle-aged architect seizes the opportunity to begin living life on his own terms as he builds the house of his dreams, and winds up rebuilding the world around him in the process ... Read more

Reviews (182)

certainly memorable
Life as a house is a brilliant movie. There is never a dull moment. Although it does not have war planes crashing at every second, it still keeps your attention. The story is about a divorced man (Kevin Kline)who has drifted from his family and from his son espcially. His son visits him on certain weekends and doesn't like it too much. Then the dad finds out he is going too die soon so he wants to do the things in his life that he has put off for so long, like rebuilding his beach shack and reconnecting with his lost son, Sam (Hayden Christensen). Hayden Christensen turned in a beautiful performance and he really makes you feel what the character was feeling. Sam is somewhat of a case. Certainly not the kind of kid your parents wanted you hanging around. It will surely be a long time before I forget this film, not only because of the wonderful story line and intense drama, but for the wonderful Oscar deserving performances also. Espcially by newcomer Hayden Christensen(Anakin Skywalker in upcoming Episode 2). He really portrayed his character, Sam, perfectly. He is an outstanding actor; not just for a newcomer. He really gets your attention.
Life As A House is one of the best films I have ever seen. It was certainly a memorable film.

A good movie that might have been great
Have you ever watched a movie, totally engrossed, walked out of the theater satisfied that your hard-earned money was well spent, went to sleep, and then woke up the next morning with the sneaking suspicion that someone had pulled a fast one on you? This was my reaction to Life as a House.

Wonderful, engaging performances by Kevin Kline, Kirsten Scott-Thomas and Hayden Christensen make it an enjoyable experience despite the overcrowded, mediocre screenplay, which often resorts to cheap and unnecessary tricks and clichés to tug on our emotions. An early scene involving George (Kline's character) and a compassionate nurse is one example. Another involves an awkward subplot with an angry neighbor and a building inspector. Like many things that happen in Life as a House, it adds nothing to the story, and detracts from the characterizations and struggles of the main players. And the final scene! Well, please. Don't get me started.

Still, despite the flaws, the movie is sweet and enjoyable. After all is said and done, a good movie that might have been great with a better screenplay.

Wonderful
A person walks away from this movie thinking how lucky he or she is to just be alive! Bravo! Kevin Kline's best performance except for "Sophie's Choice."

Life is a house, not American Beauty
First of all, Life As A House is pretty much like American Beauty, only better. Hayden, from Star Wars 2, portrays the teenager in a very dysfunctional family, while Kevin Kline plays his father. Like American Beauty, it seems like the whole block is dysfunctional, and they pretty much are. Yet, when Kevin Kline is diagnosed with cancer he decides to build the house he has always dreamed of, and in doing so try to reconnect with his son. I personally feel that although this is a very typical picture of teen angst and family dysfunction it is shown in a fresh new way, and one that actually connects with the audience.

good movie
this overall was a very good movie. hayden christensen was excellent in it, as was kevin kline. i would have given it the full 5 stars, but some parts were a bit melodramatic. besides that, this movie was both funny and sad, put together with a great cast to produce a very good movie. i would probably give it 4 1/2 stars but thats not really an option. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

If it ain't broke don't fix it!
SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN offers nothing really new but it does offer exactly what fans of the franchise expect. Nick and Nora get dragged into another murder mystery. They continue to bicker in their loving way. Nick and all his old street contacts help Nick do what the police cannot. Lt. Abrams (Sam Levene) last seen in AFTER THE THIN MAN returns. He is to Nick what Inspector Lestrad is to Sherlock Holmes. It's a treat to see a young Donna Reed in a film 5 years prior to her breakthrough performance in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE and 2 decades prior to her self named sitcom.

As usual, Nick with Nora's help rounds up all the suspects and walks the viewer through his deductive reasoning and then announces who the killer is. As this was the third sequel it is plain to see the basic formula that is present in all the THIN MAN films. It, by this film, had become about as complex as a color by numbers coloring book. Little imagination but still fun to do. I would rank this my fourth favorite of the six THIN MAN FILMS. I'm still waiting on the DVD release for this film and the other 4 sequels to the original THIN MAN. Hurry up!!!

4TH THIN MAN MOVIE AND STILL GOING STRONG.
I actually liked the 4th movie better than the Third. Back in California, Nick and Nora are staying at a posh hotel with a now young Nicky jr. (around 5 years old I guess) in tow.

The Charles' take a trip to the local race track only to find that a jockey has been murdered. Their old pal Lt. Abrahms (played by Sam Levine) is there investigating. Soon, a newspaper reporter is killed and another reported, played by Barry Nelson is accused.

As they are friends, Nick and Nora jump in to solve the crime. Donna Reed is also along as Nelson's girlfriend and the secretary of a crooked arena owner.

As usual, the cast includes many fine character actors. The scene in a seafood restaurant where Nick tries (in vain) to get lobster while everyone else wants Sea Bass is priceless.

Also great is a scene where Nick takes Nora to see pro wrestling and Nora really gets into the match. Not quite as strong as the first two movies, Shadow is still one of the better Thin Man movies.

Fun At The Race Track
In SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN Nick starts out to clear one of his reporter friends who has been accused of murder. The killing is actually the work of the syndicate and is connected to racetrack gambling.

William Powell and Myrna Loy return in the starring roles and they are supported by another large cast which includes Barry Nelson, Sam Levene, Donna Reed and Stella Adler. Dickie Hall appears as Nick Charles, Jr. who is now old enough to talk.

W.S. Van Dyke serves as director for the last time in the series since he died before the next entry was filmed in 1944. Van Dyke will be remembered for his direction of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald in ROSE-MARIE and NAUGHTY MARIETTA.

Nick and Nora and Donna Reed.
Nick and Nora (William Powell and Myrna Loy) investigate after their friend, Paul Clark (Barry Nelson), is framed for murder. The familiar things that make the Thin Man series easy to like are present in this movie. Nick and Nora continue their witty and sophisticated repartee, having fun with their marriage. A running joke in the series is Nora's amused reaction to Nick's blue-collar background. Wherever they go, Nick meets old friends and associates among the cops, bookies, gamblers, and ex-cons. Nora's chutzpah keeps pace with Nick's rapier wit. Their night out at the wrestling matches is a high-point of our little story. Note her introduction to "Spider" Webb. Asta occasionally steals the spotlight, especially in the restaurant segment as the mischievious pooch causes a knockdown brawl. The cutesy Nickie, Jr. detracts from the edginess of the adult story line. This is unfortunate but not important enough to emphasize. We usually fast-forward through Nick and Nick, Jr. on the merry-go-round. In the middle of all this classic comedy, a genuine murder mystery is in progress. Sam Levene repeats his role from "After the Thin Man" of Lt. Abrams. When Nick isn't sparring with Nora, he and Abrams square off. A very young Donna Reed plays Paul's girl, Molly. Mix it in a cocktail shaker, and we have good fun. ;-)

Fine Installment In The Thin Man Series
The high-living Nick and Nora Charles stumble into murder at a San Francisco racetrack and are quickly led into an investigation of various gambling rackets in this fast paced and very witty forth installment of the famous "Thin Man" series. The powerful charm of William Powell and Myrna Loy as a screen team is undimmed by passing time, and the script gives them plenty of opportunity to shine.

Like all the "Thin Man" films, THE SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN offers a superior supporting cast including a very young Donna Reed--but the real standout here is Stella Adler, seldom seen on screen but a noted stage actress and famous acting coach. Adler's performance here is quite remarkable, at once sultry and disconcerting, and should not be overlooked.

Although two more films were to come in the series, THE SHADOW OF THE THIN MAN is really the last significant film in the series. Both fans and newcomers will enjoy it! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

i only give the five stars to Mark Hamill
the rest of the movie was absolutely stupid. it was gorry- i'll give it that, but it was not that great. the only reason i would ever buy( and the only reason i ever watched it in the first place) is because Mark Hamill is in it. my roommates and i watched it together, and we were commenting on just how stupid the movie was. actually, i do have to give John Carpenter so credit. he did make a funny dead guy.

Decent Carpenter
"Body Bags" was an anthology type horror film featuring three stories, 2 by John Carpenter and the third by Tobe Hooper. It originally aired on the Showtime movie channel in the early 90s.
Carpenter rarely directed TV films due to creative restrictions and the fact it prevented him from using his favored 2.35:1 aspect ratio however since "Body Bags" was broadcast on a movie channel, he never had to worry about content (though it was unfortunately filmed with 1.33:1 in mind.)
Sadly the DVD is no longer available BUT there is still hope! "Body Bags" is now owned by Lions Gate Entertainment and you can write to them and ask that they re-release it on DVD!
Here is their address:

Lions Gate Entertainment
4553 Glencoe Avenue, Suite 200
Marina Del Ray, California 90292

classic
You get to see Revenge of the Nerd's Lewis as a crazy killer and Luke Skywalker's bum!

What more could one ask for?

Three stories to horrify you.
John Carpenter (the master of Halloween [1978]) who plays a coroner tells you a new story. A woman starts her first night as a gas station cashier. She is all alone. One customer she meets is David Naughton (An American Werewolf in London) whose character was born in Haddonfield (Yes, the one in HALLOWEEN) where this story is set. Later a homeless man asks for the key to the bathroom. But the woman mistakenly forgot the key inside her booth. More suspense. Later she finds the homeless man murdered. More suspense. There is a killer at the gas station. She thought she was alone. But that's not all. John Carpenter will have two more stories to show you. The second story stars Stacy keach and Sheena Easton. Keach is a middle-aged man who is upset that he is going bald, just has thin hair. He tries everything with no success. Then he goes to a professional hair company. The third story stars Mark Hamill and Twiggy.

Tales From The Crypt!?
I will admit, I have witnessed the downfall of John Carpenters movies over the years, and this one is not perfect either. Although I must say this movie was very original, and it brought me back to some fond memories of Tales From The Crypt. If you liked Tales From The Crypt I highly recommend this to you, but if you take a different approach to horror, and would like to see something more terrifying, I suggest some of John Carpenter's old work, "Halloween" for instants. Overall it was a great movie, but it just doesn't fit John Carpenters normal pattern. Although I do recommend that all horror fans at least give it a chance, and rent it. ... Read more

Reviews (187)

A well-made feel good movie
I have seen many feel good movies in my lifetime such as Good Will Hunting, Scent of a Woman, Dead Poet's Society, Patch Adams, & Finding Forrester is way up there with them. The movie is portrayed as a matter-of-factly of a 16 years old African American boy, Jamal living in the Bronx. He deliberately passed his grades simply rather than excelling in the exams & shooting hoops in order to fit in with his peers but his hidden potential was soon discovered by an elite school in the nation's bursary which offered him a free scholarship. In a dare with his friends, Jamal sneaked into William Forrester's (depicted brilliantly by Sean Connery) apartment & by accident, a lifelong frienships ensued. Jamal's significant improvement in his grades raised suspicion from his teacher (potrayed well by Murray Abraham). As William put to Jamal's succinctly, a good teacher could either be very effective or very dangerous & soon enough, Jamal was at the receiving end of the teacher's wrath for being too good. Naturally, race issue was touched upon, & the awkwardness of Jamal to date a white woman (acted by Anna Paquin) with a rich background was displayed not by words but by those silent moment & brief glances. Towards the end, it all came to a climax with a predictable but resounding ending. A movie that deserved to be savoured slowly & the message shines thru, that if you have a dream, pursue it albeit how late it is as long as you pursue it. A cameo appearance by an unexpected star which would give the whole meaning to irony. Rob Brown (who played Jamal), a non actor was believable with his big innocent eyes craving for knowledge, Busta Rhymes played a surprisingly low key character of Jamal's elder brother who wished for nothing but the best for Jamal as he accepted his own fate as a parking attendant at the local stadium, & Sean Connery was simply splendid as always. A movie that deserved to be stood alone on its merit. Special features in the DVD are widescreen presentation, English & French subtitles, Dolby Sound, HBO Making of the movie, Rob Brown, deleted choir scenes, theatrical trailers, talent files, interactive menus, production notes, & lastly scene selections.

Finding a beautiful movie..
Finding Forrester is one of the rare movies that don't rely on corny music and movie cliches to touch your feelings.The message is delivered in a subtle form and although the story is not unique,this time I really found myself caring for the characters.This leads me to the conclusion that it is not what you tell,it is how you tell..

Jamal(Rob Brown)is a high school student living in Bronx.He has two skills,playing basketball and writing.At a time in his life when he must decide what kind of future he wants,he meets William Forrester (Sean Connery),a once Pulitzer winning author,who dissapeared and decided to live a life of isolation after the publishement of his only book.Traditionally,it would be expected that Jamal needs Forrester's help to truly understand who he is and what he wants,buth both characters are in need of help of some kind.Their friendship starts in a bizarre way,and change both of their lives.

I was not surprised by how great Connery's performance was,because anything else is unthinkable,but Rob Brown really impressed me.And I was even more amazed to learn that it was his first screen presence.He applied to be an extra because he needed money to pay hiss cellphone bill.Well,I hope he did,and that he continues making movies,because he is a natural actor in my opinion.

The movie definitely reminds me of Good Will Hunting,the director's other movie,but although I liked that one too,I think Finding Forrester is superior.It doesn't have those "high" moments like Good Will Hunting,but the movie as a whole is touching,and some of the dialogue and the ending is genuninely original and emotional.

The DVD has a nice picture transfer.The extras are average,not bad but cold be better.I think this is a must-have DVD.

In Finding Forrester,you will find something..

Your the man now, dog!
I loved the way that a most uncommon friendship formed between 2 most different people. Who would have thought that Sean Connery fitted into a role such as this, but it was very clever to see it all develop. I've always enjoyed the melancholy acting of F. Murray Abraham, and once again he proves that he is perfect for the role. It was the first movie where I realized that Busta Rhymes acted on the side.I thought he almost played a key role as the ideal big brother, and showed the genuine love for Jamal that some siblings never experience. Rob Brown, awesome. A talented young basketball player who learns that he is also a talented writer.

One thing that I love are some of the comments that Brown and Connery come out with in this. Brown: "You read all these, man?" Connery: "No, I just have them to impress all my visitors." Another one I like is, "Bolt the door... if you're coming in." But my favorite line throughout the whole film as to be one you probably would never expect from someone like Sean Connery. He booms, "PUNCH THE KEYS!!!" and Jamal punches the keys, and then he proceeds to say, "You're the man now, dog!" Who's gonna forget that! Ha!

Not Much To Find Here
Probably Gus Van Sant`s more mainstream (and uninspired??) movie, "Finding Forrester" presents a couple of intriguing moments and ideas yet the result is typical and too close to cliched territory. A coming-of-age story combined with an essay about the writing process, this average melodrama starts well enough but loses its steam halfway through. There`s nothing new here, and some of the plot resembles aspects of the previous (and better) Van Sant`s picture, "Good Will Hunting". Sure, the acting is very convincing and the direction shows some brilliance at parts, but the pacing is too uneven and drags in many moments. "Finding Forrester" is also too PC and "pretty", delivering another awe-inspiring Hollywood piece of fluff that doesn`t dare to challenge the viewer (and Van Sant is usually a challenging director). Overall, this cinematic experience is not a complete disaster but doesn`t manage to impress either, offering a so-so story that has been done before and with better results.

Good at parts, a somewhat interesting failure as a whole.

MOVING TALE, DESPITE THE PLOT'S SHORTCOMINGS
The story is so played -- a ghetto genius is discovered, quite by accident, and is guided by a rough-around-the-edges genius-in-his-own-right mentor. You have seen this in "Good Will Hunting" or "Hoop Dreams" among others.

Fortunately, Finding Forrester does have a somewhat different hue, and unlike the mawkish sentimentality of movies like Patch Adams or Bruce Almighty, it includes decent and well-contained drama.

It unfolds smoothly. So smoothly in fact that you don't really realize how many cardboard characters are smooshed in -- a spent-up reclusive J.D. Salinger type writer (Sean Connery), a failed writer with a grudge (the professor), a rich WASP student in a rich WASP school (the love interest of the black boy that never really takes off)..etc.

Besides, the movie's main premise hinges on a rather implausible chance meeting between a bunch of kids playing basketball and a Pulitzer winning writer who purportedly lives a hermit's life.

Yet, the script makes all the difference, it overshadows these minor quibbles. Very well written movie, tinged with modernistic poetry spoken and actuated with the least accents and efforts, more than enough to keep the spirit going.

Recommended rental. ... Read more

Reviews (79)

A poignant epic to be remembered for it's honesty
Although I haven't seen the film yet, as it is not due to be released in the United Kingdom until Friday, the 3rd of September, I have seen the trailers and have read the screenplay and the novel based on it. I also have the original soundtrack cd, as well. I am quite taken with "Deguello de Crockett" from the soundtrack. I found the story, although told many times before, to be refreshingly compelling in it's honesty and down-to-earth approach. Even though, as an American originally from Georgia, I knew the story well, I found myself hoping for a better outcome to the familiar battle as I read the story. Unlike all the other previous tellings, it presents the men in the Alamo, most significantly, Crockett, Bowie and Travis, as flawed and human, rather than just as caricatures of themselves. It makes them just like everyone else involved. They feel and explore emotions such as dread, fear, apprehension and are racked with doubts and regrets about just what they have gotten themselves and those who followed them into. Billy Bob Thornton probably brings more depth, reality and humanity to Crockett than any other actor who has ever played the role. His attempts to try to "escape" from the image of coonskin cap wearing "Davy" that most everyone has of him and be just the simple and ordinary man, "David" that he really is are the best parts of the story. The filmmakers deserve credit for their attempt to bring a more realistic story to the screen. It's just a pity that they were not able to get a longer running time. Judging from the screenplay and the novel, I fear that much of the surprisingly involved story was shortened, sacrificed for the finished product which eventually made it to the screen. Personally, as much as I liked and admired John Wayne, his Crockett was badly miscast (John Wayne wearing a coonskin cap??) and like his lavish and patriotic version of this story, stirring, but quite unrealistic and farcial. All-in-all this new film would seem to come closer to the truth, despite shattering myths about things we would rather believe really happened at The Alamo. It is quite obviously a flawed and far from a perfect film, but it probably was not ever intended to be all things to all people. Some people will probably get more from it than others. I personally found the unfolding and somewhat sprawling story to be moving and memorable. It changed the way I viewed the story and those involved. I will definitely see the film as soon as I get the chance and will eventually add it to my DVD library, as well.

"REMEMBER THE ALAMO!"
While I'm not 100% sure about the idea of Billy Bob Thornton playing the iconic legend Davy Crockett (John Wayne gave the best performance in "The Alamo" [1960]), the rest of the cast (including Dennis Quaid as Sam Houston) and exciting battle sequences (including San Jacinto as well as the battle for the Alamo) should make this an impressive movie-going experience! Prepare for another great historical epic! But check out John Wayne's classic 1960 film as well as the latest Civil War epic from Ronald F. Maxwell ("Gettysburg"), "Gods and Generals!"

amazed
this movie is very good. critics hated it, alot of people hated it too. i loved it. how you could hate this movie is impossible for me to understand. this is one movie that did everything perfectly. it gave great action, a great story, and wasnt burdened by trying to make a love scene/story. unlike alot of people i thought denis quaid was wonderful. after the battle of the alamo i was really hoping theyd continue with that last charge and they did. dennis quaids speech was awesome. also this is one of the first movies to get the sound of gunfire right. i am very impressed

Best re telling of the Alamo story to date
Here is a movie that was done with forethought and care. Billy Bob's Crockett is memorable on all levels. Michael Corenblith's set should be perserved like the Wayne set in Brackettville. It's more a film about people than a battle. The history is almost the backdrop for the transitions of the characters. For the first time there is a real feeling of siege. Only Disney's Davy Crockett came any where close to that feeling of "waiting".
This film will grow in prestige and will be regarded as a truly classic film as the years go by.

The Alamo
I don't care what you all say, this is the best Alamo movie I have seen!! They do not have Travis look like a whimp, they have him look like he was. No one knows how Davy Crockett died, so they put a twist to it. I thought the movie was very historically accurate, and I should know, I am a historian, and the Alamo is my area of expertice. So if you say it was bad, that's just good for you, but it was very accurate, and entertaining!!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

BURY IT AT SEA!
This is standard fare. Any film, story or book with the world's most famous twins is predictable. Everything will come up roses. This is no exception. One point of distinction is the songs are worse. "Who Would You Be" is by far and away the worst. "Who Would You Be A Kennedy" is stupid and insulting. That lousy effort should be buried at sea.

ITS GREAT!!!
You must watch the case of the SEA WORLD ADVENTU

The best case of all!
Sea World adventure is the best of all Adventures of Mary-Kate and Ashley. Especially when you watch it together with it's sequel: The case of the mystery cruise. END ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Hollywood's legendary "woman's director," George Cukor (The Women, The Philadelphia Story), transformed Audrey Hepburn into street-urchin-turned-proper-lady Eliza Doolittle in this film version of the Lerner and Loewe musical. Based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady stars Rex Harrison as linguist Henry Higgins (Harrison also played the role, opposite Julie Andrews, on stage), who draws Eliza into a social experiment that works almost too well. The letterbox edition of this film on video certainly pays tribute to the pageantry of Cukor's set, but it also underscores a certain visual stiffness that can slow viewer enthusiasm just a tad. But it's really star wattage that keeps this film exciting, that and such great songs as "On the Street Where You Live" and "I Could Have Danced All Night." Actor Jeremy Brett, who gained a huge following later in life portraying Sherlock Holmes, is quite electric as Eliza's determined suitor. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (156)

An Excellent Adaption of One of Broadway's Best
One of the classics of the American musical theater, "My Fair Lady" is brought to us with amazing grace and sensitivity by legendary dirctor George Cukor. This musical has it all: a classic score by Lerner and Loewe (including "I Could have Danced All Night," "The Rain in Spain," and "Get me to the Church on Time"), an interesting story, and great characters. Rex Harrison proves to be nothing less then supurb as Henry Higgens, the speach teacher who vows to "never let a woman in my life," but finds himself falling for flower girl Eliza Dolittle. The supporting cast is in top form, with special mention going to the hysterical Stanley Halloway as Alfred P. Dolittle, the charming Wilfred Hyde-White as Pickering, and Jeremy Brett as Freddie. My on real complaint is Audrey Hepburn, who plays Eliza. While she is far from bad, Miss Hepburn has no voice, and I can't stand it when they use another actress to dub the voice of a star. Why can't they just hire a singer in the first place? The part should have gone to Julie Andrews (who originated it on Broadway). All in all, agreat film for the whole family. Check it out!

For the most part, excellent.
First, the wonderful score. Frederic Loewe's glorious music is perfectly complimented by Alan Jay Lerner's lyrics, as on the Broadway and London stages, and almost every song is memorable and great. Second, the gloriously witty script, filled with great lines, many taken directly from Shaw, on whose play "Pygmalion" this was based, and sharp commentary on Britain's class system. Third, the all-around wonderful performances, from Rex Harrison's arch, arrogant, gleeful Henry Higgins to Audrey Hepburn's charming but unrefined flower girl who becomes a sophisticated (and stunning-looking) lady, to Stanley Holloway's lovable amoral father of Hepburn, to Wilfred Hyde-White's Colonel Pickering, to Gladys Cooper's Mrs. Higgins, just as acerbic as her son. Fourth, the much-lauded stunning look of the film, with gorgeously stylized costumes by Cecil Beaton and fine sets by Beaton. All the ingredients are there for a great film, and under George Cukor's direction, that's pretty much what you get.

And yet, the film is noticably flawed. Hepburn, while charming and, of course, stunningly dressed, does not give a bad performance by any means; it's just that she's not overwhemingly sympathetic. And her voice double, Marni Nixon, has a lovely voice, but doesn't really put any emotion into her songs, forcing that ever-present question to re-emerge: Would Julie Andrews, the Broadway and London Eliza, have been a better choice? Also, Nixon and Hepburn really do not sound alike, which is slightly annoying. (Nevertheless, most of Nixon's songs, especially "I Could Have Danced All Night," do come off well, and if Andrews had been cast, there'd be no "Mary Poppins") "On The Street Where You Live," which I consider the best and most beautiful song in the score, is given a rather flat reading by Bill Shirley, the voice double for actor Jeremy Brett; it is the only song in the movie that is truly forgettable, but that is Shirley's fault entirely, NOT Lerner or Loewe's. Too bad. And yes, the movie is a bit long. But overall, it's a vastly entertaining, enjoyable, romantic, and great experience, just not without flaw. But, oh, well.

How do you do? And which DVD version to buy ...
MFL is a marvellous film about a professor who turns a common flower girl into a lady. It is full of sing-a-long songs and funny moments. It is basically a classic for all the right reasons! Plenty of re-watch factor makes it a film to own.

In 1994, the film was restored and thank the lord they did! The film's negative was almost lost forever. In fact, the film hade had become yellow-tinged and full of scratches, blotches and all the rest! It would have been a very sad day for the movie industry if a flim like this had been lost.

The original DVD that featured this new restoration was released in the late 90's. This DVD included a 9 minute featurette, actor profiles, audio commentary, and Audrey Hepburn singing in 2 scenes.

This original 1-disc DVD has since been updated to a special 2-Disc Edition. Which one to get? I have both so I feel qualified to answer this. The new DVD includes all the features found on the original DVD, except the actor profiles. The new DVD once again includes the restored print but is apparently a new transfer from the restored print. However, according to a report that I have read, the new transfer is not p