Amazon.com

Scorned by reviewers when it came out, this concentrated dose of commando death-dealing to legions of Nazi machine-gun fodder has acquired a cult over the years. In 1968 Clint Eastwood was just getting used to the notion that he might be a world-class movie star; Richard Burton, whose image had been shaped equally by classical theater training and his headline-making romance with Elizabeth Taylor, was eager to try on the action ethos Eastwood was already nudging toward caricature. Alistair MacLean's novel The Guns of Navarone had inspired the film that started the '60s vogue for World War II military capers, so he was prevailed on to write the screenplay (his first). The central location, an impregnable Alpine stronghold locked in ice and snow, is surpassing cool, but the plot and action are ultra-mechanical, and the switcheroo gamesmanship of just who is the undercover double (triple?) agent on the mission becomes aggressively silly. --Richard T. Jameson ... Read more

Reviews (156)

A great War Movie
This movie, filled with drama, action, and a complex plot that will make your head spin, has it all. Richard Burton is dashing as the cold plotting secret agent who is leading his team on a mission to save D-Day from disaster. Clint Eastwood, here little more than a teenager, is wonderful as the somewhat befuddled American army ranger who cannot figure out why he is even on the mission.

Any attempt to go into detail about the story would ruin some of the fun. Suffice to say that you will be riveted both by the action and the performances. One note though, Burton's monologue is amazing.

If you like WWII movies and have not seen this one, you don't know what you are missing.

Trashy and absurd, but still fun
This is a campy movie, but enlivened by gorgeous scenery, unintentionally funny dialogue and some of the most unbelievable action scenes ever devised (count how many times Clint Eastwood reloads... never!)

Richard Burton is his usual over-acting self, and he delivers his lines with more bombast that usual. A favorite is when he's pretending to be SS Reichsfuehrer Heinrich Himmler's brother in order to swagger around in a beerhall. Someone gets wise with him and Burton sneers, "My name is Bernard Himmler. Does the name mean anything to YOU? "

The last half hour of the movie is hilarious. Watch particularly the poker-faced Mary Ure, who hangs out of the back of a ski bus, machine gun in hand. She effortlessly mows down 10 German divisions single-handedly and never so much as twitches one facial muscle. Talk about a blase killer. Mary knocks off more German tanks, trunks and motorcycles in this movie than the Allied and Soviet forces achieved in all of World War II.

This is an enjoyable, escapist movie with plenty of laughs. Those of you who appreciate campy humor and enjoy ridiculing movies that take themselves too seriously will have a field day.

One of the Greatest War Films of All Time !
Quite simply one of the greatest war movies ever made. A top notch thriller loaded with action, espionage and double crosses, "Where Eagles Dare" is the kind of movie that Hollywood just doesn't make anymore. This isn't some politically correct drama steeped in reality. No, this is good guys vs. bad guys. This is pure unabashed fantasy which keeps the audience on the edge of its seat. This is just darn good entertainment!

Richard Burton is absolutely cunning as the British agent who leads an elite group of soldiers behind enemy lines and into a seemingly unpenetrable German castle to rescue an imprisoned American General. A young Clint Eastwood is the only American on the mission. Clint is his usual cool and calm self. However he, like the audience, isn't sure who to trust. Somebody's a double agent, but exactly who is anyone's guess. Don't worry about figuring it out, just sit back and enjoy the drama. You'll love the growing tension and suspicion between Burton and Eastwood.

The journey into the castle is classic heart-stopping drama. Even better is Burton's fight with a German soldier high atop a ski lift -- truly one of the most riveting action sequences ever filmed. Bullets are flyin' and bombs are blastin' throughout. In the end, heroes emerge while evil perpetrators get their just due. Classic, absolutely classic!

And yes, as several reviewers have noted, the stunning scenery and beautiful cinematography in this film would greatly benefit from a widescreen DVD treatment. So, how 'bout it, I want my DVD!

Commando raid at its most ludicrous
OK. Stellar star cast. I'll give you that and no dearth of action as well. But to portray the German Fallschirmjaeger and alpine troops as a bunch of bungling flat footed idiots is a little far fetched. It is history at its worst portrayal and hollywood action at its golden peak. Some dumbass marine from New Jersey might fall for this drivel but not well read students of history. It gets failing grade for portrayal of reality based fiction but gets high marks for choice of location and choice of cast. If you want a better war flick, pick Operation Daybreak.

Whats up with the dubbing
I happened to think that this was a cool movie.
Being a ex-marine I understand that alot of this
if not all of it is fantasy but hey its a movie not a documentary its suppose to be fun. My main concern was the dubbing was this an american movie or european ? it was Burtons and Eastwoods voices on the film but it was advanced meaning the sound occured before the action now I dont know if it was my dvd player I dont think so but man that was annoying ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Reason To Believe
This is a basically good movie. I was disappointed that there was not an unrated version. There are scenes which have been edited out. If you buy a censored version (which the "R" version is), you've been cheated. The movie should be seen as the director filmed it!

Sleazy and trashy
Reason To Believe has got to be the worst movie I have ever sat through. Non of the characters are at all believable and most are morally disgusting. I am no prude but if this movie represents the way college students live today then it is no wonder the world is in such decay. There really is no reason to see this movie. Totally disgusting. Why well known actors would be involved in such sleazy trash is beyond comprehension!!!!

"A Reason to Believe" that college is dangerously fun.
This movie gives an accurate portrayal of college life while at the same time giving you the "over the edge" exaggerations. It takes a serious look at date rape which, unfortunately, really does happen in Anycollege, USA. If you like dumb college guys doing funny-as-hell college pranks, this movie is for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This second motion-picture outing for the adventurous Muppets findsthem in London hunting down jewel thieves while staying at the city's mostcheerfully derelict dive, the Happiness Hotel. Filled with song and dance(and swimming!) numbers, this Jim Henson-directed feature is worth seeing, iffor nothing else than to see the cantankerous Charles Grodin(Beethoven) swoon over Miss Piggy. But The Great Muppet Caper has a lot more going for it: cameos by John Cleese, Peter Falk, and Oscar the Grouch, among others;Miss Piggy parading down a catwalk; and Kermit the Frog on a bicycle. TheMuppets are fond of breaking down that pesky fourth wall, which gives themovie some of its cleverest moments and will elicit the biggest laughs fromthe kids. (Kermit to Miss Piggy: "You're overacting. You're hamming it up.")By the time a framed Miss Piggy is freed and the real jewel thieves arecaught, you'll forget the occasional slow spots and remember the musicalnumbers and the banter. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Great fun, great laughs, and great muppets
I've only seen this movie on a recorded-off-TV format, but this is probably one of the funniest movies you can see (at least with Kermit the Frog in the starring role), and certainly the best Muppet movie, as far as I'm concerned.

The movie begins with Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo in a balloon, floating high above the city, reading the credits as they roll. ("Kermit? What does B.S.C. stand for?" "I dunno..." and "Nobody really reads these do they?" "Well sure they do. They all have families.")

Once the credits finish, the balloon plummets to the street, where the trio introduce the movie with a large song-and-dance number amidst a chaotic street scene, complete with a robbery on set!

The rest of the movie is loads of laughs as Kermit and his friends travel to England for their newspaper to interview Lady Holiday (Diana Rigg). Their Muppet entourage grows when the three book their stay at the Happiness Hotel, a run-down England hotel occupied by a crew of lazy Muppets.

Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, Miss Piggy, Animal, Dr. Teeth and the whole gang eventually team up to foil Lady Holiday's brother (Charles Grodin) and his three partners in crime from stealing the fabulous Baseball Diamond at the Mallory Gallery. It's pure, hilarious, and classic Muppet mayhem.

Kiddos and adults one and all will most likely enjoy this movie, and you don't have to worry about any unclean humor whatsoever.

I'm in my late teens and I still laugh at this movie. Definitely worth the money.

Great movie, lousy DVD
I've always had a soft spot in my heart for the Muppets, even as I got older and started watching more "grown-up" movies.

Of the three Muppet movies made while Jim Henson was still alive, this was the first one I ever saw, and remains my favorite. The jokes are hilarious (my favorite being the recurring joke "We'll catch them red-handed." "What color are their hands now?"), and the puppetry is just incredible, especially during the scene where everyone goes for a bike ride.

Unfortunately, I can't give this 5 stars, because I'm not just rating the movie, I'm rating the DVD it's on. And quite frankly, the DVD stinks. Even though some bonus features (like on the "Muppet Movie" and "Muppets Take Manhattan" DVDs) would have been nice, what was REALLY lacking was the picture quality. The opening scene with Kermit, Fozzie, and Gonzo in the hot air balloon looked dirty and grainy. This film seriously needed to be cleaned up before being transferred to DVD.

So while the movie itself is great and gets five stars, I can only give the DVD three.

The Great Muppet Caper
I really enjoyed this movie...it's great for the whole family!

Cute but Not my Favorite Muppet Movie!
I saw The great Muppet Caper in a movie theater with my family when I was about 16 years old and though I preferred The first movie and I also prefer the third movie The Muppets Take Manhattan this was a cute movie too but I just didn't enjoy it as much but I do recommend it to Muppet fans but though I would buy the other two movies on DVD I'm not sure if I would buy this one unless I found it on sale at a very low price. Like in a bargain bin or something.

Witty, witty, witty...
As I am indulging in all things British at the moment, I wondered how Jim Henson would be at a British murder mystery. The answer is absolutely fabulous!

In the opening credits, Fozzy complains about how long the credits are taking and says, "Does anyone even read those names?" "Sure," replies Kermit, "they have families." From there Henson takes you on a pure romp of fun, finding the humour in the British, in fashion design, in plot development, in seedy hotels, in Columbo, and in the Muppets themselves. Throughout the film, Henson also plays with the audiences' mind as he breaks down the barrier between the plot and reality. He was an incredibly clever man!

Also, if you have a favorite among the Muppets, yours will probably have his time in the spotlight. My favorites are Beaker and the Swedish Chef, and I was not disappointed in them. However, my appreciation for Kermit, Miss Piggy and Gonzo also grew in this film. (It's been awhile since I watched the Muppets.)

So, all in all, this is a good time for anyone, with humour and creativity there to inspire folks of all ages. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Amateurish but entertaining
"Set it Off" is far from remarkable, but it's amiable and entertaining. The screenplay was definitely written by amateurs, packing as much melodrama into the storyline as possible. First we introduce the character of Jada Pinkett's brother. She's like a mother figure to him, since their parents are dead. He's a nice guy, gets into a fight with his sister and flees the house. It's no surprise when he turns out dead two scenes later. Then Kimberly Elise's child accidentally swallows some household substances and the custody of the kid is handed over to child services. We have Vivica A. Fox who got fired from her job at the bank and Queen Latifah who's just plain crazy. Basically, the character motivations seem ripped from a soap opera.

The film is predictable from the get-go, so just strap in for the ride. Don't expect high-class writing and high-class direction, especially from the guy who made "Friday." Don't get me wrong, that was a good movie, but like "Set it Off" it's only valuable as lightweight entertainment.

One thing I have to say is this is one black movie that didn't go for the humdrum "white people bad, black people good" premise. I assumed that was the direction the film was going after watching the first scene in which the white bank manager fires Vivica for not following procedure, totally ignoring the fact that she was at gunpoint, along with everyone else in the bank. But then we get introduced to the other two managers, who are both black and both sleazy. Not to say that black people are sleazy; it's just good knowing that the writers weren't associating the term "white" with "sleazy" and didn't see the characters in terms of color. Even the John C. McGinley character, the detective who is out to get the four women, isn't entirely sadistic.

SPOILERS AHEAD

There are a few moments that are just too silly for their own good. Are you telling me two cops are gonna be so distracted by an obnoxious vagrant that they'll totally disregard a bank robbery (literally) taking place right behind them? As I said, you can tell this was written by amateurs. And then we have Queen Latifah driving through the bank in a minivan, which is stupid in the first place and shown simply for cinematic pretentiousness, and the four women drive out, still not being actively pursued by the cops. Latifah makes one turn and suddenly she loses the cops altogether? That's too much disbelief to suspend. And of course, in the usual cinematic tradition, the minor characters have to die first. Kimberly Elise dies in standard operatic fashion--in someone's arms, saying her last words. Only in the movies can someone die like that 90 % of the time.

The acting is pretty good, though sometimes hammy. When Jada sees her brother dead on the street, screaming and crying out, "Whyyyyy!!" (I could be paraphrasing), that was too much. Latifah's role as a crazy thug wasn't much of a stretch, especially since this film was made back in her hip-hop days. She is a fine actress, though, and I prefer her more mature roles in films like "Living Out Loud." John C. McGinley and Blair Underwood add a touch of class.

If F. Gary Gray weren't so dependent on melodrama and big action spectacles to create tension, this wouldn't been a much more compelling film. Maybe someone like John Singleton or the Hughes Brothers could've made this a more powerful film. Just don't set your expectations too high and you should have a good time.

Well, it sure ain't Waiting to Exhale...
The characters in this story were so believable. One rough and rugged, one sweet and gentle, one sophisticated and wild, and one sensible and laid back. Although these women had such varying personalities, the genuine friendship between the four looked natural and unforced. They lived mundane lives, just struggling to make ends meet. And then, they are faced with trauma that sends them over the edge, one loses her job, and almost her life, in a bank hold-up - and is accused of being involved. Another loses her kid brother after he's shot by police officers when they mistake him for someone else. That's when they decide that the only way to make it out of their situation is to get fast money - by robbing banks. The humor at the beginning of the movie and in the first bank heist disappears, however, as these women become wanted and are risking their lives to pull off one last robbery. By the end of the movie, I felt like I had lost a few good friends.

This is a great movie with a combination of romance, humor, and hard-hitting action that centers around a group of women (for a change.) - And they don't go out like Thelma and Louise either!

TALENT!!
It's a great film, with great acting and a great story. Queen Latifah played a shocking part, but she did it well. Jada Pinkett ( one of my favorites) was just as good..., actually all the actresses did a fine job. I defintely recommend people to see this movie.

Oldie But Goodie
I love this movie no matter how many times I watch it.My favorite part is where Queen Latifah says to Jada Pinkett-Smith "Look Stoney we HOT then she says I know you not gonna play us for that bumpie at the bank" This shows some camaraderie as sister friends which is really hard to find. This movie also was very sad at certain points with mucho action.

Off the Hook!!!!
This film is good!!!! 4 ladies finally have enough of the tough life, and come up with a sceme to rob banks so they can get out of the hood. All I have to say is surpurb acting!!! Especially by Queen Latifah. She was just convincing as the lesbian tough gal. All the women in this film were great, and the movie was a good, good film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A baseball comedy and slob comedy rolled into one, this one actually works as entertainment, if not as a piece of cinematic mastery. James Gammon is the has-been manager hired to lead the last-place Cleveland Indians whose owner wants them to lose so she can sell them. But the team of has-beens and never-wases that he assembles (including Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen, and Wesley Snipes) develops a sense of pride and turns the team around. There's plenty of rowdy humor about sex, race, and whatever else they can make fun of. Look for Rene Russo (in her first film role) as Berenger's romantic interest; Snipes also had his first showy role as Willie Mays Hayes, the team's base-stealing ace. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (45)

My favorite movie!
It's not a deep drama and it won't make you ask you any tough questions of yourself, but Major League is pure entertainment from beginning to end. As such, it's my all-time favorite movie. It's easy to invest in the story (a Cleveland team made up of spare parts tries to overcome their owner's plot to move the franchise) even if it's been dated by the Indians' '90s success. The comedy doesn't pull any punches but still stays pretty tasteful, and I still find it laugh-out-loud funny even after 30+ viewings. The comedy is equal parts outstanding writing by David S. Ward and brilliant characterizations by the actors. James Gammon is dead-on as grizzled manager Lou Brown and Tom Berenger is actually sympathetic as journeyman catcher Jake Taylor. Dennis Haysbert and Corbin Bernsen give great performances, and Charlie Sheen is inimitable as Wild Thing Vaughn. I think any baseball fan will enjoy this movie, but fans of good comedy will probably like it, too.

The DVD has no special features (what else do you expect from Paramount?), but the picture and sound are good.

Movie: 6/5
DVD: 4/5
Overall: 5/5

Major Fun
No, you're not going to walk away from this movie thinking about how to achieve world peace or end poverty, but you will be walking away with a smile. MAJOR LEAGUE is a lighthearted, entertaining film that also happens to be hysterically funny. Throw the great sport of baseball into the mix and MAJOR LEAGUE is a win/win for those who love the game and those who just want to have a good laugh.

There's nothing complicated about the plot. When an aggressive femme fatale (Margaret Whitton) inherits the Cleveland Indians from her late husband, her plan is to put together a team so bad it will lose its fan base and allow her to relocate. And so a band of misfits is put together: washed-up players, inexperienced players, headcases. Of course, predictably, her plan goes awry, but it's still good fun watching the antics of the Indians as they misfire and then come together over a long, long season.

Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Rene Russo, Corbin Bernsen, and Wesley Snipes headline a great cast. Bob Uecker is absolutely hysterical. My favorite character is manager Lou Brown (James Gammon) who delivers the film's funniest line, but one I dare not repeat here (it would never get past the editors)! Grab a hot dog and a beer, pull up a chair, and let MAJOR LEAGUE put a wide grin on your face.

Just a fun movie and I'm in it
This is more a nostalgia note than a review, but most of this movie was filmed over one summer in Milwaukee (maybe Cleveland wasn't blue-collar enough). All the baseball action scenes were filmed in County Stadium, which is now a big parking lot for Miller Park. The crew invited locals to the filming at the Stadium and other locations about town, so it has a lot of local flavor. I went to the filming of the big finale to be part of the "rabid" crowd so I'm in this move, kind of. It's fun to see Uecker do his stuff, and Pete Vukovich, a former Brewer pitcher, is perfect as Heywood, the Yankee nemesis.

People from out of town said County Stadium was a dog of a ballyard, but look for the scene when Berenger sneaks onto the field at night alone and pretends to hit one out. It sure looks pretty, and I miss it.

Cinema's gift to shower singing
Its always amazing to me how people take movies like this so seriously that they think their "astute" observations about plot predictability pass for intelligent bashing. It's a simple movie and it deserves a simple review.

As far as baseball comedies go, this is by far the best ever.

As far as baseball movies go, this is near the top of the list.

As far as Charlie Sheen appearances go, this was his one shot at Oscar gold.

As far as opening songs go, this is the best one of all time, in any movie about any city or any sport or anything.

There's a red moon rising
On the Cuyahoga River
Rolling into Cleveland to the lake (x2)

There's an oil barge winding
Down the Cuyahoga River
Rolling into Cleveland to the lake (x2)

Cleveland, city of light, city of magic
Cleveland, city of light, you're calling me
Cleveland, even now I can remember
'Cause the Cuyahoga River
Goes smokin' through my dreams

Burn on, big river, burn on
Burn on, big river, burn on

Now the Lord can make you tumble
The Lord can make you turn
The Lord can make you overflow
And the Lord can make you burn

Burn on, big river, burn on
Burn on, big river, burn on

Life Imititates Art
Years after this movie's release the Oakland A's defeated Red Sox in 12th inning with bases loaded bunt by catcher. That is what is so great about the movie...the baseball is grounded in realistic play and not artificial home runs as in the Natural.

Uecker and Gammons ( playing Manager Lou Brown) are terrific.
"Just a bit outside" is now the classic comment for a really bad pitch.

Some of the voodoo stuff is overdone, but it is a fun movie ... Read more

Reviews (62)

An Astounding movie wich was shamfully overlooked!
Ride with the Devil is a civil war drama about the kansas/Missuori buskwackers. It is one of the few movies which takes you into its period world so effortlessly. It shows the true violence of the time and yet shows how that violence affected people and changed their lives. Ride with the Devil was directed by Ang Lee, who brought us the brilliant Sense and Sensibility, this is his best work since Sense and Sensibility. Lee knows how to make a period drama come alive to the viewer in a way that few directors can do. Maybe its because he usually does projects he really feels for. The acting in Ride with the Devil was supuerb. Tobey Maguire again proves that he is the most talented young actor in Hollywood, today. He protrays a a first generation american,Jake Rodell, with such heart and sincerity, very few actors could have done that. Skeet Ulrich delivers his best and most seriuos performance to date, as Jack Bull. Singer, Jewel, gives a suprisingly good and nuanced performance as Sue Lee Shelley. Jefferey Wright, protrays a freed black with real integrity and authority. Wright and Maguire were horrible oversights at the Oscars. Actually, i thought the whole movie was a horrible oversight. They brought a whole differnet level to this movie with their performances. they made you see their characters in a way that few could have done. You truely cared what happened to them as if they were a close freind. Wright and Maguire made you see the Civil War not as north and south but as people defending the only life they had ever known. Ride with the Devil is a captivating movie that goes right to your heart and helps you to understand a time in America's history, when nothing was simple and everything was a battle--Freedom, your way of life and survival. it puts a new persepective on a war with split our nation in two and hurt everyone it touched. this movie will probably never get a big following but for those of you reading this you will not be disapointed. so go rent this movie or be like me and buy it. thank you Ang lee and everyone how helped make this magnificent movie!

One of the best films of 1999
In Missouri, in the early years of the Civil War there isn't yet a proper Confederate army, so pro-Confederate folks are pretty much left to defend themselves against the Union Army. Jake "Dutchie" Roedel (Maguire) and childhood friend Jackbull Chiles (Ulrich) become Bushwhackers: roaming, non-regular Confederates who sabotage, attack and kill Union regiments wherever they find them. This film is meandering, giving it an epic quality even though the time covered is only several years. Dutchie and Jackbull join up with other Bushwhackers, including gentleman George Clyde (Simon Baker) and his wry, freed-slave companion Holt (Jeffrey Wright). Led by the grim Black John (Jim Caviezel), these fellows and others fight for their families, revenge, and the thrill of it. The movie gives a thoughtful and not often seen perspective of the Civil War. Like LAST OF THE MOHICANS, it doesn't try to be politically correct or take sides; it concerns itself more with showing how the war the people fight can bear little resemblance to the one the politicians have waged.

RIDE WITH THE DEVIL was one of the most satisfying movies of 1999, featuring one of the strongest ensemble casts I've seen in a long, long time. Highly recommend!

Ang Lee's meditation on friendship during the Civil War
Missouri was one of the slave states that was kept in the Union during the Civil War and since it was on the far side of the Mississippi River it was not really part of the Western Theater of the war. As the critical part of the Anaconda Plan the Union armies were seeking control of the Mississippi, which explained why Grant was fighting his way from Tennessee to Vicksburg while Farragut took New Orleans. In fact, there really was not an organized Confederate army in Missouri, which explains why the young Southern men in "Ride with the Devil" join the Irregulars, who waged guerrilla warfare against Union loyalists. In this part of the war we do not talk about great battles, but rather the infamous raid that torched Lawrence, Kansas on August 21, 1863 as Quantrill's raiders murdered the pro-Union jayhawks.

The story here focus on six young men who join the bushwackers: Jake Roedel (Tobey Maguire), a first generation American who wants to be considered as much a Southerner as any one else even though his father can from Germany (which means he is called "Dutchy"); Jack Bull Chiles (Skeet Ulrich), who hates the Yankees and has seen his family killed; George Clyde (Simon Baker-Denny), a gentleman fighting to preserve a way of life that is going to be gone with the wind; Daniel Holt (Jeffrey Wright), an ex-slave who fights besides Clyde because the man freed him; Pitt Mackeson (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), who is a sadist who glories in killing; and Black John (James Caviezel), almost as brutal but more driven by anger and revenge.

The idea in "Ride with the Devil" is that when America went to war with itself in 1861 the young boys growing up in Missouri and Kansas were suddenly forced into a less than honorable manhood overnight. Consequently, one of the first casualties of the war was their innocence. In 1987 Missouri-born author Daniel Woodrell wrote his Civil War-era novel "Woe to Live On." For Ang Lee the appeal was the drama of young people coming of age in the worst possible time in American history and the theme of self-emancipation. The principal actors were put through three weeks of "boot camp" to capture the way the war dehumanized the young men forced to fight it.

This film start out focusing on the friendship between Jake and Bull as much as it is on anything else, but then while hiding out from the Yankees during the winter Bull takes a liking to Sue Lee Shelly (Jewel), a young widow woman who is helping to provide them with food. Having lost both his father and his best friend, Jake continues to fight because that is what he is supposed to be doing and starts to connect with two other characters in ways that will eventually change his life. After the Lawrence Raid it is clear that the war is going to be lost and a young man who has not even seen twenty years realizes he is lost as well.

Certainly "Ride with the Devil" is a beautiful film with the sense of period authenticity you would expect from Lee. It is not really a movie about the Civil War any more than "Cold Mountain" is (an obvious comparison), but more about the friendships that take place during a war. It is just not clear that this is the central theme because our expectations are raised by more standard plot considerations (love and revenge) that do not get played out the way you would think. There is also a sense in which Roedel is the least interesting character of the bunch, yet he emerges as the central figure and the most important gun in the film is perhaps the one that is not fired.

Excellent and underrated
Apparently, USA, which produced this film, was going under at the time of its release and it was show in only 14 theaters. This is a beautiful, emotionally engaging and entertaining film capturing a period and part of the civil war not often depicted.

Skeet Ulrich and Tobey Maguire play two Missouri teens who join a rebel group of Bushwackers (Confederate sympathizers). But this isn't a film that promotes one side or the other. Rather, it shows the similarity and familiarity between both sides.

The acting is wonderful and the story sensitive.

A Great Discovery
I bought this movie blind. I enjoy period flicks and, while seeing what was out there in Amazon.com land, I came across Ride With The Devil. I must admit, I know little about the stars in this movie (I did recognize MacGuire from Spiderman, and I've heard of - but not heard - Jewel), so it was a chance to spend my hard earned cash on it.
I'm glad I did.
Engulfing, exciting, suspenceful, and, most importantly, realistic. Not politically correct. Maybe that's why it didn't do well at the box office and critics panned it. But, it IS true to its time.
The border wars was a part of the Civil War that has hardly (if ever) been touched upon - that boundary where one straddles the fence. The problem was that one couldn't straddle the fence in a state like Missouri. They had to choose Yankee or Rebel. Jayhawk or Bushwack. And you feel clearly, while watching this movie, the turmoil that must have been raging in these citizen's minds and stomachs when they chose one side and a close friend or family member chose the other.
You also feel the deep sorrow and sympathy for ALL involved - North and South - no matter what side you stand for - when Jake reads the touching letter from a mother to her son, showing that these were people who had lives and loved ones waiting for them at home.
It's movies like this that brings these mid 19th century people to life, showing us that they're not just flat black and white pictures in a history book. And that is why this movie stands above so many other historical films.
I must warn you, however, that there is quite a bit of graphic violence. Believe me, you'll feel their pain! ... Read more

Reviews (162)

Gordon Gekko gets his comeuppance--big time!!!
Less than a full year before A PERFECT MURDER (1998) was released, Michael Douglas starred in THE GAME (1997), which is not simply a Michael Douglas movie, it's a David Fincher film-and you know what that means! From a screenplay by John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris, THE GAME is classic Fincher: dark, mysterious and with a constant sense of brooding danger in which lets you know that somehow, somewhere, something is not quite kosher.

In THE GAME, Douglas is Nicholas Van Orton; a man of great wealth and power and totally devoid of any human compassion (as evidenced by the cold and callous way in which he fires a longtime employee). If this sounds like Gordon Gekko to you, it's because Michael Douglas, at this stage in his career, plays cold callousness like no one else. Call it typecasting; I call it brilliant acting ability and being smart enough to stick with what works. However, Gordon Gekko in the legendary Oliver Stone-directed WALL STREET (1987) didn't have a younger brother; Nicholas Van Orton does. On Nick's 48th birthday (the same age at which his father died, hint hint), his black-sheep-of-the-family brother Conrad, as brilliantly played by Sean Penn, visits him in his sprawling, cherry-wood office and hands his older sibling his birthday present: a business card with the name Consumer Recreation Services (CRS) on it. "What is this," Nicholas cynically asks. The sly answer given by Penn is one of my favorite lines in the film, and one that tells us that his elder bro's life will never be the same, once he begins to play THE GAME.

Along the way, Nicholas Van Orton encounters CRS and its primary spokesman (or so he thinks) Jim Feingold (played with disarming confidence by character actor James Rebhorn), a mouthy cocktail waitress (Deborah Kara Unger) who seems to hold the secret to THE GAME, and a spooky-looking full-size inanimate clown who appears to watch everything he does. Also along the way are near-brushes with death that culminate with Conrad Van Orton's tearful admission that he "didn't know what the $#@! he had gotten them into" when he had signed his brother up for THE GAME. But that's still just the beginning...

Everyone is superbly cast in this film, including BABY DOLL (1956) herself, Carroll Baker, and the always-watchable Armin Mueller-Stahl. But the real star here is David Fincher; he is so adept at guiding us down a labyrinthic path of which only he knows the end, that all we can do is hang on and enjoy the rollercoaster ride on which he breathlessly takes us. He primarily relies on small, subtle signs of foreboding to generate suspense, as opposed to full-blown violence and gore. Although this is one of those films that relies on first-time viewers' lack of knowledge of what to expect, and thusly loses something on repeated viewings, it is still a very good film to re-visit on occasion, if only to experience Fincher's unique style (this film and A PERFECT MURDER are miles apart in this respect, believe me), Douglas and Penn's acting and the production values, which are first-rate.

See and experience THE GAME for yourself.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

CULT MOVIES 57
57. THE GAME (thriller, 1997) On the day of his birthday millionaire businessman Nicholas (Michael Douglas) is visited by his brother Conrad (Sean Penn) with a gift. The gift involves Nicholas signing up for a mysterious company which offers a 'game', which in turn offers the participants a series of surprises that "provides whatever is lacking" in their lives. Though a rather pessimistic and somber individual Nicholas accepts in the hopes of escaping the memory of a solitary childhood and witnessing his father's suicide. When the surprises the 'game' issues become seriously deadly Nicholas wants out. But this particular game offers no escape.

Critique: Nerve-wracking, high wire act of a movie directed with guile precision by David Fincher ('Seven', 'Alien 3'). So far all of David Fincher's films have been good which is rare for someone who has been dubbed as a purely commercial director. The sort of tagline that is a deathnail for anyone seeking true legitimacy in Hollywood. Michael Douglas is good in the role of another heartless tycoon type character in the mold of Gordon Gekko from 'Wall Street'. Douglas gives the character just a slight insidious turn and taking him into Twilight Zone territory. It's also good seeing Sean Penn in a first rate mainstream movie for a change. Film is made in such a way that every detail has to be dissected in order to make a logical progression of events. Which otherwise would seem chaotic and purely coincidental. Towards the climax it all makes perfect sense and provides a most welcome escape ending. When the credits roll and you know it is truly over it is strangely satisfying and disappointing.

QUOTES: Conrad: "What do you get for the man who has everything?"

The initiation of a millionaire
Nicholas Van Orton (Douglas) thinks that he has everything - this is true only is we consider material possessions (a vast house, millions of dollars, an enviable reputation, etc.). What he is lacking is the access to the sacred and to his true Self. CRS is there to help, courtesy of his brother Conrad (Penn). But Van Orton will have to get rid of all that he previously stood for and accept to lose himself in the unknown. While some viewers have objected to the film's outrageous events and progression, this is precisely what draws me to it: its willingness to dispense with 'believable' developments makes Van Orton's quest all the more powerful. The movie could have been subtitled 'The initiation of a millionaire', because Van Orton undergoes numerous archetypal trials: he is stuck in a car underwater (in the belly of the monster); he is buried alive; his descensus ad infernos is such that he (literally) has to make a death-defying jump in a garbage dump; he has to find his way through mazes and use secret keys; most scenes take place in darkness. By the time he becomes a new man late in the movie, he has already died three or four times! Perceptive viewers will discover far more than a strandard thriller here, if they allow themselves to dig under the surface... a remarkable film.

Birthday that you'll never forget
Can you imagen a movie with no victims and yet it's one of the best thrillers ever made?! When I heard that director is David Fincher who is responsible for hits such as Seven or Fight Club and that Michael Douglas has leading role, that was more than enough for me to buy it. And I didn't regret it: This film is one wild ride through every aspect of your mind. Just in the moment you think - It's all clear now, next one will leave you with your mouths open. Every scene is one big surprice for you and for main character Nicholas, who is cold rich businessman, who cutted all bonds between him and his family and friends just for power and more money. But his brother's present for his birthday will change everything. One moment, he's on the top of the world, next one he is down in rags, fearing for his life; confused and with no confidence in anyone. That is the price when you are in The Game. Michael prooved that he worths dozen Oscars and Sean Penn is also very good. If you like fast, confusing and surpricing thrillers, this is a movie for you. Note: Ending is unforgetable!!!

Where's The Director's Cut????
This was a great movie with an excellent story to go with it. It's too bad the dvd shares the same fate of others with weak features and no behind the scenes or commentary. This is one dvd that deserves an overhaul like the one that panic room received. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Originallity at it's best
I have watched both makes of the movie, although I have to say the original Jock of the Bushveld is preferred to by many people out there. Whether you watch the second make or the book,you will always have a tear in your eye.

The movie shows courage and determination in South Africa and I hope this movie shows people what a great country it is.

If anyone knows of where the original can be bought then please let me know.

THE BEST SOUTH AFRICAN MOVIE MADE
This is one the greatest movies made in South Africa. It's funny, heartwarming and of course sad. If you are South African, this would definately be one of your favourites. The best part is going to the place where the movie was filmed called Pilgrims' Rest, which looks exactly the same. It's definately a movie worth seeing.

He was shot!
I guess I saw the original version too. Jock was accidentally shot at the end. Hard to watch. Kinda like Old Yeller.

A Great African Adventure
A story of courage and adventure all set in the Southern Africa bush... Jock has become a folk-hero in South Africa... watch this and you'll now why! Based on the novel by Fitzpatrick, it is one of those rare flics where the film is as good as the book. A cultural tear-jerker of an adventure, with a superb soundtrack to match - curtousy of Johnny Clegg and Savuka (formally Jaluku). This film puts a whole mew meaning to the phrase " a dog is a mans best friend".... nead I say more! If you like dogs, adventure and a touch of African history then this is the film for you... GET IT!

Jock of the Bushveld
A wonderful "family" movie, of which there are all too few these days. Music track by South African Johnny Clegg is outstanding. Yes, it's a tear jerker, in a league with 'Sounder.' Like 'Sounder,' this film will teach children and adults alike a lot about a time and culture of which Americans are barely aware. My daughter, who is now 18, loves this movie as much today as when she was a child. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

"The Western Epic " Most Honest Portrail Ever!
Larry McMurtry, being a native Texan, wrote from the heart when he fashioned the characters of Lonesome Dove. In Lonesome Dove, you see true men and women of the West with the mannerisms and habits of genuine Texans. I was constantly reminded of men long gone that I had had the honor of knowing back in Texas. Men who were the real article as a cowman, rancher, or peace officer. They were men of my grandfather's and his father's time. Men who held their honor and courage in the most sacred place. Lonesome Dove illuminates brilliantly these character traits and the script certainly follows McMurtry's vision. It is Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall though that help us see these authentic characters function in the real, basic, and heart-stopping beauty of the West. Whatever you do, do not deprive yourself of this experience. Tighten your cinch and come with grit teeth! It is a once in a lifetime event!

One of the Greatest Westerns Ever Made
I have never known anyone to have a dry-eye after watching this moving film. The characters are truly believable thanks to the stunning acting jobs done by Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Urich, and ESPECIALLY Robert Duvall. His characterization of Gus is, in my mind the role of a life time for any actor. Mr. Duvall rose to the occasion. The pain and heartache that these characters suffer is enough to bring anyone to tears. The movie is also beautifully filmed, with realistic sets and gorgeous landscapes. A must see for anyone who enjoys westerns. Get it! You won't be disappointed. Keep a box of kleenex close at hand when you watch it, though!! END

We Don't Rent Pigs
How many works of cinema are worth sitting through for 6 hours? Not many at all, but here you can't put it down. An unvarnished portrayal of the best and worst of humanity under harsh conditions. It makes you wonder where you would fit in, in this cinematic worldly epic. Most movie Westerns pale in comparison, especially the pop pseudo western bravado ones. Lonesome Dove finds the strength in humanity despite man's frail existence in nature. You don't have to like Westerns to love Lonesome Dove.

Lonesome Dove
Received tape in a very timely manner. Seller emailed to be sure I received item.(Very impressive.) Tape in excellent shape.
Lynne

A Magnificent American Epic
I certainly agree with the other glowing reviews of this movie but I would like to say that it is not simply the best western ever produced, it is, in my opinion, the best movie ever produced. I have seen it approximately 10 times and it is just as good each time as it was the first time. Rober Duval's acting is as good as it gets. Tommy Lee Jones is at his finest. The music is superb. The cimematography is excellent. The story is masterfully crafted and is based largely on real life characters. Charles Goodnight was the real life model for Woodrow Call and Oliver Loving, Goodnight's partner, was the model for Augustus McCrae. Duval, in playing McCrae, brings to life the character of the gallant old ranger and lover of all women with a degree of perfection of art that is unsurpassed in the history of movie making. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

It's great!
When elderly spinster Jane Marple (played by Margaret Rutherford) witnesses the death of Mr. Enderby, she realizes that this is no accident. Eavesdropping at the reading of the old man's will, she overhears Aunt Cora state categorically that he was murder, and later Aunt Cora is ruthlessly murdered. There's a murder on the loose, and Miss Marple is determined to find out who it is! [Black and White, released in 1963, with a running time of 1 hour, 22 minutes.]

I must admit that my wife and I chanced across this Miss Marple movie after having become great fans of Joan Hickson's interpretation of the role, and were not too happy with it. Later, however, having accepted that this is not Joan Hickson's Miss Marple, but accepting it for its self, we came to love this movie. Margaret Rutherford brings a real presence to the role, adding a touch of humor, and making the story (based on Agatha Christie's "After the Funeral") quite entertaining.

So, if you like a good mystery, or if you like old movies, then I highly recommend this movie to you. It's great!

Margaret Rutherford is outstanding
I was very excited to find this video! I have been looking for it for over a year.

Although Margaret Rutherford is not the Miss Marple that I envisioned when reading Agatha Christie's books (Joan Hickson is much closer), I find Margaret Rutherford a delightful eccentric. She is lively, independent and forceful! She is my favorite Miss Marple!

Stringer Davis(Mr. Stringer) and Margaret are a wonderful pair. They are a delight! In addition, Robert Morely and Margaret team up for some comedic fun.

I would really like to see the four Margaret Rutherford, Miss Marple films(Murder at the Gallop, Murder She Said, Murder Most Foul, Murder Ahoy) brought out on DVD as a box set. Anyone listening?

Lightweight and Charming
Novelist Agatha Christie occasionally remarked that while she was a great fan of the actress, Dame Margaret Rutherford was NOT the Jane Marple of her novels--for instead of giving us a fluttery and demure woman, Dame Margaret played the role with considerable aplomb and considerable eccentric British humor. Chrisite purists will probably be outraged by Dame Margaret's complete reinterpretation of the character, but there is no denying that she is a great deal of fun to watch.

This particular outing finds Dame Margaret investigating the mysterious death of an elderly man and the subsequent murder of one of his heirs--an investigation which leads her, most improbably, to an inn catering to the horsey set. Although very free in adaptation, the actual plot follows Christie's novel "Funerals Are Fatal" quite closely, and a charming supporting cast--including Flora Robinson--add to the fun. Lightweight and charming.

MARPLE IS PLEASING EVEN THOUGH PLUMP
WHEN I INITIALLY ENCOUNTERED THIS FILM ON TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES, I DIDN'T LIKE MARPLE BEING SO FORCEFUL AND FAT. I HUNG IN THERE, AND BOY WAS I IMPRESSED. I EVENTUALLY ENDED UP CATCHING ALL THE MARPLES STARRING MARGARET RUTHERFORD, ALL 4 OF THEM, ON TCM. MARGARET RUTHERFORD DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB BRINGING THE BRILLIANCE OF MARPLE ALIVE, ALTHOUGH IN A QUITE DIFFERENT WAY THAN JOAN HICKSON DOES IN THE A&E SPONSORED MARPLE SERIES. THIS MARPLE IS DELIGHTFUL, PUSHY, FUNNY AND NOW MY FAVORITE MISS MARPLE ON FILM. THE OTHER FILMS ARE: MURDER MOST FOUL, MURDER AHOY, AND MURDER SHE SAID. CATCH THEM IF YOU ENJOY BRITISH MYSTERY WITH LIGHT COMEDY. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

FANTASTIC, TRUE TO LIFE STORY.
To the person who wrote the first review...this was in no way a sleazy movie. It was a true depiction of a diabolical self-centered sociopath who killed his wife for greed, and the horrific fall-out.

By the way, this movie also was made with the main character's oldest son on the set as an advisor. Learn your facts.

If you don't like true crime stories, don't waste your money the next time!

Typical NBC TV Trash Movie.....
NBC TV movie of the week about a murder case that left three boys with a mother and a father in jail, and they did not give their approval for NBC to make this sleazy movie. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

KEIFER SUTHERLAND'S FIRST MAJOR MOVIE WITH A STARRING ROLE.
KEIFER SUTHELAND HAS HIS FIRST BREAK THROUGH ROLE. IN THIS 1930'ERA\SET MOVIE. ITS A GREAT DRAMATIC ROLE IF UR A KIEFER FAN THIS IS A MUS OWN MOVIE FOR U.BY THE WAY HE'S ONLY 17 IN THI FILM SO IF U THINK HE WAS HOT IN THE LOST BOYS WAIT TILL U SEE H IN THIS FLICK.

My crush on Keifer Sutherland
This movie started my ENORMOUS CRUSH on Keifer Sutherland. I believe this was his very first movie and it was GREAT! I would someday LOVE to visit Nova Scotia and see the beautiful scenery. The acting and plot were done very well and it got quite suspenseful when poor Keifer's character Donald kept that terrible secret and was continuously taunted by the father of the girl he loved. My crush has since wained, but it's still a good movie to remember my feelings for Keifer. Great movie!

Kiefer Sutherland in a complex coming of age film
Kiefer Sutherland plays Donald Campbell, a sixteen-year old boy growing up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia in the 1930's in this coming of age drama from director Daniel Petrie. Donald's mother (Liv Ullmann), wants her son to join the priesthood, and the young boy is entertaining the idea. But he is also at the age when girls make a big impression, especially his neighbor, Saxon Coldwell (Leah Pinsent). Yet it is her younger sister Dianna (Jane McKinnon), who he turns to for his initial stumblings through the art of love. Besides, the Depression has hit, and after school Donald has to help his father with work rather than engaging in dating behavior.

Petrie crams a lot into this (supposedly) autobiographical film. There are dark family issues in the Campbell home--the death of a child in the past and an older brother who has become brain damaged--and when Donald witnesses the murder of two elderly neighbors you have to wonder if "The Bay Boy" is making a radical shift in direction. But the common denominator is quite simple: we are witnessing a young boy make the key decisions that will lead him to become the man he is going to become. However, this idea makes more sense the second time around watching this film.

This was Keifer Sutherland's second film, after a small part in "Max Dugan Returns." I am not sure if it is intentional on his part as a young actor, but he plays his scenes with the others his own age a lot better than he does with the adults. Ullman brings depth to the role of the hardworking mother, who represents the strong undercurrents in Donald's life. There is a lot crammed into the single year of his life depicted in this film, but through it all the impressionable young Donald retains his sense of wonder. The cast also includes Robert Donat, Matthieu Carriere and Isabelle Mejias. This 1984 film, which is a personal work by the director, was filmed on location in Nova Scotia.

Young Keifer Sutherland in a complex coming of age film
Kiefer Sutherland plays Donald Campbell, a sixteen-year old boy growing up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia in the 1930's in this coming of age drama from director Daniel Petrie. Donald's mother (Liv Ullmann), wants her son to join the priesthood, and the young boy is entertaining the idea. But he is also at the age when girls make a big impression, especially his neighbor, Saxon Coldwell (Leah Pinsent). Yet it is her younger sister Dianna (Jane McKinnon), who he turns to for his initial stumblings through the art of love. Besides, the Depression has hit, and after school Donald has to help his father with work rather than engaging in dating behavior.

Petrie crams a lot into this (supposedly) autobiographical film. There are dark family issues in the Campbell home--the death of a child in the past and an older brother who has become brain damaged--and when Donald witnesses the murder of two elderly neighbors you have to wonder if "The Bay Boy" is making a radical shift in direction. But the common denominator is quite simple: we are witnessing a young boy make the key decisions that will lead him to become the man he is going to become. However, this idea makes more sense the second time around watching this film.

This was Keifer Sutherland's second film, after a small part in "Max Dugan Returns." I am not sure if it is intentional on his part as a young actor, but he plays his scenes with the others his own age a lot better than he does with the adults. Ullman brings depth to the role of the hardworking mother, who represents the strong undercurrents in Donald's life. There is a lot crammed into the single year of his life depicted in this film, but through it all the impressionable young Donald retains his sense of wonder. The cast also includes Robert Donat, Matthieu Carriere and Isabelle Mejias. This 1984 film, which is a personal work by the director, was filmed on location in Nova Scotia. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

If this movie was a bucket.. it would be a leaky one.
A deformed boy some how transforms into an 8 ft. demon. Of course there is a backwoods witch involved, also a revenge plot in which 6 teens in the mid 1950's torture the deformed lad. And yes you've guessed it, it wants revenge. We meet this 8 ft. demon about 30 minutes into the movie when the horror almost begins, but never really does. I never expect the acting in B-horror to be award worthy, but if the actors can't act scared, It's hard for the viewer to be scared. One more complaint is Pumpkinhead seemed to be very limited in movements in this 2nd film. He moved like a kid playing with an action figture of Pumkinhead from the first film. With all this being said just watch the first one, it's better and provides genuine chills that this sequel lacks. A good horror film is one that you might want to watch again in your lifetime. This film gives you your cake, but the problem is eating it too.

GOOD STUFF!
This is not a bad movie at all. Pretty good story to it. Got some descent scares and good acting. I thought it was put together well and is worth checking out.

NOT AS BAD AS IT COULD HAVE BEEN?
I saw the original PUMPKINHEAD years ago, but with the advance of arcus senilis, I can't remember too much about it, other than I thought it was good. Hence, PUMPKINHEAD 2 isn't as bad for me as other reviewers since the first wasn't fresh in my mind. With that said, though, I admit the acting was pretty bad, particularly with Linnea Quigley, Steve Kanaly (Dallas), Roger Clinton (the hairy mayor?), and J. Trevor Howard (the villainous Danny). You can telegraph every death, but the effects are allright, if you keep your expectations at a lower level. The monster itself looked good sometimes, and bad at others. However, I've seen worse (for instance, TAIL STING..Now THERE'S A HORRORBLE MOVIE!!). Anyway, rent it sometime, but don't spend money on it.

1 Star and that's a stretch.
Okay let me set a few things straight to clear some confusion. 1: Pumpkinhead in this film has no connection to the first film. (which by far was superior to this weak attempt of a sequel.) This is not Ed Harley nor his son come back from the dead as some seem to think in other reviews. And in some ways it is an expansion on the legend. Hence my 1 star rating. The first film was dark and rich in the flavor of the demon being a relentless killer. This should really be dubbed a prequel. It supposedly is the creature Ed Harley digs up but if one crunches those numbers it doesn't exactly add up. Now on to the things that really disappointed me about this film.

I was blown away by Pumpkinhead. Being a long time fan of Mr. Winston's works behind and in front of the camera. Stan Winston's Pumpkinhead was a work of genius that should have been revisted yes but, not by someone of far less caliber of the original creator. Pumpkinhead of the first film seemed so lifelike and down right nasty in manner and appearence was do to Stan's amazing animatronic demon. PH2 is badly noticeble as a man in rubber suit job.

The story was great (the background story not the ill handled plot) it added more to the legend when the research into the myth went on. The story of the myth itself was great but the story placed around it as the outer shell and ultimately lacking movie. It was made to obviously splash gore and sex into the film. The first left these elements out and stuck close to some of the old school formulas of horror. PH2 goes clearly for the 90's and mid 80's belief which still holds true to todays horror films I might add that sex and gore are the big draws to horror. Which in this reviewers mind can actually be a draw back to horror films. One scene with yes, that was the scream queen in this drivel of a sequel humping with a victim in a scene so badly thrown in just for the sake of having such a scene in this film.

This follow up is a huge let down in many ways. It isn't even so bad it's good. I've seen movies so badly thrown together that they are worth watching to pick on but this one isn't such a film. The only redeeming quality is the deeper exploration of the Pumpkinhead lore.

I advise watching Stan Winston's Pumpkinhead. This badly thrown together expansion is worth a watch for the moments we get a further peek into the demon's legend. As other viewers of this film put it: Pumpkinhead as mortal is a let down. The bad effects are a let down. The by far most heinous crime of this film would be the badly slapped together plot and acting and even directing of this movie. The only reason I will add this film to my collection is the fact that in all I am a Pumpkinhead fan and would ike to own it for the fact that it is related to the more superb first film. I am distrubed that a great horror film was mocked by this sequel. Most who saw the two and had expected more of the second film because of the first know how I felt upon seeing this picture. I wish sometimes that I never discovered that Pumpkinhead was followed up. Laters- Ace

Yawn!
My advise to all the directers out there is to not make a sequel unless its as good as the 1st!
I will say that this is probably worth at least one watch!
Ok gore!
Bottom Line: Not as good as the original! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Despite an abundance of gaping plot holes, White Noise serves up enough spooky atmosphere to make it worth a look-see for fans of supernatural thrillers. Even when hampered with a shoddy, clumsily written screenplay, Michael Keaton brings professional conviction to his role as a grieving widower who is introduced to the mysterious (and according to paranormal researchers, highly documented) existence of EVP, or Electronic Voice Phenomenon, which allows the dead to communicate (one-way only, it seems) from the great beyond, through images and voices recordable on a variety of electronic media such as VCRs, computers, etc. Seeking contact with his recently deceased wife, Keaton finds dire warnings of evil in the afterlife, with connections (all too convenient) to killings and disappearances in his Vancouver, British Columbia vicinity. British TV director Geoffrey Sax brings slick style to this hokum, and a few moments of genuine eeriness, but you may find yourself giggling too much to appreciate the highlights. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (88)

Interesting for awhile then it just...
Ghosts, UFO's and aliens, bigfoot and psychic abilities are always in that debatable category where some believe in it and others don't, despite evidence to the contrary but merely dismiss it. One such area has been steadily increasing in interest is EVP or Electronic Voice Phenomenon. In this, images or sounds from the afterlife appear or are heard on a detuned radio or on your tv static. So the film, unlike the Forgotten, gets you into a topic you wouldn't otherwise know of, but they just can't make a good film out of it in the end.

Jonathan Rivers is a re-married man whose living his wife Anna, who's a successful writer, who's also pregnant. One night she doesn't come home until he realizes she's missing. Sure enough, her car is found abandoned by the docks. She's found dead couple weeks later. A man approaches him and says that Anna's been communicating with him through EVP. Jonathan dismisses it until he starts to realize there might be something.

This draws him further and further into EVP until it literally consumes his life and becomes an obsession. The voices tell him to save people before they die, but there's 3 shadowed men that don't want anyone interfering. Helping him is Sarah, who lost her fiance.

The film is similar to any other recent horror movie which scares you by that silence then wham, big boom in the score. One example is when he is watching a normal TV static until a woman suddenly screams and appears on tv. Some of the scares seem a little obvious like when 3 apparitions appear in a room. The scene looks just completely green sceen looking.

The film has quite a lot of plot points and script problems that'll scratch your head. Like they say it takes quite awhile before you have your first EVP since it helps if you're in an area with history, yet he receives them like wildfire. In one sequence, the obligatory "montage" scene he gets nothing for a long time then he attracts them like Winnie the Pooh to honey.

The film is interesting on a topical level and it might make you jump several times but on an actual film basis, it's rather lacking.

Side note: I don't know if it was just my disc but I couldn't really rewind the film and it actually just fast forwarded and I couldn't stop it and had to turn it off(the disc or something else? Hm.) Also the bonus features had sections with literally no sound even though everything else was heard perfectly.

Great Film: A few drops in the DVD qualitry
I enjoyed the film in the Theatre immensely. The DVD version is great, especially the clarity, and the BAM factor in the audio. I saw comments that noted so-called plot holes before seeing the movie, and I still do not see any of the so called plot holes mentioned in the editorial.
This film is well instructed, and done with an exactness and economy that is impressive.After listening to the commentary, its because the director is a BBCalumni. The commentary is not advertised on the box at all, nor on any extras details that I am aware of. I would have given the film 5 stars if it were not for the fact that because of a DVDproduction mess up, Keaton had to leave 15 minutes before the film's end for him to go on a holiday. Whilst the commentary is not the greatest, it does make the key point that this film was forced into a PG-13 rating by the makers of the film cutting some of the key scenes. The studios are getting way too much influence from the right wing Neo-Cons.
Anyways, the extras are great. The key thing about this film, is you will enjoy it, as Kaeton notes, if you buy into the idea of EVP, well, if you have, then these extras will totally chill you !!! They are fun, and totally awesome. The audio on this film is well done, and in 5.1 all I can say is WOW... what a great watch, and a chilling listen ( good audio mix too).

The best of it's kind since "THE RING"!more static please!
Whether you believe in EVP or not, I'd like to think of it from an agnostic standpoint:It can neither be proved, nor disproved.

White Noise has some of the same cliché's as other supernatural based movies (deceased spouse trying to reach husband, think Firefly or What lies beneath, Frequency) but what makes WN a movie apart from the rest in many ways, is that these are not people coming back to haunt or scare.They are ordinary people who's lives were cut short, and with no closure, are trying to reach back to various people so they can send that one last message to a loved one before moving on...

...What moves this movie from different to bizarre is the fact that Michael Keatons character, "Jonathan Rivers", is starting to receive messages in the form of EVP (think of the most annoying thing in the world, Radio Static and Snow TV...now think of once in a while, a message of some sort coming across, like the very energy of their departed soul is still lingering just enough to transmit through electronic means) that are showing him that it's not all about events or people or signs that are within one's past...

...and another thing that is interesting, is the preview of the notion that yes, for every good person out there trying to reach back, there's a bad one as well!Their messages are a mixture of love, hate, direction, and question.

I'd like to think when someone passes away, that their compassion, energy, and capability of love and hate, are strong enough that they do not just burn out like a light-bulb as their physical form does.I find EVP to be a fascinating phenomena.

This movie has many scary moments that will make you jump out of your chair, but more often than not, it's not about SCARING, it's about trying to understand communication from someone who is no longer among the living.

The overall cinematic appeal is excellent, the simple yet driven home glimpses of cassette recorders all the way to high tech digital equalizer equipment sets the mood for a strange and unexplained science that is feared or scoffed by some, reveled and marveled by others.

Michael Keaton is great in his role as an architect who's becomes fascinated with the phenomena of EVP and digs deeper and deeper into it, trying to communicate with a certain someone who's sending him a message.

PROS:Keaton and the surrounding cast are great
EVP is a phenomena that is not proved nor disproved....but voices and images in general recorded static tends to make you shiver....
Cintematically great, it' views of the recorder machines help take us into the sanctum of recording messages from "another side".

CONS:Could have been a little more intense in terms of the surrounding characters and plot.We get tons of Michael Keaton and static and all, but we needed a little more intrigue and mystery on the surface with some of the things (the missing woman) that is going on.
Why is It nearly every drama, crime movie, or intense horror thriller, the husband is an architect?Can we not come up with any other high-profile job?And yes Doctors, Lawyers, and Writers have already been covered!
Why is it every drama dealing with a city has to have something happen in an abandoned Warehouse or Industrial Complex?Are you really meaning to tell me there are not any homeless people hanging out here? Or drug dealers?Or perhaps there's a security guard or cop in the area?

EVP was fun because it delved into a subject that has not really been covered before.Overall I enjoyed the movie and have no major criticisms.Considering all the crap that we are saturated in when it comes to these kinds of films (where 99% are haunted house hashes of some sort) this one is actually overwhelmingly intellactually refreshing!

This film did what it was SUPPOSED to do...
This film did what it was SUPPOSED to do...

Regardless of what you thought of this film, or will think of this film, it does what it is ultimately supposed to do - make you aware of, and perhaps pique your curiosity about Electronic Voice Phenomenon.

I've read what seems like hundreds of reviews here on Amazon.com and haven't seen a single comment on what was REALLY going on with the antogonist(s) here. Read other reviews for the plot and for story spoilers, then read the following and insert it into your thinking. The movie will NOT explain the following, but it helps if you know it.

The film features, more and more as it wends it's way towards drama, an image of menace in the form of a trio of dark spirits. This trio of low spirits FEEDS on the pain and suffering and negative drama of our mortal existences. They go a step beyond feeding and begin CAUSING these empowering negative emotions by affecting the living (EVP researchers) and coercing them to do their sadistic bidding or else killing them as they did Raymond Price if their demands are refused. The more a person is tortured, afraid and just stressed out, the more negative energy they produce for these spirit low-lifes to consume.This is a common basic premise for some cult activities - human sacrifices are pretty bland unless the sacrificee has been tortured and is in a state of utter panic, fear, dread and morbid disarray.The more horrified and suffering the more tasty and nourishing the spiritual energy.

This film could have been a complete freak out psychological horror fest had it focused on the trio and their successive attempts to affect more and more EVP enthusiasts into doing their evil bidding. A chilling scene would have been of our protagonist (Keaton) dying (at the hands of a 'darkly brainwashed' EVP enthusiast) as we managed to feel compassion for his plight, only to feed their evil hunger, and then either show directly, or allude to many, many more 'crazed, serial killers' seeking only the praise and increasing demands of the trio who are growing in power from their work.Believing that there are legions of serial killers out there serving dark demons via White Noise manipulation, you'd hold your loved ones close at all times and check over your shoulder often if it was pulled off convincingly enough.

But that's not what this movie was about. The movie was about EVP and yet Hollywood felt that we wouldn't swallow any bait (by spending our hard earned money) that was not glittery and dripping with dark drama and spell-it-out-for-you violence so we got what we got.However, the film did do something it set out to do - it introduced the whole concept of EVP to untold numbers of people worldwide and in so doing has done it's true purpose. Like the movie or not, believe it or not, make sense of it or not, you are now acutely aware of Electronic Voice Phenomenon.Consider it a nearly two hour infomercial on something you were not likely familiar with before.

Everyone has different perceptions on everything. Some see being alone as a tragic loneliness, others see it as a wonderful time for meditation, self reflection and introspection. Some like rain, some hate it, etc.

Watch the extra EVP materials on the White Noise DVD and whether you want to buy into it or not, just sit alone in a dark room by yourself, perhaps with the TV on to static and allow yourself to drift into a deep state of "What if..."If you manage to go there, decide THEN if the movie was a waste of your time or not. It opened my mind to consider these possibilities regardless of what I thought about the plot, story or actors.

I say perceive the movie for yourself and make up your own mind.

Try something else...... Not scary!
What do you get if you add one part Poltergeist, with one part The Sixth Sense?Answer:White Noise.Michael Keaton stars in this less than stellar performance of a not so original story.

In the film Keaton plays Jonathan Rivers, a highly successful architect, married to Anna Rivers, a highly successful writer.Jonathon plans to put his job on hiatus and join his wife on her new book tour for her soon-to-be release book.However, upon the notice that his wife might be expecting, Anna fails returns home. After the abduction of his wife and her subsequent death, Jonathan becomes sullen and uncaring, distant and unaware of his surroundings until he becomes acquainted with Raymond Price (played by Ian McNeice).Price has also lost someone very close to him, his son, almost 12 years prior.However, Price receives messages, transmissions, and images from entities from the "other" side in the form of E.V.P.s (Electronic Voice Phenomena) or White Noise.The problem is that not all the transmissions are from "good" spirits.

Jonathan gets totally absorbed into this medium, and starts receiving regular messages from his wife.He quickly figures out