Reviews (126)

An Extraordinary Experience
I found this movie to be BRILLIANT! Jodie Foster is outstanding in the role of Anna Leonowens - she is a beautiful mix of bravery, intelligence and Victorian elegance. Chow Yun-Fat is also outstanding in the role of King Mongkut - he emits a regal quality as well that of compassion and intelligence. The cinematography is out of this world and the directing exquisite. The dialogue is perfect, and it strikes just the right chord of polished writing. The musical score is breathtaking. The lush scenery and thick emotion is set to elegant, strong, and graceful music. It is forceful when it need be and then fades quietly into the background... at times supporting a scene with gentle rolling waves of ear pleasure. Oh and the costumes! They are completely amazing, and startling in their detail. From the majestic elephants to the smallest noble they are all cloaked in carefully chosen fabrics.

This movie in all its entirety affected me very deeply. The intense emotions of the characters are so expertly performed and directed that they feel incredibly real. These emotions, which course through "Anna and the King," create a moving, exciting, and anticipatory experience. I am very grateful to all of those involved in the making of "Anna and the King" for producing such a beautiful and extraordinary film. Anyone who is contemplating viewing this movie... do it. I only hope that you, too will have the pleasure of being able to fully indulge in this feast for the senses.

A true outstanding epic movie.....
This is a true outstanding epic movie. I'm really surprised why it wasn't hailed as greatly as it should have been. I personally hail it as one of the greatest movies of all time, a true classic in every sense. I've seen it totally ignorant of all the versions that preceded it and I've loved it with the very first few lines "She came unaware of all the suspicion that preceded her" " the first English woman I have seen". This story of two unconventional people in conventional times with all its historical facts and lush gorgeous background is capable of sweeping one's off his feet making him feel all that cultural and emotional struggle that Anna and the King seem to go through. Jodie Foster was lovely and extraordinary although I used to think that she is too modern-looking for such movies...I guess I was gravely mistaken. I think the movie's real surprise is Chow Yun-Fat who was truly amazing. He seems to be so much at home with all this kingly charm. He has such grace and overwhelming presence that would make him probably one of the most remembered kings on the screen. I can't help wondering if the original king was as charming as he was....and wouldn't be nice if all kings were like that? We would surly love them. And what of the palace? Do I dare and say more? I was totally amazed to know that they've built a replica of the original one...wow! I envy Jodie and Chow for being in such lofty surroundings. I think I would write a book if I were to describe everything I loved in this movie...but I must take my hat off to Andy Tennant for making such a masterpiece and for all the designers. Of course, I must not forget the movie's music and photography and the beautiful script that seems to linger in the mind forever for I would always remember that "when a woman has so much to say and doesn't say it. Her silence can be deafening.".

Simply a delightful story
After losing her husband in the jungle of India, Anna Leonowens embarks in a journey that will take her to Siam, where she will tutor the oldest son of King Mongkut. Her son, Louis, and two Hindu servants accompany her in this new endeavor. As soon as Anna sets foot in Bangkok, the difference between cultures surges as a predominant element that will remain present throughout the story. Even though the start is rocky, with Anna being called "Sir" for misogynist reasons and not being given the house she was promised but accommodation in the palace instead, the king discovers quickly the value of this woman that acts very different from what he is used to. That is why he decides that instead of tutoring his oldest son, she will be in charge of teaching all of his children...all 58 of them!

The movie evolves around three clear themes. First, the clash of cultures, which is enlightening and entertaining and as the movie evolves so does the acceptance and admiration each of the characters show for the positive points of the other's culture. Second, the relationship between Anna and the king, which starts as annoyance, moves to respect and continues developing from there. Third, the political atmosphere, which is characterized by attacks to Siamese people by Burmese armies, suspected to be supported by no other than the British Empire (the events unfold in 1862).

Although the movie is rather long, the events unfold at a pace that keeps the viewer interested at all times. The music fits the mood of the action perfectly well, and in the proper scenes it is so uplifting that it steals the attention of the viewer. Jodie Foster delivers a well-rounded role, but in my opinion the performance of Chow Yun-Fat is at a higher level. Finally, the scenery and the palaces where the movie develops are absolutely amazing.

Overall this is a highly enjoyable movie that will leave you thinking for a while about how every culture has its positive aspects and how, with a little patience, everyone can learn to appreciate this.

Had to watch for a school project...
I thought that this film was very beautiful in content...this film had some real substance to it, and the actors did an excellent job in the portrayal of the characters involved...lovely story.....

Absolutely classic
This is one of my favorite movies ever, it can be compared only to Gone With The Wind. It may be not historically accurate but nor was GWTW and it is still a classic. I love every part of it -- the portrayal of the two different cultures as equals, the love story, the beautiful scenery. I've seen it 4 times in the cinema even though I usually watch a movie twice, when it's in cinema and when it comes out in video.
I don't understand why this film wasn't a great success but I don't mind, at least we won't get three awful sequels and two TV shows based on it.

I also recommend the soundtrack, it is beautiful and suits the story well. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Future and past
Ducktales Duck to the Future is one of the best videos. The first episode is,"Duck to the Future" Scrooge is sent to the future to get his lucky dime back from Magica De Spell. In,"Sir Gyro De Gearloose" Gyro feels like he's taken granted for, so he goes to the past to be a good person, so he becomes a knight in King Hartys court. With help of a wizard, he fights the evil Lestred and his knights and wins. He them decides to go back home. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This is a very suspenseful film with outstanding acting.
This film stars Patricia Hodge, one of England's most beautiful and competent actresses, and Michael Gambon, one of the greats. Michael York plays a pivotal role but the film really belongs to Hodge and Gambon. I have been trying to secure a copy for my own library to no avail. If you ever have the opportunity to see the film don't let the chance pass you by. It is suspenseful to the very end. And even then the viewer isn't exactly sure how it ends. Hodge and Gambon play against each other in a way that you will never forget. The beauty and the "beast".

Not What I Expected
Elizabeth Bowen's novel "The Heat of the Day" is considered by many to be the finest novel written about Britain/London during World War Two. It certainly is a great romance. This Masterpiece Theater version is a surprise, not unwelcome, thanks to some strong performances, but it ultimately tries to dry out the story/plot to its essentials and does not take advantage of Bowen's own cinematic descriptions of her characters, story and setting.

Patricia Hodge is a strange Stella Rodney. Her performance is strong but her characterization is off the mark. This is a Stella in control. One can't believe that she would be dependent on anyone, much less her lover, so that when she is expected to unravel, it scarcely seems believable. Stella's romance with Robert is circumstantial and special. It is made possible by the blitz London atmosphere and is, indeed, a rebirth for the heroine of the novel. It suggests that finally, Stella, a divorcee, is able to find intimacy from someone other than her son (who is played abominably). But Hodge's Stella is so controlled, so dry and so independent that she is startling and very unromantic. Her tragedy is not believable.

The strongest perfomances are by Michael Gambon (who plays Harrison, probably the hardest character to play in the novel with all he can to give us some sense of what the character is about - the script gives him litle aid), Peggy Ashcroft and the women who play Robert's mother and sister (they're terrifying).

It's worth seeing if you're into the book. It will probably make you disagree with it's take, but I don't think it will disappoint. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Fantastic Fun Movie
I absolutely love this movie. It is heartwarming! Shirleys talent shines in this movie.

Ching-Ching the Witch is Dead
Soon Wizard of Oz would come but in " 37 " for now Shirley was the queen of the screen. You wouldnt believe how much talent showed in this movie of hers. She spoke chinese and amazed the crowd. She did a hilarious imitation of Giner Rogers and Fred Astaire. I was surprised how well she did in this more dramatic film of hers not only was she all you wanted to see but the story of the other characters was really entertaning too. I was glued to the screen for the entie film!

Shirley at her dramatic best!
I love Shirley! This is one of her best dramas vs. musical. Her chemistry is good with Robert Young, and she even does well with foreign language. A must for a Shirley Temple collector.

A Great Temple Film
Filmed in 1936 at the height of Shirley Temple's popularity, "Stowaway" is a lovely, light-hearted comedy.

Shirley plays "Ching-Ching," the orphaned daughter of missionaries in China. When her village is threatened by invaders, she is plucked from school by the village elder and sent off to the big city for safety. Along the way, her purse is stolen, she loses her guide and, while wandering through the streets, she befriends American playboy Tommy Randall (Robert Young, in a character that is miles away from his clean-cut "Father Knows Best" role!). After falling asleep in Randall's car, she finds herself an unwilling stowaway on a luxury cruise ship. Of course, she gets to stay on the boat, plays Cupid with Randall and Susan Parker (Alice Faye) and attempts to stay out of the mean old orphanage.

The story here is a lot of fun, and the setting is interesting. Temple was given a great showcase for her dramatic, rather than musical, abilities, and worked well with both Faye and Young. She spoke hundreds of Chinese phrases with correct tone and accent and did hilarious imitations of Al Jolson and Ginger Rogers. "Goodnight My Love," which was sung in the film (with different lyrics) by both Temple and Faye, was a 1936 radio hit.

Playing matchmaker :)
As an orphan from China, Shirley plays a little matchmaker aboard a ship. She is discovered with her dog and claims she doesn't know how she got aboard ship.

There are some funny moments, as in all her films. This one is filled with Chinese Proverbs. Shirley also helps her "uncle" find the right girl and ends up with a mom and dad. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A Beautiful, Touching Story
I really love this movie. It made me cry when Ariana and her brother were reunited in the end. It was so real, it was like I was a part of the story.

I love this movie.
I love Danielle Steel's, "The Ring". Please release it onto DVD in the United States. It is already available on DVD, in England.

Great miniseries
Like Sensibility25, I am not usually a fan of Danielle Steele, but boy did I love this miniseries, it had really top-notch acting which carries it along; Ms. Kinski is the linchpin of the story; historical details are pretty accurate, and oh yes, the actor who plays Manfred is excellent & nice eye candy as well. I wish the WE television network would run this one on their Monday Miniseries, instead of repeating "Til We Meet Again" ad nauseum.

Girlhood to motherhood, from WWII Berlin to Paris to N.Y.C
**SPOILERS**
With his smokey and softly-accented voice, Carsten Norgaard made a wonderfully romantic and bittersweet Manfred -- Ariana's protector, husband and father of her only child. Norgaard created a character that is even more haunting and tragic than the novel's. This hero is easy to fall in love with, as Ariana did. Manfred's death scene is almost too realistic and painful. His eyes truly look dead under the half-closed lids.

The destruction of Berlin in the last days of WWII is so convincing, you will be ducking and dodging with the citizenry from your comfy chair. This production is excellent all the way through. The movie is actually more accurate than the book, having the Russians capture the city and making Manfred's rank a Captain, which by his age and the progress of the war, makes more sense than Lieutenant. You will feel like you are there, and sometimes the involvement will have you squirming as well as drying the tears.

Lifetime Channel aired the miniseries in one piece as a 3:30 hr movie with commercial breaks recently (Nov 2003); and if the original was 240 minutes, as I have heard elsewhere, then that is why I am buying the tape. There may be additional scenes. I have read that Region 2 (Europe, etc.) already has "The Ring" on DVD, and so I will be hoping and looking for that to come out.

As you can tell, the first part of the story is more interesting to me, but I certainly recommend the whole video. I hope you enjoy "The Ring" as much as I have!

Loved it!
I just happened to catch this on TV - seeing the name Nastassja Kinski always makes me stop, but seeing the name Danielle Steel always makes me worry... There was nothing to worry about. This was a wonderful miniseries, brought to life by a good story and fabulous actors. Nastassja Kinski is wonderful, and she is the perfect choice for Ariana. I'm sure the role rang very true for her, owing to the fact that her parents were this age in Berlin during World War II. In fact in the story, her brother flees the country afraid of being drafted into the Nazi army, and in real life Nastassja's father, (actor Klaus Kinski) WAS drafted into the Nazi army. Nastassja brings real depth to the character and the casting director should thank their lucky stars that she accepted the role. The casting was wonderful the whole way around: Michael York, Jon Tenney, and Elizabeth Barondes are all fantastic.

The story is corny - but it's Danielle Steel, what do you expect? ;) But what I have to tell you is I sat down, meaning to check out the first ten minutes - and after five minutes I was completely hooked. By the end of the first episode I was shocked to see that I didn't know what the heck was going to happen, and that I actually cared! I was back there the next day, with my kleenex, and loved every minute of it.

There are a few things lacking in this miniseries. The actress that played Gerhard's wife just made me want to bang my head against a wall, and I thought that subplot carried on much longer than was necessary. Other than that though, this is a movie you will get involved in. The whole situation with Ariana's second husband is just heartbreaking, and even a month after seeing it I'm still ticked off at Paul for divorcing her! I can't believe I'm admitting it, but this is a movie that you can really get into. Great cast, great acting, a bit of a cheesy script, but such terrific performances that you don't care! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Whatever Happened to Sister George?
The blurb on the packaging reminds the viewer that THE KILLING OF SISTER GEORGE comes to us "from the makers of WHATEVER HAPPENED TO BABY JANE." If you had not known that Robert Aldrich directed and that Lukas Heller was responsible for the script, you still might have guessed as much. Both films are lurid, over the top and are nowadays considered to be camp classics. Neither is a cinematic masterpieces, to be sure, but both have their moments.

SISTER GEORGE came by its notoriety legitimately. A number of gay and lesbian themed movies were coming out in the late 60s. Unlike, say, THE FOX or THERESE AND ISABELLE, though, KSG was unabashedly garish. No literary pretensions here. Whether it was simply trading in stereotypes is a subject of some debate. It is clear that ultimately, "George" is meant to be a sympathetic character; her plight--losing her job and her lover on the same day--is one we're supposed to identify with. Some will, of course, but the failure of the movie is that many more will not. Aldrich and co. mean to portray George in all her complexity, but we never really find out what makes her tick.

And that is much of the trouble with "camp classics": characters like George are supposed to be sympathetic and ridiculous at the same time. To say nothing of being bitchy, bitchy, bitchy. It's a lot to ask of any script writer, or any actress.

Beryl Reid's acclaimed performance is indeed the best thing about the movie. She does suggest some of the character's inner conflicts and self-doubt. But she is all too often in full-harangue mode. It's ultimately wearying. As for Susannah York, she never mangages to project the vulnerability that her child-woman character is supposed to possess. The doll collection notwithstanding, she actually comes off as savvy and sassy in a Julie Christie sort of way. She looks uncomfortable in those ridiculous teddies. Actually, she looks pretty uncomfortable throughout the whole movie.

Watching the movie some 34 years after its release is an odd experience. It's hard to see why it was so shocking at the time (one of the first commercial films to earn an "X" rating). But that's only part of it. What's even stranger is how little fun this camp classic turns out to be. I wonder if others will catch themselves thinking, "Well, this is certainly the guilty pleasure, isn't it? I wonder if it's almost over?"

A camp Classic.
Beryl Reed is gives an amazing performance as the lecherous Sister George. Many people have condemned this film as being anti lesbian, but I feel it is a study in abusive behavior and the insecurities that feed it. It's also very campy and a hoot. Susannah York as Childie and Coral Browne ( Vera Charles in Auntie Mame) also give very brave and wonderful performances considering this movie was made in the sixties. The story is of a lechorous lesbian who plays a nun on a British Soap Opera.On screen she is kindly and a total humanitarian; offstage is something else altogeher. George is an alcholic lesbian who abuses her younger lover and comes on to real nuns in their taxi cabs. When the BBC threatens to write her out of the soap opera due to her scandalous off-screen behavior, a paranoid lesbian becomes even more abusive. See it for the wonderful performances and sixties sensibilities of gays.

Moving lesbian character study in a very 60's framework.
It is a very good example of this type of cinema from the late sixties when directors loved to take all kinds of chances with their subject matter, not like today's pre-packaged films. That three such outstanding actresses as Beryl Reid, Coral Browne and Susannah York were willing to go along with Aldrich for the ride I find just amazing. Beryl Reid in particular shines, although all three put in stupendous performances. I have heard people criticize the film for being dated, but I don't find that a real criticism at all. The enlightened film-goer has to be receptive to other times, other mind-sets, other ways of feeling. If any film invites the viewer to cross those barriers, this one does. Yes, it is overly long, and could probably have been cut down to half its present length. That is the films great flaw, but like most good films which seem overly long upon first viewing, it's impact stays with you. If you can make it past the two-hour mark, I don't think you will find that this film is lacking anything in quality, sensitivity, or the cumulative power to move. Just excellent.

A Classic
This movie is a lot of fun if you do not take it too seriously. It is set in the late 60's London and features the late great Beryl Reid as a soap star under threat at work and home. Great scenes of the Gateways club in London and the owners - Gina and Smitty as well as some of the regulars, who are used as extras. It is not for the faint at heart; there is a very funny scene involving an intoxicated Beryl Reid (George) and a couple of nuns in a taxi cab! If you are looking for a movie depicting a healthy lesbian relationship/love story then this is not for you! ... Read more

Reviews (46)

THE BEST IN THE SERIES
The Amityville films have all been mediocre fare by far. This sequel stands out, however, as stylish, creepy, and shocking. The film keeps the viewer watching because of how the characters relate to one another in a very realistic way (You could almost swear you know a family just like this one). Yep, the film actually develops the characters nicely all the way up until that fatal night. The supernatural elements are only a side deversion as to the "real" problems the family faces. The film is a prequel to "The Amityville Horror," Taking place before the infamous story and focusing on the first family who was murdered by the eldest son in-real-life. This is probably why the film is much more richer than the rest of the series, because the actual family that lived there was very disfunctional and the incestuous relationship between brother and sister was even recorded in the highly interesting non-fiction book called "High Hopes." The book is not published as a novel but a recording of facts about the people related to the house and the crime itself. Unfortunately the ending falls flat when it goes into a different direction as if it were a different film all together... and just added on as a second thought. The film could have ended earlier with what happened with the family alone. The actors were very believable as the characters and helped enhance the film. But once again, the ending changes all of that when it strays from the original story and the remaining characters are left with nothing much to work with from the script.

Could've been as great as the first...
First off, let me say that I don't think THE AMITYVILLE HORROR should've gotten any sequels, because it was a very strong film on its own. But then, 1982 rolls around and someone suddenly gets an urge to ruin a good horror film by creating the unnecessary AMITYVILLE II: THE POSSESSION. It's a prequel to the first one, chronicling the events that occured when the original family, the DeFeos owned the infamous Long Island home, which I have been to myself. I live in Bohemia, New York and Amityville is only about 20 minutes away.

But, I digress. Instead of calling the family the DeFeos, they were called the Montellis. The movie starts off pretty good, actually, but then, eventually, everything goes downhill. It's not a good movie and I wouldn't buy it. It's worth a rent though.

When Sonny Gets Blue
If it wasn't for the recent marathon of the "Amityville" movies, well the first three anyways, on AMC the other night, I would never of bothered to check out any of these films besides the first one. After seeing this sequel, which is really a "prequel" to the original film, it's safe to say that you can stop after the first film because this one and the remaining films offer very little to watch or get excited about. This isn't saying much about the original either, because it too wasn't much of anything to begin with. This sequel, released in 1982, is more in touch, more or less, with the actual murders that took place in the infamous Long Island house on 112 Ocean Avenue on the early morning of November 13, 1974. It still exploits those tragic events into a supernatural haunted house story with it's facts turned around for entertainment value and a different family. Burt Young plays the overbearing and abusive matriarch of the family that consists of his wife and 4 kids. The oldest being Sonny(Jack Magner). It isn't long after the family moves into the house that strange things happen. In fact, they happen almost immediatley. Which was a problem with the first film. The James Brolin character got taken over so quickly, it was hard to connect with him because we didn't get enough time to know him. The same goes for Sonny, who is almost instantly changed once he moves in. The spirits and the voices drive Sonny over the edge, telling him to murder his family. His family are not very sympathetic and they don't earn your interest enough to care if they get wiped out or not. The family priest played by James Olson, gets in on the horror in the house and tries to help the family. The big action comes sooner than you would think, and the rest of the film turns into another Hollywood piece of mumbo jumbo that forgoes any kind of suspense or truthfulness that came in the film up to this point. It completely unravels and becomes a mess that seems as if it were just slapped together. It does have one harrowing scene when the son gets the dirty deed done on his family. That part was the only interesting and halfway creepy thing about this otherwise forgettable film. The acting isn't much better than the original, with the exception of Young as the brute father and Olson as the priest. The brother/sister action in the film is unsettling, but also a bit laughable. She has no problem with getting nude and posing and all this, instructed by her brother, but once she learns that he has some undergarments of hers, then hey!, she senses that something is odd. Really?!?!. The film is also kind of shocking in some ways because of some of the deaths that take place since it is unusual to see them in a horror movie. I won't say what it is though. The "Amityville" movies have been a questionable, and less than stellar affair right from the start. The original was not very good, and it didn't get any better with the unending amount of unneeded and uunwarranted sequels. Oh, and by the way, in case you were wondering, my title refers to an old Johnny Mathis tune. So, while this film has some things going for it that are a tad better than the original, like a faster pace, and a better priest, and that one harrowing set piece showcasing the murders, it still fails to come to the level of a film that was sub par to begin with. That kind of tells you everything right there.

Prequel to "The Amityville Horror"...
When I first saw this movie back in the 8th Grade, I was quite impressed with the scary atmosphere and the special effects that it delivers for a low-budget film. The story concerns an Italian family from New York who buys the old estate and once they move in, the horror begins... A father mysteriously turns abusive and starts beating the kids, a brother who ends up sharing a sexual relationship with his sister, and the terrifying supernatural which soon eventually drives him to the edge and causes him to kill off his entire family! Very bloody and gruesome storytelling no doubt! Sure the acting drags at some points (just SOME points) but it's a very good and original homemade horror "B" movie that's guaranteed to give you nightmares! You'll be wanting to watch with the lights on late at night! This is also a very rare and hard to find lost gem, so pick one up today and give it a try! I only wish they'd put this on DVD together with the ORIGINAL "Amityville Horror" (already out on DVD now) but maybe in some kind of Special Edition DOUBLE FEATURE pack! That would be most splendid for all horror fans out there!

A sequel that is a prequel and which fails either way
"Amityville II: The Possession" is essentially a prequel to "The Amityville Horror" in that it tells why the home in the Long Island community was available for sale for that the Lutz family could move in and end up running fleeing for their lives. This time it is the Montelli family that moves into the accursed house, which is not good because they are an unhappy family in the grand tradition of Tolstoy that is heading for trouble no matter where they live. The main tension is between the father, Anthony (Burt Young), and his eldest song, Sonny (Jack Magner), and if it were not for the fact that anyone who saw the original movie knows what is going to happen at the end of this one, you might be wondering which one of these guys is going to lose it first.

Surprisingly, this 1982 film goes through a lot of the same things as the original, which is not surprising for a sequel but more so because there was never a notion that every time somebody moves into this house rooms are covered with flies, blood comes out in strange places, and unseen presences are running around making people feel uneasy. In another move that makes sense only in terms of the movies rather than the "history" of the house, the unseen beings start covering the walls of the children's bedroom with evil pictures and phrases. At this point the film convinces you that there is something really evil in that house, and it would be Anthony Montelli. Even when the local priest (James Olson) comes by to bless the house and sees Anthony going after his family, he walks away (which would seem to be good advice with regards to this film).

On some levels this film is better than the original, but only in the sense that if there never had been an original this one might work better. The flaw with the film version of "The Amityville Horror" was that whereas the novel told a "true" story in a rather documentary style, which was abandoned for cheesy horror film effects. The simple idea of possession that was implied to be the reason the son went off one night and killed his family is now adorned with a whole host of tacky "Exorcist" like ideas. The irony, as I understand it, is that the killing of this family was the one bit of the hoax that really was true. The names are changed because this film would have been the target for a lawsuit otherwise. If director Damiano Damiani had stuck to the true story and forgot about all this other nonsense he would have had a better film. In fact, the only part of "Amityville II: The Possession" that really works is the night of the murders. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Great swashbuckling fun!
This film features everything a good pirate flick should: stormy seas, a spectacular naval battle, a sexy pirate captain (Geena Davis) and buried treasure complete with a treasure map written in latin (the preferred language of pirates).

This is one of the few times I've seen Davis in a leading role; normally, she is a supporting actress. She pulls it off quite well, although in a couple of scenes her acting is a bit wooden. Frank Langella stands out as an old-salt, ruthless pirate while Matthew Modine is great as the movie's comic relief.

What really makes this movie worth buying, tho, is just how well done it is. The 17th century sets are lavish - you feel as tho you are back in the period in which the movie takes place. The soundtrack is riveting, and I found the sound of the DVD quite excellent. Not sure if they did anything different than they do with other DVDs, but it sure seemed like the audio was a notch above most DVDs - esp in the storm sequence.

This is the kind of movie that critics make a living off of by slamming. What does this mean for the rest of us? Why, it means that it's a fun time to be had by all! And may the movie critics goto Davy Jones locker...

A swashbuckling pirates tale!
When the piratess Morgan Adams (Geena Davis) loses her father, she becomes captain of his ship and crew. As her first act as captain, she decides to search for the treasure on Cutthroat Island. But the actual map for Cutthroat Island is in three pieces, one of which she got from her father. The other two are with her uncles, the cowardly Mordachai (George Murcell) and the evil Dawg Brown (Frank Langella). So Morgan, with the help of her crew and the somewhat untrustworthy thief, William Shaw (Matthew Modine), she sets off to take all the maps and find the treasure of Cutthroat Island.

A very entertaining movie filled with action, adventure, and piracy on the high seas, "Cutthroat Island" is a pure adventure movie. The plot is pretty mediocre, allowing as much action and suspense to be put in the story. It's your typical pirate story though, pirates must find, understand, and figure out the map leading to a mysterious island with hidden treasure of unthinkable riches. But throwing in a tough, hard-bitten, and beautiful piratess was a pretty nice touch, including a thief to provide some comic relief.

Geena Davis surprises me again with her talent in being able to play many different roles from a ghost in "Beetlejuice", a baseball player in "A League of Their Own", a mother full of heart in the Stuart Little movies, and now a piratess in "Cutthroat Island". She gets to give plenty of punches plus handle the cutlass with ease as she fights pirates, the military, and her uncle. She's definitely very cool! As for Matthew Modine, I had never seen him in any movies before but I found him astoundingly funny though he gets plenty of action. He in a way reminds me of Cary Elwes as Wesley in "The Princess Bride" with his sarcastic humor and boundless enthusiasm. Oh, it was also a special treat to see the young and sweet Christopher Masterson as Bowen. Though his role was small, he was excellent as a cabin boy with his obvious admiration and loyalty to his captain. He's probably more known as Chris Masterson, starring in "Dragonheart: A New Beginning" and also starring in the series, "Malcom in the Middle".

So if you're in the mood for a movie with giving off lots of action, energy, suspense, and swashbuckling, make time to watch "Cutthroat Island". Rated PG-13 for the action and fighting and also for some innuendo.

Excellent Story; DVD Just Doesn't Make the Cut
I caught this movie in the theater. I loved it. As soon as the DVD was released I purchased it with great enthusiasm. When I got home and played the DVD I discovered, to my great disappointment, that it is in the wrong format and displays with very poor quality. The video looks horrible. I returned the DVD for a refund.

Technical Details for the curious:
While this DVD offers both full-screen and wide-screen versions of the movie, the wide-screen version is not anamorphic. That means when you play it on your new TV it just looks bad. If you have an older TV and don't care about video quality you probably won't notice or care about this.

I just don't understand. If you're going to stick with VCR-quality transfers, why bother making a DVD. Oh, I forgot. A DVD disc costs pennies so it's cheaper than ever to dump trash on consumers. I'm so glad we have these forums to share this information.

Stop the trash talk!
4 and 1/4 Stars
I recommended this movie instead of Pirates of the Caribbean .... Given that, I have to defend it against the bitter nay-sayers. Don't get me wrong, Pirates had many positive aspects - Depp's performance chief among them; and yet, it was just too kid friendly (well duh, that's Disney). I whole heatedly believe that Cutthroat was as good, if not far better than Pirates. I would yield to the arguments that the acting here is a bit cheeky, and the editors could have been a touch more through. Beyond that, I don't know what the fuss is about. Maybe the other reviewers just couldn't stomach a (historically improbable) female pirate. Well, I think this movie was a lot of fun, but apparently there are some who didn't care for it. The best advice I can offer here is for all of you out there to watch it, and make up your own minds.

CutRate Bargain
Think of it: You can own $92,000,000 worth of movie making for one ten-millionth of the production price: that's like a nickel per explosion. Can you walk up to anyone on the street, hand them a quarter and say, "Please blow five things up for me"? Of course you can; sometimes someone might even blow something up. But with this movie, it's a sure thing.

This movie has its flaws. For the money spent to make it, you'd think someone would have thrown in some free looping so misinflected dialogue could be corrected. The chase and action scenes are rarely plausible (surely not every cannonball would have hit a powder keg). Whatever happened to the third ship that was at CutThroat Island? Wait, who cares? ... Geena Davis wears a corset.

The DVD menu system on this disc is very strange. When you choose "Coming Attractions" from the "Theatrical Trailers" menu, you're presented with a list of eleven movies; no trailers, just the names of eleven movies and tiny pictures of their movie posters. When you choose "Jump to a Scene" from the main menu, you're given a choice of only nine scenes (there are thirty in the movie, which you *can* manually advance to). Fortunately, the movie itself looks and sounds great. Frank Langella and Maury Chaykin turn in characteristically good performances, Matthew Modine and Geena Davis acquit themselves well if not perfectly, and Christopher Masterson (Francis on "Malcolm in the Middle") does pretty well for a 15-year-old.

While there are better pirate films out there, CutThroat Island isn't all that bad of a film. Granted, once in a while something will jar you out of your suspension of disbelief, but then Geena will walk by in her corset, buckling (or unbuckling!) her swash, and all will be forgiven. Don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

One of my favorites....
I meant to see this movie when it came out, and I never did, but then a couple of years later, I saw it in a video store, rented it and fell in love with it. It's by no means perfect, but I loved how things didn't quite come out as expected for any of the characters. Yes, they're quirky, outrageous, etc., but they are very human.

Best of all, I loved how one of the main female characters sticks to her guns and follows her dreams, instead of waiting around for one more man. *He* has to wait around for her, until she's ready (and then it's a whopper of a scene as someone has already commented). There's some very fine writing in this movie, and I keep hoping that Craig Rosenberg will write and direct another small intimate piece in the near future.

A movie of spirit & heart that gets me every time.
This is a movie that I would put in a very special category. It may not be the most well made, or well acted movie. It certainly doesn't have the best script. It isn't the funniest movie I've seen, and it isn't the most romantic. But that doesn't matter. I still loved this movie. Some movies weren't meant to be analyzed, they were just meant to be enjoyed.

Now on to the plot. The story revolves around twin brothers Stephen and Rick Dunne. Both brothers fall for the same girl when they are teenagers. She moves away and ten years pass. In those ten years, Stephen obsesses over her, and Rick gets stood up at the altar. They all meet again at a tacky hotel where Rick is the manager. Let the games begin!!

Aside from being a very attractive woman, Melissa never gave me any reason why a person should be in love with her for 10 years. She was just sort of there. Allison, on the other hand, is a person I could see a guy fussing about for way more then 10 years. I loved how Ronny had the perfect song for every occasion in the film. And I still get chills every time I watch that last frame of the movie when the two lovers just say "Hi" to each other.

I give this movie a 5/5 just for the sheer reason that I have seen it well over 35 times and I still love watching it every time. That is why this movie get a Doctor's Recommendation.

Woody Allen meets Paul Hogan...
Be forewarned--this Aussie charmer may unexpectedly blindside even the most cynical of viewers...only the clinically dead will fail to fall under its spell. In some ways, this is a gender-switched version of "Hannah And Her Sisters" with its themes of romantic competition between two brothers; the bickering elder parents (the morbidly hypochondriac Dad gets to mutter some of the choicest and most hilarious lines under his breath); the age-old debate of whether destiny plays a part regarding whom you end up being partnered with, etc. If you enjoy Woody Allen's less cynical romantic comedies (you know, the Early, Funnier Movies) or recent indie films like "Next Stop, Wonderland", you'll have a good time at the "Hotel de Love"!

A very pleasant surprise
I rented this primarily because Saffron Burrows was in it, and she's just so beautiful I frankly didn't even care what genre the movie was -- it could have been action, sci-fi, horror, western, drama, whatever. It is a really fun romantic comedy, though, and I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. The seventies music in the soundtrack worked well, and the subplots were enough to keep you involved. Think of this as sort of around the same tone as "Picture Perfect", but with more well-rounded characters... Really well done, and quite romantic. I'm sorry this movie didn't make a bigger splash when it came out, I wish I'd heard of it sooner.

Quirky, amusing, highly entertaining, I loved it!
I had seen the laserdisc version of this film at a friend's house, and I enjoyed it so much that I think I'll purchase it for myself. The 70's soundtrack pulled me in at first, and the piano player is absolutely *hysterical*! The accents are polished, and the wonderful acting is beyond compare. Not to be missed! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Two women in search of a worthy man
What are two foxy babes like Jean Harlow and Loretta Young doing looking twice at that lead male character, that loser? Jean Harlow is miscast, but looks good; Loretta comes off best, serenely beautiful. Men might like it more than I did.

TWO LOVELY LEADING LADIES....
I agree and disagree on points made by some other reviewers about "Platinum Blonde". The title is misleading, I agree. The studio obviously wanted to showcase Jean Harlow to sell the picture. She's a second lead as Ann Schuyler, a wealthy society girl who marries a coarse newspaper reporter, Stew (Robert Williams) and tries to refine him. But, in as obvious a plot line as you can throw to an audience, his heart belongs to Gallagher (Loretta Young) his co-worker at the paper. The studio wanted to please Depression era audiences so the rich are portrayed as stuffy bores and the "poor" (Williams) are portrayed as scrappers who punch people in the face when they get mad and feel it's justified. I disagree that Williams gave a good performance. "Stew" (an apt a name as any) came off as sarcastic and unlikeable. The Schuyler family was justifiably appalled at him. Ann liked him though and tried to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. But he ends up feeling stifled and going ballistic. He wants to write. Williams showed none of the humaness that made Cagney or Gable so good at these kind of parts. His character was way too arrogant and cocky. His performance is badly dated and chauvinistic (especially in his dealings with Gallagher). But what I enjoyed about the film was the luminous presences of two future stars---Jean Harlow and Loretta Young. Both were excellent. Harlow had a thankless role as Ann but she was fabulous in gowns and quite braless. She was more sympathetic than the film would have you think. She didn't deserve the treatment she got from Stew. Young was SO young and so pretty and very good as Gallagher. She certainly didn't deserve Stew either. But that was the studio's approach to pleasing the masses back then. I can't recommend this as a good film because of Williams. But, as a relic of times gone by---it's certainly worth a look or two for Harlow and Young and for that fabulous Schuyler house with those immense diamond shaped tile floors and gorgeous staircase that Harlow goes up and down in those gowns and chandelier earrings. Good DVD print too. And that early Columbia logo is really vintage.

Well I liked it...
This is the one movie I've come across that manages to bring tears to my eyes every single time I've watched it. All of the actors are absolutely amazing... except for Jean Harlow, who is terrible. The humor is subtle on occasion and might be missed by those used to the more ribald humor of today. Most of the fun of Platinum Blonde is watching Stew Smith's eyes for his reactions. One can only wonder sadly why Jean Harlow was allowed to act in this film.

Harlow Miscast in Significantly Dated Script
PLATINUM BLONDE is an early Frank Capra-directed effort concerning common-man reporter Robert Williams who ignores an obvious love match with co-worker Loretta Young in favor of marriage with high-society socialite Jean Harlow. Although often cited as an early example of the screwball comedy genre Capra helped create with such films as IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT, the script is very dated, and from a modern standpoint it creaks in almost every scene.

Although not often noted for her acting skills, Loretta Young gives a very fine performance here in the role of Gallagher, an attractive but working class reporter who can hold her own with the boys while maintaining her femininity. The often praised but little known Robert Williams gives an equally pleasant, enjoyable performance, albeit one less successful than Young's in the face of passing time. But Jean Harlow is seriously miscast in the role of manipulative socialite Anne Schuyler, who is first attracted to Williams by his working-class attitudes and who then seeks to erradicate them after their marriage.

The film is perhaps most interesting to Harlow fans, for it shows Harlow before Hollywood discovered how to best display both her talents and her beauty. Harlow's talent did extend to light drama, but she would be most at home in wise-cracking, sassy comedy, and she is clearly out of her element in this particular role; her physical appearance is also quite unlike the Harlow iconography expertly developed by MGM, and she looks rather like a white-blonde version of Kay Francis--but unfortunately without any of that actress' sparkle. It is a very wooden performance that seriously undercuts the success of the film, and one wishes that Young and Harlow had been cast in each other's roles.

Harlow fans will enjoy seeing Harlow "before she was Harlow," and those interested in the evolution of Frank Capra's work or in the development of the screwball comedy genre will find the film of considerable interest. Others, however, should stay away: the film has more historic interest than entertainment value, and more casual viewers would do better to select later films--such as Young's THE FARMER'S DAUGHTER, Capra's MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON, and Harlow's BOMBSHELL.

ODE TO ROBERT WILLIAMS
PLATINUM BLONDE, an early Capra comedy, through heavy-handed, showed glints of the director's knack for outrageous situations and cast Harlow in the improbable role of a hoi-polloi socialite. This film plowed newer ground, even while it reinforced (with Loretta Young's performance) the career-girl myth. Rather than simply break a man's heart and betray him with another, Harlow's emasculation of her ace-reporter husband challenged not his sexuality, but his role as an independent provider. Socialite Harlow views his livlihood and his playwrighting aspirations both as an inconvenience and a blight on leisure-class dilettantism. Indefatigable and insensitive shrew that she is, she strips him of all that has been essential to he self-definition; insisting on setting up house in her parent's mansion, she insults his friends and belittles his work. The forgotten Robert Williams is easily the best thing about this film; his performance still shines with a natural virility uncommon in early talkies. Tragically, he died soon after this film was made. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Perfect Character Actors
MGM's David Copperfield was a great opportunity to make use of some Hollywood's great character actors, and the film does so to great effect. Of course, the film is based on Dicken's famous novel, although the story is condensed. Freddie Bartholomew stars as the title character, a young boy eventually orphaned who meets a host of characters as he grows up alone. Although Bartholomew was actually one of the better child actors in film history, he never captures this character and his performance sometimes seems forced and ineffective. However, he is surrounded by an incredible group of actors playing memorable supporting characters. Basil Rathbone, W.C. Fields, Edna May Oliver, and Roland Young are all excellent in roles that only Dickens could have written. They make the movie. The film features the usual MGM production values and is well worth a look.

Most accurate representation of characters
Out of all the movies I've seen made from Dickens novels this is the one that most truly represents the characters of David Copperfield. It is a bringing together of some of the finest character actors that ever graced the screen. Any Dickens fan will love this version. W.C.Fields was born to play Mr.Micawber. Edna May Oliver was created to play Dickens.

Jane Murdstone
I would like to add that Jane Murdstone also played an excellent role as Murdstone's black sister. Did you notice the steel handbag she carries and the way she threads beads? She is quiet and deadly, always behind the back of her icy brother, ready to give him directions. I have tried without luck to get a photo of her in this role --- can anyone help?

a cherished classic
Shouldn't one of the great endearing classics from Hollywood's golden era be transferred onto DVD? Films like these are to be cherished, so Come on studios get with it, video is becoming obsolete!

A sweet movie
A really good movie. Freddie Bartholemew plays young David Copperfield, a boy who lost his father, and whose only relations are his doting mother and his spunky aunt Betsey Trotwood. His nurse Peggoty (I think I spelled it right-) Takes him on a trip to visit her relatives by the ocean. When they return, His mother has married Mr. Murdstone. (Basil Rathbone in a role that sends shivers up my spine)His mother dies, Mr Murdstone sends him away to work in London and board with Mr Micawber ,(WC Fields), Who is constantly hounded by his creditors. Micawber ends up moving, and David goes to live with Aunt Betsey. The second half (When David grows up) Is not nearly as good as the first, Its one redeeming value is 'Umble Uriah Heep (Roland Young). He is truly revolting. (As Uriah Heep SHOULD be).
I reccommend you try it. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

This is HOT!
This is one of my favorite soft core movies. I love the fact that Shannon ...the whole family. It's too bad the unrated versionis unavailable because the sex scenes are significantly longer and much more clean cut. There are a bunch of wide shots of the action that goes on between Shannon and he counterparts. My favorite scene is when Andrew Stevens's son peaks into Shannon's room.... This scene is very short in the R rated version. This is a great soft core movie, but the R rated version doesn't do it justice.

the absolute BEST work of Shannon Tweed!
Count your blessings if you are able to get a hold of the unrated
version!The rated version is still good,but alot of scenes get shortened.The way Shannon completey stupifies the virgin son in the family with raw,sexual temptation is a work of art.My favorite scene in the movie(and I have yet to see another Tweed movie with her doing anything even remotely close to this)is where she gets it from behind on the pool table.....that scene is extremely close to porn with all her grunts,groans and facial expressions.In short:BUY THIS VIDEO!!

One scene stands out
This movie would be an average erotic thriller just like any other, if it wasn't for one scene where Shannon Tweed has drugged the wife's cup of tea and after puttting her to bed, proceeds to seduce her, invoking an involuntary response from her victim, in the most erotic scene that I have ever seen in a mainstream movie.
This scene alone warrants buying the movie!

Pool table dreams!
This is a sexy movie. Shannon Tweed looks gorgeos and those twins of hers are so fine. The scene with her bent over the pool table is one of the hottest r-rated scenes i have seen. He is pulling her hips and her hair while she moans and grimaces as he pounds away.

This is the Best Tweed, R or otherwise. The lad is lucky.
This is the best Tweed movie I've seen. While Sensual Response, available in UR is a bit more revealing, the Scorned plot is better and Shanon's acting skills show too. ... Nothing hidden.

Tweed's hubby is hoping to be promoted. He arrives at work that day and finds out otherwise. Destroyed, he kills himself. Shannon finds out who the guy was who beat her husband out. She must get revenge at any cost and begins.

Learning about the creep, somehow Tweed gets to be close friends with him, wife and virgin teen son. She learns
all their moves. At same time, she deflowers the lad and falls
for his youthful staying power. Toward the end, the creep figures out who is haunting him. There are a few last scenes.

This has more sensualism than her others, a good plot and all-round excellent acting. One nude of Shannon is worth 100,000
others. So, don't count. The R version is already getting scare. W/in a year, barring a re-issue ... For Tweed fans and admirers of sensual beauty,
this is the best. Thrilling, chilling deception too. Dr. K. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Frequently given short shrift as a blue movie (which it is) and as mindless (which it isn't), director Adrian Lyne's follow-up to Flashdance (insert own joke here) is a thoughtful, smutty film about a bad sexual relationship. It follows the two-month affair between Elizabeth, an art-gallery dealer, and John, a Wall Street exec. The relationship spirals downward into raunchier sex (filmed, by the way, quite nicely) but principally is about two adults doing adult things but not acting anything like real adults. Attempts at actual human connection, about the longing to be "good," are present here and make this an above-average erotic film. Rourke is just honing his scumbag, bad-boy persona; but it doesn't overwhelm. Lots and lots of Kim Basinger. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (79)

Forget the Sex...Watch it for it's Magic
I keep seeing reviews; "a high budget porno" or "a dull, boring story with sadistic sex scenes". This movie is so different from these decriptions, it makes me wonder if these people talked, read or played chess through out the entire movie only glancing up occasionally. Mickey Rouke is so subtle with his expressions and dialogue that he creates that mystique that portrays John. Mixed with good looks, a high calibre job (Wall St. Money Market Dealer) & the most amazing apartments money can buy, Kim Basinger (Elizabeth) could not help but be curious. Kim Basingers use of nervous twitches and shy looks makes this her best performance by far. 2 great performances and the best use of a camera, I have seen, makes this 80's style New York flick a stylish, never to forget experience. The scenes in the equestian shop, Farnswoth house, the bed shop, the clock tower are just so well done. Every time you see this movie, it becomes more classy as images of New York's inner city life are portrayed beautifully. Forget the sex scenes, (yeah, they are neccessary) this movie really moves you & keeps images cemented in your mind for a long time. "Elizabeth, please come back before I count to 50...1, 2, 3.."

Um.... yes.
So here's this: I was walkign around the video store and I spy this cover with the kind of hot but kind of old chick from LA Confidential on it, but get this - she's yound as hell and it looks like she gets naked. So sure I'll bite. I get home and it's full on hard core drilling. Rorke gets this chick in some crazy ass positions and the whole time I'm thinking, I thought women were into "making love" not performing "rough crazy sex acts." So I tried some of the stuff from this movie out on this girl I was dating. Turns out she wasn't into it. Turns out she's only into "traditional love-making." Being alone isn't so bad.

Kim Basinger makes this worth seeing
What one realizes while watching this is how limited and ultimately unsatisfactory is a relationship based purely on sex.

I imagine that the familiar dominance/submissive psychology at the heart of this visually stunning movie--and it really is beautifully shot--comes from the novel by Elizabeth MacNeil. I say that, not having read the novel, because the seduction of Manhattan art dealer Elizabeth (Kim Basinger) by the smooth and supremely confident financier John (Mickey Rourke) is so very well done with the expensive presents, the well-timed flower deliveries, little endearments, etc., that it amounts to a woman's fantasy. The partial debasement of Elizabeth and her eventual triumph over her darker instincts and her realization that there is a difference between love and submission is also something that one might expect to find in a woman's point-of-view novel.

However when we get to the actual sexuality and how it is acted out, it is unclear who dreamed up the scenes, MacNeil or director Adrian Lyne or the scriptwriters. I say this because the scenes were so predictable and so ordinary, and when not ordinary and predictable, were bordering on the just plain dumb. Making love in the rain, at the top of a tall building (inside the clock tower), blindfolding the woman, making her crawl, feeding her strawberries, etc., bring nothing new to eroticism. And the scene requiring some imagination--[...]--was not realistically done. Why directors insist on allowing a man holding onto the hand of woman to outrun the men chasing them never ceases to amaze me. And then to have Elizabeth and John stop in the middle of the street to allow the bashers they have outrun to catch up was just plain stupid, not to mention the phony fight that followed.

Not only were the sexual scenes predictable but clearly Lyne was in harness (and I am glad of that) since he stops well short of what might happen if this sort of theme were fully played out.

Putting all that aside what makes this movie worth seeing is Kim Basinger. She is absolutely stunning, and it is clear that Lyne and his camera adored her. More than that Basinger does a fine job of acting in a demanding role. I was impressed. Before seeing this film I thought she was a rather ordinary actress, but her ability to combine grown-up New York chic with little-girl vulnerability and to make absolutely clear the psychological dilemma her character's heart faced really held the movie together.

Lyne's insistence on whispered dialogue difficult to hear was consistent with the theme of the movie but not kind to these ears. But that was okay because much of the dialogue was secondary to the visual exploration of the woman's sexuality. The peek-a-boo and off center and shadowed shots of Basinger's face and her silhouette, and the studied smile from Rourke combined with the stark black and whites of their clothes and the furnishings served to highlight and emphasis the flesh tones of Basinger's skin while lending an appropriate artistic and fashionable atmosphere to the movie, which after all has an art dealer at its center. The many scenes that were began and suggested, and then cut away from, allowed a richer texture of experience for the viewer than would have been possible had the scenes been played out. And that was doubly good because again it is the visuals that make this movie worth seeing, not the originality of the story and its development.

To those viewers who thought that this was some sort of high class pornography, I can only say you missed the point entirely, and indeed, you may be projecting your own sorry mentality.

See this for Kim Basinger whose sensitive and robust beauty dominated the screen.

Craftful Cinematography....a fine work.
If you've gotten this far in the reviews, you'll notice that either people love this film or hate it. It's pretty much right down the middle, which in a way, is a reflection of American societal attitude towards it's own sexuality.

If your own sexual world isn't aware there's something other than the missionary position, chances are you'll see this as a vulgar, disgusting film. The world that John draws Elizabeth into is a very psychologically complicated and sophisticated one. If you can't identify with lifestyles like that, you can't understand how or why they exist.

Personally, I found this film a masterpiece, not so much from the story line, but the mechanics of it. The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. Subject matter debates aside, this is a beautifully photographed film. Camera angles, lens choices, it's obvious the director worked very closely with the cinematographer in capturing on film exactly the image he had in his head. I can't say enough about the beauty of this film.

I thought both of the principals turned in exceptional performances, even though I view Rourke as a below-average actor. This film is easily his best, which actually could be said of Basinger as well. The Casting Dept. did a good job on this one.

Bar none, Basinger's strip tease (done with very little nudity) goes on my "All-Time Best Scenes List". The music choice, Joe Cocker's "You Can Leave Your Hat On" was a stroke of genius!

Alas, years after it's debut it's the subject matter that is remembered, and I find it still holds up. I'd suggest this film highly. Careful though, you may get more than you bargain for if you make it a "first date" flick to watch!

Sick, big-budget porn movie
This movie is disturbing, offensive, indecent and just plain nauseating. Who is this sick, depressing little piece of trash targeted to? You guessed it, the ... Europeans who indulge in every form of ... imaginable, slobber over XXX-rated movies dealing with sick subjects, and voluntarily make their little children watch it with parents like a "family night". Fortunately, we Americans don't need to be forced to watch this garbage. Send it back where it belongs! ... Read more

Amazon.com

For a film heavily dependent on special effects, the best effect going in this 1994 comedy is the ever-expressive star, Jim Carrey, playing a shy bank teller who stumbles across an ancient mask that turns him into a green hepcat with extraordinary powers. Cameron Diaz plays the love interest, but the real purpose of the movie is to bring cartoonish energy and effects into a live-action production. Toward that end, director Charles Russell does the job, but the gimmick wears out quickly for those easily bored by this sort of pseudo-animation. Lots of kids adore the film, though, and why not? The hero gets to be a whirlwind of mischief and still get the girl. The DVD release includes optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, deleted scenes, trailers, optional French soundtrack and optional French and Spanish subtitles.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Hello, Cameron Diaz And A Job Well Done Mr. Carrey
I must say that after watching such films as ,She's The One, and others starring Cameron Diaz I was not entirely impressed with her portfolio but when I got this DVD and gave it a quick viewing I must say I was(cough, cough) wholeheartily impressed with her performance. Okay, aside from watching this movie in that Music Television sort of way that totally discounts any of the other action going on other than the beautiful women being creatively(yet tastefully, yeah right) photographed I actually found this flick to be very appealing. I really don't know whether to call ,The Mask, a musical comedy, a romantic comedy, or a fantasy but I'm sure it's a bit of each. This is certainly a movie that showed Jim Carrey to be a good addition to the cast. His cartoonish comedy fit the role of a man with a love of cartoons very well, or should I say,"Like a glove."(I'll apologize in advance for the quote from Ace Ventura Pet Detective)The singing scenes were great. I have to admit I laughed a lot particularily during the scene with the cops instead of arresting Stanley Ipkus(How the hell do you spell that name?)they sang and danced to the "Cuban Pete" song. The other singing scene in the Coco Bongo with Carrey and Diaz dancing was not to shabby either. Ipkus's buddy Charlie was funny in a corny kind of way. His line about always wanting to say I believe it was take them away boys or something to that effect added to the cheese factor(Hey, I like cheese) The actors who played the officer and the sidekick in pursuit of the man in the green mask(AKA Ipkus) were very funny and the joke about the impossible pajamas was witty to say the least. The cameo by Ben Stein of Win Ben Stein's Money and Ferris Bueller's Day Off was also well placed. You know, the villain had a very Eric Roberts like aura about him.(Naturally, I didn't like him) So ,The Mask, is for anyone who deep down inside is a love crazed fiend with or without a really bad set of pajamas.(And of course a green mask of the night god Loki) The Mask is certainly worth a look, maybe even two.(hundred?)

Carrey'd Away
THE MASK is the film that made Jim Carrey a movie star. Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, a nerdish bank worker, whose hum-drum life is about to change in a big way. Stanley finds an ancient mask, that alters his personality, and causes his innermost feelings and desire to surface. The once shy nerd turns into a green face, big grinning party animal. Directed by Charles Russell, who allows Carrey to be his over the top antic self, as his cartoonish alter ego, The Mask, wisely keeps things moving at a brisk pace. Some of the Mask's bits are real howlers, like the first time he tries to woo the lovely Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz in her big screen debut), or the climax, when he tries to defeat the evil, Dorian Tyrell (Peter Greene), who wants to use the mask's power for dastardly deeds. Stanley's dog and sidekick Milo (almost) steals the show with a few antics of his own. The film has plenty of laughs and some fine F/X--a winner especially if you are a fan of Carrey's. Viewers can choose to watch the film in either Widescreen or Pan and Scan formats

The extras on The Platinum Series DVD are pretty good too. The commentary track from Russell is never dull. The deleted scenes offer a few more laughs from Carrey. Production notes, cast and crew information, and the theatrical trailer, round out the DVDs "added value material".While the handfull of extras are nice to have, Jim Carrey is the real reason to buy this disc. Recommended for the fun of it.

FUN HAS NEVER BEEN SO GREEN
Did you know that this excellent comedy was planed to be a horror?! Based on popular comic, THE MASK would be a storu about green killer who tells sarcastic remarks, while he's tearing a part his victims with an axe. But, when director Chuck Russell got Jim Carrey for this role he decided to do a comedy. And lucky for him and us he did a great job. I remember when I saw THE MASK for the first time. Fantastic story, interesting characters, and of course, Jim Carrey in role which made him famous. Story is about unsuccessful, shy banker who comes in possesion of an ancient wooden mask which turnes him into a wild, green, party creature who now has everything: powers, money and love. It influented on me so much that I find the same dog like Milo (that is one damn smart dog!). Carry gave the best of himself: he danced, sang and made jokes all the time. Cameron Diaz left me breathless, and two caps..., well, see it for yourself. This film guaranties fun whole 90 minutes it lasts and trust me, you will love it.

I got my copy in a box of CORN FLAKES!
You know you've hit rock bottom when your movies come free inside a box of CORN FLAKES! Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha!!!!!!!

The movie, it was great for the kids, although there was some pretty suggestive stuff in there.

For anyone over the age of 10 this is NOT a good movie, I think Jim Carrey is good- but I'm not a big fan of his movies. Dumb & Dumber will always be my favorite Jim Carrey film, and his Andy Kaufman was good.

The Mask....it's just your typical Carrey flick. You might as well get Ace Ventura or Liar, Liar. It's ALL the same.....

Sorry, Jim

Jim Carrey's best film to date!
I still get lots of laughs watching "The Mask" after a full decade since it's release to theatres and even to this very day, "The Mask" stands as Carrey's greatest movie to date even amidst the funny films he's done since then.

The character John Ipkiss is a worker in NYC whose job goes down the toilet until he discovers an ancient artifact that resembles a mask of some sort and when he puts it on, it causes him to transform into a wildly erratic genius who goes totally beserk and Ipkiss decides to use the mask to fight crime in NYC but his mask is saught by a greedy criminal mastermind bent on taking over New York and kidnaps Ipkiss's love interest and threatens to kill her if time runs out and now Ipkiss with the power of hte mask must stop the madman before it's too late.

The ride throughout this movie is just hilarious and the comedic wit of Jim Carrey carries this film the whole way through. Go and get this movie as soon as possible. It's a classic for all ages to come. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Above average Elvis vehicle
This picture is a great improvement over the movies of the previous three years (especially when compared to EASY COME, EASY GO and CLAMBAKE).

In this more adult-oriented comedy, Elvis plays a photographer who gets stalked by a rather eccentric woman, who gets him fired from his job and moves him out of his own home. How does she do it? I can't tell you, you have to buy the picture. He, he.

Anyway, you'll have fun watching Elvis juggle between two jobs, and the songs in this picture are actually GOOD (especially "Edge of Reality" and "A Little Less Conversation"). The "Edge of Reality" sequence is actually pretty psychedelic, an Elvis film highlight, indeed.

Finally, Elvis was getting more quality scripts in this period. Unfortunately, his movie contract was almost up, so that's probably the reason for it.

Buy this picture, you'll be glad you did.

No Cookie Cutter Elvis vehicle.
By '68 the 1930's approach to Presley movie-making was finally over. Although Mr. Taurog did some nice work with Elvis, it seems that his work with Bing Crosby somehow became his main reference point in presenting "The King of Rock and Roll". (Indeed, even in this progressive entry, another '20-'30s icon, Mr. Rudy Vallee, has a part). Anyhow, this picture tried to be mod, hip, current, whatever. and missed the mark. Not that it doesn't have some entertaining sections, with our man dealin' with an inscrutable bohemian lass. All the songs are good, especially "Edge of Reality", presented in a well-choreographed waking dream sequence. Another contemporary song, "A Little Less Conversation" was also well-presented. (Alright, Elvis historians, how about my idea that the later-recorded "Let's Forget About The Stars" was possibly the original tune for that scene involving the lady deep into astrology - it doesn't make sense that it was cut for "Charro"...). Since several of my friends at that time who were not Elvis fans told me that picture was okay, I'll rate it a 2-PLUS. A true "oddball" in the Presley film collection. (By the way, why didn