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It always comes up when people are comparing their most traumatic movie experiences: "the death of Bambi's mother," a recollection that can bring a shudder to even the most jaded filmgoer. That primal separation (which is no less stunning for happening off-screen) is the centerpiece of Bambi, Walt Disney's 1942 animated classic, but it is by no means the only bold stroke in the film. In its swift but somehow leisurely 69 minutes, Bambi covers a year in the life of a young deer. But in a bigger way, it measures the life cycle itself, from birth to adulthood, from childhood's freedom to grown-up responsibility. All of this is rendered in cheeky, fleet-footed style--the movie doesn't lecture, or make you feel you're being fed something that's good for you. The animation is miraculous, a lush forest in which nature is a constantly unfolding miracle (even in a spectacular fire, or those dark moments when "man was in the forest"). There are probably easier animals to draw than a young deer, and the Disney animators set themselves a challenge with Bambi's wobbly glide across an ice-covered lake, his spindly legs akimbo; but the sequence is effortless and charming. If Bambi himself is just a bit dull--such is the fate of an Everydeer--his rabbit sidekick Thumper and a skunk named Flower more than make up for it. Many of the early Disney features have their share of lyrical moments and universal truths, but Bambi is so simple, so pure, it's almost transparent. You might borrow a phrase from Thumper and say it's downright twitterpated. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Disney's Personal Favorite - "Lion King"-like Masterpiece!
This Animated Feature, from Walt Disney Studios' "classic" period, showcases Disney's favorite themes: Natures majestic beauty and the miracle of life itself.

From the birth of "the young Prince", to his rightful place at the throne of the forest, Bambi is a delight to watch. My favorite scenes are the time when the new generation of "young ones", one by one, get "twitterpated" (as the wise owl explains it).

The dazzeling animation includes many moving moments, highlighted by the scene wehre Bambi's mother is killed. Searching for the mother, young Bambi is told "your mother can't be with you anymore". It is not until this moment that the father acknowledges his place in Bambi's life.

I first experienced this piece of movie magic as a child during the annual "Disney Feature" at the renouned MGM Theatre in Frankfurt, Germany. Of the films I was privileged to enjoy on their giant screen, this is the one I will always remember most fondly. From the reminders of Stomper's father (related by the mother) to the warnings of danger in the great meadow, and certainly the revitalized forest after a devestating fire, as well as the first signs of spring after a cold and snowy winter, "Bambi" was and always will be a memorable experience.

Until the long-awaited DVD version becomes available, the double lazer disc is the most sophisticated media for this wonderful film. The final side includes many "extras". The DVD format will certainly be filled with "gimmicks" as well. This film receives my highest recommendation for viewing by "children" of all ages!*****

Walt Disney's greatest
"Bambi" is said to have been Walt Disney's favorite picture, and it's no wonder of that. This movie has my favorite songs from any Disney picture I've seen, including "Love Is a Song" and "Little April Shower." My favorite character is, of course, Thumper. He steals the whole show and he has a lot of great lines, which are usually hard to find in animated films nowadays. I hope that the Disney company will re-release this classic in theaters or on video, but one thing I hope they don't do is sell a whole lot of merchandising on it. Almost every Disney movie these days does that. Anyway, one more thing I want to say about this movie. The scene where Bambi's mother dies has left an emotional and lasting impact on generations of children who saw it. Although I'm only 16 years old, I saw this movie about a month ago and I felt the same way during that scene. That is what made Bambi so different from Disney's other efforts and what made it so important.

A simple little film -- NOT!
On one level, "Bambi" is just a little, animated film, just under 70 minutes, that tells the story of an orphaned deer growing up. Right? And an acorn is just a nut.

"Bambi" was made in 1942, but is still impressive in its animation, even in comparison to the computer-generated graphics of today. The colors are so lush, that you want to freeze some of the frames and hang them up on your wall. The beauty of Nature is captured here as well as in any film, animated or not.

"Bambi" is the story of one deer, but it is also a case study in the very basics of life: parental love, loss and grief, friendship, loyalty, balancing risk and need, growing toward independence, being at one and in harmony with Nature, and romantic love. It is a small film that covers more ground than many epic, megabuck productions.

"Bambi" did something else significant: for many, it altered people's view of deer and their relationship to Man. I recently read a study that looked at this issue, and one finding is that two things decreased markedly after the release of "Bambi" involvement in deer-hunting, and the value people in general place on deer-hunting.

Sometimes, in simplicity, there is perfection.

Simply Charming, and Very Touching
As any true Disney Classic will, Bambi touches and warms your heart. This is one of those movies that stays with you for the rest of your life, after just one viewing, because of its impact.
Bambi was the first animated film to ever touch on the subject of ecology, and man's effect on nature. However, while it explores such a heavy subject it still maintains a simple beauty and charm. It has all of the elements of an animated masterpiece: beautiful animation, an interesting story line, loveable characters, and great voice acting. However, it also brings the added joy of remembering all of the wonder that the world has to offer. There are very powerful scenes, including Bambi's well known trama at losing his mother, and its sure to make you stop and think.

Very cute, raises an important issue as well...
This movie really made me think. That sounds silly when it's just a cute and heart warming little cartoon but I cried when Bambi's Mummy was shot. What about all of the deer that go down each and every day in the real world? ... Read more

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The third and final episode of the Sarah, Plain and Tall series is a 1999 production reuniting stars Glenn Close and Christopher Walken withoriginal director Glenn Jordan. Taking the story eight years beyond theoriginal tale, Winter's End is set in a harsh Kansas winter of 1918, with the specter of death everywhere: soldiers are dying overseas duringWorld War I, influenza is at epidemic proportions in the U.S., and an old manhas returned to the Witting farm with an uncertain reception. He's JohnWitting (Jack Palance), father of Jacob (Walken), and the two men have notseen each other since John abandoned his son years ago. Reconciliation comeshard, punctuated by cliffhanger disasters (Jacob breaks his leg and burnswith a fever, Sarah almost dies in a heavy snowstorm), but this most brutal of trial periods for the Wittings still invites a viewer to yearn for a moreinnocent--perhaps mythical--time in America. A worthy and rewarding finish toa trilogy fit for families yet sophisticated enough for all ages,Winter's End may be one of the last network television classics in an era of audience relocation to multichannel cable. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Not up to par.
The movie opens in March of 1918. The long, bitter winter has yet to come to an end. There is an epidemic of influenza in town and the war has taken Anna's boyfriend overseas. Much as Jacob and Sarah did, Anna waits for every letter from him while tending the sick in town. Back home on the farm, an unexpected visitor will soon rock Sarah's family to its core.

Although 'Winter's End' sounds exciting, its frightfully dull and unprofessional. The acting is just not up to par with the first two. Glen Close, Christopher Walken and the entire cast shine in 'Sarah Plain & Tall' and 'Skylark.' After seeing those, I suppose I was spoiled. I expected that high quality when I bought 'Winter's End' and thus, I was shocked and dismayed by this poorly acted out movie. I've seen these actors/actresses at their best and they are very talented. Now, I am left baffled as to what happened here. Did they just not care this time around? Was it the director? A low budget? What? So many questions, so little answers. What really got me was when, 'Sarah' (Glen Close) was caught out in a blizzard and almost froze to death. The depth of emotion put into that scene wouldn't fill a tea spoon. 'Jacob' (Christopher Walken) put the most into it, but his acting was stilted, unreal and unnatural. Yet, the all time award for stiffness and unnatural acting would be a tie between, Jack Palance (Jacob's wayward father) and Christopher Bell (Caleb) They did a terrible job. To make matters worse, it looks as if the 'honeymoon' is over for Sarah and Jacob in 'winter's End.' There is no more of that 'spark' we enjoyed in, 'Sarah Plain & Tall' and 'Skylark.' There might be one or two scenes where they shine as they once did, but for the most part, the chemistry is dead.
The biggest highlight of the film was Sarah and Jacob's little girl 'Cassie,' played by Emily Osment. She seemed to be the only one who took her role seriously. She was a natural, and very 'real' in her part. She did a great job. But sadly the rest of the cast lost the magic that was, 'Sarah Plain & Tall.'

A 5-star trilogy, well worth a look
Christopher Walken and Glenn Close headline the cast in this excellent series of three Hallmark Hall of Fame movies.

In the first movie of the series, "Sarah, Plain and Tall," Walken plays a widowed Kansas farmer who desperately needs someone to help him rear his children while he tends to providing for the family via his farm in the early 1900s. Glenn Close plays Sarah, a woman from Maine, who responds to Walken's newspaper ad search for a wife. The rest of the story focuses on the developing relationships between Walken, Close, and the children. An excellent story and great movie -- 5 stars all the way.

In the second movie, "Skylark" (sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall), the story of Walken and Close's life continues as they face a severe drought, possible failure of the farm, and stresses those things place upon the family. Top-notch, equal in emotional impact and believability with "Sarah, Plain and Tall" -- definitely another 5-star movie.

The third movie, "Winter's End" finds an unexpected guest in Walken and Close's home -- Walken's father, long absent from any family interactions. In this movie, the children have grown considerably (I believe that all the members of the original cast are still together). While an enjoyable movie, this one is not in the same class as the first two, and hovers someplace around 3.5 to 4 stars.

I awarded the set 5 stars on the collective strength of the first two movies.

Just in case you hadn't noticed, Walken is often cast in somewhat quirky roles, but this is probably my favorite work of his. He plays a devoted father dealing with a range of believable real-life issues. These movies also underscore the incredible talent of Close, who can pull off roles as diverse as Sarah's and that of Disney's Cruella DeVil!

Do yourself a favor...if you haven't watched these movies, watch them. They are wonderful.

Have a great day!

Alan Holyoak

Excellent Family Viewing
This is excellent family viewing. It gives one a sense of how tough it was to grow up in the 1800's and early 1900's. People had to work hard for everything, certainly much different than our world where people are pampered by modern-day conveniences.
Glenn Close is one of the great actresses of all time, no question here. If you like Close, check out her excellent performance in "World According to Garp." She is also capable of playing evil as well...in "Fatal Attraction."

Watching the Sarah Plain and Tall series is a great way to help your family grow closer together.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Sarah has become family!
By the time you watch all of these (there are three) Sarah and her bunch are family. You watch the kids grow up and there are these marvelous stories and it's just good entertainment. Sarah comes to Kansas to marry a widower farmer to "make a difference" to him and his two children. The first movie concerns their meeting and eventually marrying, the second movie shows their life through a drought and forced separation and the third brings them into WW1 and some personal family problems. Everything is done perfectly and you'll enjoy these time and again. I've watched them all several times.

I love it.
I loved all three of these movies. It is nice to find a movie that you can watch with the whole family. I think the 3rd movie stayed close to the book. I wish there were more of these type of movies. ... Read more

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Could this be the funniest movie ever made? By any rational measure of comedy, this medieval romp from the Monty Python troupe certainly belongs on the short list of candidates. According to Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide, it's "recommended for fans only," but we say hogwash to that--you could be a complete newcomer to the Python phenomenon and still find this send-up of the Arthurian legend to be wet-your-pants hilarious. It's basically a series of sketches woven together as King Arthur's quest for the Holy Grail, with Graham Chapman as the King, Terry Gilliam as his simpleton sidekick Patsy, and the rest of the Python gang filling out a variety of outrageous roles. The comedy highlights are too numerous to mention, but once you've seen Arthur's outrageously bloody encounter with the ominous Black Knight (John Cleese), you'll know that nothing's sacred in the Python school of comedy. From holy hand grenades to killer bunnies to the absurdity of the three-headed knights who say "Ni--!," this is the kind of movie that will strike you as fantastically funny or just plain silly, but why stop there? It's all over the map, and the pace lags a bit here and there, but for every throwaway gag the Pythons have invented, there's a bit of subtle business or grand-scale insanity that's utterly inspired. The sum of this madness is a movie that's beloved by anyone with a pulse and an irreverent sense of humor. If this movie doesn't make you laugh, you're almost certainly dead.--Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (630)

one of the best comedies ever and dvd extras to rave about!
This is what dvds were invented for -- there are so many great features here! So in addition to seeing one of the funniest movies ever made, you can be entertained for hours with the extras, and the extras are terrific: subtitles in English, French or Spanish; audio track choices -- English (the original mono or a brand new full stereo version), French, a directors' (Gilliam and Jones) track or a commentary track with Cleese, Idle and Palin; a copy of the script overlaid on the film; a painstaking, hilarious Henry the IV-ish subtitle for those who don't like the film; a hard-of-hearing feature; killer rabbit easter eggs; animated menus using Gilliam's original animation; karaoke renditions of 'Knights of the Round Table', 'Sir Robin' and the 'Monks Chant'; a delightful 45 minute visit to the locations with Jones and Palin; an educational film about the 'other' uses of coconuts; Japanese versions of the French Castle and Knights Who Say Ni scenes, including references to the 'holy sake cup'; a 1974 BBC Film Night visit to a location site during filming; photos of tickets, press releases, reviews, posters, production stills and original artwork; trailers; cast credits (Palin played over a dozen parts!) with pictures of each character; a Lego knights version of the Camelot scene; pictures of sketches that were never used (a killer snail?!); a web link.

A lot of effort went into this special edition dvd, and it shows. I particularly enjoyed seeing Jones and Palin visit locations. They were in a jolly mood, their comments are interspersed with film footage, and they meet affectionate and funny fans along the way.

If you like this film you will love this dvd version; if you love the film, you wil adore this two-dvd set. An essential item for your collection.

Highest recommendation.

I Never Thought Looking For A Shrubbery Would Be This Fun!!
In the early 1970's the Monty Python troop (Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, and Terry Jones) stars from the immensely popular television series Monty Python's Flying Circus began producing, with the help of a fundraising concert headlined by Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd (You lie!! No, I didn't!), initial photography on what would later become (from all my extensive years of movie watching) the single most unforgivably sidesplitting, enormously irreverent, shrewdly perceptive, unremittingly uproariously aggressive, gruesomely hysterical, and endlessly quotable comedies EVER. Not even Mel Brooks's Best Efforts (The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein) comes very close to the revolutionary medieval merriment sustained in this royal purebred of cult classics. BAR NONE. No contest here.

Endlessly stockpiled with hauntingly hysterical sketches that will probably never leave your mind (no matter how hard you try) including, The Knights Who Say Nei, The Self-Abusing Monks (Eah aay ess eay dom eay nay), The Black Knight, The Trojan Rabbit, the Ever-Appearing Verbally Abusing French (I don't want to talk to you no more!!!), The Enchanter Named Tim, The Killer Bunny, The Bridge of Death (What is the capital of Hysteria?), The Old Woman Named Dennis, and so many countless more great sketches to include here that I'd die trying. Monty and Python and the Holy Grail remains an ever-enriching mirthful cult-classic that just seems to improve with age. Since Columbia has a bountifully hefty new special edition of the Holy Grail out now there should be no excuse, if you've never seen it (I think I'll go for a walk!!), just drop everything your doing (including Bringing Out Your Dead) and go experience this life changing movie today. You won't be disappointed, just tell them the Knight Not Appearing In This Film sent you, and they'll know what to do.

As for the options on the special edition here's a run-down:

Disc One: -"21st Anniversary" cut of the film running an extra 24 seconds; -Anamorphic Widescreen; -Dolby 5.1 track; -Original Mono Track; -Audio commentary with Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin; -subtitles "for people who don't like the film" (you get the text from Shakespeare's Henry IV instead); -an "on-screen screenplay" feature which lets you read the screenplay as you watch the film; -"Follow the Killer Rabbit" feature;

Disc Two: "Three Mindless Sing-Alongs"; -"The Quest for the Holy Grail Locations" featurette; -"How to Use Your Coconuts" educational film; -"Monty Python and the Holy Grail in Japanese" (with English subtitles); -the BBC Film Night special "On Location with the Pythons; -an interactive cast directory; -still galleries with Terry Gilliam's original sketches and behind-the-scenes photos; -"A Load Of Rubbish" with mystery items; -unused ideas and other material; -two trailers
and web-links.

Both discs represent the absolute final word resource for EVERYTHING and I do mean everything you'd need to know about the Python's greatest film. An Absolute Necessity for any Python Fan!!

P.S. You can't base a system of government just because some watery tart threw a sword at you.

What are you going to do, bleed on me?
excellent. Possibly the funniest movie ever made. Who could forget such a line as "I fart in your general direction. Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of eldeberries." This is a great movie and a great dvd edition that gives it justice. This is completely worth the money. A comedy Classic.

This movie didn't make me Run Away! (or) Run away FASTER!!!
Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail is, by far, my favorite movie -and I'm sure it always will be! Being a truly hilariously-random film, this DVD does an awesome job of showcasing this fact to the highest extent. The killer white "rrrrabit" will live on in my heart forever, and I will always be knowledgeable that African swallows are non-migratory. What other movie has a group of knights requesting shrubberies -from King Arthur, no less- to create a 'two-level effect with a path through the middle'? Only Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
The movie might sound strange as I mention these things out of context, but I assure you it is much stranger when Monty Python says it!
So, to conclude this review, I definitely give "Monty Python and the Quest for the Holy Grail" DVD a 5 star rating, as I know it will entertain millions for years to come. Enjoy!

The Lego Camelot Number Alone is Worth the Price
Who would have thought that, after nearly 30 years, the world's goofiest movie could be made even moreso? Not only is this DVD a comedy triumph (it would be simply if it were the DVD version of the classic film, in which a crew too broke to afford horses for King Arthur and his Knights changed history and college kids' banter forever by introducing coconuts as migrating props). Oh, no, this DVD is one that may become a standard for other DVDs. Just look at this list of extras above! To be sure, some of them are fluff. The "load of rubbish" selection is simply some receipts and a few odd notes. But most of it is stupendous.

The first disc contains the movie itself, along with some choices of how to watch it.... subtitles, commentary by directors Terry Jones & Terry Gilliam or by John Cleese & Eric Idle & Michael Palin. Then "for people who don't like the film", there's subtitles from Shakespeare's "Henry IV, Part II". Now, these do not faithfully follow Henry IV verse by verse, but they do come from the play, and it's hilarious how the phrases Shakespeare wrote do actually match up with the action on the screen.

Disc Two contains several mementoes: a film of John Cleese, Terry Jones, and "Grail" production manager John Young (who also played the hapless "Historian" towards the end of the film, and the "I'm not dead!" guy) paying a return visit to Castle Doune , in 2000. At first it's fun to hear them reminisce at the filming site, but since it's a very small spot with nothing but a wall and a bit of ground, they appear uncomfortable and that quickly gets old. More interesting is the home movie made by the two Terries when they looked for prospective film locations in the seventies. Their excitement is palpable.

A somewhat painful scene (except for the chance it gives us to watch Terry Jones in action as a director) is the BBC documentary made during filming. The interviewer seems more interested in trying to be funny himself than in the Pythons. But there are several great comic extras, including words to some songs, a coconut skit, two scenes dubbed in Japanese, and best of all, an animated feature of the "Camelot" scene and song done entirely in Lego...must be seen to be believed.

Finally, someone has made good use of the storage space on a DVD. ... Read more

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Francis Ford Coppola took some of the deep background from the life of Mafia chief Vito Corleone--the patriarch of Mario Puzo's bestselling novel The Godfather--and built around it a stunning sequel to his Oscar-winning, 1972 hit film. Robert De Niro plays Vito as a young Sicilian immigrant in turn-of-the-century New York City's Little Italy. Coppola weaves in and out of the story of Vito's transformation into a powerful crime figure, contrasting that evolution against efforts by son Michael Corleone to spread the family's business into pre-Castro Cuba. As memorable as the first film is, The Godfather II is an amazingly intricate, symmetrical tragedy that touches upon several chapters of 20th-century history and makes a strong case that our destinies are written long before we're born. This was De Niro's first introduction to a lot of filmgoers, and he makes an enormous impression. But even with him and a number of truly brilliant actors (including maestro Lee Strasberg), this is ultimately Pacino's film and a masterful performance. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (82)

I know it was you Fredo
Director Francis Ford Coppola does the impossible with this film. He creates an original piece better than its wonderful predecessor! After the phenomenal success of the GODFATHER, Coppola didn't have the studio watching every move he made like a hawk, and the results are a better, more diverse film. He lifted a concept he was saving for another movie, one where a father's story and his son's story are intermingled, comparing them both at the same age. Robert DeNiro won an Oscar for his mostly silent portrayal of the soft-spoken Italian, Vito Corleone, played by Marlon Brando in the first film. This was the first time in history that two people were both given an Oscar for portraying the same character. Running parallel with Vito's story is the continuing saga of Michael Corleone, Al Pacino returning to play the crime boss. His Michael has grown into a man bent on his own fate, battling hubris like a Shakespeare character. The production design and music are once again wonderful, Vito's past is a gorgeous pastiche of immigrants at the turn of the previous century, while Michael now rules an empire that extended into the sleazy world of gambling. Coppola uses some of the same tricks as the first film (If it ain't broke...). The result is a three-hour plus tragedy that is sure to make a hit with you. The first 2 films together make for interesting viewing. On occasion, they have even been needlessly presented chronologically. Followed by an unfortunate third film.

The apex of American film making
To call The Godfather 2 a sequal would be a travesty and an unfair conclusion on what a stunning achievement the film was. Not only is it the greatest sequal of all time (the only one to receive the best film oscar, at the expense of the brilliant Chinatown) but perhaps the greatest movie of all time.

It's an even more towering achievement than it's predecessor with Coppola now telling in parallel the rise of Vito Corleone from a seemingly harmless kid fleeing Sicily at the turn of the century to a fully fledged Mafia Don(now De Niro)in his twenties, contrasted with his son Michael carrying on the Sicilian legacy in 1950s New York.

The intricacy of the flashback sequences is suitably stunning as is the flawless design of both time periods, especially that of 1910s New York. The costume design and focus on detail are simply immaculate with De Niro delivering an electrifying portrayal of the young Vito(speaking Italian for much of his part) as he becomes a player with a gun wrapped under a towel and hoarsely imitates Brando at one stage "I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse."

Both won Oscars for their portrayal of Vito but i believe it is De Niro who excels more, not relying on the heavy makeup Brando was employed with for the first film but again proving his versatility of being a method actor and a natural gift of playing gangsters. However, it is often argued that Panino tops De Niro's peformance. He delivers a masterfully cold and distant performance as Michael, carrying on the family business after his father's death (much to his brother Fredo's disapproval).

He moves scrupulously and speaks with rivetting conviction as he attempts to protect his family from the corruption and threat of the era. While being corrupt himself, Michael is also a caring family figure, doing all he can to end this power struggle for the sake of protecting his children. At one stage his wife Kay Adams(Diane Keaton) threatens to take his children away from him but Pacino makes his feelings clear "You know that could never be possible. You know i would do anything in my power to stop that from happening."

The supporting cast are also great, with maestro Lee Strasberg, Robert Duvall also picking up Oscar nominations. At 3 hours and 20 minutes the movie doesn't seem overlong at all. It's an emotional powerful study in family loyalty, betrayal, corruption and greed and the apex of American filmaking. Movies don't come more accomplished or perfect than The Godfather 2. An oustanding piece of showmanship and one of the most important forms of art in any medium.

Even better than the first!
I watched this version first and I've always liked this movie more than the first because it ties up loose ends and it gives you a better understanding of who the family is, where they came from, the origin of the Corleone name (The family name is Andolini, the town he comes from is Corleone.), etc. I wished Richard Castellano was in this one (He wouldn't because of a contract dispute.). His replacements were classic. Michael V. Gazzo & Lee Strasberg give outstanding performances in their roles. This is an epic tale never to be forgotten.

A VERY AMAZING SEQUEL TO A VERY AMAZING MOVIE
THE STORY CONTINUES AS MICHAEL CORLEONE [AL PACINO] CONTINUES HIS DECEASED FATHER'S BUSINESS. THIS SEQUEL SUCCEEDS IN BEING WHAT MANY OTHER SEQUELS COULD NEVER BE, A GOOD MOVIE, MATTER OF FACT, AN OUTSTANDING MOVIE. ALONG WITH ITS PREDECESSOR, THIS IS ONE OF THE GREATEST MOVIES OF ALL TIME. THIS SEQUEL IS VERY AMAZING, AND I RECCOMEND ALL GANGSTER MOVIE BUFFS GET THIS AND ITS PREDECESSOR ON TAPE OR DVD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. LIKE THE 1ST MOVIE, THIS WON SEVERAL OSCARS, INCLUDING BEST PICTURE.

great character study, great acting
I love this movie even more than Part I, because I love the way you can see Michael's character disintegrating over the course of the story. You watch him strip away all human connections in order to protect the "family." He finally asks his mother "Can you lose your family?" She doesn't understand the question, but of course Michael has lost his family, as well as his own soul. The paradox in this--killing your family in order to protect the "family"--is wonderful.
As in Part I, Diane Keaton is kind of a weak link--just not a credible Mafia wife. De Niro gives one of the greatest performances ever--channeling Brando. I also love the young versions of Don Corleone's sidekicks when they first go into business doing things like stealing rugs. And Robert Duvall has had to work very hard ever since to equal this performance.
The only disappointment is that we don't get to see Sonny (James Caan), since he was killed in Part I. His role was so wonderful that it's a pity Coppola couldn't work him into the flashbacks of Part II, except in the brief final scene. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

The Best Version of Cinderella w/ some good butt kicking
Drew Barrymore plays Cinderella as never seen before. With a quick wit,brains,looks, and the willingness to kick alittle "step-sisterly bootie" , she wins over the heart of a handsome prince, played by Dougrey Scott. The story alters more with the help of a step-sister who in the end makes you love her as much as Cinderella. Also, you have a wonderful cast who brings this to life, altering a "fairy-godmother" to a "fairy-godfather" with the help of famous artist Leonardo. You will laugh and cheer as you let yourself be pulled into this wonderful story of love, comedy, and "just rewards".

A realistic version of the timeless fairy tale
In this more realistic version of Cinderella, Drew Barrymore plays Gabrielle, a pretty farm girl who's strength and courage(not prince charming) save her from a bleak future. In order to save one of the house servants, Gabrielle passes herself off as a courtier and confronts one of the King's men. Amidst this confrontation, Prince Henry shows up and is impressed by Gabrielle's guts, intelligence, and beauty. Smitten by the Prince herself, Gabrielle lies to him about who she really is.
But Gabrielle's stepmother (Angelica Huston) is determined to have the prince marry one of her daughters and she'll do whatever it takes to get Gabrielle out of the way. Highly recommended for its romance, humor, and suspense.

great family viewing
Drew Barrymore has this charm about her on screen, whether it's in ET as a pretty little girl, or as a beautiful young woman in this Cinderella story that will captivate your heart and senses. This is fairytale but believable because human nature is always the same whether it's fantasy or reality; and it's romantic but very tasteful. And I'm sure many will be pleased with the happy ending :)

David Rehak
author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"

Excellent movie!!!!
This is one of my favorite movies of all time! Of course, as its known by the title the story is based on the Cinderella fairy tale, but in this movie the heroine is smart and strong, yet vunerable at the same time. Drew Barrymore is great and Angelica Houston is just wondrously wicked as the evil step- mother. This movie is recomended to every woman!!!

Going back to the olden times. 15th april 2004.
Danielle de barbarac is a servant, thats the job she does, her cruel mother is like an enemy to her, she can never anything right. [The posh dresses, just like the olden days]. ... Read more

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It was probably inevitable that Jane Fonda, who played such a defining role in the aerobics boom of the 1980s, would be on the yoga train as well when it started rolling in the 1990s. And on this tape (recorded in 1993), she does a good job of it. The focus is on the "sun salutation," a connected series of poses that builds strength, flexibility, and balance, and with repeated practice this offers what Fonda calls "an excellent full-body workout." The program is divided into three sections, any one of which can be practiced on its own. The first breaks down the various poses comprising the sun salute, while the second is devoted to several repetitions of the salute itself; three variations are offered, two incorporating some of Fonda's own techniques and one that's closer to the "classical" or "Series C" salutation. The final section (which might actually be a better place to prepare for your practice than to finish it) focuses on relaxation and breathing. Fonda's manner is brisk, but her instructions are clear and concise, and while the tape isn't especially difficult, it should prove challenging enough for beginners and most intermediates. --Kelly Welldon ... Read more

Reviews (22)

A Wonderful Introduction to Yoga
"Jane Fonda's Yoga Exercise Workout" is not only the most wonderful introduction to Yoga, but it makes you want to come back for more. Although I work out several times a week, I am new to Yoga, and was absolutly amazed at how I felt after just the first class. It gave me energy, improved my balance(when you get to be a "certain age", these things start to dwindle), and
left me feeling like I'd done a real workout.Even my abs felt it!

Jane encouragingly guides you through the three segments of this tape. In the first segment she takes you through the most gentle yet invigorating 20 minutes of stretching and toning in which you will also be introduced to the movements and the terminology.
There are times when the level of movement is increased, but Jane reminds us to just do the level we feel most comfortable with and there are insets showing the different levels we can follow.

In the next segment you'll be learning the Yoga Sun Salutation. It is a progressive routine that picks up the pace as it goes along, but again Jane let's you know it's okay to go at your own pace. This segment lasts about 15 minutes, but it's a truly effective program.

The last 15 minutes may be the most wonderful 15 minutes you can spend in a day. The time is spent strictly on relaxation techniques, that will make you feel wonderful as well as relieve stress. This is a section that you can do anytime you feel the need, as no warm up is required.

I have had this tape some time now, and although it took me a few times before I completed the whole tape, each time I used it I felt a renewed energy and good about myself. Five stars to Jane and this class for turining me from a skeptic to a believer. I started out adding this just once a week to my work out program, I now incorporate it twice weekly and I really look foward to those days. It's truly a great workout for any age.

I also think you can't go wrong for the price. If it's something you've been wanting to try, you can do it without investing too much, and after a while if you decide you want to move on to a more powerful workout, this tape has given you a great start!

What a Feeling!...enjoy...Laurie

A gentle, but still intense workout
I do not consider myself an expert on yoga, I've learned what I can and try to do what's best for my own body and limitations. Ms. Fonda's yoga tape, although the moves are very basic, still made me work up a good sweat.

The movements she does here can be found on pretty much any good, basic yoga tape. I have other yoga tapes in my library, and the movements here have been modified for the "non-yoga" practicioner. Still, Ms. Fonda's soothing alto voice, clear instruction, and encouragement to "do your best" make this video worthwhile. It's actually a nice contrast to doing something like Bryan Kest's Power Yoga 1. You can still get the intensity and benefits of a good workout without the rapidity. There is also a section of deep breathing exercises, followed by a relaxation section. The relaxation section of this video is very soothing and made me feel alive, loose, and energized. You may want to use a pillow for your head during this portion.

I alternate this tape along with Mr. Kest's, as well as Dixie Carter's "Unworkout 1 and 2". I take one day off a week, but even on that day off, I do the evening portion of "Unworkout 2".

I recommend this tape for anyone who wants a gentle, but still beneficial, yoga workout.

Gentle, Yet Effective
This was the first yoga workout tape I ever bought. At first when I started doing it, I had to keep looking at the tv to make sure I was doing the moves right. But I after did it several times, I got to where I could do it without having to look at the tv. In fact, she says you will get to where you can do it just by following her voice. She gives excellent cues for each move and breathing. I do this workout at least once a week and have really increased my felxiblity. I really love stretching exercises, and this is an excellent whole body stretch. I love the way she has you flow from one position to another. It's almost as if it is all one move. Great for anyone that is just beginning in yoga, or for someone that has been doing yoga for awhile and wants a nice change of pace.

Great beginner tape.
This workout is excellent for the beginner, and the not terribly flexible. Alternate positions are shown and you can progress at your own rate. This is very important with any exercise program. I have not perspired with this one (I've had it two years) but if I neglect my workouts, it does make my muscles a bit sore. The instructions are easy to follow. After the first couple of times, you should be able to do the routine without looking at the screen. Jane even tells you when and how to breathe. This is a great plus because your breathing is very important in Yoga, or any other exercise. Overall, you can't go wrong with this one, no matter what your fitness level.

so slow.......
I do not have anything against Ms. Fonda but this tape, even with the use of sun salutations, is slow slow slow. If you like Power Yoga, by all means stay away from this one as it is slow and you will not enjoy it. If slow is what you are looking for, you may want to give this one a try but then again the basic Living Arts tapes are still much much better than this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

From 1973 to 1985, a generation of kids watching Saturday morning television learned the function of conjunctions and the preamble to the U.S. Constitution with the help of an animated series called Schoolhouse Rock!The brainchild of executives at McCaffrey and McCall Advertising, the three-minute segments combined whimsical cartoons with catchy music (rock was only one of the styles) to help kids learn seemingly dry topics as easily as they could learn popular songs. Multiplication Rock tackles the multiplication tables, covering numbers 0 through 12 (but not 1 or 10), and chances are few people who grew up watching can multiply by 3 or 5 without hearing the familiar voice of composer-singer Bob Dorough. Other underlying talent included jazz drummer Grady Tate ("I Got Six," "Naughty Number Nine") and jazz pianist Blossom Dearie ("Figure Eight"), who contributed vocals. (Subsequent installments would feature many other jazz musicians and songs written by jazz pianist-composer Dave Frishberg and future Broadway composer Lynn Ahrens, who at the time was a fledgling secretary for McCaffrey and McCall.) Years later, the series was considered so hip that now-grown-up rock stars rerecorded the songs, and Multiplication Rock includes a music video of "Electricity, Electricity" by Goodness.--David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (17)

A Schoolhouse Rock Testimonial
When I was in third grade I never could get my times tables down pat- the sevens and twelves proved especially tricky. So my mom checked out this video from the library, and that changed immediately. I could rattle off my multiplication tables as fast as everybody else after watching this only a few times. Amazing! That same year I got put in advanced math. Coincidence? I think not! All the songs were just so catchy. I loved it when I saw the NIKE commercial playing "Three is the Magic Number", that's one of my favorites. Anyways, parents, this is a great buy for your kids and I doubt that you'll get tired of the tunes.

One of the best instructional videos in the world!!!
I remember watching this on television when I was a child and learning my multiplication tables. When I found it was available publically, I immediately purchased it for my son who is now 11. He remembers his the same way I remembered mine -- by singing the songs!!! I would recommend all of the Schoolhouse Rock videos for anyone who has children, because it's never to early to learn. By the way, the only way I can remember the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States is to sing the song from America Rock!

This has 2 much excitement
you tired of learning multipliplacation by talking and no videos?Well,those days are over because of Schoolhouse Rock!-Multiplication Rock (1973).This is more fun then just having to talk about multiplication and not understanding it.It has songs,too.

EXCELLENT
EXCELLENT TAPE. REALLY HELPED MY NIECE WITH HER MULTIPLICATION. EXCELLENT TAPE.

Schoolhouse Rocks!
I am a teacher of 13 years. Many people know that there are 5 specific learning styles and these tapes address many of these styles through innovation and repetition! Catchy songs have seen many of my classes singing to themselves and gaining confidence on tests and test scores! I cannot speak any higher of the series! GET IT!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

James Stewart reunites with his Harvey director, Henry Koster, in this 1962 comedy, which is charming enough even though it doesn't seem quite up to the level of talent involved. (The screenwriter is the legendary Nunnally Johnson--writer and director of The Three Faces of Eve, among many other titles--and the music is by Henry Mancini.) But it is pleasant, summery entertainment with Stewart and his screen wife, Maureen O'Hara, taking their urban family to a crumbling, seaside house for a vacation. The film was calculated to pull in older fans with Stewart as well as draw in a younger crowd that would enjoy the fairly extensive beach scenes with pop-star Fabian. Stewart is deft with the easy jokes about bad plumbing and such, and golden in several nice moments where he gets to play an attentive dad to his kids. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Very funny movie.
This is an enjoyable movie, with some very funny scenes and lines. One of my favorite lines takes place in the scene when Jimmy Stewart's shy daughter is at a dance, being the wallflower, and none of the boys ask her to dance. He asks Fabian to ask his daughter to dance (for a $5.00 fee). While they are dancing, Maureen O'Hara (his wife in the movie) asks "How did you find that boy?" and Jimmy Stewart answers "I yelled out 'Joe' to a group of boys. There is always at least one Joe in a group!"

Very Funny!
Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation and Harvey are two of the funniest Jimmy Stewart movies. Vacation is especially fun because of the relationship between Maureen O'Hara and Jimmy. You will not be disappointed with this movie.

cute movie!!!
My wife loves the scene in this movie when Lauri Peters and Fabian sing "cream puff,shortcake" at the pizza place.Lauri is so cute trying to hide her braces.

Wonderful Jimmy Stewart at his comedic best!
I am still amazed at the number of people who haven't seen this movie! Mr. Stewart even narrates, here and there, throughout the story, this wonderful tale of his summer vacation with his family at a rented beach house, along with the family maid. There is a running gag throughout the picture about the plumbing and the maid misunderstands the English language, and Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs try very hard to understand their adorable teen-age daughter (Lauri Peters) who falls in love with an adorable boy (played by none other than Fabian!), who shows up at the local dance and then there's a son who prefers to watch westerns on TV all day and night. There's a sexpot neighbor that lives in a nearby beach house who attempts to read War and Peace, and later the Hobb's daughters show up with the misbehaving grandchildren and want nothing to do with "Boompa", otherwise known as Mr.Hobbs! Don't miss the scene when Jimmy Stewart bird-watches with his son-in-in-law's boss and learns "the proper walk". The chemistry between Maureen O'Hara and James Stewart is so wonderful, it's no wonder they were so successful in several films together! She is so convincing as the jealous wife, especially when Jimmy innocently tries to help his son-in-law's boss's wife (Marie Wilson) while she is in the shower and runs into trouble........don't miss it, you'll laugh all the way through this marvelous movie. Let's hope Twentieth Century Fox soon gives us a widescreen DVD version with extras, like an interview with Maureen O'Hara & Lauri Peters!

Very cute family movie
You can enjoy this with the kids and everyone. Good clean funny entertainment, that will make you laugh and remember a more innocent time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Danny DeVito's adaptation of the Roald Dahl book for children is mostly just fine, helped along quite a bit by the charming performance of Mara Wilson (Mrs. Doubtfire) as young Matilda, a brilliant girl neglected by her stupid, self-involved parents (DeVito and Rhea Perlman). Ignored at home, Matilda escapes into a world of reading, exercising her mind so much she develops telekinetic powers. Good thing, too: sent off to a school headed by a cruel principal, Matilda needs all the help she can get. DeVito takes a highly stylized approach that is sometimes reminiscent of Barry Sonnenfeld (director of Get Shorty, a DeVito production), and his judgment is not the best in some matters, such as letting the comic-scary sequences involving the principal go on too long. But much of the film is delightful and funny. The DVD release has a pan-and-scan, full-screen presentation only, plus Dolby sound and optional French and Spanish soundtracks. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (71)

A Charming and Over-the-Top Movie
This has always been one of my favorite films. This fanciful tale of a young girl who escapes into the world of literature from her abusive parents and principal is a must-see for all families. Some of the material is a little frantic for very young children. Your children must be mature enough to understand that their school principal will not throw them over a fence by their hair.

The film has wonderful actors in it. Pam Ferris, as the child-hating principal of Crunchem Hall, put on an enthusiastically over-the-top performance. Danny De Vito and Rhea Perlman did a great job as the parents who can't understand their six-year-old daughter and her love of reading. Fresh out of "Schindler's List," came Embeth Davidtz playing the warm and loving teacher Miss Honey. And last, but not least, is Mara Wilson, who at a very young age put on a very convincing performance as a girl who loved to learn.

Even though the story has some absurdness, it has a wonderful lesson for children. They shouldn't spend all their time in front of the T.V. For the film buff's out there, the camera shots are very interesting for a family film. Composer David Newman ("Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure," "The War of the Roses") wrote a wonderful music score for the film. It had humor and sentiment, and it is one of his personal favorites.

So if your looking for a good family movie that is average as a film, but above the standards of a family film, this movie is for you.

A modern childrens' classic!
Based on the book written by Roald Dahl (who brought "Willy Wonka" to life), this story revolves around the 6-year-old title character and her incredibly dysfunctional "Typical American" family. Daddy is a used car salesman, Mommy is a throwback to the worst stereotype of the 1960's housewife, and her brother is equally without redeeming qualities, but she loves them anyway and tries to save them from themselves -- most of the time.

Matilda escapes her life as an unpaid and unloved receiving clerk for her father's business (which is under surveillance by inept FBI agents) by devouring every book she can lay her hands on.

The next step in her liberation is toward Crunchem Hall, the neighborhood school run by -- well, I won't spoil the plot, just suffice it to say that "Matilda" is a Must Buy for any home with kids and a DVD player!

This film is as rich and delicious as "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," and is no more a "little girl movie" than "Wonka" was a "little boys' movie." For that matter, even adults will enjoy this one, especially when watching it with your (or anyone else's) kids. END

Great for kids and adults!
Matilda is a cute and wonderful story! It's funny and makes you wonder what will happen next! It is hard to turn the tv off before it is finished! Sometimes people aren't sure they want to buy it but I'm not lying. You have to get it! If you don't like it, you're crazy. Still if you are unsure, go to Blockbuster or another movie rental place and rent it.

How To Survive Private School
Every now and then I see a movie intended for younger viewers that impresses me. Matilda, based on the book by Roald Dahl (Witches, James and The Giant Peach, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) is one such movie. This is the story of a young girl who is special. She is very intelligent, self-sufficient, and inquisitive.

When Matilda's parents (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman) realize that she is old enough for school (sort of late) they send her to a private school run by a horribly mean woman who hates children. This environment, coupled with her life at home with a family that barely knows she is there, causes Matilda to discover and develop telekinetic powers. These she uses to help a friendly teacher and the rest of the students.

Once again a Roald Dahl book has been made into a very good movie. DeVito is excellent as a crooked used car salesman and Perlman is great as his wife. Matilda is played by the same actress who was in the remake of Miracle on 34th Street. The imagery and story are of the type that can only be found in stories for younger audiences. Although the movie does differ from the book this is a movie that I highly recommend.

Funny Family Movie, highly rated
This is a great must see family comedy about an orphan who has magical powers and uses it for good stuff and at the same time brews up some slapstick comedy fun, a great cast including Danny Devito as actor and narrator for this great family movie and a tale of a smart and gifted young child you'll never forget, i'm sure you'll love it. 10/10. ... Read more

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Part mystery, part wartime polemic, Lifeboat finds director Alfred Hitchcock tackling a cinematic challenge that foreshadows the self-imposed handicaps of Rope and Rear Window. As with those subsequent features, Hitchcock confines his action and characters to a single set, in this instance the lone surviving lifeboat from an Allied freighter sunk by a German U-boat in the North Atlantic. A less confident, ingenious filmmaker might have opened up John Steinbeck's dialogue-driven character study beyond the battered boat and its cargo of survivors, but Hitchcock instead revels in his predicament to exploit the enforced intimacy between his characters.

Indeed, we never actually see the doomed freighter--the smoking ship's funnel beneath the credits simply sinks beneath the waves, and we're plunged into the escalating tensions between those who gradually find their way to the boat, a band of eight English and American passengers and crew, plus a German sailor (Walter Slezak) rescued from the U-boat, itself destroyed by the freighter's deck gun. Heading the cast and inevitably commanding their and our attention is the cello-voiced Tallulah Bankhead as Connie Porter, a cynical, sophisticated writer whose priorities seem to be hanging onto her mink and keeping her lipstick fresh. Gradually, the others find Porter and her lifeboat, forming a temporary community that inevitably suggests a careful cross section of archetypes, from wealthy industrialist (Henry Hull) to ship's boiler men (John Hodiak and William Bendix).

Hitchcock juggles the interpersonal skirmishes between the boat's occupants with the mystery of their German prisoner, which itself becomes a meditation on the fine line between nationalism and morality, a line that Slezak walks delicately until his identity is resolved. Visually, Hitchcock transforms his back-lot set and its rear-projected cloudbanks into a desolate stretch of ocean, while capturing the horror of an amputation through an economical set of images culminating in an empty boot. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (22)

A Forgotten Film From The Master Of Suspense
Lifeboat where do i begin? well for starters i guess it would have to be that this is one of my all time favorite Films from Alfred Hitchcock. But to most people they have never heard of Lifeboat. Yeah it was one of his early works but one of his best. Most people when they think of Hitchcock they think of Psycho ans The Birds and Vertigo. But this is better than the birds. It has a human story and ever increasing the tension. In a by gone era of hollywood when movies were grand in spectical not budget.

Lifeboat is about a freighter that is heading to New York. But is sunk by a German U-boat and in the opening scenes there is Tallulah Bankhead in a lifeboat all by herself with all of her belongings. Then one by one they pick up more survivors the tension increasing when they pick up a crewman of the U-boat. Only Hitchcock would make his backlot movie with fake clouds seem so real and make a the ocean look vast and barren. He also manages to elict good performances from Bankhead,Walter Slezak, Canada Lee and others.

I would highly reccomend that you check out this film from the master of suspense. this is not to be missed of put of. It is very suspensful i mean would you come to expect less from Hitchcock.

SEE THIS MOVIE I BEG YOU.

Lesser Known Hitchcock
Lifeboat isn't as famous as some of Hitchcock's other films, but it deserves to be seen today. It's a chance to see Tallulah Bankhead, who if anything, had a very interesting screen presence. She was an original. It's also a chance to see a very human portrayal of an African American character (Canada Lee) at a time when Hollywood rarely did that. There is also a lot of commentary about the Germans and the war, which given the time when this film was made (during the war), makes it all the more fascinating. The performances are good (including a very young Hume Cronyn), and Hitchcock manages to keep the action moving despite having so limited a space in which to do so. If you like Alfred Hitchcock, this is one you should see.

BANKHEAD -- HITCHCOCK
Tallulah Bankhead was one of the 20th century's best actresses, taking over from Ethel Barrymore as the Toast of Broadway and the London stage. She made few films, and this is her best role. (For a very long time the joke was that Bankhead's stage roles were taken over by and became film hits for Bette Davis. Certainly that's true with Hellman's THE LITTLE FOXES.) Here, one has the opportunity to observe how an actress of supreme talent, handles a role in which everything is shown; in which practically nothing can be hidden. Every would-be actress ought to study not only what she does, but more importantly, what she doesn't do, for as a stage acress par excellence all through her younger years, some movie people thought her too big for the screen. Probably she wasn't, but simply needed a good director. Here, she got the best in the business, and the results show.

Hitchcock was fascinated with women, with actresses, and particularly beautiful ones. And, if Connie's beauty here, is not young, and fresh, it is nevertheless, compelling. She is like a thoroughbred mare among mules and cab nags in an auction pen of chance. She stands out because of her breeding. She has lines. Her costume? A white silk blouse, good nylons, a full-length mink coat, and a diamond bracelet. And, of course, that wonderful mane of hair.

If you study Hitchcock, it would make a wonderful double bill to see LIFEBOAT and STAGE FRIGHT close together. Here, he studies Bankhead; in STAGEFRIGHT he studies Dietrich; two fair-haired actresses of wildly differing personal style, but of exceptional power and interest. And, what they have in common and what both display in these two films, is their unusual, and unusually expressive voices. Bankhead was a famous radio actress for many years, as well as a stage star. Dietrich too was a radio actress, and all her life was a singer and recording artist. The trick in working with an artist with an exceptional voice, is to carefully trim and arrange the dialogue in such a way as best to show off the voice's characteristics.

Admirers of Lesbian Chic might want to imagine what Ann Sheridan, or Barbara Stanwick, Rosalind Russell, Ruth Hussey or Lizabeth Scott or any one of a number of others might have done with this "Contralto" role: You know, the wise-cracking, hard boiled newspaper dame. The role is a Type, very popular during the 30's, and with a lesser actress and a lesser director, we might have gotten a good movie out of the material, but not a black-and-white masterpiece, like this one. After all, what if CASABLANCA had been cast with Ronald Raegan and Heddy Lamarr?

You can watch this movie over and over. A director's tour de force, the trick, I think, is to watch for Hitchcock's cutting sequences; the way he manipulated the editing around the actors' speeches within the episodes. Extremely clever. So good, the seams are nearly invisible.

Its a great propaganda movie, but of an unusual kind; far subtler than most. Its a great Camp, or G/L movie, but again, far subtler than most. Its a great Murder movie too, etc., etc...

Great.
'Lifeboat' is a great film by the late Alfred Hitchcock. He is really truly a master of filmmaking and very few directors could make such a fantastic story from such a limited setting. Not many people know of the film, but one should definately check it out.

Hitchcock in a Tank?
A very nice ensemble cast delivers the claustrophobia in this
"Lifeboat"

Heather Angel and Henry Hull always seem to be least recognized in this drama although thw whole cast is seemless .

Bill Bendix could walways play comedy or drama with equal terms.
I think a Dick Cavett story on Bankhead and Chico Marx may be in order. " Chico said " I want to ... You" and Bankhead , always the wit said " and so you shall young man" !

Slezak on the other hand was always an actor who used his rubber face to great effect. Watch out for waves and few script flaws but stay dry ! ... Read more

Description

THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER is the award-winning animated tale of friendship, loyalty, and courage that has become a huge favorite with young and old alike! Five electrical appliances suddenly feel dumped when their young master mysteriously disappears! The dejected toaster rounds up the vacuum cleaner, electric blanket, and bedside lamp and radio, and together, they set off for the big city in search of their beloved owner! Featuring the voices of "Saturday Night Live's" Phil Hartman and Jon Lovitz, and catchy original songs -- you're on the high road to a humorous and heartwarming adventure you'll never forget. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

"Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey," for appliances!
"The Brave Little Toaster" is a treasure of a family classic. My family's been watching it for years. It was made the year I was born, so I grew up with it and still adore it to this day. Even my father adores it. In fact, it's usually his idea to watch it!

A truly unique film, "The Brave Little Toaster" centers on the determined voyage of five totally lovable appliances (the meek electric Blanky, the droll Lampy, the vociferous Radio, the austere vacuum Kirby, and the compassionate Brave Little Toaster). Their trip home to their beloved master involves an office chair and a battery. Seeing the world from the point of view of an electrical appliance makes for one thoroughly interesting, enjoyable movie. Instead of the problems that would be encountered by traditional flesh-and-blood characters, we glimpse into the perspective of machines, each in possession of a soul. And what a wonderful glimpse it is.

We meet a great number of these sentient beings throughout the movie. Among its finest features is the music; three of the songs stand out for me because they're performed by a fascinating 'company' of various appliances. The first song in the film is "City of Lights," which is a catchy tune about the optimistic beginning of their journey. My father loves this song. The second song is performed in a parts shop, by deranged and mutilated appliances who've resigned themselves to an awful death. The sequence is ominous and deliberately frightening, but not too scary for children. The point is not that these characters are evil; on the contrary, they're quite pleasant to their own kind. Who can blame them for being creepy? For them, life is a horror movie, complete with a Peter Lorre ceiling lamp.

The tone of the movie is, on the whole, much darker than most animated children's films. But this should not deter audiences. It's a shame that movies like this are not more popular. Certain scary moments include Toaster's clown nightmare, the Jack Nicholson air conditioner exploding (rest assured, he's repaired later), and the final scene in the junkyard. Fear not this amazing film, however; you'll be glad you saw it.

The interactions of the main characters make them come across as very 'real'; audiences feel for them as for a main character who's a human, or a dog, or any other kind of animal. The characters are very funny and, despite their constant quarrels, very attached. The attachment clearly shows when disaster strikes (ie, at the waterfall, in the quicksand, in the junkyard, in the parts shop.)

To further the comparison to animal characters, the 'house pets,' if you will, during the majority of the film are then certainly the high-tech appliances. The colorful, futuristic scene in the master's apartment is flooded with various modern characters, seemingly led by a new-looking purple lamp cleverly named Plugsy. His proud demeanor belies the fact that he serves essentially the same purpose as old Lampy. A telephone, computer, boom box, toaster oven, green bagless vacuum, two-faced sewing machine, and entertainment center are among those who sing to their 'inferior' counterparts that they are 'on the cutting edge' and offer 'everything you wanted and more.' Except for the friendly black-and-white television (who is really a human onscreen), these appliances are seemingly insecure and nasty, packing our five heroes off to the dump in the master's absence. Somehow, they remain likable. The TV even seems to coexist peacefully with them; Blanky asks where the master is, and a surprised TV asks, "Didn't anyone tell you?" Of course no one told them. The cutting edge appliances aren't the nicest guys in the world.

The junkyard scene is sad because, unlike the parts shop appliances who escape, these worn-out cars are crushed. Their song, "Worthless," tells the tale of several cars who've accepted their fate. Naturally, in the end, the brave appliances wind up safe and happy with the Master; who's now off to college.

The variety of characters is what I really love, among many other things, in this movie. The woodland creatures who first entertain, then irritate, the appliances are not intended to make kids dislike them. How often do they see appliances in the wild?! They're just reacting to the new stimulus in the environment with curiosity. Also, be sure to listen for subtle humor; my dad cracks up when the customer says, "Heaven sent you to me" with very flat emotion to Elmo St. Peters. Aside from that, this unusual movie has no love story in it except for the obvious relationship between the Master and Chris, but even that is not stressed. There aren't too many girls in it anyway, save for the toaster oven, phone, some of the cars, sewing machine, and two parts-shop characters, including the Joan Rivers 'mish-mosh.' She's a can opener, a lamp, and a shaver. But these little points really don't make much difference, when the movie on the whole is so delightfully appealing.

The old-fashioned brave little toaster and all his friends will toast their way right into your family.

Excellent
This film is Excellent for all ages! I remember seeing this when I was younger and for a film that came out in 1987 it holds up well on dvd. The dvd won't win any awards with fans but its enough to NOT hamper the film. Kids wouldn't know anyway! The story is a good one and one that is a timeless classic. New cartoon films don't seem to have all of the heart that this one does. Its nostalgic, its fun and its a classic.

Greatest Movie Ever!
This was one of my three favorite animated movies when I was a kid and it still is (the other 2 were Rankin/Bass's "The Hobbit" and "Return of the King")! The songs are wonderful and should've won the Oscar (I don't know if it did or not). This should've won the "Best Animated Feature" Oscar of 1987 (again, I don;t know if it did or not). Overall, a great movie!

A Childhood Favorite
I still remember watching this charming, quite teary-eyed movie as a kid. I adore the film even though I'm older and mature now, but I still find that THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER can still hold up to today's animated movies.

When five household appliances- a brave toaster, a scared electric blanket, a talkative radio, a comical lamp, and a mean vaccum cleaner- learn that they're beloved master is nowhere to be seen, they decide to go on a journey to find the owner who mysteriously left them.

Of course, the film delightfully has the appliances have a grand old adventure, singing songs, encounter foes and obstacles and a sad and emontional return to their owner.

Although I haven't seen this movie in a while, I still like this film. Recommended mostly for the kiddies, it's also fun for the parents. THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER also sends a good message about courage, friendship and redemption.

The Brave Little Toaster
My daughter and I love The Brave Little Toaster, The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars and The Brave Little Toaster To The Rescue. These films are not only entertaining, but they also have a message. We all have things from our past that bring us joy and comfort(i.e. toaster, vacuum, light, etc.). It was cute that the Master and his appliances were in search of each other. The Brave Little Toaster To The Rescue reminds all of us how animals are used for experiments whether good or bad. I can't imagine someone not enjoying these films. They are all well done. My daughter's favorite is The Brave Little Toaster Goes To Mars. She enjoys the appliances helping the little master. This particular film is my least favorite, but as I said I like them all very much. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

ROMERO
Esta película fue filmada por el director Australiano John Lawless Duigan. Él nació en Inglaterra en 1949 pero se mudó a Australia en 1961 para vivir junto a su padre australiano. A él le gusta mucho dirigir películas sobre los jóvenes y sus confusiones durante esa etapa de vida. También le gusta dirigir películas sobre diferentes culturas y la política de algunos países. Él ha filmado varias películas pero algunas que son bien conocidas son "Sirens" en 1994, "Flirting" en 1991, "The Year My Voice Broke" en 1987 y "Trespassers" en 1976. Sus últimas dos películas son "Paranoid" en 2000 y "Molly" en 1999. No solamente es director de películas sino también es escritor, productor y actor de filmografía. John Duigan es más conocido en otros países que en los Estados Unidos porque ha sido el director de una sola película estadounidense "Romero" en 1989 pero como quiera ha sido reconocido como un buen director de filmografía. La película "Romero" está basada en la vida real del arzobispo Oscar Romero de El Salvador quien sufrió una transformación de carácter cuando se dio cuenta de la opresión social de la mayoría de las personas viviendo en su país. La opresión que estaba ocurriendo era por la mayor parte de la oligarquía quienes tenían poder sobre la mayoría del pueblo salvadoreño. Romero (Raúl Julia) siendo "amigo" de la oligarquía no se había dado cuenta de la opresión que estaba ocurriendo hasta que tomó su puesto de arzobispo y después del asesinato de su mejor amigo el padre Rutillo Grande (Richard Jordan). Después de que el arzobispo Romero se dio cuenta de lo que estaba pasando él decidió empezar una concientización en el pueblo salvadoreño por medio de la teología de la liberación. Esta teología ayudó al pueblo a ver que en sus vidas no tenían que sufrir, que Cristo es parte de todos, los pobres no tenían que vivir reprimidos, que cada quien tenía que hacer algo para combatir su opresión, y también que los pobres y ricos tenían los mismos derechos en decidir cómo vivir su vida. El arzobispo Romero fue asesinado en 1980 por militares porque el se había convertido en una persona que demandaba la paz en su país, luchaba por los derechos de los pobres, y quien se había involucrado políticamente contra el gobierno salvadoreño. Sus esfuerzos ayudaron a traer una concientización en su pueblo pero su país no ha podido cambiar el gobierno militar que todavía existe en El Salvador. Esta película me encantó pero es muy lamentable que no había podido atraer la atención del mundo. El contenido de la película fue un poco gráfico pero ayudó a que la audiencia sintiera todos los problemas que estaban pasando en El Salvador. Fue muy triste saber que el arzobispo Romero había sido asesinado por una causa tan noble y humanista para salvar a su pueblo. Recomiendo esta película a todas las personas del mundo para que se den cuenta de las cosas que pasan en otros países por medio de la mala política que existe en algunos países.

Powerful Story of Conversion to the Poor
Oscar Romero, Archbishop of El Salvador, had the courage to live the teaching of Jesus, even though this meant alienating the rich and powerful who oppressed, tortured, murdered, and defrauded the poor of that nation. He stood in the pulpit of the national cathedral and urged soldiers to obey their Lord and disobey commands of oppression. He paid for this, taking a bullet to the heart while blessing the wine during mass.

This movie portrays the story of a quiet, bookish man who stood in the gap between the machine of dehumanizing globalization and the children of Jesus. We watch him wrestle with discovering an authentic Christian response to the injustices and oppression prevalent in El Salvador. We see him reprimand all those who would practice violence, whether as military authority, rebels, or institutionalized violence that robs people of their humanity and ability to feed their families.

The movie was filmed in Mexico, not Hollywood. Raul Julia deserved an Oscar for his performance as Romero. Mexican extras bring a feeling of authenticity that could not have been realized in Hollywood. The telling manages to avoid most of the "splatter" depictions of violence that most box office draws include, and by so doing, makes the violence even more heinous.

This is a powerful story, whether you are Christian or Pagan, Marxist or Capitalist. It is superbly told. This is the story of a person finding his authentic place in the midst of a struggle for justice.

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THE ROAD IS NARROW, AND DOWN THE MIDDLE
The most unlikely of heroes, Romero, with owlish glasses and demeanor, is reluctantly thrust into a role much like Thomas More almost five centuries earlier.

20th century El Salvador, like 16th century England, is enduring bloodshed and havoc. Insurgent Communist rebels compete with paramilitary squads and the oligarchy for control of the tiny Central American nation. Priests and the flock they lead are caught in the middle. Those who cry for justice are photographed and marked for extinction because they speak the language of Marxism.

Archbishop Romero recognizes that Marxists and the ruling oligarchy are merely obverse sides of the same coin-- ideologies who rule by force contrary to the the rule of God.

He is equally harsh with Communist sympathizers as he is with the paramilitary squads who rape, torture and execute advocates of justice and human rights.

Like a nail driven into wood, Romero meets each new situation, bewildered at first, but rising to the occasion with increasing faith, anger and determination.

In one scene, he arrives at a church which has been turned into an army barracks. He announces that he has come to remove the Blessed Sacrament. A belligerent soldier responds by unloading a round of bullets into the tabernacle and shatters the crucifix hanging above the altar. Romero stands transfixed, astonished at the utter desecration, then leaves. He pauses outside where a crowd has gathered, unsure as he himself is what he will do next.

Suddenly, collecting the courage to face the evil that expelled him, he wheels around. He brushes past the insolent soldier and stoops to gather the consecrated wafers in trembling hands. The soldier fires another round above Romero's head. Undeterred by the gunfire, the intimidation, and the soldier who shoves Romero with his boot, he completes his work then exits.

But he isn't finished. He returns yet again to restore the church to its rightful owner--the people of God. The soldiers in their turn stare blandly at the audacity of this meek soldier of God who dares to stand up to their jackbooted authority and in his turn expel evil.

Archbishop Romero fights every battle his Redeemer once fought: the apathy of the elite, the treachery of those in power, and betrayal within his own ranks. One of his own priests reveals that he carries a weapon. Romero angrily and loudly denounces him because "You lose God just as the others have!" Anothe