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A sensitive yet humorous adaptation of the stage play, this 1970 film directed by William Friedkin (The French Connection, The Exorcist) is one of the first films to openly address gay issues in a matter-of-fact style that largely avoids stereotyping. Shot on one set and featuring a birthday party as the festive setting, a group of friends assemble to celebrate, reminisce, and discuss their lives and the travails of being gay, even as one friend insists he's straight. The night turns from a light celebration to a sometimes-vindictive ordeal of revelation and betrayal, as each man in turn must confess his true feelings. Performed by the original cast of the stage production, the film may feel dated to some, but it still manages to be truthful and entertaining as it explores a subject that to this day is not often addressed. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (42)

'I don't understand any of it... I never did' ... Michael
Mart Crowley's 'The Boys in the Band' is a minor masterpiece of American cinema that was also instrumental in thrusting gay life and issues into the American mainstream.

Based upon the 1968 Off-Broadway play, this 1970 film adaption by William Friedkin retains all of the stage cast and most of the dialogue. The story is simple enough, Michael Connelly is throwing a party for his friend Harold when an old college roommate, who is presumably straight, arrives and throws the party into turmoil. Michael, who clearly has had a drinking problem, hits the bottle again as a result of the conflict. Kenneth Nelson gives a brilliant performance as Michael who is quickly unravelling with every drink and who begins to tear down his friends one by one. The party climaxes in a 'truth' game which proves oddly cathartic to everyone but Michael.

Many issues have arisen over the years with 'The Boys in the Band'. Were these men mostly stereotypes? Is this work still relevant to gay life? What does it say about where we are in light of where we've been?

Your answers to these questions may well depend on your age. For myself, when first viewing this as a 22 year old in 1987, I found it amusing but ultimately sad and upsetting. A dozen years later of being out in gay life, I have come to learn how masterful this work is and that while times have changed in many ways for the better, many of the issues that the 'boys' were dealing with back then are still being dealt with today. Issues of religious and societal intolerance and the attempt to forge a positive gay identity in an often hostile world are still very much with us today.

I believe the reason 'The Boys in the Band' is so humorous is that the camp humor of that time was largely a coping mechanism of sorts. This is black humor at its best, showing us the brutal honesty of a situation while exposing the many absurdities in it at the same time.

In the end Michael states 'I don't understand any of it, I never did.'... food for thought...

Also: Pick up a copy of '3 Plays by Mart Crowley'. The story of Michael Connelly pre and post "Boys in the Band" is powerfully explored in these two additional plays. (Read the forward 1st!)

A "Must" for all Gay Men
As a friend once put it, the first time you see it (usually in college or freshly minted out-of-the-closet) you're horrified because it is full of self-loathing queens. The second time, in your twenties or after a bit moving in the stream of gay life, you're into it because it's campy and fun. The third time, once you've been around a block more times than you can remember, you love it because it's TRUE! While certainly not to be included in any catalogue of PRIDE-ful moments (and as such was the source of great controversy in the 1970s), this is a film that touches on crucial aspects of gay identity that have remained fairly constant in the post-Stonewall period, a series of questions: sexual and emotional fidelity, pride, self-hatred, fraternal destruction, and gay friendship. Or, another way to put it and to borrow Adrienne Rich's phraseology, "lies, secrets, and silence." The telephone game is the dramatic high point of the film (don't try this at home kids, unless you're three sheets to the wind and have an old rotary phone in the garage!), underscoring the complicated histories gay men bring to their desires. For others, this is the low point of self-loathing, but I find the actors rescue the scene with tenderness and emotive power. For me, the saving grace of the film and its central message is the denouement of Harold's committment to his friendship with the hideous lush Michael, who, after suffering a night of Michael's Gin and Ton witticisms honed to a razor sharp edge while languidly flipping through "The Films of Joan Crawford" (a nice touch), and after reading him within an inch of his life, tells Michael, with real feeling, "Call you tomorrow." And who can't appreciate friendship like that? With this, the film brings to the fore the essence of gay survival, which is friendship, and for that is worthy of viewing and LOVE (and a DVD).

What I am Michael...
Exquisite movie--beautifully directed and smart acting by the cast. It's as if not more timely now than it was then.

Leading 20th Century Work
I think "Boys in the Band" is one of the best plays of the 20th century. It's far, far more than a bunch of self-hating queens camping it up. For one thing, look at how succinctly the playwright develops his characters with just one line: "Cheese it. Here comes the socialite nun!"

A better way to think about the play is as a tragedy concerning the emotional life of Michael, who exemplifies so many of killer competitor types of the 20th century.

When Harold says to Michael, "You're a sad and pathetic man. You're a homosexual and you don't want to be," he's making a larger point that what Michael is really afraid of is his own humanity, not just being seen as a big fairy.

An Important Film on Humanity - Gay or Not
Mart Crowley will always be remembered for this gem of a film (based on the stage play) because of its evocative and dead-on treatment of humanity, particularly that of gay men.

The movie, like the stage play, is set in a New York City apartment. Seven gay men (and one gay prostitute) are going to be attending a bithday party hosted by Michael. As the film opens, we are visually introduced to the main characters. We then see Michael's smart and proper apartment and know that he is preparing for the party. Michael's weekend boyfriend Donald arrives and they talk about everything from anxiety attacks to financial woes to the effects of alcohol.

Suddenly, everything is turned on its head as Michael gets a very odd and uncharacteristic phone call from his college roommate, Alan. Alan is in town and wants to meet up with Michael, but Michael isn't sure that Alan should arrive in the middle of a birthday party for gay men. Alan breaks down and begs to see Michael. They agree on a quick drink and Michael and Donald explore how they are going to handle a straight man at a gay party.

Thinking the doorbell is Alan, Michael opens it to find that Emory, Hank and Larry have arrived. He tells them what is going on and then Bernard, another guest, arrives. Michael demands that everyone play it cool and straight while Alan is there.

As the party gets underway with appetizers and music, Michael gets a phone call from Alan expressing regrets about his breakdown and suggests they get together for lunch the next day. Michael is relieved and the party starts to flow even better.

Michael, Bernard, Emory, and Larry begin a dance routine they learned on Fire Island and don't hear the doorbell. When Hank answers the door, it isn't Harold, but Alan, who has dropped by unannounced. He sees Michael and the other men dancing and there is a grand uncomfortable moment as the party comes to a screeching halt.

Alan and Michael talk and then as Alan gets ready to leave, a fight ensued between Alan and Emory with Emory ending up with a bloody face.

The rest of the movie is a very real, very poignant look at human nature. There is an attempt to expose someone in the closet, a look at fidelity within a gay relationship, the fear of growing old and a wonderfully crafted discussion on the nature of beauty.

Although all of the actors in the film are excellent, Cliff Gorman as the effiminate Emory steals the show. (Gorman, incidentially, would go on to portray Lenny Bruce in the stage play "Lenny" and would receive high acclaim for his work only to be replaced by Dustin Hoffman for the movie version.)

What makes the film work for all mature audiences is that the character portrayals are seemless. We can all see some of our own faults in at least one of the characters.

The only drawback is that this film is not yet out on DVD, although it should be!

If you get a chance to see this film, do so. It is a very fine piece of film that deserves all the acclaim it gets. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Strange and gripping
I was quite pleased to finally find this movie at a video store seeing as it's been out of print for some time. I've been a fan of the luscious, high-cheekboned Maud Adams since her slinky appearances in two Bond movies, The Man with the Golden Gun and Octopussy.
Tattoo is a very intense story of one man's obsession with a woman and with a fetish. Bruce Dern plays roles like this so well. His character is a make-up artist who develops a fixation with a beautiful model (Adams) he meets on a job. Dern's real love is tattooing, and although he wins the girl over and has the chance to romance her in a normal relationship, he is unable to because of his pathology. He kidnaps her instead and exerts control over her until she willingly submits to having her flesh permanently marked by his needles.
The plot of lovesick men kidnapping/imprisoning the objects of their affection has been repeated many times, as in Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down, and Private Obsession, but Tattoo holds its own in this genre. The ending is shocking, yet fitting.

Great Body Art
"Tattoo" is a unique mystery that explores a tattoo artist who becomes dangerously obsessed with a model/actress. Many twists and turns occur, keeping the mystery alive. Though few other writers have constructed such theme, there are many flaws. The kidnapping and the captive scenes could have been more detailed and more involved. Most of those scenes would never occur in that level in real life, especially the victim's escape plans. Despite such flaws, the storyline is highly creative. The body art is highly enjoyable to view. The high-tech effort involved in perfecting every detail and making them real-looking was highly noticeable. They're flawless. The acting was average. There was some potential for improvement, but that never happened. The actor behind the tattoo artist, the lead character, gave his character a deeply dangerous persona, giving the movie the extra mystery. Such depth symbolizes the movie. "Tattoo" may have mixed reviews toward its audiences. It has good details; it has some that could use great improvement. However, this will keep many entertained.

A flawed Creation story
Karl (Bruce Dern) is an obsessed tattoo artist who kidnaps model Maddy (real-life model/actress Maude Adams). Karl drugs Maddy and takes her to a secluded house. Maddy awakens to find she has become a canvas for skin illustrations -- Karl is consecrating her body with tattoos. A virtual prisoner, Maddy submits to becoming Karl's masterpiece and Goddess.

Some Pagan organizations conduct periodic rituals that include rededication to the Pagan God and Goddess -- voluntary tattooing can be a part of these rituals. I consider "Tattoo" a flawed Creation story, however. Bruce Dern plays Karl much like Anthony Perkin's "Psycho" role and Karl's secluded house resembles the house overlooking the Bates Motel. Kidnapped Maddy passively submits to tattooing. And I believe the exquisite pastel tattoos depicted on Maude Adams are not practical. Most tattoos use dark saturated colors for patchability, and Maddy's pastel tattoos could not be patched artistically after abrasions, winter dryness, and sunburn peeling. Maddy would be forced to become a hothouse plant to maintain her pastel tattoos' beauty.

Deliciously Weird
I love movies like this, I watch them to see just how strange they will get!!! Tattoo is more of a psychological drama, I found myself wondering what it would be like to have been in a position like that of Maude Adams' character...I was completely paranoid and even claustraphobic by the end of the movie!!!

Intense charicter study that is erotic and fun.
The movie is a late 710's early 80's classic, that has elements of part of all of us. Bruce Durn IS the charicter he plays, and if you let the movie flow, you will enjoy the quality of the story, desire, and intensity. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The British superspy with a license to kill takes on his dark underworld double, a classy assassin who kills with golden bullets at $1 million a hit. Roger Moore, in his second outing as James Bond, meets Christopher Lee's Scaramanga, one of the most magnetic villains in the entire series, in this entertaining but rather wan entry in the 007 sweepstakes. Bond's globetrotting search takes him to Hong Kong, Bangkok, and finally China, where Scaramanga turns his island retreat into a twisted theme park for a deadly game of wits between the gunmen, moderated by Scaramanga's diminutive man Friday Nick Nack (Fantasy Island's Hervé Villechaize). Britt Ekland does her best as the most embarrassingly inept Bond girl in 007 history, a clumsy, dim agent named Mary Goodnight who looks fetching in a bikini, while Maud Adams is Scaramanga's tough but haunted lover and assistant (she returns to the series as the title character in Octopussy). Clifton James, the redneck sheriff from Live and Let Die, makes an embarrassing and ill-advised appearance as a racist tourist who briefly teams up with 007 in what is otherwise the film's highlight, a high-energy chase through the crowded streets of Bangkok that climaxes with a breathtaking midair corkscrew jump. Bond and company are let down by a lazy script, but Moore balances the overplayed humor with a steely performance and Lee's charm and enthusiasm makes Scaramanga a cool, deadly, and thoroughly enchanting adversary. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (123)

For Christopher Lee Fans And James Bond Enthusiasts Only
I was a fan of the James Bond films as a child and my interest in these films has recently returned to me. I don't believe "The Man With The Golden Gun" is the worst Bond film because this negative honor goes to either "Moonraker" or "A View To A Kill." I do feel, however, that it qualifies as the third worst one.

"The Man With The Golden Gun" has a lot of weaknesses. I don't know why Roger Moore was allowed to make seven Bond Films. Although Moore wasn't as weak as George Lazenby, he still comes across as being bland and mannequin-like. Timothy Dalton was a much more effective James Bond. If Dalton had been given better scripts and more time, he would have been nearly as effective as Sean Connery. Britt Ekland's Mary Goodnight rivals Tiffany ("Diamonds Are Forever") Case as the most ineffectual and irritating Bond woman. Maude Adams is more effective as Andrea Anders, the villain's long-suffering mistress, but this character is given too little screen time. A pre-"Fantasy Island" Herve Villechaize makes an awkward henchman. The return of Clifton James' J.W. Pepper character was also unnecessary.

The weaknesses of this movie also extend beyond the cast. An awesome car stunt is weakened by a poor sound effect. Tacky humor is woven throughout the entire film. The martial arts motif in part of the film also seemed out of place.

Christopher Lee is the saving grace of this film. If Lee weren't in this movie, I would have ranked it with "Moonraker" and "A View To A Kill." He is excellent as the egotistical and cruel Francisco Scaramanga. I am only sorry that the screenwriters didn't further develop this interesting character. Lee is one of the screen's greatest bad guys and can effectively play just about any villainous character. He is a much better actor and greater presence than Roger Moore. Lee's villain is more interesting than Moore's hero.

"The Man With The Golden Gun" is only for big Christopher Lee fans and those who feel that they need to see every James Bond film. A disappointment.

Good second Bond film for Moore
Roger Moore returns to the role of 007 in this excellent follow up to Live and Let Die. The film is certainly dependant on 007's evil counterpart, the hitman Francisco Scaramanga, played by Christopher Lee. He is the perfect match for Bond, which adds more excitement than any to the film. Bond finds himself racing to recover the Solex Agitator, which converts solar power to energy and has fallen into the hands of Scaramanga. There are very well done fight sequences and boat-car chases in hong kong and thailand. the redneck sherriff J.W. Pepper returns from Live and Let Die, but fails to provide the same humor as before. The film did try a little too hard to be funny like its preceding movie, thus it comes off a little cooky at some points. The Man with the Golden Gun Leads to an awesome climax in Scaramanga's island lair, where he and Bond face off in a "duel between titans", which also includes Scaramanga's servant Nick-Nack, a pint sized character who also tries to fool and beat Scaramanga in his deadly games of cat and mouse. With suspense, some humor, and exciting twists and turns, The Man with the Golden Gun is one Bond you won't want to miss!

Even Better Now in STEREO
THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN is the "cult" Bond movie to end all "cult" Bond movies. I don't think many people realize that this DVD or even the VHS tape of this movie is in STEREO sound. John Barry's score sounds fantastic. As for the film, it is pure fantasy yet pure "Bond" and very misunderstood.

Last but not Least of Ian Fleming's Bonds...
This Bond, shot at a time when youthful science-fiction hadn't yet turned into narrow "science-faction" remains dreamy, elegant, distant, stylish, subjective, outlandish, an intelligent and romantic island of fantasy... The scenes are a pleasure for the eye, and the gadgets are still mind-tickling, as we haven't yet reached that depraved era of pseudo-scientific vulgar objectivity (as in the latter Bond series, for example)... nor do we have a cop-Bond, as with Timothy Dalton... neither a little tough-guy with piercing eyes, as in the Brosnan series... This Bond remains somehow between the Connery and Lazenby/Moore episodes, in that it has definitively a lot of style and class, yet includes some (controlled, soft-spun) action, a reasonable panoply of gadgetry, and a fair amount of cold-blooded British humour. In the end, the gently out-of-time atmosphere appears to be almost as much James West as it is James Bond.

In this almost Hamiltonian eerie, James appears pretty adventurous and humorous, yet moral, distinguished, self-detached, while he faces a spooky sophisticated darker-self in the person of three-nippled Scaramanga (Christopher Lee, alias Dracula), in a movie where even the villains appear to be somehow more gentleman-minded than the heroes of the latter Bond series (where ugly realism alas only too often ends up stealing the show). There's also a plenty of great exotic and scenic shots in Thailand and the Far-East, which somehow propel you in a world of dreams and fantasy. I especially liked the oblique sunken Queen Mary decorum, which seemed almost surrealistic, and the villain's den artifact-decorum somehow reminded me of the Wild Wild West TV-series, starring Robert Conrad.

It is a commonly acknowledged opinion that Gentlemen Prefer Bonds such as Goldfinger, Dr No and Thunderball, but Golden Gun could, with all reasonable fairness, also be included in some of those early and memorable old Bonds (vintage Connery or Lazenby). Note that this was actually the last Bond to feature the (by-now cherished) Harry Saltzman - Albert Broccoli collaboration, and this is today quite heavily felt, as the then following Bonds somehow all lacked the elegant, essential, gentlemanly, romantic and quirky sparks of those early Bonds (and matters seem to be getting only worse, if not clearly out of hand) (James Bond as another victim of the modern-age?).

The Man With A Golden Gun was also the last Bond movie to be based on a true and authentic Ian Fleming novel. Well, maybe those die-hard Bond-movie-makers will one day (tomorrow? another day?) realize that the Fleming reservoir has been tapped unto the last droplet, instead of just killing time with more and more flawed episodes... Goodnight boys and girls (Britt Ekland was, by the way, one of the most memorable and gently-subtle Bond-girl), that was it for Ian Fleming's Bond... which was to be followed by the Hun's invasion of Vin Diesel and consort, fast, furious and brutal (to say the least)...

An Intensely Groovy Theatre of The Bizzare
Folks, listen to me: This is the best Bond movie ever made, and Roger Moore is the best Bond. You can argue, but chew on this, Admiral Skeptic: Name one movie that Sean Connery made that had a midget, a flying car, a giant laser, and Bond threatening to blow a man's genitals off with a rifle. That's right; there aren't any. Checkmate, Connery.

This film is a brilliantly surreal entry into the Bond series. It's a clear departure from Connery's films, where he had to stop the KGB from destroying the world. Moore is called in to stop an overpaid hitman and his midget from selling solar power to the UN (or something similar.) Adapted as I am for describing awesomeness, I can't begin to describe this film's grovvy factor, but I can tell you it's somewhere between ChocoTacos and regular tacos. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

GUT-WRENCHINGLY GOOD
THIS IS A STUNNING MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE. IT COULD NOT BE MORE DIFFERENT THAN SCHINDLER'S LIST, AND I FOUND IT MUCH MORE INVOLVING AND CONFRONTING. VANESSA REDGRAVE IS ABSOLUTELY RIVETING IN THE ROLE OF FANIA FENELONG, WHO BECOMES PART OF A BIZARRE ORCHESTRA AT AUSCHWITZ, ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER WOMEN. THIS ORCHESTRA IS OF COURSE AT THE MERCY OF THEIR CAPTORS, AND THEY ARE EXPECTED TO PLAY LIKE VIRTUOSOS (LUCKILY, MOST OF THEM ARE), DESPITING THE FACT THAT THAY ARE OFTEN HUNGRY AND SICK. THE WHOLE CAST IS AMAZING AND THERE ARE SEVERAL MOVING AND VERY HUMAN SCENES INVOLVING A FEW OF THE GERMAN CAPTOR'S, ESPECIALLY ONE WOMAN IN PARTICULAR. AS TIME GOES ON, DIVISIONS OCCUR BETWEEN THE (MOSTLY) JEWISH WOMEN MAKING UP THE ORCHESTRA, AND FANIA BECOMES EVERYONE'S MENTOR. (EVEN THOUGH SHE DOESN'T MEAN TO). THE WHOLE FILM IS DARKLY REALISTIC, COMPLETE WITH MOUTH-SORES, SHAVED HEADS, GRIMY FACES AND SUNKEN-LOOKING EYES. A HAUNTING, RIVETING YET (SOMEHOW) UPLIFTING FILM, IT IS STUNNINGLY SHOT, AND SEEMED SO REAL THAT I COULD ALMOST SMELL IT.

Playing for time
Very haunting.Has always stayed in my mind after seeing it over 10 yrs. ago. The horrible part is that actually happened! Who,s to say similar events could not happen again? God help us! Everyone should see this incredible,stirring and factual film. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Laura is Lost
Upon reading other reviews I was surprised, did they see the same movie as I? This David Hamilton movie has NO plot whatsoever and NO dialogue. I like "artsy" movies, and those coming of age romps with attractive young women, yet this movie farce was the worst example of both. Instead of ascetic beauty, one gets contrived nonsensical boredom. The "lolita" of the movie is average at best, and more of an after thought to plot design, or more aptly lack there of. I highly recommend you pass on this one, I wish I had!

Art seen via a teen dancer & sculptor. Must see/appreciate
When one hears the name David Hamilton, the thoughts that come to mind include nudity in youthful figures and an ability to skillfully portray what othewise might be deemed as porn in the true artistic light. The sculptor loves 'making' young nudes. He sees a lovely angel. Next, he finds the angel is daughter of a former lover. Adams acts like she is there again for him. It is only Laura. Fearing the inevitable, she shows the sculptor nude photos of Laura. He becomes obsessed with presenting Laura in the most beautiful piece since the David. Then he loses sight. Laura has developed a crush. Seeing the finished part of the sculpture, she rejoices in its/her beauty while wanting to see it finished and also enjoy his love. There are young girls
frolicing in the nude in the shower and park. Nudity fits in
naturally. Hamilton interweaves a portrait with complex relationships skillfully and very touchingly. Laura is a lovely young lady. Go beyond the playful nudity and into her persona. The sculptor's soul can be felt. So can Adams and Laura. With upmost taste & talent, Hamilton presents the gratification of budding womanhood & fulfillment of an artist's dream.

I must see this again. Classic cinematic treatment of mother-
daughter competition done as gracefully as a Nureyev skip. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Roger Moore was nearing the end of his reign as James Bond when he made Octopussy, and he looks a little worn out. But the movie itself infuses some new blood into the old franchise, with a frisky pace and a pair of sturdy villains. Maud Adams--who'd also been in the Bond outing The Man with the Golden Gun--plays the improbably named Octopussy, while old smoothie Louis Jourdan is her crafty partner in crime. There's an island populated only by women, plus a fantastic sequence with a hand-to-hand fight that happens on a plane--and on top of a plane. The film even has an extra emotional punch, since this time out 007 is not only following the orders of Her Majesty's Secret Service, but he is also exacting a personal revenge: a fellow double-0 agent has been killed. Two Bond films were actually released in 1983 within a few months of each other, as Octopussy was followed by Sean Connery's comeback in Never Say Never Again. The success of both pictures proved that there was still plenty of mileage left in the old license to kill, though Moore had one more workout--A View to a Kill--before hanging it up. And that title? The franchise had already used up the titles to Ian Fleming's novels, so Octopussy was taken from a lesser-known Fleming short story. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (86)

You gotta know when to say when, Roger
Roger Moore was well into his 50's when he made this movie. It is not his fault he outgrew the role well before Timothy Dalton replaced him. Moore was never responsible for casting the films, just for playing his part. However, it is a little discomfitting to see the cultured master spy oglying breasts and leering after women 2/3 his age. This is Moore's sixth Bond movie out of seven, which makes Octopussy pretty much old-hat for Moore. He does a well-enough job with mediocre material.

007 goes to India and then Germany to stop Kamal Khan, an unscrupulous Afgan Prince who is helping a crazy Russian general in his bid to take over the world. This movie is absolutely crowded with "stuff". An all female island, faberge eggs, a jewel heist, an imposing turbaned bodyguard, cheerful sidekicks, backgammon, sheeps' heads, an interminable auction, Q and his gadgets, an octopus, tigers, elephants, alligators, double-0 agents dressed like clowns, a sword swallower, lethal circus knife throwers and the obligatory Moore-era dreadful puns. You get the point. Much ado about very little really. It's little more than a hodge-podge of eye candy and gags. Some action scenes are inspired and exciting. There are action scenes in cars, on a train, and on a plane among others. The Bond women are gorgeous, Q is always fun to watch, India is very well shot, and the plot at least tries to be a little more involving than the standard Bond against the nefarious bad guy. Three stars but just barely. If you like Moore and you want to see him in a really good James Bond film, I suggest Live and Let Die, The Spy Who Loved Me and, especially, For Your Eyes Only.

A mixed bag & poor sound
In all honesty, Octopussy is a film that divides the James Bond fan base. On the plus side, it features one of Roger Moore's better performances, quality supporting players, superb action sequences, and real dramatic tension in many key moments. As negatives, the plot is Byzantine and there are cringe-worthy moments of silliness (including the title). While the movie at certain points is as silly as "Moonraker", it also achieves the grittiness of "For Your Eyes Only" in others. Another example of the film's inconsistency is the score. While John Barry's use of the title song (All Time High) in a symphonic suite is pleasing and sensual, the overall score lacks the punch and flair of his earlier work on the series.

Nonetheless, if you can relax and enjoy the performances, locations, and action, and forget trying to figure out the plot, Octopussy is actually quite an enjoyable ride.

DVD: The recent releases of the Bond films have had an excellent complement of features and Octopussy is no different. Unfortunately, the producers did not go the extra mile on the sound quality. The 2.0 sound mix is a major disappointment, as the film presents many moments that could have sounded superb in 5.1.

You have a nasty habit of surviving!
The 13th James Bond movie. James Bond films have always been noted for their high-tech gadgetry, maniacal villains, and beautiful women. However even more noteworthy is a mixture of exotic locates; the beaches of Jamaica in DR. NO, the Swiss Alps in ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE, the Egyptian pyramids in THE SPY WHO LOVED ME, the list is endless. This time around the filmmakers would shoot in one of the most exotic locations yet - India. OCTOPUSSY holds many memorable film settings including a Monsoon Taj Mahal Palace for games of backgammon, and the lavish palaces of the villains' lair and the Octopalace. The real pleasant surprise is the choice of casting THE MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN's Maud Adams as the Bond girl appropriately named after the films' title, and Kristina Wayborn is blonde beauty Magda.

THE ASSIGNMENT: Several Faberge eggs have turned up for auction at international markets. Strangely one of which is a fake discovered in the dead hands of Agent 009 during an escape mission in East Germany. The real egg is being auctioned at Sotheby's, and M sends Bond out to find out more about the eggs. When the egg is purchased from Kamal Khan, a noted Prince who works for a gang of jewel thieves who replace original replicas with clever fakes, Bond learns Kamal purchased the egg to prevent it being discovered. At the same time, General Orlov has a plan of his own: with Kamal's help, he smuggles atomic bombs into a US Air Force Base held in West Germany where during a circus act the bomb will be set to detonate. This movement will strengthen the argument for nuclear disarmament leaving Western Europe defenseless for the Soviets to counterattack with nuclear weapons. Unfortunately, General Gogol is unaware of this, and it is up to 007 to save the situation.

THE VILLAINS: Louis Jourdan as Kamal Khan, Kabir Bedi as Gobinda, Steven Berkoff as General Orlov, and David and Tony Meyer as the knife-throwing twins Mischka and Grischka.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! BUY IT!

TERRIFIC BOND FILM !
Excelent Bond film with some of the smartest action films in any movie ever.
Here's proof no CG technology can match the best stuntmen in the world.

Glamorous Bond film
At one point in "Octopussy," Roger Moore's James Bond dons a clown suit, a disguise that needlessly reminds us that Moore's reign as Ian Fleming's master spy was characterized by humor.

After "For Your Eyes Only," which brought a welcome return to the more serious thriller mode of "From Russia With Love," this 1983 entry harks back to the more glamorous Bond film, with generally fine results. Maud Adams, previously cast in "The Man With the Golden Gun," is a welcome addition to Bond's lineup of gorgeous female adversaries (and allies) in a clever script that combines elements of two Ian Fleming short stories ("Octopussy" and "The Property of a Lady"). And veteran actor Louis Jourdan brings a sophisticated elegance to the proceedings that more recent Bond villains have lacked.

Of course, there's humor but it doesn't overtake the action, most of which is splendid, as is John Barry's score. This isn't one of the most memorable films in the series, but it's a good one.

And how did that title ever get past the ratings board of the MPAA? ... Read more

Reviews (61)

Excellent futuristic sports film with a message
Definately one of the best science fiction films ever to grace the big screen, and one of James Cann's finer films. Rollerball is an excellent futuristic ports film with a message. A message that informs the audience of a future that could happen. Corproartions running the world, as well as Orwellian themes. The film tells the story of a Rollerball player Jonathan E. who is the top player in a violent futuristic sport that is a combination of roller derby, ice hockey, football, and gladiatorial fighting. The film has outstanding sets, costumes, music, characters, a solid plot, and good actors. Indeed an international flavor. One that ITC Entertainment could have produced. The film also tells the story of how the corporation wants Jonathan to retire from the game for fear of him being too good for his own good, and fear of him in general. Yet, Jonathan does not want to retire, which leads to the corporation making certain decisions that would make Jonathan retire. Retire or die.

The film has some violent moments, bordering on the graphic and explosive. Yet, it is still entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Filmed on location at Pinewood Studios in London, England and Munich, Germany, the film truly represents a 21st Century world that could very well happen. The ending of the film is even better. One of the most thought-provoking. If you enjoy good science fiction as well as sports, check this film out. The melding of the two is very unique, if not lethal.

"This was never meant to be a game! Never!"
The rollerball game of the future was created for a special reason. "To show the futility of individual effort." To make anyone that wants to go his own way, bow dowm to the powers that be. James Cann, in one of his best roles, is Johnathan E, rollerball's super star. He's relaxed and friendly off the track, and a determined gladiator on.

The action is great and strangly hypnotizing as skaters and motorcyclists race around a large circular track, trying to throw a steel metal ball into a basket.

John Housman makes one of the best establishment heavys as he hints, demands, and threatens Johnathan to retire. For people that like gladiator movies, sports action, or the lone man trying to survive, Rollerball will excite you. You'll be shouting Johnathan's name along with the crowd. And after it's over, you'll feel like taking on the world. Yes, a great motivational movie as well.

Pay no attention to remake. This is the one and only "Rollerball".

are you kidding me?
I've heard nothing but bad reviews and it looks like they were justified because this movie blows. Plot is pretty weak and the fact that its set in Kazakhstan is even stupider. I think filmmakers just like the way it sounds because its they seem to forget that they are many other soviet republics ( but I guess any time there is any action is all happens in Kazakhstan) . Geez. Naveen Andrews who did quite a good job in Kama Sutra looks like a total dweeb with a wedge haircut. Jean Reno is a caricature of a villain. It also looked like the half of the cast of La Femme Nikita had supporting roles in this movie. And that green light in the final sequence! What the hell were they thinking?! I guess they wanted something artsy but it just looks ridiculous. Oh, and the last straw was that Chris Kline nerd. Not only he is a lousy actor but casting him as a main bad boy who loves adrenaline is the stupidest thing anyone could have done. He has no personality and no charisma. He is bland, bland, bland.

A cult movie
In the future you will live horror nightmares , and feel the pression of an overcrowded world , but instead you'll have always Rollerball!
I saw this film from its release in 1975 , and I watched again three months ago . The film hasn't lost just a bit from its initial impact.
The knock out performance given by James Caan supported by a dark story about the fate of these future gladiators will let you thinking about the entertainment as mass media phenomen and the deep implications about the way of living .
Caan obviously is tired , he refuses to keep that job and wants to escape from this show business cycle but you know : the rules are the rules. The conflict is announced and the final combat will be an unforgettable experience.
Good transfer on DVD!
Superb script and dazzling direction!

Great Movie - But You'll Need Coffee for the Commentary
The commentary uhhhhhh option for this film, dirrrrr, uh, director Norman Jewison, uhhhhhhh, talk..... ing about the making of, uh, the film, really makes one wonder ahhhhhhh how a narcolepsy-inducer like this could ever make an action film as fine as Rollerball. Buy the DVD for sure, but -- uh, errrrrrr -- SKIP the director's comments! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A hidden Gem
I recently found "Jane and the Lost City" by accident at my local video rental shop. I thought it looked junky and camp so I rented it. What I got instead was a super mellow rendition of the world war two daily mirror comic strip "Jane" which basically concerned the lead character Jane and her cohorts the Colonel and Tombs the butler "confounding the Nazi's at every turn" by pure dumb luck. During this process Jane keeps getting her clothes torn off (to lingerie level) by a variety of unlikely means. In other words, a very silly operation. The film is so mellow that if you need something to go to sleep in front of this will do nicely, allowing you to wake up occasionally and see more lingerie and hear more silly dialogue. I watched "Jane" twice in 24 hours and liked it very much. Very good trash indeed. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Does Not Live Up to Its Predecessors
The first two movies in this series (1984's "Angel" and 1985's "Avenging Angel") were cinematic masterpieces. A good mix of humor, sex, violence, and some great acting. You really felt what Molly Stuart a/k/a Angel was going through. They were also believable. Like so many other movies that turn into a "series" the producers eventually got greedy and forgot formula in order to put out another hit. This is what we get in Angel 3. And despite the title, it's not the final chapter for our street heroine. She pops up again in "Angel 4: Undercover." You don't need to guess what she goes undercover as in the 4th installment of the series. But I digress. The first time Molly a/k/a Angel must go undercover as a street prostitute in Avenging Angel to track down the killers of the cop who saved her in the original Angel, it is believable. But, in Angel 3, she does it again when her long lost sister falls into the clutches of madame Maude Adams. First of all, Molly did NOT have a sister, that was not even an issue in the first two. How can she have one now? Also, even Molly won't go undercover again as a hooker, she's not that dumb. And, I might add, even when she was "undercover" in Avenging Angel, she did not turn any tricks (in fact, she turned no trick in the original Angel either, but a killer was after her, so it was understandable). How believable is that? So, she goes to work for madame Maude Adams, but manages to not turn any tricks once again? The first time, ok, this time, not believable. Where this movie really hits low is that it's about call girls and a high class brothel. The exciting factor of the first two--street prostitution--is lost here. And Maude Adams isn't remotely believable as the hardened madame selling her girls into white slavery in Asia. Come on! For fans of the Angel series, this is still a "must see" but not something for your personal library like Angel and Avenging Angel. Sadly, the original Molly a/k/a Angel Donna Wilkes is missing from this movie as well. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Waste Of Money...Waste Of Film...Just Plain Bad!
I didn't really enjoy any of the "Silent Night Deadly Night" movies, especially this one. It has NOTHING to do with the original movie, or Christmas.

Was this some sort of joke? Did they make it just for a laugh? It sure looks like it. Oh, man...I'd buy a copy of this movie just to tape over it. Freaky satanic cult...confusing plot, not to mention BORING. Please, take this one off the shelf and pretend it was never made.

I was VERY disapointed with this movie. I should have just stopped after part one.

WARNING ,MAY CAUSE YOU TO FALL ASLEEP!
I thought nothing could be worse than part 2 or 3 but we have a new candiate here for Initiation(which should have been the title of the movie)is the worst in the series by far. First off it has nothing to with the series and doesn't have anything to do with christmas(don't be fooled by the x-mas tree on the cover,you won't see santa in this movie)and the isn't even remotely entertaining to say the least. Its about a cult the manipulates a TV reporter into joining their cult. The movie has stupid effects with bugs as other reviewers have said and the effects are downright awful. This is the halloween 3 of the series,it is a bad excuse for a side story that should have never have been a movie in the first place just like (Season Of The Witch)or (New Beginning) of Friday The 13th for that matter.In other words the movie doesn't belong. SKIP THIS AND SEE THE CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE(1984/SILENT NIGHT,DEADLY NIGHT)INSTEAD AND YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!

Yuzna's yuletide initiation
No relation to earlier films in the series (I haven't seen #3 yet) which is a good thing.
The movie stars Maud Adams (007's MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN and OCTOPUSSY) and Clint Howard (Ron's brother).
A female news reporter Kim (Neith Hunter) is investigating the mysterious case of a woman's death by spontaneous combustion, which are linked to a bizzare satanic cult led by occult bookstore owner Adams and her freaky son Howard, who are on a quest for immortality.
The movie is still nothing special, although there is a standout scene where Hunter is lying on her back in the grass looking up at some trees and the trees form the image of a face smiling down at her, and another good scene where a topless Hunter vomits bugs then her face melts. Nice huh? Merry Xmas everyone.

Brian Yuzna's Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: The Initiation
There is no connection between this film and the first three in the series, but that is not an automatic positive.

This straightforward, gruesome story has a cute plucky reporter with boyfriend troubles investigating the mysterious death of a woman, and getting caught up in a witches' coven led by Maud Adams, eons from "Octopussy."

The lead actress is easy on these tired eyes, Clint Howard plays the same nutjob role he always gets outside of his brother's films, and the movie keeps a tight pace. But take away the "Part 4" from the title, and this is just another straight to video gorefest that was not good enough to get wide release in the theaters first. Sure, the gore involving giant bugs is good, but there is nothing really special here. That said, this is still severed head and shoulders above the first three entries in the series.

This is rated (R) for strong physical violence, sexual violence, strong gore, profanity, female nudity, brief male nudity, sexual content, and adult situations.

can you say "crap"?
I love the SN,DN series, and I shudder to think that I almost gave the series up after seeing this crap(my first viewing of any chapter in this series). It involves a woman being forced to join an evil cult of man-hating she-demons. Their henchman is named Ricky, but it is definately not the Ricky from the last 3 films. He is well acted by Clint Howard, but a very boring character. All of the acting here is horrid (except Clint's of course...) and the story is confusing, boring, sexist, and just plain bad. True, the first one in the series was bad, but in a good, fun sort of way. This movie just sucks. The special effects are good, but that and Clint are the only things that are. This movie has very little to do with Christmas and NOTHING to do with the first three films. SN,DN parts 2,3,and 5 are all five-star movies. The original is only a three-star movie and this is a no-star movie. I only gave it one star because I had to. Please, AVOID SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT 4: INITIATION, LIKE THE PLAGUE! IT IS VERY VERY BAD! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

turgid yet enjoyable melodrama
Based on the novel "Sultant" by Prince Michael of Greece, INTIMATE POWER (aka THE FAVORITE) is a tepid, turgid period piece that is saved by the performance of Amber O'Shea.

INTIMATE POWER is the startling "true story" of Aimee Dubuoa (Amber O'Shea), who is kidnapped by pirates and sold into the harem of the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

Tragically falling in love with the Sultan's nephew, the sensual young Aimee instead becomes the Sultan's favorite, posing as a threat to the older women of the harem.

This epic of sexual and political power follows the remarkable life of a woman as she fights for and gains ultimate control of one of the world's last male-dominated empires.

With F. Murray Abraham, Maud Adams, James Michael Gregary, Andrea Parisy and Ron Dortch.

I want to see this movie again
In 1990, Venezuelan billboards announced 'La Favorita' - a darkhaired, blue-eyed beauty in a harem. 4 of us Americans went to themovie (English with Spanish subtitles in Caracas). Something musthave gotten lost in the translation. The Venezolanos remainedserious, quiet, respectful throughout the film. We Americans couldnot keep from laughing at bad acting. Leaving the cinema, I had toapologize to the other three for suggesting the film. Ever since, Ihave wanted to re-watch this worst movie I have ever seen to determineif my first impression was right. I seriously want to see it again..... END

A true story with more imagination than Hollywood has
Based on a true story, this intrigueing story has no biased axe to grind. A French girl taken captive by pirates and sold to the Sultan of the Ottoman empire eventually becomes his willing favorate. Her own infant son is murdered by another of the Sultan's wives who wants her own son to take the throne. The French girl outwits her rivals and ultimately plays a great part in the destiny of Turkey. Don't confuse this movie with the other movie of the same title. It is unfortunate that more people can't see this one. It's not sex trach.

A weak entry in the HAREM genre.
Young, sexy Aimee is abducted by pirates and shipped across the ocean where she is sold to the Dey of Algiers for his carnal amusement! Once aware of her fate, she fights the head eunich, until she realizes that she will die if she does not sleep with Sultan f.Murray Abraham. The love scenes in this movie about sex (harem genre) are tame, and lame...Ive seen hotter sex scenes on the soaps...the dey and his slave appear to have been filmed separatley? During a love scene! The kiss they initially share is promising, but then the director seemed to have lost his nerve. Amber O"Shea, while an atractive enough actress, seems terrified of nudity/scenes of sexuality! Usually HBO films come out with some racy stuff. The love scenes in "The Rat Pack"nearly scorched the screen. But this was a weak entry in the genre...Please, some fearless director/producer, do this story the right way...NC-17 rating, Omar Sharif as the sultan, maybe Ashley Judd, or Christina Applegate as the love-slave, and a general feeling of fearlessness of both graphic scenes of sexuality, and frequent nudity a-al-Showgirls" without the cheesiness....any takers?

Lame entry in the "harem" genre
Intimate Power is quite simply a waste of film. While the sets and costumes were appropriate, the two principals simply have zero on screen chemistry. Abraham is seemingly too young looking for the part of the sultan. And Amber O'Shea seems absolutley terrified of baring her body. Come on this is an R rated film. The whole purpose of her being sold into sexual slavery, is to have sex. The love scene in the movie is beyond lame. I have seen more eroticism on the morning soaps. The rest of the movie moves very slowly. Omar Sharif and perhaps Heather Locklear would have been better cast as the two leads. Someday someone is going to tell this story right. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Waste Of Money...Waste Of Film...Just Plain Bad!
I didn't really enjoy any of the "Silent Night Deadly Night" movies, especially this one. It has NOTHING to do with the original movie, or Christmas.

Was this some sort of joke? Did they make it just for a laugh? It sure looks like it. Oh, man...I'd buy a copy of this movie just to tape over it. Freaky satanic cult...confusing plot, not to mention BORING. Please, take this one off the shelf and pretend it was never made.

I was VERY disapointed with this movie. I should have just stopped after part one.

WARNING ,MAY CAUSE YOU TO FALL ASLEEP!
I thought nothing could be worse than part 2 or 3 but we have a new candiate here for Initiation(which should have been the title of the movie)is the worst in the series by far. First off it has nothing to with the series and doesn't have anything to do with christmas(don't be fooled by the x-mas tree on the cover,you won't see santa in this movie)and the isn't even remotely entertaining to say the least. Its about a cult the manipulates a TV reporter into joining their cult. The movie has stupid effects with bugs as other reviewers have said and the effects are downright awful. This is the halloween 3 of the series,it is a bad excuse for a side story that should have never have been a movie in the first place just like (Season Of The Witch)or (New Beginning) of Friday The 13th for that matter.In other words the movie doesn't belong. SKIP THIS AND SEE THE CLASSIC HORROR MOVIE(1984/SILENT NIGHT,DEADLY NIGHT)INSTEAD AND YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!

Yuzna's yuletide initiation
No relation to earlier films in the series (I haven't seen #3 yet) which is a good thing.
The movie stars Maud Adams (007's MAN WITH THE GOLDEN GUN and OCTOPUSSY) and Clint Howard (Ron's brother).
A female news reporter Kim (Neith Hunter) is investigating the mysterious case of a woman's death by spontaneous combustion, which are linked to a bizzare satanic cult led by occult bookstore owner Adams and her freaky son Howard, who are on a quest for immortality.
The movie is still nothing special, although there is a standout scene where Hunter is lying on her back in the grass looking up at some trees and the trees form the image of a face smiling down at her, and another good scene where a topless Hunter vomits bugs then her face melts. Nice huh? Merry Xmas everyone.

Brian Yuzna's Silent Night, Deadly Night 4: The Initiation
There is no connection between this film and the first three in the series, but that is not an automatic positive.

This straightforward, gruesome story has a cute plucky reporter with boyfriend troubles investigating the mysterious death of a woman, and getting caught up in a witches' coven led by Maud Adams, eons from "Octopussy."

The lead actress is easy on these tired eyes, Clint Howard plays the same nutjob role he always gets outside of his brother's films, and the movie keeps a tight pace. But take away the "Part 4" from the title, and this is just another straight to video gorefest that was not good enough to get wide release in the theaters first. Sure, the gore involving giant bugs is good, but there is nothing really special here. That said, this is still severed head and shoulders above the first three entries in the series.

This is rated (R) for strong physical violence, sexual violence, strong gore, profanity, female nudity, brief male nudity, sexual content, and adult situations.

can you say "crap"?
I love the SN,DN series, and I shudder to think that I almost gave the series up after seeing this crap(my first viewing of any chapter in this series). It involves a woman being forced to join an evil cult of man-hating she-demons. Their henchman is named Ricky, but it is definately not the Ricky from the last 3 films. He is well acted by Clint Howard, but a very boring character. All of the acting here is horrid (except Clint's of course...) and the story is confusing, boring, sexist, and just plain bad. True, the first one in the series was bad, but in a good, fun sort of way. This movie just sucks. The special effects are good, but that and Clint are the only things that are. This movie has very little to do with Christmas and NOTHING to do with the first three films. SN,DN parts 2,3,and 5 are all five-star movies. The original is only a three-star movie and this is a no-star movie. I only gave it one star because I had to. Please, AVOID SILENT NIGHT DEADLY NIGHT 4: INITIATION, LIKE THE PLAGUE! IT IS VERY VERY BAD! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A hidden Gem
I recently found "Jane and the Lost City" by accident at my local video rental shop. I thought it looked junky and camp so I rented it. What I got instead was a super mellow rendition of the world war two daily mirror comic strip "Jane" which basically concerned the lead character Jane and her cohorts the Colonel and Tombs the butler "confounding the Nazi's at every turn" by pure dumb luck. During this process Jane keeps getting her clothes torn off (to lingerie level) by a variety of unlikely means. In other words, a very silly operation. The film is so mellow that if you need something to go to sleep in front of this will do nicely, allowing you to wake up occasionally and see more lingerie and hear more silly dialogue. I watched "Jane" twice in 24 hours and liked it very much. Very good trash indeed. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

diamonds, lying, b-movie, lost plot....ec..
Although I am not a fan of any of the actors involved with this movie I have been spending alot of time trying to find it. I was looking for a telly savalas movie from 1975 called "Diamond Mercenaries" and the reason was that I own a landrover and they destroy many series landrovers in this film. Like I said it was a b-movie although an allstar cast but without the plot to match ... Read more