Reviews (201)

The most poignant film of 1999
In 1985, John Irving penned an American classic about a young man's quest for belonging in the world besieged by World War II and self-doubt. The first script adaptations of the novel would have made for a nine-hour movie but being a daring writer, Irving trimmed it down to two hours of human heart and true nature. The result was one of 1999's biggest hits and a Best Picture Oscar nominee. Tobey Maguire stars as Homer Wells, the central character, who has been reared in an orphanage in rural Maine from infancy by a caring doctor named Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine in his superb Oscar-winning performance). For years, Homer has watched and studied the practices of Dr. Larch on pregnant women who either wanted an abortion or refused their babies. When he sees a chance to leave and explore the world on his own, he takes it and begins a self-quest for his true place in the world. Where he finds it is in the last place one would think, but it makes perfect sense once he discovers the true nature behind it. This touching film made me cry in the theater and it's a shame that not more people were willing to see this picture. It only stayed in theaters for about two weeks at a time. The children will steal your hearts and it is the loving performance from Caine that drives the film to its tearful and redeeming finale. Kathy Baker and Jane Alexander are well-cast as the nurses at the orphanage who stand by Dr. Larch no matter how hard things can get for him and his illegal practices. The film does not promote or demote the act of abortion but rather treats it as just a part of the story...and as a fact of life, that it is a woman's choice. Rachel Portman's beautiful and touching music score will move you to tears. Even though it was nominated for an Oscar, it still should have won. The heart of a film can be in its music and that applies here in every way possible. Caine received a standing ovation at the Oscar show when he won for Best Supporting Actor and spent over half his speech time acknowledging the work of his fellow nominees. John Irving also won for his screenplay adaptation of his own novel, the first time a novelist had ever won for adapting his own work for the silver screen since "Dances With Wolves" won for 1990. Outstanding on every level, this film is the pinnacle of the moviemaking industry for the 20th century, as if to offer hope on life and love and the lessons we need for the future, which would start with the 21st century. Don't pass up on this film. It is one of the greatest achievements from Hollywood in recent years.

A Heavy Subject But Great Acting
THE CIDER HOUSE RULES is a movie that deals with tough questions but does not provide any easy answers. It is based on a novel by John Irving and adapted for the screen by the author.

The story is mostly about life and death at an orphanage in Maine called St. Cloud's before and during World war II. In particular it is about a boy (Tobey Maguire) who is twice rejected by prospective parents and returned to the orphanage. He is then trained by the director (Michael Caine) of St. Cloud's to be his assistant as an obstetrician and gynocologist. With great sadness Maguire leaves St. Cloud's as a young man to see the world and ends up on the Maine coast where he works on an apple farm with migrant workers.

Because of the heavy subject matter the mood is often sombre and some of the incidents involving the orphans seem especially heartbreaking. Tobey Maguire is superb in the leading role as Homer Wells. Michael Caine is excellent as Dr. Wilbur Larch. The rest of the strong supporting cast includes Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Erykah Badu and Kate Nelligan. Lasse Hallstrom is known as the director of several other fine films including CHOCOLAT and MY LIFE AS A DOG.

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine) and Adapted screenplay. It also received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Director (Lasse Hallstrom), Editing, Original Score and Art Direction.

Impersonal. Not what you'd expect.
Roger Ebert said it best:

"A larger question remains: Why is there such a muddle about the movie's subject? I left the theater wondering what the movie thought it was about and was unable to say. It's almost deliberately unfocused; it shows us many events without guiding them to add up to anything definite."

I got up from my bed wondering the exact same thing. A movie should never leave you with that big of a question. If it does, it did not accomplish anything, because it is as if it felt it had nothing to accomplish.

I was highly disappointed with this film. It just didn't work on so many levels. Lasse Hallstrome is probably my least favorite major director at the moment. It seems he exists solely for Miramax to hire him so they can produce another accessible --no matter how impersonal-- piece of crap such as this in order to garner Oscars and, in the end, more money.

Many have said it is an important film because it approaches family and abortion. But the family aspect was so sparse it felt non-existent for about 75% of the running time. And the issue of abortion is left at an unfortunately impersonal level, exploring whether or not Tobey McGuire's character Homer finds it moral to use the medical skills his confident Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) has taught him in order to help women with abortion without bringing the issue past Homer himself. It does not ever leave the television screen. You aren't left thinking about whether it is right or wrong, or whether it should be legal or illegal, the woman or man's choice. I would further my point, but I would risk spoiling the film.

I think the only thing I truly enjoyed about the film was Charlize Theron. Otherwise, 'The Cider House Rules' was bland and confused.

Excellent movie, well acted, great story, sad in places.
This adaptation of John Irving's book, features a terrific mix of younger and veteran actors; lead by Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, and Kathy Baker. With Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron; among others, this movie has a perfect mix of drama, tearjerking emotions, and some very intense moments. While I originally bought the movie for Michael Caine, and to see the lovely Ms. Theron, the story was told well enough and acted well enough to sustain the movie. It is a first rate movie and I'd highly recommend it. I look forward to reading the book (I know it should have been the other way around). The "making of" feature helps to convey what emotions the actors, the director, and others; including Stephen King, of all people, felt in making and seeing the movie. Definitely worth looking at [refers to vhs; but I'm likely to be buying the DVD in future].

Not as good as the book
The book the Cider House rules is one of my favorite books. The movie didn't quite do it justice. Many of the sub plots are missing and the whole general plot is condensed into just one generation. Because of this many of the important themes are lost and Homer's ultimate decision doesn't seem as important or meaningful. Also, it only seems to skim over the love between Dr. larch and Homer; it is much more profound in written words. It would be a good movie if you have never read the book because then you don't realize what you are missing, but I would recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie. ... Read more

Description

Honored with two Academy Awards(R) -- Best Supporting Actor, Michael Caine, and Best Adapted Screenplay, John Irving -- THE CIDER HOUSE RULES tells a compelling and heartwarming story about how far a young man must travel to find the place where he truly belongs! Homer Wells (Tobey Macguire -- PLEASANTVILLE, THE ICE STORM, WONDER BOYS) has lived nearly his entire life within the walls of St. Cloud's Orphanage in rural Maine. Though groomed by its proprietor, Dr. Larch (Caine), to be his successor, Homer nonetheless feels the need to strike out on his own and experience the world outside. Then, while working at an apple orchard, Homer falls for the beautiful Candy (Charlize Theron -- REINDEER GAMES, THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE) and learns some powerfully indelible lessons about life, love, and home! Based on John Irving's best-selling American classic and featuring a sensational all-star cast including Delroy Lindo and newcomer Erykah Badu, this entertaining motion picture earned raves from critics and moviegoers everywhere! ... Read more

Reviews (201)

The most poignant film of 1999
In 1985, John Irving penned an American classic about a young man's quest for belonging in the world besieged by World War II and self-doubt. The first script adaptations of the novel would have made for a nine-hour movie but being a daring writer, Irving trimmed it down to two hours of human heart and true nature. The result was one of 1999's biggest hits and a Best Picture Oscar nominee. Tobey Maguire stars as Homer Wells, the central character, who has been reared in an orphanage in rural Maine from infancy by a caring doctor named Wilbur Larch (Michael Caine in his superb Oscar-winning performance). For years, Homer has watched and studied the practices of Dr. Larch on pregnant women who either wanted an abortion or refused their babies. When he sees a chance to leave and explore the world on his own, he takes it and begins a self-quest for his true place in the world. Where he finds it is in the last place one would think, but it makes perfect sense once he discovers the true nature behind it. This touching film made me cry in the theater and it's a shame that not more people were willing to see this picture. It only stayed in theaters for about two weeks at a time. The children will steal your hearts and it is the loving performance from Caine that drives the film to its tearful and redeeming finale. Kathy Baker and Jane Alexander are well-cast as the nurses at the orphanage who stand by Dr. Larch no matter how hard things can get for him and his illegal practices. The film does not promote or demote the act of abortion but rather treats it as just a part of the story...and as a fact of life, that it is a woman's choice. Rachel Portman's beautiful and touching music score will move you to tears. Even though it was nominated for an Oscar, it still should have won. The heart of a film can be in its music and that applies here in every way possible. Caine received a standing ovation at the Oscar show when he won for Best Supporting Actor and spent over half his speech time acknowledging the work of his fellow nominees. John Irving also won for his screenplay adaptation of his own novel, the first time a novelist had ever won for adapting his own work for the silver screen since "Dances With Wolves" won for 1990. Outstanding on every level, this film is the pinnacle of the moviemaking industry for the 20th century, as if to offer hope on life and love and the lessons we need for the future, which would start with the 21st century. Don't pass up on this film. It is one of the greatest achievements from Hollywood in recent years.

A Heavy Subject But Great Acting
THE CIDER HOUSE RULES is a movie that deals with tough questions but does not provide any easy answers. It is based on a novel by John Irving and adapted for the screen by the author.

The story is mostly about life and death at an orphanage in Maine called St. Cloud's before and during World war II. In particular it is about a boy (Tobey Maguire) who is twice rejected by prospective parents and returned to the orphanage. He is then trained by the director (Michael Caine) of St. Cloud's to be his assistant as an obstetrician and gynocologist. With great sadness Maguire leaves St. Cloud's as a young man to see the world and ends up on the Maine coast where he works on an apple farm with migrant workers.

Because of the heavy subject matter the mood is often sombre and some of the incidents involving the orphans seem especially heartbreaking. Tobey Maguire is superb in the leading role as Homer Wells. Michael Caine is excellent as Dr. Wilbur Larch. The rest of the strong supporting cast includes Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Erykah Badu and Kate Nelligan. Lasse Hallstrom is known as the director of several other fine films including CHOCOLAT and MY LIFE AS A DOG.

THE CIDER HOUSE RULES won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor (Michael Caine) and Adapted screenplay. It also received Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Director (Lasse Hallstrom), Editing, Original Score and Art Direction.

Impersonal. Not what you'd expect.
Roger Ebert said it best:

"A larger question remains: Why is there such a muddle about the movie's subject? I left the theater wondering what the movie thought it was about and was unable to say. It's almost deliberately unfocused; it shows us many events without guiding them to add up to anything definite."

I got up from my bed wondering the exact same thing. A movie should never leave you with that big of a question. If it does, it did not accomplish anything, because it is as if it felt it had nothing to accomplish.

I was highly disappointed with this film. It just didn't work on so many levels. Lasse Hallstrome is probably my least favorite major director at the moment. It seems he exists solely for Miramax to hire him so they can produce another accessible --no matter how impersonal-- piece of crap such as this in order to garner Oscars and, in the end, more money.

Many have said it is an important film because it approaches family and abortion. But the family aspect was so sparse it felt non-existent for about 75% of the running time. And the issue of abortion is left at an unfortunately impersonal level, exploring whether or not Tobey McGuire's character Homer finds it moral to use the medical skills his confident Dr. Larch (Michael Caine) has taught him in order to help women with abortion without bringing the issue past Homer himself. It does not ever leave the television screen. You aren't left thinking about whether it is right or wrong, or whether it should be legal or illegal, the woman or man's choice. I would further my point, but I would risk spoiling the film.

I think the only thing I truly enjoyed about the film was Charlize Theron. Otherwise, 'The Cider House Rules' was bland and confused.

Excellent movie, well acted, great story, sad in places.
This adaptation of John Irving's book, features a terrific mix of younger and veteran actors; lead by Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, and Kathy Baker. With Tobey Maguire and Charlize Theron; among others, this movie has a perfect mix of drama, tearjerking emotions, and some very intense moments. While I originally bought the movie for Michael Caine, and to see the lovely Ms. Theron, the story was told well enough and acted well enough to sustain the movie. It is a first rate movie and I'd highly recommend it. I look forward to reading the book (I know it should have been the other way around). The "making of" feature helps to convey what emotions the actors, the director, and others; including Stephen King, of all people, felt in making and seeing the movie. Definitely worth looking at [refers to vhs; but I'm likely to be buying the DVD in future].

Not as good as the book
The book the Cider House rules is one of my favorite books. The movie didn't quite do it justice. Many of the sub plots are missing and the whole general plot is condensed into just one generation. Because of this many of the important themes are lost and Homer's ultimate decision doesn't seem as important or meaningful. Also, it only seems to skim over the love between Dr. larch and Homer; it is much more profound in written words. It would be a good movie if you have never read the book because then you don't realize what you are missing, but I would recommend reading the book instead of watching the movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's hard to ignore the sad and conspicuous absence of the late John Belushi, but this long-delayed sequel to 1980's The Blues Brothers still has Dan Aykroyd--as Chicago bad boy and blues rocker Elwood Blues--to keep the music alive. Once again, Elwood's trying to reunite the original Blues Brothers Band, and this time he's got a strip-joint bartender (John Goodman) and a 10-year-old orphan named Buster (J. Evan Bonifant) joining him at center stage. Believing that Elwood has kidnapped the kid, the cops are hot on his trail as the reunited band hits the road for the Battle of the Bands in Louisiana and the All-Star Blues Jam that ends the movie in a rockin' blaze of glory. It's a shameless clone of the first film, and nobody--especially not Aykroyd or director John Landis--seems to care that the story's not nearly as fun as the music that's used to stretch it out. Of course there's a seemingly endless parade of stunts, including a nonstop pileup of police cars that's hilariously absurd, but what really matters here--indeed, the movie's only saving grace--is the great lineup of legendary blues musicians. Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Junior Wells, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Jonny Lang, Eddie Floyd, and Blues Traveler are among the many special guests assembled for the film, and their stellar presence makes you wonder if the revived Blues Brothers shouldn't remain an obscure opening act. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (108)

This Is A Pathetic Movie
If Blues Brothers 2000 were made as a documentary about the Blues Brothers or a documentary about the musicians in the movie, then I might've given it some stars, but, as a movie, this is a horrible, pathetic, feeble attempt to recreate the magic of the first film, which is a near perfect comedy. If there were an "E.T." part II, it would probably suck as bad as BB 2000. Certain movies should not be tainted with sequeals. This movie has animation! What audience was this movie created for? If I wanted to see a film strictly about blues performances and blues legends I'll rent a documentary. Blues Brothers is about the characters and this poor excuse for a movie has none of the elements that made the original such an excellent movie. If you have never seen it and are a fan of the Blues Brothers please do not buy it, it will destroy your image of Elwood and "the band."

Controversal Movie, naked DVD
Well, let's get the ugly part out of the way. In trying to make a sequel to the beloved "The Blues Brothers," Landis and Aykroyd took a huge risk in a desperate money grab. The result is far short of perfect, and as a result the creaters have suffered a howling chorus of dreadful reviews. But step back and realize that anything short of the PERFECT sequel would have been critically thrashed, to say nothing of what the fans would have done (and did). Now one can see so many of the things that went right that could have gone horrifically wrong. In bringing John Goodman aboard, They refused to try to replace Jake, and instead created the new, likeable Mighty Mack, a much lower-key personality, and left Elwood in the driver's seat. I do want to say a second and point that Goodman is legitimately GOOD in this movie, without any handicapping. The same loony stunts are back. Then, ultimately, they DID remember the single best thing about the original movie, the music (as they adroitly pointed out in the first trailer). Here they have lined up a staggering array of musical talent, and the movie gets lively, upbeat feel from the marvelous sound.

Of course, they also did a lot wrong. J. Evan Bonifant, as Buster Blues, is a mysterious addition. Cab Blues is an even more bizarre addition, purely added, in my estimation, to cover another loss (Cab Calloway) and let them re-work the I-see-the-light-scene from the first. The movie hems a little TOO close to the original, and quite frankly, the first movie's plot was stretched almost transparently thin in the first telling, setting aside the second. Some of the cameos are bordering on offensively flat (Darrell Hammond's, in particular), and that really brings us to the sum of the movie: it has all the right parts, but somehow they don't fit together. But many of the parts are REALLY right.

But there a lot of friendly nods to the first film, and the movie keeps a fun breezy spirit. And really, on its own, without trying to make it stand next to the towering, built-up remembrance of the first, it is a fun movie with terrific music.

The DVD, though, is one documentary away from being a direct copy of the VHS release. Shame! Shame! At least the DVD lets you skip to the musical numbers.

Overall, it's a movie I liked an enjoyed, and like to go back to and watch every now and then (more than the original, mainly because its easier to skip scenes without a feeling of missing out). Not a great movie, but still something fun.

Mr Landis- you should be ashamed
Can't see how anybody who loves the original can rate this pathetic sequal.The worst aspects for me are the casting of a silly little boy as a 'third' blues brother , the rip off of virtually every plot line from the first movie & second rate musical interludes from former greats who look & sound like they're only in this for the money.

Don't buy this movie please .

A comedic action musical? An action-packed musical comedy?
I never watched the first one, so I'm not going to say anything about John Belushi, or "Was it better than the last one?" or any of that. If you saw the first one, you will be continually saying, "Duh, we know this backstory already," throughout the review, so you may choose to read a different one.
Elwood Blues is an old blues musician, and he has an interest in restarting the Blues Brothers band. He finds out that his "father" and brother have died, and without these key players, it takes a little doing to restart the Blues Brothers. One of the new additions is a little 10-year old who is presumed to be kidnapped by Elwood. The Illinois police are soon after them, and the Blues Brothers join a battle of the bands competition. When the police aren't chasing them, a band of Russian communists (and later, a group of guerilla, anti-U.S militants) are. One car chase stands out in particularly: a road block turns into a fiasco as something similar to a mosh pit of police cars develops. Some of the songs are absolutely purposeless, as if a series of commerical jingles and music videos were played spontaneously throughout the movie.
This movie has a little of everything. It's a featherweight (but certainly not light) on action and a definite heavyweight in comedy and music. This movie is a bit like a standard sports movie: a bunch of guys, past their prime, who used to play together, decide to get together once again and show the world who rules. It's a great comic musical, and one of the few musicals that isn't full of pickpockets or little girls singing in an orphanage (i.e. , Oliver Twist and Annie.)

Not as bad as they'd have you believe
OK, So this isn't as good as the first film. And how could it compare to a classic. But it's actually one of the best sequels of any great film.

Yes, the story is ludicrous, but it does still amuse. But in truth, the entire film is really just an excuse for linking great musical sets together.

The music IS magnificent. (The acting is awful, but since most of the cast are professional singers rather than professional actors it isn't really surprising.)

If anything the film is more of a homage to the original, taking everything (car chases, ridiculous plot) to the extreme. If you don't like the film the first time, watch it again. You might be surprised! ... Read more

Reviews (108)

This Is A Pathetic Movie
If Blues Brothers 2000 were made as a documentary about the Blues Brothers or a documentary about the musicians in the movie, then I might've given it some stars, but, as a movie, this is a horrible, pathetic, feeble attempt to recreate the magic of the first film, which is a near perfect comedy. If there were an "E.T." part II, it would probably suck as bad as BB 2000. Certain movies should not be tainted with sequeals. This movie has animation! What audience was this movie created for? If I wanted to see a film strictly about blues performances and blues legends I'll rent a documentary. Blues Brothers is about the characters and this poor excuse for a movie has none of the elements that made the original such an excellent movie. If you have never seen it and are a fan of the Blues Brothers please do not buy it, it will destroy your image of Elwood and "the band."

Controversal Movie, naked DVD
Well, let's get the ugly part out of the way. In trying to make a sequel to the beloved "The Blues Brothers," Landis and Aykroyd took a huge risk in a desperate money grab. The result is far short of perfect, and as a result the creaters have suffered a howling chorus of dreadful reviews. But step back and realize that anything short of the PERFECT sequel would have been critically thrashed, to say nothing of what the fans would have done (and did). Now one can see so many of the things that went right that could have gone horrifically wrong. In bringing John Goodman aboard, They refused to try to replace Jake, and instead created the new, likeable Mighty Mack, a much lower-key personality, and left Elwood in the driver's seat. I do want to say a second and point that Goodman is legitimately GOOD in this movie, without any handicapping. The same loony stunts are back. Then, ultimately, they DID remember the single best thing about the original movie, the music (as they adroitly pointed out in the first trailer). Here they have lined up a staggering array of musical talent, and the movie gets lively, upbeat feel from the marvelous sound.

Of course, they also did a lot wrong. J. Evan Bonifant, as Buster Blues, is a mysterious addition. Cab Blues is an even more bizarre addition, purely added, in my estimation, to cover another loss (Cab Calloway) and let them re-work the I-see-the-light-scene from the first. The movie hems a little TOO close to the original, and quite frankly, the first movie's plot was stretched almost transparently thin in the first telling, setting aside the second. Some of the cameos are bordering on offensively flat (Darrell Hammond's, in particular), and that really brings us to the sum of the movie: it has all the right parts, but somehow they don't fit together. But many of the parts are REALLY right.

But there a lot of friendly nods to the first film, and the movie keeps a fun breezy spirit. And really, on its own, without trying to make it stand next to the towering, built-up remembrance of the first, it is a fun movie with terrific music.

The DVD, though, is one documentary away from being a direct copy of the VHS release. Shame! Shame! At least the DVD lets you skip to the musical numbers.

Overall, it's a movie I liked an enjoyed, and like to go back to and watch every now and then (more than the original, mainly because its easier to skip scenes without a feeling of missing out). Not a great movie, but still something fun.

Mr Landis- you should be ashamed
Can't see how anybody who loves the original can rate this pathetic sequal.The worst aspects for me are the casting of a silly little boy as a 'third' blues brother , the rip off of virtually every plot line from the first movie & second rate musical interludes from former greats who look & sound like they're only in this for the money.

Don't buy this movie please .

A comedic action musical? An action-packed musical comedy?
I never watched the first one, so I'm not going to say anything about John Belushi, or "Was it better than the last one?" or any of that. If you saw the first one, you will be continually saying, "Duh, we know this backstory already," throughout the review, so you may choose to read a different one.
Elwood Blues is an old blues musician, and he has an interest in restarting the Blues Brothers band. He finds out that his "father" and brother have died, and without these key players, it takes a little doing to restart the Blues Brothers. One of the new additions is a little 10-year old who is presumed to be kidnapped by Elwood. The Illinois police are soon after them, and the Blues Brothers join a battle of the bands competition. When the police aren't chasing them, a band of Russian communists (and later, a group of guerilla, anti-U.S militants) are. One car chase stands out in particularly: a road block turns into a fiasco as something similar to a mosh pit of police cars develops. Some of the songs are absolutely purposeless, as if a series of commerical jingles and music videos were played spontaneously throughout the movie.
This movie has a little of everything. It's a featherweight (but certainly not light) on action and a definite heavyweight in comedy and music. This movie is a bit like a standard sports movie: a bunch of guys, past their prime, who used to play together, decide to get together once again and show the world who rules. It's a great comic musical, and one of the few musicals that isn't full of pickpockets or little girls singing in an orphanage (i.e. , Oliver Twist and Annie.)

Not as bad as they'd have you believe
OK, So this isn't as good as the first film. And how could it compare to a classic. But it's actually one of the best sequels of any great film.

Yes, the story is ludicrous, but it does still amuse. But in truth, the entire film is really just an excuse for linking great musical sets together.

The music IS magnificent. (The acting is awful, but since most of the cast are professional singers rather than professional actors it isn't really surprising.)

If anything the film is more of a homage to the original, taking everything (car chases, ridiculous plot) to the extreme. If you don't like the film the first time, watch it again. You might be surprised! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A warm, soulful and funny film
Having just returned from seeing House of D for the 3rd time, I'm writing this review to share my thoughts on it.Is it Casablanca or It's A Wonderful Life?No, not many movies are, particularly these days.House of D is a small but moving film, beautifully filmed and acted, I maintain.With progressive viewings, I found myself remembering more of my own experiences 'coming of age' which gave me even more admiration for Mr. Duchovny's skill in writing this movie believably.Don't get me wrong, it's a small, independent film.Too bad for Hollywood, because it's sweet, funny, thoughtful and soulful.No car chases, disemboweled bad guys, cynical protagonists or sex.No wonder no big company would touch it!

Anton Yelchin and Tea Leoni portray their characters wonderfully.Robin Williams is believable as only he can be and his daughter, Zelda, is spot on.

I believe Mr. Duchovny's direction is good, and I look forward to bigger endeavors in the future, both in front of and behind the cameras.

Go see it.Decide for yourself.I'm very happy I did, and I think you will be too.

A very good film...


I really enjoyed "House of D".The story is touching, the actors are wonderful, the music really rocks.I have seen this movie 3 times and I wanted to go see it again, but it has been pulled from the theaters around my home.To me this is an injustice to the film.Not everyone has the same opinion of films, or music, etc., but to not give a larger group the opportunity to see this film is not fair.My opinion is that the movie is well made, and the story is very solid.Growing up in the late 60's early 70's, many of the scenes were very reminiscent of my youth (re: the dance).The emotions shown by Anton Yelchin were acted out very well, and Robin Williams had many fine moments as Pappass.All in all, I would recommend this film...see it and form your own opinion.

Charmingly pointless
My impatience level with a film is linked to a Fidget Factor. By the end of the advance screening of HOUSE OF D, no position in my seat seemed comfortable.

As the movie opens, the adult Tom Warshaw (David Duchovny), an American writer living in Paris, breaks a promise made to his 13-year old son, who lives with Dad's estranged wife Coralie (Magali Amadei), that the two go bike riding on the boy's birthday. The Missus is not pleased, and Tom explains that he was six hours late because he was born in the United States in New York City in Greenwich Village. Of course, this makes no sense. Tom's subsequent explanation is the extended flashback to his childhood in 1973, which comprises the major portion of the film's plot. Way back then, young Tommy (Anton Yelchin) lives with his emotionally manic, widowed mother (Tea Leoni), a chain smoking nurse who forces her son to eat Brussels sprouts for good health's sake. Tommy works part-time for a local butcher shop that delivers, a task done jointly with his best friend, the mentally retarded (uh, handicapped ... uh, challenged ... uh, whatever's currently PC) Pappass (Robin Williams), a forty-something man who's also the assistant janitor at Tommy's parochial college prep academy run by the benevolent and clueless Reverend Duncan (Frank Langella). Tommy has an awkward crush on a fellow student, rich girl Melissa (Zelda Williams). In the film's most unlikely scenes, Tommy gets Advice on Life and Love from "Lady Bernadette" (Erykah Badu), a Black hooker incarcerated in the local HOUSE OF D(etention). Bernadette's cell is on an upper story of the House. Tommy can only hear, but not see, his friend, who can only view Tommy's reflection in a piece of broken mirror she thrusts at arm's length out the window.

The best performances are by Williams, who proves once again his masterful ability to improvise just about any role imaginable, and that of Leoni- always a Babe in my book, whose character's tragic end, combined with Bernadette's encouragement, catalyzes Tommy's ultimately life-altering decision.

I wanted to like HOUSE OF D more than I eventually did by the time the credits rolled, though I admit to its occasional charm. I found young Tommy (and adult Tom, too) more annoying than engaging, particularly the manner by which the former funded his "run". I mean, how was that supposed to gain audience sympathy? And the boy's bizarre relationship with Lady Bernadette (and her pimp) was almost surreal in its unbelievability. Finally, I searched in vain for a lesson in this morality play, much less a link between the circumstances of Warshaw's birth and his being six hours late for a bike ride. Directed and written by David Duchovny, perhaps the storyline stems from events in his own life which he perceives as being more profound than he can ultimately convey to his audience.

HOUSE OF D is small screen entertainment ideal for a Sunday night prime time slot. Or wait for the DVD. ... Read more