Amazon.com

Not short on murder, mayhem, or any other screwball '70s conventions, Foul Play is a wonderful vehicle for Goldie Hawn. She plays Gloria, a librarian "ready to take a chance again," who ends up the target of an assassination ring. Chevy Chase, fresh off of Saturday Night Live, does the closest thing to real acting he would ever achieve (okay, maybe Fletch) as Tony, the cop assigned to protect Gloria. Dudley Moore made an indelible impression on American audiences as Stanley Tibbets, a surprisingly kinky symphony conductor. But it's the quirky things that make this film: the grandmothers playing Scrabble with expletives, Burgess Meredith's snake Esme, the old Japanese couple in the back of the careening limo. From the opening credits with Barry Manilow crooning the title song, this is a fond trip down memory lane. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (29)

"...You've attacked an innocent dwarf!"

Director: Colin Higgins
Format: Color
Studio: Paramount Studio
Video Release Date: June 2, 1998

Cast:

Goldie Hawn ... Gloria Mundy
Chevy Chase ... Tony Carlson
Burgess Meredith ... Mr. Hennessey
Rachel Roberts ... Delia Darrow/Gerda Casswell
Eugene Roche ... Archbishop Thorncrest/Archbishop's brother
Dudley Moore ... Stanley Tibbets
Marilyn Sokol ... Stella
Brian Dennehy ... Fergie
Marc Lawrence ... Rupert Stiltskin
Chuck McCann ... Theatre manager
Billy Barty ... J.J. MacKuen
Don Calfa ... Scarface
Bruce Solomon ... Bob Scott
Cooper Huckabee ... Sandy
Pat Ast ... Mrs. Venus
Frances Bay ... Mrs. Russel
Lou Cutell ... House manager
William Frankfather ... Whitey Jackson
John Hancock ... Capt. Coleman
Barbara Sammeth ... Sally
Queenie Smith ... Elsie
Hope Summers ... Ethel
Irene Tedrow ... Mrs. Monk
Ion Teodorescu ... The Turk
Janet Wood ... Sylvia
David Cole ... Theatre Usher
Bill Gamble ... Dickinson
Cyril Magnin ... Pope Pius XIII
Michael David Lee ... Limo driver
Neno Russo ... Luigi
Rollin Moriyama ... Japanese man
Mitsu Yashima ... Japanese woman
M. James Arnett ... Truck driver
Jophery C. Brown ... Cop
John Hatfield ... Security guard
Joe Bellan ... Man in phone booth
Chuck Walsh ... Newscaster
Connie Sawyer ... Screaming lady
F. Jo Mohrbach ... Fat lady
Garry Goodrow ... Henpecked husband
Enrico Di Giuseppe ... Nanki-Pooh, the Son of the Mikado of Japan
Glenys Fowles ... Yum-Yum, a schoolgirl, betrothed to Ko-Ko
Kathleen Hegierski ... Peep-Bo, a Schoolgirl
Sandra Walker ... Pitti-Sing, a Schoolgirl
James Tomlinson ... Pish-Tush, a Noble Lord
Richard McKee ... Pooh-Bah, Lord High Everythingelse
Jane Shaulis ... Katisha, an Elderly Lady of the Mikado's Court
Shirley Python ... Esme

A newly divorced Gloria Mundy (Goldy Hawn) picks up a hitchkiker, Bob Scott (Bruse Solomon) on California's Highway One north of San Francisco. He is being followed. He makes a date with Gloria for the theater that evening, and gives her a pack of Marlboros into which he puts a roll of film without her knowledge to hold for her. He shows up at the theater, collapses in the seat beside her and dies, after telling her to "beware the dwarf" and that there would be a murder. When she goes for help, the body disappears.

Enter Detective Tony Carlson (Chevy Chase), whom she had met previously at a party. The bad guys try to kill her a couple of times, and to get the pack of smokes, unsuccessfully.

This is an excellent story with a great cast. Pity the dwarf Bible salesman, poor unlucky Stanley Tibbets (Dudley Moore) and the owners of all of the cars wrecked in the chase across town.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

San Francisco at its Best!
Once you see the lead in to the movie with Barry Manilow singing "Ready To Take a Chance Again" and sweet and pretty Goldie Hawn driving south on Highway 1 to downtown...you are hooked.
The view of the coast with the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge is so beautiful it can make you cry. Believe me, it is even more beautiful when you are there. Everything is here in one movie - action, comedy, satire, thrills, car chases, etc. Chevy Chase is young, dashing and handsome while a good supporting actress is Goldie's sidekick at the Library where they work. She advises Goldie to give it to them "right in the nuts" with a knuckle duster. Beware, her handbag has more weapons than cosmetics. Burgess Meredith is superb as a compact ex-US Marine turned anthropologist. He is old but a helluvaa tough guy and.. he's a Karate expert to boot. Dudley Moore is hilarious with his beaver trap apartment complete with piped in Bee Gees music. You'll never hear "Staying Alive" again without remembering this scene and Dudley's hilarious gyrations. Watch this movie and you'll be happy you did. I loved it.

Finally This Will be On DVD
I love this movie. Finally a dvd release date : Nov. 16, 2004. Thank you GOD

always a great film to see
I have always loved this movie. Its great from start to finish. I hear the DVD release date for this movie will be November 16, 2004. Too bad its even that far down the road, and not sooner. Oh well.

This Movie Needs To be Put on DVD!
Foul Play is a hilarious movie and I can't believe it hasn't been given the DVD treatment yet! Seems Like Old Times which Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase made after Foul Play is on DVD and that is also a funny movie but Foul Play is funnier and really should be on DVD. I would love to have either a Letterbox widescreen DVD or an anamorphic widescreen DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

HUMAN INTEREST
Good human interest story - the actors were excellent in their roles. HOWEVER - the ending stumped me. I mean, I like James Caan taking Kirk Calloway off to New Orleans to search for Marsha Mason, although why they'd bother with her I have no idea...but what didn't gell was the fact that you can (poof!) swap identities with a retired sailor and resume civilian life with no repercussions. Maybe in 1973 you could, but certainly not now. Probably not in 1973!

One of Marsha Mason's Best
I remember watching this movie when it first came to the theater and thinking that the actors were exactly as I had envisioned them while I was reading the book. Great movie. Marsha Mason is a delight and deservedly got the Oscar nomination. James Caan is perfect as the put-upon sailor whose records have been misplaced causing him to be land-locked. Mason is wonderful as a hooker who is perpetually down-on-her-luck. This movie should be on DVD. I'll add it to my collection.

IT WAS OKAY.
The beginning was kind of boring, but as it dragged on it got a little interesting. Let's just put it this way, the movie climaxes then tires out. But the fact that it was released in 1973, it had done good addressing the interracial bond between the mother, Marsha Mason and her son, Kirk Calloway. When James Caan, the navy officer stepped in and took on the role of fatherhood, because the mother decided she couldn't take it anymore and bolted out of the relationship; it was a little strange but touching. All in all, it was a good movie.

cinderella liberty
Very good movie, probably James Caan's best role other than Sonny Corleone. Oscar nominated Marsha Mason is perfect! Good songs by Randy Newman. A litle dated in spots, but worht it for Mason alone!

If The Shoe Fits...
Actually, the 'Cinderella' in the title refers to the 24hr. length of a pass. Hardly as gritty as the slice of life 'The Last Detail' this Navy film still turns in great acting performances, especially James Caan, and is quite entertaining. Caan plays a sailor put ashore for treatment of a minor medical problem, a paperwork SNAFU however leaves him stuck there performing boring tasks during the day and working Shore Patrol duty at night with an annoying motor mouth. While in town Caan strikes up a friendship with a bar girl whose shine is a little worn off, but these two loners find they are good for one another. Sadly this is probably one of Caan's least seen roles and in fact his character exhibits almost none of the characteristics you associate with the actor and you almost don't recognize him. A fine job indeed. Edward Hermann makes the most of a tiny role and there is a great running gag about Caan's continuous search for the Drill Instructor on whom he intends to exact revenge. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

One of the best comedies of the 1970s, Blake Edwards's ode to midlife crisis and the hazards of infidelity now plays like a valentine to that self-indulgent decade, and it's still as funny as it ever was. In the signature role of his career (along with "Arthur"), Dudley Moore plays a songwriter with a severe case of marital restlessness, and all it takes is a chance encounter with Bo Derek (in her screen debut) to jump-start his libido. Julie Andrews plays Moore's wife, who will only tolerate so much of her husband's desperate need to reaffirm his sexual vitality, while Moore pursues Derek to a tropical rendezvous. The action builds to the now-famous bedroom scene that sent everyone rushing to the music store for their own copy of Ravel's Boléro. Talk about a classical climax! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Five Stars for Dudley and Julie
In 10, Dudley Moore gives a five star performance on two fronts as both a comic and music genius. Film fans may be unaware that Moore scored several films and performed as a concert pianist in his career in addition to his acting talents.

Moore plays a fortyish songwriter who has developed the mother of all mid-life crisis's. Julie Andrews (who looks fantastic here BTW) shines as his impatient love interest and Bo Derek is lovely as Dudley's fantasy girl. Brian Dennehy and Dee Wallace-Stone are very good in supporting roles.

The DVD transfer is good especially for a film that has a little age. The sound is mono only which is disappointing but understandable. This is one of Blake Edwards best films and a must see for fans of romantic comedy. It is sad and sobering to realize that both Moore's and Andrew's gifts have been diminished by illness. Grab this DVD and take time to remember how really talented they both are.

Pleasant little outing for Dudley Moore and Bo Derek
Buying this DVD shortly after the unfortunate demise of Dudley Moore brings home how little of the artists work is currently available on DVD and CD.

Growing up in England in the 1960s in England it was hard to miss the revolution that was taking place in comedy as well as in other areas of the arts. Dudley Moore was an integral part of that revolution along with his friend and colleague Peter Cook. Sadly much of their recorded output is no longer available. Even sadder is the growing number of those performers who were part of that revolution who are no longer with us.

10 is the story of a wealthy composer who has everything that money can buy and a long-suffering girlfriend played by Julie Andrews who has a mind of her own.

Moore sees Derek, in her first starring role, and pursues her through a series of misunderstandings from the moment he first sees her on her way to a wedding to finally being alone with her in her hotel room where he discovers her to be a hedonist only seeking self-gratification.

The movie is notable for the consideable degree of nudity and for it's moralising on the relaxed social attitudes, if in fact there were any, following on from the nineteen sixties social revolution. There is a moralising tone throughout as we follow Dudley's escapades and although there are a number of humourous situations it is hard to tell whether it was intended as a comedy or whether there was a more dramatic intent.

It is nevertheless a warm nice movie and in some ways is more representative of Dudley Moore the person than his other silver screen appearances. Bo Derek gives a faultless performance as the pleasure seeking girl but that is all her role is limited to. Julie Andrews will forever remain to me the way she was in the Sound of Nusic and that is all I can say about it.

This DVD is a pleasant way to remember Dudley Moore. He would be better remembered if his catalogue of films and music were once again to be made available for public pleasure and enjoyment.

Good movie - poor casting
I would just like to use this space to contest that Bo Derek never was qualified enough to be a 'sex symbol' character in anything. So, to cast her in this movie as the 'sex' interest of Dudley Moore doesn't quite work. (I keep wanting someone to yank those raggedy beads off her odd looking head.)

I would also like to give a special message to John Derek: John, may Providence strike you down for subjecting us to misshapen, no-talent hacks such as Bo Derek and Linda Evans. Two unsexy and boring women (unless one is in to women who look like Skeletor from He-Man).

Also, Julie Andrews gives one the impression of being Dudley's mom, not his wife. Why not cast Doris Day as the wife of Dudley's character?

Sorry all, I had to vent.

Likeable comedy
This is a likeable, interesting comedy. The movie is mostly remembered for Bo Derek, but her screen time is far less than the two main stars, Dudley Moore and Julie Andrews, portraying a couple with relationship problems. The supporting cast is also good. This is a film for adults, with plenty of nudity.

10
Do not waste your money or time on this video. I am only giving it one star because I cannot give it a zero! It was the most boring movie I have ever watched...was not funny...was not anything except BORING!! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Great spoof of 50s/60s chick biker flicks!
This film has EVERYTHING a good b-movie needs to be a Good b-movie!, el cheapo effects, horrible actors/actresses, Horrible singing, and hot chicks on bikes! given this is Billy Bob Thorton's first endeavor,, he won't win any awards here, but he does o.k.
This film is for those who remember USA's Up All Night with Rhonda Shear!!!!! thats where I saw this Many years ago!
It is also for those who remember the 50's/60's biker movies! And for lovers of cheesy Troma films.
Cheesy acting, horrible but Funny zombies make this a cult classick!
Don't expect a "Night of the living Dead" style zombie flick, this film was made to make ya laugh! At least give it a rent If not interested in buying, otherwise Buy it! its a GREAT one to own and laugh at over, and over again!

So bad it's ..... still pretty bad
When the zombie motif has already been self-parodied with such class and black humour as Romero's Dawn of the Dead and Peter Jackson's hilarious Braindead, any movie trying to follow in those famous footsteps has to be pretty special. And special, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown ain't.

Ok, it's got a few inspired moments - I liked the ice-cream van chiming out "Dance Macabre", the zombie transfixed by the CCTV was amusing, and the Uzi weilding kid bemoaning the zombie attack on their school bus by grumbling "what rotten luck - going blind, being orphaned and now THIS!" has to be the best line by far in the movie. The townsfolk are reasonably well observed 1950's B-movie caricatures, and the choice of weaponry by the chicks in the final showdown with the zombies was quite amusing.

The overall impression however is dull, tedious and lacking the usual Troma gross-out but stylish trademark. Even at only 83 minutes, it feels overlong and the absence of any outtakes or any other bonus material on the DVD makes poor value for money.

I got my copy for just £3-99 in a high street clear-out sale. With a total of three half-chuckles throughout the movie, I don't feel like I got a bargain.

You've got to own this movie
I went to a private showing of this film with Oakland's Harley Owners Group years ago at the Pizza Hut after a Berkeley theater decided to cancel the showing.

This film brings new meaning to the designation "low budget". The "Cycle Sluts" are a pack of tantalizing beauties who ride hard across the desert on shiny new hogs by day and sleep around a campfire each night. However, in every scene the girls appear as though they have just stepped out of the beauty salon.

When the biker women come across a small town and find that the dead are coming back to life,... Sound familiar? This flick doesn't try to hide the fact that it's "The Wild One" meets "Night of the Living Dead". The only way to kill a zombie is by burning it, and just before they burst into flames, the zombies turn to motionless manikins. The plot and the actors get dumber by the minute.

You've got to own this movie. Only one thing -- just don't want to watch it sober.

Zombietown, Indeed.
Well, at least the title is right. The Chopper Chicks come to Zombietown, and...well, that's about it. I loves me some Troma, so I figured "CC in ZT" would at least entertain me for 90 minutes, but nope. This one's a stinker.

Apparently "CC" wants to be a parody. We can tell it's a comedy by the goofy, Candyland-style music that plays when the zombies attack. But what is it a parody of, exactly? Itself? The filmmakers provided themselves with mad scientists, lesbian bikers, midgets, blind kids, and zombies...but they forgot the screenplay. Billy Bob and Martha Quinn should provide some entertainment, right? Well, Martha tries, but Billy Bob is just dull. Don Calfa is in it...he's usually good for a larf or two, right? Nope. The flick is boring, slow-paced, dimwitted, and boring. But hey - you take your chances with Troma, right?

Why did Troma pick this movie up?
Chopperchicks in Zombietown, what an awesome title eh? i really expected way more. let it be known that i am an avid troma fan and know what troma fans like. i bought this movie on a whim because the title sounded so cool, i really wish i hadnt bought it. if youre a billy bob thorton fan, dont even bother his part isnt that big. the movie was just downright boring. if you want a good troma movie get tromeo and juliet, the toxic avenger, or an out of house production like killer condom. this movie is a true disappointment and i wish i could give it no stars at all. ... Read more

Reviews (82)

The movie was good, it's not what people expect from Murphy.
I really liked this movie. It was funny and yet different considering what people usually expect from Eddie Murphy. He was not rude or used a lot of bad language. It shows that he is a very versatile actor. He can do good roles an roles where he hast to be the crudest person on earth. Anyway, I thought that having the animals really talking and their lips were in sinck with thier voices was a job well-done. Some of the actors that you think would never be good as a voice were pretty funny. John Legazamo was good as one of the rats. The drinking monkey was also hilarious. Well, I can say nothing but good for this movie.

vastly superior to the sequel, IMHO
Like a lot of people who believe themselves to be worldly, I put my little barriers up when I encounter a film like "Dr. Dolittle". When you think of yourself as a sophisticate, it's hard to reach the child within. You hope the kid left long ago.

The truth is that few people grow up entirely. Halfway through this movie, I threw in the towel and decided to admit I was enjoying this adolescent gem. It's infectious.

Eddie Murphy's Dr. Dolittle is not recognizable as the character in the Hugh Loftis book. He's been totally updated. The only element left from the novel is Dolittle's ability to talk to animals. He understands them. They converse. Thankfully they do not sing, as they did in the dreadful Rex Harrison musical comedy thirty years ago. That film lost a fortune for Fox Studio. At this late date, Mr. Murphy and friends seem to have recovered its money.

It may seem like a gift to be able to communicate with guinea pigs, owls, dogs, pigs, pigeons and other creatures. This gift could be a one-way ticket to the funny farm, which is the problem Dolittle faces.

One of the best things about "Dr. Dolittle" is that it's short. The producers were wise enough to get in and out before the audience realized this was basically a one joke, one special effect story.

Murphy seems to have undergone a personal transformation in the last few years. Now he is completely at ease and in control in gentle comedies like this and "The Nutty Professor", just as he was in the sexy and crime-driven vehicles that made him a movie star in the 1980s.

It was bathroom humor that earned this picture a PG-13 rating. It may have deserved it, but kids seem to learn this stuff younger these days. Maybe they are just more open than my generation was. This touch of crudeness helps "Dr. Dolittle" to work. Full of smart remarks, these animals are survivors. They are also endearing. They assure that the movie never becomes sickeningly sweet. Besides, nobody expects Eddie Murphy to give up his bad boy image completely.

One element I found interesting is that, despite all the advances in digital special effects, when you see a lot of animals talking on screen, it doesn't look any more real than it did in the days of Francis the Talking Mule. It just cost ten times as much to create the effect.

Laugh out loud comedy.
Dr. John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) has the so called "perfect life", a beautiful wife, two loving daughters and a career that could not be better. All that changes one night when he nearly hits a dog with his car. As he is leaving, the dog calls him a bonehead then runs off. From that day on his childhood ability to communicate with animals is back. Soon, animals are showing up at his home to get help. His colleagues suspect he's going crazy and many decisions still have to be made regarding the sale of the clinic. Just as everything is about to fall apart, a circus tiger falls seriously ill and it's John's turn to prove to everyone that he's not crazy.

No Repeats
This is a movie I bought first, primarily for the kids because of the reviews. No one ever asked to watch it a second time. I say this because one of my kids was watching the Lion King last night, for the umpteenth time. So yes, I agree that eddie murphy impressed me again with his talent... but it just didn't grab my kids, 3 boys and 2 girls. I had to give it a good rating of 3 rather than a 2 to encourage the making of good movies.

Where's Richard Pryor when we need him?
eddie murphy is a comical guy, but is he really the right guy to play in something as stupid as this? Of course, who is the right guy for it? One of the questions i can't stand to think about in this movie, is how Dolittle hears the animals speak, but their lips move and nobody notices. Can't they connect the dots? Obviously not. And obviously, the filmmakers couldn't either. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This moody 1986 buddy picture and police drama represented a change of pace for both stars. Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines play two Chicago police detectives who, feeling gun-shy about the inherent danger of their jobs, contemplate retirement in Florida. They just can't shake the allure of their work, however, particularly when their pursuit of a notorious drug dealer (Jimmy Smits) turns personal and deadly. While there are more than enough light moments generated by the easy and convincing rapport between Crystal and Hines, director Peter Hyams (The Star Chamber, 2010) succeeds in straddling the two disparate moods to create a taut and engaging action picture. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Running Gags
The buddy cop film has often delved into the comic arena, and this is no exception. Where it stands out is how well the comedy is mixed into the films reality. Instead of funny situations, it is the characters legitamate word play that makes us laugh. Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines play the 2 Chicago Cops in search of a drug kingpin played by Jimmy Smits. Director Peter Hyams (2010) does a nice job of balancing between teh comedy and action all the way through a comic homage to the French Connection, a fast car chase ON the elevated train tracks. This is a sturdy film similar in flavor to BEVERLY HILLS COP, and that ain't such a bad thing. This is an inexpensive disc but, don't let the price fool you, its a nice video and audio transfer and a safe purchase.

The original cop buddy dramatic comedy
Before the Lethal Weapon and Die Hard series, there was Running Scared. Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal turn in a wisecracking performance right up there with Mel Gibson, Danny Glover and Bruce Willis. Two of Chicago's top plain clothes detectives, Ray Hughes (Hines) and Danny Costanzo (Crystal) have been duking it out with the bad guys for a long time. Their latest nemesis is Julio Gonzales (Jimmy Smits, excellent in his movie debut), a drug dealer looking to become Chicago's "next Al Capone". As they pursue Julio, a situation gets out of hand and our boys have to be rescued by a couple of undercover cops, convincing their Captain that Hughes and Costanzo need a break. Next things you know, they're in a bar in Key West, trying to break out of their funk. As they walk out to the beach, there is a crowd of people staring out into the ocean. Danny asks a beautiful woman: "What's going on - did a ship sink or something?" "No.." she replies, "We're watching the sun set." Danny gives her an incredulous look : "The sun sets every day!" She smiles: "Yes - and we come down to watch it every day." Looking back at the ocean, he retorts: "Well, this had better be good!" As they skate, fish and sunbathe the days away (not to mention enjoying the company of a variety of gorgeous bikini-clad babes), they start to enjoy themselves and end up buying a bar ("We'll have wet T-Shirt nights for women over 60!") in preparation of retiring when they return to Chicago. (After seeing these scenes, I just had to visit Key West and have been going back each year ever since!) Relaxed and ready to retire to the good life, they return to Chicago and give their 30 days notice. Upon learning that Julio is continuing his rampage, they vow to put him away before they retire. Many chases (including one on the "el" with a priest and nun as suspect drug couriers), gunfights and general mayhem ensues, leading to the final showdown in the capitol building against incredible odds (after all, what fun is it if the heroes aren't massively overmatched?). I think this is one of the big underrated movies in that it's got lots of action and laughs from this wise-cracking duo. I'm thrilled that this is coming out on DVD as I've worn out two VHS tapes of this flick. If you liked Lethal Weapon and Die Hard, then buy this DVD. You'll enjoy it again and again!

The BEST "buddy cop" movie!!
A guilty pleasure; I probably watch "Running Scared" at least once a year. This is probably the best of the "buddy cop" genre of films and also the best of the "cops n' comedy" movies too - thanks to the onscreen chemistry between Hines and Crystal. (There's a reason why all the Amazon reviews mention this "chemistry" - because it's really there, and it's the backbone of the movie!) The comedy comes not so much from actual punchlines, but from the sense that these two guys are married to one another; razzing each other, sharing a high-five (or even a hug), and having a million inside jokes and rituals that only the other knows. Thanks to the "chemistry" between Crystal and Hines, we believe Constanzo and Hughes are longtime police partners and friends, with a love for each other and a history that goes back 15 years.

Most of the other reviews have covered all you need to know about the movie (one reviewer going so far as to repeat all the dialogue from a scene that could've been cut), so let me digress and just explain what the title means. Police partners Hughes and Costanzo are reckless... going it alone, never calling for backup, hot-dogging, breaking the rules, and generally risking life and limb for the job. But after tasting the good life and handing in their month's notice, the two partners start playing it safe. Suddenly they're running scared, just trying to get through the month without dying. They call for backup. They begin wearing bulletproof vests. "You're being careful," their Captain observes. "Careful gets you killed."

Other reviews compare this movie to "Lethal Weapon" and "Die Hard," but those films - while possessing some comedic elements - lean a little more towards the action side. "Beverly Hills Cop" is a better comparison, but perhaps "Running Scared" could best be compared to "Stakeout" with Richard Dreyfus and Emilio Estevez: both are underrated action-comedy "buddy cop" movies, and both rely heavily on the chemistry of their stars to work... and both DO work. "Scared" is probably the better of the two films, but after buying this one, I recommend you check out the other.

GOOD CHEMISTRY AND TIMING, BUT THE MOVIE IS HIT & MISS..
If not for the crisp camaraderie between Gregory Hines and Billy Crystal as two hardboiled big city cops, this movie had very little going for it.

No catchy oneliners that one'd expect from Billy, just some occasionally amusing banter. No bravura performance ala Lethal Weapon or Tango & Cash, but instead doozy villians who operate like imbeciles and are generally clueless how to give the cops a run for their money.

But perhaps that was the point, the emphasis was meant to be on paperweight comedy rather than sensible action. If that's it, then it makes for a decent Friday night rental. It also has some neat visuals of Chicago.

Classic Comedy and Action but heads
Gregory Hines, and Billy Crystal have the type of chemistry together that most actors wish for. A true classic action/comedy, the originator of the buddy genre. This is where Lethal Weapon, and Die Hard began. This is one of those movies that has become an under appreciated classic. Well worth the price, especially now that is is on DVD. Required viewing for anyone who truely likes the buddy cop movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Weekend at Bernie's starts when two lowly clerks at an insurance agency uncover a $2 million fraud and report it to their boss, Bernie (Terry Kiser). Unfortunately for them, Bernie is the one behind the fraud, and he invites them to his island beach house for the weekend, where he intends to have them killed by his mob contacts. Unfortunately for Bernie, the mob decides to rub him out instead--and thus begin the necrotic hijinks. The clerks, Richard (Jonathan Silverman) and Larry (Andrew McCarthy), arrive and discover Bernie's body. At first they panic and start to call the police, but when a party of islanders sweeps in, Richard and Larry also discover that the local residents are so self-absorbed they don't notice that Bernie is dead. So if our heroes can just convince everyone that Bernie is still alive for they weekend, they can have a splendid time. Unfortunately, they also convince the mob hitman, who keeps trying to take Bernie out. Weekend at Bernie's was made at the height of 1980s fashion and features many amusing outfits and hairstyles--often the styles are funnier than the dialogue, and the characters are tissue-paper thin. Still, there's no denying that the movie chugs along from bit to bit and never takes itself more seriously than it should. A cheerful, disposable piece of fluff. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Best weekend of my life
Boy, when I rented this movie, I had no idea whatsoever that it would be this funny.

When Larry (Andrew McCarthy) and Richard (Johnathan Silverman) uncover an embezzlement scam at their office, they report it to their boss, Bernie Lomax (Terry Kiser), expecting a promotion, not expecting that Bernie himself is the culprit. Bernie invites them to his beachhouse that weekend, planning to have them killed by a mafia hit man. But, the mafia bad guys have other plans, and they have him killed before Larry and Richard arrive. When they discover Bernie's dead, they at first want to tell the police, despite the fact that they may inadvertendly frame themselves. They soon decide to keep up the face the Bernie's still alive and kickin'.

Did I laugh? HELL YEAH!! WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S has got to be one of the funniest movies ever. It's hilarious to watch Larry and Richard desperately trying to make Bernie's corpse appear to still have a spark, like in the scene where they try to get on a boat with Bernie's body. How they make it appear that he's walking is hard to describe, and even harder not ot laugh at.

Another great scene, involving Bernie's girlfriend from NYC, who goes into a room where Bernie's body is waiting. She emerges from the room as a necropheiliac without even knowing Bernie was dead. This was somewhat overlooked by the critics, but it is worthy of positions held in the "greatest movies of all time list" by movies like VERTIGO or TITANIC, which aren't very good.

That's more than I can say for the sequel, WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S 2, but if you can laugh at things like a corpse jetskiing (so to speak), and I'm sure you can, than stop by BERNIE'S this WEEKEND. As I said above, it was the best WEEKEND of my life.

Funny; just... just FUNNY
Alright alright ALRIGHT, I admit it; I love this movie. I have never so unapologetically laughed until I cried at a more stupid movie in my entire life before seeing this flick! Somehow some people in Hollywood got together and found a creative team to create the perfect vehicle for a succession of some of the most stupid, implausible, and absolutely hilarious sight gags and jokes and bits I have ever seen. the runnig gag in my family, every time we bring this up is "...I'm blind..." Awww BERNIE!

Trust me, I love a good Gore vidal or Toni Morrison novel as much as the next guy, and there's nothing like a Foreign or Spielberg or classic film from the 40's or 70's to challenge your mind body and soul... and then every now and then you need something that you can just pop in a VCR and laugh until you cry, rolling off the couch onto the floor, spilling popcorn and the whole nine! Where many comedians and much of Jim Carrey's stuff attempts this (and misses for me), WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S did it.

Funny. Like, for real.

Dark Comedy, Light Fun
The cast is perfect and the sets, music, and all that went into this movie seem to meld to make a very funny movie. Andrew McCarthy as Larry Wilson and Jonathan Silverman as Richard Parker are a good match for co-workers at an insurance company. Larry the brown nosing party man and Richard the hard working nerd. When Richard discovers a two million dollar mistake in claims their boss Bernie invites them over for the weekend to discuss it. What happens after that is sick, demented, and funny. Any fan of "8 Heads in a Duffel Bag" and "The Whole Nine Yards" should enjoy it. This is one of those rare movies were seeing a dead person being lugged around, beat up, dropped, bareface ski, washed around in the tide, shot, strangled, and more is just plain outrageously funny.

"Can't you see he's dead?"
I got this movie as a birthday gift from my ladyfriend. As I'd never seen it before, I asked her why she chose it. She said she thought it was a favorite of mine, as my friends and I referred to it a lot. While true, we weren't discussing the plot; just how my friend George looks a lot like Bernie when he's passed out. Anyway, one morning while I was nursing a nasty hangover, I deemed myself in the proper state to handle this movie.

To quote Elaine from "Seinfeld," "This is so stupid! Bernie is dead! Just because you put a hat on him isn't going to make him less dead!" This movie is awful. I love 80s comedies - heck, I consider "Bachelor Party" Tom Hanks's best work (just read my review) and eagerly await the next installment of "Police Academy" - but this movie is miserable. The only times I laughed while watching "Weekend at Bernie's" it was at my ladyfriend for actually finding something humorous in the movie.

My friend Dan, knowing of my disdain for "Weekend at Bernie's," got me "Weekend at Bernie's II" (it's voodoo, baby, voodoo). Expect my review of that film to be posted a day or so after the next time I decide to wash down some vodka and Gatorade with a hurricane.

Best movie ever.
Anyone with cable has probably seen and will see at least a few minutes of Weekend at Bernie's every week for their entire life. It's so a part of our culture that we don't question it anymore. But imagine having never heard of Weekend at Bernie's, and through the filter of a modern sense of irony, seeing a preview for it in the movie theater. "Hey, this looks sort of funny. I like these movies about partying at the beach... hold on... are those two dudes playing with a corpse? Oh my god - they're dressing it up and taking it to the party with them. I hope it leaks something infectious onto their sick asses!"

Anyways, Weekend at Bernie's is the awesomest, eightiesest, most radical movie of all time. Rent it. Buy it. Sleep with it. Just watch it. Sheer 80s awesomeness. *thumbs up* ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Back to Twin Peaks
A very strange, almost stock version of a David Lynchesque miscast. That said, I liked it anyhow.

Heather Graham plays a young widow who has witnessed her husband's murder and the murderer himself commit suicide(I think they were more than buddies wink wink.) There is no determined timeframe thereafter, but she is in a daze and living in an apartment alone and randomly and promiscuously engaging in sex with random guys, oh and one girl too. Well, the sex always revolves around her getting orally surfeited but that's of no matter is it? It's Heather Graham being sexed up! Anyhow somebody begins to stalk her and and and the police won't help and and and she keeps getting beaten and and and followed around by a big white car etc. Finally the mysterious stalker is exposed!

I'm giving it 4 1/2 stars on H. Graham alone being so lovely and just acting like a complete lulu. Her hair is wild, her demeanor is aloof to the things which don't interest her(which is everything) and she crouches over some guy lying on the floor, sans panties and rubs herself into his face. Even when she is at work typing, her shoulders bobbing and the doe-eyes are ghostly round, she is entrancing. I hope H. G. isn't a real-life Hollywood trollop because she sure made me buy into the movie on her presence alone. I even liked her in Say It Isn't So, a romantic comedy, which would make me gag normally. So what I am saying is that I am whoring out any objectivity principally on her aesthetics. But honestly, the movie wasn't bad either.

Random but cool
The movie was at the same time extremely scary but hysterically funny. The neurotic sensibility in Graham's performance is similar to Mia farrow in Rosemary's baby. It left a really deep impression on me since the whole film was so roughly presented and sharply scary. The film is so sharp and rough it even transcends into something really justifiable. Looking back on it I really loved it and how it could scare me like no other film (not anne rice, not from dusk till dawn, not even the baby of Rosemary.)

Not very intriguing
I like the way it gives you a twist when you actually think that there is someone real that is stalking her but a lot of scenes were cut out and that is what makes the movie a burial into the moritorium of movies. Other than that if I could just get my hands on an original uncut version that woud be fine too.Thank's..

Not Uncut
I bought this movie because of a still of the movie that I downloaded recently of Heather Graham sitting on the face of some guy. But when I watched this dvd I noticed to my horror that this particular scene had been edited out. I find this strange as the dvd is R rated.
A complete waste of my money and there's nothing I can do about it.

Not Uncut - beware
I bought this movie because of a still of the movie that I downloaded recently of Heather Graham sitting on the face of some guy. But when I watched this dvd I noticed to my horror that this particular scene had been edited out. I find this strange as the dvd is R rated.
A complete waste of my money and there's nothing I can do about it. ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Best weekend of my life
Boy, when I rented this movie, I had no idea whatsoever that it would be this funny.

When Larry (Andrew McCarthy) and Richard (Johnathan Silverman) uncover an embezzlement scam at their office, they report it to their boss, Bernie Lomax (Terry Kiser), expecting a promotion, not expecting that Bernie himself is the culprit. Bernie invites them to his beachhouse that weekend, planning to have them killed by a mafia hit man. But, the mafia bad guys have other plans, and they have him killed before Larry and Richard arrive. When they discover Bernie's dead, they at first want to tell the police, despite the fact that they may inadvertendly frame themselves. They soon decide to keep up the face the Bernie's still alive and kickin'.

Did I laugh? HELL YEAH!! WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S has got to be one of the funniest movies ever. It's hilarious to watch Larry and Richard desperately trying to make Bernie's corpse appear to still have a spark, like in the scene where they try to get on a boat with Bernie's body. How they make it appear that he's walking is hard to describe, and even harder not ot laugh at.

Another great scene, involving Bernie's girlfriend from NYC, who goes into a room where Bernie's body is waiting. She emerges from the room as a necropheiliac without even knowing Bernie was dead. This was somewhat overlooked by the critics, but it is worthy of positions held in the "greatest movies of all time list" by movies like VERTIGO or TITANIC, which aren't very good.

That's more than I can say for the sequel, WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S 2, but if you can laugh at things like a corpse jetskiing (so to speak), and I'm sure you can, than stop by BERNIE'S this WEEKEND. As I said above, it was the best WEEKEND of my life.

Funny; just... just FUNNY
Alright alright ALRIGHT, I admit it; I love this movie. I have never so unapologetically laughed until I cried at a more stupid movie in my entire life before seeing this flick! Somehow some people in Hollywood got together and found a creative team to create the perfect vehicle for a succession of some of the most stupid, implausible, and absolutely hilarious sight gags and jokes and bits I have ever seen. the runnig gag in my family, every time we bring this up is "...I'm blind..." Awww BERNIE!

Trust me, I love a good Gore vidal or Toni Morrison novel as much as the next guy, and there's nothing like a Foreign or Spielberg or classic film from the 40's or 70's to challenge your mind body and soul... and then every now and then you need something that you can just pop in a VCR and laugh until you cry, rolling off the couch onto the floor, spilling popcorn and the whole nine! Where many comedians and much of Jim Carrey's stuff attempts this (and misses for me), WEEKEND AT BERNIE'S did it.

Funny. Like, for real.

Dark Comedy, Light Fun
The cast is perfect and the sets, music, and all that went into this movie seem to meld to make a very funny movie. Andrew McCarthy as Larry Wilson and Jonathan Silverman as Richard Parker are a good match for co-workers at an insurance company. Larry the brown nosing party man and Richard the hard working nerd. When Richard discovers a two million dollar mistake in claims their boss Bernie invites them over for the weekend to discuss it. What happens after that is sick, demented, and funny. Any fan of "8 Heads in a Duffel Bag" and "The Whole Nine Yards" should enjoy it. This is one of those rare movies were seeing a dead person being lugged around, beat up, dropped, bareface ski, washed around in the tide, shot, strangled, and more is just plain outrageously funny.

"Can't you see he's dead?"
I got this movie as a birthday gift from my ladyfriend. As I'd never seen it before, I asked her why she chose it. She said she thought it was a favorite of mine, as my friends and I referred to it a lot. While true, we weren't discussing the plot; just how my friend George looks a lot like Bernie when he's passed out. Anyway, one morning while I was nursing a nasty hangover, I deemed myself in the proper state to handle this movie.

To quote Elaine from "Seinfeld," "This is so stupid! Bernie is dead! Just because you put a hat on him isn't going to make him less dead!" This movie is awful. I love 80s comedies - heck, I consider "Bachelor Party" Tom Hanks's best work (just read my review) and eagerly await the next installment of "Police Academy" - but this movie is miserable. The only times I laughed while watching "Weekend at Bernie's" it was at my ladyfriend for actually finding something humorous in the movie.

My friend Dan, knowing of my disdain for "Weekend at Bernie's," got me "Weekend at Bernie's II" (it's voodoo, baby, voodoo). Expect my review of that film to be posted a day or so after the next time I decide to wash down some vodka and Gatorade with a hurricane.

Best movie ever.
Anyone with cable has probably seen and will see at least a few minutes of Weekend at Bernie's every week for their entire life. It's so a part of our culture that we don't question it anymore. But imagine having never heard of Weekend at Bernie's, and through the filter of a modern sense of irony, seeing a preview for it in the movie theater. "Hey, this looks sort of funny. I like these movies about partying at the beach... hold on... are those two dudes playing with a corpse? Oh my god - they're dressing it up and taking it to the party with them. I hope it leaks something infectious onto their sick asses!"

Anyways, Weekend at Bernie's is the awesomest, eightiesest, most radical movie of all time. Rent it. Buy it. Sleep with it. Just watch it. Sheer 80s awesomeness. *thumbs up* ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you like trucks
When viewed from a truck enthusiast perspective rather than as a serious movie critic, this movie will appeal to heavy truck fans, especially if you are partial to Western Stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Bette Midler plays a Janis Joplin-like singer overwhelmed by stardom and its excesses. Mark Rydell (On Golden Pond) directs what is a kind of hybrid showcase for Midler's concert talents and a standard pop biopic, with the usual rhythms of desire, success, betrayal, failure, and such. Alan Bates is the best thing about the movie as the Rose's ruthless manager, and Harry Dean Stanton and Frederic Forrest add some interesting seasoning. But as a whole, the film can't rise above its mixed purposes or clichés. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Bette As Janis
Those of us of a certain age well remember the ultra-talented and ultimately doomed 60s icon, Janis Joplin.

In this thinly disguised Joplin biography, Bette Midler outdoes herself as an out-of-control, incredibly talented, self-destructive singer who turns to the bottle, sex, and anything else she can to hide from her intense inner pain. It sounds like a cliche, and by now it is, but that was Janis--and Bette does her one better. Her angst shines through with great poignancy, even when she is belting out hit after hit, responding to her audience as though she is making love.

Hard living, hard boozing, and bent on destroying herself, the singer has us riveted to her story. Her tearful phone call to the father who never approved of her is one of the high points of the film: Bette pulls out the stops.

Alan Bates is divine as always as the singer's manager, but this film belongs to Bette. If you are not aware of Midler's incredibly wide-ranged talent, this is the perfect movie. It can make you a lifelong fan.

Leaving off one star due to the directores missteps
Pure, powerful, raw, intense and unforgettable. This movie really is all those. Bette Midler took a role that legally had to change it's main characterization and managed to give that years best (yes, even over Sally Field) performance. She is thee reason to watch and though the time period should have been more defined it still gives a sense of how music was changing to the corporate [stuff] we now have before us.

After many years, still powerful...
This film brings back memories, and I'm glad the DVD finally came out, though there are no extras. Bette, in her film debut, was brilliant and deserved every award she got. Often compared to Janis Joplin, I think the screenplay of Bill Kerby & Bo Goldman gave Midler a bit more personality and personal angst. Midler handled it all like a seasoned pro. A truly excellent performance. Her concert scenes were good, too. Frederic Forrest was nominated for an Oscar, and he was quite fine (he was also in "Norma Rae" with Sally Field, who won the Oscar over Midler in '79). But it was Alan Bates as the oily, manipulative agent (baby-sitter?) who truly deserved recognition. The Oscars also recognized the film for its Sound and brilliant Editing. Sorely missing from the nominations were the Adapted Score and the wonderful title Song, written by Amanda McBroom. This is a powerful and entertaining film, with fine acting and great direction by Mark Rydell, loaded with humor, pathos and sadness, and all brought to life by the remarkable Bette Midler.It's worth watching again. Also, watch for David Keith (her personal bodyguard/masseur, later on), who later made such a strong impression in "An Officer and a Gentleman".

Great movie...so-so DVD
First of all, this is a fantastic movie with a great searing performance by Bette Midler and electrifying musical numbers. However, I am disappointed with the lack of features. It didn't keep me from buying the DVD, as I did not own this movie previously. The only features are a theatrical trailer, some trailers for other movies and DVD issues, as well as a commentary by director Mark Rydell. A movie like this definitely deserves a Special Edition, single-disc or double-disc. However, I bought it in Best Buy for $9.99, so for $10, it's a good DVD, but in the future, I'd love to see a special edition.

Another pro to the DVD, besides a commentary and a low price, is the picture and sound quality. Much better than what I saw on television, although it could probably stand to be restored to even better quality. Maybe on the Special Edition DVD, if there ever is one, it will be fully restored.

All in all, if you don't own this movie, like I didn't before I bought this, then buy it, even though it's pretty bare bones. If you own the movie on VHS, I'd hold out for a Special Edition, unless you absolutely have to own it on DVD, then go for it!

The Rose - close corollary to a Carly Simon Saga
For any of the 'young'uns' out there in Lurker Land, this 'old' 'dude' wagers that not only will s/he *not* recall, s/he would not give a 'hoot' re: the close correlation between any of Miss Carly Simon's (btw, we're touching on the Simon and Schuster Publishing House, 'case you _care_) well-articulated, heart-on-her-sleeve heartwrenching songs, Miss Joplin, and every single Decent -and- tormented Lady -and- Gentlemen since Woman was fashioned to be Man's companion (boo! hiss! evolution SMELLS).

Translation: The Rose, like Ms. Simon's many pouring outs of her heart into her music, is no less than The Story of A Good Woman in Lonely Agony ... not that her scuz of a 'manager' ... or even her 'fans' ... could *really* give a 'holler' .....

How can I emote this strongly, you may be wondering / not welcoming ... well, chiefly 'coz, 23 YEARS after viewing Bette Midler in THE ROSE in our Student Auditorium at College, in my own world, I've yet to find confirmed in the fickle, hypocritical, abusive, neglectful, tormenting, uncaring, unfeeling JERKS that are my felllow "men" (-and- women !) more so gracious, loving, kind hearted, mature, and principled "ladies and gentlemen" than, ruefully, the aforementioned, assorted, fruits and nuts.

And no, I am not happy about it. And yes, I think I and those who suffer this CRUEL world in the way Bette so superbly depicted dear Janis as having had to, only can speak of the hurt, the pain, the loneliness and the terrible torment foisted on us. You Go, Rose !! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Underwhelming
THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE (1981) serves as a cautionary lesson to anyone who's considering renting or buying a film on the strength of its starring leads, and then proceeds to plunk down dollars after asking the rhetorical question, "With that cast, how bad can it be?"

Jack Nicholson is drifter Frank Chambers, who washes up in a rural roadhouse run by Nick Papadakis (John Colicos) and his too young (for him) wife, Cora (Jessica Lange). The time is the 1930s, and the place somewhere in the coastal mountains between Los Angeles and San Francisco. After Chambers is employed by Nick as a mechanic in the outpost's garage, Frank and Cora soon ignite a spark of mutual lust that eventually spreads into a conflagration of betrayal, attempted murder, murder, violent sex, insurance company venality, blackmail, and bad driving.

There's a good story here somewhere, so how did it go so badly wrong? Most damaging, there's no likable character for the audience to champion. Nicholson's character is as sleazy and vicious as any role he's ever done. Cora, married to an unsuitable older man for reasons we never learn, initially gains some audience compassion, perhaps. But then, after she demonstrates a cold-bloodedness worthy even of Frank, I ceased sympathizing with the character. Of the lot, only Nick is blameless, but he's such an old fool that it's hard to care.

The supporting cast is no better. The award for Worst Performance In A Negligible Role (Female) has to go to Anjelica Huston as Madge, a lion tamer and manager of a traveling wild cat show, who sports a goofy accent and hairdo worthy of Natasha (of "Boris and Natasha" on the old Bullwinkle TV series). The same award for a male actor is due William Traylor as Sackett, the Los Angeles DA out to nail our heroic couple.

There are only three reasons to view this film. First, if you're a diehard Nicholson fan. I'm not. Second, if you're a diehard Lange fan. I am. But, while she's undeniably gorgeous and indulges in tempestuous sex that would make my Mom blush and fuels my personal fantasies, prurient interest isn't enough to carry the day. Lastly, the scenery surrounding the roadhouse is beautifully pastoral.

I haven't seen the 1946 release of THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, nor do I intend to because Jessica isn't in it. This 1981 version is over-acted, over-scripted, under-edited, and implausible. It's just silly in a lurid sort of way.

Underrated, but still not entirely realized
This remake of the 1946 film which starred Lana Turner and John Garfield is significantly better than its reputation. The script, adapted from James M. Cain's first novel, is by the award-winning playwright David Mamet, while the interesting and focused cinematography is by Sven Nykvist, who did so much exquisite work for Swedish director Ingmar Bergman. An excellent cast is led by Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange, whose cute animal magnetism is well displayed. Bob Rafelson, who has to his directorial credit the acclaimed Five Easy Pieces (1970) and The King of Marvin Gardens (1972), both also starring Jack Nicholson, captures the raw animal sex that made Cain's novel so appealing (and shocking) to a depression-era readership and brings it up to date. Hollywood movies have gotten more violent and scatological since 1981, but they haven't gotten any sexier. This phenomenon is in part due to fears occasioned by the rise of AIDS encouraged by the usual blue stocking people. Don't see this movie if sex offends you.

Lange is indeed sexy and more closely fits the part of a lower-middle class woman who married an older man, a café owner, for security than the stunning blonde bombshell Lana Turner, who was frankly a little too gorgeous for the part. John Colicos plays the café owner, Nick Papadakis, with clear fidelity to Cain's conception. In the 1946 production, the part was played by Cecil Kellaway, who was decidedly English; indeed they changed the character's name to Smith. Also changed in that production was the name of the lawyer Katz (to Keats). One wonders why. My guess is that in those days they were afraid of offending Greeks, on the one hand, and Jews on the other. Here Katz is played by Michael Lerner who really brings the character to life.

Jack Nicholson's interpretation of Cain's antihero, an ex-con who beat up on the hated railway dicks while chasing any skirt that came his way, the kind of guy who acts out his basic desires in an amoral, animalistic way, was not entirely convincing, perhaps because Nicholson seems a little too sophisticated for the part. Yet, his performance may be the sort better judged by a later generation. I have seen him in so many films that I don't feel I can trust my judgment. My sense is that he's done better work, particularly in the two films mentioned above and also in Chinatown (1974), One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975) and such later works as The Shining (1980) and Terms of Endearment (1983).

The problem with bringing Postman successfully to the screen is two-fold. One, the underlying psychology, which so strongly appealed to Cain's depression-era readership, is not merely animalistic. More than that it reflects the economic conflict between the established haves, as represented by the greedy lawyers, the well-heeled insurance companies, the implacable court system and the simple-minded cops, and to a lesser degree by property owner Nick Papadakis himself, and the out of work victims of the depression, the have-nots, represented by Frank and Cora (who had to marry for security). Two--and this is where both cinematic productions failed--the film must be extremely fast-paced, almost exaggeratedly so, to properly capture the spirit and sense of the Cain novel. Frank and Cora are rushing headlong into tragedy and oblivion, and the pace of the film must reflect that. A true to the spirit adaptation would require a terse, stream-lined directorial style with an emphasis on blind passions unconsciously acted out, something novelist Cormac McCarthy might accomplish if he directed film. I think that Christopher Nolan, who directed the strikingly original Memento (2000) could do it.

For further background on the novel and some speculation on why it was called "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (Cain's original, apt title was "Bar-B-Que") see my review at Amazon.com.

All happiness demands its prize!
There we have a well remade from the James Cain's novel . It's good to remind that Visconti made a superb film in 1941 with Ossesione but without this cast and this atmosphere ; Visconti is concerned about other issues and abandons the clues of the film noir.
Nicholson is hired to work in a gas station ; the seductive Jessica Lange (who lives a ficticious live with an alcoholic and inhuman greek husband) establishes the chemical and sexual rapprot with Nicholson and become lovers.
There will be too much to watch in this sordid , nocturnal and bitter tale ; but the dazzling direction of Nichols , the ravishing acting of Lange and the cold blooded mind of Nicholson make a team hard to equal . There are smart twists about Macbeth and his wife in this one (a man without ambition is not a man) . I've always thought the film noir is the last son of the greek tragedy: any happiness is innocent ; and only under this gaze it's possible to understand and to discuss a film like this.

Excellent and fundamental in your golden collection. A cult movie and a classic sample of the purest film noir.
It's remarkable to state that the best trilogy of films noir in the eighties were with this one ; Bad timing and Body heat .

Postman is right, the second time around
Twice is nice. Hollywood had to try twice to get this story right. Lana Turner was beautiful in the 1946 version, but Jessica Lange was something to kill for opposite Jack Nicholson.

Such raw sensuality would easily persuade a man to lose his very soul. Nicholson's part is certainly unscrupulous to begin with, but in Jessica Lange he finds a confederate with even less scruples. The legal loose ends that dangled in the earlier version are avoided this time with a more plausible chain of events... and the story ends when the story ought to end, instead of being dragged on.

Wonderful character and situation development, intriguing and engaging, even when you know the story. Nice twists of the story from the Lana Turner and Italian ("Ossessione" 1943) versions.

Much closer to the book
This movie was much closer to the book than the original movie, which for me was a treat. Filled with torrid sex and self centered reckless abandon, the two main characters convey those in the book as they were meant to be. This fleshes out the story quite nicely and keeps it moving through the twists and turns in the plot. Though there were a couple of minor changes in the story, what surprised me, and really let me down was the very ending. Though viewers should pick up on the irony of the situation, it is really driven home in the book! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Surprisingly Good
This horror/comedy kind of take-off on Night of the Living Dead was surprisingly good. It goes under the assumption that the Night of the Living Dead movie was based on a true happening. Except it really was a failed top-secret government experiment.

As this whole thing is explained to two unsuspecting young men, they accidently release the top secret gas that starts to animate all dead things. The dead come walking demanding "brains." In this one it seems it is impossible to totally kill any of these re-animated dead. Even dismember them, the individual body parts keep coming looking for brains.

Rather than the slow scarry looking creatures from the Romero flicks, these creatures can move just as quickly as living people, can talk, and in many cases are humorous looking.

The humor is so well done that it never feels corny.

"Return" has BRAINS!!!!
Part remake, part parody of George Romero's "Night Of The Living Dead", RETURN is one of those great cult films that you must see. A group of bumbling wharehouse workers accidentally release a top-secret government chemical that causes the dead to rise from the graves. These creatures want only one thing... HUMAN BRAINS!!!! This causes problems for both the wokers and a group of diliquents hanging out in the graveyard.

"Return" is in not a sequel to "Night" despite what the title might make you think. It is a brand new and highly original film from Dan O'Bannon of "Alien" fame. The movie is very good at mixing its horror elements with comedy. The story never takes itself too seriously and the comedy elements never get so silly that it hurts the horror portion of the movie either. If you are looking for a good old-fashioned fun movie then "Return Of The Living Dead" is an excellent choice.

Easy!
I can sum this film up easy! If your a horror fan and haven't seen it, your not a fan. This is one of those greats that creates us horror buffs. When I see a Zombie film to date I complare it to this classic. My words "Cool Zombie movie, but nowhere close to Return Of The Living Dead".

P.S. I've been all over Louisville and can't find the wharehouse or cemetary.........my guess is that it isn't really based on a true story! LOL

end note: To the reviewer that writes as if he likes it and gave it one star? What planet are you from?

Punk Rock and zombies how can that not be good.
Punks against zombies enuff said.

"i just wanna party!"
i recently (finally) saw this movie and i really enjoyed it. my favorite type of horror movies are the ones with zombies and this movie pulls it off. i especially like the fact that it is uber 80's it was awsome ... Read more

Reviews (82)

The movie was good, it's not what people expect from Murphy.
I really liked this movie. It was funny and yet different considering what people usually expect from Eddie Murphy. He was not rude or used a lot of bad language. It shows that he is a very versatile actor. He can do good roles an roles where he hast to be the crudest person on earth. Anyway, I thought that having the animals really talking and their lips were in sinck with thier voices was a job well-done. Some of the actors that you think would never be good as a voice were pretty funny. John Legazamo was good as one of the rats. The drinking monkey was also hilarious. Well, I can say nothing but good for this movie.

vastly superior to the sequel, IMHO
Like a lot of people who believe themselves to be worldly, I put my little barriers up when I encounter a film like "Dr. Dolittle". When you think of yourself as a sophisticate, it's hard to reach the child within. You hope the kid left long ago.

The truth is that few people grow up entirely. Halfway through this movie, I threw in the towel and decided to admit I was enjoying this adolescent gem. It's infectious.

Eddie Murphy's Dr. Dolittle is not recognizable as the character in the Hugh Loftis book. He's been totally updated. The only element left from the novel is Dolittle's ability to talk to animals. He understands them. They converse. Thankfully they do not sing, as they did in the dreadful Rex Harrison musical comedy thirty years ago. That film lost a fortune for Fox Studio. At this late date, Mr. Murphy and friends seem to have recovered its money.

It may seem like a gift to be able to communicate with guinea pigs, owls, dogs, pigs, pigeons and other creatures. This gift could be a one-way ticket to the funny farm, which is the problem Dolittle faces.

One of the best things about "Dr. Dolittle" is that it's short. The producers were wise enough to get in and out before the audience realized this was basically a one joke, one special effect story.

Murphy seems to have undergone a personal transformation in the last few years. Now he is completely at ease and in control in gentle comedies like this and "The Nutty Professor", just as he was in the sexy and crime-driven vehicles that made him a movie star in the 1980s.

It was bathroom humor that earned this picture a PG-13 rating. It may have deserved it, but kids seem to learn this stuff younger these days. Maybe they are just more open than my generation was. This touch of crudeness helps "Dr. Dolittle" to work. Full of smart remarks, these animals are survivors. They are also endearing. They assure that the movie never becomes sickeningly sweet. Besides, nobody expects Eddie Murphy to give up his bad boy image completely.

One element I found interesting is that, despite all the advances in digital special effects, when you see a lot of animals talking on screen, it doesn't look any more real than it did in the days of Francis the Talking Mule. It just cost ten times as much to create the effect.

Laugh out loud comedy.
Dr. John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) has the so called "perfect life", a beautiful wife, two loving daughters and a career that could not be better. All that changes one night when he nearly hits a dog with his car. As he is leaving, the dog calls him a bonehead then runs off. From that day on his childhood ability to communicate with animals is back. Soon, animals are showing up at his home to get help. His colleagues suspect he's going crazy and many decisions still have to be made regarding the sale of the clinic. Just as everything is about to fall apart, a circus tiger falls seriously ill and it's John's turn to prove to everyone that he's not crazy.

No Repeats
This is a movie I bought first, primarily for the kids because of the reviews. No one ever asked to watch it a second time. I say this because one of my kids was watching the Lion King last night, for the umpteenth time. So yes, I agree that eddie murphy impressed me again with his talent... but it just didn't grab my kids, 3 boys and 2 girls. I had to give it a good rating of 3 rather than a 2 to encourage the making of good movies.

Where's Richard Pryor when we need him?
eddie murphy is a comical guy, but is he really the right guy to play in something as stupid as this? Of course, who is the right guy for it? One of the questions i can't stand to think about in this movie, is how Dolittle hears the animals speak, but their lips move and nobody notices. Can't they connect the dots? Obviously not. And obviously, the filmmakers couldn't either. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you like trucks
When viewed from a truck enthusiast perspective rather than as a serious movie critic, this movie will appeal to heavy truck fans, especially if you are partial to Western Stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The titular piece of real estate is the San Francisco military base that starts at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge and sprawls back into the city itself, coexisting uneasily with Baghdad by the Bay. The two cultures clash when a murder at the Presidio is assigned to civilian police detective Mark Harmon. Harmon has an uncomfortable history with the base commander, Sean Connery, and that relationship doesn't get any less tense when he also becomes romantically entangled with Connery's daughter, Meg Ryan. Unfortunately, the script by Larry Ferguson is a stiff, which suits Harmon's acting style. Director Peter Hyams knows how to choreograph an action sequence, but he has to keep stopping so that Harmon can actually speak. Thankfully, Harmon has the always-interesting Connery and Ryan to interact with, but that's