Reviews (15)

A movie to watch just for fun!
The acting wasn't GREAT and the story line would OBVIOUSLY never happen. Who would actually tell something so personal as to getting an abortion after being raped to win a debate when she never told anyone else before? (sorry for giving a way part of the movie) But the reason why I give it so many stars is because it had such an affect on me that I've remembered this movie from when I was a child with fond memories. Going past all the bad acting and the far from being realistic it was moving enough to make me remember it. If you remember to watch the movie just to watch a FICTIONAL STORY it can actually be a great film.

Controversial!
Though it has been years since I saw "Listen", I remember it not for the quality of the acting, which I thought was fine, but for delivering the most eloquent argument against abortion I had ever seen, even to this day. Any movie that gets the range of comments that have been posted, from rave to rage, is certainly has to be called controversial. So the debate scenes did not match up to the life experiences of some, it is a STORY. Its message is very, very strong, and delivered quite effectively. Isn't that what movies, books, plays, photography, et al are about? I just saw "Cider House Rules", the flip side of the abortion discussion from "Listen". Try watching "Listen" and "Cider House" back to back for what should be quite an emotional and intellectual experience. I rate both films at least 9 out of 10.

PS: I am 64, male, anti-abortion, and pro-choice.

Painful, yet Humorous.
I watched LISTEN TO ME in a debate class in college. The reason we watched the movie is because it's about the only movie ever made having to directly do with collegiate debate. From what I've gathered from former debate team members, the movie isn't very realistic about what actually goes on during real debates. However, it does establish the basic tenets of debating and for that it's worth watching. It's also worth watching if you want a good laugh. The movie is one of the most-cliched, melodramatic movies I have ever seen. There is absolutely nothing original in the movie whatsoever. Some of the dialogue was so bad that the movie was actually painful at times, soothed only by the laughter that followed some more poor dialogue.

Timothy Patrick Quill, playing Garson McKellar, has a secondary role to Kirk Cameron and Jami Gertz. However, his role is the one that's the real meat of this movie and the only performance really worth watching. Roy Scheider also stars as Coach Charlie Nichols. Overall, LISTEN TO ME is a totally average (almost below average) Hollywood movie. It's worth watching if you have an interest in debate, are a fan of any of the actors, or just need some good laugh therapy.

Truth it ain't
So this movie isn't a realistic depiction of anything that has ever happened in college debate anytime, anywhere. None of us will ever debate in front of the Supreme Court, nor will abortion ever be a national topic (or at least I hope not). That said, weird stuff does happen in college debate, including one coach who used to pair his debaters up by their astrological signs. This movie is just a good time, fun to watch with other debaters over a few beers to laugh at. Great team bonding activity before a big tournament!

A Horrible Look at University-Level Debating
This movie attempts to portray the world of university level debate, and does a poor job at that. As a Parliamentary debater myself, I can assure you of this being an extremely poor interpritation. In the big final round before the Supreme Court for instance, the debaters use opinion as argumentation using brilliant lines as "abortion is wrong because God says so" and relaying a personal story about getting an abortion, all of which are totally irrelevant. Abortion is also pretty much not debated on any circuit because the arguements are cliche (much like this movie), and no one's opinion is changed. Even given the poor debate, the acting is miserable, and the storyline is dull and uninventive. I strongly suggest steering clear of "Listen to Me", unless you just want a good laugh at a poor attempt at film ;-). ... Read more

Amazon.com

Part conspiracy theory and part religious message, Left Behind (based on the first in a series of runaway bestsellers by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins) is a passable, occasionally compelling thriller that turns the rapture and the ascendance of the Antichrist into something resembling a Robert Ludlum espionage potboiler. The beginning, though, is pure Stephen King: as morose pilot Rayford Steele (Brad Johnson) steers his jet plane toward London, comely flight attendant Hattie Daniels (Chelsea Noble) informs him that a number of passengers have disappeared--at 37,000 feet, leaving their neatly pressed clothes behind. And they're not the only ones who've gone missing. The mass disappearances throw the world into chaos, and the sinisterly compelling Nicolae Carpathia (Gordon Currie), head of the U.N., selflessly steps in to help broker peace among the world's nations. But is he as good intentioned as he seems?

Turns out the appropriately named Mr. Carpathia is behind a plot to rule the world and control its food supply, and intrepid reporter Buck Williams (Kirk Cameron, better than you'd expect) is onto him--with a little help from some biblical prophecies. Suffering the problem that befalls most first installments in a series of books and movies, Left Behind busies itself with the task of introducing characters and setting up expository plot lines, and audiences may be frustrated by the lack of action--Rayford's somewhat labored crisis of faith takes up a good chunk of the film. Still, it's an intriguing premise that should satisfy fans of the novel and possibly pick up a few more converts along the way (be warned, though, this is a modestly budgeted film that looks more like a cable TV movie than the latest James Bond extravaganza). And, if like a fair number of the film's characters, you can't figure out that someone named "Nicolae Carpathia" is a bad guy, then, well, you need to bone up on your evil villains. --Mark Englehart ... Read more

Reviews (924)

A great movie for any age!
I have read and recently saw "Left Behind - The Movie." Let me just say that this movie is very well done and should do very well when it hits the box offices in February of 2001.

I enjoyed seeing what the authors, Tm LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, chose for the roles of the people featured in the books. A lot of the cast and crew in the movie looked like what I had expected.

This movie does not pick up all key points that were in the book and viewers not reading the book wouldn't know a couple details that were left out of the movie. (They wouldn't have made a difference if you knew them or not.)

Overall, I enjoyed this movie for its quality content and the suspensful scenes added in here and there. Though it is only a 90 minute flick, "Left Behind" is still in my top ten movies list and people I have talked to enjoyed it also.

I guarentee this movie will be loved by all and anyone who buys it will be guaranteed a winner.

I can tell that the makers of the film took time and effort in the making of this film and deserve a thumbs up in such a great performance. I can't wait to see future movies based on the books if the authors wish to do so.

Thank you for reading my review and hopefully you will buy the movie and see for yourself that it is a well made movie. I guarantee you will love it!

Hurrah for the movie industry!!
Like thousands of other Left Behind fans, I looked forward to seeing this movie from the second I heard about it. Though the acting, filming, etc. were not quite what I would have liked, I LOVED the message that was being sent out to folks: God's there, and he doesn't want you to be left behind! I am also impressed by the fact that they didn't water their message down to draw in a secular audiance. Way to go! Also, I agree with Kirk Cameron (he gives a little talk at the end) that Christians can send a big message to Hollywood by supporting decent movies with healthy role models, no sex, cussing, etc. Those who are disapointed in the lack of 'finesse' of the movie, please keep in mind that no Christian movie is going to have the same funding as James Bond movies and Star Wars in today's society. I've noticed that many compare the books to the movie unfavorably, and, while I understand where you're coming from, that's what all movies do: chop it up, put a little spin on it, et voila, c'est un nouveau chose! However, I highly recommend that anyone who has seen the movie but not read the books do so, you'll be blown away. I do hope that we will see more Left Behind movies, too. God bless!

Trash
Stupid protestant false stuff! There is no such thing as a pre-trib rapture! Thank God I'm Catholic!!!!

Rapture will be AFTER the trib. not before!

Don't be left behind
I've seen a handful of these religious, post-apocolyptic films, and the majority stink. Too much preaching at the audience. This is the first one that feels like just a regular movie that happens to be about biblical concepts, rather than a sermon disquising itself as a theatrical release.

Kirk Cameron and Brad Johnson are a TV news reporter and airline pilot, respectively, who meet during a flight to London when, at 37,000 feet, a bunch of the passengers up and disapear in thin air, all the children and many of the adults, leaving all their belongings (including their clothes) behind. And it seems to be happening all over the world. Those that are left behind find themselves confused by it all as the world goes into a state of panic; after all, those that are left behind are the non-believers, who maybe had heard of the coming rapture and didn't believe it, or simply never heard at all.

The rest of the film follows the two main characters as they begin sorting out just what happened to their families and friends, while a subplot unfolds with the secretary general of the United Nations, Nicholae Carpathia, quietly siezing power all over the world. Biblical scholars may immediately recognize Nicholae as the Antichrist of the book of Revolation.

For the most part, Left Behind spends its time establishing the foundation for what follows, either in the very popular book series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins or the later films being produced straight to video. But considering the subject matter and the low, indie film budget, Left Behind does a very decent job of it.

One of the things that Left Behind does right is it's inclusion of the scriptures. Even as a Christian, I prefer a movie that doesn't get too blatant with it's scriptural message but simply focuses on the story at hand. Past films of the same nature as Left Behind fell into the trap of essentially stopping the storyline so one of the characters could espouse scripture to the audience; Left Behind does include the scriptures, but it just manages to blend them in to the overall story arch more smoothly. I mean, I'm a Christian and it bothers me when movies get preachy, so I can just imagine how much a non-Christian wouldn't want to see a movie like this if they thought it was going to spend two hours sermonizing them. Left Behind is very, very subtle about the sermon.

The DVD is also packed with extras -- including a special about the Hollywood opening of Left Behind (with a surprising number of Christian celebrities coming out of the closet to support the film) and several music videos of MTV quality.

In the end, we have a film and a DVD package that very much has the feel of a Hollywood blockbuster, one that just happens to be based on the Bible. I highly recommend it, even if you aren't Christian -- whether you believe in the book of Revolation or not, this is simply an exciting, well made movie. And it doesn't let it's source material get in its way.

Comparatively Speaking, Not Bad
Christian films made for wide distribution are relatively new. The studios are fledgeling studios, operating with low budgets. Therefore, one can't expect Lord of the Rings style production values. This is the Christian equivalent of a Roger Corman film. If you can accept that, you just might like this little yarn.

As compared to other Christian films such as the disastrous Omega Code, this film is a solid, well-paced and enjoyable flick. One thing it has going for it is a VERY attractive cast (at least from a male perspective). I kind of fell in love with Janya Stephens as Chloe. She is sweet, charming and loveable. Her soft skin, warm smile, and big brown eyes kept me glued to the set.

Oh, and it had a darn fine message too. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Intriguing "Goliath Awaits" needs a complete DVD release
In 1939, luxury passenger liner Goliath was torpedoed and sank with presumably all hands lost. Discovered in 1981, the salvage crew was a bit startled to find some 337 survivors aboard. It turns out that the heroic crew took measures to "hold the water back" and special pumps were rigged to clean their remaining oxygen. Once aboard, the salvagers discover a quasi-utopian society run by Captain Christopher Lee - but his dicatatorship has more than a few dark secrets.

Engrossing undersea adventure stretches credibility paper-thin but certainly scores points for originality. I haven't seen the condensed video version, but try to catch the complete version on TV or cable.

Too Short
The movie was a very good undersea drama that was 3 hours and 20 minutes long. "Showtime" and "The Movie Channel" used to run this movie in it's full length with a break in the middle. The VHS and Laserdisc versions of this movie have been cut and edited so poorly it ruins the movie. This movie should be released in it's full length. (Maybe they will do it for DVD). Let's hope so. I rated it a two only because of the bad editing in the Video. The movie itself get's a Five!

great under sea drama
I seen most of this movie many years ago. On a tv mini series. It was great. lots of twists. Been waiting to get a copy for myself so I can see the few parts I have missed. This movie has kept me waiting to see the whole thing for over 15 years

Goliath Awaits still waiting!
I was extremely disappointed with the video copy of "Goliath Awaits". The original movie - I believe it was made for television - was more detailed. The video, in fact, deletes an entire section about the importance of the documents that went down on the Goliath and the U.S. senator that went down with the ship. It leaves a blank space in the film. I wish they had left it alone and made the video the same as the film version. The story is interesting and with the fairly recent discovery of the Titanic time relevant. What if someone had survived underwater? I honestly not sure that whoever edited this film actually watched it first. Bad editing of the plot gives this a 3.

An Incrediable Yarn
What would have happened had Dr. Robert Ballard found people living on the Titanic? It is with this premise in mind that one should consider the story of the Goliath. Torpedoed and sunk in the opening days of WWII the British passenger liner Goliath went down with some 300 people aboard. Now skip to 1981 when Mark Harmon (in one of his earliest leading roles) and Robert Forester lead a salvage expition to the ship only to find themselves involved in international intrigue, murder and deep sea adventure culimnating in a struggle between those that want to leave the Goliath and those that wish to stay with their leader (played superbly by Christopher Lee) that is very entertaining. Look for John Ratzenberger in a pre-CHEERS role as one of the salvage divers. While some of the acting seems forced and some of the dialog is awkward, the movie is entertaining and enjoyable and should not be taken too seriously. But by all means wait for the price to go down. I think you will enjoy this movie. It is different. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

The REAL reason to see this movie is.....
Janaya Stephens (the redheaded Canadian actress who plays Chloe Steel) is the cutest, hottest, most gorgeous woman ever on the face of the Earth! She just looks SO beautiful and "alive" here that she makes this cheesy low-budget film worth watching, and she even makes Chelsea Noble, who I'd usually consider a good-looking woman, look bland and ordinary by comparison! The way Janaya looks in the scene where she is in the purple dress at the Church service...WOW, pure feminine perfection! Her big sweet smile in the photo booth scene with Kirk Cameron would melt any heterosexual man's heart. Her big wide eyes and full-lips, GORGEOUS!!! The Church audience that loves this film might be shocked to know that Janaya is no goody-goody Christian either. In fact, she appeared totally nude during a sex scene in an episode of the Canadian TV show "Lexx" (and yes, full nudity is allowed on Canadian TV late at night). Those males who fall in love with her after seeing her here in "Left Behind 2" might want to check that episode of "Lexx" out too, although I'm sure their pastor won't approve! While I repect this flick's religious message, I may just start my own Church and worship Janaya instead! My Rating: the story and rest of the cast get 3 stars. Janaya Stephens gets TEN stars for being so perfect and beautiful!!!

Come on, people-not so critical please!!!
Let me start by saying that I have both Left Behind I and II on DVD and love them!! Yes, many people will complain that the movies leave so much out from what the book has but then don't many "script to screen" attempts do that?

If you ask me, hats off to Peter and Paul Lalonde for putting out two BETTER quality Christian movies then some of the ones that some of us have seen in our home churches in the past. The poorly made End Time films of the '70s and '80s. Cloud Ten Pictures and Namesake Entertainment did the best with the money they had. It's hard to find funding for Christian Movies-no one's interested and why? Because the message of life through our Lord Jesus Christ will always be attempted to be down-played by those who don't believe.

We need to not be rating this movie like we would secular movies. This movie is trying to get a message of Salvation through Jesus Christ to those who don't believe. It's not about thinking if its' Hollywood quality as far as script and cinematography. And as for the comment about the Angel "hypnotizing" the guards, Angels would not use secular means to their advantage. It was the Holy Spirit working through the Angel as she sings it brings forth the mighty power of God to stop those guards. We as Christians need to understand that the Spirit of God is so mighty, mighty enough to stand against any guards and most importantly to stand against Satan.

Who knows, one day when Jesus comes again and the rapture takes place. A person that is left behind may put this video in and realize the reality of what has just happened and commit their life to Jesus Christ.

Bad or good reviews of this movie doesn't matter. Someone's life being touched and changed by the message of Salvation in these movies is ALL that matters!!!!

Glad they made this into video, but...
Too many inconsistencies that don't make sense, nor change the storyline if they would've been acurate.

- Buck never referred to himself in public as Buck, it was always Cameron.
- Buck was a newspaper writer, not a TV reporter
- The GC didn't forbid people to go near the wailing wall this early in the series.
- Chloe is blonde in the books
- Dr. Benjudah (sp) didn't take the stand he did in the video. He never said there was no God, and he invited Buck to the wall, not the other way around.
- In the book, Nicolae didn't have outbursts like at the end of the video.
- Rayford didn't have to beg Hattie for the GC1 pilot job, he was practically pushed into it. Same for Buck.

Aside from these few examples, too many things were rushed through. I would love to have seen the part where Verna gets faced by her boss when she tries to give Buck a hard time.

I'm glad they made this into video, because it was simply entertaining, but I would highly recommend reading the book (the series, for that matter). If you don't, you're missing out on a great story.

knock a star off for displeasing the authors
I can watch this movie again and again, only a few problems:

(1) The priceless Buck and Chloe story in Tribulation Force is a little rushed by in the movie.
(2) IVY! I think she's funny, but I just didn't see any reason for her character.(She also helps to spoil the Buck/Chloe scene)
(3) The witnesses were good, but also rushed by.
Generally, I think the casting is great, the message is great, overall the movie is excellent.

Good movie, but doesn't follow book.
Ive read Tribulation Force, and have seen the first movie,and have recently seen this one. Doesn't meet the same quality of the first movie, which closely followed the book. This movie cuts out almost half the book. I mean, it stopped after just showing the two witnesses. It cuts out the signing of the treaty, and Buck and Chloe's relationship, and wedding, along with Rayford new relationship with Amanda White. It just doesn't meet the same standard as the first Left Behind movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Was it something in the water? In the late 1980s, Hollywood came up with no fewer than three different versions of the same story: A child's mind winds up in an adult's body and (usually) vice versa. In fact, that was the name of one of them, Vice Versa. The other one was Big. This one, which starred Dudley Moore and Kirk Cameron, was perhapsthe weakest of the group, with Moore as a heart surgeon and Cameron as his goofy kid; they change places and must cope with each other's problems for a day. But Cameron isn't much of an actor and Moore can't stop mugging long enough to show us that he's playing a teen in an adult body. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Average at best.
The best part of this movie is "the eighties" era. Take Sean Astin (Toy Soldiers, Lord of the Rings) Kirk Cameron the (THEN) teen hearthrob from "Growing Pains", and add Dudley Moore from "10" and "Arthur" you would think you may have a great movie, but honestly it is mediocre at best. There are moments in which you may laugh?? really depends on your IQ. Then there are so many MORE moments where you feel you have seen it all before, and you probably have. Some scenes from the movie are cute. Other things tend to get a idiotic. I think this movie would be a good rental for an eighties theme night, otherwise I can not recommend it, not when there are so many other movies out there that are more worthy of your time!! I really would stick with "Freaky Friday", and "Big" if you want to see this type of movie. (No extra features, not one). (Picture quality is good to okay, sound is okay but definitely NOT Dolby surround).

Its on DVD!!!
YES!! Thank you Columbia/TriStar for putting this movie on DVD! I love this movie its one of my all time favorites. Classic 80's movie. Dudley Moore "Dr. Jack Hammond"is wonderful and very funny as the father, Kirk Cameron Shines as "Chris Hammond" his teenage son. They switch bodies when friend Sean Astin "Trigger" from"Lord of the Rings" brings it over to the brain-transference serum. Dudley Moore goes wild in his sons body and hits the town with Sean Astin while Kirk Cameron in his dads body goes to the hospital and makes arounds with his dads interns. This movie I highly recommend only for teenagers and older, not for younger kids because of some of the language and adult seens. Please don't confuse this movie with that rip off "Freaky Friday" thats Disney stuff is for kids. This movie is underrated and full of laughes, Theres no special features on the DVD But it has been Remastered in High Definition! The picture quality is Awesome! Crystal Clear! really looks nice alot better than the grainy VHS version. Columbia/TriStar you guys ROCK! Great job on the DVD

Please know that the stars are for sentimentality
The stars I gave this film are for sentimental reasons. If you were a teenaged girl growing up in the late 1980s, this was on the must-see list. When I think that I dragged my parents to catch this on the big screen...it's no wonder I'm an only child! The performances here are predicatable. For those loving the "Lord of the Rings" series, note that Sean Astin plays a goofball friend of Kirk Cameron. Watch this only if you wish to travel back in time & remember simpler days.

Hillarious! Kirk Cameron shines!
This hillarious comedy,about a teenager(Kirk Cameron) who switches bodies with his surgeon father(Dudley Moore),isn't just a hip,80's romp,but it has very touching moments as well! Also features Patty Duke's son,Sean Austin,as well as a great 80's soundtrack.Kirk Cameron really is funny! And Dudley Moore is great! I have loved this film since it was released,and even though some critics had mixed reviews,it made $40 million at the box-office,and still holds up as a great slapstick comedy!

It was OK
This movie got boring from time to time. It is very funny but not that great. Don't buy this movie RENT it. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Always have enjoyed this film
I remember going to see this film when it was released. I have always enjoyed it. Not a hit movie for some reason & not the best film ever made, but it is funny, Robin Williams doing his thing. Just ordered the DVD. I can finally watch it wide screen at home.

If only I didn't drop the winning touchdown pass
This is a great movie for anyone who has botched something and never had the chance for redemption. Jack drops what would have been a winning touchdown pass against his arch-rival and takes it upon himself to rewrite history. Robin Williams and Kurt Russell are great as best friends whose fortunes have changed since their high school football days. There is even a small role by a very young Kirk Cameron.

Spirited
Surprisingly fun and insightful. Early William's vehicle portrays him as the long suffering goat in a small town. Russell plays the ex jock who threw the dropped pass in The Big Game so many years ago. William's loser strikes on the idea of replaying the big game and redeeming himself. Enormously silly, obvious, predictable and fun.

A underated classic
I first saw this movie when it was out on VHS. Yes, it is that old of a movie. From the start, I thought this movie was a classic. Jack Dundee (played by Robin Williams) is living in a state of agony because of a dropped pass in a highschool football game. Reno Hightower (played by Kurt Russel) was the quaterback, the only good quaterback the town ever had, who threw him that pass. The town in the movie is a typical small town where highschool football is big. Unfortunately for Robin Williams, that was the one chance the town had for a championship season. Robin Williams gets the idea to replay the game with the same players on both sides. Without giving away the plot, this is one movie that is worth getting. It will keep you amused and rooting for Williams throughout the whole movie.

Nipsey digs Johhny O in this flick of football
Relive your younger days as did Nipsey.

Nipsey gives BEST OF TIMES a soulful thumbs up! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Faith Rewarded
This touching story about a woman's perseverance in working with a nearly unresponsive child is a heart-warming story that will remain with you for years.

There aren't that many movies which are really, truly inspiring, but this is one of them (and one of the best).

Highly recommended, but keep the kleenex handy.

phenomenal performance by Cloris Leachman
The best part about this story is that it's entirely true. The woman portrayed masterfully by the late Cloris Leachman has long passed away, but the miracle she willed, Leslie Lemke, is still alive and well.

The Lemkes had been childless themselves, but had raised literally dozens of "unwanted" foster children, with varying disabilities, deformities and mental deficiencies for most of their married life.

As they entered into their golden years, they had an empty nest and were ready to enjoy life as a couple, but Mrs. Lemke couldn't refuse the chance to raise baby Leslie... a boy born without eyes, who was probably also deaf, had cerebral palsy and would most likely die from organ failure while still a young child.

The couple worked tirelessly and lovingly with the boy that still couldn't sit up on his own at the age of 15 years... and finally a miracle happened. This is truly one of the most amazing stories put on film and it deserves to be on DVD. The DVD could show clips from the 70's show "That's Incredible!" where Leslie Lemke's story was first shared with the nation... as well as photos of him today, showing how he is still living out the dreams of his foster parents, etc.

The acting is superb and you quickly forget you're watching a movie, but you feel like you're a member of the Lemke household. Anyone who watches this will be in awe of the tireless devotion this elderly couple has with the "hopeless" child who even as a teenager can needs to have his diapers changed and never shows emotion... the miracle that follows will blow you away. It's truly an amazing, fantastic, heart-lifting story.

It's family safe and inspiring... and just a fantastic story. There should be more movies like this in the world.

Tear Jerker
Major tear jerker. It was very sweet and touching. It takes you in deeper every second. Your captured with awe and amazement at the mother who cares so much. She loves her son like God would if he was in human form. I loved it. It was so great!!

Inspiration at its Best
This movie is a must-see...a true story of one woman's fortitude and never-ending persistance to give her severly handicapped son a 'normal' life...way beyond 'Rocky', and two steps above 'Rudy'...when your challenge is impossible, and your world is falling apart, pop this movie in and get inspired - big time!...the ultimate teaching video for your children to learn 'Never, Never quit'.

A truly inspirational movie.
If you need to be inspired, this is a great movie to watch. I have seen it several times and I never get tired of watching it again. This is a true story about faith in God and the amazing things that can happen as a result of that faith. This movie can inspire anyone! ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Good film but I may be biased!!
The reason I watched this film is because I have a connection with the real story. For me thats always what makes this film real and brings back many memories. Sadly I did think the acting at times was a little less than desirable and those english accents were poor at times, although the story behind the film will pull me back to watch it again and again. Actually quite funny for me seeing Carshalton portrayed as such an American town!! Its nothing like that in real life - our door numbers rarely go past the hundreds in England!! The DVD is better than the VHS purley due to the extras - Craig is 25 now and fit and well and its nice to hear him on the DVD. For anyone who liked the film Marion Shergold released a book many years back called 'a mothers story'. Thats a very good read and I would recommend it highly!!

Christian Movie Genre has gone Unnoticed. This is a Gem!
It's become apparent to me that the Christian Movie Genre has gone unnoticed by a great many Christians. This true story of this 8 year old boy should be seen by anyone who is looking for faith and hope. At first glance one might think that the story of a kid receiving over a million cards is nice, but not worth sitting through. Wrong on both counts! I put off seeing it for these reasons, and when I finally saw it I now put it up there among my favorite Christian movies. This is a well scripted, professionally filmed movie. The acting is superb. The story moves right along at a good clip and at the end - the hardest among us will probably have teary eyes and a feeling of love and caring that we never had before. Understanding this movie is sort of like flexing a muscle that has never been flexed before. And its done by suddenly realizing that God is there. He just doesn't flaunt it, and He is working in such a way that will benefit the most.

HATED IT! What an insult to God!
At first I thought this was going to be a good movie; someone turning to God to get through a difficult time in their life. But instead the mother in the film began to put her faith in the cards, and in her own obsession of collecting them for her son. She neglects others in her family in doing so. She was snippy and rude. In the end, when all goes well, she gives the credit to the cards and her own determination. She gave none of the credit to God. Wasn't the whole reason for the film supposed to be to give credit where credit is due? Shame Shame on her! My copy went straight into the trash. . . where it belongs! Joshua 24:15; Philippians 4:8

Strong, realistic acting & inspirational story
The acting begins on the solid footing of an adorable "poster child" eight-year boy who develops a deadly brain tumor. This boy's charm alone would have garnered the film three stars.

The mother and father could have been his real parents--they played their parts so naturally. Mom won't give up when treatment becomes more aggressive and less likely to succeed. Dad believes it is best to be realistic and make the boy's last days comfortable and peaceful. Additionally, the struggle over pursuing "the miracle in the cards" was most realistic.

The main physician, Dr. Middleton, proved a master at being a compassionate but professional medical man, while communicating with a mother who believes he is destined to save her apparently doomed child.

Richard Thomas may not conjur up an image of brain surgeon in most people's minds, but he did play the role of counseling the sick child and his parents well. Perhaps he came across more as a hospital chaplain than a surgeon. Nevertheless, the role worked, and rounded out the story smoothly.

Finally, there is Kirk Cameron as the skeptical "hard news" journalist assigned to a feature story. He seems most comfortable in the role of feature journalist--much more than his attempts at hard news, such as in the Left Behind movie. He does not pan out as much of a skeptic. Nevertheless, his role added a sweet touch, that closed the film nicely.

Concerning the plot, there is a fair amount of tension in this film--though it aims more to inspire than tease. Towards the end, I started to wonder if there was ever going to be an upward turn in this downward spiraling medical tale. Then, right at the end there is the abrupt medical update...one I will not divulge. My one complaint is that the ending came rather suddenly--though the actual story may have been the same.

The bottom line is that this is a sweet, inspirational tale of a rather unique miracle. The acting is realistic, and you will conclude your viewing with a smile.

Mmmm Peter Wingfield
I may be a bit biased, because the reason I turned it to PAX and watched this movie was because of my 'obscure welsh actor obsession'. I loved the movie, it was a cute story that makes you wonder... and Peter Wingfield is in it, what more could you want? ... Read more

Reviews (924)

A great movie for any age!
I have read and recently saw "Left Behind - The Movie." Let me just say that this movie is very well done and should do very well when it hits the box offices in February of 2001.

I enjoyed seeing what the authors, Tm LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins, chose for the roles of the people featured in the books. A lot of the cast and crew in the movie looked like what I had expected.

This movie does not pick up all key points that were in the book and viewers not reading the book wouldn't know a couple details that were left out of the movie. (They wouldn't have made a difference if you knew them or not.)

Overall, I enjoyed this movie for its quality content and the suspensful scenes added in here and there. Though it is only a 90 minute flick, "Left Behind" is still in my top ten movies list and people I have talked to enjoyed it also.

I guarentee this movie will be loved by all and anyone who buys it will be guaranteed a winner.

I can tell that the makers of the film took time and effort in the making of this film and deserve a thumbs up in such a great performance. I can't wait to see future movies based on the books if the authors wish to do so.

Thank you for reading my review and hopefully you will buy the movie and see for yourself that it is a well made movie. I guarantee you will love it!

Hurrah for the movie industry!!
Like thousands of other Left Behind fans, I looked forward to seeing this movie from the second I heard about it. Though the acting, filming, etc. were not quite what I would have liked, I LOVED the message that was being sent out to folks: God's there, and he doesn't want you to be left behind! I am also impressed by the fact that they didn't water their message down to draw in a secular audiance. Way to go! Also, I agree with Kirk Cameron (he gives a little talk at the end) that Christians can send a big message to Hollywood by supporting decent movies with healthy role models, no sex, cussing, etc. Those who are disapointed in the lack of 'finesse' of the movie, please keep in mind that no Christian movie is going to have the same funding as James Bond movies and Star Wars in today's society. I've noticed that many compare the books to the movie unfavorably, and, while I understand where you're coming from, that's what all movies do: chop it up, put a little spin on it, et voila, c'est un nouveau chose! However, I highly recommend that anyone who has seen the movie but not read the books do so, you'll be blown away. I do hope that we will see more Left Behind movies, too. God bless!

Trash
Stupid protestant false stuff! There is no such thing as a pre-trib rapture! Thank God I'm Catholic!!!!

Rapture will be AFTER the trib. not before!

Don't be left behind
I've seen a handful of these religious, post-apocolyptic films, and the majority stink. Too much preaching at the audience. This is the first one that feels like just a regular movie that happens to be about biblical concepts, rather than a sermon disquising itself as a theatrical release.

Kirk Cameron and Brad Johnson are a TV news reporter and airline pilot, respectively, who meet during a flight to London when, at 37,000 feet, a bunch of the passengers up and disapear in thin air, all the children and many of the adults, leaving all their belongings (including their clothes) behind. And it seems to be happening all over the world. Those that are left behind find themselves confused by it all as the world goes into a state of panic; after all, those that are left behind are the non-believers, who maybe had heard of the coming rapture and didn't believe it, or simply never heard at all.

The rest of the film follows the two main characters as they begin sorting out just what happened to their families and friends, while a subplot unfolds with the secretary general of the United Nations, Nicholae Carpathia, quietly siezing power all over the world. Biblical scholars may immediately recognize Nicholae as the Antichrist of the book of Revolation.

For the most part, Left Behind spends its time establishing the foundation for what follows, either in the very popular book series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry Jenkins or the later films being produced straight to video. But considering the subject matter and the low, indie film budget, Left Behind does a very decent job of it.

One of the things that Left Behind does right is it's inclusion of the scriptures. Even as a Christian, I prefer a movie that doesn't get too blatant with it's scriptural message but simply focuses on the story at hand. Past films of the same nature as Left Behind fell into the trap of essentially stopping the storyline so one of the characters could espouse scripture to the audience; Left Behind does include the scriptures, but it just manages to blend them in to the overall story arch more smoothly. I mean, I'm a Christian and it bothers me when movies get preachy, so I can just imagine how much a non-Christian wouldn't want to see a movie like this if they thought it was going to spend two hours sermonizing them. Left Behind is very, very subtle about the sermon.

The DVD is also packed with extras -- including a special about the Hollywood opening of Left Behind (with a surprising number of Christian celebrities coming out of the closet to support the film) and several music videos of MTV quality.

In the end, we have a film and a DVD package that very much has the feel of a Hollywood blockbuster, one that just happens to be based on the Bible. I highly recommend it, even if you aren't Christian -- whether you believe in the book of Revolation or not, this is simply an exciting, well made movie. And it doesn't let it's source material get in its way.

Comparatively Speaking, Not Bad
Christian films made for wide distribution are relatively new. The studios are fledgeling studios, operating with low budgets. Therefore, one can't expect Lord of the Rings style production values. This is the Christian equivalent of a Roger Corman film. If you can accept that, you just might like this little yarn.

As compared to other Christian films such as the disastrous Omega Code, this film is a solid, well-paced and enjoyable flick. One thing it has going for it is a VERY attractive cast (at least from a male perspective). I kind of fell in love with Janya Stephens as Chloe. She is sweet, charming and loveable. Her soft skin, warm smile, and big brown eyes kept me glued to the set.

Oh, and it had a darn fine message too. ... Read more

Reviews (102)

The REAL reason to see this movie is.....
Janaya Stephens (the redheaded Canadian actress who plays Chloe Steel) is the cutest, hottest, most gorgeous woman ever on the face of the Earth! She just looks SO beautiful and "alive" here that she makes this cheesy low-budget film worth watching, and she even makes Chelsea Noble, who I'd usually consider a good-looking woman, look bland and ordinary by comparison! The way Janaya looks in the scene where she is in the purple dress at the Church service...WOW, pure feminine perfection! Her big sweet smile in the photo booth scene with Kirk Cameron would melt any heterosexual man's heart. Her big wide eyes and full-lips, GORGEOUS!!! The Church audience that loves this film might be shocked to know that Janaya is no goody-goody Christian either. In fact, she appeared totally nude during a sex scene in an episode of the Canadian TV show "Lexx" (and yes, full nudity is allowed on Canadian TV late at night). Those males who fall in love with her after seeing her here in "Left Behind 2" might want to check that episode of "Lexx" out too, although I'm sure their pastor won't approve! While I repect this flick's religious message, I may just start my own Church and worship Janaya instead! My Rating: the story and rest of the cast get 3 stars. Janaya Stephens gets TEN stars for being so perfect and beautiful!!!

Come on, people-not so critical please!!!
Let me start by saying that I have both Left Behind I and II on DVD and love them!! Yes, many people will complain that the movies leave so much out from what the book has but then don't many "script to screen" attempts do that?

If you ask me, hats off to Peter and Paul Lalonde for putting out two BETTER quality Christian movies then some of the ones that some of us have seen in our home churches in the past. The poorly made End Time films of the '70s and '80s. Cloud Ten Pictures and Namesake Entertainment did the best with the money they had. It's hard to find funding for Christian Movies-no one's interested and why? Because the message of life through our Lord Jesus Christ will always be attempted to be down-played by those who don't believe.

We need to not be rating this movie like we would secular movies. This movie is trying to get a message of Salvation through Jesus Christ to those who don't believe. It's not about thinking if its' Hollywood quality as far as script and cinematography. And as for the comment about the Angel "hypnotizing" the guards, Angels would not use secular means to their advantage. It was the Holy Spirit working through the Angel as she sings it brings forth the mighty power of God to stop those guards. We as Christians need to understand that the Spirit of God is so mighty, mighty enough to stand against any guards and most importantly to stand against Satan.

Who knows, one day when Jesus comes again and the rapture takes place. A person that is left behind may put this video in and realize the reality of what has just happened and commit their life to Jesus Christ.

Bad or good reviews of this movie doesn't matter. Someone's life being touched and changed by the message of Salvation in these movies is ALL that matters!!!!

Glad they made this into video, but...
Too many inconsistencies that don't make sense, nor change the storyline if they would've been acurate.

- Buck never referred to himself in public as Buck, it was always Cameron.
- Buck was a newspaper writer, not a TV reporter
- The GC didn't forbid people to go near the wailing wall this early in the series.
- Chloe is blonde in the books
- Dr. Benjudah (sp) didn't take the stand he did in the video. He never said there was no God, and he invited Buck to the wall, not the other way around.
- In the book, Nicolae didn't have outbursts like at the end of the video.
- Rayford didn't have to beg Hattie for the GC1 pilot job, he was practically pushed into it. Same for Buck.

Aside from these few examples, too many things were rushed through. I would love to have seen the part where Verna gets faced by her boss when she tries to give Buck a hard time.

I'm glad they made this into video, because it was simply entertaining, but I would highly recommend reading the book (the series, for that matter). If you don't, you're missing out on a great story.

knock a star off for displeasing the authors
I can watch this movie again and again, only a few problems:

(1) The priceless Buck and Chloe story in Tribulation Force is a little rushed by in the movie.
(2) IVY! I think she's funny, but I just didn't see any reason for her character.(She also helps to spoil the Buck/Chloe scene)
(3) The witnesses were good, but also rushed by.
Generally, I think the casting is great, the message is great, overall the movie is excellent.

Good movie, but doesn't follow book.
Ive read Tribulation Force, and have seen the first movie,and have recently seen this one. Doesn't meet the same quality of the first movie, which closely followed the book. This movie cuts out almost half the book. I mean, it stopped after just showing the two witnesses. It cuts out the signing of the treaty, and Buck and Chloe's relationship, and wedding, along with Rayford new relationship with Amanda White. It just doesn't meet the same standard as the first Left Behind movie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

If you loved "It's a Wonderful Life" - you'll love this!!
I recorded this movie when it originated on TV and it was a hit with my family and friends who borrowed the tape. We watched it every holiday until someone failed to return it. I've wore out TV Guides every year since just knowing someone would pick it up and show it during Christmas. I'm thrilled it's out on video - we've already watched it twice and I've told my friends its out. We appluad those wise enough to know that the audience is out here. It will be in my video library - I recommend it for yours!! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Always have enjoyed this film
I remember going to see this film when it was released. I have always enjoyed it. Not a hit movie for some reason & not the best film ever made, but it is funny, Robin Williams doing his thing. Just ordered the DVD. I can finally watch it wide screen at home.

If only I didn't drop the winning touchdown pass
This is a great movie for anyone who has botched something and never had the chance for redemption. Jack drops what would have been a winning touchdown pass against his arch-rival and takes it upon himself to rewrite history. Robin Williams and Kurt Russell are great as best friends whose fortunes have changed since their high school football days. There is even a small role by a very young Kirk Cameron.

Spirited
Surprisingly fun and insightful. Early William's vehicle portrays him as the long suffering goat in a small town. Russell plays the ex jock who threw the dropped pass in The Big Game so many years ago. William's loser strikes on the idea of replaying the big game and redeeming himself. Enormously silly, obvious, predictable and fun.

A underated classic
I first saw this movie when it was out on VHS. Yes, it is that old of a movie. From the start, I thought this movie was a classic. Jack Dundee (played by Robin Williams) is living in a state of agony because of a dropped pass in a highschool football game. Reno Hightower (played by Kurt Russel) was the quaterback, the only good quaterback the town ever had, who threw him that pass. The town in the movie is a typical small town where highschool football is big. Unfortunately for Robin Williams, that was the one chance the town had for a championship season. Robin Williams gets the idea to replay the game with the same players on both sides. Without giving away the plot, this is one movie that is worth getting. It will keep you amused and rooting for Williams throughout the whole movie.

Nipsey digs Johhny O in this flick of football
Relive your younger days as did Nipsey.

Nipsey gives BEST OF TIMES a soulful thumbs up! ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you didn't get enough in Santa's Funniest Moments and PracticalJokes, then More Santa's Funniest Moments is the show you've beenwaiting for. Host Kirk Cameron (of TV's Growing Pains) returns tointroduce the different video pieces and practical jokes. Returning also is the"Kids Talk" segment, in which kids answer questions and give their opinions onChristmas-related trivia (Did you know the North Pole is up by Canada and thatMrs. Claus wears a pink apron and bakes muffins?). Unfortunately, some of thesame video bits that were in Santa's Funniest Moments also appear in thisvideo. And some of the practical jokes are very similar and were obviouslyfilmed at the same time, which takes away the freshness of the joke. MoreSanta's Funniest Moments is best for kids and those who like their humorbroad and slapsticky. --Dana Van Nest ... Read more

Amazon.com

This shaggy-dog fable barely drew fleas when it arrived in the winter of 1986. Now critics refer to it as a winning, offbeat classic. What took 'em so long? Probably the fact that director Roger Spottiswoode (Tomorrow Never Dies) and screenwriter Ron Shelton (Bull Durham) were chasing something very elusive: a cockeyed, scatological look at delayed glory. Robin Williams plays Jack Dundee, a meek bank VP in Taft, California, who daily relives the humiliation of a bobbled pass in the game against Bakersfield. Not content to live out his days as "Butterfingers" Dundee, Jack hits on a plan to "rewrite history" by restaging the Big Game. Taft's now-over-the-hill quarterback, Reno Hightower (Kurt Russell), reluctantly goes along with the harebrained scheme to redeem his buddy. The guys' wives (Holly Palance and Pamela Reed) shake their heads and play along. At once zany, sweet, and nostalgic, this small-town chronicle strives for, and achieves, folk-legend status. "Casey at the Bat" in shoulder pads, anyone? --Glenn Lovell ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Always have enjoyed this film
I remember going to see this film when it was released. I have always enjoyed it. Not a hit movie for some reason & not the best film ever made, but it is funny, Robin Williams doing his thing. Just ordered the DVD. I can finally watch it wide screen at home.

If only I didn't drop the winning touchdown pass
This is a great movie for anyone who has botched something and never had the chance for redemption. Jack drops what would have been a winning touchdown pass against his arch-rival and takes it upon himself to rewrite history. Robin Williams and Kurt Russell are great as best friends whose fortunes have changed since their high school football days. There is even a small role by a very young Kirk Cameron.

Spirited
Surprisingly fun and insightful. Early William's vehicle portrays him as the long suffering goat in a small town. Russell plays the ex jock who threw the dropped pass in The Big Game so many years ago. William's loser strikes on the idea of replaying the big game and redeeming himself. Enormously silly, obvious, predictable and fun.

A underated classic
I first saw this movie when it was out on VHS. Yes, it is that old of a movie. From the start, I thought this movie was a classic. Jack Dundee (played by Robin Williams) is living in a state of agony because of a dropped pass in a highschool football game. Reno Hightower (played by Kurt Russel) was the quaterback, the only good quaterback the town ever had, who threw him that pass. The town in the movie is a typical small town where highschool football is big. Unfortunately for Robin Williams, that was the one chance the town had for a championship season. Robin Williams gets the idea to replay the game with the same players on both sides. Without giving away the plot, this is one movie that is worth getting. It will keep you amused and rooting for Williams throughout the whole movie.

Nipsey digs Johhny O in this flick of football
Relive your younger days as did Nipsey.

Nipsey gives BEST OF TIMES a soulful thumbs up! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Lots of behind scenes footage and intersting BTTF info
Take a behind the scenes tour of the Back to the Future trilogy. Hosted by Kirk Cameron from Growing Pains fame, this goes deeper into the making of one of the top grossing movie trillogies of all time.

Originaly this tape was an add on to when they first released the Trilogy on tape. This came as an additional tape with the 3 movies in a boxed set. This was before the days of DVD so this was actualy a big deal. (Now this is on the DVD box set and is on the BTTF3 movie disk as a bonus material).

The tape itself actualy starts off pretty well with Kirk showing up in the DeLorean and arriving in the old west town from part 3. He then answers some random questions that are asked either by the townsfolk around him or by some random letter that is delieverd or that he sorts through. The reason why I didn't rate this a 5 is that it gets a little cutesy and corny at points. Things get a little silly with the ways that they have voices of a fan asking a question and some of the info they give really more just wets your whistle then tells all. As you will see in the DVD set , they really only do the peek of the mountain when it comes to behind the scenes information on the trillogy. Also had some hidden advertisements for Part 3 and the Back to the Future ride both of which were opening sometime after this was made.

I do recomend this though if you haven't gotten the DVD and don't plan on doing so. This shows some hidden scenes like the mysterious hairdryer that Marty has on his belt when hes scaring his father. And what happens after old Biff exits the DeLorean in 2015 after returning from the past. Interseting notes on how they did the train scenes and just some over all interseting shots of the differnet DeLoreans from the 3 movies and secrets on how they did the Hoverboards. Its fun to learn a lot of these little tidbits , just have to sorta stomach some of the stuff from Kirk Cameron and its a great behind the scenes piece.

A good movie about the secrets!
This is a good movie that show the secrets and cut scenes that were never put in the BEST TRILOGY EVER! Very good movie. Go rent it and watch it.

The best darn movie EVER!!
This was one of the best movies I have ever seen in my life, I am searching for it. If anyone is doubting buying this movie, don't!If anyone is saying "He's 11, he doesn't know a good movie from a bad one." I do! I have a record at Blockbuster of over 900 rentals, and well, I think I'm a good critic.

Brief but Interesting
For persons who are fans of the Back to the Future movies this is a good video. It shows how some of the special effects were created and also shows footage that didn't make the final cut. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Intriguing "Goliath Awaits" needs a complete DVD release
In 1939, luxury passenger liner Goliath was torpedoed and sank with presumably all hands lost. Discovered in 1981, the salvage crew was a bit startled to find some 337 survivors aboard. It turns out that the heroic crew took measures to "hold the water back" and special pumps were rigged to clean their remaining oxygen. Once aboard, the salvagers discover a quasi-utopian society run by Captain Christopher Lee - but his dicatatorship has more than a few dark secrets.

Engrossing undersea adventure stretches credibility paper-thin but certainly scores points for originality. I haven't seen the condensed video version, but try to catch the complete version on TV or cable.

Too Short
The movie was a very good undersea drama that was 3 hours and 20 minutes long. "Showtime" and "The Movie Channel" used to run this movie in it's full length with a break in the middle. The VHS and Laserdisc versions of this movie have been cut and edited so poorly it ruins the movie. This movie should be released in it's full length. (Maybe they will do it for DVD). Let's hope so. I rated it a two only because of the bad editing in the Video. The movie itself get's a Five!

great under sea drama
I seen most of this movie many years ago. On a tv mini series. It was great. lots of twists. Been waiting to get a copy for myself so I can see the few parts I have missed. This movie has kept me waiting to see the whole thing for over 15 years

Goliath Awaits still waiting!
I was extremely disappointed with the video copy of "Goliath Awaits". The original movie - I believe it was made for television - was more detailed. The video, in fact, deletes an entire section about the importance of the documents that went down on the Goliath and the U.S. senator that went down with the ship. It leaves a blank space in the film. I wish they had left it alone and made the video the same as the film version. The story is interesting and with the fairly recent discovery of the Titanic time relevant. What if someone had survived underwater? I honestly not sure that whoever edited this film actually watched it first. Bad editing of the plot gives this a 3.

An Incrediable Yarn
What would have happened had Dr. Robert Ballard found people living on the Titanic? It is with this premise in mind that one should consider the story of the Goliath. Torpedoed and sunk in the opening days of WWII the British passenger liner Goliath went down with some 300 people aboard. Now skip to 1981 when Mark Harmon (in one of his earliest leading roles) and Robert Forester lead a salvage expition to the ship only to find themselves involved in international intrigue, murder and deep sea adventure culimnating in a struggle between those that want to leave the Goliath and those that wish to stay with their leader (played superbly by Christopher Lee) that is very entertaining. Look for John Ratzenberger in a pre-CHEERS role as one of the salvage divers. While some of the acting seems forced and some of the dialog is awkward, the movie is entertaining and enjoyable and should not be taken too seriously. But by all means wait for the price to go down. I think you will enjoy this movie. It is different. ... Read more