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The Hank Ketcham comic strip about a mischievous boy named Dennis Mitchell (Mason Gamble) becomes a film directed by Nick Castle (The Last Starfighter) based on a weak script by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club). Gamble is fine and Walter Matthau is persuasive as the grouchy neighbor Mr. Wilson, but Hughes spoils everything by throwing in a formulaic subplot about a criminal (Christopher Lloyd) who doesn't know what he's getting into by abducting Dennis. Been there, done that. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (22)

My 4th Grade Class Gives This One 20 Thumbs Up!
I remember growing up with "Dennis The Menace" TV re-runs. I loved the black & white sit-com, but this 1990s movie version almost tops it! That lovable sling-shot-toting kid with the cowlick is an unlikely "menace" to retired postman Mr. Wilson, who wants nothing more than to be left alone. Dennis Mitchell always seeks out Mr. Wilson's company, but each time disaster strikes, usually causing harm to property or Mr. Wilson (usually both). Mrs. Wilson adores Dennis and often volunteers to watch him when the Mitchell's list of possible baby-sitters is exhausted. There is a sub-plot with a "bad guy" who, of course gets "fixed" by our hero.

This is the perfect family movie. It's funny, sweet and makes you feel good when it's through. I showed this video to my 4th grade class (as a reward). I never saw a group of 10 year-olds enjoy a film like they did this one. Enjoy this wonderful film again and again, it's a gem!*****

Big Winner With Kids & Grown-Ups Alike!
I remember growing up with "Dennis The Menace" TV re-runs. I loved the black & white sit-com, but this 1990s movie version almost tops it! That lovable sling-shot-toting kid with the cowlick is an unlikely "menace" to retired postman Mr. Wilson, who wants nothing more than to be left alone. Dennis Mitchell always seeks out Mr. Wilson's company, but each time disaster strikes, usually causing harm to property or Mr. Wilson (usually both). Mrs. Wilson adores Dennis and often volunteers to watch him when the Mitchell's list of possible baby-sitters is exhausted. There is a sub-plot with a "bad guy" who, of course gets "fixed" by our hero. -- This is the perfect family movie. It's funny, sweet and makes you feel good when it's through. I showed this video to my 4th grade class (as a reward). I never saw a group of 10 year-olds enjoy a film like they did this one! Enjoy this wonderful film again and again, it's a gem!

Sweet and Charming
While this film does not break new cinematic ground; it was never intended to in the first place. Having said that, this is perhaps one of the most delightful, sweet and charming children's movie's I have ever seen. I say that with some amount of authority, as I have two young children, so watching children movies is something we do alot of.

What makes this movie so utterly unforgettable is the sweet charm displayed between Walter Matthau (Grumpy Mr. Wilson) and Dennis (Mason Gamble). There is a unique, understated quality to this movie, where the soundtrack is rather understated and in many scenes you simply watch young Dennis or Mr Wilson (or both) interacting in gentle, silent ways. The movie has become a favorite of my 4 1/2 year old girl (Dennis-like herself) to watch before she goes to bed. We have even memorized some of the scenes and act them out at dinner, like when Mr Wilson eats a piece of chicken that has accidently become victim to Dennis' paint & wood glob. Matthau is so good in that scene; just watch his facial expressions...hardly says a word, but what a classic comedic scene.

I can't rave enough about this movie, if only more movies could be made with such charm, care and love.

NAUGHTY DENNIS. 15th april 2004.
Dennis is a young boy, who keeps disturbing his neighbour mr wilson. He's a little rascle, he is clumsy and mr wilson has soon got fed up of him.

Good. I enjoyed it.
Thats a different cover, but nonetheless.... I was told my Mom grew up with the black-and-white sitcom of Dennis the Mennis and I grew up with this movie. The climatic secene when Dennis was accedntly beat-up the bad guy was a scream. My mom, Grandma, Aunt, and I enjoyed it. My 8 and 4 year old cousins enjoyed it throughly. It is a delight. When it's through, your mind deosn't feel rotted. ... Read more

Reviews (277)

Brave New World II
Gattaca pleasantly surprised me as a thoughtful and rather worrisome view of the possible future instead of the special-effects-laden sci-fi movie I was expecting.

The story takes place at a time when genetic excellence is the yardstick by which individuals are measured. The ability to preselect genes among offspring and measure one's genetic potential through simple biological tests gives rise to a new form of discrimination that bars the genetically flawed protagonist, played by Ethan Hawke, from his lifelong goal of becoming an astronaut. Undaunted, he sets out to fool a genetic screening system and gain admission to the space program where he can pursue his dream. A scandalous incident at the space center (Gattaca) casts a scrutinizing light on each of the employees and threatens to expose his deception.

The details of this movie are clever and well thought out. The film has a graceful, almost poetic quality bolstered by a lush musical score. The acting is quite good all the way around. Ethan Hawke's fine performance certainly puts him on the map if he wasn't already there. Jude Law almost steals the show with his convincing portrayal of the broken golden child made miserable by his own misfortune but who comes to share in the dream of Ethan Hawke's character as he helps him outwit the system.

Gattaca shows us that lackluster natural potential coupled with unwavering desire and ambition can ultimately reach higher than mere genetic predisposition. Well worth seeing; four-and-a-half stars.

Celebrates the strength of spirit and desire
This is truly one of the most inspiring movies I've ever seen.

It's replete with symbolism: helix shaped stair cases, red and green lights indicating valid and invalid, the heart disease of Vincent (the natural born) as opposed to the lack of heart (spirit) of Jerome (the "superior", genetically engineered human), etc. The setting also makes use of connotations associated with the past. Slick hair styles, clothing, and sterile interior furnishings have an organized, repressed feeling evoking the controlled and prejudiced 1950's. This helps enhance the mood of lifeless surrender. Even the bald head of the geneticist at the beginning of the movie was a statement against the pursuit of perfection by means of perfecting the body and brain. Wealth of living is not found in the the physical plain, but in the spirit in which each day is lived.

Add to all this wounderful cinnematography, an unforgettable musical score, and fine acting that meld together into a fluid whole, and you've got a fantastic movie that repays many viewings.

Biology Lovers Unite and watch Gattaca
If you love Biology, especially genetics and DNA, this movie is for you. Gattaca combines a love story, with high-paced action, that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Gattaca will at first be confusing, but it will all make sense in the end, and it will be sure to make a place on the front of your DVD/VHS shelf.

Gattaca is an unforgettable warning
The best exploration of the possibility of genetically modified people becoming a separate social and economic class leaving behind and opressing those who are not genetically modified.

My favorite film
The word "Inspiring" is grossly overused in film reviews. Gattaca is one of the very few that genuinely deserves it. In a nutshell, it's the story of a mutt (Ethan Hawke) bypassing and surpassing a world that's designed against him. This movie really affected me (another overused appraisal.)

Maybe I just love this movie because I relate too much to the protaganist, Vincent. Despite everyones expectations, from my high school counseler on, and my lack of any prestigious schooling, I'll soon have my physics PhD.

This is a wonderful movie. That it didnt sweep the Oscars only validates the movies point. ... Read more

Description

RUSHMORE is the story of a gifted, rebellious teenager named Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a 10th grader at elite Rushmore Academy. Editor of the school newspaper, captain or president of innumerable clubs and societies, Max is also one of the worst students in the school, and the threat of expulsion hangs permanently over his head. Max's world is rocked when he falls for elegant 1st grade teacher Miss Cross (Olivia Williams) and he plans to erect an aquarium in her honor -- then finds himself competing for her affections with his friend, steel tycoon Mr. Blume (Bill Murray), the wealthy father of two of his classmates. ... Read more

Reviews (421)

"I'm a little bit lonely these days."
Simply one of the best movies in recent memory, Wes Anderson's Rushmore is the sweet, sad story of Max Fischer, prep-school enthusiast and terrible student. Equal parts character study, deadpan humor, and coming-of-age drama, Rushmore is that strangest of creatures - a sad comedy. All the performances in the film are brilliant, but Bill Murray's melancholy millionaire is the highlight of the bunch. The cinematography here is brilliant and steals effectively from films as diverse as Barry Lyndon and The Graduate; Anderson knows how to show off his actors rather than gloss over them, and the film is that much better because of his camerawork. This is probably the best DVD on the market in terms of extra features. It's a mystery how they managed to fit it all on one disc, but this set includes a documentary, taped auditions, storyboards, and a hilarious send-up of several of that year's films. Also included is an introduction to the film, and a great map of Rushmore. The transfer is also excellent (and apparently supervised by Anderson himself), and the sound is very good.

One mild warning: some people hate this movie. I mean HATE. If you don't buy the Max Fischer character, you will probably be one of those people. I think it's brilliant, I think it's one of the best movies I've ever seen, but in order to make this an even-handed review, I will simply say that several nice, interesting, intelligent people can't stand to sit through this movie. Rent it before you buy it, to make sure, but if you like it, the DVD is well worth the extra few bucks.

Max Fischer scores big, Criterion earns extra credit
I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it in Februrary 1999. Seeing it again on this superb DVD immediately rekindled that romance. Great performances, pitch-perfect script. The characters seem to inhabit a parallel univserse, a more innocent, gentile and slightly fable-like universe where the most important things are extra curricular activities and building an aquarium for the woman you love. Sure, director Wes Anderson rips off a wide range of artistic influences, ranging from THE GRADUATE to THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. But the irrepresible, fun-loving spirit of the hero Max Fischer (played by newcomer and Francis Ford Coppela relative Jason Schwartzman) makes it all seem somehow believable and puts a smile on your face.

Make sure you buy the Criteriion edition DVD. It has lots of extra goodies, like a great commentary track by Anderson, co-screenwriter Owen Wilson and Schwartzman; a making-of-the movie documentary; interviews with Anderson and Bill Murray by the PBS robot Charlie Rose; plus the priceless MTV shorts Anderson made which spoof other 1998 movies like THE TRUMAN SHOW and OUT OF SIGHT, the best movie of that year.

requires a certain type of humor to appreciate it
The owner of the video store warned us about this movie - it only appeals to a certain segment of the population, he told us. He was right. Among the audience I watched it with, half loved it and half hated it. I didn't appreciate the movie's humor because I thought it failed to develop a minimal level of empathy for the characters. As a result, I couldn't convince myself to care much as they moved from debacle to debacle. Not very entertaining in my opinion, but it seems to appeal to some, especially those that sympathize with oddball characters.

Different
I never truly understood the point of the whole film, but it was different. I'll give props to the kid in movie who tried so hard to make something great out of something ordinary. His infatuation with his school teacher is silly, funny yet heroic. Because the kid just never gives in.

Bill Murray is great with playing the bored Patron to the school who grows a liking to the kid. The whatever, I could care less attitude about him is very well played.

I like the small nonchalant, yet out of the ordinary point in the movie that happen in mid conversation that adds to the comic nature of the film. When the kid asks for an explanation and is quite furious, he's smoking in a Murray's car and deflt flicks some ash on the seat. In another scene, Murray is smoking two cigarettes at once.

A different film. Likable, but not one I could watch over and over again. Once is enough. I like movies with a little more visual appeal. Worth the peak.

a truly original film
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

In this movie, 10th grader Max Fischer falls in love with the widowed 1st grade teacher at his school. Max is the undisputed king of extrcurricular activites at his school. His grades have plummeted as a result and is in danger of expulsion. He later becomes the protégée of Herman Blume, the father of twin brother students at his school. His new mentor then falls in love with the teacher and in an act of revenge, Max exposes the affair to Herman's wife.

The DVD has excellent special features.
There is audio commentary by the writers of the film and actor Jason Schwartzmann who plays Max in the film, a "making of Rushmore" press film, short theatrical adaptations films released at the time Rushmore was which aired on the MTV movie awards, screen tests and audtions of the child actors and actress in the film, Chrlie Rose Show interview with actor Bill Murray and Director/co-writer Wes Anderson, and drawn storyboards with film comparison and, several pictures of props, drawings and other items from the film. There is also a foldout map showing key events in the film. ... Read more

Description

Full moon, crescent moon, quarter moon...each is a Bad Moon for Ted Harrison. By day, he's a photojournalist enjoying a stay with family in the Pacific Northwest. By night, he transfigures into a horrific half-human--a werewolf. Writer/Director Eric Red (The Hitcher, Body Parts) delivers a new infusion of thrills with this roaring, red-blooded shocker. Michael Pare portrays Ted, hiding his accursed condition from his sister (Mariel Hemingway) and nephew (Dennis the Menace's Mason Gamble) Year: 1997 Director: Eric Red Starring:Mariel Hemingway, Michael Pare, Mason Gamble ... Read more

Reviews (35)

This moon aint so bad . .
Okay, this movie has had it's fair share knocks and bad reviews. I admit it's not the best werewolf movie in the world, but it's certainly not the worst (Just take a look at some of those HOWLING sequels). Director Eric Red has had a great genre career, what with screenwriting such 80s gems as THE HITCHER and NEAR DARK and directing the underrated BODY PARTS, he knows how to craft a decent horror movie. This movie however, suffers from what seems to be a low budget and quite surprisingly from Eric Red, an underwritten script. Lead actors Mariel Hemingway and Michael Pare equip themselves fine with the stilted dialogue and try to bring the movie out of the B movie realm. Jan Kiessers' cinematography is atmospheric and Steve Johnson's animatronic werewolf suit is great (it's just a pity the rushed CGI doesn't come up to scratch - the painful scene where Pare transforms into the creature using CGI is terrible and quite frankly, needed to be cut from the film, especially when the non-digital work in the movie is largely excellent).

Warner Bros. dumped this movie straight to tape in the UK, and we never got the chance to see the movie at the theatres. Now, with DVD I can view the movie as it was meant to be seen. It benefits greatly from the digital format, what with a bright sharp picture (highlighting that cool, autumnal look of the cinematography) and the chance to see Steve Johnson's great creature effects. Reviewers moaned about this movie when it came out, and to a point I can see why, but when other dull "horror" movies like AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN PARIS and the latest SCREAM rip-off are released at the cinema, this low-budget flick doesn't seem so bad after all. Granted, it's not a great film by any means, but it's not a bad one either . . . I look forward to whatever Eric Red puts out in the future, at least his horror heart is in the right place.

I love this movie!
Okay, there are a couple of things that stink about this movie, so let's get that out of the way first. (1) Mariel Hemingway's acting sucks, (2) the cute blond kid's acting sucks, (3) Michael Pare's acting sucks slightly less, (4) the big transformation scene REALLY sucks--CGI at its sloppiest, and (5) some inane leaps in logic, like: Is Uncle Ted really so stupid that he thinks "family love" will cure him?
But I still gave it five stars. Why? Two main reasons: One, I love the idea of presenting the plot largely through the eyes of the dog, Thor. Thor acts circles around his human costars, and if, by the end of the movie, you aren't cheering him on as he races home to confront the werewolf, you must have a heart of stone. Two, the werewolf costume is fantastic. It is easily the best-looking, least-fakey werewolf I have ever seen. Despite the idiotic transformation scene, this werewolf looks ten times more impressive--and scary!--than any other. (Okay, the one in the big attack scene in the doctor's office in "The Howling" is a close second.)
Yes, you will groan at some of the dialogue. Yes, you will want the werewolf to rip off the cute blond kid's head. Yes, you will laugh heartily as you watch Ms. Hemingway struggle with the proverbial paper bag. Yes, there is an obligatory "final scare" which is totally stupid. But if you're in the mood for a fun little horror flick with some gore, an awesome monster, and a heroic dog, look no more! Need any more encouragement? This movie was written and directed by Eric Red, the genius who also gave us possibly the best vampire movie of all time, "Near Dark."

Bad Moon (1996)
Director: Eric Red
Cast: Mariel Hemingway, Michael Pare.
Running Time: 83 minutes.
Rated R for violence, gore, language, and sexual situations.

What begins as a fairly cheesy take on "The Howling" premise develops into a scary, enjoyable horror film that is quick, taut, and surprisingly atmospheric. Mariel Hemingway stars as a single-mom who realizes that something is happening to her distant brother (Michael Pare). Although he as always been a little different, Hemingway decides that the best thing she can do is support him--so she allows him to stay in his trailer park on her property--bad idea. Her brother is a flesh-eating werewolf.

Michael Pare is adequate as the mysterious man-turned-werewolf, showing that haunting despair of knowing that he is inflicting horror on those he loves. The special effects are adequate and the acting is solid; director Eric Red does a nice job of slimming the film down and taking out the useless material to reveal a good horror film with the bare essentials. "Bad Moon" received no critical acclaim or publicity, but it is a much better motion picture than expected. Not quite "The Howling", but not far off.

Hangin's Too Good For 'Em
How does this movie suck? Let me count the ways... No wait, I can't count that high. DEEP BLUE can't count that high!
There is only one possible meritorious use for this POS other than squashing an errant cockroach, levelling a wobbly table or welcoming the cleansing heat of cigarette butts being ground into its surface: Suffer through this abomination, then go to your library and find the novel it was based on. The book is called "Thor", it was written by a guy named Wayne Smith, and it is without doubt one of the ten or twelve best modern horror novels I've ever read. In fact, it is SO much better than this wretched waste of celluloid that it is obvious the producers of this dreck bought the movie rights and told one of their hack nephews "Yeah, it's about a werewolf and the family dog, gimme a script by, ah, what the hell, say next Tuesday," whereupon the aforementioned hack nephew made his uncle proud by giving him a script the following Sunday which was worth every minute of the wait. The book, "Thor", is so thouroughly good, and this movie, "Bad Moon" so astonishingly bad, that having read the former and endured the latter one is reduced to inarticultae sputterings of phrases of almost incoherent rage: Phrases like "Manicheean guilt"... "heresy"... "lynching"... "break the writer's fingers"... "put out the director's eyes"... "drain the producer's pool and send their girlfriends back to cheerleading camp"... "Force everyone involved with this film to take the Clintons into their homes for a year"...
Virtually everything wrong with letting Hollywood have free reign over film adaptations of splendid little books can be summed up here in this pointless, aimless, plotless, soulless, heartless, worthless piece of utter and irredeemable trash. Chunks, this movie blows.
Find the book. read the book. And for god's sake, if you are a director with any sense of integrity, make a GOOD movie of the book "Thor", by Wayne Smith. It deserves it.

Tree Hugging Werewolf
This movie right here is one of the overlooked gems of the often forgettable 1990's so called "horror" genre. A very quick film (under 80 minutes!) that doesn't bloat itself with too much back story and keeps the action pretty much centered on Ted (the werewolf) and Thor (the protective German Shepherd)focusing on their standoff (which is well shot, save for the obviously "stuffed" Thor for some over the shoulder thrashing). Really well acted (Michael Pare as Ted really stands out)and the idea of having a werewolf film that is about 70% based on a dog's point of view is quite original. Some terrific creature design and gore help with the intensity. The actual transformation scene seems a little dated but this movie wasn't exactly big budget fare and besides any horror fan should know that most of the really good flicks come from genuine heart in the production, not deep pockets. All in all this is one of my favorite werewolf movies, it's short, sweet, and to the point. It probably doesn't hurt that I've owned two German Shepherds in my lifetime either. If you like horror or werewolf movies check this one out.

"All of a sudden you've got a 200 lb. wolf at the door." ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Excellent movie
This was an excellent must see movie. I enjoyed this more that Fried Green Tomatoes and highly recommend it. A must have.

Excellent Tale of the Times
Tom Rice and (the author of the original book) have captured a period, a place and a feeling that will take you back in time. A seemingly simpler place with the amazingly similar concerns of today. The relationship of two women portrays what is missing in all of us, and those too willing to judge our shortcomings.
With an amazing cast and wonderful period piece settings, the only thing lacking in this film was greater box office success. This movie shows that passion can more than offset a limited budget, with a resultingly wondrful postcard from the past.

Tyro Jones
One of the best movies I've seen in a long, long time. Very moving and beautifully filmed. Excellent. A must get and see.

Good but could have been better
I enjoyed this movie and particularly enjoyed that I could watch it with an elderly person without being embarassed.
Although the movie was good it could have been better. In watching the deleted scenes I think if those had been added we would have had a better picture of the father, played by Gary Cole. His part was largely cut out.
Music is good, too.
Watching the alternate ending, I feel the best ending was selected.

A reverie from the deep South
A RISING PLACE is a fine film, one that explores many aspects of adolescent America. By 'adolescent' I refer to the age of innocence in the 1940s when life in America moved slowly, emotions were tested by racism, the Pearl Harbor bombing alert and subsequent World War II, single motherhood, death of friends/loved ones, among other challenges. Director and screenwriter Rice has capably re-created the languid misty afternoons in Mississippi rural towns, finding actors who appear so natural in their roles that the film feels more like a memory that a story.

Through a series of flashbacks from the present to 1940 we are introduced to a beautiful young woman who falls in love with a pilot, becomes pregnant, is ostracized by the community for her indiscretion and finds solace in the strong friendship with a bright, knowledgeable African American woman unafraid of the racist slurs and 'enter through the back door' milieu of this town. The two girls align with another young male 'rebel' who is searching for his own identity in this stew pot of life. Slowly we discover that the story is that of one Aunt Millie who is failing and whose life comes floating to the surface to her niece as Millie approaches death. The background includes redneck white extremists, hatred of anything foreign (e.g. the Japanese invasion, whites mixing with blacks, unwed motherhood) and it is against this background that the three main characters search for and find the meaning of friendship, forgiveness, and equality.

Yes, stories such as this are familiar, but rarely has a director found a cast so strong, visuals so hauntingly beautiful, and a composer so in tune with the message of the movie. The members of the cast - all superb - include many well known actors as well as introducing some new faces whose presence is indelibly fine. Singling them out would be inappropriate in an ensemble effort as excellent as this.

The DVD includes an alternate ending and deleted scenes. View these, as it seems that the deleted scenes should have been included, so very fine are these moments. This is a beautifully touching film that deserves a wide audience. Perhaps that will come with the welcome release of this DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This is a very good movie
I think that perhaps the people who reviewed this film negatively simply don't see it the way I do. I don't claim to know what the director had in mind, but I know what I take from this movie. I am NOT a golfer, but this film leaves me with an appreciation for golf which I have never before felt. Bagger Vance was okay, but more an entertaining film than a study of golf. Nor is A Gentleman's Game all about golf. There's a lot going on here, some of it is about golfing, some of it deals with the inside, or other side of the game, the "loopers." Ultimately this movie is not about golfing, even though it chiefly centers on golfing and around a golf course. The overall story comes together with meaning greater than its several individual parts. Gary Sinise never dissapoints & the entire cast delivers wonderfully in this film, but Mason Gamble is the one to watch. A very talented young actor. I am reminded of Kevin Spacey in Shipping News, wherein Spacey virtually tells the entire movie with his facial expressions. Gamble does not quite have as demanding a role here as Spacey had in Shipping News, but he does remarkably well with what he's given---& considering his age that's all the more impressive. We easily know what his character, Timmy, is feeling at all times without having to hear any dialog. Mason Gamble has been around a while, & I'm sure will have no trouble remaining in the industry as long as he chooses to keep making movies. Look for him in the quirky Rushmore, or in the hook-setting opening scene of Arlington Road, & periodically thereafter throughout. I believe he was also Dennis the Mennace, & I'm sure he's done a few other films. I like gentleman's Game because it tells a story that centers around something I previously cared nothing about; now I at least have some appreciation for, and a much greater understanding of, golf. It's a good movie, and it's deffinately telling a worth while story. Plus it had the added bonus for me of coming as an unexpected surprise treat when I first saw it. (I had a cheap rental coupon & never hearing of it before, happened upon it while browsing in Hollywood Video) I reccomend this movie as a great one to watch and a good one to own.

Par Effort Approaching Birdie
There is much in this golf based movie. The much is its asset and liability. There are too many plots which don't tie together well, and confuse the viewer. Father/son, poor/rich, etc.

What does come out shining is a young boy's love for the game pure and simple. Wealth covering up problems and a morally sound burnt out golf champion. If the director would have just revolved it around this, it would have been more attractive.

As is, a memorable view. The profanity is dominate. Maybe it has to be. Do we need so much to make a point?

Unfulfilled potential
This is not really a film about golf, but a film about life with golf as the backdrop. Therein lies the problem. First time director J. Mills Goodloe can't seem to choose where he wants to go with the story and it meanders aimlessly from storyline to storyline in an attempt to give it a coming-of-age flavor.

He would have been better to concentrate on Timmy (Mason Gamble) and his relationship with Foster (Gary Sinise) in his quest to improve his golf game. This is clearly the best and most interesting element of the story. Instead he flits about following Timmy's relationship with the other loopers, his infatuation with the beverage girl and the happenings at various club events. The relationship between Timmy and Foster never really gets much traction until the final scene and even then the validation is delivered via a letter rather than a face to face encounter, which would have made it poignant and satisfying.

The acting by Mason Gamble and Gary Sinise is excellent. They have good chemistry and it is clear they connect. Gamble gives a very steady performance throughout and gives the character a naive charm and steely resolve that are extremely engaging. Sinise plays a stolid and standoffish character harboring a terrible secret and bitter disappointment. His understated performance is a perfect fit for this complex character whose cavalier nature hides deeper turmoil. The rest of the cast is simply terrible. Dylan Baker is horrible as Timmy's dad. Phillip Baker Hall is awful as the two faced Charlie Logan.

This film had great potential that was never realized. I rated it 5/10. It should have stayed with the golf story rather than dissipate itself on the other less interesting elements.

A movie for Golf Lovers
This was a very good movie for anyone who loves golf, or for any one who loves a good story. I picked it up for my fiance, who is definately a "golf nut". He loved it! The characters are interesting and the theme is that of lessons in life and "coming of age". A great addition to any collection!! ... Read more

Reviews (22)

My 4th Grade Class Gives This One 20 Thumbs Up!
I remember growing up with "Dennis The Menace" TV re-runs. I loved the black & white sit-com, but this 1990s movie version almost tops it! That lovable sling-shot-toting kid with the cowlick is an unlikely "menace" to retired postman Mr. Wilson, who wants nothing more than to be left alone. Dennis Mitchell always seeks out Mr. Wilson's company, but each time disaster strikes, usually causing harm to property or Mr. Wilson (usually both). Mrs. Wilson adores Dennis and often volunteers to watch him when the Mitchell's list of possible baby-sitters is exhausted. There is a sub-plot with a "bad guy" who, of course gets "fixed" by our hero.

This is the perfect family movie. It's funny, sweet and makes you feel good when it's through. I showed this video to my 4th grade class (as a reward). I never saw a group of 10 year-olds enjoy a film like they did this one. Enjoy this wonderful film again and again, it's a gem!*****

Big Winner With Kids & Grown-Ups Alike!
I remember growing up with "Dennis The Menace" TV re-runs. I loved the black & white sit-com, but this 1990s movie version almost tops it! That lovable sling-shot-toting kid with the cowlick is an unlikely "menace" to retired postman Mr. Wilson, who wants nothing more than to be left alone. Dennis Mitchell always seeks out Mr. Wilson's company, but each time disaster strikes, usually causing harm to property or Mr. Wilson (usually both). Mrs. Wilson adores Dennis and often volunteers to watch him when the Mitchell's list of possible baby-sitters is exhausted. There is a sub-plot with a "bad guy" who, of course gets "fixed" by our hero. -- This is the perfect family movie. It's funny, sweet and makes you feel good when it's through. I showed this video to my 4th grade class (as a reward). I never saw a group of 10 year-olds enjoy a film like they did this one! Enjoy this wonderful film again and again, it's a gem!

Sweet and Charming
While this film does not break new cinematic ground; it was never intended to in the first place. Having said that, this is perhaps one of the most delightful, sweet and charming children's movie's I have ever seen. I say that with some amount of authority, as I have two young children, so watching children movies is something we do alot of.

What makes this movie so utterly unforgettable is the sweet charm displayed between Walter Matthau (Grumpy Mr. Wilson) and Dennis (Mason Gamble). There is a unique, understated quality to this movie, where the soundtrack is rather understated and in many scenes you simply watch young Dennis or Mr Wilson (or both) interacting in gentle, silent ways. The movie has become a favorite of my 4 1/2 year old girl (Dennis-like herself) to watch before she goes to bed. We have even memorized some of the scenes and act them out at dinner, like when Mr Wilson eats a piece of chicken that has accidently become victim to Dennis' paint & wood glob. Matthau is so good in that scene; just watch his facial expressions...hardly says a word, but what a classic comedic scene.

I can't rave enough about this movie, if only more movies could be made with such charm, care and love.

NAUGHTY DENNIS. 15th april 2004.
Dennis is a young boy, who keeps disturbing his neighbour mr wilson. He's a little rascle, he is clumsy and mr wilson has soon got fed up of him.

Good. I enjoyed it.
Thats a different cover, but nonetheless.... I was told my Mom grew up with the black-and-white sitcom of Dennis the Mennis and I grew up with this movie. The climatic secene when Dennis was accedntly beat-up the bad guy was a scream. My mom, Grandma, Aunt, and I enjoyed it. My 8 and 4 year old cousins enjoyed it throughly. It is a delight. When it's through, your mind deosn't feel rotted. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The legacy of 1980's Airplane! has lasted a long, long time, as this dopey, 1996 comedy demonstrates. Leslie Nielsen, who has made a fortune starring in most of these intermittently inspired spoof movies, plays a secret agent whose code name is WD-40 and whose supervillain nemesis is the armless General Rancor (Andy Griffith). As the battle rages and the sight gags fly (the entrance to a hospital and sanctuary for nuns reads "Our Lady of the Never-Had-the-Pickle Convent"), WD-40 is aided by the beautiful spy 3.14 (Nicolette Sheridan). As always in these things, there are plenty of parodying references to other movies (Pulp Fiction) and tons of cameos (Fabio, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and such). The funniest stuff takes place in the first few minutes as "Weird Al" Yankovic sings the title song. Other than that, this is pretty mediocre. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Leslie Neilsen Better Spy Harder
In Spy Hard the Bond spoof half of the movie isn't really spoofing James Bond. They spoof Pulp Fiction poorly, the True Lies spoof is lame, and the Home Alone spoof is so bad. They just found some cheesy look alike of Macally Caulkin. I found it funny when they had the beginning part of the film where Weird Al Yankovic sang the theme song. He head really didn't have to blow up. Spy Hard is a poor film and just like the slapstick of other Neilsen films.

Naked Gun 4?
I was able to pick this DVD up in the cheapie bin, and thats where i'd recomend you find it too. Dont pay too much for this movie!

Basicly it almost seems like its Naked Gun part 4! Sure, a few name changes here and there, like Neilsons charactor "Agent WD-40!" and a few others here and there.. but if they changed a couple of things around, you basiclly would have Naked Gun part 4 IMO~

If you enjoyed the Naked Gun films, you will probably like this movie too, or you will absolutly hate it! As agent WD40 is re-assighned after retirment to capture a bad man he thought he killed years ago. And along the way you see the classic Neilson spin off , parody and goofyness that he portrays so well!

If your not into whacky comedys , then youll hate this movie.
If your like me and enjoy them, then this movie isnt bad at all!

I see there are quite a few diffrent reveiews varying up and down opinions, but IMO it could may well be NG4.... but others would disagree, and I certinly would never recomend Wrongfully Accused over this movie.

HILARIOUS!!!!
The one-liners 7 sight gags in this film really keep it fresh and fast paced. My favorite has to be Ray Charles driving the city bus. "Next stop Melrose...I think!"

You have to be in the mood for dumb comedy: 3 1/2 stars
Okay, this is a dumb movie. What little plot there is only serves to connect a loosely arranged set of parodies and puns in true Leslie Nielsen form. However, if you're in the right mood, it can be a entertaining way to spend an hour and a half. Leslie Nielsen plays agent WD-40 who sets out to rescue agent Barbara Dahl (Stephanie Romanov) from the evil and prosthetic clutches of Doctor Rancor (Andy Griffith.) Beginning and end of story. Along the way, viewers are treated to send-ups of various movies and celebrity personalities. The humor is erratic, as the script is burdened with groaners and jokes that simply don't work as much as it is carried along with its laugh out loud moments. The sophomoric comedy often works because of the element of surprise: the best laughs come when the viewer is least expecting them. It helps if you're familiar with many of the films that "Spy Hard" parodies. The only brilliant part of this film is the Weird Al Yankovic segment during the opening credits. It is so funny on its own that it warms up the audience for more laughs. I don't think I would have been so willing to find humor in the silliness if Weird Al hadn't already started me laughing.

This is pure sophomoric, spoof comedy in the spirit of National Lampoon and Saturday Night Live - all, of course, with the distinctive touch of Leslie Nielsen. Leave your intelligence at the door - and then settle down for some truly mindless, occasionally hilarious, comedy.

not Leslie's best
I was expecting a lot more from this movie. A lot of the jokes fall flat. Think of National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon 1. Although Spy Hard is not as horrible as that one, it still in no way measures up to the greatness of Airplane! or the Naked Gun movies. This movie is probably worth a rental from your local video store, but I wouldn't recommend buying it. The best part of this movie is the opening title sequence by Weird Al Yankovic. It spoofs the typical James Bond opening credit sequence. When I first saw that at the theater, I almost fell out of my seat from laughing so hard. The opening credits alone may be the best reason to see this movie. After that, it's a so-so movie with some funny parts but mostly gags that fall flat. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's easy to understand why Arlington Road sat on the studio shelf for nearly a year. No, the film isn't awful; rather, it's an extremely edgy and ultimately bleak thriller that offers no clear-cut heroes or villains. In other words, Hollywood had no idea how to sell it. Director Mark Pellington's underrated directorial debut, Going All the Way, suffered the same fate, essentially because the filmmaker's presentation of suburban America often shifts dramatically within the same film. Characters are usually miserable and bordering on meltdown, no situation is straightforward, and things usually end badly. Arlington Road begins as an astute study of suburban paranoia. Michael Faraday (a face-pinched Jeff Bridges, who spends most of the film on the brink of tears) is a college professor who teaches American history courses on terrorism. He's been a conspiracy freak since his wife, an FBI agent, was killed during a botched raid that feels like a thinly fictionalized reference to the Waco tragedy. After saving the life of his next-door neighbor's child, he initially befriends the family (Tim Robbins and Joan Cusack), but soon believes the husband is a terrorist. The first half of the film mocks Faraday: he has no real evidence and is not the most stable of protagonists. Despite the fact that it was government paranoia that got his wife killed, Faraday repeats the same type of behavior. Pellington shifts gears in the second half, however, and for awhile, it seems that the film has simultaneously sunk into a cheap, high-octane brand of Hollywood entertainment and undermined its own point. Arlington Road, though, possesses a stunning ending that's a real gut punch, one that may leave you needing a second viewing to catch all of its smartly executed setup. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (175)

A LONESOME ROAD
First, raspberries to the reviewers who felt impelled to give away the ending. It would ruin the movie for those who haven't seen it, guys!!!
Anyway, ARLINGTON ROAD is one dark and disturbing movie, fueled with paranoia, suspicions, and mistrust. Jeff Bridges, looking for the first time like an elderly gentleman (not old, just aging), gives a tense performance as a history teacher who lost his FBI wife in a botched raid. He now teaches terrorism at a college in the DC area. The movie's opening is gutwrenching from the start, but necessary to involve Bridges with his new neighbors, played like Stepford Wives by Joan Cusack and Tim Robbins. But all is not as it seems. Bridges is sure Robbins is a terrorist, responsible for a dreadful bombing in St. Louis, and is ultimately planning more bombings. Bridges' live-in girl friend (Hope Davis) at first doesn't buy into Bridges' theory, but later finds proof that brings her to Bridges' side. From there on, though, it's a frightening change of pace as Bridges races to stop Robbins' plot and save his son in the meantime. Mark Pellington's direction is right on, and the ending is quite unexpected.
This is not a conventional movie, and not one that brightens your day, but it is an intense, well-done and unusual thriller.
Well made!!

absolutely horrifying, frighteningly well-done
This film was made 2 years before September 11, but the train of thought and final outcome are frighteningly true to life in retrospect.

Jeff Bridges plays Michael Faraday, a professor of terrorism at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He is driving home when he seems an injured child walking in the middle of the road. He rushes the kid to the hospital and is ashamed that he doesn't know the kid's name even though he lives across the street from him. In an effort to rectify this, he befriends the neighbors --- Oliver Lang (Tim Robbins), his Stepfordian wife (Joan Cusack), and their three kids.

Faraday himself has a 9-year-old son, Grant, and he becomes best friends with Brady, the Langs' son. Faraday lost his wife Leah, an FBI agent, in a workplace snafu that closely resembles Ruby Ridge. His new girlfriend Brooke is his former teaching assistant. He accidentally receives a piece of mail from the University of Pennsylvania that belongs to Oliver, who said he went to Kansas State University, and from there becomes obsessed with "knowing thy neighbor".

Friends and family tell Faraday he is thinking all sorts of crazy things about Lang because he teaches that class on terrorism, but Faraday is sure that he is on to something. This movie is spellbinding as it brings up topics that mirror Oklahoma City before it and Sept 11 after it. You do not see the ending coming until it is upon you, and the twist is unbelievably possible.

Intense, chilling & thought provoking.
You come to a movie like this, if you are like me, thinking that it is another propaganda attempt by the left, trying to convince you that Christians with bibles are loonies that go around blowing up stuff. Thankfully Mark Pellington (Director) opted for something more realistic than that stereotypical portrayal.

There are no madmen, in the conventional sense, in this film, just ordinary people with grudges. People who have been hurt by the government and want to get back at it for what they perceive to be injustices. Pellington also reminds us that we are so quick to find scapegoats to blame because it gives us a sense of relief, a feeling that all is once again right with the world, and that acts of terrorism can only be carried out by 'others' not by people like us. I don't want to give you the wrong impression however, because this is certainly not a didactic movie.

As to the movie itself, the plot is cleverly written and you definitely feel the tension and suspense building as the movie progresses. The characters are believable and frightening because of their normality. Joan Cusack was perfectly cast as the wife of the half-sane, half mad terrorist. I still can't get forget that sinister smile of hers. Tim Robbin's character was credible, with the right balance of insanity and reason. He definitely wasn't the 'typical villain.' As for Bridges, he was the one who made this whole movie work, without him the movie would have flopped.

I would highly recommend this movie, I don't give too many movies 5 stars but this one definitely deserved it. Arlington Road has a great cast, a great storyline, but best of all, it gets you to thinking about terrorism and what motivates terrorists. This is a very relevant movie, especially after the events of 9/11.

a bad movie
This is a bad movie. It is silly and implausible and boring. On top of that, it seems to have been made by people who took the 80s remake of D.O.A. as the manual for what a movie should look like. The script isn't that bad, but the movie itself "takes place" in some kind of ridiculously-lit plastic nightmare world populated by good actors acting horribly while being framed in stupid off-kilter pseudo third man angles with lots of pale "freaked out" makeup on and fake tears in their eyes. Yeah it's got a trick ending, but so what? The trick ending don't make no sense. There's one good moment where Joan Cusack appears out of nowhere, and that's kind of scary, but I mean, come on... it's Joan Cusack. We're supposed to believe this?

It's two hours of your life. Stay away.

THOSE RIGHT WING WACKOS
After Tim McVeigh blew up the Oklahoma Federal Building, the Left went berserk, although their own Ted Kazcysnski (the Unabomber) beat them back. What has emerged in the years since is that if a real bad guy looks like McVeigh, he does the "perp walk" and is displayed for the cameras. If he is black, a black Muslim, or some such thing, he gets the hidden suspect treatment. "Arlington Road" is Robbins as a right-wing wacko who plans to blow up the government. The message is that the right in this country is dominated by white racists who think nothing of killing many, because they are Fascists. It is heavy-handed and compared with Truth fails miserably.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM ... Read more

Reviews (421)

"I'm a little bit lonely these days."
Simply one of the best movies in recent memory, Wes Anderson's Rushmore is the sweet, sad story of Max Fischer, prep-school enthusiast and terrible student. Equal parts character study, deadpan humor, and coming-of-age drama, Rushmore is that strangest of creatures - a sad comedy. All the performances in the film are brilliant, but Bill Murray's melancholy millionaire is the highlight of the bunch. The cinematography here is brilliant and steals effectively from films as diverse as Barry Lyndon and The Graduate; Anderson knows how to show off his actors rather than gloss over them, and the film is that much better because of his camerawork. This is probably the best DVD on the market in terms of extra features. It's a mystery how they managed to fit it all on one disc, but this set includes a documentary, taped auditions, storyboards, and a hilarious send-up of several of that year's films. Also included is an introduction to the film, and a great map of Rushmore. The transfer is also excellent (and apparently supervised by Anderson himself), and the sound is very good.

One mild warning: some people hate this movie. I mean HATE. If you don't buy the Max Fischer character, you will probably be one of those people. I think it's brilliant, I think it's one of the best movies I've ever seen, but in order to make this an even-handed review, I will simply say that several nice, interesting, intelligent people can't stand to sit through this movie. Rent it before you buy it, to make sure, but if you like it, the DVD is well worth the extra few bucks.

Max Fischer scores big, Criterion earns extra credit
I fell in love with this movie when I first saw it in Februrary 1999. Seeing it again on this superb DVD immediately rekindled that romance. Great performances, pitch-perfect script. The characters seem to inhabit a parallel univserse, a more innocent, gentile and slightly fable-like universe where the most important things are extra curricular activities and building an aquarium for the woman you love. Sure, director Wes Anderson rips off a wide range of artistic influences, ranging from THE GRADUATE to THE CATCHER IN THE RYE. But the irrepresible, fun-loving spirit of the hero Max Fischer (played by newcomer and Francis Ford Coppela relative Jason Schwartzman) makes it all seem somehow believable and puts a smile on your face.

Make sure you buy the Criteriion edition DVD. It has lots of extra goodies, like a great commentary track by Anderson, co-screenwriter Owen Wilson and Schwartzman; a making-of-the movie documentary; interviews with Anderson and Bill Murray by the PBS robot Charlie Rose; plus the priceless MTV shorts Anderson made which spoof other 1998 movies like THE TRUMAN SHOW and OUT OF SIGHT, the best movie of that year.

requires a certain type of humor to appreciate it
The owner of the video store warned us about this movie - it only appeals to a certain segment of the population, he told us. He was right. Among the audience I watched it with, half loved it and half hated it. I didn't appreciate the movie's humor because I thought it failed to develop a minimal level of empathy for the characters. As a result, I couldn't convince myself to care much as they moved from debacle to debacle. Not very entertaining in my opinion, but it seems to appeal to some, especially those that sympathize with oddball characters.

Different
I never truly understood the point of the whole film, but it was different. I'll give props to the kid in movie who tried so hard to make something great out of something ordinary. His infatuation with his school teacher is silly, funny yet heroic. Because the kid just never gives in.

Bill Murray is great with playing the bored Patron to the school who grows a liking to the kid. The whatever, I could care less attitude about him is very well played.

I like the small nonchalant, yet out of the ordinary point in the movie that happen in mid conversation that adds to the comic nature of the film. When the kid asks for an explanation and is quite furious, he's smoking in a Murray's car and deflt flicks some ash on the seat. In another scene, Murray is smoking two cigarettes at once.

A different film. Likable, but not one I could watch over and over again. Once is enough. I like movies with a little more visual appeal. Worth the peak.

a truly original film
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

In this movie, 10th grader Max Fischer falls in love with the widowed 1st grade teacher at his school. Max is the undisputed king of extrcurricular activites at his school. His grades have plummeted as a result and is in danger of expulsion. He later becomes the protégée of Herman Blume, the father of twin brother students at his school. His new mentor then falls in love with the teacher and in an act of revenge, Max exposes the affair to Herman's wife.

The DVD has excellent special features.
There is audio commentary by the writers of the film and actor Jason Schwartzmann who plays Max in the film, a "making of Rushmore" press film, short theatrical adaptations films released at the time Rushmore was which aired on the MTV movie awards, screen tests and audtions of the child actors and actress in the film, Chrlie Rose Show interview with actor Bill Murray and Director/co-writer Wes Anderson, and drawn storyboards with film comparison and, several pictures of props, drawings and other items from the film. There is also a foldout map showing key events in the film. ... Read more

Reviews (175)

A LONESOME ROAD
First, raspberries to the reviewers who felt impelled to give away the ending. It would ruin the movie for those who haven't seen it, guys!!!
Anyway, ARLINGTON ROAD is one dark and disturbing movie, fueled with paranoia, suspicions, and mistrust. Jeff Bridges, looking for the first time like an elderly gentleman (not old, just aging), gives a tense performance as a history teacher who lost his FBI wife in a botched raid. He now teaches terrorism at a college in the DC area. The movie's opening is gutwrenching from the start, but necessary to involve Bridges with his new neighbors, played like Stepford Wives by Joan Cusack and Tim Robbins. But all is not as it seems. Bridges is sure Robbins is a terrorist, responsible for a dreadful bombing in St. Louis, and is ultimately planning more bombings. Bridges' live-in girl friend (Hope Davis) at first doesn't buy into Bridges' theory, but later finds proof that brings her to Bridges' side. From there on, though, it's a frightening change of pace as Bridges races to stop Robbins' plot and save his son in the meantime. Mark Pellington's direction is right on, and the ending is quite unexpected.
This is not a conventional movie, and not one that brightens your day, but it is an intense, well-done and unusual thriller.
Well made!!

absolutely horrifying, frighteningly well-done
This film was made 2 years before September 11, but the train of thought and final outcome are frighteningly true to life in retrospect.

Jeff Bridges plays Michael Faraday, a professor of terrorism at George Washington University in Washington, DC. He is driving home when he seems an injured child walking in the middle of the road. He rushes the kid to the hospital and is ashamed that he doesn't know the kid's name even though he lives across the street from him. In an effort to rectify this, he befriends the neighbors --- Oliver Lang (Tim Robbins), his Stepfordian wife (Joan Cusack), and their three kids.

Faraday himself has a 9-year-old son, Grant, and he becomes best friends with Brady, the Langs' son. Faraday lost his wife Leah, an FBI agent, in a workplace snafu that closely resembles Ruby Ridge. His new girlfriend Brooke is his former teaching assistant. He accidentally receives a piece of mail from the University of Pennsylvania that belongs to Oliver, who said he went to Kansas State University, and from there becomes obsessed with "knowing thy neighbor".

Friends and family tell Faraday he is thinking all sorts of crazy things about Lang because he teaches that class on terrorism, but Faraday is sure that he is on to something. This movie is spellbinding as it brings up topics that mirror Oklahoma City before it and Sept 11 after it. You do not see the ending coming until it is upon you, and the twist is unbelievably possible.

Intense, chilling & thought provoking.
You come to a movie like this, if you are like me, thinking that it is another propaganda attempt by the left, trying to convince you that Christians with bibles are loonies that go around blowing up stuff. Thankfully Mark Pellington (Director) opted for something more realistic than that stereotypical portrayal.

There are no madmen, in the conventional sense, in this film, just ordinary people with grudges. People who have been hurt by the government and want to get back at it for what they perceive to be injustices. Pellington also reminds us that we are so quick to find scapegoats to blame because it gives us a sense of relief, a feeling that all is once again right with the world, and that acts of terrorism can only be carried out by 'others' not by people like us. I don't want to give you the wrong impression however, because this is certainly not a didactic movie.

As to the movie itself, the plot is cleverly written and you definitely feel the tension and suspense building as the movie progresses. The characters are believable and frightening because of their normality. Joan Cusack was perfectly cast as the wife of the half-sane, half mad terrorist. I still can't get forget that sinister smile of hers. Tim Robbin's character was credible, with the right balance of insanity and reason. He definitely wasn't the 'typical villain.' As for Bridges, he was the one who made this whole movie work, without him the movie would have flopped.

I would highly recommend this movie, I don't give too many movies 5 stars but this one definitely deserved it. Arlington Road has a great cast, a great storyline, but best of all, it gets you to thinking about terrorism and what motivates terrorists. This is a very relevant movie, especially after the events of 9/11.

a bad movie
This is a bad movie. It is silly and implausible and boring. On top of that, it seems to have been made by people who took the 80s remake of D.O.A. as the manual for what a movie should look like. The script isn't that bad, but the movie itself "takes place" in some kind of ridiculously-lit plastic nightmare world populated by good actors acting horribly while being framed in stupid off-kilter pseudo third man angles with lots of pale "freaked out" makeup on and fake tears in their eyes. Yeah it's got a trick ending, but so what? The trick ending don't make no sense. There's one good moment where Joan Cusack appears out of nowhere, and that's kind of scary, but I mean, come on... it's Joan Cusack. We're supposed to believe this?

It's two hours of your life. Stay away.

THOSE RIGHT WING WACKOS
After Tim McVeigh blew up the Oklahoma Federal Building, the Left went berserk, although their own Ted Kazcysnski (the Unabomber) beat them back. What has emerged in the years since is that if a real bad guy looks like McVeigh, he does the "perp walk" and is displayed for the cameras. If he is black, a black Muslim, or some such thing, he gets the hidden suspect treatment. "Arlington Road" is Robbins as a right-wing wacko who plans to blow up the government. The message is that the right in this country is dominated by white racists who think nothing of killing many, because they are Fascists. It is heavy-handed and compared with Truth fails miserably.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM ... Read more

Reviews (22)

My 4th Grade Class Gives This One 20 Thumbs Up!
I remember growing up with "Dennis The Menace" TV re-runs. I loved the black & white sit-com, but this 1990s movie version almost tops it! That lovable sling-shot-toting kid with the cowlick is an unlikely "menace" to retired postman Mr. Wilson, who wants nothing more than to be left alone. Dennis Mitchell always seeks out Mr. Wilson's company, but each time disaster strikes, usually causing harm to property or Mr. Wilson (usually both). Mrs. Wilson adores Dennis and often volunteers to watch him when the Mitchell's list of possible baby-sitters is exhausted. There is a sub-plot with a "bad guy" who, of course gets "fixed" by our hero.

This is the perfect family movie. It's funny, sweet and makes you feel good when it's through. I showed this video to my 4th grade class (as a reward). I never saw a group of 10 year-olds enjoy a film like they did this one. Enjoy this wonderful film again and again, it's a gem!*****

Big Winner With Kids & Grown-Ups Alike!
I remember growing up with "Dennis The Menace" TV re-runs. I loved the black & white sit-com, but this 1990s movie version almost tops it! That lovable sling-shot-toting kid with the cowlick is an unlikely "menace" to retired postman Mr. Wilson, who wants nothing more than to be left alone. Dennis Mitchell always seeks out Mr. Wilson's company, but each time disaster strikes, usually causing harm to property or Mr. Wilson (usually both). Mrs. Wilson adores Dennis and often volunteers to watch him when the Mitchell's list of possible baby-sitters is exhausted. There is a sub-plot with a "bad guy" who, of course gets "fixed" by our hero. -- This is the perfect family movie. It's funny, sweet and makes you feel good when it's through. I showed this video to my 4th grade class (as a reward). I never saw a group of 10 year-olds enjoy a film like they did this one! Enjoy this wonderful film again and again, it's a gem!

Sweet and Charming
While this film does not break new cinematic ground; it was never intended to in the first place. Having said that, this is perhaps one of the most delightful, sweet and charming children's movie's I have ever seen. I say that with some amount of authority, as I have two young children, so watching children movies is something we do alot of.

What makes this movie so utterly unforgettable is the sweet charm displayed between Walter Matthau (Grumpy Mr. Wilson) and Dennis (Mason Gamble). There is a unique, understated quality to this movie, where the soundtrack is rather understated and in many scenes you simply watch young Dennis or Mr Wilson (or both) interacting in gentle, silent ways. The movie has become a favorite of my 4 1/2 year old girl (Dennis-like herself) to watch before she goes to bed. We have even memorized some of the scenes and act them out at dinner, like when Mr Wilson eats a piece of chicken that has accidently become victim to Dennis' paint & wood glob. Matthau is so good in that scene; just watch his facial expressions...hardly says a word, but what a classic comedic scene.

I can't rave enough about this movie, if only more movies could be made with such charm, care and love.

NAUGHTY DENNIS. 15th april 2004.
Dennis is a young boy, who keeps disturbing his neighbour mr wilson. He's a little rascle, he is clumsy and mr wilson has soon got fed up of him.

Good. I enjoyed it.
Thats a different cover, but nonetheless.... I was told my Mom grew up with the black-and-white sitcom of Dennis the Mennis and I grew up with this movie. The climatic secene when Dennis was accedntly beat-up the bad guy was a scream. My mom, Grandma, Aunt, and I enjoyed it. My 8 and 4 year old cousins enjoyed it throughly. It is a delight. When it's through, your mind deosn't feel rotted. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

This is a very good movie
I think that perhaps the people who reviewed this film negatively simply don't see it the way I do. I don't claim to know what the director had in mind, but I know what I take from this movie. I am NOT a golfer, but this film leaves me with an appreciation for golf which I have never before felt. Bagger Vance was okay, but more an entertaining film than a study of golf. Nor is A Gentleman's Game all about golf. There's a lot going on here, some of it is about golfing, some of it deals with the inside, or other side of the game, the "loopers." Ultimately this movie is not about golfing, even though it chiefly centers on golfing and around a golf course. The overall story comes together with meaning greater than its several individual parts. Gary Sinise never dissapoints & the entire cast delivers wonderfully in this film, but Mason Gamble is the one to watch. A very talented young actor. I am reminded of Kevin Spacey in Shipping News, wherein Spacey virtually tells the entire movie with his facial expressions. Gamble does not quite have as demanding a role here as Spacey had in Shipping News, but he does remarkably well with what he's given---& considering his age that's all the more impressive. We easily know what his character, Timmy, is feeling at all times without having to hear any dialog. Mason Gamble has been around a while, & I'm sure will have no trouble remaining in the industry as long as he chooses to keep making movies. Look for him in the quirky Rushmore, or in the hook-setting opening scene of Arlington Road, & periodically thereafter throughout. I believe he was also Dennis the Mennace, & I'm sure he's done a few other films. I like gentleman's Game because it tells a story that centers around something I previously cared nothing about; now I at least have some appreciation for, and a much greater understanding of, golf. It's a good movie, and it's deffinately telling a worth while story. Plus it had the added bonus for me of coming as an unexpected surprise treat when I first saw it. (I had a cheap rental coupon & never hearing of it before, happened upon it while browsing in Hollywood Video) I reccomend this movie as a great one to watch and a good one to own.

Par Effort Approaching Birdie
There is much in this golf based movie. The much is its asset and liability. There are too many plots which don't tie together well, and confuse the viewer. Father/son, poor/rich, etc.

What does come out shining is a young boy's love for the game pure and simple. Wealth covering up problems and a morally sound burnt out golf champion. If the director would have just revolved it around this, it would have been more attractive.

As is, a memorable view. The profanity is dominate. Maybe it has to be. Do we need so much to make a point?

Unfulfilled potential
This is not really a film about golf, but a film about life with golf as the backdrop. Therein lies the problem. First time director J. Mills Goodloe can't seem to choose where he wants to go with the story and it meanders aimlessly from storyline to storyline in an attempt to give it a coming-of-age flavor.

He would have been better to concentrate on Timmy (Mason Gamble) and his relationship with Foster (Gary Sinise) in his quest to improve his golf game. This is clearly the best and most interesting element of the story. Instead he flits about following Timmy's relationship with the other loopers, his infatuation with the beverage girl and the happenings at various club events. The relationship between Timmy and Foster never really gets much traction until the final scene and even then the validation is delivered via a letter rather than a face to face encounter, which would have made it poignant and satisfying.

The acting by Mason Gamble and Gary Sinise is excellent. They have good chemistry and it is clear they connect. Gamble gives a very steady performance throughout and gives the character a naive charm and steely resolve that are extremely engaging. Sinise plays a stolid and standoffish character harboring a terrible secret and bitter disappointment. His understated performance is a perfect fit for this complex character whose cavalier nature hides deeper turmoil. The rest of the cast is simply terrible. Dylan Baker is horrible as Timmy's dad. Phillip Baker Hall is awful as the two faced Charlie Logan.

This film had great potential that was never realized. I rated it 5/10. It should have stayed with the golf story rather than dissipate itself on the other less interesting elements.

A movie for Golf Lovers
This was a very good movie for anyone who loves golf, or for any one who loves a good story. I picked it up for my fiance, who is definately a "golf nut". He loved it! The characters are interesting and the theme is that of lessons in life and "coming of age". A great addition to any collection!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Smart Science Fiction Movie
This movie really was the first smart science fiction movie i have seen. The plot is quite complex yet interesting. What surprised me the most is that this world that the characters live in is not far off from the world we might live in in the true future. This movie explores a future that is not too weird but plausable. Everything is done right. I recomend this movie to everybody.

Thought provoking and lovely style.
'Gattaca' is lovely work of science-fiction where the science and technology are mixed believably with its social implications. The interactions between the characters are believable, and truly moving, with excellent performances from Uma Thurman, Jude Law and Ethan Hawke. Though the fabulous setting, music and costume truly set the tone of the film. They are not intrusive, but one is aware of their magic. With the benfit of a great script, and suspenseful plot, this truly a great movie. ... Read more

Reviews (277)

Brave New World II
Gattaca pleasantly surprised me as a thoughtful and rather worrisome view of the possible future instead of the special-effects-laden sci-fi movie I was expecting.

The story takes place at a time when genetic excellence is the yardstick by which individuals are measured. The ability to preselect genes among offspring and measure one's genetic potential through simple biological tests gives rise to a new form of discrimination that bars the genetically flawed protagonist, played by Ethan Hawke, from his lifelong goal of becoming an astronaut. Undaunted, he sets out to fool a genetic screening system and gain admission to the space program where he can pursue his dream. A scandalous incident at the space center (Gattaca) casts a scrutinizing light on each of the employees and threatens to expose his deception.

The details of this movie are clever and well thought out. The film has a graceful, almost poetic quality bolstered by a lush musical score. The acting is quite good all the way around. Ethan Hawke's fine performance certainly puts him on the map if he wasn't already there. Jude Law almost steals the show with his convincing portrayal of the broken golden child made miserable by his own misfortune but who comes to share in the dream of Ethan Hawke's character as he helps him outwit the system.

Gattaca shows us that lackluster natural potential coupled with unwavering desire and ambition can ultimately reach higher than mere genetic predisposition. Well worth seeing; four-and-a-half stars.

Celebrates the strength of spirit and desire
This is truly one of the most inspiring movies I've ever seen.

It's replete with symbolism: helix shaped stair cases, red and green lights indicating valid and invalid, the heart disease of Vincent (the natural born) as opposed to the lack of heart (spirit) of Jerome (the "superior", genetically engineered human), etc. The setting also makes use of connotations associated with the past. Slick hair styles, clothing, and sterile interior furnishings have an organized, repressed feeling evoking the controlled and prejudiced 1950's. This helps enhance the mood of lifeless surrender. Even the bald head of the geneticist at the beginning of the movie was a statement against the pursuit of perfection by means of perfecting the body and brain. Wealth of living is not found in the the physical plain, but in the spirit in which each day is lived.

Add to all this wounderful cinnematography, an unforgettable musical score, and fine acting that meld together into a fluid whole, and you've got a fantastic movie that repays many viewings.

Biology Lovers Unite and watch Gattaca
If you love Biology, especially genetics and DNA, this movie is for you. Gattaca combines a love story, with high-paced action, that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping. Gattaca will at first be confusing, but it will all make sense in the end, and it will be sure to make a place on the front of your DVD/VHS shelf.

Gattaca is an unforgettable warning
The best exploration of the possibility of genetically modified people becoming a separate social and economic class leaving behind and opressing those who are not genetically modified.

My favorite film
The word "Inspiring" is grossly overused in film reviews. Gattaca is one of the very few that genuinely deserves it. In a nutshell, it's the story of a mutt (Ethan Hawke) bypassing and surpassing a world that's designed against him. This movie really affected me (another overused appraisal.)

Maybe I just love this movie because I relate too much to the protaganist, Vincent. Despite everyones expectations, from my high school counseler on, and my lack of any prestigious schooling, I'll soon have my physics PhD.

This is a wonderful movie. That it didnt sweep the Oscars only validates the movies point. ... Read more