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A heartwarming story of mistaken identity and idealism, director Ivan Reitman (Ghostbusters) takes on the political establishment in this fresh, funny comedy. Kevin Kline (Sophie's Choice, A Fish Called Wanda) plays Dave Kovic, a sweet man with a big heart running an employment agency. Dave happens to be a dead ringer for the current president of the United States, and he hires himself out as an impersonator for parties and mall openings. When the real president has a stroke while in bed with an aide, his ambitious chief of staff (Frank Langella) decides to hold onto the White House by appealing to Dave's sense of patriotism and having him pose as the president. Soon, however, Dave is running the country in a way contrary to what the chief of staff would like, even as he finds himself falling in love with the unsuspecting first lady (Sigourney Weaver). The movie's unbridled optimism is its best asset, and it makes this a pleasant comedy worth seeing. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (55)

A Presidential Comedy!
Dave Kovic runs a job placement agency. On the side, he does Presidential Impersonations since he bares a strong resemblance to President Mitchell. But when Mitchell suffers a life-threatening stroke, Dave is asked to step in to temporarily fill his shoes. After testing the waters, Dave begins to enjoy the job and eventually tries to get something done...

DAVE is a sturdy comedy that gets a lot of mileage out of Washington DC. Kevin Kline is just perfect as the everyman Dave and even better as President Dave. When he throws out the first pitch at a professional game, the reaction is happy and real. He becomes the President we would like to see, one that puts the country above all else. That's something I've never seen in my lifetime. Sigourney Weaver is the hard-edged First Lady who Dave is soon allied. Charles Grodin is very funny in a supporting role as a DC accountant with a fear of the government. Frank Langella is the villainous Bob Alexander, puppet master for the 'acting' President. He sneers here as much as he did in DRACULA. But, much of the fun in Dave comes from the many Washington insider cameos. These, in addition to appearances by Larry King, Jay Leno, Leon Harris and Oliver Stone make the story seem feasible. (And for once, Oliver Stone's conspiracy just might be right...)

Ivan Reitman handles this comedy masterfully and the story is filled with heart and a couple nice twists. The DVD has a pretty good video transfer and a standard audio transfer. But, this was an early DVD release so it offers little extra (There is a mightily short making of doc). Dave itself is a fun film that might ironically restore some trust in our government.

Whimsy & Intrigue in the White House
This movie is one of those gems that quietly grows on you -- each viewing creating anticipation and appreciation for its wit and style. The casting is superb. Kevin Kline doesn't know how to give a bad performance. Frank Langella's brilliant characterization of the ambitious, power-hungry 'man behind the throne' is perfect, and a wonderful contrast to his long-ago role as the cad/seducer in Diary of a Mad Housewife.

This is definitely a movie to buy because it needs to be seen many times. The innumerable funny pearls in this movie alone are worth the price of the DVD. For Minnesotans, one of the slyest gags was Dave's gig early in the moview, imitating the President at the grand opening of Durenberger Motors in his home town. The movie was released around the time that David Durenberger (Minnesota's senior senator) was embroiled in an ethics scandal. A personal favorite moment was the scene where Dave (with the help of his accountant buddy played by Charles Grodin) pares the federal budget to save a homeless shelter for children -- the cabinet members bemusedly participating just like a family sitting around the kitchen table wrestling with its own budget. Priceless.

GOOD DEMOCRATS, BAD REPUBLICANS, SAME OLD STORY
The film "Dave" went through a script change. The story of a Presidential look-alike (Kevin Kline) who fills in for the secretly deceased real thing, the original story featured a Republican who brought his skills as a small entrepreneur to the job. Hollywood turned him into a Democrat, but kept his G.O.P common sense, such as when he and his partner look at the Federal budget and balance it by using the methods any small businessman would use. Naturally, pet liberal projects are all interjected while "Republican priorities" are given the heave-ho. You can search far and wide, and you will not find Hollywood films that openly portray a Democrat as the bad guy. I wrote a screenplay a few years ago called "A Murderous Campaign". It had all the elements of a great script. A beautiful porn star has an affair with a Democrat Louisiana Senator. She overhears him plotting the assassination of a political rival, but they find out she heard the plan. They try to kill her, so she goes into hiding and hooks up with a crusty old Washington reporter who is considered kooky because he has been accusing this Democrat of these crimes for years. A retired FBI friend of the reporter helps them. The Democrat announces a Presidential bid. The porn star uses her considerable charms and discovers that the Governor of New Jersey is the assassination target at a Statue of Liberty rally. She saves the Governor, and the plot is revealed, but the Democrat candidate goes into spin control. Nobody can really prove the plan. It looks like he will win the nomination, having weathered the politics of personal destruction. Finally, the porn girl and the reporter find the old father of the Democrat's chief of staff, a former Ku Klux Klansman who wants to get what he knows off his chest before passing from this mortal coil. He tells them about the drug smuggling operation the candidate has been running in the Louisiana Bayou. The reporter's FBI pal arranges a raid. They discover all the "smoking gun" evidence of a series of political murders going back years. The girl is re-united with her family, gets out of the porn business, the reporter wins the Pulitzer, and it is jail time for the Democrat. The end.
Creative execs who loved the verbal pitch when I simply described the Democrat as a "politician," a "candidate" or the "Senator" all passed when they read the part in the script that identifies him as an actual Democrat. Pamela Anderson would be perfect as the porn chick. I could see Denzel Washington as the reporter, and Gary Busey as the Democrat Senator. I was asked if I would change him to a Republican. My answer was that I wanted to maintain the realism of the story. See ya.

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

Light romantic comedy.
President Bill Mitchell is not exactly an ideal President. He looks after those who helped get him into office than the people and he is a philanderer. One of the ways that he keeps his amorous play a secret is to hire a lookalike to impersonate him. Now the man whom they have hired is Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline), a goodhearted man who likes to help people find jobs. After making his little exit, the real President suffers a stroke and is completely incapacitated. The corrupt and manipulative Chief of Staff, Bob Alexander, plans to use Dave to elevate himself to the White House. Unfortunately, he doesn't count on Dave enjoying himself in office, using his luck to make the country a better place and falling in love with the beautiful First Lady.

A fun Political Drama/Comedy!
DAVE is a great movie. It's fun to watch and is family friendly. At the same time, though, it has plenty of political jargon and Oval Office scenes to keep the political drama lover happy. DAVE follows a man who could pass as a twin of the President. He is recruited as a double for the Prez. for public appearances, but quite unexpectedly, gets a big promotion! Definately see this one. ... Read more

Amazon.com

How long will truck tires last on top of molten lava? A surprising amount of time, apparently, according to this wild and wildly improbable disaster movie. Pierce Brosnan stars as a government geologist who shows up in a small Washington town to check out an active volcano, and in doing so gets in the way of the local-development agenda of the mayor (Linda Hamilton). Mother Nature soon levels the playing field, however, quite literally, as the pair and sundry kids and others try to keep ahead of the volcano's many spin-off problems. Roger Donaldson (The Bounty) directed, and if the film is remembered for nothing else, its special effects are unnervingly realistic, no doubt drawn in part from research into the Mount St. Helens disaster. The DVD release has a widescreen presentation, director commentary, behind-the-scenes material, and optional French and Spanish soundtracks, plus optional Spanish subtitles. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (99)

An explosive treat!
Dante's Peak seems like the ideal place to live... the serenity of the mountainous landscape and the friendly atmosphere seems to wipe out the fact that the town is nestled at the base of a dormant volcano. However, when the U.S.G.S. begins to pick up signals from the volcano that indicate a possible eruption, they send Harry Dalton (Pierce Brosnan) to investigate. While there, he befriends town mayor Rachel Wando (Linda Hamilton) and informs her of the risks. When he begins to get the city council into an uproar, his advisor shows up to cool things down and wards off any ideas of an eruption. But the symptoms begin to grow, and soon, ash and rock are flying in the sky as the mountain explodes upon the small township. It's a race for survival for Dalton and Wando, as they must search for Wando's children and get them out before the impending final showdown with the volcano. Digital Domain's special effects contribute so much to the story, making it real and placing its characters in real peril. Suspense, action, romance and a terrific cast make this disaster movie a winner. The DTS version is remarkable, and it is recommended that this be the version you buy.

Fun and intense action!
Action, suspense, and intensity abide in the effects-driven disaster film "Dante's Peak," a movie that will leave you awestruck and numb. I was completely enamored by almost everything the movie had to offer, even if some of the scientific information was a bit far-fetched to make room for the plot's twists and turns. Actors bring life and a human factor to the movie, but the real action lies with the astounding special effects used to bring a volcanic eruption to vivid and detailed life.

When seismic readings and graphs point to some geologic activity going on around the small town of Dante's Peak, the United States Geological Survey sends volcanologist Harry Dalton to investigate the possibilities. His arrival brings a silent tension on the town, which becomes voiced when he, along with Mayor Rachel Wando, come across two badly scorched bodies in the local hot springs. Dalton believes that the volcano may be "waking up" from a dormant period, but his boss shows up to calm his theories and instill calm back into the town council. Of course, the movie points in all directions to the impending eruption, in subtle ways that the characters have no interaction with.

From here, the group of scientists begin taking samples, surveying the landscape as well as taking helicopter trips into the volcano to determine if the recorded activity is of any consequence for worry. Meanwhile, Harry and Rachel get close, and their delicate relationship is put in the balance when the warning signs become more fervent, forcing them to call an evacuation of the entire town. But it comes too late, and soon everyone is fleeing for their lives as the mountainous volcano begins to spew hellfire and ash into the air, destroying the landscape and casusing massive destruction that stands in the way of Harry and Rachel's escape.

"Dante's Peak" follows a very well-known pattern for the duration of its plot: a situation that has implications of disaster is presented, one person knows what it going to happen but no one listens, and then all hell breaks loose. This movie carries off this particular structure quite well: it starts out slow and then speeds up to full speed, never slowing down and heightening the suspense given us by the incredible action sequences, smart dialogue and intense and vivid special effects that are the showcase of the movie. I found myself cheering it on in places, becoming completely enamored with what was going on, and satisfied with the final outcome of the movie.

The special effects for this movie are stupendous, and add a lot to the atmosphere the movie portrays. From the moment the mountain begins erupting, the effects give us the feel that everything is larger that life, from the volcano itself to the large, expansive cloud of ash that spreads across the sky and keeps the sun from penetrating. The nice thing about this film is that most of the effects are done with miniatures, giving it a mucher richer look than if it were only done with computerized effects. The sound is incredible, bass-heavy and prominent in wrapping us up in the action. All of these elements at work put us right in the middle of the film, bringing us into the experience as we hold our breath for the next new twist.

The scientific aspect for this movie is, for the most part, authentic, and while there are certain liberties taken, it is evident that the filmmakers wished for it to be as true to life as possible. Dalton throws out a lot of technical terms and phrases, making the sincere and believable. Allusions to eruptions and catastrophes of the past give the movie a sense of foreshadowed doom, while also keeping the suspense building. The overall effect this portion of the plot will have on you is overall intellectually backed up by facts and data, which keeps the movie real to life while keeping it moving.

The two main leads for the film are excellent in their roles, adding a lot to the experience. Pierce Brosnan is the ideal Harry Dalton: rough, rugged, and totally charming. He has the image of a loner who is looking for the right person. He also has a starkly emotional human side to his personality, as is shown in the beginning sequence when he loses his fiancee in a volcanic disaster. Linda Hamilton, playing Rachel, has a complex role of leader, damsel and mother. She does all three of them at different points, and her ability to combine her performance into all of them makes her performance the best of the film.

"Dante's Peak" is the kind of movie you watch with eagerness for the next scene, and then when it's over, all you want is more. The action comes to a screeching halt, and you've been throttled with so much of it already that to have it stop is murder. The movie is one that shakes the senses, and makes us believe in movies that have romance, suspense, intense action and rousing suspense.

Excellent movie with a realistic twist.
Many seem to have hashed "Volcano" which came out around the same time as "Dante's Peak" and it's a shame because both of them are highly realistic and te things that happen in them could literally happen in real life. Both of them are really excellent disaster flicks and are enough to really make you 'think' but even then they deliver incredible amounts of entertainment. In all honesty though, "Dante's Peak" is more realistic and has a more compelling twist to it due to the volcano's more destructive power.

In this case, a small town is thriving in the mountains of Washington state and has recently been declared one of the best places to live in in the United States. Dr. Harry Dalton, a scientist is sent to the vicinity to survey unusually high geological activity but one day he makes an alarming discovery that the volcano that the town sits on the base of, has come back to life and geological surveys have cofirmed that Dante's Peak is about to erupt in a cataclysmic eruption and wipe out the town and it's people. Rachel Wando, the town's mayor along with Dalton now must try to evacuate the town before the volcano erupts but their safety is stifled by their economic interests.

This is a really excellent and highly compelling movie. The special effects are absolutely thrilling and highly realistic and the movie's plot and script are very good. The lava and plumes of ash and dust are highly realistic looking and scary to watch as the volcano starts spewing out it's contents into the atmosphere and surrounding vicinity. The characters are excellent even though the acting could've been a little better but the acting for the most part is excellent by almost if not the entire cast.

I was thrilled to see this on the big screen because I have had a longtime fascination with volcanoes for almost my entire life and "Dante's Peak" succeeds in delivering a thrilling tone and is very enjoyable for most of its length. The DTS edition is absolutely incredible because the sound quality is a gargantuan improvement on both the VHS and older DVD editions and if you have a stereo system with speakers all around you, then hook them up and the surround audio speakers will make you feel almost like you're back at the movie theatre with the awesome sound quality.

If you can, get this movie whenever possible because it is a really excellent natural disaster thriller and delivers far more scares than these so called 'horror' movies because most of them are just mindless gorefests that are more gross than scary but "Dante's Peak" is scary because it is so realistic and such things could happen and could turn out much worse. For example Mt. Rainier near Seattle could erupt at any time and cause a lot of damage nearby and Seattle may be choked with dust if a full blown eruption occurs even though the city and most of its suburbs would pull through relatively unscathed apart from having a snow of volcanic ashes but it could cause social instability. Even Mt. St. Helen's caused a great deal of destruction and wiped out a large amount of forests around it. "Dante's Peak" is an excellent movie that should not be passed up. End of story.

Thar She Blows
Ever since seeing the preview, I have wanted to see Dante's Peak. While waiting for it to be released, a second film called Volcano suddenly popped up. Dante's Peak had Pierce Brosnan (playing a character named Dalton) and Volcano had Tommy Lee Jones. Peak also had the creative talents of Michael Crichton. Volcano had none. But, having finally seen Dante's Peak I have to say that Volcano was the better movie.

Brosnan is part of a national team that keeps an eye on volcanic activity. He is sent to the town of Dante's Peak to see if there is reason for further testing. He goes, he looks and he becomes convinced that the sleeping volcano will blow sometime soon. Unfortunately he has no real evidence. The rest of the team arrives and they can find no justifiable evidence. Guess what? Brosnan is right and the volcano blows. There is a rather amusing scene where in order to survive the shockwave, Brosnan and the town's mayor must seek shelter in some unstable mines (an idea that only works when the alternative is certain death). In the end there is no town but almost no casualties thanks to Brosnan and the rest of the team.

The scenes with the volcano erupting were quite spectacular but they were not enough to carry the film. It is an almost intellectual endeavor as opposed to the pulse-pounding of Crichton's previous film Twister. Obviously meant to ride the wave of Twister's success, Dante's Peak fails to make the grade. In Twister we cared about the research team and their work. In Peak all we are concerned with is how soon everyone will be convinced the volcano is unstable. Plus, several twisters buoy up a film better than one volcano (unless handled as it was in Volcano). So go ahead and see Dante's Peak if you want but you will probably agree that there is something just not right.

Gripping!
While it contains remarkably realistic special effects, those who have been told that "Dante's Peak" is merely a piece of "eye candy" can consider themselves among the woefully misinformed. It isn't a simple sugar-coated snack to be consumed and hastily digested; it is an elaborately composed symphony of a film. It contains riveting performances, breathtaking locales, a captivating love story and an extremely agile dog. Thus, the "eye candy" label would be ill-suited for this particularly film and more properly directed at other assembly-line disaster movies. Reader, I assure you, after one viewing you will understand: to watch "Dante's Peak" is to have your retinas treated to 109 minutes of cinematic fillet mignon.

The story involves the charmingly quaint town of Dante's Peak and its charmingly quaint inhabitants. While the town is the embodiment of peace and tranquility, there is trouble brewing beneath the surface. Geologist Harry Dalton (played with unwavering masculinity by Pierce Brosnan) and Mayor Rachel Wando (played with unwavering masculinity by Linda Hamilton) believe the town in danger of being destroyed by an unexpected eruption from the presumed-dormant neighboring volcano. Their quest to rescue the town meets resistance in the form of a stubborn city counsel, Dalton's ignorant boss and, of course, an enormous volcano.

It should be noted that "Dante's Peak" is the perfect star-vehicle for Pierce Brosnan. He is pitch-perfect as the resolute Dalton. In fact, it occurred to me while watching the film that nobody other than Brosnan could have played the role (he just looks like a "Harry Dalton," doesn't he?). In the face of Mother Nature's wrath, Brosnan provides the searing rivers of magma with a worthy human adversary. Early in the movie, his character is introduced vigorously doing a grueling set of pushups. Seeing this, we immediately think, 'The volcano doesn't stand a chance.' Indeed, Brosnan is a force of nature all his own.

The film itself is an uplifting one; a tribute to the human spirit. The only thing which disappoints me is that a sequel has yet to materialize. Years have passed since the film's initial release and it has failed to escape the consciousness of movie-goers. "Dante's Peak" has given us such rich characters and wonderfully-realized scenarios, who wouldn't want to witness the further exploits of Harry Dalton & Friends? Personally, upon first viewing the film, I envisioned a trilogy. I could imagine a sequel where the U.S. government calls Dalton out of retirement to stop the potential volcanic eruption of Mount Rushmore. Perhaps in the third installment Dalton & Co. could be thrust into the deep unknown of outer space as they investigate the unusual seismic activity of a dormant volcano on Mars. These sequels, I believe, would prove to be lucrative for the studio while also satiating the overwhelming public thirst for more "Dante's Peak."

Regardless of how many sequels are made, the original film will always remain a classic. A skillfully-crafted spectacle filled with wonderful performances and indelible images, you don't have to be a geologist to realize that "Dante's Peak" is a gem. ... Read more

Reviews (28)

More atmosphere than shocks
"Hey, ya wanna see something REALLY scary?" Well, watch another movie. However, Twilight Zone: the Movie was one of my favorite movies of my college years. I enjoyed the original series, but was never a fanatic. What captivated me about this movie, in particular the 3rd and 4th segments, was the atmosphere established by the filmmakers. The first segment with Vic Morrow is undoubtedly the weakest...there were obviously some script changes necessary due to his tragic death, and what we're left with is a predictable, trite, and even cruel story of a bigot who spouts a few angry words at the beginning then pays for it a thousand-fold. It's like watching someone being slowly tortured to learn a lesson then executed at the end just to make SURE he learned his lesson. The second segment is syrupy, but has the wonderful Scatman Crothers and some amusing moments with the old folks turning into kids. The third segment was my favorite. I always thought some of those old cartoons from the thirties were very creepy in their surreal quality, and watching this segment is like watching someone's nightmare of those old cartoons gone berserk. Of interest is the doomed sister, Ethel, who later on became the voice of Bart Simpson...she really DID get stuck in Cartoonland! And the fourth segment is pretty wonderful too, due to a comic twist on the horror provided by the script and John Lithgow's performance. Towering above the entire movie, though, is Jerry Goldsmith's score...one of his best and one of my three favorite film scores of all time. It truly adds to the eerieness of the first, third and fourth segments and while the second section pours on the schmaltzy strings, on its own it makes a GREAT listen with a memorable theme.

Tribute Classic
OK, there are some flaws in this movie but overall it can only be considered a modern classic. From the aged nursing home to the racial biggot sequence suspense reigns giving pure entertainment. Why this has not been transferred to DVD is beyond comprehension. As a cinema movie it is one i have never forgotten, the type of movie that remains embedded for twilight zone lovers. You can imagine my disappointment when continually searching for it on DVD. My fingers remain crossed !

I Love Creedence (ClearWater Revival)
After 20 plus years, TWILIGHT ZONE:THE MOVIE has attained somewhat of a cult following and has maintained a level that it is not too outdated, but did not do the original tv series justice. The movie will be remembered mostly because actor Vic Morrow (tv's COMBAT) was killed during filming along with two children. The first segment KKK is an original entry, directed by John Landis and starring Vic Morrow. It is not too inventive and very predictable. Morrow has made a career of playing baddies from BLACKBOARD JUNGLE to THE BAD NEWS BEARS so he was perfectly cast as the bigot who gets caught in a time warp to experience the suffering of the two groups he hates the most (blacks and jews). There is a segment where he is supposedly in Vietnam which doesn't go anywhere (because the scenes that were to be part of this sequence is where he got killed) but the producers stuck it in anyway. The next segment KICK THE CAN is directed by Spielberg who was continuing his period of working with children carried over from his film E.T. (and would culminate to his work on HOOK). This is a typical Spielberg directed sequence with a standout performance of Scatman Crothers as the instigator who entices the residences of an old folks home to think young again. The third segment ITS A GOOD LIFE is probably the most bizarre taking the original story to a more light-hearted approach. A boy who has the power to make anything he wishes come true while holding his family and townspeople at bay (in terror) was much more scarier and serious in the original tv episode. Director Joe Dante's take on it is more of a cartoon with a surprisingly upbeat and happy ending compared to the original's very downbeat ending. Bill Mumy (tv's LOST IN SPACE fame)who played the boy in the original tv episode makes a cameo appearance in the beginning of the sequence, but the cast (Kevin McCarthy,William Schallert,Lonna Schwab,Nancy Cartwright{voice of tv's Bart Simpson}) who plays the boy's terrorized family is the best part of the sequence along with lead Kathleen Quinlan. Finally, the last (and probably the best) segment, NIGHTMARE AT 20,000 FEET is pretty close to the original tv episode compared to the other two segments. John Lithgow's performance as the frightened passenger who sees a gremlin on the wing of a plane which disappears when he tries to get others to look out the window is equal to that of William Shatner's performance from the original tv episode. The prologue with Dan Aykroyd and Albert Brooks is amusing if not prdictable and the movie as stated still holds up despite its faults. Note: Look for a young John Larroquette in a brief appearance in the first segmnet (KKK).

I wonder why this has been forgotten?
It really is a sad thing how critics and those who have viewed this find this film a lost cause or a pathetic outdated mess. Now the film is about 20 years old but it is still very good and fun to watch. People just constantly knock the film saying it's bits are weak and don't compare to the original series now that may be true but the film that it turned out to be it is worth laughing at and enjoying. You are not supposed to get scared by this film you are really supposed to laugh your butt off I find that kick the can story hilarious a little touching but come on "Fresh Young Minds" you just don't take words like that seriously. How about the story with Anthony O.K the special effects are a bit dated but who cares? that bit is so hysterical because the plot is trying to be serious but it just does not work instead you just end up laughing at how the people who Anthony has taken to his home are forced to sit around and watch Cartoons all day! The last story is probably the most thrilling of the four (That's probably why they saved it for last) because watching John Lithgow hysterical on that airplane with those people is just classic cinema in my opinion. You of course have your first story with Vic Morrow where the disaster happened O.K that bit is a little dark and distrurbing but the whole film is one big laugh after another what about when Dan Aykroyd and Albert Brooks are just driving down a road and singing dumb songs are bored out of there minds because there song "Let the Midnight Special" tape broke. If you want to see something really scary as Dan Aykroyd puts it in the film or just want to laugh your butt off at crazy cinema you'll like Twilght Zone The Movie.

lpcb
I think that this was a cleaver movie because it had 4 differendt shows in it, I espeacally liked the last 2 shows....
-Casey ... Read more

Amazon.com

Eddie Dodd (James Woods) is a former '60s radical lawyer who now spends his time cynically defending drug dealers for the big bucks. But an idealistic young protégé (Robert Downey Jr.) convinces him to take one case from the heart: a young Chinese immigrant unjustly accused in a gang slaying. Woods (complete with add-on ponytail) fairly hums with energy once he gets cooking here. Playing the been-there-done-that mentor--not to mention legal gadfly--gives Woods plenty of opportunity to run off at the mouth with spicy one-liners and zingers. But it also allows him to do some real acting, capturing Eddie's denial and sense of disappointment in himself. Plus his vehicle is a not-too-shabby mystery by thrillmeister director Joseph Ruben (Sleeping with the Enemy).--Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A winner film
James Woods has been one of the best actors in the screen. He is outstanding and always he commits in just five hundred per cent in all his performances. Powerful and expressive, but in Hollywood he has had just isolated opportunities. It's missunderstable.
Earl Dodd is very special lawyer, he isn't a typical image of lucky lawyer. and obviously our character lived with too much passion those singular decades from the sixties and seventies.
From this perpective a singular case challenges him; to assume the defense of a chinese acussed of murder, being not guilty. This movie will tell about all the resources and special methods of our antihero for winning this dark case.
Robert Downey Jr. plays the typical role of the rookie naif lawyer who thinks the world is fair and clean. Soon he'll learn too many issues about how to deal with the life and specaiily in this business.
A well built script allows Woods to release all his stamina and skills, specially in front the Court in the first half of the film.
Solid film , with smart situations and a fine sense of humor. Worthy work.

Boring
I'm a big James Woods fan and came across this movie here. I have never heard of it and it is not available at any of the video stores in my area. So I ordered it because of all the positive reviews here, but wound up turning it off in the middle. It was real long, uninteresting, and was taking too long for anything to happen. If you haven't seen this movie before, I would recommend you not buy this yet, like I did. Try checking out "Indictment" or "Dirty Pictures", two of Woods's best movies.

The guiltier he is, the more he needs us
This and 'Inherit The Wind' are the best courtroom drama's ever!
A man kills a white suprimacist in prison, and Eddie Dodd, a lawyer who 'does cases cheap, James Woods, his lawyer decides to put the original case on trial.
Chinatown...

True believer
another of those non-mainstream James Woods movies that turns out to be the one you remember forever. I honestly don't know how Woods can get so much emotion into a character.

This is probably his greatest work (with Diggstown right there) and you will be able to experience his characters Frustration, pain, and relief right along side him. A touch of humor to lighten but mostly the best dramatic court scenes and flat out grit will have you recommending this to strangers on the street.

True Believer
True Believer has to be one of the best movies ever made. The evidence I introduce to support my case is I have watched it 7-8 times without becoming remotely tired of it. (Raiders of the Lost Ark, another favorite of mine, got a little tedious after 3 viewings). True Believer is James Woods at his very best. The story is very plausible and the clues unravel at a perfect pace throughout the film. In fact, the movie gives you the opportunity to piece the puzzle together as the characters do. Robert Downey Jr., is the perfect naive "sidekick" to James Woods cynical been-through-the-grinder attorney. Kurtwood Smith is perfect as the district attorney. If you are a James Woods fan and haven't seen this movie you are in for a treat. Buy it! ... Read more

Reviews (70)

An outstandingly brilliant movie
This is definitely first class thriller. Body Of Evidence takes U 2 a world where no other movie has taken U B4.

Madonna is in the lead role of Rebecca Carlson, a beautiful woman charged 4 the murder of her much older, but wealthy boyfriend, with a bad heart condition. Willem DaFoe plays Frank DeLaney, the lawyer who must defend Rebecca. But Frank is suddenly drawn 2 Rebecca and after a steamy seduction, Frank becomes another one of Rebecca's dominated puppets.

Other stars include Joe Montegna who plays Garrett, the Lawyer who is up against Rebecca. Anne Archer, who playes Joanne, the wealthy guy's secretary, and Julianne Moore who plays Sharon, Frank's attractive, but naive wife.

Madonna may have been great in films like Desperatey Seeking Susan, Shanghai Surprise, Who's That Girl, The Bloodhounds Of Broadway, Dick Tracy, and A League Of Their Own but Madonna delivers N outstanding, steamy performance in this classic thriller. I urge all of U 2 buy this movie. U will all B deeply surprised.

A poor mans Basic Instinct
Firstly, I didn't think this was a bad film at all.
Its has an interesting storyline (see above), the acting is acceptable (its a shame we have to mention this when talking about Madonna's movies), and the sex scenes are definately raunchy (actually, more explicit than I would have expected - however this was during Madonna's SEX / rebellious period).
The problem is that it came AFTER Basic Instinct which is a far superior film, more stylish, more dramatic and more enjoyable. The script let the film down at times too, giving Madonna some silly one-liners "Have you ever seen animals make love Frank? Its brutal".
Enjoyable and definately worth a viewing.

Quite sexy, suspensful, provocative!!!
I sincerely found this movie provocative, sexy, and quite entertaining. Madonna was more than acceptable and convincing in her role as a manipulating, calculating gold digging sultress. I find the problem so many have w/ her acting, is just her mere presence. Right from the first scene shes in, the director blatantly was trying not to show her face to keep the suspense cause you "knew" it was Madonna, but waits until a sudden close up of her face. Once you see its her, here mere presence seems to cause more of a distraction cause its "Madonna". Therefore, once she speaks her 1st line she probably loses credability from most viewers. But I thought the dialogue, plot, sex/ nude scenes were extremely hot, climatic and natural. Some say there was no chemistry between Madonna and Defoe, I totally disagree, they were blended VERY well together, and Madonna clearly "taught" him a thing or two ;). Madonnas high point in the movie was the court scene where she really display some amazing acting chops!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Oh my God
Oh dear. this is an abysmal movie. So abysmal that after twenty minutes I found myself fast-forwarding through the movie, admittedly pausing to view the dirty bits involving Madonna and Defoe. The trouble is that Defoe is just about the most unnattractive actor in Hollywood, and Madonna, whilst both beautiful AND sexy, is somehow portrayed in this movie as an utterly sexless thing, almost like one of those blow-up dolls with '3 working orifices'. Or is that orifi? Anyway, the whole film sucked. Mind you, that Willen Defoe is a lucky S.O.B. The muff-munching scene in the carpark was obviously real.

Madonna, you are not Monroe
Madonna, you are not, was never, and never will be Marilyn Monroe. This is a BAD movie, but the best scene is when Madonna is put on trial. When she is on the stand, she gives the movie's best line. You'll know when you see it. ... Read more

Description

A noir thriller set in 1948 L.A., pits Detective Harry Lovecraft against a cast of horrors in his search for a stolen book of ultimate mystical power. ' 'Imagine ?Who Framed Roger Rabbit?? with witches and zombies instead of toons.' ' (USA Today.) ' 'A great way to spend an evening.' ' (Entertainment Weekly) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Guilty Pleasure
This is probably the "guilty pleasure" to top all other guilty pleasures. A made for TV flick that should have been released theatrically. No major stars--though Fred Ward you may remember from "Tremors"--but one of the best made-for-TV movies ever broadcast. No major special effects--no huge explosions--but the ones in the flick are human-sized (like the Borg queen in "Strar Trek") and thus twice as interesting. A lot of in-group jokes for genre lvoers, from Ward as Detective Harry P.Lovecraft to another named Bradbury. A real popcorn thriller that's frequently hilarious to boot. And at the price, one of the best bargains going.

Very good.
It's very good movie, though it'd never win an award. It has few insightful things to say, though you have to over-interpret to see them. One belief I hold dear came from this movie, which is why I don't practice witchcraft is so "...Nothing has a mortgage on my soul." It gives the message not play with things you don't understand. THere should be more movies like this one.

Very good.
This is a pretty good movie, though it'd never win an award. It has few insightful things to say, though you have to over-interpret to see them. One belief I hold dear came from this movie, which is why I don't practice witchcraft is so "...Nothing has a mortgage on my soul." It gives the message not play with things you don't understand. I'd suggest this to fans of H.P. Lovecraft.

BRILLIANT AND HILARIOUS LOVECRAFT SPOOF
Whether you are an "in the closet/out of the closet" Occultist, you'll love this film spoof of the occult in general, and HP Lovecraft in particular. The scene where Fred Ward has a conversation with a real estate agent who praises the fact that her homes are made with "the finest Thaumaturgy" and builder zombies falling in the background will split your gut...no pun intended. Anyone will enjoy this film; but Occultists will howl. Plus, Old Cthulhu never looked so good...

Great way to blow an hour and a half

It's not incisive or heavy and it won't inspire debate, but this movie is an absolute blast nonetheless, and a nice illustration of the fact that a movie doesn't have to be vapid pablum to work as light, fun, happy entertainment. Even the violence isn't anywhere near as gory as it could have been. In general, you'll hit the rewind button 90 minutes after starting the film and be pretty pleased at the way you just spent those 90 minutes.

The story is engaging and fun, Fred Ward (who I've had a soft spot for ever since "The Right Stuff") is perfect as the inexplicably sexy roadworn gumshoe, perfect casting. David Warner plays his standard "Hi, I'm Bob Evil" type of role and does a lovely job at it.

This could have been a lot schlockier than it was if it hadn't been played so straight, but as it is, with the actors playing it *absolutely* straight, you get to enjoy the movie on a variety of levels: just suspending your disbelief and letting yourself fall into the story, and enjoying the general fun of watching it all played so straight. One little wink at the camera would have ruined it.

It's called a comedy, but I'm not sure it is -- it's just that the way the film comes together just has you chuckling out of delight more than laughter. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

MIND ALTERING TV ¿ NOT FOR TECHNOPHOBES!
The Wild Palms Mini Series first aired a few years ago, it was made for TV and it is based on the comic strip by the same name that appeared in Details Magazine in the early 90's. Its main audience was Generation X'ers, but I've heard that the comic strip became very popular with aging hippies, potheads, and the "underground" in general because of its offbeat pace and cerebral content. I taped it off the TV when it first aired and have watched it many, many times. I will definitely buy it on DVD when it comes out. The film stars Jim Belushi as Harry Wyckoff; Dana Delaney as Grace, his wife; Angie Dickinson as Josie, Grace's mother; Robert Loggia as Senator Tony Kreutzer, Josie's brother; and a few others like Kim Catrall, Bebe Newirth , and Ernie Hudson.

Wild Palms is a story that takes place in the year 2065, and shows how technology has advanced to the point of being at the verge of making hollographic images physically interactive with human beings. Senator Kreutzer is about to launch a new sitcom on Channel 3 called Church Windows which will project the characters into people's living rooms. It will make people "feel" like part of the TV program. The dark side of the plan is that in order for people to interact with the hollograms, they have to take the drug MIMIZINE. Prolonged use of the drug has a side effect...it causes the user to see hallucinations of cathedrals and churches and it is ultimately fatal. But Senator Kreutzer wants the whole world to get hooked on hollographic TV for his own purposes, but you'll have to watch the film to find out what that is.

Wild Palms is the first major production concerning VIRTUAL REALITY, though there was a kind of predecessor in TRON and in other lesser known films. The concept of VR has been used in movies again and again since Wild Palms in varying degrees of benevolence and malevolence (e.i. THE LAWNMOWER MAN, VIRTUOSITY, THE MATRIX), but when Wild Palms first came out the idea of VR was pretty fresh and open to exploration. The premise of VR is that human beings can communicate, interact, copulate, and in essence live and die in VR which is an extension of the real world within a network of computers (like the internet).

The conflict in Wild Palms begins with Senator Kreutzer, he is the founder of a group called "The Fathers" who epitomize capitalism and right-wing, traditional politics (their corruption notwithstanding). Their antagonists are "The Friends" whose founder is a political prisoner named Eli Levitz. Eli used to be married to Josie...their daughter is Grace.

Chickie Levitz (played by Brad Douriff) has the secret to the GO CHIP, which is the thing that will allow Senator Kreutzer to achieve his final goal once everyone is hooked into the Church Windows Sitcom.

Throughout the film there's betrayal, seduction, incest, murder, and torture. None of it is overly graphic as it is not a "gore" film as such. The atmosphere of fear and impending doom is created more by what it implies than by what it shows. Like when Josie pokes the eyes out the artist. Not much is shown in the way of gore, but the scene is pretty disturbing.... Later in the film, as he prepares for revenge ,he says to Josie, "...once I was a painter, and mixing colors was my joy...", he then pokes her eyes out, and as she's screaming on the floor he shoots her a number of times.

The film is very textural and warbles in and out of psychological focus. It mixes Oriental mysticism, politics, philosophy, hi-tech drugs, and the American Dream in a mish-mash so weird, you just have to watch it to understand it. Many of the scenes are reminiscent of Peter Greenaway films (a.i. A Zed and Two Noughts, Drowning by Numbers, etc.)

Prescient View of Future?
I view this mini-series at least once a year and find it eeriely prescient to the world we live in today and possibly the world we're creating.

With it's strange and (sometimes) confusing mixture of technology, twisted family trees, megalomania and rampant drug use, the story seems to be converging on real-world relationships between people and machines in the 21st century. Add in that it was filmed prior to the Internet boom/bust years, the themes of social and economic disruption because of revolutionary technology and processes (i.e. Napster and globalization) makes WP seem positively visionary.

There are many things not to like about W-P (primarily because of the limitations of the mini-series format) but looking beyond those shortcomings, people can find an imaginative, daring and provocative story about the world we live in and possibly the world we're creating.

Great show
I was impressed with this mini-series when it was shown on Dutch television 10 years ago. Finally I got to buy a good version on DVD from somebody on eBay. I can hardly wait for the official DVD-version.

When will this be on DVD ?
This is one of the most interesting series made. The version that made it on Sci-Fi channel a few years later with commentary should go onto the DVD. I really wish someone would get this out soon... the feel of the society portrayed here becomes more like reality. The Bush II era in a post-bin Laden/WTC world has takes on the atmosphere of politics as in Fathers vs. Friends in the world of this series more and more.

To the people who doesn't get it.
If you can't see what is so good about this series then you either don't like the setting or you're just one of the guys that doesn't like anything that messes with your mind. You'll probably hate David Lynch too. If you give this one star...well, then you're just being silly. Go watch armageddon or behind enemy lines, it's the only movies you'll understand. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Action With goldberg;s sense of humor is a good combo
A fast talking smart mouth cop investigates a cocaine ring who specalizes in a lethal form of cocaine and sells it to the highest bidder. Basically what the viewer has here is the female version of BEVERLY HILLS COP With Goldberg having the same dialouge Eddie Murphy had. The violence and bloodflow never stops from the opening scene right to the climatic finale. The best part was the massive shoot out in the mall. The film has one weak point Sam Elliot, wasn;t really convincing as a bodyguard who ends up falling for Goldberg. Whoopi Goldberg pulled off a very funny genuine performance. The film is worth seeing and is much,much better than BURGLER realased the same year.

One of my favorite Whoopi films
I'm surprised at the bad review Amazon gave this. I really enjoy watching the film over and over. Whoopi is as funny as ever in her "character" rolls and the drama adds another dimension. There is profanity, but not inappropiate to the movie. I think she did a great job and if you liked Jumpin' Jack Flash, I think you'll like this one. ... Read more

Description

Three senior citizens in their 70s who live together are slowly decaying in endless days with nothing to do but feed the birds. One of them comes up with an idea - rob a bank. They certainly could use the money if they get away with it and if they are caught, what could happen to three old men? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Coming And Going
Going In Style boasts three Hollywood legends, teaming up, for a very solid comedy/drama that proves you are only as young as you feel.

Joe (George Burns), Al (Art Carney), and Willie (Lee Strasberg) are three mild-mannered retirees who usually spend their days sitting on a park bench. Tired of feeling like life is passing them by, the trio decides to rob a bank, hoping things will improve. They are convinced that, even if they are caught, because of their age--a visit to jail is out of the question. Little do they know, their lives are about to change in ways they never expected.

Director Martin Brest, who also wrote the script, couldn't have asked for a better cast. Burns, Carney, and Strasberg, make quite a team. These men play very well off of each other and all three are up to, both the comedic and dramatic demands of the story. The late Charles Hallahan is also very good as Joe's concerned nephew, Pete. Brest knows how to balance both genres with ease. Over the years, Going In Style, has been somewhat underated, in my opinion. It is funny, dramatic, touching, and even a bit dark at times.

In my review of the VHS tape, I stated that the film was finally getting a DVD release, to be honest, I wasn't expecting the disc to have any extras on it. Imagine my surprise, when I discoverd a segment from the 70's talk show hosted by Dinah Shore, with Burns and Carney can be found. It may not be all that long, but, it's still great to see. Especially since none of these legends are with us now. You can also see a vintage TV spot. Some comments from Brest would have made things even better. Still, it's great to finally see Going In Style, in widescreen format.

If you've never seen it, I recommend that you check it out...You should be glad you did.

Young At Heart
Going In Style boasts three Hollywood legends, teaming up, for a very solid comedy/drama that proves you are only as young as you feel.

Joe (George Burns), Al (Art Carney), and Willie (Lee Strasberg) are three mild-mannered retirees who usually spend their days sitting on a park bench. Tired of feeling like life is passing them by, the trio decides to rob a bank, hoping things will improve. They are convinced that, even if they are caught, because of their age--a visit to jail is out of the question. Little do they know, their lives are about to change in ways they never expected.

Director Martin Brest, who also wrote the script, couldn't have asked for a better cast. Burns, Carney, and Strasberg, make quite a team. These men play very well off of each other and all three are up to, both the comedic and dramatic demands of the story. Brest knows how to balance both genres with ease. Over the years, Going In Style, has been somewhat underated, in my opinion. It is funny, dramatic, touching, and even a bit dark at times. If you've never seen it, I recommend that you check it out...

Up until now, Going In Style, has only been available on VHS. I am happy to report though, that is about to change, and it will finally make it's DVD debut on March 30th 2004

Solid Comedy
If you like the best actors this country has seen and will probably not see again--vetran talent--see Going in Style. I remember it from when it came out over twenty years ago--I have not stopped laughing yet. It is the film that made me laugh the hardest--Carney, Burns and Strausberg are gone--but their legends live on in this great work.

An underappreciated heist comedy-drama.
Pretty much overlooked when it came out in 1979, this film is a rare gem. George Burns, Art Carney and Lee Strasberg play three retirees sharing a house in Queens. Bored and bitter, Joe (Burns) talks Al and Willie (Carney and Strasberg) into going in on a bank robbery. The three get a real buzz out of pulling off the job, the only excitement they've had in years. But what seems to have been the perfect crime soon begins to have tragic consequences. When Willie dies from a heart attack, Joe and Al take off for Vegas where they wind up getting into a once in a lifetime crap game. This excursion then takes on tragic consequences of its own, leading up to a bittersweet ending. While all three of the leads are terrific, it is really Burns who carries the film. I believe this to be his best film work. For those who have always felt that a little bit of George goes a long way, you should check this film out to see what a truly remarkable acting talent he could be when given the material. His work here is totally devoid of the "cuteness" that marked a lot of the films he was in such as "Oh, God!" A truly Oscar-worthy performance. One wonders what the atmosphere on the set must have been like with Burns and Carney, two masters of schtick, and Strasberg, the father of modern method acting. Whatever the chemistry, it definitely shows up on screen. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

A Fine Whistle Blower Movie!
This 1983 film has everything going for it. It is directed by Mike Nichols; written by Nora Ephron and Alice Arlen; and stars Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell and Cher. The movie is based on the true story of Karen Silkwood and brings to mind NORMA RAE, ERIN BROKOVICH and THE INSIDER, as it is about efforts to unionize a plant (Sally Field in NORMA RAE) and whistle blowers' activities where the public's health is at risk.

Meryl Streep with her shag haircut and mini-skirts is perfect as the worker who becomes exposed to lethal doses of radioactive plutonium in a plant in Oklahoma. Apparently there is no role too difficult for her. Cher also gives a great performance and comes into her own as a serious actress here, playing Streep's gay housemate.

This movie will scare your socks off, particularly when the alarm goes off in the plant, indicating that radioactive plutonium has been released and that someone has been exposed to this deadly agent. The film makes a powerful statement about corporate greed versus the safety of workers. Very, very scary.

An average flick about a fascinating subject.
I found the film entertaining only because I find the topic absolutely compelling. Streep, Russell and Cher turn in very average performances, but in all fairness they were portraying very average people. The big mystery is not who killed Karen Silkwood but how did Meryl Streep get an Oscar nomination for this? Musta been a slow year the the movies. I found it ironic that the lead character in the film was so concerned about the carcinogenic dangers of plutonium while she chain smoked through the entirety of the film. As I have said, the story is compelling. The movie doesn't parallel the events very closely as they really took place, and when it does follow fact it barely scrapes the surface. I have just finished the *excellent* book "The Killing Of Karen Silkwood" by Richard Rashke and I heartily recommend it to any Silkwood buff who is interested in the whole story. It'll scare the daylights out of you.

thought provoking
Silkwood was fantastic. Streep's performance of Karen Silkwood accompanied by Russell was supurb. This film was thought provoking whilst tear jerking in its realism of capitalism over-riding human natures passion for a better world.
And how can you forget the films rendition of "Amazing Grace".

Radioactive Thriller!
Meyrl Streep's performance as Karen Silkwood was excellent. She is just a worker at a neucular power plant who is exposed to plutonium and goes to the press to report unsafe working conditions. Cher and Kurt Russell play Silkwood's room-mate and boyfriend who also work at the plant and are exposed to the radiation and plutonium leak. They are told that they will develop cancer and other life-long heath problems. I couldn't imagine working in a neucular power plant. The extreme dangers on top of the risk of being contaminated would be too scary! Plus, if you were contaminated they sprayed you down with scalding hot water and vigerously scrubbed you until your skin was beet red! All against your own will! You were forced. Nope, I couldn't imagine it.

NEVER work in a plutonium plant!
This movie blew me away when I saw it the theater when it first came out...Cher is amazing, and you never think, while you watch the movie, that this IS Cher. Kurt Russell and of course, Meryl Streep, are fantastic, very high caliber performances. The setting, the plant and the other workers, all lend an air of depression and danger, the plant is a place no one in their right mind would ever want to work, no matter how high the salary. As Drew (Russell) explains to Karen (Streep) those aren't Post Toasties you're workin' with..." underlining the extreme danger of working with these substances. When they go to see Karen's children, living with their father and his new wife, it is SO depressing I could hardly watch; I cannot imagine living in such a place and under such conditions...I once went to a place in California called the City of Industry, and it reminded me of that. A real nightmare of industry, right in your front, back and side yards. The workers try hard to have an air of normality, but really, under such hazardous conditions, it is not possible. The gradual, increasing deliberate contamination of Silkwood is so vile, so insidious and so tragic, it is horrifying...better to shoot someone to death, than that prolonged agony and horror she must have endured before they finally succeeded in killing her. Streep's singing, a capella, of "Amazing Grace" over the end credits is heartbreaking, and she does a great job with it...it is an evocative song to begin with; under these circumstances it is dreadfully sad to hear. It is a true nightmare journey into a world where people earn a living exposing themselves to contamination every day, and those who work in nuclear plants, I take my hat off to you...you are truly brave souls. Excellent story, partly because it is true and partly due to the excellent acting, and a real emotional experience and window into another world... ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of Halle Berry's first star vehicles, The Rich Man's Wife has a quirky, unearned twist for an ending, but everything else is pretty obvious. So obvious, it's possible to review it like this:

See Halle.
Halle is a wife.
See Halle's husband.
The husband is mean.
See the barfly.
Halle tells the barfly how she feels.
The barfly is not well.
The barfly kills Halle's husband.
The barfly tricks Halle.
Extort. Extort. Extort.
Halle has to run.
Halle has to fight.
Halle has to carry this movie.
Act, Halle! Act!
Halle has no help.
Plot, people! Plot!

Reviews (9)

Split in two
"The Rich Man's Wife" has potential, it really does, but it turns out to be too much like the plot of something you'd watch on LIFETIME (a network that claims to be good for women, but continually features tortured females running from bad men.) How many times can you tell the same cliched story before it bores you to tears? The pluses in this film are Halle Berry, Clea Lewis and the cinematography. There are too many cons to list here.

The "big" plot twist (and this was right after THE USUAL SUSPECTS and a few years before plot twists became all the rage) is ludicrous after it follows ninety minutes of a flashback that is nothing more than mixed-up foreshadowing. No matter what context you place the "this is what happened" in, it still does not connect well with the ending. The ending appears to have been slapped on at the last minute. "Hey," the writers must have thought, "let's throw in a completely misplaced plot twist." Unlike MULHOLLAND DRIVE (a wonderfully complex film), the fact that this film does not make sense is due to poor writing, NOT a great abstract mind as in the case of David Lynch.

In reference to a previous reviewer who seemed disturbed that a black man (who was unjustly accused of the murder) rightfully sought justice: this aspect of the film was one of the few times it broke tradition and tried to become a meaningful film. Racial profiling, unfortunately, is something that still happens in a police department and Detective Lewis was more than justified in pointing out his colleague's racist tendencies.

Every time the film started to go somewhere that could have made it a strong film (exploring the volatie relationship of marriage, the horrible impact of racism on someone's life, infidelity) it suddenly turned back into a cheesy Lifetime movie.

Holy Halle Crap!!
It's one of Halle Berry's(The X-Men movies, Gothika) first movies for jebus' sake. The only good thing about this movie is seeing Clive Owen(Gosford Park, the upcoming King Arthur) in it but he doesnt even make this movie gold, the only said thing is I knew who would kill him and the way he died,damn this director for casting his behind. Peter Greene(Under Siege2, Pulp Fiction)plays another badguy, like we havent seen that over and over again, he really needs to get better roles. Christopher McDonald(Terminal Velocity, Quiz Show)plays Halle Berry's wife and who dies. Things happen and it gets all crappy and once you know it the movie is done with. Wasted of a good cast.

Rich man's wife is a poor excuse for a movie.
The Rich Man's wife is a poor excuse for a thriller. Dull, predictable and bland. The only thing good about this film was the cinematography and the way Halle Berry looked in those designer clothes. I guess the writer/director was too busy with the visuals to work on those more important pieces the film like the story and the acting. I hope by reading this review you'll avoid wasting the 90 or so minutes of your life this movie will steal from you.
In the movie Halle Berry plays Josie, the Barbie doll wife of a powerful TV executive being accused of the murder of her husband. The story starts out in a police station where Josie a rich trophy wife is eager to tell her story without a lawyer present. Their marriage is on the rocks. He's turned to drinking and she's turned to someone else. (Clive Owen) She wants a divorce but will lose everything because she signed a pre nuptial agreement. In a desperate attempt to save their marriage, guess what-they go on a vacation in the mountains. When he decides to leave early to do some business, Josie is left to fend for herself and guess what-She heads to a bar where guess what- there's a grimy looking weirdo named Cole to greet her there. She tells the weirdo all about her problems and his proposal IN A BAR FULL OF PEOPLE is-guess what-Let's kill your husband. Soon afterward Cole then takes her on a terrifying drive and menaces her in her house. She picks up a gun and her scurries away. End of act one. Act II opens with the two of them having a birthday party. Richman decides to go to an ATM to pick up some cash guess what in his car the mysterious weirdo is there to "carjack him" There's a big struggle in the rain but he eventually kills him-WITH THE SAME GUN FROM THE CABIN WITH HIS BARE HANDS. Next he breaks into Josie's house WEARING GLOVES to tell her what he's done. Shouldn't he have been WEARING the GLOVES when he was doing the killing? It would help with that pesky GUNPOWDER RESIDUE left on his hands from FIRING the gun. They say Josie was a high school dropout; but I think this character dropped out of elementary school; she actually believes his silly argument about being an accomplice. I guess they had another 60 or so more minutes of time to waste. The police show up and we get some idiotic lines about racial profiling and black people being brought in for questioning. From there we learn that the weirdo was actually a hired hitman who was hired by Josie's lover to kill her so she could get the money and they could be together. I know you're shaking your head reading this because I was too. Weirdo now has upped the ante and is blackmailing the lover and Josie. In another ridiculous plot twist Josie learns that the rich man left no will and the money will be tied up for a year in probate court, so she will have no money. THIS IS THE SAME MAN WHO WAS SMART ENOUGH TO HAVE A LAWYER MAKE UP A PRE NUP CONTRACT, BUT NOT SMART ENOUGH TO HAVE A WILL. But the story moves on in spite of this plot hole. At the funeral we see the ex-wife of the lover and the police taking pictures. They get a shot of the lover and Cole who is conveniently there to threaten Josie and the lover once more. She's so scared of him in public, but all of a sudden gets courageous during a late night meeting to give him the money she got from hocking her jewelry. She takes a revolver with her and threatens to kill him. He takes the SIX SHOT REVOLVER from her and fires off SEVEN shots as she escapes back to her car. Josie learns that Cole and her lover were part of the plot to kill her husband. End of Act II.Act III opens up with the lover telling her that Cole has broken into the house. Josie calls the police but the call is convienetly disconnected when the lights go out. Cole then shoots lover in the head and he falls through the window setting off the alarm Josie scurries about the house to escape but when confronted by the weirdo she fights him and kills him. She's arrested and since the men had all the evidence she's let go In the final plot twist we find out the ex wife and Josie planned to kill all the men all along and have pulled the wool over the cops eyes as they drive off into the sunset. What are they happy about? These two dummies are BROKE NOW. The 30 grand fell in a plothole. As golddiggers they'd actually be better off if they both stayed married to their husbands. At least they could have a STEADY INCOME and a LOT OF STUFF.
Halle Berry struggles in the role of Josie, due to the weak direction. Her uninspired performance is lethargic and she has no chemistry with the Owen or any of the other actors. Instead of feeling scared with her or disappointed with her character's bad marriage I found myself laughing at these scenes because the director did not prepare the actors with the right motivation for each shot. And the actors who play the cops are so lethargic they just phone it in. Her script is awful too; the plot is predictable and the dialogue is cartoonish. If you're a Halle fan in need of a Halle fix rent it. If not pick Up Bryan Singer's Usual Suspects or Charade With Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.

Nice Wife:)
Well, this is actually in my opinion one of the better movies Halle has been in. Sure, it is rather predictable but nevertheless it has it's moments and Halle is gorgeous as always. She really kicks booty in this movie too. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie...there is plenty of violence and predictability to the plot but I thought it was an overall worthwhile watch.

Nice Movie.....
I actually enjoyed this movie, thought that I wouldn't like it after the negative rewiews that was given at the box office. But I also feel this movie is not for everyone. After the ending I sat in front of the T.V wondering what the hell had happened, but after watching it for the second time. Great movie, makes u think, but for most people it'll just go right over their heads, they wouldn't understand it. ... Read more

Reviews (70)

An outstandingly brilliant movie
This is definitely first class thriller. Body Of Evidence takes U 2 a world where no other movie has taken U B4.

Madonna is in the lead role of Rebecca Carlson, a beautiful woman charged 4 the murder of her much older, but wealthy boyfriend, with a bad heart condition. Willem DaFoe plays Frank DeLaney, the lawyer who must defend Rebecca. But Frank is suddenly drawn 2 Rebecca and after a steamy seduction, Frank becomes another one of Rebecca's dominated puppets.

Other stars include Joe Montegna who plays Garrett, the Lawyer who is up against Rebecca. Anne Archer, who playes Joanne, the wealthy guy's secretary, and Julianne Moore who plays Sharon, Frank's attractive, but naive wife.

Madonna may have been great in films like Desperatey Seeking Susan, Shanghai Surprise, Who's That Girl, The Bloodhounds Of Broadway, Dick Tracy, and A League Of Their Own but Madonna delivers N outstanding, steamy performance in this classic thriller. I urge all of U 2 buy this movie. U will all B deeply surprised.

A poor mans Basic Instinct
Firstly, I didn't think this was a bad film at all.
Its has an interesting storyline (see above), the acting is acceptable (its a shame we have to mention this when talking about Madonna's movies), and the sex scenes are definately raunchy (actually, more explicit than I would have expected - however this was during Madonna's SEX / rebellious period).
The problem is that it came AFTER Basic Instinct which is a far superior film, more stylish, more dramatic and more enjoyable. The script let the film down at times too, giving Madonna some silly one-liners "Have you ever seen animals make love Frank? Its brutal".
Enjoyable and definately worth a viewing.

Quite sexy, suspensful, provocative!!!
I sincerely found this movie provocative, sexy, and quite entertaining. Madonna was more than acceptable and convincing in her role as a manipulating, calculating gold digging sultress. I find the problem so many have w/ her acting, is just her mere presence. Right from the first scene shes in, the director blatantly was trying not to show her face to keep the suspense cause you "knew" it was Madonna, but waits until a sudden close up of her face. Once you see its her, here mere presence seems to cause more of a distraction cause its "Madonna". Therefore, once she speaks her 1st line she probably loses credability from most viewers. But I thought the dialogue, plot, sex/ nude scenes were extremely hot, climatic and natural. Some say there was no chemistry between Madonna and Defoe, I totally disagree, they were blended VERY well together, and Madonna clearly "taught" him a thing or two ;). Madonnas high point in the movie was the court scene where she really display some amazing acting chops!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Oh my God
Oh dear. this is an abysmal movie. So abysmal that after twenty minutes I found myself fast-forwarding through the movie, admittedly pausing to view the dirty bits involving Madonna and Defoe. The trouble is that Defoe is just about the most unnattractive actor in Hollywood, and Madonna, whilst both beautiful AND sexy, is somehow portrayed in this movie as an utterly sexless thing, almost like one of those blow-up dolls with '3 working orifices'. Or is that orifi? Anyway, the whole film sucked. Mind you, that Willen Defoe is a lucky S.O.B. The muff-munching scene in the carpark was obviously real.

Madonna, you are not Monroe
Madonna, you are not, was never, and never will be Marilyn Monroe. This is a BAD movie, but the best scene is when Madonna is put on trial. When she is on the stand, she gives the movie's best line. You'll know when you see it. ... Read more

Description

A Klan leader has been murdered, and the only witness to the slaughter is the victim?s son - young and burning with racist hatred. Now the county?s only black cop stands accused, and whoever killed the Klan leader wants them both dead in this explosive thriller. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

AN ACTION FLICK WITH A TWIST...
Courtney Vance plays the role of the only black cop on a southern, all white, good ole boy police department. Virginia Madsen plays the only female cop on that same force. They are simpatico with each other, as both are treated in the way one might expect someone of their race and gender to be treated by bigoted sexists and racists, covert though it may be. Although, it is actually not all that covert.

Then, the head of the local Klu Klux Klan gets murdered one night, leaving his son as a living eye witness to his father's murder. All hell breaks loose, as another witness says that the murder was commited by two black men, identified to be the leaders of a militant black group. When the police find the boy, they discover that the apple did not fall far from the tree, as he is a dyed in the wool racist, spouting racial investives at Vance, who remains remarkable calm in the face of being grossly insulted by a twelve year old pipsqueak who idolizes Hitler.

When the black militants turn up dead, something seems to be wrong with the entire picture. In the meantime, the boy is taken by Courtney Vance and three other cops to a supposed safe house, and on the way their car is ambushed by a group of gunmen wearing political masks. With Vance and the boy on the run with these masked freaks in pursuit, the boy grudgingly begins to bond, slowly but surely, with the man who is hellbent on saving his life.

In the meantime, Robert Patrick, of Terminator 2 and X-Files fame, assumes the mantle of leadership for the Klan. It turns out that he had been estranged from the boy's dead father due to a difference in their ideological fanaticism. While the dead man had confined his ideology of hate to local haunts, the new leader is a militant white supremacist with a more global vision of racial hatred. He, too, is looking for the boy. The reasons why are at the crux of the mystery.

While the film is painfully obvious, at times, in that you can see where the film is going vis-a-vis the boy's ideological beliefs, it is still a pretty absorbing film. So what that the viewer knows that the boy is supposed to undergo an ideological shift due to his interaction with Vance. It doesn't diminish the action and suspense in the film. Also, it is obvious that Madsen and Vance will join forces in an attempt to get to the bottom of what is going on. It is still interesting to see the mechanisms employed to get them going in the right direction.

Director Ernest Dickerson deftly directed this HBO TV movie which tackles the race card without being preachy, as well as conspiracy theories and frame ups. It is a tautly written, well acted film, with plenty of action to go around. It definitely an interesting and gripping film.

unlikely allies on the run
Given what it is, this HBO TVM has a screenplay a notch above the usual neanderthal level of most in the action genre, and strong direction by Ernest Dickerson. The subject matter of white supremacy is a generally unpalatable one, since the people presented as pro are inevitably cartoons, even within the limitations of the genre. This treatment is defined by the re-politicalising of the son of the KKK's Grand Dragon, who is the only witness to his father's killing, which is falsely blamed on black cop Courtney Vance. The plot then becomes a multiple pursuit of the boy who has fled with Vance after the titular ambush has aligned them, by both the law and the KKK. The condition is therefore set for the boy to realise the error of his abstracted prejudice, by having Vance demonstrating kindness (by trying to save his life) of an individual. However Vance's performance works against this idea, since he doesn't have a likeable persona. This charge may make me vulnerable to the accusation of racism, but when a screenplay introduces him watching home movies of his deceased child, who by an unimaginative coincidence would be the exact age of the Dragon boy if he were still alive, and gives him a romance with the only female cop in their small police force, we begin to sense something is off-balance. It's easier to identify with the quirkiness given to the KKK stooges, particularly when one refuses to follow Vance and the boy down a drainpipe because he's wearing a suite. Vance isn't given any similar accessability, and when the boy throws slurs at him, we're more likely to emphathise with the racist. In spite of some scenes which I found superfluous, and a stinker with the boy's memory of the killing of his elder brother intercut with the father's telling, Dickerson keep