Reviews (115)

Not bad if you're an Angelina Jolie fan
Originally, this wasn't a movie I was very interested in watching until I realized Angelina Jolie was the co-star. Okay, so I admit-I'm an Angelina Jolie junkie. But that's beside the point.

The plot of "Original Sin" isn't too original. Wealthy Cuban landowner Antonio Banderas buys a mail-order bride (Jolie) and gets a little more than he bargained for. Not only is his soon-to-be bride more beautiful than the photo she sent, she is quite the hellcat in bed. Not exactly the demur Virginia schoolteacher she professed to be.

Following the typical Hollywood "stupid male" syndrome, Banderas signs over his fortune to his new bride, only to find she has absconded with his money. Not only does Banderas go off half-cocked in search of Jolie, but when he finds her, he only wishes to bed her, not concerned his fortune is gone. A bit too unrealistic here, considering Banderas was homicidal and violent only minutes earlier. Of course, Jolie is also following the Hollywood stereotype of female characters that fall in love with men who wish to kill them.

Thomas Jane adds an exciting dimension to the movie as the psychotic sidekick of Jolie, although their relationship isn't quite defined, nor explained. The "spit in the mouth" routine was a bit much for me and could have been left out with no detrimental affects to the movie.

In all, if you wish to see a lot of Angelina Jolie naked, this is the movie for you, although the flapping breast image was a bit much. Myself, personally, I could have went without seeing the naked butt of Antonio Bandera repeatedly, but to each their own. "Original Sin" is a skin flick of mild entertainment value.

-...

I Like them both...
I haven't seen it(yet) but I like them both, but I heard that Antonio has a few"eye popping moments" How much does he show exactly? Like everything? Or what? Just so I am not surprised when I do see it.. How much?

Mildly entertaining chick flick
WARNING: SOME VERY MILD SPOILERS*****

The first time I saw this, I was prepared to laugh at a sleazy, direct-to-video Harlequin novel-on-celluloid. What is it about Antonio Banderas? He's very handsome and not a bad actor, but he seems to choose a lot of really cheesy projects, "Femme Fatale" being a particularly awful one I recall watching.

But I thought this was a decently entertaining, if not brilliantly deep film. I was unaware at that time of it's provenance -- it's based on an excellent novel by Cornell Woolrich called "Waltz into Darkness". The book is well worth reading if you like this film. It was also made into a film in the mid-sixties by Francois Truffaut called (inexplicably ) "Mississippi Mermaid". Strange title, because the original novel is set in 1870s New Orleans and Julia travels to meet Louis on a steamer down the Mississipp BUT in the Truffaut film he reset the story in the 60s and the action of the film in colonial Africa and the French Riviera!

"Original Sin" is, interesting, vastly closer to the novel than the Truffaut version. The setting is changed to Cuba, presumably to accodomodate Bandera's accent, but the period is correct and the story doesn't work well in modern times, so overall, I find "Original Sin" to be the better of the two movies -- and that's saying a lot, as Truffaut is revered as a brilliant director. ("Mississippi Mermaid" is NOT by any means one of his better efforts, however.)

An early cautionary tale of "personals ads" and blind dating, the story seems even more relevant today than when it was written. Luis (Banderas) writes to a mail order bride, who is supposed to be plain, shy and religious. He is surprised when stunningly beautiful and sexy Julia (Angelina Jolie, of the collagen injected lips) shows up. Even though she betrays him and cheats on him and steals all his money...he still loves her. Both film versions clean up the ending -- I won't give the film ending away -- but in the book, Julia/Bonny actually kills Louis/Luis. A very bleak ending. Don't worry, the movie is a lot more fun.

The kind of film that falls under the heading of "guilty pleasure", "Original Sin" has lots of great costumes and sets and Banderas and Jolie are two of the sexiest people imaginable and we get to watch them getting hot and heavy. (BTW: the "unrated version" isn't really all that dirty...I don't get the rating thing. The sex isn't graphic or bizarre in any way -- it's two people who are MARRIED and making love. In the age of "Sex in the City", what the heck is the big deal?)

Anyways, call over your best girlfriends, microwave some popcorn and have a good time....

Some Memorable Lines From An Otherwise Forgettable Movie
Overall, I would rate this film a passable 3-plus stars, just above ok, but I just had to add the comment for anyone thinking of buying (or renting) this movie that I thought it had some unexpectedly apt and quoteable dialogue and astute observations on the nature of love. It has interested me in seeking out the book on which this film is based.

Being Sinful Can Be Good
Antonio Banderas plays a wealthy Cuban who is to be married to an American woman he doesn't know. He marries an actress, played by Angelina Jolie. But she isn't the woman he thinks she is. This movie had twists and turns wondering where it would lead the viewer. It was a seductive and captivating movie. Angelina Jolie plays the role of a seductress very well. Antonio Banderas is gorgeous as a dashing, yet naive man. ... Read more

Description

Hawaii's own Johnny Kapahaala suddenly finds himself in the cold mountains of Vermont, without his friends, his grandfather, and those famous Kauai waves! When some jealous locals make fun of his "island style," he must find a way to unite his past and present -- which leads to some awesome snowboarding and a radical downhill race! Starring Brandon Baker (THE JUNGLE BOOK: MOWGLI'S STORY) and Kirsten Storms (ZENON, GIRL OF THE 21ST CENTURY) JOHNNY TSUNAMI is one great ride full of surfing, skiing, snowboarding, and just plain fun, wherever you're from! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A Great Made For T.V. Movie!
I love Disney Channel Original Movies! They are fun for the whole family! This one is about Johnny! His grandfather is a surfing legend known as Johnny Tsunami. And he is about to fil his grandfathers shoes. But his dad and step mom make him move. To Alaska! He has trouble fitting in. But soon finds out that The hip sport their is snowboarding. Johnny also gets a crush and makes enimies with her boyfriend. When Johnny's grandfather makes an offer for Johnny to live with him in Hawaii, Johnny has to choose between surfing in Hawaii and becoming a legend, or staying with his family and friends! This movie teaches kids to make good choices and about family and friends! I recommend you go rent it today!

A Great Made For T.V. Movie!!!
I don't normally like made for t.v. movies, but Disney makes some
pretty good ones! This is the story of Johnny Tsunami. He lives in
hawaii and is a great surfer. He would have been famous like his
grandfather if his dad and step mom hadn't made him move to alaska. He
has a hard time fitting in, But makes a friend and quickly learns the
next best thing to surfing, snowboarding. He deals with his bully, his
crush, and leaving his home behind ...

YES TOTTALY RICTER
this movie was totally ricter. My bra's and i were hangin out every single day just because this movie is the bomb!! I would recoment this movie to anyone who likes love movies or just totally narly shredding by chinese guys. I LOVE THIS MOVIE.

YE GUYS YE THIS IS THE BOMB. MY name is the Murf and I have no friends in life. EVERYONE HATES ME AND I DING DONG DOOR DITCH PEOPLE BECAUSE IM AFRAID OF THEM. I HOPE THEY WILL NEVER FIND OUT

Heart and Soul
This is a great movie! Johnny's parents are not very good "listeners," but his Grandfather is completely there for him. It's a Disney movie formula, but there's some truth to it...a kid doesn't really require a " village," but he does need one adult in the world that he is really connected with.

Johnny Tsunami also has a lot to say about surfing and skiing and what it's like to be the new kid in school.

CLM

Heart and Soul
This movie is great! Johnny's parents are not very good listeners, but his Grandpa is. All a kid needs in life is one grown-up who really cares.

It's also a great story about surfing and snowboarding and what it's like to be a new kid at school. It's a movie that works for both kids and adults.

Clementine Morse ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Greatest Family Movie ever Made
I thought this movie was made really well. This has been the greatest family movie I have ever seen. It had me laughing and crying at the same time. This is a film that the whole family can enjoy from 0 to 99 years old. And I believe that your whole family will love this movie and watch it everyday like I do.

One of the best family flicks ever.
This movie was made for everybody likes comedy. There are no boring parts at all. It is a bit sad at the end but not very sad. It is half sad half happy at the end. Every minute of this is entertaining. Buy this and enjoy.

Great movie
It is the best movie for kids. My kids watch it over and over again. So if you have kids aged 5 to 10 you should buy this vidio.

Sad,boring I hate it
It is very sad not as bad at the begining but very very sad at the end. It also went by to slow

Excellent for adults and children
Very entertaining for all ages, the gorilla was very well done, good for teaching children about commitment and responsibility. Makes you laugh and cry. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

"Day Lincoln Was Shot" Television Masterpiece
During a trip to our nation's capital in March of '98, I visited the Ford's Theater in downtown Washington,D.C. There I became totally enthralled with the whole Lincoln assasanation conspiracy. About a month after I returned home, I watched "The Day Lincoln Was Shot" on TNT. It was the most fascinating movie I'd ever seen. It gave an account of Lincoln's and Booth's final days and humanized the often misunderstood assasin. Rob Morrow of "Northern Exposure" & "Quiz Show" fame portrays John Wilkes Booth, the young, talented thespian son of Junius Booth, one of the most famous actors of his time. Lance Henriksen plays one of America's most revered figures, President Abraham Lincoln. Morrow's excellent portryal of Booth shows a patriotic and spirited side of him that few people ever realize. The film begins with Booth galloping through the woods, trying to escape, and then being caught in a burning barn. From then on the film is shown in hindsight, beginning with the day Richmond fell. It also shows a romantic & loving side of both Lincoln and Booth, from Lincoln's torrid but comical relationship with Mary Todd, to Booth's courtship of the young and fair Lucy Hale, daughter of an American ambassador. Lincoln's realationship with his youngest son Tad is also very well portrayed throughout the film. In retrospect I feel that this movie is one of the finest movies about President Lincoln ever made. A spectacular ensemble of actors. Morrow's portrayal is award-worthy. A masterpiece in made-for-television movies. END

Best Lincoln Portrayal I've Ever Seen!
I purchased this video recently and have watched it TWICE now within the past 24 hours - it was so well done.

Having read quite a bit on Lincoln in the past, I can tell you that this movie is very historically accurate - a rarity for Hollywood.

The actors who portrayed Abraham Lincoln (Lance Hendriksen) and John Wilkes Booth (Rob Morrow) were absolutely outstanding in their performances.

I would love to see more movies made like this dramatizing actual historical events - they educate and expand the mind, as well as entertain.

If you're an admirer of "The Great Emancipator," then this video is a must for your collection.

Fair
This wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. The biggest disappointment for me were the main players. Few of them really looked like the historical persona. Lincoln's portrayal was a letdown from the start. Although he looked fairly close, his voice was all wrong. Lincoln had a squeaky voice with a real Kentucky twang. (This comes from observations by Lincoln's law partner, Herndon as well as Nicolaye & Haye, Lincoln's secretaries and biographers) Hal Holbrook actually came closest to the right pitch and tone. Even more annoying was the portrayal of Sec. of War Edward Stanton. Here, he comes across like a frustrated grandfather. The real Stanton was NOT a Lincoln fan, he once refered to Lincoln as the "original baboon" and constantly challenged the 16th president on issue after issue. Lincoln would let Stanton have his temper tantrums, but managed to "put his foot down" at the right time. Stanton himself was far from well liked by other members of the cabinet and was actually feared and loathed by many. First Lady Mary Todd was far too slender and attractive in this depiction. If you've ever seen photos of the real Mary, she looked dowdy if not downright frumpy. Her rages were legendary in Washington. She once chased a deliveryman down the street with a broomstick. Secretary Seward called her a "she-wolf" and others dubbed her a bit**. A surprise for me was the portrayal of Dr. Charles A. Leale, the 27 year old Army surgeon who took charge of Lincoln after the shooting. The actor bore more than striking resemblance. It was almost spooky to watch. Jim Bishop's book was followed closely which was one of the more appealing parts of this film. Even snippets of dialog from the book crept in with regularity.

The Day Lincoln Was Shot
This was a terrible movie. Started out slow with boring acts, didn't even get worth watching until the end. Glad I loaned the film out from the library.

A refreshing Film
Take a chance on this well made film that is simply enjoyable to watch. Rob Morrow in particular is amazing and you can't afford to miss watching this film. All TV films should be as good. Also take the time to see Rough Riders, Truman, and Conspiracy. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Makin' Whoopee
31 years of playing piano together has taught Frank and Jack Baker a few things. But, there are some things that they could only learn from their new singer, Susie Diamond.

Jeff and Beau Bridges are exceptionally cast as the brothers and Michelle Pfeiffer makes the screen sizzle. Add a terrific musical score by jazz great, Dave Grusin and you've got a terrific movie for the grown-ups in the house.

This truly is Jack's story... a moody musician with an aversion to commitment anywhere in his life. And he runs behind a tough-guy skin when he finds himself falling for Susie. We are left with an ambiguous ending as writer/director Steve Kloves weaves clever dialogue with a stark, realistic lifeline.

Michelle Pfeiffer and Jeff Bridges really burn up the screen with a New Years rendition of MAKIN' WHOOPEE. Their sexual energy envelopes the song. Pfeiffer does an excellent job singing (the last time she sang onscreen was in the horrid GREASE 2).

A brilliant character study, THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS really fill the seats.

The DVD has a shaky video transfer, but the audio sounds pretty good.

That's What You Get, Folks, for Makin' Whoopee
4 1/2 stars

As the piano-playing "Baker Boys" of the title, Beau and Jeff Bridges play like they're brothers -- which they are. The Baker Boys, who have seemingly forever been playing muzak-style piano, accompanying each other, and making the smallest of small talk in a two piano-act, are out of gas. So, they decide to hire a "girl singer," to win back Seattle audiences ... and bookings.

The sequence in which the brothers audition would-be singers is the funniest of its kind ever filmed. But while this movie has some wonderful laughs, it is not, ultimately, a comedy.

Screenwriter-director Steve Kloves' debut is dominated by an actress named Michelle Pfeiffer, and by a sultry, smoky, saloon singer named ... Micheller Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer does all her own singing, and she's joy! (Warning: Although the wonderful soundtrack mixes Dave Grusin's cool jazz score with works from the Great American Songbook, don't buy the cd, as much of the best music is left off of it.)

Like Sinatra singing a Harold Arlen torch song, this one doesn't miss a beat.

A simple yet wonderful love story!!!
A terrific cast and a simple sweet story are some of the highlights of this unique, rarely talked about gem from the late-80's. It has every reason to be as seen as Pretty Woman--which came later, and seems to have ripped off not only the look of this film, but the poster of another lost classic, Rich Girl.

The Bridges brothers are fantastic in an extremely inspired casting gimmick, but the real reason to see this film is Michelle Pfeiffer in a Golden Globe winning and Oscar nominated role. She is superb as a sexy siren who tears apart two brothers, one a sex addict and the other a happily married man. Yes, you've heard it before but I will say it again, her rendition of "Making Whopee" has to be one of the most memorable scenes in all of film.

The main themes of sibling rivalry and unfulfilled talent are generally engrossing, and help to paper over the thinness of the story. Jeff Bridges is very believable as a man working in the lower ranks of his trade when he could've reached the top. Beau is also in fine form as a performer who does what he does simply because he has a family to support. It's a hard film to describe, because it's not really about very much, but if you can adjust to the relaxed pace and just enjoy the leisurely development of the three main characters then you will come away from the film feeling thoroughly satisfied.

Meg Tilly is also worth mentioning. She is fantastic in a small role that I wish was more fully developed. She is a truly wonderful and underrated actress and I was pleasantly surprised to see her. She has one of the other more memorable scenes in the film, auditioning for the brothers near the beginning of the film.

See it for the Bridges, see it for Pfeiffer, see it for Tilly or see it for the music. Just see it!

Enough about Michelle, what about Jeff???
Yes, Michelle P. seems to be every man's fantasy, but for me, a female, check out the way Jeff seduces her by the piano! I met Jeff B. and he must be 6'4"...and sexy. The music tops it all off...Grusin, good job.

ONE TWO THREE TWO ONE
The FABULOUS BAKER BOYS is the kind of movie that you must see with a light heart. If not, its sad atmosphere will certainly give you the blues. Hope is not the main theme of this film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and the Bridges (blues-) brothers.

The movie focuses on the three main characters and their relationship. So you'll have a lot of talk and songs but no action at all. It's pretty rare nowadays to have on screen heroes thinking, feeling and becoming better without a single gunshot. Enjoy !

It is to be noticed that Michelle Pfeiffer sings in the FABULOUS BAKER BOYS and she's not bad at all. Furthermore, she is sexier than the average cocktail bar singer. Jeff and Beau are very good too.

Very agreeable bonus features with a commentary of the director of photography Michaël Ballhaus who used to work with german director Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

An above-average DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

NOT GREAT, BUT A MUST FOR BURNS FANS
I agree with many of the criticisms of this movie; it did need another run through the typewriter and/or story editor. But I think it's worth having in your collection and is a must for anyone who is even remotely a fan of Edward Burns. While Ms. Jolie is miscast and tries hard to create a character out of a cartoon, Ed Burns creates a real person just by the use of his natural charisma and unforced manliness. The guy could probably have chemistry with a telephone pole; he is without doubt one of the most beautiful men in the history of the movies. Its worth the price of admission just to look at his gorgeous hair and soulful eyes. That he is also a wonderful actor only adds to the appeal.
What this movie really needed was a point of view; I still don't know where we are supposed to land regarding the Jolie character Lainie. She is supposed to be so horrible that she needs a major life adjustment and attitude reversal, yet compared to the other female characters in the movie (like her promiscuous friend played by Melissa Errico or the Barbara Walters clone played by Stockard Channing), she is comparatively normal. It's therefore hard to stay on her side, except when she meets the affable and down-to-earth Burns character. I haven't been a fan of director Stephen Herek until now, though I think he is talented. He will need to be more selective on his projects if he wants to rise to A-list directing projects, however. Until then, this is strictly a Burns show, and that's fine by me.

This movie is well worth your time
As you probably know, this movie has not always been well-received. But, speaking as a die-hard fan of romantic comedies, I think those of you who love this genre should definitely watch this movie.

Most people who enjoy romantic comedies will probably admit that, though we love them, many of these movies have plot holes here and there, or at least admit that the likelihood of such things happening to real people is questionable. So, with that already in mind, a viewer often falls in love with one of these movies because: a.) they love the actors, actresses, or director involved, and/or b.) the certainty that everything will probably turn out okay in the end (even if sometimes the movie's resolution is not what you'd expect). If you fall into one/both of those categories, you should see LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT.

One of the reasons I think this movie is great is because Angelina Jolie and Edward Burns (as well as Tony Shalhoub, as the street prophet) are such great actors, and their banter and chemistry are highly watchable. The supporting actors & actresses also add to each scene they're in, especially the guy playing the sound technician who works with Jolie's and Burns's characters when they are out on assignment.

I'm not someone who can tell when a movie is badly directed or superbly directed; I just know when I leave a movie happy for having seen it, or when I've felt the loopholes left in the finished product are way, way too big to ignore. So, having warned you of my novice critical skill, I think the director did a great job. (In his commentary on the DVD, he explains that this is one of the movies whose production was a bit rushed because of the expected actor's strike that the industry feared at the time. So, I think he may wish he could have tweaked things here and there, if he'd had more time.)

Nonetheless, you should see this movie because it will still grab your heart and make you think about what is important in your own life, while still giving you that romantic comedy "buzz" that will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

An interesting idea for a story but very uneven results
"Life or Something Like It" is one of those films where the idea is intriguing, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The central character is Lanie Kerigan (Angelina Jolie), a hot young feature reporter for a Seattle television station who has a chance of her dream job for the network's morning show, "AM USA." Lanie is paired up with the station's best cameraman, Pete (Edward Burns), although these two clearly have a past that makes this a rocky relationship and assures us that they will end up together before too long. One day Lanie is out on the street filming an interview with Prophet Jack (Tony Shalhoub), a homeless man who is supposedly psychic. During the interview Jack makes three predictions. First, the Seattle Seahawks will win their game 19-13. Second, it will hail the next day. Third, Lanie will die next Thursday. This last one gets her attention.

Of course Lanie is skeptical. But when the first two predictions come true, she starts to become concerned and when Jack offers another prediction that comes about, she really starts to freak. Somewhere in her background Lanie must have studied classical mythology, because she does not really try to thwart her fate, although it takes her a while to accept it. This is for the good, because if she decided that she would stay home in bed all day on Thursday she would end up in a car accident on Wednesday night and linger until the next day. Trying thwart a prophecy only makes things worse; just ask Jocasta and pay attention to how the prophecy in Sophocles' tragedy changes).

The first problem with this 2002 film is that it is a romantic comedy that takes itself too seriously one moment and not seriously enough the next. Feel good movies tend to have scenes where people burst into song, and we have that here. I like the song, but for that character to lead that group in that song at that particular moment is really not a good move (except that the people who wrote the script liked it, so it does work out for the best). People who are actually in the business of television news must be laughing themselves silly at all the stupid bits about their profession in this business; my favorite, but not in a good way, was this idea of showing an interview at 7 in the morning on the east coast live on the west coast.

Ultimately this film gets reduced to a simple platitude and it is at that point that "Life or Something Like It" really betrays its promise. What would have made this film really work is not that it works on a universal level to which we can all relate, but if it drives the point home in terms of Lanie's character in some memorable way. There are a few conventional and unimaginative efforts, but nothing that crystallizes into a transcendent scene that elevates this film to a truly meaningful level. Even if you do not see the ending coming, I doubt that you are going to be surprised that this film wants to have its cake and eat it too.

Jolie's character has trouble shedding her on-camera persona enough to provide true depth to an examination of her life that gets beyond her brave smile, which is different from her on-camera smile. Her romance with Burns is by the numbers and I found myself wishing the film had tried to do more with her relationship with boyfriend Cal Cooper (Christian Kane, an actor who is going to break through in films the way he did on television's "Angel" some day soon), who plays for the Seattle Mariners, because I actually liked his idea of how to try and help her and I thought there was the possibility there for something different. There will be those that really like this film, but even that minority should have no problem in articulating ways in which it could have been so much better.

QUIRKY AND UNIQUE
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS MOVIE AND WISHED IT HAD GOTTEN BETTER REVIEWS INSTEAD OF BEING RAKED THROUGH THE COLES BY UNMERCIFUL CRITICS.ANGALINA JOLIE CAN SO EASILY PLAY ANY CHARACTER AND EARN THE VEIWERS LOVE ,ITS UNCANNY.THE STORY IS UNIQUE BY TODATS STANDARD OF COMEDY AND THE CHARACTER ,LANNIE KERRIGAN IS UNIQUE AS "MARILYN MEETS LOIS LANE".I LOVED IT, IT WAS ABREAK FROM REALITY AND FOR ANGALINA FANS WHO WATCH GIRL INTERRUPTED 5 TOMES A MONTH THATS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

Life or Something Like it - A wonderful romantic comedy!
After watching this wonderful romantic comedy one must simply come to the conclusion, if they haven't already, that Angelina Jolie has to be one of the best female actresses in the industry and has been for sometime. Every new film that I've watched her in just shows me more and more of what a versatile actress this beautiful woman is. I don't always purchase romantic comedies but with a lead actress the likes of Angelina Jolie, purchasing "Life or Something Like it" is a simple choice.

Between the script and the performances given by Angelina Jolie and Edward Burns and the other supporting actors in this film, this film is a sure thing when it comes to entertainment value. Of additional note is the exceptional performance by Tony Shalhoub whose character provides much of the catalyst for this wonderful film.

One only needs to click on the link for director Stephen Herek to see that given his past films, this film should be a very good one. He definitely deserves much praise for bringing this film together the way he did.

The Premise:

Lanie Kerrigan (Angelina Jolie) is an extremely ambitious and self absorbed local news reporter in Seattle whose star is rising and will soon have an opportunity to be elevated to the national level. The only thing in her way is her boss's insistence that she must do some camera work with Pete (Edward Burns) who is a former lover and their relationship isn't exactly a great one. As part of her work in Seattle, Pete takes her to meet Prophet Jack (Tony Shalhoub) who is a street bum with the talents of a prophet, hence his name. After she asks him whether she'll get the big job he tells that she won't because she's going to be dead on the following Thursday...

What follows from there is one of the best romantic comedies that I've watched in quite some time that is made that much better by Angelina Jolie's wonderful performance in the lead role!

I highly recommend this film to any and all that enjoys romantic comedies or just good movies in general! {ssintrepid}

Special Features:

-Full-Length Audio Commentary by Director Stephen Herek ... Read more

Reviews (58)

NOT GREAT, BUT A MUST FOR BURNS FANS
I agree with many of the criticisms of this movie; it did need another run through the typewriter and/or story editor. But I think it's worth having in your collection and is a must for anyone who is even remotely a fan of Edward Burns. While Ms. Jolie is miscast and tries hard to create a character out of a cartoon, Ed Burns creates a real person just by the use of his natural charisma and unforced manliness. The guy could probably have chemistry with a telephone pole; he is without doubt one of the most beautiful men in the history of the movies. Its worth the price of admission just to look at his gorgeous hair and soulful eyes. That he is also a wonderful actor only adds to the appeal.
What this movie really needed was a point of view; I still don't know where we are supposed to land regarding the Jolie character Lainie. She is supposed to be so horrible that she needs a major life adjustment and attitude reversal, yet compared to the other female characters in the movie (like her promiscuous friend played by Melissa Errico or the Barbara Walters clone played by Stockard Channing), she is comparatively normal. It's therefore hard to stay on her side, except when she meets the affable and down-to-earth Burns character. I haven't been a fan of director Stephen Herek until now, though I think he is talented. He will need to be more selective on his projects if he wants to rise to A-list directing projects, however. Until then, this is strictly a Burns show, and that's fine by me.

This movie is well worth your time
As you probably know, this movie has not always been well-received. But, speaking as a die-hard fan of romantic comedies, I think those of you who love this genre should definitely watch this movie.

Most people who enjoy romantic comedies will probably admit that, though we love them, many of these movies have plot holes here and there, or at least admit that the likelihood of such things happening to real people is questionable. So, with that already in mind, a viewer often falls in love with one of these movies because: a.) they love the actors, actresses, or director involved, and/or b.) the certainty that everything will probably turn out okay in the end (even if sometimes the movie's resolution is not what you'd expect). If you fall into one/both of those categories, you should see LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT.

One of the reasons I think this movie is great is because Angelina Jolie and Edward Burns (as well as Tony Shalhoub, as the street prophet) are such great actors, and their banter and chemistry are highly watchable. The supporting actors & actresses also add to each scene they're in, especially the guy playing the sound technician who works with Jolie's and Burns's characters when they are out on assignment.

I'm not someone who can tell when a movie is badly directed or superbly directed; I just know when I leave a movie happy for having seen it, or when I've felt the loopholes left in the finished product are way, way too big to ignore. So, having warned you of my novice critical skill, I think the director did a great job. (In his commentary on the DVD, he explains that this is one of the movies whose production was a bit rushed because of the expected actor's strike that the industry feared at the time. So, I think he may wish he could have tweaked things here and there, if he'd had more time.)

Nonetheless, you should see this movie because it will still grab your heart and make you think about what is important in your own life, while still giving you that romantic comedy "buzz" that will put a smile on your face and joy in your heart.

An interesting idea for a story but very uneven results
"Life or Something Like It" is one of those films where the idea is intriguing, but the execution leaves a lot to be desired. The central character is Lanie Kerigan (Angelina Jolie), a hot young feature reporter for a Seattle television station who has a chance of her dream job for the network's morning show, "AM USA." Lanie is paired up with the station's best cameraman, Pete (Edward Burns), although these two clearly have a past that makes this a rocky relationship and assures us that they will end up together before too long. One day Lanie is out on the street filming an interview with Prophet Jack (Tony Shalhoub), a homeless man who is supposedly psychic. During the interview Jack makes three predictions. First, the Seattle Seahawks will win their game 19-13. Second, it will hail the next day. Third, Lanie will die next Thursday. This last one gets her attention.

Of course Lanie is skeptical. But when the first two predictions come true, she starts to become concerned and when Jack offers another prediction that comes about, she really starts to freak. Somewhere in her background Lanie must have studied classical mythology, because she does not really try to thwart her fate, although it takes her a while to accept it. This is for the good, because if she decided that she would stay home in bed all day on Thursday she would end up in a car accident on Wednesday night and linger until the next day. Trying thwart a prophecy only makes things worse; just ask Jocasta and pay attention to how the prophecy in Sophocles' tragedy changes).

The first problem with this 2002 film is that it is a romantic comedy that takes itself too seriously one moment and not seriously enough the next. Feel good movies tend to have scenes where people burst into song, and we have that here. I like the song, but for that character to lead that group in that song at that particular moment is really not a good move (except that the people who wrote the script liked it, so it does work out for the best). People who are actually in the business of television news must be laughing themselves silly at all the stupid bits about their profession in this business; my favorite, but not in a good way, was this idea of showing an interview at 7 in the morning on the east coast live on the west coast.

Ultimately this film gets reduced to a simple platitude and it is at that point that "Life or Something Like It" really betrays its promise. What would have made this film really work is not that it works on a universal level to which we can all relate, but if it drives the point home in terms of Lanie's character in some memorable way. There are a few conventional and unimaginative efforts, but nothing that crystallizes into a transcendent scene that elevates this film to a truly meaningful level. Even if you do not see the ending coming, I doubt that you are going to be surprised that this film wants to have its cake and eat it too.

Jolie's character has trouble shedding her on-camera persona enough to provide true depth to an examination of her life that gets beyond her brave smile, which is different from her on-camera smile. Her romance with Burns is by the numbers and I found myself wishing the film had tried to do more with her relationship with boyfriend Cal Cooper (Christian Kane, an actor who is going to break through in films the way he did on television's "Angel" some day soon), who plays for the Seattle Mariners, because I actually liked his idea of how to try and help her and I thought there was the possibility there for something different. There will be those that really like this film, but even that minority should have no problem in articulating ways in which it could have been so much better.

QUIRKY AND UNIQUE
I REALLY ENJOYED THIS MOVIE AND WISHED IT HAD GOTTEN BETTER REVIEWS INSTEAD OF BEING RAKED THROUGH THE COLES BY UNMERCIFUL CRITICS.ANGALINA JOLIE CAN SO EASILY PLAY ANY CHARACTER AND EARN THE VEIWERS LOVE ,ITS UNCANNY.THE STORY IS UNIQUE BY TODATS STANDARD OF COMEDY AND THE CHARACTER ,LANNIE KERRIGAN IS UNIQUE AS "MARILYN MEETS LOIS LANE".I LOVED IT, IT WAS ABREAK FROM REALITY AND FOR ANGALINA FANS WHO WATCH GIRL INTERRUPTED 5 TOMES A MONTH THATS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR.

Life or Something Like it - A wonderful romantic comedy!
After watching this wonderful romantic comedy one must simply come to the conclusion, if they haven't already, that Angelina Jolie has to be one of the best female actresses in the industry and has been for sometime. Every new film that I've watched her in just shows me more and more of what a versatile actress this beautiful woman is. I don't always purchase romantic comedies but with a lead actress the likes of Angelina Jolie, purchasing "Life or Something Like it" is a simple choice.

Between the script and the performances given by Angelina Jolie and Edward Burns and the other supporting actors in this film, this film is a sure thing when it comes to entertainment value. Of additional note is the exceptional performance by Tony Shalhoub whose character provides much of the catalyst for this wonderful film.

One only needs to click on the link for director Stephen Herek to see that given his past films, this film should be a very good one. He definitely deserves much praise for bringing this film together the way he did.

The Premise:

Lanie Kerrigan (Angelina Jolie) is an extremely ambitious and self absorbed local news reporter in Seattle whose star is rising and will soon have an opportunity to be elevated to the national level. The only thing in her way is her boss's insistence that she must do some camera work with Pete (Edward Burns) who is a former lover and their relationship isn't exactly a great one. As part of her work in Seattle, Pete takes her to meet Prophet Jack (Tony Shalhoub) who is a street bum with the talents of a prophet, hence his name. After she asks him whether she'll get the big job he tells that she won't because she's going to be dead on the following Thursday...

What follows from there is one of the best romantic comedies that I've watched in quite some time that is made that much better by Angelina Jolie's wonderful performance in the lead role!

I highly recommend this film to any and all that enjoys romantic comedies or just good movies in general! {ssintrepid}

Special Features:

-Full-Length Audio Commentary by Director Stephen Herek ... Read more

Amazon.com

In Hawaii 13-year-old Johnny has the market cornered on cool--his grandfather's the legendary surfer Johnny Tsunami, and he himself is a righteous riptide or two away from riding into the sunset, hang-10 style, with a surfing medal. He's also, in the familiar formula fashion of the bulk of family entertainment, a great kid who's about to be plunged willy-nilly into a world without waves (the Kauai-style waves he craves, anyway). In Vermont, where his creased-too-tight Dad's accepted a job at a la-di-da academy, waters get plenty choppy for Johnny. The prepsters don't dig his dress code, and to him, their snobbery in keeping "urchins"--public-school kids--from snowboarding on their side of the mountain is totally gnarly. As tensions with his schoolmates mount, already prickly Johnny-Pop relations plummet. Johnny and an urchin pal, army brat Sam, hop a military ride to Hawaii, where they hang with Johnny the elder and--yawn--figure out for themselves that they can't run, or surf or snowboard, away from their problems. Back in Vermont, Grandpa enjoins Johnny to inject his passion for surfing into snowboarding. That way, he's sure to wallop big-mouth Bret, an academy kid, in a mountainside ski/snowboard showdown. Suspense not being Johnny Tsunami's strong suit, guessing the winner isn't likely to inspire a lot of head scratching. Instead, what this flick may inspire is an appreciation for cool, air-catching sports and the concept that changing coasts or climates needn't mean social catastrophe for kids. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A Great Made For T.V. Movie!
I love Disney Channel Original Movies! They are fun for the whole family! This one is about Johnny! His grandfather is a surfing legend known as Johnny Tsunami. And he is about to fil his grandfathers shoes. But his dad and step mom make him move. To Alaska! He has trouble fitting in. But soon finds out that The hip sport their is snowboarding. Johnny also gets a crush and makes enimies with her boyfriend. When Johnny's grandfather makes an offer for Johnny to live with him in Hawaii, Johnny has to choose between surfing in Hawaii and becoming a legend, or staying with his family and friends! This movie teaches kids to make good choices and about family and friends! I recommend you go rent it today!

A Great Made For T.V. Movie!!!
I don't normally like made for t.v. movies, but Disney makes some
pretty good ones! This is the story of Johnny Tsunami. He lives in
hawaii and is a great surfer. He would have been famous like his
grandfather if his dad and step mom hadn't made him move to alaska. He
has a hard time fitting in, But makes a friend and quickly learns the
next best thing to surfing, snowboarding. He deals with his bully, his
crush, and leaving his home behind ...

YES TOTTALY RICTER
this movie was totally ricter. My bra's and i were hangin out every single day just because this movie is the bomb!! I would recoment this movie to anyone who likes love movies or just totally narly shredding by chinese guys. I LOVE THIS MOVIE.

YE GUYS YE THIS IS THE BOMB. MY name is the Murf and I have no friends in life. EVERYONE HATES ME AND I DING DONG DOOR DITCH PEOPLE BECAUSE IM AFRAID OF THEM. I HOPE THEY WILL NEVER FIND OUT

Heart and Soul
This is a great movie! Johnny's parents are not very good "listeners," but his Grandfather is completely there for him. It's a Disney movie formula, but there's some truth to it...a kid doesn't really require a " village," but he does need one adult in the world that he is really connected with.

Johnny Tsunami also has a lot to say about surfing and skiing and what it's like to be the new kid in school.

CLM

Heart and Soul
This movie is great! Johnny's parents are not very good listeners, but his Grandpa is. All a kid needs in life is one grown-up who really cares.

It's also a great story about surfing and snowboarding and what it's like to be a new kid at school. It's a movie that works for both kids and adults.

Clementine Morse ... Read more

Reviews (21)

This is a great film if you love Rick Springfield' s music.
I really enjoyed "Hard to Hold" even though the critics trashed it, but then they've trashed everything Rick Springfield has ever done. I guess he's just too handsome, charming, and nice to be taken seriously as a musician or as an actor. Rick puts more of himself into his live concerts than any performer I've ever seen on stage and yes, I have seen Bruce Springsteen and Pink Floyd. Yes, I confess the dirty little secret: I'm a devoted fan of Rick's, and frankly "Hard to Hold" was exactly the movie I wanted to see as a fan. Great music and a romantic rock star falls in love with an ordinary girl story line. It's not exactly Wuthering Heights--although I'd bet Rick could do a great Heathcliff--but it features some of my favorite Springfield songs and a great message: You'd better love somebody because at the end of your time on this earth the love is all that really counts. This movie is a must for all Springfield fan and romantics! Do you believe in love and happy endings? Get yourself a big bowl of buttered popcorn and curl up with "Hard to Hold." You won't be disappointed.

AREN'T WE ALL HARD TO HOLD
ALL US GIRLS ARE HARD TO HOLD!! SOMETIEMS OUR MEN DO NOT KNOW HOW TO HOLD ON TO LOVE THAT IS TRUE. I SAW THIS MOVIE YEARS AGO AND I JUST OREDERD IT AGAIN BECAUSE I WANTED TO SEE THAT SEXY RICK AGAIN AND RELIVE THE LOVE AGAIN. AND TRY TO GET MY MAN TO BE LIKE RICK. HA HA SOMEDAY. ANYWAY I AM GLAD I FOUND THIS OLD MOVIE AND PLAN TO WATCH IT OVER AND OVER AND DROWL OVER RICK.
CHAT LATER, KIM1202

The fundamental things apply...and this movie proves it!
With the exception of Christopher Reeve's Somewhere In Time (1980), Rick Springfield's 1984 first full length major feature film, Hard to Hold, is probably the most underrated movie in the 80's romance film genre! Both were viciously rejected by the critics at the time, but discovered by the people one by one, and now both movies enjoy a cult following appeal and are frequently amongst the highest rented videos in most stores!
The commonalities between the two movies are readily evident. Both male characters are successful in creative fields (playwright and rock musician), both are feeling like "there's got to be something more than this" in their lives, they both are seek an enduring love, and both find it with women who are technically "unattainable".
That is where the similarities end. SIT is mired in the 1910's, and H2H is definitely a product of the 80's which still resonates with people today.
Musically, SIT was out of touch with the "Me generation.". While SIT is set to a Edwardian era highly sentimentalized "hearts and flowers" heart-fluttering, sugar sweet instrumental soundtrack, the highly charged, "living on the edge" rock music and lyrics in H2H captures the true spirit of the state of love and romance in the post-sexual revolution America where cynicism was more in effect than sentimentality. The songs are still sung today-Love Somebody still rings true today as it did back then as does Bop till You Drop and Stand Up!
Rick, as Jamie Roberts, almost appears autobiographical-as he did have a HUGE screaming teen fan base at that time which at times appears to have helped and hinder his career. In fact, the buttoned up female protagonist, Diana Larson, played by actress Janet Eilber, dismisses him and his musical style as "bubblegum" and expresses an affinity for crooner Tony Bennett. Come on, who admittedly listened to Tony Bennett back then? (Ok I did...but so what? I'm an anonmaly!)
Well, apparently, the way to that woman's heart (and bed) was through a Tony Bennett song. Let me tell you if someone hired a singer to serenade me, I'd leave my "heart in San Francisco" in a New York minute! How incredibly romantic is that? Yet, they don't drown us in sentimentality. I found it shocking at the time that they would talk about STI's so casually in a movie like that, but they were "keeping it real" in a society that not only expected it, but demanded it!
As for Rick's acting performance in H2H, my question is "Who's acting?" Every move he made seemed to be natural and an extension of himself. Janet's performance is reminiscent of Andie McDowell who would play in the 1994 romantic comedy 4 Weddings and a Funeral. Both actresses, in my view, appear more like cardboard cutouts instead of potentially passionate women-which was too bad. It made the movie drag a bit. I also enjoyed Patti Hanson's "songwriter-on-the-verge-of-nervous-breakdown" jealous ex-girlfriend. You want to hate her, but you really can't. She's just trying to make sense of her own angst, and let's face it, it's never easy to say goodbye, is it?
When I first saw the movie back in the 8's, I was not really ready for it. Far from ready. At the time I was very conservative and when the "fireplace scene" came up-the kinds of emotions and longings it stirred up in me freaked me out so much that I immediate shut off the video and drove it back to the store. I would not view that video again for at least 19 years!
I rented the video to hear Rick singing-and was rewarded with a fabulous commentary on the state of love and romance in the 80's! Now I play that fireplace scene over and over again. Not just for the majorly heartstopping sensuality of it all (the horniness factor, I must admit, is there!) but for the real "exposure" of two strong willed people who are willing to take a chance and be emotionally vulnerable to each other as well. Now that's truly a story to be told. So subtle, but so powerful at the same time.

One of the things I appreciate about this move is that it chronicalizes a time in our recent social history when it was often easier to give your body to someone than it was to give your heart. Presently, in this era of AIDS and so-called "family values", it seems like everyone wants to re-write their own history. Today, courtships are played out by the "Rules" and to hear people talk everyone was as chaste as the driven snow! I say not if you came of age in the late 70's and early 80's!
Back in the day, one- night stands were the rule, not the "exception." And no one used the "L" word for fear of appearing weak. Throughout the movie, Diane tries so hard to be a "modern woman" and act like it's a physical thing only. Only once does she tell Jamie she "cares" about him but it was Jamie who took the REAL chance on declaring his love for her during that famous "fireplace" scene!
It transcends time and space-that need to love and be loved. What woman wouldn't give her left arm to have someone look her in the eyes soulfully like that and whisper, "I love you" And mean it? Just the thought moves me to tears as I write this. In my not so humble opinion such a emotionally gripping love scene would not play on the screen again until the 1997 blockbuster Titanic.
Whether it is the 1910's, or the 2000's, love is "hard to hold" but well worth the attempt. As the classic song about another relationship involving a man named Rick says, "the fundamental things apply...as time goes by" and viewing this movie two decades later PROVES this fact!
I can watch this movie now, and while it is not in the Gone with the wind or Casablanca class, it does have a message of its own-primarily this: even if love sometimes seems Hard to Hold onto, don't give up! Hang on, enjoy the ride, take the risk...and if it is truly right-NEVER let it go. A rather positive and timely message especially applicable in this post 9/11 culture of fear and uncertainty where nearly everyone wants a "sure thing" when life holds no guarantees.

a memory picture
(my english is not good).
when i saw this picture i began to play the electric guitar, love somebody's song was a special theme to me.
now i play this type of music: BRYAN ADAMS, RICK SPRINGFIELD, JOURNEY, NIGHT RANGER, REO SPEEDWAGON, ETC.... 80's music.
¿what do you think?. i want to know if i can to buy this picture FROM CHIHUAHUA, MX., send me a e-mail to tell what i have to do.

thanks......

great for Rick Springfield fans & anyone who loves the 80s
I love this movie. I gave it four stars instead of five because the script is admittedly weak in places and the directing makes it look like a TV movie rather than a feature film. But none of that obscures the positive points of the movie.

It should be obvious that this film will hold the most appeal for fans of Rick Springfield. He is a much better actor than one might assume and plays some of the awkwardly-written swings of his character well. Janet Eilber does a good job as the conservative "ordinary" woman his character falls in love with. The weakest performance in the film is Patti Hansen's, as the rocker's songwriting partner and former girlfriend. She works hard but can't overcome the stilted dialogue she's given in most of her scenes.

The best part of the movie may be the music. The majority of the songs in the film are written and performed by Springfield and will be familiar to fans.

Not a great film, but one I enjoy a great deal. If you're a fan you will feel the same way. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

It's about time!
Ok, Teen Wolf fans! Teen Wolf 1 and 2 is arriving on DVD August 27 this year. I can't wait to get the DVD version. Michael J. Fox is spectacular as a wolf and so is Jason Bateman in Teen Wolf 2. I have been waiting to get the movie on DVD. I have been looking everywhere and even when it comes on TV everytime I always miss taping it and it doesn't come on till another 2 months. I am so happy that they are putting out Teen Wolf and Teen Wolf Too on DVD. THANKS FOR DVD!

Scott is a teen maybe beyond that....
16 year old Scott Calvin is not a happy teen he doesn't love his school or his job. So he thinks nothing else could happen well it turns out something did Scott one day noticed that his hands were hairy and than at the liquor store his eyes turned glowing red. Soon at the party it worsens while making out Scott is badly shaken when he and his girlfriend Boof come out he notices that with his nails he ripped half of her shirt off. Scott rushed home than notices with fangs, crazy hairy hair, and ears of an elf that he is a teen wolf! Scott at school tries too fight his sweating and his signs of turning into the horrid creature that looks like a beast. Scott one day realize's even with a great of problem comes the greaetst of things he soon becomes the star of the basketball team and the werewolf curse is broken! The cast is perfect espicellay Michael J.Fox who once again delivers his magic in his 80 films . So this one heck of a movie so I attend one day too see all copies gone and sold!

Wish I was a teen growing up in the 1980's
1985: The days when Back to the Future and Breakfast Club were hitting the big time, When Katrina and the Waves hit it big with 'Walking on Sunshine and David Lee Roth left Van Halen for a solo career, this was also when those Toyota 4x4's were hitting the big time.
Anyways, this movie is about Scott Howard, your basic average high school teen. Anyways, Scott also plays basketball on the basketball team, but the team isn't doing very well, well things are about to change when Scott turns into a werewolf, since I'm not going to tell you more about this movie because I don't want to give out the information right away and if you're in the mood for a classic 80's teen flick, I would recommend Teen Wolf and the movie is clean compared to those other teen flicks.
Plus the music on this movie is a big plus, I just wish that they would have the soundtrack to this movie, anybody know where I can find it?

It's a HOOWWWLLL of a movie!!!
Scott Howard is going through some changes in life. Changes that will affect his standing in school, on the basketball court and in love. Scott has just found out he's a werewolf. As he is more popular and accepted as the wolf, its hard for Scott to give it up, there by pushing away his friends that he already has.

Released in the period when Michael J Fox was incredibly popular, with his Back To The Future releases, sees him in another hard to forget role of his career. As the story was made in the mid-80's, the storyline is quite simple and very cliché and probably wouldn't stand out as a good movie compared to releases of today. Although it is a fantastic movie based purely on nostalgic value and would be great for teens and adults alike who have yet to see it. Recommended viewing.

GREAT Soundtrack!!!
Only one thing to say- why is there no soundtrack to this film?! I am not the first to want it!!! Anyone know of where I can get it? ... Read more

Reviews (246)

Brilliant, original, ingenious filmmaking
The first movie to tackle the internalized process of screenwriting, Spike Jonze's dazzlingly original film is also about biology, the need for passion, the inevitability of change and the absolute urgency of adapting to it. Kaufman's ingenious screenplay manages both to lampoon and confirm Robert McKee's asinine admonitions on Hollywood screenwriting - it breaks all the rules AND follows them - but it can do this only because it's constantly drawing attention to the process. It establishes its own terms of reference, it tells you how to watch it - and it works brilliantly. Other films do this, too, such as "Requiem for a Dream" and "Mulholland Drive". These films don't ignore "the rules" of screenwriting so much as invent new ones and take you along for the ride. "Adaptation" isn't as hilariously enchanting as "Being John Malkovich", but that's because this film is thematically more subtle and has a central character who is somewhat less endearing. Kaufman's crippling insecurity, as performed by Cage, is utterly palpable. The other performances are universally excellent, with Streep and Cooper deserving their Golden Globes. Clearly, Kaufman should win the Oscar for this script. He should have won it three years back for "Being John Malkovich". But the Best Adapted Screenplay category is awash with deserving potential nominees this year: "Insomnia", "The Hours", "The Quiet American", "Chicago", "About Schmidt", "Minority Report", "Road to Perdition" ... the list is almost endless. However, following the arcane logic of the Academy, they'll probably give it to "The Two Towers" (one of the worst adaptations ever written) because last year they incomprehensibly neglected to give it to "Fellowship of the Ring" (which, for my money, is all-time best).

"Don't say 'industry.'"
A second triumph for "Being John Malkovich" team Spike Jonze and Charlie Kaufman, "Adaptation." is a painfully funny look at the mechanics of inspiration, obsession, and ultimately, of course, adaptation. The film is based on Susan Orlean's bestseller "The Orchid Thief," and is about a screenwriter named Charlie Kaufman trying to adapt a book called "The Orchid Thief" for the screen. If that sounds confusing, it isn't. More verbally adept than "Malkovich," "Adaptation." manages to keep its head planted firmly in the clouds, giving the actors (especially Cage, in his best performance since "Raising Arizona") room to give us charming and even endearing performances, the lack thereof being "Malkovich's" main flaw. Most of the characters in this film are "real," including screeenplay seminar guru Robert McKee, Kaufman, and Orlean, though Kaufman and Jonze's verbal and visual trickery keeps us guessing. The real centerpiece here is Cage, who plays Kaufman and Kaufman's fictional twin (credited as the co-writer) with such a tender sense of brotherhood that the logistics of such a feat simply vanish. I found myself wondering if he would be competing with his own performance for an Oscar. An extraordinarily moving film.

The becoming cover up!
The absence of creativeness and the absence of absolute commitment , the desperation , the hunger for winning no matter how , the maquiavelian moods and the duality , the breakthrough in the personality of a human being metaphrically represented as twins invades this original script.
Obviously the movie always keeps a hidden card in your reservoir plot. The story is told through great narrative elipsis which overlaps one to another . This puzzle technique reminds us to Memento , in this sense. And Robert Altman 's style. (The player or Shorts cuts)
This smart use of two twins has been employed by other directors (Sean Penn in the indian runner , for instance) , but the resourec that keeps you in the seat is the richness in the second characters .
Since a no sense accidents shapes the life of a man , who tells his private life to a greddy writer, to inspire her , will be without knowing them the sparkling issue to exploid the dramatci nucleus .
The film certainly lost his fierce impact gotten in the first half of the film , seeking may be the critical gaze about the decay moral .
Good work for all the cast . Superb direction and extraordinary special effects ( the crash car in both cases)

uhhhhhh... no.
I guess I should've known better, being that I loathed Being John Malkovich, but I was pretty shlitzed when I hit the video store so what the hell.
So tonight I put on the DVD, only to find that the first minutes, while white credits are slowly getting gone through on a black screen, are occupied by a voice-over by Nicholas Cage, whining about his life at great length like a Woody Allenesque self-pitying slob. "I need to get my life back on track, gotta start running five miles a day, really do it this time, make it happen maybe I'll take up rock climbing I'm really in a rut...." This person has a severely neurotic personality which is not attractive in the least. Its at this point you begin to see what you're in for with this picture: a kind of more irritating, slightly more functional version of Rainman, only minus the card counting. The movie progresses from there to self-consciously daffy scene-making, where you get to see a band of guys ripping off an endangered orchid from like the everglades. A park ranger shows up and this orchid-stealing piece of white trash gives him some claptrap about how his associates are all American Indians and as such would be immune from prosecution for stealing the orchid, since they apparently have some special dispensation which states that they can do as they please on the grounds that they are inscrutable savages who should be left to their backward ways. You know, they use the orchid for some vague and hypothetical tribal type purpose that no white man should interfere with etc. etc. This is all supposed to be very entertaining. Don't ask me why.

Sublime Puzzle
I did not see Being John Malkovich. It was brought to screen by Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlie Kaufman, but I will correct that error shortly. Adaptation is a Hollywood insider movie. Like Hollywood Boulevard with Gloria Swanson and William Holden, it takes you behind the scenes. This is a fictionalization of real screenwriter, Charlie Kaufman's bizarre difficulties with adapting a novel, Susan Orlean's real book, The Orchid Thief. A fictional brother was created for Charlie. Donald is the gabby and cheerful alter ego of morose and introspective Charlie, and Cage plays both. This is a nice turn for Cage because he gets to play the twin-opposites with amazing clarity. Charlie is the screenwriter that believes originality and cerebral acrobatics are the stuff of art. His brother, the wifty, Donald is writing a screenplay too. His Hollywood screenwriting guru, Brian Cox plays Robert McKee. The guru preaches formula. But Donald's script is accepted immediately and his success with the ladies is driving his brother crazy. Charlie's writers-block over the Orchid script paralyzes not only his writing but also his ability to love. Meryl Street plays the real life author Susan Orlean. The writer becomes passionately involved with goofball horticulturalist and adventurer, John LaRouche played by Chris Cooper. LaRouche risks his life to find the perfect orchid, a Conradian theme from Heart of Darkness. But if that orchid can be ground up into powder and snorted like cocaine to produce a state of perfect passion, then can we blame the addicted Meryl Street for loving toothless LaRouche? Then there is violence, car chases, and the sex scene. This is the real Kaufman being sarcastic, playful, and err formulistic. I once heard it said that there are only 24 plots available to the writer in human experience. ... Read more

Reviews (189)

A Very Funny Sci-Fi Movie
"Evolution" isn't the best sci-fi comedy ever, but it's certainly very good. It's one of those guilty pleasure films that you enjoy over and over again.

The plot is nothing special. Two community college professors (played by David Duchovny and Orlando Jones) discover that a meteor that crashed in the desert is teeming with life that is rapidly evolving. The military comes in and screws things up, leaving the two profs, a government scientist (Julianne Moore), and a wannabe firefighter (Seann William Scott) to stop the alien menace before it takes over the world. There's also a funny cameo by Dan Akroyd as the governor of Arizona.

The acting is good. Duchovny and Jones have excellent chemistry together, really playing off each other well. Duchovny plays more the sarcastic, cynical scientist, while Jones is more manic, particularly in a scene where they're in the cavern. Moore is decent as a very clumsy and socially inept scientist. Scott's a little flat as Wayne, but that's part of being a character who's dumb but trying to look smart. There's also other bit players that are really funny, including two fat guys who are hysterical.

The story and script move along briskly, with only a few really unnecessary scenes. The jokes comes at a similarly brisk pace and are very funny for the most part. It's not a very realistic movie, as some of the things that are said and done are things most normal people wouldn't do, but that's part of the charm of this movie.

The effects are also very good for a movie that's more comedy than anything else. Things really look very realistic and are on-par with a movie like "Men in Black" and "Harry Potter".

As far as extra go, there's not a whole lot. Most of it has to do with the special effects, although you do get some funny deleted scenes. The commentary track is the biggest treat, with Ivan Reitman, Duchovny, Jones, and Scott all in a room at once. It's really funny.

Overall, this is a good film if you're just looking for some laughs. It sort of has the charm of "Ghostbusters" and "Men in Black" with some great interplay between Jones and Duchovny. Definitely a must-see if you're a "Men in Black" fan.

Evolution Has Far to Go (but it's still funny!)
I went into Evolution expecting another MiB. By that standard, I was severely disappointed. Despite that, I did laugh through much of the movie. Between the dumb-but-servicable humor and the superb special effects, I'd have to say that my 8 bucks were money well spent.

Much of the dialog appears to have been written as a Jr. High drama class project. Sorry, but bathroom humor just doesn't do much for me anymore. Orlando Jones's character was simply too stupid for belief and David Duchovny looked as if he didn't expect half the audience to get the joke.

That said, there were some fine moments. I particularly enjoyed the sly poke at films contrived for product placement purposes. Despite the cardboard character, Orlando does have some fine one-liners and, as I've come to expect, he makes the most of them.

Then, there are the special effects. I can't say enough, so I won't even try. Much. I've become jaded in the past couple of years, but these really do stand out. The sequence in the shopping mall alone was worth the price of admission (I won't spoil it for you with details).

Overall, I'd call it worth the trip . . . so long as you don't expect too much.

Better the 2nd time around
The first time I watched this movie, I though it was terrible. However, after watching a 2nd and 3rd time, I've learned to appreciate the humor. It's a fun and lighthearted movie. The special effects are quite good, the monsters are impressive and the acting is not bad. David Duchovny isn't a great commedian, and some of his lines are terrible, but overall, he does a good job.

It's the kind of movie you put on when you are depressed and just want to drink a beer and be amused. In the same league as Caddyshack and Stripes. Great mindless fun.

BUGBUSTERS
Perhaps David Duchovny is doomed to follow in the steps of many tv stars who just can't make it "big" on the big screen. The X-FILES star did well enough in the feature-length film of that series, but other than that, he's floundered. EVOLUTION does have some wonderfully wacky moments, and some brilliant special effects. What it lacks is a consistency in tone and a good team of actors. Julianne Moore is hilarious as the clumsy CDC rep; Orlando Jones is as effective as Ernie Hudson has been; and Seann William Scott does his usual goofus stint. Ted Levine is very good as the greedy general, and Dan Akroyd is wasted in his role as the governor.
There are funny sequences, but there seems to be a lot of time when you're waiting for something to make you laugh again.
Inventive, but not the movie it should have been.

Good effects, good cast, good fun
Let's be entirely honest here, "Evolution" is a silly movie based upon a barely palpable grasp on science. However, it doesn't matter because it is genuinely entertaining. The plot is just plausible enough to allow the viewer to enjoy a great cast offering up some genuinely funny lines amidst some very good CGI (and I write this two years after the film was released).

The story revolves around rapidly evolving alien life forms that arrive in Arizona via a meteorite. This nod to the theory of Panspermia shows that while the link to real science may be tenuous, it won't be severed altogether. This is an element that the viewer comes to appreciate as it allows a reasonable suspension of disbelief, which adds to the movie's appeal.

As these "aliens" become more sophisticated they wreak a rapidly escalating amount of havoc on a nearby medium sized city. It is here that our rag-tag band of heroes, David Duchovny as a disgraced biologist, Orlando Jones as a geologist who is more interested in anatomy than rocks, Julianne Moore as a hard driving CDC researcher and Seann William Scott as...well, Seann William Scott, come to the rescue. OF course, along the way they face the requisite bone-headed general, not to mention the rigors of a Division III women's volleyball schedule. Nonetheless, they rally together and triumph in fine style. The reason why this journey is fun to watch is simple: while each one of these actors offers up an excellent performance (particularly impressive given Moore and Duchovny aren't known for comedy), it is as an ensemble that they really shine. In particular, the exchanges between the three men are always hilarious as Duchovny plays a perfect straight-man for Jones and Scott. Moreover, Moore shows a remarkable ability for prat-falls that are the highlight of some strong physical acting.

As the film progresses to an inevitable showdown with the aliens, the viewer is treated to more great performances from the supporting cast, including a cameo from Dan Akroyd that is perfectly delivered. At the same time, the effects, which are contemporaneous with "Jurassic Park II" still view well, even if they aren't cutting edge. In particular, there is a dragon -type creature that ranks among the best CGI creations I have encountered (pre-Gollum of LOTR, of course).

Finally, unlike far too many DVD's, "Evolution" offers a great value in terms of quality and extras. The sound and picture are both excellent, but that is becoming more of the norm than the exception. Where the disc really shines is in the bonus features. The deleted scenes are well chosen and include commentary that offers an interesting look at the film making process. Moreover, storyboards, commentary and visual effects features all make for an entertaining, interesting viewing experience.

What this review really comes down to is this: if you don't appreciate silly humor, if you pick apart movies for the slightest flaws, skip "Evolution", you won't like it. Conversely, if you enjoy the give and take that comes from a cast that obviously enjoys working together, if you appreciate good special effects, and if a good "popcorn" movie is what you crave, "Evolution" is right up your alley. I've watched it literally dozens of times and I never get tired of it. It's eminently quotable, fun to watch, and makes great use of its cast, and silly or not, is a movie I never get tired of.

Enjoy!

Jake Mohlman ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Makin' Whoopee
31 years of playing piano together has taught Frank and Jack Baker a few things. But, there are some things that they could only learn from their new singer, Susie Diamond.

Jeff and Beau Bridges are exceptionally cast as the brothers and Michelle Pfeiffer makes the screen sizzle. Add a terrific musical score by jazz great, Dave Grusin and you've got a terrific movie for the grown-ups in the house.

This truly is Jack's story... a moody musician with an aversion to commitment anywhere in his life. And he runs behind a tough-guy skin when he finds himself falling for Susie. We are left with an ambiguous ending as writer/director Steve Kloves weaves clever dialogue with a stark, realistic lifeline.

Michelle Pfeiffer and Jeff Bridges really burn up the screen with a New Years rendition of MAKIN' WHOOPEE. Their sexual energy envelopes the song. Pfeiffer does an excellent job singing (the last time she sang onscreen was in the horrid GREASE 2).

A brilliant character study, THE FABULOUS BAKER BOYS really fill the seats.

The DVD has a shaky video transfer, but the audio sounds pretty good.

That's What You Get, Folks, for Makin' Whoopee
4 1/2 stars

As the piano-playing "Baker Boys" of the title, Beau and Jeff Bridges play like they're brothers -- which they are. The Baker Boys, who have seemingly forever been playing muzak-style piano, accompanying each other, and making the smallest of small talk in a two piano-act, are out of gas. So, they decide to hire a "girl singer," to win back Seattle audiences ... and bookings.

The sequence in which the brothers audition would-be singers is the funniest of its kind ever filmed. But while this movie has some wonderful laughs, it is not, ultimately, a comedy.

Screenwriter-director Steve Kloves' debut is dominated by an actress named Michelle Pfeiffer, and by a sultry, smoky, saloon singer named ... Micheller Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer does all her own singing, and she's joy! (Warning: Although the wonderful soundtrack mixes Dave Grusin's cool jazz score with works from the Great American Songbook, don't buy the cd, as much of the best music is left off of it.)

Like Sinatra singing a Harold Arlen torch song, this one doesn't miss a beat.

A simple yet wonderful love story!!!
A terrific cast and a simple sweet story are some of the highlights of this unique, rarely talked about gem from the late-80's. It has every reason to be as seen as Pretty Woman--which came later, and seems to have ripped off not only the look of this film, but the poster of another lost classic, Rich Girl.

The Bridges brothers are fantastic in an extremely inspired casting gimmick, but the real reason to see this film is Michelle Pfeiffer in a Golden Globe winning and Oscar nominated role. She is superb as a sexy siren who tears apart two brothers, one a sex addict and the other a happily married man. Yes, you've heard it before but I will say it again, her rendition of "Making Whopee" has to be one of the most memorable scenes in all of film.

The main themes of sibling rivalry and unfulfilled talent are generally engrossing, and help to paper over the thinness of the story. Jeff Bridges is very believable as a man working in the lower ranks of his trade when he could've reached the top. Beau is also in fine form as a performer who does what he does simply because he has a family to support. It's a hard film to describe, because it's not really about very much, but if you can adjust to the relaxed pace and just enjoy the leisurely development of the three main characters then you will come away from the film feeling thoroughly satisfied.

Meg Tilly is also worth mentioning. She is fantastic in a small role that I wish was more fully developed. She is a truly wonderful and underrated actress and I was pleasantly surprised to see her. She has one of the other more memorable scenes in the film, auditioning for the brothers near the beginning of the film.

See it for the Bridges, see it for Pfeiffer, see it for Tilly or see it for the music. Just see it!

En