Description

Walt Disney Pictures' TUCK EVERLASTING, a timeless and enchanting adventure about one girl's magical summer, will captivate audiences of any age. Young Winnie Foster, stifled by the formality of her proper life and domineering mother, escapes into the woods only to get lost. Soon she happens upon Jesse Tuck -- a boy full of life and adventure who's unlike anyone she's ever met -- and falls in love.The Tucks, a kind and generous family, have a powerful secret -- a spring that holds the magic of everlasting life. And now Winnie must choose to live life as she knows it or drink from the spring. It's a life-affirming adventure that will cast its irresistible spell over you again and again. ... Read more

Reviews (90)

"Captivating Tale of Love, Immortality, and Choices We Make"
Even though I teach middle school, I had not read this book. My students mentioned it often however, and as an instructor of Greek mythology, I became curious about the story when I learned its basic premise was immortality. (I have been told that there was much less a love interest between the teenagers in the book, however this emendation certainly lends a magical spark to the timeless story.) Upon seeing the movie, I can recommend it not only for its excellent treatment of this subject, but also as a film the whole family can enjoy and discuss afterward.

In brief, this is the story of those (the family Tuck) who would seek to live forever. Unlike the mythological Tithonius however, who was granted everlasting life without eternal youth, the Tuck family becomes immortal from the moment they drink of the mystical pool at the foot of an ancient tree--a tree that will lend a poignant and touching climax to the end of the film.

Suffice it to say, the acting is wonderful. High profile heavyweights such as Ben Kingsley, Sissy Spacek and William Hurt give predictable sterling performances. Victor Garber (Alias; Annie) is also excellent as the wealthy father. But Alexis Bledel (Gilmore Girls) as Winnie Foster is simply disarming. She is convincing and superb in her effort to balance her desire for love in a life outside of time, with her responsibility to live the life intended for her. The talent of the cast, as well as the curiosity of the storyline makes for few dull moments, and the conclusion left me with one wet Kleenex!

This is a beautiful film--from the scenery, to the music, to the performances, to the plot. Yes, it might be simplistic and predictable, but it would take a crusty old grinch to say that this ninety minutes wasn't thoroughly delightful, and time well spent.

In the end, the age-old questions remain--is immortality all we would dream it to be? Is it quantity, or quality of life that is important? Does living forever make one unique and privileged, or does it (as Tuck would say) make one merely a rock stuck in a mud bank beside a flowing stream? And where does love fit into this equation? Is being given the love of your life, or loving the life you're given the more appropriate choice? The answer is found in Winnie's final decision on whether or not to drink from the eternal pool--a decision I could not have made.

Much better than the Country Bears!
About 2 to 5 weeks ago, I was watched the Country Bears, and found it a bad film by Disney, and now they have made it up, they made and came with this movie called "Tuck Everlasting". Which is about a girl that meets teenageer that is 104, and I must say that for being 104, that Jessie Tuck looks better good for his age. The girl is 15 years old and her name is Winfred. The Tucks are immortal, becuase they have discorved a a pond, that makes them living forever, even if they fall, and don't get hurt, or shot but not get hit. As the movie opens, Winfred "Winnie" Foster (Alexis Bledel) has met a stranger in a yellow suit, who is looking for the Tucks. Her parents decide to send her to a school that would manners. She doesn't want to go and runs away from home, and his lost in the woods and she runs into Jessie Tuck (Jonathan Jackson), who tells her to get out of the woods and to go home. But she runs, and runs into Jessie's grumpy brother Miles (Scott Barrstow), who takes her to his mom (Sissy Spaey). Who tells Miles to get his father (William Hurt) from fishing, because "he'll" not what to do with Winnie. I would reccomend this movie to you on dvd, if you love movies in "letter-box" fromat, and if you don't, then you will have to settle for the video tape edition, but a word of warning, if you get this on dvd, there are trailers for other movies like George of the Jungle 2 and Inceptor Gadge 2.

Love this movie
I love this movie! it is a great film...maybe better then the book. i cried for hours after i watched this movie (which is a good thing) if you like sad movies you'll love this!!!

Tuck Everlasting
Tuck Everlasting sure is everlasting.The movie isn't completely terrible.It really explores life and death but it takes to long.The whole time I kind of felt bored.The plot is good but I don't think it or the book it was adapted from are all that great.Maybe this just isn't my kind of film but it just took forever to get to the climax and it was only 90 minutes.The acting definetly isn't Oscar winning; the only great performance was by Sissy Spacek.The dialogue is of course compatible to this kind of movie but I still didn't really like it.It was a little better than I thought it would be, though.If you are interested in living forever or dealing with death or your just a kid you may like it more than the rest of us out there.To add to everything else I didn't really like the time setting.Check this one out if you want to be bored.Young Winnie Foster, stifled by the formality of her proper life and domineering mother, escapes into the woods only to get lost.Soon she happens upon Jesse Tuck- a boy full of life and adventure who's unlike anyone she's ever met- and falls in love.The Tucks, a kind and genorous family, have a powerful secret- a spring that holds the magic of everlasting life.And now Winnie must choose to live life as she knows it or drink from the spring.

"Like the Tuck family themselves, this movie just goes on and on and on and on"
-- Larry Carroll, COUNTINGDOWN.COM

the story is a bit thin but some scenes are simply powerful
It was not as great a story or character development as I could have hoped for, but overall I was not dissapointed. The scenery was beautiful, the 2 main characters also were beautiful and they had some powerful scenes between them.

The scene of him helping her in the water because she cannot swim is one of the most romantic and touching few minutes of film I have ever seen. ... Read more

Reviews (44)

Dirty Dancing Havana Nights Is Amazing
Dirty Dancing Havana Nights is so good. I loved it. I saw it with my friend it was for our birthdays, and it was like the best birthbay ever. We saw it the day after it came out and then i saw it again a week later. Diego Luna the guy dancer whos name is Javier Suarez is amazing. He is such a good dancer and it so HOTT! Katey Miller the plays the girl dancer is also a really good dancer. Katey and Javier are so cute together. They really make it look like they are in love. Javier is so sweet, and he really respects Katey unlike the other guy James. The music in the movie is so good too. I bought the soundtrack right after i saw the movie. Dirty Dancing Havana Nights is like my favorite movie, and i highly recommend that you see it.

Awesome movie!
Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. I have seen it 2x in the last 3 days. Diego Luna is a great actor besides the fact that he is very hot! He's my new fav actor. Romola Garai did a good job on this film. Their chemistry on screen is great and I am surprised that neither of them had any previous dancing experience and had to learn all of it. They did a great job! There are a couple lines that disrupted the intimate scenes, but overall it was a fantastic movie! Go see it if you haven't already but make sure you don't have expectations. It is nothing like the original. It's my new fav movie and I can't wait until it comes out on DVD!

Hot Dancing in Havana
I recently viewed the DVD Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights and thought it was terrific! The dancing was extraordinary and the actors really made the scenes they were in come to life. I also thought it was a perk to have Patrick Swayze from the original movie,Dirty Dancing as a dance instructor in the movie. It is a must see movie and a must have in your DVD collection. The music was also sensational!

Horrible writing!
The only good things about this movie were the lead actors and the dancing. The writing was horrible and the background story was annoying. Despite all of this, I will buy the DVD. Im a sucker for sequel/series and it was a cute movie as long as you have no expectations past cute leads and fun dancing. The soundtrack is great, not very fitting to time/place of the film, but its got some good dancin music.

A Must See!
As a huge fan of the original Dirty Dancing, I prepared myself for a huge let down. I thought that in no way could this movie capture the magic that the first one did, but I was very wrong. Although, it really isn't a sequel, but rather more a re-write with a twist, it is a great movie worth seeing for anyone. The dance scenes were well done, and the acting was superb. The plot is great because first it deals with the problems that an interracial couple living in different social classes face and it also deals with the struggles that Cuba was facing at the time. If you are in the mode for a great, well told love story check this movie out! ... Read more

Description

Crime never sleeps. Neither does Will Dormer (AL PACINO), a veteran LAPD homicide detective sent north to Alaska to head a murder case. There his investigation is disrupted by an ever-shining Midnight Sun that wreaks sleep-depriving havoc on his body clock and brings Dormer's shady, guilt-plagued past into the light of day. ... Read more

Reviews (242)

A worthy follow up to Memento
Insomnia, director Chris Nolan's second full length feature, doesn't have the same gut-wrenching and mind-bending plot twists that his feature length debut, Memento, had, but does an excellent job telling an original and gripping detective mystery.

The pleasure of Insomnia is to be found in its rich cinematography, beautiful landscapes, and excellent performances. The movie is one of the most visually compelling pieces of filmmaking I have seen in years, creating surreal juxtapositions with the vast, harsh Alaskan landscape and with close-up shots of crime scene evidence. The amazing visual landscapes (both large and small) are used effectively by director Nolan to emphasize the films themes of isolation and overpowerment, of losing oneself within ones environment and in ones choices.

Insomnia's plot will disappoint those looking for a new Memento, in that it does not have the sort of turns of action and motivation that Memento does. Insomnia works well without elaborate plot twists, however, it's mood benefits from a certain lack of ambiguity of action, although the ending is perhaps a little to predictable and cliched. Insomnia would have benefited, however, from more ambiguity of motivation - while the acting is top notch, especially on the part of Robin Williams, the connections between the characters actions and their motivations and decisions is too closely drawn by the script.

Overall Insomnia is an excellent movie, and a good entry into the detective/suspense movie cannon. It suffers slightly from a couple of bad edits (in a movie filled with amazing editing and shooting) and from its desire to clearly spell out the principle characters motivations, but these minor flaws are more than redeemed by the director's excellent camerawork and sense of pacing, a strong script, and very solid acting performances. Insomnia is a must see movie, and a welcome change from the "blockbuster" summer movie scene of 2002.

INSOMNIA is a long way from being a snoozer
Hollywood seems to have a love affair with remakes. A few years back it was hip to remake French films, then it was film versions of old TV shows, and every year there seems to be a "Sequelitis" epidemic in multiplexes worldwide. But INSOMNIA offers a Hollywood rarity: This is a remake of a NORWEGIAN movie.
While my opening comments don't offer much hope for the film, INSOMNIA is actually a great movie once you get into it. Starring Oscar winners Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank, executive produced by Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney and directed by Christopher Nolan director of the vastly overrated MEMENTO, INSOMNIA is a compelling mystery thriller.
When cop Will Dormer (Pacino) witnesses the murder of his partner, the prime suspect is mystery writer Walter Finch (Williams). But while Finch appears accommodating to the police, chronic insomniac Dormer finds himself receiving taunting calls from Finch in the middle of the night. Dormer's investigation leads him to a remote Alaskan town which never sees nightfall during the spring/summer seasons where he is partnered with local cop Ellie Burr (Hillary Swank). But with the combination of the continued threats from his unseen nemesis and the stress of the investigation, Dormer's sleeping disorder is wearing him down and disorientating him, making him an easier target.
Like MEMENTO, INSOMNIA is full of twists and is beautifully photographed. But thankfully unlike it, INSOMNIA has a plot that makes sense and keeps the viewer glued to the screen; but it is the strong characterisations by Pacino and Williams that make their cat-and-mouse game utterly compelling. I haven't seen the Norwegian version, but as far as remakes go its probably a pretty safe bet that INSOMNIA is in the upper ranks.

Falls Flat
This psychological thriller is based upon Norwegian writer Erik Skjoldbjaerg's novel of the same title. Al Pacino took a 4 year absence from acting before this film, and it's no surprise that this one broke him from his hiatus, as it has a great script and it stars two other Academy Award winning performers, Hillary Swank and Robin Williams.

Set in Alaska, this film is about Will Dormer, a veteran LA detective, played by Pacino. Dormer is sent with partner Hap Eckhart to investigate the grisly murder of a 17-year-old girl. At the same time, Dormer & Eckhart are being investigated by internal affairs for some suspicious police work, which Dormer believes Eckhart is about to spill the beans about.

The two colleagues are welcomed in Alaska by Ellie Burr (Hilary Swank), a policewoman who is also interested in solving this strange case. Dormer accidentally shoots his partner Eckhart, but knows how it will look if he confesses to the shooting, so he misleads them to believe that the suspect did the shooting and continues the investigation. The story goes through some interesting twists and turns from there on.

Three academy award winners in one movie that is based on a fantastic book with the same director as Memento seems like a sure winner, and it certainly did well at the box office, but it falls flat. Perhaps Swank and Pacino are afraid to upstage each other, as both their performances lack emotional depth and energy. Williams' performance is shockingly superb, however, as this role is a side of him not yet seen and he plays it very well. He finally shows he is a talented actor with more range than the Patch Adams and Mrs Doubtfire roles he usually takes. Williams' great performance can't save this film though, as it just doesn't get to the heart. The lack of emotional impact of it has is disappointing, as the criminal is more interesting and complex than the cops. The line fine they are creating between cop and criminal isn't lost on me, but Pacino's character is wooden and emotionally superficial and there's a void in the film where a great character should be.

This movie is proof that too many chefs spoil the cake, as too many great actors made what should have been a spectacular film into this mediocre film.

i was dissapointed
I expected this to be really good, but the potentially excellent film by Christopher Nolan was really hurt by the attitude of Al Pacino as a cop in Alaska. In his past few movies, he tries too hard to be young and savvy when he just needs to accept that he is aging. He tries to be cool in this and he is just retarded. Hilary Swank didn't do anything at all to make this movie any better. Robin Williams is the only bright spot in this movie. He is the reason for me giving this three stars. He can play a pretty good villain.

Robin's as the baddie
I guess nealy every actor plays a bad guy at some point. Williams has probably realized that he's pretty much plumbed the depths of comedic possibilies and its time to do some actual acting. He's surprisingly good. There's always been a kind of sad melancholic underside to William's comedy. Stand up comedy itself is a desperate plea for attention and acceptance. 98 % of this movie is the mano a mano mortal struggle between Pacino, the conflicted and tormented cop and Williams, the remorseless murderer. Formulaic but extremely well acted, directed and filmed. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

OUT OF THE CLOSET
A man fears his son is a serial killer; the son plays on this and torments his father; is he the culprit or is it the father? That is the premise in this low-key, yet tense and enthralling psychological drama. The answer is rather predictable, but thanks to the intense performances by Treat Williams, Linda Hamilton and Jonathan Jackson, the movie grabs you and doesn't let up until it's last mesmerizing scene. Williams has aged nicely, maintaining that handsome leading man quality, but has gone a little pudgy and hangs on to that guy next door persona. Hamilton, looking a little tired and older,nonetheless conveys a quiet sexuality and seems to enjoy her character; Jackson switches from smart-mouthed brat to the abused victim rather effectively. The direction is terse and not ostentatious, Powers letting the story tell itself.
A tight little overlooked film.

Vapid Entertainment
Skeletons in the Closet is a head-game style flick asking: Who's the Bad Guy? The father of a disturbed teenager starts to believe that his son is a serial killer. The son, for his part, seems to enjoy messing with his father's head. Linda Hamilton plays the father's girlfriend, who is caught in the middle between father and son, with both telling her that the other is paranoid.

Overall, this movie was a bit over reaching and predictable. There were no surprises and the script fails to deliver on the potential drama of the story. The acting in this movie is quite good and does help to deliver it from made for TV status. In fact, I have to wonder what Linda Hamilton was doing in this movie at all. Either her career is on the way down or her agent needs to suggest that she be more picky with her roles. Truly, her character could have been fully eliminated from the script without really losing anything.

I say go ahead and watch. It's not too bad, if you don't expect too much. It will at least help you to burn a couple of hours with some mindless entertainment. We all need that sometimes.

For DVD collectors: This DVD has basically nothing of interest. There are no extras beyond production notes, cast&crew, and the trailer. Kinda disappointing on that front.

Great Movie
Skeletons In The Closet was a really cool movie! I recently added this DVD to my own collection, and I'm glad I did! It may not have been the greatest phsychological thriller in the world, but it was definately worth watching. I was very impressed with Jonathan Jackson's performace as Will Reid's (Treat Williams) 18-year old son with some deep, emotional problems. Williams was great as Jackson's paranoid father who undoubtedly has some issues of his own. Linda Hamilton was O.K. with the part she was given, even though her role could have been completely omitted from the script and not have changed the movie one bit. This movie is definately worth watching!

Well worth it
A while ago my wife brought home this movie on VHS from the local movie joint. I rolled my eyes figuring she picked up another B-grade cheesy flick. Boy was I surprised. This movie is well acted and keeps your attention throughout. In has enough twists to keep you wondering who is doing what and what the full story really is. It doesn't rely on gore or shock value but rather mental games to keep you glued and wondering what is going to happen. Well worth the money and a great addition to any dramatic/thriller DVD collection.

GREAT MOVIE!
My Opinion May Seem A Little Biased because i was in the movie! it was filmed in Jackson New Hampshire, where i live so i got to be an extra in a couple of scenes. ANYWAY, this is a great movie and it keeps you on the edge of your seats. i HIGHLY recomend u buy this ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Surprisingly good, moving and effective
There's a moment early on in John Carney's "On The Edge" that serves to self-assuredly define itself as the alternative to the tired, Hollywoodized coming-of-age genre. In a scene between Jonathan (Cillian Murphy) and his psychologist (Stephen Rea), a chidingly defiant Murphy declares there won't be any "Good Will Hunting" moments between doctor and patient. True to his word as the movie is true to its central point about the fragility and the value of life, there aren't any. And the result is quite simply a breath of fresh air.

I won't bore you with plot points because I don't believe any self-respecting movie review should (hello Mr. Ebert). And anyway, like most good movies, "On The Edge" is the kind that should be watched with as little knowledge of the plot as possible so as to make its charm and impact that much more...charming and impactful.

Cillian Murphy (of "28 Days Later" fame) delivers a subtle, understated but no less brilliant performance as a young man quietly grappling with his fate, slowly coming to terms with the value and importance of his own life.

The script, often quirky and with a sometimes oddly upbeat feel for a movie that could have come off as an extreme downer, leaves plenty of room inbetween the lines for supporting actors Tricia Vessey and Jonathan Jackson to flex their more than capable acting muscles. Superlative acting vet Stephen Rea ("The Crying Game") is perfectly cast as a psychologist with baggage that's never so much stated as it is implied in his countenance.

But it's Cillian Murphy that carries the movie with the effortlessness of ease, and a presence and ability that belies his years. Seeing Murphy at work, it's easy to forget you're watching a movie, and I can't recall a time that I've been more moved or captivated by the depth of emotion and compassion expressed by an actor in a mere reaction shot. It's downright fascinating to watch him steal scenes without uttering a word or twitching a muscle. But thief he is, whether he knows it or not, and it's one of the many things that adds an extra notch of respectability to a movie already rife with it.

No less miraculous and awe-inspiring is director John Carney, who in addition to co-writing the script also scored the original music and sang lead vocal on the final song--something I haven't heard of being done since Sylvester Stallone crooned the theme song for his directorial debut "Paradise Alley" back when he was still respectable.

"On The Edge", although quite possibly a bit too emotionally heavy to watch time and time again, is without a doubt one of the best movies I have seen this year and is definitely worth a viewing.

Perfectly charming and thoughtful film!
What a great movie! I wholeheartedly agree with previous review extolling the virtues of this film's simplicity! The lead actor Cillian Murphy was excellent. I loved the story and setting and ....man I just loved this movie. There was a scene of the two lead characters standing against a blue ice cream truck with the guy holding bright orange creamsicles in his hands attempting to hug and console the sobbing girl. Wow! It doesnt do it justice me describing it....I will definitely look forward to more movies from this director and cast. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

A contrived story - what a let down...
Typical for movie of the week, but dissappointing as a rental. It starts out fairly good, but once the mother realizes her son may be gone for good (a gripping scene) the story goes flat. Great choice of actors, but the two young actors playing the brothers are more interesting than the adult characters.

The story gives you things to think about in the given situation, but otherwise did not hold much interest. I felt more compassion for the boy and his adopted father who had to be separated. The idea that in all of Chicago the boy happens to be found within 2 blocks of home after nearly 10 years is not plausible. They apparently have one police station for the entire Metropolitan area (hardly). Also, it seems Whoopi Goldberg handles all police related work for the inner city (downtown Chicago) plus the suburban area where the family lives. Whoopi, you've got your hands full there!

Filming from the start wasn't consistent. They take a family picture by the blooming spring lilacs and then get in the car and drive to Chicago. Along the way you see magnificent autumn color. That must be a long drive from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago...

Nine years later after Thanksgiving you see the same autumn color that would have been long gone by Thanksgiving in Wisconsin. This must be what's called "creative license". If the story had been more compelling to watch I probably would have missed such faux pas. I hung in to see how it would end. No surprise there - movie over / start the 11 o'clock news.

The Deep Movie Isle
Beth (Pfeiffer) and Patrick (Williams) Cappadora are a happy, ordinary family, with 2 young sons, until one day, in a busy hotel lobby, every parent's worse nightmare happens, one of them, Ben, the youngest, disappears. The loss of their 3-year-old shatters Beth and Patrick, and so they move away to another town to separate themselves from their grief. Nine years later, they finally move back, only to discover their son, now 12, living in the town with the people who kidnapped him all those years ago. The film follows the intricate family drama that ensues when the Cappadora re-unites.

not predictable
Very good movie. Kid is stolen, Mom goes crazy, family becomes a mess. Kid is found but its all unpredictable. Rent it and see how the story unfolds.

What is a family? That is the question.
A great movie with a plot that flounders a bit in the middle. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

It starts as a very tense tightly-wound story about a small kid getting lost. We follow the family (and especially the mother) through its tremendous grieving process.

After an unexpected event that turns the story upside down on its head, we are invited to follow another story-within-story, which is really the ultimate headliner of the movie: What is a family?

The middle-class couple in question finds out that a family is, yes, the physical presence of its members. It is important to share the same house, genes and the same kitchen table.

But to their great surprise they find out that that is not enough. A family is also about shared experiences, memories, about the collection of all the little things that we hate and like about our parents, siblings, children and relatives. Take away those memories and what's left behind?

The film ends with a good twist that ties up all the loose ends nicely.

This is the sort of film experience that makes you think a lot about your own family as you're watching it. It makes you smile for the all positive experiences that you recall from your own childhood. And it also makes you cry for all the things that you've missed while you were a child and wish the fate had dealt you a better hand.

A roller-coaster of an emotional movie. Great acting by everyone in it. When it's over you feel a little tired from trying to control your own gut wrenching emotions. Recommended.

A good film about WHAT IF
What if your child was kidnapped... And then, WHAT IF, miracle of all miracles, he came back home years later? Yeah, not the joy and roses you think it would be. It's so much more complicated than that. I didn't want to see this film because I thought it would another film that would wring me out like the old movie--whose name escapes me right now... but the whole film the kid is missing until the end. GOod movie, but an emotional investment. Anyway, this isn't that at all. A truly good film. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Camp Nowhere --- Way cool
I recently rented Camp Nowhere. Best movie I have seen in my life. It is SO funny. It is all about this group of four teens {two girls, two boys} whos parents are making them go to summer camps in which they do not want to go. They find Dennis Van Wilker {Christopher Lloyd} and they scam thir parents into this camp. Along with many other kids, all summer this "camp" which is really just a big party, goes great. In August, all the parents want a Parents Day, so they pull of "the GREATEST scam of all time" At the end, the truth is revealed, nothing bad happens. The whole movie, Mudd and Gabby have a little crush going on and wont admit it to each other but at the end Mudd and Gabby have a nice wet kiss.

A great movie, and why!
What's a kid's greatest dream? A summer of all play and no work, lot's of evenly-mixed friends, and plenty of money to to burn... In Camp Nowhere, this actually comes true. A geeky kid called Mud, along with three other friends (two girls and another boy, by the way), gets his hands on megabucks, hires Dennis, a funny ex-drama teacher, actor, and often saviour, and rents out a camping spot complete with cabins, lake... The ex-hippie Dennis fools all four pairs of parents into sending their kids to four different "camps" (military, computer, weight-loss, and drama) but actually in one: Camp Nowhere. But soon, their orginally intended number of four turns to the dozens, as a loud-mouthed kid trumpets to the entire youth.

Soon their fun is in full swing: everything from water-guns to a 61" TV is theirs. Not to mention sweet puppy love... But trouble arises as most of the parents declare they're coming to visit for Parent's Day! So, as Mud says, they begin to pull off the greatest scam of all time...

Unlike many other movies, every instant and adventure in fun and engaging. A really fun and enjoyable movie, especially during summer vacation.

(I saw it on a government station, so some parts might have been censored, though highly unlikely...)

could have been good
There was a possibility of a very good movie here with good acting, talented kids, etc. Unfortunately , as in many kids movies these days, the parents are stereotyped as blithering idiots, and the kids have to go it on their own. The cursing gets out of hand for a family movie, and gets worse as the movie continues. I didn't finish watching it. Christopher Lloyd is great though and it does have it's funny moments ( if you had TV Guardian to block all the foul language that is!)

the greatest
I've seen this movie a million times and I still love it. IT has such a cute plot jsut the idea goin away for the summer with no parents doin whatever gets u into the summer spirit

A review from thirtysomething
I have been reading the reviews, most of which are obviously written by teenagers or preteens.
My husband, also 30something, tuned into this on cable the other night. and we both sat and watched the whole thing. It's "Lord of the flies" set in modern day, but much more fun to watch.

Christopher Lloyd, best known as "Reverend Jim" on t.v. show Taxi, and "Doc Brown" in the Back to the Future movies is the only known star that shows up in most of the movie. He plays the authority figure throughout the film when the parents' aren't.

It's a "let's see how much we can get away with while the parents aren't looking" movie. and I have to admit, it was pretty cool..Both my husband and i were thinking: That is cool..I wish I could've done that. It's a fantasy for younger teens. Basically, some rich kids pool all their summer camp money together and create their own fantasy camp and their parents think that they are all at the camps they were originally supposed to go to for the summer: fat camp, computer camp, drama camp.. instead, it's just 'HAVE FUN ALL SUMMER camp..OR Camp Nowhere at some run down land that Lloyds' character finds.
The teens all come together and help Lloyd from going to jail.
It's a cute little film that certainly isn't one of the most classic of the teen genre, but certainly is entertaining enough.
A lot of silliness goes on, and eventually chaos!!! the parents want parents day..of course, they have to get caught eventually, right?
check it out... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Beth Cappadora (Michelle Pfeiffer) is at her high school reunion when her 3-year-old son disappears from his brother's care. The little boy never turns up, and the family has to deal with the devastating guilt and grief that goes along with it. Nine years later, the family has relocated to Chicago. By a sheer fluke, the kid turns up, living no more than two blocks away. The authorities swoop down and return the kid to his biological parents, but things are far from being that simple. The boy grew up around what he has called his father, while his new family are strangers to him; the older son, now a teenager, has brushes with the law and behavioral problems. His adjustment to his lost brother is complicated by normal teenage churlishness, and the dad (Treat Williams) seems to expect everything to fall into place as though the family had been intact all along. It's a tightrope routine for actors in a story like this, being careful not to chew the scenery while at the same time not being too flaccid or understated. For the most part, the members of the cast deal well with the emotional complexity of their roles. Though the story stretches credulity, weirder things do happen in the real world. The family's pain for the first half of the film is certainly credible, though the second half almost seems like a different movie. Whoopi Goldberg plays the detective assigned to the case; casting her is a bit of a stretch, but she makes it work. All in all, a decent three-hanky movie in the vein of Ordinary People. --Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (53)

A contrived story - what a let down...
Typical for movie of the week, but dissappointing as a rental. It starts out fairly good, but once the mother realizes her son may be gone for good (a gripping scene) the story goes flat. Great choice of actors, but the two young actors playing the brothers are more interesting than the adult characters.

The story gives you things to think about in the given situation, but otherwise did not hold much interest. I felt more compassion for the boy and his adopted father who had to be separated. The idea that in all of Chicago the boy happens to be found within 2 blocks of home after nearly 10 years is not plausible. They apparently have one police station for the entire Metropolitan area (hardly). Also, it seems Whoopi Goldberg handles all police related work for the inner city (downtown Chicago) plus the suburban area where the family lives. Whoopi, you've got your hands full there!

Filming from the start wasn't consistent. They take a family picture by the blooming spring lilacs and then get in the car and drive to Chicago. Along the way you see magnificent autumn color. That must be a long drive from Madison, Wisconsin to Chicago...

Nine years later after Thanksgiving you see the same autumn color that would have been long gone by Thanksgiving in Wisconsin. This must be what's called "creative license". If the story had been more compelling to watch I probably would have missed such faux pas. I hung in to see how it would end. No surprise there - movie over / start the 11 o'clock news.

The Deep Movie Isle
Beth (Pfeiffer) and Patrick (Williams) Cappadora are a happy, ordinary family, with 2 young sons, until one day, in a busy hotel lobby, every parent's worse nightmare happens, one of them, Ben, the youngest, disappears. The loss of their 3-year-old shatters Beth and Patrick, and so they move away to another town to separate themselves from their grief. Nine years later, they finally move back, only to discover their son, now 12, living in the town with the people who kidnapped him all those years ago. The film follows the intricate family drama that ensues when the Cappadora re-unites.

not predictable
Very good movie. Kid is stolen, Mom goes crazy, family becomes a mess. Kid is found but its all unpredictable. Rent it and see how the story unfolds.

What is a family? That is the question.
A great movie with a plot that flounders a bit in the middle. Otherwise I would have given it 5 stars.

It starts as a very tense tightly-wound story about a small kid getting lost. We follow the family (and especially the mother) through its tremendous grieving process.

After an unexpected event that turns the story upside down on its head, we are invited to follow another story-within-story, which is really the ultimate headliner of the movie: What is a family?

The middle-class couple in question finds out that a family is, yes, the physical presence of its members. It is important to share the same house, genes and the same kitchen table.

But to their great surprise they find out that that is not enough. A family is also about shared experiences, memories, about the collection of all the little things that we hate and like about our parents, siblings, children and relatives. Take away those memories and what's left behind?

The film ends with a good twist that ties up all the loose ends nicely.

This is the sort of film experience that makes you think a lot about your own family as you're watching it. It makes you smile for the all positive experiences that you recall from your own childhood. And it also makes you cry for all the things that you've missed while you were a child and wish the fate had dealt you a better hand.

A roller-coaster of an emotional movie. Great acting by everyone in it. When it's over you feel a little tired from trying to control your own gut wrenching emotions. Recommended.

A good film about WHAT IF
What if your child was kidnapped... And then, WHAT IF, miracle of all miracles, he came back home years later? Yeah, not the joy and roses you think it would be. It's so much more complicated than that. I didn't want to see this film because I thought it would another film that would wring me out like the old movie--whose name escapes me right now... but the whole film the kid is missing until the end. GOod movie, but an emotional investment. Anyway, this isn't that at all. A truly good film. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

JJ rules
I love this movie. It's also known as "Prisoners of Zenda, Inc" which is what i've known it to be. Jonathan Jackson put on a great preformance as two different characters. JJ is an amazing actor. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Surprisingly good, moving and effective
There's a moment early on in John Carney's "On The Edge" that serves to self-assuredly define itself as the alternative to the tired, Hollywoodized coming-of-age genre. In a scene between Jonathan (Cillian Murphy) and his psychologist (Stephen Rea), a chidingly defiant Murphy declares there won't be any "Good Will Hunting" moments between doctor and patient. True to his word as the movie is true to its central point about the fragility and the value of life, there aren't any. And the result is quite simply a breath of fresh air.

I won't bore you with plot points because I don't believe any self-respecting movie review should (hello Mr. Ebert). And anyway, like most good movies, "On The Edge" is the kind that should be watched with as little knowledge of the plot as possible so as to make its charm and impact that much more...charming and impactful.

Cillian Murphy (of "28 Days Later" fame) delivers a subtle, understated but no less brilliant performance as a young man quietly grappling with his fate, slowly coming to terms with the value and importance of his own life.

The script, often quirky and with a sometimes oddly upbeat feel for a movie that could have come off as an extreme downer, leaves plenty of room inbetween the lines for supporting actors Tricia Vessey and Jonathan Jackson to flex their more than capable acting muscles. Superlative acting vet Stephen Rea ("The Crying Game") is perfectly cast as a psychologist with baggage that's never so much stated as it is implied in his countenance.

But it's Cillian Murphy that carries the movie with the effortlessness of ease, and a presence and ability that belies his years. Seeing Murphy at work, it's easy to forget you're watching a movie, and I can't recall a time that I've been more moved or captivated by the depth of emotion and compassion expressed by an actor in a mere reaction shot. It's downright fascinating to watch him steal scenes without uttering a word or twitching a muscle. But thief he is, whether he knows it or not, and it's one of the many things that adds an extra notch of respectability to a movie already rife with it.

No less miraculous and awe-inspiring is director John Carney, who in addition to co-writing the script also scored the original music and sang lead vocal on the final song--something I haven't heard of being done since Sylvester Stallone crooned the theme song for his directorial debut "Paradise Alley" back when he was still respectable.

"On The Edge", although quite possibly a bit too emotionally heavy to watch time and time again, is without a doubt one of the best movies I have seen this year and is definitely worth a viewing.

Perfectly charming and thoughtful film!
What a great movie! I wholeheartedly agree with previous review extolling the virtues of this film's simplicity! The lead actor Cillian Murphy was excellent. I loved the story and setting and ....man I just loved this movie. There was a scene of the two lead characters standing against a blue ice cream truck with the guy holding bright orange creamsicles in his hands attempting to hug and console the sobbing girl. Wow! It doesnt do it justice me describing it....I will definitely look forward to more movies from this director and cast. ... Read more

Description

Crime never sleeps. Neither does Will Dormer (AL PACINO), a veteran LAPD homicide detective sent north to Alaska to head a murder case. There his investigation is disrupted by an ever-shining Midnight Sun that wreaks sleep-depriving havoc on his body clock and brings Dormer's shady, guilt-plagued past into the light of day. ... Read more

Reviews (242)

A worthy follow up to Memento
Insomnia, director Chris Nolan's second full length feature, doesn't have the same gut-wrenching and mind-bending plot twists that his feature length debut, Memento, had, but does an excellent job telling an original and gripping detective mystery.

The pleasure of Insomnia is to be found in its rich cinematography, beautiful landscapes, and excellent performances. The movie is one of the most visually compelling pieces of filmmaking I have seen in years, creating surreal juxtapositions with the vast, harsh Alaskan landscape and with close-up shots of crime scene evidence. The amazing visual landscapes (both large and small) are used effectively by director Nolan to emphasize the films themes of isolation and overpowerment, of losing oneself within ones environment and in ones choices.

Insomnia's plot will disappoint those looking for a new Memento, in that it does not have the sort of turns of action and motivation that Memento does. Insomnia works well without elaborate plot twists, however, it's mood benefits from a certain lack of ambiguity of action, although the ending is perhaps a little to predictable and cliched. Insomnia would have benefited, however, from more ambiguity of motivation - while the acting is top notch, especially on the part of Robin Williams, the connections between the characters actions and their motivations and decisions is too closely drawn by the script.

Overall Insomnia is an excellent movie, and a good entry into the detective/suspense movie cannon. It suffers slightly from a couple of bad edits (in a movie filled with amazing editing and shooting) and from its desire to clearly spell out the principle characters motivations, but these minor flaws are more than redeemed by the director's excellent camerawork and sense of pacing, a strong script, and very solid acting performances. Insomnia is a must see movie, and a welcome change from the "blockbuster" summer movie scene of 2002.

INSOMNIA is a long way from being a snoozer
Hollywood seems to have a love affair with remakes. A few years back it was hip to remake French films, then it was film versions of old TV shows, and every year there seems to be a "Sequelitis" epidemic in multiplexes worldwide. But INSOMNIA offers a Hollywood rarity: This is a remake of a NORWEGIAN movie.
While my opening comments don't offer much hope for the film, INSOMNIA is actually a great movie once you get into it. Starring Oscar winners Al Pacino, Robin Williams and Hilary Swank, executive produced by Steven Soderbergh and George Clooney and directed by Christopher Nolan director of the vastly overrated MEMENTO, INSOMNIA is a compelling mystery thriller.
When cop Will Dormer (Pacino) witnesses the murder of his partner, the prime suspect is mystery writer Walter Finch (Williams). But while Finch appears accommodating to the police, chronic insomniac Dormer finds himself receiving taunting calls from Finch in the middle of the night. Dormer's investigation leads him to a remote Alaskan town which never sees nightfall during the spring/summer seasons where he is partnered with local cop Ellie Burr (Hillary Swank). But with the combination of the continued threats from his unseen nemesis and the stress of the investigation, Dormer's sleeping disorder is wearing him down and disorientating him, making him an easier target.
Like MEMENTO, INSOMNIA is full of twists and is beautifully photographed. But thankfully unlike it, INSOMNIA has a plot that makes sense and keeps the viewer glued to the screen; but it is the strong characterisations by Pacino and Williams that make their cat-and-mouse game utterly compelling. I haven't seen the Norwegian version, but as far as remakes go its probably a pretty safe bet that INSOMNIA is in the upper ranks.

Falls Flat
This psychological thriller is based upon Norwegian writer Erik Skjoldbjaerg's novel of the same title. Al Pacino took a 4 year absence from acting before this film, and it's no surprise that this one broke him from his hiatus, as it has a great script and it stars two other Academy Award winning performers, Hillary Swank and Robin Williams.

Set in Alaska, this film is about Will Dormer, a veteran LA detective, played by Pacino. Dormer is sent with partner Hap Eckhart to investigate the grisly murder of a 17-year-old girl. At the same time, Dormer & Eckhart are being investigated by internal affairs for some suspicious police work, which Dormer believes Eckhart is about to spill the beans about.

The two colleagues are welcomed in Alaska by Ellie Burr (Hilary Swank), a policewoman who is also interested in solving this strange case. Dormer accidentally shoots his partner Eckhart, but knows how it will look if he confesses to the shooting, so he misleads them to believe that the suspect did the shooting and continues the investigation. The story goes through some interesting twists and turns from there on.

Three academy award winners in one movie that is based on a fantastic book with the same director as Memento seems like a sure winner, and it certainly did well at the box office, but it falls flat. Perhaps Swank and Pacino are afraid to upstage each other, as both their performances lack emotional depth and energy. Williams' performance is shockingly superb, however, as this role is a side of him not yet seen and he plays it very well. He finally shows he is a talented actor with more range than the Patch Adams and Mrs Doubtfire roles he usually takes. Williams' great performance can't save this film though, as it just doesn't get to the heart. The lack of emotional impact of it has is disappointing, as the criminal is more interesting and complex than the cops. The line fine they are creating between cop and criminal isn't lost on me, but Pacino's character is wooden and emotionally superficial and there's a void in the film where a great character should be.

This movie is proof that too many chefs spoil the cake, as too many great actors made what should have been a spectacular film into this mediocre film.

i was dissapointed
I expected this to be really good, but the potentially excellent film by Christopher Nolan was really hurt by the attitude of Al Pacino as a cop in Alaska. In his past few movies, he tries too hard to be young and savvy when he just needs to accept that he is aging. He tries to be cool in this and he is just retarded. Hilary Swank didn't do anything at all to make this movie any better. Robin Williams is the only bright spot in this movie. He is the reason for me giving this three stars. He can play a pretty good villain.

Robin's as the baddie
I guess nealy every actor plays a bad guy at some point. Williams has probably realized that he's pretty much plumbed the depths of comedic possibilies and its time to do some actual acting. He's surprisingly good. There's always been a kind of sad melancholic underside to William's comedy. Stand up comedy itself is a desperate plea for attention and acceptance. 98 % of this movie is the mano a mano mortal struggle between Pacino, the conflicted and tormented cop and Williams, the remorseless murderer. Formulaic but extremely well acted, directed and filmed. ... Read more