Reviews (15)

Charming, Funny and Touching
I loved this film. It was charming, funny, fun, and of course sad at times. This is a movie about a family struggling to come to terms with a divorce. It shows all sides of the story and I didn't see where it left anything out.

Robin Williams is spectacular! He is funny as usual, but he captures the hurt when necesary too.

I don't think you will regret watching this one.

B-e-autiful movie!
Mrs. Doubtfire is the sweetest movie ever. Though it's rated PG-13, it's still a perfect movie to watch with your kids. Also, look at Robin Williams and think, "Thank God that's not my life!"

Laugh Out Loud Funny
This is laugh out loud funny. Robin Williams makes it what it is and the rest of the actors are just props. If you like Robin Williams, you won't want to miss this one. Outstanding!!!

The best scene is the restaurant scene. While it is a comedy, it does have something to say about love, that it can take many forms...that a wacky transvestite can be loved too. :)

We never tire of this one
It's hard to find a movie these days that the whole family can enjoy, but this is one of them. Some stellar set pieces by Robin Williams stay in my memory: dancing with the vacuum, the son walking in on his dad (dressed as a woman) peeing while standing up, smacking out his/her flaming fake bosom with pot lids, quitting his job as voice over by imitating Elmer Fudd and telling his boss to p-p-p-p-p-piss off, the switching roles and costumes at the restaurant near the end...
It's the story of divorce, and mom has custody and prevents dad (Williams) from seeing the kids. So he dresses as a British nanny and is hired to care for them. Beautifully acted by everyone. Very touching message lies just below the surface of all the slapstick. Invite the kids, your parents, the neighbors, the babysitter, and watch it over and over.

Hilarious film and brilliantly acted by everyone!
This was one of the best films of the 90's. Robin Williams does an amazing job playing both comedy and dramatic parts. Sally Field, as always, shines in her portrayal of a divorced mother trying to move on with her life with her kids and a new man, Pierce Brosnan.

The hijinks will keep you laughing throughout the movie. Not only funny, it is heartwarming and will be helpful for all families no matter whether they are from divorced homes or not. Very famiy friendly.

I love this film. Get it and you won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This huge 1993 hit for Robin Williams and director Chris Columbus (Home Alone), based on a novel called Alias Madame Doubtfire by Anne Fine, stars Williams as a loving but flaky father estranged from his frustrated wife (Sally Field). Devastated by a court order limiting his time with the children, Williams's character disguises himself as a warm, old British nanny who becomes the kids' best friend. As with Dustin Hoffman's performance in Tootsie, Williams's drag act--buried under layers of latex and padding--is the show, and everything and everyone else on screen serves his sometimes frantic role. Since that's the case, it's fortunate that Williams is Williams, and his performance is terribly funny at times and exceptionally believable in those scenes where his character misses his children. Playing Williams's brother, a professional makeup artist, Harvey Fierstein has a good support role in a bright sequence where he tries a number of feminine looks on Williams before settling on Mrs. Doubtfire's visage. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (64)

A "LAUGH SO HARD IT HURTS" MOVIE!
Dude looks like a lady! I loved, loved, LOVED this movie! At times I laughed so hard I cried, and Robin Williams is most definitely at his absolute wacky, zany BEST! In the film, an estranged husband, (Williams), wants so desperately to spend time with his three kids, that he goes so far as to dress up as a kindly, matronly female housekeeper - hence, "Mrs. Doubtfire" is "born"! The most hilarious scenes in the movie involve Williams having to rush in and out of his heavily padded, Mrs. Doubtfire get-up! (Just visualizing this in my mind "cracks me up" right now)! Yet, at the same time, Williams' character also manages to tug at your heart with his sincerety and good intentions. If you haven't yet seen this movie, you're missing out on a real laugh fest. My advice is to treat yourself to this comedic delight, now, and add it to your collection of "feel good" movies!

rolling-on-the-floor laughing entertainment
If you want a funny movie with a good blend of human emotions and sensitivity, "Mrs. Doubtfire" is the one. It is just hysterical, and an excellent film. Robin Williams portrays Daniel Hillard, a laid-back father who is absolutely crazy about his three children, who love him just as much. When Daniel's behavior becomes more than his wife Miranda (Sally Field) can handle, she files a divorce. Daniel is devastated at the loss of his wife, but more than that, he cannot stand to be separated from his children. He is willing to make as many sacrifices as he needs in order to be with them, even if it means putting on a dress, a bodysuit and a little makeup and portraying a devoted old nanny whom Miranda instantly hires to help take care of the kids. In the process, Daniel works hard to shape up his own life and ultimately mature as a parent. You will laugh hysterically at Daniel's attempts as "Mrs. Doubtfire," and you will be touched at the special pains he goes to just to see his children every day. Of course, it's not just Robin Williams who supplies the entertainment in this movie. Mara Wilson, who plays Daniel's youngest daughter Nattie, will have you rolling on the floor laughing. With that sweet little lisp and the innocence of a 5-year-old, she almost stole the show (in my opinion). There is a very good cast here, and this movie has everything. Humor, tears, sensitivity....you name it. Do yourself a favor and watch this one. If you haven't seen it yet, now is the time. It's the kind of film that you can watch over and over and laugh just as often every time, if not more. You'll love it--trust me! =) It's pretty much impossible not to be touched in some way by this moving film about persistence, love, and dedication to your family.

The Last Great Williams Comedy
Hard to believe its already been ten years. William's hasn't done anything nearly this funny since. He seems to be getting more reflective and less whimsical in his middle age. A divorced dad pretends to be a middle aged british nanny to spend more time with his kids. Ingenious. Inevitable hilarity ensues. William's talent is in taking an obvious joke or set up and succeeding brilliantly whereas most other comedians would flail about and fall flat.

Not A Big Robin Williams Fan, But...
It's fine to see Mork from Ork fans gushing about how perfect everything is that Robin Williams has even touched or ever will touch. In reality, however, he's just a decent TV actor who can also do cartoon voice dubs.

That's why I feel that when someone like me praises a movie of his, it should mean a lot more. Watching Mrs. Doubtfire, I was forced to admire his sheer guts in tackling this Tootsie role (sans roll) despite the huge success Dustin Hoffman already had with it.

Most of Robin's film parts amount to a large junkpile of bad remakes, half-written plots and other "at least it's a fat paycheck" duds. It is also mind boggling how he got an Oscar for his minor foul-mouthed cameo in Good Will Hunting. However, every once in a long while he incredibly rises far above his journeyman talents and rightfully dons the mantle of a true master of the art.

(Not that co-star Sally Field was just using up air here, either - she was a great anchor of reality for the film. Which is not an easy task to perform for someone as cute and bubbly as she normally is.)

Robin's actually done five other proper acting jobs, which round out an even half dozen when added to Doubtfire. And these few other fine movies are, not surprisingly, parts where he really doesn't play himself: Good Morning Vietnam, Hook, Jumangi, Dead Poets Society and Cadillac Man.

Well, most actors when their careers are over should consider themselves lucky to even end up with a trilogy of film classics in the can, after doing the usual 25 to 50 major works. But right now Robin's got those six gems, and he still has time to complete a crown of an even dozen.

Of course he'd already have had time to do that by now, if only he had just said no when his agent called to ask him if he wanted to do flop-bound flicks like Shlubber, Jerk or Bicentennial Bum.

A Charming Movie!
Mrs. Doubtfire is a cute movie, it's one of Robin Williams best movies and he was hilarious. He plays an unemployed actor who's wife dumps him because of what she thinks is irresponsible behavior including letting his sons birthday party get out of hand and after a rather messy divorce only gives him limited visitation rights he disguises himself as an older woman when he hears his ex wife played by Sally Field is looking for a nanny/housekeeper for their kids and she hires him thinking he is really Mrs. Doubtfire and what follows is a great hilarious movie with some tender moments that tug at your heartstrings and I highly recommend this movie! Not only is Robin Williams good but so is the rest of the cast including Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan and little Mara Wilson. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

In Independence Day, a scientist played by Jeff Goldblum once actually had a fistfight with a man (Bill Pullman) who is now president of the United States. That same president, late in the film, personally flies a jet fighter to deliver a payload of missiles against an attack by extraterrestrials. Independence Day is the kind of movie so giddy with its own outrageousness that one doesn't even blink at such howlers in the plot. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is a pastiche of conventions from flying-saucer movies from the 1940s and 1950s, replete with icky monsters and bizarre coincidences that create convenient shortcuts in the story. (Such as the way the girlfriend of one of the film's heroes--played by Will Smith--just happens to run across the president's injured wife, who are then both rescued by Smith's character who somehow runs across them in alien-ravaged Los Angeles County.) The movie is just sheer fun, aided by a cast that knows how to balance the retro requirements of the genre with a more contemporary feel. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (528)

Typical Big-Budget Fun Ride
Director Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow & The Patriot) became a popular name in big-budget summer movies with the successful 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day". Massive alien spaceships mysteriously enter the Earth's atmosphere and unleash a devastating assault on the world's major cities. Now, a small human resistance organizes a final stand against the powerful invaders. "Independence Day" is a 153 minutes of pure movie fun. Its simple plot and stereotypical characters are rather predictable but still quite enjoyable. Its amusing humor, intense battle sequences and outstanding special effects are this Sci-Fi film's true highlights. The all-star cast features Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Vivica A. Fox and Robert Loggia.

"Independence Day" Limited Edition is a worthy bargain DVD. Both theatrical and extended cuts are presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains an amazing picture quality with rich color detail and great resolution. The clear 5.1 Dolby Digital sound delivers some well balanced surrounds and awesome bass, but a DTS audio track should have been included in this new release. Among special features, it contains two audio commentaries by filmmakers and FX crew, and a sneak peak at Emmerich's FX epic "The Day After Tomorrow". Despite the lack of supplements, "Independence Day" receives a pleasant "B-".

There's always something...
This fulfills all of the expectations of a summer blockbuster;
things flying around, stuff blowing up, flag waving, etc etc

and yes it is escapist and all good fun

all good stuff (although a little over done, as others have
pointed out, with the flag waving bits -- but then given the
title, i think people must have known that before going in)

but it does fall foul of the usual fault of having one
supremely bad plot element. i'm referring to the odd idea that
the alien shields can be taken down by injecting a computer
virus (oh so easily). in this case, it is a cop out -- a cheap
way for the screenwriter to get from point A to point C without
bothering with B

a wise man once said never let the facts get in the way of a
good story. and a writer once said he never checks the technical
aspects of a screenplay (for the same reason)

the problem with this (and many films suffer a similar problem)
is that it pulls me right out of the film. the suspension of

disbelief of an action rah-rah film can take you to a certain
point, but it is easy to step over that line. the virus did it
for me in this one

any film that uses classic dialogue such as "this is real
life -- not a film" is almost guarenteed to suffer this sort
of problem

You didn't like this film? What are you anyway, a commie?
Normally I don't use reviews as a forum for sniping at other reviewers, but it would appear that Thomas B. Clark came as close as he could to calling me un-American because I didn't care for the jingoism that saturates this film. Well by golly, I guess it is now clear that this film must be a litmus test of the patriotism of all Americans. If you hate it, you must be some sort of com-symp pinko --- it's off to the Russkies with ya.

Incidentally --- I would have refrained from socio-political commentary if only you had also --- I would gently remind you that the Indian Air Force is reported to have done very well against the USAF in exercises conducted in February this year, so maybe the USA really isn't the only one who can get the job done. I'd be willing to bet that the Israeli Air Force, to name just one, might be able to hold its own as well. Of course, maybe I am just whining again.

The argument also seems to be that critics (in addition to being part of the 5th Column) cannot endure a film that engages in make-believe. You can't be serious. Just because a film requires the viewer to suspend belief doesn't necessarily mean it has to suck. I enjoyed "Hellboy," "Men in Black," and "Alien," for example. None of these is remotely believable, but they are well-crafted films with decent performances from their respective casts. Likewise, films packed with explosions & mayhem can also have compelling storylines & characters --- "Master & Commander," for example. I guess I am guilty of expecting the makers of a movie --- even one that is "just fun," should give us more for our money than some paint-by-numbers hack job.

And that is exactly what this movie is, Thomas B. Clark. Contrary to what you claim, I hardly did any nit-picking on all the plot holes in the story, although other reviewers have gone over this movie's silly inconsistencies with a fine-toothed comb. My main complaint was that with the disengaged acting, the cardboard-cutout characters, and the painfully predictable storyline, all the movie really could rely on is lots of special effects & nifty explosions, which really on works on the big screen. The commercial success of this turkey has only encouraged Hollywood to even greater FX excess, to the point that filmmakers seem to think that if they throw enough CGI and special effects at you, they are not responsible for also giving you a decently-crafted movie with a plot & characters and stuff like that.

Hey, it's your money. I spent $1.50 at the budget theatre watching this and I guess I broke even. I pity the people who blew 7 or 8 dollars for this, but again, spend it on what you want. I learned my lesson sooner rather than later. Being the anti-American creep that I am, I just purchased a nice bottle of the 2000 Canon-la-Gaffeliere, which is the equivalent of about 10 viewings of "ID4"-type films, and I think I got the better end of the deal.

AWESOME!!!!
I absolutely love this movie because it's so much action packed fun where vicious aliens from outer space unleash destruction upon the earth's human population and now they must fight back and destroy the aliens before they destroy humanity. This is just so much fun. The special effects are top notch and the acting is great! I really loved the way the spaceships looked like as opposed to looking like flying dinner plates. Go and buy this movie 2day!

Aliens Ate Our Brains!
What else would explain the hit this banal tripe was? ... Read more

Amazon.com

This live-action short film mines comic gold from sly conjecture: three days before graduation in 1967, USC film studentGeorge Lucas (Martin Hynes) is still struggling with his unfinishedscript for an "agricultural space tragedy," fending off interruptionsfrom a bong-toting stoner roommate and a pretentious, black-cladneighbor and rival whose pompous threats of industry domination are interrupted by noisy applications ofhis asthma inhaler. Just when Lucas seems at wit's end, his chanceencounter with Marion (Lisa Jakub), an admiring student radical with adistinctive coiffure employing twin buns, provides the filmmaker with the key:"Write what you know."

Thus, director and cowriter Joe Nussbaum deftly and affectionately parodies Shakespeare in Love while skewering the ubiquitousStar Wars mythos in only eight minutes. This droll confection gets allthe details right, from its late-'60s countercultural backdrop to a scorethat nimbly weaves bursts of John Williams-like symphonic bombast with tremulous, neo-Elizabethan chamber motifs. Crisply shot and edited, the film even employs the lateral wipes and keyhole dissolves Lucasresurrected from '30s serials for his epochal space opera. For Star Warsbuffs and film fans in general, George Lucas in Love proves a delight. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (121)

When Star Wars and Shakespeare in Love Collide...
...the result is hilarious!

An asthmatically sinister neighbor who sounds surprisingly similar to Darth Vader; a hairy friend who groans like Chewbacca; a college student who beeps and bleeps like R2D2 with his tall friend who answers him like C-3PO; a girl with very interesting hair buns on either side of her head, who is leading a rebellion; a teacher who talks backwards, and just when he almost starts to make sense, he says, "Too much have I already said." They manage to cram all that and so much more into 9 minutes of hilarious movie. I especially like the twist at the end (and you'll have to watch the movie to find out what it is). :-)

This is the story of George Lucas' inspiration for writing "Star Wars" a la Shakespeare in Love.

This video is great! It's also nice to watch it on video, since in the past (before I got the video) I watched it online, and every time, I ran into net congestion. No net congestion with a video. :-)

Two REALLY funny short films...
I haven't seen either "Swing Blade" (although I love the concept) or "Evil Hill", but I've seen (and laughed myself almost into a hernia) both "Lucas in Love" and "Film Club."

One reviewer complained about how "Film Club" is only funny to people with noses in the air. Quite the opposite, although only film geeks will get it. A deserving mocking of both David Fincher's pretentious feature and the rules of Dogme 95 (which has produced some breathtakingly stupid, boring, and cliched movies), this is a stone riot.

"Lucas In Love" anyone will get, probably as much a tribute to Star Wars' pop cultural presence as anything. It's not mean-spirited or ironic in any way (well, okay, maybe Lucas' "source" for the Force cuts a little closer to the bone than the rest of the gags if you know some Warsies), it's light, simple fun.

Definitely this is worth fifteen bucks. If nothing else, it's a great party disc!

This should be proton-torpedoed out of existence.
Let me first say that I certainly wouldn't buy it. I'm not a die-hard star wars fan, I'm more of the "big-fan-but-wouldn't-dress-up-as-a-SW-character" type.

Secondly, I wouldn't actually call this a movie. It's more of a string of scenes, each containing one or more rather lame Star Wars "innuendos". After it finished (all nine minutes of it), it left me asking : "So the point of that was what, exactly ?".

The sheer cheesiness of it all is extremely off-putting and kills any entertainment value it might otherwise have had quicker than a lightsaber through the heart. Forget the cheesiness of "Scary Movie"- that was forgivable because it was genuinely funny; this isn't even slightly so.

There is just one thing I can say about this collection to it's credit : It avoided the "I am your father", "Nooooo !" cliche (but only just). I swear, if I hear that one once more I'm going to go and bay at the moon.

The funniest 8 minute short ever!
"George Lucas in Love" is the funniest eight minute short movie that I have ever seen. What if George Lucas, the creator of the "Star Wars" movies, had a muse, like "Shakespeare in Love" suggests that the Bard did? Well, imagine George Lucas living in a dorm at USC, struggling to create a short picture. And then the fun begins. This short is laden with layer after layer of inside jokes. I've watched it over a dozen times, and each time I see another joke that I missed before.

The Force is strong with this one...
Any fan of George Lucas and of Star Wars -- I'm a hardcore fan of both -- will love this movie. It is clever, witty, and well-crafted, perfectly balancing the directorial styles of Shakespeare in Love (Steadicam shots, lighting) with Star Wars (Lucasian wipes, close-up shots, pans). Some of the most subtle jokes were my favorite, such as the "womp rats" line, the Howard the Duck reference, and the THX 1138 door sign.

Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Funny, romantic, beautiful people!
I was never a fan of neither star of the Beautician and the Beast, but after watching it on TV I became and addict to Timothy Dalton. This is a very romantic comedy but one has to look deeply into the feelings of Pochenko and Joy, he is a grumpy teddy bear that loves his children but tries to appear tough and mean and we have to understand his loneliness and lack of romantic love in his life until he truly falls in love with a woman that changes his way of thinking and humanizes him and on the other hand, Joy fulfills her love not only with a man that very much needs her but with his children that eventually will become her family. After buying the video and watching it numerous times, I think this is a great movie but has been underrated and criticized for Fran's voice which she can help and is one of her main charactericstics. Ever since, I am forming a collection of videos of this great actor Timothy Dalton, ah! that voice and his looks! But mainly what an performer! . I recommend this movie but please read in between the lines all the mixed feelings including her parent's feelings and mean old jealous envious and devious prime minister, what's his name? Ira is delightful and so are the children! Also the music! I even bought the soundtrack, the waltz is beautiful!

Beastly
Think Cinderella for lonely yentas and you get this crooked picture. Drescher is Joy Miller, who, after rescuing some bunnies from the beauty school where she teaches, is enlisted by an emissary from Slovetzia, an eastern European country where the iron curtain hasn't been fully drawn yet. Her job? No, not pedicures. She's to teach the repressed children of Boris "The Beast" Pochenko, a grumpy, Stalinesque leader played by Timothy Dalton.

Joy gets cutesy-cuddley with the president's kids and still finds time to talk to the common people (Yo! It's Evita from Queens). Bypassing all boundaries of movie realism, Joy somehow endears herself to Boris. For his part, the cold as ice commander strokes his bushy mustache, gobbles one of Joy's delicious sandwiches, and ponders a former Communist country with the gum-chewing shrew as his first lady. Predictable, eh comrade?

Apart from the Drescher's missing-in-action talent, The Beautician and the Beast suffers from an utter lack of inventiveness: the proletariat is oppressed, the prime minister is the snarling villain, and the children are sweethearts who just want daddy's love.

The only thing that keeps the silly enterprise afloat is Dalton. He, at least, looks like he's having fun putting on the hokey Baltic accent. Even with the stinker dialogue he's handed, the former 007 appears to enjoy hamming it up.

The Beautician and the Beast isn't exactly endearing Valentine's Day entertainment. In fact, if I took my wife to this one she'd probably ask for a divorce and demand half of what I own. She'd deserve it all and then some.

A great actress in a Great movie.
This film was awesome! I loved "The Nanny" and still watch it today on Lifetime. Fran Drescher is one of the great actors of our time. Her unique voice and offbeat style puts her over the top. This movie would have lost all of it personality and perkiness if not for Fran Drescher. Two Thumbs up!

Great Movie!
I think this is one of the best family/childrens movies. It has alot of different issues that are important, and it also has an adorable theme. Its beauty and the beast mixed with Cinderella.

I Loved this Movie!
I, Being a Hard-core 'The Nanny' fan, i desided to rent The Beautician and the Beast because i heard it had a simaliar plot to the Nanny(She was hired as a teacher/nanny and falls in love with her boss) and i loved it!! I loved the line where her mom fed her pet chicken and she said, "Ma! You fed the Chicken Chicken?!?! Its like Silence of the Chickens!!!"

I rate this movie 5 outta 5!!! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Sheer Brilliance!!!
I saw this movie when first released and was absolutely moved. I was able to purchase a copy when still in the stores and found it in a discount bin. When the characters are moved, I am moved. When they cry, I cry. This ranks along with "The Gathering" as one of my two top Christmas Picks. I also don't wait until Christmas to view Christmas Eve. I put it on when I feel the mood is about to strike. Nothing like the cleansing of a good cry that uplifts the spirit with hope for one and all.

Wonderful
In short: This is a fantastic Christmas movie. It will make you smile and it will make you cry. A must see (year, after year, after year). Please release on DVD soon!

Christmas eve - movie review
I taped this movie in Adelaide, South Australia when it was shown on TV several years ago and have watched this movie every Christmas with family and friends, all who have seen this movie loved it. Friends make it a point to come to my place to view this movie every year around the festive season. It would be wonderful if this could be produced on DVD as my copy is wearing out. Please advise if this is possible or can it be produced on a PAL tape. Cheers Henrietta

wonderful
Watching this movie is very moving. It makes you appreciate family alittle more. It is one of the best Christmas movies I've ever watched. It has my vote.

Christmas Eve
My family and I have enjoyed this wonderful Christmas story ever since I taped it from TV a number of years ago. This year I am ordering copies for my entire family. The story is great for young and old. The true meaning of Chrismas, a time of giving and forgiving, is brought to life when Loretta Young searches for her grandchildren that are estranged from the family because of a scrooge-like father who is suffering his own loses. The story ends with reconciliation and heartwarming scenes. ... Read more

Description

Dustin Hoffman presents Diane Lane (MURDER AT 1600, JACK), Liev Schreiber (SPHERE, SCREAM I&II), and Viggo Mortensen (A PERFECT MURDER, THE LORD OF THE RINGS) in a provocative and sensual story about one woman's personal sexual revolution! It's the summer of 1969 and Pearl (Lane) is spending yet another vacation with her family when she realizes that the freedom of the times is passing her by. Following a chance meeting with a sexy, free-spirited young man (Mortensen), Pearl is soon doing the unthinkable: having a daring, passionate affair! Also starring Academy Award(R)-winner Anna Paquin (Best Supporting Actress, THE PIANO, 1993; SHE'S ALL THAT) in a powerful motion picture that's been called one of the year's best -- Pearl must ultimately decide between the love of her husband and children ... or the lure of her newfound desires! ... Read more

Reviews (68)

This movie is worthy of Oscar consideration
Diane Lane has been a precious jewel too long ignored by Hollywood, this movie is yet another example of her great work and should be considered by the academy. The beautiful Lane plays her character of Pearl with a genuine fragility and understanding that most actresses of the modern era can't. In the summer of 1969, the whole country is changing, yet Pearl and her husband, played by Liev Schreiber, seem to be standing in mid stream motionless as the currents of those monumental times sweep over them. Pearl got pregnant and married too young and now wishes for the freedom and wonder of her 13 year old daughter, so she begins an affair that at once frees her and plunges her happy marriage into turmoil. The flood of emotion and love emanating from this movie cannot be explained in words.

Entertaining and moving, but such missed potential!
Upon second viewing, the flaws in "A Walk on the Moon" are even more evident. A simple, entertaining story set in the Catskills circa 1969, this movie has atmosphere and heart to spare, with two realistic, convincing performances from Liev Schrieber and Anna Paquin. What the movie is sorely lacking is a much-needed scene in which we see what Pearl finds so irresistible in the Blouse Man. We see a sexual relationship in which one substantial conversation never seems to take place. Because of this, it is hard to understand her wanting to leave her family for this man. Diane Lane's performance is at equal turns strong and unconvincing. Just check out her response to her husband's discovery of the affair to see missed opportunities in her emotional range. Liev Schreiber gives an Oscar-worthy, subtle performance as Pearl's husband; Anna Paquin is also memorable as the daughter. When all is said and done, the movie smartly shows us the ramifications of Pearl's actions without resorting to melodrama. But by failing to provide us with the basis on which to evaluate her feelings for the Blouse Man, the movie leaves a gaping hole in its credibility. Definitely worth seeing for the performances and overall feel for the time period. However, I wish the screenplay had scratched farther below the surface.

Best romantic scene ever!
I never heard of this film until a friend suggested we watch it. I was blown away by the acting but even more blown away by the romantic scene between Pearl and The 'blouse man'. I think the director and actors captured what many women would love to experience for themselves. Simply beautiful and erotic without any sleeze or silliness.

Diane Lane...chronically unfaithful?
Maybe it's just some quirk of fate that I seem to have watched so many films where Diane Lane was playing basically the same role -- the seemingly happily married housewife who has a hot n' sexy love affair and then returns to her loving and basically decent husband. The most famous of these is obviously "Unfaithful", for which she justifiably won an Oscar. But Ms. Lane had a lot of practice, because she did two nearly identical roles just a couple years before "Unfaithful"...little known indies. One is "Gunshy" where her hottie lover is CSIs William Petersen...the other is this movie, "Walk on the Moon" with LOTRs Viggo Mortensen.

So if you dug Diane Lane in "Unfaithful", here is another shot to see her in basically the same situation and expressing much of the same emotion. What is it about this actress that just screams to casting directors "Cheatin' spouse"? I have no idea...Ms. Lane is a good actress, with a nice look of faded prettiness, like a slightly over the hill cheerleader, and I liked her work in "Unfaithful" very much. But there she was playing a rich waspy housewife...here we are expected to accept her blonde patrician looks as a working class Jewish housewife from 1960s Brooklyn. Sorry, this does not fly. Diane Lane is the antithesis of such a character...she's physically all wrong (the attempt to give her "kinky" wavy dark hair is particularly off base) and she is not Meryl Streep with the accent, so it comes off forced and awkward...she goes in and out of dialect. (She has the same problem in "Gunshy", where she is supposed to be New Jersey mobster's gun moll.)

There is a potentionally interesting story here in the parallel between the mother's sexual awakening with her hippie lover and her 14 year old daughters sexual awakening, but the daughter (the very talented Anna Paquin from "The Piano") and her story are severely short-shifted in order to give maximum screen time to Lane and Mortensen. Viggo Mortensen, who comes off very wooden here although he's awesomely handsome, is basically fulfilling the part of "bimbo boyfriend". (Oh well, it's fair enough when women get so many bimbo roles in the movies.) There is certainly no sign of the Aragorn to come, because he's so vague, unfocused and bland that he basically registers as having no personality...this makes it very clear that he's just a sexy body for Pearl (Lane) to screw.

That leaves Liev Shrieber, the husband, as the sole sympathetic character and he does well with it. The story cuts out early enough that the audience doesn't have to deal with what will certainly be chapter two -- the bitter residue that an affair leaves even when both parties promise to forgive and forget. (And would you want to be Liev Shreber trying to compete with your wife's sexy memories of Viggo Mortensen?)

The background of a Jewish family summer camp in the Catskills is interesting but this was much better done in "Dirty Dancing". The real lame spot in this movie is the attempt to have the mother & lover meet up with the daughter & boyfriend at Woodstock. Actually the whole plot and setting is contrived around this point, i.e., that hippie Woodstock was actually held in the vicinity of these tacky family vacation camps. Obviously being a low budget indie, there is no ability to recreate ANYTHING about the crowds, bands, atmosphere, rain, mud or period ambiance of Woodstock...it would strain the abilities of a big budget film. So it's kinda embarassing to see them even try. It takes whatever credibility we have given the situation and basically blows it. It might have worked better and been cleverer just to have the characters talk about having BEEN at Woodstock, rather than trying to show something so enormous on such a tiny budget.(...)

Utlimately, this comes across as a sort of Lifetime TV movie and I don't mean that in a good sense. There are lots of interesting intentions here that don't work, and a LOT of excruciating dialogue between the characters...the kind that I imagine sends most male viewers to the fridge for a beer. This isn't a movie that your husband or boyfriend will enjoy or even tolerate.

Pretty much just a chance to pant over Diane Lane and Viggo Mortensen a couple years before they became big stars and not a whole lot else. A very forgettable and slow paced film.

Nice Movie
I enjoyed this movie - attractive people, funny setting and very good acting. I saw Diane Lane in Unfaithful before seeing this and can't believe the story lines are very similar. A happily married mother stumbles into marital infidelity and seems to love both her husband and the new guy. No violence, car chases or other nasty stuff - just a good romance gone awry movie very well done. Don't know why this one was passed over in the theaters. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

heartwarming movie!
This is a must-view every Christmas! Jessica Tandy is superb as usual and reminds us of what is truly important in life.

This movie is true classic.
Jessica Tandy does a beautiful job portraying Grace, a kind old lady that finds happiness by sharing her gift of story telling.

This is a perfect film for the entire family.

A wonderful movie!
This movie is an artful combination of humor, moral instruction, and a reminder of what is really important in life. It is beautifully written and the acting is fantastic.

NOT ANOTHER FAIRY TALE
Grace McQueen is a senior citizen looking for an opportunity to be of service. She's turned down by agency after agency until she decides to do what she loves;story telling. She manages to get a spot on a public tv station and becomes a hit. Then the fun begins. She is "discovered" by some ad executives who see a gold mine in exploiting her talents.

A whirlwind of network ratings, make overs and new name (Granny Goodheart) overwhelms Grace. How she navigates through this mess is a delightful commentary about how we treat our elders, our own children and ourselves in a doggy eat dog world of our own making.

Jessica Tandy is wonderful as Grace, the grandmotherly figure unwilling to let the studio bosses remake her image. Stephanie Zimbalist stars as the ad executive who is so caught up in her work to the point of neglecting what matters most, her daughter. In this film we re-aquaint ourselves with the taste of what it means to be a family and affirmed in one's old age.

Now sit back and enjoy the Story Lady as she reads you a tale where "they live happily ever after. The End."

Another good film with nothing missing from it.
All the characters and story this film needs. This film is pretty much what I thought it would be, a film about a sweet old lady who tells a lot of fairy tales. There wasn't a story she told that I hadn't already heard. It also shows the importance of parents spending time their kids like in "Casper: A Spirited Beginning" and "Jack Frost" and "A Goofy Movie". The dollhouse that Alex gets is a lot like the one I also got for Christmas. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

In defense of Laura Dern!
I must disagree with the reviewer who so strongly criticized Laura Dern's performance. While it is true that 'Rambling Rose' has its weaknesses (the abrupt, rather unexplained ending, for one thing), I found the story line humorous and even charming. Dern's performance made the movie, in my opinion! Diane Ladd overacts a bit, as usual, but this is a minor flaw with the film as a whole. What stuck with me was Dern's 'little girl lost' expression mixed with her coy devil-may-care flirtation, which made for an entirely winning performance. I loved the music too!

Akin to starting a leaf blower near killer bees
Societies regard single, attractive, sexually available women with both idolization and uneasiness. The lust, envy, jealousy and otherwise tumultuous passions surrounding their passage through the populace can be disruptive of societal bonds, e.g. by "homewrecking", even though no fault of their own. One reason why the concept, at least, of marriage is valued so highly is that this cultural arrangement takes the problematic single female out of circulation, so to speak. And, social pressures cause opprobrium to be heaped on "loose women", even by the very men who are drawn to them. Of course, the feminist correctly sees these attitudes as blatantly sexist. However, even western culture's most chauvinistic pig is likely to regard the veiling and segregation of women in fundamentalist Islamic societies, for example, as an unacceptably extreme manifestation of those same attitudes.

RAMBLING ROSE takes a compassionate look at the phenomenon of social turbulence caused by an "unattached" woman. Rose, flamboyantly played by Laura Dern, is the blithe, single, 19-year old girl invited to live with a very proper Southern family in the mid-1930s. The family, offering Rose help at this difficult time in her life, includes Daddy (Robert Duvall), Mother (Diane Ladd, Dern's real-life mother), and 13-year old Buddy (Lukas Haas). Rose, already possessing a checkered history acquired with unspecified men, is a sexual "free spirit", who proceeds to cause hormonal havoc in the town's male population. Even Daddy is bewitched. To Buddy, Rose is, unsurprisingly, the godsend of a new awareness. Of the adults, only Mother, recognizing Rose as essentially guileless, staunchly defends her as the repercussions of the Siren's residence start to add up.

A better film on much the same theme is Y2K's MALENA - a superb Italian production. Nonetheless, RAMBLING ROSE is delightful. Dern is positively captivating. Duvall is at his best, which is pretty darn good by any measure. Ladd portrays Mother as a slightly eccentric individual whose generosity towards and understanding of Rose is a clear counterpoint to the hardening attitudes of the other adults. The Buddy character should remind all males in the viewing audience of that time when they were 13 and discovering girls as beings with something more to offer than simply opportunities for boorish teasing. I like this film immensely.

GREAT MOVIE! NOT AT ALL, A BORE!
I THINK THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE!
ROSE WAS A BIT FREAKY THOUGH!
YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE MOVIE!
IT SHOULDN'T BORE YOU!
5 STARS*****

boring
boring, boring and 1000 times boring. Why do you wanna expend your money in such a boring film?

Pleasant diversion
Contrary to another viewer, I though Laura Dern's acting was very good in this film, unlike in "Jurassic Park" where she really did seem gawky and unnatural. The film has some nostalgia, some laughs, and some pathos. Not a classic, but an enjoyable diversion about a free-spirited young woman who creates havoc around her. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

surprisingly subtle
I wanted to add to the positive reviews listed above. Perhaps the misleading cover image on the box is not only intended to increase sales, albeit to those with prurient interests, but also to reach those with the prurient interests. Do not judge this film by its box. As a woman, subjectively, I recommend this film for its sensitive and uncritical portrayal of past and present "sisters" selling their bodies to survive. The sex scenes reveal the tedium and human nature of the occupation and are neither gratuitous nor distasteful. But, perhaps it takes a mature and experienced mind to appreciate the brutal honesty of this film. Other films with a similar empathic vein I recommend are Whore with Theresa Russell and the Italian classic Mamma Roma with Anna Magnani. While Whore's style is a complex blend of comic book comedy and tragedy, Mamma Roma's style is a bit pathetic, though in the textbook sense. If any of these three films stimulate an interest in the human side of prostitution, perhaps the book Brothel: Mustang Ranch and Its Women by Alexa Albert will enlighten. A landmark text for a sociological perspective is Pornography: Men Possessing Women, by Andrea Dworkin. In summary, if you are interested in art that portrays prostitutes as human beings, you will be glad to see the cast's rendering of characters in Wicked Wicked West. Regardless of overall quality, any film I judge good enough for me to purchase I rate with five stars. I hope you see what I mean.

Jon Sanders' The Wicked Wicked West
This film is hard to sum up because there is really not a plot, per se. The film follows the lives of prostitutes living in a brothel owned by Brenda Fricker. This is not the brothel of TV westerns, this is a dark, dank place barely lit by candle light in a dingy little ten building frontier town. McGillis plays Nettie, who helps the other prostitutes through their time at Fricker's establishment, as well as the competition down the street. It is implied she performs abortions for unexpected pregnancies. She tries to raise her five year old son in the house, with less than successful results. Eileen is Irish, and befriends German dancer Katya, who replaces Eileen's best friend, who we see murdered in the opening scene. Georgie is the new young prostitute who knows she can do better that this one horse town, and sets out to prove it. Ada is the prostitute with children who is getting older and less desirable to the men.

The entire cast does a fantastic job. Sanders' direction (he also cowrote this) is very intimate wihout being exploitative, except for McGillis' topless scene. The film is sad, without being a complete downer, but you get the idea that this is what the prostitutes went through. The pace seems deliberately slow so we get to know the characters. The pace is a little too slow at times, and a few supporting actors blur in confusion here and there, but Sanders keeps things going.

Despite the stupid title, and cleavage baring video box, this is not something along the lines of "Bad Girls" or "Hard Bounty." This tells a very realistic story of tough lives gone wrong. If anything, it is hard to forget.

This is rated (R) for some physical violence, gun violence, some gore, female nudity, strong sexual content, and strong sexual references.

To Watch this Movie is Inhumane
I only saw the first ten minutes of the movie but that was enough to turn it off, not bother rewinding it, and rush back to the video store to get my money back. Afterwords I read the reviews on imdb.com and thanked the lord I turned off the movie when I did. Avoid this at all costs unless you need to do a thesis on BAD moviemaking. There is no "zero" star rating so it gets a 1.

Its a slow but devastating story about the early west
I just watched this film. It was unrelenting, a story of the rough circumstances prostitutes endured in the West a little more than a century ago. Its a woman's story, almost totally without a male point of view. The men are represented as beings who mostly just mumble and play cards. Their voices are heard often muttering on the soundtrack. We can't make out what they're actually saying. Representing the guys as stick figures helps emphasize in what reduced and lonely circumstances the prostitutes inhabit their dance hall and saloon world. There are no women who are not prostitutes in this early western town. Just as the men have little regard for the women, the women think little of the men. I think this may be a fairly truthful accounting of the West before it was civilized. The film has got me thinking about how desperate male-female relationships may have been in America not all that long ago. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

In defense of Laura Dern!
I must disagree with the reviewer who so strongly criticized Laura Dern's performance. While it is true that 'Rambling Rose' has its weaknesses (the abrupt, rather unexplained ending, for one thing), I found the story line humorous and even charming. Dern's performance made the movie, in my opinion! Diane Ladd overacts a bit, as usual, but this is a minor flaw with the film as a whole. What stuck with me was Dern's 'little girl lost' expression mixed with her coy devil-may-care flirtation, which made for an entirely winning performance. I loved the music too!

Akin to starting a leaf blower near killer bees
Societies regard single, attractive, sexually available women with both idolization and uneasiness. The lust, envy, jealousy and otherwise tumultuous passions surrounding their passage through the populace can be disruptive of societal bonds, e.g. by "homewrecking", even though no fault of their own. One reason why the concept, at least, of marriage is valued so highly is that this cultural arrangement takes the problematic single female out of circulation, so to speak. And, social pressures cause opprobrium to be heaped on "loose women", even by the very men who are drawn to them. Of course, the feminist correctly sees these attitudes as blatantly sexist. However, even western culture's most chauvinistic pig is likely to regard the veiling and segregation of women in fundamentalist Islamic societies, for example, as an unacceptably extreme manifestation of those same attitudes.

RAMBLING ROSE takes a compassionate look at the phenomenon of social turbulence caused by an "unattached" woman. Rose, flamboyantly played by Laura Dern, is the blithe, single, 19-year old girl invited to live with a very proper Southern family in the mid-1930s. The family, offering Rose help at this difficult time in her life, includes Daddy (Robert Duvall), Mother (Diane Ladd, Dern's real-life mother), and 13-year old Buddy (Lukas Haas). Rose, already possessing a checkered history acquired with unspecified men, is a sexual "free spirit", who proceeds to cause hormonal havoc in the town's male population. Even Daddy is bewitched. To Buddy, Rose is, unsurprisingly, the godsend of a new awareness. Of the adults, only Mother, recognizing Rose as essentially guileless, staunchly defends her as the repercussions of the Siren's residence start to add up.

A better film on much the same theme is Y2K's MALENA - a superb Italian production. Nonetheless, RAMBLING ROSE is delightful. Dern is positively captivating. Duvall is at his best, which is pretty darn good by any measure. Ladd portrays Mother as a slightly eccentric individual whose generosity towards and understanding of Rose is a clear counterpoint to the hardening attitudes of the other adults. The Buddy character should remind all males in the viewing audience of that time when they were 13 and discovering girls as beings with something more to offer than simply opportunities for boorish teasing. I like this film immensely.

GREAT MOVIE! NOT AT ALL, A BORE!
I THINK THIS IS A GREAT MOVIE!
ROSE WAS A BIT FREAKY THOUGH!
YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE MOVIE!
IT SHOULDN'T BORE YOU!
5 STARS*****

boring
boring, boring and 1000 times boring. Why do you wanna expend your money in such a boring film?

Pleasant diversion
Contrary to another viewer, I though Laura Dern's acting was very good in this film, unlike in "Jurassic Park" where she really did seem gawky and unnatural. The film has some nostalgia, some laughs, and some pathos. Not a classic, but an enjoyable diversion about a free-spirited young woman who creates havoc around her. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A nice clean Family Comedy
Don't believe that person from Dullsville Minnesota. This
person has a bad taste in movies. I saw this movie when it was on HBO in the afternoon without knowing about this movie & It was
funny & enjoyable It had a great plot that people could easilly
understand. Watch this movie It's a nice descent film to watch
with the whole family.

Awesome
This movie is a classic, it shows the daily problems of rejects in a camp where they have to fight for their right to be accepted as cool guys. This movie was great 10 years ago and its still great now. Sit back, relax and enjoy with your family!!!

this film is bacon!
Oh my god this was horrible. Do not believe that first review. "What more could you ask for?" I know what more I could ask for: some acting talent. Some of the people in the film are so bad that I could not watch them act and breathe normally at the same time. Also, a story, a script, a plot and a point would probably help too. The stunts in this film are the worst that I have ever seen. Please don't bother seeing it for yourself to find out. Some mysteries are better left unsolved!

Terrific!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This movie has it all! Comedy! Romance! Friends and enemies! What more can you ask for? Buy this great movie today! ... Read more

Reviews (528)

Typical Big-Budget Fun Ride
Director Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow & The Patriot) became a popular name in big-budget summer movies with the successful 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day". Massive alien spaceships mysteriously enter the Earth's atmosphere and unleash a devastating assault on the world's major cities. Now, a small human resistance organizes a final stand against the powerful invaders. "Independence Day" is a 153 minutes of pure movie fun. Its simple plot and stereotypical characters are rather predictable but still quite enjoyable. Its amusing humor, intense battle sequences and outstanding special effects are this Sci-Fi film's true highlights. The all-star cast features Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Vivica A. Fox and Robert Loggia.

"Independence Day" Limited Edition is a worthy bargain DVD. Both theatrical and extended cuts are presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains an amazing picture quality with rich color detail and great resolution. The clear 5.1 Dolby Digital sound delivers some well balanced surrounds and awesome bass, but a DTS audio track should have been included in this new release. Among special features, it contains two audio commentaries by filmmakers and FX crew, and a sneak peak at Emmerich's FX epic "The Day After Tomorrow". Despite the lack of supplements, "Independence Day" receives a pleasant "B-".

There's always something...
This fulfills all of the expectations of a summer blockbuster;
things flying around, stuff blowing up, flag waving, etc etc

and yes it is escapist and all good fun

all good stuff (although a little over done, as others have
pointed out, with the flag waving bits -- but then given the
title, i think people must have known that before going in)

but it does fall foul of the usual fault of having one
supremely bad plot element. i'm referring to the odd idea that
the alien shields can be taken down by injecting a computer
virus (oh so easily). in this case, it is a cop out -- a cheap
way for the screenwriter to get from point A to point C without
bothering with B

a wise man once said never let the facts get in the way of a
good story. and a writer once said he never checks the technical
aspects of a screenplay (for the same reason)

the problem with this (and many films suffer a similar problem)
is that it pulls me right out of the film. the suspension of

disbelief of an action rah-rah film can take you to a certain
point, but it is easy to step over that line. the virus did it
for me in this one

any film that uses classic dialogue such as "this is real
life -- not a film" is almost guarenteed to suffer this sort
of problem

You didn't like this film? What are you anyway, a commie?
Normally I don't use reviews as a forum for sniping at other reviewers, but it would appear that Thomas B. Clark came as close as he could to calling me un-American because I didn't care for the jingoism that saturates this film. Well by golly, I guess it is now clear that this film must be a litmus test of the patriotism of all Americans. If you hate it, you must be some sort of com-symp pinko --- it's off to the Russkies with ya.

Incidentally --- I would have refrained from socio-political commentary if only you had also --- I would gently remind you that the Indian Air Force is reported to have done very well against the USAF in exercises conducted in February this year, so maybe the USA really isn't the only one who can get the job done. I'd be willing to bet that the Israeli Air Force, to name just one, might be able to hold its own as well. Of course, maybe I am just whining again.

The argument also seems to be that critics (in addition to being part of the 5th Column) cannot endure a film that engages in make-believe. You can't be serious. Just because a film requires the viewer to suspend belief doesn't necessarily mean it has to suck. I enjoyed "Hellboy," "Men in Black," and "Alien," for example. None of these is remotely believable, but they are well-crafted films with decent performances from their respective casts. Likewise, films packed with explosions & mayhem can also have compelling storylines & characters --- "Master & Commander," for example. I guess I am guilty of expecting the makers of a movie --- even one that is "just fun," should give us more for our money than some paint-by-numbers hack job.

And that is exactly what this movie is, Thomas B. Clark. Contrary to what you claim, I hardly did any nit-picking on all the plot holes in the story, although other reviewers have gone over this movie's silly inconsistencies with a fine-toothed comb. My main complaint was that with the disengaged acting, the cardboard-cutout characters, and the painfully predictable storyline, all the movie really could rely on is lots of special effects & nifty explosions, which really on works on the big screen. The commercial success of this turkey has only encouraged Hollywood to even greater FX excess, to the point that filmmakers seem to think that if they throw enough CGI and special effects at you, they are not responsible for also giving you a decently-crafted movie with a plot & characters and stuff like that.

Hey, it's your money. I spent $1.50 at the budget theatre watching this and I guess I broke even. I pity the people who blew 7 or 8 dollars for this, but again, spend it on what you want. I learned my lesson sooner rather than later. Being the anti-American creep that I am, I just purchased a nice bottle of the 2000 Canon-la-Gaffeliere, which is the equivalent of about 10 viewings of "ID4"-type films, and I think I got the better end of the deal.

AWESOME!!!!
I absolutely love this movie because it's so much action packed fun where vicious aliens from outer space unleash destruction upon the earth's human population and now they must fight back and destroy the aliens before they destroy humanity. This is just so much fun. The special effects are top notch and the acting is great! I really loved the way the spaceships looked like as opposed to looking like flying dinner plates. Go and buy this movie 2day!

Aliens Ate Our Brains!
What else would explain the hit this banal tripe was? ... Read more

Reviews (6)

heartwarming movie!
This is a must-view every Christmas! Jessica Tandy is superb as usual and reminds us of what is truly important in life.

This movie is true classic.
Jessica Tandy does a beautiful job portraying Grace, a kind old lady that finds happiness by sharing her gift of story telling.

This is a perfect film for the entire family.

A wonderful movie!
This movie is an artful combination of humor, moral instruction, and a reminder of what is really important in life. It is beautifully written and the acting is fantastic.

NOT ANOTHER FAIRY TALE
Grace McQueen is a senior citizen looking for an opportunity to be of service. She's turned down by agency after agency until she decides to do what she loves;story telling. She manages to get a spot on a public tv station and becomes a hit. Then the fun begins. She is "discovered" by some ad executives who see a gold mine in exploiting her talents.

A whirlwind of network ratings, make overs and new name (Granny Goodheart) overwhelms Grace. How she navigates through this mess is a delightful commentary about how we treat our elders, our own children and ourselves in a doggy eat dog world of our own making.

Jessica Tandy is wonderful as Grace, the grandmotherly figure unwilling to let the studio bosses remake her image. Stephanie Zimbalist stars as the ad executive who is so caught up in her work to the point of neglecting what matters most, her daughter. In this film we re-aquaint ourselves with the taste of what it means to be a family and affirmed in one's old age.

Now sit back and enjoy the Story Lady as she reads you a tale where "they live happily ever after. The End."

Another good film with nothing missing from it.
All the characters and story this film needs. This film is pretty much what I thought it would be, a film about a sweet old lady who tells a lot of fairy tales. There wasn't a story she told that I hadn't already heard. It also shows the importance of parents spending time their kids like in "Casper: A Spirited Beginning" and "Jack Frost" and "A Goofy Movie". The dollhouse that Alex gets is a lot like the one I also got for Christmas. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Why did they put these two together?
Mulder peeed on the Independance Day poster in the X-Files movie! I give X-Files 4 stars, and Independance Day 2 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (528)

Typical Big-Budget Fun Ride
Director Roland Emmerich (The Day After Tomorrow & The Patriot) became a popular name in big-budget summer movies with the successful 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day". Massive alien spaceships mysteriously enter the Earth's atmosphere and unleash a devastating assault on the world's major cities. Now, a small human resistance organizes a final stand against the powerful invaders. "Independence Day" is a 153 minutes of pure movie fun. Its simple plot and stereotypical characters are rather predictable but still quite enjoyable. Its amusing humor, intense battle sequences and outstanding special effects are this Sci-Fi film's true highlights. The all-star cast features Will Smith, Bill Pullman, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Randy Quaid, Vivica A. Fox and Robert Loggia.

"Independence Day" Limited Edition is a worthy bargain DVD. Both theatrical and extended cuts are presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains an amazing picture quality with rich color detail and great resolution. The clear 5.1 Dolby Digital sound delivers some well balanced surrounds and awesome bass, but a DTS audio track should have been included in this new release. Among special features, it contains two audio commentaries by filmmakers and FX crew, and a sneak peak at Emmerich's FX epic "The Day After Tomorrow". Despite the lack of supplements, "Independence Day" receives a pleasant "B-".

There's always something...
This fulfills all of the expectations of a summer blockbuster;
things flying around, stuff blowing up, flag waving, etc etc

and yes it is escapist and all good fun

all good stuff (although a little over done, as others have
pointed out, with the flag waving bits -- but then given the
title, i think people must have known that before going in)

but it does fall foul of the usual fault of having one
supremely bad plot element. i'm referring to the odd idea that
the alien shields can be taken down by injecting a computer
virus (oh so easily). in this case, it is a cop out -- a cheap
way for the screenwriter to get from point A to point C without
bothering with B

a wise man once said never let the facts get in the way of a
good story. and a writer once said he never checks the technical
aspects of a screenplay (for the same reason)

the problem with this (and many films suffer a similar problem)
is that it pulls me right out of the film. the suspension of

disbelief of an action rah-rah film can take you to a certain
point, but it is easy to step over that line. the virus did it
for me in this one

any film that uses classic dialogue such as "this is real
life -- not a film" is almost guarenteed to suffer this sort
of problem

You didn't like this film? What are you anyway, a commie?
Normally I don't use reviews as a forum for sniping at other reviewers, but it would appear that Thomas B. Clark came as close as he could to calling me un-American because I didn't care for the jingoism that saturates this film. Well by golly, I guess it is now clear that this film must be a litmus test of the patriotism of all Americans. If you hate it, you must be some sort of com-symp pinko --- it's off to the Russkies with ya.

Incidentally --- I would have refrained from socio-political commentary if only you had also --- I would gently remind you that the Indian Air Force is reported to have done very well against the USAF in exercises conducted in February this year, so maybe the USA really isn't the only one who can get the job done. I'd be willing to bet that the Israeli Air Force, to name just one, might be able to hold its own as well. Of course, maybe I am just whining again.

The argument also seems to be that critics (in addition to being part of the 5th Column) cannot endure a film that engages in make-believe. You can't be serious. Just because a film requires the viewer to suspend belief doesn't necessarily mean it has to suck. I enjoyed "Hellboy," "Men in Black," and "Alien," for example. None of these is remotely believable, but they are well-crafted films with decent performances from their respective casts. Likewise, films packed with explosions & mayhem can also have compelling storylines & characters --- "Master & Commander," for example. I guess I am guilty of expecting the makers of a movie --- even one that is "just fun," should give us more for our money than some paint-by-numbers hack job.

And that is exactly what this movie is, Thomas B. Clark. Contrary to what you claim, I hardly did any nit-picking on all the plot holes in the story, although other reviewers have gone over this movie's silly inconsistencies with a fine-toothed comb. My main complaint was that with the disengaged acting, the cardboard-cutout characters, and the painfully predictable storyline, all the movie really could rely on is lots of special effects & nifty explosions, which really on works on the big screen. The commercial success of this turkey has only encouraged Hollywood to even greater FX excess, to the point