Reviews (175)

Clint Eastwood delivers a masterpiece
This film won the 1992 Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Gene Hackman) and Best Editing. Garnering three of the "major" awards is impressive and they are what make the film a memorable and enjoyable experience. Eastwood the director is in top form. He has always displayed a steady hand in directing his stories and actors and he doesn't disappoint here. Nothing flashy but it is his understated direction that leads this film to it's climax. In less capable hands, a director may be apt to moralize or preach. Eastwood capably lets the story (overlooked as an original screenplay) tell itself. His turn as the lead character -- William Munny -- is also an underplayed, nuanced part. I think it is one of his best acting jobs. He carries a grim outlook and those set, steely eyes convey all of the emotions the character feels. In a movie with so much else that is good, his performance is not to be ignored. Gene Hackman is outstanding in his portrayal of Little Bill Daggett, the sheriff of Big Whiskey, WY. His performance is both blustery and low-keyed. It is a credit to Hackman to know how to pull if off effortlessly. The movie itself is the real star. It plays on so many levels and gives a lot of shades of gray that really blow off the Westerns of old. There is no good guy in the white hat. In fact, there is little good to be found in the movie. Most of the men and women are scoundrels or people of ill-repute. However the general theme of reality that Eastwood conveys is what you will have to look for. Things aren't what they seem and this "anti-Western" shrugs off the myths of the Old West.

The Darkest Film Ever To Win Best Picture
Unforgiven you realize, a few minutes in, is not your typical westen. Nor is it your typical Clint Eastwood movie. And it probably surely isn't your typical Best Picture Oscar winner. Telling the story of Willam Munny (Clint Eastwood), a retired bounty hunter who goes on one last job, to kill the men who slashed a prostitute's face. Now doesn't that sound like a fun movie! Whoppee! Errr... Not really. Actually it sound's downright depressing. And it is. Along the way Willam meets up with his longtime partner played by Morgon Freeman. Together they set out to kill those above mentioned men. About this time we switch over to the late Richard Harris's character. Who also is after the reward money offered up by the town prostitutes for the killing of those men I've mentioned twice already. He isn't after them long as he gets beaten and kicked by the towns people, mainly thier crooked sheriff, Little Bill (played suberbly by Gene Hackman).
He isn't the typical bad guy, either, in fact he's almost good in comparison with other bad guys in other movies. All of this leads up to a spectacular climax with a showdown between Willam Munny and Little Bill. Unforgiven also convienently managed to snag 4 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (For Clint Eastwood's terrific directing), Best Supporting Actor (For Gene Hackman's marvelous Little Bill). All should see Unforgiven, whether all would enjoy it is another matter. But who can forget Little Bill's words "I'm just trying to build a house!"

The "Western" Everyman.
The most important aspect of this "Western" is its philospical and spiritual message about the universal condition of man. It is almost biblical in nature like the first chapters of the book of Romans in the New Testament. Man is aware of both good and evil but finally is caught up in evil and unless he is redeemed by the forgivness of God he will die in his sins. The title is very appropriate as the characters in the end are unforgiving and unforgiven. It is a powerful film in that there are certain aspects in the various characters the show they have a sense of what is good but they are unable of themselves to overcome the innate evil of the human heart. There are several classic lines in the film such as the moment the young gunslinger says to Eastwood's character "He has it coming" and the reply is "We all have it coming" The conclusion at the end is that both the man representing the law and the man representing the lawless are both damned. It is not a pretty picture of mankind but a true one and is the reason why the Son of God had to die on the cross that we might be forgiven. There is Evil in man, but goodness in God if we will turn to Him. If this film would have only included the forgiveness of God I would have given it twice five stars.

Wow
This western directed by Clint Eastwood is truly one of the greats. The story develops slowly, the viewer learning in small bits about the main character William Munny. The subtlety of the movie is its greatest strength. Gene Hackman is incredible as the town Sheriff and won a well deserved Academy Award. Eastwood also won a much deserved Academy Award for best director.

If you like westerns this one is for you. Its a classic.

Rather good
This film is very good. As you can tell from the rave revies it has on this website and the 4 oscars it won in 1992 for Best Picture, Director, Supporting Actor and something else i cant remember.

The plot is convential - the hitman comes out of retirement after personal tragedy, but the performances superb and the charcetrs fascinating you'll be hooked. It's a great film and shows the acting talents of Clint Eastwood amount to much more than simply facial expressions, although they are spot on again here.

Gene Hackman is probably the true star here and his oscar was well deserved. The performance he gives as Little Bill Daggett is so three dimensional and you wonder to start with just is he good or bad? Nothing is made too obvious and you only find out later you should root against him. Morgan Freeman and Richard Harris have smaller roles but do their best and it all works well.

It's well acted, directed and boasts great scenery. This is the intelligent western and portrays gritty real charcters and makes you think. It's very grim and shows real hardness without being brutal - and that's hard to achieve.

Watch - better yet buy - this, you certainly won't regret it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Art film and road movie collide for Vanishing Point, an existential car chase across the desert in a post Easy Rider America. Barry Newman stars as Kowalski, a taciturn driver who bets that he can drive a new Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in 15 hours. He loads up on amphetamines and begins his odyssey through the contemporary west while a funky black DJ (Cleavon Little) turns the driver into a folk hero and broadcasts advice on dodging the cops. It's like a counterculture precursor to Smokey and the Bandit, with the road as the last bastion of freedom and the DJ as a combination commentator and mystical guide. The slim plot offers a network of society drop-outs that aid the "last free Man on Earth" (as the DJ describes him) on his obscure but obviously symbolic quest while flashbacks paint Kowalski as a world-weary hero. It doesn't really make much sense, but the amazing car chases and excellent stunt work are stunningly set against the American west, beautifully captured by cinematographer John A. Alonzo. Vanishing Point is most assuredly a product of its time, the heady, anything-goes era of rebellion in the early 1970s. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (108)

Classic timepiece movie...
This is a classic movie that is as much social commentary as car chase. I remember watching this on a Saturday matinee on my local television station (long before the advent of cable television) and was mesmerized.

I recently purchased the VHS version and it was just as sweet twenty years later.

The premise isn't much: the main character, former member of society now riding on the fringe, has to get a car to San Francisco in 15 hours. Load up on amphetamines and off we go. The 'plot' is merely a vehicle for the ride.

The car chase scenes are great and realistic (none of the special effects laden hocus pocus you see today) and the cinematography of the West is beautiful. The characters, from the DJ who plays mystical guide to the helpers the driver meets in the desert, show life on the fringe. I'm sure on some level this is a mystical, metaphorical journey of sorts but to me it is simply fun to watch.

The soundtrack is absolutely great. It is kind of the O Brother Where Art Thou of the 70s -- the one that missed the radar. It isn't music you hear on the radio and it certainly isn't mainstream in any fashion but it sure is good.

I give this five stars quite simply because of the cinematography, the cast of characters and the music. Well worth the visit. They just don't make films like this anymore.

Vanishing Point on DVD.. Please !!!
Someday this cult classic will make it to DVD, and my freinds if enjoy fast paced car chase action movies this is a must for your collection. Not only is it a great movie, but the soundtrack of songs from such artists as Delany & Bonnie, Mountain, and Kim Carnes (years before she did "Bette Davis Eyes") would be a great soundtrack if it ever was put together (Problem is back in 1970, movie soundtracks were rare, only musicals had them).

The movie is basically about a driver name Kowalski who's trying to deliver a Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in less than 24 hours. It's filled with flashbacks and events that take place thoughout Kowalski's life all while he's speeding though the desert in the Challenger.

Cops, Hippies, Bikers, Gospel Faith Groups, Kowalski meets them all during his journey.

Read the other reviews to get more detail about the movie, but trust me, the music and cinematography are outstanding and you"ll really enjoy this movie.

Much more than a car chase movie
This movie held me spellbound the first time I saw it and is still capable of this after countless viewings. This is more than just a car chase movie, it actually has depth and a story to tell. The scenery of the great American West is also first rate and the soundtrack never fails to set the mood.

The story of the main character, an auto delivery driver named Kowalski unfolds as he takes delivery of a white '70 Dodge Challenger which is as he puts it `souped up to 160' and proceeds to drive it from Denver to San Francisco. His plan, however is to do this in 15 hours to win a bet. As Kowalski makes his journey his life is revealed to us through flashbacks and recollections which are usually triggered by what is currently happening to him in real time. Through these the viewer learns that despite his apparent lawless behavior, Kowalski is a man of good character.

It is this good character, sense of duty and strong moral code that led to Kowalski's fallout with the establishment. He had been a decorated war hero and was honorably discharged from the military. A few years later, he was a decorated policeman. However, when he saw his police partner behaving in an unsavory fashion, he reacted. His reward was to be dishonorably discharged from the police force. This ultimately led Kowalski down the path to where we are introduced to him.

One of the big things that drew me into this movie is that it doesn't hand you the explanations on a silver platter. Instead it allows you to think about it and draw your own conclusions long after you've seen it. Some reviewers on IMDB have already done a great job of touching on the philosophies of freedom and individualism prevalent in this movie, so I won't waste the time trying to top those. I'll add that I feel this is a type of an expressionist film. Kowalski is kind of an `Everyman' who is on a journey to find his place in the grand scheme of things. Along his path he encounters various characters that watch over him and help him along, but there are also those who wish to shut him down. Whether you think the conclusion of Kowalski's journey is successful or not is up to you.

Another big plus is the realism in the driving scenes, where the drivers are actually driving their machines and occasionally things happen like tires going flat or the car needs fuel. Most modern car chase sequences leave me wanting with all of the computer generated car moves and general lack of realism. I know they sometimes got it wrong back then too, doing things like obviously speeding the film up. In this one though, they got it right. The driving here brings us into that realm of manhandling 4000 lbs. of American Iron, in all the glory of big-block V8 roar, screaming smoking tires, and hands grappling with the steering wheel.

Another thing that's cool to me about this type of movie is the appearance of the car. At the beginning, the car is resplendent in gleaming chrome and white paint. As the story moves along, the car gradually gets a more dusty battered countenance. I won't spoil the end, but those who've seen it know.

The final things that tie this whole thing together are the soundtrack and scenery. They seem to go hand in hand, from the upbeat rock & roll as Kowalski starts out to the stirring guitar strains during the thoughtful moments. I also cannot say enough about the scenery, which really draws the viewer in. It ranges from the mountains of Colorado, across Utah and into the searing Nevada desert.

In closing, I'll say that this is one of my favorite movies. It won't be understood by everyone, but those of us who fantasize about getting in a classic car and blasting down an open two-lane highway devoid of SUV's, sport sedans and minivans will likely get it.

Still Incredible!
I own over 1000 DVDs. Most I haven't gotten around to watch. In three days I've watched this one 3 times. Maybe this explains why when I was a kid I sat through this like a zillion times in the theater. A perfect film....

A 70's Drive In Cult Classic
Fast action, terrific photography, great period atmosphere, colorful characters and a first-rate rock soundtrack add up to a true drive-in classic that retains its "cult classic" reputation even after more than 30 years.

This DVD includes BOTH the 97-minute U.S. print typically seen on cable and video AND the 105-minute U.K. version which includes a couple of flashbacks featuring Charlotte Rampling that for some reason were completely excised for U.S. release. The excised scenes add just a tad more insight into Kowalski's character; while not essential to the whole plot (such as it is), these scenes ARE interesting and definitely will be appreciated by hardcore fans of the film. Kudos to 20th Century Fox for making available both versions. Being a real fan of the era that this movie was shot in, it's a kick to hear director Richard C. Sarafian's commentary track. Highly recommended! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Clint Eastwood's second film as a director (and his first Western) is a variation on the "man with no name" theme, starring Eastwood as the drifter known only as "the Stranger." He rides into the desert town of Lagos and is quickly attacked by three gunmen. Recovering with the aid of a local dwarf (a memorable role for Billy Curtis), the Stranger is hired by the intimidated townsfolk to fend off a band of violent ex-convicts. After teaching the citizens self-defense and instructing them to paint the entire town red and rename it "Hell," the Stranger vanishes. He reappears when the marauding criminals arrive, and delivers justice and teaches the townsfolk a harsh lesson about moral obligation. Is he a figure from their past or a kind of supernatural avenger? Combining humor with action, High Plains Drifter is both a serious and tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Westerns that made Eastwood a household name. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (53)

The "Man with No Name" returns
This movie is one of the best Eastwood Westerns that I have seen and is right up there with "Pale Rider" is supernatural quality. Clint plays almost an avenging spirit who returns to seek justice for a past crime and does so with his usual coolness. The movie offers a red painted town named "Hell", flashbacks showing a crime committed against Clint in the past and some awesome action scenes. Eastwood is wonderful throughout the whole film and even sports a pistol with a Cobra painted on the handle (cool! ). This is a great Western to add to any collection.

Last of the Spaghetti Westerns
Once again Eastwood does it with great style. The man with no name rides into town and wreaks havoc on the bad guys. An unusual dream of a sheriff that was whipped to death haunts him. As the story unveils itself we are drawn further into the past of the towns people. Not quite like his previous spaghetti westerns but still a hint of his character remains like a ghost that has come to see that justice is metered out. The fact that he rapes and kills does not seem to make us hate him, just accept him and know his final goal is as close to justice as we will see. The supporting cast is very good and the sets and music are great. Well worth adding to anyones western DVD collection. The quality of the picture and sound is excellent. Extras include notes, bios, highlights, and theatrical trailer.

Excellent!
I remember seeing this for the first time back in the day. It was probably the fascination with the "man with no name trilogy" but this film is just as classic as those. The story is your typical "revenge" tail but this adds a bit more to it. First of all the character is dark and aloof which really helps set the mood for this film. Its dark its fun its ultra cool! If you liked the man with no name trilogy, hang em high or pale rider see this!

Vengence rides into town
In "High Plains Drifter", Clint Eastwood stars and directs this really dark western. He plays an amoral drifter known only as 'The Stranger". He rolls into Logo and quickly kills three losers and seemingly rapes a local lady. He is then asked to be sheriff to protect the town cowards (the whole population) from three killers the town wronged years ago. Who the Stranger is is a major part of the mystery of the movie. Eastwood is pretty good as 'the man with no name' taken the millionth degree. He is cold and eccentric as he's givin free reign, then leaves at the moment they need him mst. The town's people are horrible people, who's corruption reaches into the collective conscience; not only is it rotting them to death, they have gladly sold their souls for gold. The vengence at the end is grim, but then so is the whole movie. It is not your John Wayne western; in fact Wayne himself walked out of the movie saying Eastwood owed his fans an apology. But that is not so, it wasn't that bad. But they still don't make movies this grim ofter. Not for everyone, but OK.

Eastwood turns in his typical performance

This gives the old saying, "painting the town red," a whole new meaning.

Eastwood is portraying a gunman wreaking vengeance on an entire Western town for standing by while a gang of nasties brutally kills the sheriff. One gets the impression, at the end, that he is the reincarnation of the murdered sheriff, himself.

This is, in no way, intended as a criticism: Eastwood, like John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable and a host of other fine actors, always plays himself. His stock in trade is his "tough guy" impression, and he does it flawlessly.

His films are always well-done, and he always plays the same basic part, which his audience obviously loves.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A top knotch western!!!!!
This is an all time classic film.
Extremely well done and very enjoyable.
The cast reads like a who's who is western movies.
I highly reccomend this film to all western movies fans!!!

Against the Grain
This is an unduly neglected work that sank quickly into audience oblivion - the Vietnam seventies were not a good time for Westerns. True to the iconoclasm of the period, the producers set out to debunk the mystique of the cattle drive, and in the process take a big swipe at that arch-romancer of the Old West, John Ford. They only half-succeed. Put simply, their stab at realism is undone by too much gunplay, too much blood, and way too much conventional violence. Staples of the ordinary Western, their presence here only serves to reinforce the usual cliches. Much better when the story-telling cowboy refuses Geoffrey Lewis's challenge by quitting the drive, saying a gunfight over trifling matters makes no sense. That's certainly no cliche.

The role reversal at movie's end is stunning, given what Hollywood has led us to expect. Nevertheless, it works by bringing out a latent code of honor that at times can guide even the most brutal among us. Here Ford is trumped by Kurosawa. There are many fine touches in the movie. Billy "Green" Bush is totally convincing as the ruthless trail boss; Gary Grimes, appropriately callow; and the four gunsels, alternately abusive and sullen, while Geoffrey Lewis's cold-eyed stare bespeaks a lifetime of casual cruelty. Not the best of anti-Westerns, but deserves consideration.

Earthy and gritty western
Seems most like the real thing than most westerns I have viewed in the past.

They don't get better this!
I saw this film when I was 12 back in 1981 on tv and was captivated and emotionally saddened as with few other films, especially western films. This film begins with a teenagers dream of becoming a cowboy and tears it down as the youth realizes what being a cowboy is really about. In many ways the film UNFORGIVEN by Clint Eastwood does the same thing only with gunfighters instead of cowboys. THE CULPEPPER CATTLE CO. is a much better film. It moves faster and has better characters.

For years I have tried to rent or buy this movie. Almost no stores have it or have even heard of It. I finally found it at a video store that was liquidating its previously viewed films. I am so glad Amazon is now offering it. I hope that it ends up on DVD soon

Perhaps the most realistic Western of all
For realism, this movie is hard to beat!

'Culpepper Cattle Co.' is the story of a young boy who has his heart set on becoming a cowboy. He is successful in getting hired as cook's helper on a drive.

The movie chronicles the cattle drive, which encounters outlaws, a conspiracy of townspeople, and the normal arguments, drinking and fights between the drovers. It is gritty, and it 'feels real.' The boy, Ben, is surrounded by the rigors and realities of life on the trail.

The characters are well and believably acted, although by relatively unknown actors (at least to me.) Which perhaps is best, because one is not distracted by the expectations of some movie star's predictable reactions to each situation.

This is a fine movie, and one which provides some humor, suspense, and a good plot. It may be the best of its genre you will ever see, despite the lack of expensive, top talent to act the parts.

Joe Pierre
author, Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Yummy Adam
I am giving this movie 5 stars because of the scene where a shirtless Adam Ant kisses a shirtless Micheal Pare right before stabbing him in the head. You have to see it!

ADAM ADAM ADAM!

And the rest of the movie is ok too.

A Must See...
This movie has something for everyone (over 13)! There is humor, there is death, there is war and hate. The bad guy (Adam Ant)is just as much eye-candy as the good guy (Michael Pare). The best part of the movie is Bruce Dern. A very talented actor with a sharp wit. I personally own two copies of this movie...just in case one tape breaks ;-)

The Citizen Kane of B-Movies
If you are unable to get past the simple deterrent of the B-Movie label, then this film isn't for you. If you don't have a cheesy sense of humor, and find joy in what I consider alt. sci-fi (think Kilgore Trout or Phillip Jose Farmer) then this film is not for you. And if you are unable to remove the serious film buff that lies deep within you, then this film certainly is not for you.

However, if you do not fall into the above category, then count yourself amoungst the lucky. For World Gone Wild is nothing less then an addictive experience. You will be unable to resist the image of a cannibal standing on a heap of ancient crushed cars ressurected as a mettalic moat, drapped in a tattered american flag and singing along with a rock song using his machine gun as a guitar, or of Adam Ant leading a demonic cult of Charles Manson worshippers on a raid of pillage and rape from the one of the last surviving rural communities, or of a futuristic pot-smoking messiah self crucifying himself on a homemade pyre; from the explosion of humans to decapitation via deadly hubcaps, this film is defentiely a lost treasure.

And it is treasure at the films heart. The treasure of water in a post-nuclear war society ravaged by decades of drought and famine. In order to protect itself and its precious secret of an unending underground well from Ant's murderous cult, the community of Lost Wells hires a crew of rag-tag defenders in a final attempt to save man-kind. The resulting adventures and battle are both disgusting and hilarious, making this Seven Sumarai rip-off the best B film made to date. And defenitely worthy of a viewing, for nothing else than to witness the finest performances that Bruce Dern, Michael Pare, and Adam Ant ever delivered.

I laughed, I cried...
It started out that I was only watching the movie to see Adam Ant...well, and Michael Pare. I found out that it was an incredible movie with an awesome cast of actors. I personally own two copies of this movie (worried that one might break eventually and I'd be stuck without this great movie). Bruce Dern is an incredible actor and pulls out all the stops. I'd recommend this movie to anyone who likes sci-fi, futuristic type movies...and even to thoughs who don't, but can appreciate a good bad guy.

Catch this! World Gone Wild
i was suprisingly captivated by the intriguant that conceived this ironic and imaginative action thriller. the depth of characters, and dark humor places this film a cut above the rest. de facto, the father-less love child of tombstone meets mad max! if you can find it, watch it. high points: the unflappable performance of bruce dern as the consumate wise man, and the adroit dialog skills of writer jorge zamacona. typically violent as any film of this ilk and era, but clever,clever, clever. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

One of the Best Horror Movies Ever Made...
This has to be one of the best scary movies they have made. It might not be the very best but of course it is really not the worst. I remember seeing this movie on TV about 5 or 6 years ago and I just bought it. The first story deals with a lady being chased around by a maniac, when she goes out for a pack of cigarettes this story is ***1/2 out of ****. The second story is about a kid that just has to get to level 13 on an arcade game (stars a young Emilio Estevez) this story gets *** out of ****. The third is on of my least favorites about a priest who is being chased by a truck from hell (it really is a truck from hell)this gets ** out of ****. And the last (Night of the Rat) is my favorite. It is about a rat who just wants a simple thing to leave find out what that is after watching "NIGHTMARES" on VHS or DVD! This movies get a **** out of ****

Good Rainy-Day Horror Flick
This 1983 Universal romp is a decent (albeit sometimes vapid by today's Generation X horror standards) anthology flick. "Nightmares" explores a heterogenous quartet of "scream themes" from serial killers (Terror in Topenga) to cursed video games (The Bishop of Battle), and from muderous fabled rodents (Night of the Rat) to Satanic wrath (The Benediction). Humble, yet effective performances by Emilio Estevez, Lance Henriksen ("Aliens", the "Milennium" TV series), Richard Masur, and Veronica Cartwright ("Alien", "Invasion of the Body Snatchers-1978"). Estevez's character clings on to the "Brat Pack" image levied onto him during the mid 1980's as a vociferious, hot-headed, adolescent ignoramus whose only purpose in life is to conquer the "challenging" Bishop of Battle arcade number, but at a grisly cost. "Night of the Rat" probably has the best storyline of all the tales about a loving family who becomes beseiged by a monstrous mythological rat living in their home's crawlspaces (the FX in this one are quite cheesy). Joseph Sargent ("Jaws The Revenge") directed and Christopher Crowe ("Jerry MacGuire", "Fast Times at Ridgemont High") scripted. "Nightmares" is good for a slumber party/late-nite flick or for lazy weekends when there's nothing on the tube.

Rat as big as Shaq
Finally I found the title of this flick!! I was like, 6 or something when I first watched this, and forgot the name for 20 years until tonight!!!! The movies that stand out is the video game one, the one where the Estevez dude turns to a monochrome dude trapped in the game, and then of course the last one, with the rat, as big as Shaq!!!! Now that is scary!!!!! This is a dandy 80's flick!!!

don't lose your faith
Nightmares has 4 vignettes:
1.) a nasty video game that consumes JJ (Emilio Estevez)
2.) a psychopathic killer that almost gets smoker(Christina Raines)
3.) A Satanic black Chevy truck trying to kill a faithless priest
(Lance Henrickson)
and 4.) a dumb story of Giant Rodent ... at a dopey husband
( I forget his name)
an enjoyable movie nontheless

decent horror movie...awesome soundtrack
This is a decent anthology film from the early 80's with a great soundtrack. The first story is only decent , not great , but not bad either although the scene where the gas station attendent busted through the chick's window scared me the first time I saw it. The second story is the best one , with Emilio Estevez as a arcade junkie who gets more than he bargains for when he reaches the 13 level. The third story is the worst and a waste of time even though Lance Henrikson is an awesome actor. The fourth is also great about a mythological devil rat harassing a suburban family. That story also featured an hillarious scene where Richard Masur is shooting at the rat and the stereo blast Black Flag's "Louie Louie" (what middle class home would even own a Black Flag album). I wouldnt recommend buying it..but it's a cool movie to rent or watch on late night tv ... Read more

Amazon.com

It's more of Leslie Nielsen's Lt. Frank Drebin, the bumbling cop from the old Police Squad! television series. This time, Drebin uncovers a plot--led by supervillain Robert Goulet!--to sabotage America's energy policy. The jokes don't stick as well as those of the first film (Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!), but there are some very funny slapstick moments, including several involving former First Lady Barbara Bush (played by an actress, of course). --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (23)

I've been swimming in raw sewage...I LOVE IT!
I actually did like this move quite a bit, and it was amazingly funny, but it had a few too many man-gets-hit-by-something-and-falls jokes for me. This is my least favorite Naked Gun movie yet I still watch it all the time and have a good laugh. the Naked Gun movies to me are the funniest movies ever created, and this is no exception. It is great, but I think you would first want to check out the other two. My favorite scene: The one where Frank and Ed go into the sex shop while Norberg is going under all the cars. Another downer: there were too many jokes stolen from the series it was based on, Police Squad! Otherwise, very good and very very funny.

Fairly funny
This is the second film based on the short-lived TV series "Police Squad". The first is a classic. This one liberally borrows gags from the TV show that inspired it, and that sums up my problem with the film: an overall lack of inspiration.

There are some very funny segments, including director David Zucker's hilarious send-up of his brother Jerry's "Ghost". But this movie just isn't as consistently funny as it's predecessor. This is really Leslie Nielsen's last funny performance in a spoof-comedy. After this, he would resort to constant and shameless mugging. In fact, one of the faults with this second Naked Gun film is that David Zucker allows some winking at the audience to creep in. These films are much better when played completely straight.

The DVD isn't exactly packed with features. There is a funny group commentary and that's about it. Some have complained that the scenes used for the TV broadcast version aren't included. It would've been nice if Paramount had included them as Deleted Scenes (though they are NOT good enough to warrant inclusion in the actual film).

Halt! Police Squad!
Unlike most sequels, Naked Gun 2 ½ goes above and beyond the spectacular first movie. Priscilla Presley just kept getting hotter and more beautiful as the series went on. Leslie Neilson, the modern day king of physical comedy is up to his old hijinx as Lt. Frank Dremond. This time Frank is after the masterminds who wish to bury the thought of clean energy and let the oil companies continue to give us high prices and pollution.

Gags that make the whole movie worth it.....

1. The shower/assassin scene. What a beautiful duet as he adjusts his silencer!
2. The Blue lounge, to include no Black Russians!
3. The Wistler's Mother birthmark. Stays on even with a sander!
4. A dinner with President Bush (watch those doors and lobster claws)
5. The final scene with hanging Barbera!

This is entertainment folks!

Smell of Comedy
The second installment to the adventures of Frank Drebin (Leslie Nielsen) and Police Squad/Naked Gun series is just as funny as the first film (and forgotten tv show). There is an underlying theme in this comedy about environmental issues and there is a story and plot with all the pratfalls,nonsense, and hilarity. Again, the producers pick an unlikely actor to play the villian (Ricardo Montalban in the first) and this time it's Robert Goulet as Quentin Hapsburg behind a plot to deter President Bush's policy for a cleaner USA. The real treasure is everytime Frank Drebin (Nielsen) says one of his many asinine lines, the camera switches to Hapsburg (Goulet) and his look of bewilderment is worth the price of admission. The supporting roles are equally funny. O.J. Simpson as Nordberg has a more prominent role than in the first (although in the first he set up the Nordberg character beautifully). George Kennedy as Ed found a second career in comedy equal to that of Nielsen, and Priscilla Presley is up to the task of keeping up with all the hijinx. Guest roles are filled by some of Nielsen's contemporaries who have played similar type guest roles in various 60's and 70's tv shows and movies (Tim O'Conner, Lloyed Bochner etc.) The films are probably a little marred by the fact that OJ Simpson is in the cast, but his Nordberg character is hilarious as with the rest of the film. Overall a very funny film with the Zucker brand of comedy. Note: Classic Line- Commissioner Brumford (Jacqueline Brookes) after getting a call that animals escaped from the zoo as a result of a Drebin blunder... "Do you realise that this city is being overrun by baboons?" Drebin (Nielsen) "Well, isn't that the fault of the voters?". Also, a classic surprise scene: An in-joke by Lloyed Bochner (as Baggett) and a certain classic TWILIGHT ZONE episode "To Serve Man" in which he appeared in years ago.

THIS ONE IS JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST!!
This movie is just what my tital says!! Just as good as the first and that's because it is!! If you like the first one than you'll love this one too!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It was really good!
I thought Susan Lucci played a good part in this movie, but of course all of her movies are really good. I thought it was a real thriller, and i am going to buy it now. Susan Lucci is my favorite actress. I think this is the best movie that i have ever seen in my whole life. And thats the truth. Whoever wrote the scripts did a wonderful job! And of course all of the actors did a wonderful job as well. Well hope you like my little comment about the movie.
Sincerely,
Brittnee ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Revenge and pain
Sad tale of bitter man returning to his Welsh village for the purpose of its destruction. A very young Richard Burton, in his first film, is excellent. Heartbreaking when his mother refuses to leave the cemetery where family is buried when town is flooded for a dam. An excellent look at bitterness and revenge, but also loyalty and committment. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Based on the Robert Marasco novel of the same name, Dan Curtis's eerie movie puts a spin on celluloid haunted-house sagas.The well-adjusted Rolf family (father Oliver Reed, mother Karen Black, aunt Bette Davis, and young son Lee H. Montgomery) rent a huge old summer house only to find that its spirit is in control of the estate. The requisite sinister proceedings appear--including a possessed pool and the vision of a sinister hearse driver following Reed--that disrupt the family's unity. Black also falls under the spell of an elderly woman whom she is required to take care of, but no one ever sees. While it may not be as overtly shocking as other ghost tales, Burnt Offerings has a creepiness that gets under your skin thanks to good performances and the dreamy, soft-focus photography. --Bryan Reesman ... Read more

Reviews (92)

Evil Has a New Home
Who's up for a truly creepy haunted house thriller? In 1976, director Dan Curtis, Dark Shadows (1966) and Trilogy of Terror (1975) brought to life a wonderfully scary movie that scarred quite a few younger viewers at the time and still has the power to evoke strong remembrances when mentioned.

Burnt Offerings (1976) stars Karen Black, Oliver Reed, Bette Davis, and Burgess Meredith. City dwellers Marian (Black) and Ben (Reed) Rolf find the deal of a lifetime in a fabulous, secluded country estate, and soon settle in, along with their son and old auntie (Davis). A deal too good to be true? Why yes, it is, as strange things start happening, but not so strange as to send up serious warning flags that would cause most any of us to flee.

What was so great about this movie was the way the director took his time in ratcheting up the suspense for the viewer. Changes to the various characters were introduced in such as way as to seem subtle, and not highly alarming. Soon some of the characters do catch on, but by then, it's too late. I thought Reed was really great in this movie, a man haunted by a past demon amplified through the house, who manages to keep a fairly level head throughout. Another wonderful character in the movie is the house itself. Dunsmuir Estate is the setting for most of the movie, actually coming to life through skillful directing and some very creepy music. This is an actual home, located in Oakland, California.

The movie runs just under two hours, but the time will seem to go by quickly as you will find yourself gorilla glued to the screen, waiting in anticipation as to what happens next. There is a noticeable lack of blood, as the scares are more of the psychological kind. This seems to be a tactic used not so much these days, as visceral sells, but I do enjoy when the violence can be implied, rather than shown. I find my imagination is able to come up with plenty of scary images given the right fuel. The main problem I had with the movie was the picture. The movie on the disc appears in that sort of diffused style common in the 70's, where everything seems to have a slight fuzz on it, a haze throughout the picture. I did get used to it after awhile, but it was a little annoying. I don't seem to recall it being like this when I first saw the movie so long ago, but oh well. Another problem, a minor one, was some of the audio was unclear, as it seemed the audio levels were uneven at times. There are English subtitles, and I made use of them.

As far as special features go, there is a commentary track by director Curtis, Karen Black and Co-writer William F. Nolan and an original theatrical trailer which I would avoid watching until after watching the film as it gave too much away, in my opinion. I will tall you this, the end truly a climatic one, and well worth the wait. If you liked Burnt Offerings, I would highly recommend the 1963 Robert Wise film, The Haunting.

Cookieman108

Disappointing Transfer
Burnt Offerings: I remember watching this classic flick when I was 10 or 11 years old in 1977. It was on NBC yearly for awhile. With memories of this movie coming back to me as I read the many reviews of this film on Amazon, I couldn't wait to see a DVD transfer of one of my favorite scary flicks.

I remember vividly the look in Oliver Reed's eyes when he was approaching his son David in the pool scene. That was one of the best elements of this movie: the actors' eyes and facial expressions. They were really into their roles, it would never have been half the movie it was without them. Oliver's character looked mad, like he was possessed when attempting to drown his son. A VERY intense moment to say the least. So I popped the DVD in and sat back waiting for this and many other moments to shine digitally from my home theater...

Well, I am writing today to say that this transfer looks NOTHING like the network broadcasts from so many years ago. This transfer is very blurry, some spots so dark its hard to make out what is being displayed. The chilling scene I referenced to above was nullified because Oliver's intense blue eyes seems to be completely lost in the blur. How could MGM's transfer team have messed this up? Did they even bother to look at teh finished product before it was released publicly??

I must say that I am EXTREMELY disappointed with MGM's DVD transfer of this classic movie. The audio is mono as well. Many parts of the dialogue are drowned out my loud music. I stopped watching X Files because of that very reason.

With that said, there is no way I can rank this movie lower than a 5. It is a brilliantly made film. But MGM's transfer to DVD gives it a 2 star bump to 3. I've waited a long time to see Better Davis' last film set to DVD, and I have to say that the results are quite disappointing. We may never see MGM give this a redo either. What a shame, and such a great movie in their catalogue too.

Fans of the movie who know what I'm talking about may opt to stay away from purchasing this DVD. Those of you who haven't seen it may want to give it a spin, but be warned that PLENTY gets lost in the translation. You may not find this as frightening due to the bluriness caused by an uncaring, unprofessional MGM DVD transfer team. To be honest, I've seen VHS to DVD transfers that looked better than this....

The King of haunted house stories!!
Remember Dark Shadows? Of course you do! But do you remember the movie Night Of Dark Shadows, released after the tv series went off the air? If you've seen that movie and then watch Burnt Offerings, you may have noticed quite a few similarities, especially at the end. That's because both movies were directed by Dan Curtis, but whereas Night Of Dark Shadows was anything but scary, Burnt Offerings conquers the list of haunted house stories by being everything NODS wasn't. By replacing the cast with superior actors, coming up with a mostly new script, new plot and forgetting all about Dark Shadows, except for some of the recognizable music, Curtis came up with a horror movie that scared even the goosebumps on my skin.

Here's the plot in a nutshell: Oliver Reed and Karen Black play Marion and Ben Rolf, who along with Ben's aunt Elizabeth (played superbly by Bette Davis) and the Rolfs' son, agree to pay $900.00 and take care of an 85-year-old woman in exchange for living in a decaying old mansion on a large estate for the summer. There are several clues about what they're in for right at the beginning, such as Ben and Marion viewing about a dozen pictures of the house, all from the same angle and each picture showing the house looking exactly the same even though there's over one hundred years separating the first picture from the most recent.

Ben begins seeing one of the most horrifying characters in horror movies, someone he'd repeatedly dreamed about following his mother's death years earlier. Marion seems to become possessed by the house, and aunt Elizabeth seems to grow weaker by the scene. And the slightest injury to any of the characters seems to cause part of the estate to become like new. The ending, although similar to that in Night Of Dark Shadows, is a hundred times more frightening and will be long remembered afterwards. Though released in 1976, Burnt Offerings is a classic horror movie that can still scare viewers today, partly because the scare factor is not dependent on virtually non-existent special effects or loads of blood and gore, but instead is supported by a fantastic script and the ability of its stars to utilize their talents. The Haunting has nothing on this film.

what's with all the DVD complaints?
I first saw Dan Curtis's creepy haunted house story back in 1976, in a movie theater when I was a kid, and both the chauffeur and the end scene haunted me for the longest time afterward. VERY chilling.

The Rolf family -- mother Marion (Karen Black), father Ben (Oliver Reed), son David (Lee H. Montgomery), and lively-as-heck 75-year-old Aunt Elizabeth (Bette Davis) -- decide to leave the city behind for a peaceful, quiet summer in the country (HAH! Not in a Dan Curtis film!). Marion and Ben find a wonderful, rundown old mansion owned by the Allardyces -- brother Arnold (Burgess Meredith) and his sister Roz (Eileen Heckart). You can tell from word one that the Allardyce siblings are not playing with a full deck, and that something VERY creepy is going on with this house, but of course the unsuspecting Rolfs don't notice -- especially when they find out they can rent the place for $900 ... not per month, but for the WHOLE SUMMER! Ben is still skeptical, especially when they learn the deal comes with taking care of the Allardyce's 85-year-old mother, who has the attic room but is never seen (well, ALMOST never). Marion, however, falls in love with the rambling old mansion, talking Ben into taking it, and swearing the old woman upstairs will be entirely her responsibility.

The family moves in, but right away weirdness ensues: Ben starts dreaming a nightmare he hasn't had since his childhood, about his mother's funeral, a nightmare that includes maybe the creepiest chauffeur ever seen; the vibrant Aunt Elizabeth starts to get weak, wanting to sleep all the time, as if the very life force is slowly being drained from her body; Marion becomes obsessed with the house, cleaning and taking care of it, and with the old lady upstairs -- even Marion's manner, speech, and style of dress and hair change; Ben, in the middle of playing with David in the pool, suddenly tries to drown the boy -- and tells Marion later that he meant to drown him, for a moment lost control of himself and was trying to kill him.

The weirdness escalates to the conclusion, which is not entirely surprising but very satisfying. Anyone who sees this film and knows Dan "Dark Shadows" Curtis's style will not be disappointed; the movie is atmospheric, well-acted, and has moments that genuinely get under your skin. The ending is a little hokey, but again -- if you know Dan Curtis's style -- it's also perfectly acceptable.

For new viewers who are more accustomed to what horror movies have become in the last 20 years or so, this movie may be a real bore; it plays more with the mind than with the eyes, and blood, gore, and special effects are kept to a minimum or are non-existent. And that is exactly what makes it a good film; it relies on the viewer to insert his own creepiness via the "gauzy" visual look of the film, the performances (especially by Black, Davis, and Reed), and by watching these "burnt offerings" (a practice in some cultures of burning animals alive as sacrifices to the Gods) being lined up, unknowingly, for a house rooted in evil.

What I don't understand are the complaints about the DVD quality -- mine is find. Granted, I am more about the picture quality than the sound, but I had no problem hearing the dialogue throughout the film, and the music was never too loud or a distraction. The picture quality was EXACTLY how it looked when I saw it on the movie theater screen 28 years ago -- that gauzy-white "burned" bright sort of look (burned - "Burnt Offerings"? Hmmm) is indeed how the film is SUPPOSED to look! So I don't know if I got lucky, or what, but my DVD is fine. I've watched it several times since buying it, and the film remains chilling to this day. Buy it, but don't look for Freddy or Jason or even Michael Meyers-type horror; this is much more of a game of the mind.

Could have been great
Despite the outstanding cast, this Dan Curtis horror flick is so poorly thrown together that it makes you want to send up burnt offerings for a better remake. Karen Black, Oliver Reed, Bette Davis, Eileen Heckart and Burgess Meredith are professionals all. They're saddled with the usual house-that-swallows-its-inhabitants. Special effects are virtually nil. On the commentary, however, a short-tempered Dan Curtis raves about this effort as if it were another "Psycho." Karen Black offers some interesting insights as to how she interpreted her fatalistic heroine. Screenwriter William Nolan, along with Curtis, explains how they revised the novel into a screenplay. As Curtis says repeatedly, "in the book, there was no ending. No Ending. Absolutely no ending. There was no ending. We had to fix--no ending!" Very little is said about the hunky, charismatic Oliver Reed, although Black does mention at least one scene which Reed tries to steal from Black. Curtis says nothing about Reed. He must've been a handful, as Bette Davis recalls in her memoirs.Curtis remembers how the preview audiences screamed to the screen at the end: "Don't go back into the house." Curtis seems proud of eliciting this response. He doesn't appear to understand that the audience was probably screaming its frustration at seeing another bunch of good actors being forced to do stupid horror things. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Movies about the movies are a particularly rich vein, especially in comedies. No one understands just how ridiculous Hollywood is like the people who work there. This film is an affectionate behind-the-scenes story about a bumpkin (Jeff Bridges) who moves to Hollywood in the 1930s with visions of a career penning the kind of Westerns he loves to watch, especially the ones starring his favorite Western star (Andy Griffith). Instead, through a series of mishaps, he becomes an actor himself--and a pretty bad one at that--starring in B Westerns (and becoming a rival to Griffith, who turns out to be a particularly nasty piece of work, in a bit of casting against type). Alan Arkin and Blythe Danner join in the fun in this good-natured and amusing spoof. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Very nice
I only saw some of this movie but i think it is very funny. Jeff bridges can act very good. and andy griffith plays a very good meanie. i remeber the last scent when griffith saves the day. i think it is funny movie

an underrated classic
This movie hasn't exactly gone down in history, but it should. Jeff Bridges is incredible as a young man with iron determination to become a western writer against all the curves that fate can throw at him (like outright mockery and severe beatings) and Andy Griffith is even better as an old western writer-actor with an amiable exterior and a ruthless interior. Blythe Danner comes on like a modern Jean Arthur, only better. Full of great scenes, including one of a low budget musical ("Get rid of the noodle in the pith helmet."). Film fans, you have got to see this one. It is guaranteed to leave you with a happy feeling.

Genuinely sweet, genuinely funny, and urbane cowpokes too
This film is full of scoundrels and opportunists and still manages to make life seem delicious. Long before Gwenyth Paltrow was famous her mother, Blythe Danner, was known by aficionados as someone that picked superb material. She's here as The Girl, savvy but still sweet enough to fall for the truly endearing and monumentally naive Jeff Bridges. Alan Arkin does a sublime high strung director of 1920s cowboy movies, and you won't believe what Andy Griffith can do. See it and feel great not in a sappy way: a truly grown up delight.

a treasure!
Jeff Bridges was wonderful in this little gem- a hint of good things to come! What fun seeing Andy Griffith as a meanie! Glad I found this video at amazon.com

A truly under-rated movie!
Who knew that Andy Griffith could really act? And he's the bad guy! See this movie, you won't regret it. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Great, and is a real joy to watch!
Dr. Ray Flemming (played by Gene Barry) has it all, he's a rich psychiatrist, has powerful friends, and has a beautiful mistress. But, with his wife threatening to pull it all down in a messy divorce, Dr. Flemming decides that it is time to kill her off in the perfect murder. But, disaster strikes when into his apartment walks a little man in a rumpled raincoat, police Lt. Columbo (Peter Falk). Now, with Columbo hot on his trail, Dr. Flemming only needs to keep everything together, but he has one weak link... [Color, released in 1968, with a running time of 1 hour, 33 minutes.]

This movie was produced in 1968, and is indeed the first Columbo show ever made! The music and fashions are definitely 1960s, with big hairdos and cat-eye glasses, and no jeans to be seen. Peter Falk looks young (about 40 years old), but other than that, all of the elements are there - the rumpled raincoat, the pretence of simplicity, the cigar, and the doggedness that marked all of Columbo's career.

My wife and I are real mystery fans, and have always loved the Columbo shows. Well, this one is just as great, and is a real joy to watch! A little more polished than subsequent Columbos, but that just helps to make this a real joy. So, what I say is, this is a great mystery - if you can buy it, then boy it! You won't regret it!

They just don¿t make them like this anymore.
People forget that "Columbo" started out not as a 1970s TV series, but as a single TV movie in 1968 that pitted an arrogant genius against a streetwise bulldog of a detective. Falk is wonderful as a criminal's worst nightmare-a rumpled little man who disarms his opponents with his cheap suits and scatterbrained demeanor. In "Prescription: Murder," Columbo is considerably more polished-and aggressive-than in the TV series in his attempt to take down a psychiatrist (played regally by the always-polished Gene Barry) who's murdered his wife in what he thinks is the perfect crime. The production is sumptuous for television fare, with sets and color that rival cinema productions of the time, and even if all of the Columbo telefilms essentially copy Alfred Hitchcock's "Dial M for Murder," the story is quite satisfying. As was standard for the time, the best part of "Prescription: Murder" is watching two great actors spar with each other in a plot that is more chessmatch than car chase. They just don't make them like this anymore.

Columbo Series A True Classic
For those old enough to remember Columbo was I think one of a family of tv movies that were all part of 'The Sunday Mystery Movie'. Some of the other mystery types shows in the group were McMillan And Wife and a cowbody type detective (Dennis Weaver ?).

The Columbo series is a true classic. I don't think I've ever seen an episode of Columbo that I didn't like.

'Prescription Murder' was the premier episode for the Columbo series. The Columbo character in this first movie is a little different than the other episodes I've seen. The series creators made some adjustments to the character after this movie. They generally softenned up the character in the later episodes even including giving him a softer hair style. However that's what makes this movie interesting also.

The villain in this case is a psychiatrist who gives Columbo a psychological evaluation. This is interesting. It really defines the character as far as he lulls people into a sense of false security while constantly waiting for the suspect to get careless and reveal something.

If I recall correctly Peter Falk played a bad guy in 'Murder Incorporated' but I don't think that was a great casting job.
True greatness in a movie character I think requires perfect casting. The casting of Peter Falk as Lieutenant Columbo was a stroke of genius by someone. I suspect perfect casting only occurs when the character shares some personality traits with the actor in real life.

For some reason just lately I was thinking about the Columbo movies and I took out the videos and watched a lot of them again. It's probably a sign that something is good when you can watch them many times and still enjoy them.

There's usually some pretty girls in the Columbo movies and this one is no exception.

These movies are good too because they get into human nature and the good and evil in people.

The plots themselves are totally contrived and would never really happen. In real life civilians would never be allowed to interact so closely with detectives. Also many things that Columbo does to catch people are against the law in real life such as tricking people.

But that doesn't hurt the movies at all. In fact if they were more realistic they probably wouldn't be any fun to watch.

It's All There!
Most pilots of successful televsion series are in a "raw" form, i.e. the formula that subsequently works well and the chemistry between the characters in the series has not been fully developed. Therefore fans of the series are often disappointed in the pilot. That is most definitely NOT the case with this film. All the main features that made Columbo so good are present here (except for his old Peugeot 403 convertible!). Falk puts in as good a performance as any of his subsequent ones and the script is superb. We see Columbo's eye for detail and the battle of wits between the detective and the suspect. Gene Barry puts in a fine performace as the murderer. The popularity of the Columbo series proves that a program does not need a lot of "action" (fist fights, gun battles, car chases, etc) in order to be spellbinding. Incidentally, one little item to watch for is the fact that the camera usually focuses on the right side of Peter Falk's face where we see his artificial eye and the surgical scar which was a result of the operation to remove his eye when he was a child. I believe this was done deliberately because it makes him look a little "strange" which emphasizes his outwardly slovenly appearance which is a key to his character.

Dial C for Columbo
This old Sunday-night drama special - based on Richard Levinson and William Link's light, commercial, conventional Broadway thriller (though it never actually made Broadway) - would lie in the shadow of Frederick Knott's theatre work and a dozen anthology shows, were it not for the appearance of a certain Mr Columbo. Seen out of context the film looks pretty routine, but the fans of the ensuing series will enjoy witnessing the establishment of the Columbo formula. As ever, a killer's beautifully thought-out plan is blown to pieces by the obsession with detail and ruthless logic of our hero, the latter trying to trip him up over his own words, making subtle insinuations at every opportunity, and flashing a cherubic smile when he suspects his adversary is too tense to give himself away. Both killers and the old boy himself would later utilise more complex and ingenious strategies when playing this game: plotwise, this is not very inventive, though there are some lovely moments and the performance of a remarkably youthful-looking, almost handsome Falk is a joy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

"Suspense in a void" is how critic Pauline Kael described this action-packed hit from 1983. In other words, this is one of those flashy, superbly crafted high-tech thrillers in which the star is a machine, while intelligent plotting and human characters are a lesser priority. The machine in question is Blue Thunder--a heavily armored prototype helicopter that is secretly being tested for use in a devious government conspiracy. Roy Scheider plays the police pilot who catches on to the nefarious plot and takes to the skies against an evil army colonel (Malcolm McDowell) who will defend his coconspirators at any cost. Director John Badham was a hot property in the early '80s (he directed WarGames the same year), and Blue Thunder served as the popular model for many formulaic action thrillers to follow. That doesn't make it a great movie, but with a fine cast (including Daniel Stern in a memorable supporting role) and a dazzling aerial chase among big-city skyscrapers, Blue Thunder qualifies as slick entertainment. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Action Packed Movie!
This movie is quite exciting.You have Roy Scheider in the lead role as your hero. He is the lead pilot of an ultra modern helicopter called Blue Thunder, He soon discovers a conspiracy by the government with the usage of Blue Thunder.The villain in this movie is Roddy McDowell.He is the government agent in charge
of the conspiracy. They do battle in the skies. You have outstanding special effects. The skyscrapers in this movie add to
the special effects. The helicopter chases are breathtaking and exciting. This movie is action packed and the actors do a very good job. Watch this movie,you will enjoy it.

Why is this not on DVD?!!!
The 5 stars are right! This is an excellent movie! Roy Sheider plays a great protagonist who deals with post-traumatic stress who is assigned to test pilot the helicopter (Blue Thunder-which looks like the military Apache helicopter). While on mission, using the helicopter's stealth capabilties, he overhears a conversation that reveals a plot to cause civil uprising in order to give cause to impliment the Blue Thunder into service. Malcolm McDowell plays a great love-to-hate villian who is assigned to kill Roy Sheider's character in a daring showdown action sequence that involves two helicopters shooting at each other while flying between the buildings of downtown Los Angeles. At one point, a fighter jet gets involved! Overall, this movie has an interesting story, good pacing, editing, good character development...entertaining all the way through! It also has a good resolve/ending which for movies of this genre is saying alot!
If you have to buy it on VHS, it's a good buy. (Personally, I'm waiting for the DVD!)

Blue Thunder Bowl ...
An iron-plated Huey gunship with duel-mounted .50 caliber machine guns threatens to destroy the world. Only Roy Sheider can save the day by hanging off a flagpole on the side of a building and firing a rifle at Blue Thunder's gas tank, causing the shark to explode and then Sheriff Brody has to swim back to shore with a guy who has been "counting money all [his] life". Something like that. Blue Thunder had slightly less appeal than the hit tv series "Airwolf" (starring critically acclaimed alcoholic wife-beater, Jan Michael Vincent). As the film moves toward the end, you will look back and realize that the woman getting naked in the first 15 minutes of the movie was the best part ... and you will want to rewind it and watch that part again. If Popeye, Iron Eagle, and Red Dawn are in your movie collection, you may as well round it off and purchase Blue Thunder as well.

Silly at times, but Thunder-ously fun
Havin' been a big fan of the short-lived show this was based on, as well as Airwolf, it was a given that I'd eventually check this booger out. And I gotta admit that, for a mid-80s bit of super-chopper-action-conspiracy-busting fluff, this ain't all that bad. It's fun enough to watch that I can overlook the usual moments of silliness and plausibility-stretching that I've come to expect from such fare. You've got the exploding barbecue chicken factory incident, and primary villain Malcolm McDowell's (surprise!) troubles doing other expressions besides that glaring scowl he maintains for half the movie. The sabotaged chopper crashing into the contractor's shed at a construction site with our hero (Roy Scheider) and his ill-fated sidekick (Daniel Stern well before his 'Home Alone' glory days) somehow surviving was also good for a laugh. Then there's the nude yoga scene, which was filmed in such a way that if the camera caught anything just a smidge above or below what it eventually shot, a mere 'R' rating would've been right outta the question. Finally there's the end, where we see the way-too-easy disintegration of-- well, I think I'll let'cha see it for yourself. Throw in our hero's weird quirk involving his stopwatch, demonstrations of the super-chopper's high-tech tchochkes, and the sidekick trying to find out what J.A.F.O. stands for, and you've got... well, you've got somethin' to watch if you've nothin' better to do with yer time...

Also thrown in for fun is the obligatory theatrical trailer, and the option of viewing the flick in Pan-'N'-Scan or Widescreen-- the 'option' being flipping the disc over to the side that has the format ya wanna watch...

'Late

This is not an anamorphic widescreen release
Contrary to what the details reports, this dvd is full screen only and single sided. There is no anamorphic transfer (for widescreen tv's) included on this dvd even though other reviewers here have stated that one does exist. The widescreen review even stated "incorrectly" that the anamorphic transfer looked good.

If you want to purchase this for your widescreen tv, seek out alternate versions (british region 2) that include the actual widescreen (anamorphic) print. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Rascals & Robbers
This film is wonderful. It takes Tom sawyer and Huck Finn and takes them on a new series of adventures. This is the sequel that Twain never got around to writing. The acting is top notch -- look for the young Cynthia Nixon and Anthony Michael Hall. It is fun for the entire family. A sort of kids Indiana Jones film. It should be called RAIDERS OF THE LOST TWAIN!!!

A corny, yet fun product of the '80's I'll always cherish
Rascals and Robbers was a made for TV movie from the early '80's. I'm not sure when it came out, but you can't go by the video release date, because it was aired well before '87. You can figure that by the fact that Anthony Michael Hall, the "Geek" from 16 Candles, plays Huck Finn in this film, and is a bit younger. I'm not up to speed on all my '80's movies, but I'm sure 16 candles was out before '87. Anywho, Rascals and Robbers has all the signs of a series Pilot, so I can only speculate that that may have been the plan.
The story seems to have nothing at all to do with the original books, and yet there are hints of both stories thrown in here and there. This is sorta like, the further adventures of Tom and Huck, or something like that. Still, the film is very charming, if not utterly ridiculous. The cast is so good and it has such a spirit of youthful fun and adventure, which is the main reason I have a fascination for Tom and Huck movies. If you are one of those people who watches them because you are looking for something as loyal to the books as possible, skip this one. It'll make you sick how different it is! Probably the most different Tom and Huck film ever made! Look for my listmania Tom and Huck list for other selections, but skip this if all you're looking for is a loyal retelling of the books.
One of the cool things about this movie is that both characters are given equal focus in the film. It's sort of a buddy picture. In addition, the fact that the story is so different provides a little variety for the average Tom and Huck fan who wishes there were more stories about the likeable rascals. Now for the synopsis.
The film opens with Tom Sawyer being his usual, trouble making self, and, on the run from a good switching, encounters a "spy" on the streets of St. Petersburgh. Hmm, I thought they lived in Hannibal? Well, I don't know much about geography, maybe they're the same place. Anywho, Tom seeks out Huck, and they make plans to run off for a while and look for adventure until the local Town Birthday Celebration is over. They realize they have no money though, and Tom says he knows where they could get some. That night, the enter the graveyard to spy on the spies. Here's a scene much like in the original Tom Sawyer story. Tom figures spies have loads of treasure. They overhear their "spies" discussing a scam they're pulling on the town, selling golden statues of angels for a huge amount of money, that are to be unveiled in the church for the town celebration. Of course no one has ever seen the non-existant statues yet, and the crooks intend to take the money and run before that problem comes up. Unfortunately for our two heroes, they're caught sneaking around in the bushes, and they head for the river. Here's some classic Huck Finn. They get separated, and Tom gets caught the next morning, while Huck finds himself in a haystack of a small shack. The owners of the shack, a kind young newly wed couple, take Huck in, but the young husband has plans for Huck to help him cheat in a Poker game that night to help them get out of their poor situation. One of the Poker players turns out to be the "spy" who caught Tom, and soon we find Tom tied in the barn and Huck in the attic flashing signals through holes in the ceiling to the young husband who is playing cards with the crookedest bunch of croanies ever to scourge the South. Tom and Huck manage to reunite, and together in the attic they bring down the ceiling! The jig is up and they're on the road again. They get caught again, and escape again, finding a traveling circus. The owner of a circus is a magician and his pretty teenage daughter. Seeing their only two employees quit, Tom and Huck decide to join up. The motley group later encounters a young black man who has been robbed and beaten. They suspect that he is a runaway slave, and contemplate whether to help him or turn him in. One of the funniest parts comes here, where the circus owner makes a statement that if they are caught hiding a runaway slave, they'd throw him in jail, and they'd possibly throw them in jail two. I found that pretty funny because more than likey, in reality, they ALL would have been hung! This is the pre-civil war South! But this is an '80's, made for TV movie, so this is what they wanted kids to believe at the time I guess. I will make the statement that the tame, political correctness of this movie makes it clear that it's made for kids, but hey, I still enjoy it! Although maybe that's because I enjoyed it as a kid. Anyway, they find out that the man is not a slave, but is indeed free, unfortunately, he had just come back from a plantation where he had attempted to buy his sister, and instead was beaten and robbed by the owner and his men. The group starts contemplating how they can rescue the man's sister from the evil colonel who "owns" her.
In the meantime, they have to head into town to buy a horseshoe. There, they witness a scene involving the Colonel, and devise a pretty ridiculous plan to get invited to the plantation. Surprisingly, or maybe not surprisingly, it works. THis part is right out of Huck Finn too, remember the Duke and the King? Well, they dress their black friend as an Egyptian King, and Tom and Huck go along as his servants, Tom being the only one who speaks English, and Huck playing mute. It's the Colonel's Birthday, and he invites the visiting King to a party at his plantation. During a comical dinner, their plot is foiled when they are recognized, and the crew grabs the sister they came to rescue, and heads for the door! Somehow, they get away. Later, we find the circus wagon, with all our heroes and damsels aboard, traveling through the woods, trying to get Tom and Huck home to warn their town of the plot from the beginning. There are several flashes to what's going on in town throughout the film, lest we forget. Not to mention the "spy" is always popping up close on their heels. And once again, he catches up to them in the woods, and the make a run for it, the whole Tom and Huck gang, towards a cave the boys know about. This is the cave from Tom Sawyer's book I imagine. A long chase takes place within the cave, and we find all manor of snake species within, some I didn't even think lived in the U.S.. They are pursued all the while buy Scree, that Spy I keep mentioning, who is wonderfully played by the great Anthony James. And of course, all's well that ends well. The heroes and