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John Hughes's popular 1985 teen drama finds a diverse group of high school students--a jock (Emilio Estevez), a metalhead (Judd Nelson), a weirdo (Ally Sheedy), a princess (Molly Ringwald), and a nerd (Anthony Michael Hall)--sharing a Saturday in detention at their high school for one minor infraction or another. Over the course of a day, they talk through the social barriers that ordinarily keep them apart, and new alliances are born, though not without a lot of pain first. Hughes (Sixteen Candles), who wrote and directed, is heavy on dialogue but he also thoughtfully refreshes the look of the film every few minutes with different settings and original viewpoints on action. The movie deals with such fundamentals as the human tendency toward bias and hurting the weak, and because the characters are caught somewhere between childhood and adulthood, it's easy to get emotionally involved in hope for their redemption. Preteen and teenage kids love this film, incidentally. The DVD release includes production notes, cast and crew bios, widescreen presentation, Dolby sound, closed captioning, optional French and Spanish soundtracks, and optional Spanish subtitles. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (213)

2 thumbs down
I found John Hughes' 1985 movie The Breakfast Club to be an extremely generalized, heavy handed, piece of trite filmmaking that may or may not have been relevant to teenagers fifteen years ago, but is certainly nowhere near on target now.
Obviously it was by design that his five main characters were one-dimensional character sketches of so-called 'traditional' high school stereotypes. You have Andy the jock (Emilio Estevez), Claire the princess (Molly Ringwald, a John Hughes staple), Bender the criminal (Judd Nelson), Brian the nerd (Anthony Michael Hall), and Allison the basket case (Ally Sheedy). In my opinion, for Hughes to insinuate that these five people come from completely different backgrounds and had absolutely no contact with each other or anyone else from their particular 'type' during school is just plain silly. For example, it is quite likely that Claire and Andy, being popular people, would know each other, or at least that princesses and jocks would interact on a regular basis. Same thing goes for Bender and Allison as social outcasts. Only Brian, being the brain, would logically be shunned by all other classes.
For another thing, these categories have little relevance today because in today's modern society, and indeed this has always been true, teens simply cannot be categorized and labeled, even by their peers, in this manner. I myself saw elements of my personality in every one of the characters, and neither I nor anyone I know would fit neatly into these stereotypes.
The last thing I'm going to gripe about in this review is, logically enough, the ending. For a film that tried so hard to be edgy, the denouement was awfully hackneyed and predictable. Four out of the five characters hook up at the end? Gosh, I never saw that coming! Also, the treatment of Allison was laughable. This girl has serious psychological issues that have been with her all her life, but all she needs is a little makeup, a nice dress, and a clean-cut boyfriend to set her to rights? I don't think so, pal. Willful suspension of disbelief is all fine and good, but to trivialize Allison's pain and emotional trauma in this manner is irresponsible and does a disservice to those young people who do identify with her character. I think that's enough bashing for this film; while it had its moments, it certainly is by no means the 'classic' that it is reputed to be.

One for the ages
This movie is a classic and it will stand the test of time. This is the second "teen coming of age" installment from John Hues, and round 2 for Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall. The first installment, Sixteen Candles, was more of a sexual coming of age movie whereas The Breakfast Club is more of a coming of age for one's character and social awareness. Where they are "teetering" with; do they stay with the social allegiances of their perspective pack, or do they listen to that inner voice...the voice of reason, maturity and human compassion that's not bound to any "click". I also like the choice of actors here; I think they all fit like pieces in a puzzle and make their characters totally believable. I am in the same age range as almost the entire cast and I was a senior in High school when this film came out. Allot of reviews seem to put this film within the Junior High crowd but I feel it's much more mature than that. The very message that it's trying to get across isn't understood in real life until we get close to 18 or so. The story is simple; 5 kids have to come into school on a Saturday for detention. At first they try to segregate themselves according to their school social standings. Inevitably they find out that they are more alike than they ever thought. The movie, in my eyes, is broken into 3 parts; the first part is pure character development. This is where you (the viewer) get to know each person they way they are supposed to be seen with their everyday face. At first, they act the way they think they should act, and stand up for what they always had, with out question or defiance. They stay true to their cause never steering away for a second. The second part of the film is where the movie itself develops. These 5 separate entities realize that they are variations of the same person. They have the same desires and anguishes. Their pressures and stresses are the same even though it's generated from very different sources.
The jock (Emilio Estevez) has the pressure to be on top of his sport (wrestling). In return for this he gets attention from his dad, coaches and keeps his standing within his social group. This is his priority in life and he doesn't stray.
The Princess (Molly Ringwald) has to conform and obey the rules of her social group in order to be accepted and keep her standing within the group. She keeps her eyes closed; mouth shut and goes along for the ride.
The Metal Head/criminal (Judd Nelson) is an angry guy! He wears the physical and mental scars of growing up in an abusive house. He hates most people, like the ones Emilio and Molly play, because in his eyes, they have had a free ticket and earned nothing...things are handed to them because of their social and/or economical standings. On the other hand, he feels that he's on a whole other plain because his eyes have been beaten open and he was forced to grow up a little faster than he wanted too or was ready too. I feel that Judd Nelson's character is the most crucial to the movie. He is the key to this whole new self-awareness for everyone, including himself.
The nerd (Anthony Michael Hall) is the quintessential geek. His every woken moment is spent learning. He hides behind his grades and in fact, he wants to be more accepted by the "cooler" groups. He also is a little "cocky" about his better grades and academically superiority to the other people in the room.
The weirdo (Ally Sheedy) is a loner and an outcast. She doesn't have friends that we (the viewers) know of. Because her parents ignore her, She feels ugly and without a place in the world. She is starving for positive attention. I think her character was needed in this movie to balance off the cast. It would have left out a very critical part of teen angst!
Richard Vernon (Paul Gleason) is the "Villain" of the movie. To the kids, he represents the out of touch older generation and the mean spirited, high testosterone adult. For Richard Vernon, these kids are the source of his anger and agony. He has lost touch with the younger generation for 1 reason, he got older...and the older you get, the harder it is to relate to youth. Youth recycles right before your eyes, but you keep getting older. His character is the key that releases these kids. He helps them to strip away the blindfolds and to take a fresh look at every thing and everyone (including themselves).

This leads to the 3rd and final part of the movie. Where they cleanse themselves of all the pentad up anger and prejudices. When the kids realize that they all have the same goal, they were just taking different roads to reach it. I highly recommend The Breakfast Club and it should go down as one of the all time great teenage movie!

A little time - a little perspective
I first saw this movie at a cinema in Austin in March, 1985. Just a year out of high school, I thought this was a deep, moving motion picture with a quality cast that really showed the feelings of different groups of students in schools. I could relate to the characters.

Move forward more than 19 years. This movie has not aged well. I read on the IMDB that John Hughes wrote this script in two days. After watching this movie again, I find that very easy to believe. It is horrible! - and this coming from a man who loves all things 80's! Was Judd Nelson about 35 when he made that movie? He looks about 20 years older than Anthony Michael Hall. Unbelievable characters and dialogue. Then they tie it up nice and neat at the end - with 2 unlikely couples pairing off leading us to believe there's no social caste in high schools.

With the small cast and lack of location shots, I'm amazed that I've never read about some high school drama club doing a stage production of this disaster. In any case, I've got a Breakfast Club DVD I'll never watch again - I'll post it used "New & Used" above.

Still relevant after all these years
Some question the durability of "The Breakfast Club," saying that the themes and plotlines do not hold up in today's teen society. As a 15-year-old, I would like to say that that is thoroughly untrue. 19 years after its release, "The Breakfast Club" is still a truthful, relateable account of teenagers and their personalities, and the ways in which they interact with each other. Sure, the stereotypes of the characters may be a bit exaggerated -- but that's necessary in order to get the point across. Watching this movie, I feel as if I know these people, or at least I've run across them at one point in my high school career.

The plot, as most people know, involves five different kids being assigned Saturday detention together. Each kid represents a typical high school stereotype -- a princess (Molly Ringwald), a jock (Emilio Estevez), a brain (Anthony Michael Hall), a basket case (the excellent Ally Sheedy), and a criminal (Judd Nelson). At the beginning of the day, none of them know each other, except for the princess and the jock. Throughout the day, they learn more about each other and work at tearing down the stereotypes that pit them against each other. As for the reviewer who said this isn't realistic that they would open up so much to each other -- it absolutely is. Put five kids into a room without an adult for nine hours, and they will talk about anything.

The beauty of this movie is the depth of the characters beyond the stereotypes -- particularly the nerd, Brian, who as we find out in the movie has problems well beyond what people think of him. He is the one that I most relate to in the movie. Watch "The Breakfast Club," and see who you most relate to. It's a great experience. Beyond the social commentary aspect, it's also just a funny movie. The jokes come at breakneck speed, especially for the first half of the movie (before it gets somewhat serious). The actors are also very enjoyable in their roles, particularly Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall. Highly recommended.

Must have to any collection.
The quintessential John Hughes film. I remember in my English class my junior year (1987) we had to analyze this movie. Only 2 years after it's release it was had all the qualities needed for a class analysis. I will spare you the report that I did back then.

Since then I have watched this movie at least once a year (and contrary to popular believe it is not for the panty shot). The characters are very well done. There is something that anyone who went through high school can relate to, even if we fit more than just one character. The interactions between the teens towards each other and then towards the principal as a group is classic. It's got love, teen angst, popular kids, geeks, dweebs, outcasts and the ever popular kid that doesn't fit in but always tries to get the attention. Nothing like dumping out your bag for people to go through to get attention.

Of course you can't forget the star cast of strong 80's actors, Emilio Estevez (Andrew 'Andy') Anthony Michael Hall (Brian) Judd Nelson (John Bender) Molly Ringwald (Claire) Ally Sheedy (Allison) and Paul Gleason (Principal). Great acting, John's look at teenagers and a great script all make for a very enjoyable look at the interactions and 'attitude' typical of the high school years.

I truly could go on about this movie but I won't. I'll just say that this is a much have for any movie buff and if you haven't seen it you must. ... Read more

Description

It's a big business battle for the top when a Senator's son and the chairman's daughter decide to take on the twisted, back-stabbing world of corporate decision making. Ruthless, merciless - and sometimes clothe-less - it's every man or woman for themselves in the fight to make it all the way up the corporate ladder to the HEAD OFFICE. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Must viewing for corporate America. Funnnnnny!
This movie will hit a funny nerve with any person who is working or has any dealings with corporate America. This satirical look at big business will be veiwed many times.

THE true look into the bowels of Corporate America !!!
A movie for the ages! An all-star cast that provides a dry, satirical look into what we all despise and yet tolerate in Corporate America. From lines like "the company giveth, the company taketh away..." to "...do you think I got to the head of this division because I'm a moron? NO! I got to the head of this division because...I...I...I'm NOT a moron". Truly a movie that did not get the ratings it deserved. It definitely rivals the likes of Blazing Saddles, Stripes, Trading Places, Caddy Shack, Spies Like Us, Fletch, etc. A must see if you've ever been employed by a company of 100 employees or more!

Timeless Corporate Humor
I watched and bought it 10 years, or so, ago. It's a keeper, but, I lost my copy. Now it is rare, but I found it again! Buy it if you can...I just did. The words below from another reviewer ring so TRUE!

"This movie has so many funny lines and situations. If more people were aware of it, it would surely become a cult classic. So check it out and pass the word."

I got Abba. You like Abba?
This movie is truly funny at times. I haven't seen it in a while, but I remember my impression of it being a little bit mixed. A very uneven film, but perhaps this trait befits the coke-addled eighties.
It may also be the case, as some reviewers have suggested, that the movie could withstand and even benefit from repeated viewings. Damn funny movie at times, though.

head office
A cult favorite and my personal guilty pleasure. Richard Masur and Don Novello (famous as Father Guido Sarducci on SNL) are but two of the cast of characters that make this movie hilarious. Eddie Albert is fabulous as the CEO of INC who keeps in touch with the people by personally reviewing whose phone service should be disconnected for overdue bills. Don King steals the movie with his speech to the board of the directors. This is one of my all time favorite comedies. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Yes, that is Bill Paxton as Ilan Mitchell-Smith's militaristic big brother. And that's Robert Downey Jr. as one of the in-crowd jerks who makes nerds Mitchell-Smith and Hall's lives miserable. Fortunately, this is a John Hughes comedy and our smart nerds create the perfect woman, Lisa (Kelly LeBrock), using a computer and voodoo. Lisa is a willing sex toy, has magical powers, and just wants to help the boys get even and meet nice babes. She even cleans up. The fantasy ebullience of Hughes is given full rein here and that's good and bad (mostly good). It's all aimed at a certain kind of hormone-addled, 16-year-old sensibility; but who doesn't have a little bit of that in them? --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (62)

A very funny movie about an unrealistic concept
Could anyone really create a girl on their computer in 1985? Probably not, but that doesn't stop Gary (brat packer Anthony Michael Hall) and Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell Smith) from giving it a shot. Mystical forces soon take over and the two high school losers are left with a beautiful bombshell who is willing to fulfill their every desire. Every boy's dream, right?
Well, not exactly. They are so inexperienced and scared that they don't know what to do with the wild party girl. The movie walks us through their journey from quirky geeks to studs when they finally stand up for themselves.
The two guys have great comic chemistry with Kelly LeBrock, computer babe Lisa and create many laughable encounters with each other and other characters. Bill Paxton, a more serious actor today, is convincing as the rotten Chet. This is the role I will always remember him for, no matter what other movies he goes off to make about ghosts or twisters.
Director/writer John Hughes delivers another timeless gem about teenagers, continuing with the traditions of "The Breakfast Club" and "Sixteen Candles." Here he gets a little sillier, but still remains clever and true-to-life.
DO watch this movie uncut on VHS or DVD if you really want to enjoy it. Cable TV does it absolutely no justice.

How about a greasy pork sandwich served in a dirty ashtray?
Of all the John Hughes-helmed 80's-teens-living-in-a-quaint-Chicago-suburb dramatic comedies, "Weird Science" is my favorite. While it's yet another take on on the 'losers who show everybody up in the end' genre of comedy that was so big at the time ('Revenge of the Nerds', anyone?), I find it far more hilarious than "Ferris Bueller's Day Off", and much more fun to watch than "The Breakfast Club". And you can hardly beat 'WS' when it comes to showcasing the fab fashions of the era. Ya know, big over-moussed and/or -crimped hair styles, narrow ties, pastels, spandex, and an overall lack of good taste that only the 70s can beat...

The two teen losers Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) & Wyatt (Ilan Mitchell-Smith) have some great lines-- most of which I can't print in this review, but take my word: many of 'em are pretty freakin' funny. Bill Paxton's portrayal of nasty big-brother Chet was definitely a springboard for his career of playing whiny scumbag-type characters (remember Hudson from "Aliens"? Or the weasely car salesman from "True Lies"?). Robert Downey Jr. even makes a strong appearance, looking very much the epitome of 80's suburban new-wave fashion as one of our heroes' many tormentors, many years before his substance abuse problems made the headlines in the Hollywood gossip pages.

And then there's Kelly LeBrock as Lisa, a new take on 'Frankenstein'-- oh man, the wrong things I'm thinkin' as she struts about in the various outfits she throws herself into... and out of. Oh yes, heh. Er, excuse me; I gotta go hose myself down...

Okay, hormonal balance re-established, thank God. Speakin' of Lisa: my favorite part is where she takes the geeky buddies out to a bar with a predominantly black clientele. As Gary (Anthony Michael Hall) drinks himself into a near-stupor he becomes "pimp-daddy", doing the shuckin'-and-jivin' routine that Eminem couldn't even hope to touch. Amos 'n' Andy move over! Another great scene is Lisa letting Gary's parents know just what'll be goin' on at the house party she's taking their son to. Their overwrought reaction and Gary's complete embarrassment to her brutal honesty here is priceless!

Please note that there are two versions of 'Weird Science' on DVD. The latter release, part of Universal's "High School Reunion" series, includes the original soundtrack used in the theatrical version, as well as a much clearer and brighter picture, and superior audio quality and separation than the former release. Oh, and it also includes the original theatrical trailer as a bonus feature, and English subtitles. Unfortunately, the subtitles only catch about two thirds of what the subjects are actually saying 'cuz much of the dialogue is fairly swift. Otherwise, this is the best video release of the film to come out yet, and is a highly recommended addition to any 80s-teen-comedy fan's video shelf.

'Late

Chips, dips, chains, whips...
This is one of the great 80s flicks, courtesy of the great 80s flicks guy, John Hughes. There are a hundred moments in this movie that flash me back to being an awkward 13 year old dork (as opposed to the awkward 32 year old dork I am now). And so many great lines! "Do you realize it's snowing in my room, godd**it?" Or when Gary opens the bathroom door and the cute girl asks, "What are you guys doing in there?" "Gary was just takin' a s**t!" *flash to a hand slapping Wyatt's face*

And, ya gotta love the bar scene, where a drunk Gary "tells his tale."

Anyway, it's a funny, funny movie, and highly recommended to anyone who loves the John Hughes 80s. An essential!

More 80's dribble that we can't get enough of
This is another movie from the best decade in recorded history. Sure it's far out, unbelievable, and silly, but that's why we love it. I remember when this movie first came out Kelly LeBrock (The creation) was supposed to be 'the next big thing'. But hey, who wouldn't their woman going into a lingerie store and asking "Do you have this in black leather or barbed wire?"

Anthony Michael Hall is 'Dr. Frankenstein' and along with his dweeb partner, create the perfect woman with a Barbi Doll and a computer that could barely play Pong without crashing. My God do you remember those 5.25 inch floppy diskettes??

Well what else do we have, grandparents get frozen in a closet, the bully big brother turns into a green mucus pile with eyes, a clean Robert Downey Jr., a British Mad Max motorcycle gang in the living room, and oh yes, a nuclear missle growing out of the basement and through the roof.

Some things are dated, but boys wearing bras on their heads will never go out of style.

Weird Science
This movie is the best "retro" comedy movie in cinema history!!! It keeps you laughing through the whole movie! Not just giggling, but the kind of pee-your-pants laughing.I think the best scene is when the blonde kid gets drunk at the club...the way he slurrs is HILARIOUS!!! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

One Bad Cop
Why is it that some of our best actors give their best performances when they are playing bad guys? Maybe it's the change of pace; one probably gets tired of being the hero in film after film; but they clearly seem to revel in the opportunity of playing a straight-up jerk once in a while. In "Internal Affairs", we have Richard Gere coming down off his movie idol pedestal and giving a devastating performance as Dennis Peck, a cop who gives corruption a whole new definition. This guy makes Satan look like a boy scout. He carries on a brazen affair with his partner's wife; arranges to have his partner whacked when the police department's internal affairs bureau begins investigating his partner's extracurricular activities a little too closely and his partner is about to implicate him in the mess; agrees to execute a wealthy businessman's elderly parents who are taking too long to die so that he can come into his inheritance (meanwhile seducing the businessman's wife as part of his fee for service); and tries to seduce the wife of Raymond Avila, the internal affairs cop played by Andy Garcia, when Avila starts to suspect that Peck isn't the poster-boy cop his precinct command has made him out to be. The movie tries to show us what Peck thinks is his softer side; he's a devoted father to his offspring, but we can see that to Peck his children are nothing but trophies; he's still in his thirties but he already has 8 by three former wives and his fourth wife is expecting his ninth. Peck's children are extensions of himself; his wives are baby-making machines, and his partners and co-workers are pawns to be used for his own nefarious purposes. When Avila realizes that Peck has tried to destroy him as a cop and as a man by attempting to seduce his wife, the battle lines are drawn; Avila, of course, will be Peck's nemesis, but it's fascinating to watch each of them try to bring the other down. There are excellent performances by the supporting cast, particularly Nancy Travis as Avila's wife; Laurie Metcalf as Amy Wallace, Avila's partner who proves she's a tough a cop as any man, and William Baldwin as Van Stretch, Peck's hapless and ultimately gutless partner, brave enough to beat up on his wife but not strong enough to stand up to Peck and the venality he represents. Peck is one of the more intriguing anti-heroes on film; just when we think he's hit rock bottom, he takes a shovel and starts to dig himself in even deeper; he sees Avila's decency as a weakness he can manipulate just as he has played and destroyed everyone who crosses him. Some people, especially those who don't like to see law enforcement portrayed in a negative light, are going to be offended by this movie, but the film doesn't tar all policemen with the same brush; it's a fascinating and disturbing voyage into the mind of one very bad cop.

One of my faves
What makes thsi movie so good is the mind war going on between Andy Garcia and Richard Gere's characters. Garcia is tryign to unravel the labyrinthe of villainy and insanity that Gere has created as a corrupt cop. Gere is actually at first tickled that he's under investigation (thru his young partner Billy Baldwin) because he controls so much of his life. Multiple women/wives all living together, lots of kids, drug money, police power. But when Garcia of Internal Affairs starts getting too close Gere actually sets up a seduction of his wife that looks like one thing, is another thing and leads up to a very erotic, emotional scene between Garcia and his wife. Laurie metlcalf also plays a lesbian cop who Garcia briefly butts heads with as they team up. The nice thing about this movie is how everyone makes sense as a character and no one is entirely comfortable with the other characters. Loyalty is shown as a natural growth and betrayal a likely outcome. Very mature, strong film from gere, who makes an effort it seems to choose characters that have an internalworld going on that the watcher has to fathom about as he slowly lets possibilities, concepts slip out of what the motivations may be. Garcia is fantastic too. An incredible actor himself who chooses movies that allow his sublte, slightly repressed intensity to boil to the surface. Garcia, I hate comparisons, is very much like Al Pacino of the 70's.

Going Toe To Toe
Fresh off his supporting roles in Black Rain and The Untouchables, actor Andy Garcia teamed with Richard Gere, in a thriller for director Mike Figgis. The end result is a solid film, that is able to rise above its cliches, thanks to its cast.

Raymond Avila (Garcia) works for the internal affairs division of the LAPD and has been assigned to investigate Dennis Peck (Gere), a corrupt officer. The two men circle each other, like hunter and prey, certain that each will take the other down. It's discovered that the stakes get more personal when Peck uses Avila's wife Kathleen (Nancy Travis), and his partner Amy (Laurie Metcalf), as a way to get him off the trail.

Figgis plays the movie like a boxing match as the two leads go head to head. Gere plays it Peck like a total scumbag. He's a smooth operator--who happens to have a God complex. He is so sure of himself that he's bold enough to have 4 wives and eight kids. But as horrible as the character is, he plays it so well that, despite that, he's also quite magnetic. Also, by now, Garcia has come into his own as an actor and is able to hold his own. Some of the script suffers a bit from a stale smell. Thankfully, Gere and Garcia keep your attention throughout the movie, to soften those issues.

The DVD may not have any extras, but it is overflowing with enough of everthing else--all in all--for me to recommend this film.

Gere is so good when he's bad
Gere is so believable in this film. Initially, he is nearly sympathetic. Baldwin does a fine job Gere's partner. Garcia delivers what may be his finest peformance. Travis holds her own and definitely steals some scenes. This is an older movie, but it still smoking today. Well worth watching over and over. A keeper for the collection!

Didn't 'Faire' well with me
Internal Affairs is nothing more than an early 90's B Movie gone bad. Richard Gere may have had his worst performance in his career, and Andy Garcia definitely did.

Why people are so drawn to this movie is beyond me. Maybe I missed something, but I don't think so. Sex played a vital role in the movie, and to me, there was nothing steamy about it. It just sizzled right out.

Gere and Garcia so obviously walked through their parts and they must have needed the money, because they were just jokes. Garcia was incredibly stiff. There was no emotion in his character until the end, and even then it was mild. Gere was awful as the "villain". He's obviously progressed immensely as an actor.

The directing was just plain bad. It seemed the actors didn't know what to do for moments in the movie. There were awkward silences and pauses that were either put into the film on purpose for some insane reason or the actors had nothing better to do.

Internal Affairs is a complete disaster with storybook qualities. Don't waste your time with this mess. 2 Stars ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wow - what a jump.
Okay, the Breakfast Club is by no means a great movie - as I said in another review of it, its the cinematic equivalent of cotton candy - but whatever, you need that from time to time. Just the same though, its atleast passable as a solid cinematic achievement. 16 Candles is not. It's obvious in 16 Candles that director John Hughes was new to the whole writing/directing thing for the movie is filled with holes, the most prominent one, his obvious desire to fill them all. Let me explain - some characters can just be secondary characters - you dont need to see the depth in a beauty queen at the tail end of the movie when you've spent the entire first 80 minutes of the film portraying her as superficial. Don't get me wrong, its not bad to give a beauty queen depth, but the chances of her suddenly falling in love with a geek 4 years younger than her is not only unlikely, its borderline impossible - Hughes is living in a fools paradise (and continues to do so in The Breakfast Club).

That said, the Breakfast Club is a much better movie, but again borderlines on impossible. This may have been applicable back in the 80's (I dont know, I didn't live in it) but its deffinately not now. I dont think teens have ever been so easily led, openly influenced, and free to give out there hearts as they are in this. Furthermore, some kids just aren't deep - thats reality - this is a movie, and it doesn't reflect that.

Bottomline, Breakfast Club is worth seeing and even buying, 16 Candles is worth seeing if you're a fan of the actors or director. I give 16 Candles a C- and Breakfast Club an A-

A naughty romatic high school comedy with great acting
Let's face it. We all went to high school where the socialites and the jocks ran the school while the rest of us were considered low class. We couldn't get respect at school or at home. The co-central character Samatha played brilliantly by Mollie Ringwald, wants to be sought after by the best looking boy in school and honored at home on the most important day of her life, her sixteenth birthday. The other co-central character Farmer Ted aka The Geek played by Anthony Michael Hall wants to be the high school stud but is hopelessly pure geek. Samatha and The Geek both end up obtaining all they ever dreamed of and more within 24 hours time. Heck of a deal. The movie is really enhanced with the continuous smart ... remarks of Samatha's little brother and the wild and sex crazy Long Duk Dong played by Gedde Watanable. Property and Casualty Insurance claims adjusters best avoid this movie but hey, the kids were only having fun.

I don't think the VHS movie tract is the original film score but I can't that say for sure. I watched the movie the second time with closed captions to catch even more of the jokes. There are plenty of visual jokes as well throughout the movie, too many to list.

An excellent movie that captures the spirit of the 80's!
The Breakfast Club and 16 Candles are both great movies that captures the feeling of the decade. I have watched both of these movies many times and they still continue to provide laughter and entertainment for my friends and I. So if your looking for a great movie to sit down and watch, then I recommend both of these movies!

a really good coming of age 80's film!
really enjoyed it! i must have watched it about 100 times. a good movie which shows how life in the 80's brought a bunch of kids together. my friends and i relate to it too! a must see!

Generation X's theme movie!!!!
A movie for all who grew up in the 80's. Definative a time when parents were to busy to care, and kids to appethetic to think. A must see. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A monster runs amok in a Chicago museum on the very day the institution is holding a glitzy reception. Naturally, the museum bosses want to go ahead with their public relations even as the creature is decapitating victims. Penelope Ann Miller plays a scientist on the run from the critter (which is at times computer generated and reminiscent of the raptors in Jurassic Park), and Tom Sizemore is a cop looking for his cold-blooded (in every sense) killer. Peter Hyams (Timecop) directs, and as always he excels at managing the plastic action at the cost of real feeling and logic. (Much of the story is pretty laughable.) --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (81)

Scary but too scientific
A great premise, and a great location for a story, in a museum, but this film suffers from an abundance of technobabble in its plot. Basically, there is a monster at large in a museum, and the stars (Tom Sizemore & Penelope Ann Miller) have to catch and kill it. The trouble is, this thing is big, fast and with an insatiable appetite for human glands. Peter Hyams (End of Days, 2010:The Year we make Contact) creates a huge amount of tension by shooting most of this film in the dark, using only minimal lighting. When the creature attacks, and is eventually revealed, it is a truly frightening sight. But the thing that stopped me giving this film five stars was the lack of true characterisation, and the amount of scientific gobbledygook spouted to explain the existence of this creature. Otherwise, a true thriller for lovers of the creature feature. The DVD i got was not exactly packed with features; all i could find was the trailer. Sound is great (I am now a true Hyams fan) and the picture is sharp and clear. A great film spoilt by a DVD lacking in the features department.

Classic horror film with an awesome monster! WOW!!!
Penelope Ann Miller and Tom Sizemore topline this engaging suspenser based on the best-selling novel.

Filmed inside Chicago's Field Museum, the movie centers around a horrific brain-feeding beast and its curious link to a missing paleontologist who disappeared while researching a native tribe in Brazil. This monster, designed by special effects master Stan Winston, is unlike anything you're likely to see ever again. As in most other movies like this, you don't get to glimpse it right away. Its presence is more or less represented by an unsettling wheeze that will make you wonder what on earth could be making such a sound. I won't reveal anymore, other than to say it doesn't merely chase its victims down dark and murky underground tunnels--IT GALLOPS AFTER THEM!

Forget what's been said about how overly dark this film was or how much of a letdown it was from the book. If, like me, you are any kind of horror fan who enjoys in-your-face monster movies, you owe it to yourself to buy this and watch it right now!

Watch for an amusing cameo by Audra Lindley, better known as "Mrs. Roper" from "Three's Company."

It's a pretty good Monster movie that's not a critics Drama
I have seen the bad reviews and I think they are missing the point. This is a B monster movie and they are comparing it to Aliens? To me "The Thing" and "An American Werewolf in London" are some of the best monster movies of all time and I see this below them, but fun.
The big question is whether or not you like to watch a monster movie for just being a monster that causes fictionaly mayhem. I grew up watching "Creature Double Feature" with all of those old monster movies. Fact is most Monster Movies are the pits and there has not been too many that are very good at all since now a days they rely on so much CG. Also I find most people do not like the concept of a Monster to begin with; out side of the Vampire; which there has been more than a hundred titles with "Vampire" in it. Oh dear god now there is "Van Helsing" killing Vampires.
So buy it for the pleasure of seeing people attacked for fun and not because you need a masterpiece every time you start up your DVD player because you will quickly find most movies do not hold up to scrutiny. If you feel this way then it is time to start reading the Classics again like Poe since you have raised yourself above this monotony

buy the book
If you really want a good story, buy the book. There is so much more to the story than what the movie showed. The only thing the movie had in common with the book was that the story took place in a museum and there was a monster. Do yourself a favor; read don't screen.

Hypothalumuses.
The book was excellent (as is anything written by duo DOUG PRESTON and LINC CHILD), the film is a thrown-together mess. This is a textbook example of great book-bad movie. The central character on paper was left out on celluloid for who knows why, and the complex science in the plot is traded for Hollywood dribble. F. PAUL WILSON hasn't sold his work for screen since THE KEEP was butchered, the shame is that these terrific writers might wisely take the same route. Oh, well, PRESTON/CHILD's books are so cinematic anyway, who needs pictures? ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Martin shines as modern-day "Cyrano de Bergerac"
Steve Martin's best comedy role yet. This breezy, updated version of Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" shows Martin as a small-town fire chief endowed with an unusually large nose. Gifted with the ability to write beautiful love letters, Martin lends his talent to the shy and awkward Rick Rossovich, who is in love with the Daryl Hannah character (Roxanne). While helping out his buddy, Martin also falls in love with Roxanne, setting off the famous love triangle.

The low key antics and the emphasis on clever dialogue give the film an endearing quality that is difficult to resist. The supporting cast adds some slap stick humor to the plot line. Look for Shelley Duval and Fred Willard in small, but essential roles.

Beautiful locale, beautiful love story, lovely Daryl
Of recent updatings of CYRANO DE BERGERAC, this one is one of the best, and is certainly the funniest. Although THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS has a soft spot in my heart, this version is by far funnier and more romantic. The other film focuses more on Janeane Garofalo's feelings of inferiority compared to Uma Thurman, and although funny, doesn't strive for the laughs like Roxanne does. Also, with apologies to Ben Chaplin, he is hardly as adorable as Daryl Hannah. She has never been lovelier than in this film.

This is also probably my favorite Steve Martin film. Despite his surreal schnoggin, he manages to inject his character with warmth, character, and lovability. You like him so much that you find it believable when he and Roxanne end up together at the end. (Interestingly, both this and the Janeane Garofalo film end happily, unlike the Rostand play.) The long scene in which a bar patron insults his nose, and he humiliates the man by coming up with 20 better and vastly funnier insults (this "Cyrano" is not merely a highly capable street fighter, but equally adept at verbal sparring) is easily the highpoint of the film. Even if I have seen the film recently, if in channel flipping I see the movie playing and that it hasn't reached this part of the film, I will wait and watch it.

One reviewer below mentioned the town being dull. I cannot agree. I think the physical beauty of the place stuns most viewers. If I knew I could find a job there, I'd move there tomorrow. The locale definitely adds measurably to the enjoyment of the film.

I have only two negative comments to make on the movie. First, I think they overdid it on Steve Martin's nose. It is impossible to imagine that anyone with a nose that long would not have had surgery on it, and there isn't any believable medical reason to believe the surgery couldn't be performed. Second, the musical soundtrack really sounds dated. The Kenny G. sound today just hasn't stood the test of time, so that the soundtrack reminds one more of elevator music or at best "Lite FM" than anything.

Still, if one can get past the music, this remains one of the most enjoyable romantic comedies of recent years.

I want the three dollars I used to rent this back
I really don't care what anyone says. I could not finish this movie. It was horrible. I was forced into renting it because we had to do this Cyrano de Bergerac/Roxanne compare/contrast sheet for French. I am unhappy that I had to shell out three bucks to rent a movie I never even really wanted to see. The fact that it was a bad movie didn't help the situation.
Steve Martin may think he's being clever, but really he isn't. I absolutely hated his charcter, who, despite his big nose, was awfully cocky. Now, I don't mind the REAL Cyrano de Bergerac. I find it to be a pretty good story. But this was poorly written. Cyrano was supposed to be cocky and witty. Steve Martin, and just about everyone else in this movie, is not cocky nor witty. They're just stupid. The first hour and forty minutes was an excruciating ride, and I decided against sitting through the last bit, mainly because I just couldn't and my friends were complaining. Save your time, not to mention your money, and pick up something that is actually funny, like Clerks or South Park.

Simply Romantic...simply funny.
Ill write a longer review later but i defy anyone not to get past the first 5minutes of this brilliant film, without hurting their sides from laughing. Steve Martin (at his best) putting the world to rights with the aid of a tennis racket, is a joy to behold.

My favorite movie of all time
Roxanne is so captivating that I have watched it dozens of times and if I could take one movie to a desert island, it would be this one. Steve Martin's deliciously romantic screenplay and his masterful portrayal of Fire Chief C.D. Bales, combined with breathtaking British Columbian scenery and perfect casting make this movie an experience everyone should have. C.D.'s soliloquoy under Rozanne's window is easily the sexiest, most romantic scene I've ever seen in a movie, and he set the standard for my own definition of the perfect lover. There are many "morals" about love and friendship that inform this story, but the "medicine" goes down with sparkling class and flawless humor. I fell head over heels in love with C.D. Bales, big nose, big heart and all. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Good
So many people knocked this movie, but I really liked it. De Mornay and Johnson gave great performances in it, and the plot was suspenseful. Rebecca and Don are two of the best looking actors around, too. Together, they are terrific.

Don is perfect!
What can I say? The movie is fantastic! Don puts on such a performance that no one could ever say that he isn't a great actor. The script may not be the best but with Don it ranks higher.
I am a major fan of Don Johnson so maybe you think I am biased. Just watch the film and see how great it really is. He definitely deserves an award for this film.

Pay close attention to the scene at his house where De Mornay and him are talking while Don makes a sandwich. Superb!

I would love to see this film re-released as well.

Rebecca De Mornay-WOW!!!!!!!!!!
I think Rebecca De Mornay is a fantastic actress.In this movie she was the best I've ever seen her acting.Her Level of emotion and her talent was so passionate. I just wish she was in parts of this caliber more often.I wonder if Rebecca is'nt being offered the big parts anymore.It is the public's loss and the movie industries loss if thats the case.I haven't seen her in a memorable major role for a long time.

I saw her in the film "The Cradle Will Rock" years ago.That was a fabulous performance-but this part in "Guilty As Sin" was better.Her heart of kindness comes through and her fear of being taken advantage of by Don Johnson's character.Her strength in this movie is magnificent-emotionally and physically.Each time I've seen this movie I see it for the first time..because I see new levels of her character that I had'nt noticed before.

This ain't no Sonny Crockett!
This is an "A" list movie with great writing, suspense and casting. I consider this Johnson's best work. He is such a monster, you just hate him in the movie. And he plays his character flawlessly. De Mornay was a perfect pick too. I can't wait for the DVD release!

Life Imitating Art?
This 1993 movie provides a blueprint for framing an individual by forging DNA evidence. A husband is charged with the murder of his wife, an almost foolproof crime. His defense lawyer learns that in fact he did it! So she manages to get a sample of his blood, then plants it so there is "proof" of his guilt. This lawyer sees to it that justice triumphs, if not the law. Any resemblance to a later real event is not a coincidence, in my opinion.

The drama also comes from the interplay between the characters, and the rest of the story. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Letterman Deserved the Tonight Show
This is a terrific video with Kathy Bates absolutely hateful as Leno's manager. The actors portraying Leno and Letterman are good but try too hard to mimic rather than portray each.

The video is great at showing the behind the scenes maneuvering that allowed Leno to steal The Tonight Show from David Letterman. That may be harsh but I don't think there is any other way to describe what happened. The rightful heir to Carson was Letterman. Leno was (and still is) a poor pretender to the throne.

That being said, the intrigue and lies used to move the transfer of the Tonight Show to Leno is great. CBS's decision to enter the late night market and lure Letterman is played out realistically. It's interesting to note that if Letterman got the Tonight Show, CBS was ready to go after Leno.

The video is a good companion to the book. The book provides much more detail and inside information but the video hits the highlights. If interested, you may want to read the book before viewing the video.

Look forward to seeing this on DVD hopefully with some extras.

Waiting for the DVD!
Please please please release "The Late Shift" on DVD!! Its a great movie, but we need the DVD (with perhaps some extras)!

Long live Johnny
Am I the only one waiting for a sequal?

Wonderful behind-the-scenes account!
This is a fascinating movie. It attempts to accurately depict the battle over the coveted position which was opening up after Johnny Carson announced his retirement from the Tonight Show. The actors all give good performances, but the true standout is Kathy Bates. She is absolutely one of the best actresses fo her generation, and gives a brilliant performance as Jay Leno's wild manager Helen Kushnick. She transforms this movie from a really good one to a great one. HBO has done it again with The Late Shift.

The Late Shift
This video is very good. Kathy Bates performance is terrific! The actors portraying Leno and Letterman are very good as well. The video clearly shows the campaign of politicking and dishonesty that Leno and his manager Helen Kushnik used to win the Tonight Show host job. Dave never had a chance. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

In 1987, almost a hundred years after its first production, the romantic story of Cyrano de Bergerac found new life in a winsome film written by Steve Martin. Roxanne updates the tale with a smart '80s spin, yet writer-star Martin stays close to the old-fashioned heart of the matter. He plays a small-town firefighter named C.D. Bales, whose otherwise unremarkable existence is crowned by an amazingly long nose. He falls for the world's most beautiful astronomer (Daryl Hannah), but he is embarrassed by the size of his proboscis and prefers to stay on the sidelines. Like Cyrano, the shy C.D. instead helps a handsome friend (Rick Rossovich) woo the fair lady by providing flowery sentiments and soulful poetry. Not only does the story still work, but Australian director Fred Schepisi captures a dreamy grace in his visual design for the film (some of which will be lost without the widescreen format). Set in Washington State, but filmed in the hilly ski resort of Nelson, British Columbia, the location seems like a fairy-tale town, nearly as unreal as Steve Martin's nose. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Martin shines as modern-day "Cyrano de Bergerac"
Steve Martin's best comedy role yet. This breezy, updated version of Edmond Rostand's "Cyrano de Bergerac" shows Martin as a small-town fire chief endowed with an unusually large nose. Gifted with the ability to write beautiful love letters, Martin lends his talent to the shy and awkward Rick Rossovich, who is in love with the Daryl Hannah character (Roxanne). While helping out his buddy, Martin also falls in love with Roxanne, setting off the famous love triangle.

The low key antics and the emphasis on clever dialogue give the film an endearing quality that is difficult to resist. The supporting cast adds some slap stick humor to the plot line. Look for Shelley Duval and Fred Willard in small, but essential roles.

Beautiful locale, beautiful love story, lovely Daryl
Of recent updatings of CYRANO DE BERGERAC, this one is one of the best, and is certainly the funniest. Although THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS has a soft spot in my heart, this version is by far funnier and more romantic. The other film focuses more on Janeane Garofalo's feelings of inferiority compared to Uma Thurman, and although funny, doesn't strive for the laughs like Roxanne does. Also, with apologies to Ben Chaplin, he is hardly as adorable as Daryl Hannah. She has never been lovelier than in this film.

This is also probably my favorite Steve Martin film. Despite his surreal schnoggin, he manages to inject his character with warmth, character, and lovability. You like him so much that you find it believable when he and Roxanne end up together at the end. (Interestingly, both this and the Janeane Garofalo film end happily, unlike the Rostand play.) The long scene in which a bar patron insults his nose, and he humiliates the man by coming up with 20 better and vastly funnier insults (this "Cyrano" is not merely a highly capable street fighter, but equally adept at verbal sparring) is easily the highpoint of the film. Even if I have seen the film recently, if in channel flipping I see the movie playing and that it hasn't reached this part of the film, I will wait and watch it.

One reviewer below mentioned the town being dull. I cannot agree. I think the physical beauty of the place stuns most viewers. If I knew I could find a job there, I'd move there tomorrow. The locale definitely adds measurably to the enjoyment of the film.

I have only two negative comments to make on the movie. First, I think they overdid it on Steve Martin's nose. It is impossible to imagine that anyone with a nose that long would not have had surgery on it, and there isn't any believable medical reason to believe the surgery couldn't be performed. Second, the musical soundtrack really sounds dated. The Kenny G. sound today just hasn't stood the test of time, so that the soundtrack reminds one more of elevator music or at best "Lite FM" than anything.

Still, if one can get past the music, this remains one of the most enjoyable romantic comedies of recent years.

I want the three dollars I used to rent this back
I really don't care what anyone says. I could not finish this movie. It was horrible. I was forced into renting it because we had to do this Cyrano de Bergerac/Roxanne compare/contrast sheet for French. I am unhappy that I had to shell out three bucks to rent a movie I never even really wanted to see. The fact that it was a bad movie didn't help the situation.
Steve Martin may think he's being clever, but really he isn't. I absolutely hated his charcter, who, despite his big nose, was awfully cocky. Now, I don't mind the REAL Cyrano de Bergerac. I find it to be a pretty good story. But this was poorly written. Cyrano was supposed to be cocky and witty. Steve Martin, and just about everyone else in this movie, is not cocky nor witty. They're just stupid. The first hour and forty minutes was an excruciating ride, and I decided against sitting through the last bit, mainly because I just couldn't and my friends were complaining. Save your time, not to mention your money, and pick up something that is actually funny, like Clerks or South Park.

Simply Romantic...simply funny.
Ill write a longer review later but i defy anyone not to get past the first 5minutes of this brilliant film, without hurting their sides from laughing. Steve Martin (at his best) putting the world to rights with the aid of a tennis racket, is a joy to behold.

My favorite movie of all time
Roxanne is so captivating that I have watched it dozens of times and if I could take one movie to a desert island, it would be this one. Steve Martin's deliciously romantic screenplay and his masterful portrayal of Fire Chief C.D. Bales, combined with breathtaking British Columbian scenery and perfect casting make this movie an experience everyone should have. C.D.'s soliloquoy under Rozanne's window is easily the sexiest, most romantic scene I've ever seen in a movie, and he set the standard for my own definition of the perfect lover. There are many "morals" about love and friendship that inform this story, but the "medicine" goes down with sparkling class and flawless humor. I fell head over heels in love with C.D. Bales, big nose, big heart and all. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You'll find an example of James Woods's most daring and outrageous (some would say outlandish) acting in this 1988 film by director Harold Becker from a Darryl Ponicsan script. Woods plays a fast-rising, sharp-talking salesman, a yuppie on the make with the good life firmly in his sights. Until he discovers cocaine--and then his entire live-beyond-your-means ethos blends with a ravaging addiction that drives his lifestyle strictly down-market. Woods and costar Sean Young (with whom he subsequently had a rather public breakup) explore the wild-eyed outer limits with this particular monkey on their backs, in a movie whose acting-exercise quality usually takes a back seat to the obvious, melodramatic plotting. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Amazing and realistic look at how powerful drugs are!
There are some among us who would like to legalize drugs. They ought to watch this film. There are some who think that drug addiction is just an excuse. They ought to watch this film. In fact if you ever wanted to know what its like to be addicted to cocaine, just watch this movie.

This movie is simply the most powerful depiction I have seen of the devastating effects drugs can have on people. James Woods is brilliant, and the gradual erosion of his life seems to happen without his knowledge. Like the frog boiling in water, it all slips away subtly and quietly. In the end, he depicts the painful and harsh reality of a person who cannot see that he is in any way at fault, and if he gets just "one more break" it will all work out again.

Tremendous film and a very under-rated performance by Woods.

a great film.
James woods is excellent as a high powered salesman who's life goes of the rails as he becomes involved in drugs and high powered business deals.It shows how drugs can ruin ones life.

Cautionary Tale of Drug Abuse
Released during the "Just Say No" 1980s, this film is a cautionary tale of drug abuse. Lenny is a guy just trying to stake his claim in the world, to make a little money. He soon impresses a big wheel who moves Lenny and his wife to California where they are at first overwhelmed by the opulence but then become willing participants in it. Lenny continues to buy, buy, buy until it all crashes down. When the money stops rolling in, he is introduced to cocaine and the story then takes a dramatic turn as we watch Lenny lose it all. James Woods is fabulous as Lenny. I've seen this movie many times and now that I'm writing about it, I think it's time to pop this one into the VCR for another viewing.

WOODS AT HIS BEST
Although somewhat cliche ridden and certainly overly dramatic, "The Boost"presents a truly frightening depiction of cocaine and kinds of drug abuse. A picture of self destruction that is almost hard to believe.

James Wood outdoes himself in yet another fine performance. A film is worth seeing if only because he is in it. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

SMILE FOR THE CAMERA
JOHNNY SKIDMARKS is one of those movies that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival, and then shipped off to HBO. A shame, as this dark, disturbing film is brilliant. Director John Roffo gives us a "noir" feel with some really catchy oldies played throughout. Peter Gallagher stars as Johnny, a crime scene photographer, who is also making some money on the side by taking pictures in a blackmail scam. Things turn sour when Johnny's cohorts start turning up dead, and it looks like Johnny's next. Gallagher is at his best in his role as a man who has stopped participating in life, has stopped caring, has stopped feeling. He doesn't want to know anything about the people he photographs, either on his crime scene job or his blackmailing. He has a brother in law, played well by Jack Black, who runs a clown burger joint(...). Gallagher meets up with Frances McDormand (brilliant as always) as a newcomer who just might have some connection with his blackmailing scam. The ever chameleonic John Lithgow appears as Larry, Johnny's detective friend, who seems to encourage Johnny to feel a little more. Geoffrey Lower adds some macho depth in his role as Larry's partner, who for some reason just doesn't like Johnny. In a small role, lovely Charlie Shadling portrays Lorraine, the hooker the blackmailers use in their scams.
This is a dark and unsettling film, and the finale on the rooftop is gut-wrenching in its brutal honesty.
A very good film, overlooked, but worth seeing!

not a bad flick, but i'm Really here to praise. . .
. . . the presence of the great-named jack black, who's currently enjoying a bit of a heydey due to his record-shop turn in "high fidelity". i've noticed him for some time now in films such as "bob roberts", "enemy of the state", getting his just bazookaing in "the jackal", and of course his initially off-putting tenacious d appearances. but in skidmarks his usual, wanna-punch-him-in-the-face snideness shined brightest in what may be his ultimate perfect role- a greasy burger clown proprietor who ends up with a bullet in the brainpan! :D we LOVE this guy- he's to character-acting in the 90s what david patrick kelly was in the 80s! :) vt

A Very Cool Movie!
This is a really interesting movie that I throughly dug and enjoyed. It's part intense character study, part paranoid suspense-thriller, part chase movie. The setup is this: John Scardino is a police crime & accident scene photog who is emotionally numb inside and moonlights as the lens man for an extortion ring, taking dirty snaps of compromised businessmen in their undies with a saucy hooker named Lorraine in sleazy motel rooms. Suddenly, Scardino starts seeing the blackmail crew from his night job turning up as corpses in his day job in seemingly unrelated homicides. Scardino is the only one who notices the connection, but he can't say squat without revealing his involvement in a criminal enterprise! He rediscivers his emotional inner self by getting major league heebie-jeebies trying to figure out who the killer is. He's taken so many snaps over the years, it could be just about anybody. No one can be trusted! Halfway through, the movie explodes open and turns really grisly and intense--be prepared!

The acting--by Peter Gallagher, Frances McDormand, John Lithgow, Jack Black, Geoffrey Lower, John Kapelos, Charlie Spradling and Lee Arenberg--is great and infinitely diggable. The dialogue is really wry and darkly funny, as is the music. And the movie's look has a kind of Edward Hopper-film noir thing going that I also really dug.

Not a lot of people saw this flick when it first came out. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, then went straight to HBO. Which is weird, because it's so good. This one's a real find. Go forth and dig it!

Richard Terhune, The Movie Digger ... Read more

Reviews (53)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (1)

an excellent comedy
if you thought the'in laws" with alan arkin and peter falk was your brand of humor,if "king of comedy" with di niro did it for you,than "serious money" is perfect..a dark comedy with incredible karma between the actors...highly recommend ... Read more

Amazon.com

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

Reviews (53)

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

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

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

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

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