Amazon.com essential video

Based on a true story, Prince of the City stars Treat Williams as Danny Ciello, a conflicted New York cop who reluctantly decides to go undercover for the feds to ferret out police corruption. At first, he recklessly gets off on the danger, but as the feds tighten the screws, the guilt-wracked Ciello is forced to compromise his partners and friends, and his own checkered past inexorably catches up with him.

Sidney Lumet, who also directed Networkand Dog Day Afternoon, is esteemed as an actor's director. This film is prime evidence. The peerless ensemble, including Jerry Orbach, Bob Balaban, and a duty roster of great New York character actors, is flawless. If there was any justice in Hollywood, Prince of the City would have been Treat Williams's star-making breakthrough, his Serpico (which Lumet also directed). But this film couldn't get arrested at the box office and was criminally snubbed by the Academy. Due to its length and gritty, profane dialogue, it is severely compromised when broadcast on network TV. For fans of NYPD Blue, Law & Order and Homicide, here is a movie ripe for discovery on home video.--Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Intelligent drama about loyality and morality
"Prince of the City" is, I believe, Lumet's best movie and one of the best films of the 1980s, an intelligent drama about the conflict between loyality and morality.

It's part of Lumet's investigation of corruption amongst the "men in blue" which includes "Serpico", "Night Falls on Manhattan" and "Q & A".

"Prince of the City" is about morality but it does not moralise. Lumet's characters face difficult decisions and he shows their agonising in all its complexity. Treat Williams' character (Danny) moves back and forth between self interest and loyality to friends and the law - never really clear what is right and always on his own.

Whenever there is a police corruption "scandal" in Sydney (and there often is !) I turn to this film to give me perspective - to remind me of how the protagonists are human and how life is never black and white.

Best police movie of all time
This is where "Hill Street", "Homicide" and "NYPD Blue" got their start. Anyone who liked any of those will love this film.

Sidney Lumet crucified the NYPD in his earlier critically acclaimed "Serpico". Allegedly, he took on this work to somehow atone for giving the police such a bad time. Here, we see how corrpution begins almost imperceptably (as one sympathetic prosecutor notes). Getting back from the bad guys, however, must be done in one great leap, as the protagonist so tragically shows us.

This film is based on the true story of a former NYPD detective, turned into a book by Robert Daley. It is terrifically cast, with Treat Williams creating a role of real-life Detective Robert Leuci. Backing him are Jerry Orbach as his partner, the quintessential New York cop. James Tolkan is the weasel of a prosecutor (who gets his come-uppance from Orbach), and Ron Karabatsos as the worst of the no-goodniks, Sal DiBennedetto.

Get past the profanity and don't let the inevitable conclusion of the attempted atonement be a downer. It is spell-binding.

A great movie!
A facinating account of a NYC cop who has a crisis of conscience.
He wanted to be a good cop but is caught up by the circumstances around him. A terrific performance by Treat Williams.
Superbly directed by Sidney Lumet. New York City gritty. Long (2 hrs 45 min) but well paced. Profane language but is used well to show the intensity of the film. Go buy it or rent it at a video store!

A cop movie for adults
I saw Prince Of The City years ago and it has stayed with me ever since. Its a long, heartbreaking story but wonderful from start to finish. Like the other reviewers I thought Treat Williams was headed straight to the top. I can only conclude he was sleeping with some Hollywood bigshot's wife. What a performance.

Forget any recent police drama...
Sidney Lumet-what a filmmaker. This man has made so many excellent films and is such a craftsman, it was hard for me to pick one to write something about. I guess this one gets a little less credit than some of the others and so I'm drawn to it. It's unbelievable how quickly I was totally entranced by this film. Treat Williams is never better than right here. It's as interesting a film to me as Oliver Stone's JFK and I think I like it a little more than that film. I just have to demand that you watch-as soon as you can. It's long, but well worth the trip and much more involving than any police drama I've seen in many years. Please, please watch it-or buy it!!! ... Read more

Reviews (29)

One of my top 3 all time movies
If you have been to New York in the 60's, lived there, this movie captures so much of the flavor. Another reviewer has mentioned that the protaganist is a dishonorable human being. He obviously did not see the whole movie. This movie IS about honor, about doing the right thing, even when circumstances are dire. It tells the story about what a father does for his son, that his son has no idea and appreciation for. This is not about the veneer of life, it is about the soul and substance of it. The coarse covering is easily discerned and discarded as the actors reveals the humanity of their characters. I never stop recommending this video. Splendid acting throughout. If you've left New York, and need a refresher, this is it. The mob figures in the movie, but as a backdrop. This is not a "mob" movie, but a movie about "family", and real people. Frank Pesce (who wrote the movie) plays his own brother "The cop". Based on a true story. Check it out, then come here and tell others.

A Fantastic Film In Every Sense Of The Word
Where does one begin on such an extraordinary movie? 29th Street has everything; comedy, drama, fantastic acting, memorable characters, Christmas, the mafia and the most amazing part is that not one iota of it is forced or crammed inside to attract a certain demographic. Every character and scenario plays off each other in a seemingly natural manner and the end result is a movie that has you laughing throughout and has you at near tears towards the end. It's the film equivalent of watching a real family deal with their problems and triumphs.

First, the story revolves around Frank Pesce, an ambitious kid with huge dreams of being known for something remarkable. The problem lies in his lack of wanting to make it happen and more or less wanting it to fall in his lap. He basically skates though life unscathed after a series of very near misses, ranging from his getting stabbed in a bad neighborhood actually being the event that saves his life from a deadly disease to butting heads with a dangerous mafia don in an attempt to save his unlucky father's neck from being put on the chopping block. Amidst all of the chaos that he seems to shrug his shoulders at, he purchases a lone lottery ticket for the first New York State Lottery along with a cheap pair of binoculars from a second hand store so he can cash a measly check and ends up becoming one of the finalists while his unlucky father collects them for months and comes up short.

The acting is comprised of stars that get little by way of mainstream recognition but any true film fan will profess their undying admiration for them. The unambitious kid turned umbitious adult is masterfully portrayed by Anthony LaPaglia who has to this day become a major star but was more than deserving after this film. Danny Aiello, who already tops my list of greatest actors to ever walk the Earth, turns out my absolute favorite character ever in Frank Pesce Sr., the unlucky father who; despite being overworked and underpaid, remains optimistic that one day, everything will work out for the best. His simple wants and needs in life is a stark contrast to the overindulgent world we live in and his range of emotion is as powerful and believable as they are unmatched by the majority of Hollywood's hacks that get much more underserved recognition. Lani Kazaan is the ying to Danny Aiello's yang as Mrs. Pesce and she has the frustrated mother who outwardly protests being the homemaker on the surface but underneath it all, loves her husband and family more than enough to play that role and do it well down path. Like the rest of the main characters, her character feels so real that you want to reach into your television and touch them.

Being not-quite-a-drama and not-quite-a-comedy without a lot of physical "action", the dialogue is left to really move the story forward and the absolutely flawless script flows from each character's mouth so effortlessly that it's almost nauseating that this film never won an Academy Award. Never before have I watched a film not directed by Martin Scorsese have I been floored how the words add so much color to the overall piece. You cannot help but laugh at the frankness of evrey word spoken, especially if you have an ounce of Italian blood in you. It's almost like being at a family reunion.

If you EVER get the opportunity to rent or buy this movie, do so. Calling it a mesh of "Goodfellas" and "It's A Wonderful Life" hits the nail on the head with deadly accuracy. You will feel equally at home watching this during an at-home mafia movie fest or after unwrapping gifts on Christmas.

It's not a LOSER!
This movie should be a regular holiday classic right along side "It's a Wonderful Life". I love the colorful language and if you see it on normal TV, you're not getting the true movie.
This movie is so good, like others have said, it's got a little bit of everything. If you have an ounce of italian blood in you and grew up anywhere in the Northeast and you have not seen this movie, you're missing out. What upsets me is that you can't find it to rent in most Blockbusters/video stores anymore and it's very hard to find on VHS for purchase. Hopefully they will make this in DVD format someday soon. If you get the chance to see it, you won't be disappointed.

A wonderful "little gem" of a movie
I saw this movie on cable, only one time, several years ago (at least six years, maybe more) and have NEVER forgotten it. It is truly a memorable experience. I do hope it will be released on DVD. It was obviously a 'sleeper' at the box office and didn't make much of a splash on cable, but it deserves a much wider audience as is attested by the 23+ perfect five-star reviews here on Amazon.com...

Danny Aiello is an actor who deserves much more recognition than he ordinarily gets. His style is so natural, that I think some people believe that he IS who he plays. In the case of "29th Street", Aiello owned the character of the father. He was exasperating, pushy and abrasive, but always totally believable. There can really be no better tribute to an actor than to be able to say this.

It is also a fine early role by Anthony LaPaglia who was very sympathetic in his frustrations at dealing with his father. The interactions of the family plus the almost fairytale quality of the script was a great part of what made this such a wonderful movie. I highly recommend this and want to see it again.

Take a walk! ...To 29th Street
"It costs one dollar to make a peetz and you spend 7 bucks! It's a waste of money," quotes Danny Aiello. I can't tell you how many times I heard logic like that in my house when I wanted to treat myself to some "take-out" cuisine as opposed to cooking myself. Aiello has that ability to make you completely beleive his character is REAL and he doesn't get enough credit. Whether he is playing a slimebag gangster ("A Brooklyn State of Mind"), a hard-headed pizza owner ("Do The Right Thing"), or a poor hard-working family man ("29th Street"), he is doing it with his Italian charm and giving the audience a lot to discuss. His character of Frank Pesce Sr. in "29th Street" is one who seems to get all the bad luck, and his son played by Anthony LaPaglia as Frank Pesce Jr. is the one with all the good luck. To some degree. The father-son chemistry is dynamic and the film is a real life docudrama based on the first New York state lotto drawing back in the late 1970's and every character in this flick--including the REAL Frank Pesce Jr. are all portrayed with heart and New York Italian-American charm. Like "Moonstruck," this movie is about an Italian family in an old neighborhood, struggling between a modern world and old fashioned attitudes. "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" did the same for Greeks however there is no Mafia backdrop in "Greek Wedding" of course, for obvious reasons. The mom from "Greek Wedding" co-stars as the mom in this. She's pretty good with ethnic roles. Anyone will love this movie, there are many surprises and what-ifs and many things to talk about with your viewing partner. A good movie to watch around the holidays and one that although like I said does have "mob scenes," they are more of a reference point used to compare the 9-5 lifestyle and the "other life" much like "A Bronx Tale" did. The best part of the flick is when Aiello and his two sons are standing outside of the house and a tow truck comes to bring back their "lost" car. I won't divulge much about the details of this film, you have to watch it for yourself to really get a feel for the simple pleasures of it all. I'm waiting for this gem to be released on DVD. One of my favorites. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I Very Much Love This Movie!!!!
Like I said, I love this movie very much and if you ever wanted to see a movie about a rich girl/bad boy movie this is the one to see. I promise this one won't disappoint you!! It's a great love story!

Pretty Woman Redux
Pretty Woman + Dirty Dancing x every 80s movie - the Brat Pack = Rich Girl. This movie is cliched but really fun. It is a guilty pleasure that should be indulged in every chance you get. Although it will never be a classic, it still makes me yearn for the days when movies like this were made. The 'A' list will never mention Jill Schoelen (who was excellent in When A Stanger Calls Back!) or Don Michael Paul, but they will forever be in the hearts of the few, the proud, who have seen Rich Girl.

Flick for Runaways fans
Fans of 70's rock group The Runaways are urged to view this movie to see Runaways' lead singer Cherie Currie all grown-up in the role of "Michelle". The movie's plot is cute, but the best parts of the movie are the stage scenes with Cherie rockin'!

This Movie Is very romantic
I first seen this movie in 95' and I seen about 10 times since. it has awesome music and a very cute rock star I'd reccomend this movie to any who loves "rich girl loves poor boy" kind of movies.

One of the best movies I have ever seen!!
Rich Girl is one of those movies that is true to life. A young girl who falls in love with a "rock star" but her "rich" father doesn't approve. It was very romantic and overall an awesome movie!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

That Oscar-winning title song buzzes in your ears long after the movie has stopped. The attraction here is youthful spirit and a pulsating score, because the weak story is merely a conduit for the song-and-dance numbers. The plot is every young woman's daydream come true. Jennifer Beals holds down a macho job as a welder by day, but performs erotic dance numbers in a club at night. It's not a strip club, so her morality remains intact. She dates her wealthy boss (Michael Nouri) and practices hard for the day she can audition for the upscale, local dance school, even though she has no formal training. It is malarkey, of course, unless you view this as total romantic fantasy. It works because you are carried along by the sheer force of the energetic, boisterous, MTV-style imagery by director Adrian Lyne. Beals is a plus as the stubborn, pouty, somewhat eccentric young woman made all the more interesting for her driving ambition. In the end, she is aided by her Prince Charming, who arrives bearing favors. Mind you, this is not the same as a rescue, as Beals is one rather tough damsel who does just fine on her own. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Total BS, but great music
ok ok this movie had great music and the dancing was the real star. I remember seeing this movie with my mother, who was a real construction worker. we both laught. No way she could do construction all day and dance all night, but its a movie right. Jennifer Beals was so hot when she did this movie, why didn't she do more films? Oh yeah, she can't act to save her life, but never mind that lets get back to the dancing. The Choreography was so cutting edge for the 80's. If you can choke down the bad acting and the weak story this is not such a bad film. If you like good dancing,and some of the best 80's music see it.

Great Cinematography and directing
This movie has some good music and dancing, in a sappy plot. But the music and dancing are not integral to the plot development; they do not carry the film in the way dancing carries "Dirty Dancing" or "The Turning Point" (both of which have better dancing, by the way.)

But it's one of my favorite movies. Why? The director, Adrian Lyne, got his experience directing TV commercials, where the entire message has to be conveyed in 60 seconds, and in Flashdance every moment is contributing something. The key is the cinematography. Leonard Maltin calls Lyne a "visual stylist", and he is, but he's more. He takes Roman Polanski's cinematographic innovations and pushes them to new limits; the camera tells the story.

When you watch "Flashdance", watch how light and camera angle are used. Light: Pittsburgh light, hazy, smoky, dull, reflecting off puddles, blazing from lamps, dim, bright, strobe, whatever; lighting carries the mood of each scene. As for camera angle, in most movies we are observers, outside the movie, watching the actors. In some of "Flashdance" that is also true, but then in many places the camera angle shifts so we are inside the movie, seeing what one of the actors, or several of the actors, see at that moment. It just pulls you in. If you're not familiar with the film, the first time you watch it wait for the final "audition" scene, and watch how the camera is first an observer, before the dancer enters the audition room, then sees from the dancer's view as the audition begins, and then shifts to show us what the judges see, as the dancing becomes compelling. I don't know about you, but this grabs me and pulls me in; I could watch that scene five times running. And there are many other scenes in which camera angle is used similarly but not quite as obviously. I give this movie four stars; I would give it five if the music and dancing were as well integrated with the plot as in some other movies.

A Believable story that any dreamer can identify with.
Flashdance is one of the most remembered films of the 1980s. It is full of rythym and fast paced tempo that most people were used to seeing in the popular dance movies like Footloose and Dirty Dancing. Jennifer Beals plays her best role as the young wannabe ballet dancer who strives to make it in a rough neighborhood. This film whould be nothing without its music or dancing. It is one of the best date movies too. I highly reccomend this film to anyone with a dream or anyone who is a fan of films from the 1980s.

The dream is eternal
The film is an image of what the 1980s were, of Pittsburgh in the 1980s, this temple of heavy industry coming to an end and starting to look for a new future, due to its industrial crisis. Yet this film has not lost any charm and meaning. The young Alex, an 18 year old girl, is the symbol of this city, an industrial worker during the day and a dancer at night, with a dream : to join the ballet company of the city. Industry producing art. Industrial work producing the dream of art. Alex is a willful young woman who follows the road of her desire, if not ambition, but keeping her ethics pure all along. Pure by looking for love and not pure pleasure. Pure by refusing any favor in her quest and longing for a victory that can be called her own because it owes nothing to anyone and any help from outside herself. Pure because she salvages her friend from becoming a gogo girl in a shady place where dancing is just some kind of dressing for enticing prostitution. Pure because she finds her energy in an old friendship with an old dancer who is encouraging her in getting started and competing for an audition that could open the door to a new artistic life. Pure because she is not soiled by all those who would like to drag her down into the mud of selling her young beauty and art to the gloating eyes of perverse and lustful males. And she can succeed because she never lets her dream die. In life the dream is the almighty sign on the road to epiphany and Alex will meet with this epiphany of hers, the one she has dreamed of for years and she can find only in the energy that comes from her mind and her body, from her unconquerable soul. This film has not aged in spite of all the changes that have occurred in our societies. The dream is the energizing force that leads the way, too often of some Cross, to transcendency.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

typical 80's flick
Alex is a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night, her true passion is dancing and she dreams of being accepted into a professional dance school, except that she lacks the confidence to go after her dream. This type of story, Cinderella goes after her dreams and makes it, is cliched and I love it. Instead of seeing glossy characters with ravishing careers, how about those of us who actually live in the real world and are very much like Alex, we want to see characters like her who are struggling and actually make it! Its a very encouraging and inspiring film for those of us pursuing our dreams. I really like it, I could have done without the naked bar scene later on in the movie. Jennifer Lopez recently did a video based on flashdance and I got to say she was really good. There was a rumor a while back that there might be a flashdance remake with her, and I think that she should do it. J.Lo is perfect for the part! It'd be awesome if she did it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Punchy neo-noir hits the mark
For inspired casting, try putting Australian Bryan Brown--native accent intact--in the role of corrupt American lawyer Charlie Deegan whose marriage is crumbling and whose secretary is too luscious to ignore. What this does is highlight the corruption on display by playing up Charlie's personality to the max. Very smart.

Charlie comes up with a plan to get rid of his oh-so-wealthy wife that looks completely foolproof, but we all know that in these noir flicks, things NEVER go as planned. Do they? Nope. The plan is to bump her off, inherit her money and run off with Laura the luscious secretary. Unfortunately fate has other things in mind.

The direction here, by Bill Condon, is whip smart-tight. The music is perfect, underscoring the black humor on display, including an opening tune sung by Louis Armstrong. There are enough laughs to keep things lively, and the supporting cast--espeically Veronica Cartwright as an obnoxious, pushy woman--is right on the money. Contributing to the nasty high jinks here as well are Pruitt Taylor Vince, one of the best unknown American actors around, Seymour Cassel, and Anne DeSalvo.

A real shame this is not on DVD. Add this to the almost unknown group of smart, non-DVD released American neo-noirs which include Mortal Passions, Genuine Risk, Delusion, The Outfit, and Charley Varrick.

Recommended.

One of the Funniest and Blackest Comedies, Ever
Call it a sleeper or rare find, but this movie is one of the funniest I've seen. Smart, sexy and filled with twists and dark humor. If you liked Pritzi's Honor, you'll love this one. One of the first feature films w/Terri Hatcher and Brian Brown is wonderful as a lawyer who tries to commit the "perfect crime." The crime isn't, but the movie is. It makes me laugh every time I see it and I can't recall how many times I have. An excellent murder mystery, too -- you'll love it! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

SEXY TEENAGER RUNS AWAY FROM HOME
Renee Humphrey playing what has become a kind of standard role in semi exploitation teen movies: The sexy teenager runs away from home and is exploited by dubious types and becomes a (kind of) stripper. Ms. Humphrey was later to play the role of Didi in the delightful farce "Sex Monster" as the lesbian lover of Meryl Hemmingway.
Krista Erickson does a very nice job too as the hooker who can sing

FUN AND A TOUCH OF SWEET ROMANCE WITHIN!WORTH TO SEE IT!
I have seen it twice as i remember and it is worth seeing as a cop movie,also it combines a touch of romance and the main characters are a perfect duo and a romance couple on-screen. The story is usual but it is not boring it manages to escape in some moments and that what makes it worth to buy. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

Total BS, but great music
ok ok this movie had great music and the dancing was the real star. I remember seeing this movie with my mother, who was a real construction worker. we both laught. No way she could do construction all day and dance all night, but its a movie right. Jennifer Beals was so hot when she did this movie, why didn't she do more films? Oh yeah, she can't act to save her life, but never mind that lets get back to the dancing. The Choreography was so cutting edge for the 80's. If you can choke down the bad acting and the weak story this is not such a bad film. If you like good dancing,and some of the best 80's music see it.

Great Cinematography and directing
This movie has some good music and dancing, in a sappy plot. But the music and dancing are not integral to the plot development; they do not carry the film in the way dancing carries "Dirty Dancing" or "The Turning Point" (both of which have better dancing, by the way.)

But it's one of my favorite movies. Why? The director, Adrian Lyne, got his experience directing TV commercials, where the entire message has to be conveyed in 60 seconds, and in Flashdance every moment is contributing something. The key is the cinematography. Leonard Maltin calls Lyne a "visual stylist", and he is, but he's more. He takes Roman Polanski's cinematographic innovations and pushes them to new limits; the camera tells the story.

When you watch "Flashdance", watch how light and camera angle are used. Light: Pittsburgh light, hazy, smoky, dull, reflecting off puddles, blazing from lamps, dim, bright, strobe, whatever; lighting carries the mood of each scene. As for camera angle, in most movies we are observers, outside the movie, watching the actors. In some of "Flashdance" that is also true, but then in many places the camera angle shifts so we are inside the movie, seeing what one of the actors, or several of the actors, see at that moment. It just pulls you in. If you're not familiar with the film, the first time you watch it wait for the final "audition" scene, and watch how the camera is first an observer, before the dancer enters the audition room, then sees from the dancer's view as the audition begins, and then shifts to show us what the judges see, as the dancing becomes compelling. I don't know about you, but this grabs me and pulls me in; I could watch that scene five times running. And there are many other scenes in which camera angle is used similarly but not quite as obviously. I give this movie four stars; I would give it five if the music and dancing were as well integrated with the plot as in some other movies.

A Believable story that any dreamer can identify with.
Flashdance is one of the most remembered films of the 1980s. It is full of rythym and fast paced tempo that most people were used to seeing in the popular dance movies like Footloose and Dirty Dancing. Jennifer Beals plays her best role as the young wannabe ballet dancer who strives to make it in a rough neighborhood. This film whould be nothing without its music or dancing. It is one of the best date movies too. I highly reccomend this film to anyone with a dream or anyone who is a fan of films from the 1980s.

The dream is eternal
The film is an image of what the 1980s were, of Pittsburgh in the 1980s, this temple of heavy industry coming to an end and starting to look for a new future, due to its industrial crisis. Yet this film has not lost any charm and meaning. The young Alex, an 18 year old girl, is the symbol of this city, an industrial worker during the day and a dancer at night, with a dream : to join the ballet company of the city. Industry producing art. Industrial work producing the dream of art. Alex is a willful young woman who follows the road of her desire, if not ambition, but keeping her ethics pure all along. Pure by looking for love and not pure pleasure. Pure by refusing any favor in her quest and longing for a victory that can be called her own because it owes nothing to anyone and any help from outside herself. Pure because she salvages her friend from becoming a gogo girl in a shady place where dancing is just some kind of dressing for enticing prostitution. Pure because she finds her energy in an old friendship with an old dancer who is encouraging her in getting started and competing for an audition that could open the door to a new artistic life. Pure because she is not soiled by all those who would like to drag her down into the mud of selling her young beauty and art to the gloating eyes of perverse and lustful males. And she can succeed because she never lets her dream die. In life the dream is the almighty sign on the road to epiphany and Alex will meet with this epiphany of hers, the one she has dreamed of for years and she can find only in the energy that comes from her mind and her body, from her unconquerable soul. This film has not aged in spite of all the changes that have occurred in our societies. The dream is the energizing force that leads the way, too often of some Cross, to transcendency.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

typical 80's flick
Alex is a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night, her true passion is dancing and she dreams of being accepted into a professional dance school, except that she lacks the confidence to go after her dream. This type of story, Cinderella goes after her dreams and makes it, is cliched and I love it. Instead of seeing glossy characters with ravishing careers, how about those of us who actually live in the real world and are very much like Alex, we want to see characters like her who are struggling and actually make it! Its a very encouraging and inspiring film for those of us pursuing our dreams. I really like it, I could have done without the naked bar scene later on in the movie. Jennifer Lopez recently did a video based on flashdance and I got to say she was really good. There was a rumor a while back that there might be a flashdance remake with her, and I think that she should do it. J.Lo is perfect for the part! It'd be awesome if she did it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

John Travolta is the standout in this somewhat cartoonish adaptation of Elmore Leonard's novel about a smalltime Miami enforcer (Travolta) who decides to get into the movie business in L.A. The cast sparkles--Gene Hackman as a failing cut-rate-movie producer, Rene Russo as a failed actress, Danny DeVito as a vain thespian, Delroy Lindo as a mobster who wants a cut of Travolta's film action--and the script is clever. But not clever enough: this isn't Robert Altman's The Player, as far as satires about Hollywood go. But director Barry Sonnenfeld (Men in Black) keeps it cute and brisk and that makes for an enjoyable experience. Travolta is great as a vaguely dangerous, supremely self-confident man whose love of movies makes him almost cuddly. The DVD release includes optional widescreen or standard formats, optional French and Spanish soundtracks, original theatrical trailer, and Dolby digital sound. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Look at me...
"Get Shorty" is a humdinger of a movie - smart, funny, and VERY full of itself...kinda like its "hero", Chili Palmer.

Every character and performance hits all the right notes, starting with John Travolta's right-on portrayal of Palmer, a loan shark who has tired of the mob business and would like to try his hand at a REAL mob business: the movies.

Palmer isn't a bad guy; he's just all business, which certain characters (especially Ray Bones) should have figured out early on. But they don't, and we get to see Chili eliminate his enemies one by one through sheer guile and smarts. In particular, his payback on Bones is an absolute classic.

One of the film's truly great pleasures is watching great actors like Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito try to play Chili. Hackman's performance gets him a very unwelcome audience with Bones ("I heard you shot the guy four times in the chest and once in the foot"), while DeVito's simply doesn't work, and by the end of the movie Chili is looking to "get" someone other than "shorty".

Also look for James Gandolfini in his best pre-Tony Soprano role as an ex-stuntman.

You Just Got to Get "Get Shorty"!
"Get Shorty " in my opinion is one of the most hilarious send ups of the Hollywood movie industry ever put to film.Director, Barry Sonnenfeld and writer, Elmore Leonard have put their talents together to create a satirical film, which 'takes no prisoners' in its look at the underhanded ways, that folks wheel and deal to get movies made.The film centers on a charismatic mobster (John Travolta), who while on a trip to L.A., decides to switch careers. He wants to make movies!This is not as far fetched as it seems. Apparently being a movie producer isn't that far of a jump from being a loan shark or racketeer! Along the way Chilly meets up with with a schlock movie producer, a scream queen, a L.A. hood and his henchman, another mobster from Miami and finally the 'Shorty' (a self-involved, superstar actor)of the film's title. All of them underestimate Chilly and think he is just a dumb hood, who can be conned out of some major, illegal money waiting in a locker at the L.A. airport. But Chilly seems to know all the right moves and plays everyone at their own game.Writer, Elmore Leonard wrote this fast paced, witty story after experiencing a real life, frustrating job of trying to write a script for vertically challenged actor, Dustin Hoffman... Revenge must be sweet, because it inspired a great piece of comic writing.The cast of actors in this movie is wonderful. Normally, I'm not the biggest John Travolta fan, but his take on mobster, Chilly Palmer is electrifying. Travolta plays the character with a swagger, confindence, and a smile that is sheer perfection! Gene Hackman is also hilarious as the sleaziest of sleazy Hollywood producers. This guy would sell out his own mother if it ment getting a piece of the gross!.Finally, Danny DeVito just makes this movie with his send up of every spoiled rotten, self-indulgent Hollywood actor that could ever come to mind. Kudos should also go for great, comic supporting roles from James Gandolfini and Dennis Farina.For an evening of some very funny Hollywood satire, I recommend you to get..."Get Shorty"!

The worst movie ever created by man
This movie was a waste of money. Only good part was that one guy saying the F word a lot. This movie is dull, boring, and is slow developing. I took this DVD and broke it into pieces after I watched it, I had more fun breaking this DVD than watching it. For anyone who is going to buy this DVD I warn you, it is a retarded movie, and waste of your money.

are you out of your minds
Anyone who gives this hunk of junk movie more than 1 star is either a moron or generously sympathetic.Then again 1 star is too much. AMAZON should incorperate a ZERO star selection.I bet the reviewers that raved about this one were payed to do so, and it could only have been in cash. Penny Marshall?? Uhggg!!! give me a break. She should have yelled CUT! before this was crap was made.An ex friend recommended this film. He wasn't an ex friend before I watched t it.

A very fun movie!
This is one of the cleverest comedies out there. John Travolta plays a bookie (Chili Palmer) in Miami Beach, FL. He is one of these respected hard nose, no BS type of people that just demands respect wherever he goes. But for a change of pace and a change of heart, not to mention money that is owned to him, he flies out to California. He is searching for a man who took a very large some of money, but in the mean time is caught up in the Hollywood movie making industry. He meets up and makes friends with Gene Hackman, a B movie director always looking for the next big break. Rene Russo plays a B movie washed up actress who is helping Travolta get into the movie industry. Mean while, old friends and enemies follow Travolta to the sunshine state to find out what he is up to and possibly move in on the action. This movie also has Danny DeVito, Dennis Farina, cameo by Penny Marshall, Delroy Lindo, James Gandolfini, and more twists and turns that you can imagine. If you are looking for a really fun comedy with lots of stars then this is the movie to get! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

SEXY TEENAGER RUNS AWAY FROM HOME
Renee Humphrey playing what has become a kind of standard role in semi exploitation teen movies: The sexy teenager runs away from home and is exploited by dubious types and becomes a (kind of) stripper. Ms. Humphrey was later to play the role of Didi in the delightful farce "Sex Monster" as the lesbian lover of Meryl Hemmingway.
Krista Erickson does a very nice job too as the hooker who can sing

FUN AND A TOUCH OF SWEET ROMANCE WITHIN!WORTH TO SEE IT!
I have seen it twice as i remember and it is worth seeing as a cop movie,also it combines a touch of romance and the main characters are a perfect duo and a romance couple on-screen. The story is usual but it is not boring it manages to escape in some moments and that what makes it worth to buy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

get lost, goombah
I don't find it anything amusing about portraying a mafia hit man in a favorable light. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

OK, so it's not The Godfather
There have been many criticisms of this movie: that it favors style over substance, that it has too many conflicting storylines, that it slides all over the place without any real character development. I don't disagree. But, that being said, I still like this movie an awful lot. It is packed with talent from end to end, not just the proclaimed stars of the picture, but other little surprises that turn up from time to time. Look for Tom Waits in a bit part that takes place within the Cotton Club, Laurence Fishburne (credited as Larry) as a stylish and dangerous member of black organized crime, and Jennifer Grey as Nicholas Cage's perpetually dim and semi-clad young wife. Diane Lane is as lovely as can be, and really seems to convey the singleminded amorality of her teenaged character, determined to get some security for herself, and the conflict created when she is forced to confront the growing madness of her keeper, mobster Dutch Schultz, and her love for Gere's character of Dixie Dwyer. The music and dance numbers are as good as you've heard, and the sets and costumes beautiful and believable. I think that one problem with this movie may have been the era in which it was released, when a 2-hour movie was still considered extraordinarily long. It does have the jerky, confusing feel of a movie that's been too heavily cut. Perhaps if it had been made today, audiences would be willing to sit through three hours of the intricate plot development that so complex a story really needs. Let's hope a director's cut is released someday.

All in all, this is worth a look, or several, despite its rather considerable flaws.

Satisfying Fun
There was enough tap and dance to keep my creative spirit satisfied and smiling wide. The poetic drama was wonderful and the singing was quite entertaining as well. I was surprised to see Nicolas Cage in his supporting role, although he has played other gangsters in his time. The sex and violence were not too graphic, however, not tame enough for the younger set. You can't beat it for the price, especially if you like tap and drama. Nice late 20s music and costumes... Hines fans should be pleased!

Skip the movie, get the soundtrack!
Like many of Coppola's movies, Cotton Club is great to look at and listen to, but the storytelling falls flat and lacks coherency.
If you're going to watch it, watch it for the musical numbers and don't set your expectations too high for anything more, or skip the DVD and just get the STUNNING soundtrack.

One of my personal favourites.
This movie is brilliant and fascinating from beginning to end. It's so romantic, stylish and beautiful. I always loved everything about it, and was really surprised to know it wasn't a huge hit when it first came out. To me, it's a cult movie.
Diane Lane's character, the tough adolescent who looks like a grown woman and whose face is her fortune, is a personal favourite of mine. I love her wardrobe and hair style, as well as how she starts out as a brunet in the movie and turns blond by the end. People talk a lot about Richard Gere's trumpet playing and not enough about what a nice singing voice she has. I always thought she was a very underestimated actress.
The musical scenes are unforgettable. I loved the late great Gregory Hines, both as a dancer and as an actor, and he really excelled in this picture.
It's a master piece and no one should miss it.

Moments of Greatness Only
I think the biggest problem is the casting. Richard Gere and Diane Lane did a wonderful job together in the recent film Unfaithful but in Cotton Club they seem more like big brother and precocious little sister. Gere plays a Hollywood actor and he is just too smooth with his little moustache and greased back hair--one moment he is smooching with Diane Lane, the next moment he is onstage playing trumpet, the next hes talking tough to a ruthless killer. Its like hes supposed to be some kind of Harlem Renaissance Man. I think at this phase in his career Gere was not so popular because people perceived him as being kind of conceited and this role just seems crafted for a guy who adores himself. Nowadays he comes across as a much more appealing type of fellow but then the self love was just annoying. Diane Lane was a wonderful child actress but in this role she is not a child anymore and not quite a woman yet either. The awkwardness of the Gere-Lane relationship hurts the film considerably. Plus when your lead just isn't Al Pacino or Robert DeNiro and its a mob picture you feel disappointed. Gere is not a mob guy, he's too sophisticated to play mob roles, and he knows it.

Additionally what happens on-stage at the Cotton Club really takes us out of the drama that is happening off-stage. By the time each musical number ends you almost forget what the film is about. There are so many characters(Bob Hoskins, Fred Gwen, Nic Cage, Joe Dallesandro) saying so many things and yet no one character ever grabs our attention and so its hard to care what each character is plotting to do. Its possible to watch this film and not really know who the main character or what the main plot line is. The writing is that obscure. Even if you figure out its a film about Gere and Lane it doesn't help much because they just don't seem right for each other anyway. As a result we have no one and no thing to root for. Beneath the flash of the costumes the film just has no heart and soul. Its like a glossy magazine with pretty faces but no substance.

That said the film is a wonder of cinematography and choreography. One wonderful scene toward the end of the film has Coppola cutting between Gregory Hines tapping and a particularly lurid murder scene. This is the kind of thing Coppola did so well in Godfather--mixing life and death in an operatic way--but here the great camera work seems kind of empty because the characters have failed to really make their mark on our imaginations.

Perhaps in the future Coppola will release an extended version of this film which will make the story clearer. Until then I would recommend this film only if you want a strictly visual entertainment. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Joyce Hyser is the only reason to watch this precursor to..
(as I was saying before the box so rudely ran out of room) Joyce Hyser is the only reason to watch this precursor to "The Wedding Singer." --- If you like fluffy romantic comedies, you will probably like this movie, despite what I have to say about it... --- One can't help but notice the basic similarities in premise, and sometimes strong similarites in situations, between "Wedding Band" and "Wedding Singer" although this film, "Wedding Band," predates "Singer" by about 8 years. --- This movie is light, and mildly amusing. But it is mostly embarasingly amateurish and even, well, depressing considering the potential that it had to be a great romantic comedy. If this had had a decent rewriting by a competent screenwriter, and if it had had a competent director, the movie would be well known instead of unknown. --- Overall, the cast is competent enough, but Joyce Hyser is the only star here, she is the only actor who seems to be putting in any effort. She plays her scenes as if it's the role of a lifetime, and what does she get for her effort? she's consigned to a forgotten film. --- William Katt, in the hands of a motivated director, could have done very well opposite the amazing and criminally under-rated Joyce Hyser, but in this film he seems to be asleep. It's as if he's showed up for his paycheck and is sleepwalking through his scenes. --- Pauly Shore's quirky talents (hate him or not) are wasted, they cast Jim Belushi in a role that a mannequin could have played, a stoney Amish priest (who cast this movie anyway?). --- The potential contained within each scene makes watching this move almost depressing. But it is kind of fun for someone interested in screenwriting or directing to see just what not to do with a great idea. When you're given the ball (money and opportunity to make a film) don't drop it on the ground and kick at it a little, run with that puppy all the way to the goal line! --- I'll repeat, if you like fluffy romantic comedies, you will probably like this movie, despite what I have to say about it. --- But the main reason to watch this movie, in my opinion, is to see Joyce Hyser. I've said this in another review and I think it bares repeating, Joyce's acting skills are only matched by her beauty. And why she did not become a major star will always be a sad mystery to me. --- In one heartbreaking scene, Joyce (as Karla) is trying to have a romantic evening with her boyfriend Marshall (played by William Katt). She wants everthing to go perfectly as she is about to propose to him. But Marshall is such a doofus that he tromps over her romantic mood and reacts to her wedding ring as if he'd just been given a dead mouse. The way Joyce plays the scene makes you want to cry. Oh I hope she does more movies! --- (We love you Joyce!) ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Put Away Your Preconceptions
Before I saw "The Crew," I didn't have many expectations of it. To my surprise and pleasure, "The Crew" turned out to be much better than a mere formula movie about oldsters.

Four former mob "goodfellas" (played by Burt Reynolds, Seymour Cassel, Richard Dreyfuss and Dan Hedaya) live on the edge of poverty in South Miami. Their art-deco neighborhood is rapidly gentrifying, and soon their apartment is going to go condo, which they can't afford. Immediate action is required.

What do goodfellas do? They "whack" (kill) people, of course. And there is killing in this surprise of a movie, but not the type you'd expect. This is a fast-paced, zippy movie that happens to have a lot of black humor. You know who the heroes are, but it takes almost until the end of the film, but where and how the enemies get their due is nicely surprising.

All the performances were just fine. Early in the movie, Burt Reynolds, reduced to fast-food work to make ends meet, growls at a customer, "Special orders DO upset us," and promptly loses his job. The film is ripe with situational wit of that type. The relatively unknown Seymour Cassel had to carry a lot of the acting, and he held his own along with the three other stars.

A special plot twist involves former singer (and now character actress) Lainie Kazan, the wife of a restaurant owner who runs into the Crew at an inopportune moment. Her scenes are played way over-the-top and in this context, it works brilliantly.

The Crew is certainly not the best gangster comedy ever, but it holds up well. I can heartily recommend it.

Geriatric Goodfellas
"The Crew" is comprised of Richard Dreyfuss (Bobby), the brains of the outfit, Burt Reynolds (Bats), the hot-tempered muscle, Seymour Cassel (Mouth), the quiet ladies man and Dan Hedaya, who plays "The Brick." He's not stupid but, as Dan says in his interview segment, "I guess his thought process is a little different from most people." The movie starts out with a flashback of them as four young wiseguys pulling a job, then flashes forward to them as four old men sitting on a porch. Bat turns to Bobby and complains, "You said the good times were gonna last forever." Bobby replies, "I thought we'd be dead by now!" The story concerns them trying to save their rundown, Miami Beach apartment house (the Raj Mahal) from going condo. Each of their schemes backfires and gets them further into trouble with the local drug lord and the police. The plot twists hold one's interest throughout the film, but the quirky lead characters really carry this picture. "The Crew" is a movie that proves that Mafioso are people too!

Watch them do their stuff!
This movie was not a box office hit when it was released just a few months ago, but dreams do sometimes come true.

Starting in New Jersey in 1968, we follow the lives of four 'has-been' gangsters. Now retired and living peaceably in The Raj Mahal in Miami Beach, they attempt to make one last heist. So as not to be evicted (who wants to be homeless?) from this run-down hotel, they plot a way to save their special home. Look for the pink ostrich.

Burt Reynolds looks good as an old man and is funny like in those 'Bandit' movies. Richard Dreyfuss who won an Academy Award for his role in THE GOODBYE GIRL and was great in MR. HOLLAND'S OPUS (I loved that music!) showed his winning style. Seymour Cassel who was in Bill Murray's RUSHMORE and Dan Hedaya (Detective Jack in SHAFT), round out the foursome.

When you need a laugh, rent this one from the local video store (better yet, buy it here at Amazon.com), sit back and enjoy. If you liked GRUMPY OLD MEN, you'll love these "grandfatherly gangsters" who are not quite 'over the hill' yet. Stephen Iervolino compared this film ro 'GoodFellas' in LAUNCH. This parody is better than either or both/and in a class all its own.

An Easy Movie To Watch !
Just sit back and enjoy this flick. It's not going to win any awards but it is good lighthearted fun.

Definatly worth a look, very funny and well done
The Crew is acually a very funny enjoyable movie. I will admit the plot is a little weak, but it's not horrible. It is basically about four ex crew members {Dreyfuss and company} want to stay in their appartment, so of course they set up a fake killing to keep their appartment. And along the way they meet a firy widow { Kazan}, a tenasious stripper { Jeniffer Tilly}, and a policeinvestogator who might just be Dreyfuss's long lost daughter { Carrie Anne Moss}. A bit corny......Yes but still very enjoyable. Without a doubt the three major female roles are what holds together this film. Kazan is hillarios as the old widow deli owner. Tilly is great and very enthusiastic as the female stripper "dating" one of the crew members for the money. And Moss is exellent as the police officer { in a short seen you get to see her do two more matrix kicks! don't miss it} and her part is no doubt way to short. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Look at me...
"Get Shorty" is a humdinger of a movie - smart, funny, and VERY full of itself...kinda like its "hero", Chili Palmer.

Every character and performance hits all the right notes, starting with John Travolta's right-on portrayal of Palmer, a loan shark who has tired of the mob business and would like to try his hand at a REAL mob business: the movies.

Palmer isn't a bad guy; he's just all business, which certain characters (especially Ray Bones) should have figured out early on. But they don't, and we get to see Chili eliminate his enemies one by one through sheer guile and smarts. In particular, his payback on Bones is an absolute classic.

One of the film's truly great pleasures is watching great actors like Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito try to play Chili. Hackman's performance gets him a very unwelcome audience with Bones ("I heard you shot the guy four times in the chest and once in the foot"), while DeVito's simply doesn't work, and by the end of the movie Chili is looking to "get" someone other than "shorty".

Also look for James Gandolfini in his best pre-Tony Soprano role as an ex-stuntman.

You Just Got to Get "Get Shorty"!
"Get Shorty " in my opinion is one of the most hilarious send ups of the Hollywood movie industry ever put to film.Director, Barry Sonnenfeld and writer, Elmore Leonard have put their talents together to create a satirical film, which 'takes no prisoners' in its look at the underhanded ways, that folks wheel and deal to get movies made.The film centers on a charismatic mobster (John Travolta), who while on a trip to L.A., decides to switch careers. He wants to make movies!This is not as far fetched as it seems. Apparently being a movie producer isn't that far of a jump from being a loan shark or racketeer! Along the way Chilly meets up with with a schlock movie producer, a scream queen, a L.A. hood and his henchman, another mobster from Miami and finally the 'Shorty' (a self-involved, superstar actor)of the film's title. All of them underestimate Chilly and think he is just a dumb hood, who can be conned out of some major, illegal money waiting in a locker at the L.A. airport. But Chilly seems to know all the right moves and plays everyone at their own game.Writer, Elmore Leonard wrote this fast paced, witty story after experiencing a real life, frustrating job of trying to write a script for vertically challenged actor, Dustin Hoffman... Revenge must be sweet, because it inspired a great piece of comic writing.The cast of actors in this movie is wonderful. Normally, I'm not the biggest John Travolta fan, but his take on mobster, Chilly Palmer is electrifying. Travolta plays the character with a swagger, confindence, and a smile that is sheer perfection! Gene Hackman is also hilarious as the sleaziest of sleazy Hollywood producers. This guy would sell out his own mother if it ment getting a piece of the gross!.Finally, Danny DeVito just makes this movie with his send up of every spoiled rotten, self-indulgent Hollywood actor that could ever come to mind. Kudos should also go for great, comic supporting roles from James Gandolfini and Dennis Farina.For an evening of some very funny Hollywood satire, I recommend you to get..."Get Shorty"!

The worst movie ever created by man
This movie was a waste of money. Only good part was that one guy saying the F word a lot. This movie is dull, boring, and is slow developing. I took this DVD and broke it into pieces after I watched it, I had more fun breaking this DVD than watching it. For anyone who is going to buy this DVD I warn you, it is a retarded movie, and waste of your money.

are you out of your minds
Anyone who gives this hunk of junk movie more than 1 star is either a moron or generously sympathetic.Then again 1 star is too much. AMAZON should incorperate a ZERO star selection.I bet the reviewers that raved about this one were payed to do so, and it could only have been in cash. Penny Marshall?? Uhggg!!! give me a break. She should have yelled CUT! before this was crap was made.An ex friend recommended this film. He wasn't an ex friend before I watched t it.

A very fun movie!
This is one of the cleverest comedies out there. John Travolta plays a bookie (Chili Palmer) in Miami Beach, FL. He is one of these respected hard nose, no BS type of people that just demands respect wherever he goes. But for a change of pace and a change of heart, not to mention money that is owned to him, he flies out to California. He is searching for a man who took a very large some of money, but in the mean time is caught up in the Hollywood movie making industry. He meets up and makes friends with Gene Hackman, a B movie director always looking for the next big break. Rene Russo plays a B movie washed up actress who is helping Travolta get into the movie industry. Mean while, old friends and enemies follow Travolta to the sunshine state to find out what he is up to and possibly move in on the action. This movie also has Danny DeVito, Dennis Farina, cameo by Penny Marshall, Delroy Lindo, James Gandolfini, and more twists and turns that you can imagine. If you are looking for a really fun comedy with lots of stars then this is the movie to get! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

eh....
This movie is just o.k. Like pretty much everyone else I bought it so I could drool over Adam Ant for an hour and a half. For that it was good. If there is an actor you have the hots for in this movie, it's worth buying. Otherwise.....skip it.

Cold Steel Used
The cover of movie looked old and I was disappointed as I was giving as a gift to my son.

Adam Ant Movie Lover
I bought this becuase it was cheap and was an Adam Any movie. While not the main character, he plays his part as bad guy extrordinaire. Sharon Stone is also very good in this early role for her and looks hot... Not the greatest story line but like I said, it was bought becuase I'm his biggest fan.

Ok, but not the best
The reason I watched this is because Adam Ant was in here and I thought 'cool, I gotta watch this'. It wasn't that good, though.
He made a wonderful bad guy, but if you like the average cop movie, here ya go!

FLAWED, WEAK, UNDRAMATIC!
Flawed, weak, undramatic! That's all I have to say, except: Skip it! Grade: D+ ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Look at me...
"Get Shorty" is a humdinger of a movie - smart, funny, and VERY full of itself...kinda like its "hero", Chili Palmer.

Every character and performance hits all the right notes, starting with John Travolta's right-on portrayal of Palmer, a loan shark who has tired of the mob business and would like to try his hand at a REAL mob business: the movies.

Palmer isn't a bad guy; he's just all business, which certain characters (especially Ray Bones) should have figured out early on. But they don't, and we get to see Chili eliminate his enemies one by one through sheer guile and smarts. In particular, his payback on Bones is an absolute classic.

One of the film's truly great pleasures is watching great actors like Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito try to play Chili. Hackman's performance gets him a very unwelcome audience with Bones ("I heard you shot the guy four times in the chest and once in the foot"), while DeVito's simply doesn't work, and by the end of the movie Chili is looking to "get" someone other than "shorty".

Also look for James Gandolfini in his best pre-Tony Soprano role as an ex-stuntman.

You Just Got to Get "Get Shorty"!
"Get Shorty " in my opinion is one of the most hilarious send ups of the Hollywood movie industry ever put to film.Director, Barry Sonnenfeld and writer, Elmore Leonard have put their talents together to create a satirical film, which 'takes no prisoners' in its look at the underhanded ways, that folks wheel and deal to get movies made.The film centers on a charismatic mobster (John Travolta), who while on a trip to L.A., decides to switch careers. He wants to make movies!This is not as far fetched as it seems. Apparently being a movie producer isn't that far of a jump from being a loan shark or racketeer! Along the way Chilly meets up with with a schlock movie producer, a scream queen, a L.A. hood and his henchman, another mobster from Miami and finally the 'Shorty' (a self-involved, superstar actor)of the film's title. All of them underestimate Chilly and think he is just a dumb hood, who can be conned out of some major, illegal money waiting in a locker at the L.A. airport. But Chilly seems to know all the right moves and plays everyone at their own game.Writer, Elmore Leonard wrote this fast paced, witty story after experiencing a real life, frustrating job of trying to write a script for vertically challenged actor, Dustin Hoffman... Revenge must be sweet, because it inspired a great piece of comic writing.The cast of actors in this movie is wonderful. Normally, I'm not the biggest John Travolta fan, but his take on mobster, Chilly Palmer is electrifying. Travolta plays the character with a swagger, confindence, and a smile that is sheer perfection! Gene Hackman is also hilarious as the sleaziest of sleazy Hollywood producers. This guy would sell out his own mother if it ment getting a piece of the gross!.Finally, Danny DeVito just makes this movie with his send up of every spoiled rotten, self-indulgent Hollywood actor that could ever come to mind. Kudos should also go for great, comic supporting roles from James Gandolfini and Dennis Farina.For an evening of some very funny Hollywood satire, I recommend you to get..."Get Shorty"!

The worst movie ever created by man
This movie was a waste of money. Only good part was that one guy saying the F word a lot. This movie is dull, boring, and is slow developing. I took this DVD and broke it into pieces after I watched it, I had more fun breaking this DVD than watching it. For anyone who is going to buy this DVD I warn you, it is a retarded movie, and waste of your money.

are you out of your minds
Anyone who gives this hunk of junk movie more than 1 star is either a moron or generously sympathetic.Then again 1 star is too much. AMAZON should incorperate a ZERO star selection.I bet the reviewers that raved about this one were payed to do so, and it could only have been in cash. Penny Marshall?? Uhggg!!! give me a break. She should have yelled CUT! before this was crap was made.An ex friend recommended this film. He wasn't an ex friend before I watched t it.

A very fun movie!
This is one of the cleverest comedies out there. John Travolta plays a bookie (Chili Palmer) in Miami Beach, FL. He is one of these respected hard nose, no BS type of people that just demands respect wherever he goes. But for a change of pace and a change of heart, not to mention money that is owned to him, he flies out to California. He is searching for a man who took a very large some of money, but in the mean time is caught up in the Hollywood movie making industry. He meets up and makes friends with Gene Hackman, a B movie director always looking for the next big break. Rene Russo plays a B movie washed up actress who is helping Travolta get into the movie industry. Mean while, old friends and enemies follow Travolta to the sunshine state to find out what he is up to and possibly move in on the action. This movie also has Danny DeVito, Dennis Farina, cameo by Penny Marshall, Delroy Lindo, James Gandolfini, and more twists and turns that you can imagine. If you are looking for a really fun comedy with lots of stars then this is the movie to get! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Put Away Your Preconceptions
Before I saw "The Crew," I didn't have many expectations of it. To my surprise and pleasure, "The Crew" turned out to be much better than a mere formula movie about oldsters.

Four former mob "goodfellas" (played by Burt Reynolds, Seymour Cassel, Richard Dreyfuss and Dan Hedaya) live on the edge of poverty in South Miami. Their art-deco neighborhood is rapidly gentrifying, and soon their apartment is going to go condo, which they can't afford. Immediate action is required.

What do goodfellas do? They "whack" (kill) people, of course. And there is killing in this surprise of a movie, but not the type you'd expect. This is a fast-paced, zippy movie that happens to have a lot of black humor. You know who the heroes are, but it takes almost until the end of the film, but where and how the enemies get their due is nicely surprising.

All the performances were just fine. Early in the movie, Burt Reynolds, reduced to fast-food work to make ends meet, growls at a customer, "Special orders DO upset us," and promptly loses his job. The film is ripe with situational wit of that type. The relatively unknown Seymour Cassel had to carry a lot of the acting, and he held his own along with the three other stars.

A special plot twist involves former singer (and now character actress) Lainie Kazan, the wife of a restaurant owner who runs into the Crew at an inopportune moment. Her scenes are played way over-the-top and in this context, it works brilliantly.

The Crew is certainly not the best gangster comedy ever, but it holds up well. I can heartily recommend it.

Geriatric Goodfellas
"The Crew" is comprised of Richard Dreyfuss (Bobby), the brains of the outfit, Burt Reynolds (Bats), the hot-tempered muscle, Seymour Cassel (Mouth), the quiet ladies man and Dan Hedaya, who plays "The Brick." He's not stupid but, as Dan says in his interview segment, "I guess his thought process is a little different from most people." The movie starts out with a flashback of them as four young wiseguys pulling a job, then flashes forward to them as four old men sitting on a porch. Bat turns to Bobby and complains, "You said the good times were gonna last forever." Bobby replies, "I thought we'd be dead by now!" The story concerns them trying to save their rundown, Miami Beach apartment house (the Raj Mahal) from going condo. Each of their schemes backfires and gets them further into trouble with the local drug lord and the police. The plot twists hold one's interest throughout the film, but the quirky lead characters really carry this picture. "The Crew" is a movie th