Reviews (3)

WEIRD, QUIRKY, AND COMPELLING...
In the quiet, little, rural town of Sutcliffe in Anywhere, USA, its citizens are suddenly freed from all constraints. They begin acting out their unspoken thoughts. They lose all self control. The town goes from being an idyllic, sleepy little pueblo to a hot bed of sex, murder, and raging testosterone. All its citizens seem to be acting on impulse.

Meg Tilly and Tim Matheson star as a young couple in love in this unsung film. Their world is turned upside down, when Meg's mother does something unspeakable. Suddenly, it is as if their entire world has gone awry. Look for Hume Cronyn who is wonderfully cast as the trusted, family doctor. See what he does when he gets sick and tired of his patient, Meg's mother. A very young Bill Paxton plays Meg Tilly's brother. Trust me, he has his own problems. See what happens to Tim Matheson, when he gives in to a sudden impulse. Will true love win out? Watch the film and find out for yourself. It is well worth viewing.

This movie is reminiscent of a very good Twilight Zone episode. At times I felt as if I were waiting for Rod Sterling to interject himself into the film with a narrative. It is a very interesting and quirky film. Some of the scenes are quite startling. Those who enjoy sci-fi, horror, and off beat films, will enjoy this one.

Excellent 80's style movie.
This was not a made for TV movie. I saw this at the theatre when it was released in 1984. What it is lacking in acting, it makes up for in substance. It presents a story of what could happen if we were to lose control of our Freudian "ID" or our impluse center. Everyone has experienced the rage response sometime in their lives. Having studied behavioral science for years this behavior has been duplicated in the laboratory. This is an excellent film for psychology students or anyone interested in human behavior. Since the government really does have a terrible problem with hazardous waste disposal, the implications of this film are very real.

A good Twilight Zone type horror film
I saw this on tv years ago. I believe it was made for tv. A pre-fame Bill Paxton has a small role as Tilly's older brother. It's a good entertaining movie. It's not gory. It's actually a rip-off of the George Romero film "The Crazies" from 1974. It's the exact same plot but Impulse is much, much better. I think there's also a Shatner version of Impulse from the 70's. Don't believe what L.Maltin says. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Silly but fun!
I love this movie, but it is silly. Moto-surfing, Patusan aka. Port-a-san "eww, I'd give up the throne," and Rob Shnider playing their "scottish uncle" in a wheelchair always makes me laugh. True many people think it's stupid, and that's because the humor is. Trust me, if you like "Dude, Where's my Car?" and "Baseketball" then you'll love this movie like I do. If not, your loss. For those who hate movies like this, go watch a foreign film and leave the great silly movies to those who can appreciate them.

Great for the kids...ho-hum for the adults who love them.
Well, if for no other reason, buy this DVD because I play drums on the song that covers the opening credits. Yes, that was over 10 years ago, and I still get to point at the screen and say "That's me on drums!" whenever I watch it. (Which is about every 3 years or so.)

It's a fun movie for kids, but the adults will find it rather dull, especially in comparison to today's kid's movies that are loaded with well-concealed adult humor and references. Not to mention the gaping holes in the plot. (You could drive a Hummer through these babies.)

But heck, you'll enjoy the opening song.

Flexin' With The Best Of Them
Another Ernie Reyes Jr. vehicle with a mediocre plot & limitedacting skills throughout but hey my main man's in it & that usually means a bit of struttin' & dizzying displays of fleshalong the line. And so here we get the 'cut & chiseled' beyond belief-ripped to the max look from Ernie with a pair of pipes'bulgin' to beat the band.' You'd think a cat this young wouldbe carrying 'round some baby fat but there's nary an ounce visable to the naked eye. Choosing to be a 'tease' thru most of the movie, Mr. Reyes doesn't treat viewers to his 'muscles on top of muscles' bod 'til near's end. Tho not shirtless, hemight as well be with those half inch criss-crossed pieces ofbraided leather huggin' his classicly carved chest. His gorgeous pecs & washboard abs are deliciously displayed. The flick itself has an intentional comedic air about it-'specially at it's close during the 'fight scenes' which come off quite realistic. Leslie Nielson is on-board here to addto the fun. Naturally, it's an absolute joy watchin' Ernie'smuscles 'flex up a storm' in these sequences. This is a MUSTBUY if you're into martial arts, fitness, body building orsimply body watching. Reyes is definetly into three out of four & for that this fan would like to thank him from head to toe. The picture zoom on my player gets a 'real workout' on this one. YOU THE BOMB ERNIEJR. but dad isn't exactly chopped liver!

once watching, you will find the purpose of life.
This movie is one of the most hillarious movies I have seen in years. The thing of it is, its sooooooo bad, its great!!!

Buy it damn it! Buy it!!!! Or I will!
Buy it!! It's simple, really really simple, buy it! If you have never seen the movie, don't worry, just buy it. You'll love it, I guarantee it, or you love nothing. At least go to some video store and rent it, then buy it. And if you're not gonna buy it, then send me your money and I'll buy it for you and keep it for myself! If you see or hear anyone with a negative of this movie, it's really simple, they're wrong!!! WRONG! WRONG! WRONGGG!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

underrated treasure!
In 1973 Dan(Dark Shadows)Curtis produced this made-for tv 2-part adaptation of FRANKENSTEIN for ABC's late night programming.Unfortunately,because the similar FRANKENSTEIN:THE TRUE STORY appeared on TV the same year in prime time with a stronger cast,the Dan Curtis version retreated to the shadows.So FRANKENSTEIN:TTS is the one everybody remembers.Thanks to video,we can see what we missed and it's very good!Robert Foxworth is a good Victor Frankenstein and Bo Svenson is a credible creature.This is not Mary Shelley's story,nor is it a mere copy of previous adaptations.Obviously low budget,but highly enjoyable. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Boring, Boring, Boring!
This one is not worth the money at any price. It's only about 30 minutes long and the story is really lame even for 1999. My two sons, ages 8 and 10, kept waiting for "something to happen" and couldn't believe it when it was over. "That's it??!!!" they both said. Don't waste your money on this one. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Trying To Out-distance Fate.
Although the superficial theme of this film is young love, the heart of the film is in the subtle ways that Henry (Sean Penn) tries to come to terms with the harsh realities of his impending military service. Henry knows that, in less than a year, he will probably be on some remote Pacific island, fighting one insane Japanese soldier after another to the death. While he has no idea of the horrors to come, he definitely feels a sense of impending doom.

The movie's most telling scene is after Callie (Elizabeth McGovern) is angred by Henry & Nicky (Nicolas Cage) when they make fun of their school's emergency preparedness drill. Callie takes Henry to a veteran's hospital, where she delivers library books to soldiers recovering from amputations (and likely worse). Henry is visibly scared at the sight of these guys, not much older than he is, who will now go through life with a new, horrific perspective.

After the visit, Henry becomes angry with Callie. He shows her - and the audience - that bravado DOES have a place in dealing with impending terror, and that there are many ways to look at the complexities of war. At the end of the film, when both boys jump on the train that may take them to their deaths, the resilience of the human spirit goes with them, and they impart some of their courage to those left standing at the station. A classic film, with a timely message.

Penn and Cage in the early days...a MUST see!
Sean Penn and Nicholas Cage, together with Elizabeth McGovern star in this 1940's WWII film about being a young man getting ready to head off for the war and trying to find himself and deal with his fear before he goes. It's wonderfully written, with some heavy scenes that were unexpected and some very moving dialog. Love and love lost...the three of them are at their finest here!

Hard to forget and worth owning..even in VHS
This movie has been a long time favorite of mine though not available on DVD. The story is touching and a particulary poignant look at young men who were raised on patriotism and are headed off to war, a reality of which they know little.

The cinematography and actors make you long for young love and being caught in the rain and in more serious moments you feel the pain and peril of a illegal abortion and how cold and hard it is to dig a grave in Spring.

Elizabeth McGovern is hauntingly beautiful. Penn and Cage show the promise of talent we now consider legendary. On a telling note, Sean Penn's child shares the nickname of his character.

In contrast to another reviewer, I too see this film differently now then I did when I was younger. However, the "skin" and other adult themes added dimensions that expanded for me as I get older.

If you don't buy it at least rent it while you still can!

that first reviewer is wierd
no movie would satisfy that guy in the first review , he takes prude to different level , i thought the movie was good !

Funny how time changes your outlook....
Okay, I saw this movie for the first time MANY years ago when I was in my early 20's...say in 1986. I remember thinking this was such a good movie! Well, since 1990, we have had no television and watched no videos. Just recently we got a video player (still not wanting tv). I was at the library looking for the old classics (what I watch) when I ran across this movie. It made me think of how I had liked it, and I wondered if I would like it now, so I brought it home.

What I thought of it was...this is a nothing movie. Okay, maybe that's harsh, but I kept thinking, "what exactly was it that I had liked about the movie back in 1986?" for I found it boring, disturbing and sad. I did not like the bad language in it. Or the fact of the Nicholas Cage character drinking all the time. Or his inability to be kind to the girl he impregnated... The portrayal of nudity bothered me. Even bare chests on men I find inappropriate. The love scenes I just skipped over on fast forward. I got to thinking, when will this movie end?... none of this movie really moved me, except to feel sad... I think the story had much potential to be a good story. One can tell a story very effectively and not shove all the sin in your face. After viewing this... for some reason it made me feel sad, and it was also upsetting to witness the nudity etc. From now on I will stick to the old classics, and leave the modern movies I thought I liked, just memories in my past. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Soundtrack Problem
All the complaints about the soundtrack on DVD are quite true. However, if you use a 5.1 surround sound system, the sound is quite all right. BUT the sound comes out from the rear speakers only!

They need to try again
I saw this movie when it came out in the 70's and it's a great movie, but the sound is so low on the DVD that even at full volume, it is inaudible. I had it replaced and the second one was the same way. Until they get this fixed, don't waste your time and money.

Inaudible soundtrack dooms this Dorian Gray
As much as I would've liked this film, my enjoyment was ruined by a bad DVD transfer that had a horribly inaudible soundtrack. When this occurred on my replacement DVD, I had to come to the conclusion that this was a flaw of MPI, who distributed this disc. While they present a great product in the Jeremy Brett Sherlock Holmes films, they do nobody any favors with this slipshod transfer. It only gets the one star for the solid visuals, but unless you want to crank your TV volume at full blast to even hear a bit of the soundtrack, this is a product that I recommend avoiding.

"Could It Be Oscar Wilde's Tortured Soul?"
I am so glad that Oscar Wilde's genius prose was made into movie form. The cast is excellent. I have always loved John Karlen. I started watching him when the daytime horror-soap "Dark Shadows" was popular. He, along with Shane and Nigel, give a too true- to- life portrayal of Wilde's mixed characters battling their own curses and demons that life seemingly has bestowed upon them. However, it is not exactly circumstances which mold us into who we are, but our choices and how we handle conflict. I had one of my English classes watch this movie so that they could see that everything we do and say eventually makes us who we are, and we can never undo or repair the damages of ill deeds, greed or lust. It's a frightening thought. Sometimes it's more difficult to take the hard right than it is to take the easy wrong, as Al Gore so brilliantly suggested in his 2000 Democratic Convention speech. The fact that man would literally sell his soul for youth teaches us that our priorities are still out of order. The conflict of man versus himself is the power point of this book/movie. Sometimes we truly are our own worst enemies. While the character Dorian continues to do as he pleases despite hurting others, his portrait changes, grows old and reveals all of his past sins. This effect is pure genius, and it really makes one stop and think about his/her own life and choices. Everyone should watch this movie at least once a month....it's that powerful and meaningful. I also believe that Oscar Wilde saw himself in many of his characters. He had a difficult life along with the world judging him harshly, but he too made choices that cost him everything. In conclusion, sometimes the hardest thing in the world is self-reflection. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

New Outlook on an Old Movie
I was 12 years old when this "made for television" movie first aired.The only part of the movie I actually had any recollection of was, of course, the little Zuni devil doll running across the floor. That was enough for it to remain in my memory as being a very scary movie. When I saw that it was available on DVD, I bought it, hoping to bring back some old childhood memories. What a difference 27 years make.
As the title implies, the film is composed of three short (unrelated) stories, although only the last one can really lay claim to having any sort of terror in it. Karen Black stars in all three stories, in addition to playing a dual role in the second tale. The first story, "Julie", casts Black as a dowdy, repressed college professor who is being blackmailed by one of her students. In the second story, "Millicent and Terese", Black plays both of the title roles, two sisters at opposite ends of the personality spectrum. Millicent is a prudish spinster who despises her loose and immoral sister Terese. Believing there is no hope for Terese's salvation, Millicent attempts to rescue Terese's current flame from the road to damnation. The third and most famous of the three tales is "Amelia" in which Black plays a woman terrorized by a Zuni devil doll which is brought to life after the chain around it's neck accidentally falls off.
The first story works well enough for what it is. Although not terribly original (but then again, maybe in 1975 it was.) it holds the viewers interest, even if it isn't an "edge of your seat" thriller. The two leads provide some solid acting. Most viewers, however, will most likely figure out the ending long before it plays out.
The second story is the weakest of the three. Its primary purpose seems to be soley to give Black two different roles to play. This one also contains Black's weakest performance(s). With absolutely no subtlety whatsoever, Black plays each character's cliched personality to the hilt, slamming the viewer over the head with the utter piousness of Millicent and the total taudriness of Terese. This story's conclusion is more obvious to the audience than the first one.
It is the last story that makes this DVD worth buying, but for a totally different reason than what I had origionally thought. The 12 year old in me remembers this story as being very scary. Horrifying even. Watching it now, I howl with laughter. This is such a great campy story. Watching that doll running around the apartment, grunting, and chomping on any body part he can get a hold of is a hoot. Black even does the obligatory "trip and fall" (THREE TIMES no less). Watching the little bugger saw his way out of a suitcase is classic. You almost root for the little guy. The story's conclusion is done rather well though, and does still provide a little bit of a chill as well.
The visuals of the DVD are very good as is the sound. There is even a printed interview with Ms. Black (done in "98") about the movie. I suspect this DVD's appeal primarily lies with those of us who remember seeing it when it origionally aired on television, but for those of you who love camp, get the DVD and check out what's behind curtain number three.

Classic 1970's Television Movie Featuring A Horror Icon
If the memory of "Trilogy of Terror" was based on the strength of the first and second stories,( titled "Julie", and "Millicent and Therese"), this horror trilogy starring Karen Black would be largely forgotten today with horror fans and would have been long relegated to the depths of the TV movie vaults. It is however solely because of the unforgettable third story titled "Amelia", that this film continues to enjoy fame and notoriety. This story spawned one of the great horror icons of modern times in the vicious and frightening Zuni Fetish Doll which in this third story comes to life and attacks Karen Black in a startlingly gripping tale of the supernatural. This story more than makes up for the weaknesses of the first two segments which are well acted but not particulary riverting horror tales. I find the "Amelia", story is just as unrelentingly frightening and nightmare inducing with each successive viewing and the killer Zuni Fetish Doll is one character that can't help but stay in your mind long after viewing "Trilogy of Terror".

Story number one "Julie", is a fairly straightforward tale of school teacher Julie Eldridge (Karen Black), who teaches English at an American high school. She is mousey, studious and never goes out on dates. She "attracts" the attention of one of her students who takes her on a date, drugs her and begins to blackmail her into further meetings. At first the victim of the piece Julie ends up turning the tables on the young man and in the final twist it is revealed to his great personal cost that it is Julie who is the one in control and who has used him as she has numerous other young men for her own ends.

Story two "Millicent and Therese", is probably the weakest of the three stories and has Karen Black playing two roles as "identical" sisters Millicent and Therese. The similarity between the women ends with their looks as Millicent is prim and proper and very introverted in her ways while Therese is outlandish in her dress and not shy about her relations with numerous men. A real hatred exists between the two sisters and Millicent succeeds in driving off one of Therese's boyfriends by telling him of her sordid past. As the tension in the house rises Millicent starts to fear for her personal safety and dabbles in witchcraft to remove the menance of Therese's presence. The family doctor long aware of the real truth of the "two sisters", arrives too late however to save the situation from a tragic outcome.

"Amelia", is of course the classic story and has everything that the first two stories lack in sheer terror and exhausting nail biting suspense from the opening scene. Here Karen Black plays downtrodden young woman Amelia who to get away from a domineering mother has taken a sublease on an upstairs apartment for 6 months. She has managed to find herself a boyfriend and as a birthday gift she has purchased as a result of his love of african arts a genuine Zuni Fetish Doll from an antique shop.It comes with a scroll saying that if the little metal chain around its waist is broken a spirit will be released that is "he who kills". By accident the chain breaks off and thus begins a nightmarish tale where this killer doll comes alive and goes on a murderous rampage attempting to kill Amelia in her apartment. After trying to drown it and trap it in a suitcase and enduring numerous stabs from the doll which is armed with a butchers knife Amelia manages to burn up the doll in the oven. However a decidely horrific outcome develops where she "inherits", the spirit of the Zuni doll and starts to take on its traits in a horrific last scene.

Many people have commented on the fact that this TV movie and in particular the "Amelia", story terrified them growing up but was almost comical when viewed as an adult. I still think the third story packs a real punch in the horror department and the sight of this murderous doll making horrific growling noises and stabbing Karen Black as she attempts to escape is a horror image just as terrifying as anything I've seen recently in the horror field. All the segments are well acted by Karen Black who is a fine actress however the brilliance of the Zuni Doll seemingly chasing her around a small apartment is the real element of genius in this movie and is superb in a pre special effects era of movie making. Turn down the lights and watch "Trilogy of Terror", sometime to see one of the best "horror figures" of the 1970's come to life.

Great acting.
I truly believe Karen Black is an exceptional Actress This movie truly shows it. One review says this movie was boring i respect his opinion but you truly need to appreciate the Artistic quality of Karen Blacks acting ablties and a movie that does not need gore to be good. Sometimes horror movies are more Frightning When there is no gore. Anyhow I truly love this movie and I am upset that is out of print. I think it is a bit overpriced. I don't really know why this movie when out of print but I hope that anchorbay releases a Two dvd edition with both the first and second movie because the second one is great as well.Anyway if you have this dvd keep it because it is extremly Rare.

To Zuni Fetish Doll Haters, Wherever You May Be...
I saw this movie (like MANY other reviewers) at an impressionable age (probably around 8 or 9 years old) on TV.

Of course, the TV version was tamed down a bit due to nudity in the first story between the high school ... boy, Chad, who finds Karen Black's MUCHO OLDER teacher character sexy in that sort of "motherly/librarian" way. He drugs her, blackmails her with seedy pictures and thus the one sided affair ensues. As if you can really tame down the GREAT and MAGNIFICENT Karen Black. (See her in her Oscar nominated role in "Who's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?)

The second installment in the trilogy is about a good sister bad sister relationship. The weakest of the three but still HIGHLY enjoyable.

The FINAL story is the one that STILL leaves me with nightmares. That little ZUNI ... doll coming to life, those sharp, pointy little teeth, his sharp little weapon, making that Nyaaaah, Nyaaah, Nyaaaaaaaah yell and then the end where Karen herself, turns into a Zuni Fetish doll lookalike with POINTY TEETH AND ALL! GRUESOME, GRUESOME, GRUESOME!!!

Still makes me pee pee in my big girl [underwear]! LOL!

HELLA SCARY!!!!
Wow, I had no idea so many other people were traumitized by this film when they were kids! I don't feel so alone now. My sister and I saw this film back in the early 80s and it scared the living crap out of me. I couldn't sleep for maybe 2 weeks straight after watching it. I kept thinking that damn doll was underneath my bed or opening my door. Every little noise that I heard in my room I thought was that bastard walking around my bed. UGH I never wanna go through that again! I used to hate taking baths cause of that scene where she tries to drown it in the tub and it pops it's ugly head out of the water. To this very day, I see a green old suitcase and I think of her trying to capture it in there. What I don't get is WHY on earth would she even buy such a hideous looking thing in the first place! I'd never bring such an evil looking thing like that into my living room and I would have tossed it outside the window the second I got my hands on it. The damn doll is scary enough just looking at it, when you add him running around like a maniac with that knife and making that horrible screaming sound well it's just a zillion times worse. I am 27 years old now and I have seen this movie since I was a child and I STILL find it very frightening. I try to laugh at how ridiculous the whole thing is but I can't get over my fear of it. To this day I won't watch it, I saw it on DVD the other day in a store and I nearly freaked just seeing the cover. I hope the people that made this movie know how many children and adults it has terrified over the years. Karen Black is once scary chick! She will always remind me of that movie and therefore I can never watch one of her movies again lol. We should start a Trilogy of Terror therapy group!! lol ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Mystery Thriller!!
This is a great mystery thriller starring Meredith Baxter as Carol Enders whose body becomes trapped by a murder victim trying to expose her murderer.It's a must see!!

Meredith Baxter Rules!! Great Mystery Thriller!!
Meredith Baxter Rules in this movie as Carol Enders whose body becomes trapped by a murder victim who tries to expose the murderer.It's a great mystery thriller!! ... Read more

Reviews (14)

You just don't what is gonna happen tomorrow . . .
This movie is no doubt one of the best mystery/horror movies ever made. It is a real television rarity and I appreciated the fact that it wasn't just about blood and gore. I recently viewed it with my aunt, and now she talks about it all of the time.

'Nightmare on the 13th Floor' revolves around Elaine Kalisher, a strong, determined young woman with hopes for her new article on the elegant Wessex Hotel. She is sent by her boss to write the article for a popular travel magazine, but then her article takes on a new subject...
While riding the service elevator, she discovers a floor in between 12 and 14. It is illuminated by gas lamps. As she watches in terror, a man is murdered. But before she can do anything, he is dragged away, blood being stained into the carpet.
However, after telling the hotel doctor about the murder, he doesn't believe her because there is no thirteenth floor. But Elaine must find out if she hallucinated it or what. So, with the help of arrogant Sargent Mathan, she and him go in search of the axe murderer and a thirteenth floor.

Delightfully creepy and even scary at times, Nightmare on the 13th floor is one you must view...or else.

Nightmare on the 13th Floor
Nightmare on the 13th Floor is a rather creepy, very riveting and very suspenseful television movie with some cheesy transition effects, "different" cinematography, and a few rather amateur actors.

Elaine Kalisher is a writer for a travel magazine and is sent to the Wessex Hotel in Los Angeles to write an article. While exploring the hotel, the service lift breaks down on an unmarked 13th floor. There she witnesses a murder, but is assured (when she is awake) by the hotel doctor, that there is no 13th floor. What she discovers is actually really disturbing and very creepy.

This is really not the best movie, nor is it even a good TV movie. But, it does deliver some creepy bits, some good suspense and good set design. I like how this movie sort of gave us extremely good hints to solving the mystery of the masked murderer on the 13th floor and still was impossible for us to really guess who it was.

Overall, I'd say this is a decent film, though I'd really like to change a few things if I could. I'd give it three stars for it's overall good production values, even thought it has some flaws. Pretty good.

Nurse Ratched Now Works at the Wessex Hotel!!
As usual, there's too much everybody else, not enough Louise Fletcher. Everything is so mediocre about this film, but at last we get closure to that burning, unresolved question: what happened to Nurse Ratched after she got fired from the crazy house?

Answer: She is now deep into a new, successful career in hospitality administration, managing a team of hotel employees and fulfilling important secretarial duties for Master Satan.

Louise Fletcher's performance is THE reason to watch!

A TV rarity!
I was surprised to find that this made-for-cable hotel chiller was creepy...even scary. Although acting may be a little dry, the special effects and action in this mystery make up for the acting. This movie must be good as my mom even likes it. This is a very great item. I love it...buy it!

Old-Fashioned Horror At Its Best!
9/10"This means that Nightmare on the 13th Floor" is a good movie especially for fans of the genre.

Nightmare on the 13th Floor is a movie that remained with me

after I watched it on TV. The 13th Floor and James Brolin make

the movie devilishly good and wickedly scary. The acting is

good, although some people in the movie were amateur like Kerry

Noonan as Gale Myers. Michele Greene, James Brolin and John

Karlen all show good spirit in their roles.

This movie should not be missed and is very rare. So order it

here from Amazon.com like I did. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Great Story, Mediocre Acting, Poor Tech
To begin with, this is not the PBS series. If you are familiar with Skinwalkers and Coyote Waits from PBS, this is far inferior. While the story is outstanding, the acting is wooden. Lou Diamond Phillips is a good actor, but he just can't pull off Jim Chee. Perhaps I would have had a different opinion if I hadn't seen Adam Beach's outstanding performance as Jim Chee first. I won't even get in to Fred Ward as Joe Leaphorn. Suffice it to say that Dark Wind is a Jim Chee novel, so there is little of Joe Leaphorn to be screwed up.

On the tech side, this is a really lousy DVD presentation. It is just a glorified VHS transfer. The sound is 2 channel, not 5.1. The presentation is full frame rather than widescreen, and there are plenty of funny intrusions from boom mikes and sun awnings.

Nevertheless, as cheap as this is going for, I am glad I bought it. The story is fantastic. Really good mystery. Only two complaints about the writing. First, there are several totally unnecessary uses of the F-word, as if they were just trying to get an R rating. I don't mind if profanity is necessary to the story, but even the actors sound like they don't think the word fits their lines. Second, do we really have to hear EVERYTHING that goes on in Chee's head? I mean really, the near constant voice overs get rather irritating.

If you want a really good adaptation of a Hillerman novel, try Skinwalkers or Coyote Waits. If you want a passable movie for a Saturday night, try this one.

MUCH Better than PBS, and I love Mystery!
If you love Hillerman's Chee-Leaphorn Dine' series, this is the one for you. Even tho I'm hearing, I like to turn on the closed captioning, esp when a language other than English is being spoken. And this version does it's best to put the Dine' words into English, unlike the PBS versions which say "Speaking Navajo." Ugh. Ok, Lou D.P. is Mex-American and Fred Ward (yep THAT Fred Ward from _Tremors_) is white, but so what. They're given a much better script that's true to the Chee and Leaphorn that Tony Hillerman wrote. In this one, Chee is doubtful who he is and where he belongs and Leaphorn is the steady one. PBS's had it reversed!?!

This one's the keeper. Don't even waste your time with the PBS versions. I suffered thru the first two and won't bother with any future ones. Which sux cause Wes Studi and Adam Beach are great actors. But you can't make the proverbial silk purse out of the proverbial sows ear.

Hillerman's novel comes to life
"Enemies unseen... Fears unspoken...... A dark wind has entered his soul"
Jim Chee, local rookie cop is guarding a windmill that is periodically being put out of business when he hears a plane crash. This leads to many mysteries including a body with a message in its mouth. This takes place on the reservation so we have an overlap of authority in the search for clues, between the local authorities (Lou Diamond Phillips as Officer Jim Chee, Fred Ward as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn) and the Feds. There is also overlapping rights between the Hopi and the Navaho.
If you have read Tony Hillerman then you will recognize your old friends. It is also nice to see the area where the story takes place around the Navajo reservation in Arizona and New Mexico. Of course being a different media there is some consolidation of characters and allowance for acting stile over written character description. The movie is still fun to watch.

Hillerman¿s novel comes to life
"Enemies unseen... Fears unspoken... ... A dark wind has entered his soul"

Jim Chee, local rookie cop is guarding a windmill that is periodically being put out of business when he hears a plane crash. This leads to many mysteries including a body with a message in its mouth. This takes place on the reservation so we have an overlap of authority in the search for clues, between the local authorities (Lou Diamond Phillips as Officer Jim Chee, Fred Ward as Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn) and the Feds. There is also overlapping rights between the Hopi and the Navaho.

If you have read Tony Hillerman then you will recognize your old friends. It is also nice to see the area where the story takes place around the Navajo reservation in Arizona and New Mexico. Of course being a different media there is some consolidation of characters and allowance for acting stile over written character description. The movie is still fun to watch.

True Hillerman
I'll never read another Tony Hillerman book now without picturing Lou Diamond Phillips as Jim Chee and Fred Ward as Joe Leaphorn. This movie would move slow to viewers not acquainted with Hillerman's work. But slow and methodical is exactly the way the tribal police approach crimes and solve problems in his books. This one remains faithful to the story, almost exactly following the book. If you aren't a Hillerman fan, you will be. After watching this movie, you'll be back to order the author's backlist of Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn mysteries! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Think you can't have that dreamboat? THINK AGAIN!
If I had a dime for everytime I've watched this movie...LOL I'd be pretty doggone rich! Ricki Lake and Craig Sheffer are wonderful together as the most unlikely couple you'd imagine being together. I loved this film because it explores the realm of possibility that you don't have to be a supermodel or anorexic to find love and happiness. It also points out another very important issue about size. Grace knew she was big, but it was her confidence, attitude, and out going personality that made her sexy and ulitimately irrestible to Rob. A great "feel good" movie for any woman who has lost her confidence that she can have her dreamboat man! I highly reccommend this film!

A Wonderful Film!!!!!
When I first watched "Babycakes" years ago on television, I immediately fell in love with it! Ricki Lake does an excellent job playing Grace, an overweight lady with a larger-than-life personality and an even larger heart.

The story revolves around her struggle to "fit in" and finally have a boyfriend. Grace and her friend spot and handsome guy named Rob while ice skating, and Grace makes it her mission to make this guy her own. She tries just about everything, but the one thing that really got him was her ability to be herself and not worry about what others thought about her. It was through her relationship (both good and bad aspects) with Rob that gave her the self-esteem she desperately needed. The movie concludes with a happy ending that will leave a permanent smile on your face!

I highly recommend this film to anyone who would like to see an excellent, heart-warming film. This film really does let you know that you don't have to be the size of a model model to find true love, happiness, or respect and adoration - a lesson that so many people should learn. :) Watch this movie! You won't be disappointed!!!!

A Cute Film
What I liked about this movie is that it is more than meets the eye. It is one of the best romantic comedies that I have seen in recent times, which is why I'm surprised that more people don't know about it. The storyline is pretty standard (overweight, pessimistic girl think she can't find love - but runs into the man of her dreams), but yet the movie was done in such a way that it seemed realistic and not too fairytale-like. It has a universal appeal, especially to those of us who have been through periods of our lives where we felt low about ourselves or negative about finding true love. Although Ricki Lake's character is "overweight", this movie would appea to any woman because the feelings she has in this movie are ones that relate to just about any woman, no matter your size or shape. This is a good film to watch on Valentine's Day or if you are ever in the mood for a good romantic comedy.

A fair remake of a 1985 classic
This film is a remake of a German film called "Zuckerbaby" - translated Sugarbaby - by noted German filmmaker Percy Adlon (he also directed Salmonberries starring k.d. lang (and her video So In Love from the Cole Porter AIDS tribute cd, Red Hot +Blue) as well as "Bagdad Cafe" and "Rosalie Goes Shopping". This American version is indeed a sweet remake, but not as dark as the original. In the original film (which I prefer), Marianne Sagebrecht plays the Ricki Lake part. In it, the makepup artist for the dead spends much of the time trying to get the conductor on the train to notice her. She eventually wins his affection briefly. The difference is how the relationships are handled. In the original, the main character hs no friends or family in the area. She doesn't end up a winner, either. In fact in the original film, she is confronted on a dancefloor by the conductor's girlfriend, who calls her disgusting and beats her in front of everyone...she ends up ultimately alone...Zuckerbaby is highly recommended for anyone that has seen Babycakes..

An old favorite
I cannot count how many times I have seen this movie, and I have loved it every time. Ricki Lake does a great job and while I will admit that in my pessimistic opinion it is a little unbelievable, but I say why shouldn't life be this way? When I am down or depressed and unhappy about the way I look, this is one of the first movies I reach for. A great chick flick. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

WEIRD, QUIRKY, AND COMPELLING...
In the quiet, little, rural town of Sutcliffe in Anywhere, USA, its citizens are suddenly freed from all constraints. They begin acting out their unspoken thoughts. They lose all self control. The town goes from being an idyllic, sleepy little pueblo to a hot bed of sex, murder, and raging testosterone. All its citizens seem to be acting on impulse.

Meg Tilly and Tim Matheson star as a young couple in love in this unsung film. Their world is turned upside down, when Meg's mother does something unspeakable. Suddenly, it is as if their entire world has gone awry. Look for Hume Cronyn who is wonderfully cast as the trusted, family doctor. See what he does when he gets sick and tired of his patient, Meg's mother. A very young Bill Paxton plays Meg Tilly's brother. Trust me, he has his own problems. See what happens to Tim Matheson, when he gives in to a sudden impulse. Will true love win out? Watch the film and find out for yourself. It is well worth viewing.

This movie is reminiscent of a very good Twilight Zone episode. At times I felt as if I were waiting for Rod Sterling to interject himself into the film with a narrative. It is a very interesting and quirky film. Some of the scenes are quite startling. Those who enjoy sci-fi, horror, and off beat films, will enjoy this one.

Excellent 80's style movie.
This was not a made for TV movie. I saw this at the theatre when it was released in 1984. What it is lacking in acting, it makes up for in substance. It presents a story of what could happen if we were to lose control of our Freudian "ID" or our impluse center. Everyone has experienced the rage response sometime in their lives. Having studied behavioral science for years this behavior has been duplicated in the laboratory. This is an excellent film for psychology students or anyone interested in human behavior. Since the government really does have a terrible problem with hazardous waste disposal, the implications of this film are very real.

A good Twilight Zone type horror film
I saw this on tv years ago. I believe it was made for tv. A pre-fame Bill Paxton has a small role as Tilly's older brother. It's a good entertaining movie. It's not gory. It's actually a rip-off of the George Romero film "The Crazies" from 1974. It's the exact same plot but Impulse is much, much better. I think there's also a Shatner version of Impulse from the 70's. Don't believe what L.Maltin says. ... Read more