Reviews (20)

Good movie.
When you first see Omri, a kid who's short, has messy hair and not the greatest teeth in the world, you don't think anything interesting can happen to him. But something does. His best friend, Patrick, gives him a toy Indian for his birthday. At his party, his brother gives him an old cupboard that he found in the crawlspace of their house. Omri's mother tells Omri that if he can find a key out of her collection, he can have it. He does. It was a key that his great-grandmother gave to his mother.
When Omri carelessly puts the toy Indian into the cupboard and locks it, the toy comes to life.
At first, the Indian (Little Bear) is scared, but eventually learns to trust Omri. Omri gives Little Bear whatever he desires, tools, food, and a hatchett from a knight! However, when he was getting a bow and arrow from an old Indian, the Indian is scared to death--literally! Omri realizes that these "Toys" have real lives and that they aren't something to fool around with. When Patrick discovers Omri's secret, he brings back a Cowboy named Boone. Little Bear and Boone eventually become friends. Omri takes Boone and Little Bear to school (Patrick wanted him to) and Omri displays that he has learned that the "toys" were people by saying "You can't! They're people! You can't use people!" When Patrick was going to show them to friends. Omri's brother takes Omri's cupbaord as a cruel joke and the key gets lost! What's worse, Boone is seriously wounded, and without medical attention, he will die! Omri realizes that Little Bear and Boone's safety and hapiness meant more to him than the novelty of having them. So Omri declares that when the key was found, they were sending Boone and Little Bear home.
The key is eventually found, and Omri is forced to let Little Bear and Boone go. Little Bear and Omri share one last moment, and then he sends them back.
This was a very good movie, at least fo me, and it's a good movie for kids to watch.

beautiful book, horrible movie
I remember rushing out to watch this movie when it first appeared in theaters, since I was an enormous fan of the Lyn Reed Banks books. Alass, this movie took what could have been a wonderful adaptation, and turned it into a dumbed-down pile of insipid script and mostly forced acting. When I first saw it, I loved everything about it and immediately fell in love with the boy playing Omri, but now, I realize that his acting is horrible, but it's not his fault. The script is below mediocre; it's pitifully babyish. Lyn Reed Banks's stories had a charm of old-fashioned nostalgia to them, not so with this film. It has been completely modernized, including a few curse words, a relocation to the US, and a total emphasis on stereotyping the characters and making as many comical gags at their expense as possible. I will admit that there are several very touching moments, and even a little educational value to this, since Litefoot plays his character perfectly, and Frank Oz did feel inclined to at least include a song and a few sundry bits of the Iroquois language here. But overall, I would recommend the books over this.

Misconceptions of First Nations Peoples
The white family portrayed in this movie is not a normal disfunctional family. The three brothers seldomly argue, the parents are in constant state of bliss with each other living in a beautiful big house in an urban city in the United States of America. This view is a complete opposite of what the First Nations Peoples family life is considered to be and sets up the notion that First Nations Peoples would be better of with the White man's lifetsyle.
The youngest child brings to life a traditional image of an Haudenusaunee toy, decked out in feathers, leather loin cloth and a shaved head, with a magical cupboard given to him by his brother for his birthday. The child's reaction to seeing the toy alive was, "are you a real Indian?" as if they were extinct like dinosaurs. Throughout the movie there is no encounter with a present day First Nations Peoples to balance the movie or to quash the idea of extinction. Once they aquaint each other and Little Bear explains that he is from 1761, he trustingly jumps into the child's hand as the music grows. So historically the White man was always nurturing to the indian, right? In another irony, the boy gives a plot of land. He took his mothers flower box for growing infant plants and even brought a tippi to life so as Little Bear could have a home.
The boy feels the need to educate himself on his new found pet and takes out books on the Iroquois, known officially as the Haudenusaunee (meaning "people of the long house") that are almost as old as Little Bear and are tainted with Eurocentric views on the Haudenusaunee. The name Iroquois came from their enemy, the Algonquin who called them the Iroqu, meaning "rattlesnakes." The French later added the suffix "-ois" to the previous name given by the Algonquin.
When the boy's friend catches on about the 'closet,' his friend puts in a cowboy and brings it to life. This ruff, alcoholic and his horse is fearless and starts yelling out "I'dien?" when he finds out about Little Bear. Once he sees him he starts screaming "Redskin" and the dialogue continues in the same vein, which would be considered unacceptable if the word was "nigger" and it was a clansman that came alive. This Cowboy and Indian brings up memories of the adults' childhoods that are watching the movie with their kids, not correcting their own misconceptions.

One of the best movies in the 90's
The Indian in the Cupboard stars Hal Scardino and Litefoot. It is about a boy who turns 9 years old and gets a magical cupboard as a birthday present. And the cupboard brings to life toys. As the movie opens, Omri (Hal Scardino) got a cupboard as a birthday present. But there is no key. So his mom (Linsay Crouse) promises Ormi if he finds a key that works the cupboard she will give it to him. And the key that works is a key that his mom got for her dying grandma (when her grandma had nothing to leave her). Ormi puts in a liitle indian he also got for his birthday for his best freind Patrick (Rishi Bhat).

My favorite movie
I was about 9 or 10 when this movie came out. I love everything about it. After I saw it I wanted a cupboard just like the one in the movie with a key and everything. I remember spending hours in the kicthen putting little figurines in the cupboards and seeing if they came alive or not. This is the best movie. I just wish it came in french. ... Read more

Reviews (22)

i love this movie. i watch it all the time. i love vincent k
i love vincent kartheiser. i liked him in the indian in the cupboard. he is so cute. i also liked him in alaska, but my favorite is masterminds. it so cool. my sister also love vincent but i think i have a bigger crush. i bought her this movie to make her stop taking mine. still i think that if u havent seen him in this movie buy it. i am telling you, "it's a great movie" now if u look at the other review i bet they agree with me. so take our advice and get this movie. vincent is so cute. and a wiz on the computer makes him more adorable.

Hot Tropical Sun
Ok, I realize there could be a lot to rag on for this movie, but in the end, the acting is good, the plot line is interesting and continuous, and the ending is awesome. Vincent Kartheiser plays a kind of person which no longer exists, though it was only the early 90's...a skater/hacker. Come on, that's cool in itself.

And really...who could miss Patrick Stewart doing a little dance?
Ok, I have to go, but I love this movie. See it, I don't know why it was so unpopular. Ollie is awesome too.

Rock on!

DVD VERSION PLEASE!
Ok, so i didn't really like this movie, but I WANT IT ON DVD. The only reason why I want it is for the first 15 minutes of the movie when the main character is introduced...I mean.. a skater and a computer hacker..AWESOME!

Please somebody tell me where I can find a DVD version and/or when it will be out and/or where I can download it...I need it!

andrew41@onvol.net

Make room for Vincent!!
Move over, DiCaprio; Vincent Kartheiser has arrived!! He rocks! This is definitely one of the most entertaining movies of all time! I enjoyed it from start to finish. There was not one flaw in it that I could find, aside from the obvious computer illiteracy of the screenwriter and director. Then again, "Hackers" and "The Net" had the exact same problem, so what can be said? Aside from that, no flaws whatsoever. Buy it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hmm..
This movie reminds me of the movie "Toy Soldiers" starring Sean Astin.. maybe thats because this is the most blatant plot recycling in history, considering its literally the same movie with different actors. The original is better. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A great cast and soundtrack equals a great movie
Like other people who have seen this film, I must admit that I rented it once and then bought a copy immediately afterwards. Supposedly based on Dostoyevsky's novel "Crime and Punishment" with a modern, suburban American setting, this film from director Rob Schmidt (Wrong Turn) is an enormously entertaining look at the plight of alienated youth. I know, I know; the idea of "alienated youth" is so ridiculous and so overdone these days that just referring to the phrase ought to elicit snorts of derision from the viewing public. What elevates "Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" above the usual fare in this genre is the great cast, how Schmidt organizes his film, and the grand soundtrack. Of course, the gorgeous Monica Keena in the lead role of Roseanne Skolnik certainly made my heart thump a few times. Yes, this movie is a teen drama, but it appeals even to an old fogy like me. There are a few flaws, especially the extremely loose association made with Dostoyevsky's novel, but they are few in number overall.

Roseanne Skolnik, on the surface, seems to have everything a young bubblehead could want in this world. She is beautiful, lives in a huge house, is extremely popular in school, and even dates a star member of the football team. Behind the face she presents to the public, however, Roseanne aches inside. Her alcoholic salesman stepfather, played with incredible range by the versatile Michael Ironsides, torments Roseanne and her mother every chance he gets. Skolnik's mother Maggie (Ellen Barkin) can barely contain her increasing sense of frustration as she attempts to navigate around her drunken husband. We learn about Roseanne's tortured private life through the eyes of social misfit Vincent (Vincent Kartheiser), a Goth type guy who has a major crush on Roseanne. Vincent follows her around wherever she goes taking dozens of photographs of his love, and he quickly realizes she is a fellow sufferer in desperate need of assistance.

Vincent stands back for the most part, though, because he recognizes that he must wait for Roseanne to freefall before he can help. Skolnik's destruction isn't long in coming after her stepfather commits an appalling act and Roseanne enlists the assistance of her boyfriend Jimmy (James DeBello) in order to seek bloody revenge against her tormentor. Horrible crimes, however justified they may be, often lead to unforeseen circumstances. This is exactly what happens when the police pin a murder charge on Maggie Skolnik, a prime suspect in the death of patriarch Skolnik because she had left her husband for another man shortly before the crime took place. Roseanne must confront her guilt and soon finds herself gravitating to the soothing influence of Vincent in order to assuage her conscience. A terrible choice must be made, and ultimately is, and the conclusion of the film deals with the aftermath of Roseanne's actions.

I simply adored the cast of this film. Monica Keena, who deserves as many accolades as possible, plays Roseanne quite well. It is interesting to see her physically change as the public humiliation caused by several family incidents turns her into a social pariah. Vincent Kartheiser plays his role a little too smoothly perhaps, as it is difficult to imagine a teenager having his life this together, but he also gets you to root for his character and hope that this odd looking kid wins over Roseanne in the end. Ellen Barkin really needs no description; she is always good in any role no matter how major or minor. Is it just me or is Barkin one of those women who get better looking the older they get? The real standout performance in "Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" is Michael Ironsides as the rapidly disintegrating Fred Skolnik. We usually see this actor playing the heavy in movies like "Scanners" and "Total Recall," but here he plays a different type of bad guy, one who Schmidt invests with enough contradictions to make the viewer sort of feel for the man. What he does to Roseanne is obviously beyond the pale, but the problems he faces in life and the difficulties he has with his wife should invoke some sympathy on the part of the audience. It helps that Ironsides possesses the chops to pull the role off. The only character I disliked was James DeBello's turn as the thickheaded Jimmy.

"Crime + Punishment in Suburbia" is a visually interesting film, centered as it is on several noticeable book like chapter breaks. There could have been less MTV style editing, a technique I think has been done to death over the past few years, although even I have to admit it works well here. A few scenes left me scratching my head, such as the "Triumph of the Will" type football pep rally; perhaps subsequent viewings will allow me to decipher what the significance of scenes like this mean. Fortunately, most difficulties in the film disappear due to the excellent characters and marvelous soundtrack. The DVD version of the movie offers a commentary with director Rob Schmidt and Michael Ironsides (no Monica Keena, regrettably) and both widescreen and fullscreen picture transfers. A final note: ignore the over the top box cover and just watch the movie. If you like fine performances, you will enjoy this movie.

A solid cast and story, destroyed by the pretentious styling
This movie is an example of how badly an interesting and solid story can be squandered due to a directors ridiculous excesses. The plot follows a teenage girl who is tormented by her family situation, and she commits a rather brutal crime and she eventually can't live with whats happened as a result of it, and she gives in. That's a rather generic plot outline, but I don't like giving away plot-lines in my review. I think a general outline should suffice. Rob Schmidt, the director, has decided to let his presence be known at every place he can, from the ridiculous chapter slides at the beginning of each section of the film, to the style of the film itself. It is so self-consciously arty, its like he can't let the story simply unfold. The voiceovers from the angelic faced stalker are the most troubling aspect, I hate voiceovers in general, but these are the most pretentious ones I have heard in a long time. Note to future filmmakers: NO PHILOSOPHY IN VOICEOVERS. The reason I give it three stars, is basically because of the acting. Monica Keena gives a very convincing performance, and shows that talent lurks underneath the very enticing exterior. Michael Ironside gives an outstanding performance as the abusive father, his spontaneous explosions of fury are very convincing. Ellen Barkin and others all flourish in supporting roles. This movie could have been great, very very easily. The story was there, but the Director had to become an artist at the expense of the film, which I think will turn a lot of people off.

What was so great about this movie?
With the exception of Michael Ironside (who played a very despisable character, brilliantly), this movie was a disappoinment. I'll admit the plot was pretty recycled at times. I actually thought that the ending was going to have a twist to it. Hell no. It ended, cut and dry. Kind of boring at times, no real thriller here. For a little bit, it had the feel of the movie "Wild Things." Don't ask me why. File this under department "POS."

Quite an enigma
There's no better way to put it, this film is an enigma, at least for me. At times it can be laughable because of how serious it takes itself and at other moments you get drawn into the obsessive tone of the film. It's hard to categorize this film when it simply wants to enjoy being anonymous and ellusive. The film would probably be a good cult movie if only it had a cult following. Though it could never live up to the competitors, including Donnie Darko (which had a better script, actors, and director).

Though being a very loose adaptation of the classic novel, it might draw people to enquire about the novel. I would hope that would be one of the outcomes of people viewing this film.

But if you're looking for a dark teen film watch Donnie Darko instead.

"Crime + Punishment" DVD Review
Rob Schmidt's modern day take on Dostoyevsky is a promising film that is so drowned in glossy imagery and bleak characters that it never seems to generate the type of interest in story-telling that it should. Monica Keena is the beautiful head cheerleader who seems to have the perfect life but in reality is trapped in a suburban nightmare. Vincent Kartheiser ("Another Day In Paradise") is the token bright but misunderstood outcast who lusts for Keena but can't find a way to her heart. When she murders her abusive stepfather with the help of her jock boyfriend, the evidence ends up pointing to her mother. This leads to a cycle of events that never seem to be captured with the level of drama or intesity that you'd expect. "Crime + Punishment" is as dark and devoid of energy as Larry Clark's "Kids" or Darren Aronofsky's "Requeim For A Dream" but it doesn't stand out the way they did. There are some solid perfomances from Keena and the always-dependable Michael Ironside as her drunken stepdad but none of the characters ever seem to stand out. While the story bares a passing resemblance to "American Beauty" in some areas, Schmidt never seems to move past his love for visual flare and give us any type of intriguing character moments. Keena's closing narrative makes for a good way to end the film but it seems like a case of "too little, too late" in my opinion. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Fraser Heston captures the danger and beauty of Alaska in thisadventurous family film about two kids who embark on a very personalrescue mission. Former 747 pilot Jake Barnes (Dirk Benedict) moved away from a fast-pacedChicago lifestyle with his two children, Jessie and Sean, after the deathof his wife. While daughter Jessie thoroughly enjoys and excels in hernew surroundings, son Sean's moodiness and homesickness escalates. Onestormy night Jake's small plane crashes during an emergency flight,leaving him stuck on a treacherous cliff with a broken leg and no radio.The local search and rescue team soon gives up, prompting Sean and Jessieto kayak, hike, canoe, and rappel their way over many lush and snowy milesto save their dad.

Younger kids will enjoy the antics of Cubby, the baby polar bear whobefriends the youthful trekkers and eventually leads them to theirfather. They'll also enjoy the good-natured sibling rivalry between thetough but tender-hearted Jessie (Thora Birch of Now and Then) andSean (Vincent Kartheiser of The Indian in the Cupboard) and a chanceto hiss at the two evil poachers (including the director's father,Charlton Heston). Parents, on the other hand, may feel compelled toexplain etiquette around wild animals, the dangers of hypothermia, andhow to pack for a long hike. But the scenic Cook's tour of Alaska andBritish Columbia makes some of these otherwise corny elements tolerable togrown-ups. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (19)

ALASKA
Thrilling mixed emotions is what you'll encounter after and while watching the Alaska a hit family film directed in 1996 by the famous director Fraser Heston. This movie not only has a strong family message but it is packed full of various emotions. The emotions range from totally down in the dumps sadness, example when a polar bear gets shot by pothers to thrilling happiness when the father is rescued. The real reason for watching this movie I think is a totally cute polar bear named Cubby. This young bear's mother is killed by pothers in the area; which I what I was talking about earlier. Cubby plays a major part helping two kids which named are 13 year old Jessie ( Thora Birch )and 15 year old Sean (Vincent Kartheiser ), find there missing father which disappeared during an emergency flight.

A good movie with great visuals
I can't believe that "Alaska" isn't getting better reviews than it is. A movie doesn't have to be one of the best ever to be a great movie. I thought it was a good all around movie. Two teens go on a search for their father after his plane crashes and the police show that they're not willing to search for him as much as the kids think they should be. Along the way, the kids run into poachers and they find a friendly polar bear that follows them the rest of the way trying to protect them. They have to find their father and then figure out a way to rescue him.

"Alaska" works well as a good adventure movie and it realistically shows family drama at the beginning of the movie. Surprisingly, parts of it such as when the kids are trying to save their dad, are even exciting. All the way through the movie you'll see spectacular scenery, which goes along great with the plot. Myself, I liked "Alaska" and I don't see why a lot of people don't like it that much, except for maybe that they're expecting too much from the movie. Just don't watch "Alaska" and expect it to be like a movie blockbuster, just watch it like it's a regular Tv movie, and you should like it pretty well. I recommend this movie for anybody.

Just plain silly without meaning to be.
The problems this movie faces are more daunting than the teenagers' search for their missing father; the plot is paper thin and equally transparent. That a self-centered and disfunctional family is suddenly cured of all their ills in this moment of crisis is patently false. Worse the movie doesn't instill any respect for the wilderness meaning that any impressionable child that watches might be misled as to the dangers of their activities. The fact that polar bears do not frequent high mountains strains what little crudulity remains, reinforced by terrible film editing which reveals the cub at the end rejoining a ploar bear family group which low and behold is somehow no longer in the mountains, but on coastal tundra. The scene, the lighting, and the film quality all demonstrate totally different animals and locations. Any film editor should have been able to do a better job of blending the clips, but it seems the maker of this movie thought those watching were even less informed than they were and just didn't care.

One of the worse films I have seen in ages. My kids even thought this was just plain silly. Those entralled with this movie must check their reasoning powers at the door, because for any thinking person, even kids, it is almost insultingly dumb.

Predictable and unbelievable at the same time
This movie tells the story of two young people, Jessie and Sean, who have moved to Alaska with their father after their mother's death. Jessie is making the best of the move, but Sean is very unhappy that he has been uprooted from his home in Chicago. When their father's plane crashes during what was to have been a routine flight, Jessie and Sean decide to rescue him. What follows is totally unbelievable, but there is some exciting action during the rescue and the scenery is spectacular. Mostly designed as a children's movie, the scenery is probably the best part for adults.

Almost a great kid's action movie
Overall, I really liked watching this movie with kids from 10-13 years old. The bear cub is a cute idea to keep younger children interested but not very believeable since polar bears don't live in the mountains. There is some character development as the boy, Sean, regrets mean things he said to his father and appreciates and uses the skills he has learned from him. There is a strong femaale, the sister, good to see in a kids' movie. The special effects are really quite well done.

I only have two real gripes. First is the needless swearing of the "bad guys". Lots of "dammit" all through the movie.

Second,the climax, where Cubby takes the end of the rope and supposedly saves the father, is a disappointment. Up until then Cubby has just been a distracting side bar. Just when we are engaged in the most exciting part of the movie and there is an opportunity for the children to really pull off a heroic deed, it is Cubby who grabs the tail of the rope and gnaws on it to save the dad.

The scenery is beautiful. There are wonderful shots of a glacier, kayaking on open water, canoeing on a river, and rock climbing that just make me want to hop a plane to Alaska. The writing and editing are well done. The characters are believable for the most part (it is a children's movie, after all).

There are a few other minor problems. The father is in the open on a snowy mountain for 3 days with no blanket but doesn't seem to suffer from hypothermia. The police give up the search way to early. And the kids don't leave a note or anything about where they are going when they take off for the Devil's Thumb Pass to find their father.

I think parents should watch this with their kids and point these things out as they watch the movie. This can be a good way to teach critical thinking.

This is an exciting, beautiful movie with something for everyone in the family. Have fun with it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If you're a die-hard romantic with a soft spot for three-hanky weepers, this well-acted love story from 1993 will be just what the doctor ordered. It's about a waitress named Caroline (Marisa Tomei) who works the graveyard shift in a Minneapolis diner, where the silent, introverted Adam (Christian Slater) works as a dishwasher and janitor. Only Caroline manages to bring the solitary Adam out of his shell, and when he rescues her from an assault, their tentative friendship slowly blossoms into mutual trust and love. Adam has a weak heart and desperately needs a heart transplant, but a story told to him by orphanage nuns--that he was raised in the jungle with the powerful heart of a baboon--makes him feel invincible. This sets the stage for a tender and tragic love story that director Tony Bill handles as a delicate balance of blue-collar reality and misty-eyed fairy tale, and the quiet chemistry between Tomei and Slater makes it work. If you don't get a little choked up by the movie's heartfelt conclusion, you just might need a heart transplant yourself. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Great love story
Untamed Heart,starring Marisa Tomei and Christian Slater,is one of the best love stories I've ever seen,and one of the saddest.Tomei stars as Caroline(who,even though I know she's a fictitious character,I absolutely fell in love with while watching this movie),a young woman who has been hurt in her relationships.Slater stars as Adam,the shy busboy with a bad heart,who works at the same diner as Caroline,and has loved her from afar.They're brought together,when Adam saves Caroline from two would-be rapists on the way home from work one night.But,later Caroline's assailants stab Adam in the stomach,and while he was in the hospital,Caroline learns that he needs a heart transplant very badly.He refuses,and seems okay for a while and they're love blossoms even further,and when things seem to be going great for Caroline and Adam,he dies on his birthday on the way home from a hockey game.Both Tomei and Slater give Oscar caliber performances,and Rosie Perez is very good as Caroline's best friend Cindy.The musical score by Cliff Eidelmann is very good,and adds to the film a lot.Overall,while probably not for everyone,this is a very good movie which I like a lot.

such a beautiful love story !!
I have to say i'm a hopeless romantic and this movie definately fills the need. When I first saw this movie on tv I remember hearing about it when it was out in 1993.I thought oh it's probrably one of those lame movies where the actors have no chemestry and a pretictable ending like he dies in a hospital bed and she's weeping or something and that's ow it ends . No way folks this is so much better. The chemistry really works well for tomei and slater.I love the part when he rescues her from the two creeps who try to rape her.And he so sweet about it how he covers her up with his coat after the creeps rip open her shirt.I love the fact that he wants to take care of her.ooh and in another pivotal scene is when after she thanks him for saving her he tells her that usually every night he would fllow her home to make sure she got home safe then says that on that night he was sorry he was late . ooh you have to see what I mean watch the movie.if by any chance any one is a fan of GH then you may see some similiarities t the story line between lucky and liz.it's very much the same romantic way. I love tis movie it's definately up there with some where in time and semi titanic but way better than titanic.

Untamed Heart
i found this film to be brilliant, it is a true romance i love it. i have watched it tons of times and i enjoy it even more each time i do, i cry all the time even though i know what is coming it is just one of those films. i thought Christian Slater played the role very well as did Marisa Tomei. if you have not seen it yet buy it you will not be disappointed!!

Please Pass The Kleenex...
Where do I begin? This is one of my most favorite romantic movies of all time! To say it was sweet and yet sad does not even begin to do it justice. This movie draws you in heart and soul. You feel sorry for Adam's tragic life of being left alone as a child because of his bad heart. Then you feel bad for him because he is alone as an adult. Yet at the same time, you feel bad that Caroline can't find love or a decent guy to share time with. Then she finds Adam! When Adam saves her from two rapists, you can't help but believe that chivalry is alive again! You can see Slater and Tomei's chemistry together and they just seem to "fit". One of the most touching parts of the movie for me was when Caroline was cutting Adam's hair and they had a beautiful conversation and he opened his heart about being alone because the Nuns felt it better not to hurt his health by letting him be out with people. Slater did an excellent job of portraying his loneliness, but he also showed a gentleness you don't see in the movies much these days. Adam (Slater) opens up to Caroline and she sees that he has a heart of gold. Caroline (Tomei) did an excellent job taking Adam's love and the two fell in deep! If you love romance movies, you will love this! You will be rooting for the characters all the way! This movie is one you can watch over and over again and never get tired of it. Rent it, or better, "Buy it" today!!!

HINTS OF CHARM BUT NOT QUITE A GEM..
Your regular watchable romantic movie with some good chemistry between the characters, not just the protagonists. Sadly, the plot was somewhat predictable and didn't do justice to what could have been a great theme. The script failed to challenge, choosing instead to sporadically produce some touching dialogue that draws you gently into the story but never quite reaches any significant depth. If this were music it would be in the 'easy listening' category which is a shame because there could have been so much more. Worth watching however in spite of that, especially if you enjoyed the likes of Notting Hill or My Best Friend's Wedding. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Good movie.
When you first see Omri, a kid who's short, has messy hair and not the greatest teeth in the world, you don't think anything interesting can happen to him. But something does. His best friend, Patrick, gives him a toy Indian for his birthday. At his party, his brother gives him an old cupboard that he found in the crawlspace of their house. Omri's mother tells Omri that if he can find a key out of her collection, he can have it. He does. It was a key that his great-grandmother gave to his mother.
When Omri carelessly puts the toy Indian into the cupboard and locks it, the toy comes to life.
At first, the Indian (Little Bear) is scared, but eventually learns to trust Omri. Omri gives Little Bear whatever he desires, tools, food, and a hatchett from a knight! However, when he was getting a bow and arrow from an old Indian, the Indian is scared to death--literally! Omri realizes that these "Toys" have real lives and that they aren't something to fool around with. When Patrick discovers Omri's secret, he brings back a Cowboy named Boone. Little Bear and Boone eventually become friends. Omri takes Boone and Little Bear to school (Patrick wanted him to) and Omri displays that he has learned that the "toys" were people by saying "You can't! They're people! You can't use people!" When Patrick was going to show them to friends. Omri's brother takes Omri's cupbaord as a cruel joke and the key gets lost! What's worse, Boone is seriously wounded, and without medical attention, he will die! Omri realizes that Little Bear and Boone's safety and hapiness meant more to him than the novelty of having them. So Omri declares that when the key was found, they were sending Boone and Little Bear home.
The key is eventually found, and Omri is forced to let Little Bear and Boone go. Little Bear and Omri share one last moment, and then he sends them back.
This was a very good movie, at least fo me, and it's a good movie for kids to watch.

beautiful book, horrible movie
I remember rushing out to watch this movie when it first appeared in theaters, since I was an enormous fan of the Lyn Reed Banks books. Alass, this movie took what could have been a wonderful adaptation, and turned it into a dumbed-down pile of insipid script and mostly forced acting. When I first saw it, I loved everything about it and immediately fell in love with the boy playing Omri, but now, I realize that his acting is horrible, but it's not his fault. The script is below mediocre; it's pitifully babyish. Lyn Reed Banks's stories had a charm of old-fashioned nostalgia to them, not so with this film. It has been completely modernized, including a few curse words, a relocation to the US, and a total emphasis on stereotyping the characters and making as many comical gags at their expense as possible. I will admit that there are several very touching moments, and even a little educational value to this, since Litefoot plays his character perfectly, and Frank Oz did feel inclined to at least include a song and a few sundry bits of the Iroquois language here. But overall, I would recommend the books over this.

Misconceptions of First Nations Peoples
The white family portrayed in this movie is not a normal disfunctional family. The three brothers seldomly argue, the parents are in constant state of bliss with each other living in a beautiful big house in an urban city in the United States of America. This view is a complete opposite of what the First Nations Peoples family life is considered to be and sets up the notion that First Nations Peoples would be better of with the White man's lifetsyle.
The youngest child brings to life a traditional image of an Haudenusaunee toy, decked out in feathers, leather loin cloth and a shaved head, with a magical cupboard given to him by his brother for his birthday. The child's reaction to seeing the toy alive was, "are you a real Indian?" as if they were extinct like dinosaurs. Throughout the movie there is no encounter with a present day First Nations Peoples to balance the movie or to quash the idea of extinction. Once they aquaint each other and Little Bear explains that he is from 1761, he trustingly jumps into the child's hand as the music grows. So historically the White man was always nurturing to the indian, right? In another irony, the boy gives a plot of land. He took his mothers flower box for growing infant plants and even brought a tippi to life so as Little Bear could have a home.
The boy feels the need to educate himself on his new found pet and takes out books on the Iroquois, known officially as the Haudenusaunee (meaning "people of the long house") that are almost as old as Little Bear and are tainted with Eurocentric views on the Haudenusaunee. The name Iroquois came from their enemy, the Algonquin who called them the Iroqu, meaning "rattlesnakes." The French later added the suffix "-ois" to the previous name given by the Algonquin.
When the boy's friend catches on about the 'closet,' his friend puts in a cowboy and brings it to life. This ruff, alcoholic and his horse is fearless and starts yelling out "I'dien?" when he finds out about Little Bear. Once he sees him he starts screaming "Redskin" and the dialogue continues in the same vein, which would be considered unacceptable if the word was "nigger" and it was a clansman that came alive. This Cowboy and Indian brings up memories of the adults' childhoods that are watching the movie with their kids, not correcting their own misconceptions.

One of the best movies in the 90's
The Indian in the Cupboard stars Hal Scardino and Litefoot. It is about a boy who turns 9 years old and gets a magical cupboard as a birthday present. And the cupboard brings to life toys. As the movie opens, Omri (Hal Scardino) got a cupboard as a birthday present. But there is no key. So his mom (Linsay Crouse) promises Ormi if he finds a key that works the cupboard she will give it to him. And the key that works is a key that his mom got for her dying grandma (when her grandma had nothing to leave her). Ormi puts in a liitle indian he also got for his birthday for his best freind Patrick (Rishi Bhat).

My favorite movie
I was about 9 or 10 when this movie came out. I love everything about it. After I saw it I wanted a cupboard just like the one in the movie with a key and everything. I remember spending hours in the kicthen putting little figurines in the cupboards and seeing if they came alive or not. This is the best movie. I just wish it came in french. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Would Merging Pasts Thrill Someone? I say, yes.
'The Unsaid' is a distinct movie, in that it makes many different attempts in the name of alleviating suspense in a film. Psychology and the problems enhanced by its nature usually form the grounds of the plots of most American movies. This movie, is an addition. But, it goes beyond that state, by presenting a psychological quandary and developing on it until the end of the movie.

To be more specific, Andy Garcia plays the therapist, who has lost his son recently by his suicide. One of his fellows asks for help in a case of one of her patients, Vincent Kartheiser who comes out to have an extraordinary past. Having sworn not to deal with anymore patients, Garcia still cannot refrain himself from seeing and helping him. The fact that Andy hasn't been able to forget the pain of his son's loss will make Andy's therapy of Vincent very special, because after some time with him, Vincent will reminisce Andy's own son.

Moreover, in the course of the movie, what you think you know will be altered by the surprising revelations. Different pasts will merge with others. The movie will become a thrilling psychological tension. You definitely do not want to miss this movie, by any means. Nothing, but 'The Unsaid' will be on your mind for a long time, after you see the movie.

The Unsaid Says A Lot
The very best actors are primarily interested in expressing their talent and making a good movie. Andy Garcia and Al Pacino are two that come to mind. Both seem to work with their supporting cast to bring out the best in them. This is definitely the case in "The Unsaid" and it's wonderful to watch talented actors working together to make an entertaining movie. The movie has no shallow parts and deals with the subject of a child's suicide and the aftermath realistically. Sometimes it's hard to watch because you deeply feel the pain of the father played by Andy Garcia. It shows how suicide tears the family structure apart. The remaining sibling feels neglected by her father and each family member feels responsible for the death in some way. The father is a psychologist but cannot deal with his own pain. In this frame of mind, he starts treating a patient that has experienced the murder of his mother that is the same age as his dead son. Two wounded souls are given an opportunity to either face the truth and start healing or repress the truth and destroy themselves. Both have secrets and shame they are hiding. A touching movie with some wonderful acting.

Excellent
Speechless. Everything about this movie is excellent. Worth buying if you don't want to buy then rent.

A REAL SLEEPER!
PLEASE do not overlook this movie because it is not well known. A GREAT thriller with lots of twists! This one one of the best movies I have seen all year!

not your average thriller
When this movie begins, although the acting is very good, you think it is an average thriller. you expect Kartheiser will play mind games with Garcia but Garcia will finally manage to overcome it. The movie is much more true than that. The movie is very real, but yet it is a true thrill and a surprise and an interest at the same time. I highly recomend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Fraser Heston captures the danger and beauty of Alaska in thisadventurous family film about two kids who embark on a very personalrescue mission. Former 747 pilot Jake Barnes (Dirk Benedict) moved away from a fast-pacedChicago lifestyle with his two children, Jessie and Sean, after the deathof his wife. While daughter Jessie thoroughly enjoys and excels in hernew surroundings, son Sean's moodiness and homesickness escalates. Onestormy night Jake's small plane crashes during an emergency flight,leaving him stuck on a treacherous cliff with a broken leg and no radio.The local search and rescue team soon gives up, prompting Sean and Jessieto kayak, hike, canoe, and rappel their way over many lush and snowy milesto save their dad.

Younger kids will enjoy the antics of Cubby, the baby polar bear whobefriends the youthful trekkers and eventually leads them to theirfather. They'll also enjoy the good-natured sibling rivalry between thetough but tender-hearted Jessie (Thora Birch of Now and Then) andSean (Vincent Kartheiser of The Indian in the Cupboard) and a chanceto hiss at the two evil poachers (including the director's father,Charlton Heston). Parents, on the other hand, may feel compelled toexplain etiquette around wild animals, the dangers of hypothermia, andhow to pack for a long hike. But the scenic Cook's tour of Alaska andBritish Columbia makes some of these otherwise corny elements tolerable togrown-ups. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (19)

ALASKA
Thrilling mixed emotions is what you'll encounter after and while watching the Alaska a hit family film directed in 1996 by the famous director Fraser Heston. This movie not only has a strong family message but it is packed full of various emotions. The emotions range from totally down in the dumps sadness, example when a polar bear gets shot by pothers to thrilling happiness when the father is rescued. The real reason for watching this movie I think is a totally cute polar bear named Cubby. This young bear's mother is killed by pothers in the area; which I what I was talking about earlier. Cubby plays a major part helping two kids which named are 13 year old Jessie ( Thora Birch )and 15 year old Sean (Vincent Kartheiser ), find there missing father which disappeared during an emergency flight.

A good movie with great visuals
I can't believe that "Alaska" isn't getting better reviews than it is. A movie doesn't have to be one of the best ever to be a great movie. I thought it was a good all around movie. Two teens go on a search for their father after his plane crashes and the police show that they're not willing to search for him as much as the kids think they should be. Along the way, the kids run into poachers and they find a friendly polar bear that follows them the rest of the way trying to protect them. They have to find their father and then figure out a way to rescue him.

"Alaska" works well as a good adventure movie and it realistically shows family drama at the beginning of the movie. Surprisingly, parts of it such as when the kids are trying to save their dad, are even exciting. All the way through the movie you'll see spectacular scenery, which goes along great with the plot. Myself, I liked "Alaska" and I don't see why a lot of people don't like it that much, except for maybe that they're expecting too much from the movie. Just don't watch "Alaska" and expect it to be like a movie blockbuster, just watch it like it's a regular Tv movie, and you should like it pretty well. I recommend this movie for anybody.

Just plain silly without meaning to be.
The problems this movie faces are more daunting than the teenagers' search for their missing father; the plot is paper thin and equally transparent. That a self-centered and disfunctional family is suddenly cured of all their ills in this moment of crisis is patently false. Worse the movie doesn't instill any respect for the wilderness meaning that any impressionable child that watches might be misled as to the dangers of their activities. The fact that polar bears do not frequent high mountains strains what little crudulity remains, reinforced by terrible film editing which reveals the cub at the end rejoining a ploar bear family group which low and behold is somehow no longer in the mountains, but on coastal tundra. The scene, the lighting, and the film quality all demonstrate totally different animals and locations. Any film editor should have been able to do a better job of blending the clips, but it seems the maker of this movie thought those watching were even less informed than they were and just didn't care.

One of the worse films I have seen in ages. My kids even thought this was just plain silly. Those entralled with this movie must check their reasoning powers at the door, because for any thinking person, even kids, it is almost insultingly dumb.

Predictable and unbelievable at the same time
This movie tells the story of two young people, Jessie and Sean, who have moved to Alaska with their father after their mother's death. Jessie is making the best of the move, but Sean is very unhappy that he has been uprooted from his home in Chicago. When their father's plane crashes during what was to have been a routine flight, Jessie and Sean decide to rescue him. What follows is totally unbelievable, but there is some exciting action during the rescue and the scenery is spectacular. Mostly designed as a children's movie, the scenery is probably the best part for adults.

Almost a great kid's action movie
Overall, I really liked watching this movie with kids from 10-13 years old. The bear cub is a cute idea to keep younger children interested but not very believeable since polar bears don't live in the mountains. There is some character development as the boy, Sean, regrets mean things he said to his father and appreciates and uses the skills he has learned from him. There is a strong femaale, the sister, good to see in a kids' movie. The special effects are really quite well done.

I only have two real gripes. First is the needless swearing of the "bad guys". Lots of "dammit" all through the movie.

Second,the climax, where Cubby takes the end of the rope and supposedly saves the father, is a disappointment. Up until then Cubby has just been a distracting side bar. Just when we are engaged in the most exciting part of the movie and there is an opportunity for the children to really pull off a heroic deed, it is Cubby who grabs the tail of the rope and gnaws on it to save the dad.

The scenery is beautiful. There are wonderful shots of a glacier, kayaking on open water, canoeing on a river, and rock climbing that just make me want to hop a plane to Alaska. The writing and editing are well done. The characters are believable for the most part (it is a children's movie, after all).

There are a few other minor problems. The father is in the open on a snowy mountain for 3 days with no blanket but doesn't seem to suffer from hypothermia. The police give up the search way to early. And the kids don't leave a note or anything about where they are going when they take off for the Devil's Thumb Pass to find their father.

I think parents should watch this with their kids and point these things out as they watch the movie. This can be a good way to teach critical thinking.

This is an exciting, beautiful movie with something for everyone in the family. Have fun with it. ... Read more

Reviews (49)

Great love story
Untamed Heart,starring Marisa Tomei and Christian Slater,is one of the best love stories I've ever seen,and one of the saddest.Tomei stars as Caroline(who,even though I know she's a fictitious character,I absolutely fell in love with while watching this movie),a young woman who has been hurt in her relationships.Slater stars as Adam,the shy busboy with a bad heart,who works at the same diner as Caroline,and has loved her from afar.They're brought together,when Adam saves Caroline from two would-be rapists on the way home from work one night.But,later Caroline's assailants stab Adam in the stomach,and while he was in the hospital,Caroline learns that he needs a heart transplant very badly.He refuses,and seems okay for a while and they're love blossoms even further,and when things seem to be going great for Caroline and Adam,he dies on his birthday on the way home from a hockey game.Both Tomei and Slater give Oscar caliber performances,and Rosie Perez is very good as Caroline's best friend Cindy.The musical score by Cliff Eidelmann is very good,and adds to the film a lot.Overall,while probably not for everyone,this is a very good movie which I like a lot.

such a beautiful love story !!
I have to say i'm a hopeless romantic and this movie definately fills the need. When I first saw this movie on tv I remember hearing about it when it was out in 1993.I thought oh it's probrably one of those lame movies where the actors have no chemestry and a pretictable ending like he dies in a hospital bed and she's weeping or something and that's ow it ends . No way folks this is so much better. The chemistry really works well for tomei and slater.I love the part when he rescues her from the two creeps who try to rape her.And he so sweet about it how he covers her up with his coat after the creeps rip open her shirt.I love the fact that he wants to take care of her.ooh and in another pivotal scene is when after she thanks him for saving her he tells her that usually every night he would fllow her home to make sure she got home safe then says that on that night he was sorry he was late . ooh you have to see what I mean watch the movie.if by any chance any one is a fan of GH then you may see some similiarities t the story line between lucky and liz.it's very much the same romantic way. I love tis movie it's definately up there with some where in time and semi titanic but way better than titanic.

Untamed Heart
i found this film to be brilliant, it is a true romance i love it. i have watched it tons of times and i enjoy it even more each time i do, i cry all the time even though i know what is coming it is just one of those films. i thought Christian Slater played the role very well as did Marisa Tomei. if you have not seen it yet buy it you will not be disappointed!!

Please Pass The Kleenex...
Where do I begin? This is one of my most favorite romantic movies of all time! To say it was sweet and yet sad does not even begin to do it justice. This movie draws you in heart and soul. You feel sorry for Adam's tragic life of being left alone as a child because of his bad heart. Then you feel bad for him because he is alone as an adult. Yet at the same time, you feel bad that Caroline can't find love or a decent guy to share time with. Then she finds Adam! When Adam saves her from two rapists, you can't help but believe that chivalry is alive again! You can see Slater and Tomei's chemistry together and they just seem to "fit". One of the most touching parts of the movie for me was when Caroline was cutting Adam's hair and they had a beautiful conversation and he opened his heart about being alone because the Nuns felt it better not to hurt his health by letting him be out with people. Slater did an excellent job of portraying his loneliness, but he also showed a gentleness you don't see in the movies much these days. Adam (Slater) opens up to Caroline and she sees that he has a heart of gold. Caroline (Tomei) did an excellent job taking Adam's love and the two fell in deep! If you love romance movies, you will love this! You will be rooting for the characters all the way! This movie is one you can watch over and over again and never get tired of it. Rent it, or better, "Buy it" today!!!

HINTS OF CHARM BUT NOT QUITE A GEM..
Your regular watchable romantic movie with some good chemistry between the characters, not just the protagonists. Sadly, the plot was somewhat predictable and didn't do justice to what could have been a great theme. The script failed to challenge, choosing instead to sporadically produce some touching dialogue that draws you gently into the story but never quite reaches any significant depth. If this were music it would be in the 'easy listening' category which is a shame because there could have been so much more. Worth watching however in spite of that, especially if you enjoyed the likes of Notting Hill or My Best Friend's Wedding. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

ALASKA
Thrilling mixed emotions is what you'll encounter after and while watching the Alaska a hit family film directed in 1996 by the famous director Fraser Heston. This movie not only has a strong family message but it is packed full of various emotions. The emotions range from totally down in the dumps sadness, example when a polar bear gets shot by pothers to thrilling happiness when the father is rescued. The real reason for watching this movie I think is a totally cute polar bear named Cubby. This young bear's mother is killed by pothers in the area; which I what I was talking about earlier. Cubby plays a major part helping two kids which named are 13 year old Jessie ( Thora Birch )and 15 year old Sean (Vincent Kartheiser ), find there missing father which disappeared during an emergency flight.

A good movie with great visuals
I can't believe that "Alaska" isn't getting better reviews than it is. A movie doesn't have to be one of the best ever to be a great movie. I thought it was a good all around movie. Two teens go on a search for their father after his plane crashes and the police show that they're not willing to search for him as much as the kids think they should be. Along the way, the kids run into poachers and they find a friendly polar bear that follows them the rest of the way trying to protect them. They have to find their father and then figure out a way to rescue him.

"Alaska" works well as a good adventure movie and it realistically shows family drama at the beginning of the movie. Surprisingly, parts of it such as when the kids are trying to save their dad, are even exciting. All the way through the movie you'll see spectacular scenery, which goes along great with the plot. Myself, I liked "Alaska" and I don't see why a lot of people don't like it that much, except for maybe that they're expecting too much from the movie. Just don't watch "Alaska" and expect it to be like a movie blockbuster, just watch it like it's a regular Tv movie, and you should like it pretty well. I recommend this movie for anybody.

Just plain silly without meaning to be.
The problems this movie faces are more daunting than the teenagers' search for their missing father; the plot is paper thin and equally transparent. That a self-centered and disfunctional family is suddenly cured of all their ills in this moment of crisis is patently false. Worse the movie doesn't instill any respect for the wilderness meaning that any impressionable child that watches might be misled as to the dangers of their activities. The fact that polar bears do not frequent high mountains strains what little crudulity remains, reinforced by terrible film editing which reveals the cub at the end rejoining a ploar bear family group which low and behold is somehow no longer in the mountains, but on coastal tundra. The scene, the lighting, and the film quality all demonstrate totally different animals and locations. Any film editor should have been able to do a better job of blending the clips, but it seems the maker of this movie thought those watching were even less informed than they were and just didn't care.

One of the worse films I have seen in ages. My kids even thought this was just plain silly. Those entralled with this movie must check their reasoning powers at the door, because for any thinking person, even kids, it is almost insultingly dumb.

Predictable and unbelievable at the same time
This movie tells the story of two young people, Jessie and Sean, who have moved to Alaska with their father after their mother's death. Jessie is making the best of the move, but Sean is very unhappy that he has been uprooted from his home in Chicago. When their father's plane crashes during what was to have been a routine flight, Jessie and Sean decide to rescue him. What follows is totally unbelievable, but there is some exciting action during the rescue and the scenery is spectacular. Mostly designed as a children's movie, the scenery is probably the best part for adults.

Almost a great kid's action movie
Overall, I really liked watching this movie with kids from 10-13 years old. The bear cub is a cute idea to keep younger children interested but not very believeable since polar bears don't live in the mountains. There is some character development as the boy, Sean, regrets mean things he said to his father and appreciates and uses the skills he has learned from him. There is a strong femaale, the sister, good to see in a kids' movie. The special effects are really quite well done.

I only have two real gripes. First is the needless swearing of the "bad guys". Lots of "dammit" all through the movie.

Second,the climax, where Cubby takes the end of the rope and supposedly saves the father, is a disappointment. Up until then Cubby has just been a distracting side bar. Just when we are engaged in the most exciting part of the movie and there is an opportunity for the children to really pull off a heroic deed, it is Cubby who grabs the tail of the rope and gnaws on it to save the dad.

The scenery is beautiful. There are wonderful shots of a glacier, kayaking on open water, canoeing on a river, and rock climbing that just make me want to hop a plane to Alaska. The writing and editing are well done. The characters are believable for the most part (it is a children's movie, after all).

There are a few other minor problems. The father is in the open on a snowy mountain for 3 days with no blanket but doesn't seem to suffer from hypothermia. The police give up the search way to early. And the kids don't leave a note or anything about where they are going when they take off for the Devil's Thumb Pass to find their father.

I think parents should watch this with their kids and point these things out as they watch the movie. This can be a good way to teach critical thinking.

This is an exciting, beautiful movie with something for everyone in the family. Have fun with it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Fraser Heston captures the danger and beauty of Alaska in thisadventurous family film about two kids who embark on a very personalrescue mission. Former 747 pilot Jake Barnes (Dirk Benedict) moved away from a fast-pacedChicago lifestyle with his two children, Jessie and Sean, after the deathof his wife. While daughter Jessie thoroughly enjoys and excels in hernew surroundings, son Sean's moodiness and homesickness escalates. Onestormy night Jake's small plane crashes during an emergency flight,leaving him stuck on a treacherous cliff with a broken leg and no radio.The local search and rescue team soon gives up, prompting Sean and Jessieto kayak, hike, canoe, and rappel their way over many lush and snowy milesto save their dad.

Younger kids will enjoy the antics of Cubby, the baby polar bear whobefriends the youthful trekkers and eventually leads them to theirfather. They'll also enjoy the good-natured sibling rivalry between thetough but tender-hearted Jessie (Thora Birch of Now and Then) andSean (Vincent Kartheiser of The Indian in the Cupboard) and a chanceto hiss at the two evil poachers (including the director's father,Charlton Heston). Parents, on the other hand, may feel compelled toexplain etiquette around wild animals, the dangers of hypothermia, andhow to pack for a long hike. But the scenic Cook's tour of Alaska andBritish Columbia makes some of these otherwise corny elements tolerable togrown-ups. --Liane Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (19)

ALASKA
Thrilling mixed emotions is what you'll encounter after and while watching the Alaska a hit family film directed in 1996 by the famous director Fraser Heston. This movie not only has a strong family message but it is packed full of various emotions. The emotions range from totally down in the dumps sadness, example when a polar bear gets shot by pothers to thrilling happiness when the father is rescued. The real reason for watching this movie I think is a totally cute polar bear named Cubby. This young bear's mother is killed by pothers in the area; which I what I was talking about earlier. Cubby plays a major part helping two kids which named are 13 year old Jessie ( Thora Birch )and 15 year old Sean (Vincent Kartheiser ), find there missing father which disappeared during an emergency flight.

A good movie with great visuals
I can't believe that "Alaska" isn't getting better reviews than it is. A movie doesn't have to be one of the best ever to be a great movie. I thought it was a good all around movie. Two teens go on a search for their father after his plane crashes and the police show that they're not willing to search for him as much as the kids think they should be. Along the way, the kids run into poachers and they find a friendly polar bear that follows them the rest of the way trying to protect them. They have to find their father and then figure out a way to rescue him.

"Alaska" works well as a good adventure movie and it realistically shows family drama at the beginning of the movie. Surprisingly, parts of it such as when the kids are trying to save their dad, are even exciting. All the way through the movie you'll see spectacular scenery, which goes along great with the plot. Myself, I liked "Alaska" and I don't see why a lot of people don't like it that much, except for maybe that they're expecting too much from the movie. Just don't watch "Alaska" and expect it to be like a movie blockbuster, just watch it like it's a regular Tv movie, and you should like it pretty well. I recommend this movie for anybody.

Just plain silly without meaning to be.
The problems this movie faces are more daunting than the teenagers' search for their missing father; the plot is paper thin and equally transparent. That a self-centered and disfunctional family is suddenly cured of all their ills in this moment of crisis is patently false. Worse the movie doesn't instill any respect for the wilderness meaning that any impressionable child that watches might be misled as to the dangers of their activities. The fact that polar bears do not frequent high mountains strains what little crudulity remains, reinforced by terrible film editing which reveals the cub at the end rejoining a ploar bear family group which low and behold is somehow no longer in the mountains, but on coastal tundra. The scene, the lighting, and the film quality all demonstrate totally different animals and locations. Any film editor should have been able to do a better job of blending the clips, but it seems the maker of this movie thought those watching were even less informed than they were and just didn't care.

One of the worse films I have seen in ages. My kids even thought this was just plain silly. Those entralled with this movie must check their reasoning powers at the door, because for any thinking person, even kids, it is almost insultingly dumb.

Predictable and unbelievable at the same time
This movie tells the story of two young people, Jessie and Sean, who have moved to Alaska with their father after their mother's death. Jessie is making the best of the move, but Sean is very unhappy that he has been uprooted from his home in Chicago. When their father's plane crashes during what was to have been a routine flight, Jessie and Sean decide to rescue him. What follows is totally unbelievable, but there is some exciting action during the rescue and the scenery is spectacular. Mostly designed as a children's movie, the scenery is probably the best part for adults.

Almost a great kid's action movie
Overall, I really liked watching this movie with kids from 10-13 years old. The bear cub is a cute idea to keep younger children interested but not very believeable since polar bears don't live in the mountains. There is some character development as the boy, Sean, regrets mean things he said to his father and appreciates and uses the skills he has learned from him. There is a strong femaale, the sister, good to see in a kids' movie. The special effects are really quite well done.

I only have two real gripes. First is the needless swearing of the "bad guys". Lots of "dammit" all through the movie.

Second,the climax, where Cubby takes the end of the rope and supposedly saves the father, is a disappointment. Up until then Cubby has just been a distracting side bar. Just when we are engaged in the most exciting part of the movie and there is an opportunity for the children to really pull off a heroic deed, it is Cubby who grabs the tail of the rope and gnaws on it to save the dad.

The scenery is beautiful. There are wonderful shots of a glacier, kayaking on open water, canoeing on a river, and rock climbing that just make me want to hop a plane to Alaska. The writing and editing are well done. The characters are believable for the most part (it is a children's movie, after all).

There are a few other minor problems. The father is in the open on a snowy mountain for 3 days with no blanket but doesn't seem to suffer from hypothermia. The police give up the search way to early. And the kids don't leave a note or anything about where they are going when they take off for the Devil's Thumb Pass to find their father.

I think parents should watch this with their kids and point these things out as they watch the movie. This can be a good way to teach critical thinking.

This is an exciting, beautiful movie with something for everyone in the family. Have fun with it. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

ALASKA
Thrilling mixed emotions is what you'll encounter after and while watching the Alaska a hit family film directed in 1996 by the famous director Fraser Heston. This movie not only has a strong family message but it is packed full of various emotions. The emotions range from totally down in the dumps sadness, example when a polar bear gets shot by pothers to thrilling happiness when the father is rescued. The real reason for watching this movie I think is a totally cute polar bear named Cubby. This young bear's mother is killed by pothers in the area; which I what I was talking about earlier. Cubby plays a major part helping two kids which named are 13 year old Jessie ( Thora Birch )and 15 year old Sean (Vincent Kartheiser ), find there missing father which disappeared during an emergency flight.

A good movie with great visuals
I can't believe that "Alaska" isn't getting better reviews than it is. A movie doesn't have to be one of the best ever to be a great movie. I thought it was a good all around movie. Two teens go on a search for their father after his plane crashes and the police show that they're not willing to search for him as much as the kids think they should be. Along the way, the kids run into poachers and they find a friendly polar bear that follows them the rest of the way trying to protect them. They have to find their father and then figure out a way to rescue him.

"Alaska" works well as a good adventure movie and it realistically shows family drama at the beginning of the movie. Surprisingly, parts of it such as when the kids are trying to save their dad, are even exciting. All the way through the movie you'll see spectacular scenery, which goes along great with the plot. Myself, I liked "Alaska" and I don't see why a lot of people don't like it that much, except for maybe that they're expecting too much from the movie. Just don't watch "Alaska" and expect it to be like a movie blockbuster, just watch it like it's a regular Tv movie, and you should like it pretty well. I recommend this movie for anybody.

Just plain silly without meaning to be.
The problems this movie faces are more daunting than the teenagers' search for their missing father; the plot is paper thin and equally transparent. That a self-centered and disfunctional family is suddenly cured of all their ills in this moment of crisis is patently false. Worse the movie doesn't instill any respect for the wilderness meaning that any impressionable child that watches might be misled as to the dangers of their activities. The fact that polar bears do not frequent high mountains strains what little crudulity remains, reinforced by terrible film editing which reveals the cub at the end rejoining a ploar bear family group which low and behold is somehow no longer in the mountains, but on coastal tundra. The scene, the lighting, and the film quality all demonstrate totally different animals and locations. Any film editor should have been able to do a better job of blending the clips, but it seems the maker of this movie thought those watching were even less informed than they were and just didn't care.

One of the worse films I have seen in ages. My kids even thought this was just plain silly. Those entralled with this movie must check their reasoning powers at the door, because for any thinking person, even kids, it is almost insultingly dumb.

Predictable and unbelievable at the same time
This movie tells the story of two young people, Jessie and Sean, who have moved to Alaska with their father after their mother's death. Jessie is making the best of the move, but Sean is very unhappy that he has been uprooted from his home in Chicago. When their father's plane crashes during what was to have been a routine flight, Jessie and Sean decide to rescue him. What follows is totally unbelievable, but there is some exciting action during the rescue and the scenery is spectacular. Mostly designed as a children's movie, the scenery is probably the best part for adults.

Almost a great kid's action movie
Overall, I really liked watching this movie with kids from 10-13 years old. The bear cub is a cute idea to keep younger children interested but not very believeable since polar bears don't live in the mountains. There is some character development as the boy, Sean, regrets mean things he said to his father and appreciates and uses the skills he has learned from him. There is a strong femaale, the sister, good to see in a kids' movie. The special effects are really quite well done.

I only have two real gripes. First is the needless swearing of the "bad guys". Lots of "dammit" all through the movie.

Second,the climax, where Cubby takes the end of the rope and supposedly saves the father, is a disappointment. Up until then Cubby has just been a distracting side bar. Just when we are engaged in the most exciting part of the movie and there is an opportunity for the children to really pull off a heroic deed, it is Cubby who grabs the tail of the rope and gnaws on it to save the dad.

The scenery is beautiful. There are wonderful shots of a glacier, kayaking on open water, canoeing on a river, and rock climbing that just make me want to hop a plane to Alaska. The writing and editing are well done. The characters are believable for the most part (it is a children's movie, after all).

There are a few other minor problems. The father is in the open on a snowy mountain for 3 days with no blanket but doesn't seem to suffer from hypothermia. The police give up the search way to early. And the kids don't leave a note or anything about where they are going when they take off for the Devil's Thumb Pass to find their father.

I think parents should watch this with their kids and point these things out as they watch the movie. This can be a good way to teach critical thinking.

This is an exciting, beautiful movie with something for everyone in the family. Have fun with it. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Good movie.
When you first see Omri, a kid who's short, has messy hair and not the greatest teeth in the world, you don't think anything interesting can happen to him. But something does. His best friend, Patrick, gives him a toy Indian for his birthday. At his party, his brother gives him an old cupboard that he found in the crawlspace of their house. Omri's mother tells Omri that if he can find a key out of her collection, he can have it. He does. It was a key that his great-grandmother gave to his mother.
When Omri carelessly puts the toy Indian into the cupboard and locks it, the toy comes to life.
At first, the Indian (Little Bear) is scared, but eventually learns to trust Omri. Omri gives Little Bear whatever he desires, tools, food, and a hatchett from a knight! However, when he was getting a bow and arrow from an old Indian, the Indian is scared to death--literally! Omri realizes that these "Toys" have real lives and that they aren't something to fool around with. When Patrick discovers Omri's secret, he brings back a Cowboy named Boone. Little Bear and Boone eventually become friends. Omri takes Boone and Little Bear to school (Patrick wanted him to) and Omri displays that he has learned that the "toys" were people by saying "You can't! They're people! You can't use people!" When Patrick was going to show them to friends. Omri's brother takes Omri's cupbaord as a cruel joke and the key gets lost! What's worse, Boone is seriously wounded, and without medical attention, he will die! Omri realizes that Little Bear and Boone's safety and hapiness meant more to him than the novelty of having them. So Omri declares that when the key was found, they were sending Boone and Little Bear home.
The key is eventually found, and Omri is forced to let Little Bear and Boone go. Little Bear and Omri share one last moment, and then he sends them back.
This was a very good movie, at least fo me, and it's a good movie for kids to watch.

beautiful book, horrible movie
I remember rushing out to watch this movie when it first appeared in theaters, since I was an enormous fan of the Lyn Reed Banks books. Alass, this movie took what could have been a wonderful adaptation, and turned it into a dumbed-down pile of insipid script and mostly forced acting. When I first saw it, I loved everything about it and immediately fell in love with the boy playing Omri, but now, I realize that his acting is horrible, but it's not his fault. The script is below mediocre; it's pitifully babyish. Lyn Reed Banks's stories had a charm of old-fashioned nostalgia to them, not so with this film. It has been completely modernized, including a few curse words, a relocation to the US, and a total emphasis on stereotyping the characters and making as many comical gags at their expense as possible. I will admit that there are several very touching moments, and even a little educational value to this, since Litefoot plays his character perfectly, and Frank Oz did feel inclined to at least include a song and a few sundry bits of the Iroquois language here. But overall, I would recommend the books over this.