Reviews (1)

Intense And Dramatic Thriller!
Severe tension builds when an obsessive mom (Diane Ladd) refuses to accept the fact that her son is all grown up and is losing touch with her due to his new girlfriend. She is willing to go to extreme lenghts to keep him and warns her to stay away from her son. But when her son tells her to lay off, she becomes depressed and unstable. She ends up in a psychiatric ward after over-dosing on pills as an attempted suicide. She is released after showing some improvment and returns home only to discover that her best friend (Olympia Dukakis) has taken her place as the mother. From this point on things are very intense. Arguments, fights, bloodshed, and even murdering starts to occur. Some of the scariest scenes were where she pours boiling hot water on the lady, goes after Dukakis with a chef's knife, kills the psychiatrist, threatens to kill her son's girlfriend, and becomes completly psychotic. A great, shocking thriller. Highly recommended for those who like horror movies as well as dramas and soap operas. ... Read more

Description

Presents the life of Princess Grace through rare photos and home movies of Grace as a young girl, plus several interviews with co-stars, agents and friends. Included in the program is extensive coverage of the wedding between Grace and Prince Rainier. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I LOVE GRACE KELLY, but not this film
i am a true GRACE KELLY fan. i have seen all her films and i almost have every biography so i feel confident enough to say that this film did not do justice to the life Grace lived. Now i didnt expect the film to tackle every element of her life or career but this movie still left out a lot. it is known, no matter what biography you read, that Grace was quite promiscuous in her early years in new york. And she had several affairs with her leading men(such as clark gable, one which the film shows, ray milland, william holden, and even bing crosby fell in love with her) but the film fails to even touch on these relationships. this movie tried to make her appear to be so innocent and angelic. i dont want to see her reputation dragged through the mud but i do want to see the truth. there is a way to tackle those moments in her life without resorting to trashy direction, but i guess that would require good direction and a good screenplay. the movie also failed to show how famous she became within the five year period in which she became a star(1952-56). the film 'fourteen hours' which was really her first film debut is never even mentioned. and the movie never payed any notice to the fixation that alfred hitchcock had for her, which i think would have been an interesting development to see. the academy award scene was just awful. there was no tension(everyone wanted judy garland to win the award), no excitement and no joy in her winning. when i read GRACE by robert lacey i actually felt excited for her and nervous and almost shed a tear when she won and thats just a book. the wedding to prince rainer was rushed and the ending was weak. i didnt like the film ending at the wedding. i was just really disappointed with this film. i expected so much more and i was let down a great deal. but cheryl ladd did an ok job as grace. THE THREE STARS ARE FOR GRACE, NOT THE FILM.

Enjoyable but formulaic
I caught this on TV the other night while suffering from a bout of insomnia. It didn't put me to sleep, which is a good thing, and made for a pleasant diversion. Cheryl Ladd is lovely and luminous as Grace Kelly, but is given little to chew on acting-wise. That's true of the movie as a whole: it looks great (costumes, make-up, and hair are marvelously done) but skates along the surface. We get the usual tough-as-nails but heart-of-gold dad, who is distant emotionally, and the string of relationships Ladd goes through before meeting Mr. Right. There's no meat here, but at least the picture doesn't dredge up the worst possible details about Princess Grace and parade them about -- there's a degree of respect for the subject. It seems to follow the standard TV bio-pic formula; it's also shot with that gauzy filtered-lens look common to made-for-TV movies of the early 1980's. Enjoyable if you're in the mood. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Pure Kitsch
It's nice to see that Peter Fonda has redeemed himself in recent years ("Ulee's Gold", "The Limey", "The Passion of Ayn Rand" et al.), and even has a couple of Golden Globes and an Oscar Nomination to show for it. But he certainly wouldn't want to be remembered for this awful piece of drive-in drivel (although "Easy Rider" will probably be marked on his gravestone). I gave it three stars for kitsch value. Otherwise, it doesn't deserve any. This movie is bad, but in a very amusing way.

"The Wild Angels" is "Easy Rider" written by Fred Durst. The plot is pretty weak, juvenile, and has plenty of holes in it. The actions the characters make echo the song "Break Stuff"; at the beginning of the film, when Loser's (Bruce Dern) Boss ask Heavenly Blues (Fonda)if he's "one of those dumb angels", Blues replies snidely and restrains him needlessly. And the dialogue is mediocre and poorly executed.

If you're looking for compelling drama, look elsewhere. If you're looking to amuse yourself, then by all means take the plunge!

The original biker movie
I'm not a movie critic, I'm a motorcyclist. I have this film on video and watch it fairly often, along with Beyond The Law, Hells Angels on Wheels and Angels Hard As They Come (the most underrated of biker flicks). Fonda, Dern, Ladd, Buck Taylor and Norman Alden are great. Nancy Sinatra was terrible and totally miscast, if she' repudiating this movie it's due to her terrible acting. I can't see Micheal J. Pollard as a biker (but he was wonderful in Little Fauss and Big Halsy). The star of this movie is Fonda's chopper, to me, it's more beautiful, and subltly understated, than that ultimate movie chopper in Easy Rider, the Captain America Bike. This movie is really about Heavenly Blue's changing values as his friend Loner dies. Girlfriend Sinatra realizes the change that's come over him, "it's like a piece of you went with him". He reveiws his life and sees it empty, without purpose without his closest compadre The Loser, as in the final line "there's no where to go" as he stays to bury his friend while others flee The Man. They go on to continue the life of carousing and hell raising while Blues follows through on a duty to a friend, and to me symbolically buries himself, his up-to-then life, as well as his only friend.

Not just sexist, but racist.....
as exhibited by the comments and attacks on a group of Mexicans. Fonda is about as animated as a cigar-store Indian, Nancy Sinatra is woefully miscast, Diane Ladd is over the top and predictable. In fact, the best performance may be delivered by Bruce Dern.....as a corpse.

A Must Have for Any Biker Video Collection
"We want to be free to do what we want to do without being hassled by the man! And we want to get loaded!" "YEAH!"

What more can I possibly add?

Oh yeah. Theme music by Davie Allan.

People think Easy Rider was good but this movie defined the bikesploitation genre.

Disturbing, yet interesting
Oddly, though the characters in this movie are all dispicable individuals, in some ways, I could still find myself sympathizing with their rebellion against "the man". This movie definitely has more of a '70's feel to it than the '60's, and holds up well today.

I will admit, I did find the use of the swastikas and iron crosses to be offensive. But, I think such individuals in the '60's used them more to shock those who tried to control them, than as a support of what they truly represented...and to have realism, they had to be included.

One technical aspect to the movie...and two to the DVD on which I need to comment:

1. Did the movie always end so abruptly, with no closing credits or even a "The End" caption? Or is this poor editing?

As for the DVD...

2. The print from which this movie was taken was in terrible condition. At some points the picture is beautiful. But others show dirt, hair, and sprocket marks. Worst of all is a tear in the film, patched with tape, which is readily visible. This occurs in the scene in which Sinatra has just entered the door of the hospital, and the camera is panning over to the nurse's station.

3. There also seem to be some areas of the film which are out of focus. I primarily noticed this when Nancy and Peter are talking alone on the boat before leaving for the funeral.

All in all, this picture can be viewed more as a snapshot of an era than as pure entertainment. If taken as such, it proves somewhat interesting. ... Read more

Description

Make merry as Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid and an ensemble of comedy favorites strive to gift-wrap the "perfect Christmas" for the Griswold family. The most successful of the three vacations.Year: 1989Director: Jeremiah S. ChechikStarring:Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Randy Quaid, ... Read more

Reviews (209)

A Christmas Classic!
The film that inspired a whole generation of exterior illuminators! Subsequent to the release of this film, houses soon began Christmas-light makeovers, which I think really adds to the atmosphere of the season! Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo are superb in this John Hughes classic Christmas comedy - as is Randy Quaid. Clark W Griswold Jnr is anxious to have the 'perfect' old fashioned, fun, family Chritmas. But, as usual, nothing goes according to plan: Getting stuck under a truck in the opening minutes... becoming psychotic over the failing of the thousands of lights he's added to the building... ruining the Christmas of Tod and Margo (their yuppie, bourgesois next door neighbours)...Eddie (Quaid) kidnapping Clark's boss because Clark didn't recieve his bonus cheque, needed to pay for a swimming pool...a storm sewer exploding (and the poor cat!)...the tree getting burnt...etc...Leading to the house teetering on 'the threshold of Hell'! There are many great moments in this movie. My personal favourite is when he takes Eddie and the kids sledging: a silicone-based kitchen lubricant Clark's company invented is smeared onto his sledge, propelling him like a rocket! The scenery is so Christmassy here. I have a selection of Christmas movies I stack around the video at this time of year. Christmas Vacation takes prime position. I have seen it *so* many times yet I am still not bored with it. Note: There is mild bad language in the PG version, but for those with younger children, some versions have worse. I really don't know why Hughes had to do this; this film could be accessible to all, as with Miracle On 34th Street (Hughes' remake). As is usual with John Hughes, those typical huge mansions (as with Home Alone, Ferris Bueller and Uncle Buck) feature. The photography is very Christmassy and it just might get you in the mood... The DVD has the trailer (including the other Vacation trailers), different language options, production notes etc... I am glad to have found a site that sells those reindeer egg nog glasses too!

At Long Last!!!!!!!!!!
Finally, after all this time, Warner Brothers have come to their senses. On October 7th, we will be treated to a heftly helping of one of the greatest Christmas films to ever grace the silver screen............in WIDESCREEN.

I was extremely disappointed with the previous DVD release of this film which contained a pan & scan presentation and nothing more than a theatrical trailer in the extras department.

What we have here is a special edition of this great movie, which will contain audio commentary from both Beverly D'Angelo and Chevy Chase, a "making of" featurette, as well as other stocking stuffers which have yet to be disclosed at this present time.

Being a huge fan of this movie, I honestly can't wait for this release. "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" has become a holiday tradition in my home, and to be able to see it the way it was intended to be seen is truly a treat for me.

Aside from the features of the disk, the film itself is the true gift. One of the funniest movies today which still withstands the test of time even 15 years later. The premise is simple. Clark W. Griswold (Chevy Chase) is hell bent on having an old-fashioned family Christmas in his home, relatives and all. Of course, the hilarity kicks in when things start to go awry. There are so many hilarious scenes in this movie, it would be difficult to list them all. You have everything from an electrocuted cat, to a house with the brightest Christmas light display known to man. Let's not forget the dried up turkey, the saucer sled and the dog/squirrel chase! There's so much more I could say to praise this movie, but if you haven't already seen it, [I won't say more]

The Griswalds are great
The group at national lampoon have a real winner in this one. It is the christmas from hell, and about the greatest christmas comedy there is. It is decided to have an old fashion christmas... all the family on both sides gathering together to celebrate christmas, and the joy of family. Well, it is national lampoon, so you know thats not all together whats going to happen. When you mix in-laws, snooty neighbors, alcohol, and the less desirable part of any family, you get something great! It's 97 minutes of National Lampoons best!

Phenominal
This has to be one of the best "Vacation" movies made yet. I cannot express this enough. It's definitly on my list of all time Christmas Classics, and you can still watch it throughout the year!

The "Vacation" movies really dig into almost any typical American's search to make the perfect vacation, life, experience for their family. Chevy Chase and Beverly DiAngelo just highlight it and make it all funny. I have had many friends and neighbors we could dub "the Grizwolds" over the years because of the bumbling things they've tried to do and these movies hit home, especially Christmas Vacation.

Buy it, love it!

The Griswold Family's Christmas From Hell
It's amazing that Chevy Chase wasn't maimed or killed during the making of this movie. I know, there were plenty of stunt players who fell off the roof, crashed through the attic, were flung about into brick walls, etc.---but still! Chevy, who had a well-publicized stint in the Betty Ford Clinic for addiction to painkillers (due to extreme back pain caused by, of all things, his numerous falls on "Saturday Night Live" in the 1970's while spoofing then-President Gerald Ford---how ironic is that???), certainly took on a certain level of risk in reprising his role as the perpetually clumsy, but good-intentioned, WASP patriarch Clark Wilhelm Griswold, Jr. in this, the third installment of the VACATION series by Chase's old comedy troupe, National Lampoon.

Having not seen (as of yet, believe it or not) either VACATION or EUROPEAN VACATION, I was a bit unfamiliar with the main characters; however, CHRISTMAS VACATION got me to know them real fast. I have to admit, I have not been a Chevy Chase fan since the '70's, during and immediately after his SNL days. (Let's face facts, the show made him an instant star, but he was never really one of the funniest members of the Not-Ready-for-Prime-Time Players.) However, I believe that he gives a truly inspired comedic performance in CHRISTMAS VACATION. I'm not even referring to the copious physical comedy he displays. I'm actually talking about his comedic acting! I love the manic energy with which Chase infuses his role, and the crazed look in his eye when his character is pushed over the edge. Beverly D'Angelo, as patient but frequently unamused wife Ellen, provides a good low-key foil for his over-the-top antics. She's well-cast and, I must say, beautiful.

As far as acting talent goes, this film has no shortage in this department. A pre-stardom Juliette Lewis is welcome as Griswold daughter Audrey, and a very young Johnny Galecki is engaging as her kid brother Russell (three years before he was cast as Darlene's lazy boyfriend David on the hit TV show "Roseanne"). We also get memorable performances from E.G. Marshall, Doris Roberts, an unrecognizable Dianne Ladd, and a hysterically funny William Hickey. Rounding out the mix is Randy Quaid as filthy slob Cousin Eddie (who parks his trailer in the driveway), Nicholas Guest and Julia-Louis Dreyfus as the bland and stuck-up neighbors next door, and Brian Doyle-Murray who serves up good moments as Clark's old crabby boss.

The problem with CHRISTMAS VACATION is that, while it does contain some very funny scenes with lots of great, memorable one-liners, it is marred by inferior direction on the part of first-time director Jeremiah Chechik. He tends to interlace the fast-paced physical scenes with long, slow ones that grind the movie to a dead halt every time. While I didn't expect the level of non-stop, lightning-paced zaniness a la AIRPLANE!, these extended slow breaks (that usually focus on a character staring dreamily into the sky) are awkwardly placed and paced, and thereby create an uneven viewing experience. However, John Hughes' smart and wickedly funny script pretty much saves the day. I wouldn't add this to the list of perennial must-see Christmas films (such as A CHRISTMAS STORY or IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE), but CHRISTMAS VACATION does offer a lot of fun for the whole family (except for kids under the age of 10, as the language is well-seasoned with four-letter words). If it does nothing else, this film should make you feel a lot better about your Christmas!

MODERATELY RECOMMENDED ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Be Not Deceived- This is a GREAT Film
Forget Bush and Gore! The more interesting race for the presidency took place in "Primary Colors," an all-around outstanding movie which sank into obscurity, unfortunately, thanks to the Lewinsky scandal. Yes, it's loosely based on the Clintons, but if you put that aside and just focus on the movie in its own right, it's not as hard of a pill to swallow.

To start, seasoned vets Nichols and May provide sharp direction and writing, respectively. Even though this movie is about politics (which, as all of us now know, can get pretty gruesome), they make it interesting and intriguing by going behind the scenes, showing the feelings and emotions of the people involved in a presidential campaign, feelings and emotions that don't come through in press conferences and interviews.

The vision of Nichols and May is turned into fine art by a superb cast. Travolta is surprisingly charismatic, and Emma Thompson deserves much more praise than she has received as his patient but driven wife. Billy Bob Thornton gives a hilarious supporting performance, and Larry Hagman also does a great job as Travolta's opponent who's unwillingly thrust into the spotlight (Rob Reiner also has a humerous cameo as the host of ... call-in radio show in Florida).

But the two stars that outshine the rest are Adrian Lester and Kathy Bates. Lester is absolute dynamite as the campaign manager who yearns for "the real thing," a candidate who actually practices what he preaches. His performance is dramatic and heartfelt. As great as his performance is, Bates is the unsung hero of the movie, and without question, deserved to win Best Supporting Actress (she was robbed by Judi Dench and her 5-minutes-of-fame in "Shakespeare in Love"). She is outrageously funny at times and humble and vulnerable at others, but always comes through with an endearing sincerity.

So, if you want to see an all-around great movie or, more specifically, if you've become disillusioned by the political process and the (so-called) leaders it has produced, there has never been a better time to watch "Primary Colors."

BITTERSWEET ENTERTAINMENT
The machinations of a presidential campaign in "Primary Colors" is presented through the eyes of Henry Burton (British actor Adrian Lester). Henry is a privileged young African American feldgling politician whose grandfather was a civil rights legend. While trying to find out who the candidate is, Henry is virtually kidnapped by the presidential campaign of an obscure Southern governor, Jack Stanton (played flawlessly by John Travolta). Stanton's politically savy, smart lawyer wife Susan (amazingly played by Emma Thompson) is often the brains of the campaign. The parody on Bill and Hillary Clinton is obvious.

Of course, the idealistic Henry and aging Stanton loyalist, Libby Holden (Kathy Bates who possibly hands in the film's best supporting performance) keep hoping that Jack and Susan are as good as they seem. Inevitably, the Stantons compromise everything to win the campaign and power, leaving without much integrity as the campaign progresses.

The movie is very funny and works as a Clinton parody without being offensive. Indeed, the magical collaboration between director Mike Nichols and screenwriter Elaine May produces a very clever and entertaining political melodrama. After three viewings, I'm not tired of this movie. At the end, I gained even more respect for the talents of Travolta, Thompson, Bates, Billy Bob Thornton et al.

This is a must see film.

the story of Bill
basically the story of the evilness of Bill Clinton America's worst president/murderer/rapist/womanizer/drug user/drug dealer/basically you name something that's a crime and he did it

a very good representation of the Clinton's evilness

Is It Real or Just Fiction?
I watched this film recently while reading Bill Clinton's book, "My Life," and after watching another DVD, "The War Room," and I have to say it's hard to tell if this "story" is fiction or a factual summary of Clinton's original run for the Presidency.

Regardless of the story behind the story this movie stands on its own as an excellent political film. John Travolta is fantastic (amazingly close to the real Clinton!) as Stanton the Southern candidate running for office. He leaves behind all hints of his normal sexiness and turns himself into a slick, conniving out of shape politican beant on winning his campaign. He pulls off this role with amazing ability as an actor, tearing up when necessary and showing anger without any brutality, he held it all in his eyes.

Kathy Bates plays a crazy campaign manager who tries to keep Stanton out of the dog house one too many times. She is brilliant in this role as a tough lesiban who succumbs to the reality of politics. She rants, she raves and she delivers great ethical speeches as her character attempts to right all of Stanton's wrongs (which are amazingly similar to Clinton's!).

I believe this film will open up a new level of awareness as to what actually occurs during a presidential campaign. An interesting film with a slow growing message and quite appropriate for political followers. I just wish Stanton/Clinton would finally show his TRUE colors!

"Wow" is the only phrase that comes to mind
When I first stumbled across a very very late night airing of Primary Colors on television, I was hesitant to sit back and enjoy the show. Political films just don't float my boat, since I find the actual politics somewhat uninteresting. However, within about forty-five seconds, I was hooked on this compelling comedy-drama. The story is superb, even though it isn't anything we haven't heard or joked about before. The acting is beyond superb, with every character given a voice and a story, so that you feel that nothing that is said or done is out of place. Although the comedic moments are great, what is really surprising is how, by the end of the film, you are deeply affected by the outcome of each character's story. And although the film is about politics, it is completely non-partisan and leaves the viewer to draw his or her own conclusions.

I feel that I cannot say enough good about Primary Colors. It is a surprisingly wonderful film that I would recommend to everyone. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I LOVE GRACE KELLY, but not this film
i am a true GRACE KELLY fan. i have seen all her films and i almost have every biography so i feel confident enough to say that this film did not do justice to the life Grace lived. Now i didnt expect the film to tackle every element of her life or career but this movie still left out a lot. it is known, no matter what biography you read, that Grace was quite promiscuous in her early years in new york. And she had several affairs with her leading men(such as clark gable, one which the film shows, ray milland, william holden, and even bing crosby fell in love with her) but the film fails to even touch on these relationships. this movie tried to make her appear to be so innocent and angelic. i dont want to see her reputation dragged through the mud but i do want to see the truth. there is a way to tackle those moments in her life without resorting to trashy direction, but i guess that would require good direction and a good screenplay. the movie also failed to show how famous she became within the five year period in which she became a star(1952-56). the film 'fourteen hours' which was really her first film debut is never even mentioned. and the movie never payed any notice to the fixation that alfred hitchcock had for her, which i think would have been an interesting development to see. the academy award scene was just awful. there was no tension(everyone wanted judy garland to win the award), no excitement and no joy in her winning. when i read GRACE by robert lacey i actually felt excited for her and nervous and almost shed a tear when she won and thats just a book. the wedding to prince rainer was rushed and the ending was weak. i didnt like the film ending at the wedding. i was just really disappointed with this film. i expected so much more and i was let down a great deal. but cheryl ladd did an ok job as grace. THE THREE STARS ARE FOR GRACE, NOT THE FILM.

Enjoyable but formulaic
I caught this on TV the other night while suffering from a bout of insomnia. It didn't put me to sleep, which is a good thing, and made for a pleasant diversion. Cheryl Ladd is lovely and luminous as Grace Kelly, but is given little to chew on acting-wise. That's true of the movie as a whole: it looks great (costumes, make-up, and hair are marvelously done) but skates along the surface. We get the usual tough-as-nails but heart-of-gold dad, who is distant emotionally, and the string of relationships Ladd goes through before meeting Mr. Right. There's no meat here, but at least the picture doesn't dredge up the worst possible details about Princess Grace and parade them about -- there's a degree of respect for the subject. It seems to follow the standard TV bio-pic formula; it's also shot with that gauzy filtered-lens look common to made-for-TV movies of the early 1980's. Enjoyable if you're in the mood. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Dare To Be !! Richard Benjamin Rules!!
In The Steagle(1971),Richard Benjamin does a superb job playing a bored mild mannered college professor in the midst of the 1961 Cuban Missle Crises,assuming that the world is coming to an end,he then decides to fullfill his fantasies traveling to different places around the country portraying other eccentric personas.It's well worth a look!!Check it out!! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Sleep Rousers
This is without doubt one of the lamest movies if ever paid money for. If you can get past the worst DVD transfer of the new millennium, then sit down, pop a few uppers and be prepared for the worst. Better still, save your money and wait for the DVD version of the great Aussie bikier movie 'Stone'.

Bad but worth it.
It's a classic bad movie that's worth watching at least once. It does have a couple slow parts but all in all you'll be laughing out loud and talking about it when its over.

So bad it's great
This movie is a classic bad biker movie. Bad movie and bad bikers. Nicholson and Bruce Dern are great, and it seems that most of the dialogue must have been adlibbed. No one can write this badly. All the sterotypes are here and if you can hold your lunch down, or keep from hyperventilating from laughter, you will have a great time. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

What did this movie have against donkeys?
When the words "Roger Corman presents" comes on the screen, you know you're in for some thing. Unfortunately, what you're in for here is a bad plot and incomprehensible writing. The movie starts off with some European terrorists (we have to be politically correct, after all) attacking a military convoy guarding a truck carrying what they think is uranium and take it to an abandoned warehouse in a harbor. What's actually inside the truck are two genetically built velociraptors and a female T-rex. Incidentally, the great method of keeping these three animals secure is to blow cold air on them - and thats it. I guess defense budget cuts took away cages.

So a team of army special forces are sent in to recover the three dinosaurs. But they aren't TOLD what they're looking for because "That's classified" - which is like saying, "OK boys, we need you to kill this guy. Nope sorry, we can't tell you who, that's classified." Of course, it's not until AFTER the carnosaurs have killed two team members that the higher-ups say, "Oh yeah, by the way, you're up against three dinosaurs." By the way, they can't KILL the carnosaurs because apparently these things were bred to help stop disease. However, at no point in the movie are ever told WHAT disease these carnosaurs can cure, or WHY the government chose dinosaurs in the first place. The sharks in "Deep Blue Sea" were forgivable because the super-IQ was an unknown side-affect, but this is just ridiculous.

After many deaths, the characters say, "Hey! Here's an idea! Let's put them on a boat AND THEN try to capture them!" instead of saying, "Wait a minute, it's not the method that's failing us, it's the whole LOGIC." As predicted, this doesn't work either, and so they must resort to using C-4, which they suddenly have. I guess the C-4 fairy paid a visit or some thing, I don't know...

Usually a film like this can get by with a bad storyline, but this had some atrocious writing in it as well. The marine Johnson is a black marine, so he gets to say stereotype things like, "Take dis mutha fugga!" When the police storm into the empty warehouse and see five small body parts scattered around a big room their sergeant says, "Looks like a plane crashed through here!" And by the way...what was with all the donkey references?! You think I'm kidding? The colonel calls Polchek a "dumbass donkey" at the beginning of the movie, then there are two more donkey remarks while they're hunting the carnosaurs, and then at the end of the movie the girl marine says, "Johnson, if you see any thing bigger than a donkey, shoot it!" Did the writers have a thing for donkeys? What is this!?

There is ONE good scene though: while the female scientist is blabbing on about the features of the three carnosaurs, Polchek and Sanders are passing notes to each other and snickering the whole time. They were taking the film about as seriously as I was.

Unkillable Dinosaurs On The Rampage
Last week I rented Carnosaur 3. This is the third in the series but they do not seem to be really linked. Carnosaur was based, very loosely, on the book of the same name by Harry Adam Knight which then became the basis for JURASSIC PARK.

In this the third installment a group of terrorists attack a military convoy transporting class 4 materials. They were hoping for plutonium but found a tyrannosaurus rex and a pair of deinonychus. These beasts were meant to remain dormant in a refrigerated environment but, thanks to the terrorists, they are now free on a shipping pier. An anti-terrorist squad is brought in to capture the dinosaurs before they have a chance to breed. Someone decided to grow them as self-fertilizing hermaphrodites. It turns out they are nesting on a freighter so the military pulls out of the dock thus isolating the dangerous beasts. Unfortunately things do not go as planned.

This movie was better done than the first movie with better acting, better story and better continuity. If you like dinosaurs you will want to check out this movie.

MY FUNNY VALENTINE
Alright, just how many lemon sourballs did they have to give Scott Valentine to make him keep that Stallonish type sneer throughout the whole movie? In an obvious effort to shed his sitcom/family type roles, Valentine plays Rance like he just had two or three enemas and can't wait to get to the pottie. His performance is so ludicrously bad, he's enjoyable.
This third in the series was obviously tired, as they've never done the fourth. It' not grossly bad, just not as good as it could have been with a little more regard to plotting, pacing, and credibility. Janet Gunn tries to outdo Valentine in her role as the doctor determined to take the dinosaurs alive to study them and make unbelievable progress in curing diseases? Then halfway through the movie, she's a gun-toting soldier, obviously in heat with Valetnine, and she doesn't need her glasses either. Rick Dean's Polchek tries so hard for comic relief, but delivers his lines with such lethargy, you wonder what kept him propped up. Fortunately, Juliana Vail and Morgan Englund, as two marine grunts, give the picture some strength and credibility.
Roger Corman took over the helms of producer for this one, and his standard tacky touches are oh so evident.
It's a fun little movie in its own deranged way; the arm wrestling between Vail and Dean is so ridiculous, you can't help but laugh; here they are in the midst of killer dinosaurs and they want to show who's tougher, he or she.
Rent--don't buy, though.

Indestructible Primal species...
A Group Of Anti-terrorist forces are sent to eliminate some escaped flesh-eating carnosaurs in this predictable entry. features dumb dialogue, laughable acting but fans will sure enjoy this.

CARNOSAUR 3
iF YOU SEE THIS MOVIE AT THE STORE RENT IT. ITS ONE MOST FAVORITE OF ALL.BUT ITS ONLY 1HOUR25MINITES I WISH IT WAS LONGER

THATS ALL ... Read more

Reviews (1)

CODE NAME BORING
Considering the talent in this movie, CODE NAME CHAOS should have delivered more than a tepid, incoherent and lethargically acted movie. It doesn't know whether it wants to be a comedy (it's not even funny) or some kind of espionage thriller. Alice Krige, Brian Kerwin, Robert Loggia and David Warner are vapid and must have needed the money. Don't waste your time. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Interesting!
I saw this movie on TV when I was a kid and thought it's not Rock Hudson's best movie it is an interesting story about the dangers of cloning and is a pretty creepy movie!

Embryo / DVD
Shame on Passport Video. My VHS Tapes look better than this DVD. The transfer looks to be off someones 6 hour tape. What a waste. I'll think twice before I purchase another Passport Video.

An interesting movie about the dangers of cloning
I have seen Embryo twice on television and I have enjoyed it both times. It is an interesting drama with a touch of science that presents the dangers of cloning, which is quite a futuristic view since the movie was released in only 1975, decades before "Dolly", the cloned sheep. For the most part, it is scientifically sound and is an original concept for a movie.

Rock Hudson stars as the doctor who finds an injured dog on the road and takes it home to nurse back to health. The doctor has been working on advanced growth formulae, however, and is able to regenerate (or clone) the dog within a matter of weeks. He is thrilled with his success and decides to make the giant leap to cloning a human. Not only does this intrigue the viewer, but introduces an eerie and suspenseful feeling about what is going to happen, especially when his "cloned" dog has an encounter with a small white dog (you'll have to see the movie to find out what happens here).

His "cloned" human is a girl named Victoria, nicely played by Barbara Carrera. Within days she is a beautiful, fully-grown adult with the remarkable ability to learn quickly and retain knowledge. She becomes very close to the doctor and helps him with his research. Then, near the end of the movie, something goes terribly wrong. It shows how an experiment can take a turn for the worse and is a warning to the limits of human testing. You will definitely have to watch the end of the movie to understand what I mean.

Embryo is successful as both a drama and pseudo-science movie. It was merely by chance that I watched it on T.V., but I'm glad I did because it was well worth it. The acting by Hudson and Carrera is well done, but I think the story idea itself makes this movie good. I recommend this movie to anyone who has an open mind to science and the future. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I LOVE GRACE KELLY, but not this film
i am a true GRACE KELLY fan. i have seen all her films and i almost have every biography so i feel confident enough to say that this film did not do justice to the life Grace lived. Now i didnt expect the film to tackle every element of her life or career but this movie still left out a lot. it is known, no matter what biography you read, that Grace was quite promiscuous in her early years in new york. And she had several affairs with her leading men(such as clark gable, one which the film shows, ray milland, william holden, and even bing crosby fell in love with her) but the film fails to even touch on these relationships. this movie tried to make her appear to be so innocent and angelic. i dont want to see her reputation dragged through the mud but i do want to see the truth. there is a way to tackle those moments in her life without resorting to trashy direction, but i guess that would require good direction and a good screenplay. the movie also failed to show how famous she became within the five year period in which she became a star(1952-56). the film 'fourteen hours' which was really her first film debut is never even mentioned. and the movie never payed any notice to the fixation that alfred hitchcock had for her, which i think would have been an interesting development to see. the academy award scene was just awful. there was no tension(everyone wanted judy garland to win the award), no excitement and no joy in her winning. when i read GRACE by robert lacey i actually felt excited for her and nervous and almost shed a tear when she won and thats just a book. the wedding to prince rainer was rushed and the ending was weak. i didnt like the film ending at the wedding. i was just really disappointed with this film. i expected so much more and i was let down a great deal. but cheryl ladd did an ok job as grace. THE THREE STARS ARE FOR GRACE, NOT THE FILM.

Enjoyable but formulaic
I caught this on TV the other night while suffering from a bout of insomnia. It didn't put me to sleep, which is a good thing, and made for a pleasant diversion. Cheryl Ladd is lovely and luminous as Grace Kelly, but is given little to chew on acting-wise. That's true of the movie as a whole: it looks great (costumes, make-up, and hair are marvelously done) but skates along the surface. We get the usual tough-as-nails but heart-of-gold dad, who is distant emotionally, and the string of relationships Ladd goes through before meeting Mr. Right. There's no meat here, but at least the picture doesn't dredge up the worst possible details about Princess Grace and parade them about -- there's a degree of respect for the subject. It seems to follow the standard TV bio-pic formula; it's also shot with that gauzy filtered-lens look common to made-for-TV movies of the early 1980's. Enjoyable if you're in the mood. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Drama & Thriller In One!
A woman is reunited with her biological mother after she was taken by child-protective services when she was little. Her mother was suffering from postpartum psychosis and supposedly put her into a bathtub of scalding hot water. After all these years, her mother is still psycho. She meets her daughter's lifelong foster parents, husband, son and new-born baby. As she tries to bond with her daughter, extreme rage and jealousy builds up inside of her towards the foster parents. And when her anti-psychotic medication runs out, she goes on a violent and sociopathic rampage against the family. It gets to the point where she plans on completly destroying every person in her daughter's life so they can start over, just the two of them. Her daughter realizes what she's up to when the bitch tries to kill the baby. The same way she did before, a bathtub full of steaming, scalding water. It turns into a shocking, heartpounding turmoil between the mother and daughter which leads to emotional pain, violence, and certain death.

A very good movie
The story line for the movie is very good and convincing and the acting by every character was believable and sincere. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Roman Polanski's brooding film noir exposes the darkest side of the land of sunshine, the Los Angeles of the 1930s, where power is the only currency--and the only real thing worth buying. Jack Nicholson is J.J. Gittes, a private eye in the Chandler mold, who during a routine straying-spouse investigation finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into a jigsaw puzzle of clues and corruption. The glamorous Evelyn Mulwray (a dazzling Faye Dunaway) and her titanic father, Noah Cross (John Huston), are at the black-hole center of this tale of treachery, incest, and political bribery. The crackling, hard-bitten script by Robert Towne won a well-deserved Oscar, and the muted color cinematography makes the goings-on seem both bleak and impossibly vibrant. Polanski himself has a brief, memorable cameo as the thug who tangles with Nicholson's nose. One of the greatest, most completely satisfying crime films of all time. --Anne Hurley ... Read more

Reviews (130)

Takes classic film noir detective story to new heights
This 1974 film takes the classic film noir detective movie to new heights. Yes, there is murder, scandal and lots of lies. But yet Jack Nicholson, cast as a private eye, is a sympathetic character. There's one scene in which the director, Roman Polanski, playing a bit part as a thug, rips open Nicholson's nose with a knife. This is the kind of wound that makes the audience grimace every time someone refers to it in the film. Faye Dunaway is cast as the femme fatale. She's beautiful, of course, and it's hard to take our eyes off of her. She's a woman of mystery, but little by little we glimpse her humanity. And by the time her secret is revealed, she's won everyone's heart.

Based on a real life scandal in Los Angeles in 1908, another underlying theme is about water and power in this desert city. The action takes place in the 1930s, and the details of that period of time are well portrayed, right down to Faye Dunaway's shaved and penciled eyebrows. The screenplay won an Academy Award and I can understand why. It was tightly written and revealed details that moved the plot forward at just the right pace. I sat there fascinated, not wanting to take my eyes off the screen, trying to figure out what would happen next and constantly surprised by the next twist and turn. John Huston is cast in the role of a wealthy landowner with a huge secret of his own. He's a fine actor and his presence on the screen added depth to the whole production.

The DVD has a special interview with the writer, Robert Towne, as well as Roman Polanski. This added to my enjoyment of the film and provided further insight about its production. Definitely recommended.

Transcendent Film Noir
I've seen very few "greatest film" lists that don't have Chinatown among the top 10, or even top 5. It's deserving. It's done in the style of a '50's film noir, but transcends the genre.

There are great performances here by Jack Nicholson and John Huston. Nicholson plays a jaded but heroically decent private investigator in the mold of Humphrey Bogart. He's much less the tough guy than Bogart, though, and you get the impression that he'd rather being doing something less seedy for a living. It's a very subtle portrayal. Huston, on the other hand, plays a tycoon whose mere presence on the screen can make your skin crawl.

The film stands out in just about every respect. The sets are wonderful and the cinematography beautiful to look at. Even the score is exceptional.

The DVD is a little short of extras, but they really aren't missed. The transfer is very high quality in all respects.

To the brainiac above who doesn't understand why the water is being dumped in the ocean: they're trying to create a drought to drive the farmers out of business. That's pretty much the key point of the plot. And, yes, a .38 snubnose is perfectly capable of hitting someone at 50 yards. Guns & Ammo tests them to that distance all the time. Get a clue!

A Master Screenplay, A Perfect Film
Many writers consider Robert Towne's screenplay for 'Chinatown' as the perfect screenplay. It is, and is also in fact the example of how important good writing is in the art of cinema. It is perfection and in the hands of Roman Polanski it became a film masterpiece. But it all goes back to the writing. Robert Towne has taken the true story of how Los Angeles stole water to grow and wound around it the fictional story of Jake Gittes, Evelyn Mulwray, and Noah Cross and made them major participants in an ugly little tale of lust and greed. Towne's screenplay is layered like a decaying Dahlia with twisting mysteries and taught suspense. There is not a loose end in sight and a few well placed red herrings are added to the mix to delight any fan of this type of story.
The attention to detail from vintage cars, sets, real L.A. streets and alleys to the excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith and the golden cinematography of John A. Alonzo contribute to all the aspects of this classic of the post 60's film noir.
Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Mulwray is at the top of her game creating a neurotic exotic hothouse flower that carries death within the heart of her dark and dirty secret. Lacquered and veiled in the most perfect black widow getup of the genre she is superbly brittle and vulnerable at the same time. She is fascinating to watch as she slowly unravels along with the mystery until she is naked in the horror of what her past and present prison is. This is a great performance by a great artist.
As Evelyn's father Noah Cross, John Huston is the debauched cancerous center of evil and greed captured within the crumbling casing of a seemingly charming old man. He too gives the performance of a lifetime and his soliloquy on what a man is capable of is chilling.
The center of this masterwork is Jack Nicholson who became a star with this, the best of his early work. His J. J. Gittes is hardboiled and ruthless in getting to the bottom of why he is being used to take the fall for a murder. He embodies the soul of Bogart and the heart of a romantic fighting to stay tuff in a rotten world. He is drawn with such skill that he seems not to be acting but simply existing the real world of L.A. in the late 1930's.
"Chinatown" is seminal in its place in film history. It bridged and old and forgotten genre with a new Hollywood in its post studio infancy and laid the groundwork for later films of equal ambition such as "Mullholland Falls" and "L.A. Confidential".
This is one of the best film ever made and a must have for any serious film collector.

I cut my nose shaving
Not since Otto Preminger's LAURA had filmgoers the pleasure of watching a classic film noir, until Polanski's CHINATOWN. The plot and characters are complex but chillingly believeable. I can't find anything wrong with this film. It is well-paced for a fairly long movie. The lighting, cinematography, setting, costumes... everything is as should be. The performances by John Huston and Faye Dunaway are eerie and tragic, respectively. Then of course there's Nicholson. Mad Jack was already firmly established on the Hollywood map having already won acclaim for EASY RIDER, THE LAST DETAIL, and FIVE EASY PIECES. This film however fixed him permanently in the constellation of Hollywood stars. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST would soon follow. In any event, his portrayal of an aloof, world-weary gumshoe who stumbles in over his head into an intrigue involving crooked politicians and the money-slobbering wealthy still holds up 30 years later. This is an incredible film.

THIS IS WHAT FILM IS SUPPOSED TO BE
The mid-1970s saw a spate of "government conspiracy" films, all with liberal themes that emanated from Watergate. None of them were about Kennedy stealing the 1960 election. Hmm.
"Chinatown" (1974) may be the best screenplay ever written. A historical look at 1930s Los Angeles, it actually condensed events from the 1900s with events that, uh, never happened but made for good drama. Written by L.A. native Robert Towne, directed by Roman Polanski, produced by Evans and starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunnaway and famed director John Huston, it told the story of how Los Angeles became a metropolis. In Towne's version, Huston "owns" the L.A. Department of Water & Power with a character based on actual L.A. City engineer William Mulholland. Mulholland had orchestrated the political deal which built the aqueduct that brought water from the Owens Valley into the L.A. Basin, allowing millions of Southern Californians to keep their lawns green to this day.
The Mulholland character is "sacrificed" at the altar of greed, embodied by Huston, who secretly buys the San Fernando Valley, knowing that once the water deal is set, it will be incorporated into the city, making him a gazillionaire. It is rather cynical, although nobody suggests the L.A. "city fathers" were boy scouts. The same old theme is that capitalism and American political power are corrupt. To make sure the audience is convinced the corruption is beyond redemption, Huston is in the end found out be an insatiable, incestual monster. He plays the role so well it brings up minds-eye imagery of his real daughter, Angelica. The film is utterly beyond any criticism, regardless of political colorization. For decades, film students and screenwriters have studied it. It spawned an artistic quest to lace the screen with symbols, metaphors, backstory, and twists.
"Chinatown" seems to be the apex of the American film period, the mid-1970s. The period from 1960 to 1979 is unparalleled, but the backstory of the people who created these classics is a telling tale of why the genre leans to the Left. In the 1960s, film schools became popular. Four schools emerged, and have held their place as the place to learn the craft. In Los Angeles there was the USC School of Cinema-Television. Their first big alumnus was "Star Wars" director George Lucas. UCLA combined their film school with their drama program, so as to bring actors, writers, directors and producers together. Coppola went to UCLA along with a future rock star named Jim Morrison, who would form The Doors with another UCLA film alumnus, keyboardist Ray Manzarek.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Jim Jones: The Guyana Tragedy
This is an outstanding movie! Powers Booth does an exellent portrayel of Rev. Jim Jones. This movie,I would say is not for children.The only thing bad with this video is the quality of the picture is not very good at all,but it is worth the money just to own the movie.The facts are a little shaky,but all in all it's pretty close. Shane

Riveting portrait of good that becomes evil
The events of November 18, 1978, in which 917 people died in a jungle enclave in the South American jungle of Guyana have continued to rivet the world. How could all these people have been brainwashed into following a man like the Rev. Jim Jones to their eventual doom? What social and economic conditions could have driven both them and their leader to do what they did?

The riveting 2-part 1980 TV film GUYANA TRAGEDY: THE STORY OF JIM JONES gives us a pretty good idea. Neither director William A. Graham nor screenwriter Ernest Tidyman could have found anyone better to play Jim Jones than the then-unknown Powers Boothe. I agree strongly with a previous reviewer who said that Boothe literally BECAME Jones right before our eyes. It's not a surpise, then, that he should have won an Emmy for his magnetic performance.

The film also features a big-name cast, including Ned Beatty, Meg Foster, Randy Quaid, Brenda Vaccaro, Brad Dourif, Madge Sinclair, Colleen Dewhurst, and Diane Ladd. This is a must-see for anyone interested in incredible single events like the nightmare of the Jonestown massacre.

GUYANA TRAGEDY-THE STORY OF JIM JONES
I FEEL THAT POWERS BOOTHE PORTRAYED JIM JONES EXCELLENTLY IN THIS MOVIE,AND I RECOMMEND IT VERY HIGHLY FOR VIEWING.

A Spellbinding Film Though Not Entirely Accurate
This film is masterfully done and will grab the viewer's attention from the beginning. Boothe does an excellent job of portraying Jones. Though the film has great artistic merit and portrays an overall sense of the life of the People's Temple, it fails to convey the true roots of madness that became the driving force of the Jonestown cult. For a better overall survey of Jones' theological presuppositions and personal history, I would highly recommend a reading of David Chidester's book, Salvation and Suicide. Also recommended is the audio broadcast "The Last Days of Jonestown," available from National Public Radio.

Boothe's Emmy was well deserved!
Besides the riveting portrayal of Jones by star Boothe, the two-part telefilm sports excellent performances from Rosalind Cash, Veronica Cartwright, Brenda Vaccaro, Madge Sinclair, and Levar Burton, fresh from his star-making turn as the young "Kunta Kinte" in "Roots.

The film is engrossingly disturbing from start to finish. It chronicles the events leading to one of the most horrific days in history, only parrelled by the attack on Pearl Harbor and that day in September two years ago. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

The Return to Cutter Gap - Wonderful Comeback
The Return to Cutter Gap is a wonderful return from the old series. Where the original Christy series left us dieing to know what Christy's choice for husband would be, this new movie is a beginning of the end where we will finally see this Christian heroine choose the love of her heart. Shot in the beautiful mountains outside of Vancuver, B.C., the scenery is once again breathing taking. Some people will of course be dissapointed that Kellie Martin is not returning to her role of Christy, but Lauren Lee Smith (Dark Angel) does a fine job in the role. Stewart Finnley McLennan returns to play Neil McNeil, one of the love interests in Christy's life and James Waterston potrays the Boston preacher who also has his eyes on Christy. Award Nominee Diane Lad stars as Miss Alice and there are several of the actors from the orginal series that return to play their old parts. The story begins with an aged Christy returning to her old haunts in Cutter Gap bringing her daughter Catherine with her. The story is told to Catherine through the eyes of her mother who had a great deal of exciting, romantic, adventurous, and sad stories to relate. The first story revolves around several different occurences - the crash of a gorgeous female aviator in Cutter Gap, the building of a new road to El Pano, the dissaperance of many of the cove people's belongings, and Christy's encouragement of one of her pupils' desire to go to colledge. How do all of these different situations end up? Find out by watching Christy: The Return to Cutter Gap

The Return to Cutter Gap - Wonderful Comeback
The Return to Cutter Gap is a wonderful return from the old series. Where the original Christy series left us dieing to know what Christy's choice for husband would be, this new movie is a beginning of the end where we will finally see this Christian heroine choose the love of her heart. Shot in the beautiful mountains outside of Vancuver, B.C., the scenery is once again breathing taking. Some people will of course be dissapointed that Kellie Martin is not returning to her role of Christy, but Lauren Lee Smith (Dark Angel) does a fine job in the role. Stewart Finnley McLennan returns to play Neil McNeil, one of the love interests in Christy's life and James Waterston potrays the Boston preacher who also has his eyes on Christy. Award Nominee Diane Lad stars as Miss Alice and there are several of the actors from the orginal series that return to play their old parts. The story begins with an aged Christy returning to her old haunts in Cutter Gap bringing her daughter Catherine with her. The story is told to Catherine through the eyes of her mother who had a great deal of exciting, romantic, adventurous, and sad stories to relate. The first story revolves around several different occurences - the crash of a gorgeous female aviator in Cutter Gap, the building of a new road to El Pano, the dissaperance of many of the cove people's belongings, and Christy's encouragement of one of her pupils' desire to go to colledge. How do all of these different situations end up? Find out by watching Christy: The Return to Cutter Gap

A new "Christy" story
You're either a Christy fan or not, so I'm not going to bother summarizing the plot. If you're a Christy fan, you'll like it. However, I don't think I'd start a new Christy viewer out on these movies. They start after the series' end, with first "Return to Cutter Gap" and then "A Change of Seasons" and "A New Beginning." Start a Christy newbie with the first few series episodes. However, for returning Christy fans, this is another enjoyable movie with no objectionable language or behavior, and a pleasing addition to the Christy canon.

What is new to these movies from the series (besides cast changes) is the envelope, discussions between the aged Christy and her daughter "Catherine" as Catherine brings her mother to revisit Cutter Gap. (Those who have read Catherine Marshall's book _Christy_, on which the series and now the movie are loosely based, know that the Christy character is somewhat based on Catherine Marshall's mother.) And the whole Margaret McNeill sub-plot is ignored as if it had never happened (which, in the book, it didn't -- Margaret died before Christy ever came to Cutter Gap and didn't keep popping up to torment Neil and Miss Alice.) But the envelope and occasional voice-overs by the "older" Christy are okay and the story is involving, with poachers and an early aviatrix descending on Cutter Gap. Interestingly, the aviatrix Harriet Quimby was a real person and this episode left me wondering whether she and Catherine Marshall's real-life mother ever met.

The cast changes are neutral to slightly disappointing. Lauren Lee Smith's portrayal of Christy is as perky and naive as Kellie Martin's was. James Waterston doesn't have the presence of Randall Batinkoff's original David Grantland, and Diane Ladd seemed rather wishy-washy after Tyne Daly's characterization (and her "thee"s sounded totally artificial). But these are minor flaws. A flaw that bothered me more was the new Fairlight Spencer's emotional distance from Christy. Both in the book and in the series, their friendship was very important to both women, and I don't think Fairlight would have brushed Christy off no matter the provocation.

Finally, a word of warning about confusing titles. "Return to Cutter Gap" was shown on Pax-TV recently as "Christy: The Movie." Two other Amazon "Christy" titles, "Christy: A Change of Seasons" and "Christy: A New Beginning" were just shown on Pax as "Christy: Choices of the Heart" parts 1 and 2 respectively. Why rename them? Other than to confuse the viewers, I mean?

Disappointed...
The 1 star is for Stewart Finlay-McClennan returning as Dr. MacNeill. As one reviewer mentioned, Kellie Martin played Christy effortlessly. While Lauren Lee Smith tries her best, the performance is a bit...bland. Some lines seemed a bit forced & having seen the CBS series, it was difficult not to be dissappointed--knowing what 'could have been.' But it is worth the watch just for the story's sake.

Shocked and disappointed!
I can't believe how much the quality of this series has gone downhill. Seeing someone other than Tyne Daly playing Miss Alice is almost enough to drive me to tears. No one can play Christy as effortlessly as Kellie Martin did. Thankfully Dr. McNeil is still played by the same actor, and he has become the only good reason to keep watching. The producers should have done anything, everything, whatever it took to re-assemble the original cast. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

NOT A GOOD MOVIE
Sorry, but this film is rediculous. Casper Van Dien is awful in the role. It's obvious he doesn't know how to act and whoever said Van Dien looked like he did alot of research on the role has got to be out of there mind. It's even a horrible love story, it's often very corny and is horribly photographed. And seventy-five percent of the whole film wasn't even true. He never came on to Natalie Wood and never talked to Pier Angeli after she broke up with him.
To start with: Casper here, portrays the Hollywood legend as if he were some big time macho skirt chaser (as mentioned, in the film he came on to Natalie Wood), looking for trouble. James Dean was not a skirt chaser, he was shy and took his acting seriously. He wouldn't moon the camera (as at the beginning of the film he moons the camera when shooting for "East of Eden"). And when he's at Pier Angeli's house in the film. He turns on some Rock'n'Roll music. Jimmy listened to classical music, with classic singers like Frank Sinatra (not insulting Rock'n'Roll or anything, just noting it). Also, the racing sequences are horrible. It looks more like they're racing at a theme park. And also the film doesn't even cover Jimmys whole life, it didn't cover the years that effected his life. And at the end when the cars collide it's horrible. It shows the hero dead, it's really painful and heart breaking (even if it is pathetic Casper Van Dien) to see the hero die, especially when it's supposed to be James Dean.
As asnother reviewer said, I would recommend the bio-pic starring James Franco, although not totally accurate (but more accurate than this film) it shows James Dean for who he was. James franco is a real gifted actor (unlike Casper Van Dien) he has a bright future ahead if he keeps acting.

An insult to Jimmy!
This film is extremely insulting to the memory of James Byron Dean, and attempts at presenting a "cool-legend" other than how Jimmy actually was. Bad, bad, bad stuff right here. Please, ... Casper? (I can't believe I can't get work acting (I look more like Jimmy than he does), this performance was pathetic and one-dimensional.) For a great and multi-layered portrayal of how Jimmy was check out "James Dean" starring James Franco (a role in which he won several awards). While the TNT film may have some factual slip-ups here and there, it does not romanticize and idealize James Dean. It presents Jimmy as a lonely boy with vast emotional problems searching for acceptance and love. (Which is exactly who he was)...

Pure [junk]
I could play a better James Dean than Casper. I cannot even believe they chose him, I find that so insulting. This movie [stinks] royally and thats that. And for once could we please have an honest hollywood film about his LIFE no fiction added romance.... EVERYONE KNOWS he was bisexual... whats the big deal? I think its okay to make a film about that as well as all the other real things he did and what he delt with. Enough of this low budget trash.

Get Over it CRYBABIES!!!! Good Film , Casper is awesome
I think this is a good film, period!!!! I live in Indiana and I have been a Jimmy Dean fan for over half my life (I'm 36). The point here is that there will never be another James Dean, we all know that, so get over it!!!!! I'd never expect any guy to play Jimmy and capture his whole persona. Jimmy was too talented and special for that to happen. Casper is blond, blue eyed, medium-short height, and pulls off Jimmy's facial expressions and body gestures well. What else can you expect? I think Casper is a fine actor and he does a sensitive thoughtful acting job in the role of James Dean.

For starters, everyone knows Pier left Jimmy for Vic Damone (documented facts here, even Pier said so later). The story of Pier and Jimmy in this movie is considered by most Dean fans to be the true one. Pier's mother pushed her to marry Vic, end of story. Unless you subscribe to the story that Jimmy was gay and their relationship was a farce (for myself, I think the idea of Jimmy being gay is a farce in itself).

Yes this film has flaws. Sal and Natalie are depicted unfairly, but that is a judgement call depending on whose facts you choose to believe. I thought the jibe to both was unessesary. sal was gay and Natalie slept around, but Jimmy was no angel either. It was uncalled for.

Robert Mitchum and Connie Stevens are awesome in this movie as well as Carrie Mitchum (Casper's ex-wife). Diane Ladd was so good as Mama Pierangeli that I wanted to reach through the TV screen and punch her lights out. If you like Dean and are open minded enought to seeing someone play Jimmy, then you may find that you will like this film. It is meant to be an action-drama, not a serious hardcore bio picture. Lot's of cool scenes of Jimmy (Casper) riding a motorcycle and Jimmy's Porche's. The soundtrack can be overbearing at times, like alot of film's nowadays.

Poor Jimmy and Pier, I'll bet they are in heaven right now snuggling. I hope they are together finally.

but the music is good
i have to agree with the other reviewers for the most part this movie stinks. With the possible exception of Robert Mitchum the acting is horrid and the movie very inaccurate. James Dean was not madly in love with Pier Angelli and in fact broke off the relationship with her. In the movie the reverse is true. On the plus side the music, at least the song