Amazon.com

Most of the original characters from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame--plus a few new ones--return for this animated sequel. Esmeralda (Demi Moore) and Phoebus (Kevin Kline) now have a son named Zephyr (Haley Joel Osment), with whom Quasi (Tom Hulce) has become friends. When the circus comes to town, the hunchback becomes enchanted by a magician's assistant, Madellaine (Jennifer Love Hewitt), but the her boss, the vain Sarousch (Michael McKean), is also a thief with an eye for the cathedral's jeweled bell. He forces Madellaine to woo Quasi while he carries out the theft. Will he get away with it? Will Madellaine learn to see the inner Quasi? And will he be able to trust again when he learns of her deception? Songs and humorous high jinks from the gargoyles, including Jason Alexander's Hugo, illustrate the lesson that--as in the first feature--you can't judge a book by its cover. This sequel is squarely aimed at a younger audience than the original was; children from 5 to 10 should be very entertained. --Kathleen C. Fennessy ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Another rare Disney animated movie
This is a rare Disney animated movie without violence. This movie deserves a G rating, then a lot of there animated movies. While the Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) had both lanuage and violence, this had one of either, and zero scary scenes. This movie reunties most of the characters from the first movie, and has some new characters like Zephyr and Madelliane and Sarousch. The archdeacon makes a breif appearnce in the movie. Quasimodo's evil master is not back, and which whould be good news if you hated him in the first movie. Clopin also returns in the movie with Esmeralda, Pheobus, Laverne, Hugo, Victor, and Quasimodo. As the movie opens, Emseralada (Demi Moore) and Pheobus (Kevin Kline) are maried, and they have a son named Zephyr (Haley Joel Osment). With leaves Quaismodo (Tom Hulce) without a girl he lives to shout her name while the bell Le Fieilde rins during a festival. That is into an evil circus ringmaster named Sarousch (Micheael McKean) sends Madelliane (Jennifer Love Hewitt) to gfet informationm on the bell, so he can steal the bell. The cast also includes Quasimodo' best friends Hugo (Jason Alexander), Victor (Charles Kimbrough) and Laverne (Jane Withers).

Touching Sequel
While the animation of Hunchback II was not as crisp as that of the original, it had a brighter, more cheerful ambiance. Most of the characters from the first movie have returned, with a few additions. Young Zephr (voiced by Haley Joel Osment), the son of Phoebus and Esmeralda, is Quasimodo's best friend. Quasimodo also finally meets his true love in Madellaine (voiced by Jennifer Love Hewitt), a spunky yet insecure circus performer. Unfortunately, Madellaine has been forced by her boss, the evil, flamboyant Sarousch, to help steal La Fidal, a valuable bell from the cathedral.

The developing affection between Quasi and Madellaine was beautifully depicted: he helped her to focus on her strengths while she was able to see the beauty within him. (La Fidel could perhaps be seen as a metaphore for Quasi since it was plain on the outside with a beautiful, glittering interior.) The scene where the hunchback was showing Madellaine the sights of Paris was a joy.

Although I initially didn't think that the songs were as good as those of the first film, I found that, after a couple of viewings, they have grown on me: I find them playing through my head from time to time.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable film and a pleasing compliment to the first Hunchback movie.

The First One is Better
Whoever said Quasimodo was ugly deserves to have a burning spear thrust through their skull and their arms and legs nailed to bricks. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" teaches that superficiality never pays, and that a loving heart is much more important than looks, but what's the point if people are too shallow to understand?
The first movie was outstanding, and this one isn't as good, but it's still entertaining. It's much more kid-oriented than the first. Rent it first.

As bad as they say...
This movie is as bad (or worse) than everyone has said. the animation is shoddy, and the storyline is boring. If you are looking for a good cartoon... look elsewhere. You'd be throwing your money away on this one.

STUPID! Stupid! Stupid!
Stupid story, stupid animation, stupid charecters!
YOU WASTED OUR MONEY!
DON't BY THIS TERRIBLE FILM!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Buried somewhere in here...
Buried somewhere in PAST TENSE is a rather sharp and brilliant movie. Half MULHOLLAND DRIVE, halfy kitschy detective story, PAST TENSE has potential underground hit written all over it. The standout here is the always talented Lara Flynn Boyle (who is underrated and underused in an industry that could use a lot more talented actresses.) Here her acting skills lead an impressive ambiguity to the character "Tory Bass" (a mixture of the innocent and the earthy in typical film noir nature.)

Unlike MULHOLLAND DRIVE, PAST TENSE has a fairly universal plot to follow once things unravel: boy meets girl, boy loses girl to murder, boy gets girl back (or does he?). What makes PAST TENSE confusing (or brilliant, depending on how you approach the film) is the constant replaying or reimagining of one or two scenes (interspersed with new events or images and the rest of the "plot.")

You'll see, for instance, "Tori" slice a lemon while her cop neighbor (played by Scott Glenn) attempts to make a move on her;then a few frames later, the same scene. The neat factor comes in how "Tori" is dressed differently or how she behaves in the scenes that are repeated. One version of her first meeting with the cop neighbor has her sultry and seductive, another has her innocent and scared. (To explain why this occurs would be to give away a major spoiler...which I won't do...)

What is real and what isn't? Why do people vanish and reappear or take on new names? The MULHOLLANDesque elements of PAST TENSE are what make this film a keeper and a "repeat viewing" video. At least two elements (the discovery of a photo of "Tory" using a different name plus camera shots of a dead or slumbering woman in bed) of PAST TENSE are eerily similar to David Lynch's 2001 film.

The actual screenplay and the horribly annoying "writing" Scott Glenn's character types on his computer monitor (in his attempts to quit his day job and be a hack novelist)are all that hold this eerie and unforgettable movie back. Otherwise, you would get a beautifully shot (if somewhat stilted and naive) love story.

(Of course in the end, nothing offers the twists and turns that makes up the wonderful trip MULHOLLAND DRIVE.)

Past Tense
The movie is as interesting as the Titl ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A GREAT PLAY TURNED INTO A MEAN MOVIE
Based on Charles Fuller's Off Broadway play, ZOOMAN & THE SIGN, the film tells the story of what happens to a family and community when a young sociopath accidently shoots and kills a little girl. A family comes together, but a neighborhood falls apart. The acting is excellent, but so intense and emotional, it is sometimes difficult to watch. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the ending was changed. In the play, you learn that Zooman like the little girl was a victim of the callousness and apathy of society. In the film, he just receives street justice. A mean and cold ending to an eomotional wrought film. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

old joke new twist
sure this is the classic pinky and the brain jokes but this video takes it to another level with episodes that brake that ordinary mold. Exellent! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A wise cartoon
I thoroughly enjoy every "Pinky and the Brain" cartoon made. It's a wise cartoon, about a crazed mutated mouse (with a huge
lightbulb of a head) who wants to conquer the world. Since he
can't really do it by myself, he has help in the person of
Pinky, his amiable-but-stupid sidekick. Both fail every time,
but never give up. Such wisdom is not just for children, but
also for adults. These are great cartoons. You will enjoy them,
I promise.

One great video
Pinky & the Brain have to be one of the greatest cartoons ever made. It easily appeals to kids and adults alike. This video is a great start for any collection for fans of the cartoon or just cartoons in general. It contains three short episode; Pavlov's Mice, Brain Meets Brawn, Where Rodents Dare, and Tokyo Grows. All great episodes in the tradition of what this cartoon is like. I beleive they are from the early beginings of the show when it was a part of Animaniacs on the WB. Although it is a bit short, 37 minutes total, this video is a must buy, a great addition to your collection that will appeal to the entire family. Buy it now before you no longer can!

One of the best cartoons...
Pinky and The Brain are very good, but this video is perfect. If I could, I'd rate it 6 stars! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

When Havana was released in 1990, a lot of reviewers unfavorably compared it to Casablanca, and those comparisons (in addition to audience indifference) turned the film into a box-office disaster. It deserved a better fate, because, while this is certainly no masterpiece, it's an intelligent and lavishly produced film about a chapter of history--the final days of Cuba under the collapsing Batista regime--that remains largely unfamiliar to the American mainstream. It's a compelling political backdrop for the story of a high-stakes gambler (Robert Redford) who comes to Cuba seeking the big score in poker games, following his expectation that high rollers will bet wildly as the Cuban government crashes around their heads. In Havana, Redford meets the wife (Lena Olin) of a Communist revolutionary (Raul Julia) with ties to Fidel Castro, and their attraction becomes powerfully mutual after her husband is presumed killed by Cuban police. What follows, as Cuba falls and Redford's character is forced into a crisis of conscience, is a mini-epic love story with tragic overtones, handled with great skill (albeit lagging pace) by longtime Redford collaborator Sydney Pollack. True, it's not nearly as memorable as Casablanca, but this is a worthwhile film, especially if you're interested in the political upheavals in pre-Castro Cuba. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (13)

A moving love story with beautiful performances
I was really surprised that this film film did so bad at the box office. I mean it gave a chance to Robert Redford to not play Robert Redford again. As Siskel (god bless him) and Ebert said this film is a burried treasure. It has a great story and becautiful sceneries and performances. There was a lot of chemistry between Redford and Olin and they are good together. For those who complained about lack of chemistry watch Horse Whisperer with Redford. Now, that is a film with no chemistry among leads. I particulary enjoyed the last scene when Redford gets out of his car in front of the beach and looks at horizon hoping for Bobby to show up. But he knows she is not coming. It was an unjustice not to give Raul Julia credit. I don't why they did that. But he was very good. I think in time this film will be rediscovered. Frankly, I enjoyed this much better than Out of Africa which I found slow and non involving.

Bad Reputation Undeserved.
Many will claim that Sydney Pollack and Robert Redford were on auto-pilot while making this film. Based on their previous collaborative efforts, the well-received Three Days of the Condor, The Way We Were, The Electric Horseman, and Out of Africa, which swept the Academy Awards, people wanted to see their movies. They could make any movie they wanted. They made Havana, and NOBODY wanted to see it.

Maybe Pollack, brilliant in his own right, set his watch according to Redford's schedule at this time, and history shows that, subsequent to Havana, and its box office failure Sydney Pollack basically quit directing. His influence in film is still served, and may be better served as a producer, witness Sliding Doors, Sense and Sensibility, Fabulous Baker Boys, and Searching For Bobby Fischer, all of which he helped bring to the screen.

But, back to the matter at hand-Redford as a gambler, Lena Olin, his distraction (and what a distraction)--the film feels good, looks good, and gives us some perspective on Cuba in the waning hours of Batista.

Olin (pre-Romeo is Bleeding, post Unbearable Lightness of Being) is properly introduced to American audiences, and is not inappropriate as leading lady to one of Hollywood's leading stars, Redford, who, even on auto-pilot, delivers a strong, engaging performance.

I understand this film was heavily maligned at release, and failed dismally at the box office, but I enjoyed it. It is a beautiful film to watch with attractive leads-and that alone stands it well ahead of many of the alternatives out there today.

Cuba Libre.
In a highball glass, pour 1.5 - 2 oz rum over ice cubes, add the juice of 1/2 lime and fill up with coke.

That's the recipe for the drink political correctness has renamed "Rum and Coke," but which most of us also still know by its original name, Cuba Libre. And the cocktail invented just over 100 years ago to celebrate Cuba's freedom from Spain perfectly epitomizes the state of the island republic's society towards the late 1950s' end of the Batista regime: A sweet, tangy, intoxicating Caribbean foundation, mixed with the classical American exports; from Coke, cars and cigarettes to expatriates and their money ... except, alas, for the greatest thing the U.S. might have brought to Cuba, assistance in establishing democracy. Instead, during Batista's 30-year dictatorship, Cuba - and particularly Havana - became the Latin Las Vegas, a place where the action was on, the stakes were high, flesh was cheap, gambling was legal (and largely controlled by American mobster Meyer Lansky) and the party never ended.

Until, beset by the revolutionary movement led by a certain Fidel Castro, Batista fled the country in the early morning hours of January 1, 1959. And suddenly the party was over.

The last days of Batista's regime are the backdrop for 1990's "Havana," which sees high-stakes poker ace Jack Weil (Robert Redford) in Cuba for the game of his life. He has played "every elks' club and moose hole in America" and remembers every hand of every game, he tells Lansky's right-hand man Joe Volpi (Alan Arkin). Now he wants a shot at the big one - playing with guys who don't even think how much they're playing for. And he knows that the revolutionary fever in the air has the same effect on gamblers as a potent aphrodisiac on those in pursuit of Havana's other main commodity; so in Jack's eyes, now's the time or never. Yet, although liberally indulging in all of Havana's pleasures, he couldn't care less about Cuban politics. All he thinks he needs to know is who's in charge, and how to stay out of trouble.

But then he meets Roberta Duran (Lena Olin at the top of her game), the wife of a wealthy physician aligned with Castro. (Raul Julia who, despite a stellar performance, chose to remain uncredited, reportedly because he didn't receive first billing alongside Redford - a great pity, and a disservice to himself.) Now Jack falls in love, badly enough to go against his life's entire philosophy to try and save Roberta from Batista's henchmen after her husband has been arrested and supposedly killed, and she questioned and tortured by the secret police. And now Jack really does get to play the game of his life - except that now it's no longer about cards at all; and when Volpi at last does put together the big game he has lobbied for, Jack is no longer even in attendance. Instead, he's out putting his personal interests at stake for Roberta.

"Havana" was Robert Redford's and director Sydney Pollack's seventh cooperation after "This Property Is Condemned" (1966), "Jeremiah Johnson" (1972), "The Way We Were" (1973), "Three Days of the Condor" (1975), "The Electric Horseman" (1979) and "Out of Africa" (1985); and it shows, for better and for worse. At his best, Redford delivers magically, whether dealing cards at a poker table surrounded by marks and beautiful women, or arguing with Roberta about her stake in the revolution, or letting her captured husband know how he has enjoyed being with Roberta; realizing jealousy's potency in stirring a betrayed, hot-blooded husband's fighting spirit, after Jack has decided, against all self-interest, to free and reunite him with her. But there are those few occasional lines, those few mannerisms that smack of just a pinch too much routine; and why an exchange like "Were you waiting for me?" - "All my life" didn't make Redford's and Pollack's usually unfailing kitsch-o-meters go into overtilt, I honestly don't understand. (Besides, whoever had the brilliant idea of making Redford wear a Hawaii shirt in the closing scene should be flogged and hung out to dry in a Hawaii shirt himself. Eeeewwww ...)

Undeservedly, "Havana" flopped at the box office and only later began picking up audience favors. This is primarily blamed on its unfair (and shallow) initial comparison to "Casablanca," which I don't think it ever set out to replicate; in addition to its somewhat two-dimensional political outlook (and here I agree). Redford himself has also been quoted commenting on his suddenly prominent facial lines, an effect only underscored by the fact that he had last been seen on the big screen four years earlier in "Legal Eagles" with decidedly lesser visible lines. But come on, folks - the man was over fifty when he made "Havana" ... have you ever wondered to what extent you've internalized Hollywood's youth addiction if you did *not* expect his age to start showing at some point? Frankly, I rather think it's admirable if an actor whose looks have always factored highly in his appeal makes a point in going against the expectation that he submit to plastic surgery, *and* then continues to make his mark on society and the movie business regardless.

So forget "Havana"'s bad rep. This is a beautifully shot, superbly edited, sumptuous drama (a particular delight editing-wise are the scenes setting Jack's forays into Havana's night life against the city's less glamorous realities); part romance, part political thriller; magnificently scored by Dave Grusin and endowed with all of Pollack's and production designer Terence Marsh's known attention to detail, whose authenticity even "spooked" Cuban-born Tomas Milian, (who plays secret police commander Menocal), as Milian says in the DVD's featurette - and this although for obvious reasons the entire set had to be reconstructed in the Dominican Republic. It may not be one of the multiple Oscar-winning Redford-Pollack collaborations ... but overall it's still head and shoulders above many another production I'll refrain from naming here.

Disapointing
It could have been a good one. But everything seems to be out of focus. The love story does not work between Redford and Lena Olin, the story is too simplistic: revolutionaries are good and the Batista regime is evil. What a way to learn some of your neighbor's history! Of course there's more than that.
Simplifying the views may be good for propaganda effects but as for art or even for plain entertainment you need to give us something better. We may not know or care about Cuba's recent history but we know when the teacher is playing sides.
I don't understand how a good director like Pollack can sell himself -and his reputation- so cheap to the Holywood-propaganda-industry.

Loved it then, love it now
I absolutely loved this film when it was first released in 1990. I thought it was terribly underrated, and was disappointed when I learned that it got some negative reviews. The performances by Redford and Olin were understated and wonderful. I thought they worked well together. The music alone is worth the price of admission. I purchased the sound track on cassette, and played it to death. Today this movie was shown on AMC and I, once again, was mesmerized by all of it. Now Olin is gaining some fame again on the TV show,"Alias" as Jenifer Garner's mother. She is as beautiful as ever. Havana is a great flick-----buy it and see for yourself!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great revival for Donald and his nephews!
Quack Pack was a short-lived but excellent '90's afternoon animated series from Disney. Donald Duck is still living with his mischevious nephews Huey, Louie, and Dewey, but they're now teenagers. Donald works as a camera man and Daisy is a TV reporter for a tabloid news show. Together the group of ducks get into crazy adventures they constantly have to get themselves out of. In this video we find the gang visiting a haunted house on Halloween. Great fun for the whole family. Well animated and very entertaining! ... Read more

Description

Code name: Golgo 13 - Professional assassin.
Target: Queen Bee - leader of dissident South American liberation army.
Mission: Terminate the infamous Queen Bee before she kills a high profile presidential candidate.
Problem: Queen Bee is not your average guerrilla radical. As a child, she was ripped unmercifully from her home and left to fend for herself on the streets. As a woman, cunning and powerful, she lives only for passion and revenge; her brand of honey is deadly. Once Golgo 13 discovers Queen Bee's true identity, he decides that he must step aside as a very personal feud climaxes to a tragic end that will blow you away!

With its intricate plot and pulse-pounding action, Golgo 13: Queen Bee stays true to the thrilling scenarios that have made the "Golgo 13" character such a success spanning a theatrical movie, comic books, and video games! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Beautifully done anime.
Sometimes an anime comes along that is executed so smoothly and stylish, everything just pieces together. Yes, that is Golgo 13: Queen Bee. With a great theme song, intricate and deep plot, and one of the coolest main characters to appear in anime, Golgo 13: Queen Bee deserves far more praise. The artwork is incredible. Animation is good, but even better is the sheer amount of detail in this anime. It is poetry in motion, and almost Ghost in tthe Shell caliber. Hang around during the credits, because that's when the best scene of the movie is shown.

The story itself is done in such a way that it is simple if you want it to be, and complex if you feel like thinking about it. It is all executed so well. The transition effects between scenes may take some time to get used to, but aren't too distracting at all. The only complaint I have is the amount of, uh, activity in this film. Seeing the same woman go at it with five different guys, all at the wrong times in the movie, is not my cup of tea. That's the only real flaw in this masterpiece. The Golgo 13 stories always show the corruption of man, and leave you to decide who is the good guy (usually nobody). Buy this if you like smart, thrilling anime. Enough said.

Weak and disappointing.
If you saw "Golgo 13: The Professional," er even if you played the watered down NES games, and you're hoping for more of the same, look elsewhere. This movie lacks the storyline, style, and appeal of the original, instad going for an anime-sex overload, with a few exploding heads for flavor.

"Professional" this is not
"The Professional: Golgo 13" is one of my favorite animated films, and I had seen it before this sequal. So, out of curiousity, even though I had heard bad things about it, I rented the movie to check it out.

I could not believe what I saw unfold before me on the television screen. This movie dwarfs in comparison to "The Professional." Even though Osamu Dezaki is back to direct, he doesn't achieve the same artistic creativity that I saw in his first Golgo 13 film. The scene involving the pool and the crazed military commander's face becoming a skull were all well and good, but the other artsy scenes just came out flat. The storyline also is horrible, and even though the video box claims it has "an ending you won't see coming" I saw it within the first ten minutes in. And one other thing I couldn't help notice was Golgo 13 wasn't really that involved in the storyline - it's more like "Queen Bee - with a special guest appearance by Golgo 13."

The other problem with this movie is simply this: sex, sex, and lots mo' sex. Yes, I know, "The Professional" had a good helping of sex too, but it also remembered to have a storyline. "Queen Bee" is really just a string of sex scenes. We're introduced to Queen Bee while she's having sex. Then the Vice President candidate hires Golgo 13 after having sex. Golgo 13 and Queen Bee meet and they have sex. Queen Bee has a flashback of being raped while she's having sex.......do you see the pattern here?

There are some other minor squabbles with the film - for example, the opening scene involves the Democrats worrying about getting the black vote. Huh?! The American general with a 19th century beard was extremely laughable. Finally, I think we could have all done with out the blaxpoitation theme song. I loved the jazz soundtrack to "The Professional," and boy did I miss it in this film!

In conclusion: unless you are in the mood for lots of nudity and useless violence, avoid this movie. Even if you just like Duke Torgo, it's not worth seeing.

Okay, really though, bring out "The Professional" on DVD...
For anyone interested in Duke Togo, this is a fine enough DVD (and mounds better than the Sonny Chiba live-action ...job)...

Over the top action that should have been delivered better
Don't get me wrong, I love anime films like the ridiculously over the top Wicked City, the original Vampire Hunter D and the classic Akira, and the first Golgo 13 anime, titled The Professional, was a favorite of mine as well, which is the main reason I decided to buy this long awaited sequel that continues the exploits of stone cold assassin Duke Togo. The animation is very neat and looks great, but the cliched over the top ridiculous storyline and borderline terrible voice acting just about kills anything enjoyable with Golgo 13: Queen Bee. The Queen Bee, a female guerilla renegade who seems to have sex with just about anything that moves, is really the main character here and Duke is in more of a supporting role. The over the top bloody action, pointless sex, and wooden characters that the viewer ends up not caring about at all make Golgo 13: Queen Bee a very disappointing anime all together. Do yourself a favor, stick with The Professional for a great anime experience. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A NICE FAMILY FILM!
This is a really good movie with its great artwork,music,and thier wonderful Christmas songs.A must see movie for little kids and thier families.MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Animated version brings pleasant surprises
I was a bit skeptical to buy this because I am not too keen on the "animated" or "musical" versions of this timeless classic. But, the all-star cast peaked my curiosity, so I decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it. Tim Curry is terrific as Scrooge as is Michael York as his gentle-mannered apprentice, Bob Cratchet. I was amazed at just how closely they followed the book too, including scenes that I've never seen in the film versions. The music is rememerable and catchy (although not overly seasonal) and the added character; Scrooge's dog, "Debit" (aptly titled) adds just the right amount of humor. I really recommend this for fun family holiday viewing.

Best Animated Version
This is the best of the many animated versions of the classic tale. It is also the best musical version with songs that far surpass the 1970 (Albert Finney)musical extravaganza . You will come away remembering such songs as "Santa's Sooty Suit", "Random Acts of Kindness" and "Tale about Christmas". If you like animated versions, check out the Mr. Magoo , and the Flintstone versions as well as "The Stingiest Man in town" with the voices of Tom Bosley and Walter Matthau.

This is a great animated version of a classic
I loved this version of A Christmas Carol! It has some good songs and is very enjoyable. I recommend this to all children and even most adults wouldn't mind watching this. Tim Curry is not to be missed as Scrooge! If you have any questions or comments on my review please e-mail. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

tricks of the trade
ACTIVE STEALTH stars Daniel Baldwin, Fred Williamson, and Hannes Jaenicke (sp.?) in a standard rescue-mission action flick. Soldiers fly in a "modified" Stealth fighter to save their comrade, held prisoner by a Central American drug lord. Watching the DVD the first time, the movie held my interest, and I thought it was average fare--entertaining but not memorable.

I watched the DVD again with commentary by director Fred Olen Ray, and it was a blast. Ray is a hoot. His comments give all kinds of insight into how the movie was made. He introduces actors, and explains how shots are usually set up and executed. He explains special effects. Ray tells what it cost to rent the plane, and how the crew created "smoke" blowing past the actors in a few scenes (a worker blowing pipe smoke at them, actually).

Throughout the commentary, Fred is entertaining. If you've ever wondered how a B-movie gets made, ACTIVE STEALTH is for you.

I give the movie 3 stars, and the DVD 5 stars. Split the difference, and the ACTIVE STEALTH DVD gets 4 stars.

This is so innaccurate!
This movie was a real loser. It is so innaccurate. "Rangers assulting a target in broad daylight with standard issue M-16's an M9's with no silencers or scopes. Most Rangers would use an M-4 or an MP5. No face paint, no stealth at all. Also, what Army unit flys a news crew style helicopter to pickup Rangers in the middle of South America? It should have been a Blackhwawk or a Huey gunship with AH-64 Apache air support.
The capabibility to shoot of these "Rangers" is terrible too. At little more than 100 feet they empty an entire clip and hit nothing but air.
The worst part of the movie was Army pilots flying an Air Force F-117 TWO SEATER WITH A CARGO BAY? NO NO NO!! It is a 1 man AIR FORCE, stealth bomber. Also Army pilots "carrier qualified" and F-14 qualified? No.
No. This movie was terrible, do not rent or buy it.

Horrible! Don't even rent it!!!
First of all, the movie/plot description on the DVD clamshell is so inaccurate that I wondered if I had received the wrong DVD. Example: The plot description states that a new Army (?) Stealth aircraft" has been stolen, so some special forces rangers are to lead an AH-64 Apache Squadron to bring the Stealth back to U.S. hands. Fine. BUT, there were NO AH-64's in the movie at all. AND, since when does the Army develop fixed-wing aircraft these days? Rangers in dire need of haircuts with no body armour going into battle? USAF/Army pilots that are carrier qualified to fly F-14s?
This movie is so technically inaccurate that it was frustrating. Very rarely do you see any of the actors (good or bad) actually aim there weapons when firing. Horrible acting, horrible technical advising (if there was any), lousy plot...I can go on and on. WARNING!: Don't be fooled by the DVD cover!!!!

short but sweet
This movie shows that with some team work anything can happen, even if you get killed in the process you did what you could to make a difference in the world. This movie was short but it a good movie.

What were they thinking??
The budget for this movie obviously didn't include any technical advisors. This might have made for some enjoyable fare if there weren't so many obvious technical goofs and downright stupid plot points. Examples: An army pilot is carrier qualified to fly the F-14. Battle sequences that any Quake player could execute better. An F-117A with a cargo bay to carry passengers! There are many more, but I think you get the point.

This movie is for someone who has absolutely no knowledge of the real world. I can usually suspend belief if the story is any good, but this one just stinks!

Daniel Baldwin, I hope you don't include this turd on your resume because it's a career killer! ... Read more

Description

Code name: Golgo 13 - Professional assassin.
Target: Queen Bee - leader of dissident South American liberation army.
Mission: Terminate the infamous Queen Bee before she kills a high profile presidential candidate.
Problem: Queen Bee is not your average guerrilla radical. As a child, she was ripped unmercifully from her home and left to fend for herself on the streets. As a woman, cunning and powerful, she lives only for passion and revenge; her brand of honey is deadly. Once Golgo 13 discovers Queen Bee's true identity, he decides that he must step aside as a very personal feud climaxes to a tragic end that will blow you away!

With its intricate plot and pulse-pounding action, Golgo 13: Queen Bee stays true to the thrilling scenarios that have made the "Golgo 13" character such a success spanning a theatrical movie, comic books, and video games! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Beautifully done anime.
Sometimes an anime comes along that is executed so smoothly and stylish, everything just pieces together. Yes, that is Golgo 13: Queen Bee. With a great theme song, intricate and deep plot, and one of the coolest main characters to appear in anime, Golgo 13: Queen Bee deserves far more praise. The artwork is incredible. Animation is good, but even better is the sheer amount of detail in this anime. It is poetry in motion, and almost Ghost in tthe Shell caliber. Hang around during the credits, because that's when the best scene of the movie is shown.

The story itself is done in such a way that it is simple if you want it to be, and complex if you feel like thinking about it. It is all executed so well. The transition effects between scenes may take some time to get used to, but aren't too distracting at all. The only complaint I have is the amount of, uh, activity in this film. Seeing the same woman go at it with five different guys, all at the wrong times in the movie, is not my cup of tea. That's the only real flaw in this masterpiece. The Golgo 13 stories always show the corruption of man, and leave you to decide who is the good guy (usually nobody). Buy this if you like smart, thrilling anime. Enough said.

Weak and disappointing.
If you saw "Golgo 13: The Professional," er even if you played the watered down NES games, and you're hoping for more of the same, look elsewhere. This movie lacks the storyline, style, and appeal of the original, instad going for an anime-sex overload, with a few exploding heads for flavor.

"Professional" this is not
"The Professional: Golgo 13" is one of my favorite animated films, and I had seen it before this sequal. So, out of curiousity, even though I had heard bad things about it, I rented the movie to check it out.

I could not believe what I saw unfold before me on the television screen. This movie dwarfs in comparison to "The Professional." Even though Osamu Dezaki is back to direct, he doesn't achieve the same artistic creativity that I saw in his first Golgo 13 film. The scene involving the pool and the crazed military commander's face becoming a skull were all well and good, but the other artsy scenes just came out flat. The storyline also is horrible, and even though the video box claims it has "an ending you won't see coming" I saw it within the first ten minutes in. And one other thing I couldn't help notice was Golgo 13 wasn't really that involved in the storyline - it's more like "Queen Bee - with a special guest appearance by Golgo 13."

The other problem with this movie is simply this: sex, sex, and lots mo' sex. Yes, I know, "The Professional" had a good helping of sex too, but it also remembered to have a storyline. "Queen Bee" is really just a string of sex scenes. We're introduced to Queen Bee while she's having sex. Then the Vice President candidate hires Golgo 13 after having sex. Golgo 13 and Queen Bee meet and they have sex. Queen Bee has a flashback of being raped while she's having sex.......do you see the pattern here?

There are some other minor squabbles with the film - for example, the opening scene involves the Democrats worrying about getting the black vote. Huh?! The American general with a 19th century beard was extremely laughable. Finally, I think we could have all done with out the blaxpoitation theme song. I loved the jazz soundtrack to "The Professional," and boy did I miss it in this film!

In conclusion: unless you are in the mood for lots of nudity and useless violence, avoid this movie. Even if you just like Duke Torgo, it's not worth seeing.

Okay, really though, bring out "The Professional" on DVD...
For anyone interested in Duke Togo, this is a fine enough DVD (and mounds better than the Sonny Chiba live-action ...job)...

Over the top action that should have been delivered better
Don't get me wrong, I love anime films like the ridiculously over the top Wicked City, the original Vampire Hunter D and the classic Akira, and the first Golgo 13 anime, titled The Professional, was a favorite of mine as well, which is the main reason I decided to buy this long awaited sequel that continues the exploits of stone cold assassin Duke Togo. The animation is very neat and looks great, but the cliched over the top ridiculous storyline and borderline terrible voice acting just about kills anything enjoyable with Golgo 13: Queen Bee. The Queen Bee, a female guerilla renegade who seems to have sex with just about anything that moves, is really the main character here and Duke is in more of a supporting role. The over the top bloody action, pointless sex, and wooden characters that the viewer ends up not caring about at all make Golgo 13: Queen Bee a very disappointing anime all together. Do yourself a favor, stick with The Professional for a great anime experience. ... Read more

Description

Return to the magnificence of Notre Dame in Disney's all-new movie, The Hunchback of Notre Dame II - a fun, romantic adventure told with vibrant animation and music as soaring as its setting. Still the faithful protector of Notre Dame's beloved bells, Quasimodo now rings them with the help of Zephyr, who is Quasi's best friend. Stopping with Zephyr at a traveling circus owned by the evil magician Sarousch, Quasi is captivated by Sarousch's lovely assistant, Madellaine. But greedy Sarousch is about to force Madellaine to help him steal the Cathedral's most famous bell. Encouraged by some laughable romantic advice from his gargoyle pals, Quasi listens to his own heart and discovers that he, too, must look past appearances to find true love. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Another rare Disney animated movie
This is a rare Disney animated movie without violence. This movie deserves a G rating, then a lot of there animated movies. While the Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) had both lanuage and violence, this had one of either, and zero scary scenes. This movie reunties most of the characters from the first movie, and has some new characters like Zephyr and Madelliane and Sarousch. The archdeacon makes a breif appearnce in the movie. Quasimodo's evil master is not back, and which whould be good news if you hated him in the first movie. Clopin also returns in the movie with Esmeralda, Pheobus, Laverne, Hugo, Victor, and Quasimodo. As the movie opens, Emseralada (Demi Moore) and Pheobus (Kevin Kline) are maried, and they have a son named Zephyr (Haley Joel Osment). With leaves Quaismodo (Tom Hulce) without a girl he lives to shout her name while the bell Le Fieilde rins during a festival. That is into an evil circus ringmaster named Sarousch (Micheael McKean) sends Madelliane (Jennifer Love Hewitt) to gfet informationm on the bell, so he can steal the bell. The cast also includes Quasimodo' best friends Hugo (Jason Alexander), Victor (Charles Kimbrough) and Laverne (Jane Withers).

Touching Sequel
While the animation of Hunchback II was not as crisp as that of the original, it had a brighter, more cheerful ambiance. Most of the characters from the first movie have returned, with a few additions. Young Zephr (voiced by Haley Joel Osment), the son of Phoebus and Esmeralda, is Quasimodo's best friend. Quasimodo also finally meets his true love in Madellaine (voiced by Jennifer Love Hewitt), a spunky yet insecure circus performer. Unfortunately, Madellaine has been forced by her boss, the evil, flamboyant Sarousch, to help steal La Fidal, a valuable bell from the cathedral.

The developing affection between Quasi and Madellaine was beautifully depicted: he helped her to focus on her strengths while she was able to see the beauty within him. (La Fidel could perhaps be seen as a metaphore for Quasi since it was plain on the outside with a beautiful, glittering interior.) The scene where the hunchback was showing Madellaine the sights of Paris was a joy.

Although I initially didn't think that the songs were as good as those of the first film, I found that, after a couple of viewings, they have grown on me: I find them playing through my head from time to time.

Overall, this is a very enjoyable film and a pleasing compliment to the first Hunchback movie.

The First One is Better
Whoever said Quasimodo was ugly deserves to have a burning spear thrust through their skull and their arms and legs nailed to bricks. "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" teaches that superficiality never pays, and that a loving heart is much more important than looks, but what's the point if people are too shallow to understand?
The first movie was outstanding, and this one isn't as good, but it's still entertaining. It's much more kid-oriented than the first. Rent it first.

As bad as they say...
This movie is as bad (or worse) than everyone has said. the animation is shoddy, and the storyline is boring. If you are looking for a good cartoon... look elsewhere. You'd be throwing your money away on this one.

STUPID! Stupid! Stupid!
Stupid story, stupid animation, stupid charecters!
YOU WASTED OUR MONEY!
DON't BY THIS TERRIBLE FILM!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

tricks of the trade
ACTIVE STEALTH stars Daniel Baldwin, Fred Williamson, and Hannes Jaenicke (sp.?) in a standard rescue-mission action flick. Soldiers fly in a "modified" Stealth fighter to save their comrade, held prisoner by a Central American drug lord. Watching the DVD the first time, the movie held my interest, and I thought it was average fare--entertaining but not memorable.

I watched the DVD again with commentary by director Fred Olen Ray, and it was a blast. Ray is a hoot. His comments give all kinds of insight into how the movie was made. He introduces actors, and explains how shots are usually set up and executed. He explains special effects. Ray tells what it cost to rent the plane, and how the crew created "smoke" blowing past the actors in a few scenes (a worker blowing pipe smoke at them, actually).

Throughout the commentary, Fred is entertaining. If you've ever wondered how a B-movie gets made, ACTIVE STEALTH is for you.

I give the movie 3 stars, and the DVD 5 stars. Split the difference, and the ACTIVE STEALTH DVD gets 4 stars.

This is so innaccurate!
This movie was a real loser. It is so innaccurate. "Rangers assulting a target in broad daylight with standard issue M-16's an M9's with no silencers or scopes. Most Rangers would use an M-4 or an MP5. No face paint, no stealth at all. Also, what Army unit flys a news crew style helicopter to pickup Rangers in the middle of South America? It should have been a Blackhwawk or a Huey gunship with AH-64 Apache air support.
The capabibility to shoot of these "Rangers" is terrible too. At little more than 100 feet they empty an entire clip and hit nothing but air.
The worst part of the movie was Army pilots flying an Air Force F-117 TWO SEATER WITH A CARGO BAY? NO NO NO!! It is a 1 man AIR FORCE, stealth bomber. Also Army pilots "carrier qualified" and F-14 qualified? No.
No. This movie was terrible, do not rent or buy it.

Horrible! Don't even rent it!!!
First of all, the movie/plot description on the DVD clamshell is so inaccurate that I wondered if I had received the wrong DVD. Example: The plot description states that a new Army (?) Stealth aircraft" has been stolen, so some special forces rangers are to lead an AH-64 Apache Squadron to bring the Stealth back to U.S. hands. Fine. BUT, there were NO AH-64's in the movie at all. AND, since when does the Army develop fixed-wing aircraft these days? Rangers in dire need of haircuts with no body armour going into battle? USAF/Army pilots that are carrier qualified to fly F-14s?
This movie is so technically inaccurate that it was frustrating. Very rarely do you see any of the actors (good or bad) actually aim there weapons when firing. Horrible acting, horrible technical advising (if there was any), lousy plot...I can go on and on. WARNING!: Don't be fooled by the DVD cover!!!!

short but sweet
This movie shows that with some team work anything can happen, even if you get killed in the process you did what you could to make a difference in the world. This movie was short but it a good movie.

What were they thinking??
The budget for this movie obviously didn't include any technical advisors. This might have made for some enjoyable fare if there weren't so many obvious technical goofs and downright stupid plot points. Examples: An army pilot is carrier qualified to fly the F-14. Battle sequences that any Quake player could execute better. An F-117A with a cargo bay to carry passengers! There are many more, but I think you get the point.

This movie is for someone who has absolutely no knowledge of the real world. I can usually suspend belief if the story is any good, but this one just stinks!

Daniel Baldwin, I hope you don't include this turd on your resume because it's a career killer! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A NICE FAMILY FILM!
This is a really good movie with its great artwork,music,and thier wonderful Christmas songs.A must see movie for little kids and thier families.MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Animated version brings pleasant surprises
I was a bit skeptical to buy this because I am not too keen on the "animated" or "musical" versions of this timeless classic. But, the all-star cast peaked my curiosity, so I decided to give it a chance. I'm glad I did because I really enjoyed it. Tim Curry is terrific as Scrooge as is Michael York as his gentle-mannered apprentice, Bob Cratchet. I was amazed at just how closely they followed the book too, including scenes that I've never seen in the film versions. The music is rememerable and catchy (although not overly seasonal) and the added character; Scrooge's dog, "Debit" (aptly titled) adds just the right amount of humor. I really recommend this for fun family holiday viewing.

Best Animated Version
This is the best of the many animated versions of the classic tale. It is also the best musical version with songs that far surpass the 1970 (Albert Finney)musical extravaganza . You will come away remembering such songs as "Santa's Sooty Suit", "Random Acts of Kindness" and "Tale about Christmas". If you like animated versions, check out the Mr. Magoo , and the Flintstone versions as well as "The Stingiest Man in town" with the voices of Tom Bosley and Walter Matthau.

This is a great animated version of a classic
I loved this version of A Christmas Carol! It has some good songs and is very enjoyable. I recommend this to all children and even most adults wouldn't mind watching this. Tim Curry is not to be missed as Scrooge! If you have any questions or comments on my review please e-mail. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A GREAT PLAY TURNED INTO A MEAN MOVIE
Based on Charles Fuller's Off Broadway play, ZOOMAN & THE SIGN, the film tells the story of what happens to a family and community when a young sociopath accidently shoots and kills a little girl. A family comes together, but a neighborhood falls apart. The acting is excellent, but so intense and emotional, it is sometimes difficult to watch. Unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the ending was changed. In the play, you learn that Zooman like the little girl was a victim of the callousness and apathy of society. In the film, he just receives street justice. A mean and cold ending to an eomotional wrought film. ... Read more