Amazon.com

David Lynch's 1990 Wild at Heart is an utterly random and ugly experience with pockets of startling imagery and inspired set pieces. Based on a Barry Gifford novel, the film stars Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern as lovers on the lam whose relationship is tested and who meet some truly dangerous wackos (including an almost-simian Willem Dafoe). Lynch's thoughts seem to be everywhere, and he expects the audience to keep up with a story that seems more a collection of avant-garde whims than a coherent vision with the intuitive brilliance of his Blue Velvet. Cage gives one of his more chaotic performances, but then he was just reading Lynch's signposts. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (68)

if you're truly wild at heart, then you must .....
i first saw this film in theatres back in 1990 and i couldn't get the film outta my head. at that time, i knew very little about david lynch or his unique style. needless to say, i fell heart and soul for this maniac film and knew i would probably want to watch it over and over. nicolas cage gives perhaps his best performance prior to the wonderful leaving las vegas and i still think this film was very overlooked by everyone with the exception of true lynch fans. while this is probably his easiest film to date that the mainstream cinema could DIGEST, wild at heart is still very much avantguard as it is excessive in the language, violence, and sex departments. what makes this film so digestible is the ironic humor which surrounds the plot like a second skin. while still not a film for everyone, there is much to like about this david lynch treat. i particularly love the scene where nicolas cage is visited by the good which played by then unknown sheryl lee who advises him that the wild at heart must follow their dreams. shouldn't we all follow our dreams no matter how crazy or chaotic things may be?

Dear Tom Keogh,
Wild at Heart is, indeed, a film with some startling images. Any David Lynch fan will tell you that you should expect no less from him. In this film, Lynch is showing a subtle form of humor, he is referencing the Wizard of Oz (I'll not dare say "remake," he is rewriting it in his own fashion), and he is creating film as art in his typical fashion. You see, you actually have to pay attention to Lynch's movies in order to fully understand them. You likely have to watch them more than once to get his points. That's all part of the fun. If you bother to pay attention to the details of the movie, then you will understand that his thoughts are not all over the place at all, but are telling you a story, in Lynchian fashion. He doesn't take you by the little hand and lead you through a smarmy Hollywood film about life and love then whisk you off to a nice, rosy conclusion with a sunset and cutesy music. Don't expect the point to Wild at Heart to come easily. If that is what you want, may I suggest "Dumb and Dumber." David Lynch combines film with art and Wild at Heart is no exception. If you want a movie to present a simple story line and to conclude with a pretty red bow, then skip this one. But if you want to watch an outstanding David Lynch movie, then Wild at Heart will not disappoint. This is a fantastic movie.

PLEASE RELEASE IT ON DVD!!
David Lynch's Wild At Heart is a masterpiece, it won Palme D'Or at Cannes Film Festival for Best Picture. It has an outstanding cast, featuring Nicolas Cage, Laura Dern, Isabela Rosselini, Sheryl Lee,
Diane Ladd, Harry Dean Stanton, Willem Dafoe and so many other great actors! Why wasn't yet released on DVD in North America? Everywhere else in the world was. David Lynch is one of the best American directors and "Wild At Heart" is one of his masterpieces.
My favorite line from this film is: CENSORED.

Film of the Future
Lynch uses cinema the way it should be used. It's a naturally surreal medium, something only Lynch has truly understood, ever since Salvador Dali made Un Chien Andalou, all those years ago. Wild at Heart is totally coherent, as many reviewers have realised, even if only partly and subconsciously. All I would like to know is this: is the American South really the raw and mindless hell on earth that it seems to be in almost every film I've seen located there?

David Lynch's violent adaptation of the Wizard of Oz
Wild at Heart is David Lynch's violent adaptation of the Wizard of Oz with mesmerizing cinematography, which offers an exceptionally artistic cinema experience. Many scenes are visually packed as they offer much to ponder since they are often surrealistic or full of symbolism. The symbolism and surreal environment enhance the fantastic adventure into love, passion, and righteousness that Lynch provides for his audience. The tale begins with Sailor (Nicolas Cage) who was sent to jail for manslaughter as he killed a man in self-defense that was sent by his girlfriends neurotic mother. Released on probation Sailor is free and loving as he can reunite with his girlfriend Lula (Laura Dern) despite Lula's mothers opposition to their relationship. Lula's defiance upsets her mother who hires another hitman to slay Sailor. However, Lula and Sailor decide to take off to California and break Sailor's probation by following the yellow line on the road to the promise land. ... Read more

Reviews (435)

Dune: the sleeper has awaken.
David Lynch's (Eraserhead, Twin Peaks) adaptation of Frank Herbert's defining saga 'DUNE' may very well be, if truth be told, the most epic enterprise, and in many ways the most rewarding, of Lynch's work thus far.

Dune is a difficult movie to review, if only because there is no easy (or maybe I should say simple) way to look at it. At its core though DUNE tells the story of Paul Atreides, a young man whose destiny as a Messiah of worlds echoes that of such classics like Brazil or Spartacus, where seemingly ordinary men become extraordinary beings. This however is an over-simplification, DUNE is built from a collection of stories and legends that form a unique whole -perfectly captured by Lynch.

Make no mistake, this movies begs to be seen in its original 2,35:1 widescreen format. Freddie Francis' photography of the barren Dune world is simply amazing, and even though some of the special effects may seem old when compared to today's standards, the amazing designs by Anthony Masters will simply take your breath away. The DVD edition, while not anamorphic, is very well presented, sporting a very high quality video transfer and excellent sound. A brief, if yet interesting, collection of production notes are also included, as well as cast and crew bios and the original theatrical trailer in widescreen format.

DUNE seems slow at times and it may not be for everyone -but then that's always been the trademark of Lynch's work, I think. Still, DUNE is an excellent example of how a complex story can make a Sci-Fi movie be truly epic. Couple that with the amazing designs and the beautiful photography and you got a winner here. Highly recommended.

Lynch's Dune leaves lasting impressions
Oil planets, rubber suits, flying Buicks and lots of industrial images and soot...
Who else could come up with a vision like this for the Frank Herbert novel other than David Lynch?
This so-called box office disaster has to be one of the most controversial sci-fi films to ever grace the silver screen, and though it has been repeatedly bashed by sci-fi buffs and Dune purists, the two-hour-plus feature always manages to surface either on television (in a hastily- and carelessly-edited extended cut), in conversations among admirers of sci-fi or cinema, as well as in personal movie collections worldwide.
So why was it scorned during its initial release?
Expectations of the film adaptation were high. The film hardly captured every facet of the novel. But how could it?
Also, many theatergoers and sci-fi fans were expecting, well, more of a futuristic approach to Dune as opposed to Lynch's industrial vision. A spaceship with plush leather interior lacking any flashy computers just didn't do it for the Star Trek/Star Wars crowd.
However, Lynch's script remains faithful to the story and its characters. The first-rate casting, combined with (undeniably) Lynch direction, pack enough flair to make the film more than worthwhile viewing and certainly worthy to own on DVD.
The entire cast give first-rate performances, most notably Kenneth McMillan, Jose Ferrer, Sian Phillips, Francessca Annis and, of course, Patrick Stewart.
Toto, the 80s rock band that proved to everyone that musicianship isn't everything, contribute a worthy score, though it steers toward a Flash Gordon-esque style in the film's finale.
In sum, Lynch - like a true visionary - leaves us with more fantastic impressions of the enigmatic Dune world than he does comprehensive storytelling. The impressions, however, are lasting. They are the key to why this sci-fi flop survived the relentless criticism and has proved, repeatedly, to be in demand among consumers.
Note: Lynch withdrew his screenwriting and director's credit from the extended TV version of the film, and for good reason.

Duned
Woh! I didn't know what to expect when I first sat down to watch 'Dune'. Not having read the novel, the first hour of the movie made me think I had Attention Deficit Disorder, I didn't know what was going on. After that first hour, I gradually left my efforts at understanding behind and just revelled in its sheer spectacle.

Poor David Lynch was driven to the brink of suicide while making this picture. The success of 'The Elephant Man' must have made him believe that adapting other people's work would be a much more successful venture than trying to develop anything on his own at this stage of his career. 'Dune' is full of Lynchian touches even if his commanding vision is sadly missing. The Emperor's court looks like something out of pre-industrial Europe in contrast to the Harkonnen culture of brutal industry and festering disease (Lynch would have been in his element here). Indeed the Baron Harkonnen's face bears some resemblance to John Merrick's in 'The Elephant Man', biological explosions bursting through the skin.

'Dune' would have made a pretty good T.V. series if it had been directed by Lynch, there certainly would have been wider scope for plot and character development. As it was left in it's 137 minute version Lynch had to cut entire scenes and have them explained in one line of voice-over dialogue instead. This makes much more of the profound elements of the film seem like excerpts from a daytime soap opera, the slow zoom into the static face as the voice-over speaks the thoughts of the actor.

Locked into producer Dino De Laurentiis's and writer Frank Herbert's vision, it's not surprising that Lynch returned to small-time film making as a way of retaining artistic control.

Generally, I liked it
Yes, the movie is weird; yes, they changed a lot from the book, like another movie which shall remain nameless (*cough*"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"*coughcough*), and yes, it borders on the incomprehensible at times. Still, IMHO, it beats the hell out of the later remake, which is twice as long and half as interesting. The actors in this movie have great charisma, and besides, who can beat Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck? I ask you!

The main flaw (again, IMHO) is that the "long version" has yet to be released on video or DVD, although it can be seen about once a year on the Sci-Fi Channel. The shorter version is just not enough; write your congressman and DEMAND the full-length extended cut of "Dune". 'Nuff said.

Oh Lordy
Well. Time to write a review of this on Amazon. So many things to say. A beginning is a delicate time. Well, lets state the obvious first and foremost.

This movie was a flop. A bomb. A disaster. It cost a great deal of money to make and it made almost nothing at the box office. This was due to a number of reasons. One, in the early eighties, science fiction was considered very uncool. So that any young dude in the early eighties worth his salt wouldn't be caught dead going to this movie. The other matter is that any of those young dudes who DID happen to wander into this movie probably had to wonder just what the hell was going on.

Dune is very challenging science fiction that almost might be considered the work of a genius. It is far more complex and interweaving than the plot for something like "Star Wars" for example. By that, I'm not saying that Star Wars was a bad movie, indeed, it was a very profitable one (unlike Dune). It is just that from my viewpoint, it is incredible that this movie was even created at all, considering the usual attitude of movie studios toward complex plots of any kind whatsoever. In fact, I would go so far as to venture the guess that this movie being a flop set a standard for one dimensional movie plot lines for years to come. A movie must make a profit, the dumber the movie, the bigger the profit.

Anyway, the point is this movie somehow, against all odds, WAS made. And the director, to add to the weirdness, was that master of weirdness (the weirding way?) himself, David Lynch. Lordy, this movie is a miracle against all odds.

The thing to keep in mind is that this movie didn't have an immediate impact when it was first released. However, slowly, over the years, it gained a massive cult following. It has become known as that "other" sci fi movie, alongside Star Wars and Star Trek. And indeed, I believe Frank Herbert wouldn't have had it any other way. On the video shelf, Dune has become the "underground" sci fi epic loved by a select few - who rent it very often.

The movie has had a sweeping impact upon culture, regardless of who hates it or loves it. If you have seen it, you will never forget it. Some scenes remain breathtakingly modern with incredible special effects, others are rough edged with some editing that could use something to be desired. Yet despite it all, it remains powerful today (especially when compared to the awful tv miniseries version). ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Lost Highway is more than just a movie...
...it's art. This film is abstract and there is no easy to follow storyline. The many scenes are highly detailed, intellectually stimulating, and exciting. The costumes, scenery, and soundtrack evoke all kinds of emotion.

The characters are very unique and memorable: Robert Blake as the white-faced bizarre "Mystery Man," Robert Loggia as the powerful, crazy "Mr. Eddy," and Bill Pullman as the tormented and confused "Fred Madison."

The music chosen for the film is unbelievable -- the music really makes some of the scenes, such as when the main character, Fred Madison, is playing his saxophone in a night club and the tune he is playing keeps getting crazier, more insane, parallel with his own mental state.

If you're looking for an easy to follow plot with normal run-of-the-mill characters, this is not the movie you're looking for. Lost Highway has a complex, twisting plot and is full of the unordinary and extraordinary.

tightly focussed and very weird
Lynch's film starts in a typically bizarre way. Jazz musician Fred Madison hears a voice on his Beverly hills house intercom, tellign him that one of his acquantiances is dead. When he goes to the door to see who is speakng, he finds a video...of him and his wife, in bad, sleeping, filmed by a stranger with access to their house.

Lynch's film follows Madison as he pursues this bizarre revelation, fearing that his wife, Renee, is having an affair. Then the film-- in Lynch's new signature twsit-- transforms Madison into a young man who works for a Mafiosi, whose wife devlops an interest in this young man.

Lynch's film has been called a Mobius strip, where following one side of it will gradually take you around so the opposite surface, looking at thigns from an entirely different point of view. Here, Lynch uses his transformation device to examine sexual jealousy, transgression, revenge and evil. The film has the usual Lynch hallmarks-- a subtle and perfect musical score (co-writtten with Trent Reznor), languid pacing, oddly comic moments, and a few sections of sheer, gut-wrentching terror. The scene where Madison meets a Devil figure at a cocktail party has to be the weirdest thign ever done in cinema-- Lynch is in the company of Bunuel here.

The film is ulteimately a loop, bringing its iewer back to its beginning. As such, it is an intense, and terrifying experience, but, since its sens of horror stems from its claustrophobic structure, viewers may miss the final sense of transcendence that his earlier Blue Velvet offers. Nevertheless, this is a fine outing from Lynch, and much superior to the throwaway play of Wild At Heart.

Dark Puzzling Nightmare!
The title, Lost Highway, by itself lays ground for cognitive dissonance as Lynch presents a puzzling cinematic journey into a vivid nightmare. In this nightmare the audience is to follow Fred Madison (Bill Pullman) who is coerced through visual hints into jealousy and suspicion as his wife acts peculiarly and mysterious videotapes of his home appear on his door step. The nightmare intensifies as Lynch presents further suggestive indications that Fred's wife, Renee (Patricia Arquette), is having an affair with a friend of hers. However, as soon as the audience feels somewhat comfortable with the story Lynch throws a wrench into the cerebral machinery by adding a new idea. An idea that drives the story in a different direction that generates further confusion as the nightmare snowballs. Lynch tells a bizarre story about envy, love, jealousy, and revenge that reminds more of a painting than a film as the cinematography and mise-en-scene are extremely suggestive. Lastly, the soundtrack is exceptionally well selected as it complements the dark theme of the film and helps to provide a terrific cinematic experience.

sorry david lynch fans...but i must
ill just start out by telling you that i felt very dissapointed with this movie. i had high expectations due to the star cameos, which i must admit that i deeply respect all of them, and a top rate sound track. It just didnt stand up to the hype... at all. It just looked like a B movie the whole way through. The beginning was so boring and drawn out that i could bairly tolerate it. i was VERY tempted to stop the video and return in without rewinding it due to the fact that it was so boring... and i havnt stopped watching a rented movie in years. this one was very close. some of the acting was pretty poor too... like, unfortunatly, ole hank rollins... ive seen him do much better than what he did in lost highway. the only reason i have this film more than one star is the fact that the director did do a good job, dispite the poor quality of the film istelf. as for the story line, i didnt like it at all. i like strange movies, but i just didnt care for this script at all. it did pick up towards the end a bit and i did like the pastey camera character, so that did help get the second star. My main beef with the movie was the lack of backround sounds and music. the film wasnt all that bad during the times when there was some sort of music in the backround.
art? who am i to say. all i am saying is that i didnt really care for this movie and would never suggest it to anyone i know, and they would trust me because they trust my film reviews for the most part. i may not know art, but i know what i like.. and i just didnt care for this. it just, how do you say.. SUCKED! i SAID IT! SO THERE!

LOST
I hate to say it, but I was a bit disappointed with the movie simply because the movie was just too hard to follow. While watching the film I was thinking about Pink Floyd's "The Wall" movie because like "The Wall", "Lost Highway" made no sense to me whatsoever. The only reason I give it 3 stars is because it had one of my favorite actresses in it (Patricia Arquette) with plenty of hot scenes with her. It also featured my favorite hard rock/metal band "Rammstein". I'll have to say the movie lived up to its name for I was LOST throughout it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A trashy work of Ken Russell.
The only one reason that I have seen this film is the director of this film, Ken Russell who is one of my favorite directors. However, contrary to my expectations, it gives only disappointment. As the title shows, it describes a life of one prostitute who threads streets of the city. At the beginning, this film progresses with her conversation to the audience that how she has became a prostitute and how she has lived. This kind of form makes a characteristic feeling, but as the whole, this film has lost persuasiveness. Unfortunately, I think, the director of this film, Ken Russell did not show what he really wants to talk about. This kind of film has to evoke sympathy from the audience, but it is lacking in this point. So, it was not particularly interesting and has no impression or excitement. After all, it just became a trashy work of Ken Russell¡¯s films. He brought forward a problem well, but solving this problem was little bit clumsy.

What pretty woman should have been...
Banned!

I won't pretend that this is even one of my favorite movies, but it was good. I had to go way out of my way to see this film as it was banned where I lived and I think that was a disgrace to this country. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to let my children watch this film, but I would take the time to explain it to them... on the other hand I'd do anything in my power to keep my kids, especially my daughter, from seeing Pretty Woman.

Semi-Interesting tragi-comedy
This movie fails as something serious, but it isn't quite bad enough to be "so bad it's good" either. Sure, it has some quite hilarious moments and dialogue, but only of the campy "Mommie Dearest" or "Valley of the Dolls" variety. But these few moments are not enough to make it a good camp movie either. It's extremely predictable (abusive pimp tells her he loves her but abuses her; she always falls for it), chalk full of cliches (can't get her son back, watches him from afar at school), some of the dialogue is laughable ("I learned not to get into vans....the HARD way."), and, as much as I love Theresa Russell, she really is not a strong enough actress to convincingly pull of the monologues. Half the time you end up laughing at her character, which I don't think they intended. It's good for one viewing, but that's about it. Any (...) who thinks street prostitution is like "Pretty Woman" ought to see this, but it's done in such a silly manner, I'm not sure someone would learn to stay off the streets after watching it either. The soundtrack, however, is first rate. Again, it's not really funny enough to be entertaining, but it flops as a drama as well. It's a semi-interesting mixture.

Incredible Sountrack
The dialogue and soundtrack to this film are brilliant in their courseness and ability to deliver their message. This movie should be required viewing with "Pretty Woman". Hey, girls, Theresa Russell is prettier than Julia Roberts, and Richard Gere didn't offer to set her up!

Pardon me while I puke on you.
A flat, uninspired, meat parade of a movie. Didn't Theresa retire after this? Whoever produces Ken Russells's films has got to be the biggest con artsit of all time because his films don't ever break even. This movie's so bad, Burt Reynolds collects royalties. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Plot is a meaningless term when trying to describe Lost Highway. Here, more or less, is what happens:A noise-jazz saxophonist (Bill Pullman) suspects his wife (Patricia Arquette) of infidelity. Meanwhile, someone is breaking into their house and videotaping them while they sleep. The wife is murdered and Pullman is convicted of the crime. Then, in prison, he transmogrifies into a young mechanic (Balthazar Getty) who is subsequently released, since, after all, he's not the guy they convicted. Getty goes back to his life and meets a local gangster's moll, who happens to be played by Patricia Arquette... but none of this has much to do with what the movie is really about. Dreams are what intrigues director David Lynch. Not friendly, happy dreams; his dreams whisper that what we think is real is just something we made up, something to keep ourselves from falling into chaos. Characters are fragments. Events happen not because they make sense, but because deep down we want these things to happen. Of course, in Lynch's dreams, as in our waking lives, getting what we want is not always pleasant. In the movie's best moments, you really have no idea what you're seeing. The screen is a big rectangle of color and shadow, but what it represents, well, it could be anything. And yet, in those moments, you've been given just enough hints of place, character, and story that these elusive images elicit a genuine dread, a sense that you might not want to see this, yet you can't look away; a sense that we are living on borrowed time, that something is fiercely askew in our psyches. As a whole, Lost Highway is a failure: much of it is padded, gratuitous, and indulgent and pointless cameos bog down an already sluggish narrative. Yet within that failure are moments worth more than the entirety of most successful movies.--Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (186)

"I like to remember things"......
I often think that David Lynch starts by creating his films by producing the soundtrack, then adding "some visuals" and the story evolves from it in an organic way. This certainly appears to be the case with "Lost Highway." If you liked Twin Peaks: Fire walk with Me for it's general level of weirdness then you'll love "Lost Highway"

The film is more coherant than Twin Peaks - less strange stuff for the sake of it. The symbolism is much more subtle and grafted onto the plot. It's a terrifying film, not because there is anything in there that is gory but it's so quiet, dark and moody that you get an uncomfortable feeling watching it (now *that's* directing).

The story? Well, it's difficult to explain and makes Dune seem like "The Waltons" in comparison. As Lynch puts it, it's about a man who experiences a 'psychotropic fugue' to get away from his current existance

The soundtrack is simply staggering and I don't just mean the music. Lynch seems like the only director who actually USES sound to his advantage to tell the story, scare or horrify the audience. The music is terrific, I bought the album straight after seeing the video, David Bowie, Angelo Badalamenti all in one.

Along with the Twin Peaks movie this is Lynch's finest work (yes, it's better than Blue Velvet). Make sure you see it in Widescreen too!

A wee tad bit TOO abstract...
Whereas I appreciated the abstract, progressive filmmaking of "Mulholland Drive," this movie was so abstract that it took the jump from progressive to ambaguous (yes, that's a word). In fact, I discovered, upon viewing this film, that it is actually possible to spontaneously combust from confusion. To make things worse, I made the mistake of taking a lovely young lady on a first date to see this movie (needless to say, we didn't date very long after that). Patricia Arquette's well-proportioned jumblies are the only two things I found remotely fascinating about this turd.

masterpiece that proves films can be art
This movie is without a shadow of a doubt a piece of art. First of if you're looking for a movie that will provide for a fun evening in front of the tv, with a clear obvious storyline that doesn't provoques you...don't buy this one. This movie isn't ment to be watched...it's ment to be experienced. I've read several reviews complaining about the confusing storyline. Whell, this movie doesn't want to tell you a story. This movie want's to make you feel something. It tries to confuse you it tries to take you out of the comfort zone and into a place of doubt and confusion. If your not open for this kind of approach don't buy this. If you can't appreciate modern art cause you can't see what the painter is trying to picture and all you see is stains and shapes...don't buy this movie cause it has the same approach. If your average hollywood film is comparable to a britney spears album, this movie is David Bowie's outside. No entertainment, no cliche's but a painting with immages and story's.

If you do however can enjoy modern art, if you are open for a movie that want's to play with your mind instead of put it to sleep...get this movie. Don't watch it...experience it.

another response to the reviewer below
Ir97 loved the charlton heston opus mother lode.
nuff said.
he also states movies are just movies.
go home and watch another episode of threes company why dont you.
now, the first assault against my defending the films of lynch will be that i'm just another lynch fan.
actually, i'm not.
amongst the current crop i'm more inclined towards cronenberg and kubrick.
that said, the review 'wanna be artistic junk' reaks of bigoted stereotypes and rallies against anything remotely avant garde. it's like the song ' i dont like what i dont understand and it scares me half to death'.
its also a very typical and lazy mentality.
to say that movies are just movies is such a naive statement that one really has to take a breath before responding to such silliness.
from the beginning film has simply been another visual medium and many artists have, of course, tackled this medium in their individual styles. it doesnt have to be entertaining and yet, it can be.
i enjoy popcorn fluff as much as the next guy and my biggest guilty pleasure is the james bond movies.
that said, i also have a passion for 'that art crap' and that 'art crap' has been around for a very long time.
hell, melies 1902 trip to the moon was as valid an art film as any. and its been that way from the silent era to today.
if i were to take this type of mentality seriousely i would simply write off artists like keaton (the first true modernist), chaplin, bunuel, marnau, stroheim, eisenstein, welles, dali, dreyer, whale, sturges,fellini, kurosawa, kubrick, cronenberg and on and on and on.
lost highway certainly isnt the best lynch or the best avant garde film ive seen.
but any film that is this perverse and features robert blake with shaved eyebrows deserves to be seen.
and again Ir97 demands that anyone who likes this movie explain it.
i like this film and yet i cant explain it.
i wouldnt want to even if i did understand it, because part of the beauty (yes, beauty) of this film is the inability to understand it.
not only is the 'narrative' of this film a mystery but the aesthetics are also mysterious and if anyone does have an inside clue as to the entire meaning dont email it to me. i dont always like things explained to me.

Wannabe "artistic" JUNK!
This review will no doubt get me negative "unhelpfull" numbers on amazon because of the "Lynch Fanatics" out there but I will state MY OPINION anyways. First off, MOST movies claiming (especially from fans or the director himself) to be some form of "art work", or "movie making artistry/masterpiece", should give the average movie go'er a clue. I, MYSELF (IN MY OPINION) have never considered ANY Hollywood film maker an "artist". I suppose "art" IS in the eye of the beholder though or a matter of opinion, but MOVIES are just MOVIES to me. How anyone can call films or movies "art work" I will NEVER understand. Entertaining yes. But "Art work"? Oh well, to each his own opinion. As far as "Lost Highway" goes; This movie is yet another NON-COHERENT GARBAGE of a movie and "wannabe" art bologna. Ask any David Lynch fanatic out there and he or she can't even attempt to explain what this movie's plot or suppossed story is even about. They'll give you the wrap that you are stupid and don't have enough "attention span" to understand the logic and can't "comprenend" real art work. Basically an excuse for "GARBAGE". They should give that bologna a rest and admit that THEY--THEMSELVES can't even attepmt to explain this film. Most importantly, coherently. They just tell you it's art and you'll never get it. Some bologna like that. When they just somehow find facination in NOTHING. I am happy for them that they enjoyed the film and it entertained them. But for anybody that REALLY wants entertainment, or to say the least "be entertained" in the slightest, then don't waste over 2 hours of your time on this GARBAGE of film. I ONLY give it 2 stars because in some parts I enjoyed some of the rediculous things that were going on, however one might TRY to understand it. Lynch's style of camera work (Kubrick rip-off) is very good and always has been. Robert Blake pays a good EVIL person (or Devil-or whatever he was supposed to be) no doubt, the mobster guy was wannbe Soprano-ish and intresting, but as far as any story that makes any sence, NOBODY can explain it. Which IN MY OPINION makes this a horrible movie that IS a waste of time. Was this movie suposed to be about time-travel? A dream? I don't think anybody can explain what was going through Lynch's mind and most imporantly, after 2 hrs.+ and no coherent plot I COULD CARELESS! And for the most part I wished he would give me my money back for wasted time & the price of the ticket to this whatever-it-may-be" so-called movie. I wanted it to be good, it DID sort of keep me WANTING or especially WAITING to find out what the heck is going on.David Lynch HAS made some decent better than average movies that come together: Blue Velvet; Wild At Heart; Twin Peaks:Fire Walk With Me". This movie does not. Besides "Lost Highway", "Mullholand Drive" is yet another attempt by Lynch to film any garbage he wants and still get his "fanatic" fans to buy tickets to his films and thus calling it "art work" because THEY TRY to find a way to understand it, and the Lynch fanatics really seem to enjoy TRYING to ANALYZE his nutty nonsence movies. If "Lost Highway" & "Mullholand Drive was suppossed to be a form of "David Lynch art work", then "Dune" was a masterpiece. Don't be fooled by the Lynch fanatics out there. They know it's a junk movie. Let them TRY and explain what this movie is about. If it takes more than a paragraph to explain it then just REALIZE the movie sucks and IS NOT Coherent. A waste of 2 hours +. ... Read more

Description

Lakeside Water Ski Camp is losing out to rival camp Twin Oaks and the only one that can save them is party-meister Ricky Wade. But his only rival Kyle is not only after the main prize, but Ricky?s main squeeze! The Meatballs craziness continues. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

This is the /True/ sequal to the Oringal Meatballs
Wonderful film.. Corey Feldman is great..even though some of the dialoge was poor but the story line was fun, like the orignal, no aliens, no sex star ghosts, but the good old male ego/camp competiton. WHOO WHOO, great skiing scenes...and I don't ski. All I can say.. if you want a good laugh and feel like you are absorbed into the flim rent/buy this one! Corey last lines at the end of the film are a hoot! "But I was in GOONIES!"

Corey makes meatballs an even better movie
I loved all of the meatballs, but this one is one of the greatest, it was so funny and Corey Feldman really made the movie great, he gave a good perfomance, I must say this is a must see movie, its a great movie to put on and watch and keep you smiling!

finally a great meatballs seaqual
the greatest meatballs movie ever.After you see this movie you will forget about the first three.

meat balls 4 is a winner.
Now I know meatballs 2 and 3 were a little ridiculous but this one takes the cake. Pretty good characters and does a triple flip over all the other meatball movies.

Underappreciated Meatballs Movie!
As a fan of the Meatballs movies I believe that this is an underappreciated movie. I thought it was a relatively funny show. I also thought that that Corey Feldman did a good job portraying Ricky Wade, the camps expert water skier. The show is basically about a camp(Lakeside) that is going through financial problems and enlists their old friend Ricky Wade(Feldman)to help in hopes that he'll attract more campers to Lakeside. But a snobby, rich owner of a camp across the lake(Twin Oaks)wants the land that Lakeside is on, so in an attempt to save the camp they have a Ski Meet but Monica(Twin Oaks owner)and her goons try to sabotage the event! And in between all the Ski Meet practices there are relatively funny things that the campers go through! And the fat camper Victor(Johnny Cocktails) that always ruins everything is a very funny addition to the movie!! At the very end of the show there is a funny part when Feldman and Paige French(the actor who plays Ricky Wade's love interest Jennifer) step outta character and are making out. Then French goes "Why am I wasting my time on you? You're not even a movie star!" then Feldman turns to the camera and says " Hey! I was in 'Goonies'!!!!" Overall I feel that if you were a true fan of the previous 3 Meatballs shows this one should not disappoint you at all! I reccommend that you at least go to your local video store and rent it to see why I love it so much, You won't regret it!! :) ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

David Lynch peeks behind the picket fences of small-town America to reveal a corrupt shadow world of malevolence, sadism, and madness. From the opening shots Lynch turns the Technicolor picture postcard images of middle class homes and tree-lined lanes into a dreamy vision on the edge of nightmare. After his father collapses in a preternaturally eerie sequence, college boy Kyle MacLachlan returns home and stumbles across a severed human ear in a vacant lot. With the help of sweetly innocent high school girl (Laura Dern), he turns junior detective and uncovers a frightening yet darkly compelling world of voyeurism and sex. Drawn deeper into the brutal world of drug dealer and blackmailer Frank, played with raving mania by an obscenity-shouting Dennis Hopper in a career-reviving performance, he loses his innocence and his moral bearings when confronted with pure, unexplainable evil. Isabella Rossellini is terrifyingly desperate as Hopper's sexual slave who becomes MacLachlan's illicit lover, and Dean Stockwell purrs through his role as Hopper's oh-so-suave buddy. Lynch strips his surreally mundane sets to a ghostly austerity, which composer Angelo Badalamenti encourages with the smooth, spooky strains of a lush score. Blue Velvet is a disturbing film that delves into the darkest reaches of psycho-sexual brutality and simply isn't for everyone. But for a viewer who wants to see the cinematic world rocked off its foundations, David Lynch delivers a nightmarish masterpiece. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (185)

"It's a strange world, isn't it?"
That line of dialogue from David Lynch's unquestioned masterpiece BLUE VELVET describes Lynch's film universe perfectly. With the new SPECIAL EDITION dvd out we truly get a glimpse inside the making of a great film and how it can immediately be misunderstood by someone like Roger Ebert. The behind the scenes documentary is great with interviews from many of the film participants. To enter the world of David Lynch is to cross into an unknown vortex of subconscious desires, fears, and dreams. The film brilliantly shows us the illusion of the perfect smalltown life vs. the city underworld right next door. The images stay with you long after the movie is over. Dennis Hopper is absolutely perfect in a harrowing, funny, and brutal psychopath filled with self loathing and anger. I just saw a revival showing at a theater in Los Angeles and I highly recommend to anyone to see it in a theater if possible. On the big screen the movie envelops you into its world from which there is no escape. BLUE VELVET is definitely not for everyone, and that's ok. Lynch wasn't trying to make a film for the masses, but rather as a complete personal expression in the movie art form.

Blue Velvet, the best film of the 80's
In what one could regard now as a precursor to TWIN PEAKS, David Lynch explores his primary fascination, the possibly seedy under-belly that may or may not exist in Middle America.

Jeffrey(Kyle Maclachlan) lives in an idealic small town. It's picturesque, everybody knows everybody, and the doors are left unlocked at night. However, evil is lurking. Jeffrey discovers this one day as he walks through a remote field, he finds a human ear. Jeff takes the ear to a local Police Detective, who thanks him and then asks him to stay away from the case. But Jeff, with the Hardy Boy inside getting the better of him, does no such thing, and with the help of the Detective's Daughter(Laura Dern) he decides to investigate. His snooping eventually leads him to a mysterious and seemingly disturbed night club singer, Dorothy(Isabella Rossellini), who Jeffrey is uncontrollably intruiged by and attracted to. In fact, it is only when Jeffrey meets Dorothy's derranged tormentor Frank Booth(Dennis Hopper at his twisted best) that he starts to realize that he just might be in way over his head.

Bizarre, captivating, hypnotic, and haunting. You've heard these words describe BLUE VELVET before. But that's because these descriptions are very accurate. This is David Lynch's brilliant painted portrait of what might lie beneath. It's violent, it's comedic at times, it's disturbing at others. It's a film that Lynch fans will love, and that non-Lynch fans will find pointless and boring.

But then again, that's true of all of Lynch's work. His films are definately an acquirred taste. Here's the best way to describe it. All the mystery aside, it's about a young man who loses his innocence on his way to adulthood. That's BLUE VELVET in a nutshell. In way it's one of Lynch's most straight forward stories(THE STRAIGHT STORY being an exception).

So to all Lynch fans to have yet to see BLUE VELVET for themselves, log off your computers, run to your nearest Blockbuster, check out this masterpiece, and be prepared to pay some major late fees. Because this is one film you will want to experience over and over again.

Thanks for reading my review.

Much Less Than its Rep
Weird, dully acted, occasionally gross and sometimes unintentionally funny. Lynch desperately wants to have his cake and eat it too by being so uncool that he's cool. Lynch cannot just tell, he has to show. All the time. Like the weird kid in 3rd grade who always brought something unsettling to show-and-tell and the kids told their parents and the parents complained and the teacher had to talk to his parents about his not bringing anything else. The weirdos Lynch populates his underworld with are hilariously overacted by actors who obviously don't know what the heck is going on and probably think Lynch is full of it. Dennis Hopper is hysterical. He basically didn't change his act a bit from Apocalypse Now and, of course, the critics and fans raved about how "brilliant" ansd "electrifying" his performance was. After Blue Velvet, I imagine Hopper got down on his knees every night and thanked God for giving most people short memories and short attention spans.

Hey neighbor
I've had a weird experience with this movie. The first time I saw it, I couldn't help being disappointed having already seen some of Lynch's other films. While Dennis Hopper's performance was impressive and many of his quotes from Blue Velvet stuck in my memory, somehow things just didn't click and I more or less thought of 'Blue Velvet' as a somewhat interesting, but ultimately forgettable experience. The seemingly good vs. evil theme of the film (the robins and Sandy's dream) in particular annoyed me and the whole thing added a definite 'cheese' factor.

One night I decided to give Blue Velvet another chance and surprisingly the experience was a much richer one; in fact, I would now say that this is an excellent movie.
[Incidentally, Lynch's Lost Highway had a somewhat similar, but completely opposite effect - I went from thinking that it was a great flick to thinking it was an alright one].

I would say that it is wrong to say that this film is about 'good vs. evil' or that Lynch is trying to make any sort of a moral statement in it; the nuances of Blue Velvet are much more subtle than that and the characters more complicated. As most of Lynch's work, Blue Velvet is about obsession and obsession luring people into dark corners of the world. The film pulls the viewer (as a voyeur) into its dangerous and strange universe and relies much (as a lot of other Lynch movies) on the pure flow of images, the atmospheric experience. The sound element adds much to enriching this powerful experience and Blue Velvet as a whole invites multiple viewings.

In my opinion this is one of Lynch's fairly straight forward films in terms of the linear-time progression (along with The Elephant Man and The Straight Story) and as such might serve as a good introductory movie to those who want to become more familiar with his work. (Mulholland Drive is, I believe, so far the consummation of Lynch's previous efforts into one crowning achievement).

Also, there are many interesting bonus materials in this little DVD package.

Weird film
Blue Velvet has got to be one of the strangest films I have ever seen. It started off o.k. but when we first see frank booth it just gets weirder and weirder. The film also suffers from bad script. The acting in the film is very poor expect Dennis Hopper.
There are so many films like this and I can't understand why people think this one is so special. I was really looking forward to watching this when I bought the DVD but after watching it I felt cheated into buying a poor film.
Overall bad film, bad acting and bad script. People who appeciate those three should steer clear. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dennis Hopper gives an Oscar worthy performance in what may be David Lynch's screen masterpiece. This American thriller is un-nerving and disturbing but still reveals a positive revelation by the end. David Lynch is a genius and I admire his bold statement. His other film Wild At Heart is a wonder as well. Check that out if you have the time. Blue Velvet is brilliantly crafted and epicly told. In Dreams by Roy Orbison really sounds amazing in this film cause the song defines the film in ways I cant really explain. Blue Velvet is a masterpiece!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (33)

A 'Slice of Americana' Film Brilliantly Directed by Hopper!
If a list of top 100 most unappreciated films was ever composed, this movie would make the top ten easily. Siskel & Ebert raved about this movie, and if you give it a try, you'll see why! Well written, expertly cast and almost flawlessly directed by Dennis Hopper, this movie brings small town America to life like few others in recent memory. A steamy tale indeed, put the kiddies to bed before starting this one. Don Johnson and Virginia Madsen are perfect in their parts, and I defy any male to watch this movie and NOT fall in love with the character (Gloria Harper) played by stunning Jennifer Connelly. I could write a 1000 words alone on how good each actor was in their part, main actors AND "small-part" actors, and perhaps that was the genius of this movie; chemistry among the characters that WORKED! Combine that with a plausible and well written story line, set in a uniquely small town America setting, and just plain solid movie making compliments of director Dennis Hopper, and you have "The Hot Spot", a movie that any movie connoisseur can't watch just once! Excellent!

My favourite film..!
Well, my first review and my favourite film to boot. Having read the book by Charles Williams- a gift from a friend who is big into literature and the classics, therefore I felt it might be good - I thoroughly enjoyed conjouring up the images of dusty hot Texas whilst trying to keep cool with the steamy sultry shenanigans between the two diverse female leads and Harry Madox, the main character. Watching the movie for the first time a year or so later, it struck me how rarely when one reads a book does the film match up to the imagined filmscape. In this instance it exceeded my expectations like no other film had done or has done since. With the wonderful music, evoking the atmoshpere in spades and the masterful performance by Don Johnson - hitherto remebered by most for his role in Miami vice and its lack of real depth - the movie comes alive to me as a romantic representation of what I imagine a small Texan town and its bizarre characters may be like. Jennifer Connely is indeed one of the most beatiful women on screen, a shame that many seem to have just focused on her nudity as a reason to watch (or fast forward) the movie, I guess it must tell you a thing or two about them..

You will either love or hate this movie for many reasons. I make no apologies for liking this and if you want a slick, stylish movie with great music, a hot steamy atmosphere and the opportunity to watch Don Johnson perform in the movie of his career (if only for posterity) then you will do worse than spend a couple of hours watching this.

"I found my level and I'm living it."
Drifter Harry Maddux (Don Johnson) arrives in town and takes a job as a salesman at a used car lot. The boss, Mr. Hawshaw, isn't sure quite what to make of Harry. Harry aggressively tells another salesman: "in this life, you've got to take what you want," but he privately admits that his past is "a series of jams over floozies." Hawshaw has a nubile, seductive young wife, Dolly (Virginia Madsen), who quickly targets Harry as her next prey. Harry lacks the willpower to resist her rather obvious charms, but at the same time, he is also attracted to Gloria (Jennifer Connelly), Hawshaw's young female employee.

"The Hot Spot" --a Neo Noir film--is directed by Dennis Hopper, and it's an excellent entry in the genre--complete with a sleazy blackmailer, crimes, and a wicked femme fatale. I am not a Don Johnson fan, but he did a credible job in this film. He was suitably sweaty and stressed at the appropriate moments. But the film really belonged to Virginia Madsen. She drives a vintage, pink Cadillac, and her tackily decorated mansion resembles a bordello--complete with a stuffed Polar bear. Madsen writhes, coils and slithers her way from scene to scene, and she holds Maddux in a state of horrified fascination--what a performance. There are several scenes with strippers swinging around poles, etc, and one topless scene with Connelly. Obviously not for the kiddies--displacedhuman

The Hot Spot is scorching HOT
I am a big Jennifer Connelly fan so this film is very close it my heart and I recomend it because not only do we get to see Jennifer topless on a beach but the film is pretty good.

Don Johnson does an admiral job in the film and I was impressed with the director Dennis Hopper a very nice film that wasn't expected to do anything when it was released in 1991.

A worthy addition to your DVD collection or the guilty pleasure that is my collection

Oh, Jennifer!!!!
It's true Jennifer's topless scene is very nice for us guys
but,that is not all this movie offers.The acting in this film is
good all way round. (At least in my eyes) Hopper is exellent at
bringing the southern heat to the screen and telling an offbeat
story that's fun to watch and that's what it's all about! I think
this movie is an overlooked gem and i watch it at least once a year!

Oh, Yeah!.... Did i mention Jennifer Connelly??? ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Fast forward review
Sleaze fans expect certain things from satan in girl's school films, some shower or getting ready for bed nudity, maybe a little girl-girl playing around in the dorm at night when the matron's not looking, and then of course the usual cult dancing around nekkid or in robes scene, an altar scene with the fount of all evil himself or maybe a stand-in wearing goat horns about to get the virgin before the hero shows up (these cults always have lousy security), and if you're really lucky, some tied-up babes being abused or maybe a flashback witch burning.

Well, sorry, this doesn't deliver, with the sole exception of the dancing scene, which is acceptable, disrobing to full nudity and no cute stuff with the camera. So, one star, but that's mainly because I like plumpers and the blonde dancing around the well, or whatever it is, is kinda cute for a fatty. Hey, no accounting for taste.

Its not that bad!
I felt overall that the movie did not live up to its promise or what it could have been, but its still worth watching.It has its moments.I like occult-themed movies.There were a few parts in the movie I found scary -like when they were calling the demon.I don't regret buying it .Its not a bad way to spend a few hours.

Far from a masterpiece...but good entertainment
Well..let's see..it was nothing like "The Craft" except for the whole Catholic School Girl theme. And let me say that "The Craft" is a MASTERPIECE, a complete work of art with great acting, a great script, great special effects! "Little Witches" had dull special effects, a dull script, and not so good acting.
The story line isn't like "The Craft". The plot is about some "naughty" Catholic School girls who find a spell book written in Latin in an abandoned part of their church. The lead girl Jaime (Played pretty well by Sheeri Rappaport) gets into magic and spells and tries to form a little coven of her own and try to make a demon come to life. Meanwhile, her friend and roomate Faith (Mimi Reichmeister) starts to get interested in a construction worker named Daniel (Tommy Stork, a guy who can't act worth sh!t), who's repairing the school after a recent earthquake. It also includes some nuns, including Mother Clodah (played by Zelda Rubinstein from "Poltergeist" and "Picket Fences") and Sister Sherilyn (Jennifer Rubin...horrible actress). Mother Clodah has a red spot on her face, and Jaime thinks she's "The Guardian" so she makes a spell to kill her. It turns out that she actual wasn't, and the "The Guardian" still lives..but who is it? I'm not saying.

Word to the wise; Unless you're into gratuitous nudity and horrible acting, don't rent it. I still say it's good, but it's not THAT good. There are only a few good actresses in here; Sheeri Rappaport, Mimi Reichmeister, Clea DuVall, and Zelda Rubinstein.

By the way, I read in an article that Clea DuVall regrets doing this movie, it was her first film, and she had some nude scenes she wish didn't happen. I don't blame her. It would've been spectacular without the nude scenes!

eh.....
Well,The title of this movie is all wrong,it has absolutly NOTHING to do with Witches.It's low budget and has no real facts to it.It's about catholic school girls who turn into satanists.Although,for some reason it does have some entertainment value to it.

GOOD MOVIE
it is an excellent movie. Sheeri looks excellent naked. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Film Noir from American Zoetrope...
Excellent story line and acting. Forrest is a very credible Hammett. The seemless, innovative scene transitions are worth the price of the tape all by themselves! This title needs to be on DVD!!! ... Read more

Reviews (28)

Fast forward review
Sleaze fans expect certain things from satan in girl's school films, some shower or getting ready for bed nudity, maybe a little girl-girl playing around in the dorm at night when the matron's not looking, and then of course the usual cult dancing around nekkid or in robes scene, an altar scene with the fount of all evil himself or maybe a stand-in wearing goat horns about to get the virgin before the hero shows up (these cults always have lousy security), and if you're really lucky, some tied-up babes being abused or maybe a flashback witch burning.

Well, sorry, this doesn't deliver, with the sole exception of the dancing scene, which is acceptable, disrobing to full nudity and no cute stuff with the camera. So, one star, but that's mainly because I like plumpers and the blonde dancing around the well, or whatever it is, is kinda cute for a fatty. Hey, no accounting for taste.

Its not that bad!
I felt overall that the movie did not live up to its promise or what it could have been, but its still worth watching.It has its moments.I like occult-themed movies.There were a few parts in the movie I found scary -like when they were calling the demon.I don't regret buying it .Its not a bad way to spend a few hours.

Far from a masterpiece...but good entertainment
Well..let's see..it was nothing like "The Craft" except for the whole Catholic School Girl theme. And let me say that "The Craft" is a MASTERPIECE, a complete work of art with great acting, a great script, great special effects! "Little Witches" had dull special effects, a dull script, and not so good acting.
The story line isn't like "The Craft". The plot is about some "naughty" Catholic School girls who find a spell book written in Latin in an abandoned part of their church. The lead girl Jaime (Played pretty well by Sheeri Rappaport) gets into magic and spells and tries to form a little coven of her own and try to make a demon come to life. Meanwhile, her friend and roomate Faith (Mimi Reichmeister) starts to get interested in a construction worker named Daniel (Tommy Stork, a guy who can't act worth sh!t), who's repairing the school after a recent earthquake. It also includes some nuns, including Mother Clodah (played by Zelda Rubinstein from "Poltergeist" and "Picket Fences") and Sister Sherilyn (Jennifer Rubin...horrible actress). Mother Clodah has a red spot on her face, and Jaime thinks she's "The Guardian" so she makes a spell to kill her. It turns out that she actual wasn't, and the "The Guardian" still lives..but who is it? I'm not saying.

Word to the wise; Unless you're into gratuitous nudity and horrible acting, don't rent it. I still say it's good, but it's not THAT good. There are only a few good actresses in here; Sheeri Rappaport, Mimi Reichmeister, Clea DuVall, and Zelda Rubinstein.

By the way, I read in an article that Clea DuVall regrets doing this movie, it was her first film, and she had some nude scenes she wish didn't happen. I don't blame her. It would've been spectacular without the nude scenes!

eh.....
Well,The title of this movie is all wrong,it has absolutly NOTHING to do with Witches.It's low budget and has no real facts to it.It's about catholic school girls who turn into satanists.Although,for some reason it does have some entertainment value to it.

GOOD MOVIE
it is an excellent movie. Sheeri looks excellent naked. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Motorama : B-Movie with allstar cast
Motorama is about 10 year old Gus who steals a car , and runs away from home collecting Motorama cards , if he collects them all he wins 500,000,000 $. Gus is played by Jordan Christopher Michael. the film also features special appearances by Jack Nance as a crazy hotel assistant, Meat Loaf (spectacular singer) as a biker who makes his living by armwrestling for money,Drew Barrymore as a Dream Girl , Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) as a busboy with a couple of loose screws ,Garrett Morris & Micheal J. Polliard as auto-Mechanics.also featuring music by Andy Summers and songs by Range Wars.Not suitable for children due to swearing , brief nudity , & Brief violence. Although the movie is kind of slow moving overall , it is pretty fun to watch out for cameos by some well known actors and singer/actors. it's pretty good

A surreal little gem of a road movie
This is an entertaining surreal road movie about a ten year old kid named Gus, who drives a red Ford Mustang across some fictional states with names like Tristana, Essex, South Lyndon... in search of eight elusive Motorama game cards from various gas stations. The film has a surreal feel to it because a lot of the things are unusual; like the money for instance, which is like blank paper with numbers on.

Most of the characters are nasty to Gus on his trip. They tattoo him, punch him, but this doesn't stop the kid on his relentless quest. Some oddball actors like David Lynch incumbent Jack Nance, Meat Loaf & Flea also make appearences. Jack Nance plays a motel owner, who when he first meets Gus tells him, "If you see any Squirrels, give them to me." An odd little gem of a movie.

What the Hell?
Okay, so the kid is getting the letter. No one notices he is 10, gets the R, blah blah blah. The reason this movie is abysmal is the ending. What in God's name were they thinking? He gets "motorama" and tries to claim his prise, but there is none; and after being thrown out of a sckyscraper what does our protaginst do? He hitchhikes back to the first gas station and takes the attendent job, fills up the car of a man who won 1 million dollars..the man is hit by a truck.. Credits roll after he has a meaningless 3(short)sentence conversation with the owner......and that's all. I feel the need to repeate, What in God's name were they thinking?

Zero stars wasn't an option.
Others have outlined the plot, so I'll get to the point.

The film is dull, listless, and offensive.

Here's a brief list of some "clever" moments:

* The protagonist (a ten year old boy) is beaten so that he loses an eye (in part because he's maliciously denied medical care)

* After dining in a biker bar, the protagonist is forcibly tatooed (which is depicted as excruciatingly painful).

* Some parents who are low on cash intentionally abandon their young children at a rest stop.

I *like* odd ball films (e.g., After Hours, Eraserhead, Dark Star, Moulin Rouge, Big Lebowski, Repo Man, etc. etc.) and am not easily put off by weirdness.

But this film is so mean spirited, tawdry, boring, and poorly performed that I couldn't find anything about it to like. I don't understand the favorable reviews it has received here and suggest you check out some more mainstream reviews (in reviews I read it was not just panned but reviled).

Ps. Despite the child protagonist, this is definitely not a children's movie.

Surreal Masterpiece
10-year old Gus (Jordan Christopher Michael) steals a car and travels across a bizarre Southwestern landscape, playing a road game called "Motorama." He encounters many eccentric characters, mostly nasty, and endures all sorts of abuse, growing gradually older until, at the end of his life.... Ignore the idiotic cover; oppressive heterosexism is refreshingly absent here. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Even more than most of David Lynch's deliberately bizarre and idiosyncratic movies, Dune is a "love-it-or-hate-it" affair. An ambitious, epic, utterly mind-boggling--and, let's admit it, all-out weird--adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic science fiction novel, Dune remains one of the most controversial films in the director's exceedingly provocative career. The story (if Dune can be said to have just one story) is complex and convoluted in the epic tradition; it has something to do with political intrigue and a planet that is home to a precious spice and gigantic sand worms. Think Shakespeare's Henry IV with a dash of Tremors, and set in another galaxy. But despite plenty of strangely whispered voice-overs that explain the characters' thoughts (and endlessly detailed exposition), storytelling is not really among the film's strong points. There are, however, a lot of memorably fantastic/grotesque images, an extraordinary cast, and a soundtrack featuring Toto. I told you it was weird. Among the stars are Kyle MacLachlan, José Ferrer, Dean Stockwell, Brad Dourif, Sting, Kenneth McMillan, Patrick Stewart, Sean Young, and Linda Hunt. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (435)

Dune: the sleeper has awaken.
David Lynch's (Eraserhead, Twin Peaks) adaptation of Frank Herbert's defining saga 'DUNE' may very well be, if truth be told, the most epic enterprise, and in many ways the most rewarding, of Lynch's work thus far.

Dune is a difficult movie to review, if only because there is no easy (or maybe I should say simple) way to look at it. At its core though DUNE tells the story of Paul Atreides, a young man whose destiny as a Messiah of worlds echoes that of such classics like Brazil or Spartacus, where seemingly ordinary men become extraordinary beings. This however is an over-simplification, DUNE is built from a collection of stories and legends that form a unique whole -perfectly captured by Lynch.

Make no mistake, this movies begs to be seen in its original 2,35:1 widescreen format. Freddie Francis' photography of the barren Dune world is simply amazing, and even though some of the special effects may seem old when compared to today's standards, the amazing designs by Anthony Masters will simply take your breath away. The DVD edition, while not anamorphic, is very well presented, sporting a very high quality video transfer and excellent sound. A brief, if yet interesting, collection of production notes are also included, as well as cast and crew bios and the original theatrical trailer in widescreen format.

DUNE seems slow at times and it may not be for everyone -but then that's always been the trademark of Lynch's work, I think. Still, DUNE is an excellent example of how a complex story can make a Sci-Fi movie be truly epic. Couple that with the amazing designs and the beautiful photography and you got a winner here. Highly recommended.

Lynch's Dune leaves lasting impressions
Oil planets, rubber suits, flying Buicks and lots of industrial images and soot...
Who else could come up with a vision like this for the Frank Herbert novel other than David Lynch?
This so-called box office disaster has to be one of the most controversial sci-fi films to ever grace the silver screen, and though it has been repeatedly bashed by sci-fi buffs and Dune purists, the two-hour-plus feature always manages to surface either on television (in a hastily- and carelessly-edited extended cut), in conversations among admirers of sci-fi or cinema, as well as in personal movie collections worldwide.
So why was it scorned during its initial release?
Expectations of the film adaptation were high. The film hardly captured every facet of the novel. But how could it?
Also, many theatergoers and sci-fi fans were expecting, well, more of a futuristic approach to Dune as opposed to Lynch's industrial vision. A spaceship with plush leather interior lacking any flashy computers just didn't do it for the Star Trek/Star Wars crowd.
However, Lynch's script remains faithful to the story and its characters. The first-rate casting, combined with (undeniably) Lynch direction, pack enough flair to make the film more than worthwhile viewing and certainly worthy to own on DVD.
The entire cast give first-rate performances, most notably Kenneth McMillan, Jose Ferrer, Sian Phillips, Francessca Annis and, of course, Patrick Stewart.
Toto, the 80s rock band that proved to everyone that musicianship isn't everything, contribute a worthy score, though it steers toward a Flash Gordon-esque style in the film's finale.
In sum, Lynch - like a true visionary - leaves us with more fantastic impressions of the enigmatic Dune world than he does comprehensive storytelling. The impressions, however, are lasting. They are the key to why this sci-fi flop survived the relentless criticism and has proved, repeatedly, to be in demand among consumers.
Note: Lynch withdrew his screenwriting and director's credit from the extended TV version of the film, and for good reason.

Duned
Woh! I didn't know what to expect when I first sat down to watch 'Dune'. Not having read the novel, the first hour of the movie made me think I had Attention Deficit Disorder, I didn't know what was going on. After that first hour, I gradually left my efforts at understanding behind and just revelled in its sheer spectacle.

Poor David Lynch was driven to the brink of suicide while making this picture. The success of 'The Elephant Man' must have made him believe that adapting other people's work would be a much more successful venture than trying to develop anything on his own at this stage of his career. 'Dune' is full of Lynchian touches even if his commanding vision is sadly missing. The Emperor's court looks like something out of pre-industrial Europe in contrast to the Harkonnen culture of brutal industry and festering disease (Lynch would have been in his element here). Indeed the Baron Harkonnen's face bears some resemblance to John Merrick's in 'The Elephant Man', biological explosions bursting through the skin.

'Dune' would have made a pretty good T.V. series if it had been directed by Lynch, there certainly would have been wider scope for plot and character development. As it was left in it's 137 minute version Lynch had to cut entire scenes and have them explained in one line of voice-over dialogue instead. This makes much more of the profound elements of the film seem like excerpts from a daytime soap opera, the slow zoom into the static face as the voice-over speaks the thoughts of the actor.

Locked into producer Dino De Laurentiis's and writer Frank Herbert's vision, it's not surprising that Lynch returned to small-time film making as a way of retaining artistic control.

Generally, I liked it
Yes, the movie is weird; yes, they changed a lot from the book, like another movie which shall remain nameless (*cough*"Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"*coughcough*), and yes, it borders on the incomprehensible at times. Still, IMHO, it beats the hell out of the later remake, which is twice as long and half as interesting. The actors in this movie have great charisma, and besides, who can beat Patrick Stewart as Gurney Halleck? I ask you!

The main flaw (again, IMHO) is that the "long version" has yet to be released on video or DVD, although it can be seen about once a year on the Sci-Fi Channel. The shorter version is just not enough; write your congressman and DEMAND the full-length extended cut of "Dune". 'Nuff said.

Oh Lordy
Well. Time to write a review of this on Amazon. So many things to say. A beginning is a delicate time. Well, lets state the obvious first and foremost.

This movie was a flop. A bomb. A disaster. It cost a great deal of money to make and it made almost nothing at the box office. This was due to a number of reasons. One, in the early eighties, science fiction was considered very uncool. So that any young dude in the early eighties worth his salt wouldn't be caught dead going to this movie. The other matter is that any of those young dudes who DID happen to wander into this movie probably had to wonder just what the hell was going on.

Dune is very challenging science fiction that almost might be considered the work of a genius. It is far more complex and interweaving than the plot for something like "Star Wars" for example. By that, I'm not saying that Star Wars was a bad movie, indeed, it was a very profitable one (unlike Dune). It is just that from my viewpoint, it is incredible that this movie was even created at all, considering the usual attitude of movie studios toward complex plots of any kind whatsoever. In fact, I would go so far as to venture the guess that this movie being a flop set a standard for one dimensional movie plot lines for years to come. A movie must make a profit, the dumber the movie, the bigger the profit.

Anyway, the point is this movie somehow, against all odds, WAS made. And the director, to add to the weirdness, was that master of weirdness (the weirding way?) himself, David Lynch. Lordy, this movie is a miracle against all odds.

The thing to keep in mind is that this movie didn't have an immediate impact when it was first released. However, slowly, over the years, it gained a massive cult following. It has become known as that "other" sci fi movie, alongside Star Wars and Star Trek. And indeed, I believe Frank Herbert wouldn't have had it any other way. On the video shelf, Dune has become the "underground" sci fi epic loved by a select few - who rent it very often.

The movie has had a sweeping impact upon culture, regardless of who hates it or loves it. If you have seen it, you will never forget it. Some scenes remain breathtakingly modern with incredible special effects, others are rough edged with some editing that could use something to be desired. Yet despite it all, it remains powerful today (especially when compared to the awful tv miniseries version). ... Read more

Reviews (22)

A great road movie!
The best of the "Trailer trash livin', acid droppin', convenience store robbin', bald head tatooin', chased by crazed speed freak killers" genre. ... 10 years ago the critics of this movie would have been accusing Tarantino/