Amazon.com

All the confusion, pain, despair, and even hope of the men and women who served in Vietnam is captured in Dear America: Letters Home from Vietnam. Read by dozens of actors such as Harvey Keitel, Matt Dillon, and Kathleen Turner, these letters show a more human story of the war than we see in most media outlets and reveal real people in real situations trying to explain or understand. The footage, some newsreel, some shot by the servicemen and servicewomen, reveals a tension between the soldiers' actual experiences and the presentation their loved ones received from television. The soundtrack weaves the songs of the 1960s with the readings to create a compelling aural snapshot of the time, which complements the video exceptionally well. While it's not a "feel-good" movie, the viewer does get a sense of the indestructibility of human dreams. --Rob Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Grabs you by the heart and mind and doesn't let go.
I originally saw this film on HBO, and, like another reviewer, recorded it for repeat viewing. My copy has long been unplayable, as I have watched and shown it over and over. I'm thrilled to see it's available here. I think it's the most powerful film I've ever seen - documentary, "indie" or commercial. The work that went into making this film by the Vietnam Veterans' Theatre Group is amazing. They reviewed and edited literally miles and miles of news footage, gathered letters home from families and friends, and in some cases were even able to link up the letter with film of the soldier who wrote it. The eloquence of the young soldiers and nurses will break your heart, and the increasingly haunted look in their eyes as the war wears on will stay with you for a long time. Couldn't I give it 10 stars???

Spectacular Movie with Awesome Footage and Quotes!
This video is a wonderful one. It successfully displays how the Vietnam War was when it was. The music and the footage and the letters all pulled together made this a non-boring, yet exciting informational movie! My favorite part of the movie was all the great quotes. A friend and I pick up funny quotes and like to use them just for fun. This movie had a TON of excellent and short catchy quotes that made the movie entertaining. One of my favorites is "Home is where you DIG it", it's kind of funny, yet kind of saddening, depending on how you look at it. I got so much from this movie. It shows the good times and bad times during the war. It was funny, and moving, and almost tear-jerking. I was glad that I watched it. And everything about the movie is real, so it's great to use for school papers or just to watch. I learned a lot about the Vietnam War from this movie and even would like to see it a couple more times :)

Wow! Fact is Better than Fiction
I watched this movie yesterday in my AP American History class and the entire room was silent throughout the whole production, unusual for a group of teenagers during the last few days of school.

I have seen other Vietnam movies (Full Metal Jacket, Apocalypse Now,) but none rivals this one. It's just a hauntingly beautiful film.

I could easily give this movie five stars based solely on a single scene in which "Useful Phrases in Vietnam" comes up on the screen amidst a swarm of helicopter gunships. The shot transitions inside a "Huey," we're told, on a "Search..." and "Destroy" mission. Looking just over the door gunner's shoulder, Mick Jagger and the Stones start going away on "Gimme Shelter," the flighty chords pairing perfectly with the erratic, panicked movement of the choppers. As Jagger goes into the second verse, Bill Couturie cuts to a video of soldiers conducting a "Zippo Raid." The result is nothing short of cinema art, every bit as psychologically evocative as the famed opening scene of Apocalypse Now, and that story was made up.

See this movie. It applies now more than ever.

Sound Track
This was one of the best and realistic war movies I have ever seen. I was speechless as I watched in Histroy Class.

Does anyone no the sound tracks that were used in the movie, or to be more specific, the one at the start.

Painful, Sad, Beautiful
This is perhaps the greatest movie ever made about the Vietnam War, and probably one of the greatest ever made about *any* war. I am disappointed that there seems to be no DVD version, a deficiency that I hope will be corrected soon.

I first saw this film when it first aired on HBO, and I taped it then. That was a long time ago. I don't know where that tape is anymore.

I was part of the generation depicted in this film. I did not go to Vietnam. In the draft lottery back in the day, my birthday was picked way down the list. That made my mom very happy. It left me with mixed emotions. I didn't support the war back then, but I would have gone if drafted. In some ways I feel guilty that I never went. And in some ways I am grateful.

Watching this movie will make most viewers, of whatever age, grateful that they did not have to experience any of that. I would not want my children to experience such horror. We can play "what if" as much as we want - what if we had sent more troops, what if we had not held back. None of that matters now.

This movie shows the tragedy of that war, that era, to full effect. It teaches lessons that folks in positions of authority seem unwilling or unable to learn.

It is embarrassing to note that the majority of "chicken hawks" among the policy makers in the US government right now are of my generation - the generation depicted in this film. It's enough to make one despair.... ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

John Hughes's popular 1985 teen drama finds a diverse group of high school students--a jock (Emilio Estevez), a metalhead (Judd Nelson), a weirdo (Ally Sheedy), a princess (Molly Ringwald), and a nerd (Anthony Michael Hall)--sharing a Saturday in detention at their high school for one minor infraction or another. Over the course of a day, they talk through the social barriers that ordinarily keep them apart, and new alliances are born, though not without a lot of pain first. Hughes (Sixteen Candles), who wrote and directed, is heavy on dialogue but he also thoughtfully refreshes the look of the film every few minutes with different settings and original viewpoints on action. The movie deals with such fundamentals as the human tendency toward bias and hurting the weak, and because the characters are caught somewhere between childhood and adulthood, it's easy to get emotionally involved in hope for their redemption. Preteen and teenage kids love this film, incidentally. The DVD release includes production notes, cast and crew bios, widescreen presentation, Dolby sound, closed captioning, optional French and Spanish soundtracks, and optional Spanish subtitles. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (213)

2 thumbs down
I found John Hughes' 1985 movie The Breakfast Club to be an extremely generalized, heavy handed, piece of trite filmmaking that may or may not have been relevant to teenagers fifteen years ago, but is certainly nowhere near on target now.
Obviously it was by design that his five main characters were one-dimensional character sketches of so-called 'traditional' high school stereotypes. You have Andy the jock (Emilio Estevez), Claire the princess (Molly Ringwald, a John Hughes staple), Bender the criminal (Judd Nelson), Brian the nerd (Anthony Michael Hall), and Allison the basket case (Ally Sheedy). In my opinion, for Hughes to insinuate that these five people come from completely different backgrounds and had absolutely no contact with each other or anyone else from their particular 'type' during school is just plain silly. For example, it is quite likely that Claire and Andy, being popular people, would know each other, or at least that princesses and jocks would interact on a regular basis. Same thing goes for Bender and Allison as social outcasts. Only Brian, being the brain, would logically be shunned by all other classes.
For another thing, these categories have little relevance today because in today's modern society, and indeed this has always been true, teens simply cannot be categorized and labeled, even by their peers, in this manner. I myself saw elements of my personality in every one of the characters, and neither I nor anyone I know would fit neatly into these stereotypes.
The last thing I'm going to gripe about in this review is, logically enough, the ending. For a film that tried so hard to be edgy, the denouement was awfully hackneyed and predictable. Four out of the five characters hook up at the end? Gosh, I never saw that coming! Also, the treatment of Allison was laughable. This girl has serious psychological issues that have been with her all her life, but all she needs is a little makeup, a nice dress, and a clean-cut boyfriend to set her to rights? I don't think so, pal. Willful suspension of disbelief is all fine and good, but to trivialize Allison's pain and emotional trauma in this manner is irresponsible and does a disservice to those young people who do identify with her character. I think that's enough bashing for this film; while it had its moments, it certainly is by no means the 'classic' that it is reputed to be.

One for the ages
This movie is a classic and it will stand the test of time. This is the second "teen coming of age" installment from John Hues, and round 2 for Molly Ringwald and Anthony Michael Hall. The first installment, Sixteen Candles, was more of a sexual coming of age movie whereas The Breakfast Club is more of a coming of age for one's character and social awareness. Where they are "teetering" with; do they stay with the social allegiances of their perspective pack, or do they listen to that inner voice...the voice of reason, maturity and human compassion that's not bound to any "click". I also like the choice of actors here; I think they all fit like pieces in a puzzle and make their characters totally believable. I am in the same age range as almost the entire cast and I was a senior in High school when this film came out. Allot of reviews seem to put this film within the Junior High crowd but I feel it's much more mature than that. The very message that it's trying to get across isn't understood in real life until we get close to 18 or so. The story is simple; 5 kids have to come into school on a Saturday for detention. At first they try to segregate themselves according to their school social standings. Inevitably they find out that they are more alike than they ever thought. The movie, in my eyes, is broken into 3 parts; the first part is pure character development. This is where you (the viewer) get to know each person they way they are supposed to be seen with their everyday face. At first, they act the way they think they should act, and stand up for what they always had, with out question or defiance. They stay true to their cause never steering away for a second. The second part of the film is where the movie itself develops. These 5 separate entities realize that they are variations of the same person. They have the same desires and anguishes. Their pressures and stresses are the same even though it's generated from very different sources.
The jock (Emilio Estevez) has the pressure to be on top of his sport (wrestling). In return for this he gets attention from his dad, coaches and keeps his standing within his social group. This is his priority in life and he doesn't stray.
The Princess (Molly Ringwald) has to conform and obey the rules of her social group in order to be accepted and keep her standing within the group. She keeps her eyes closed; mouth shut and goes along for the ride.
The Metal Head/criminal (Judd Nelson) is an angry guy! He wears the physical and mental scars of growing up in an abusive house. He hates most people, like the ones Emilio and Molly play, because in his eyes, they have had a free ticket and earned nothing...things are handed to them because of their social and/or economical standings. On the other hand, he feels that he's on a whole other plain because his eyes have been beaten open and he was forced to grow up a little faster than he wanted too or was ready too. I feel that Judd Nelson's character is the most crucial to the movie. He is the key to this whole new self-awareness for everyone, including himself.
The nerd (Anthony Michael Hall) is the quintessential geek. His every woken moment is spent learning. He hides behind his grades and in fact, he wants to be more accepted by the "cooler" groups. He also is a little "cocky" about his better grades and academically superiority to the other people in the room.
The weirdo (Ally Sheedy) is a loner and an outcast. She doesn't have friends that we (the viewers) know of. Because her parents ignore her, She feels ugly and without a place in the world. She is starving for positive attention. I think her character was needed in this movie to balance off the cast. It would have left out a very critical part of teen angst!
Richard Vernon (Paul Gleason) is the "Villain" of the movie. To the kids, he represents the out of touch older generation and the mean spirited, high testosterone adult. For Richard Vernon, these kids are the source of his anger and agony. He has lost touch with the younger generation for 1 reason, he got older...and the older you get, the harder it is to relate to youth. Youth recycles right before your eyes, but you keep getting older. His character is the key that releases these kids. He helps them to strip away the blindfolds and to take a fresh look at every thing and everyone (including themselves).

This leads to the 3rd and final part of the movie. Where they cleanse themselves of all the pentad up anger and prejudices. When the kids realize that they all have the same goal, they were just taking different roads to reach it. I highly recommend The Breakfast Club and it should go down as one of the all time great teenage movie!

A little time - a little perspective
I first saw this movie at a cinema in Austin in March, 1985. Just a year out of high school, I thought this was a deep, moving motion picture with a quality cast that really showed the feelings of different groups of students in schools. I could relate to the characters.

Move forward more than 19 years. This movie has not aged well. I read on the IMDB that John Hughes wrote this script in two days. After watching this movie again, I find that very easy to believe. It is horrible! - and this coming from a man who loves all things 80's! Was Judd Nelson about 35 when he made that movie? He looks about 20 years older than Anthony Michael Hall. Unbelievable characters and dialogue. Then they tie it up nice and neat at the end - with 2 unlikely couples pairing off leading us to believe there's no social caste in high schools.

With the small cast and lack of location shots, I'm amazed that I've never read about some high school drama club doing a stage production of this disaster. In any case, I've got a Breakfast Club DVD I'll never watch again - I'll post it used "New & Used" above.

Still relevant after all these years
Some question the durability of "The Breakfast Club," saying that the themes and plotlines do not hold up in today's teen society. As a 15-year-old, I would like to say that that is thoroughly untrue. 19 years after its release, "The Breakfast Club" is still a truthful, relateable account of teenagers and their personalities, and the ways in which they interact with each other. Sure, the stereotypes of the characters may be a bit exaggerated -- but that's necessary in order to get the point across. Watching this movie, I feel as if I know these people, or at least I've run across them at one point in my high school career.

The plot, as most people know, involves five different kids being assigned Saturday detention together. Each kid represents a typical high school stereotype -- a princess (Molly Ringwald), a jock (Emilio Estevez), a brain (Anthony Michael Hall), a basket case (the excellent Ally Sheedy), and a criminal (Judd Nelson). At the beginning of the day, none of them know each other, except for the princess and the jock. Throughout the day, they learn more about each other and work at tearing down the stereotypes that pit them against each other. As for the reviewer who said this isn't realistic that they would open up so much to each other -- it absolutely is. Put five kids into a room without an adult for nine hours, and they will talk about anything.

The beauty of this movie is the depth of the characters beyond the stereotypes -- particularly the nerd, Brian, who as we find out in the movie has problems well beyond what people think of him. He is the one that I most relate to in the movie. Watch "The Breakfast Club," and see who you most relate to. It's a great experience. Beyond the social commentary aspect, it's also just a funny movie. The jokes come at breakneck speed, especially for the first half of the movie (before it gets somewhat serious). The actors are also very enjoyable in their roles, particularly Ally Sheedy and Anthony Michael Hall. Highly recommended.

Must have to any collection.
The quintessential John Hughes film. I remember in my English class my junior year (1987) we had to analyze this movie. Only 2 years after it's release it was had all the qualities needed for a class analysis. I will spare you the report that I did back then.

Since then I have watched this movie at least once a year (and contrary to popular believe it is not for the panty shot). The characters are very well done. There is something that anyone who went through high school can relate to, even if we fit more than just one character. The interactions between the teens towards each other and then towards the principal as a group is classic. It's got love, teen angst, popular kids, geeks, dweebs, outcasts and the ever popular kid that doesn't fit in but always tries to get the attention. Nothing like dumping out your bag for people to go through to get attention.

Of course you can't forget the star cast of strong 80's actors, Emilio Estevez (Andrew 'Andy') Anthony Michael Hall (Brian) Judd Nelson (John Bender) Molly Ringwald (Claire) Ally Sheedy (Allison) and Paul Gleason (Principal). Great acting, John's look at teenagers and a great script all make for a very enjoyable look at the interactions and 'attitude' typical of the high school years.

I truly could go on about this movie but I won't. I'll just say that this is a much have for any movie buff and if you haven't seen it you must. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A collective vanity piece for the so-called Brat Pack of the 1980s, this coming-of-age movie--written and directed by Joel Schumacher (A Time to Kill)--is a largely unbelievable ensemble piece about college grads having trouble getting a lift-off into adulthood. As in John Hughes's Breakfast Club--which has a lot of casting overlap with this film--each actor plays a rather narrow type with problems common to his or her classification. Some (as with Rob Lowe's seemingly doomstruck character) are more absurd than others. But absurdity isn't the issue in this movie; a general sense of indulgence is. Schumacher not only presumes an undeserved mystique about this cast, but he also exploits it and comes up empty. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (62)

Best of the 'Brat Pack' Movies
"St. Elmo's Fire" is my favorite 'Brat Pack' movie. With an all-star cast, how can you go wrong? First you have Rob Lowe who is simply gorgeous as Billy, a guy who can't decide what he's going to do after graduating college. He plays the sax (quite well I might add) for fun and sometimes for money.

Then you have Julie (Demi Moore in a wonderful performance), who is very high-strung after learning about her father's marriage to another woman. Her life is basically like kettle with hot water that is about to boil. She's happy then she's sad, then she's manic...She's everything! But she does a wonderful job.

I loved seeing Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy together. After seeing "The Breakfast Club," I never thought I'd see them as a couple. They are cute together and the scenes they share are fun to watch.

Emilio Estevez's performance was just as wonderful as the others. He falls in love with a doctor (Andie McDowell) who is already involved with someone else, but he's determined to make things go his way. It doesn't work, but watching him try to make it work is just as much fun.

Andrew McCarthy is a lot of fun to watch. Everyone thinks he's gay because he doesn't have a girlfriend and doesn't date very much. It's a typical stereotype, but I got over that. The end of the movie proves that he is not gay. Mare Winningham gives a stunning performance as a girl who comes from a very wealthy family. She loves Billy but her father wants her to marry a successful businessman. Since she is 'daddy's girl,' she doesn't want to disappoint him.

Overall, this movie is just fun to watch and listening to the director's commentary is great. You get to learn about all these things that went on behind the scenes and what roles the actors were originally up for.

Boring Brat Pack Feature
1985's St. Elmo's Fire is the film that created the Brat Pack. The film is about yuppie angst instead of the usual teen angst depicted in like kind films of the era. The seven stars, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Mare Winningham and Judd Nelson are all appealing, but the film suffers from an overall malaise. All seven are friends from Georgetown University and they trying to cope with the problems facing them in the real world. There is a lot of unrequited love between several of the friends, drug use and emotional baggage. Mr. Lowe's character is supposed to the one character that, instead of getting to the wrong marriage or job, just follows his dreams. His speech to Ms. Moore, who is on the verge of a serious mental breakdown or worse, in which he lights hair spray on fire is truly cringe worthy. Overall, St. Elmo's Fire is more of a cultural document, showing what yuppie life was like in the mid-80's and the state of the young and upcoming stars of Hollywood at the time. It also features the famed number one theme song by one-hit wonder John Parr.

Talk about your loads of crap!
Like most others who grew up on the Brat Pack flicks, I couldn't wait for the next one. I loved the earlier flicks that had not only great writing and warm stories to tell, but characters you cared about and situations that we could ALL relate to, at least to some point. Pick your flick - 16 Candles, Breakfast Club - they had at least SOMETHING everyone could relate to. Not "St. Elmos's Fire." Talk about taking a red hot cast of actors and doing absolutely nothing with them. This movie wasted so much talent and threw unlikeable, pretentious morons at us with some of the corniest dialogue I have ever seen. There is not ONE likeable character in this movie. Rob Lowe's character is a moron - not in the directionless sense the movie tries to protray him sympathetically, but in everything he does throughout the film, particularly his acting. I actually laughed at the night club scene when Lowe and his band perform. His "sizzlin" sax performance with his band is one of the most contrived, directionless displays of music in movie history - ranks right up there with the final play scene in Travolta's pathetic sequal to "Saturday Night Fever" ("Staying Alive"). Even the extras in that bar scene are terrible actors who not only have no clue how to dance or even react to that "song" (I guess it was a song), but the scene's climax where Lowe and his wife embrace passionately to the adoring masses is contrived, soap opera worthy material. DeMI Moore... don't get me started on her character. And Ally Sheedy (a fave of mine up till this flick), Judd Nelson, Andrew McCarthy and all the rest of these stooges' over act so much they make Carrot Top seem like Orson Welles or Marlon Brando. Even the bit role players are hammy and cliched - the artistic gay neighbor of Moore's, the wealthy Japanese business man who for some reason trusts just out of college puds with his expensive pad. And the final scene when the gang all seems to come to grips with the reality of their situations while sending Lowe off is as corny as one of the epilogues from the "Charlies Angels" TV show in the 70s. It's sad when recent movies about the 80s seem more authentic than one like this that was made IN the 80s. The only thing I credit this movie with is instilling in me an insatiable appetite for Andie Mc Dowell, who I absolutely love to this day and give most of her movies at least a peak (though a lot of those come up short as well). I suppose I should a acknowledge the hypnotic theme song from the Soundtrack, which I'll admit is appealing, if only for the real life memories of the 80s it brings back. This movie was a lame attempt at using the Brat Pack we grew up with and trying to parallel their lives with where their legions of the fans who grew up loving them were now with their own lives. And in that it fails miserably. This movie is self indulgent and over the top, full of obtrusive characters. One thing I will admit - this is one of those movies that is so bad, you can't help but watch in when it comes on. Again, I thinks it's the way the theme song hooks you. Frankly, this movie sucks.

Brat Pack, here we come
The Real World of cinema I call this. Definitely influential to MTV starting that series. Seven best friends recently graduate from Georgetown Univ. Trying to find their way in life for the future. They all hang out at St. Elmos bar in downtown Washington DC. The characters are somewhat stereotyped the conservative, the artsy journalist, the rebel badboy, the party girl, the niave virgin etc... But that's true to life in a way we all can be put into some category sorry to say. They all have their own set of problems to deal with but end up helping each other out in their own way. Defining 80's coming of age film about relationships & hardships of facing an uncertain future after college. Entertaining script written by Joel Schumacher & an ensemble cast showcasing talent to come. One of my favorite brat pack films. Essential to anyone who grew up in 80's cinema.

Not one likeable character!
All right, let's take 'em one by one:

Emilio Estevez as Kirby: Obsessed with and stalking an older woman, who finally is forced to sic her fiance on his pathetic punk a**.

Judd Nelson as Alec: Pathologically cheats on his live-in girlfriend, then pressures her to marry him because he thinks marriage is the magic pill that will make him stop cheating. When she refuses, he beats her up.

Rob Lowe as Billy: Tortures us with his gratuitous sax-playing.

Andrew McCarthy as Kevin: Thinks that wearing sunglasses at night and chain-smoking makes him a cool existentialist instead of a dateless poseur. Consumed by lustful thoughts about his best friend's girlfriend.

Ally Sheedy as Leslie: Living with Judd Nelson. Need I say more?

Mare Winningham as Wendy: Passive doormat who is shocked and horrified to find, upon becoming a social worker, that not all welfare recipients are noble, misunderstood living saints.

Demi Moore as Jules: Parties with Arabs, maxes out her credit cards and barricades herself in her fabulous-yet-bare (the furniture's been repossessed) loft apartment, finally attempting suicide by opening all the windows and letting her floor-length curtains blow oh-so-artfully about in the cold winter wind as she rocks back and forth on the floor.

Now tell me...are these people you want to spend 110 minutes of your life with? ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wow - what a jump.
Okay, the Breakfast Club is by no means a great movie - as I said in another review of it, its the cinematic equivalent of cotton candy - but whatever, you need that from time to time. Just the same though, its atleast passable as a solid cinematic achievement. 16 Candles is not. It's obvious in 16 Candles that director John Hughes was new to the whole writing/directing thing for the movie is filled with holes, the most prominent one, his obvious desire to fill them all. Let me explain - some characters can just be secondary characters - you dont need to see the depth in a beauty queen at the tail end of the movie when you've spent the entire first 80 minutes of the film portraying her as superficial. Don't get me wrong, its not bad to give a beauty queen depth, but the chances of her suddenly falling in love with a geek 4 years younger than her is not only unlikely, its borderline impossible - Hughes is living in a fools paradise (and continues to do so in The Breakfast Club).

That said, the Breakfast Club is a much better movie, but again borderlines on impossible. This may have been applicable back in the 80's (I dont know, I didn't live in it) but its deffinately not now. I dont think teens have ever been so easily led, openly influenced, and free to give out there hearts as they are in this. Furthermore, some kids just aren't deep - thats reality - this is a movie, and it doesn't reflect that.

Bottomline, Breakfast Club is worth seeing and even buying, 16 Candles is worth seeing if you're a fan of the actors or director. I give 16 Candles a C- and Breakfast Club an A-

A naughty romatic high school comedy with great acting
Let's face it. We all went to high school where the socialites and the jocks ran the school while the rest of us were considered low class. We couldn't get respect at school or at home. The co-central character Samatha played brilliantly by Mollie Ringwald, wants to be sought after by the best looking boy in school and honored at home on the most important day of her life, her sixteenth birthday. The other co-central character Farmer Ted aka The Geek played by Anthony Michael Hall wants to be the high school stud but is hopelessly pure geek. Samatha and The Geek both end up obtaining all they ever dreamed of and more within 24 hours time. Heck of a deal. The movie is really enhanced with the continuous smart ... remarks of Samatha's little brother and the wild and sex crazy Long Duk Dong played by Gedde Watanable. Property and Casualty Insurance claims adjusters best avoid this movie but hey, the kids were only having fun.

I don't think the VHS movie tract is the original film score but I can't that say for sure. I watched the movie the second time with closed captions to catch even more of the jokes. There are plenty of visual jokes as well throughout the movie, too many to list.

An excellent movie that captures the spirit of the 80's!
The Breakfast Club and 16 Candles are both great movies that captures the feeling of the decade. I have watched both of these movies many times and they still continue to provide laughter and entertainment for my friends and I. So if your looking for a great movie to sit down and watch, then I recommend both of these movies!

a really good coming of age 80's film!
really enjoyed it! i must have watched it about 100 times. a good movie which shows how life in the 80's brought a bunch of kids together. my friends and i relate to it too! a must see!

Generation X's theme movie!!!!
A movie for all who grew up in the 80's. Definative a time when parents were to busy to care, and kids to appethetic to think. A must see. ... Read more

Reviews (66)

A must see (relatively) unknown movie
I saw this movie while I was in college and could totally relate...and it rates as one of my all time favorites. This is a guy movie, but most of the girls I know who have seen it like it as well. The soundtrack (although as far as I know, never been released) is awesome and fits the movie perfect. If you like the Pat Metheny songs in the movie, then definitely get the Pat Metheny and Lyle May's CD "As Falls Wichita, So Falls Wichita Falls". It includes 'September 15th' (parts of which are in the movie) and 'It's For You' (song during wedding). The Blind Faith track 'Finding My Home' helps complete one of the best endings of any movie. I enjoy telling people this is one of my favorite movies and getting a reply of, "Never heard of it" ah...perfect....keeps it a hidden treasure.

Seen it 20 times
This is it. The first real introduction to Kevin Costner, Judd Nelson, Sam Robards, Suzi Amis, Elizabeth Daly, and of course the writer and director Kevin Reynolds. Although Costner and Reynolds didn't always see eye-to-eye on the rest of their collaborations, this one is the best. It is also my favorite movie period. Three particular scenes will leave your stomach hurting from laughter, they are: 'out of gas on the side of a dirt road', 'snake crawling up my pants leg', and 'skydiving with a stoner'. The last one has been rewound and played so many times on my copy that it was ruined during the last viewing. The story is a typical coming of age movie, but how can you have anything to write about in the plains of west Texas. You have to see it to understand and you will not be disappointed. Remember, 3 of Costner's best movies were filmed in 1985 (Fandango, Silverado, and American Flyers).

My Favorite
I have only one thing to say and that is this movie is my favorite. I've read all that true fans have to say about this movie and they all it home. I just have one thing to add, I have a VHS copy of this movie that I hardly EVER play or watch. Reason, it's reserved for SPECIAL OCCASIONS and die hard fans know what I mean. I wish to GOD that a DVD would come out of this movie. My wife had a hard time finding a copy of FANDANDO on VHS and I don't want to ruin my copy by playing it over and over again. If your from Texas you'll understand, the first time I saw this film was on AMC late at night drinking a cold SHINIR. I tell aeverone I know about this movie, to bad they can't rent it any more.

Please, the forces that be, release this CLASIC as a DVD, PLEASE!!!
Rusty

ONE FOR YOUR LIBRARY!
The makers of this movie owe ME money for the times I've been in a video store and said to friends looking for something to rent, "Have you ever seen Fandango? It's classic---you MUST have it!"
To say it is a 'coming of age movie' or a 'road trip movie' is kinda like saying, The Wizard of Oz is a 'homesick movie.' Fandango mixes hilarity with poignance seamlessly. The soundtrack is awesome and perfect, the capturing of Texas college boys making a road trip over the border. the dusty little towns using local folks, the conversations, Truman,......well, every last mooning bit of it is startlingly authenic to watch---ESPECIALLY for any of us graduating in the early 70's from UT or a Texas university in central or west Texas. I just can't imagine what it would be like to watch this without that lucky perspective. There are probably scores of Texan viewers who have seen this and said, "Oh my gosh, this is about US!" and for 'US' the nostalgia is thick.
My ONLY criticism would be an occasional attempt at a Texas accent not quite hitting the mark....(the majority of accents were fine, but when one is even a little off, a Texan can hear it as loud as a train wreck, and for just that blink it wavers the authenticity of the film. These were tiny in comparison to some) However, for me, the true test of a great movie is being able to view it countless times and STILL discover yet another facet to a character, see or hear something new, and never lose the "I-always-laugh-at-this" "I-always-cry-right here" moments. Fandango is like that. You rediscover it any time you see it. While appearing to be a tiny movie that slid past most, it is loaded with subtle dimension and truly a treasure. And if you are one of those who has said, "Oh yeah, I think I saw that once on cable" you need to try again, because you haven't really SEEN it....you would have remembered better than that!
Bravo Kevin Reynolds, bravo whoever put together that soundtrack---and the filming/editing was beautiful and smart. Kevin Costner's best movie hands down......I'll bet that if you ASKED Kevin Costner, he would not only say the same, but confess that Gardner Barnes WAS Kevin Costner at that time in his life.
DVD? Come on distributors---you're losing money here. We all want it, and buying the VHS version for graduation presents is getting pretty silly---VCRs are disappearing!

When will this be released on DVD?
Spectacular film! Complete disaster that they have not released this film on DVD. Does anyone know when it might be? ... Read more

Amazon.com

Some pundits called it a flawed, exploitative action film that glamorized drug dealing and the luxury of a lucrative criminal lifestyle, spawning a trend of films that attracted youth gangs and provoked violence in theaters. Others hailed it as a breakthrough movie that depicted drug dealers as ruthless, corrupt, and evil, leading dead-end lives that no rational youth would want to emulate. However you interpret it, New Jack City is still one of the first and best films of the 1990s to crack open the underworld of cocaine and peer inside with its eyes wide open.It's also the film that established Wesley Snipes as an actor to watch, with enough charisma to bring an insidious quality of seduction to his role as coke-lord Nino Brown, and enough intelligence to portray a character deluded by his own sense of indestructible power. Director Mario Van Peebles stretched his otherwise-limited talent to bring vivid authenticity and urgency to this crime story, and subplots involving a pair of tenacious cops (Ice-T, Judd Nelson) and a recovering coke addict (Chris Rock) provide additional dramatic tension. Although some critics may hesitate to admit it, New Jack City deserves mention in any serious discussion about African American filmmakers and influential films. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Violent movie, but worth watching
Great performances by Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown, drug lord, and Chris Rock as Pookie the crackhead...Ice-T wasn't very convincing to me as a cop, but I still liked the film. It had its humorous moments...plus some disturbingly violent ones as well. It put me in the mind of "Good Fellas", another crime-themed movie that is hard not to watch. The ending was somewhat predictable but all around worth checking out.

This move isnt nearly as great as people make it out to be..
I love hood movies and as far as acting, writing, characters and sheer believeability go, this movie ranks way below films such as Boyz n the Hood, Juice, Clockers, ect.

Besides Ice T's (Scotty) and Snipes (Nino), all the other characters seemed so false. Even though those are the two main characters, if all your other characters arent believeable, the whole movie falls apart. The chief of police is like someone out of a cartoon. Chris Rock (Pookie) isnt funny and does his part no justice. Mario Van Peebles is a joke

Apparently a drug syndicate is able to take over and entire apartment building in NYC...for years!! Its amazing isnt it. They can ride up in a drop top jeep and shoot people point blank in the head in broad daylight and not get caught. The story is just so hard to swallow.

Also the cinematography is really sub par. There is no artistry in any of the shots even in the dialogue. It also seems like the entire movie moves too fast for the events that are supposedly taking place. There are no subtle nuances at all in this film. I would say dont waste your time, the movie isnt really exciting at all, the performances are boring as is the plot. Go watch Juice.

Are you your brutha's keepa??
Fool, this film be the bomb, and I don't mean it bombed. Few movies touch me, but in New Jack City, the message was loud and clear, 'Keep it real and don't get caught'. Nino Brown had it all, and I mean he ruled the school. The problem was he got greedy. He makes deals with undercover cops, he wants to take down the mob, and his gang is falling apart. Plus he drops a decent looking ho for a real skanky looking ho.

It funny to see the size of cell phones back then, but the hair styles were pretty ridiculous too. Ice T is no Slash, but he can wear a top hat in the rain just as easily. Judd Nelson has a race problem in this movie, He can't tell the difference between himself, a white cop, and Pookie, a black crackhead. He finally settle the matter buy proclaiming he is 'Poor White Trash Pookie'.

In the end though, the message is clear. "If you've lost everything, you might as well cut loose and run. You never know, the libraian you shot may have a son coming to take you down." Or another moral of the story is "Avoid crazy old men on the stairs when you leave the courtroom."

Good movie
I know some people did not like this movie, but I loved it. The film had me hating some characters and loving others. Ice-T played his role well in this film. The scene that still gets me to this day is when he gets Pookie from that crack house. The other scene is when he is with the drug lord, and finds out HE is the man responsible for his mothers death. That scene was deep. The film has a good cast, Mario Van Peebles, Wesley Snipes, Bill Nunn, Allen Payne, Vanessa Williams, Micheal Michaels and some other folks. The film really hipped you to how bad the drug scene is in the inner city.

this is a good movie.
I like the pace at which the story in this movie was told. It's not blazing fast so you pick up on all the little things. The acting from all is done very well. Ice Tee is a beliable cop, I appericated how he wasn't shown as some perfect cop, but he wasn't bad either. He was human, which added to the realism. Westly Snipes delivers a stunning performance as Nino Brown. I think everyone should watch this movie and Sugar Hill back to back. Westly is great in both, and it's amazing how oppisite the drug king pin character he plays really are in those 2 movies. New Jack City is gritty and real. And much like Scarface, you'll be left with a feeling of just how crazy life can be. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Movie!
A excellent Thriller and sexy film especially for guys about murders and,,,,, sex!

well....it's ok if......
This is a typical no-brainer Grade-B suspense sex "thriller" I guess. It's really only good if you wnat to see a famous actress act sleazy and topless alot. In this case, Shannen Doherty from Beverly Hills 90210, that gal lots of us drooled over alot and fantasized about alot in the early 90s.

Well, sometimes we guys get into that kind of sleazy, no-brainer VHS mood.

A good erotic thriller
This movie was good. That's all I can say for it. A blindfold/handcuff rapist is on the loose, while a woman and her husband play sex games on the advice of her therapist. Really, I feel Shannen Doherty fails to generate much steam, since her acting is of rather limited range anyway. But, still, it's worth it, if you're a fan of erotic straight-to-video or Red Shoe Diaries-reminescent softcore thrillers. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Find out for yourself
Okay, just sit back, relax, and plan on seeing one of the oddest and darkly comedic films you will ever see. If your idea of funny is Bad Boys II or you listen to top 40 music and base your film experience around the same mind set, then forget it. But, if you can keep an open mind and appreciate odd for the sake of being odd, then indulge yourself with this film. Judd Nelson is a VERY bad stand-up comic by night and VERY bad garbage man by day. His friend (Bill Paxton) is Marty's (Judd Nelson) only fan. They live in a bizarre world where a company named Blumps is supreme provider of all human needs i.e. food, drink, etc. though it is all chemically synthisized. This toxic existence causes Marty to grow a third arm out of his back and boosts his comedy career. With an unlikely cast such as Wayne Newton, James Caan, and Lara Flynn Boyle, not to mention the 3 women well over 300 lbs. each, that Bill Paxton has . . . with on a nightly basis. There are midgets, freaks, losers, corpses, and Judd Nelson's chain smoking, abusive mother. If that's not enough to get your curiosity up, then go rent Love Story and leave the freaky comedies to those with a bit more sense of adventure. You should laugh, gag, cover your eyes and peek through the cracks, and stare for long stints at a time with your mouth open in dis-belief. John Waters? Ha! This is a different brand of weird...
In a good way.

Dark Comedy and Carnivalesque
Cult director Adam Rifkin (Never on a Tuesday, The Chase, Detroit Rock City) delivers once more. Those of you familiar with his work will undoubtedly be familiar with his oddball characters and outlandish plots. For those of you new to his work, 'The Dark Backward' is the best place to begin.

Marty Malt (Judd Nelson) is the worst stand-up comic in the entire world. He is equally terrible at his day job, a garbage collector. It seems that Marty is not destined for stardom ... until one day something strange happens that changes his life forever.

His accordian playing, garbage-collecting co-worker, Gus (Bill Paxton), notices a lump growing out of Marty's back while they are doing the rounds. This odd growth is diagnosed by the disturbingly incompetent Doctor Scurvey (James Caan) as a third arm.

What would normally be an embarrassingly freakish human deformity, turns out to be Marty's comedic calling. Before, Gus was his sole fan; now he has a mass following. Enter the slimy Dirk Delta (Rob Lowe), who offers Marty the chance of Holywood stardom. So begins a successful career in comedy ... ?

Seemingly straight out of a Ray Bradbury short tale, Rifkin's film is furnished with carnivalesque characters. You will be astounded and revolted by characters like 'the fat woman', 'the muscle man', and 'the human xylophones'. Rob Lowe is unrecognizable in his role as slick Hollywood bigwig (a role he would later reprise in 'Wayne's World' and 'Tommy Boy'). James Caan is frighteningly brilliant as Dr. Scurvey, and leading man, Judd Nelson, puts in his best performance since 'St. Elmo's Fire' and 'The Breakfast Club' (look out for Judd's oddball cameo in Rifkin's 'Never on a Tuesday').

'The Dark Backwards' is arguably Rifkin's best film, not having directed anything since to equal it. It is certainly his strangest movie since 'Never on a Tuesday'. If you are a fan of cult movie directors like David Lynch and John Waters, check this film out. If you are afraid of zombies, freaks, midgets and men with three arms I suggest you look elsewhere.

Cast: Judd Nelson, Bill Paxton, Rob Lowe, James Caan, Lara Flynn Boyle, Wayne Newton, et al

Hilarious dark comedy of twisted, disgusting proportions
The Dark Backward is a sickly twisted comedy of ridiculous and nauseatingly gross proportions that will leave you laughing until you cry and barfing up your lunch.
Judd Nelson plays Marty Malt, an extremely bad BAD stand up comedian. Don't expect the Judd Nelson from The Breakfast Club either; as Marty he is a sweaty, Jeffrey Combs type character and plays the role very, very well. His best friend is Gus, played expertly by Bill Paxton, a greasy and disgusting accordion player whose girlfriend Nicolette weighs over 400 pounds.

Marty and Gus work as Trash Collectors during the day, and while working Gus spies a lump on Marty's back, like a boil. Marty goes to visit Dr. Scurvy, outlandishly played by James Caan, who puts a band-aid over it and charges Marty $200.00.

Gus manages to bring talent scout Jackie Chrome (played by Wayne Newton) in to hear Marty's routine, and Jackie walks out on it, telling Gus that Marty is the worst comedian he has ever heard. Marty is crushed but Gus keeps his good spirits about it all. Marty's "lump" grows some more, and Gus discovers he now has a hand growing out of his back, like a baby's hand. When Marty goes to see Dr. Scurvy again, Dr. Scurvy again places a band-aid over the baby hand and accuses Marty of "picking at it". Marty's waitress girlfriend, Rosarita, played by Laura Flynn Boyle, leaves him because she can't date a man with a three hands.

The hand grows into a full sized arm, and Jackie Chrome winds out taking on Marty as a client, turning him into Desi The Three Armed Wonder Comedian. Gus joins up as a sidekick to play his accordion inbetween Marty's terrible jokes. Watch for Rob Lowe to show up in a cameo role as Hollywood Bigwig Dirk Delta.

This is a tongue in cheek, very dark comedy with scenes of pure grossness. The entire background of the film is seedy, filthy, and nauseating. From the grimy offices of Dr. Scurvy to Marty's mother's apartment where he clips her toenails while she chainsmokes though on oxygen, to the trash filled streets they are supposed to be cleaning, to the seedy bars and lounges, it is plain that there is a great amount of detail focused onto the overall atmosphere of the film, setting the perfect mood for the plot. Pay attention!

All throughout the movie we see the omnipresent Blump's, a company so encompassing that it owns the garbage company Gus and Marty work for, and also manufactures such delicacies as Liquid Bacon. Go ahead and make the connection, I did. Gus is the grossest imaginable character, even finding an old lunch pail in the landfill, opening it up, and eating the sandwich that was inside. Gus will eat anything. Also not to be missed is Marjorie Zipp and the Human Xylophone as they audition in Jackie Chrome's office. There are some hilarious twists in the plot, and an ironic ending, and some amazingly good acting throughout from this stellar cast.

The overall filth of the atmosphere and the disgusting physical and mental attributes of the characters make for one bizarre flick. Very funny movie, but only for those with sick and twisted funny bones. I wish it was available on DVD. Enjoy!

jamie dunlap
if you like weird films, david lynch, oliver stone types you'll love this movie. it almost as if russia had won the cold war and america was run by a company called blumps. everything is nasty and dirty and low tech. this movie is a real feast for the eyes as well as what is real. i am fasinated by the detail because if you look at every detail (decor, outside, entertainment, all of the things in life ) you can watch it several times over and see something new each time. this is not a film for the average or simple minded type.

Regardless of how much you like this ..it's just BAD!
This movie is so poor you might think it was written and directed by John Waters. It's that bad, and it really looks like a Waters film. So much one might think it was done on purpose. It's disgusting, the characters need a shower and Judd Nelson looks painfully geekish. It's almost like someone decided to make a comedy that was intentionally unfunny, as if that would be what made the viewer laugh. Well HA! HA! Considering the talent involved (including Bill Paxton & Laura Flynn Boyle) this was pathetic. So if your still interested grab some squeezable bacon and a glass of pork juice. Enjoy the show. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Moving Version of the Book!
I'd read the book including the tales of the German priest and Doctor Hara and others, but never had I imagined how overwhelming this story could be when put as a movie! The emotions are so raw, and it places the bombing of Hiroshima on a whole new level: the real level.
My reccomendation is to buy this movie, not only for placing such a tragedy on a real level, but also so show the horrors of war!

Uncommon view of the bombing of Hiroshima
This is a film about the bombing of Hiroshima as seen by American, German and Japanese eyes. It is a single film with several stories. One story is of an American aircrew shot down and interned in Hiroshima and how they were influenced by the dropping of the bomb. Another is of a German catholic priest and how the exploxion has changed him. Then there are several Japanese views; one a school boy who is trying to carry out his classmates final request, a Japanese physician dealing with the medical aftermath of the explosion such as radiation poisoning a malady only then seen one in a while from overexposure to x-rays, and the trials of an expatriate Japanese-AMerican woman who is living with her in-laws and expecting a child. One bit of irony; the Japanese-American woman is played by Tamlyn Tomita who has also played a Japanese-American woman in American during World War II. She has played a Japanese-American on both sides of the pacific during the same period and she must think it ironic that both of the charecters meet hostility and suspicion because of being Japanese-American, either in Japan or America. This is a story of the aftermath and the effect it had on people of that moment. It is a movie that should be seen to gain a better understanding of what took place that day and how, over 55 years later, the world is still trying to cope with what happened there. ... Read more

Reviews (426)

Fans Only. Others Need Not Apply
Title: Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back

Director: Kevin Smith

Cast: Jason Mewes ... Jay
Kevin Smith ... Silent Bob
Ben Affleck ... Holden McNeil/Himself
Jeff Anderson ... Randal Graves
Brian O'Halloran ... Dante Hicks
Shannon Elizabeth ... Justice
Eliza Dushku ... Sissy
Ali Larter ... Chrissy
Jennifer Schwalbach Smith ... Missy
Will Ferrell ... Federal Wildlife Marshal Willenholly
Jason Lee ... Brodie Bruce/Banky Edwards

Tagline: "Hollywood had it coming."

Plot Summary: Jay and Silent Bob must travel to Hollywood to stop production on the movie adaptation of Bluntman and Chronic.

Review and Comments: Don't ask why, just sit back and enjoy the ride. Or don't enjoy it. This movie is one huge "in joke" for people who enjoyed the movies Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma...particularly the first three. And it helps if you have a working knowledge of Hollywood inside jokes and United States Popular Culture. This isn't just a "Jay and Silent Bob" movie, it's a send-up of movies and filming in general.

Basically, what happened here was that Kevin Smith decided to make one long movie about the characters of Jay and Silent Bob, the annoying stoner and his usually silent sidekick that will be familiar to fans (and anti-fans) of Smith's films. If you've watched the movies and you know that the characters annoy you, it's a safe bet that this movie will annoy you even more. If you think the movie might be fun, watch it. Jay and Silent Bob aren't alone here. There's a long list of actors reprising their various roles from earlier Smith films, and they appear at different points throughout the journey.

Oh yeah...the journey...there is a story here, however slight. There's a movie being made about the Bluntman and Chronic comic. Jay and Silent Bob find out that people on the internet are bad mouthing the movie and the characters, so they travel to Hollywood to stop production on the movie before it can ruin their reputations. Or something like that. Along the way, they meet up with various side characters, including a group of girls traveling in a van fulfilling virtually every Charlie's Angel's joke you ever dreamed of. Jay falls in love with one of the girls. She loves him. There's an orangutan involved...

Listen. If you've read this far, you know what kind of movie it is. It's not pretending to be good (in fact, there's a running joke about just how bad this movie actually is that continues throughout the actual movie). It's one joke after another, a lot of them miss, but there's enough jokes to ensure that some of them will be funny. After watching several serious movies and immersing myself in Kevin Smith films for the past few weeks, I appreciated this movie. What else can I say?

The Bottom Line: Strictly for those who are fans of the characters.

The Tackier they get, the funnier they can be
I loved Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back. From the actual DVD, to the outtakes and deleted scenes on the second disk. Our not so bright heros learn of a movie being based off of the comic book Bluntman and Chronic, and are talked into going after their cut of the royalties. With cameo performances by Jason Lee as both his prior characters Banky (Chasing Amy), and Brodie (Mallrats), Ben Affleck as Holden (Chasing Amy), Brian O'Halloran (Dante/Clerks), Jeff Anderson (Randall/Clerks), Mark Hamill as the 'movie villain' & of course, our overly reprised heros Jay and Silent Bob (Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith).

The story is the trials and tribulations the dynamic duo go through to prevent the Bluntman and Chronic movie from being made due to reviews at a random internet site by people who are self styled movie critics. During the course of the film they duo are duped into breaking into an animal testing lab and stealing an orangutang, falling in love, going across country, and ultimately leading to redemptions.

If you're a Kevin Smith fan, you'll enjoy the comedy in the movie as it's run of the mill Kevin Smith humor, and of course his shots at general pop culture, along with influences of his in filmmaking are always a good reason to watch it.

An insult to Smith fans everywhere.
Prior to this movie, I was a huge Kevin Smith fan. I loved the pseudo-intellectual banter in "Clerks," and discovered a new religion in "Dogma" (no, not Catholicism). Then, this piece of trash came out, where Smith unabashedly mocks every loyal fan that's ever quoted Dante, frequented the Quick Stop, or glued a Buddy Christ figurine to their dashboard. I was so disappointed, I posted an inflammatory note on his website (www.viewaskew.com). I suggest you do the same.

1 of the greatest movies of all time... no joke!!
This is an awsome film where two best buddies Jay(Jason Mewes), and Silent Bob(Kevin Smith, who also wrote and directed this film), two stoners from jersey half to stop a film, that is based on the charictars they are in a comic book/tv show. They need to stop it because... there not making 1 penny on it. They get arrested, get in dangerous situations and its all just a fun and good movie. Unless you are sensitive, then dont watch this film because Jay says the f word 3 times in a sentance, and it has sexual humor that some may not like, but if you dont care about the content of the film (like me) and are just out there for good laughs get this and the film CLERKS.

worst movie ever
I was so dissapointed by this film. I am a big Kevin Smith fan - Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma all are great films but THIS MOVIE SUCKS! A half hearted effort at best, only retarded adolecents will find this movie engaging. Save your money for his other films - they merit your time. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Judd Rocks!
This was the film that proved Judd Nelson could really stand on his own. During the brat pack films he always seemed to dissolve in the background but From the Hip forces you to pay attention to Judd's comedic charm. Judd plays a lawyer a little over his head and too starved for attention. He illegally wins his first case only to turn around and find the hardest case of his life, a major murder. The first half of the film is straight comedy but the second turns dramatic and dark as John Hurt ( the film's murder suspect ) brings us into his disturbing world of being impotent and the fact that he may have killed a young woman. Judd shines in this like only he can and if there is one film any Judd Nelson fan should see at least once, it is From The Hip. I highly recommend it so enjoy!

surprizing twists and turns
This movie entranced me on the first viewing. You see, it begins with young,cocky lawyers trying to get ahead. Two of them work at a highly reguarded law-firm. In a trail that to say the least is comical we are led down a path thinking the movie will be light and funny. Suddenly, with the second trial the viewer is thrust deep into a murder trial! The defendent is a quirky, wierd scary type who seems smarter than the young lawers but also crazy at the same time. the movie gets more and more serious as we find out the killer is trying to force people to his will. The young lawyer is caught between a rock and a hard place. IF he gets the creep off he knows a killer got away with it. If he lets the truth come out he could lose his carreer. The swing of emotions from the comic trial to the serious ending is about a dramatic as any movie I have ever seen. I still havent had another film drag me to laughter and then fear. Highly recommened.

Where'd the 80s go?
David E. Kelley's magical scripting in Ally McBeal was predated by this early Judd Nelson star vehicle, somewhat fresh off his "Breakfast Club" fame. While it's completely preposterous that any lawyers would be able to bark at judges and defendants alike, you can't deny this is an entertaining movie.

It's a bit talky at times, and the ending is somewhat anti-climactic, but it's got a few things going for it; the script, a decent mix of comedy and drama, and John Hurt as the ambiguous Douglas Benoit--his best role since his turn as "Caligula" of "I, Claudius" fame.

Funniest Legal Film and John Hurt's most disturbing role
This is an odd film. It contains some of the most funny moments a courtroom has ever seen ("a hearing to decide the admissability of the word 'ass'? I love it!") combined with one of the most distrubing psycho portrayls I've seen. John Hurt is magnificently unnerving in his acting, while Judd manages to carry some of the most memorable courtroom antics ever. And I didn't even mention the DA's dildo....

The Reason I Went to Law School
This movie is the reason I went to law school. (No kidding, and I'm sure it influenced others my age to do the same but they'd never admit it). It's idealism, glory and sarcasm...and the movie is not too bad either. John Hurt probably should have recieved an Oscar nomination. - Liam ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have seen very few movies as good as Cabin By The Lake. Even if you don't like horror flicks and can't get into the creepy music, the scenery is absolutly awsome.
As a fan of crime fiction, I can easily visualize some desperate author bent on getting published willing to go to extremes.
Cabin By The Lake also has some excellent dark humour. To write Dark Humour, requires enormous talent because offending people in politically correct times doesn't require much effort.
For example, Stanley has written on the wall of his van,
"I'm the man your mother warned you about."

I just cant understand why an author who had it made would risk everything for near nothing????????????????????????????

Good horror flick for sleepovers
I thought this was a good movie. It was terrifying, deep, and suspenseful. There were some parts that were annoying, however, like the short clips in the "Garden of Flesh" shot poorly. Judd Nelson's acting is superb, and Hedy Burress beautifully illustrates Mallory's dependence and insecurity.

A Comedy?
Cabin by the Lake is a story about a writer of horror who abducts and drowns women by attaching a weight to their ankles. They sink to the bottom of the lake, and thus make up his "underwater garden" which he tends daily. He uses his victims to direct the plot of his novels and to try to understand what they feel like in their predicament.

Let me save you some time: The writing, acting and directing are absolutely terrible. Interspersed throughout the film is inappropriate vocal music at inappropriate places.

Judd Nelson, who plays the writer, is downright laughable in his role as the crazed author. The movie ends with his surviving supposedly being drowned, only to surface later as a very affected author with blonde hair and goatee. In the last scene, as he is talking with his agent in an outdoor cafe, he says some lame line and then stares into the camera with a bug-eyed expression that I think was meant to be terrifying, but it elicited roars of laughter from me. I actually had to look at the box to see if this was really meant to be a comedy and I somehow missed it. Nothing in this movie was frightening, but several times I laughed out loud over the acting and errors in the directing. You'll want to pass on this one.

A Great Mystey/suspence
I infact just bought this movie today on VHS. I really enjoyed this movie because it wasn't really gory. (i like gore, but not all the time.) It also had good songs/music and had Judd Nelson play the part of Stanley, which was perfect.Hr matched the character really well. In this film, a man(Stanley) is writing a book about a guy that captures women and drowns them. Then, he later takes their bodies to an 'under water garden.' Stanley, wants his story to come to life, so he actually does that. It's really kind of sad. I don't want to really give any more away. I do highly reccommend it, though. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Primary Motives- A fine line between politic and acting
Richard Jordan plays the title character who is not above using anything and anyone to enhance his chances to win an election. He has his eyes on political position and no matter what, makes it clear that this is what he wants. He uses family, friends, and campaign workers and believers to his advantage and even when things come out about him, used the press as much as they use him, to help him get elected. Portrayed by Richard Jordan, he is whiley, patient and manipulative. Well played by Richard Jordan. Judd Nelson is also believable as a campaign worker. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This was the worse tape I have ever seen, it was so fake.
They royaly messed up on the way it happen with Alan Freed, they did not show how he had found a lot of the Doo Wop groups singing on corners and brought them in, it left out a lot of what Alan Freed was and what Alan Freed stood for for all Doo Wop groups, plus the actor Judd Nelson did not look anything like Alan Freed. I would not recommend this video to anyone. Get the real version that was out not the remake.

LIVE ON ROCK AND ROLL!
Here's how Rock and Roll started, the movie is an incredible documentary on the music that turn the world around! and how began their magic step on radio airwaves, all the acting skills of the performers are great specially PAULA ABDUL who surprisely is a great actress and should have done more singing, dancing on the movie, she's so such a sweetheart!, Judd Nelson is a great actor an portrayed Alan Freed with great confidence and reality. Leon is so close to be Jackie Wilson himself. Fair for a great TV Movie, that stands out for the music.

Alan Freed's Story
Judd Nelson is quite convincing in his portrayal of Alan Freed, Mr. Rock 'N' Roll. I teach radio and television broadcasting at Wheeling Park High School in Wheeling, WV. My students and I were surprised with the way blacks were treated during that time period. Nelson tells it like it was. He has a mission and shows how Freed broke down the walls to help make rock and roll live forever in our world. Some of the language was a bit harsh, for teenagers. However, adults would also enjoy the movie. You'll be concerned with what the past showed, yet will have fun watching this movie when you find yourself singing along with the favorite songs of the day! I enjoy watching it time and again! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

"Be seein ya"
I saw this film and thought Judd Nelson acted almost completely the same way he did in The Breakfast Club. This film is about a boy who returns to Blue City and finds out that his father was murdered by an unknown person. Though he suspects the most rich and powerful man in town he could be wrong and is forced into his old time naughty behavior such as, robbing a bank and messing up a dog race, smashing up a casino, fist fights. Ally Sheedy plays a Police office clerk who falls for this guy, and helps him to uncover the tracks of the killer. This film is humerous in many ways such as his money robbery, the encounter with his Ex-mother in the grocery store. If you want a movie to enjoy and show your friends, I would recommend this one. My favorite tagline from this movie was "Be seein ya".

Definitely a Teen Anger Flick
While, admittedly, the budget for the film was nothing extraordinary, the film deserves better treatment than it has received over the years. This was Judd Nelson's first lead in a film and despite the lack of worldly support in the creation, he does possess the flare and sarcastic ferocity for which he was noted in earlier films. Therein lies the problem, however - Nelson, throughout his earlier movie years, has often been type cast as a troubled, loud and intentionally unpalatable vigilante whose exploits seem worthless in the eyes of a more "mature" crowd. The film is clearly designed for young adults suffering from some of the same issues and who also have the drive to correct observed injustices in their world. The film was not meant to be a Shakespearean play set to the glitter and glamour of the silver screen, but other films featuring adolescents in dire need to right the wrongs have been accepted into society if for no other reason than who was in them. Basically, if you're looking for a gripping drama that takes you to the paragon of the human dilemma, look no further than somewhere else. If you are young and want to see teen-power in full force for the cause of good, I recommend this film. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

An unknown Kevin Costner is magnetic in this entertaining road picture that bypassed most theaters when it was released 1985. On the eve of their college graduation in 1972, five students go off for one last road trip together to righteously celebrate the privilege of youth. Kevin Reynolds expanded his grad-school film to make this one, which he also directed, and it caught the eye of Steven Spielberg, who made Fandango one of his first projects at the newly formed Amblin. Costner's charisma is undeniable in his first lead performance as Gardner Barnes, the free bird of the group. Barnes applauds buddy Kenneth's (Sam Robards) decision to cancel his wedding and now is talking him into dodging the draft. But lost love drives Gardner, too, and we see dreams of an abandoned beauty (Suzy Amis). Others in the car include stick-in-the-mud Judd Nelson (in his best performance), who is gung ho for fulfilling his duty in Vietnam, and the soft giant Dorman (Chuck Bush). Reynolds's aggressive camera style and great use of music (Elton John's "Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting)" and Blind Faith's "Can't Find My Way Home" bookend the picture) make this film zing along. Reynolds and Costner went on to film (and fight off-screen) two more pictures, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Waterworld, but they were never better together than in this first film. Being hungry Hollywood unknowns does have certain advantages. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

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