Amazon.com

The third and final episode of the Sarah, Plain and Tall series is a 1999 production reuniting stars Glenn Close and Christopher Walken withoriginal director Glenn Jordan. Taking the story eight years beyond theoriginal tale, Winter's End is set in a harsh Kansas winter of 1918, with the specter of death everywhere: soldiers are dying overseas duringWorld War I, influenza is at epidemic proportions in the U.S., and an old manhas returned to the Witting farm with an uncertain reception. He's JohnWitting (Jack Palance), father of Jacob (Walken), and the two men have notseen each other since John abandoned his son years ago. Reconciliation comeshard, punctuated by cliffhanger disasters (Jacob breaks his leg and burnswith a fever, Sarah almost dies in a heavy snowstorm), but this most brutal of trial periods for the Wittings still invites a viewer to yearn for a moreinnocent--perhaps mythical--time in America. A worthy and rewarding finish toa trilogy fit for families yet sophisticated enough for all ages,Winter's End may be one of the last network television classics in an era of audience relocation to multichannel cable. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Not up to par.
The movie opens in March of 1918. The long, bitter winter has yet to come to an end. There is an epidemic of influenza in town and the war has taken Anna's boyfriend overseas. Much as Jacob and Sarah did, Anna waits for every letter from him while tending the sick in town. Back home on the farm, an unexpected visitor will soon rock Sarah's family to its core.

Although 'Winter's End' sounds exciting, its frightfully dull and unprofessional. The acting is just not up to par with the first two. Glen Close, Christopher Walken and the entire cast shine in 'Sarah Plain & Tall' and 'Skylark.' After seeing those, I suppose I was spoiled. I expected that high quality when I bought 'Winter's End' and thus, I was shocked and dismayed by this poorly acted out movie. I've seen these actors/actresses at their best and they are very talented. Now, I am left baffled as to what happened here. Did they just not care this time around? Was it the director? A low budget? What? So many questions, so little answers. What really got me was when, 'Sarah' (Glen Close) was caught out in a blizzard and almost froze to death. The depth of emotion put into that scene wouldn't fill a tea spoon. 'Jacob' (Christopher Walken) put the most into it, but his acting was stilted, unreal and unnatural. Yet, the all time award for stiffness and unnatural acting would be a tie between, Jack Palance (Jacob's wayward father) and Christopher Bell (Caleb) They did a terrible job. To make matters worse, it looks as if the 'honeymoon' is over for Sarah and Jacob in 'winter's End.' There is no more of that 'spark' we enjoyed in, 'Sarah Plain & Tall' and 'Skylark.' There might be one or two scenes where they shine as they once did, but for the most part, the chemistry is dead.
The biggest highlight of the film was Sarah and Jacob's little girl 'Cassie,' played by Emily Osment. She seemed to be the only one who took her role seriously. She was a natural, and very 'real' in her part. She did a great job. But sadly the rest of the cast lost the magic that was, 'Sarah Plain & Tall.'

A 5-star trilogy, well worth a look
Christopher Walken and Glenn Close headline the cast in this excellent series of three Hallmark Hall of Fame movies.

In the first movie of the series, "Sarah, Plain and Tall," Walken plays a widowed Kansas farmer who desperately needs someone to help him rear his children while he tends to providing for the family via his farm in the early 1900s. Glenn Close plays Sarah, a woman from Maine, who responds to Walken's newspaper ad search for a wife. The rest of the story focuses on the developing relationships between Walken, Close, and the children. An excellent story and great movie -- 5 stars all the way.

In the second movie, "Skylark" (sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall), the story of Walken and Close's life continues as they face a severe drought, possible failure of the farm, and stresses those things place upon the family. Top-notch, equal in emotional impact and believability with "Sarah, Plain and Tall" -- definitely another 5-star movie.

The third movie, "Winter's End" finds an unexpected guest in Walken and Close's home -- Walken's father, long absent from any family interactions. In this movie, the children have grown considerably (I believe that all the members of the original cast are still together). While an enjoyable movie, this one is not in the same class as the first two, and hovers someplace around 3.5 to 4 stars.

I awarded the set 5 stars on the collective strength of the first two movies.

Just in case you hadn't noticed, Walken is often cast in somewhat quirky roles, but this is probably my favorite work of his. He plays a devoted father dealing with a range of believable real-life issues. These movies also underscore the incredible talent of Close, who can pull off roles as diverse as Sarah's and that of Disney's Cruella DeVil!

Do yourself a favor...if you haven't watched these movies, watch them. They are wonderful.

Have a great day!

Alan Holyoak

Excellent Family Viewing
This is excellent family viewing. It gives one a sense of how tough it was to grow up in the 1800's and early 1900's. People had to work hard for everything, certainly much different than our world where people are pampered by modern-day conveniences.
Glenn Close is one of the great actresses of all time, no question here. If you like Close, check out her excellent performance in "World According to Garp." She is also capable of playing evil as well...in "Fatal Attraction."

Watching the Sarah Plain and Tall series is a great way to help your family grow closer together.

Jeffrey McAndrew
author of "Our Brown-Eyed Boy"

Sarah has become family!
By the time you watch all of these (there are three) Sarah and her bunch are family. You watch the kids grow up and there are these marvelous stories and it's just good entertainment. Sarah comes to Kansas to marry a widower farmer to "make a difference" to him and his two children. The first movie concerns their meeting and eventually marrying, the second movie shows their life through a drought and forced separation and the third brings them into WW1 and some personal family problems. Everything is done perfectly and you'll enjoy these time and again. I've watched them all several times.

I love it.
I loved all three of these movies. It is nice to find a movie that you can watch with the whole family. I think the 3rd movie stayed close to the book. I wish there were more of these type of movies. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Consciously crafted by director George Stevens as a piece of American mythmaking, Shane is on nearly everyone's shortlist of great movie Westerns. A buckskin knight, Shane (Alan Ladd) rides into the middle of a range war between farmers and cattlemen, quickly siding with the "sod-busters." While helping a kindly farmer (Van Heflin), Shane falls platonically in love with the man's wife (Jean Arthur, in the last screen performance of a marvelous career). Though the showdowns are exciting, and the story simple but involving, what most people will remember about this movie is the friendship between the stoical Shane and the young son of the farmers. The kid is played by Brandon De Wilde, who gives one of the most amazing child performances in the movies; his parting scene with Shane is guaranteed to draw tears from even the most stonyhearted moviegoer. And speaking of stony hearts, Jack Palance made a sensational impression as the evil gunslinger sent to clean house--he has fewer lines of dialogue than he has lines in his magnificently craggy face, but he makes them count. The photography, highlighting the landscape near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, won an Oscar. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (93)

Farmers vs. Ranchers
Shane is the title of the movie and the main character of this well-made Western. Alan Ladd plays the stranger who arrives in a Western community where a range war between farmers and ranchers is about to play out. The farmers' leader is Joe Starrett, played by tough, reliable Van Heflin. He wants the farmers to stay, to stand up to rancher Rufe Riker and his hired hands.

Riker tries to buy Starrett out, but Starrett won't go. Then Riker hires a gunman - Wilson - played by Jack Palance. He's as mean as they come and he verbally goads one of the farmers into trying to "draw" on him. Wilson(Palance) kills the farmer without blinking.

The farmers are about ready to give up. But when Riker sets fire to a farmer's home as the community gathers to bury its dead, the farmers vow to "play one more hand." Riker sends men to Starrett's ranch to tell him that Riker wants to see him. But Shane stops Starrett by physically knocking him out. He knows that he must go into town to "talk" to Riker.

Civilization is fast approaching on the Western range. And Shane is going to hasten that change by going into battle against Riker.

Western Classic
Shane might well be the greatest western ever made and a true American classic. Recently in a New York Times article, Woody Allen of all people considered it the best American film of all time. The movie is about a mysterious stranger who unexpectently comes into a homestead family's life and helps in their battle against a greedy landowner who is threatening them to move off their land. Alan Ladd stars in the title role and he exudes an air of calm control and dark mystery. Shane is an expert gunman and a skilled fighter, but he doesn't want any trouble. He tries hard to avoid a fight in the local saloon, but no matter how hard he tries, trouble finds him. The homestead family is played by Van Heflin, Jean Arthur and the young Brandon De Wilde. Mr. De Wilde is excellent as a wild-eyed youngster who grows to idolize Shane. Mr. Heflin plays the strong, defiant landowner, but also loving husband to his devoted wife, played tenderly by Ms. Arthur, and his son. He stands by his new friend Shane, when the other homesteaders want him to leave when they feel he's stirring up trouble. A young Jack Palance is menacing as an icy hired gun hired to drive the homesteaders off their land. The showdown between him and Shane is a tense and taut showdown. Director George Stevens captures the breathtaking beauty of the American Old West. Shane was nominated for several Academy Awards, but failed to win any. Despite that fact, it remains a brilliant film worth repeated viewings.

Revisionist History as Entertainment
A lone rider approaches a family ranch. He observes a gang riding up to order the owner off his land. There is an economic conflict between a big land owner and small ranchers who are bringing in Jersey cows and working the land for agriculture. The big land owner wants to eliminate competition from small businesses; his government contract shows his political connections. The film shows the use of barbed wire, the invention that put an end to the open range. The settlers go into town for supplies. A barroom brawl occurs when Shane is attacked; Joe Starrett joins in to help his hired hand. Tavern owner Riker sends to Cheyenne for a hired gun, Jack Wilson, for a final solution to the homesteader problem.

The settlers gather for a July 4th celebration. They hear of Riker's hired gunfighter. That evening Riker show up to make a final offer to Starrett: join him for a good price, and abandon the other small ranchers. This offer is refused. The next day the gunfighter insults Torrey to force a duel, and kills him. Joe Starrett announces he will go into town next, without waiting for the other settlers. The question is: shall the people be oppressed and swindled by a rich powerful landowner? (Most of the large ranches were owned by corporations from back East.) Some of the small ranchers decide to abandon their claims. Yet they have the right to settle and farm the land. "This country wasn't made for just one man." The burning of one home makes the settlers decide to hang on for a while.

Riker makes an offer to draw Starret to his place (for an ambush). Calloway turns up to warn Shane of this trick. Starrett's wife argues for giving up and moving out now. (Credible?). Shane tries to stop Starrett, and they fight in the dark (to hide their body doubles?). Shane wins and leaves to keep the appointment, and force a final showdown. Shane successfully resolves the problem of Jack Wilson, then Riker, and moves on to new territory. [This avoids any retribution by Riker's allies.) {This film uses the dime-novel fantasy of a "fast-draw", which did not occur in historical records.]

This story is loosely based on the Powder River war. In reality, the settler's militia drove off the armed gang hired by the large landowners. The large ranchers tried to get rid of small ranchers by passing a law that gave them sole rights to all cattle in the state! Read the chapter in William Weir's "Written With Lead" for more details. "Unhappy are the people who want a hero."

Two stars. One for each time it put me to sleep.
Don't get me wrong, folks ,I am A HUGE fan of classic Westerns! This one, it just doesn't make it for me. Don't even get me started about Alan Ladd's "tough but gentle" potrayal of Shane. Ladd is unconvincing to this reviewer not only in the tough guy category, but his dramatic side is very, very "Ward Cleaver." AND THAT KID!!! That blasted kid. Joey, played by Brandon De Wilde. Good gawd, if he wasn't the most annoying little snot that came out of Hollywood. (before the debut of Pauly Shore) "Shane, are you gonna shoot that man? "Shane, are you gonna let me look through your Playboys?" I spent half the film (before I fell asleep) hoping Shane would say, "Come here, Joey, and help me change the wheel on this stagecoach" and have a little "accident." Joey's absence from the second half of this movie MAY have kept me awake. (but I doubt it.)

miscast but still legendary
SHANE is among the most renowned westerns in motion picture history, inspite of the miscasting of Alan Ladd in the title role. many other more accomplished actors come to mind of whom could have assumed the role, and many of these were offered the role. however it was Alan Ladd who was awarded the role.

Ladd was a formidable actor and delivered a fine performance inspite of the other more accomplished actors who may have given better performances.

regardless of Ladd in the role of SHANE, the movie was legendary and considered a true classic to this day. the other actors, which include: Van Heflin, Jean Arthur, Brandon De Wilde, Emile Meyer and Jack Palance all gave stellar performances. however it was George Stevens, a director whose name is synonymous with great filmmaking who was solely responsible for the renowned success of this truly legendary western classic. a true masterpiece. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

simply one of the best movies ever.ted moniz,san jose
i also watched the remake of this movie being a big tom selleck fan.i was dissapointed.lee marvin and jack palance had a great chemistry that is rarely seen in most movies past or present.this is truly one of if not the best but unfortunatly one of the most forgotten films about the old west.Iwould not hesitate to recomend this film to anyone,and that everyone should see this film at least once for it is a real treasure and probably one of lee marvins finest roles along with cat ballou,maybe better. also the john barry score had a very familiar sound,similar to dances with wolves which was written many years later by that very composer.this film needs to be restored on to dvd.i would add this to my collection in a heartbeat.maybe some day. just a great film.

Most genuinely honest film ever made about the Cowboy.
This film captures as no other the lives of the American Cowboy. What is felt most poignantly are the relationships among the men who punch cattle. The film conveys all the facets of life, both physical and emotional. No other film exhibits the profound attachments and respect felt by the men for their horses and the environment in which they lived and which was their livelihood. The Comeraderie and competition which were part of their daily existence was so accurately portrayed that one can't help feeling sad that a way of life which expesses this kind of freedom has passed from the scene. The tenderness of the relationship between Jeanne Moreau and Lee Marvin is so real and yet so subtley played by both that one has to marvel at the direction of this movie. No other movie conveys the feelings this one does. The cold, the loneliness, the uncertainty, the sad knowing that it is all over for the cowboy,that his era has ended. Momma Cass's voice as the continuo for the film was a stoke of genius. Her melancholy "There Are good Times Coming" is an untruth which we all know .The characters know also but their refusal to acknowledge makes us empathize and we like them more for not giving in. Their time on the scene was short only about twenty years but the spirit they conveyed is still part of the American psyche. I rank it number one in all the westerns ever made.

Lee Marvin's best movie role who deserved an OSCAR.
The previous reviews couldn't have said it better. I will add that this movie has the best bronco bustin' ride ever in the movies. I saw the Tom Selleck version. Not good enough. It's like trying to remake Gone With The Wind.

monte walsh
A Great Movie especially for all those who enjoy Lee Marvin and
Jack Palance.
But why hasn't this movie come out in Dvd?

NOBODY GETS TO BE A COWBOY FOREVER--EXCEPT MONTE WALSH!
Based on the western classic by Jack Schaefer, MONTE WALSH is a sad, poignant tale about Schaefer's view of a vanishing lifestyle and the last American Cowboy.

Now to the inevitable arguments and comparisons that have arisen, given the remake that was recently produced. This original 1970 version of the film, as opposed to the equally likeable and viewable new Tom Selleck version, brings with it some striking differences.

In the first place there's just no one else like Lee Marvin and his immortal portrayal of Monte Walsh. Yes, Selleck does a marvelous job in the remake but the hard, chiseled features that made Marvin a western legend are difficult to upstage. Marvin not only delivers the hard edge that all have come to expect from the cowboy stereotype, he also shows an amazingly soft side that comes through in spades throughout the film. And that voice!

Secondly, there's just no one else like Jack Palance. While I was 50-50 on the differences between Marvin and Selleck, I came away liking Palance's wonderful portrayal of Monte's trail partner, Chet, far better than that of Keith Carradine in the remake. Palance pulls off the likeable and agreeable Chet but maintains a tough side that is all his own. And like Marvin the striking silhouette and the gravelly voice create a believability that was lacking in the Carradine portrayal.

Next there's Martine. Jeanne Moreau portrays the perfect Martine with her infrequent but sad smile. It literally lights up the screen and then vanishes as Martine, a prairie prostitute, inevitably contemplates the harsh realities of her existence. The hollow, sad eyes are beautiful and yet leave you with a sense of pain that would surely have been characteristic. The sad chemistry that emerges between Moreau and Marvin is nothing short of magical, leaving the viewer to sense and weigh the pain and the fleeting happiness that exists between them. Isabella Rosellini's portrayal of Martine in the remake is just too perky.

The film also features a grainy, old-feeling, almost sepia patina that was characteristic of other western films of the time like BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, BIG JAKE and MAN IN THE WILDERNESS. Add to that the wonderful soundtrack by John Barry (OUT OF AFRICA, MIDNIGHT COWBOY, CHAPLIN and THE LION IN WINTER) and the haunting strains of Mama Cass singing "The Good Times Are Comin'," the theme from Monte Walsh, and you have a western classic that has been much neglected and should not be missed.

As Monte rides off into the sunset, telling his horse a story about a wolf-wrastling compadre, one realizes that Chet's observation in the film that "nobody gets to be a cowboy forever..." is dead wrong--especially for Monte Walsh! Here's hoping he keeps riding forever.

I don't know who holds the rights to this one but let's hope they get there stuff together soon, especially given the success of Tom Selleck's remake, and get this fine film released in an appropriate widescreen version on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (261)

The best comic book movie.
Superman. Spider-man. X-Men. They're all good comic book films, but to me they pale in comparison to this 1989 classic. Micheal Keaton plays Batman/Bruce Wayne and pulls both roles off real well being a millionaire by day and a crimefighter by night. Jack Nicholson also pulls off a great role as the psychotic Joker. The writers did a very good job on the story. My only complaint is the DVD itself. There's not even a theatrical trailer. Maybe Warner Bros. will release a 2-disc special edition next year for the film's 15th anniversary, complete with a theatrical trailer, deleted scenes, and possibly a commentary. They should, considering all the 2-disc special editions they've been releasing lately. Anyway, I highly recommend this to anyone.

My favorite line from the movie:

Mugger: Don't kill me.
Batman: I'm no going to kill you. I want you to do me a favor. I want you to tell all your friends about me.
Mugger: What are you?
Batman: I'm Batman.

Is there a 6-foot bat in Gotham City?
I can still remember as a 4 year-old being completely obsessed with the Batman character. And I loved the movie. To put it simply, Batman was my hero. Of course this isn't the case anymore but I still think that "Batman" is a great film.

One of the most striking things about "Batman" is the set design by Anton Furst, which is very Gothic and bleak looking (during the outdoor scenes there is no sun whatsoever). The Gotham City that looked like any other in the TV series is transformed into dark, slimy crime pit in which good is basically nonexistent. Tim Burton gives the film some good direction, keeping things tight and interesting. He executed the action scenes nicely as well. Aside from the impressive set design and direction, the movie is also well acted. Michael Keaton played the role of Batman very well, giving Batman a powerful presence and a sort of everyman personality (which is even a bit off-the-wall) when he's Bruce Wayne. Jack Nicholson, meanwhile, was excellent as the Joker. He hams things up a lot, which makes sense since the character of Joker is supposed to be a complete, smart-mouthed maniac. I did notice a few problems with this movie though. The story, for the most part, focuses too much on the Joker, which is silly. I mean, isn't the movie called "Batman"? The plot is bit shallow as well, which probably explains why I found it a bit difficult to pin point exactly the Joker wants to do with Gotham City. The love story was bit weak as well. While Kim Basinger did good job as Vicki Vale, she and Keaton didn't develop a lot of chemistry to make their pairing believable.

If you can ignore some minor problems, "Batman" stands as pretty good comic book adaptation. If you like superhero films, then this one is certainly worthy being included in your collection.

al right
It's the first batman movie and it really wasn't that good. Jack Nicoleson was good at joker. But this movie just doesn't catch you. The story between Bruce and Vicky is okay. Tim Burten filmed it well,the action wasn't that good, and compared to the others except the fourth one it doesn't stand a chance.

im batman!
jack nicholson set a world record for accepting 89 million bones to play the joker here.i didnt like the fact that the joker got wasted since he was easily the best character in thefilm.also,although i think tim burton is a directing genius,in this film he focused way too much on character development and the beautiful gothic arcitecture of gotham and really had little left for the actual storyline.michael keaton is batman.children will enjoy this one.this is easily the best of the batman onslaught of the 90s.this is a film most anyone will enjoy except people who criticize everything.there is only one really hot babe in this one.her name is vickie.shes one of those stuck up buisness broad by day-raving whore by night types.the only major difference between this movie and the comic book is that the joker is batmans long time arch nemisis not just some fly by night clown who gets wasted in the first episode.jack nicholson played an awesome joker.he deserved an award.people say this movie rocks and THEY ARE RIGHT.

garbage
Laughable special effects, especially for a movie that came out in the 90's, Robot Jocks had better effects. Watch where the joker falls off the building, and where the bat plane crashes, I think the fire is done with cigarettes. Choreography is lame, like at the end where a guy jumps over Batman's head then goes falling through the floor. Batman doesn't use his intellect or detective skills really, just goes charging in to battles, he almost gets killed twice while out of costume. It doesn't make sense that batman tries to tell Vicky Vale his secret identity. "Yeah, this'll make her respect me
". I can imagine him in front of a mirror practicing "I'm Batman". He also endangers innocent civilians in a car chase(...). What's up with her wardrobe?(glasses), and the guy reporter is an annoying geek. The batsuit is more powerful than the batplane? Batman is shot about 15 times through the course of the movie (twice without the suit), but all it takes is one shot to bring down the plane, i guess because it's moving towards the bullet at such a speed. An aluminum tray also provides stronger armor than the batplane according to tihs movie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

One of the best Made for TV movies -- ever
This little masterpiece was written by Rod Serling and nicely underacted by Jack Palance whose young, but craggy face is perfect for this story of a boxer whose career is over and who knows no other skills, no other life. Kim Hunter, as a social worker who interviews him for the unemployment office, is moved by the fact that he asks no sympathy. He just wants a job, something she can't give him since none of his skills will work in the normal world. It's a simple story, subtly told -- maybe because of the time limits and space -- never trying to wring your heart, not overtly anyway, but doing it with simple statements and artistry. The Wynns, father and son, also have a couple of powerful scenes, battles of conscience. Watch it, it's a winner.

Evocative
Long before Monty Hall was asking folks if they wanted door no.#1 or door no.#2 or door no.#3..Television was something totally different.

On many given nights you could see a live teleplay Written with verve and feeling by many of the 50,s great TV writers. One of the most famous was Rod Serling. Serling was a compulsive writer with a standard of irony and morality that is long gone in todays fare.

Rod Serling died aout 25 years ago...with him died a a part of literary history. He wasnt perfect, he was prolific. in this story he lets us look into the soul of a washed up boxer (Mountain McLintock) played by Jack Palance. This original teleplay was first broadcast on CBS, Playhouse 90.

It might be a bit painful to describe much more because Playhouse 90 (rip) had many superb live dramas in the 50,s the quality and originality of which we will not see again.

The cast also includes Kennan and Ed Wynn(father and son)and Kim Hunter. Serling went on to become a flawed legend in Tv and Motion Picture writing. his over 200 teleplays ( Twilight Zone) live on and so does his meloncholy legacy.

Superior Drama

Requiem for a Heavyweight
A superb story technically executed to a "T". A live television director myself in an age of palm-sized camcorders, this piece of live television was produced in a time when cameras were goliaths and live television was like a trip to space. If it were done today, I would write a similar review. The fact that it was made in 1956 is mindblowing. Check it out. ... Read more

Description

Film adaptation of Thomas McGuane's novel about a California artist who returns to his Montana roots on a journey of self-discovery. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

William Petersen
This movie is very choppy- may different things going on-hard to figure out the point--although William Petersen is as sexy and handsome as on CSI- only younger-- what expression's he has on his beautiful face- can't quite figure out WHY? he never made a BIG film-like Tom Cruise-he's every bit as good- & so georgeous to look at-what a face--YUM-YUM

For die-hard fans ONLY and maybe not even then
Other reviewers make it clear that the only possible audience for this oddball made-for-TV-movie would be die-hard William L. Petersen fans.

I am actually a fan of the Thomas McGuane novel this was based on, and so I am badly disappointed. It's a very lame adaptation. From the obvious commercial "breaks", this was made for television and has low quality production values. Although the credits state it was filmed in Montana (and I am sure it really was), it looks for all the world like it could have been filmed any place (Canada, the Midwest, etc.). No artistry is employed to show the beautiful Big Sky country or vistas normally associated with Montana. (Think of the beautiful film "A River Runs Through It" to get what I mean.)

There are large bits and pieces of the novel here, but cut up and re-arranged so it hardly makes any sense. Also the novel is very quirky, witty and humorous, so it's odd to see it adapted as a straight up melodrama. Characters like Joe's overbearing Cuban girlfriend Astrid are supposedly to be FUNNY, not sorrowful and depressing. (Just the idea of a Cuban girlfriend with a Scandanavian name is pretty hilarious.)

Additionally, the character of Joe Starling is supposed to be a womanizing loser, a washed up artist who can't keep his pants zipped and therefore is in nearly constant hot water with the women in his life. The book is very sexy, probably too graphic for a TV movie, but they could have done a lot with the overall erotic charge the novel has, given that the actresses (Rachel Ticotin and Lolita Davidovitch) are quite attractive. Instead it's a drawn out, somber soap opera with devoid of sexiness, style, humor or even a sense of place.

The video jacket is misleading, with a big picture of Jack Palance and western type lettering, implying this will be a cowboy picture along the lines of "City Slickers", which is most certainly is not. Pass this one up. I got in the clearance bin for $1.99 and way overpaid.

well worth seeing....
I thought this movie was just wonderful.William L Petersen carries this roll well it was well suited for him.It was interesting to watch because just when you thought you had it figured out what was gonna happen it went the other way.If you are a William Petersen fan then you must watch this....I give the movie 5 stars for talent,and great storyline

He kept the change!
If your a William Petersen fan then this movie is a must. William plays Joe Starling who is (darling). Deciding to re-evaluate his life, he heads back to his hometown and takes over his ranch. Meets up with old rivals and old girlfriend, and finds meaning to his life. It's cute and fun and as always, William Petersen is at his best! On a Horse~ ... Read more

Description

Professor John Cabot finds a portal to another dimension with the help of a magical ring. In this other world, he is no longer an intellectual - he's become a warrior known as Tarl Cabot. It's up to him to help a group of tyrannized citizens overthrow their ruthless leader by defeating his barbaric soldiers. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Shoddy rip-off of the book series
The book series by John Norman made much use of sexual and erotic images of muscular dominating men and subserviant women - the kind of world most men long for. Unfortunately, the movie producers decided to forego all that and just use the name "Gor" and wrap it up in a very bad plot. It looks like the screenwriter tried to follow the basic plot of the books - the slavery and class roles of the characters are evident - but somewhere along the lines the producers mucked everything up with Christian "morals" (no nudity, little violence) and toned down Norman's statement about society. The result was a waste of a movie that once had potential.

My advice: read the books and hope the producers of the next film get it right.

What else would one expect of Hollywood?
The movie "Gor" is disappointing for a variety of reasons. First, it departs from the basic premise of the Gor books, male dominance and female submission. The depiction of Marlenus as an old man, and his wayward daughter Talena as a muscular and capable swordswoman, is probably the most incongruous part of the entire movie. In fact, this one depiction is so improbable that it is reminiscent of St. Joan d'Arc as a "battling, bodacious babe" in "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure". Add to this mischaracterization a very skinny, hardly physically impressive "Tarl Cabot" (described elsewhere in the Gor series as "the greatest swordsman on Gor") and one has to conclude that the screenwriters adopted from the books only a few elements: 1) a barbarian world; 2) scantily clad (though not properly submissive) females; 3) some of the characters (but the only one I found believable per the Gorean series was that of Sorbus--who is set here in the desert, but was in reality a pirate captain of humid, tropical Port Kar, whom Cabot slew over a tavern maid when he arrived in Port Kar), and 4) swordplay. This attempt was highly disappointing, in terms of both masculine and feminine depictions. The movie's plot itself had nothing to do with Gor.

John Norman's world is unique to his own vision, and the stale and tacky devices of Hollywood's hack scriptwriters--most of whom are politically correct, and who think in terms of audience stereotypes--are hardly equal to creating even a shadow of the master's vision. I am holding out for a first-rate, Lord-of-the-Rings-type recreation of Gor by Hollywood, replete with Kurii, slave girls serving in slave strips and strings, and a cast of male characters true to Gorean type.

Super B ... won't there ever be a DVD
Who cares that this is a major B movie with a budget of a small college class ... Tarl Cabot is hot. But all that aside, it's a movie you watch when you just don't care to think ... I've worn my vhs tape out, I've watched it so many times. I wish they would bring it out in DVD. I give it 5 stars because Tarl is so hot. But I have Outlaw of Gor ... I didn't care much for it, not enough Tarl ... he's the only reason for watching the movie. If I had an idea boyfriend ... it would be him.

Gorean Fan for a long long time
Ok. I'll admit to it. It is hardly anything like the book. There are several things to note that is different. The way the Cities were formed, different, Koroba, Ar (which really wasn't in there as the bad guy's city , which is a shame). There were no Tarns (which is one of the reason I gave it only 4 stars). There was no talking spider, which is a bit of a shame for its corny appeal.

But...

In all honestly. Its not really that bad. For a campy film that was made in the 1980s, its not really that bad. I quite enjoyed myself watching the film, and then the next film, Outlaw of Gor. Yes, neither are like the books of Gor, but they give an almost campy twist to the sometimes all to serious conciderations of the stories of Gor.

The movie takes some of the basic considerations of what it means to be Gor, and turns it into an interesting romp into an alternate storyline. For example, I thought the makers of the movie had a splinded dance with kajira's in the bad guy's fortress. I also thought the cat fight between the main woman Talena (yes the same main woman as the book but now different) and a slave girl.

I mean yes I realize it is cheesy. But we all know, by seeing films like Evil Dead I-III, April Fools Day, Conan the Destroyer (and who can tell me that Conan the Destroyer was REALLY what Robert E. Howard had in mind LOL), we can truly appreciate cheesiness.

Gor is a nice film to just sit back and watch if you've had a hard day at work or college. Its something to watch when you dont want to have something to truly think over so much that you get a headache.

I really suggest that you get it. Its really enjoyable.

By the way. I would like to make one point. Yes I do enjoy the film, but yes also...I am a true fan of John Norman. I have read his books, I have them all including Witness of Gor. I believe in the lifestyle of Gor as well, as I am a Dom rt as a Gorean Master (but no I dont go around dressed in scarlet and sword as that might cause some problems at the office LOL).

I should have been arrested!
I should have been arrested for spending while stupid; bad costuming, bad sets, cheap film. Did they just drive out to Baja(or wherever) and film in the sand on the weekend? The book author John Norman must have really needed money to sell his story to this studio. Incidentally, they must have had a film budget of a dollar ninety-eight. The saving grace was some good acting (stressing some) and the beautiful women. Yes I've seen the second one too! See my review in "Outlaw of Gor". My wife tells me I write with an acid pen, well see the movie and find out. But RENT don't BUY! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This excellent theatrical feature is loosely based on the Swan Lake story. Princess Odette, having been turned into a swan by a sorcerer's spell, is held captive at the enchanted lake with friends Jean-Bob the frog, Speed the turtle, and Puffin the bird. Along comes Prince Derek, who becomes involved in liberating her by taking on the villain. The movie has been criticized for being too similar to Sleeping Beauty, but once you're watching it--with its strong characters, entertaining vocal performances (John Cleese and Steven Wright are particularly funny), fine artwork, and action--such complaints are negligible. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (23)

"For Longer Than Forever..."
Normally I don't go for fairy-tale movies, but I decided to watch it with my sister when she rented it. It Totally blew me away!!!!!!!!! It was a brilliant mix of humour, romance, & awesome songs!!!!!!!! "For Longer Than Forever" will stick in your head for days!!!!! The main characters are:

Princess Odette-Damsel in Distress

Prince Derek-big hero guy

Rothbart-evil sorceror

Jean-Bob, the ego-filled frog who thinks he's a prince

Lorenzo Trudge-A-Long/Speed, wise turtle & Jean-Bob's best friend

Puffin-a tough puffin bird who owes Odette

There's also Queen Uberta & Lord Rogers, but I'm too lazy too describe them. Anyways, enjoy this movie, but don't even THINK about the sequels, THEY [STINK]!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Classic Fairytale
This classic fairytale story is based on possibly the most famous ballet of all time - Swan Lake. It is loosely based however, and follows the traditional Disney pattern of storytelling with romance, adventure, slapstick, musical numbers animal sidekicks, and of course with love conquering all.

Princess Odette (Michelle Nicastro)and Prince Derek (Howard McGillin) are betrothed from an early age by their parents in the hopes that their two kingdoms will be united. The only problem is - the two can't stand each other. However, unlike most other romance movies where the hero and heroine go through many trials before realising they're in love, Odette and Derek fall for each other within the opening five minutes of the film as they grow from child to adult during the opening song. However, due to Derek's claims that Odette's beauty is the only thing that matters to him, Odette rejects his marriage proposal and she and her father return home to their kingdom. They do not get far however - the evil Count Rothbart (Jack Palance) is waiting for them, and transforms into a terrifying beast and kidnaps Odette, changing her into a swan. At the reclusive lake that Odette is taken to, Odette learns that she is a swan every day, except for an hour each night when she changes back into human form. The only way to break this curse is for her one true love to make a vow of everlasting love and prove it to the world. Rothbart's reasons for kidnapping Odette are to force her into marriage so that he might take over the kingdom. Odette refuses, convinced that Derek will save her, and with her animal friends Speed the turtle, Jean-Bob (John Cleese) the frog and Puffin the (what else?) puffin they lure Derek to the lake to witness her metamorphosis for himself. Reunited, the lovers make a plan - tomorrow night at his mother's ball Derek will give Odette his vow of everlasting love. However, Rothbart is one step ahead of him and imprisons Odette, sending his disguised servant to the palace in her place...

The protagonists Odette and Derek are a satisfactory hero and heroine for the story. Odette is the typical fairytale princess (blonde hair, blue eyes, etc) but has some very twenty-first century ideals - she refuses to marry Derek if all he sees is his beauty (though strangely enough she is singing a few minutes later about how much she loves him) and takes it into her on hands (or wings) to bring Derek to the lake. Derek, however is an imbecile. Among other things he insults his bride-to-be, nearly kills her, and then confesses his love to another woman. His redeeming features are his singing voice and his heroic athletic abilities with a bow and arrow.

The secondary characters are far more enjoyable - Odette's animal friends will appeal mostly to kids - the heroic Scottish Puffin, the slow but steady Speed, and (cleverly following the fairytale of the Frog Prince) the snobbish and proud Jean-Bob who believes all he has to do to be transformed into a prince is to be kissed by a fair maiden. Adults should warm to Derek's flustering and hysterical mother Queen Uberta, who comes across as the typical interferring and meddling mother, and Derek's consort, the wry and sarcastic Rogers. Also worth noting is Derek's best friend, the cowardly Brom who inevitably swallows his fears to save the day.

The Swan Princess is on the whole an enjoyable, traditional fairytale with all the components one would expect. Great songs, good animation, successfully funny jokes and an interesting story with only a plot holes all contribute to this. A few scenes got on my nerves, such as Rothbart's techni-colour, disco-like musical number and the down-right tacky beauty-pagent style of the ball, but the last twenty minutes of the movie - including Odette's escape from the prison, the imposter-Odette drawing Derek's attention from the desparate swan at the windows, and Derek's final fight with Rothbart more than make up for it. This movie is a must for all fairytale lovers.

Love the movie, hate this DVD
THIS DVD IS NOT IN WIDESCREEN. If you want widescreen and you have a way to play Region 2 DVDs, get the UK verson. (The same is true for The Last Unicorn.) I guess Americans aren't good enough for widescreen cartoons!

Oh God! Did this suck? Yes, it did!
What a terrible movie! This doesn't even deserve one star, but Amazon wouldn't let me give it zero. Not only was the animation low rate, but it was boring at that. After years of being played on Cartoon Netowrk and Disney, they finally decided to put this on SE DVD. What a waste of time. Now it can befoul the retnas of our children with better resolution and brightened color. Seriously, this heep of crap so many called a movie had like two more sequels, obviously no one's buying them because the animation studio that made all of them is now making terribly animated school videos about "American Heroes" including: Thomas Edison, Helen Keller, Alexander Grahm Bell, the Wright Brothers. I think everyone should walk outside right now and burn their copy of this movie, because surely if anyone got a hold of this in the future the end of the world wouldn't be too far away seeing as how our childrens intellegence gets diminished more and more every day by stupid Disney shows and bad movies. Sorry I blasted that so bad, but I haven't ranted in a while, and I felt a need to express my opinion.

swan princess roxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!
this could be one of the greatest movies in the world! the voices are hilarious, and some of the lines are the funniest i've ever heard! this movie should be viewed by everyone in the world. if you havent seen it, your life can not possibly be even close to complete! you have got to get this movie! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Jasmin (Marianne Sägebrecht), a German tourist, has just walked off from her husband at the side of the road in the middle of the Mojave Desert; Brenda (CCH Pounder) has just kicked her husband out of the roadside cafe-motel they operate. When Jasmin arrives at the cafe, the two begin developing a prickly but ultimately rewarding friendship. Many other movies have tried to duplicate Bagdad Cafe's mixture of loose storytelling, off-kilter metaphors, and rich emotions, but most often these imitators leave out the random chaos of life and the awkward pain of change that Bagdad Cafe captures with such a gentle touch. Bagdad Cafe earns both its quirkiness and its sentiment by keeping one foot firmly rooted in reality. Director Percy Adlon teamed with star Sägebrecht in two other similarly offbeat movies, Sugarbaby and Rosalie Goes Shopping; his more recent features without her haven't been as successful. Still, he continues to be noted for his odd but lively use of color filters and jagged editing. Bagdad Cafe also features the great Jack Palance (Shane, Requiem for a Heavyweight, City Slickers) playing an easy-going painter; the opportunity to be an ordinary person, rather than his usual wicked fiends, brings out a delightful mischief in Palance. Pounder, who usually gets small supporting parts, deserves another role like this to take advantage of her remarkable range. All in all, an eccentric and wonderful film. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (54)

DESERT RATS GET ACTUALIZED!
Filmed not too far from here in the town of Baghdad in the Mojave Desert, Percy Adlon's BAGHDAD CAFE has charmed just about everyone who has stumbled across this literally off-the-beaten track 1987 gem that's now available for the first time in a bare-bones widescreen DVD transfer.

The story is deceptively simple. Marianne Sägebrecht is a German tourist who leaves -- and is subsequently abandoned by -- her husband(?) in the California desert. In the middle of nowhere, she makes her way to the run-down, failing, Baghadad Cafe and Motel run by C.C.H. Pounder (ER's Dr. Hicks). The rotund Sägebrecht quickly becomes a part of the eccentric family under Pounders tough-talking rule. Not only that, her presence is the catalyst that transforms the forgotten roadside stop into a bustling business and a life-altering experience for all present. Jack Palance is extraordinary as an ex-Hollywood set designer and artist who sees Sägebrecht's true beauty and becomes obsessed about capturing it on canvas. What he sees Sägebrecht becomes and in the process impacts those she touches. This wonderful film is about loving and accepting and believing and discovering and being. The original music by Bob Telson includes the haunting "Calling You" sung by Javetta Steele. This is one for the digital library. Highest recommendation.

Can't expain the attraction ' just see it
I found Bagdad Cafe on DVD three days ago and have watched it twice since, each time with a big smile on my face. It's difficult to explain why this movie is so haunting; if you try to tell a friend "You've got to see this movie because...", you'd be stuck for a definable reason. It's a very gentle character study of two women, different as can be, who come to understand and even like each other. They are both frustrated with their current positions in life. Jasmin (Marianne Sagebrecht), the stranded German tourist, is willing to start repairing her life, even in this bleak desert setting. Brenda (CCH Pounder) has led such a hard-knocks life that she can't understand or accept anyone trying to help her. There's a wonderful supporting cast surrounding them, but the heart of this movie is the way the two women learn to be friends. You're either going to love this movie or be totally bewildered by what I (and other reviewers) see in it.

This movie was shot in Newberry Springs, near Barstow; the restaurant is still there (originally called Sidewinder Cafe, now renamed the Bagdad Cafe, of course). This is the favorite movie of one of my sister's friend who lives in Brazil. When this friend's daughter Paula visited recently, we stopped by the Bagdad Cafe on the way to Vegas; Paula's mom shed tears of delight when she saw pictures of her daugher making a pilgrimage to this high desert Mecca.

My favorite movie of all time
This movie is just perfect. It deserves all the oscars in the world. After watching this movie, you feel good about life....

Different Worlds Harmonize -- Quiet Gem of a Film
When a middle aged Bavarian Tourist lands in a remote, scarcely populated California desert town, she creates not only a stir with the locals, but eventually brightens the spirits of her host family as well as all the "regulars" who pass through the "Bagdad Cafe". What started out as a "big mistake" soon looks like divine providence.

"Miss Jasmin" (the German lady with a matching accent) and "Miss Brenda" (the rough-talking owner of a greasy-spoon restaurant who employs Jasmin and gives her a home) become close friends. An aging "showbusiness man" (brilliantly played by pre-City-Slickers Jack Palance) views Miss Jasmin as his "muse" and is inspired to paint her portrait. When word gets out that her tourist visa had expired, the local Sheriff forces Jasmin to return to Germany. Sadness canvases the place where Jasmin had been embraced as a welcome change of schedule. The life she had brought with her seemed drained away with her departure.

There isn't much plot to stretch the running time (the original German cut runs nearly 2 hours), however there are many bittersweet moments in this simple, but beautiful film. The last few scenes deliver the inevidible (thus predictable) conclusion. A little on the "artsy" side and clearly without a multi-million dollar budget, but still a palatable final product.****

Yawn.
I'd heard nothing but good things about this movie from critics and family members. Clearly, a lot of folks like this movie. It didn't do a lot for me, though. It had its moments. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

An amazingly effective film noir action movie, shot on location in New Orleans in 1950, that has twists of plot and explosions of violence that can still make audiences gasp. Elia Kazan, of all people, directed this story of a public health worker (Richard Widmark) and a police detective (Paul Douglas) who have only a few hours in which to capture some fleeing felons who may be infected with the plague. The bad guys are played, with enormous relish, by Jack Palance and Zero Mostel, the latter only a few years before Kazan ratted him out to the House Un-American Activities Committee. In retrospect, this modest crime picture looks like a crucial turning point in the formation of Kazan's distinctive style, a clear precursor to the blistering location work of landmark films like On the Waterfront, Baby Doll, and America, America. --David Chute ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Where's the DVD?
This is a superb documentary-like film noir with a great director, cinematographer and cast. Fox, you licensed Criterion to create an outstanding DVD of Sam Fuller's "Pickup on South Street" (also featuring Widmark): please do us all a favor and do the same for this wonderful film!

One of those "major classics less widely known today"
Plague is loose in New Orleans, from a sailor who smuggled gems. Jack Palance and Zero Mostel, goons who got the disease (and the gems), are unaware of their infection and think the authorities pursue them for the emeralds. Richard Widmark, the no-nonsense public health doctor, doesn't want the story leaked because people would flee and carry the disease, with modern transport - "I could leave here and I could be in Africa tomorrow," he warns. Atmospheric of new Orleans - you can almost smell the humidity - and Blackie (Palance), with his edginess and his street network of contacts and informers of diverse shapes and sizes and colors, is memorable too. (This film took a long time to become available on VHS; let's hope it doesn't take as long for DVD.)

Exciting Film Noir
When a man is found dead from a bullet wound in the steets of New Orleans, an autopsy reveals that he had bubonic plague. Now it's a race against time for the police and health officials to find the killers before they become contagious and spread the plague across the entire city.

The idea of an epidemic threatening populations seems increasingly likely in this modern time. The spread of AIDS, Ebola, and the recent West Nile virus seem to flood our television screens every day. However, this film is probably just a disguised red scare allegory. The danger of the spread of disease, the way the police hound and interrogate people for information, all this reminds me of the Cold War paranoia sweeping America at the time of the film's release (1950) and the subsequent witch hunts. Appropriately, the director Elia Kazan would name names of suspected Communists before HUAC two years later. Zero Mostel, who played one of the gangsters and plague carriers, would be blacklisted by the Hollywood studios.

Fortunately, one doesn't have to read deeply into this film as it is first and foremost an exciting and entertaining suspense thriller. It was shot entirely on location in New Orleans in black and white giving it a documentary feel. One can almost feel the sounds, tastes, and smells of New Orleans of the 1950s. Kazan considered it to be his first "real" film. One can easily believe it. Before PITS, Kazan had made well acted but stagy dramas. This film truly turned him into a real director, not just a stage director as were his roots. By the time he made "On the Waterfront", Kazan had fully mastered the cinematic techniques while still managing to get great performances from his entire cast.

Highly reccomended for any fan of action films, gangster dramas, and film noir.

Top Notch, Timely Thriller
This is one of the most unjustly forgotten thrillers of the 1950's, especially considering the talent involved. Widmark and Douglas are both great as the public health official and police officer who are in a literally life-and-death race to locate carriers of pneumonic plague before the disease can hit the general populace of New Orleans. The aftermath of 9/11 has given this fifty-two-year-old thriller an incredible immediacy. The villians are a memorable lot, headed by a young pre-"Shane" Jack Palance and abetted by Zero Mostel. Look for Barbara Bel Geddes ("Dallas") and young Tommy Rettig ("The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T" and "Lassie") as Widmark's wife and son.

total entertainment
This is a picture about a man (Jack Palance) smuggled off of a ship and has the plague.
A polieceman and a doctor (Paul Douglas and Richard Widmark) have their work cut out as they search high and low through the streets of New Orleans to contain the disease and catch Palance before everything gets out of hand.
Acting,music and directing are all fives. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Part of what was touted as a late-1980s revival of Westerns (and you can see how long that lasted), this good-looking, empty-brained film was like a spurs-and-chaps version of a Joel Schumacher movie, filled with pretty faces, prettier imagery, and absolutely no new ideas. The idiotically grinning Emilio Estevez is cast as Billy the Kid, who slowly accumulates a gang of Brat Pack buddies (Lou Diamond Phillips, Kiefer Sutherland, Dermot Mulroney) and fashions them into a group of male models with six-guns. The action is confused and the script is trite, though Terence Stamp is intriguing as the old reprobate who helps the gang get its act together. Followed by an even worse sequel. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Bad history, good movie
Emilio Estevez, Charlie Sheen, and Kiefer Sutherland are just a few of the all-star cast who fill out this film about outlaws set in the old west: The story of Billy the Kid & Co. Aside from the fact that its historical accuracy is more than highly questionable, the movie was more than entertaining.

Emilio Estevez plays William H. Bonney, a.k.a. Billy the Kid who was a runaway and an alleged murderer, who was taken in by Mr. John Tunstall, an English cattleman. Tunstall was murdered by a rival cattleman, a Mr. Murphy, played by Jack Palance. The movie goes on from there with a killing spree of those who were responsible for the death of Tunstall. The acting was great. "Dick," played by Charlie Sheen, was very good and one of Sheen's better roles. Lou Diamond Phillips was absolutely amazing as the Mexican Indian: Jose Chavez y Chavez. Charlie, played by Casey Siemasko, was a great and devoted friend, to Billy, and to the rest of the "Regulators."

It is said that Billy the Kid was no where near as arrogant, nor as trigger happy as the film portrays, but Estevez was rather impressive in his skills both as an actor and a gunslinger. Sutherland's "Josiah 'Doc' Scurlock" was an admirable man; full of character and class given the circumstances. Terrance Camp's role as "John Tunstall" was short-lived but excellent.

This movie is highly entertaining. I recommend it to anyone who likes a good Robin Hood story (who isn't terribly concerned of historical accuracy). It is fun to watch, and the cast is second to none.

epc

Everyone will hack on you if you do not buy this DVD
Young Guns is definitely one of the best Westerns ever made. It is the story of how Billy the Kid and his legend was created. John Tunstall an English merchant takes in runaways and those on a downward spiral in life and in return for protecting his ranch from poachers gives them (his regulators) an education and board. After he is murdered by L.G. Murphy's men, Tunstall's regulators are deputised and set out to bring in those responsible. The Lincoln War is on and William H. Bony and the other regulators have prices on their heads.

The Young Guns DVD also contains a featurette, which was made in 1988. It's kind of a behind the scenes, interview with the actors type thing. It's quite interesting and a flash back to 1988 with mentions of Tom's Cruise latest movie being Cocktail re-enforcing this was made in 1988. Seeing Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Keifer Sutherland and Lou Diamond Phillips over fifteen years younger than today and hearing them talk about their careers to that point is also rather interesting.

I don't really like Westerns but I loved Young Guns. Check out the sequel Young Guns II as well.

an apology for a western that is not authentic
I always thought of this film as a western for young people. I don't understand the "brat pack" label. I could give some pretty friggin' nasty labels to some John Wayne films I've seen. And please don't tell me there's such a thing as a thinking man's western. Is Young Guns not a quality western since it lacks some vacuous, ponderous shots of deserts with a raspy-voiced squinty eyed god-fearing fat alcoholic moron squinting into the sun and speaking like a disgruntled janitor about how he's going to get his revenge on someone who done wronged him? I always though Young Guns was exciting and funny with a cast of youthfuls who make the 'mistake' of acting youthful in front of the screen. And as for Terrence Stamp? He's friggin' horrible! He gets blown off the screen literally and for which this viewer is eternally grateful. The only other actor miscast is Charlie Sheen. The rest of the cast is great. Jack Palance is comically unhinged as the true psychotic in this film. If John Wayne were in this film he would be a bearded bad guy who gets his brains blown out. And that's the way it should be. And one final word: why is it American films (particularly westerns) are always judged based on films that came before. In this case it doesn't make sense. Young Guns is influenced by some westerns, but in execution, tone, and style it is a complete original. It deserves mention with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Once Upon a Time In the West, My Darling Clementine, One-Eyed Jacks, Johnny Guitar, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and Tombstone as one of the great westerns. But if you're over 21 just go get hammered and watch TNT to get your weekly western fix you friggin' republican.

Mindless Drivel of the Worst Kind
This is an utterly unhistorical movie. The real Billy the Kid was basically a loner who shunned gangs such as the "Regulators" bunch in this movie. One of the characters is a deputy marshal who throws away his badge and utters the usual lines about how the law is really on the side of evil. In this case, the ex-deputy joins the rest in a revelry of mindless violence all of which is committed in the name of a good cause, although it is hard to see how the violence did anything constructive.

Basically, this is just another empty action flick of mindless violence and mayhem with characters who have deluded themselves into thinking that they are the good guys. Worst of all, the movie basically portrays these juvenile delinquents as being on the right side. The idea that violence is an acceptable thing to engage in if you believe that you are in the right is just simply not the kind of message that Hollywood should be conveying to young people.

In summation, this is an awful movie.

Mindless western fun - but a classic it ain't
Brash, loud, and totally rock and roll, "Young Guns" is less a classic western and more a typical late 80s, early 90s action flick. And that's just fine. It's a stupidly fun, turn-off-your-head flick if you're willing to approach it that way. Watch it as a serious western, though, and you're likely to be disappointed. This is an MTV western. No more, no less.

Emilio Estevez puts a lot of energy into Billy the Kid, keeping the movie brisk. The rest of the cast are all solid, playing their clichéd characters as well as can be expected.

Compared to today's rapid-fire action, "Young Guns'" blast em ups might seem lacking and tame, but it all works pretty well (for what it is). The style is all late-80s -- flashy, loud and rude. Big gun shots, rock and roll soundtrack, and car chases on horses. If that's your thing, "Young Guns" fits the bill. It's pure Bs to the wall action.

But take note: If what you want is a strong western that lives beyond the genre as a standout film, western or not, you'd be better off seeking "Once Upon A Time In The West" or "Unforgiven." This ain't it.

The DVD is of fine quality. The picture has never looked better, the audio is very impressive, and the packaging will look nice on your shelf. The extras are pretty good, too. A nice behind the scenes featurette, an excellent documentary on the real Billy The Kid, and a decent commentary make this a great bang-for-your-buck buy. You can't beat the price.

As a DVD set for Young Guns fans, this is a five-star set (*****). As a film, this is a three-star film (***). For Amazon.com, I'm splitting the difference with four stars (****) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Three middle-age buddies (Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern, Bruno Kirby) facing personal crises decide to sign up for a two-week cattle run for a change of pace. The trail proves a tougher place than anyone thought, and the boss (Jack Palance) is a grizzled taskmaster who doesn't cotton to tenderfoot urbanites. Popular in theaters, the film is both funny and moving, with Crystal giving one of his most complete performances and Palance (who won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar) a lot of colorful fun. Director Ron Underwood (Heart and Souls) subtly shifts the tone of the film from broad comedy to poignancy over its running time, and he makes the story's end a bittersweet victory that feels like life as most people know it. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (27)

One of the Best Comedies of the Ninties.
New Yorker Mitch Robbins (Billy Crystal) turns 39 and thinking that he will be misrable for the rest of his life. Then his two best friends (Daniel Stern & Bruno Kirby) offer a present to Mitch by bringing him to a cattle drive in New Mexico. Then mitch's life start to change unexpectedly by going on his fantasy vacation with his friends. They are set out to find thier freedom and thier adventure, they will remember for a life time.

Directed by Ron Underwood (Tremors, Heart & Souls, Mighty Joe Young-Remake) made a extremely likeable entertaining ambitious comedy. Crystal, Stern, Kirby and Jack Palance's wonderful Oscar Winning Performance makes this Contemporary Comedy Classic really worth watching. Crystal also Executive Produced the film. There's a nice music score by Marc Shaiman (South Park:Bigger, Longer & Uncut). DVD's has an fine anamorphic Widescreen (1.85:1) transfer and an good Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround Sound. DVD only extra is the Original Theatrical Trailer. This is Wonderfully Written by Lowell Ganz & Babaloo Mandel (City Slickers 2:The Legend of Curly's Gold). Watch for Jeffery Tambor, Yearley Smith, Robert Contanzo, Jake Gyllenhall, Danielle Harris and that's Crystal real-life Daughter-Lindsay Crystal playing his Daughter in the flim. One of the highest grossing films of 1991. This is One of the Best & Most memorable comedies ever made, see it. Grade:A.

Buckaroo Bonanza....
This review refers to the MGM Contemporary Classic DVD Edition of "City Slickers".....

Saddle up Buckaroos, for the funniest city dude meets cowboy adventure since Bob Hope roamed the plains!

Mitch(Billy Crystal) is going through a mid-life crisis. He sells "air" for a New York radio station and finds that as he nears 40, his life seems unfulfilling. His buddies Ed(Bruno Kirbly), an aging Romeo, and Phil(Daniel Stern), pitifuly henpecked, also seem to be feeling the strain. They decide a little vacation is in order and head for a New Mexico cattle ranch to enjoy life as they "bring in the herd".

This "fantasy" vacation turns into one hysterical adventure. Learning to rope and ride is trickier(and funnier), then you think. But the toughest part is dealing with the tough ranch hands. One in particular..."Curly"(Jack Palance)...is one bad hombre as he scares these guys out of their wits.

They are joined by several others as the drive begins from New Mexico to Colorado and anything than can go wrong... does! There's a stampede, a runaway wagon, and Mitch even has to deliver a calf. Their cell phones are no help here! There's also mucho male bonding going on during the trek. These guys even bond with the cows! They learn about each other and with the help of the very tough Curly, they even learn what is important in life.

The funny lines and gags are non stop, and there are some very poignant moments as well. It'll have you smiling and often laughing out loud. You won't want it to end, but luckily...there's a sequel.."City Slickers 2..The Legend of Curly's Gold".

The film was honored with several awards. Among them Jack Palance took an Oscar for Best supporting actor, as well as a Golden Globe and a Best supporting actor from the American Comedy Awards. Billy Crystal was also honored at the American Comedy Awards as Funniest Actor in a lead and the People's Choice Awards voted the film the Favorite Comedy of the year. They are joined by some outstanding and seasoned character actors. Jeffrey Tambor, John Mostel, David Paymer, Patricia Wettig, and Helen Slater and the wonderful Noble Willingham all keep us in stitches as well. The music by Marc Shaiman is as fun as the story and Direcotr Ron Underwood and Photographer Dean Semler bring us some real cinematic delights.

The transfer of the DVD is very nice. An excellent picture in widescreen presents the beautiful Western scenery and terrific colors. If you watch the original theatrical trailer, you can really notice the difference made by the transfer. Although the sound in Dolby Stereo was good, it could have been better. This film with all the great music and action needs to be in 5.1. It may be viewed in French(Mono) and has subtitles in Spanish and French, but no other special features. Just a really funny flick that will take you away for about 2 hours.

So sing along to the tunes of "Rawhide" and "Bonaza" with Mitch, Phil, Ed and Norman the cow along the big trail...have fun...Laurie

Poignant Comedy
This is one of those great comedies that also speaks to the great truths of life. I have watched this film over and over again and am always left with a wonderful feeling after having watched it. It lifts my spirits when I am low and helps to remind me what is truly important in life.

Mitch Robbins (Billy Crystal), Phil Berquist (Daniel Stern) and Ed Furillo (Bruno Kirby) are three friends approaching mid-life at break neck speed. Each year they go on increasingly more dangerous adventures which Mitch's wife (Patricia Wettig) describes as desperate and juvenile attempts to hold on to their youth. When Ed suggests mushing along the trail of Admiral Byrd as a way to top running from bulls in Spain, Mitch is ready to quit the adventure trips and settle into senior life at the ripe old age of 39. After a demotion at his job and a surprise at his birthday party where Phil and his icy wife Arlene (Karla Tamburelli) have a blow out after she learns of his infidelities, Mitch's depression gets the better of his wife who sends him on one more adventure - to find his smile.

And so it is that the trio finds themselves on a cattle drive in the American west with five other lost souls and Curly (Jack Palance) as the cattle boss. Palance is wonderful as the gruff old cowboy who intimidates everyone around him (Mitch:"Kill anyone today, Curly?" Curly: "Day ain't over yet."). Yet he knows the secret to life and relates the cryptic answer to Mitch during the ride. As they drive the cattle and overcome obstacles like stampedes, drunken escapades by the trail hands and their own personal struggles, Mitch comes to realize what Curly's answer means and that it is the only answer he needs to bring the pieces of his life back together.

A Big Letdown!
WARNING: Spoilers Ahead!! I hate it when they do this!! The first hour of this movie is so funny I laughed out loud on a number of occasions. Something I don't usually do when I watch a comedy by myself but this was just too hilarious. Then, a cow gets shot just after giving birth, Jack Palance dies and is buried on the trail, two horses get killed going over a cliff with the wagon and a cute little calf nearly drowns in a river. After being bullied and deserted by drunken cowboys, the "city slickers" manage to drive home the herd of cattle and are informed that the cows that "trusted" them will be ground up for hamburger....but hey, that's life! Billy Crystal finds his family is the most important thing to him, and he adopts the little calf, but no jokes could make me even smile after the middle portion of this movie that starts out broad comedy and mutates into warm'n'fuzzy, overly-sentimental, and very predictable fluff. Not my idea of a "feel-good" movie... a little sad actually. When it started I was making plans about buying the sequel. When it ended I decided to sell the original. I can see why there are so many used copies for sale at Amazon Marketplace.
This could have been up there with the best National Lampoon Vacation movies (started out that way) but they blew it.

Great movie, horrible dvd
I love this movie! Its among my top favorites. However, the DVD [is bad]! One reason, the dubbing. The first half of the movie is fine, but about half way through, the words being spoken by the characters dont match up with their mouth. It looks like a bad Bruce Lee movie! Im not one to complain, but it just kept getting worse! At one point the whole line was almost spoken before the characters mouth started moving! I just baffles me that those responsible for transfering this movie to DVD took no care at all in doing it! I really dont know how this DVD made it to stores without someone noticing this huge fault and trying to make it better. Like I said, this is my favorite movie, I give it the lowest rating for the lack of dubbing quaility! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Surrealistic Chalice
This is one of the strangest looking films I can remember. The sets make this film look like a biblical soap opera gone futuristic. I am not sure if this was director Victor Saville's intent or not. Filmed in CinemaScope by William V. Skall, it just looks so offbeat.

Based on the novel by Thomas Costain, it deals with the trials and tribulations of a Greek, portrayed by Paul Newman, who designed the cup used at the Last Supper.

The cast includes Virginia Mayo, Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby.

Franz Waxman's score and a cryptic performance by Jack Palance make this worth watching.

This is an interesting film, which certainly follows a different path.

Chalice of Surrealism
This is one of the strangest looking films I can remember. The sets make this film look like a biblical soap opera gone futuristic. I am not sure if this was director Victor Saville's intent or not. Filmed in CinemaScope by William V. Skall, it just looks so offbeat. In fact, Skall was nominated for an Academy Award for his Color Cinematography on this film. Based on the novel by Thomas Costain, it deals with the trials and tribulations of a Greek craftsman, portrayed by a very young Paul Newman, who designed the cup used at the Last Supper. The cast includes voluptuous Virginia Mayo, a demented looking Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby. Faring best is Jack Palance giving a cryptic performance as a master of illusions. Franz Waxman's Academy Award nominated score is excellent, outdoing the script and most of the performances. This was director Victor Saville's second to last film. It is a curious and interesting film, which certainly follows a different path. The cover of this VHS edition is just beautiful.

Don't Drink From This Chalice
One of the worst films in this genre starring Paul Newman, Virginia Mayo, Jack Palance, Pier Angeli, Joseph Wiseman, Natalie Wood, E.G. Marshall, Lorne Greene and Alexander Scourby. The story follows the life of a Greek s