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You may be surprised to discover that the director of the Lethal Weapon movies and scary horror flick The Omen, Richard Donner, also produced and directed this classic children's adventure (which, by the way, was written by Donner's screen-wizard friend Steven Spielberg). Then again you may not. The Goonies, like Donner's other movies, is the same story of good versus evil. It has its share of bad guys (the Fratelli brothers and their villainous mother), reluctant-hero good guys (the Walsh bothers and their gang of friends), and lots of corny one-liners. Like in an old-fashioned Hardy Boys or Nancy Drew plot, the Goonies need to solve a problem: a corrupt corporate developer has bought out their neighborhood and plans to flatten all their homes. Luckily, the beloved gang stumbles on a treasure map. In the hopes of finding the treasure to buy back their houses, the Goonies embark on their quest through underground passages, aboard pirate ships, and behind waterfalls. This swashbuckling and rollicking ride was also a great breeding ground for a couple of child actors who went on to enjoy numerous successes in adulthood: Sean Astin (Rudy, Encino Man) and Martha Plimpton (Pecker, 200 Cigarettes). --Samantha Allen Storey ... Read more

Reviews (338)

Nothing Will Never Surpass The Goonies!
Like many before me, I grew up with The Goonies. I ran around my house as a young one, trying to act like Mouth, or doing the Truffle Shuffle to entertain friends (I lacked on the truffle, but I could do the shuffle).

The Goonies holds something that every kid should find magical, even though the only magic in the movie is the magic of friendship. Steven Spielberg wrote the story about a group of friends who are about to lose their houses so a country club can be built where they leave. They come upon a treasure map that supposedly has a legend behind it, and leads to a great treasure. Mikey and his colorful bunch of friends set up to go in search of the treasure not knowing the villianist trio, the Fratellis, are also out for the treasure. Along the way, chaos ensues, friendships go stronger, and they meet a creature who has nothing but love to share and Baby Ruths to eat.

The characters are all likable . . . are all lovable, and the actors who portray them made them all that they were. The Fratellis are even, in some ways, likable throughout the movie, but in the end, they get what they were asking for. The directing, of course, is awesome. None like it actually. And the sets are amazing. Especially the pirate ship set. That was too awesome, and enough to satisfy any adventure lover.

The DVD should satisfy any Goonies fan with the word of all the extras to be on it. And I'm ready to see the infamous deleted octopus scene. I hope it's on there. I believe I read somewhere that some of the cast had gotten together to do a commentary. Now there's wishful hoping that that did happen!

"SLOTH LOVE CHUNK!" And Josh loves this movie.

best movie!
When my sister and I were introduced to THE GOONIES about 10 years ago, by our dad, we fell in love with it. My sister and I have watched this movie literally 100 times, and no matter how many times we've seen it, we still continue to get captured into the excitement, adventure and fun the movie holds. For Christimas this year, we got the movie on DVD and its better then ever. Including the original movie, it has a commentary with the cast of the movie, a music video the cast did with Cyndi Lauper, outtakes, the orginial trailer and a look at the making of the goonies. Whenever our friends come over, we ask them, "Have you ever seen 'the goonies'?" And if they hadn't, we introduce them to our favorite movie.
When Mikey (Sean Astin) and his friends, the goonies, encounter a treasure map, they embark on the adventure of a lifetime. With characters like Mouth,(Corey Feldman), Data (Ke Huy Kuan), Chunk (Jeff Cohen) and Mikey's older brother, Brand (Josh Brolin), and the girl goonies, Andy(Kerri Green) and Stef(Martha Plimpton) the jokes are endless. As they out run the bad guys, dodge the booby traps, and find the treasure of One-eyed-Willy, its a thrill a minute adventure that will capture the hearts of young and old for generations to come.

Pinchers of peril!!! The Ultimate Goonie DVD experience!
Growing up in the 80's - The Goonies was one of the most incredible movies for me. It captures all of the childhood joy and want of adventure and excitement that a normal day just doesn't bring. This movie, while it is clearly an "80's" flick, does not appear dated in any way. It still has that spark that gave it life nearly 20 years ago.

That said, here's what you get with this DVD and here's why you should buy it today:

The movie itself is enough however...

The deleted scenes are a lot of fun. We finally get to see the ever-fabled "Octopus" scene. For years, I would scratch my head when Data said "The Octopus was really scary!" Huh? What Octopus? Well, he's in this DVD. You also realize why the scene was cut out. Let's just say the animatronics weren't all that great.

Those old music videos starring Cyndi Lauper and various classic WWF wrestlers are here too. Remember Rock "n" Wrestling? I found myself saying "oh yeah....I remember that!" Watch for a cameo of Susanna Hoffs from the Bangles in the video!

The DVD commentary is a lot of fun! While almost every new DVD has a commentary in place, it almost always bores one to tears with the director or a star just kind of droning their way through the movie. Often, the major stars don't even do the commentary (great example is Rocky - where the commentary features everyone but Stallone himself!) This commentary has all of the original Goonie stars plus Richard Donner. There's a lot of joking around and the stories they tell are funny and don't go off the subject. Note: Sean Astin disappears about halfway through the flick. Also, beware Corey Feldman who talk over everyone to further perpetuate that he is the biggest glory hog in show business.

Enough already. This is such a great movie and the special features are ones that you'll actually watch more than once! Buy the DVD already!

Goonies Never Say Die!
What can I say? This movie has it all! Action, Suspense, Romance, Sean Astin pre Samwise Gamgee. What more could you want?

Steven Spielberg brings a story about a misfit group of kids who set out to save their home. It all hinges on finding the treasure of One-Eyed Willie, a famous pirate who was rumored to have hid his treasure somewhere around where they live.

Throw in a mafia family who has recently broken out of jail, a treasure map, a Baby Ruth, and a wonderful dance called the Truffle Shuffle and you've got an instant classic!!

Also, look for the line about battling the octopus in the end, then think about the octopus battle. Something doesn't add up does it??

I like some types of Korn...............
but this movie was way too corny for my tastes. This movie managed to use every single cliché that ever existed. This ranges from the group of misfits going on an adventure to save their home from evil corporate rich people to mobsters with guns to a pirate treasure cave filled with booby traps to a fat kid who saves the day to a disfigured grotesque monster suddenly gaining human knowledge and capabilities and rebelling against it's owners to love between two 13 year olds. The reason that I gave this movie two stars is because there are worse films than this one and one scene was funny. Other than that, I do not recommend this film to anyone who likes hardy boys and other meaningless kids detective stories. ... Read more

Description

Set in the 22nd century,"Matrix"tells of a computer hacker (Reeves) who joins a group of underground insurgents fighting the vast and powerful computers who now rule the earth.The computers are powered by human beings... ... Read more

Reviews (2882)

What is the Matrix?
The Matrix will go down in film history books as "The film that changed cinema forever". True, films have done that before: (Jaws, Star Wars, Jurassic Park, Pulp Fiction et al) but the Matrix is different in that not only did it change audience's expectations of action cinema but also impacted on countless movies to date.

The film itself is the epitome of cool that stands out from the slew of unimaginative science fiction that Hollywood reels out, and with Keanu Reeves and Carrie Anne Moss making an unlikely duo in a post-apocalyptic world ruled by artificially intelligent machines, the film finds itself worlds away from admittedly second-rate sci fi cinema.

You could argue, as some critics did, that the film's plot is simply an excuse to hang cool effects on, but the premise slowly shapes into such an intricate plot, where machines have taken over the world (a popular idea for sci fi films, with this having similarities to Terminator 2) and then the small amount of snotty critics are silenced. What the Wachowski brothers have done is so imaginative that no film has ever come close to its intricacies and futuristic ideas. Add hints and nudges from Vertigo, classic Western films and Kung-fu karate films into the story and the amazing journey is made even more fascinating and involving.

The visuals incorporated throughout the story are absolutely amazing; with the "flow-mo" being the coolest visual effect those effects boffins have done since that water tentacle flowed through air in The Abyss. Imitated to death, the scene where Keanu's character Neo dodges bullets is nonetheless the pinnacle of uber-coolness. With thought provoking, mind-bending lines like: "It's the smell, if there is such a thing"; the film's script is peppered with fascinating lines concerning the very nature of "what is real?" Hence the clever advertising campaign for the movie's release: "Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is, you have to see it for yourself".

The Matrix has indeed changed cinema. Regardless, it's a great film, loaded to the retinas with out- of- this-world effects, great villians (Agent Smith!), great action set-pieces and awesome stunts from martial arts expert Wu Ping. And with the DVD (awesome stuff, everyone has to own this disc) and upcoming sequel in progress- The Matrix Reloaded, the Matrix is a film that not only has affected filmgoers everywhere, but has also leaked into the fan boy culture of the movie world. To quote Neo: "Whoa".

A dynamic and intelligent triumph
A stunning blend of action and science fiction, "The Matrix" tells the tale of a computer programmer who stumbles into an alternate world that forever changes his perception of reality. There's a reason why "The Matrix" won a pile of awards (and made a pile of money at the box office). A masterpiece of technical wizardry and storytelling skill, this is one of those memorable films that succeeds on every one of its many ambitious levels.

Fans and critics have raved about the film's mind-blowing special effects and fight scenes, but they are only part of the film's excellence. The superb performances of the actors are equally important. Particularly noteworthy is Laurence Fishburne's as Morpheus--his is a performance of controlled but passionate intensity. And Carrie-Anne Moss' performance as Trinity brings to the film a tenderness and humanity which greatly complement the high-tech milieu.

"The Matrix" is a wonderfully literate film whose dialogue includes references from Greek mythology, the Bible, Christian theology, and English literature. And one of the central themes of the film--the defiant resistance to an enslaving force--is one that can be found in many of the world's great works of literature. Watch "The Matrix," and then read the 1845 classic "Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave"--you'll appreciate the film even more.

very good
very good action, acting, plot, and dvd. much better than the dissapointing reloaded. haven't seen revolutions.

"Why oh why didn't I take the BLUE pill?"
After hearing so many good things about this film, I was actually underwhelmed the first time I saw it. I already new the basic premise so it wasn't a surprise to me. It wasn't until the SECOND time I saw it that it really hit me. Very well written, with some philosophical underpinnings hidden throughout, the Matrix is a smart sci-fi action film -- but not TOO smart: that would have to wait until The Matrix Reloaded (which is so dense it's hard to understand what's going on with just one viewing).

mind-blowing special effects
LOVE ALL 3 MOVIES SO DAMM MUCH. ALL HATES GO AWAY AND YOU'RE SO STUPID AND UGLY CAN'T WATCH THESE MOVIES. BYE BYEEEE!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This highly entertaining update of the 1960s television series stars Harrison Ford as Dr. Richard Kimble, a man wrongly convicted of the murder of his wife, and Tommy Lee Jones as the federal marshal who pursues him after Kimble escapes during a train wreck. Director Andrew Davis (Under Siege) oversees some dazzling stunts and effects: the train accident alone makes the film worth seeing. But the real draw is the film's complement of strong personalities in Ford and Jones, each playing intrepid characters out to get their man. This is one of those rare films where everything completely clicks. The DVD release includes optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, cast bios, Dolby sound, optional French soundtrack, and optional French, Spanish, or English subtitles. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (126)

Fugitive is Dr. Richard Kimball: Go get this movie.
If I were stranded on a desert island and all I could have was my abysmally sparse movie collection, I would make sure "The Fugitive" was in it. Thankfully, it is. This is one of the most entertaining and engaging movies ever, far superior to a lot of movies playing these days. For the few of you who don't know the plot, I'll run it past you without spoiling much...

The story revolves around a Chicago surgeon named Dr. Richard Kimball (Harrison Ford) who is convicted of murdering his wife (Sela Ward). He pleads innocent, claiming that a one-armed man committed the heinous crime (the opening sequence, showing the murder in flashback style, is chillingly realistic). Well, no one believes the good doctor's alibi, and he is sentenced to death. However, after his prison bus crashes into a train, he escapes back to Chicago to find the murderer, while keeping away from US Marshal Sam Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones) and his team of deputies.

Having never seen the old TV series, this movie was nevertheless fantastic. The thrills just keep coming, as well as the tongue-in-cheek humor, courtesy of Tommy Lee Jones and Joe Pantoliano (as Cosmo, Sam's deputy), who really steal the show in a lot of scenes. The screenplay is obviously very sharp. The train-and-bus wreck will take your breath away, as will the waterfall sequence. Aside from these action scenes, it's great that this movie is shot in Chicago, one of the greatest cities in North America. Sorry, personal bias, I loved Chicago when I visited a couple years back. The acting is very well done, and the characters are very three-dimensional. Sometimes it feels like you're watching a modern "Les Miserables". Nice transition from action thriller to action-mystery as the film enters its second half. If you follow the plot, which is fairly easy to keep up with, the ending will shock you. All in all, "The Fugitive" is definitely worth the bang for your hard-earned buck. If you haven't seen this wonderful piece of movie-making, do so ASAP.

Quality-wise, the DVD is pretty good. Director Andrew Davis does a cool little documentary on how the train wreck was filmed.

MOVIE-10/10
DVD EXTRAS-8/10

Ford hits another home run
Ditto what that other reviewer said: this is another great Harrison Ford vehicle. They really DON'T make movies like this any more. It needs not typical DVD additions, not cut scenes, not trailers, or interviews.

Back in the day, Wednesday morning school was dominated by the discussion of the latest episode of "The Fuge" from the night before. This is the only film I can think of which actually did justice to the classic television show from which it sprang.

Tommy Lee Jones is a fantastic U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard. He appears not to be obsessed with the capture of Dr. Kimble (as was his television predecessor, portrayed by Barry Morse). Nonetheless, we get the feeling that he brings the same determination to every case he has. Ford once again is the "everyman" (if a doctor who gets sent to prison for killing his wife and then escapes can be thought of in those terms) who prevails through all manner of adversities. [As an aside, I wonder how well Ford could stretch himself - could he ever be convincing as a real bad guy, like a John Malkovich or Anthony Hopkins?]

This movie has a lot of pluses. It is a great story, updated from one of the sixties' best shows. Sure, there were great stunts. The bus crash/train wreck was stunning (made even more so by seeing Ford almost comically hobbling along, trying to outrun the carnage while wearing leg shackles).

However, it is the competition between the two dogged adversaries Jones and Ford that makes this work. They are one real pair of incredibly strong personalities- (and screen presences) Nothing better than the sequence in the dam early on with Ford protesting his innocence and Jones equally sincere reply "I don't care". Both smart, even though Jones hides his behind a gruff and self-deprecating exterior. The good and decent Doc must be determined (after all, it is his can on the line), but seeing him persevere - hiding his own persona in a hospital, evading the police while tracking down the one armed man is intense, even though we know the outcome.

Great editing; especially when we think the Marshals are getting close to the big bust, and we find out that they are actually making a collar across town.

This one is a winner.

A classic action thriller
What makes "The Fugitive" such a successful and superior film is that it knows what it is: an action/mystery film. It makes no attempt to make itself bigger or more intellectual than it is (as did the American version of "The Vanishing"). Harrison Ford, surprisingly underplaying the role of Dr. Kimball--others might have overworked his grief and angst--turns in a brilliant performance. And the always reliable Tommy Lee Jones does an icy, sparkling job as Kimball's persuer, US Marshal Sam Gerard. So good a performance that he earned a well-deserved Oscar for it.

The other key to the movie's success is Andrew Davis' dazzling direction. He keeps the pace frenetic for a good deal of the film, and the pot is always kept boiling. Close calls and intense chases keep the tension and suspense at fever pitch. "The Fugitive" will endure for a long time as a classic action thriller.

I did not kill my wife
That is well known sentence from this action hit which put an Oscar in hands of Tommy Lee Jones. Somebody killed dr. Richard Kimble's (Ford) wife, but all clues are against him. After all, who can be stupid enough to say that - One arm man did it?! His escape after bus accident will be his second chance to proove his innocents. But, that will be damn hard. Especially because after him is federal marshal who "doesn't care" about anything, except to bring the fugitive back (by any costs). Kimble will discover that he was in strong net made of lies and conspiracy, and that his only way out is to find proofes to clear his name and bring killer in front of justice. Jones supposed to be a good guy, but you'll hate him all the movie (well, it's not his falt, he's just good actor). Harrison is great, older, but still in good shape. Since Indiana Jones, he never has better role than this. You'll be right next to him, trying to solve the puzzle, hoping that he will succeed to find who ruined his life. Excellent story, good locations and ideas. Definetly collection material.

Train Wreck of Action
This is one of the best-crafted action/suspense films I've ever seen. I've viewed this many many times and have been rewarded each time by picking up on different subtle nuances.
Every element of this film works in unison and are what make this a great film and give it the punch that it has. There's the story which is as finely crafted as they get, a cast that couldn't have been any better (and boy do the actors deliver in their performances), tight pacing, great photography, and some unbelievable effects.

This is a modern masterpiece! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Forgettable Fluff -- Strictly "High School"
Jason Priestley as box office draw? Get real! -- The story here is that of 3 childhood buddies and their obcession with Marilyn Monroe, told in flash backs. Nice 1950s & 60s "Americana", complete with golden oldie tunes, fashions, movie clips, cars and other period gimmicks. Other than the "time travel" perks, there's not much to see. A perpetually cigarette-smoking, babyfaced Priestly becomes annoying. The "tough guy" image of his character reminds on the just as unbelieveable Prince in "Purple Rain". This is no "Stand By Me", so be prepared for a disappointment.**

LOOKING FOR MARILYN.
"Calendar Girl" is about three young men in the '60s who go on a trip to Hollywood to try and meet their dream woman...Marilyn Monroe. Roy (Jason Priestly) is the leader of their little group and gets his hands on both a car and some cash to finance their adventure. Unfortunately, he didn't exactly obtain those things honestly. A couple of goons called the Gallo brothers go to Hollywood to try and find Roy. That's because the money that Roy got his hands on was stolen from them. The Gallos end up being the sole bright spot of the film. One of them is deaf and they use sign language to communicate. What's really cool is the way that they sign in unison throughout the film. They are so smooth in their signing that it is fascinating to watch them together. Stephen Tobolowsky (Antonio Gallo) is his usual humorous self and plays the part of a sarcastic thug quite well.

Unfortunately, the rest of the movie doesn't have as good of a flow to it. The three main characters don't have much in the way of charm or intelligence. They just kinda stumble along, occasionally coming up with pathetic schemes to try and get close to Marilyn. One of them eventually goes on a late night drive and stroll with Miss Monroe. However, it all seems rather anti-climactic and the movie quickly ends afterwards.

For those of you so inclined, you might want to check out "Calendar Girl" for the scene when they try to find Marilyn at a nude beach. It's extremely revealing for a movie that isn't rated R.

Teen age romp
This movie is light and funny, particularly if you like juvenile themes. The only reason I bought this film was because Steve Railsback is in it. Steve gives his usual solid performance and his role is the only meaningful one, as far as I am concerned. His portrayal of a father who is out of touch with a son who feels alienated from his father is touching and sad. The final confrontation between father and son and their reconciliation before the boy leaves for Viet Nam is the best part of the picture.

Like Marilyn Monroe? Check it out..........
Roy Darpinian (Jason Priestly) and his two buddies have the hots for Marilyn; back in the 50's and 60's, what guy didn't? This movie is really for those of us who just need to sit and watch a cute, campy movie that's fun and entertaining. (But, that's just my opinion.) This movie has parts that draw you in because they're so silly. (Jason isn't normally one of my favorite actors, but he plays his part to a "t" in this movie.) He has trouble communicating with his dad, they do work it out before Jason has to go off to Viet Nam. My favorite part is Jason and his father in the boxing ring "working it out" as a matter of fact, but only because they knew of no other way ..it was so sad, that's a plus. The guys get a chance to go to Hollywood and stay with the rich, Hollywood type uncle of Jason's character, so they take it. For one helluva week, they cavort all over trying to get a glimpse of Marilyn, if not speak to her directly. Stuff they get into.....they "boost" a cow haul it to her front yard, wet it down with the hose and pretend it's sad and mooing for her to come rescue it. (Ned, or one of them read she cried over a wet cow when she was young! Funny stuff) They have "bad guys" chasing Priestly for skimming some mob money from them............even that's funny.....there are no bloody parts and lots of light humor. One of the guys actually gets to go on a date with Ms. Monroe, much to his enjoyment...........then she dies, he hears it on the radio shortly after the date. (suicide, I think not!) Great little, likeable flick..........but, that's just my opinion......rent it. I had to have it for my collection....

A movie with bad acting
In "Calendar Girl," Roy (Jason Priestley) and a couple of his friends go on a wild goosechase when they find who they think is the real Marilyn Monroe. The three have always had a crush on Marilyn Monroe since they were kids and now they will do anything to meet her in person. However, they have some enemies who they must stay away from while they try to catch Marilyn.

"Calendar Girl" isn't a good movie. The reason I didn't like it is because it gets old just watching the three chase Marilyn Monroe the whole movie and mainly because the movie doesn't have good acting. Even the bad guys in the movie are unconvincing as the villains who try to get in Roy's way. I wouldn't recommend watching "Calendar Girl" unless you're real bored and there's nothing else on Tv. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Destined for cult status, this provocative thriller offers a grab bag of genres (gangster movie, comedy, sexy romance, crime caper) and tops it all off with steamy passion between lesbian ex-con Corky (Gina Gershon) and a not-so-ditzy gun moll named Violet (Jennifer Tilly), who meets Corky and immediately tires of her mobster boyfriend (Joe Pantoliano). Desperate to break away from the Mob's influence and live happily ever after, the daring dames hatch a plot to steal $2 million of Mafia money. Their scheme runs into a series of escalating complications, until their very survival depends on split-second timing and criminal ingenuity. Simultaneously violent, funny, and suspenseful, Bound is sure to test your tolerance for bloodshed, but the film is crafted with such undeniable skill that several critics (including Roger Ebert) placed it on their top-ten lists for 1996. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (114)

BOUND to Please
A thoroughly absorbing caper from the first scene to the last. If you like sitting on the edge of your seat, wondering what in the world is going to happen next, then you'll love being plopped down into the intricate maze of this film. The story twists and turns unpredictably, and the billiantly quirky cinematography and seamless editing add to the fun. Great star-turns by Jennifer Tilly, Joe Pantoliano, and especially Gina Gershon who never hits a false note. There's also an edgy, over-the-top performance by Christopher Meloni as a gleefully sadistic mobster; Meloni makes his scenes crackle with barely contained malice, and proves once again that he's a highly capable actor with a commanding on-screen presence.

The DVD presentation of this underrated gem is quite good. "Bound" is much more enjoyable when viewed in widescreen, and the sharp transfer offered on the disc is a vast improvement over the VHS version. The theatrical trailer and audio commentaries are enjoyable extras. A "making of" featurette would have been a nice bonus - but even without it, this is a great DVD that current and future fans of the movie will be proud to own.

A brilliant mob movie played against type.
This is a wonderful movie, and being used to the standard offering where macho italian mobsters beat up on their dumb molls, it is a real breath of fresh air.

Jennifer Tilley oozes sexuality from the opening scene in this movie, and never stops right to the end. She plays Violet, her character, brilliantly. A mob club Vamp who is there as furniture for the boys, and they drool and fight over her, little realising her true nature.

Enter Gina Gershon, the butch ex-con called Corky, flaming obvious lesbian, replete with tattoos and leathers. Boom! Violet moves from Vamp to seductress in some of the hottest sex scenes ever filmed - gay or straight!

Having formed a sexually charged but shallow bond, the ladies embark on a plan to relieve the mob of a couple of million in blood money. Violets significant other, Caesar (played brilliantly by Joe Pantoliano) is busy in the apartment laundering the money for the mob. In a tongue in cheek parody, he actually has to launder the money, washing off the blood, haning it to dry, and ironing it.

In classic Hitchcock tradition, Violet and Corkey tell us exactly how the heist is going to go down. And of course, it all goes horrible wrong. Caesar is not as dumb as they thought, and the plot escalates into angst, madness, violence and murder with a neat Tarantino-esqe twist.

This is a great movie - Hitchcock meets Tarantino. Lots of atmosphere and suspense, but also lots of laughs, not to mention mayhem and murder. Not a movie for those who are squeamish around blood, murder, violence, lesbianism or drain clearence. But highly recommended for those who love bondage, leather, tattoos, butch lady decorators and shiny stainless steel sink traps.

Very entertaining movie
for what it is: a decent caper film with a great performance by Joe P., one of his best. Tilly isn't bad either, but it's hard to take her seriously with that voice, I have to admit. But it's still holds your attention. BTW, don't buy this if the lesbian scene between Tilly and Gershon is all that interests you. Yes, it's steamy, but we're talking maybe 30 seconds on screen. That's it. Buy this because it's an enjoyable movie.

By the Directors of the Matrix
I heard of this movie when I saw the Matrix DVD bonus extras. This was the movie that got them the Matrix. I felt that is was excellently done with plot twists and mistakes in plans that were excellently directed. Well worth seeing.

Innovative film portrayal of lesbians and good noir.
For warchild27: Yes, on track 18 of my DVD, Joey Pants' commentary cuts out for most of the rest of the track. From track 19 on, the commentary should be fine. However, I bought a used copy which has visible scratches. If your audio cuts out on some other track than 18, then you have a defective disk (and so do I).

Film is an actor's film, rich in suspense and nuance. Joey Pants is great as always. Tilly is odd, and Gina Gershon is a bit disappointing to me, but all of the character actors were great, especially Law & Order SVU's Christopher Meloni, a riot as a whacked-out psychopathic henchman.

I was a bit disappointed in the editing, although some shots and editing are clever. Some of the editing decisions are explained in the commentary, which I found to be a hoot and which genuinely enriched my experience of the film. Too bad all of the stars showed up late for the commentary session, Tilly and Gershon coming in about 30 minutes before the end of the flick!

This is not a lesbian suspense film; it's a suspense film in which the protagonists are lesbians. The film attempts, I think successfully, to make their lesbianism seem normal. ... Read more

Reviews (915)

A refreshingly original masterpiece.
Christopher Nolan's 'Memento' is unlike any other film you'll ever see, a piece of film noir so original and so tense, it will stick with you for days. Told in reverse, the film follows Leonard (Guy Pearce) as he tries to find the man who raped and murdered his wife. There's just one snag: Leonard suffered a brain injury while trying to protect his wife that fateful evening. He can no longer make new memories, only able to recall his life before the event, everything else fading away within minutes. He wakes every morning still expecting to see his wife, never remembering who to trust and who to fear. Relying on Polaroids and tattoos to keep track of clues he drifts on, forever looking for a man who may be a lot closer then he thinks. From this premise, writer/director Nolan weaves a perfectly crafted tale which unravels itself slowly and methodically through flashbacks. We, like Leonard, are completely lost. By starting at the 'end' of the film, we gather more and more information as the story is presented, a chunk at a time, until the shocking finish, which makes the preceding 110 minutes all the more devastating. 'Memento' is a perfectly executed film, full of wonderful montages and unpredictable twists and turns. The cast shines. Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano are by turns sympathetic and heart-breaking and Pearce has never been better. There are few films out there that truly attempt at reinventing a genre and even less that succeed. This is one of those films and it is not to be missed. If I see a better movie then 'Memento' this year, I will be greatly surprised. A masterpiece.

"Momento" is a Courageous and Challenging Masterpiece
Guy Pearce deserves an Academy Award nomination for portraying a man no sane person should ever envy. An Academy Award nomination is also warranted for Joe Pantoliano in his supporting role of Teddy. The character Leonard is permanently brain damaged by a criminal during the latter's sexual assault attack upon his wife. A blow on the head leaves Leonard with total short term memory loss. Leonard searches for those responsible to bring them to justice and also provide meaning to his life.

The action is fast paced and riveting. We observe Leonard trying to hopelessly unravel the mystery by writing down copious notes, taking countless Poloroid snap shots, and even having tattoos concerning supposed evidence placed all over his body. Who can he trust? Is the mysterious Teddy a friend or foe? Leonard succumbs to the charms and pleas of the bartender played by Carrie-Anne Moss. We see her as mean and manipulative, but Leonard is nonetheless beguiled by her pretended well meaning earnestness. Yet, is she truly despicable or merely hiding a warm heart behind a cold exterior? The highly talented character actor Stephen Tobolowsky brings much depth to his role of Sammy Jankis. Leonard is riddled with guilt for his earlier handling of Sammy's insurance claim. Is this guilt justified, or is Sammy truly a con man? Director Christopher Nolen splendidly uses flash backs to help us follow the plot. The screen writing is simply fantastic. Rarely has so little been accomplished with such a small budget. Nolen is also to be congratulated for not selling out to the Hollywood financial establishment by changing the story line to attract a wider audience. We leave the theater somewhat frustrated wondering how to distinguish between fact and fantasy. How do we make sense of what we just saw? A real life Leonard, though, is doomed to never realizing the significance of his most recent actions. Nolen makes us suffer the same fate.

The director is not indulging in silly decontructionist existential claptrap like Sean Penn's absurdly awful "The Pledge." This is not a brain dead pretentious film that dares us to declare that the emperor is wearing no clothes. Nolen is instead inviting us to consider how a human being might adjust in real life to a horrifying predicament that thankfully few of us will ever have to endure. I have absolutely no hesitation in giving this great film 5 stars.

This film is horrible. Please, don't waist your time.
I don't have to say much about this movie to let you know don't waist you time or money. I paid $21 for it through Columiba house. I relied upon the good comments of others before I bought it. It was boring, sensless, and a downright waist of time. If you must put yourself through such torture at least go rent it. The only movie that comes close to such idiocy is The Man Who Fell to Earth.

One major flaw!
I thought this was an excellent film. The script was absolutely original and really kept you guessing until the very end. I give it four stars but I found one problem that really blows the whole concept. If he can't remember anything that happened after the attack how does he know anything about his illness. He seems to wake up fine and know that he has this problem of no short-term memory. It doesn't seem like he should be able to remember that. I may be being a little picky but it does seem crucial the plot.

More Mystery Than Murder.. Still an Ingenius Movie
Just goes to show that you act on instinct when your memory goes....It's as simple as that ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Intensely funny!!!
This is an important "over-looked" classic. Where's the DVD? Why are some Movie Companies re-releasing "Re-mastered" versions of films that are already available on DVD, when there are so many yet to be released once?

I laughed so much the first time I watched this!
I love this movie! One of those late-night films I happened to watch, I thought from the way it started I was in for a standard action flick, boy was I wrong! This is a really funny movie! it cracked me up- I had to buy it! There's something so funny about a guy who's trying to kill himself! Dabney Colemen is great as Burt Simpson, a soon-to-be retired cop who tries to off himself to get his family insurance money to send his son to college. Matt Frewer (Max Headroom, Honey I shrunk the Kids) is as goofy as ever with his one-liners and Teri Garr (Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Tootsie) is in usual form as Burt's wife. And the plot provides some great car chases, top-notch action and witty one-liners. A must-see!

If you're having a bad day..watch this video
This is a great movie for sheer entertainment and fun with a nice message. What would you do if you knew you were going to die soon? How would you change things? Something profound to think about with a nice source of laughs and entertainment.Endearing characters and fun plot.

Pedal to the metal-varooom car chase, Dabney Coleman's good
This is a well made movie that you can get into the characters with. Dabney Coleman is great. Love the carborator sounds during the car chase sceens. If you've ever had the need for speed this is one of the best. Great plot with the switching of the blood samples. I highly recommend this film if you love to laugh and like car chases. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the all-time great bad movies, a pricelessly funny piece of cheese about a priest who not only breaks his vows of celibacy but gets chummy with the Mafia. Christopher Reeve stars as this upwardly mobile clergyman who climbs to the top, thanks to his assignment handling the Vatican's business affairs. Of course, he's only human--which is why he succumbs to the temptation provided by nun Geneviève Bujold (only to deny her later). An outstandingly awful film, one marked by Reeve's callow performance and a supporting cast (Fernando Rey, Robert Prosky) that should know better. A guaranteed hoot for anyone who ever survived parochial school. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Despite bad reviews, a great movie!
I generally only like movies which movie critics think are exceptional movies, but this movie is an exception. The critics and many people really trashed this movie, many because it is so anti-catholic. Don't be put off by the bad reviews. I think Chris Reeves has a great performance in this movie.

Don't miss....Worth seeing...........................
Christopher Reeve's best work, with an exception of Superman 1-2 and Somewhere in time...

Another misunderstood movie, worth to be re-evaluated
The plot of this movie is excellent and meaningful. It takes us behind the golden façades of the Vatican's walls and makes us take a plunge into its controversial policies and hipocritical acts. The only thing that ruins the plot is a love story of the main character à la "Torn Birds", which is meant as a "reminder" to us, that even priests have a heart (well, we know already). For the rest, the movie is flawless, and follows a very sinister path that at times crosses into true facts, which unfortunately, did happen. Christopher Reeve plays convincingly. Absolutely not recommended for those who "believe" in the Church. For all the others, it is a worthy insight into the machineries of power and corruption, even among the Holy Walls. To you, the final judgment...

Avoid at all costs
Horrible. Do not waste your time or money

Laughable, Ridiculous, and Horribly long.
This is a horrible horrible movie. I saw it at the theatre, and I spent the entire long horrible process laughing at it. In fact, the entire theatre (except for the woman sitting next to me) was laughing and hurling out comments (It was like being on Mystery Science Theatre!).

This movie was supposed to be controversial, but it was laughable, horribly written and horribly acted. When Reeve deadpanned "I only have an hour" as he an his nun girlfriend prepared to get cosy (Right across from the Vatican), the entire theatre (save one) burst into laughter, and a man at the back of the theatre yelled out "He's faster than a speeding bullet."

I enjoyed the experience of seeing this in a theatre because we all had such fun laughing at this movie (Similarly to Starship Troopers), but I would NEVER want to own this movie. What a waste of money. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Perhaps best known for its faux Springsteen soundtrack, the 1983 Eddie and the Cruisers is a rock lover's fantasy run wild. The story finds a reporter (Ellen Barkin) tracking down rumors of an unreleased album by a band whose charismatic leader (Michael Paré) allegedly died years before. As she approaches surviving members--who have since gone on to other things--she gets different points of view on Eddie's life and artistic drive, and the mystery about that album deepens. The trouble with the film is simple: it's impossible to accept. Michael Paré is far from suitable to play a Jersey shore rocker with thematic pretensions toward Rimbaud that go back to the '60s, and the soundtrack by John Cafferty sounds like a hack's rendition of E Street Band magic. An all-around embarrassment. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (68)

Mark, from an era forgotten
I do think something is lacking here. The sequel is not available. Uh, would you by Star Wars and forget about the Empire Stricke Back, I think not. To the distributors, get II on the street, it will sell especially to those of us that not only like it, but also belive a set should be complete. Get the DVD to the fans.

Having read all the reviews I agree this is a great movie and I think some modern so-called musicians should take a hard look. Eddie was all about the music and the way it was created and played (even in the sequel). He wrote it and performed it as a real musician should. It had nothing to do with the show and everything to do with the quality and message the music was relaying. It may only be a movie, but it realys music of its time. Modern singers (most at least)--not musicians-- have lost sight of the meaning of musical creativity. Now it is all about putting on the show. I may be out of touch, hey I have seen STYX 5 times since they regrouped--they still get large crowds and still make music. Bands like that don't take their clothes off, don't have dance numbers, don't kiss on stage, don't have plastic surgery to attract a crowd, and don't hide behind someone elses skill. Bands like that write, create, and perform their own music. They don't hire bands and writers, they are the bands, they are the writers/creators of their own music. Maybe that is why we still listening to the Beatles and Led Zeplin and for the most part forgotten about performers like Britney and Christina. Once the get older and the appearance/persona has gone so have they.

One of those nostaglic gems that captures the times
As the Cruisers walk into Tony Marts in Somers Point NJ and tell Tom Bereger to tell the manager, "The cruisers are here," I did a double take. From the age of 16, Tony Marts was my favorite hangout! (Yeah, the drinking age was 21, but I was a tall kid and no one asked for ID). So, you know I love this movie. I have probably watched this movie two dozen times and shown it to all of my friends and dates. To a person, they fell in love with in (and not surprisingly Eddie Lives the sequel, charming for its own music. Michael Pare captures the role and until one night that I watched the movie and then went out to see Beaver Brown (the real band) perform the same music, I was convinced he was singing and still don't get distracted by the lipsynching. Enjoy this wonderful movie, don't over analyze it and, well, if you spend your childhood on the South Jersey shore (Ocean City across from Somers Point) in the 1950s and 1960s as I did, it's real special.

A Really Great Movie!
I'm guessing that this was a B-Movie which grew into a cult film, and I'm glad that it did!

This movie really manages to pull you into a fantasy- where Eddie Wilson was 15 years ahead of his time...and nobody can find the missing tapes, of what WOULD have been his next album- had he lived.

A news woman interviews the remaining members of Eddie's old band, to try and shine some light on the mis-understood stories, the blurred memories and complex ideas.

To enjoy this film, you have to ignore the REAL history of rock n'roll and pretend that THIS is how it went. It was well paced, the acting was good and the music fits!

As for DVD extras...you don't get very much, but that doesn't ruin this classic movie, now does it?

ROCK ON, EDDIE!!!!!

Disagree with Amazon Review!
This film is a fantasy!! Pretend! And.. wonderful! Have seen it countless times and it always manages to evoke so many positive feelings, it's impossible to list. The "Editor's Review" says the story is impossible to accept- I disagree!! It's fun and I love it..again and again! No problem here!

Also have to put in my vote to those who are holding up the release of Eddie and the Cruiser's 2...what's in the way of this release? Work it out!!

Eddie and the Crusiers II Eddie Lives
I totally agree VHS is old school DVD is the new way to go.I have the original Eddie and the Crusiers on DVD and would love to have Eddie Lives on DVD. If the original can be on DVD why not Eddie II...Bring it out on DVD ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lou Diamond Phillips leaves a haunting impression as the late 1950s pop idol Ritchie Valens, who made the Latino influence in rock & roll conspicuous through his hit songs. Filmmaker Luis Valdez(Zoot Suit) creates a nimble, exciting, and sympathetic portrait of the boy driven to rise above obstacles of race and family legacy, and Esai Morales is equally fine as Ritchie's envious, searching brother. Great support from Elizabeth Peña and Danielle von Zerneck as Valens's sister and mother, respectively, and Joe Pantoliano is solid as the singer's straight-talking manager. Valdez brightens up the third act with a rock & roll show featuring, among others, Brian Setzer as Eddie Cochrane. Marshall Crenshaw turns up as Buddy Holly getting on that plane with Valens, and Los Lobos (who actually performs Valens's music on the soundtrack) has a nifty cameo as a Tijuana band that gives Valens a piece of crucial inspiration. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Ole!
La Bamba is one of my top 25 favorite films. Lou Diamond Phillips comes across for real. I was surprised when I saw a picture of the real Ritchie Valens. I had forgotten what he looked like (when I was a teenager). Lou doesn't look like him, but who cares? This is a great suspension of disbelief.

Esai Morales doing a great job as the troubled brother Bob. it is easy to feel his pain. And it is almost impossible to tell the difference between Los Lobos' rendition of the title song and the original Ritchie version. The hint is in those couple of seconds of silence that Los Lobos does near the end. And then there are those excellent imitations of Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper, Jackie Wilson and others.

The DVD has two feature-length commentaries that are worth listening to. Beyond this, I have also turned on the Spanish-language track and watched the film a few times that way. If you have some understanding of both languages, it helps to show how they get the nuances across it slightly different ways.

One of the best rock biopics ever.
I saw La Bamba the other night for the first time in many years, and was delighted to see how well it had held up. Of the many tragedies in the history of rock, there are few more bitterly poignant than that of Ritchie Valens, and director Luis Valdez makes us feel the full force of the tragedy. He makes us love not only Ritchie (Lou Diamond Phillips) but also his supportive mother Connie (Rosana De Soto) and his troubled brother Bob (Esai Morales), then ends the film as he should, on a note of raw, unmitigated grief. On the way to the tragic end, however, we also get marvelous recreations of vintage rock songs by Los Lobos, Brian Setzer, Marshall Crenshaw, Howard Huntsberry and others. Seeing La Bamba again brings up a smaller tragedy: why Phillips, Morales and De Soto didn't become bigger stars, as they clearly deserved to become from their performances in this movie. Only Phillips came at all close to stardom, and for every step forward he took--his change-of-pace villainous role in Courage Under Fire, his Broadway triumph in the revival of The King and I--he took two steps back with some straight-to-video flick. But in any case you can still see them in La Bamba, and laugh, cry, and applaud.

fantastic
I love this film!! after being introduced to it by my older sister i have never looked back!!! Lou diamond Phillips is amazing as Ritchie Valens and Esai Morales is equally great!!! the supporting cast helps what is already a fab film become a classic!! The soundtrack is great and the end music that they play in the final scenes makes it so emotional. The film really reminds us what a loss it is when someone as talented as Ritchie Valens was dies so young... The film has never stopped making me cry and i am sure i will continue to love this film.. it is a timeless piece which is a fitting tribute to one of Rock n Roll's finest!

Good but it has major problems too
Film needed more period flavor. What's with Ritchie's brother Bob's hairdo? Too 80's. Also, the film gets goofy towards the end with the Big Bopper going around saying "Hello Baby" to everyone and a weak performance by Marshall Crenshaw(Sp?) as Buddy Holly.

all musicians should see this
this movie is about late 50s rock n roller ritchie valens who along with buddy holly and the big bopper died in a plane crash ritchie was an amazing talent with a beautiful voice he was only 17 lu diamond phillips does such a wonderful job portraying how hard it was coming up as a latino in the 50s and how ritchie loved a whitegirl but her parents wouldnt let them be together but they found ways anyway and he was going to propise to her before he got killed this movie has alot of great moments and music by the band labamba youll end up crying once u realize what a musical loss ritchie valanz buddy holley and the big bopper were to that generation and generations after all musicians should buy this dvd right away if u havent seen it u owe it to these founders of rock n roll ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Roundly dismissed as one of Steven Spielberg's least successful efforts, this very underrated film poignantly follows the WorldWar II adventures of young Jim (a brilliant Christian Bale), caught in the throes of the fall of China. What if you once had everything and lost it all in an afternoon? What if you were only 12? Bale's transformation, from pampered British ruling-class child to an imprisoned, desperate, nearly feral boy, is nothing short of stunning. Also stunning are exceptional sets, cinematography, and music (the last courtesy of John Williams) that enhance author J.G.Ballard's and screenwriter Tom Stoppard's depiction of another, less familiar casualty of war.

In a time when competitors were releasing "comedic," derivative coming-of-age films, Empire of the Sun stands out as an epic in the classic David Lean sense--despite confusion or perceived competition with the equally excellent The Last Emperor (also released in 1987, and also a coming-of-age in a similar setting). It is also a remarkable testament to, yes, the human spirit. And despite its disappointing box-office returns,Empire of the Sun helped to further establish Spielberg as more than a commercial director and set the standard, tone, and look for future efforts Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan. --N.F. Mendoza ... Read more

Reviews (154)

Coming of age for a young boy and Spielberg
Made back in 1987, EMPIRE OF THE SUN, is based upon the best selling book by J.G. Ballard. It tells the story of Jim, (Christian Bale) a young British boy, who is separated from his parents, during World War II. His family is living in Japan at the time. The young boy is thrown into a Japanese internment camp. As the story unfolds, Jim befriends 2 Americans (John Malkovich and Joe Pantiliano) also trying to stay one step ahead of their captors and fight for freedom. As it says on the back of the DVD "Through [Jim's] eyes we see the facination and horror of war." Jim goes from being a child of innocence to an adult who is just trying to stay alive in a harsh world.

When the film ended, I had forgotton how flawless the movie is. This was not only a young boy's coming of age story, but a coming of age for Spielberg as a Director as well. This was his 1st film (up to that point) without a real "Gee Whiz" element to it The performance by Bale is outstanding. As the viewer, you really get a sense of what it must have been like to be held captive in that prison. The scene where Jim runs back to the comforts of his home, shortly after being separated from his Mom and Dad, only to find it ransacked, and his parents gone, is particularly effective. The scene is both horrible and funny at the same time The film also boasts some fine production design and a good film score by John Williams. The film was the first to be shot in the People's Republic of China and eagled-eyed viewers will note a supporting role from funny man Ben Stiller.

The only extra feature of note on the DVD is, a good 45 minute documentary, made at the time of production. The documentary is narrated by Actor Martin Sheen. When this movie was released, I remember the reviews being somewhat mixed. That is a shame. It is one of the only movies from Spielberg, that you don't hear much about, even today. I guess I just wanted to remind folks that EMPIRE OF THE SUN is still out there and certainly worth a first or second look

An Unheralded Masterpiece
This epic film is the first of Spielberg's World War II trilogy that includes "Schindler's List" and "Saving Private Ryan." It was made at a time when Spielberg was financially successfully but artistic merit eluded him. That this remarkable piece of filmmaking has been overlooked is no reflection on him; it is the failure of the tastes of critics and the public alike. Spielberg tells a beautiful story of the horrors of war, how families are uprooted and separated, and how the human spirit overcomes adversity. Christian Bale is superb in the film. I cannot comprehend why his career did not soar after the film's release. It was good to see him in the role of Jesus in the recently televised movie on Mary. John Malkovich is his usual fantastic self as a fellow POW who becomes Bale's Long John Silver, a sly comparison to the classic "Treasure Island." The film is beautifully photographed and has a subtle and moving score from Spielberg stalwart John Williams. It is a must for fans of the director and those who appreciate masterful storytelling.

a skewed reality, how a twelve year old boy would see things
A film by Steven Spielberg

Film critic Ernest Rister has written a brilliant review of "Empire of the Sun" where he details the unreality of the movie, how the viewer cannot trust what we are seeing on screen because it is the impressions of a 12 year old child and Spielberg gives us enough hints and allusions and images in the film that with a little bit of work, the viewer should be able to figure this out. Since I had read Mr Rister's review more than a year before I finally saw this movie, I tried to keep that knowledge in mind when I was seeing "Empire of the Sun" for the first time.

"Empire of the Sun" is the story of Jim (Christian Bale), a 12 year old British boy living in China with his parents. The movie is set during World War II when Japan was attacking China. During a raid on the city they are living in, Jim and his parents are trying to escape when they are separated. We don't know what happens to his parents, but Jim ends up in a Japanese internment camp. Jim meets an American named Basie (John Malkovich), whom he befriends and sort of tags along after. "Empire of the Sun" deals with the isolation and loneliness of this one boy who is quickly losing his innocence. That is really the heart of "Empire of the Sun", the loss of Jim's innocence in the midst of World War II.

The one thing that I struggled with was not taking this film at face value, that the events on screen are not truly happening, but rather how Jim is remembering them. They are happening as a twelve year old boy is seeing them, heightened and slightly distorted. I did not catch the clues that Mr. Rister wrote about, but I suspect you have to be studying "Empire of the Sun" to really grasp what Steven Spielberg is putting into the movie. Fortunately, "Empire of the Sun" works on two levels: as a straightforward film, and also on the level that Rister discovered and Spielberg intended.

-Joe Sherry

Wunderbar
One of the greatest dramas ever. Buy it. Watch it. Many times.

Empire of the Sun - Spectacularly Moving
What a sensational film. I'm curious as to why it has been so overlooked all these years. It's so much more than a war movie. It not only speaks to the tenacity of the human spirit, but also to it's frailties.

When Jim reunites with his mother in the final scene, it always brings tears to my eyes. Yeah... lots of tears. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Director Martin Brest rocketed to the top of Hollywood's A list with the blockbuster success of Beverly Hills Cop, and this 1988 follow-up is even better. Midnight Run is a genuine rarity--an action comedy that's dramatically satisfying--thanks to a sharp script by George Gallo, the superb teaming of Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin, and Brest's consummate skill in combining suspense and humor with well-developed characters. De Niro plays a maverick bounty hunter whose latest assignment is Grodin, an accountant accused of embezzling from the Mob. De Niro thinks he's in for an easy job, transporting Grodin (who's afraid to fly) from New York to Los Angeles, but soon discovers that both the FBI and the Mafia are hot on Grodin's trail. Equal parts road trip, action thriller, and a quirky character study, Midnight Run moves at a breakneck pace but still gives De Niro and Grodin time to create rich, memorable performances as two men who seem to be opposites, but gradually develop mutual respect and admiration. Mainstream entertainment at its best. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (71)

The Odd Couple
Midnight Run is solid action comedy that has a fine cast, a clever and witty script, and confident director calling the shots. The film also was the first time that I remember tough guy Robert De Niro making me laugh.

Bounty Hunter Jack Walsh (De Niro) is hired by the mob to bring in one of their accountants, Jonathan Mardukas (Charles Grodin), for stealing some of their cash. The cross country trip seems like easy money for Walsh, after all, how much trouble could an accountant be? Walsh soon discovers that he'd much rather have a bullet wound than put up with Jonathan, a germ-a-phobic neat freak, who's also affraid to fly. Soon the two men discover that the mob and the Feds are getting restless. FBI Agent Alonzo Mosely (Yaphet Kotto) and his team are traking them, as are the mafia's Jimmy Serrano (Dennis Farina) and Eddie (Joe Pantoliano).

The team of De Niro and Grodin is just great, and harkens back to the chemistry between Lemmon and Mathau, in all of their work together. Grodin is the perfect foil for De Niro and vice versa. Extra Kudos to De Niro, as he underplays it all, until just the right moment. After which, you are sure he is really going to kill Grodin for real. The script by George Gallo is filled with enough laughs, action and close calls for two films. Directed by Martin Breast, Midnight Run is a fine follow up to Beverly Hills Cop, in the action comedy genre.

As good as the film is, the DVD extras, left me disappointed. Aside from, a brief making of feturette and the theatrical trailer, there's not much else. Special edition anyone?. Still, if you want something to watch that will make you chuckle, then Midnight Run should fit the bill

TOP NOTCH ACTION COMEDY!!!
This is the story of a bounty hunter (De Niro) trying to get to LA with white collar criminal (Grodin) to collect a million dollar bounty. Unfortunately for him though, not only his bounty ann incessant pain in the ass but he's also got the mob, the Feds and another bounty hunter all trying to stop him collecting his pay check. Midnight Run is a rare gem, a top class action comedy with one of the most unusual screen "buddy" partnerships in cinematic history, which has sadly been somewhat overlooked by the majority of people and that's a great shame because it boasts great characters, great comedy, great action scenes, a wonderful plot and a brilliant script with stand-out performances from Dennis Farina, Charles Grodin and in particular Robert De Niro who proves what a great comedic (as well as character) actor he is. Expertly directed by Martin Brest, who directed Beverly Hills Cop (and Scent Of A Woman), this is in my opinion a much better movie than the much lauded Eddie Murphy movie and a must see, particularly if you are a fan of Robert De Niro. In fact it is so good I'd give the movie five stars if it weren't for the lack of extras on the DVD but (especially at a budget price) this is definitely one well worth adding to your collection.

FAST-PACED, WHACKY, A DAZZLING TALE OF FRIENDSHIP AND MORALS
One of the funniest films ever made that still manages to hold up an engaging plot. A total winner.

It features some of the most genuinely stupid and amusing tough guys in the history of cinema, and a tantalizing slow burn by Deniro, a shortchanged ex-cop, who just wants a peaceful little coffee shop as payment for his decency and integrity. The comic chemistry between Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin is top-drawer. Surrounded on all side by ethical infants, these two characters at least know the difference between virtue and vice, and are ironically the moral backbone of the film.

Comedies that don't wallow in their humor are twice as much fun, and Midnight Run maintains a swift pace throughout. Situation-wise, it's a dynamo of action. I found the denouement to be quite moving as well, at the very least it provokes thought.

If you're looking for a comedy with depth, bite, wit and excitement, then catch Midnight Run. The DVD's spiffy special features quite simply reinforce my recommendation of purchasing this one, not just renting.

Perhaps the best "buddy" film ever made
The story focuses on a man that has jumped bail named Johnathan "The Duke" Mardukas ( Charles Grodin). Mardukas is the ex-account of a Las Vegas mob boss named Jimmy Serrano ( Dennis Farina). The Duke embezzled millions of dollars from Serrano and gave it away to charity before being arrested. Eddie Marcone (Joe Pantoliano)is the bail bondsman that bailed The Duke out of jail. Marcone only has 5 days left, before the bond is forfieted and he is out $100,000. So he sends bounty hunter Jack Walsh (Robert DeNiro)to retrieve The Duke and bring him back. Unfortunately, Jimmy Serrano wants The Duke dead, and sends two hitmen to kill him. Not to mention the fact that the F.B.I. want to be the ones who bring The Duke to justice. If things couldn't get any worse, there is also a rival bounty hunter named Marvin ( John Ashton)who is trying to bring The Duke in himself. Now it is up to Jack to keep The Duke alive and in one piece, while avoiding Marvin, the FBI, and the two mafia hitmen that are hot on their tails. However, with The Duke constantly trying to escape Jack's custody, Jack begins to realize that he is in for much more than he bargained for.

Midnight Run is without a doubt the best "buddy" film ever made. The reason is because Jack and The Duke's friendship takes the whole movie to develop. Nothing about their relationship is cut and dry. The Duke will do something to make Jack like him one minute, and then upset him the next with repeated escape attempts. The film also features the perfect mix of action and comedy as well. There are certain points in the film that are extremely funny and entertaining. The dialogue in this film is first rate. Then you are also drawn into the film because there are so many obstacles Jack and The Duke must overcome on their way to L.A.. There are tons of close calls in this film. The two mafia hitmen, the FBI, and Marvin the bounty hunter are all equally close to catching up with them. Robert DeNiro has had a lot of great performances. However, I still feel after all these years that his performance in "Midnight Run" is one of the best he ever gave. Charles Grodin manages to be just as good, and even better than DeNiro at times. DeNiro and Grodin's personalities are so different, that they end up making the perfect pair.

After all these years, "Midnight Run" is still a favorite of mine. I have seen the film many times, and it seems to get better after each viewing. Overall, the film features first rate laughs, an action packed story, and great performances from DeNiro, Grodin, Dennis Farina, and Joe Pantoliano. This is definately a must own film.

A solid 5 stars...

Easily, best movie I've ever seen...nothing can come close..
Best line ever in a movie: "That's right and i got two words for you: Shut the f.;k up!" Watch the ad-libs on the bus as Grodin bugs him to put the cigarette out, DeNiro has to hold from laughing, holding a sick smile, going, "I can't believe this f'n guy"...DeNiro, Pantiliano, Grodin, Ashton, Farina, Kotto,...with a great script by Gallo, Brest directing, Danny Elfman's bluesy music...are you kidding me...this movie is funny, touching, adventorous...just watch it...it's one that never grows old cause' it says so much about all of us... ... Read more

Amazon.com

An ultimately futile attempt to make lightning strike twice, this so-called spinoff from 1993's blockbuster The Fugitive avoids the label of "sequel" by forging ahead without the first film's star, Harrison Ford. The idea is to showcase the return of Tommy Lee Jones in his Oscar-winning role as tenacious U.S. Marshal Sam Gerard, this time testing his mettle against a covert government operative (Wesley Snipes) accused of murdering two secret service attachés. Unfortunately, Jones and the entire cast have been trapped in a rambling plot, and the underdog status that made Ford such a compelling hero is sacrificed to an evenly matched and eventually tiresome game of cat and mouse, with a villain whose identity is far too predictable. With no dramatic buildup and several superfluous characters to distract its focus, the film's momentum plays out like a rote exercise compared to the high stakes of the earlier film. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (56)

"U.S. Marshals" has its moments but ultimately unsatisfying
The idea of making "U.S. Marshals" was not a bad idea. After all, Tommy Lee Jones had won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Chief Deputy Marshal Samuel Gerard in "The Fugitive," basically because he stole every scene he was in, whether it was with Harrison Ford or somebody else. Not only was this was one of those "roles of a lifetime" for Jones, there was also the fascinating dynamic between Gerard and his eccentric cadre of assistants. So putting together a sort of "sequel" around these characters made sense, as well as giving the film its title. The only question them would be coming up with a script.

The screenplay by first time screenwriter John Pogue follows the lead of "The Fugitive" by having Gerard suddenly find himself in the pursuit again of an innocent man (not that this becomes clear to Gerard until late in the film). The key differences from the first film is that the character being pursued, played by Wesley Snipes, is some sort of government super spy instead of a naive doctor, and Gerard is saddled with a government special agent, played by Robert Downey, Jr. The story line has to do with an international intrigue where not only Gerard does not know what is going on, but the audience is left in the dark as well. Then, to add insult to injury, this time it is Snipes that is doing the scene stealing.

Ultimately, I think it is the convoluted plot that gets in the way of this film working as well as "The Fugitive." This is a film that should be about the characters, especially the rest of Gerard's groups, but instead you keep trying to figure out what is really going on. In fact, this time around that question ends up overwhelming Gerard's attempts to track down people. Besides, "U.S. Marshals" is one of those films where the big surprise twist does not surprise anybody. This is why the film ends up being so unsatisfying, which is unfortunate because if this film had clicked it could have been a decent little franchise. But instead of focusing on the characters there was a concerted effort to try and top "The Fugitive" which only ends up making it something of a mess, which is why this movie ends up being so unsatisfying, Besides, we had such high expectations for these characters and cast.

...Ive Never Seen the Fugitive...
After I saw "The Client" w/Tommy Lee Jones in 1994, U.S. Marshals appealed to me as it did to probably anyone else watching it...Tommy Lee Jones WAS the star. The good thing about this sequal is that it takes off from it's own feet, without relying on events that took place during the first movie. Jones and his all-star team are out to get a Federal fugitive (Wesley Snipes) who is accused of killing two agents in cold blood. Snipes, proclaiming his innocents, runs from the Marshals while chasing yet another focus of the manhunt to clear his name. Ironically, the one man responsible for this whole scenerio is harbored unknowingly under the wing of the law. The plot is easy to follow, unlike puzzle movies like "The Saint" (which a friend made me suffer through years ago), which was so overdone in this 'spy' kinda thing that you couldn't even follow the plot line at all. Robert Downey Jr. makes a guest appearance on the Marshals squad, the star-packed cast is like an insurance policy for the movie which relys on the award-winning talents of the actors if the plot fails with some people. Up-to-date and smart 'cowboys and Indians' flick, plenty of great acting and one hell of a cast.

Falls a bit short...
Supposed to be a sequal to the amazing movie 'The Fugitive'...it falls a bit short in comparison.
Tommy Lee Jones is still as sassy as ever in U.S. Marshals - but it's a bit too predicable.
Still has some good suspense - which I do enjoy.

good sequel to a great movie
though it doesnt have the title The Fugitive 2...it takes another look at a wanted man who is framed for a murder he didnt committ...good and solid performances by Tommy Lee Jones(The Fugitive, The Hunted), Robert Downey, Jr.(Gothika, In Dreams) and the awesome Wesley Snipes(Blade 1 and II, ZigZag)...this came out in the same year his smash Blade did....and I always say..hey, thats the movie Snipes did before he did Blade...cool..anyway. the plane crash is good, chase scenes are good and the finale is down right Downey deadly..though lacking in some parts it picks it up with energy..for the fans of the stars or for whoever like The Fugitive with Harrison Ford. also starring Irene Jacobi(1995's Othello remake), Tom Wood(The Fugitive and Under Siege), Joe Pantoliano(The MAtrix, The Fugitive, Memento), Daniel Roebuck(Money Talks, Final Destination), Kate Nelligan(The Cider House Rules, Wolf), LaTanya Richardson(Lone Star,The Super), Michael Paul Chan(Spy Game, Batman Forever), Patrick Malahide(The Long Kiss Goodnight, The World Is Not Enough) and Rick Snyder(The Generals Daughter, The NEt)

So Much Like the Fugitive
They could have named this one the Fugitive II and gotten away with it. There was a slight lack of originality, but the spectacular cast pulls it off. Overall the movie was good. Tommy Lee Jones does a wonderful job and Robert Downey, Jr. was memorable as well. The comic relief was a must and was appreciated as it helped counterract the amazing suspense level present. I think I will add this one to my collection. ... Read more