Reviews (17)

An Unknown Classic
I had never heard of this movie or the actor playing "Bob" (Allan Katz) but I was rolling on the floor laughing at this witty adaptation of "Hunchback of Notre Dame". Me and my family have watched this dozens of times, and we find ourselves using the catch phrases from the funniest parts. A lot of people I tell about this movie have never heard of it, either... but I do recommend it. It showed recently on the Disney channel, so you know it's for the whole family.

AKA The Hunchback Hairball of LA
AKA "The Hunchback Hairball of LA" (honest!) - the title is as ridiculous as the film - but its just FABULOUS.
I adore this film, a 'secret' classic! he he
So many people dont know anything about it (in the UK anyway), but those that have seen it - love it!
A brilliantly quick witted script, with so many great one-liners. "2 speed - uurgh urrgh, uuuuuuurgh uuuuuuuuuurgh". (You need to see it!)
A genuine fun for the all the family movie.
The sooner this is re-released on DVD the better!

Fantastic flick!
I saw this movie years ago and it continues to be a family classic! It is witty, original and extremely entertaining. You hear something new everytime you watch the film! I wish it would come out on DVD and become available for purchase...our VHS is wearing out!

Very very Funny
This movie is a must-see for everyone of all ages. I watched it a long time ago, and the next time it came on I recorded it. My children watched it all these years, and my son who is now 20 borrowed it to show his girlfriend a year ago. She also fell in love with it, and they watched it so much the tape broke. PLEASE PLEASE re-release this one on DVD. I'll be one of the first in line to buy it. If the person responsible for making these decisions chooses to let this one fade into obscurity, then all I have to say about you is that you are a "Bakula Kamula"!

Best Movie I ever made.
This is Bob Maloogaloogaloogaloogalooga. Just want tell people who like film Bob like to kiss you -- two speeds. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The damage caused by long-kept secrets lies at the heart of The Lost Language of Cranes. Rose (Eileen Atkins) believes that "keeping certain secrets secret is essential to the general balance of life," but her son Philip (Angus Macfayden) disagrees. He decides to tell his parents that he is gay, and his honesty precipitates a crisis that threatens to tear the family apart.

Philip's father Owen (Brian Cox) leads a secret life, hiding his own homosexuality from Rose while spending his Sundays in porn cinemas. Owen has been crippled emotionally by years of deceit, and he is incapable of having an honest relationship with his wife, his son, or any of the men whom he meets. When he learns that Philip is gay an emotional dam breaks, years of self-loathing pour out, and he decides to tell the truth.

This powerful drama does a wonderful job of portraying a family undergoing catastrophic change. Philip and Owen find a kind of freedom when they unburden themselves, but in many ways Rose's dilemma is the key to this film. Philip's revelation helps her to understand that on some level she has known about her husband's homosexuality all along, and that keeping secrets is far more damaging than revealing them. Yet she is left feeling "like the punch line of some terrible joke" even as her husband and son are set free. The Lost Language of Cranes is a compelling examination of the consequences of honesty, both good and bad. --Simon Leake ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Hypnotizing family drama
I was alternately surprised, impressed, and repelled by this film. This is not actually a gay love story, but the story of a family, and how they deal with (and not deal with) the truth. Both the father and the son are gay, and the mother, Rose (Eileen Atkins), lives in denial for years, until her son, Philip (Angus Macfadyen), bravely tears the walls down.

Rose is sharp as a tack, but so tightly controlled, she doesn't allow the truth to sink in. Not much goes over her head, but when the information doesn't fit into her plans, she simply ignores it. When she finally faces the reality of her marriage, it falls apart.

Owen (Brian Cox) is the father-- his whole life, he has lived a lie. His character is weak and not very bright, but he means well. He does his duty in caring for his family, and it's clear he genuinely loves them. Unfortunately, he's the most childlike in the family--he reacts, rather than initiates, and he remains childlike till the end.

Philip is the catalyst in the family--he brings the secrets out in the open. His character shows a lot of wisdom and initiative, both in his family and love relationships. This was Angus Macfadyen's first major film, although it was originally a BBC production. He is young, lean and amazingly sensitive in his performance. He is so good in this role, I was convinced he is gay.

The writers of the film (David Leavitt, Sean Mathias) suggest that homosexuality is the result of both environment and genetics. Elliot, Philip's lover, is the adopted son of two gay men. Philip is the biological son of a man who is gay. Elliot's housemate, a social worker, reveals that a child's life is shaped by his environment after he is neglected and left alone--he begins to imitate a crane, the only stimulation he has. Another case is revealed, of two twins who have their own secret language. It's a fascinating subject to speculate on if you like to figure out what makes people tick (I do).

The acting all around is phenomenal. The director too (Nigel Finch), did a wonderful job. So much is said with looks and gestures, volumes are communicated with eyes alone. Nothing was glossed over in this film--each character has his/her own strengths and weakness, both gay and straight. How refreshing, especially in a film about intimacy.

The music is also good. The whole atmosphere is one of loneliness and desperation, and it's fascinating to watch, from an American perspective, because we just don't make movies like that. Our films are usually much more glamorized or dramatized, so this film was especially magnetic to me.

Well-acted tale of a family eroding from long-kept secrets
This film is based on David Leavitt's book of the same name, which takes place entirely in New York City. When the film version was made, with Leavitt's blessing, the scene is switched entirely to London. However, the core lesson of the film, about deep-seeded family secrets and how they erode the facade of a middle class family, stays in tact.

Brian Cox and Eileen Atkins, two of Britain's best character actors, are incredibly good as the parents, Owen and Rose Benjamin. Owen is an Academic, and Rose is a Book Editor. The irony of Rose being in a profession where she needs an eye for detail is not lost as it contrasts to her own life. She has somehow managed to overlook that her husband is a closeted homosexual. In their generation, if a man felt or knew he was gay, he married, procreated, and carried on with life in most cases. The Benjamin's marriage could be like most long-term marriages without passion. Rose has had her affairs, mainly for the physical love she is missing from her husband. Owen wants desperately to explore the side of his life he has been repressing, but, so far, spends a good amount of his free time roaming gay cinemas.

Adding to all of this is that their son, Phillip, a handsome book editor, very well-played by Angus MacFayden, is also gay. He is out to his friends, but not to his parents. He is madly in love with an American graphic artist, Elliott, played by Corey Parker. Phillip's belief that he has found the love of his life leads him to finally come out to his parents. But, he has no idea of the can of worms he has opened in the life and marriage of his parents. Rose would have been content to keep secrets indefinitely. However, Owen's son's admission opens the floodgates and propels Owen toward his new life.

The film is still fairly faithful to the book, which I also recommend very highly. The acting is top-notch, as often seems the case in British-made films. The story is engrossing in its brevity, and strong in its lessons of honesty, betrayal, and the ultimate destruction of long-held secrets.

Painfully Bitter
With a sharp story, tremendous irony, brilliantly low key performances, and elegant direction and cinematography, THE LOST LANGUAGE OF CRANES received tremendous acclaim when it debuted in 1992; a decade later it has lost but little of its original punch.

Based on the notable novel by David Leavitt, CRANES offers the story of Philip (Angus Macfayden), an attractive young Englishman who has fallen in love with the wealthy and manipulative American Elliot (Corey Parker)--and on the basis of that love decides to inform his parents that he is gay. But Philip's announce precipitates a crisis that he cannot imagine: his own father Owen (Brian Cox) is homosexual, a secret he has concealed from wife Rose (Eileen Atkins) since their marriage. At the same time, Philip discovers the foundation of his love with Philip is considerably less stable than he thought, and suddenly all concerned in the story find their lives built on shifting sand.

The performances are what make the film work, and while Mcfayden and Cox have the showier roles (and are excellent in them), it is really actress Eileen Atkins who emerges as the powerhouse performer in the complex role of a woman who has deliberately lived in denial--and who must now respond to a double-whammy that undercuts the very foundation of her existence. Carefully controlled, Atkins delivers a flawless performance with incredible weight and realism.

The flaw in the film is the script, which tends toward a certain clinical, slightly artificial awkwardness from time to time, and although the film offers many interesting visual metaphors, it ties them so loosely to the overall story that it is often difficult to know to what these metaphors refer. Even so, THE LOST LANGUAGE OF CRANES offers a powerhouse punch in its message of the need for honesty lest one be trapped into a way of living that slowly and but inextricably destroys the opportunities of youth--and leaves one with the bitter realization that the effort of keeping the lie alive has left one with little more than the lie itself. Powerful stuff; recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

A bit dark but good
A whole lifetime comes crashing down when the son in this story reveals he is gay. This prompts the father, living a lie for as long as he can remember to reveal his own homosexuality to his family. The wife, although made to look a bit badly in the film was the most sypathetic character to me in the movie. She feels like her entire life was a lie her husband made up to hide. A strong sub-plot with the son dating a bit of a player who just wants to drift off gives the movie a sense of unease. I definetly recomend this and then after you might want to watch "Broken Hearts Club" to cheer yourself up.

Distracted Spine
I think that honesy is the most important attribute a film like this can possess. I am glad to say that I believe "Cranes" is very honest. However, there are other things that distract from what is important here: the telling of the story. The idea behind the cranes analogy is too contrived and not very well explained. Furthermore, it is very unneccessay. It seems as if the director/screenwriter did not have enough belief that the story could stand on it's own, which is a shame. This is a film that should be seen; had the director been able to prioritize and illiminate the need for intellectual filler it would be one to own as well. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A riveting screenplay
This certainly deserved to go on the "big screen". Everyone outdid themselves, especially near the end.

anne bancroft in a stellar performance
One of the more mature neil simon scripts, this should have made it to the big sceen. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

In my top ten . . .
Despite my best instincts to the contrary, this movie remains among my top ten favorite (notice, not BEST - there's a difference) movie of all time.

There is something about this movie that simply appeals to me. Being in the military and working as the Executive Officer of a Basic Training Battery, I definitely recognize the witt and toughness of Drill Sergeant Merwyn J. Toomey (actually, I kind of wish we were allowed to be more like him today - it would produce better soldiers). But the appeal of this film goes far beyond recognition of the brilliance of Christopher Walken's performance as the DS.

Above all the dialog in the movie is crisp and funny, without an element of raunch or being to sarcastic. There are feelings of genuine nostalgia and sweetness about the picture which are hard to describe, but definitely noticeable. They are in the scene in which Broderick's character meets Daisy for the first time, they permeates the scene in which Eugene loses his virginity and they even appear at the end of the film, where the soldiers of the company learn DS Toomey is leaving.

The performances of all the principles are nothing short of fantastic. Broderick is perfect as Jerome, Walken is great as DS Toomey, and Penelope Anne Miller - wow.

The last think about this film that makes it stand out is the music. There is a slow rendition of "How High the Moon" which makes its appearance at the beginning, at the end and in the scene at the USO where Jerome meets Daisy. This version of the song, which is normally done at a jazzy trot, is wonderful, almost hypnotic. For this song alone, the soundtrack is worth exploring.

Book or movie, take your pick; both are stellar
Neil Simon's 'Eugene Morris Jerome' plays never fail to make me laugh no matter how many times I see/read them. He's got his finger on the pulse of true comedy, and it's treatment in this film is quite worthy.

Although the whole cast is great, Matthew Broderick does a fine job portraying Eugene; just the right amount of incredulousness and irreverence to do the character justice. But he also carries the few bits of drama without many problems, so for any actor to handle comedy and drama with such flair is commendable.

Christopher Walken as the sadistic Sgt. Toomey steals the show, however, proving he's not just a bad guy in films... he's also a very FUNNY bad guy, with unerring comedic timing, that unfortunately doesn't get shown often enough.

The one-liners continue..
The "next" installment in the life of Eugene Morris Jerome is FINALLY here. The native New Yorker, Eugene is shipped out to boot camp during WWII and winds up deep in the South - Biloxi, Mississippi. His writer's "instict" kicks into full throttle as he negociates his way through all the physical and mental challenges boot camp offers. Far away from his hysterical family in Brighton Beach...Eugene is surrounded with an equally
dys-FUN-ctional crew of fellow privates. Neil Simon's clever dialogue and Matthew Broderick's phenomenal performance make this movie a great follow up to Brighton Beach Memoirs!

...It's like Africa hot
I am thrilled to see this DVD is finally going to be made available. In college I my theater troupe pulled off "Biloxi Blues,"

I went to see Christopher Walken perform in a broadway production of "James Joyce the dead" a few years ago, and low and behold, bumped into Matthew Broderick and his wife. Not only were the two of them in the film production of Biloxi Blues together, but had performed the play together on Broadway as well.

This was about 5 years ago, and I was thrilled to see the two of them were still friends. Great movie, fantastic play.

Well its about time :)
everytime I get on Amazon I always check to see if this was available, now I am very pleased that it is soon to be released, thanks to the powers that be, ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Low budget but is so intense!
I have to agree with Tony Lewis about the Dr's. blase way of saying "I'm sorry your daughter died". The other scene that stuck with me was When lacy informed christy cromwell that Paul fox got beaten up by the burgular", and that he will be back to kill her and her mother in about two hours. I have been watching this movie since i was fourteen, and am now thirty. My husband thinks i'm odd for watching this for 16 years! What a great movie!

Chelsea Johnson
Fairbanks, Alaska

One Of Best Films Of The 80's
I been watching this movie since i was little. It's still a good movie. It's has alot of suspense and also a mind blowing ending. A Must See.

Bad movie. Great fun watching.
The one scene from this movie that sticks out for me, is when Christie's friend gets hit by the car. The doctor comes out from surgery and curtly says..."I'm sorry, your daughter is dead."

Damn, no compassion. No tact. No sympathy.

Hilarious!!!

Scream for Help!!
Recently I watched this movie. The last time I seen it I believe I was fourteen years old. It was good then, and I still think it's good now. The movie is about a girl named Christy whom feels that her stepfather is trying to murder her mother, but nobody will believe her, especially her mother. This movie becomes very suspenseful with a scary ending.

Completely entertaining for ALL the wrong reasons.
This is easily one of the worst films ever made. When the sole rave review on the box is from the director of the movie ("SCREAM FOR HELP is one of the most terrifying scripts I've ever read."), you know what you're getting into. The best acting on display is one-dimensional (though most actors within are just coasting through, saying lines). As mentioned in other reviews, John Paul Jones' score is incredibly bombastic and over-the-top (though the closing theme, with cotton candy vocals by Yes' Jon Anderson, truly does inflict the killing blow). This movie has more laughs than many comedies. So many weird little details pop up on screen (our bosomy heroine wearing a t-shirt that proudly declares MUFFS, the way the school principal swings back and forth on his office chair, etc.) that you wonder if ANYONE directed this thing. You wonder what the set must have been like making this film and your mind reels.

I've returned to this film a number of times, thinking it can't be as weird as I remember it. And it never fails to show me something new every time. This is a very special motion picture. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Unforgettable and Humbling
In his first out of drag role, Rupaul is fabulous. He immediately captures the audience with his sincerity and wit. This is a must see for all families dealing with AIDS and for anyone else who wants to see the world in a different light.

I like this movie because it is very sad.
I liked the whole thing. So I really can't say which parts I like best ... Read more

Reviews (19)

This One Will Stay In My Collection
The reason I got into this business of buying and selling DVD movies is simply to try to get rid of ones that I have seen. Everybody knows there's a lot of crap out there but I just love watching movies. So this morning after seeing my wife off to work, even after just less than three hours of sleep, I thought I'd slumber myself back to sleep with a movie. For that purpose, I picked up the wrong one.

I won't get into the story of this movie, you get that in the other reviews here. This, BTW, is my first ever movie review.

"White Palace" is as close to a perfect movie as one can get. How can it not be? I never was into the drama/love story genre; but this movie has the right balance between the lead characters, the story and the setting, the supporting cast, the music, and with the awesome partnership of James Spader and Susan Sarandon, got me stuck watching it and making me love Susan Sarandon more than before!

I've always liked Susan Sarandon more than James Spader in the movies they have separately made; but now that I've seen him in this move, I just had to find out more of his other movies. Now, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on "Storyville" and "Dream Lover".

Great job, Director Luis Mandoki! Now let me check your other work...

A Timeless Movie!
White Palace" is truly one of the most enjoyable movies I have ever seen. It is timeless because no matter how many times you see it, you want to keep coming back for more!
I am also a native of St. Louis, Mo. and it was incredible to see so many familiar sites that were in the film etc. his apt.- the outside building is in Clayton and the actual apt. is Lee Redell's, a famous restauranteur who gratiously lent it for the movie or Rachael and Neal's house- I drive past it almost daily!
James Spader has become my favorite actor. I think it is so neat that he never graduated from high school let alone college and look what he has accomplished! He has a presence and a chemistry that is electrifying. He and Susan Sarandon were fantastic as lovers. The movie is very believable even though it is unusual for a woman 15 years older and from a completely different background economically and educationally to have an affair with such a younger man. You want to believe that it can work out.
All in all this is a movie that will never grow old.

A good, solid love story with great performances...
I found this film to be a very moving and touching love story. The chemistry between the two lead characters is fantastic and holds the attention of the viewer. I am a big fan of James Spader and he does a fantastic job in this film, even though I prefer his more recent movies. This is a good film to check out if you are a fan of either Spader or Sarandon.

Sarandon and Spader Sizzle....DVD Fizzles...
This review refers to the DVD edition(Goodtimes Video) of "White Palace".....

There couldn't be two people at more opposite ends of the poles than Nora Baker and Max Baron. He's a 27 year old upwardly mobile executive,obsessive and compulsive, he's neat as a pin, and Jewish. She's 43, is in the "food preparation business"(serves up greasy hamburgers) ,lives in the low rent district, in a house that doesn't get cleaned and has never even met anyone Jewish. They meet twice by happenstance and although it seems all they really have in common is that they are both from St.Louis, they discover they are really not all together different.

Max is grieving for his young and beautiful wife, and Nora her child. And although they handle their grief in very different ways, they take solace in each others arms. Their whirlwind affair, brings a renewed spirit to each of them, but when the relationship steps up to a new level, they wonder how they will fit into each other's world.

It's a believable, beautiful, and at times a funny love story.Susan Sarandon lights up the screen with her portrayal of the fiesty Nora. Spader shines in a role that seems to be made for him. Other notables in the cast include Jason Alexander,Eileen Brennan, and Kathy Bates.

The DVD could have a better transfer. Although there's nothing that will impair your viewing, it didn't seem as sharp and clear as it could be.The sound in Dolby Dig surround was very good, but the film has been "Formatted from it's original version to fit your screen"(pan and scan), and I didn't see a widescreen edition available, so we don't have a choice of how we would like to view it. There are however captions in English and subtitiles in Spanish and French and may be viewed in those languages as well.There are no other special features included.

The film is rated R and even that is pushing the envelope somewhat. The loves scenes are very steamy(this one is definately not for the kiddies), but you'll also find a beautiful story of fate stepping in and lending a hand. A romantic film that is worth the view in any format.

Thanks and enjoy.....Laurie

Wonderful Teaming of Actors
I just saw the edited version of "White Palace" and I remember how much I enjoyed the uncut version, with its gritty realism. Please note the description above says "starring Luis Mandoki," when he's the director! The star is the vastly underutilized James Spader who I just saw in a strange movie called "Secretary." Here he's in love with the older Susan Sarandon and it's magic. I also read the book, whick is quite different from the movie, but they're both quite enjoyable. Pop the popcorn and enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Glenn Savan's depressing and self-loathing novel about a 27-year-old upper-class Jewish widower mired in self-pity after his beloved wife dies, and who finds love and sexual rebirth with a trailer-trash older woman, was brought to the big screen by the competent director Luis Mandoki (When a Man Loves a Woman, Message in a Bottle). But the savage irony in Savan's book has been face-lifted by screenwriters Ted Tally (The Silence of the Lambs) and Alvin Sargent (Ordinary People) into something else entirely: what passes for low-rent "slumming" in Hollywood means hiring sexy Susan Sarandon to play Nora Baker, the poor, uneducated 43-year-old waitress in a White Palace burger joint who strikes up an unlikely relationship with sad Max Baron (James Spader). Widower Max attends a bachelor party for best pal Neil (Jason Alexander) and discovers that the local White Palace has stiffed the boys a whopping six burgers. Max barges into the joint, bent on getting his money back, and meets a testy Nora, who is bemused at the young man's insolence. While driving home, Max stops abruptly at a bar for a drink. Inside, Nora is nursing a vodka and takes a shine to the tuxedo-clad, handsome, and morose younger man. He gives her a lift, she seduces him, and the rest of the movie examines how two such opposites in manners and morals can find happiness. The only common bond they have is great sex and a private tragedy. White Palace nudges at the dark journey and the smashing of illusion that was at the heart of the novel, but there is still a fairy-tale element to the film that negates the earthy essence that distinguished the book. In Mandoki's vision, White Palace is about overcoming class, family, and outside opinion to find true love. In Savan's book, Max wastes into decline while Nora ultimately thrives in the quest for truth, redemption, and self-forgiveness. She becomes his salvation only after he stops hating himself. But mainstream Hollywood shuns making "protagonists" so mad, bad, or sad, and as such, too much glitter is tossed on Spader, while Sarandon, as usual, is the only one who seems to embody and understand her character's angst. She deserved her Oscar for Nora, not the nun in Dead Man Walking. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (19)

This One Will Stay In My Collection
The reason I got into this business of buying and selling DVD movies is simply to try to get rid of ones that I have seen. Everybody knows there's a lot of crap out there but I just love watching movies. So this morning after seeing my wife off to work, even after just less than three hours of sleep, I thought I'd slumber myself back to sleep with a movie. For that purpose, I picked up the wrong one.

I won't get into the story of this movie, you get that in the other reviews here. This, BTW, is my first ever movie review.

"White Palace" is as close to a perfect movie as one can get. How can it not be? I never was into the drama/love story genre; but this movie has the right balance between the lead characters, the story and the setting, the supporting cast, the music, and with the awesome partnership of James Spader and Susan Sarandon, got me stuck watching it and making me love Susan Sarandon more than before!

I've always liked Susan Sarandon more than James Spader in the movies they have separately made; but now that I've seen him in this move, I just had to find out more of his other movies. Now, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on "Storyville" and "Dream Lover".

Great job, Director Luis Mandoki! Now let me check your other work...

A Timeless Movie!
White Palace" is truly one of the most enjoyable movies I have ever seen. It is timeless because no matter how many times you see it, you want to keep coming back for more!
I am also a native of St. Louis, Mo. and it was incredible to see so many familiar sites that were in the film etc. his apt.- the outside building is in Clayton and the actual apt. is Lee Redell's, a famous restauranteur who gratiously lent it for the movie or Rachael and Neal's house- I drive past it almost daily!
James Spader has become my favorite actor. I think it is so neat that he never graduated from high school let alone college and look what he has accomplished! He has a presence and a chemistry that is electrifying. He and Susan Sarandon were fantastic as lovers. The movie is very believable even though it is unusual for a woman 15 years older and from a completely different background economically and educationally to have an affair with such a younger man. You want to believe that it can work out.
All in all this is a movie that will never grow old.

A good, solid love story with great performances...
I found this film to be a very moving and touching love story. The chemistry between the two lead characters is fantastic and holds the attention of the viewer. I am a big fan of James Spader and he does a fantastic job in this film, even though I prefer his more recent movies. This is a good film to check out if you are a fan of either Spader or Sarandon.

Sarandon and Spader Sizzle....DVD Fizzles...
This review refers to the DVD edition(Goodtimes Video) of "White Palace".....

There couldn't be two people at more opposite ends of the poles than Nora Baker and Max Baron. He's a 27 year old upwardly mobile executive,obsessive and compulsive, he's neat as a pin, and Jewish. She's 43, is in the "food preparation business"(serves up greasy hamburgers) ,lives in the low rent district, in a house that doesn't get cleaned and has never even met anyone Jewish. They meet twice by happenstance and although it seems all they really have in common is that they are both from St.Louis, they discover they are really not all together different.

Max is grieving for his young and beautiful wife, and Nora her child. And although they handle their grief in very different ways, they take solace in each others arms. Their whirlwind affair, brings a renewed spirit to each of them, but when the relationship steps up to a new level, they wonder how they will fit into each other's world.

It's a believable, beautiful, and at times a funny love story.Susan Sarandon lights up the screen with her portrayal of the fiesty Nora. Spader shines in a role that seems to be made for him. Other notables in the cast include Jason Alexander,Eileen Brennan, and Kathy Bates.

The DVD could have a better transfer. Although there's nothing that will impair your viewing, it didn't seem as sharp and clear as it could be.The sound in Dolby Dig surround was very good, but the film has been "Formatted from it's original version to fit your screen"(pan and scan), and I didn't see a widescreen edition available, so we don't have a choice of how we would like to view it. There are however captions in English and subtitiles in Spanish and French and may be viewed in those languages as well.There are no other special features included.

The film is rated R and even that is pushing the envelope somewhat. The loves scenes are very steamy(this one is definately not for the kiddies), but you'll also find a beautiful story of fate stepping in and lending a hand. A romantic film that is worth the view in any format.

Thanks and enjoy.....Laurie

Wonderful Teaming of Actors
I just saw the edited version of "White Palace" and I remember how much I enjoyed the uncut version, with its gritty realism. Please note the description above says "starring Luis Mandoki," when he's the director! The star is the vastly underutilized James Spader who I just saw in a strange movie called "Secretary." Here he's in love with the older Susan Sarandon and it's magic. I also read the book, whick is quite different from the movie, but they're both quite enjoyable. Pop the popcorn and enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

t.hooper(tex.chainsaw mass.)perkins(psycho)m.amick(tw.peeks)
this is one of those haunted things favorite's of mine!i allways liked hauted :dolls,washing machines,refrigerators,vcrs,pc:s and other urban curses!(twisted , me?yes 100% !)a little ,plain story about a hauted :cloth!this time !(what next?)the professor gets an ancient indian mummy in a sarcafagus and from there the red cloth starts its "journey".several people wear the cloth ,ending up totally changed,type:kind to homicidal,shy to sexual beast and so on .legendary perkins co-stars along a young madchen amick.but tobe hooper does not take this in to any fantastic "outer limits".just to an plain good vs evil story.but hooper has his trademark inputs here and there.(not quite showing if he means this for "real" or not)! a movie you can watch with your girl friend shearing a quiet friday night .among other movies this is just a 2 star movie ,but among its kind - a clear 3 star low budget amusement.there is actually never any scary moments or remarkable plot twists.but not totally hopeless.the actual reason for purchasing this movie was mädchen amick,-i have weak spot for her...but do'nt tell my girl friend ! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Sophia Loren, Hector Elizondo, Billy Dee Williams...
The real life story of a woman (Sophia Loren) who risks her life by taking part in an undercover operation. Her son's life is being destroyed by his dependency on drugs. With the help of drug agent (Billy Dee Williams), they start a battle against the cruel world of cocaine & heroin.
Originally shown as a mini-series. Approximately 133 minutes. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Hypnotizing family drama
I was alternately surprised, impressed, and repelled by this film. This is not actually a gay love story, but the story of a family, and how they deal with (and not deal with) the truth. Both the father and the son are gay, and the mother, Rose (Eileen Atkins), lives in denial for years, until her son, Philip (Angus Macfadyen), bravely tears the walls down.

Rose is sharp as a tack, but so tightly controlled, she doesn't allow the truth to sink in. Not much goes over her head, but when the information doesn't fit into her plans, she simply ignores it. When she finally faces the reality of her marriage, it falls apart.

Owen (Brian Cox) is the father-- his whole life, he has lived a lie. His character is weak and not very bright, but he means well. He does his duty in caring for his family, and it's clear he genuinely loves them. Unfortunately, he's the most childlike in the family--he reacts, rather than initiates, and he remains childlike till the end.

Philip is the catalyst in the family--he brings the secrets out in the open. His character shows a lot of wisdom and initiative, both in his family and love relationships. This was Angus Macfadyen's first major film, although it was originally a BBC production. He is young, lean and amazingly sensitive in his performance. He is so good in this role, I was convinced he is gay.

The writers of the film (David Leavitt, Sean Mathias) suggest that homosexuality is the result of both environment and genetics. Elliot, Philip's lover, is the adopted son of two gay men. Philip is the biological son of a man who is gay. Elliot's housemate, a social worker, reveals that a child's life is shaped by his environment after he is neglected and left alone--he begins to imitate a crane, the only stimulation he has. Another case is revealed, of two twins who have their own secret language. It's a fascinating subject to speculate on if you like to figure out what makes people tick (I do).

The acting all around is phenomenal. The director too (Nigel Finch), did a wonderful job. So much is said with looks and gestures, volumes are communicated with eyes alone. Nothing was glossed over in this film--each character has his/her own strengths and weakness, both gay and straight. How refreshing, especially in a film about intimacy.

The music is also good. The whole atmosphere is one of loneliness and desperation, and it's fascinating to watch, from an American perspective, because we just don't make movies like that. Our films are usually much more glamorized or dramatized, so this film was especially magnetic to me.

Well-acted tale of a family eroding from long-kept secrets
This film is based on David Leavitt's book of the same name, which takes place entirely in New York City. When the film version was made, with Leavitt's blessing, the scene is switched entirely to London. However, the core lesson of the film, about deep-seeded family secrets and how they erode the facade of a middle class family, stays in tact.

Brian Cox and Eileen Atkins, two of Britain's best character actors, are incredibly good as the parents, Owen and Rose Benjamin. Owen is an Academic, and Rose is a Book Editor. The irony of Rose being in a profession where she needs an eye for detail is not lost as it contrasts to her own life. She has somehow managed to overlook that her husband is a closeted homosexual. In their generation, if a man felt or knew he was gay, he married, procreated, and carried on with life in most cases. The Benjamin's marriage could be like most long-term marriages without passion. Rose has had her affairs, mainly for the physical love she is missing from her husband. Owen wants desperately to explore the side of his life he has been repressing, but, so far, spends a good amount of his free time roaming gay cinemas.

Adding to all of this is that their son, Phillip, a handsome book editor, very well-played by Angus MacFayden, is also gay. He is out to his friends, but not to his parents. He is madly in love with an American graphic artist, Elliott, played by Corey Parker. Phillip's belief that he has found the love of his life leads him to finally come out to his parents. But, he has no idea of the can of worms he has opened in the life and marriage of his parents. Rose would have been content to keep secrets indefinitely. However, Owen's son's admission opens the floodgates and propels Owen toward his new life.

The film is still fairly faithful to the book, which I also recommend very highly. The acting is top-notch, as often seems the case in British-made films. The story is engrossing in its brevity, and strong in its lessons of honesty, betrayal, and the ultimate destruction of long-held secrets.

Painfully Bitter
With a sharp story, tremendous irony, brilliantly low key performances, and elegant direction and cinematography, THE LOST LANGUAGE OF CRANES received tremendous acclaim when it debuted in 1992; a decade later it has lost but little of its original punch.

Based on the notable novel by David Leavitt, CRANES offers the story of Philip (Angus Macfayden), an attractive young Englishman who has fallen in love with the wealthy and manipulative American Elliot (Corey Parker)--and on the basis of that love decides to inform his parents that he is gay. But Philip's announce precipitates a crisis that he cannot imagine: his own father Owen (Brian Cox) is homosexual, a secret he has concealed from wife Rose (Eileen Atkins) since their marriage. At the same time, Philip discovers the foundation of his love with Philip is considerably less stable than he thought, and suddenly all concerned in the story find their lives built on shifting sand.

The performances are what make the film work, and while Mcfayden and Cox have the showier roles (and are excellent in them), it is really actress Eileen Atkins who emerges as the powerhouse performer in the complex role of a woman who has deliberately lived in denial--and who must now respond to a double-whammy that undercuts the very foundation of her existence. Carefully controlled, Atkins delivers a flawless performance with incredible weight and realism.

The flaw in the film is the script, which tends toward a certain clinical, slightly artificial awkwardness from time to time, and although the film offers many interesting visual metaphors, it ties them so loosely to the overall story that it is often difficult to know to what these metaphors refer. Even so, THE LOST LANGUAGE OF CRANES offers a powerhouse punch in its message of the need for honesty lest one be trapped into a way of living that slowly and but inextricably destroys the opportunities of youth--and leaves one with the bitter realization that the effort of keeping the lie alive has left one with little more than the lie itself. Powerful stuff; recommended.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

A bit dark but good
A whole lifetime comes crashing down when the son in this story reveals he is gay. This prompts the father, living a lie for as long as he can remember to reveal his own homosexuality to his family. The wife, although made to look a bit badly in the film was the most sypathetic character to me in the movie. She feels like her entire life was a lie her husband made up to hide. A strong sub-plot with the son dating a bit of a player who just wants to drift off gives the movie a sense of unease. I definetly recomend this and then after you might want to watch "Broken Hearts Club" to cheer yourself up.

Distracted Spine
I think that honesy is the most important attribute a film like this can possess. I am glad to say that I believe "Cranes" is very honest. However, there are other things that distract from what is important here: the telling of the story. The idea behind the cranes analogy is too contrived and not very well explained. Furthermore, it is very unneccessay. It seems as if the director/screenwriter did not have enough belief that the story could stand on it's own, which is a shame. This is a film that should be seen; had the director been able to prioritize and illiminate the need for intellectual filler it would be one to own as well. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

This One Will Stay In My Collection
The reason I got into this business of buying and selling DVD movies is simply to try to get rid of ones that I have seen. Everybody knows there's a lot of crap out there but I just love watching movies. So this morning after seeing my wife off to work, even after just less than three hours of sleep, I thought I'd slumber myself back to sleep with a movie. For that purpose, I picked up the wrong one.

I won't get into the story of this movie, you get that in the other reviews here. This, BTW, is my first ever movie review.

"White Palace" is as close to a perfect movie as one can get. How can it not be? I never was into the drama/love story genre; but this movie has the right balance between the lead characters, the story and the setting, the supporting cast, the music, and with the awesome partnership of James Spader and Susan Sarandon, got me stuck watching it and making me love Susan Sarandon more than before!

I've always liked Susan Sarandon more than James Spader in the movies they have separately made; but now that I've seen him in this move, I just had to find out more of his other movies. Now, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on "Storyville" and "Dream Lover".

Great job, Director Luis Mandoki! Now let me check your other work...

A Timeless Movie!
White Palace" is truly one of the most enjoyable movies I have ever seen. It is timeless because no matter how many times you see it, you want to keep coming back for more!
I am also a native of St. Louis, Mo. and it was incredible to see so many familiar sites that were in the film etc. his apt.- the outside building is in Clayton and the actual apt. is Lee Redell's, a famous restauranteur who gratiously lent it for the movie or Rachael and Neal's house- I drive past it almost daily!
James Spader has become my favorite actor. I think it is so neat that he never graduated from high school let alone college and look what he has accomplished! He has a presence and a chemistry that is electrifying. He and Susan Sarandon were fantastic as lovers. The movie is very believable even though it is unusual for a woman 15 years older and from a completely different background economically and educationally to have an affair with such a younger man. You want to believe that it can work out.
All in all this is a movie that will never grow old.

A good, solid love story with great performances...
I found this film to be a very moving and touching love story. The chemistry between the two lead characters is fantastic and holds the attention of the viewer. I am a big fan of James Spader and he does a fantastic job in this film, even though I prefer his more recent movies. This is a good film to check out if you are a fan of either Spader or Sarandon.

Sarandon and Spader Sizzle....DVD Fizzles...
This review refers to the DVD edition(Goodtimes Video) of "White Palace".....

There couldn't be two people at more opposite ends of the poles than Nora Baker and Max Baron. He's a 27 year old upwardly mobile executive,obsessive and compulsive, he's neat as a pin, and Jewish. She's 43, is in the "food preparation business"(serves up greasy hamburgers) ,lives in the low rent district, in a house that doesn't get cleaned and has never even met anyone Jewish. They meet twice by happenstance and although it seems all they really have in common is that they are both from St.Louis, they discover they are really not all together different.

Max is grieving for his young and beautiful wife, and Nora her child. And although they handle their grief in very different ways, they take solace in each others arms. Their whirlwind affair, brings a renewed spirit to each of them, but when the relationship steps up to a new level, they wonder how they will fit into each other's world.

It's a believable, beautiful, and at times a funny love story.Susan Sarandon lights up the screen with her portrayal of the fiesty Nora. Spader shines in a role that seems to be made for him. Other notables in the cast include Jason Alexander,Eileen Brennan, and Kathy Bates.

The DVD could have a better transfer. Although there's nothing that will impair your viewing, it didn't seem as sharp and clear as it could be.The sound in Dolby Dig surround was very good, but the film has been "Formatted from it's original version to fit your screen"(pan and scan), and I didn't see a widescreen edition available, so we don't have a choice of how we would like to view it. There are however captions in English and subtitiles in Spanish and French and may be viewed in those languages as well.There are no other special features included.

The film is rated R and even that is pushing the envelope somewhat. The loves scenes are very steamy(this one is definately not for the kiddies), but you'll also find a beautiful story of fate stepping in and lending a hand. A romantic film that is worth the view in any format.

Thanks and enjoy.....Laurie

Wonderful Teaming of Actors
I just saw the edited version of "White Palace" and I remember how much I enjoyed the uncut version, with its gritty realism. Please note the description above says "starring Luis Mandoki," when he's the director! The star is the vastly underutilized James Spader who I just saw in a strange movie called "Secretary." Here he's in love with the older Susan Sarandon and it's magic. I also read the book, whick is quite different from the movie, but they're both quite enjoyable. Pop the popcorn and enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Part 2 of Neil Simon's semiautobiographical theater trilogy about his growth from adolescence into adulthood, this film was a vast improvement over the film version of Brighton Beach Memoirs. Directed by Mike Nichols and starring Broadway star Matthew Broderick as Simon's stand-in, Eugene Jerome, the story follows him from the nest of Brooklyn to army basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, where he gets his introduction to the world beyond Coney Island. He encounters, among other things, racism, a drill sergeant who seems to be a nutcase (a hilarious Christopher Walken), and his introduction to paying sex (Broderick is particularly funny in this scene with Park Overall). Extremely entertaining mainstream fare done in a high-quality fashion. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (18)

In my top ten . . .
Despite my best instincts to the contrary, this movie remains among my top ten favorite (notice, not BEST - there's a difference) movie of all time.

There is something about this movie that simply appeals to me. Being in the military and working as the Executive Officer of a Basic Training Battery, I definitely recognize the witt and toughness of Drill Sergeant Merwyn J. Toomey (actually, I kind of wish we were allowed to be more like him today - it would produce better soldiers). But the appeal of this film goes far beyond recognition of the brilliance of Christopher Walken's performance as the DS.

Above all the dialog in the movie is crisp and funny, without an element of raunch or being to sarcastic. There are feelings of genuine nostalgia and sweetness about the picture which are hard to describe, but definitely noticeable. They are in the scene in which Broderick's character meets Daisy for the first time, they permeates the scene in which Eugene loses his virginity and they even appear at the end of the film, where the soldiers of the company learn DS Toomey is leaving.

The performances of all the principles are nothing short of fantastic. Broderick is perfect as Jerome, Walken is great as DS Toomey, and Penelope Anne Miller - wow.

The last think about this film that makes it stand out is the music. There is a slow rendition of "How High the Moon" which makes its appearance at the beginning, at the end and in the scene at the USO where Jerome meets Daisy. This version of the song, which is normally done at a jazzy trot, is wonderful, almost hypnotic. For this song alone, the soundtrack is worth exploring.

Book or movie, take your pick; both are stellar
Neil Simon's 'Eugene Morris Jerome' plays never fail to make me laugh no matter how many times I see/read them. He's got his finger on the pulse of true comedy, and it's treatment in this film is quite worthy.

Although the whole cast is great, Matthew Broderick does a fine job portraying Eugene; just the right amount of incredulousness and irreverence to do the character justice. But he also carries the few bits of drama without many problems, so for any actor to handle comedy and drama with such flair is commendable.

Christopher Walken as the sadistic Sgt. Toomey steals the show, however, proving he's not just a bad guy in films... he's also a very FUNNY bad guy, with unerring comedic timing, that unfortunately doesn't get shown often enough.

The one-liners continue..
The "next" installment in the life of Eugene Morris Jerome is FINALLY here. The native New Yorker, Eugene is shipped out to boot camp during WWII and winds up deep in the South - Biloxi, Mississippi. His writer's "instict" kicks into full throttle as he negociates his way through all the physical and mental challenges boot camp offers. Far away from his hysterical family in Brighton Beach...Eugene is surrounded with an equally
dys-FUN-ctional crew of fellow privates. Neil Simon's clever dialogue and Matthew Broderick's phenomenal performance make this movie a great follow up to Brighton Beach Memoirs!

...It's like Africa hot
I am thrilled to see this DVD is finally going to be made available. In college I my theater troupe pulled off "Biloxi Blues,"

I went to see Christopher Walken perform in a broadway production of "James Joyce the dead" a few years ago, and low and behold, bumped into Matthew Broderick and his wife. Not only were the two of them in the film production of Biloxi Blues together, but had performed the play together on Broadway as well.

This was about 5 years ago, and I was thrilled to see the two of them were still friends. Great movie, fantastic play.

Well its about time :)
everytime I get on Amazon I always check to see if this was available, now I am very pleased that it is soon to be released, thanks to the powers that be, ... Read more

Amazon.com

This diverting (if very unrealistic) comedy focuses on the exploits of charmingly naive Marlon Browne (Corey Parker), a well-meaning but scholastically average high school student intent upon attending the same college as the girl of his dreams, his classmate Jessica Kailo (a young, perky Lara Flynn Boyle). To Marlon, Jessica seemingly has it all: looks, intelligence, and sophistication.His dilemma is that she is a far brighter student whose main choice, Ramsey College, seems hopelessly out of his reach, so the awkward but determined Marlon endeavors to get accepted there. But little does Marlon know that Jessica is also struggling with tremendous pressures of her own.Director Savage Steve Holland (Better Off Dead) exaggerates many sequences--including the college fair, college interview, and college acceptance scenes--to humorously portray the traumatic adolescent experience of applying to college.Taken as an '80s pop-culture time capsule, and disregarding its blatantly two-dimensional characterizations, How I Got Into College is fluffy fun;there is a genuine chemistry between Parker and Boyle.However, one has to wonder why the filmmakers are making the bizarre statement that it's ideal for Marlon to plan for this potential adolescent romance without any regard for his future. Among the film's notable cast appearances, Anthony Edwards (E.R.) plays Marlon's supportive and sympathetic liaison at Ramsey College, while Nora Dunn and Phil Hartman make goofy cameos as SAT/college-prep counselors who bilk students out of money by offering them transparent advice. --Bryan Reesman ... Read more

Reviews (5)

How I Got Into College
I have this movie on VHS and I am so excited that it is being released on DVD.
It's not a brilliant film but one that openly makes you laugh.
Anthony Edwards is fantastic as a college recruiter, he is one of the best parts of this movie.
This movie is so true to form for those have had struggles getting into the college of their dreams.
Lara Flynn Boyle is cute as the popular All-American coed and actually looks normal compared to her anorexic self these days.
I suggest that anyone who has a clue about the college admissions process see this movie if only to remember that time in their lives or to prepare for the process in their future.
There are also a few others who have bit parts that are great to watch including the late Phil Hartman who is always good for a few laughs.

A Real Hoot!
This movie is one of my all time favorites. I show it every year during our state testing to help relieve test anxiety. Great for Junior High and High School kids.

SPORADICALLY FUNNY TEEN PIC
IF YOURE A SIMPSONS FAN ITS WORTH SEEING THIS FILM JUST TO SEE THE LATE PHIL HARTMAN (RIP) MORE OR LESS BRING TROY MCLURE TO LIFE,ALSO THE LEAD COMES ACROSS QUITE ADAM SANDLERISH, UNFORTUNATLEY YOU CAN TELL THIS FILM HAS AGED QUITE A BIT THOUGH.

This is a "classic" when it comes to high school movies
I rank this one up there with "The Breakfast Club". It is great to see your classic "prom queen/valadictorian" from high school become humbled when she begins applying to college. All of a sudden, she isn't the big fish in the sea anymore. You cheer for Marlon, an average non-descript student, in the end...but I won't spoil it for anyone. This is a must-have!!

Our family thoroughly enjoyed this spook on getting into col
This is a "B" movie, but one we have enjoyed over and over. It is human and real. The dream sequences relative to the unique SAT/ACT type questions are alone worth a look for any family who's near sending a child to college. This is a goofy movie, but one to see again and again, especially with your kids if you enjoy a fun, close relationship. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

In my top ten . . .
Despite my best instincts to the contrary, this movie remains among my top ten favorite (notice, not BEST - there's a difference) movie of all time.

There is something about this movie that simply appeals to me. Being in the military and working as the Executive Officer of a Basic Training Battery, I definitely recognize the witt and toughness of Drill Sergeant Merwyn J. Toomey (actually, I kind of wish we were allowed to be more like him today - it would produce better soldiers). But the appeal of this film goes far beyond recognition of the brilliance of Christopher Walken's performance as the DS.

Above all the dialog in the movie is crisp and funny, without an element of raunch or being to sarcastic. There are feelings of genuine nostalgia and sweetness about the picture which are hard to describe, but definitely noticeable. They are in the scene in which Broderick's character meets Daisy for the first time, they permeates the scene in which Eugene loses his virginity and they even appear at the end of the film, where the soldiers of the company learn DS Toomey is leaving.

The performances of all the principles are nothing short of fantastic. Broderick is perfect as Jerome, Walken is great as DS Toomey, and Penelope Anne Miller - wow.

The last think about this film that makes it stand out is the music. There is a slow rendition of "How High the Moon" which makes its appearance at the beginning, at the end and in the scene at the USO where Jerome meets Daisy. This version of the song, which is normally done at a jazzy trot, is wonderful, almost hypnotic. For this song alone, the soundtrack is worth exploring.

Book or movie, take your pick; both are stellar
Neil Simon's 'Eugene Morris Jerome' plays never fail to make me laugh no matter how many times I see/read them. He's got his finger on the pulse of true comedy, and it's treatment in this film is quite worthy.

Although the whole cast is great, Matthew Broderick does a fine job portraying Eugene; just the right amount of incredulousness and irreverence to do the character justice. But he also carries the few bits of drama without many problems, so for any actor to handle comedy and drama with such flair is commendable.

Christopher Walken as the sadistic Sgt. Toomey steals the show, however, proving he's not just a bad guy in films... he's also a very FUNNY bad guy, with unerring comedic timing, that unfortunately doesn't get shown often enough.

The one-liners continue..
The "next" installment in the life of Eugene Morris Jerome is FINALLY here. The native New Yorker, Eugene is shipped out to boot camp during WWII and winds up deep in the South - Biloxi, Mississippi. His writer's "instict" kicks into full throttle as he negociates his way through all the physical and mental challenges boot camp offers. Far away from his hysterical family in Brighton Beach...Eugene is surrounded with an equally
dys-FUN-ctional crew of fellow privates. Neil Simon's clever dialogue and Matthew Broderick's phenomenal performance make this movie a great follow up to Brighton Beach Memoirs!

...It's like Africa hot
I am thrilled to see this DVD is finally going to be made available. In college I my theater troupe pulled off "Biloxi Blues,"

I went to see Christopher Walken perform in a broadway production of "James Joyce the dead" a few years ago, and low and behold, bumped into Matthew Broderick and his wife. Not only were the two of them in the film production of Biloxi Blues together, but had performed the play together on Broadway as well.

This was about 5 years ago, and I was thrilled to see the two of them were still friends. Great movie, fantastic play.

Well its about time :)
everytime I get on Amazon I always check to see if this was available, now I am very pleased that it is soon to be released, thanks to the powers that be, ... Read more