Reviews (21)

UNFIT FOR FAMILY VIEWING
I was disappointed with the contents of this movie. The story was entertaining but the vulgarity and swearing was uncalled for. I am sure that the Mountain Men's language left little to be desired but I believe that in this movie it was not needed. There were a couple of sexual oriented scenes that made this movie unfit for family viewing. The era of the Mountain Men is a period in our history that we should be proud of and we should be able to share it with our families. It is hard for a parent to want our our kids to expierence the beautiful scenery and adventure of this movie and not be worried about the next scene. I own other movies of the Mountain Men era and this is the first one that I can truly say is not for family viewing.

A Beginning of Accuracy
The Movie "The Mountain Men" was a great beginning in trying to display some form of Accuracy of the way life was during the fur trade era. I would like it remade with actual Indian actors, and with a longer story line. I agree it could have been made without the swearing even though the Mountain Men of old probably had a foul mouth. However, for home entertainment, it's not necessary. The movie is great at this time for anyone's collection, and until it's redone, or another of better quality is released.

"Sit down, flatlander."
Hawken muzzle loaders. Plugs of chewing tobacco the size of your fist. Buffalo robes. Beaver pelts. Jugs of whiskey.

But enough about last night's party.

Director Richard Lang's THE MOUNTAIN MEN is a rough-and-tumble yarn depicting the fur trapping industry's final days in the pristine splendor of the northern Rockies. Even in such a remote region, the demand back East for top hats made of beaver skin resulted in the virtual extinction of the buck-toothed rodents in their mountain habitats; on top of that, silk hats were rapidly becoming the fashion craze, creating even more of a hardship on the gritty mountain men who trapped along countless streams and rivers, searching for what remained of the elusive beaver population.

It was a hard life, predicated on an individual's ability to survive in a harsh environment based on his wits and his bare hands. Interaction with other people was rare--the need to get along with neighboring Indian tribes a must. And infrequently, perhaps once every two or three years, the trappers would unite at a "rendezvous" to trade their pelts for cash and let off a little steam. To say that such a gathering was rowdy and violent is kind of like saying turtles have shells.

Charlton Heston "shines" (a little mountain man lingo, there) as fur trapper Bill Tyler, a quiet man who only wishes to be left alone so he can find that last valley just teeming with beaver. But there's a problem: while fighting off a band of Blackfoot bent on stealing his horses and supplies he attracts the company of a young squaw (Victoria Racimo) who happens to be married to a chief with a very serious attitude (Stephen Macht). Thus Tyler and his new companion are forced to run, and run, and run some more to escape the warrior's wrath.

While Heston is solid in his role, Brian Keith absolutely steals the show as crusty Henry Frapp. Henry, a friend of Tyler's, is a cantankerous, foul-mouthed, fun-loving old coot who vividly breathes life into the mountain man persona. Keith dominates every scene he's in, and he's fun to watch.

Heck, THE MOUNTAIN MEN is fun to watch. The screenplay, incidentally, was written by Heston's son, Fraser, who obviously did his homework concerning this fascinating aspect of the Old West. Grab a plug of tobacco and enjoy.
--D. Mikels

Baudy and Entertaining
This show has a fairly good story line, fine acting and stunning scenery. I saw this show when it was first released and the one aspect of the picture that I think I loved the most is the dialect. This was the first time I ever heard 'Uncle Bill'(Brian Keith)swear! The movie might not be historically accurate, or maybe it is...I don't really know or care. I grew up in Wyoming, and the way Tyler and Frapp carry on as the grumpy, mangy, grizzled old farts that they are just seemed natural to me. The one scene when Tyler happens upon Frapp in the middle of a frozen lake(Tyler has written off Frapp after seeing him 'killed'and subsequently scalped by Indians) and remarks on the scalping "Well, it sure must have smarted some"...Frapp agrees and displays a broad patch missing hair...Take me Bill Tyler..Take me!!! HEH!!!

Very Entertaining and Instructive....for Muzzleoaders
This movie is very entertaining and very instructive for muzzleloading enthusiasts, who participate in shooting and tomahawk throwing contests at annual rendez-vous. It shows several crucial aspects of that rough life of independent, freedom-loving, beaver trappers, or mountain men. This movie may also help to promote the sale of St. Louis Hawken rifles (Heston = Chairman of the NRA) and to raise the interest in a relatively unknown historical era towards the end of the fur trade, between, say, the Lewis and Clark Expedition by the Corps of Discovery in 1803-06 and the Fall of the Alamo in 1836, a simpler historical period, clearly far before the Civil War and its gutwrenching questions raised by the abolition of slavery, and the following unreal "cowboy" wild west fights between ranchers and settlers, as portrayed by John Wayne. The somewhat flat story of this movie "Mountain Men," of "bad indians" versus "good (white male) beaver trappers," partially fighting about an indian squaw, plays out in the Rocky Mountains near the Grand Tetons (Jackson Hole, Wisconsin), just south of the border between Canada and the USA. Some individual special fights and flights are quite well executed, e.g., a jump from a cliff in a foaming river and the portrayal of very old, but still lascivious "Jim Bridger" in his suit of steel at the rendez-vous is priceless. But, don't go to see the movie for the story, but go to see it for the bawdy and rough life style of these free-spirited mountain men, their muzzleloaders and tomahawks and their acoutrements. That life is far less idyllic and Arcadian than the 1837 drawings of Alfred Miller. See it for the spectacular scenery and vistas of the Rocky Mountain. And, of course, see it for Charleston Heston, as a fairly credible 50-year old "Lion in Winter," who, initially reluctantly, but soon convincingly, hooks up with a "trophy wife" in the form of a pretty indian squaw. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Actually quite a good movie.
Okay so it's early Saturday morning, say about 3am. Your flipping through the channels and all that is on are those darn infomercials. Then you strike gold, a good old seventies horror flick. Yup, that about sums my life up, for excitement. In all seriousness, this movie is very good. Scary as hell and pretty grotesque for a PG rated movie. Yes the plot is kinda bleh, but who watches it for it's "save the environent" attempted message. Once you get by all that crap then your down to the "bear" necessities. This is your basic creature feature. Acting comes at a premium, and the characters pull some really idiotic stunts. One such stunt has our few remaining survivors stand, dumb-founded, watching rhe mutant teddy-bear cross the lake. Thinking that it may drowned. Duh??? I think that I would be running like hell. Oh well. The mutant teddy-bear is very cool, kinda cheezy at times, but overall does a good job at making ya jump. Hey, for the seventies the special effects are good. I can understand why the critics would pulverize this movie with negative remarks. Some may say it's cheap and it isn't worth the powder to blow it to hell with. I say otherwise, good for a scare and worth a rent or a latenight looky-see. I would probably stop short from buying it, however.

bear's a wimp- he should've done that to THEIR faces
the title of this message sums it up. All 70's-80's horror flicks suck big time. This bear should have done that to THIER faces he is a bear after all. Grizzly bears(esp mutant ones) can pretty much win every fight and would maim the victim eventually. A human cutting up a bear with a knife and drowning it? c'mon, man! Watch "Grizzly" instead. Yeah it's early 70's feldercarbon, but it is very disturbing to the eye(s).

And Sometimes The Bear Gets You...
Robert Foxworth and Talia Shire are a socially concerned husband and wife, lured to the forests of Maine in order to study the environmental effects of a paper mill. Upon arrival, they find themselves in the middle of a dispute between loggers (led by Richard Dysart) and indians (led by Armand Assante). One evening, Foxworth and Shire are assaulted by a crazed raccoon! Later while fishing, Foxworth sees a duck get swallowed by a five foot long salmon! Does he grab Talia and run back to the plane? Nah, he scratches his head and moves on. Then, he discovers tree roots growing above ground and a twenty pound pollywog! Does THIS force him to reconsider his mission? Nope, he's dead-set on getting to the bottom of this mystery. Foxworth discovers that the paper mill has been pumping mercury into the river for twenty years, causing hideous mutations like the terrifying tadpole and Armand Assante indians. Meanwhile, a dad and his two kids are camping, when suddenly, something huge and ugly attacks! The next thing they know, dad and sis are screaming and junior is flying through the air in his sleeping bag, exploding against a boulder like a down-filled H-bomb! Foxworth, unaware of this, presses on. Talia finds a mutated bearcub in a net and they simply must keep it as evidence. Then, one night while investigating, Foxworth and company are attacked themselves! We finally see the giant, winnie-the-goo, and man is it frightening! Fifteen feet of hairy, drippy, bone-crushing terror! Run away Rob Foxworth! Run away! Too late! The creature is snorting and sniffing it's way through the campsite, looking for it's cub! Oh my! Can our heroes possibly defeat this ecological horror? Watch in wide-eyed wonder! Recommended for fans of fifties mutant movies and the legions of Robert Foxworth followers out there ...

When giant, mutant sausage bears attack!
A medical doctor is sent into the Maine woods to do a scientist's job. Study the environmental impact the local paper mill is having on the land and people. His findings will help settle a violent dispute between the lumberjacks and local native americans regarding ownership of the land. What he uncovers is a monster that chews up more scenery than he does. Director John (The Manchurian Candidate) Frankenheimer crashed and burned with this eco-horror film scripted by David (The Omen) Seltzer. The story is standard b-movie stuff, but the pacing is way too slow and the monsters are not the least bit frightening. Their attacks will cause screams of laughter, not of terror. The only good thing here is that the movie is restored to its widescreen image, which only shows just how poorly Frankenheimer staged the attacks and suspense sequences. Prophecy used to be one of my favorite guilty pleasures and I really wish I could give it a higher rating, but this movie is only for the most devout of monster movie fans.

What¿s that Huffing Sound in the Woods?
I first saw Prophecy as a 10 year old in 1979 and it scared the ** out of me and caused nightmares for a few months. Looking back after seeing it again today, the shambling mutant bear doesn't pack quite the same punch effects wise; but this is still a decent horror flick. The Mambo King plays an Indian and Adrian is the weak pregnant wife along for the ride as a inner-city class conscious doctor attempts to study the environment in Maine and gets wrapped up in a tribal dispute with the local paper mill who has been logging near the village and yes, dumping mercury into the water supply for the last 20 years. This of course has an adverse affect on the flora and fauna, not the least of which is the 12 foot bear that is now chomping down on would be hikers. The exploding sleeping bag w/ feathers floating down is still an image that stays with you, as is the bear slowly sinking across the foggy water trudging towards its victims. The woodland setting is beautiful and Dysart makes a nice company man villain. A nice afternoon time killer. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The Funniest Movie Ever!
Ernest Goes to Camp is one of the funniest films I have ever seen. Jim Varney is one of the funniest comedians ever and along with this film, should go down in comedy classics history. It is certainly worth a look for fans of the genre or the curious, who will no doubt fall in love with Ernest and want to see all the wonderful sequels this movie produced. Ya know what I mean Vern?

Humorous and Touching
Jim Varney does an excellent job with his humorous, yet touching role as Ernest: Camp Counselor. The introduction to this movie is really funny. If you haven't done so already, pay attention to the golf cart! That isn't the last time you'll see it. Ernest's tolerance of the Second Chance boys is touching. I listen to "I'm Glad It's Raining" every now and then to remember this movie. It's really nice to see a movie where everything comes out ok in the end. The war at the mining camp is a riot! Simple little things such as the turtle saying "I'm scared, sarge" adds to the humor. This movie would not be as good if you tried to apply logic to some of the actions or if you dissected the plot. Just enjoy it for the humor & caring!

One Of My Favorite Movies Ever!!! (For Some Sick Reason)
"Ernest Goes To Camp" You just can't say that phrase, and not crack a smile! Jim Varney (Rest In Peace) Is my second favorite actor, next to Jack Nicelson. This is one of my favorite things do do at school:

[Go up to someone and ask:]
Me: "Have you ever seen "Ernest Goes To Camp"?
[They responed either "Uhh... Yes" or "Uhh... No".]
Me: "Oh, well I could get a projector, and show it on my butt."

I guess you had to be there... Anyway. I love this movie. If you love stupid/funny/retarded people doing/saying stupid/funny/retarded things. you'll love this movie!!!

P.S. Jim Varney, We hardly knew ye.

Cinematic Perfection
Why Jim Varney was overlooked for an Oscar for his portrayal of Ernest is a mystery to me. This film is pure comedic genius which rivals that of Charlie Chaplin and Lauryl and Hardy. The premise of the film is simple enough. Ernest longs to be a camp counselor where he works as a maintenance man. The hijinx are a plenty as Ernest takes on a group of tough misfit kids. This heart of gold maintenance man can teach us all a lesson for what's really important in life, being true to who you are and having friends. This film generated a lot of Oscar buzz when it was first released in 1987 and hasn't lost a step over the years.

Going Back to Camp.
ERNEST GOES TO CAMP was the first of the Ernest movies and it was made in the hey-day of Jim Varney's career as Ernest. The movie was made when Varney had a Saturday morning television show and was still making those popular television commercials on a regular basis. The film precedes other ventures in Varney's career, such as his voice work in the TOY STORY films. Next to ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS, ERNEST GOES TO CAMP is the best of all the Ernest movies that were made.

Unlike the other Varney films, Varney sticks to playing Ernest. Ernest works at a summer camp for boys as a maintenance man. He longs to be a camp counselor, but the director feels he isn't qualified. However, when the camp participates in a "Second Chance" program for delinquint boys and no one else seems to be able to handle them, Ernest is given the job of being their counselor. At first the gang finds him annoying and a push-over, but over time they come to respect him and realize all he has done for them. The climax of the movie erupts when a nearby mining company threatens to takeover the camp after duping the Native American chief who owned the land. Ernest won't stand by and see the camp destroyed and with the help from his boys they take on the mining company.

The movie is full of dumb humor that kids are sure to enjoy. I remember laughing hysterically when I originally saw this film in the theatre. My tastes have changed since then, but after watching the movie again on DVD, I still enjoyed it for what it was: a big, dumb movie with an awful lot of heart. The movie is a great family movie because it contains no foul language or sexual innduendo and very little violence. It's also a joy to watch because it illustrates the comic genius of Jim Varney back in his prime. Plus, it has the only film I know of that includes turtle paratroopers. Happy viewing! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Interesting for its footnotes
Footnotes to a movie? I'll expain, but first the review.

Stephen Collins plays an enigmatic research scientist on the verge of finding a way to tap into the energy of passing comets. (This flick came out in 1987, about the time of Halley's last flyby.) Unfortunately, and for reasons not very well spelled out, the research requires that he conduct his research out of the remote Choke Canyon in which he has set up what looks like a smaller version of the supercomputer built by Richard Pryor in the 3rd superman movie. Unfortunately, Choke Canyon isn't remote enough, and Collins must contend with an evil land developer (damn those evil land developers and their...developing...ways!) When the villain destroys Collins experiment, and time running out (the experiment must coincide with the comet's flyby) Collins must resort to a bit of rogue-heroics to force them to rebuild it.

This is actually a decent flick. Stephen Collins is very ernest in a story that doesn't really connect (rather than land developers, couldn't they have put Collins in the middle of some war between technology firms or governments suddenly interested in his work? Isn't the prospect of the experiment bigger than strip-malls or condos?)

Footnotes? Oh yeah. Footage for "Choke Canyon" was used in the cool video "Silent Running" ("Can you hear me? Can you hear me running?"). You may remember that as the video in which a young boy receives a package from his long-lost father, takes the package to a room in his house filled with light and, in front of his shocked mom, disappears. (The enigmatic imagery suggests that the father is involved in some otherworldly intrigue and has sent for his son to join him). Unfortunately, "Choke Canyon" has nothing to do with that video's proto-"X-Files" plot, but is nonetheless an interesting flick. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Eccentric But Powerful Conspiracy Thriller
DAY OF THE DOLPHIN (1973): In a Florida research compound, Dr. Jake Terrell (George C. Scott) and his marine biologist associates devote years secretly teaching two dolphins, Fa and Bee, how to speak a simple form of English. The sweet and loving dolphins are incredibly intelligent and have developed an intense devotion to Dr. Terrell. Word of the success of Terrell's project is leaked to the outside world, and the skills of the easily trained dolphins are eventually sought by a well financed, shadowy consortium with evil intentions.

Arguably the last great film directed by Mike Nichols, DAY OF THE DOLPHIN is a classy, beautifully produced science fiction/political conspiracy thriller with a heart. Despite its potentially maudlin storyline, Buck Henry's serious, unironic screenplay and Nichols' graceful direction carefully avoid sentimentality at every possible turn. Initially the story concentrates on Terrell and his relationship with his coworkers as their long work with the two dolphins is revealed to have achieved truly astounding results. Fa and Bee are lovely and enchanting creatures with very sweet, babyish voices. Things become deadly serious in the film's relentless second half, but because the conspiracy theme has been introduced so gradually the change in tone and the orchestrated melodramatics are perfectly acceptable.

George C. Scott plays the bad tempered Terrell with the actor's trademark intensity. Its a passionate and powerful performance, and its perfectly easy to see why the dolphins look at him like some kind of god who towers above the other humans. Scott is the main show here, but the superb supporting cast, led by Paul Sorvino, Edward Herrmann, Fritz Weaver, Severn Darden and Scott's wife Trish Van Devere ably bring a strong sense of realism to all of the fantasy on view.

Georges Delerue's stirringly emotional music adds immeasurably to the effectiveness of the film; his sad, lovely score turns the deeply moving climactic sequence into a heartbreaking apocalypse of despair. This utterly bleak finale is one of the most potent and uncompromising endings in the fantasy genre.

William A. Fraker's gorgeous cinematography makes the sparkling, shifting waters and deep blue skies breathtakingly luminous. Fraker's stunning imagery alone makes the movie a total pleasure to watch. The underwater scenes, shot by Jordan Klein, contain absolutely some of the finest such work ever seen.

The Home Vision Entertainment DVD is highly recommended for fans of this wonderful film. Presented in the film's original theatrical release aspect ratio (2.35:1), its a spectacularly perfect transfer, with vivid, lush colors and no noticeable speckles or flaws of any kind. A skimpy assortment of extras include an interview with writer Buck Henry, who is clearly and bizarrely embarrassed by his association with this great film, additional interviews with cast members Leslie Charleson and Edward Herrmann, and a trivia gallery. The liner notes are incredibly silly and juvenile. Despite its disappointing array of mostly worthless extras, this DVD is a spectacularly worthy investment for any serious movie fan, the definitive presentation of one of the most exciting and thought provoking of all conspiracy thrillers.

Entertaining political thriller
The Day of the Dolphin was savaged by critics when it was released. They saw the film as nonsense that made an important issue trivial. While it isn't a perfect film, the adaption by Mike Nichols and Buck Henry (Catch 22) is an entertaining adaption of the popular novel. At one time it showed up fairly frequently on network television but has been forgotten over the years. In some respects, Dolphin is a far more successful film adaption than Nichols' and Henry's film version of Catch 22. They were trying to turn a popular satirical novel turned cultural icon into an entertaining film satire. Many fans of the novel were disappointed and critics were, at times, less than kind to it. Here at least the two were working with a lesser novel and there wasn't as much baggage to go with it.

George C. Scott gives a passionate performance. In fact, one thing that you'll note about Scott is whether or not he appeared in trash (The List of Adrian Messenger) or treasure (Patton), his performance is alwasys powerful and committed. Trish Van DeVere also gives a strong performance. She was always underrated as an actress because 1) She was married to Scott and 2)she was always in his shadow. Her performance helps ground what was at the time a farfetched scenerio in reality.

Buck Henry's intelligent screenplay does have some narrative problems but, on the whole, he cleans up the novel's unbelievable plot and jumpy narrative. His screenplay is crisp, clean and his characters strong. An interview with Henry is provided as an extra and his comments demonstrate that he doesn't hold his work on the film in very high regard. It's a pity as he does wonders with the material.

Nichols always straddled the fence between being an actor's director and a film director. As in his past efforts, this pays off handsomely. His work with Scott and the strong supporting cast (including the marvelous Fritz Weaver, Paul Sorvino in one of his early film roles, Edward Herrmann among many other fine character actors)shines.

The plot is fairly straight forward; Scott plays a scientist that has been able to teach Dolphins English and train them to do a number of compliated tasks. He's unaware, though, that the organization funding his efforts has plans to use his research in an assassination attempt on a highly placed political figure.Given what we've learned about the CIA and other organizations over the past decade, it's plot isn't so far fetched. After all, it's certainly more believable than using a powder to make Castro's beard fall out so as to undermine his political power.

The superior DVD transfer surprised me given the age of the film. Virtually free of all analog artifacts, this enhanced transfers looks marvelous. It's a pity that Nichols couldn't provide a director's commentary (or Buck Henry for that matter). Since Scott is gone, it would have been fascinating to get Nichols' take on the film and the performances. While is isn't a 5 star film, it's an engrossing and enjoyable bit of entertainment with a cautionary tale at its core.

MIND IN THE WATERS
THE DAY OF THE DOLPHIN (Home Vision Entertainment), released thirty years ago, is as timely as ever. Recent reports of dolphins as underwater spies in the Middle Eastern waters mirrors the plot. George C. Scott is a scientist who teaches dolphins to speak, only to discover them kidnapped in a government conspiracy. Directed by Mike Nichols from Robert Merle's novel, this beautiful-looking, entertaining, adventure-thriller reflects the ground-breaking dolphin research of Dr. John Lily. Cool interview with writer Buck Henry. Great family film. Recommended.

Oowie!
It's a good DVD, but what I like best are the liner notes!

The Day of the Dolphin
Great storyline, scenery, human interests and actors. A real "sleeper" of a movie. High technology for the time it was filmed. I've watched it over and over. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Another Great Adventure...................
In this movie Jack has gone back to San Francisco and his friend Henry is mining his claim and caring for White Fang.
This story is mixed with Native American spiritualality and mysticism. They are in need of the white wolf (White Fang, or is it Henry?) to lead them to the caribou they are in need of to prevent starvation among their people.
This sequel is very entertaining with beautiful scenery.
A great family film.

Disney made this up.
I've read White fang and there is no mention of Myth of a White Wolf. Disney had to have a sequel, so they made up this story.

Great Family Movie
I have watched this movie a number of times and still find the story to be interesting. The simplicity and predictability of this movie makes it a great movie for younger elementary children, but there is enough plot and action to keep the family entertained. I enjoy the Alaskan setting and the images of the Haida village. There is a love story woven in with the young hero's role of finding the caribou and saving the village, but neither plot goes into anything overly sentimental or complicated.

I have used this movie in a fourth grade classroom to have them identify the main characters, the setting, the problem(plot), and the solution: things that are found in any good story, be it written or in a movie. They enjoyed the movie and it worked well for the assignment. This is a great family movie because it contains these basic story elements and does it well, making it watchable again and again.

White Wolf
All I can say is that this was a brillent movie. I'm glad i saw the 2nd White Fang first. The first one was a big turn off to me. The story is about a young man who is having some dificultly understanding the native americans beliefs. With the Help of White fang a a native american girl Henry begins to understand thier ways, but he is soon to discover that the native Americans life is in danger and only he and white fang can save them.

A little to lovey-dovey
White Fang-- Story about a wolf dog taken from the north, trained to be sled dog, goes into fighting rings, finds love

White Fang2: Myth of the White Wolf-- Movie about the master of White Fang, and an indian girl. White Fang is around a little.

White Fang2 had little to nothing about our all time favorite wolf-dog White Fang. It is mainly about his master, falling in love. I kept waiting for at least one scene with White Fang! The first movie was more like it.

This was a little boring, I don't really recommend it unless you like a lot of boring flirty romance, and little wolf. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Another Great Adventure...................
In this movie Jack has gone back to San Francisco and his friend Henry is mining his claim and caring for White Fang.
This story is mixed with Native American spiritualality and mysticism. They are in need of the white wolf (White Fang, or is it Henry?) to lead them to the caribou they are in need of to prevent starvation among their people.
This sequel is very entertaining with beautiful scenery.
A great family film.

Disney made this up.
I've read White fang and there is no mention of Myth of a White Wolf. Disney had to have a sequel, so they made up this story.

Great Family Movie
I have watched this movie a number of times and still find the story to be interesting. The simplicity and predictability of this movie makes it a great movie for younger elementary children, but there is enough plot and action to keep the family entertained. I enjoy the Alaskan setting and the images of the Haida village. There is a love story woven in with the young hero's role of finding the caribou and saving the village, but neither plot goes into anything overly sentimental or complicated.

I have used this movie in a fourth grade classroom to have them identify the main characters, the setting, the problem(plot), and the solution: things that are found in any good story, be it written or in a movie. They enjoyed the movie and it worked well for the assignment. This is a great family movie because it contains these basic story elements and does it well, making it watchable again and again.

White Wolf
All I can say is that this was a brillent movie. I'm glad i saw the 2nd White Fang first. The first one was a big turn off to me. The story is about a young man who is having some dificultly understanding the native americans beliefs. With the Help of White fang a a native american girl Henry begins to understand thier ways, but he is soon to discover that the native Americans life is in danger and only he and white fang can save them.

A little to lovey-dovey
White Fang-- Story about a wolf dog taken from the north, trained to be sled dog, goes into fighting rings, finds love

White Fang2: Myth of the White Wolf-- Movie about the master of White Fang, and an indian girl. White Fang is around a little.

White Fang2 had little to nothing about our all time favorite wolf-dog White Fang. It is mainly about his master, falling in love. I kept waiting for at least one scene with White Fang! The first movie was more like it.

This was a little boring, I don't really recommend it unless you like a lot of boring flirty romance, and little wolf. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Pretty Good Movie
I own this movie on Beta, its pretty good for a movie i had never heard of, some good action. Not much violence, lots of running. I do recommend it for an older action movie though.

Exchanging Freaks Sucking Blood for Executioning G.I.s
Greetings from Tromaville.

Every true hardcore Troma fan has seen "Bloodsucking Freaks" at least twice, so we are no doubt familiar with Mr. Reed's wild rides. However, this movie is VERY different from "B.S.F." ! It's about a soldiers wild adventures in Singapore. Although the caged sexoids are missed, and there's not much bloodshed, it's still a pretty good movie proving that Joel M. Reed's name belongs up there with all the other great cult directors (Example: John Waters, Peter Jackson).

http://www.maxpages.com/inyourhouse ... Read more

Reviews (16)

The Funniest Movie Ever!
Ernest Goes to Camp is one of the funniest films I have ever seen. Jim Varney is one of the funniest comedians ever and along with this film, should go down in comedy classics history. It is certainly worth a look for fans of the genre or the curious, who will no doubt fall in love with Ernest and want to see all the wonderful sequels this movie produced. Ya know what I mean Vern?

Humorous and Touching
Jim Varney does an excellent job with his humorous, yet touching role as Ernest: Camp Counselor. The introduction to this movie is really funny. If you haven't done so already, pay attention to the golf cart! That isn't the last time you'll see it. Ernest's tolerance of the Second Chance boys is touching. I listen to "I'm Glad It's Raining" every now and then to remember this movie. It's really nice to see a movie where everything comes out ok in the end. The war at the mining camp is a riot! Simple little things such as the turtle saying "I'm scared, sarge" adds to the humor. This movie would not be as good if you tried to apply logic to some of the actions or if you dissected the plot. Just enjoy it for the humor & caring!

One Of My Favorite Movies Ever!!! (For Some Sick Reason)
"Ernest Goes To Camp" You just can't say that phrase, and not crack a smile! Jim Varney (Rest In Peace) Is my second favorite actor, next to Jack Nicelson. This is one of my favorite things do do at school:

[Go up to someone and ask:]
Me: "Have you ever seen "Ernest Goes To Camp"?
[They responed either "Uhh... Yes" or "Uhh... No".]
Me: "Oh, well I could get a projector, and show it on my butt."

I guess you had to be there... Anyway. I love this movie. If you love stupid/funny/retarded people doing/saying stupid/funny/retarded things. you'll love this movie!!!

P.S. Jim Varney, We hardly knew ye.

Cinematic Perfection
Why Jim Varney was overlooked for an Oscar for his portrayal of Ernest is a mystery to me. This film is pure comedic genius which rivals that of Charlie Chaplin and Lauryl and Hardy. The premise of the film is simple enough. Ernest longs to be a camp counselor where he works as a maintenance man. The hijinx are a plenty as Ernest takes on a group of tough misfit kids. This heart of gold maintenance man can teach us all a lesson for what's really important in life, being true to who you are and having friends. This film generated a lot of Oscar buzz when it was first released in 1987 and hasn't lost a step over the years.

Going Back to Camp.
ERNEST GOES TO CAMP was the first of the Ernest movies and it was made in the hey-day of Jim Varney's career as Ernest. The movie was made when Varney had a Saturday morning television show and was still making those popular television commercials on a regular basis. The film precedes other ventures in Varney's career, such as his voice work in the TOY STORY films. Next to ERNEST SAVES CHRISTMAS, ERNEST GOES TO CAMP is the best of all the Ernest movies that were made.

Unlike the other Varney films, Varney sticks to playing Ernest. Ernest works at a summer camp for boys as a maintenance man. He longs to be a camp counselor, but the director feels he isn't qualified. However, when the camp participates in a "Second Chance" program for delinquint boys and no one else seems to be able to handle them, Ernest is given the job of being their counselor. At first the gang finds him annoying and a push-over, but over time they come to respect him and realize all he has done for them. The climax of the movie erupts when a nearby mining company threatens to takeover the camp after duping the Native American chief who owned the land. Ernest won't stand by and see the camp destroyed and with the help from his boys they take on the mining company.

The movie is full of dumb humor that kids are sure to enjoy. I remember laughing hysterically when I originally saw this film in the theatre. My tastes have changed since then, but after watching the movie again on DVD, I still enjoyed it for what it was: a big, dumb movie with an awful lot of heart. The movie is a great family movie because it contains no foul language or sexual innduendo and very little violence. It's also a joy to watch because it illustrates the comic genius of Jim Varney back in his prime. Plus, it has the only film I know of that includes turtle paratroopers. Happy viewing! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Eccentric But Powerful Conspiracy Thriller
DAY OF THE DOLPHIN (1973): In a Florida research compound, Dr. Jake Terrell (George C. Scott) and his marine biologist associates devote years secretly teaching two dolphins, Fa and Bee, how to speak a simple form of English. The sweet and loving dolphins are incredibly intelligent and have developed an intense devotion to Dr. Terrell. Word of the success of Terrell's project is leaked to the outside world, and the skills of the easily trained dolphins are eventually sought by a well financed, shadowy consortium with evil intentions.

Arguably the last great film directed by Mike Nichols, DAY OF THE DOLPHIN is a classy, beautifully produced science fiction/political conspiracy thriller with a heart. Despite its potentially maudlin storyline, Buck Henry's serious, unironic screenplay and Nichols' graceful direction carefully avoid sentimentality at every possible turn. Initially the story concentrates on Terrell and his relationship with his coworkers as their long work with the two dolphins is revealed to have achieved truly astounding results. Fa and Bee are lovely and enchanting creatures with very sweet, babyish voices. Things become deadly serious in the film's relentless second half, but because the conspiracy theme has been introduced so gradually the change in tone and the orchestrated melodramatics are perfectly acceptable.

George C. Scott plays the bad tempered Terrell with the actor's trademark intensity. Its a passionate and powerful performance, and its perfectly easy to see why the dolphins look at him like some kind of god who towers above the other humans. Scott is the main show here, but the superb supporting cast, led by Paul Sorvino, Edward Herrmann, Fritz Weaver, Severn Darden and Scott's wife Trish Van Devere ably bring a strong sense of realism to all of the fantasy on view.

Georges Delerue's stirringly emotional music adds immeasurably to the effectiveness of the film; his sad, lovely score turns the deeply moving climactic sequence into a heartbreaking apocalypse of despair. This utterly bleak finale is one of the most potent and uncompromising endings in the fantasy genre.

William A. Fraker's gorgeous cinematography makes the sparkling, shifting waters and deep blue skies breathtakingly luminous. Fraker's stunning imagery alone makes the movie a total pleasure to watch. The underwater scenes, shot by Jordan Klein, contain absolutely some of the finest such work ever seen.

The Home Vision Entertainment DVD is highly recommended for fans of this wonderful film. Presented in the film's original theatrical release aspect ratio (2.35:1), its a spectacularly perfect transfer, with vivid, lush colors and no noticeable speckles or flaws of any kind. A skimpy assortment of extras include an interview with writer Buck Henry, who is clearly and bizarrely embarrassed by his association with this great film, additional interviews with cast members Leslie Charleson and Edward Herrmann, and a trivia gallery. The liner notes are incredibly silly and juvenile. Despite its disappointing array of mostly worthless extras, this DVD is a spectacularly worthy investment for any serious movie fan, the definitive presentation of one of the most exciting and thought provoking of all conspiracy thrillers.

Entertaining political thriller
The Day of the Dolphin was savaged by critics when it was released. They saw the film as nonsense that made an important issue trivial. While it isn't a perfect film, the adaption by Mike Nichols and Buck Henry (Catch 22) is an entertaining adaption of the popular novel. At one time it showed up fairly frequently on network television but has been forgotten over the years. In some respects, Dolphin is a far more successful film adaption than Nichols' and Henry's film version of Catch 22. They were trying to turn a popular satirical novel turned cultural icon into an entertaining film satire. Many fans of the novel were disappointed and critics were, at times, less than kind to it. Here at least the two were working with a lesser novel and there wasn't as much baggage to go with it.

George C. Scott gives a passionate performance. In fact, one thing that you'll note about Scott is whether or not he appeared in trash (The List of Adrian Messenger) or treasure (Patton), his performance is alwasys powerful and committed. Trish Van DeVere also gives a strong performance. She was always underrated as an actress because 1) She was married to Scott and 2)she was always in his shadow. Her performance helps ground what was at the time a farfetched scenerio in reality.

Buck Henry's intelligent screenplay does have some narrative problems but, on the whole, he cleans up the novel's unbelievable plot and jumpy narrative. His screenplay is crisp, clean and his characters strong. An interview with Henry is provided as an extra and his comments demonstrate that he doesn't hold his work on the film in very high regard. It's a pity as he does wonders with the material.

Nichols always straddled the fence between being an actor's director and a film director. As in his past efforts, this pays off handsomely. His work with Scott and the strong supporting cast (including the marvelous Fritz Weaver, Paul Sorvino in one of his early film roles, Edward Herrmann among many other fine character actors)shines.

The plot is fairly straight forward; Scott plays a scientist that has been able to teach Dolphins English and train them to do a number of compliated tasks. He's unaware, though, that the organization funding his efforts has plans to use his research in an assassination attempt on a highly placed political figure.Given what we've learned about the CIA and other organizations over the past decade, it's plot isn't so far fetched. After all, it's certainly more believable than using a powder to make Castro's beard fall out so as to undermine his political power.

The superior DVD transfer surprised me given the age of the film. Virtually free of all analog artifacts, this enhanced transfers looks marvelous. It's a pity that Nichols couldn't provide a director's commentary (or Buck Henry for that matter). Since Scott is gone, it would have been fascinating to get Nichols' take on the film and the performances. While is isn't a 5 star film, it's an engrossing and enjoyable bit of entertainment with a cautionary tale at its core.

MIND IN THE WATERS
THE DAY OF THE DOLPHIN (Home Vision Entertainment), released thirty years ago, is as timely as ever. Recent reports of dolphins as underwater spies in the Middle Eastern waters mirrors the plot. George C. Scott is a scientist who teaches dolphins to speak, only to discover them kidnapped in a government conspiracy. Directed by Mike Nichols from Robert Merle's novel, this beautiful-looking, entertaining, adventure-thriller reflects the ground-breaking dolphin research of Dr. John Lily. Cool interview with writer Buck Henry. Great family film. Recommended.

Oowie!
It's a good DVD, but what I like best are the liner notes!

The Day of the Dolphin
Great storyline, scenery, human interests and actors. A real "sleeper" of a movie. High technology for the time it was filmed. I've watched it over and over. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Pretty Good Movie
I own this movie on Beta, its pretty good for a movie i had never heard of, some good action. Not much violence, lots of running. I do recommend it for an older action movie though.

Exchanging Freaks Sucking Blood for Executioning G.I.s
Greetings from Tromaville.

Every true hardcore Troma fan has seen "Bloodsucking Freaks" at least twice, so we are no doubt familiar with Mr. Reed's wild rides. However, this movie is VERY different from "B.S.F." ! It's about a soldiers wild adventures in Singapore. Although the caged sexoids are missed, and there's not much bloodshed, it's still a pretty good movie proving that Joel M. Reed's name belongs up there with all the other great cult directors (Example: John Waters, Peter Jackson).

http://www.maxpages.com/inyourhouse ... Read more