Amazon.com

This ambitious 1995 film by John Singleton (Boyz N the Hood) doesn't quite succeed at painting the illuminating, collective portrait of college life in the '90s that the director seeks. But Singleton does do a fine job of defining some conflicting impulses for young people on the cusp of adulthood, particularly the desire to broaden horizons on the one hand and circle the wagons with like-minded allies on the other. Students in the film's Columbus University divide themselves along lines of race, sexual preferences, ideology, and, most dangerously, levels of paranoia. Among the fine cast is Michael Rapaport, who portrays a loner drawn to a local community of neo-Nazis. His resultant problems with the school's African-Americans takes over the story at the expense of other, parallel dramas, but Singleton's insights into race hatred on campus--a microcosm of the surrounding culture--is not to be dismissed. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Wish I could've liked it more. . .
This could have been an excellent film, but it falls short by making some significant relationships one-dimensional. I'm mainly thinking of the 2 female roommate characters in the movie, (one white, one black) who could have demonstrated something other than the rather extreme, racially polarized aspects of race relations in college. These characters actually got along and found a way to live with eachother and even become friends despite the chaos around them.

John Singleton, in trying to incoroporate every problem on college campuses today (date rape, drained financial resources) shortsights many of them. Instead, the movie principally becomes about Micheal Rappaport, and his journey from small-town insecure guy to violent racist. It's in this character that the movie is strongest. Rappaport's acting is suberb -- he captures Remy's insecurities and slide towards self-destruction wonderfully.

In sum, this is worth catching, simply because it is one of the few movies to even try to capture racial unrest on college campuses.

An Average Movie on Campus Life.
This is a movie in the backdrop of Columbus University, on the different issues of college students often divided along the lines of race, ideology and sexual orientation. John Singleton's attempt is to bring out almost every problem on the campus to light, but ends up focussing on a psychotic young man in a neo-Nazi group. His encounters with the African-American group of students, leads to a high drama of race hatred and violence on the campus. The story line is rather spread out, but the characters are well-portrayed e.g. Omar Epps, Michael Rapaport etc.

I liked it
I like a movie that will get people upset, and then maybe think. WHite kids got to put up with a lot of crap in society, blacks think they are owed everything and Hispanics are taking over anyway, so what's whitey to do? Shave his head and start shooting. MAke no mistake about it. The majority of white people in society are angry and one day we will fight back. Also chicks going lezzie is pretty cool.

A powerful piece of work
"Higher Learning" stumbles upon many issues, the most emphasised being racism. At first, I thought this movie was one of those teen movies where they put in some cheap (immature) laughs here and there but it's a movie that really grows on you as it progresses and you may actually start to feel for some of the characters. I kind of got the same feeling as I did when I watched "American History X". Both films suck you in right till the end and then hit you with one big punch.

The DVD is nothing to rant about, it does have a trailer, a commentary track and some talent profiles. Nothing fancy but better than a kick in the pants. I have yet to watch the film while the commentary is playing. I'm not sure if I should because I believe the film can be interpreted in many different ways and I don't want anyone changing it for me.

The Grade is "F"
Higher Learning is a thinly veiled attempt to inject the audience with Singleton's opinions and values. From the first frame to the last, it feels more like a preachy ABC Afternoon Special than a feature film. Despite the slick veneer of a fine cast, Singleton once again reveals himself to be the main attraction, an angry director trying to promote his bitter social agenda. ... Read more

Reviews (173)

A great movie.
A young man by the name of Clerence (Christian Slater) gets to meet a bright wide-eyed Prostitute named Alabama (Patricia Arquette) falls in love at first sight and then they get married. But the Couple takes a wrong turn, when Clerence told the wrong suitcase from a Pimp (Gary Oldman), which Clerence did kill him. Then Clerence & Alabama finds out that the suitcase is full of cocaine and than they decide go to L.A. to sell it and cash it in, while the Mafioso (Lead by Oscar-Winner:Christopher Walken) are searching for the Drugs and the Couple.

Directed by Tony Scott (The Hunger, Top Gun, Enemy of the Gates) made an excellent, clever thriller with romance. Excellent Performances from the Cast, including:Dennis Hopper, Val Kilmer, Micheal Rapaport, Bronson Pinchot, Brad Pitt, Saul Rubinek, Chris Penn, Tom Sizemore, Samuel L. Jackson, James Gandolfini & Conchata Ferrell. This wasn't a huge success at the Box Office but it did recieve great reviews by Critics and it become a Cult Classic. DVD's has an terrific anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (Also on DTS). DVD's has three separate feature-length Audio Commentaries by Stars:Slater & Arquette, Director:Scott & Writer:Quentin Tarantino. DVD has nearly 30 mintues of Deleted Scenes (also an Alternate Ending) with/without commentary by the director & writer. This DVD has great extras. Tarantino wrote a terrific written script, which he's best known for Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction & Jackie Brown. This DVD is a great 2-Disc Set. Do not miss this great film. Panavision. Grade:A.

Stay True To Yourself
Directed with a slick style by Tony Scott (Top Gun, Spy Game), True Romance, boasts an all star cast, a cool soudtrack, and a great script from Quentin Tarantino. He would of course, go on to write and direct Resevior Dogs, and Pulp Fiction. I happen to think though, however, that the script for this film is Tarantino's best work in anything he's ever done. Period I know I'm probably in the minority with that opinion, but most of the the other films he's written/directed himself, have a samenees to them.

Clarence Worley (Christian Slater) likes comic books, Kung Fu Films, and Elvis. He leads a fairly normal life, that is, until he meets call girl Alabama (Patricia Arquette). After a spending a passionate night together, they declare their love for each other, and they decide to get hitched. Clarence is visited by the ghost of Elvis (Val Kilmer) who tells him that he should kill Alabama's pimp Drexel (Gary Oldman)... Dennis Hopper Michael Rappaport Christopher Walken and Brad Pitt also star in this quirky, sometimes dark, love story.

The 2 disc DVD director's cut is a must for fans of the film, over the movie only disc version, that still available.

Disc One has the unrated director's cut of the film. There are 3 audio commentary tracks. Each one offers a unique perspective on the same film and it's kind of fun to have these different takes on the same film. All of the tracks are decent and never lag (especialy Tarantino's who barely misses a beat) The director's storyboard track allows for a side by side comparison between the final film and how Scott laid everything out beforehand. DVD-ROM stuff includes the original script, production notes, and a web site archive with a few links

Disc Two has interviews with both cast and crew, some interesting on the set footage. Cast members offer audio reactions to specific scenes that they appear in as they watch them--this is really cool. Comments are from Hopper Kilmer Pitt and others There are a number of deleted scenes that can be viewed optional commentary from Scott. The best extra is the alternate ending. Rounding out the extras are the ususal trailers and photo galleries and such.

This 2 disc set comes highly recommended

excellent
I loved this movie. Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper we're absolutely fantastic. I was really dissapointed that we didn't see more of Walken throughout the film. The thing that impressed me the most about it though was how each role no matter how small was executed to perfection. Bradd Pitt, Chris Penn, James Gandolfini, Vincent Donofrio? There are two many roles to mention. Scott did an excellent job with the script although it may have a sunnier disposition than Tarantino's other films.

Tarentino's Frist - Possibly His Best...
I recently read Tarantino's original screenplay to "True Romance". Apart from the change in narrative structure (non-chronological), it hints to a bleaker, grittier urban drama, with a tragic ending. It would have been very interesting to see the final film in Tarantino's vision.

Tony Scott's sugar-coated adaptation works wonders though. It was made very clear in the script that the relationship between the two leads was very strong. Scott took this unison and gave the film a fairy-tale tone. The villains in the film are very colourful, contributing to the feel that Scott has established. Hans Zimmer's score does nothing better, than to enforce this vision.

The cast is one of the most impressive line-ups I've ever seen. Much of the film rests on the shoulders of Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette, both characters come off very likable with clear, clean, simple motives. These are career performances. Dennis Hopper gives good in his limited screen-time as Christian's ex-cop, ex-alcoholic father. It is in his time shared with Christopher Walken (being a one-scene wonder, like in "Pulp Fiction"), that he comes off at his best. The Sicilian scene is Walken's most intense since "Deer Hunter". Gary Oldman also gives another deliciously evil and memorable performance, the man is a chameleon, he is yet to unimpress me.

But one of my favourite things about the cast is seeing then-relative-unknowns Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Pitt and James Gandolfini in small, but memorable roles. A real shame that Jackson's performance was cut down heavily from the script, some of the dialogue in his one scene was very amusing, if maybe a little offensive to some.

"True Romance" is a brilliant crime drama, and a perfect (if phased) introduction to Tarantino's work, it is probably the most accessible film he's penned. People will always ponder over whether or not Tarantino's directorial version would have been better, but they can always rest-assure that Scott has given a wonderful adaptation, supported by a very strong cast. It could have been much, much worse.

great scott
what the hell is tony scott doing??? quentin tarantino really knows how to ruin something potentially good. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Mira Sorvino won an Oscar for her performance as a bubbleheaded hooker and porn star who happens to be the mother of a bright young boy adopted by a Manhattan couple (Woody Allen and Helena Bonham Carter). The story finds Allen's sportswriter character becoming curious about the identity of his son's biological mom, and he strikes up a relationship with her without revealing why. This 27th feature written and directed by Allen is a nice combination of smart comedy and some of the wackier energy of his earliest movies. (Between scenes, there's a running gag involving a Greek chorus--actually filmed among some real Greek ruins--who do song-and-dance interpretations of the script's events.) This isn't Allen at his best, but it is a fine minor work graced by Sorvino's spin on the cinema's archetypal dumb blonde. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (36)

Damn what a good film
There seem to be three camps when it comes to Woody Allen. (1) People who love his earlier works and villify his most recent films (2)People who love all of his films (3) People who hate Woody Allen, his films, and anything else related to him. I belong to the second group, and like most of his films. Mighty Aphrodite is a great movie, featuring the performance that put Mira Sorvino on the map. This film also contains a great performance by Michael Rappaport, who has gone on to do more stellar work with Allen. Every time I watch this movie I laugh. If anything, see this film for the Greek chorus led by F. Murray Abraham. Like most of Allens more recent works this film is funny and wacky, while at the same time you don't leave the movie feeling as if you've lost brain cells by watching it.

Aristophanes would be proud!
This is one gem of a romantic comedy. With all of the delicious allusions to Greek mythology & the props for Greek theatre, one would not be going too far to call it a "cultured" romantic comedy. What really stands out is how the references to archetypal Greek images are tied in so nicely with the storyline.

I must concede I've not seen many Woody Allen films, but he was terrific as a coy and eccentric sportswriter. Likewise, Mira Sorvino is beyond charming as a naive but good natured harlot.

If you're looking for a feel good movie, you can't do much better than this. If you want an RC movie that is funny and yet has more substance than most others, you can't go wrong with MIGHTY APRHODITE. Somewhere above the clouds, I can't help but think that Aristophanes is watching this film over & over again.....and he's loving every minute of it!

Mighty Awful
It has all the subtlety of a train wreck. Woody Allen is a clever man, and indeed there are several good zingers, but each one is repeated in such a juvenile manner that I fear Mr. Allen doesn't give his audience enough credit for getting it the first time.

For example, there is a scene where Woody is matchmaking two idiots. He declines their invitation to join them by saying, "No, thank you. I'm superfluous." To which one idiot replies, "Oh, you're not feeling well?" What a great zinger! But then he belabors the joke by going on: "No, SUPERFLUOUS. Uh... superfluous means unneccessary... I'd only get in the way..." This sort of audience-coddling continues throughout the movie, right up to the end, where even the final scene is amended with a clumsy explanation for the dim-witted. The movie ends with the same gag (a Broadway-Greek chorus) that has already been done 3 times in the last 95 minutes. We got it the first time, Woody.

Acting? You'll hardly notice. The characters are such obvious, stereotypical caricatures that they become entirely boring and predictable--if not offensive to Jews, women, boxers, hairdressers, husbands, wives and barkeeps. I was embarrassed for the lot of them.

Unless you, too, are stuck in the sixties, you might do yourself a favor by skipping this one. Woody even managed to waste the incredible talent of F. Murray Abraham!

Etu Woody!
Woody Allen at his funniest (and *raunchiest*--not for the prudish), particularly during his scenes with Mira Sorvino, who walks off with the film as a ditzy porn starlet. The only thing that prevents this from a full-out four-star rating is a baffling framing device in which characters from Greek mythology drop into the story from time to time to comment on the action. It's annoying and rarely funny.

Greek Tragedy...A La Woody...Not So Tragic
Whenever I need a smile or a good laugh I always turn to Woody Allen. I know he will never let me down, and "The Mighty Aphrodite" is no exception. As always he has gathered a fabulous ensemble that seem to be just perfect for the wonderful characters he creates. This one stars Woody(of course), as sportswriter Lenny Weinrib, who after being convinced by his wife to adopt baby Max, becomes obsessed(who can do obsessed better then he?) with finding the real mother.

The laughs are non stop as Lenny gets a little help on his quest from a very funny Greek Chorus, led by the great F. Murray Abraham. Lenny finds the mother who is not only a prostitute but an adult movie actress as well. "Linda" is not exactly the brightest person on earth, but you can't help loving her, and is played brillantly by Mira Sorvino. Lenny doesn't stop with finding her though, he is now out to change her life!

Meanwhile back at the Weinrib ranch, Lenny's wife Amanda(Helena Bonham Carter), is having thoughts of an extra-martial affair. Could this spell doom for Weinrib family? Can our Greek philosphers say the right words to save this marriage? It's a lot of fun finding out!

Woody takes love, prostitution, adultry combined with greek mythology and the great setting of New York, and gives us an hour and a half of pure delight. Mira Sorvino by the way, won several awards for her outstanding performance including Best Supporting Actress from the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes as well.She's the funniest pro since "Irma La Douce". This great cast includes the likes of Olympia Dukakis,Claire Bloom,Peter Weller,and the wonderful Jack Warden as the blind man(Tiresias) who sees all.

If you have missed this gem,it's a must see. If it's been a while since you've seen it, watch it again and remember why you loved it so much the first time around.

"Of all human weaknesses, obsession is the most dangerous, and the silliest!"(The Greek Chorus)...enjoy...Laurie ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Some Worthwhile Character Performances
The storyline was old and tired to me. I did like the fact that it was filmed in 29 Palms, which is close by to where I live. I liked that it used a take on the Indian Casinos, which are all the rage here. I like Jeremy Davis and he has a cool subtleness in the way he performs, very sensitive and creating a depth to his character. I liked O'Donnell who plays against his cast type and does a good job, he really looks the part. My favorite was Bill Pullman, that guy can really act tripped out. I think he acts really freaky in this film and I liked that. I wish he had more scenes. Rappaport who is also good is in the film. I like him, its seems like he can play a cop good in any film. The other characters were over the top and I couldn't get into them, except Cook who plays her character pretty straight. I loved the ending, that was funny. The rest of the film was too predictable and I got bored with it. Anyways, for me it was probably 2 stars.
Lisa Nary

O'Donnell and Davies are excellent
great movie about an undercover cop who is being chased down by the mob because he has the guys bag of money. Chris O'Donnell and Jeremy Davies give forceful performances, a good story but brims to a hault somewhere in the middle and then picks up with its finale. other actors like Racheal Leigh Cook, Joe Polito and Litefoot(also a rapper) contribute supporting roles

Could this have been any worse?
Goodness... where can one start about how bad this movie is? I bought it blind, based off the name. I grew up in the real 29 Palms, and lets just say, the only part of the town that it "showed" was a bus stop. Which never existed. It portrays everyone there as... well... ignorant thieves. This movie jumps so much that I was almost lost, and thats a hard thing to accomplish. As soon as the film was over, I located the nearest trash can and threw it out. Save your money, dont buy it, and visit the city's actual website, that at least has more appeal and you can follow it easier than this movie.

Don't Let The Casting Fool You...
I would have chosen zero stars if it were an option. Despite the fact that some big name talents are in this movie, It is not worth seeing for any reason. The actors are good actors, but they must have been paying back favors or debts to friends, I don't know why any of them didn't walk off the set. This movie would be bad for a student film, but it's not even that. The director and the editor desperatly need to go to film school and make a few student films first. I honestly don't know how this film got made. I grew up in the "real" 29 Palms in Southern California, and all this film does is tarnish the city's name. Damn the director, damn him to b-movie hell.

a pulp fiction wannabe lousy movie
lousy script, acting, filming, directing. terrible faded color. trying very hard to be a cool noir but falling too short about nine yards. totally impossible and unbelievable plot. the shooting is worse than most of other bad movies i've ever watched. there's nothing to tell but waste of your time and money. ... Read more

Reviews (72)

NOT WHAT YOU EXPECT, BUT STILL VERY FUNNY
An ex-con (played wonderfully by Woody Allen), has a get rich quick scheme, and all it will involve is an empty store next door to a bank, a couple of other cons', and the help of his manicurist wife (the always funny Tracey Ullman).

The plan is simple...set up a cookie shop and have your wife run it (because she makes the BEST cookies, this serves as a big part in the plot), while you and the other bumbling crooks are digging a hole in the basement, a hole that will lead to the bank, and to the biggest heist you have ever pulled off.

"Small Time Crooks" is a very funny movie. It starts off with the bank heist plan (the digging in the basement contains some of the biggest laughs in this movie), and then in an unexpected twist shows that crime doesn't pay. The movie then goes into the study of Allen and Ullman struggling to deal with their new found wealth and each other.

In his funniest film in years, Woody Allen has assembled a great cast; Hugh Grant, John Lovitz, Michael Rappaport, George Grizzard, Tony Darrow, and Elaine May in the outrageously funny role of the dim-witted cousin.

Anyone looking for a good laugh riot will enjoy this...and you don't have to be an Allen fan.

Nick Gonnella

Small Time Crooks has big-time laughs
Woody Allen plays an inept ex-con who has a scheme for breaking into a bank. He plans to buy a store which is adjacent to the bank and then to make an underground tunnel to the bank vault. When he asks his wife, played by Tracey Ullman, to help finance the project, she balks. Eventually she gives in and becomes his "front man" by baking cookies in the store they buy. The cookies become unbelievably successful and suddenly they are richer than in their wildest dreams. Tracey decides that she must become more cultured to fit into their new social set and she asks an art dealer, played by Hugh Grant, to tutor her in the social graces. This he does willingly with an eye to cashing in on her fortune. This movie is well-written and well-acted. The lines are witty and there is even a moral here with regard to love and loyalty. No Woody Allen darkness here--just a delightful 90-minute romp!

If you liked "The Castle", then you may enjoy this movie
I've always liked Woody Allen movies, especially his early funny ones, and I just sorta ignored the awful "serious" ones, like "Stardust Memories". But this is a comedy, and it's dreadful. Thank heaven it cost me only five bucks.

OK, so Woody and his wife (Tracy Ullman) become rich and she wants to buy "class". The movie becomes a sneering put-down of her pretensions. It's just plain ugly.

Elaine May is terrific, though, and I'll give the flick an extra star for her performance (as the wife's cousin).

Rags To Riches To Rags - Very Funny and Heartwarming
This is such a funny movie. Woody Allen and his partners in crime play up their bumbling idiot characters so well! Tracey Ullman is a genius - She can play any character and make it believable.

This rags to riches to rags story is funny and heartwarming and just fun to watch. This was also the first time I saw Hugh Grant playing such a loathsome character - he was great! What can I say about Elaine May except she is so good that it looks like she's not even acting!

The comedic acting was very good in this movie and I can't wait to own it on DVD so I can sit back and enjoy over and over again.

Woody Rips Off Car 54
Why?

Why did you do it, Woody? Sure, the premise of Small Time Crooks was interesting - but then I felt the same way when I saw it the FIRST time on television - on Car 54, Where Are You? back in the 1950s! Created by Nat Hiken (who also wrote many episodes), that classic cop situation comedy had many very funny plots.

Plots that included the one about the small band of crooks, three male and one female, that open a business next to a New York bank in order to break into the vault next door. But business gets too good, proving to be a huge distraction to the original plan of emptying the bank of its big bucks, and hilarity ensues.

Sound familiar? It should - since Woody obviously lifted that entire scenario in order to make his far-inferior STC film! At first I thought maybe he wrote the original Car 54 script in question, and can therefore do whatever he wants to with his own property. But I checked it out, and no, he did not write that Car 54 script.

(BTW, Tracey Ullman is also particularly terrible in this - she's a Brit playing an Italian who's named Frenchy - try figuring out THAT cultural mess!)

So what happened Woody? Was the white paper in your typewriter that blank? Was your writers' block that insurmountable? Sure, one can always say it's not exactly script-stealing as long as a writer at least slightly changes a plot twist or a line of dialogue here or there, but c'mon, Woody, who did you think you'd fool?

You're not known as a hack writer - you were once considered to be one of the premier comedy talents of the movies, not just in acting but in writing too!

So again, we must all ask, Woody... why? ... Read more

Reviews (114)

men of overratedness
I watched this movie very optimistically for the first time. I thought it was going to be a compelling and intelligent military drama. I knew De Niro and Cuba Gooding, Jr. were going to be fantastic. Oprah said this movie was incredible. How could it be wrong?
I have to say, for what it is, it's ok. I think other movies have done a better job of accomplishing what this film tries to do. DeNiro is always brilliant. This, however, is not my favorite DeNiro character, and I got the impression that the man himself was uncomfortable with the role at times. I've heard everyone rave about Cuba Gooding, Jr. and DeNiro's performances were great. But, not landmark or anything.
The plot, though based on a true story, is basically an inadequate Forest Gump formula. If you want to see DeNiro deliver amazing performance, watch "the Deer Hunter." if you want to be inspired to achieve anything, watch "Forest Gump." If you want to see an incredible Cuba Gooding, Jr. performance, watch "Jerry McGuire." Peace out.

Great acting and very satisfying true story
Gooding and De Niro both gave outstanding performances in this true story of one determined man's fight to become the first African-American Navy diver. De Niro plays "Billy Sunday," an unsavory, basically unlikeable character whose racism only serves to strengthen the resolve of Carl Brashear (Gooding). As time goes by, even De Niro grows to admire Brasheir's character and strength of will. Brashear faces innumerable obstacles. De Niro eventually becomes his champion, assisting his efforts. It is a great true story. The terrible racism of the past is still a disgrace to our society, and we all know that for every successful "Brashear" there were countless worthy but not so fortunate black aspirants in the service who were kept down because of their race. It's a happy story with a positive message...I hope many, many young people will see it.

A man to look up to--Carl Brashear!
"Men of Honor" was another excellent film but it left me wanting to know more. It was the fact-based story of the Navy's Master Diver Carl Brashear. He was the first black man to attend and graduate from Diving School. Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed Brashear who at a young age decided he wanted to be a diver for the Navy. BUT when he entered the Navy blacks were only allowed in the kitchens.

After coming to the attention of his CO, Brashear was given an opportunity to attend the school he really wanted to. He came face to face with Billy Sunday played by Robert DeNiro. In many ways Sunday wanted to see Brashear complete the course but his commander portrayed by Hal Holbrook tied his hands. Eventually Brashear was successful.

As Brashear's career progressed, Sunday's fell apart. Then there was a terrible accident, which resulted in Brashear losing a leg. The Navy wanted to retire him but he fought to stay in. Sunday came to his aid and helped him recover from the amputation. He was by his side when Brashear had to go to court to fight for the right to stay in the Navy. The court scene was very moving.

Yes there was a little romance in the movie and yes there was vulgarity but this film was very good. However it left me wanting more so I will have to go find of copy of the book the movie was based on to learn more about this amazing man's life. I wanted to see more of his training, more of what he went through, and more of the treacherous dives he went on that made him what he became.

Carl Brashear's story deserves to be told...
I have heard some bad things about this film..."overdramatized fluff", "typical cliched writing" and so forth...

This film is so much better than the sum of its reviews.

First, the story--face it, it deserves to be told. This is about a real man who goes through the tenth level of hell and back to achieve his dream of becoming a Master diver. He has to face bigotry from his classmates and his superiors--the latter of whom are determined to fail him based on his skin color alone--and push himself past his limits to succeed. Yes, the plot was hokey in some areas, but a few hokey spots does not a bad film make.

Second, the acting. Only Cuba Gooding, Jr. could have pulled off the role of Carl Brashear, the diver in question. His performance was very well executed and brought me to tears in spots. Robert De Niro was wonderful as always, and I really don't care that Billy Sunday was a composite of Brashear's superiors throughout his career instead of a real person, because he pulled it off without a hitch. At times he reminded me of R. Lee Ermey, but the role would not have had the same depth if the latter had been cast--it was written for De Niro. The supporting cast was excellent as well--especially Charlize Theron and Aunjanue Ellis, whose roles, although small, were nonetheless pivotal.

The DVD version, both wide and full screen, includes a feature about--and narrated by--Carl Brashear himself, who was the head military advisor to the film, and it is definitely worth watching. I myself was amazed at the accuracy of the movie and was deeply inspired by this man who had had so much to overcome. George Tillman, Jr. did a wonderful job with his story.

Overall, I give it five stars out of five. If you thought this film was complete crap, then maybe you should go rent "Gigli." Criticism aside, though, "Men of Honor" isn't so much a biographical feature as it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and Carl Brashear is living proof.

This film is great, no matter what a dumb critic says!
This heartwarming drama is and extrodinary film with extremely great acting as well as cinimatography. I would put this wonderful drama in at least the top 20 greatest movies of all time, believe me this is a truly outstanding piece of work and I would recomend it to any one, with a heart. ... Read more

Reviews (86)

In both senses, a black comedy
After the terrors of "Summer of Sam", Spike Lee has come up with "Bamboozled", in which he roasts TV and the way it exploits the black population. Unhappy with his situation at a television network, Pierre knows he can be sued if he quits, thus breaking his contract, so he figures out a fail-safe solution: he'll get himself fired by producing a show so outrageously offensive it will cause a racial backlash. (It's a variation of "The Producers"; even the initial audience reaction is similar.) Pierre is a re-invented man: he wears expensive suits and greets us with "Bonjour", but about half-way through the movie we learn his name is really Peerless and his father is a second-level night club comic. Pierre is very sensitive to racial issues, and so he's convinced his proposed showcase will be a shocking failure: a minstrel show for the new millennium. Two Afro-American street performers are re-named Man-Tan and Sleep 'n' Eat and put into situations (in a watermelon patch, no less) displaying how lazy and untrustworthy Negroes are -- but, hey, great tap dancers! The two are even required to wear black face. (I assume the N word cannot be used in Amazon.com, but it's used ad nauseam in this screenplay.)To Pierre's consternation, the show is a big hit; and he is faced with the dilemma of denying his principles to court success. In fact, he has fantasies of winning everything except a Nobel Prize. One of Spike Lee's strongest points as a writer-director is providing flashy roles for capable actors. I was appalled that Samuel L Jackson's performance in "Jungle Fever" was ignored by the Academy. In "Bamboozled" Lee has provided several such oppportunities, though nothing as showy as Jackson's. At first viewing, Damon Wayans may seem a little excessive with Pierre's affectations, but look again. Paul Mooney is compelling as his father, an entertainer who realizes he's gone as far as he's going to go. Savion Glover, Tommy Davidson, Michael Rapaport, and Jada Pinkett-Smith are all good in their different roles. (Al Sharpton and Johnnie Cochran play themselves, and one can't help but wonder: did they realize they were satirized?) The big flaw in "Bamboozled", the reason I can't give it four stars, is the violence with which Lee has chosen to end his dark comedy. I think it would have been much more powerful to circumvent the deaths and have the characters, chastised, watching the devastating montage which closes the picture: the humiliations, the buffooneries, the relentless yassuh yassuh yassuh that degraded black people for generations. It's the death of the spirit that is the revelation in Spike Lee's screenplay,and he weakens that message with physical destruction.

Minstrel Shows Aren't The Only Cliche
.... Let's take as a given that some of [Spike Lee's] films are "heavy-handed". Anyone see Jungle Fever? Do The Right Thing? School Daze (oh, never mind...)? Anyone ever see or read a Spike Lee interview? He's an intense Brother who makes intense films, and true, subtlety isn't one of his strong suits. But you knew that going in.

...

In Bamboozled, as in many of his other flicks, Spike rubs your face in the problem and challenges the viewer to action, if so inclined.

This was "black comedy" in the more ways than one. Damon Wayans was an excellent choice to play the part of media corporate climber Delacroix, whose plan to stick it to The Man went cataclysmically awry. But I still believe Wayans' best work is before him. He's a talented actor who happens to be a comedian, and he just hasn't broken through the mold yet.

As with many Spike Lee joints, this film either satirizes or condemns everything in sight. In Bamboozled, he sets his sights on "wiggers", rappers and the hip hop lifestyle, the WB, UPN and the television and movie industry in general. Robert Townsend addressed similar problems about a decade before in his film, "Hollywood Shuffle". It wasn't as "heavy-handed", and there weren't any "solutions" offered other than from his grandmother, who told him to eschew portraying racial stereotypes on film for money, because after all, "there's always work at the Post Office".

Bamboozled, on the other hand, took no prisoners. From Scatman Crothers to Shirley Temple's dance routines to Farina and Stymie to Aunt Jemima to Fleishman's cartoons to "Good Times" to "In Living Color" (the reference to which was humorous in that both Wayans and the minstrel show side-kick, Tommy Davidson were cast members of that show) to "Martin" (a true minstrel show) to Jerry Springer.

Tommy Davidson is deserving of more work.

Bamboozled isn't too far from the truth. Martin Lawrence used to bug his eyes out and stick out his [behind] and show his teeth and it was a favored show in police departments throughout Ohio. Don't ask me how I know, but some of you might wanna be judicious in your application of the accelerator, if you know what I mean...

This was a better movie than I thought it would be. I didn't buy Wayan's performance for a minute, but there's some really good acting from people you wouldn't expect. That's all I'm saying.

Say what you want about the other Spike Lee joints. In this one, he was completely on point. And as with the rest, the solution is up to you.

Spike Lee's Best
This is the movie that got me turned on to Mr Lee. When I rented this movie just a few years ago I watched it 3 times and then watched it with the audio commentary. I found the movie *that* interesting. Also, the movie has a few layers to its plot so each time one watches it, they're sure to pick up on something new.

The characters are also great - I especially love Damon Wayan's boss who is a caucasian married to a black woman and tells Damon "I'm more black than you are" From that point on, you know this movie is going to put a lot of stuff in your face.

The basic premise - Damon's character is tired of the types of shows with black people that show on tv nowadays. It's all very stereotypical (think this summer's "Method and Red" on fox) and he wants to do something creative. His boss wants something along the lines of "homeboys in outer space". Damon's character is so incensed that he decides he'll get fired in order to break his contract.

What could be better for getting him fired than to make the most racist and ignorant show on tv? He decides to make a show called "Bamboozled" which will recreate the blackface shows of the 30s and 40s only it will be black actors putting on blackface. There's only one problem with his plan: the show becomes a hit.

The rest of the movie shows what happens to the rest of the characters in the style of a Shakesperean tragedy. In other words, a few things don't quite go according to plan and everyone suffers. (ie Romeo & Juliet, MacBeth, etc)

Another thing that makes this movie so awesome is the fictitious commercial spot during the show Bamboozled. Spike Lee takes a pot shot at Tommy Hilfigger's alleged marketing directed at blacks with another brand whose name I can't write or my review will be banned. You'll be shocked, but in a revealing sort of way.

Some People Just Don't Get It
I have to applaud Spike for making this film. People can argue if he is a racist or not, but on this film he showed how corporate America market their products to black inner city people. I for one used to work in a marketing department at a large corporation and this type of behavior went on all the time. So many times, I had to smile and walk away when I heard "you people" and "those people like stuff like that". What is worst is some black artists (namely rappers) help build on these negative stereotypes. They are NO different from the black actors of the 30s who was paid to demean their race. Instead of black people getting mad at Spike for making these films, I suggest you take your anger out on the real culprits and their marketing schemes. BTW, these culprits come in ALL RACES.

What I really want is O Stars...
In high school, I tried to convince our African American STudies teacher to plan a field trip to see this movie. He rebuffed me, and when I saw this movie on tape, I knew why.

I am glad that I am not the only one who knows Spike Lee is a racist. And a slick one at that. He does these movies and black people go see them (I am black, so don't attack me). Do The Right Thing was horrible, Jungle Fever (he ought to be ashamed) all in the name of "eye-opening" filmmaking. Give me a break

Bamboozled...I don't know what to say about this movie. Stereotypes, senseless violence, just downright shameful. There was no message here...except that, we, as black people, sometimes do it to ourselves (ex. Soul Plane? same problem). And helping this man, for the sake of a paycheck is deplorable.

Please spare yourself of this film. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Like the millions of fans who endured the St. Louis Cardinals' disappointing 1998 baseball season to watch the heroics of Mark McGwire, so will Albert Brooks devotees thrill to their comedy god stepping up to the plate in a rare starring role in a film he did not direct and knocking it, if not quite out of the park, then certainly to deep center field.

Brooks, sporting a paunch and a beat-up straw hat, stars as Al Percolo,a disheveled, down-but-not-out New York Yankees scout. His latest sensation,a high school phenom, blows his Yankee stadium debut after he unceremoniouslythrows up on the mound. Al is not fired, but instead banished to the backwaters of Mexico, where he discovers his own Babe Ruth and ticket back to the majors: local sensation Steve Nebraska, who has a 100 m.p.h. fastball and a titanic swing. As winningly played by Brendan Fraser, he is also an incredible screwball, part Encino Man and part George of the Jungle

The Yankees are willing to pay the outrageous salary of $55 million (those were the days!) for him. But first he must get a clean bill of mental health. That won't be easy for a guy prone to throw dinnerware at the press. In a scene that recalls Brooks's increasingly desperate lobbying to get casino owner Garry Marshall to return the nest egg his wife squandered in Lost in America, Brooks strikes out in his attempts to get Steve's psychiatrist, Dr. H. Aaron (Dianne Wiest), to rubber-stamp the case. As Al becomes asurrogate father to the troubled youth, Dr. Aaron uncovers dark secrets from his past.

While perhaps not in the same league as Bull Durham,The Scout will be a hit with everyone who loves baseball and Brooks (not to mention Brendan). --Donald Liebenson ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A real feel-good movie
"The Scout" is one of those movies that leaves you with a warm feeling in your soul after the video has been turned off. It is the story of a man who finds a friend and triumphs over his fears.
Al Percolo is a New York Yankees scout who is experiencing the worst luck of his life. When his boss sends him to Mexico on a grudge trip, Al discovers "the greatest ballplayer that ever lived": Steve Nebraska. Al manages to land a deal with Steve, but is fired while telling his boss about his great find. When the pair returns to the United States, Steve is promptly snapped up with a $55 million bid from the Yankees. Despite all his success, Steve's world is anything but the fairytale it appears to be. Steve has dangerous idiosyncrasies and an abusive past, which are uncovered as time goes on.
Brendan Fraser plays the part of the slightly eccentric, slightly insecure Steve Nebraska with astounding depth. Albert Brooks is perfect as the cheeky, unyielding scout.
However, Dianne Wiest is much too abrasive as Steve's psychologist, Doctor Aaron. She cannot decide who her character is. One minute she is speaking gently to Al, the next she is glaring and snapping at him. I'm afraid this psychologist might need a psychologist herself!
Despite the heavy subject material, the movie has its light moments. There are several comedic occasions provided by Steve's singing, and I must say, these points alone are reason enough to see the movie. Of course, there is also the inevitable victory, which makes everything beforehand worth it.
What is really refreshing about this movie is how clean it is. There are less than ten profanities in the entire film, and they are the only objectionable content.
"The Scout" is simply a fine piece of work, and a wonderful trip to take from everyday life.

Its hard to believe this was actually made...
Just so there is no mistake, this is THE worst movie I have ever seen. I have seen a lot of movies. I saw this when it came out. And still, 7 years later it holds this prestigious position. I have to spoil a few parts of this film to make my point. Don't read on if you want to be "surprised" by it.

Lets start with the things that we know about the characters in the film by the end.
Albert Brooks is a washed up Baseball scout until he finds Brendan Fraser. He is really desperate to find his "King Kong" to bring back and show the world. Because of this he plays the mildly pathetic role of the pushy mentor. That's pretty much it for this textbook one dimensional character.
Diane Wiest is the psychiatrist that is introduced to help out Brendan Fraser's character since he has a few "issues". She cares for his well being, well, because she's a doctor. Oh and a woman, so of course she's motherly. Whatever. That's pretty much it for this ( also ) textbook one dimensional character. I think she has about 10 minutes of screen time. I think Steinbrenner had about 10 too.
There is a list of other curious characters that awkwardly stumble in and out of this story but I won't mention them here to save time.
Now lets get to Fraser's character. The things we know ( by the end of the film ) are that he is an inhuman pitcher. He knocks the catchers over with his awesome power. He hits every ball out of the park. He loves baseball. We figure out that he has abandonment issues mostly from the hints dropped early on. He avoids questions about his parents, he freaks out at the airport in New York when he loses sight of Brooks and begs "don't leave me alone again" or something equally obvious. And then of course because Diane Weist tells us this is so an hour into the movie. "He has abandonment issues" I think is her line. "REALLY?" was mine. She also informs us ( and Brooks ) that he had an abusive father with the deeply moving and poetic line "I think he had an abusive father".
Ok now to my biggest problem with the film. The questions that are NEVER answered about Fraser's character.
1. Brooks finds him in Mexico. We never find out why he is living there.
2. His parents are gone. We never find out where or why. No of course we never meet them. That would be to obvious.
3. He hates questions. He freaks out right from the start "I don't like all these questions, I don't like answering questions". We never find out why.
4. Woman walk by him and give him their phone number without ever meeting him. We don't know why. I guess cause he is cute. But this character point is never used again. With the exception of a woman that works for the Yankees who wants to take him home. No nothing ever comes of this. Well maybe it is so that Brooks can deliver the responsible social commentary "You know you need to use protection?". Kill me know.
5. Before he gets signed he says that he has no problem playing in front of people, big crowds or not. When he signs with the Yankees, he freaks out when asked if he is going to pitch this season. "Oh... I .... I don't know about that" he states. WHY?. You never find out. I guess its the abandonment issues. Whatever.
6. And now my favorite character trait. Oh god I love this one. He's really good at doing laundry. That's right. He knows all there is to know about doing laundry.
Laundry my friends.
You know this because he tells you so in one scene. How does he know so much? you ask. That's right, you never find out. Amazing.

This movie actually sucks the quality out of all other movies. It is the movie that I gage all other movies by. In that respect I suggest you see it too. Every thing you see after will at least be better than this one.

A final note, just so you know I'm not the only one that thought this movie stunk. This movie was actually made in 1988 and shelved by Fox. It only saw the light of day because of the baseball strike in 1994 to try to recoup loses.

One of the best movies I've ever seen
I like everything about this movie. It's got comedy, it's got drama, and it's something you can watch with your girlfriend's family without getting embarrassed. I love baseball movies and this is one of my favorites. A lot of celebrity cameos, too: Steinbrenner, Saberhagen, Keith Hernandez, Ozzie Smith and singer Tony Bennett. A good movie for any underdog with major league dreams.

The Scout
Albert Brooks fans will not be disappointed with this one. The irony of it all, which is the classic style of Brooks, is told in a story about a baseball scout (Brooks) down on his luck and banished to Mexico where he finds the ultimate free agent Steve Nebraska (Frasier). One catch - Nebraska isn't all there upstairs. Brooks goes all out to make the impossible possible and learns a greater lessen in the end that the best interest of others isn't served when our own interests are involved. Witty, funny and touching. Classic Brooks!

I would not call this a comedy
Brendan Fraser is great in this movie, but I would not call it a comedy. It is a drama with some funny lines. I don't think a young man seriously disturbed by an abusive background is funny. However, I enjoyed the movie and would watch it again. Tender & touching ... Read more

Description

Digital VHS (D-VHS) is the first high-definition home video format. These tapes deliver more than double the lines of resolution and 10 times the capacity of DVDs. When played in a D-VHS player attached to an HDTV set, these movies will sound and look better than ever. D-VHS tapes can be played only on D-VHS players. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

men of overratedness
I watched this movie very optimistically for the first time. I thought it was going to be a compelling and intelligent military drama. I knew De Niro and Cuba Gooding, Jr. were going to be fantastic. Oprah said this movie was incredible. How could it be wrong?
I have to say, for what it is, it's ok. I think other movies have done a better job of accomplishing what this film tries to do. DeNiro is always brilliant. This, however, is not my favorite DeNiro character, and I got the impression that the man himself was uncomfortable with the role at times. I've heard everyone rave about Cuba Gooding, Jr. and DeNiro's performances were great. But, not landmark or anything.
The plot, though based on a true story, is basically an inadequate Forest Gump formula. If you want to see DeNiro deliver amazing performance, watch "the Deer Hunter." if you want to be inspired to achieve anything, watch "Forest Gump." If you want to see an incredible Cuba Gooding, Jr. performance, watch "Jerry McGuire." Peace out.

Great acting and very satisfying true story
Gooding and De Niro both gave outstanding performances in this true story of one determined man's fight to become the first African-American Navy diver. De Niro plays "Billy Sunday," an unsavory, basically unlikeable character whose racism only serves to strengthen the resolve of Carl Brashear (Gooding). As time goes by, even De Niro grows to admire Brasheir's character and strength of will. Brashear faces innumerable obstacles. De Niro eventually becomes his champion, assisting his efforts. It is a great true story. The terrible racism of the past is still a disgrace to our society, and we all know that for every successful "Brashear" there were countless worthy but not so fortunate black aspirants in the service who were kept down because of their race. It's a happy story with a positive message...I hope many, many young people will see it.

A man to look up to--Carl Brashear!
"Men of Honor" was another excellent film but it left me wanting to know more. It was the fact-based story of the Navy's Master Diver Carl Brashear. He was the first black man to attend and graduate from Diving School. Cuba Gooding Jr portrayed Brashear who at a young age decided he wanted to be a diver for the Navy. BUT when he entered the Navy blacks were only allowed in the kitchens.

After coming to the attention of his CO, Brashear was given an opportunity to attend the school he really wanted to. He came face to face with Billy Sunday played by Robert DeNiro. In many ways Sunday wanted to see Brashear complete the course but his commander portrayed by Hal Holbrook tied his hands. Eventually Brashear was successful.

As Brashear's career progressed, Sunday's fell apart. Then there was a terrible accident, which resulted in Brashear losing a leg. The Navy wanted to retire him but he fought to stay in. Sunday came to his aid and helped him recover from the amputation. He was by his side when Brashear had to go to court to fight for the right to stay in the Navy. The court scene was very moving.

Yes there was a little romance in the movie and yes there was vulgarity but this film was very good. However it left me wanting more so I will have to go find of copy of the book the movie was based on to learn more about this amazing man's life. I wanted to see more of his training, more of what he went through, and more of the treacherous dives he went on that made him what he became.

Carl Brashear's story deserves to be told...
I have heard some bad things about this film..."overdramatized fluff", "typical cliched writing" and so forth...

This film is so much better than the sum of its reviews.

First, the story--face it, it deserves to be told. This is about a real man who goes through the tenth level of hell and back to achieve his dream of becoming a Master diver. He has to face bigotry from his classmates and his superiors--the latter of whom are determined to fail him based on his skin color alone--and push himself past his limits to succeed. Yes, the plot was hokey in some areas, but a few hokey spots does not a bad film make.

Second, the acting. Only Cuba Gooding, Jr. could have pulled off the role of Carl Brashear, the diver in question. His performance was very well executed and brought me to tears in spots. Robert De Niro was wonderful as always, and I really don't care that Billy Sunday was a composite of Brashear's superiors throughout his career instead of a real person, because he pulled it off without a hitch. At times he reminded me of R. Lee Ermey, but the role would not have had the same depth if the latter had been cast--it was written for De Niro. The supporting cast was excellent as well--especially Charlize Theron and Aunjanue Ellis, whose roles, although small, were nonetheless pivotal.

The DVD version, both wide and full screen, includes a feature about--and narrated by--Carl Brashear himself, who was the head military advisor to the film, and it is definitely worth watching. I myself was amazed at the accuracy of the movie and was deeply inspired by this man who had had so much to overcome. George Tillman, Jr. did a wonderful job with his story.

Overall, I give it five stars out of five. If you thought this film was complete crap, then maybe you should go rent "Gigli." Criticism aside, though, "Men of Honor" isn't so much a biographical feature as it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and Carl Brashear is living proof.

This film is great, no matter what a dumb critic says!
This heartwarming drama is and extrodinary film with extremely great acting as well as cinimatography. I would put this wonderful drama in at least the top 20 greatest movies of all time, believe me this is a truly outstanding piece of work and I would recomend it to any one, with a heart. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

garbage
i brought this movie thinking that since Kevin Hart was in it that it might be pretty funny and Kevin Hart was, Kevin Hart did a good job, but i also bought it for stacy dash thinkin that she was on cover and that she might have a huge role but she didnt at all, she was jus the girl kevin couldn't get wit like 3 times she didnt even say more then 100 words...the movie itself seemed so fake...even the fight scenes looked fake...no plot what so ever...complete garbage...only way to describe it

BEANIE NO ICE CUBE- THE OTHER DUDE NO CHRIS TUCKER
Wouldnt we all love to make a ghetto movie as funny as Friday starring a hood comedian as funny as Chris Tucker? but instead of that formaula, dude was straight up annoying! I would even take mike epps. save yourselves. there are no worse actors than at da roc!!

and please get bleek in the studio!!

surprisingly funny
looking at the cover of this movie puts you in the mind of a low budget cheesy comedy but this movie is funny as hell. the acting is good. even beanie siegel holds it down but then again he was probably just being himself so it wasn't difficult. this movie is worth checking out.

This was an unexpected surprise.....
I thought that this was gonna be one of those low-budget, ghetto films, but this was actually cool and FUNNY AS HELL!!!!Much props to Kevin Hart and he's definitely slept-on!!!! If you want a good laugh, I definitely recommend this movie!!!!!

Very Funny!
I just happened to pick up "Paper Soldiers" one day while at the video store, not knowing exactly what to think of it. When I took it home and watched it, I was pleasantly surprised. This film is seriously funny!

The film centers around Shawn, who is on parole and trying to get the almighty dollar fast. The film follows him through his adventures with breaking and entering, yet trying to keep his life on track. It'll have you rolling!

Since the film was directed by Damon Dash, CEO of Roc-A-Fella records, the film is filled with cameos by Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek, and Dash himself. Beanie Siegel also gives a convincing performance as a crazy and extremely violent acquaintance of Shawn's. Angie Martinez, Tiffany Withers (from BET's bet.com), and Stacy Dash also have roles in the film

Don't let the fact that this is a straight-to-video film. It is very funny and I know you'll enjoy it!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Point of No Return is one of those Hollywood remakes of a European hit in which one can visualize a committee of studio executives sitting around and saying, "Okay, we know what made the original film unique and different and fun. How can we make that same movie and do exactly the opposite?" For-hire director John Badham (Saturday Night Fever) took La Femme Nikita, Luc Besson's undeniably sexy, original, and kitschy French film about a female assassin, and translated it into a calculating, mechanistic American thriller with no distinctive style. Bridget Fonda gamely plays the willowy street punk who becomes a high-society killer, but once that provocative irony is in place, the movie is pretty much a series of by-the-numbers action set pieces. Until, that is, Dermot Mulroney shows up as a love interest; but even that twist can't save this film. You're much better off with the original, subtitles and all. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Nina over Nikita
European moveas are not alwasy better than American. The originals are not always better than the copies.
And this film is exactly the case than American copy beats the French original.

Here we have better main actress. Bridget plays her role with greater credibility and sex appeal than Anne Parillaud. As punk or glamour lady Bridget Fonda is just shining.

You should not forget Gabriel Byrne as Bob and Harvey K. as the cleaner. This film have good actors in it.

Oscar winner Hans Zimmer have composed wonderful soundtrack. Maybe one of the best in his career; melody which would stuck in your brain. Do not miss some of the best Nina Simone`s songs featuring in this film.

Luc Besson, the author of the original, actually liked this copy. Bridget Fonda was last year a co-star in his movie.

So just do not be such an arrogant pseudo critic and just watch the movie. You will enjoy it.

Good Action Pic But Lacks French Cynicism
I think the French really know how to make a crime movie. We seem to go for the thug angle, whereas they bring on the elan and panache.

I am a real Bridget Fonda fan, even though I hate her mother and every movie she made except when she played herself in "Klute." This is, a one reviewer stated, virtually a frame-by-frame remake of the original French. So are a lot of films from Hollywood, but that does not make it inferior.

This is movie is not inferior because the acting is not inferior. Gabriel Byrne isn't as good as in "Usual Suspects," but his portrayal is still excellent as Fonda's (Maggie's) tutor. The one to watch is Harvey Keitel as Victor the Cleaner. His version is much superior to that of Schwarzenegger's concept. Don't you just like how he gets rid of the irritating guy banging on the trunk of his car? Wouldn't it be great to do the same thing at a super market? And how about those glasses? It's all in the acting.

The minor irritant is Mulroney as the boyfriend. What a limp biscuit. It's like he knew the only way he could get Fonda in bed was by acting with her in a movie. I think I was available in 1992, but nobody called me, meaning they had to settle for him.

Completely pointless remake
Decently acted, this American remake of Luc Besson's classic "La Femme Nikita" is still pretty flat, which is odd, because it literally copies the original nearly frame by frame, and the original has a truly magical spark and energy to it. If you've seen the original and then viewed this version, "Point of No Return" becomes an appalling experience that highlights the very worst creativity-by-committee aspects of Hollywood.

Buy the original "La Femme Nikita", deal with the subtitles, and whatever you do, stay away from the dreary and over-dramatized TV series of the same name. "La Femme Nikita" is excellent, even if you don't like French movies (and to be honest the dubbed version on the most recent editions of that DVD is reasonably watchable), you'll like this one.

DIFFERENT
I LOVED this movie!

It is an unusual plot with excellent acting, cinematography, and sound.

If you want very realistic, non stop action with a different twist,
and emotions that span the gamut, TRY this one out. I can't imagine
how you could be disappointed.

This DVD will be one of my keepsakes. (Also, Bridget Fonda turns me on!)

Rating: 10/10 5/5

Bill Schaefer
Berwyn, PA.

ephraim@chesco.com

Why waste your time with a lousy remake?
I went to see this movie without realizing it was a remake of Nikita. Poor me! The original captured French cynicism, class and style, and was pretty gripping. Take away these elements, and nothing remains. The movie moves along in a tired, uninspired way, the actors are unconvincing at best. ... Read more

Reviews (326)

The best shark film since Jaws?
Whilst 'Jaws' featured a (realistic) half-glimpsed shark sweeping through the water like a stream-lined demon, chasing unfortunate humans with a preternatural hunter-instinct, 'Deep Blue Sea' goes more for the 'here's a great big CGI shark chasing a mixture of cliched characters through some utterly implausible yet big blockbuster situations' approach. Spot the difference?

Not that 'Deep Blue Sea' was utterly devoid of hope. One scene early on features Samuel L. Jackson looking down at the surface of the pool, and a distorted image of a shark the size of a bus swims past. It's one of those 'take-your-breath-away' moments, that makes you go: 'woah, this is gonna be good.' But then, suddenly, we go underwater, and the film dies. The animatronic sharks were quite cool. The CGI sharks were absolutely appalling, and being as most of the film was CGI, it looked like some two-bit cartoon extravaganza. Each of the 'terrifying' death scenes were some of the most hysterical moments I've ever watched. Computerised sharks is one thing, but computerised people, with arms and legs kicking around like some wind-up bath-toy? It was the fact that you never really see the shark until right at the end that made 'Jaws' scary; the mako sharks in 'DBS' are unveiled after about five minutes in all their too-smooth-to-be-real glory. The scene in 'Jaws' where Richard Dreyfuss is in the cage peering out into the murky ocean was one scene they couldn't steal; the CGI water was absolutely crystal clear so that no matter how far away the shark seemed to be, we could see it.

The story line is rather plodding, our hapless heroes blundering from one mishap to the next. The initial moral question about genetic manipulation, and the quest for a cure for Alzheimer's seemed to be forgotten quite early on in place of the 'who's going to die next' formula. The sharks were hyper-fast and hyper-intelligent one moment, then really slow and kind of stupid the next (they recognise the gun, but with their highly evolved sense of smell, one of them can't smell gas). Oh, and every character is munched with one chomp, except a particularly tough rap star, whose leg is made of titanium. I'll touch briefly on the characters: rigid, cardboard, who really cares if they live or die? The only exception to the rule is LL Cool J, whose preacher cook is humorous, interesting and always a pleasure to watch. The only saving grace of this movie, and the only reason it got two stars, was LL Cool J. Admittedly, he plays it very similar to his role in Halloween H20, but why change a formula that works? The rest of the film can sink to the bottom. And don't get me started about Saffron Burrows...

Surprisingly good would be shlock thriller
So many sci-fi/horror films since Aliens hit in 1986 have tried to take the formula of "take a bunch of people, confine them with whatever killer beasts we can think of, and see who survives". Rarely it comes off as enjoyable, but Deep Blue Sea is a surprisingly good sci-fi yarn that is entertaining and surprising until the credits roll. The oh so hot Saffron Burrows plays an Altzheimers researcher who is experimenting on a trio of Mako sharks in the undersea complex of Aquatica. However, some never thought of side effects have happened, and now she and the crew (which includes Thomas Jane, Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, Stellan Skarsgard, Michael Rapaport, Jacqueline McKenzie, and The Soprano's Aida Turturro) are swimming for their lives. Director Renny Harlin (Cliffhanger, Die Hard 2) pretty much does the same thing here that he did with Nightmare on Elm Street 4; sacrifice tension and suspense for blood and gore; but it surprisingly works. The performances are great, and the special effects are good considering the time the film was released. This is the film in which Jane would get noticed and his first in a leading action hero role which he has since followed in Dreamcatcher and the upcoming The Punisher, and his action hero talents are on high display. All in all, Deep Blue Sea is worth checking out.

14 year old Michelle
I loved this movie! My brother saw it with his friends when it came out, and I loved movies like these but was not able to see rated R movies, but my mother made & exception because my bro saw it first and said that it good, this movie is probbly the most realalistic when it comes to the sharks, shark attack scene's and special effect's, the cast was great, and the cast is & inportent part of a movie, with a bad cast it reck's the whole movie, but everything about this movie rocked, the shark's are so real, it's scary, I'm still shaky about going in the water, the shark's are anamatronic, outside of the really gruseum attack's, that's another thing, if you like movies like this and want violence, gut's, blood, gore and scary diolouge, then this movie will be your favorite, I own the movie, and just to let you know about the badder stuff in it, such as Profanity and Sexual content here's the 411, they have the F- word in it 4 times, though on of the time it is not clear because the man is gasping for air when he say's it, it has G-D- in it like 3 times, (YUCK!) and other not so bad languge that you can watch on t.v., and as far as sexual content, there is none, except when a girl takes her clothes off so her clothes don't catch on fire, but she's in her underwear, you could see that part on t.v., that's another thing, DON'T WATCH IT ON T.V.! They butcher the scene's, it ruin's the movie, watch it on dvd, they take out a few shark attack scene's, This movie is probbly my favorite in this genera, all in all, it rock's WATCH IT! NOT ON T.V.!

DEEP BLUE SEA
THIS IS SUCH A GOOD MOVIE. I LOVE IT. ITS MY 5TH FAV. MOVIE. ITS GREAT. THE SHARKS LOOK SO COOL AND IT MAKES U HAVE THAT OLD FAMILOR FEELING. ITS NOT SAVE TO GO BACK IN THE WATER.

No Jaws, in a class of its own
Deep Blue Sea is one of those new millenium type shark movies.
Little character, big action- lots of CGI monsters and guts.
But don't get me wrong, its all good, well, mostly.
The acting from the main cast (Saffron Burrows, Thomas Jane, LL Cool J, Samuel L Jackson) is reasonable enough for this type of movie.
The effects are mid-range. Absolutely awesome robotics is hindered by poorly crafted CGI sharks.
Explosions and debris abound, all well presented and created.
Some 'shocking' deaths of important characters when they shouldn't have, stunted people's ideas and viewing pleasure, but had some very good action sequences, example the shark attacks in the elevator shaft and Burrows' bedroom.
Relatively well done directing from Renny Harlin, okay script-with some good emotional and comedic moments. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This remake of a 1947 film noir casts David Caruso (freshly escaped from TV's NYPD Blue) in the role originally played by Victor Mature. He plays Jimmy Kilmartin, a reformed criminal struggling to keep straight and keep his wife (Helen Hunt) from going back to the bottle. But a favor for his cousin lands him back in the clink, and when his wife dies, he comes out ready to make a deal with the D.A. He becomes an informant, joining the crew of Little Junior Brown (Nicolas Cage), a pumped-up, asthmatic psycho who weightlifts strippers for amusement. Eventually, Jimmy finds himself forced to keep his radar up for treachery from both the criminals he's finking on and the cops he's working for. This film, directed by Barbet Schroeder, didn't do much business, despite a powerful but controlled performance by Caruso and a scarily splashy one by Cage. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (8)

3 1/2 Stars
Kiss of Death was a decent movie , it's worth (...) but that's about it.Dave Caruso was in his prime back then so how can anyone say his acting sucks.But most people are right he should have kept that NYPD Blue gigg.Nic Cage does play a soft bad guy , even in Face / Off.But I give him more credit for taking such a role.John Travolta plays a good villian ! Kiss Of Death is worth 13 bucks , best 13 bucks you'll probably spend on a movie.

Who's afraid of Nicolas Cage?
All right, so he's not the most convincing goon. It's still amusing to see him in this role. I'd say these nay-sayers need to lighten up. As a poor country boy unfamiliar with the urban crime cliches and plot twists, I can honestly say I enjoyed this movie. No, it's no masterpiece, but it is entertaining enough to be worth seeing, even buying at such a reasonable price. Caruso and (as they all admit) a fine supporting cast do very well with a now conventional plot that is at least not as droll as they say. This is probably the first time I've rated something higher than others. Strange.

Kiss Me Baby!
When David Caruso made headlines by leaving the hit TV show "NYPD Blue," the question people were asking was "Is he making a mistake?" Looking back on his career the past few years, we have to say that he did. But you couldn't tell that from his performance in "Kiss of Death." He's actually quite good.

Caruso plays Jimmy Kilmartin, a reformed car thief with a wife and baby who is desperately trying to go straight. Before he does, though, he reluctantly agrees to help his worthless cousin Ronny (Michael Rapaport) on one last run. If he doesn't, then Little Junior (Nicholas Cage), a sadistic killer, will bury Ronny. Naturally, things go bad. A cop gets shot and Jimmy ends up taking the fall by himself.

True to his personal code of honor, Jimmy won't rat out the others no matter how hard the sleazy DA (Stanley Tucci) pushes him. Then Ronny starts to move in on Jimmy's wife (Helen Hunt) and things really go wrong. Jimmy agrees to make a deal and cunningly manipulates events so that Little Junior takes Ronny down.

Three years later, Jimmy finally gets out of prison. The DA's not about to let things drop, however. He wants Little Junior bad and he'll do what it take to get him, even if that means using Jimmy and his family.

The plot of "Kiss of Death" is loosely based on the 1947 original-a class film noir-which featured Victor Mature, and Richard Widmark in his star?making role. (Remember his maniacal giggle as he pushed the old lady down the stairs?)

The story's been updated and it is grittier, realer and even more gripping. Novelist Richard Price ("Clockers") wrote the screenplay and he is one of the very best writers working in movies today. He has a true affinity for the seedy side of life and the characters and situations that populate his films are always enthralling to watch.

The direction by Barbet Schroeder ("Reversal of Fortune") is tense, well?paced and energetic. The acting is very good, especially by Caruso and Cage. Caruso is a very subtle and contained actor, much like Robert Mitchum, a veteran of many films noir. Also like Mitchum, Caruso seems like a powder keg about to go off. He projects seething fire and intensity without overplaying his hand.

Cage is mostly known for his dimwitted nice guy, hero roles, but he shows here that he has some real chops, creating a maniacal thug with a hair?trigger temper. With his pumped?up body and goatee, he has a hard l