Reviews (8)

Almost surreally godawful
I saw this movie at a sneak preview a few months before it was released (though "dumped on the unsuspecting moviegoer" is sorta more like it) with a group of friends and we all agreed that it should be buried. Or perhaps every copy rounded up and launched into the sun.

Well, as you know, it was in theaters soon enough, getting both awful reviews by critics AND filmgoers. It also pretty much flopped as I recall.

The only watchable scenes at all were Eddie Murphy's which were filmed as an afterthought (and a totally seperate plot from the main one). The trailers and commercials wanted you to think that this was an Eddie Murphy film, when in fact, he has little more than an extended cameo (cut into the movie at the last minute so there would be SOME reason for people to want to see the wretched thing).

I can't even imagine how ghastly this movie would have been before they put in the Murphy stuff.

Sort of like the recent "View from the Top" which was promoted as a Mike Myers comedy, when it was actually neither.

The stink on this thing is solely the blame of talentless filmaking couple (and Lucas cronies) Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz whose other "masterpieces" include the equally wretched Howard the Duck, Radioland Murders, and screenplay for Indy 2.

Somebody, make them stop already!

another lame attempt to satirize defense industry
First the good news - this movie is actually two movies in one. Now the bad news - one of them isn't that good, and you barely get enough of the other to make it all worthwhile.

First, we meet Eddie Murphy as a US Army lieutenant sent to some middle eastern desert kingdom to help demonstrate and sell a new high-tech tank. This being a 1980's movie, it's no surprise that the tank doesn't work, and nearly everything seems to fall off or otherwise refuse to cooperate. (20 million moving parts, all built by the lowest bidder in Reagonomics-era dollars.) Trying to get the thing moving, Murphy's character turns a sheik's Mercedes into an oversized skateboard and, before he can get the tank to go where he wants it, finds he's stuck in a major desert war in which his tank is conspicuously the largest moving target ("I'm not in this war", he shouts vainly at jets making runs on his cranky-tank, "I'm from Cleveland!"). Remember when I said that this flick had two movies - the Murphy half is the better half.

We then cut a few years earlier to LA where Dudley Moore is one of the head engineers of a teetering defense contractor struggling to perfect the main gyroscope slated to go into Murphy's tank. Wiley's (Moore's character) fate is tied to gyro, but his life is already a mess - not even the toys he makes for his son works, and his frigid wife (Kate Capshaw, and yes, she does hum the "Raiders" theme in one scene that got more laughs than most of the movie) isn't about to stick with a man whose future is so cloudy. After a disastrous test which essentially dooms the project (and the company), Wiley runs into some guy at a bar who (in a twist that's a bit much even for a convoluted movie like this) is at work for another defense contractor on a competing version of the Dip-gyro. The guy seems bothered by something, and then he disappears...but not before he palms on Wiley a diskette containing the plans for his own company's version of the gyro, one apparently identical to Wiley'' with the exception that it appears to work. Dragooned at work into taking credit for his "improved" design, Wiley finds he's got more trouble than he bargained for - the new gyro and whoever seems to possess it are targets for a psychotic killer who freelances for the Russians (David Rasche of "Sledgehammer" fame); feds promise to protect Wiley as long as they can use him as bait for Rasche's character, and they know that the gyro isn't his; saving the company attracts the attentions of one of his company's execs (Helen Shaver) in a romance which can't last; and the new gyro only appears to be bug-free. As Moore's story progresses, we cut to Murphy's story, one in which he must suffer the consequences of being equipped with a tank built entirely of components as buggy as Wiley's gyro. Wiley in the meantime is heading to a point in which he must disclose the new gyro's flaws - which will also require that he honestly explain his own role in developing it (or lack thereof).

This was a disappointing film. It's not heavy handed like "Deal of the Century" (Another satire of defense contractors; Moore and Murphy are more spirited than Chevy Chase and Sigourney Weaver were in that movie). Moore is actually quite good, but the script seems resigned to fall on Murphy for the laughs. Unfortunately, there's barely enough Murphy in the movie (spots that ran for the movie focused only on his part of the story). In the end, this flick and "Deal" may just be proof that it's impossible to parody the military-industrial complex any better than defense contractors, congressmen and the military does in real life.

Do not miss
This is an incredibly funny movie with Murphy and Moore at their best. Can be watched many many times.

At times Funny but Fans of Moore and Muprhy will love this.
A Inpet Inventor (Dudley Moore) of a Malfunctioning Piece of Defense Equipment and a Man (Eddie Murphy). who has to deal with the Invention, who is actually in war in another Country.

Directed by Williard Huyck (Howard the Duck) made a clever but uneven entertaining comedy. This could have been better if Moore and Murphy had at least One Scene together or More, could make this film more enjoyable. Still enjoyable film. Grade:B.

BEST DEFENSE MORE LIKE WORST DEFENCE
NO SERVERE AMOUNTS OF ALCOHOL CAN RENDER THIS FILM BARIBLE OR ENJOYABLE ABOUT A DEFENSE INDUSTRY DESIGNER WHO INADVERTANLY AQUIRE BLUEPRINTS FROM THE KGB. EDDIE MURPHY WAS AN ABSOLUTE MISCAST IN THIS FILM AND ITS PROBALEY THE WORST FILM OF HIS CARRER. AT LEAST `THE GOLDEN CHILD` DIDN`T PUT ME TO SLEEP LIKE THIS FILM DID. BESIDES I DIDN`T SEE MUCH CHEMEISTY BETWEEN MOORE AND MURPHY ANYWAY, THEIR ACTING WASN`T UP TO PAR IN THIS MEDIOCRE FILM, A WASTE OF MURPHY`S TALENT. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Sad farewell to Bette Davis...
As many reviewers have said, the only reason to see this is for the last performance of Bette Davis. At 80 years old, she doesn't have what she used to (the film was made in 1989), but then, who would?

Aside from a hilarious lineup scene of very old women at a police station, and a nice bit (also at the beginning) about four shrunken people, this is truly unfunny (meant to be a supernatural comedy) and even sexy Barbara Carrera does not do much to save the day here. David Rasche underplays it completely, while Coleen Camp, as his wife, is here guilty of near-hysterical overacting. The kid who plays the husband's son (Mike) is only adequate.

The acting here is not at all good, but the script is worse. Lionel Stander is also in the film and turns in the most consistently good acting job through the film, but that's not saying much. Larry Cohen wrote and directed this, but he is nowhere near the top of his game. He's done much better films, among which are Q, The Stuff (my favorite), God Told Me To, and It's Alive.

This is a curiosity item, at best, and I would be surprised if it ever does get released on DVD. If so, it would be for the novelty of seeing Bette Davis one last time.

Not recommended.

Wicked Fun thanks to Bette
You must see this movie if your a Bette fanatic. I remember seeing this when I was 12 I am 21 now, and I thought the movie was stupid but I loved Bette Davis. I said to myself how old is that lady and she is a good actress. She shines in this from the beginning to the end. I just read Barbara Leamings new book on Bette Davis (came out in 04) and it says she left wicked stepmother because she didn't like the way she looked when she watched the footage, she was falling down, not remembering her lines, and her dentures kept falling out. its sad but see this movie if u love bette you won't be disappointed. its campy and fun if you liek those kind of movies.

Wicked Stepmother
I just bought it to see the wonderful actor who played the role of the Judge.

BETTE DAVIS, ONE LAST TIME, THAT'S ALL!
This film is nothing, except for BETTE DAVIS. You get to see her one last time. She's old now and looks weak, but she still SHINES! She steals every scene that she's in. Unfortunately, she's not in very much, she quit the movie after only one week of filming. Once she saw how she looked on film, she was very unhappy and did not want to go on with it, she just walked off the set and never returned. If you are a fan of Bette Davis, i would say, go ahead, buy this film, just to see and have it, because it is her last film and the little bit that she is in it, she still SHINES! After she turns into the cat, though, i would say, turn it off, the movie makes no sense. Just buy it to get to see BETTE DAVIS in her last film!

Bette Davis helped this movie - and ruined it.
The best thing about this movie is 80-year-old Bette Davis' performance. But she's also the movie's biggest problem. When the producers refused to change the script after her demands, she left the set, after one week of filming. That forced director/screenwriter Larry Cohen to rewrite the script to explain her disappearance, which resulted in a very confusing plot (she transformed herself into her daughter or a cat or something like that, I didn't quite get it...). Well, at least it's a better solution than Edward D. Wood Jr.'s way of replacing Bela Lugosi in "Plan 9 From Outer Space" (using a stand-in that doesn't look the least like Lugosi, covering his face with a cape).

The first half-hour or so is quite entertaining. Davis is overacting in a good way as Jenny's (Colleen Camp) father's new creepy wife, Miranda. After she's out of the movie, it's quite confusing. Miranda left the family and her daughter, Priscilla (who is Miranda in another shape or something, eh...) is staying with the family instead.

There are some good humor in the movie. There's one funny scene in the beginning, at the police station, with the lineup with the angry old homeless ladies. Some scenes are just silly, like the beach sequence somewhere before the middle of the movie.

So, Bette Davis' performance is what makes this movie worth watching, but she's also the main reason it's so bad (I guess it wouldn't have been a great movie anyway, but less confusing). The other actors are quite mediocre. However, the movie isn't quite as bad as its reputation. If you're curious to see Davis play the wicked stepmother in her last film, rent it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Take Chevy Chase's screwball Vacation movies, plug in Daniel Stern and Julie Hagerty as the parents of two can't-be-bothered kids coerced into holing up in an RV with their well-intentioned dud of a dad and mild-mannered mom for three weeks, and file down the funny parts just enough so no one gets offended, and what you get is Tourist Trap, a likable movie with heart and a message. George Piper (Stern) is a disgruntled Wisconsin banker and Civil War buff who dreams of tracing the glory-lined path of his great-great-grandfather, the Union hero Jeremiah Piper. Fed up with his fractured home life and unwilling to wait any longer, he packs up his family and the bumbling begins. A fence and a streetlight crumble as he commandeers the RV down his suburban street, and on the highway, two thugs on motorcycles misinterpret the pointy-finger part of "Where Is Thumbkin," a game he's playing to entertain his thoroughly unimpressed family. George's good-guy stripes shine through, though, when the Pipers' picked-up travel companion, a rugged Renaissance man of a doctor with two dreamy kids, shows his true colors on a hiking trip--Mr. L.L. Bean turns out to be a bullying control freak. For all its predictability and tidiness, getting snared into the Tourist Trap feels comfortable; this modern-day Cleaver family's exploits are easy to swallow. Kids 8 and older will giggle over the mindless gags and parent-directed wisecracks. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Tourist Trap
This a fun-filled movie for the whole family. My 5 year old enjoyed it every bit as much as my 8 and 10 year olds did. Daniel Stern does an great job portraying a Dad out to reconnect with his family. No matter what. He's a real dud - or is he? If you're looking for a light-hearted family-style movie this one you're sure to enjoy over and over again.

Daniel Stern at his BEST!
This movie is silly. Just downright silly, with Daniel Stern as the "mad" dad trying to find a piece of his relative's history in the Civil War, and Julie Haggerty (from the AIRPLANE movies)as the high-strung mother. Downright silly, and some emotions are shown in this fine movie. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

With this much comic talent, it should be better than it is
I went into this film with very high hopes seeing as how it is a who's who of today's best comedic talent: Michael McKean ("Best In Show"), Kenneth Mars ("Young Frankenstein"), Howard Hesseman ("WKRP in Cincinnati"), David Rasche ("Sledge Hammer"), John Michael Higgins ("A Mighty WInd"), Henry Gibson ("Laugh In"), Robert Mandan ("Soap"), George Wendt ("Cheers"), Bob Einstein ("Curb Your Enthusiasm"), Fred Willard ("Anchorman"), John O'Hurley ("Seinfeld"), & Larry Miller ("Waiting for Guffman"). In a movie about corporate fatcats and politicians escaping to a top secret getaway where they act like frat boys! All written and directed by Harry Shearer, one of the men behind "This Is Spinal Tap" and the voice of numerous "Simpsons" characters! How can you go wrong?

See this fillm and find out. With this much pedigree, it should've been wet-your-pants funny. It turned out mildly amusing. Unfortunately, all the blame rests on the usually reliable Shearer's shoulders - his humor is often very clever if not laugh out loud funny, but here it even fails to be especially clever. It's not even especially funny in a dry way. And his directions does nothing to elevate the material. The cast of pros elevates the material as much as they can, which isn't much. A disappointment. Catch it on cable, perhaps, or rent it for $1.00.

YOU HAD TO BE THERE!
When I was at the Bohemian Grove. Neil Armstrong was there, just a year after he stepped on the moon. He speech by the lake was called "The Food of The Future: Oil". Honestly! Even the fat cats around me were moaning on their way back to peeing on the redwoods.

Henry Kissinger was there, too. He began his speech talking PEACE, but morphed into a comparison between our bomber fleet versus Russia's, and ours was smaller. "Vee need more bombah's".....

I was more disappointed that Armstrong never mentioned the moon once. Kissinger was predictable - he'd already bombed Cambodia.... Kissinger can't go to several countries, now, or he will be arrested.

Years and years later, Harry Shearer attended the Grove as a guest.

Perhaps if you are not into the dry humor of the Best In Show/Waiting For Guffman/Spinal Tap/Mighty Wind genre, you would never be able to "get" this movie as well.

If Mr. Barret only shares his name with the Pink Floyd founder, his perceptions (and spelling/grammar) are equally as.....psychadelic! Well, everyone to their own....perception.

Anything that pokes ANYTHING at the Bohemian Club is alright with me.

*DIS-INFO ALERT*
maybe shearer thinks he is on the money , but after seeing all the evidence all I can call this is dis-information at its finest. Go watch Alex Jone's infiltration of Bohemian Grove first or read up on the grove from historians. Shearer is obviously ignorent although i do like how he tries to take swipes at Mr. Jones

Best movie ever
this is the greatest movie ive ever seen. it reminds me of my childhood growing up in the 80s. i recommend everyone to see it and you will have the song stuck in ur head for days! "if you go out in the woods today, ur sure of a big surprise!" ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fairly solid suspense for cable movie
This made-for-cable movie is a cut above most suspense stories of its genre, i.e. it's nothing particularly special, but it is better than most things you'd tune in during the afternoon. Miss Dunaway plays a wealthy traveler whose Mercedes breaks down in a small town, so she must stay a few days at the local motel. There, she witnesses what could be a murder in the window of a nearby building. Miss Dunaway gets involved, and then the killer goes after her. It's fairly routine, but nonetheless exciting and suspenseful at times. It does not drag or have unbelievable plot twists. I wouldn't recommend you go out of your way to see it, but if it comes on T.V. or you see it at the video store, give it a try. For fans of Miss Dunaway, it's a cut above some of the other material she made during this time. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Two inept cops who frame An Innocent Man
This is the story about two inept cops who frame AN INNOCENT MAN named Jimmie Rainwood(Tom Selleck). The two plain clothes police officers deviously plant drugs inside Jimmie's home,also using his mailing address. The cops spot a shadow of what looks like a pistol,but is actually a hair dryer. Jimmie was drying his hair after taking a shower. After other officers discover the drugs in Jimmie's home,he is arrested,arraigned,convicted and sent to prison for six years. After Jimmie is released,he and a few friends scheme to incarcerate the drug-planting cops. The cops end up in jail. Jimmie's buddy(F. Murray Abraham),who's still in prison,says at the end of the film,"Ain't life a motherf---er?". This film was not as great as THREE MEN AND A BABY and HER ALIBI,but I loved it.

AN EXCELLENT SELLECK MOVIE
As long as I can remember I've always immensely enjoyed/loved Tom Selleck movies. This is defintely one of his best(as well as 'Her Alibi'). This is a very enjoyable prision movie with a range of emotions. This film as always been on my DVD wishlist so I'm very excited that it's finally on DVD. I highly reccomend this film, you won't regret it.
By Justine Ryan

An Entertainingly Uncomfortable Film
Even though you know what's going to happen to Tom Selleck's character, and you know that the ending will be happy, watching the process is enjoyably discomfiting. This is a plot film -- stuff keeps happening to the main character, things he appears utterly incapable of controlling, and everything spirals right into disaster. Great Friday night fare. Make a lot of popcorn and savor it.

an excellent movie
Very entertaining movie. The characters are all great, the plot and the suspense are terrific.

Best Selleck Drama
I always like Tom Selleck movies. Some are actually very entertaining. This is by far his best dramatic role. I was very impressed how well he played the part of a framed Airline crew chief Jimmie Rainwood. F. Murray Abraham gives a great performance as one of the prison inmates, Virgil Cane, that befriends him. It has all the elements for some good drama, bad cops, drugs, decent and really bad convicts, attractive loving wife, and motive for revenge.

David Rasche and Richard Young do a fine job as the crooked detectives that frame him. I have recommended this to many people since many Selleck fans are not even aware of it. Whether you like Selleck or not you will enjoy this film if you like movies like "The Fugitive","US Marshals", and "Shawshank Redemption". It is being released on DVD soon and you can bet I pre-ordered a copy. ... Read more

Description

New York playwright Sidda Lee Walker is a long way from her Louisiana hometown, but an even greater emotional distance separates her from her mother Vivi. The Ya-Yas - sworn lifelong friends of Vivi - stage an unorthodox "intervention" to bring daughter and mother together in this warm, winning adaptation of Rebecca Well's bestsellers, written for the screen and directed by Thelma & Louise Academy Award winner Callie Khouri. ... Read more

Reviews (161)

Pure Chick Flick but good!
It's simple, in one line; it's a pure chick movie. I slept through it despite Sandra Bullock is the lead! I had to drink a strong espresso to watch it again. The movie is based on the Rebecca Wells's bestseller and as it is most of the time, the movie doesn't do justice to the book. Ladies will love the movie as they did the book. It's a warm well told story, it has tremendous feel and is well acted and well written. This all-star cast left little doubt that this was going to be a good movie. It was a matter of how well first time director Callie Khouri would be able to blend this ensemble of great actors. Usually one would out shine the other, but balance was gotten and result was fantastic; if you love this kind or drama. Drama, did I write, I'm not sure about that. Some might say a romantic comedy! Sandra plays a successful playwright still having to deal with an over powering and manipulative mother. Her mother's Ya-Ya friends (the sisterhood), drug and kidnap her in an attempt to reunited daughter with mother. If any of us did that we would be facing jail time! Guys, if you need a night to make good for a bad week, rent it and show your soft, sensitive side. Just remember to drink a strong espresso; then again you might want to make that a double!

Surprisingly not too bad
Summary:
Siddalee 'Sidda' Walker (Sandra Bullock) is a successful playwright in New York whose mother, Viviane 'Vivi' Abbott Walker (Ellen Burstyn - older; Ashley Judd - younger), has left some very deep, emotional scars on her. When Sidda happens to reveal some of these emotional scars to a Time magazine correspondent who later publishes them, Vivi is deeply offended and cuts off contact with her daughter. It then becomes the responsiblity of Vivi's group of friends, the Ya-Ya Sisterhood (Shirley Knight, Maggie Smith, Fionnula Flanagan), to intervene and bring Sidda and Vivi back together before Sidda's wedding to Connor McGill (Angus MacFadyen).

In order to bring the two back together, the Ya-Yas (as they call themselves) go to New York, kidnap Sidda, and bring her back to Louisiana. They then keep her quasi locked up while she is forced to experience the history of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood through their record book. Along with the pictures in the book, the Ya-Yas tell her stories, leading up to the climactic story of when Vivi had a nervous breakdown, nearly killed her kids, including Sidda and her siblings, and ultimately ended up in a mental hospital. Apparently Siddha was unaware of a lot of what was going on and, as a result, has held deep seated resentments toward her mother for a long time.

Eventually Siddha and Vivi are able to come to grips with what has happened. Siddha realizes that her mother wasn't perfect and Vivi admits to not being perfect. Having found some resolution to the emotional turmoil that has upset them for so long they are finally able to let the past go and love each other once again.

My Comments:
I went into this movie thinking that it was going to be a 'chick-flick' that I wasn't going to like. I came out regretting my initial sentiments.

The story itself is really pretty simple. The hardest part, perhaps, is just making sure that all of the flashbacks fit into the present. There are a few places where things don't make a lot of sense and some additional information would have been useful, like, for instance, more information on Vivi's family - Why her mother hated her and why her father loved her so much? It also would have been nice to have more information on why Vivi ended up marrying Shepherd 'Shep' Walker (James Garner - older; David Lee Smith - younger). Without really understanding the backstory to Vivi it is a bit hard to understand why she had the nervous breakdown, but I don't know that you can ever fully explain why someone had one - you can just start to come to grips with the fact that it happened and the ramifications of it. So, despite not having all of the information I would have liked to Vivi's backstory, the story was pretty good. The only other thing I think I should mention is that it would also have been nice to see how this blow-up between Siddha and Vivi affected Siddha's siblings. Even though she was the oldest, they were all probably old enough to remember at least some of the things that happened (this may be addressed in the book).

As for the acting, I was very impressed. I've never really thought Sandra Bullock was a great actress. So, when I saw that she was the main character in this film, or at least, was supposed to be, I was a bit worried. Well, she was okay, but she really isn't the actress to watch. Ashley Judd is the one who really has to push the limits of her acting ability and she does a great job. I think Ashley Judd has a lot of talent and was a very convincing younger Vivi, including the time during the emotional breakdown. The older Ya-Yas were also very good. Whenever they were on screen they pretty much stole the show from everyone else which, again, I can't say I minded because I'm not a huge fan of Sandra Bullock. The one person who I wish would have had more screen time but did great with what he had was James Garner, who truly did a great job of playing the role of a saintly husband who put up with a lot.

Overall, I surprised myself by finding ways to relate with this film. I would suspect that pretty much every child holds some resentments towards their parents. I know this is a bit Freudian, but those feelings can later emerge as relevant to people's attitudes towards their parents and life in general. I think this movie (which is based on a book) does a great job of dealing with those issues and illustrating how devastating they really can be. I highly doubt that any parent can prevent their kids from having issues with them, but this does give a good example of how those issues can be addressed at a later point, when both are adults and able to better understand how one's actions affected the other. Maybe I'm reading too much into the movie and all of this psycho-babble Freudian analysis isn't really there, but I think it is. Anyway, it is a movie that tugs on the heart strings, but I think most people can relate to the reasons why. Because of that I would recommend this movie for pretty much anyone that has a mother, which means everyone (whether you know who she is/was or not).

Mother daughter reunion.....................................
I LOVED THIS MOVIE!

The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood tells the story of how the Ya-Yas, try to fix the gap between mother and daughter, daughter and fiancee, and in doing so, lead to a greater, deeper level of understanding between all of them as well.

I highly recommend this movie for all mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends.

It's not just about that but its so much more having real friends who would go against you in order to help you! This is such a great movie.

Good, surprisingly touching.
'The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood', the novel, is a good, NOT GREAT, example of modern fiction. It is warm, touching, funny, involving and well-conceived, but conversely, it is prissy, cloying and overly sentimental at times.

'The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood', the movie, shares all of these traits with its best-selling inspiration. It too is warm, touching, funny, and involving, but, like the book, has more than its fair share of incongrous emotions and oftentimes silly plot twists that prevent it from being a True Classic.

Starring Sandra Bullock and Ellen Burstyn (in a wonderful return-to-form, one of the best things in this picture) as Siddalee and Vivianne Walker, 'The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood' tells the story of how the Ya-Yas, Vivi's lifelong friends, heal rifts between mother and daughter, daughter and fiancee, and in doing so, lead to a greater, deeper level of understanding between all parties involved.

The movie has many, many good points. The contrast between Sidda's hectic, neurotic city-girl chic and the Ya-Ya's slower-paced, yet nonetheless as complex, lifestyles, is nicely executed, and Bullock once again proves herself to be a decent actress who, while she may not yet have found her niche, is well on her way to becoming a true talent. Burstyn is glorious as the mentally challenging Vivi, and her pals, Ya-Ya'd to near-perfection by Fionnula Flanagan, Shirley Knight and Maggie Smith, all gel well as an ensemble, even if their individual performances lack the individualism of the novel's counterparts.

The surprise of the picture is Ashley Judd as the young Vivi, she displays here an excellent understanding of the character and her portrayal of manic depression and alcoholism is as real as it is affecting.

Sadly, the bad points of the movie come in the shape of some VERY unnessecary plot-tinkering (lovers of the book will know what I mean!) and the Oirish Occent so reprehensibly attempted by the mundane Angus McFayden as Conor McGill - I'm talking ear-bleedingly bad. Are there no Irish actors in Hollywood? Would it have been so terrible, in the wake of all the other movie changes, to make the character of Conor American? Grrr.

Similarly out-of-place is the portrayal of Buggy Walker, Vivi's mother, a religious nut who doesn't come across as zealous at all, thereby robbing Vivi of much of her raison d'etre.

This is a chick-flick, undemanding and sweet, and in places, excellent, but it's a shame that it could have been so much more, and is not.

Recommended for rental.

Better than I expected
To tell you the truth I wasn't all that excited to see the film, just excited to have a girl's night out. I was pleasantly surprized. Sandra Bullock was wearing makeup in a movie for a change and did a better acting job than usual. Ashley Judd, who I didnt' even realize was in the film, gave an Oscar-worthy performance (though I doubt she'll be recognized for it). I've always thought she was beautiful but never considered her a fantastic actress until now. Magie Smith is wonderful, as usual and all of the other old ladies are do a fantastic job. It was nice to have a movie about women that doesn't focus entirely on the joys of youth, maturity has it's advantages. The man who plays Bullock's fiancee made me swoon, so handsome, charming and that great Irish accent. The southern accents in the movie are fun and the southern landscapes are breathtaking. Definitely a chick flick and good for men who want to understand more of the complexities of women. Be prepared to cry and to think a lot about your relationship with your mother. I actually managed to get my husband to sit thru this one when it came out on DVD, which is a real feat.
3 1/2 stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

You keep waiting for what should be a wild comedy to really take off, but this film sputters along without truly achieving liftoff. John Candy plays a writer for a TV soap opera whose life is as lovelorn as his show is packed with passion. A bump on the head, however, and it's Wizard of Oz time--except that Candy is now trapped in the world of his soap, with the advantage of knowing everyone's secrets, as well as what's going to happen next. Better yet, he's able to strike romantic sparks with characters whose actors (in real life) won't give him the time of day. But cuddly Candy isn't much of a romantic lead and the writing is too flat to let him really shine, even among a cast that includes Raymond Burr, David Rasche,and Emma Samms. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (6)

My Favourite Movie
This is the most hilarious movie,with John CAndy stuck inside a terrible soap opera!!HE can control events and turn himself into a hero by using his magic typewriter.It is sooooo funny,the characters are idiots,like the doctor who keeps yelling,"I..am a...medical..DOCTOR!!!',and the man whos being poisoned and his hair comes out and then he wipes his finger over his eyebrow and it comes off in his hand and then his teeth fall into the sink and then he tries to shoot his sister,who is poisoning him,only it isn't really his sister because she was swapped at birth so he accidentally shoots his real sister,and he cant talk properly anymore and so he says,"Ah,shthit." LOLOL.My mum is grossed out by the man who is losing his bits so she taped over the movie once.I love it!!!Its soooo funny!

form your own opinion
its easy to state facts when you talk about the quality of a power tool or a tv. but when it comes to things like movies and music, its all a mater of opinion. my idea of a great movie might be your idea of the worst movie ever made. so its not a good idea to buy or not buy a movie based on someones opinion of it. i liked this movie in fact i just watched this movie 5 min before writing this. if you are not sure if its your cup of tea rent it before buying it. i seen it 10 times over the years and i still like it.

A Cute Comedy.
John Candy was one of the true greats of modern comedy. Unfortunately, he spent most of his career performing in poorly written movies which did not allow him to display his comic genius. DELIRIOUS doesn't fit that bill, however, neither does it achieve the heights that it could have.

In DELIRIOUS, Candy plays a soap opera writer/producer of the hottest show on televsion. He finds himself constantly battling the other producers who always want to revamp the show and quite frankly would like to get rid of him. While driving in the country for a weekend vacation, Candy is in a car accident and awakens to find himself in a real version of the fictional town he helped create on his soap.

The movie is a lot of fun and toys with an interesting idea. However, much more could have been done with the "life in a soap opera" concept to have capitalized upon Candy's talent. The movie has an impressive cast including Mariel Hemingway, Robert Wagner, and Raymond Burr.

Overall a charming little movie that's a lot of fun. Great for an evening of escapist delight.

Excellent John Candy Flick!
This is a truly great movie! I am a very critical person and one who believes that nothing is perfect, but I loved nearly everything about this movie! It's a well-written and enjoyable film from the late, great John Candy and it also features a great cast of Mariel Hemingway, Emma Samms, Raymond Burr and Charles Rocket. It is a very well cast movie. The one thing I wasn't so thrilled about in this movie was the ending. It was a bit of an obvious ending for any film, although a heart-warming one at that...

Candiavellian Romp
I have to admit that good writing or not this is one of my favorite escape movies and I wish it would come out in DVD. My liking it has something to do with John's use of the typewriter and his ability to change the direction of the characters through the machine. Once he damages the typewriter he needs to make a technical sevice call to get it going again. You can't beat that. We even get to see a perplexed Robert Wagner and the rest of a great cast. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Highly Original Family Movie
Some movies just capture something so special and so unique. Such was MAGIC IN THE WATER. It's the perfect mix of adventure, funm comedy and drama. It has one of the funniest scenes I've ever seen---the one where the little Japanese boy falls in the hole. Hilarious. The directing is first rate and the acting is flawless. This is truly an overlooked gem that I want all my friends to know about. Brilliant.

True Magic
awesome video especially cause josh jackson was in i

I love this movie
I just watched this movie, becasue of a friend's recomedation. I thought that it was great that someone made a movie about this type of thing...it is a great plot- a girl who believes in magic. simple and plain, but wonderful. There needs to be more of these kinds of movies.

Loch Ness Monster collection!
It's just right! for my Loch Ness Monster collection! If you enjoyed E.T., Harry and the Henderson and Casper then this one you're looking for! I called this another "Free Willy" family feature film. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Delightfully entertaining!
Movie snobs don't bother--you have way too many rules for this fun little movie. I picked up The Big Tease never having heard of it so I was a bit confused at first by the documentary style. Luckily my husband (a major Drew Carey fan) recognized Craig Ferguson and I stopped trying to figure out what was happening and thoroughly enjoyed the movie. The character Crawford Mackenzie is so likeable that the convoluted plot is irrelevant. There is something fresh and fun about the flick that elevates it above the slapstick and predictable laughs that plague many more commercial movies.

Maybe I need to see this one again...
"The Big Tease" is a pretend documentary about Crawford Mackenzie, a Scottish hair stylist who thinks he is invited to an international "Hair-off" in L.A. Unfortunately, he is only invited to sit in the audience. However, he refuses to go back home and does everything in his power to get into the competition. Of course, he does. In the middle of all of this he stumbles through life in Los Angeles.

This was certainly an interesting movie. Maybe I was distracted or tired when I saw it, but I honestly had trouble following (or concentrating) on the film--the action, as well as the plot, was awfully scattered and jumpy. Craig Ferguson is one of my favorite actors, though, and he portrays the extremely bizarre (but innocent) Crawford very well. With the specific nature of the movie's subject and the unusual editing, this is clearly an independent movie along the lines of "Happy, Texas." However, it also has some very silly moments, as in when Crawford dances frantically in his hotel room or when he recites "California Dreaming", line by line, in an extremely serious voice. I think I will have to rent this one again to decide if I like it. My first impression was that this movie wasn't as great as I expected it to be.

More fun than a mullet . . .
Terrific cast, gentle silliness. Craig Ferguson is wonderfully absurd and Donal Logue is his usual entertaining self in a supporting part. If you liked Saving Grace or The Tao of Steve, this is a great little movie at a great price.

A TEASE IT EESE!
Not a stellar production by any stretch, this mockumentary still gets my top vote.

It's a fun, (almost) realistic romp through a Hollywood-wannabe life. Crawford is very convincing as a Scottish hairstylist who makes the mistake of thinking that he is a participant for a "Platinum Hairoff" competition in LA, when he was only one of the 100 lucky draw viewers selected at random.

Mayhem ensues and he is smitten by the idea of the trophy and wishes to steamroll his way into the contest come rain or shine. This includes a very funny cameo by (the usually safe bet) Frances Fisher, plus guest appearances from some big stars.

The documentary style cut may require a couple of scenes to get used to, but stick with it. The film has its moments. Predictable in the end, but so are some of the best movies. It's the message of self-worth and persistence that makes it worthwhile.

Interesting feel-good low-budget effort. Recommended rental for a light one and half hours.

great great great!!!!!
This movies is soooo great ...and Im not even gay! I bought this movie after constant repeats on Cinamax while I and a friend were drunk and on not so legal drugs we ordered this move because of its greatness. Crawford is a hero to us all! And Stig ia the most perfect and classicx of all movie villians. This mo0vie is one ofnther greatest movies ever made...move over Citizen Kane here comes real cinima!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Highly Original Family Movie
Some movies just capture something so special and so unique. Such was MAGIC IN THE WATER. It's the perfect mix of adventure, funm comedy and drama. It has one of the funniest scenes I've ever seen---the one where the little Japanese boy falls in the hole. Hilarious. The directing is first rate and the acting is flawless. This is truly an overlooked gem that I want all my friends to know about. Brilliant.

True Magic
awesome video especially cause josh jackson was in i

I love this movie
I just watched this movie, becasue of a friend's recomedation. I thought that it was great that someone made a movie about this type of thing...it is a great plot- a girl who believes in magic. simple and plain, but wonderful. There needs to be more of these kinds of movies.

Loch Ness Monster collection!
It's just right! for my Loch Ness Monster collection! If you enjoyed E.T., Harry and the Henderson and Casper then this one you're looking for! I called this another "Free Willy" family feature film. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

PUT IT ON DVD!
Sledge Hammer episodes belong on DVD, as one of the greatest cop sitcoms of all time! Put it on DVD!

The Comic Genius of Alan Spencer
SLEDGE HAMMER was the work of a comic genius named Alan Spencer who should be demanded to give the public yet another offering in the tradition of this masterpiece of inspired madness. SLEDGE HAMMER ranks right up there with the best works of Mel Brooks and Monty Python. It's a brilliantly sustained satire that DEMANDS RELEASE ON DVD with full commentary from Spencer. I want this show now! America needs it!

Light, but entertaining retro-show with lots of laughs
This is a great video that is a blast to watch. My three youngest children (6, 7, and 12) love it, too. It's got all levels of humor, with some "out of date jokes (related to that era only)," but it is still very funny. The acting is not the best, but it appears that some of it was intentional. Sledge Hammer is an awesome series, and all the videos should be on DVD. There has never been a comedy quite like it. A Comedy version of Dirty Harry. It's raw, 80's, and innexpensively done, but it is still worth owning. I'm glad I bought it and hope to eventually have the whole series. If you like movies like "Raising Arizona," or Monty Python or Mel Brooks movies, you will most likely enjoy this series, too. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Charming
This is one of those delightful movies that gets overlooked by critics and viewers. But it is one of my favorites because it is so charming and sincere. I love the fact that it's about traffic engineering- something that I've always wondered about myself when driving through congested streets. I would think about the optimal way to time the lights so that less people would be stuck in traffic. The other reason why this movie is special to me is because of the memories it brings back of the time when I first saw it in 1996, with my ex-girlfriend, on HBO on a lazy Friday night. The scenes with the beautiful lighting in the apartment yard or the hilarious scenes of Christine Lahti as the horny landlord sort of meld into the memories and impressions I have of that ecstatic time in my life. I love the way movies or music can do that. So I guess we all have our personal movies that do that to us.

Cute
Hey, sometimes it's great to see a simple movie. This one is no great genius, and it's pretty predictable, but it IS perfectly adorable. An entertaining 2 hours.

a quirky, fun movie about traffic and naked people
One of my favorite new actors teams up with Anne Heche to produce a fun, wacky view of live traffic reports and interpretive dance. I was hooked the first time I saw it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Comic Genius of Alan Spencer
SLEDGE HAMMER was the work of a comic genius named Alan Spencer who should be demanded to give the public yet another offering in the tradition of this masterpiece of inspired madness. SLEDGE HAMMER ranks right up there with the best works of Mel Brooks and Monty Python. It's a brilliantly sustained satire that DEMANDS RELEASE ON DVD with full commentary from Spencer. I want this show now! America needs it!

GREATEST TV SHOW EVER!!!!
Do you have a diseased sense of humor? Is sarcasm a daily, active part of your life? Do you laugh at the misfortunes of others? Do you like to see cops the way they "REALLY ARE" ??

If so, then you'll LOVE this one!! I had all 30 episodes a few years back and even to this day(15 years later), nothing keeps me rolling on the floor gasping for air more than this one! Your face will be purple laughing so hard you might suffocate.

My advise to you is don't let this opportunity escape you! If you have the opportunity, purchase it. You WON'T be sorry...... ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Charming
This is one of those delightful movies that gets overlooked by critics and viewers. But it is one of my favorites because it is so charming and sincere. I love the fact that it's about traffic engineering- something that I've always wondered about myself when driving through congested streets. I would think about the optimal way to time the lights so that less people would be stuck in traffic. The other reason why this movie is special to me is because of the memories it brings back of the time when I first saw it in 1996, with my ex-girlfriend, on HBO on a lazy Friday night. The scenes with the beautiful lighting in the apartment yard or the hilarious scenes of Christine Lahti as the horny landlord sort of meld into the memories and impressions I have of that ecstatic time in my life. I love the way movies or music can do that. So I guess we all have our personal movies that do that to us.

Cute
Hey, sometimes it's great to see a simple movie. This one is no great genius, and it's pretty predictable, but it IS perfectly adorable. An entertaining 2 hours.

a quirky, fun movie about traffic and naked people
One of my favorite new actors teams up with Anne Heche to produce a fun, wacky view of live traffic reports and interpretive dance. I was hooked the first time I saw it. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

It pays to read other purchasers' reviews
This movie has turned out to be one of my favorites and I have the reviews and their authors to thank. These two "character actors", William Fichtner and John C. Reilly, have leading man potential. Wonder why no one in Hollywood gets it. We, the viewers, know. Oh, I forgot, William Fichtner WAS cast as one of the two male leads in "Passion of Mind", primarily to carry the movie and make Demi Moore look good - which he did, easily. I knew he was a fine comic actor. I saw "Drowning Mona" and he and Jamie Lee Curtis shine. John C. Reilly really came through in "Chicago". Thanks to all who recommended this gem.

A nice suprise for many reasons
I rented this movie on the strength of the story outline on the back of the box, and for the fact that it had John C. Reilly in it, who I think is the finest character actor in movies. I got much more than I expected. This movie has an excellent script and wonderful directing. The humor is dry, black and understated and very effective. To me the big suprises were the performances of William Fichtner as one of the partners in the insurance scam. Fichtner's performance brimmed with intelligence and depth, as well as a sure comic touch that was dead on the money. Also, Kelly McGillis turned in a job so full of savage sex and menace, I found myself wondering why she doesn't get more work. As for John C. Reilly - does this actor ever make a wrong move in front of a camera? No, he does not. This is his best work. A real gem.

Brilliant!!
This movie is far from the usual 'let's rent a movie tonight honey'. It is unique with an unpredictable plot, that has you guessing all along! Black comedy at its best and a movie like no other.

Get it! Watch it!
This is an undiscovered gem! I love the performances, the script, the mood, the way the plot develops...and of course, it has fichtner and reilly....please watch this...its what movies are all about.

Excellent, Hilarious Acting
Excellent perform by Actors. William Fichtner's performance was outstanding,while John C. Reilly was equally as good.This movie should have had domestic distribution. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Only three episodes in this vhs movie!!!!!
Contains three episodes from the comedy series about the airhead Inspector Sledge Hammer. Includes: 'State of Sledge', 'Hammer Gets Nailed', and 'The Old MAn And The Sledge'. ... Read more