Reviews (1)

Absoloutely Great ( But looking for the soundtrack)
I ithought this movie was great they should make a sequel. It has fast become my fave movie ... Read more

Reviews (5)

And I was there....
What can I say, I'm bias, why... not because this was another of those "black" films everyone thought should be made but because I actually had a small bit part in it. Yep, stood out there in the cold of Platte City (MO), with about 16 other extras. Saw the open call for extras on the bulletin board at school and answered the call. Hey, no money, no true fame, but at least my segment didn't get tossed to the cutting room floor and it was fun "being in a movie"

Williamson Takes Over the Town, and the Film, Too
As a soul cinema fan, it is hard for me to criticize this film, which unites two Afro-American icons, Pam Grier and Fred Williamson. Still, I must confess my disappointed feelings after watching "Bucktown," a rather mediocre film, considering those two fantastic leads.

"Bucktown" is a corrupt town where the corrupt cops donimate. Now Duke (Williamson), after his brother's suspicious death, comes back to this hometown (in a "Ger Carter" way), only to find himself trapped in between the hostile police and beautiful Aretha (Grier). Reluctantly he decides to stay there because of legal problems, and to manage the local bar. As (expectedly) the love between Aretha and Duke develops, the local police begin (expectedly) to show their true colors.

The film is given a unique twist here; Duke calls in his old buddy Roy (Thalmus Rasulala, regular of blaxploitation genre) to wage a war against the cops, but the result turns out worse than he hoped. The film tries to provide a new point of view on this genre, giving a picture of a conflict between blacks, but it seems the film doesn't know how to end this awkward situation.

Though the film is far from perfect, it keeps on going with a good pace, and Williamson as always shows his charismatic presense effectively though Pam Grier as a result is pushed aside to a minor role despite of her previous successful roles in "Coffy." My verdict is, "Bucktown" is not a terrible film as some critics label it, but it is, I must say, strictly for fans of this genre.

cool film
this film worked really well.Both The "Hammer"&Pam Grier get down to Business here.it's so sad at how they didn't get there Props back in the day because films like this Showcase how tight they were on screen&they always had alot of Great Action in the films.Pam Grier still Blows My Mind She is SuperBaddd!!

Excellent Revenge Movie!
Fred Williamson is cool as ever-- though the character he plays, Duke, is an ex-football player-- okay, not much of a stretch..

Still, you can't front on the action that takes place when Duke takes on the corrupt police force in his old hometown--

The cast includes several blaxploitation regulars: The sheriff, played by Art Lund, also menaced Williamson as a crooked cop in BLACK CAESAR.

Bernie Hamilton went on to play STARSKY & HUTCH's police boss Captain Dobey, and he shows up here as a longtime Bucktown resident who spends too much time at the local bar that Duke's brother owned before his death..

Pam Grier is more subdued in this piece, not the "kick-behind-chick" of most of her roles.. But golly, is she fine as ever..

Thalmus Rasulala (Blacula, What's Happening) is Duke's big-city hustling pal Roy, who recruits a gang of cronies to give some payback to the redneck cops who terrorize the black residents of Bucktown. Among the cronies is "Hambone", played by future ROCKY star Carl Weathers.

After Duke, Roy and the gang send the crooked cops running (and violently so), they unofficially take the place of the cops in running the protection scam-- Duke is reluctant, but Roy revels in his newfound power. For the moment, Roy and Duke come to a compromise, as Roy promises not to "lean" on the townsfolk like the cops did..

But Roy's over-zealous henchmen could care less about being civil, as they roughhouse everyone who crosses their path, including Grier and Hamilton, the latter of whom is brutally beaten-- Next on their hit list is Duke, as he and Grier are assaulted in his home.. That sets the stage for Duke to get some long-coming revenge, assisted by a local boy who becomes his sidekick..

The showdown between Duke and Roy is long and bloody-- and satisfying...

Amidst all the mayhem in this film, some sly social commentaries are made: The kid who befriends Duke is a hustler wannabe, and has a precocious knowledge of all the nightlife vices in Bucktown-- "Girls, gambling, we got it all!"

Also, the audience is introduced to the cold reality that Black political corruption and criminality is just as dastardly as when it is done by Whites-- turning the tables on the traditional source of inner-city social ills in post-civil-rights-era America.

Fantastic Fred Williamson / Pam Grier vehicle
"Bucktown" is certainly less melodramatic and more savvy than most 70's blaxploitation fare. In this film, Fred Williamson stars as Duke, who returns home to Bucktown to bury his brother and resume business at his brother's bar - "Alabama". He soon discovers the corrupt white police force had his brother - alongside everyone else - in their pocket and intend to keep it that way. Urging against any confrontation is the eternally sexy Pam Grier as Aretha, a local at Alabama. Duke calls in some friends from the big city to oust the cops, who are led by Duke's longtime pal Roy. Once the cops are out, the grateful mayor wants to thank Duke's friends with a great parade; but unbeknownst to Duke, Roy and his crew have become aware of the power the police force had, and now they suddenly have other plans...

Pam Grier fans should note that she doesn't appear naked or even scantilly clad in every frame. She surprisingly appears classic and tasteful in fine outfits. The film is loaded with blaxploitation regulars. The final showdown of the film is tremendous, loaded with "I'm gonna beat you down, boy" prologues between Duke and Roy. There is also good use made of a tank in this film, but I don't want to spoil the whole experience for you. Check it out for yourself. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great movie!!!
This movie stands the test of time. I remember seeing this movie on the big screen when I was little.I was so moved by young Larry Fishburn performance that I found myself crying right along with him during the big tearjerking scene. So much talent even at that young age of 12. It's hard to believe that the sweet kid in "Cornbread Earl and Me" grew up to be the mean Ike Turner in "What's Love Got To Do With It"! One of my favorite movies as a child, "Cornbread Earl and Me" is now one of my children's favorite. The teenagers love it for the violence( angry mob attacks cops,woman gets 'pimp slap' in the face by crooked cop, ... etc.) but I like it because of the beautiful touching story. Buy it, you wont be disappointed.

I've seen this movie years ago,and i luv it !!
This movie was so touching, to where its not even funny,and whats so sad about it is that,the same things that happened in the movie is happening in real life as i speak..its funny people can change..but not the polices..

Superb !!!!!!
I remember when I had saw this movie when I was a little girl and I had saw it on BET last year this is a great movie it is sad but it is still good I enjoyed this movie and I would recommend anyone who enjoys blaxploitation movies would enjoy this movie this is a great film about a little boy and his friend Cornbread he was a great basketball player and he had just recieved a scholarship to go to a college to play basketball and had dreams of becoming a pro- basketball player and one day a white cop accidentally shoots him and he dies and a big contorversy stirs in this small towm and causes havoc and trouble for everyone and really takes a toll on his friend and
makes it hard for him to cope with his loss but eventually things get better and then he goes on with his life but he never forget about his friend "Cornbread" . This is a touching heartwarming film that would make you just want to cry so therefore when you watch this movie be sure to have some tissue on hand. I would recommend anyone who is fond of dramas to purchse this video!!!!

Good film about the importance of friendship and manhood
Aw later for you, Leonard Maltin! This movie is GREAT! This is an important story about friendship and manhood. Young Larry Fishburne's admiration of "Cornbread" rings true with any child who had an older friend to admire as a role model. But the outstanding part is where Fish's mother (Rosalind Cash) tells Fishburne to go to the courtroom stand and BE A MAN and not to be intimidated into giving false testimony of Cornbread's death at the hands of the police as the other witnesses were! This scene borught tears to my eyes and a "standing-o" from the audience I saw it with. This scene alone, with the message it gives to young people about integrity, is worth the price of admission alone!

Classic Film
you can't ever say enough about a film that captures everything you want&hope in a film.Strong Cast&Acting,Solid Directing&great Music.it's a Feel Good Film.it is a Film that is still strong to this day.Check it out. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Thrilling, best in it's genre...
This movie is among the the best and most thrilling of the post Harry Callihan, 1980's genre of cop movies. As Nico Toscani, a naturally macho yet morally upright and skilled cop (who is also ex-CIA and former Aikido instructor), Seagal is impressive and yet so refreshingly believable. The short martial arts action sequences are first rate - no drawn out Hong Kong formula stuff. The cafe jazz music score is memorable and rightly paced for the exciting car tailing sequences through downtown Chicago.

Nico Toscani's Sicilian background adds to the color of the drama. There are even hints of his family background being not too far removed from the wiseguys. I mentioned Nico being macho. I'd like to qualify this by saying that he's not devoid of charm and his role is less one-dimentional than one would expect. The tough-guy persona is just a facade for an individual with strong convictions and a democratic political outlook. Equally competent is Nico's partner, Delores Jackson, played candidly by the veteran Pam Grier. The main villain, the pure evil CIA doctor Zagon, is played by the veteran villain actor Henry Silva.

Don't expect any critics' choice awards for this movie, because the script does have its share of cliches. Seagal plays a cop who is on to something very big, defies higher authority and, as expected, is taken off the case - like in so many other cop movies of the genre. The outcome is predictable. You know that good is going to triumph over evil in this movie. Despite it's predictability, the plot is fresh and to a great extent realistic. Most importantly it's entertaining.

There are surprisingly bold political statements made in this movie about the dubious role played by the CIA in the affairs of many a third world country. These statements are not too far fetched and must never be underplayed when you consider the "blowback" - CIA jargon for repercussions - being felt to this day. There are far too few movies being made these days that hold the government accountable. Unfortunately it's usually the ordinary citizen who becomes the indirect victim to the follies of an agency whose modus operandii includes criminal conduct and whose agents operate "Above the Law".

The impressive and ship-shape Seagal in this movie inspires you to ditch your six-pack of beer for a six-pack of Gatorade. He inspires you to reach into your closet for your old karate uniform or gym gear and to whip yourself back into physical and mental shape. Too bad Seagal has physically floundered since then. He does have the potential to stay there. One would hope that he would take his cues from Eastwood and Bronson, both of whose careers have had them stay in shape and play lead roles well into their sixties and seventies.

First and (easily) Best Seagal Movie
Once upon a time, an ex-CIA martial arts master quit the CIA and wrote a movie with a new plot but a character that seemed a lot like the writer

Steven Seagal is best known for his action movies, in particular the parts where he does his hand to hand thing. In his case, he's an aikido expert, and that's hard to explain. Most martial arts movies talk about Kung Fu and Tae Kwan Do where people punch and kick and you can generally tell what's going on. Aikido, on the other hand, is about redirecting an opponent, making him basically want to fall down. In the movie, it looks a lot like a bad guy rushes as Seagal, he touches them with his little finger and then they decide to throw themselves in the air in ways you thought were impossible. The moves take, oh, about two seconds to perform, with Seagal's part being only about 2 microseconds. If you want to watch Seagal in classic aikido action, be prepared to pause, slow motion and rewind. It's amazing looking and absolutley bizzare (since being marveled by the movie, i have gone out and studied aikido, and it seems even more impressive, although realistic, now)

The movie's about an ex-CIA officer turned Chicago cop (and, in my opinion, an extremely unlikeable one; that macho Italian family man thing to me just looks like a dull-witted bully control freak). He runs into some old CIA friends from 'nam who are doing naughty things

This movie has a plot, and a darn good one at that. It's a very, very interesting movie, much unlike, say, all the big budget movies he did after this one. While his later movies are bad jokes, new age mantras and B-movies, this one is really, really good. There are only a realistic number of fight scenes (gosh, i wish there were more, but that would have changed it from a drama to an action film, which this really isn't), but they are wonderful

Bottom line, this movie is awesome. i don't know if Seagal wrote and directed the later films he did (he was close to a one man production company on this one), but i wish he'd turn down those big budget formula films he's been doing and go back to doing the realistic, semi-autobiographical films like this one. He's mostly considered a joke now, but when this movie came out, when he was Seagal the writer and not Seagal the action hero, he was revered, and for good reason

Seagals explodes into cinema!!!
Great score, great story, great action. This is Seagals best film next to Under Seige. Too bad he fizzeled out after a coupla good ones. Charles Bronson remains King of the genre. Check out The Mechanic and Death Wish 2 and 4....

SEAGAL'S FIRST MOVIE IS NOT TO BE MISSED!
A COP [STEVEN SEAGAL] BATTLES POLICE CORRUPTION AND DRUG DEALING. THIS WAS SEAGAL'S FIRST MOVIE. IT HAS SOME VERY GOOD ACTION SCENES. THIS IS AN ESSENTIAL MOVIE FOR ANYONE WHO LIKES TO COLLECT SEAGAL MOVIES OR ACTION MOVIES IN GENERAL. THIS MOVIE IS ALSO GOOD FOR ANOTHER THING, IT SHOWS US THE OLD STEVEN SEAGAL WHO LOOKED TOUGHER AND WAS IN BETTER SHAPE, UNLIKE TODAY.
I ADVISE ALL ACTION FANS TO ADD THIS TO THEIR COLLECTION NOW!

typical but decent
It's always fun to watch Steven Seagal beat [up] 10 people at once, then start running like a 5 year old girl. Yes this is a cheesey action movie with all the usual formulas, but Seagal seems to be a better actor than people like Chuck Norris, Vann Damme, Arnold, and Sly. His wisecracking remarks are definitely better than all the stupid one-liners in those other guys' movies. This was Seagal's first movie. If you've never seen one of his movies, this would probably be the best one to star with. Also a great supporting cast like Henry Silva (what a suprise, he's the lead villian!) Chelcie Ross (Harris from Major League) Pam Grier, Sharon Stone (she can't act, but she's okay here), and those same 2 cops that are in all the other movies filmed in Chicago. (The Fugitive, Code Of Silence, etc) ... Read more

Reviews (5)

And I was there....
What can I say, I'm bias, why... not because this was another of those "black" films everyone thought should be made but because I actually had a small bit part in it. Yep, stood out there in the cold of Platte City (MO), with about 16 other extras. Saw the open call for extras on the bulletin board at school and answered the call. Hey, no money, no true fame, but at least my segment didn't get tossed to the cutting room floor and it was fun "being in a movie"

Williamson Takes Over the Town, and the Film, Too
As a soul cinema fan, it is hard for me to criticize this film, which unites two Afro-American icons, Pam Grier and Fred Williamson. Still, I must confess my disappointed feelings after watching "Bucktown," a rather mediocre film, considering those two fantastic leads.

"Bucktown" is a corrupt town where the corrupt cops donimate. Now Duke (Williamson), after his brother's suspicious death, comes back to this hometown (in a "Ger Carter" way), only to find himself trapped in between the hostile police and beautiful Aretha (Grier). Reluctantly he decides to stay there because of legal problems, and to manage the local bar. As (expectedly) the love between Aretha and Duke develops, the local police begin (expectedly) to show their true colors.

The film is given a unique twist here; Duke calls in his old buddy Roy (Thalmus Rasulala, regular of blaxploitation genre) to wage a war against the cops, but the result turns out worse than he hoped. The film tries to provide a new point of view on this genre, giving a picture of a conflict between blacks, but it seems the film doesn't know how to end this awkward situation.

Though the film is far from perfect, it keeps on going with a good pace, and Williamson as always shows his charismatic presense effectively though Pam Grier as a result is pushed aside to a minor role despite of her previous successful roles in "Coffy." My verdict is, "Bucktown" is not a terrible film as some critics label it, but it is, I must say, strictly for fans of this genre.

cool film
this film worked really well.Both The "Hammer"&Pam Grier get down to Business here.it's so sad at how they didn't get there Props back in the day because films like this Showcase how tight they were on screen&they always had alot of Great Action in the films.Pam Grier still Blows My Mind She is SuperBaddd!!

Excellent Revenge Movie!
Fred Williamson is cool as ever-- though the character he plays, Duke, is an ex-football player-- okay, not much of a stretch..

Still, you can't front on the action that takes place when Duke takes on the corrupt police force in his old hometown--

The cast includes several blaxploitation regulars: The sheriff, played by Art Lund, also menaced Williamson as a crooked cop in BLACK CAESAR.

Bernie Hamilton went on to play STARSKY & HUTCH's police boss Captain Dobey, and he shows up here as a longtime Bucktown resident who spends too much time at the local bar that Duke's brother owned before his death..

Pam Grier is more subdued in this piece, not the "kick-behind-chick" of most of her roles.. But golly, is she fine as ever..

Thalmus Rasulala (Blacula, What's Happening) is Duke's big-city hustling pal Roy, who recruits a gang of cronies to give some payback to the redneck cops who terrorize the black residents of Bucktown. Among the cronies is "Hambone", played by future ROCKY star Carl Weathers.

After Duke, Roy and the gang send the crooked cops running (and violently so), they unofficially take the place of the cops in running the protection scam-- Duke is reluctant, but Roy revels in his newfound power. For the moment, Roy and Duke come to a compromise, as Roy promises not to "lean" on the townsfolk like the cops did..

But Roy's over-zealous henchmen could care less about being civil, as they roughhouse everyone who crosses their path, including Grier and Hamilton, the latter of whom is brutally beaten-- Next on their hit list is Duke, as he and Grier are assaulted in his home.. That sets the stage for Duke to get some long-coming revenge, assisted by a local boy who becomes his sidekick..

The showdown between Duke and Roy is long and bloody-- and satisfying...

Amidst all the mayhem in this film, some sly social commentaries are made: The kid who befriends Duke is a hustler wannabe, and has a precocious knowledge of all the nightlife vices in Bucktown-- "Girls, gambling, we got it all!"

Also, the audience is introduced to the cold reality that Black political corruption and criminality is just as dastardly as when it is done by Whites-- turning the tables on the traditional source of inner-city social ills in post-civil-rights-era America.

Fantastic Fred Williamson / Pam Grier vehicle
"Bucktown" is certainly less melodramatic and more savvy than most 70's blaxploitation fare. In this film, Fred Williamson stars as Duke, who returns home to Bucktown to bury his brother and resume business at his brother's bar - "Alabama". He soon discovers the corrupt white police force had his brother - alongside everyone else - in their pocket and intend to keep it that way. Urging against any confrontation is the eternally sexy Pam Grier as Aretha, a local at Alabama. Duke calls in some friends from the big city to oust the cops, who are led by Duke's longtime pal Roy. Once the cops are out, the grateful mayor wants to thank Duke's friends with a great parade; but unbeknownst to Duke, Roy and his crew have become aware of the power the police force had, and now they suddenly have other plans...

Pam Grier fans should note that she doesn't appear naked or even scantilly clad in every frame. She surprisingly appears classic and tasteful in fine outfits. The film is loaded with blaxploitation regulars. The final showdown of the film is tremendous, loaded with "I'm gonna beat you down, boy" prologues between Duke and Roy. There is also good use made of a tank in this film, but I don't want to spoil the whole experience for you. Check it out for yourself. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Violent movie, but worth watching
Great performances by Wesley Snipes as Nino Brown, drug lord, and Chris Rock as Pookie the crackhead...Ice-T wasn't very convincing to me as a cop, but I still liked the film. It had its humorous moments...plus some disturbingly violent ones as well. It put me in the mind of "Good Fellas", another crime-themed movie that is hard not to watch. The ending was somewhat predictable but all around worth checking out.

This move isnt nearly as great as people make it out to be..
I love hood movies and as far as acting, writing, characters and sheer believeability go, this movie ranks way below films such as Boyz n the Hood, Juice, Clockers, ect.

Besides Ice T's (Scotty) and Snipes (Nino), all the other characters seemed so false. Even though those are the two main characters, if all your other characters arent believeable, the whole movie falls apart. The chief of police is like someone out of a cartoon. Chris Rock (Pookie) isnt funny and does his part no justice. Mario Van Peebles is a joke

Apparently a drug syndicate is able to take over and entire apartment building in NYC...for years!! Its amazing isnt it. They can ride up in a drop top jeep and shoot people point blank in the head in broad daylight and not get caught. The story is just so hard to swallow.

Also the cinematography is really sub par. There is no artistry in any of the shots even in the dialogue. It also seems like the entire movie moves too fast for the events that are supposedly taking place. There are no subtle nuances at all in this film. I would say dont waste your time, the movie isnt really exciting at all, the performances are boring as is the plot. Go watch Juice.

Are you your brutha's keepa??
Fool, this film be the bomb, and I don't mean it bombed. Few movies touch me, but in New Jack City, the message was loud and clear, 'Keep it real and don't get caught'. Nino Brown had it all, and I mean he ruled the school. The problem was he got greedy. He makes deals with undercover cops, he wants to take down the mob, and his gang is falling apart. Plus he drops a decent looking ho for a real skanky looking ho.

It funny to see the size of cell phones back then, but the hair styles were pretty ridiculous too. Ice T is no Slash, but he can wear a top hat in the rain just as easily. Judd Nelson has a race problem in this movie, He can't tell the difference between himself, a white cop, and Pookie, a black crackhead. He finally settle the matter buy proclaiming he is 'Poor White Trash Pookie'.

In the end though, the message is clear. "If you've lost everything, you might as well cut loose and run. You never know, the libraian you shot may have a son coming to take you down." Or another moral of the story is "Avoid crazy old men on the stairs when you leave the courtroom."

Good movie
I know some people did not like this movie, but I loved it. The film had me hating some characters and loving others. Ice-T played his role well in this film. The scene that still gets me to this day is when he gets Pookie from that crack house. The other scene is when he is with the drug lord, and finds out HE is the man responsible for his mothers death. That scene was deep. The film has a good cast, Mario Van Peebles, Wesley Snipes, Bill Nunn, Allen Payne, Vanessa Williams, Micheal Michaels and some other folks. The film really hipped you to how bad the drug scene is in the inner city.

this is a good movie.
I like the pace at which the story in this movie was told. It's not blazing fast so you pick up on all the little things. The acting from all is done very well. Ice Tee is a beliable cop, I appericated how he wasn't shown as some perfect cop, but he wasn't bad either. He was human, which added to the realism. Westly Snipes delivers a stunning performance as Nino Brown. I think everyone should watch this movie and Sugar Hill back to back. Westly is great in both, and it's amazing how oppisite the drug king pin character he plays really are in those 2 movies. New Jack City is gritty and real. And much like Scarface, you'll be left with a feeling of just how crazy life can be. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Great movie!!!
This movie stands the test of time. I remember seeing this movie on the big screen when I was little.I was so moved by young Larry Fishburn performance that I found myself crying right along with him during the big tearjerking scene. So much talent even at that young age of 12. It's hard to believe that the sweet kid in "Cornbread Earl and Me" grew up to be the mean Ike Turner in "What's Love Got To Do With It"! One of my favorite movies as a child, "Cornbread Earl and Me" is now one of my children's favorite. The teenagers love it for the violence( angry mob attacks cops,woman gets 'pimp slap' in the face by crooked cop, ... etc.) but I like it because of the beautiful touching story. Buy it, you wont be disappointed.

I've seen this movie years ago,and i luv it !!
This movie was so touching, to where its not even funny,and whats so sad about it is that,the same things that happened in the movie is happening in real life as i speak..its funny people can change..but not the polices..

Superb !!!!!!
I remember when I had saw this movie when I was a little girl and I had saw it on BET last year this is a great movie it is sad but it is still good I enjoyed this movie and I would recommend anyone who enjoys blaxploitation movies would enjoy this movie this is a great film about a little boy and his friend Cornbread he was a great basketball player and he had just recieved a scholarship to go to a college to play basketball and had dreams of becoming a pro- basketball player and one day a white cop accidentally shoots him and he dies and a big contorversy stirs in this small towm and causes havoc and trouble for everyone and really takes a toll on his friend and
makes it hard for him to cope with his loss but eventually things get better and then he goes on with his life but he never forget about his friend "Cornbread" . This is a touching heartwarming film that would make you just want to cry so therefore when you watch this movie be sure to have some tissue on hand. I would recommend anyone who is fond of dramas to purchse this video!!!!

Good film about the importance of friendship and manhood
Aw later for you, Leonard Maltin! This movie is GREAT! This is an important story about friendship and manhood. Young Larry Fishburne's admiration of "Cornbread" rings true with any child who had an older friend to admire as a role model. But the outstanding part is where Fish's mother (Rosalind Cash) tells Fishburne to go to the courtroom stand and BE A MAN and not to be intimidated into giving false testimony of Cornbread's death at the hands of the police as the other witnesses were! This scene borught tears to my eyes and a "standing-o" from the audience I saw it with. This scene alone, with the message it gives to young people about integrity, is worth the price of admission alone!

Classic Film
you can't ever say enough about a film that captures everything you want&hope in a film.Strong Cast&Acting,Solid Directing&great Music.it's a Feel Good Film.it is a Film that is still strong to this day.Check it out. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For Us, The Living-Dead
First of all, I would have appreciated being warned that this movie was in Extended Play Mode. CD Universe was kind enough to note that the copy it had for sale was in the EP mode and thus I did not buy it from them. I was optimistic that Amazon's copy might be in Standard Play mode because nothing was listed in the "technical details section." I had already opened the package before I noticed that it was in EP Mode. This copy of the movie had artifacts throughout the entire film. I tried it on two seperate VCRs. To to that off, the acting was uniformly horrible and the movie didn't even address the identity/landmark trial of assassin Byron De La Beckwith who was played superbly played by James Woods in "Ghosts of Mississippi" That is the movie you should see if you want to know about Medgar Evers and see outstanding performances at the same time including an uncharacteristically good one from Whoopi Goldberg. She was also great in "A Long Walk Home" which deals with some of the same themes. Lastly, I would have like to have seen someone like Denzel Washington in the title role.

Underrated, Overlooked and So Damn Good
For Us the Living, a movie that recently sneaked onto video after airing on national T.V. The story of Medgar Evers, a civil rights leader from the early to mid sixties who was murdered by the Klu Klux Klan. This movie tells us first hand how Medgar, took on racist politicians and came home to be a loving husband. Played beautifully by Holling Rollins, and the gifted Irene Cara. It is on my shelf right there by Malcolm X. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A guerilla filmaking time capsule!!!
Adios Amigo is a funny and whacky film made on a half of a shoestring of a budget. Atleast that is how it appears!!! The production values are strained and the the writing is somewhat flimsy!!! But, if you are a fan of the co-stars, Richard Pryor and Fred Williamson, who gives a damn. These guys are ripe for adventure and at the peak of their powers. Now, in back of the camera, no doubt, the pressures and machinations of Hollywood were poised to crush this effort in the preamble. But, the movie was made anyway, and that is a miracle in itself. Kudos to producer and Co-Star Fred Williamson!!! The mood is decidedly lighthearted!!! if you can get this film, watch it with an appreciation for the effort and the pure courage it took to even mount the production against insurmountable odds. Sillyness not-withstanding,The more times you view it the funnier it gets!!! Go ahead and laugh!!! ... Read more

Description

" On a morning in August 1986 the body of Jennifer Levin young,attractive and rich was discovered in New York's Central Park.Shortly afterwards,police arrested Robert Chambers for the crime.The tabloid press descended on the casein force, drawn to the irresistible mix of sex, violent death, attractive people andprivileged youth.It was quickly dubbed the PREPPIE MURDER. AMERICANJUSTICE opens the files to take another look at this sensational case that offers adisturbing look at the dark underbelly of wealth and privilege.Meet people who knewthe killer and his victim, and hear stories of the clique that gathered at the Upper EastSide hangout called Dorrian's Red Hand.Revisit the unusual trial, where the defenseessentially put the victim on trial and the checkered past of the defendant which involvedburglaries and a long history of drug use was kept from the jurors.Testimony frompolice and attorneys highlights the crucial points in the case, and the family of the victimspeaks out in a rare interview." ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Daming Evidence
WhAT I CAN'T UNDERSTAND IS HOW COME THERE WERE SO MUCH DAMING EVIDENCE TO CONVICT ROBERT CHAMBERS OF MURDER AND HE STILL GOT THE CHANCE TO PLEAD GUILTY TO A LESSER CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER. STRANGULATION IS A RESULT OF CONTINOUS PRESSURE, SO HOW COULD IT BE AN ACCIDENT?. WAS THE JURY STUPID OR WHAT? I REMEMBER A JUROR SAYING THERE WASEN'T A CLEAR CUT PATH TO SHOW MURDER. WHAT MORE DID THEY WANT? BRUISING ALL OVER JENNIFER LEVIN'S BODY, STRANGULATION MARKS, PROVING SHE WAS BEATED AND STRANGLED. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Set the night on fire!
Lambada had potential, but the cheesy production values, PG rating, and dated music all but ruin it. It's a fun movie, but the plot, a rehash of every inspirational teacher movie out there, is not suitable for the dirty dancing movie it strives to be. It should have stuck to one or the other. The Forbidden Dance, another movie about the Lambada dance craze, released the same day in theaters, fared slighlty better because of the more adult story. While this is purely enjoyable fluff, I never once believed that the actors were high school students, which ruined it for me. And the dancing is just not seductive enough. However, I was engrossed in the story and loved the cheesiness to it all. Recommended for an early 90's reminisce.

Fabulous Pick!
Grab It - A chance of Lifetime to Pick up Lambada Dance Pick - My choice 'Golden collection' & 5 Stars! I was gifted this DVD by my sis long ago and since then, it stands best setting fire in my room as I click on to watch it sometimes on special occassions. My hubby is too awe struck to see the swings and we even tried out the steps but ugh oh, its not cup of tea for all to dance 'Lambada'. The movie is simply superb but as far as my collection goes, I gotta Lambada Dance track exclusive too. Another nice movie was Dance with me which had some great dancing on floor apart from other movies like footloose, Dirty Dancing & Saturday Night Fever. Pick up if you really like Dancing, any day-any time, the unique Lambada tip toeing.

THE DVD SETS MY NIGHT ON FIRE!
I was surprised to hear that 'Lambada' was getting released on DVD out of all the many movies that are out there, but I'm soooooooooooooooo glad because this is one of those films I just LOVE. I already have it on video and have watched it many times.This movie isn't just some silly, ... try-hard dancing movie, It's really entertaining, funny, I love the actors, the music just makes me want to jump out of my seat and Set the Night On Fire. J.Eddie Peck, Melora Hardin, Ricky Paull Goldin etc are all fantastic and entertaining. The film has a good message about the importance of education what Blade is trying to teach the kids. The DVD quality is good, it's presented in full frame but I'm not complaining, I'll take 'Lambada' any way I can get it- I'm just happy it's on DVD. YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
By Justine Ryan

A Must See Underrated Dance Movie!!
The movie Lambada is a sexy,sensuous must see Dancing movie that should be watched.It's a must see.The sexy,sensuous Melora Hardin is particularily breathtakingly beautiful in this film!!

Set the Night on Fire!!!
Lambada--The Movie! I LOVE IT!!!

From a Lambada standpoint, the film falls far, far short of Lambada dancing expectations. I surmise that the producers of this film merely attached the "Lambada" title to the film in order to capitalize on the Lambada dance craze.

This film follows the clandestine educational hijinx of a man called "Blade," aka Carlos Gutierrez and Mr. ( ). By day Blade teaches at an upscale Beverly Hills high school (Stonewood High) and by night he teaches ghetto kids at a nightclub (which only serves Pepsi) called "No Man's Land."

Blade teaches the kids who frequent "No Man's Land" a number of subjects; history, grammar, but primarily math. And his teaching methods are cutting edge: he teaches one young man math by using a protractor on the pool table. But his lessons often last a mere two to three minutes because Blade needs to get some dancing in before he goes home to his wife!

Why Blade can't simply teach the educationally deprived ghetto youth in the late afternoon or early evening is anyone's guess, and the charm of the film. Blade's mission in life is to give these poor kids hope. For, as we learn midway through the film, as Blade struggles to gain street credibility, he is "a homie!"

The protractor is a recurring theme and a symbol that is present throughout the film. We see the protractor used in a number of highly creative ways and at interesting times. (Instead of studying at home, Ramon sits in the corner of No Man's Land using his protractor to do his homework).

All in all this is a highly recommended film. Love it for what it is, instead of what it isn't-- I've seen this movie about five or six times now and LOVE IT! The reason is that it was so horribly produced, completely predictable and in it's strange but familiar (to all of the "dance movies" of the 80s) way offers a very condescending view of urban minority youth and the problems they face.

But how can you miss seeing the "Galaxy High" bus? Graffiti spray painted rolling through the rich neighborhoods? Or Blade on his Harley? Or the dancing? (Which isn't even Lambada dancing!!!)

It's a must see movie. If you rent it you'll buy it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For Us, The Living-Dead
First of all, I would have appreciated being warned that this movie was in Extended Play Mode. CD Universe was kind enough to note that the copy it had for sale was in the EP mode and thus I did not buy it from them. I was optimistic that Amazon's copy might be in Standard Play mode because nothing was listed in the "technical details section." I had already opened the package before I noticed that it was in EP Mode. This copy of the movie had artifacts throughout the entire film. I tried it on two seperate VCRs. To to that off, the acting was uniformly horrible and the movie didn't even address the identity/landmark trial of assassin Byron De La Beckwith who was played superbly played by James Woods in "Ghosts of Mississippi" That is the movie you should see if you want to know about Medgar Evers and see outstanding performances at the same time including an uncharacteristically good one from Whoopi Goldberg. She was also great in "A Long Walk Home" which deals with some of the same themes. Lastly, I would have like to have seen someone like Denzel Washington in the title role.

Underrated, Overlooked and So Damn Good
For Us the Living, a movie that recently sneaked onto video after airing on national T.V. The story of Medgar Evers, a civil rights leader from the early to mid sixties who was murdered by the Klu Klux Klan. This movie tells us first hand how Medgar, took on racist politicians and came home to be a loving husband. Played beautifully by Holling Rollins, and the gifted Irene Cara. It is on my shelf right there by Malcolm X. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

make segal stop
some of his first movies were ok but make him stop or make him get some new ideas. All of his movies are the same. The first ones were better too. It is pointless to tell the plot because it is really basically the same as allof the others. ... Read more