Amazon.com

When Goldie Hawn recommended Elizabeth Berkley for a small role in First Wives Club, she publicly stated that Berkley deserved the opportunity to redeem herself after starring in the ridiculous Showgirls. That says it all: this sleazy, stupid movie, which mixes soft pornography with the clichés of backstage dramas, is the kind of project an aspiring actress would have to put well behind her to keep a career going (though costar Gina Gershon certainly benefited from her, uh, exposure in the film). Berkley plays a drifter who hitches a ride to Las Vegas, becomes a lap dancer and then a performer, and discovers--gasp!--there's a whole world of sex and violence involved with these things. Gershon is probably the best element in the film, playing Berkley's bisexual rival for the big spotlight on stage. Joe Eszterhas was well overpaid for writing this howler, and director Paul Verhoeven (Basic Instinct) should have known better than to take it seriously. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (183)

Unique & Different - A Campy Cult Classic
This is a differen't movie, from any other movie that I've ever seen. You could definately tell that Paul Verhoeven had more creative freedom, because of the big-budget, and the NC-17 rating which allows you to do basically anything you want.

I LOVED the dance sequences. All of the bright, big, and fancy dances and the over-the-top props and desings. Verhoeven did a good & effective job with the dance sequences. Elizabeth Berkley can't act, but she can dance. The dance at the Cheetah Club, where she dances to a Prince song, is pretty good. Kyle MacLachlan was worse than Elizabeth Berkley; Kyle just can't act anymore, although he was very good in "Blue Velvet". Gina Gershon pulled off "Cristal" very well. She was mean and sneaky. Elizabeth Berkley looks beautiful though. She has a very exotic face, and the differen't color eyes, makes her more mysterious. As a person who likes "Valley of the Dolls", I enjoyed the campy acting, and dialogue. So few movies are afraid to go down that road, that it's refreshing to see something differen't once in a while.

Three of my favorite scenes, are when Nomi does the gospel-singing disco dance sequence, and when she finally gets to rise out of that volcano, and the announcer says "Ladies and gentlemen, the stardust proudly presents Miss Nomi Malone!". And my third favorite scene is when Nomi and Jeff drive past the billboard with her face on it, and they drive off to L.A. with the Siouxsie and the Banshees music playing.

This movie isn't BAD, it is just too raunchy. The nude scenes and the dialogue from Henrietta Bazoom, are real raunchy. There is only 1 sex scene. I can definately see where people would be offended by Showgirls, but being offended doesn't make a movie bad. NC-17, means that only MATURE people should watch Showgirls because they can handle it, and that means that people who can't handle nudity shouldn't watch it.

I was shocked to see Jessie from "Saved by the Bell" doing lap-dancing, and pole-dancing.

Brilliantly Bad, Terrifically Terrible
As an avid fan of the wonderfully worthless "Valley of the Dolls", I thought I had seen the ultimate in the "so bad it's great" filmmaking genre. Then along came "Showgirls", which showed me just how wrong I was. Glory hallelujah, I have seen the light! Yes, friends, this is the most delightfully deplorable motion picture of all time.

As if Joe Eszterhas and Paul Verhoven (who apperantly have some SERIOUS issues with women) hadn't squeezed enough gratuitous nudity and sex in their thoroughly unenjoyable "Basic Instinct", they have topped themselves in one of only two movies ever to get an NC-17 rating ("Crash" is the other one, and it's actually pretty good). This perfectly pathetic film follows the adventures of Nomi Malone, a hot-headed drifter who hitches a ride to Vegas and becomes the biggest thing to hit the sex industry since former president Bill Clinton. Along the way, she'll throw many a hissy fit, befriend an angelic stripper, lock horns with a self-absorbed rival, avenge a brutal rape, and utter some of the worst lines of dialogue ever written for the silver screen. Former "Saved by the Bell" star Elizabeth Berkely plays Nomi like John Travolta played Terl; she overacts to the brink of Spontaneous Human Combustion, shouting the horrid dialogue at the top of her lungs, which surprizes me because they are buried under twin Everests of silicone. The other actors don't fare much better, partially because they are acting to the worst script ever, worse even than the plotline to the Carrot Top movie.

So why five stars? Because you'll love every minute of it. The film is howlingly hilarious, from the actors to the script to the dialogue. You'll be awestruck by the film's monumental depravity from beginning to end, and because the movie is 131 minutes long, you'll have plenty to savor. So put the popcorn on the stove, invite your closest friends, and enjoy the most deliciously detestable movie ever made. It's a guarenteed good time, and remember, this flick cost United Artists 40 million bucks. Oy!

Hea, we all know why we love this film
Let's all be honest with ourselves. This film is about Elizabeth Berkley and how gorgeous she was in the nude.

Eye candy
Showgirls is one one of the most universally panned movies of the nineties. Everybody hates it, or laughs at it.

Frankly, I don't know why. Or rather, I do know why, and it is not because it is bad. OK, granted, it is pretty bad when you consider some of the acting, and most of the story. But how many movies is this not true for? Certainly it is no worse than most action flicks, and you don't see Jean-Claude van Damme being drop-kicked all over Hollywood.

The thing is that this film is obviously eye candy. And today you cannot be politically correct and not attack something like that. I notice that it moved straight to the third place nationally when it came out on video, and that it has an average rank of four out of fives stars with the audience at Amazon. Critics; can't live with them.

See it for the girls. What girls! They can even move. Elizabeth Berkley's moves are smoking sexy.

And that's all I have to say about that... (Lahf is lahk a box of chokolates.)

Paul Verhoeven's most daring film to date.
Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is a great film. It's flawless, it's funny, erotic, realistic, intense, violent, etc. It was very well received in Europe. It has a lot of cool modern dancing in it, being very close to be a musical. "Showgirls" is the "Dirty Dancing" of the 90s. See it for yourself. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

A Taut Thriller with Great Characters, Thrills and Twists.
What "Kiss the Girls" Lacks in Originality, It makes up for in Action, Thrills, Pacing, Performances; it makes up for it in Every way Possible. Morgan Freeman takes his performance in "Seven" and makes it Younger, Tougher and Less Cynical.

Morgan plays Alex Cross, a Forensic Psychiatrist who's Niece has been Abducted. Alex joins the Investigation into the Serial Killer believed responsible, He is known as "Casanova". He Abducts Strong Willed Women and keeps them in an Underground Cave. Ashley Judd co-stars as Kate Mctiernan, the next girl to be Abducted. This time, Casanova has Bitten off more than he can Chew, as Kate is a little Too strong willed. She escapes and teams up with Alex to catch Casanova.

Cary Elwes, Jeremy Piven and Brian Cox give Great Performances in Underwritten, Underused supporting roles. Freeman and Judd are the only Actors in the film who are given the Screen time to Shine, and Shine they do.

The Camerawork in the film is a real Standout..., Director Gary Fleder knows where the camera should be at all times, when to cut away, when to stay with the shot. He is the perfect mix between a Seasoned, Patient director and a Fast-Paced Music Video Director.

"Kiss the Girls" is a More than worthy entry into the Serial Killer Genre. Alex Cross is a Character that I hope to see more and more of, and I hope to see how "Along Came a Spider" turns out. (in which Morgan again plays Alex Cross)

I would give this a 12 on a scale of 1-10
Morgan Freeman plays a Crime Scene Physcologist who leaves his jurisdiction to head to the college town in North Carolina, where his neice has been abducted by a serial killer/abductor. The intense criminal mind of the abductor feels he must capture smart, beautiful women and hold them captive until they fall inlove with him. If they disobey he ties them to trees for the wild animals. Ashley Judd plays an extremely smart doctor who gets abducted and then ultimately escapes. She then helps Morgan Freeman head up the investigation into the world of one sick mind. It's a very intensive thriller that will have you hanging on the edge of your seat and you won't know the true identity of the killer until the end. Ashely Judd gives her usual outstanding performance, as does Morgan Freeman. I'm not usually a thriller movie buff, but this one might just make me change my mind.

Isn't Gonna Win A OSCAR, but It's Quality Entertainment!
Washington, DC police detective Alex Cross (Freeman) receives a call that his niece Naomi has been abducted from the Durham area, and he decides that he needs to go there to help find her. Once he gets there, he is informed that one of the women abducted has been found dead tied to a tree. He, along with Nick Ruskin (Elwes) and Davey Skes (McArthur), the two Durham detectives heading up the task force, head out to the location. Alex is fearful that it's his niece, but is relieved that it's not her.

Meanwhile, we meet Kate McTiernan (Judd), a doctor at the local hospital. Not only is she a doctor, but she's also a kick-boxer. But that does her little good when she discovers a stranger in her house, who knocks her unconscious. When she comes to, she finds herself in a small room. And shortly after regaining conscious, the person who has abducted her appears at her bedside. She manages to get out of the room and escapes by jumping into a river. After she recovers, she decides to help Alex out with his investigation, against his protests. But he realizes that she's his best opportunity to find his niece, so reluctantly agrees.

The abducter starts taunting the police, sending them notes about the women. He signs his notes as Cassanova. Cassanova was a great lover, and Alex deduces that he isn't a killer, he's a collector. He only kills when the women disappoint or cross him. After some more investigating, he finds a connection between Cassanova and a plastic surgeon on the West Coast. It seems that there are also a string of abductions there, but these women all turn up dead, with one of their feet missing.

I can't say any more without giving away too much of the plot. KISS THE GIRLS has a good story, with very good acting by all involved. When Judd's character of McTiernan is in her cell communicating with the other girls, she's so convincing that it's like she was actually there. Morgan Freeman is very good in the role of Alex Cross. The supporting cast is pretty good, as well.

**SPOILER** The only real problem I have with KISS THE GIRLS is that the story, which is good as I said above, is just too similar to a lot of other movies in the thriller genre. It's really frustating to see movie after movie with the "killer is someone we met earlier" plot-line. It might have been clever at one time, but now it is just so common-place, that the viewer almost automatically look for clues as to who the killer is. I had this one pegged not too long after we first meet him.

Based solely on the story of this movie, I would give it a three. It's basically the same movie the viewer has seen before, but with a different twist on the plot. But I have to give it a four because of the acting, especially Freeman and Judd. If Freeman has made a bad movie, I haven't seen it yet. I recommend this movie, but if you pay attention, you can figure out who Cassanova is without too much difficulty. Story rates a three, but the acting pulls it up to a four. Go check it out.

a smart thriller
I liked "Kiss the Girls" quiet a bit. Brilliant psycologist and homicide detective Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) goes to North Carolina to help search for his missing niece. It turns out that she is actually one of many missing girls, the killer is a collector. As it seems the police have exhausted all leads, one of the killer's victoms (Ashley Judd) escapes. She helps Cross with a lot of information that leads him to realize there is a copy cat killer in L.A. Eventually they figure out it isn't copy cat, but the two know each other, andf they are competing with each other. "Kiss the Girls" was unfairly compared with "Silence of the Lambs" and "Se7en", itr shouldn't have been; it firmly stands on it's own. What would have been nice, however, would have been a little more motive from the killers, other than them being drivin by ego. Morgan Freeman as always dose a brilliant job in what could have been a traditonally 'Dirty Harry' cop and made him more human and caring. Ashley Judd dose pretty good too. She is far from helpless. She is strong, resourceful, and smart. She isn't all that just because she has to be, she really feels tough. Brian Cox as the lead police man is appropriotly authoritive and wise (sometimes). Tony Goldwyn is ok as smug plastic surgen and serial killer. All in all, it's an excellent way to kill a few hours.

Really good
I really liked this movie I read the book and then I saw the movie and I was amazed at how closely it followed the plot of the book it wasn't exactly on since the books goes into more detail and keeps you more in suspense but all in all it was really good especially with Ashley Judd and morgan freeman involved in the movie. I would recommend buying this movie ... Read more

Reviews (4)

About KRYSTELINA LAURE...
Krystelina...it went straight to video. Are you serious?

Hottest Love Making Scene
When i first watching this movie, i didn't expect much but after viewing several minutes i was wrong. Its entertained me a lot anyway and i infact the fan of the leading actors. I know " Stacey Dash " from Clueles oposite to Alicia Silverstone, and the other leading actor in this sexy steamy movie " Dan Gauthier " from series Melrose Place and Beverly Hills. They both gorgeous and hot match.

There are several sex scenes, the last one with Dash & Gauthier is one of the hottest love scene i've ever seen ( get the unrated version ). It should be released on DVD format soon. I will wait for it..........

ILLEGAL GOES A LONG WAY.
ILLEGAL IN BLUE IS A LONG AWAITED MOVIE. ITS SIMPLY A SEXY,PROVOCATIVE, STAY HOME AND WATCH A SEXY MOVIE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER. STACY DASH DOES AN EXTRA FINE PERFORMANCE AS THE BRASH AND TALENTED FEMME FATAL, CARRIE LENNOX WHO COMES TO TOWN WITH ONE THING ON HER MIND AND THAT IS REVENGE. NOT ONLY DOES SHE INTENDS ON AVENGING HER SISTER'S DEATH, SHE DELIVERS A NEW MEANING FOR TOUPHNESS WITH A MIX OF VULNERABILITEY, NOT TO MENTION A KNOCKOUT VOICE. NOT ONLY DOES THE MOVIE DELIVERS AN EDGY AND SUSPENSEFUL PLOT, IT BREAKS THE COLOR BARRIER BY PAIRING HER WITH A EUROPEAN AND TALENTED ACTOR WHO FALLS IN LOVE WITH HER SULTRINESS.
NO ONE CAN CROSS CARRIES PATH SO WATCH OUT!

ILLEGAL IN BLUE IS OF THE CHAIN
This movie is for the STACEY DASH fans if u r looking for that
special movie that reveals everything in every mans fantasy u wanted to see her do. This film is OUTSTANDING , EXCELLENT and SUPERB this is one of the best u should buy it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The soap-opera career of Motown's most successful group, theTemptations, lends credence to the old belief that great art comes from troubled lives. Over three decades, the band struggled through numerous ego trips, countless members, broken relationships, coke addiction, alcoholism, suicide, cancer, deadly arthritis--in short, all the melodramatic devices necessary for a TV miniseries. This two-and-a-half-hour docudrama touches on all of these personal tragedies, but unfortunately forgets the real reason for the strength of the story: the music. Sure, there's wonderful reenactments of the quintet's finest material, such as "My Girl," "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and "The Way You Do the Things You Do," all performed with the slick choreography and shimmering vocal harmonies that made the band legendary. But, unfortunately, director Allan Arkush (Rock and Roll High School) and writers Kevin Arkadie and Robert Johnson forget to put the music into any historical perspective. Why were the Temptations so important? What was their contribution to pop music? By watching this saccharine, manipulative exposé, you'd never know. The performances are nonetheless terrific, especially Charles Malik Whitfield as leader (and narrator) Otis Williams, D.B. Woodside as his partner, Melvin Franklin, and Leon as the group's talented livewire, David Ruffin. The DVD edition offers several fine features including 2.0 Dolby Surround Sound, a discography, cast and crew profiles, extensive production notes, and most important, the ability to jump to any of the seven songs performed... basically the main reason to watch this epic. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (207)

Superb
A fantastically well-written T.V mini seires that explores the troubled lives of each of The Temptations and their rise and fall on the music scene. The Temptations were one of Motowns hottest and most versatile acts with their carefully planned chorography on stage and their diverse ranmge of shimmering harmonies on record. An interesting aspect of the series early sequences are when they are first introduced to Motown Records and its fun to see portrayals of the great Motown legends such as Diana Ross, Martha Reeves, Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson. Interestingly enough Diana Ross' daughter, Rhonda Ross makes an apperance in the film playing the troubled Paul Williams wife. The sequences where the group are seen performing Papa Was A Rolling Stone and Paul Williams is about to shoot himself are moving and the funeral is sure to get a lump in your throat (where Smokey Robinson himself appears). The film also carefully chronicles David Ruffins fall from grace as he steadily declined into cocaine addiction andalso continually mentally and physically tortued his wife, Tammi Terrell. The ending sees the grop reunirted when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
The performances are excellent, the 60's ambience such as the nightclubs and drug culture are superbly evoked and the stage performances are mastered to perfection. Recommended.

Engrossing, enl;ightening, bittersweet...The Temptations
The Temptations on VHS or DVD (we recommend DVD becasue of its great advantages and special features) is one of the better made for TV miniseries to come along in a long time.

Although its 3-hour length still leaves many unanswered questions, the spectacular songs (of which all on stage performances except for "My Girl" and "Cloud Nine" were sung by the actors) and excellent perfomances by the actors make this movie one that you can enjoy time and time again.

The actors who portray Paul Williams, Eddie K., David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin and Otis Williams have all done their homework and then some. The DVD is only $13.99, cheaper than the video, so opt for the DVD.

This film highlights the life of the Temps from the eyes of its founder, Otis, and from the very beginning,when Otis meets Al (Eldridge Bryant--one of the first Temps prior to his dismissal)at a hop in Detroit, the movie kicks off in high gear. Excellent performances by "The Cadillacs,' ("Some people call me Speedo"), Leon (Johnson) of "Cool Runnings" Fame, Christan Payton and an unforgettable performance by Eddie Kendricks--so well done it seems like the real Kendricks--means you will this DVD watch again and again. Our favorite parts include the Copacabana scenes, "My Girl," auditioning for Berry at Motown's Hitsville USA, the whole Ruffin performance by Leon, "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," Otis & The Distants at St. Stevens Hall with the Primes and the Primettes (Paul, Eddie and the soon to be Supremes) and a great performance by Smokey - both the actor and the real life Smokey himself in a special song at the Melvin Franklin Funeral. Buy this DVD. It will be the best $14 you'll ever spend on a movie. Fun for the WHOLE Family!!!

an amazing movie
i have to be honest i really wasn't all that interested in the movie,at first anyway...i first saw the movie while i was in the wonderful city of detroit, michigan... i went to hitsville, usa,(the motown museum), i found the location where paul williams shot himself, where david ruffin was buried, where all five the the classic five lived, and basically roamed their old stomping grounds. this was an amazing experience for me, probably the most interesting... during all of this chaos of me getting all exited about everything there is to see in detroit, i had the honor of speaking with one of david ruffin's children, david ruffin jr. well that topped it all off...this was all before i watched the movie, so of course i didn't know how truly amazing it was standing in studio a where they recorded until i watched the movie... i was bawling by the end, it was an amazing movie although it isn't all completely true, like on the new years scene al really sent paul to the hospital, and melvin really passed on in a hospital in los angeles, it was the best movie i've seen... so to all the actors who where in this movie, you really gave me a completely different look at motown, thank you otis, and everyone who produced the movie... and i have to say, Leon, you were wonderful in the five heart beats, little richard, i have watched your movies, you're an amazing actor and i hope to see you in more movies in the future...

History in the making! To be enjoyed for generations.
This is one of the greatest movies of all times! The characters come alive. As I watch it, I have to remind myself that the characters on the television are not the real Temptations. It is spooky, but I get a selfish satisfaction knowing that I can experience the beauty and the sadness of the Temptations whenever I choose. My ten-year-old is even hooked on it. We watch it at least once a week and he swears that he sings like Eddie and Paul! In fact, he does. Go figure! It gives me comfort to know that the genius of The Temptations has been integrated into another, younger generation.

What makes this movie so wonderful is that it takes us back to the times when music really meant something and touched us on a deeper level. Each time that I watch it I am transported to a time when the melody of a voice could melt away the pains of a troubled society. Don't get me wrong, there were problems with segregation and wars, but there was an innocence that I long to return to. I hope that Paul, David, Eddie, and Melvin are resting in peace. Their music changed the face of entertainment and now their stories have truly changed my perception of the world.

I say all of this to say that this movie is a must have for Temptations fans as well as for those who want a break from all of the ugliness in the world.

I can't resist this temptation!!!!
I love this movie! I can watch it over and over and over again, especially the performances. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

About KRYSTELINA LAURE...
Krystelina...it went straight to video. Are you serious?

Hottest Love Making Scene
When i first watching this movie, i didn't expect much but after viewing several minutes i was wrong. Its entertained me a lot anyway and i infact the fan of the leading actors. I know " Stacey Dash " from Clueles oposite to Alicia Silverstone, and the other leading actor in this sexy steamy movie " Dan Gauthier " from series Melrose Place and Beverly Hills. They both gorgeous and hot match.

There are several sex scenes, the last one with Dash & Gauthier is one of the hottest love scene i've ever seen ( get the unrated version ). It should be released on DVD format soon. I will wait for it..........

ILLEGAL GOES A LONG WAY.
ILLEGAL IN BLUE IS A LONG AWAITED MOVIE. ITS SIMPLY A SEXY,PROVOCATIVE, STAY HOME AND WATCH A SEXY MOVIE WITH YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER. STACY DASH DOES AN EXTRA FINE PERFORMANCE AS THE BRASH AND TALENTED FEMME FATAL, CARRIE LENNOX WHO COMES TO TOWN WITH ONE THING ON HER MIND AND THAT IS REVENGE. NOT ONLY DOES SHE INTENDS ON AVENGING HER SISTER'S DEATH, SHE DELIVERS A NEW MEANING FOR TOUPHNESS WITH A MIX OF VULNERABILITEY, NOT TO MENTION A KNOCKOUT VOICE. NOT ONLY DOES THE MOVIE DELIVERS AN EDGY AND SUSPENSEFUL PLOT, IT BREAKS THE COLOR BARRIER BY PAIRING HER WITH A EUROPEAN AND TALENTED ACTOR WHO FALLS IN LOVE WITH HER SULTRINESS.
NO ONE CAN CROSS CARRIES PATH SO WATCH OUT!

ILLEGAL IN BLUE IS OF THE CHAIN
This movie is for the STACEY DASH fans if u r looking for that
special movie that reveals everything in every mans fantasy u wanted to see her do. This film is OUTSTANDING , EXCELLENT and SUPERB this is one of the best u should buy it. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Soul Food is the kind of movie that seems to have been blessed throughout its low-budget production, and it's got a quality of warmth and charm that fits perfectly with its authentic drama about a large African-American family in Chicago. Twenty-eight-year-old writer-director George Tillman Jr. drew autobiographical inspiration from his upbringing in Milwaukee, and on a well-spent $6.5 million budget he succeeded where similar films (including Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back) fell short: He depicts his many characters with such depth and sympathy that, by the time they have weathered several family crises, we've come to care and feel for them and the powerful ties that bind them together. As seen through the eyes of Tillman's young alter ego Ahmad (Brandon Hammond), the film primarily focuses on the rivalries and affections that rise and fall among Ahmad's mother (Vivica A. Fox) and her two sisters (Vanessa L. Williams, Nia Long). Through them, and through the weekly Sunday dinners cooked with love by their mother, Big Mama (Irma P. Hall), we witness marital bliss and distress, infidelity, success, failure... in short, the spices of life both bitter and sweet. But when Big Mama falls into a diabetic coma, Ahmad watches as his family begins to fall apart without the stability and love that Big Mama provided with every Sunday meal.

Tillman's touch can be overly nostalgic, melodramatic, and cloyingly sentimental, but never so much that the movie loses its firm grip on reality. As a universal portrait of family life, Soul Food ranks among the very best films of its kind--believable, funny, emotional, and always approaching its characters (well-played by a uniformly excellent cast) with a generous spirit of forgiveness and understanding. As satisfying as one of Big Mama's delicious dinners, Soul Food is the kind of movie that keeps you coming back for more. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Soul Food Fills Your Stomach, But Is Not Entirely Satisfying
SOUL FOOD is the type of movie that you like not because of what it is, but from what you hope it to be. Irrespective of your race or ethnic background, you are bound to connect on some level with this film.

The story itself is not very original. It involves an African American family that gathers weekly for the family dinner. The focus is on three sisters, who share their hopes, dreams and frustrations. The story is told through the eyes of the son of the middle sister. While the film is told through a his eyes, it is not a story for children because of some of the themes explored like adultery. It's an odd way to tell this story, but it works most of the time.

Unfortunately, writer/director George Tillman, Jr. (with an uncredited rewrite by Tina Andrews) do not know the meaning of subtlety and nuance. The characters are drawn with broad strokes. Teri (Vanessa L. Williams) is the cold and hard-driving overachiever of the family. Maxine (Vivica A. Fox) is the aggressive, but "down to earth" stay-at-home mom, and Bird (Nia Long) is the baby of the family, who has just married the neer-do-well, Lem (Mekhi Phifer). Each one of their stories follows a fairly predictable course.

This is not to say that the movie is without charm. It's nice to see a black movie that is not focusing on gangs or drugs. It's also a film that shows black people from several different generations.

You feel for the struggles of the characters, although many of the situations seem forced and over the top. One particular scene that comes to mind is when Teri's character pulls out a knife. It seems to completely contradict her character as an educated professional woman.

The film also follows the cliché of many character driven pieces in that a key character must die. In this case, it's milked for all it's worth.

Overall, SOUL FOOD is an entertaining film, but delivers a lot less than it promises. Although it was marketed as a family film, it is really for adults because of the violence and sexuality on screen. If you're looking for a film about a black family (as opposed to a black family film), it's worth a look. As long as you don't keep you expectations too high, you won't be disappointed.

On Balance, a Strong Family Film Well Worth Seeing
Thank goodness someone made a good, warm-hearted film about a family--that's pretty much what I thought when I first saw "Soul Food" in the theater in 1997. Like many Americans, I was starved for a movie that didn't portray the American family as broken or malignant, which appears to be the Hollywood standard. "Soul Food" works primarily because it never loses sight of the importance of family, even as its members may bicker or transgress. The plot focuses on the lasting impact of the family matriarch--Big Mama (played wonderfully by Irma P. Hall)--whose kind heart and wise soul holds the family of mostly younger couples together, despite their foibles. When she passes away from complications due to diabetes, her daughters must overcome their differences to uphold the family traditions, best embodied by Sunday dinners that go beyond simple meals. The cast is generally superb, though Vivica Fox and Brandon Hammond (as grandson Ahmad, through whose eyes we are told the story), sometimes try too hard, making their characters border on caricature in a film that otherwise seems so lifelike. There is a subplot involving a hidden family fortune that also gets in the way--writer and director George Tillman, Jr., seems to want to jam as much into the story as possible when he really doesn't have to, as the main plot is interesting enough. These flaws are oddly more apparent on the small screen than they were on the big screen. Nonetheless, "Soul Food," despite its "R" rating, is an effective family film, one with a sense of authenticity that Hollywood seems to have mostly forgotten.

An all-time Favorite
This movie is wonderful. Anyone who collects DVDs must have this film in their collection. It was 100% real. I love every scene and every character. I am glad this movie was made.

One of the greatest African American movies i've ever seen
This movie says it all, drama, feel good comedy and all star cast, it has the essence of a fantastic movie. The story is strong, heartbreaking and facinating, the comedy is mild and humerous and i just loved the cast. If you are a fan of African American movie, this is what you should've watched inthe first place. If it was in the Top 50 Africn American movies, it would come in 5th place to be the least. If you consider buying this, don't forget other great titles like Boy'z in the Hood, Kingdom Come, Waiting to Exhale and The Brothers. This movie deserves an award for its outstanding preformance and it is my highly rated DVD in History. 10/10.

great storytelling
Great movie about an afro- american family who deals with Death, marriage, children, fun , love, and adultery. Simply mmm mm good. ... Read more

Reviews (183)

Unique & Different - A Campy Cult Classic
This is a differen't movie, from any other movie that I've ever seen. You could definately tell that Paul Verhoeven had more creative freedom, because of the big-budget, and the NC-17 rating which allows you to do basically anything you want.

I LOVED the dance sequences. All of the bright, big, and fancy dances and the over-the-top props and desings. Verhoeven did a good & effective job with the dance sequences. Elizabeth Berkley can't act, but she can dance. The dance at the Cheetah Club, where she dances to a Prince song, is pretty good. Kyle MacLachlan was worse than Elizabeth Berkley; Kyle just can't act anymore, although he was very good in "Blue Velvet". Gina Gershon pulled off "Cristal" very well. She was mean and sneaky. Elizabeth Berkley looks beautiful though. She has a very exotic face, and the differen't color eyes, makes her more mysterious. As a person who likes "Valley of the Dolls", I enjoyed the campy acting, and dialogue. So few movies are afraid to go down that road, that it's refreshing to see something differen't once in a while.

Three of my favorite scenes, are when Nomi does the gospel-singing disco dance sequence, and when she finally gets to rise out of that volcano, and the announcer says "Ladies and gentlemen, the stardust proudly presents Miss Nomi Malone!". And my third favorite scene is when Nomi and Jeff drive past the billboard with her face on it, and they drive off to L.A. with the Siouxsie and the Banshees music playing.

This movie isn't BAD, it is just too raunchy. The nude scenes and the dialogue from Henrietta Bazoom, are real raunchy. There is only 1 sex scene. I can definately see where people would be offended by Showgirls, but being offended doesn't make a movie bad. NC-17, means that only MATURE people should watch Showgirls because they can handle it, and that means that people who can't handle nudity shouldn't watch it.

I was shocked to see Jessie from "Saved by the Bell" doing lap-dancing, and pole-dancing.

Brilliantly Bad, Terrifically Terrible
As an avid fan of the wonderfully worthless "Valley of the Dolls", I thought I had seen the ultimate in the "so bad it's great" filmmaking genre. Then along came "Showgirls", which showed me just how wrong I was. Glory hallelujah, I have seen the light! Yes, friends, this is the most delightfully deplorable motion picture of all time.

As if Joe Eszterhas and Paul Verhoven (who apperantly have some SERIOUS issues with women) hadn't squeezed enough gratuitous nudity and sex in their thoroughly unenjoyable "Basic Instinct", they have topped themselves in one of only two movies ever to get an NC-17 rating ("Crash" is the other one, and it's actually pretty good). This perfectly pathetic film follows the adventures of Nomi Malone, a hot-headed drifter who hitches a ride to Vegas and becomes the biggest thing to hit the sex industry since former president Bill Clinton. Along the way, she'll throw many a hissy fit, befriend an angelic stripper, lock horns with a self-absorbed rival, avenge a brutal rape, and utter some of the worst lines of dialogue ever written for the silver screen. Former "Saved by the Bell" star Elizabeth Berkely plays Nomi like John Travolta played Terl; she overacts to the brink of Spontaneous Human Combustion, shouting the horrid dialogue at the top of her lungs, which surprizes me because they are buried under twin Everests of silicone. The other actors don't fare much better, partially because they are acting to the worst script ever, worse even than the plotline to the Carrot Top movie.

So why five stars? Because you'll love every minute of it. The film is howlingly hilarious, from the actors to the script to the dialogue. You'll be awestruck by the film's monumental depravity from beginning to end, and because the movie is 131 minutes long, you'll have plenty to savor. So put the popcorn on the stove, invite your closest friends, and enjoy the most deliciously detestable movie ever made. It's a guarenteed good time, and remember, this flick cost United Artists 40 million bucks. Oy!

Hea, we all know why we love this film
Let's all be honest with ourselves. This film is about Elizabeth Berkley and how gorgeous she was in the nude.

Eye candy
Showgirls is one one of the most universally panned movies of the nineties. Everybody hates it, or laughs at it.

Frankly, I don't know why. Or rather, I do know why, and it is not because it is bad. OK, granted, it is pretty bad when you consider some of the acting, and most of the story. But how many movies is this not true for? Certainly it is no worse than most action flicks, and you don't see Jean-Claude van Damme being drop-kicked all over Hollywood.

The thing is that this film is obviously eye candy. And today you cannot be politically correct and not attack something like that. I notice that it moved straight to the third place nationally when it came out on video, and that it has an average rank of four out of fives stars with the audience at Amazon. Critics; can't live with them.

See it for the girls. What girls! They can even move. Elizabeth Berkley's moves are smoking sexy.

And that's all I have to say about that... (Lahf is lahk a box of chokolates.)

Paul Verhoeven's most daring film to date.
Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is a great film. It's flawless, it's funny, erotic, realistic, intense, violent, etc. It was very well received in Europe. It has a lot of cool modern dancing in it, being very close to be a musical. "Showgirls" is the "Dirty Dancing" of the 90s. See it for yourself. ... 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 (30)

Soul Food Fills Your Stomach, But Is Not Entirely Satisfying
SOUL FOOD is the type of movie that you like not because of what it is, but from what you hope it to be. Irrespective of your race or ethnic background, you are bound to connect on some level with this film.

The story itself is not very original. It involves an African American family that gathers weekly for the family dinner. The focus is on three sisters, who share their hopes, dreams and frustrations. The story is told through the eyes of the son of the middle sister. While the film is told through a his eyes, it is not a story for children because of some of the themes explored like adultery. It's an odd way to tell this story, but it works most of the time.

Unfortunately, writer/director George Tillman, Jr. (with an uncredited rewrite by Tina Andrews) do not know the meaning of subtlety and nuance. The characters are drawn with broad strokes. Teri (Vanessa L. Williams) is the cold and hard-driving overachiever of the family. Maxine (Vivica A. Fox) is the aggressive, but "down to earth" stay-at-home mom, and Bird (Nia Long) is the baby of the family, who has just married the neer-do-well, Lem (Mekhi Phifer). Each one of their stories follows a fairly predictable course.

This is not to say that the movie is without charm. It's nice to see a black movie that is not focusing on gangs or drugs. It's also a film that shows black people from several different generations.

You feel for the struggles of the characters, although many of the situations seem forced and over the top. One particular scene that comes to mind is when Teri's character pulls out a knife. It seems to completely contradict her character as an educated professional woman.

The film also follows the cliché of many character driven pieces in that a key character must die. In this case, it's milked for all it's worth.

Overall, SOUL FOOD is an entertaining film, but delivers a lot less than it promises. Although it was marketed as a family film, it is really for adults because of the violence and sexuality on screen. If you're looking for a film about a black family (as opposed to a black family film), it's worth a look. As long as you don't keep you expectations too high, you won't be disappointed.

On Balance, a Strong Family Film Well Worth Seeing
Thank goodness someone made a good, warm-hearted film about a family--that's pretty much what I thought when I first saw "Soul Food" in the theater in 1997. Like many Americans, I was starved for a movie that didn't portray the American family as broken or malignant, which appears to be the Hollywood standard. "Soul Food" works primarily because it never loses sight of the importance of family, even as its members may bicker or transgress. The plot focuses on the lasting impact of the family matriarch--Big Mama (played wonderfully by Irma P. Hall)--whose kind heart and wise soul holds the family of mostly younger couples together, despite their foibles. When she passes away from complications due to diabetes, her daughters must overcome their differences to uphold the family traditions, best embodied by Sunday dinners that go beyond simple meals. The cast is generally superb, though Vivica Fox and Brandon Hammond (as grandson Ahmad, through whose eyes we are told the story), sometimes try too hard, making their characters border on caricature in a film that otherwise seems so lifelike. There is a subplot involving a hidden family fortune that also gets in the way--writer and director George Tillman, Jr., seems to want to jam as much into the story as possible when he really doesn't have to, as the main plot is interesting enough. These flaws are oddly more apparent on the small screen than they were on the big screen. Nonetheless, "Soul Food," despite its "R" rating, is an effective family film, one with a sense of authenticity that Hollywood seems to have mostly forgotten.

An all-time Favorite
This movie is wonderful. Anyone who collects DVDs must have this film in their collection. It was 100% real. I love every scene and every character. I am glad this movie was made.

One of the greatest African American movies i've ever seen
This movie says it all, drama, feel good comedy and all star cast, it has the essence of a fantastic movie. The story is strong, heartbreaking and facinating, the comedy is mild and humerous and i just loved the cast. If you are a fan of African American movie, this is what you should've watched inthe first place. If it was in the Top 50 Africn American movies, it would come in 5th place to be the least. If you consider buying this, don't forget other great titles like Boy'z in the Hood, Kingdom Come, Waiting to Exhale and The Brothers. This movie deserves an award for its outstanding preformance and it is my highly rated DVD in History. 10/10.

great storytelling
Great movie about an afro- american family who deals with Death, marriage, children, fun , love, and adultery. Simply mmm mm good. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

One of the great baseball movies ever
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. One of the only movies that give recognition to Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. As well, as cover the lives of the player in the Negro Baseball League. I feel this is a must see movie.

Well acted, wholly inaccurate.
This movie was very well acted and very entertaining. However, being a huge baseball fan who has done extensive research and is very interested in Negro League history, this movie is very inaccurate. The portrayal of jackie Robinson is closest, but Josh and Satch are way off, even if you go by their legends rather than accounts. Satch was a renowned carouser and was not close friends with Jackie or Josh. Also, they don't even mention Larry Doby (the first black player in the American League, a couple months after Jackie). All in all, an entertaining movie, unless, like me, you're interested in learning about Jackie breaking the famed "color barrier" and what the Negro Leagues were really like.

Baseball Greats
Another great movie by HBO. I orginally saw this movie on TV. I realized that this is a must have. I am not a real big baseball fan but this movie took me though a very interesting time period in US history. I even decided to show this movie to my students as part of an interdisiplinary lesson. This film kept me and 50 8th graders engaged for the full 2 hours! (Just make sure you edit out one or two of the curse words depending upon how liberal your school district)

Vintage Baseball
This film was well acted. The actors is this film did a wonderful job representing the characters in which they played, considering all the main characters are baseball legends. This movie keeps you watching especially if you are a student of the game of baseball. In a nut- shell very heart warming performances from the cast.

Probably the movie I enjoy rewatching the most
What a great movie! It overlays the tale of Jackie Robinson, Josh Gibson and Satch Paige and the race to get in the big leagues. It is historically accurate in general, or at least as accurate as the embellished stories that have been passed down can be.

I enjoyed the performances of the three main characters, but particularly loved Delroy Lindo's portrayl of Satch Paige. He was "over-the-top" showing how Satch worked the crowd and did what was necessary to draw crowds to the game. Having read a biography of Josh Gibson's, that actors physical characteristics and portrayl matched what I had previously read about perfectly.

I rate movies on two main criteria: 1. Do I learn something from the movie, and 2. Does it emotionally attach me to the story. I score this movie highly on both points. While it is not a big budget movie, it accurately gives you a feel of the old Negro league games and the problems faced. But this movie really scores for "emotionally" involving you in the story. From the bigoted southern girl selling fruit to the decision on who would finally play in the majors. My personal favorite is how they overlayed Willie Mays in the story. The Willie Mays finale sends chills up my spine on the handshake every time.

Watch this movie and you will not be disappointed. Proof that a great movie can be made without a monster budget. ... Read more

Reviews (183)

Unique & Different - A Campy Cult Classic
This is a differen't movie, from any other movie that I've ever seen. You could definately tell that Paul Verhoeven had more creative freedom, because of the big-budget, and the NC-17 rating which allows you to do basically anything you want.

I LOVED the dance sequences. All of the bright, big, and fancy dances and the over-the-top props and desings. Verhoeven did a good & effective job with the dance sequences. Elizabeth Berkley can't act, but she can dance. The dance at the Cheetah Club, where she dances to a Prince song, is pretty good. Kyle MacLachlan was worse than Elizabeth Berkley; Kyle just can't act anymore, although he was very good in "Blue Velvet". Gina Gershon pulled off "Cristal" very well. She was mean and sneaky. Elizabeth Berkley looks beautiful though. She has a very exotic face, and the differen't color eyes, makes her more mysterious. As a person who likes "Valley of the Dolls", I enjoyed the campy acting, and dialogue. So few movies are afraid to go down that road, that it's refreshing to see something differen't once in a while.

Three of my favorite scenes, are when Nomi does the gospel-singing disco dance sequence, and when she finally gets to rise out of that volcano, and the announcer says "Ladies and gentlemen, the stardust proudly presents Miss Nomi Malone!". And my third favorite scene is when Nomi and Jeff drive past the billboard with her face on it, and they drive off to L.A. with the Siouxsie and the Banshees music playing.

This movie isn't BAD, it is just too raunchy. The nude scenes and the dialogue from Henrietta Bazoom, are real raunchy. There is only 1 sex scene. I can definately see where people would be offended by Showgirls, but being offended doesn't make a movie bad. NC-17, means that only MATURE people should watch Showgirls because they can handle it, and that means that people who can't handle nudity shouldn't watch it.

I was shocked to see Jessie from "Saved by the Bell" doing lap-dancing, and pole-dancing.

Brilliantly Bad, Terrifically Terrible
As an avid fan of the wonderfully worthless "Valley of the Dolls", I thought I had seen the ultimate in the "so bad it's great" filmmaking genre. Then along came "Showgirls", which showed me just how wrong I was. Glory hallelujah, I have seen the light! Yes, friends, this is the most delightfully deplorable motion picture of all time.

As if Joe Eszterhas and Paul Verhoven (who apperantly have some SERIOUS issues with women) hadn't squeezed enough gratuitous nudity and sex in their thoroughly unenjoyable "Basic Instinct", they have topped themselves in one of only two movies ever to get an NC-17 rating ("Crash" is the other one, and it's actually pretty good). This perfectly pathetic film follows the adventures of Nomi Malone, a hot-headed drifter who hitches a ride to Vegas and becomes the biggest thing to hit the sex industry since former president Bill Clinton. Along the way, she'll throw many a hissy fit, befriend an angelic stripper, lock horns with a self-absorbed rival, avenge a brutal rape, and utter some of the worst lines of dialogue ever written for the silver screen. Former "Saved by the Bell" star Elizabeth Berkely plays Nomi like John Travolta played Terl; she overacts to the brink of Spontaneous Human Combustion, shouting the horrid dialogue at the top of her lungs, which surprizes me because they are buried under twin Everests of silicone. The other actors don't fare much better, partially because they are acting to the worst script ever, worse even than the plotline to the Carrot Top movie.

So why five stars? Because you'll love every minute of it. The film is howlingly hilarious, from the actors to the script to the dialogue. You'll be awestruck by the film's monumental depravity from beginning to end, and because the movie is 131 minutes long, you'll have plenty to savor. So put the popcorn on the stove, invite your closest friends, and enjoy the most deliciously detestable movie ever made. It's a guarenteed good time, and remember, this flick cost United Artists 40 million bucks. Oy!

Hea, we all know why we love this film
Let's all be honest with ourselves. This film is about Elizabeth Berkley and how gorgeous she was in the nude.

Eye candy
Showgirls is one one of the most universally panned movies of the nineties. Everybody hates it, or laughs at it.

Frankly, I don't know why. Or rather, I do know why, and it is not because it is bad. OK, granted, it is pretty bad when you consider some of the acting, and most of the story. But how many movies is this not true for? Certainly it is no worse than most action flicks, and you don't see Jean-Claude van Damme being drop-kicked all over Hollywood.

The thing is that this film is obviously eye candy. And today you cannot be politically correct and not attack something like that. I notice that it moved straight to the third place nationally when it came out on video, and that it has an average rank of four out of fives stars with the audience at Amazon. Critics; can't live with them.

See it for the girls. What girls! They can even move. Elizabeth Berkley's moves are smoking sexy.

And that's all I have to say about that... (Lahf is lahk a box of chokolates.)

Paul Verhoeven's most daring film to date.
Paul Verhoeven's Showgirls is a great film. It's flawless, it's funny, erotic, realistic, intense, violent, etc. It was very well received in Europe. It has a lot of cool modern dancing in it, being very close to be a musical. "Showgirls" is the "Dirty Dancing" of the 90s. See it for yourself. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Where's the next installment, Sidra??!!
- a wonderful short film that will definitely leave you wanting more! (also a nice performance from MC Lyte)

Luv
Though short, (only 45mins), this is a great film. The chemistry between both female leads is intoxicating. Gina Ravera (Molly from Showgirls) is an excelently cast as Taylor James. This film is definately worth your while.

A graet movie
The movie was full of surprise, that you wont believe. Not to mention the great ending. Which the author left me wanting more.

A Luv Tale
Wonderful, woman-centered tale of romance from an afrocentric view. A rare gem. Must see and enjoy!

Real LUV
A Luv Tale is a must own for anyone in love, looking for love, or believes that true love is possible. Even if this does not apply to you after you view this film it will. A Luv Tale is the story of two women one Straight the other Gay, both ending long term loveless realtionships. Together they find the love and respect they both deserve and long for. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

This is a bad movie all the way around
Boy and Girl are together, both are in show business, girl sings, producer discovers her, but doesn't want boy. Girl won't sing w/o boy, so she says no. Boy writes and produces song for Singing Diva (We know who plays that one), likes Boy, wants a new boytoy. Boy hangs with Diva, Girl finds out (same time she finds out she pregnant); gets upset with Boy, and has miscarrage. Cannot forgive Boy, kicks himy out of house and then finds Mr. Producer and becomes a star. Boy living with and sick of Diva, wants Girl Back, Diva tells him where he can go, he looks for Girl, getting ready to on tour with her band, tells her he loves her and hes sorry and she leaves career for Boy, cause after all he's her Man! GODD**M IDIOT!!!!

GOT IT? GOOD. Don't waste your time unless you like horrible acting.

Did not enjoy this one
I had to force myself to watch this. The acting in this was just horrible. Chemistry all wrong. Rent this one at your own risk. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Soul Food Fills Your Stomach, But Is Not Entirely Satisfying
SOUL FOOD is the type of movie that you like not because of what it is, but from what you hope it to be. Irrespective of your race or ethnic background, you are bound to connect on some level with this film.

The story itself is not very original. It involves an African American family that gathers weekly for the family dinner. The focus is on three sisters, who share their hopes, dreams and frustrations. The story is told through the eyes of the son of the middle sister. While the film is told through a his eyes, it is not a story for children because of some of the themes explored like adultery. It's an odd way to tell this story, but it works most of the time.

Unfortunately, writer/director George Tillman, Jr. (with an uncredited rewrite by Tina Andrews) do not know the meaning of subtlety and nuance. The characters are drawn with broad strokes. Teri (Vanessa L. Williams) is the cold and hard-driving overachiever of the family. Maxine (Vivica A. Fox) is the aggressive, but "down to earth" stay-at-home mom, and Bird (Nia Long) is the baby of the family, who has just married the neer-do-well, Lem (Mekhi Phifer). Each one of their stories follows a fairly predictable course.

This is not to say that the movie is without charm. It's nice to see a black movie that is not focusing on gangs or drugs. It's also a film that shows black people from several different generations.

You feel for the struggles of the characters, although many of the situations seem forced and over the top. One particular scene that comes to mind is when Teri's character pulls out a knife. It seems to completely contradict her character as an educated professional woman.

The film also follows the cliché of many character driven pieces in that a key character must die. In this case, it's milked for all it's worth.

Overall, SOUL FOOD is an entertaining film, but delivers a lot less than it promises. Although it was marketed as a family film, it is really for adults because of the violence and sexuality on screen. If you're looking for a film about a black family (as opposed to a black family film), it's worth a look. As long as you don't keep you expectations too high, you won't be disappointed.

On Balance, a Strong Family Film Well Worth Seeing
Thank goodness someone made a good, warm-hearted film about a family--that's pretty much what I thought when I first saw "Soul Food" in the theater in 1997. Like many Americans, I was starved for a movie that didn't portray the American family as broken or malignant, which appears to be the Hollywood standard. "Soul Food" works primarily because it never loses sight of the importance of family, even as its members may bicker or transgress. The plot focuses on the lasting impact of the family matriarch--Big Mama (played wonderfully by Irma P. Hall)--whose kind heart and wise soul holds the family of mostly younger couples together, despite their foibles. When she passes away from complications due to diabetes, her daughters must overcome their differences to uphold the family traditions, best embodied by Sunday dinners that go beyond simple meals. The cast is generally superb, though Vivica Fox and Brandon Hammond (as grandson Ahmad, through whose eyes we are told the story), sometimes try too hard, making their characters border on caricature in a film that otherwise seems so lifelike. There is a subplot involving a hidden family fortune that also gets in the way--writer and director George Tillman, Jr., seems to want to jam as much into the story as possible when he really doesn't have to, as the main plot is interesting enough. These flaws are oddly more apparent on the small screen than they were on the big screen. Nonetheless, "Soul Food," despite its "R" rating, is an effective family film, one with a sense of authenticity that Hollywood seems to have mostly forgotten.

An all-time Favorite
This movie is wonderful. Anyone who collects DVDs must have this film in their collection. It was 100% real. I love every scene and every character. I am glad this movie was made.

One of the greatest African American movies i've ever seen
This movie says it all, drama, feel good comedy and all star cast, it has the essence of a fantastic movie. The story is strong, heartbreaking and facinating, the comedy is mild and humerous and i just loved the cast. If you are a fan of African American movie, this is what you should've watched inthe first place. If it was in the Top 50 Africn American movies, it would come in 5th place to be the least. If you consider buying this, don't forget other great titles like Boy'z in the Hood, Kingdom Come, Waiting to Exhale and The Brothers. This movie deserves an award for its outstanding preformance and it is my highly rated DVD in History. 10/10.

great storytelling
Great movie about an afro- american family who deals with Death, marriage, children, fun , love, and adultery. Simply mmm mm good. ... Read more

Reviews (54)

A Taut Thriller with Great Characters, Thrills and Twists.
What "Kiss the Girls" Lacks in Originality, It makes up for in Action, Thrills, Pacing, Performances; it makes up for it in Every way Possible. Morgan Freeman takes his performance in "Seven" and makes it Younger, Tougher and Less Cynical.

Morgan plays Alex Cross, a Forensic Psychiatrist who's Niece has been Abducted. Alex joins the Investigation into the Serial Killer believed responsible, He is known as "Casanova". He Abducts Strong Willed Women and keeps them in an Underground Cave. Ashley Judd co-stars as Kate Mctiernan, the next girl to be Abducted. This time, Casanova has Bitten off more than he can Chew, as Kate is a little Too strong willed. She escapes and teams up with Alex to catch Casanova.

Cary Elwes, Jeremy Piven and Brian Cox give Great Performances in Underwritten, Underused supporting roles. Freeman and Judd are the only Actors in the film who are given the Screen time to Shine, and Shine they do.

The Camerawork in the film is a real Standout..., Director Gary Fleder knows where the camera should be at all times, when to cut away, when to stay with the shot. He is the perfect mix between a Seasoned, Patient director and a Fast-Paced Music Video Director.

"Kiss the Girls" is a More than worthy entry into the Serial Killer Genre. Alex Cross is a Character that I hope to see more and more of, and I hope to see how "Along Came a Spider" turns out. (in which Morgan again plays Alex Cross)

I would give this a 12 on a scale of 1-10
Morgan Freeman plays a Crime Scene Physcologist who leaves his jurisdiction to head to the college town in North Carolina, where his neice has been abducted by a serial killer/abductor. The intense criminal mind of the abductor feels he must capture smart, beautiful women and hold them captive until they fall inlove with him. If they disobey he ties them to trees for the wild animals. Ashley Judd plays an extremely smart doctor who gets abducted and then ultimately escapes. She then helps Morgan Freeman head up the investigation into the world of one sick mind. It's a very intensive thriller that will have you hanging on the edge of your seat and you won't know the true identity of the killer until the end. Ashely Judd gives her usual outstanding performance, as does Morgan Freeman. I'm not usually a thriller movie buff, but this one might just make me change my mind.

Isn't Gonna Win A OSCAR, but It's Quality Entertainment!
Washington, DC police detective Alex Cross (Freeman) receives a call that his niece Naomi has been abducted from the Durham area, and he decides that he needs to go there to help find her. Once he gets there, he is informed that one of the women abducted has been found dead tied to a tree. He, along with Nick Ruskin (Elwes) and Davey Skes (McArthur), the two Durham detectives heading up the task force, head out to the location. Alex is fearful that it's his niece, but is relieved that it's not her.

Meanwhile, we meet Kate McTiernan (Judd), a doctor at the local hospital. Not only is she a doctor, but she's also a kick-boxer. But that does her little good when she discovers a stranger in her house, who knocks her unconscious. When she comes to, she finds herself in a small room. And shortly after regaining conscious, the person who has abducted her appears at her bedside. She manages to get out of the room and escapes by jumping into a river. After she recovers, she decides to help Alex out with his investigation, against his protests. But he realizes that she's his best opportunity to find his niece, so reluctantly agrees.

The abducter starts taunting the police, sending them notes about the women. He signs his notes as Cassanova. Cassanova was a great lover, and Alex deduces that he isn't a killer, he's a collector. He only kills when the women disappoint or cross him. After some more investigating, he finds a connection between Cassanova and a plastic surgeon on the West Coast. It seems that there are also a string of abductions there, but these women all turn up dead, with one of their feet missing.

I can't say any more without giving away too much of the plot. KISS THE GIRLS has a good story, with very good acting by all involved. When Judd's character of McTiernan is in her cell communicating with the other girls, she's so convincing that it's like she was actually there. Morgan Freeman is very good in the role of Alex Cross. The supporting cast is pretty good, as well.

**SPOILER** The only real problem I have with KISS THE GIRLS is that the story, which is good as I said above, is just too similar to a lot of other movies in the thriller genre. It's really frustating to see movie after movie with the "killer is someone we met earlier" plot-line. It might have been clever at one time, but now it is just so common-place, that the viewer almost automatically look for clues as to who the killer is. I had this one pegged not too long after we first meet him.

Based solely on the story of this movie, I would give it a three. It's basically the same movie the viewer has seen before, but with a different twist on the plot. But I have to give it a four because of the acting, especially Freeman and Judd. If Freeman has made a bad movie, I haven't seen it yet. I recommend this movie, but if you pay attention, you can figure out who Cassanova is without too much difficulty. Story rates a three, but the acting pulls it up to a four. Go check it out.

a smart thriller
I liked "Kiss the Girls" quiet a bit. Brilliant psycologist and homicide detective Alex Cross (Morgan Freeman) goes to North Carolina to help search for his missing niece. It turns out that she is actually one of many missing girls, the killer is a collector. As it seems the police have exhausted all leads, one of the killer's victoms (Ashley Judd) escapes. She helps Cross with a lot of information that leads him to realize there is a copy cat killer in L.A. Eventually they figure out it isn't copy cat, but the two know each other, andf they are competing with each other. "Kiss the Girls" was unfairly compared with "Silence of the Lambs" and "Se7en", itr shouldn't have been; it firmly stands on it's own. What would have been nice, however, would have been a little more motive from the killers, other than them being drivin by ego. Morgan Freeman as always dose a brilliant job in what could have been a traditonally 'Dirty Harry' cop and made him more human and caring. Ashley Judd dose pretty good too. She is far from helpless. She is strong, resourceful, and smart. She isn't all that just because she has to be, she really feels tough. Brian Cox as the lead police man is appropriotly authoritive and wise (sometimes). Tony Goldwyn is ok as smug plastic surgen and serial killer. All in all, it's an excellent way to kill a few hours.

Really good
I really liked this movie I read the book and then I saw the movie and I was amazed at how closely it followed the plot of the book it wasn't exactly on since the books goes into more detail and keeps you more in suspense but all in all it was really good especially with Ashley Judd and morgan freeman involved in the movie. I would recommend buying this movie ... Read more

Reviews (7)

One of the great baseball movies ever
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. One of the only movies that give recognition to Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. As