Amazon.com

Here's a perfect movie for kids, who never seem to tire of John Hughes's sure-fire slapstick formula. Working yet another variation on his mammoth 1990 hit, writer-producer Hughes (regarded by many as Hollywood's antichrist) strands a youngster in his own home with the chicken pox in this 1997 retelling. While his parents go to work, he sees a team of burglars invading the neighborhood houses; in fact, they're spies, looking for a toy containing a stolen microchip. The inevitability of the finale--one kid holding off four professionals with toys and garden tools--will do nothing to lessen the amusement of youngsters, who love to see the bad guys get creamed. Adults may pause at the sadistic nature of some of Hughes's pranks, but kids will eat up the image of one of their own outwitting all the adults. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (74)

This Movie Rules!!!!!
When I was 6, I was hoping there would be a Home Alone 3, and now here it is. It's just as cool as the first 2. But this time, it's Alex Pruitt, not Kevin McAllister, who defends his home. Also, instead of being left home by accident while his family's vacationing, Alex's father is on a business trip, his mother's at work, and his brother and sister have after-school sports. Also, instead of being robbed by Harry Lyme and Marv Murchen, 4 new crooks, Petr Beaupre, Earl Unger, Burton Jernigan, and Alice Ribbons take on the house trying to find a computer chip worth 10 grand. If you liked the first 2 Home Alones, buy this one!!!!!!!!!!

This one just ruined the whole entire series
the series would have been fine if they wouldn't have made this one. it's not even close to what 1 and 2 were! and what now? they made a 4th one?! i don't know about you guys but i thought the movie sucked big time. they could have put Macaulay Culkin in this one! he only would have been about 11 or 12 if he would have played in it.

This was the worst movie I've ever seen
No offense Alex but you will never be as good as Macualay Culkin is. He has that special kind of touch on people that you will never have. Actually there was no point in making this movie some things you just need to leave alone and Home Alone Is one of them. I own both 1 and 2 of this well saga now. And there was no point to make Home Alone 4 either. Macualay Culkin is a classic and there will never be another boy with his touch.

Home Alone 3 is better than 1 and 2
I was little sceptical in watching Home Alone 3. Because the reviews and ratings at amazon.com were not as good in comparison to the previous two movies.

However, I enjoyed it even more than the earlier ones.

It moves at a fast pace. It is fresh. New kid. New villains. High tech Gadgets. What is common is that the villains have a tough time here too.

If you have liked the previous two movies, there is no reason why you should not like this one.

HORRIBLE!! TERRIBLE!!
This has got to be the biggest rip-off ever. There are two words to describe this.....HORRIFIC and DESCUSTING! They can't just throw any garbage out like this!!! Home Alone one and two are the best movies EVER in my book!! Don't waist your money!! There will never be another Macaulay Culkin!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (279)

"'Think you can get me ?"
High quality DVD !

As I watched again and again the (new) Thomas Crown Affair, I realize I came to enjoy it more and more. Dense entertainment: action, tumultuous and steamy romance, inspired direction from McTiernan ("Die Hard", "The Hunt for Red October"), and appropriate musical score. Good performances from Brosnan, Russo and Leary. A tour-de-force for Rene Russo ("tougher" in her portrayal of the insurance agent than Faye Dunaway in the original affair), considering the fact that in real life she is very much unlike the character she plays in this movie (see Russo's press and TV interviews). Kudos for Pierce Brosnan - much better and diversified delivery here than in all his three James Bond impersonations. (The wonder of the last 007, "The World Is Not Enough", is Sophie Marceau - not just good looking, but a good actress !)

No, I am not saying we should ever go out steal Manet, Monet, Degas, ... as a passe-temps, but, we do like this film because no matter who we are, deep-down in our subconscious mind lies the desire to be successful, which, somehow means being wealthy enough to allow us to indulge, satisfy all our needs, whims, and caprices, to be "rewarded" with an absorbing and adventurous life.

Pierce Brosnan and Renee Russo's affair is, perhaps, more alert, technical, and graphic (adapted for the 90's) than the original one involving Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. I have distinct praise for the 99 rendition of this fantasy, but I believe Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway are better actors (watch their other films), and their 68 performance is just better. Do not trust me ! Watch both films on DVD or VHS, and decide. Steve McQueen has presence, is sure of himself (that is what makes a man sexy !), and Faye Dunaway does not have to wear a see-through dress to make us feel she is sophisticated, beautiful, and desirable. The dialogues there are shorter, sparse, and to the point. Exquisite direction (and good use of the split-screen tech) from Norman Jewison teaming with Michel Legrand who raved us with the Oscar winner "Windmills of My Mind". The 68 "chess seduction scene" (subtle touching, teasing, warm eyes) has no equal in the 99 film, and the "chemistry" between the characters played by McQueen and Dunaway is more intense.

There is more entertainment packed in the 99 film, while there is more film in the 68 entertainment ! Enjoy both affairs !

The Caper Sizzles While the Romance Fizzles
This breezy remake of the 1968 original "Thomas Crown Affair" is a slick, enjoyable, and occassionally clever caper film. But the film suffers from several shortcomings that detract from it's initial promise. But it's mostly the film's wrong-headed romance that stops the action dead in its tracks.

I've never seen the first "Thomas Crown Affair" so I have nothing on which to judge this film but on it's own merits. Where once stood Faye Dunaway and Steve Mcqueen, we now have Rene Russo as the sultry insurance investigator Catherine Banning and Pierce Brosnan as high-living billionaire Thomas Crown. Both actors are good in their respective roles, especially Russo who basically steals the show from Brosnan and everyone else around her coming off as both smashingly smart and sexy. Unfortunately Brosnan and Russo share no chemistry and generate no heat. This subsequently renders their romance sequences together, from passionate love-making in Crown's apartment to basking in the sun light of a sandy island beach, all the more uninteresting.

But the problems don't stop there. Russo and Brosnan's characters also never seem really interested in each other in an emotional sense. Throughout the entire film I never felt Catherine Banning's interest in Crown stretched beyond revealing him as a crook. Her only purpose for sleeping with him or accompanying him to his island getaway always seemed to be just killing time.

But that's not to say the movie is without it's bright spots of which it has plenty. The actual caper is a cleverly devised one, and whenever time isn't being wasted on romance the movie is often highly entertianing and genuinely interesting. Still, so much time is wasted with Crown and Catherine jetting around for recreation that the final twist isn't nearly as astonishing as it should have been, simply because we've lost track.

All in all, "Thomas Crown Affair" is a glossily-textured, gorgeous-looking package. It's not a bad film by any means, and has alot of terrificly played sequences. There's a general lack of suspense and drama but it's still entertaining enough.

I'm a sucker for romance and intrigue (shhh)
I am such an avid movie watcher that I rarely feel inclined to watch a movie more than once. Well, let me admit to not only having bought the DVD, but to having watched it numerous times!

I love the sound track of the movie and will be doing my own remake--going Duo Discus glider riding with my significant other ;).

The love scene is wonderful, the chemistry between the actors works like a MIT Lab experiment and the whole movie is simply spot on.

I recommend it highly!

Russo At Her Best!
I won't go into the plot of this movie, most buyers will already know it anyway. The DVD transfer is superb. This is the only movie I've ever seen where I liked Pierce Brosnan and thought he was cast properly. What makes this movie for me, though, is the performance of Ms. Russo. She is the perfect combination of sex and brains. Her wardrobe is amazing and she knows how to wear it! There are some slow parts to this movie, particularly the tropical part, but overall it's a keeper.

The Two Crowns
I have been a huge fan of the original Thomas Crown Affair since I first saw it while in the military in 1969..... and bought this "re-make" because I heard so many good things about it. I must say that honestly there are good points in BOTH films. I never quite bought the fact that the original Crown had McQueen's character robbing a bank.... so stealing the "Monet" made much more sense to me. I also thought the story was improved upon in the new version and I was more satisfied by the challenge Bronsnan's character found in Russo's bluntness. On the other hand, the sumptuous music score by Michel LeGrand in the early film was superior to the weak, lackluster and frangmented score that Bill Conti created for the new one. I also think I preferred the sensuous and sexy elegance of the fire between McQueen and Dunaway to the overtly sweaty lust that Brosnan and Russo desparately share. HOWEVER.... I must say I did enjoy BOTH films and find each beautiful and entertaining in their own ways.

(...) The ART of the earlier version is a unique and compelling one and makes that film so fascinating to watch in widescreen! ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Next Year We'll Have Uniforms!
Hot Dog The Movie is one of the best films of all time! I watched this movie all through high school and can remember watching all of the classic ski sequences at 5:00 AM while waiting for my friends to pick me up to go skiing. As is true with many others, this movie has become a ritual to get me ready for the ski season. Who else thought Bannana Pants was hot? Who thinks Sunny's thighs were too big? Who thought Squirel Murphy should have had better luck? And one last question: WHERE CAN I FIND THE SOUNDTRACK?

Finally!! I thought I'd never see this on DVD
Hot Dog, the Movie.. Best good time ski movie, period. I wore out the VHS tape watching this one. After watching it about 200 times, I confess it is not a grand hollywood masterpiece, but it is a classic in its own right, a one of a kind.

It is absolutely a must see every ski season, not to mention it has more quotable lines then the godfather...

I can't wait to see Harkin "snake legs" Banks tear up the moguls, Dan make his 'leg spreader", Squirrel take his gondola ride cocktail, and Rudy have his breakfast 'sunny side up, sunny side down... ', and how can I forget, Sylvia's ski pointers.

If DVD's can burn out, I am sure this one will.

A great movie
skie School is an excelent movie.

Fantastic movie, but...
I love this movie. It's fantastic. This movie has everything one could desire in a trashy ski comedy. Nudity, comic violence, cheesy villians, and, of course, CHINESE DOWNHILL!!!

However, I will NEVER buy this DVD until it is available as a widescreen feature. Especially a movie with such cinematic ski scenes; the producers (in their infinite wisdom) have chosen to release it as a pan-and-scan edition. WHY? Why do these things happen to good DVD's? I've seen it before. Companies release bargain (read: cheap) DVD's to sell quickly, but do not bother to re-master the movies properly. Warner Brothers did a lot of this sort of thing in the early days of DVD, they just churned out movies that were popular 5 - 10 years ago hoping for some rejuvenation. I just cannot buy a feature that has a 1.33:1 ratio unless it was originally in that format (such as a TV programme).

By the way, make sure to check out the South Park episode, Asspen, which skewers Hot Dog...the Movie and many other sports movies from the 80's.

Keep fighting against fullscreen releases of movies!!!
If they really want a fullscreen version, they can release BOTH.

Would have given it a 5 but.........
Ok this movie is tight, I admit it. If you are a fan of skiing and sex its like ur greatest fantasy. Shannon Tweed is totally hot in this flick doin what she does best(if you've seen some of her other stuff you know what I'm talkin about)And the action is also pretty tight. There are two reasons I gave it a 4. 1 is because I think it should have had one or two more party scenes is it, and a few less skiiing scenes. The other reason is the sport of choice. I love winter sports, boarding, mobiling,..... but not so hot about skiing. Sorry guys but a real athlete works without poles. But other than that it was a pretty good movie. ... Read more

Reviews (86)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in Perfection.
Okay, ever since I was a kid, I loved the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle animated television series. My attention came to the show somewhere around 1992 or so since I was only a year old when the series aired, so I was kind of a late-bloomer among TMNT fans. But three of the four forms of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles don't please me: the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series (okay, it's cool, but it still comes up short), the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle comic series (which was the beginning of TMNT; not some video game), and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Next Mutation live-action television series that was on Fox in the fall of 1998. What form of TMNT does that leave us with? The movies.

My definite favorite of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies is this one. The plot doesn't go just skin-deep. This movie isn't just about teenage turtle mutants fighting crime; its main theme is family. This film really goes into the brotherhood that the turtles share, and the father-son relationship that they share with their mentor and ninja master Splinter.

For those of you that are preparing to click the back button on your browsers, please just hold on one more second. Even if you're not the kind of person that goes for "chick flicks," don't fear; there's something in this film for everybody. There's great humor, (for the lack of a better word) awesome fighting, perfect drama, and wonderful characters brought to life by excellent acting. All of the turtles and Splinter have perfect-fitting voice-actors, the actress that did April O'Neil in this film did a great job, and whoever did the acting and voice-acting for Shredder should get big pats on the back. I'm sorry that not everybody who viewed this film enjoyed it, but I think that anyone who is reading this should check it out sometime. Even though we all have our own tastes, I think everyone should take a chance and see this film because it would be a shame if someone passed up the opportunity to view what would have been his or her new favorite movie.

Good
TMNT the Movie was pretty good. It had a lot of action and it was funny. You can't take that away from it because it was. America's most favorite Turtles made a huge impact in this film that was originally geared towards kids but turned out to be huge for fans of all types (action, martial arts, comedy and of course the TMNT fans).

I won't deny it, I did like this movie. It was pretty good. The action sequences were excellent and choreographed very well. No "one hit and go down" stuff. The fight scenes in this were very fluid. The turtles were well represented as well (from the comic) and made this movie a pretty good adaptation.

One thing that will forever bother me was that Hockey Mask toting psychopath Casey Jones was perceived as this little pretty boy with a mask on instead of his true comic book personality of a deranged, former athlete turned vigilante. In the comics, Casey Jones is very intimidating but in the movie, he was just another baby face which I could've done without.

If you were going to buy any of the Turtles movies, this would be the one because this one was more of a Martial Arts action film instead of what it turned into later in Secret of the Ooze, a cheap slapstick comedy with the occasional fight scene with let's not forget the horrid "Ninja Rap" song by everyone's favorite most chewed up, spit out and now washed up MC, Vanilla Ice.

Again, TMNT the Movie is good. It's not astonishing and it's not poor but it is good. I personally wouldn't give it anymore than that. If you're looking for any other comic book to movie DVD's, check out Brandon Lee's lasr movie THE CROW, SPIDERMAN and of course X-MEN.

Amazing Turtles film. Don't go near the DVD though
They just don't make movies (especially ones for children) like this anymore. I saw this in theaters fifteen years ago, and I loved it. I proudly paid only $5.00 for this during Wal-Mart's video liquidation sale last year. I've owned Turtles II and the sub-par III for ten years, but I never did have my favourite first one on tape until now. As for the DVD release: don't bother. DVDs scrath just as badly as CDs, and there's nothing that can protect you collection from careless younger siblings intent on taking your fragile CD and DVD collection. Plus, the street market allows you to find (on VHS) extra-violent fight scenes that originally earned the first Turtles movie a PG-13 rating. If you want information on this workprint you're missing out on, go to http://www.comics2film.com/StoryFrame.php?f_id=50

Great!
This movie is so good because everything in it is so well made and funny. It's just great! See it!

A classis and intriguing movie
This was the first movie I ever owned. I used to watch it at least three times a day. After going back and watching it now that I am 18 years old I think I like this movie even more than I did as a 5 year old kid.

This movie is dark and after watching it I dont understand why I liked it as a child, but as an adult it appeals to me in a whole new way.

This movie does have some pretty good acting and I cant figure out if the turtles are guys in costumes or completely puppeteered,(Can someone tell me please).

This movie is much more for the teenager/adult crowd and if you havn't seen it or its been a while give it a chance and I'm sure you'll find something you'll like about it. ... Read more

Reviews (23)

BUY THIS MOVIE
Holy moly... I can't begin to tell you how pleasantly surprised I was after watching this movie. Don't let the boring DVD cover or leading man fool you. Christopher Lambert is just an ordinary business man visiting Japan. John Lone & Yoshio Harada make the flick. Tak Kubota as Oshima gave the movie a bit of comic relief as well. The fight scenes are absolutely astounding. I watched this movie dog tired & was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I had to recommend it to all of my friends the very next day. I'm watching it AGAIN as I am typing this review. Two words... "Train Scene." If you want to know what I'm talking about, BUY THE MOVIE.

Have you ever watched a flick that was so good, with the main characters being so ruthless & believable that you couldn't help but get goosebumps? Well, here's an excerpt from the film that will give nothing away but a brief foreshadowing of just how good the Samurai was:

Paul Racine: What do we do if he loses?
Meiko: Takeda will not lose...

Have you got goosebumps yet? Those of you expecting a cheesy movie w/ horrible acting, CGI & impossible stunts done with cables, turn the other way. I bought this movie site unseen & without any recommendation from anyone except the plethora of 5 star reviews from Amazon. It was well worth the money & you will not be disappointed.

A completely underrated movie.
This is a beautifully made picture, full of smooth action scenes, breathtaking scenery, and a little romance mixed in to boot. I won't go on with an overview of the plot; you can read that above, I'd like to focus on the DVD. The movie is displayed in a widescreen ratio, and is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. Special feature wise the movie is lacking, it only contains a theatrical trailer and some production notes. I personally would have loved to see a nice featurette on the choreography but I'm afraid not this time. The movie itself is not some B or C movie as you would expect from a movie with as little exposure as this one got. That's right folks, no cheese, excellent cast, excellent acting. Furthermore the film is historically correct, as far as I can tell, everything right down to the Takeda family crest; with the exception of the ferocity of the ninja, they wouldn't just kill to kill. Anybody who loves the Eastern culture and martial art films will love this movie, but it is not completely "chop saki" using the story as an excuse to start the next fight. This is most definitely a DVD to add to the collection.

This movie is pathetic
I'm giving up reading the reviews in Amazon. They are worthless. This film is pathetic in just about every way - plot, acting, fight sequences, etc. Yet it gets 4-5 stars. Are the reviews written by investors? Does anyone find these reviews helpful?

The worst ninja movie ever
I'm surprised Japan didn't commit a second Pearl Harbor after this movie. I'm even more shocked that it has 4.5/5 stars as an Amazon score.

What is good about this movie: one character named Takeda, who is an excellent Japanese swordsman and a very likable guy. His personality is smooth and clever. However, he's not the main character.

As usual, any American movie made in an Asian country needs a white man to lead the title role. Christopher Lambert's character is a doof who has sex with a hot Asian girl only because she's about to be killed by ninjas and doesn't want to die a virgin...so she picks the first dumb clod in the bar. Unfortunately Chris goes back to her room after the ninjas up 'n kill her, so now he has ninjas on his head.

He's eventually put in a hospital with a police guard, but the ninjas kill all the police men. This is because the police men RUN INTO THE NINJAS! Thats right, instead of pulling out their guns and dropping a big black thing standing in the middle of a hospital room, they just run up and get stabbed.

It gets better. Mainly, lots of more needless carnage. The ninjas take decide to kill every one in a train to get to Christopher Lambert. Then the final showdown on Takeda's island, which has lots of more needless violence.

Takeda is taken out in a very cheap, dumb way. Why do they do this? So Christopher Lambert, who has had only three days of sword training, can take out Japan's top ninja. I guess since he's a white guy, taking out a weak Asian man is easy. At least that's what I get from the script.

This movie left me with such aggravation at how BAD it was - not only from the bad storyline, but the constantly needless violence and cliches - that I don't understand why there exist people that like this movie. I wouldn't suggest any one watch this film unless you greatly desire to feel your brain slowly ooze out of your ears.

Great Movie!
My wife and I saw this at the theater when it first came with not a whole lot of fan fare or pre-movie hype. We saw it because at the time there wasn't much else out that deserved the inflated theater ticket prices !
We were definitely surprised and delightfully pleased to learn this movie was well worth the sticker price and will warrant the outlay of an additional 20-30 bucks to add to our DVD collection. Do not listen to the negative publicity they are just trying to get a rise from the rest of us that are giving it good reviews.
I have always been a big Lambert fan, especialy for his portrayal
of Lord Greystoke, as well as Highlander. You have to set aside your knowledge that Christopher is already well versed in sword play because in this movie he has to be a regular Joe who learns from the beginning how to wield a sword and by the time he needs that ability his experience is clearly able to shine !
So I am happy to give this one 5 stars for a job well done ! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Simon (James Urbaniak), a shy garbage man, lives with his sister (Parker Posey of Party Girl and Waiting for Guffman, among dozens of other movies) and mother, who both treat him with minimal respect. Into Simon's life comes Henry Fool (Thomas Jay Ryan), a heavy-drinking self-proclaimed great writer who goads Simon into writing an enormous poem. The poem becomes the source of great controversy, proclaimed by some as a great work of art, denounced by others as perversetrash. As Simon's star rises, he tries to draw attention to Henry's work aswell, to little avail. Though the premise seems simple, Henry Fool takeson something of an epic sweep as it follows the effects of fame on Simon's and Henry's lives. This rumination on art and inspiration was hailed by some critics as the best film yet by writer-director Hal Hartley (Trust, Simple Men, Amateur), while others felt it brought out his worst self-indulgences. All of Hartley's movies defy easy interpretation, and Henry Fool is no exception. Still, it's a rare film that even tries to tackle such subjects, let alone does so with a combination of intelligence and humor (ranging from verbal quirkiness to scatological embarrassment). Hartley's films, surprisingly enough, feel warmer and more accessible on video; perhaps watching them in one's home makes them seem more intimate and less abstract. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (45)

Ambiton, talent, art, responsibility, influence and love...
I didn't expect to like this video as much as I did. It has all the elements that I usually don't like in independent films. It moved too slow, it tried too hard to be arty, it used disgusting images, and it took a long long while to get to the point. I was bored occasionally and considered shutting it off, but then something would hook me again and I'd find myself intrigued and fascinated.

A shy and geek-like garbage man named Simon Grimm lives with his depressed mother and wild oversexed sister. Then, Henry Fool rents their basement apartment and everyone's life changes. He's loud, egomaniacal, weird, intelligent, has an extraordinary vocabulary and some of his long speeches are almost pure poetry. He has notebooks with him and tells Simon he's been writing a long confession that he won't show anyone but thinks of as a masterpiece. He influences Simon to start writing too.

The story is much more complex but involves ambition, talent, art, responsibility, influence and love. All this is brought out with a full cast of wonderful characters. The acting was exceptionally good. The casting excellent. The story was strange but very real. Parts of it skirted on pure genius. And after it was over I was moved and haunted by the questions it raised about life and art.

What a bunch of Henry Fools
If Hartley were reading this page of reviews, he would be laughing himself silly. So many of the reviewers here could be Henry Fool that it's pathetic.

The first thing one has to realize about this movie (and which should be obvious to anyone who was watching even halfway closely) is that Henry Fool is full of it. The sheer irony of the film is that he is nothing of what he makes himself out to be (a tortured genius, a misunderstood writer, a callous scoundrel, etc.) and simultaneously everything that he rails against (primarily the pseudo-intellectual elite). Henry is the epitome of the pretentious slacker plaguing modern America - always complaining, always about to do something momentous, always focusing on his/her needs, always feeding off of others, and never providing an unselfish moment for others. Henry makes time for Simon only because it amuses him to do so - he feels superior to Simon, even in the face of Simon's awakening greatness, but once Simon becomes independent of him (witness the negotiation scene between Simon and the publishing mogul), then Henry dismisses Simon as part of the world that doesn't understand his "unique" and lamentably absent genius.

But, to his defense, Henry does exhibit flashes of true humanity. He does love Fay, although he is incapable of showing it for more than a few minutes at a time. He is genuinely concerned about the abused Pearl and her mother, although it unwittingly gets him into a larger mess than anticipated. In his attempts to show his artistic sensibilities at the start of the film, Henry unwittingly sparks Simon's genius by encouraging him to write down any thoughts that strike him, although its clear that Henry expects nothing of import. Henry is the catalyst for Simon, Fay, and others' lives, and the fact that he does so little while talking so much is part of the ironic fun in this film - those who speak the least (Simon, Henry's son, and Daughter Dang) are the ones who do the most.

At the bottom of it all, Henry's biggest failing to refusing to accept his mistakes and crimes. He claims unrepentance but feels a deep-seated shame that comes out in his excuses - "People like us, Simon, great writers, can't be tied down to the everyday mundane existence of the common rabble" is a speech that resurfaces time and time again as a reason to avoid everyday labor, and the fact that he claims that his affair with the 13-year-old is part of some conspiracy against him is symptomatic of his refusal to come to terms with himself.

The nature of discontent and how it brings out our seamier qualities is exemplified in Henry and other characters. The characters who accept their lives as given are the ones who succeed, while those who are discontented are driven to crime, drug and alcohol abuse, denigration of their families, and suicide "Does it matter that it's not remarkable?" asks Simon of his clinically depressed mother. "Yes," she replies, shortly before her death.

In short, Henry is a fool - he knows what is right, but he does wrong for the gluttonous joy of it. He knows what he should do to succeed in the world but chooses to live off of others because it would be too much effort otherwise. He has every reason to be content (a house, a lovely wife, a loving son, and a steady if menial job) but prefers his cynical and self-destructive worldview. He is everything that the world tells us can bring no good - and yet, he does manage to procreate two great things of beauty while living with the Grims - an amazing poet and a kindly, intelligent son. In the end, Henry is provided with a choice - to either run from his troubles as he has always done or to face the music and be a mensch. Which does he choose? is the question that Hartley leaves us with, along with the rest of this quirky, bumpy film.

While a good show, "Henry Fool" is not as engaging as "Trust" nor as offbeat as "Amateur." However, it is still a film worth watching. Forget the over-wraught analytical nonsense that the some many of the other reviewers and I have spewed - instead, watch this film and see if you can recognize a Henry Fool in your life.

The Thin Line Between Artists and Fakes
Awesome.

This is one of my top-five favorite films of all time.

I own this on VHS and I will buy the DVD as well.

It's understandable that some intelligent, creative people may dislike this film. The movie demonstrates how one can be brilliant, skilled and dedicated (Henry), but ultimately unable to deliver.

Henry's grasp of language and apparent intellectual depth are so engaging, we are fooled into believing his own claims to greatness. In a world crawling with self-proclaimed writers, artists and poets, it's a painful truth that talent and desire often do not lead to success.

But all of this is really just a plot vehicle for the overriding themes of the movie.

In the end, this is a film about friendship, loyalty, pride and family. And it's beautifully done.

I've watched it several times and I'll admit that it drags a bit in places, but I still love it.

Pseudo/quasi/wanna-be...
First, only pseudo intellectuals are trite enough to accuse others of being pseudo-intellectuals. It's simply taking the easy way out. An intellectual does not take the easy way out. Hal Hartley does not take the easy way out. The same goes for quasi-artistes and wanna-be critics. I agree with "Stuart Scott". If you need it all spelled out for you, who are you to criticize another's intellect? Henry Fool asks, and answers the question "what is art", in a provocative manner. It's at once beautiful and pretentious, like all good art. We have a poseur extraordinaire: Henry Fool, and an "all too obviously talented" poet: Simon Grimm, using one another, as is the traditional arrangement between the ambitious and the gifted, to advance their own positions in the outer world while learning of their own significance in their own inner world. No punches are pulled, no notoins left unexplored here. This is the workshop: where the real art behind the art is made. Anyone who can't appreciate this is a pseudo/quasi/wanne-be fool of epic porportions and miniscule importance. Okay, that's mean. Sorry. But two words for the person who thought a white working class poet was "unrealistic", and then thought the movie was "pseudo artistic". First, since when does Art have to be realistic? Are you a bolshevik? Second, Have you ever heard of Charles Bukowski? Or Jim Carroll? Or Henry Miller? Jeez, you put pearls before swine and look what happens. Sorry, mean again. And trite too.

Intriguing.
I first saw part of HENRY FOOL on either the Sundance Channel or the Independent Film Channel. I'm not sure what it was, but the filmed sucked me in. There are some scenes that are fairly shocking (Faye and Henry consummanting their relationship as Simon finds his and Faye's mother lying dead in the bathtub). However, the scenes are filmed in such a way that they don't seem as horrifying as they would be in real life. The film addresses some big issues, e.g. what is the nature of an artist?; has a delightful cast, contains some extremely intelligent and witty dialogue; and has a great score.

The best thing I can say about the film is that I hadn't seen the whole movie when I purchased the video and after watching all of HENRY FOOL, decided I liked the movie enough to keep it. ... Read more

Reviews (74)

This Movie Rules!!!!!
When I was 6, I was hoping there would be a Home Alone 3, and now here it is. It's just as cool as the first 2. But this time, it's Alex Pruitt, not Kevin McAllister, who defends his home. Also, instead of being left home by accident while his family's vacationing, Alex's father is on a business trip, his mother's at work, and his brother and sister have after-school sports. Also, instead of being robbed by Harry Lyme and Marv Murchen, 4 new crooks, Petr Beaupre, Earl Unger, Burton Jernigan, and Alice Ribbons take on the house trying to find a computer chip worth 10 grand. If you liked the first 2 Home Alones, buy this one!!!!!!!!!!

This one just ruined the whole entire series
the series would have been fine if they wouldn't have made this one. it's not even close to what 1 and 2 were! and what now? they made a 4th one?! i don't know about you guys but i thought the movie sucked big time. they could have put Macaulay Culkin in this one! he only would have been about 11 or 12 if he would have played in it.

This was the worst movie I've ever seen
No offense Alex but you will never be as good as Macualay Culkin is. He has that special kind of touch on people that you will never have. Actually there was no point in making this movie some things you just need to leave alone and Home Alone Is one of them. I own both 1 and 2 of this well saga now. And there was no point to make Home Alone 4 either. Macualay Culkin is a classic and there will never be another boy with his touch.

Home Alone 3 is better than 1 and 2
I was little sceptical in watching Home Alone 3. Because the reviews and ratings at amazon.com were not as good in comparison to the previous two movies.

However, I enjoyed it even more than the earlier ones.

It moves at a fast pace. It is fresh. New kid. New villains. High tech Gadgets. What is common is that the villains have a tough time here too.

If you have liked the previous two movies, there is no reason why you should not like this one.

HORRIBLE!! TERRIBLE!!
This has got to be the biggest rip-off ever. There are two words to describe this.....HORRIFIC and DESCUSTING! They can't just throw any garbage out like this!!! Home Alone one and two are the best movies EVER in my book!! Don't waist your money!! There will never be another Macaulay Culkin!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (279)

"'Think you can get me ?"
High quality DVD !

As I watched again and again the (new) Thomas Crown Affair, I realize I came to enjoy it more and more. Dense entertainment: action, tumultuous and steamy romance, inspired direction from McTiernan ("Die Hard", "The Hunt for Red October"), and appropriate musical score. Good performances from Brosnan, Russo and Leary. A tour-de-force for Rene Russo ("tougher" in her portrayal of the insurance agent than Faye Dunaway in the original affair), considering the fact that in real life she is very much unlike the character she plays in this movie (see Russo's press and TV interviews). Kudos for Pierce Brosnan - much better and diversified delivery here than in all his three James Bond impersonations. (The wonder of the last 007, "The World Is Not Enough", is Sophie Marceau - not just good looking, but a good actress !)

No, I am not saying we should ever go out steal Manet, Monet, Degas, ... as a passe-temps, but, we do like this film because no matter who we are, deep-down in our subconscious mind lies the desire to be successful, which, somehow means being wealthy enough to allow us to indulge, satisfy all our needs, whims, and caprices, to be "rewarded" with an absorbing and adventurous life.

Pierce Brosnan and Renee Russo's affair is, perhaps, more alert, technical, and graphic (adapted for the 90's) than the original one involving Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway. I have distinct praise for the 99 rendition of this fantasy, but I believe Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway are better actors (watch their other films), and their 68 performance is just better. Do not trust me ! Watch both films on DVD or VHS, and decide. Steve McQueen has presence, is sure of himself (that is what makes a man sexy !), and Faye Dunaway does not have to wear a see-through dress to make us feel she is sophisticated, beautiful, and desirable. The dialogues there are shorter, sparse, and to the point. Exquisite direction (and good use of the split-screen tech) from Norman Jewison teaming with Michel Legrand who raved us with the Oscar winner "Windmills of My Mind". The 68 "chess seduction scene" (subtle touching, teasing, warm eyes) has no equal in the 99 film, and the "chemistry" between the characters played by McQueen and Dunaway is more intense.

There is more entertainment packed in the 99 film, while there is more film in the 68 entertainment ! Enjoy both affairs !

The Caper Sizzles While the Romance Fizzles
This breezy remake of the 1968 original "Thomas Crown Affair" is a slick, enjoyable, and occassionally clever caper film. But the film suffers from several shortcomings that detract from it's initial promise. But it's mostly the film's wrong-headed romance that stops the action dead in its tracks.

I've never seen the first "Thomas Crown Affair" so I have nothing on which to judge this film but on it's own merits. Where once stood Faye Dunaway and Steve Mcqueen, we now have Rene Russo as the sultry insurance investigator Catherine Banning and Pierce Brosnan as high-living billionaire Thomas Crown. Both actors are good in their respective roles, especially Russo who basically steals the show from Brosnan and everyone else around her coming off as both smashingly smart and sexy. Unfortunately Brosnan and Russo share no chemistry and generate no heat. This subsequently renders their romance sequences together, from passionate love-making in Crown's apartment to basking in the sun light of a sandy island beach, all the more uninteresting.

But the problems don't stop there. Russo and Brosnan's characters also never seem really interested in each other in an emotional sense. Throughout the entire film I never felt Catherine Banning's interest in Crown stretched beyond revealing him as a crook. Her only purpose for sleeping with him or accompanying him to his island getaway always seemed to be just killing time.

But that's not to say the movie is without it's bright spots of which it has plenty. The actual caper is a cleverly devised one, and whenever time isn't being wasted on romance the movie is often highly entertianing and genuinely interesting. Still, so much time is wasted with Crown and Catherine jetting around for recreation that the final twist isn't nearly as astonishing as it should have been, simply because we've lost track.

All in all, "Thomas Crown Affair" is a glossily-textured, gorgeous-looking package. It's not a bad film by any means, and has alot of terrificly played sequences. There's a general lack of suspense and drama but it's still entertaining enough.

I'm a sucker for romance and intrigue (shhh)
I am such an avid movie watcher that I rarely feel inclined to watch a movie more than once. Well, let me admit to not only having bought the DVD, but to having watched it numerous times!

I love the sound track of the movie and will be doing my own remake--going Duo Discus glider riding with my significant other ;).

The love scene is wonderful, the chemistry between the actors works like a MIT Lab experiment and the whole movie is simply spot on.

I recommend it highly!

Russo At Her Best!
I won't go into the plot of this movie, most buyers will already know it anyway. The DVD transfer is superb. This is the only movie I've ever seen where I liked Pierce Brosnan and thought he was cast properly. What makes this movie for me, though, is the performance of Ms. Russo. She is the perfect combination of sex and brains. Her wardrobe is amazing and she knows how to wear it! There are some slow parts to this movie, particularly the tropical part, but overall it's a keeper.

The Two Crowns
I have been a huge fan of the original Thomas Crown Affair since I first saw it while in the military in 1969..... and bought this "re-make" because I heard so many good things about it. I must say that honestly there are good points in BOTH films. I never quite bought the fact that the original Crown had McQueen's character robbing a bank.... so stealing the "Monet" made much more sense to me. I also thought the story was improved upon in the new version and I was more satisfied by the challenge Bronsnan's character found in Russo's bluntness. On the other hand, the sumptuous music score by Michel LeGrand in the early film was superior to the weak, lackluster and frangmented score that Bill Conti created for the new one. I also think I preferred the sensuous and sexy elegance of the fire between McQueen and Dunaway to the overtly sweaty lust that Brosnan and Russo desparately share. HOWEVER.... I must say I did enjoy BOTH films and find each beautiful and entertaining in their own ways.

(...) The ART of the earlier version is a unique and compelling one and makes that film so fascinating to watch in widescreen! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Ann Jillian offers a strong performance.
Also known as GIRLS OF THE WHITE ORCHID (1983).
This film is not for children to see. Mature Adults Only.
Cast: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Thomas Byrd, Mako, Carolyn Seymour, Richard Narita, Soon-Teck Oh, Ann Jillian, Yvonne McCord, Philip Charles McKenzie, Leslie Wing, John Hancock.
Jeffifer Jason Leigh is a young lady, Carol, in Hollywood who works as a waitress. She is lonely for her boyfriend (Thomas Byrd) who is in the military. She decides to answer an ad for singer/dancer. She gets the job in Tokyo, but she has no idea what she is about to happen to her. She gets to sing in a nightclub (if you can call it that), but behind the curtain she has no idea yet it's a prostitution ring. The dancers and singers are expected to "be of service" to the Japanese clientele.
Marilyn (Ann Jillian) who is one of the more experienced dancers, tries to give Carol some comfort, but yet tells her how the business is. When the girls refuse to "please the customers" and they want to go back home to the states, the girls are made to "disappear". They are never seen of again. It is said, always said, that they were sent to Osaka.
Can Carol escape before it's too late for her?
This film was originally shown as a Network television movie. The cable version and this DVD version, includes scenes of nudity and adult content.
Ann Jillian offers a strong performances in this film.
I saw this film several times when I was younger not really thinking about the film to seriously. It was just a film to put on. But now some 20 years later, and now I'm middle-aged, this film is a bit disturbing to watch. But there is a message here in this film, and one will taken. Perhaps this is why the actors agreeed to do this film.

Oh god I can't believe I own this movie!
If you haven't seen a movie with Jennifer Jason Leigh, Ann Gillian, and Mako in it, this is your movie. Keep in mind that half of the dialogue is in Japanese but there are no subtitles. Also keep in mind that there's a near-rape scene and lots of toplessness. This is not Jennifer Jason Leigh's best movie. In fact I would bet that she would rather forget this film shot twenty years ago, as would most who worked on it. The best thing about it is its name. Oh, but there are no martial arts in the movie. Sorry.

ANN JILLIAN STEALS THE PICTURE!
Ann Jillian delivers an award winning performance in this movie that co- stars Jennifer Jason Leigh. It's worth the price just to see Ann Jillian as a red head, wow!!!! she's hot and so interesting to watch, you NEVER catch her acting. Jonathan Kaplan, the Director did a good job and he also directed "Heart Like A Wheel", I give this 5 stars! ... Read more

Reviews (74)

This Movie Rules!!!!!
When I was 6, I was hoping there would be a Home Alone 3, and now here it is. It's just as cool as the first 2. But this time, it's Alex Pruitt, not Kevin McAllister, who defends his home. Also, instead of being left home by accident while his family's vacationing, Alex's father is on a business trip, his mother's at work, and his brother and sister have after-school sports. Also, instead of being robbed by Harry Lyme and Marv Murchen, 4 new crooks, Petr Beaupre, Earl Unger, Burton Jernigan, and Alice Ribbons take on the house trying to find a computer chip worth 10 grand. If you liked the first 2 Home Alones, buy this one!!!!!!!!!!

This one just ruined the whole entire series
the series would have been fine if they wouldn't have made this one. it's not even close to what 1 and 2 were! and what now? they made a 4th one?! i don't know about you guys but i thought the movie sucked big time. they could have put Macaulay Culkin in this one! he only would have been about 11 or 12 if he would have played in it.

This was the worst movie I've ever seen
No offense Alex but you will never be as good as Macualay Culkin is. He has that special kind of touch on people that you will never have. Actually there was no point in making this movie some things you just need to leave alone and Home Alone Is one of them. I own both 1 and 2 of this well saga now. And there was no point to make Home Alone 4 either. Macualay Culkin is a classic and there will never be another boy with his touch.

Home Alone 3 is better than 1 and 2
I was little sceptical in watching Home Alone 3. Because the reviews and ratings at amazon.com were not as good in comparison to the previous two movies.

However, I enjoyed it even more than the earlier ones.

It moves at a fast pace. It is fresh. New kid. New villains. High tech Gadgets. What is common is that the villains have a tough time here too.

If you have liked the previous two movies, there is no reason why you should not like this one.

HORRIBLE!! TERRIBLE!!
This has got to be the biggest rip-off ever. There are two words to describe this.....HORRIFIC and DESCUSTING! They can't just throw any garbage out like this!!! Home Alone one and two are the best movies EVER in my book!! Don't waist your money!! There will never be another Macaulay Culkin!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (74)

This Movie Rules!!!!!
When I was 6, I was hoping there would be a Home Alone 3, and now here it is. It's just as cool as the first 2. But this time, it's Alex Pruitt, not Kevin McAllister, who defends his home. Also, instead of being left home by accident while his family's vacationing, Alex's father is on a business trip, his mother's at work, and his brother and sister have after-school sports. Also, instead of being robbed by Harry Lyme and Marv Murchen, 4 new crooks, Petr Beaupre, Earl Unger, Burton Jernigan, and Alice Ribbons take on the house trying to find a computer chip worth 10 grand. If you liked the first 2 Home Alones, buy this one!!!!!!!!!!

This one just ruined the whole entire series
the series would have been fine if they wouldn't have made this one. it's not even close to what 1 and 2 were! and what now? they made a 4th one?! i don't know about you guys but i thought the movie sucked big time. they could have put Macaulay Culkin in this one! he only would have been about 11 or 12 if he would have played in it.

This was the worst movie I've ever seen
No offense Alex but you will never be as good as Macualay Culkin is. He has that special kind of touch on people that you will never have. Actually there was no point in making this movie some things you just need to leave alone and Home Alone Is one of them. I own both 1 and 2 of this well saga now. And there was no point to make Home Alone 4 either. Macualay Culkin is a classic and there will never be another boy with his touch.

Home Alone 3 is better than 1 and 2
I was little sceptical in watching Home Alone 3. Because the reviews and ratings at amazon.com were not as good in comparison to the previous two movies.

However, I enjoyed it even more than the earlier ones.

It moves at a fast pace. It is fresh. New kid. New villains. High tech Gadgets. What is common is that the villains have a tough time here too.

If you have liked the previous two movies, there is no reason why you should not like this one.

HORRIBLE!! TERRIBLE!!
This has got to be the biggest rip-off ever. There are two words to describe this.....HORRIFIC and DESCUSTING! They can't just throw any garbage out like this!!! Home Alone one and two are the best movies EVER in my book!! Don't waist your money!! There will never be another Macaulay Culkin!!!!! ... Read more