Description

America is in the depths of the Great Depression. Families drift apart when faraway jobs beckon. In this masterful, atmospheric adventure, a courageous young girl (Meredith Salenger) confronts overwhelming odds when she embarks on a cross-country search for her father. During her extraordinary odyssey, she forms a close bond with two diverse traveling companions: a magnificent, protective wolf, and a hardened drifter (John Cusack). A brilliant, moving tapestry, woven of courage and perseverance. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

An overlooked gem.
True, The Journey of Natty Gann is darker and more adult-oriented than most live-action Disney movies, but that doesn't stop it from being a contemporary classic that the entire family can enjoy.

Set in Chicago during the Great Depression, this inspirational story is about a young girl named Natty Gann's (Meredith Salenger) search for her father (Ray Wise) after he is forced to suddenly travel west to take on a job. Along the way, she is befriended by a wolf and a young drifter named Harry (John Cusack) with whom she develops a romantic attachment.

As it turns out, The Journey of Natty Gann is an enjoyable romp with decent acting especially from Meredith Salenger, glorious visuals, a realistic depiction of the Great Depression, and a beautiful score by James Horner. Unfortunately, it's no longer available on video (it was last released in 1995) which is a shame because it remains a favorite among many people including myself. Disney seems to be embarrassed of their 80's family films as hardly any of them appear still available. To sum it all up, The Journey of Natty Gann is just - wow!

Endearing story of the Depression
This is a little-known Disney movie that is probably one of the studio's best live-action films. This was one of my childhood favorites, and, when I saw it again recently, it became one of my adulthood favorites.

The story takes place in the midst of the Great Depression and starts out in Chicago. Natty and her father are struggling to make ends meet, but still manage to love each other and survive. Trouble comes when Natty's father finally gets a job - in Washington. Unable to find Natty to tell her, he leaves her a note and leaves her in the charge of an overbearing boardinghouse owner. Fed up with bad treatment and not wanting to believe that her father abandoned her, Natty sets out to meet up with her father, hopping on trains and hitching rides west. Along the way, she helps free a wolf who is being used in dog fights. She and the wolf meet up later and become companions. Natty also joins up with John Cusack, another drifter looking for work.

The movie includes beautiful scenery and an interesting portrayal of Depression-era America. The relationships are also fascinating. For instance, Natty only calls the wolf "wolf," and still recognizes that he is a wild animal. In other words, she doesn't attempt to make him into a pet. Additionally, her relationship with John Cusack's character is not silly, self-conscious, or filled with expectation.

Another reviewer noted that the DVD version of this movie is disappointing. I found the quality of my DVD to be absolutely fine. There are no special features, but the film itself is of decent quality.

This is a sweet, fascinating movie that is appropriate for children and adults and should immediately be considered a classic.

Decent movie, bad transfer
A good period piece about people struggling to find work during the depression. When Natty's father leaves Chicago, Illinois and goes to Seattle, Washington for a job at a lumber camp he leaves her behind. He misses her when he has to leave so he tells her in a letter he will send for her. When she decides she can't wait she strikes out on her own. She runs into John Cusack's character and helps a wolf escape from a dogfighting ring. Her adventure getting to her father is difficult and enriching. She travels the rails and highways to get there. A little slow in parts but overall a decent family movie. If only Disney had thought enough of this movie to make a good transfer to DVD. I was appalled at how bad it was during the opening credits. The credits jumped around on the screen. The rest of the movie was not as bad as that but it was a little grainy, not clear and sharp like we usually see with Disney films. That probably explains why I have seen it selling for what it is sold here or less.

a little gem- 2 stars for the dvd, 4 for the film
I recently saw this movie again on cable, and concur with other reviewers that the dvd is a waste of time. This movie is a rarity for family fare in that it is uncompromising and un-sappy. It treats the depression theme in a very mature way, but the journey itself transcnds what could be a very dark and somber mood throughout the movie. Interesting to me that it was all filmed no more than 15 km. from my neighbourhood in Vancouver . Seeing it for the second time 20 years later, I got to see a small slice of my past- the old train station, the law courts building, etc.

Not a Family Movie
Parents, beware, this movie is not for your children. The majestic scenery is overshadowed by a gloomy outlook, grotesque swearing (including taking the Lord's Name in vain several times), and the point of view that all adults in leadership are evil. Trust me, this is one for the trash can. That's where my copy is. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Better than expected
I wasn't expecting much from this movie since it was a new release 6 months ago and you can already find it in the dicounted section of certain stores. It's well worth the money. It's a good romantic comedy. I never thought Charlie Sheen was much of an actor but his performance here is better than usual. Denise Richards isn't too outstanding. She really can't act and that shows here and in everything else she's ever been in. It's Angie Harmon who steals the show. She's a very beautiful, very talented actress who pretty much dominates this movie. She hasn'e been in too many movies before, but hopefully we'll see more of her. Another highlight is Sheen's friend, played by Jon Lovitz, a P-whipped plastic surgeon married to a controlling wife played by Rosanna Arquette. They add a lot of comic relief to the movie. Don't let the fact that this movie is already in the dicounted section at stores fool you into thinking this movie [is bad]... It's worth the money depending on where you buy it.

Good Romantic Movie
I saw this movie on cable and watched it. It's a pretty good romance between a down-and-out Wall Street whiz and an editor of a newspaper. Charlie Sheen plays a financial whiz who loses his job due to a scandal and takes the place of his shallow and insensitive girlfriend who runs off to Brazil with another man. While writing the advice column, he falls for the studious editor played by Angie Harmon.
My sister thought the movie was shallow but to me I thought it was romantic as a man was dealing with hisself and the people who read his article.

Sassy, Silly, and Funny. Quality Entertainment
I bought this movie on the advice of my sage friend Pnut and because this movie featured Charlie Sheen, who is a top-flight actor who usually picks decent scripts. I was not disappointed. This is a fun and sassy show with a good story and slightly implausible but satisfying finish. Well acted and scripted and loaded with laughs. Warm and lighthearted comedy at its finest. Definitely recommended.

Better than expected, a good DVD for the Price!
I just saw this movie last night. I was flipping through the channels and decided to give this one a try. I thought it was going to be lame, but it wasn't! The comedic performances of Angie Harmon's secretary, full of inuendo and some pretty hysterical remarks really made it all worthwhile. John Lovitz and his gold-digger wife also contribute much with their love-hate dialouge. Denise Richards doesn't have a huge part, but does a good job in this comedy. Charlie Sheen, although not usually a favorite of mine, was pretty good in this one, thanks to Angie and her Sec. Enjoy!

Good, but...
This was an interesting, sometimes narrow film. There were too many striking similarities to the movie "Wall Street" (Charlie Sheen was also in that) to be called anything different than a copy of it. While it was good, I kept wanting to picture Gordon Gekko as the head of the newspaper rather than the other guy. Overall good, but too much a copy of "Wall Street" to be recognized as different. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Lake Placid is total trash--and, as a result, fairly entertaining. Yet another entry in the horror subgenre of giant animals running amok, Lake Placid features a giant crocodile that has somehow found its way to an isolated lake in Maine. The absurdity of crocodiles in Maine sets the tone for the entire movie, which has no ambitions beyond mixing a little fright with a little humor. Bridget Fonda (Point of No Return, Jackie Brown) plays a paleontologist sent to investigate a large tooth; Bill Pullman (Independence Day, Lost Highway) is a fish and game warden just trying to keep the peace; Oliver Platt (Funny Bones, Flatliners) plays a loose-cannon mythology professor who swims with crocodiles for sport; and Brendan Gleeson (an excellent but little-known actor, most noted for The General) is a local sheriff with a short temper and a big gun. Add a few gruesome dismemberments, Betty White as a cantankerous old broad who may have murdered her husband, and a cow hanging from a helicopter, and there you have it: Lake Placid. (Curiously, this concoction was put together by David E. Kelley, better known as the creator of TV's Ally McBeal and The Practice.) --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (182)

So bad it's good

=>This movie is horrible (0 stars) yet so entertaining (5 stars) at the same time. (I'm not going to bother listing the actors)It follows a NY bitch, hick sheriff, eccentric man, and boring Fish & Game rep as they attempt to capture a gigantic man-eating crocodile. The characters are such morons it's laughable. For example, even though one diver was eaten the idiots go out on a tiny boat and dive and attempt to find out about the crocodile and attract it at the same time. I find Pullman lame (he does a bad job) and the Sheriff hilarious. The character interaction is great. In fact, they're all morons that hate each other, which makes it funnier. The eccentric man tries to swim with the gigantic crocodile because he thinks it's godly. There's a senile old woman the still feeds her "pet" even though it ate her husband. The special effects are mediocre at best. What do you get when you take a few hicks and a few big city yanks together with a man-eating croc? A stupid movie that is highly entertaining (aka laughable).
Want a full review with spoilers (fireflower@phayze.com)

Comic horror which undeservedly bombed in theaters
Written by David E. Kelley, the mastermind behind television's Ally McBeal and The Practice (both of which won Emmys in the "best of" categories last year), _Lake Placid_ is a comic horror film about the search for a giant crocodile, inexplicably living in a landlocked lake in upstate New York.

When a diver is eaten alive in the opening moments, by some unknown creature, the local game warden (Pullman) teams up with a paleontologist (Fonda) from New York to find the beast. Add to this mix an eccentric millionaire philanthropist with a penchant for swimming with "crocs" (Platt), and the local sheriff (Brendan Gleeson), who thinks the man is nuts, and you've got the recipe for one of the more underrated of last summer's films.

This is a horror film and it can, at times, get quite messy (see the opening attack sequence, for example). The special effects work is about what you'd expect in such a film, although with the advent of computer graphics, it's a lot easier to bring a realistic giant crocodile to life. Surprisingly, though, there are few deaths in the film.

The emphasis is more on suspenseful moments of the Jaws variety, in which we wonder whether unlucky swimmers are about to become lunch. And, there are even a couple of gross, but funny moments in the film, as when an eccentric old lady (played by Betty White) offers random farm animals as sacrifices to the croc.

But the real emphasis in the film is on the humor and there are some great conversations and arguments among the film's characters, particularly Platt's whacko croc-swimmer and Brendan Gleeson's sheriff (in one of the more unusual bits of casting, as the Irish Gleeson is forced to adopt an American accent, which tends to slip in some of the more heated moments). And White's character is also played for laughs (you'll be surprised at some of the inventive curses she comes up with).

The film wasn't particularly well-received when first released last summer, but luckily, with its release on video, this can be remedied. This is not a film for everyone's tastes, but if, like me, you occasionally hunger for a "giant-animal-runs-amuck" film, _Lake Placid_ more than fills the bill.

More Funny than Scary
I am looking for this movie because I want to buy it for my son who has seen "Jaws" already for the millionth time and I am afraid he will wear the disc out if I don't get him another comprable movie. This is the movie that I thought of that can match "Jaws" becuase it's sort of that fun, boo-scare-you, flick. It doesn't take itself seriously and the movie is full of interesting characters played by big name actors. What stood up for me is Betty White. Hands down she is the gem of this movie. It's like she won the "funny lines" lottery when they handed out the scripts. She plays a Lake resident who's husband is missing and the way she finally tells what happenned to him was so funny I was rolling on the floor. Oliver Platt got annoying, a little bit but thank god Bridget Fonda and Bill Paxton interceded with their likeable characters. I've rented this movie when it first came out on DVD and thought about buying it to include in my slumber party collection and I think this is the way this movie is going to get resurrected, through people who have a enough sense of humour and who knows what an excellent "giant animal ran amok" movie is all about. Gingerly place this next to your "Jaws," "Godzillas," "Tremors" on your DVD shelf, it belongs there.

Watch It on TV
Watch this at least once, just to hear Betty white cursing like an old salt. Then watch Hard Rain to see her as a crazy old broad out to kill looters. Then burn both films.
Let's be serious here. The psuedo-religious crocodile worshiping stuff by Oliver Platt was not needed. The idea of a crocodile living as far north as Maine is utterly laughable (damn, if they'd set it in SC or NC, I MIGHT have been able to suspend my disbelief)and the strategies used to catch it are even worse (dangle a live cow from a helicopter anyone?). Have the people involved with this film EVER seen Reptile Wild or any other program on National Geographic?

Betty White Rocks!
A Fish and Game worker is doing a survey of beavers in a placid lake with the local sherrif when he suddenly becomes half the man he was and dies. Local law enforcement, Fish and Game, and a New York museum worker set out to discover what happened. They are soon joined by an eccentric millionaire who loves crocodiles.

Is there a crocodile in the lake? At first few believe that such a thing could be until hard evidence shows up. The Crocodile is not an ordinary one, it is thirty feet in length. The camp is quickly split between those who want to kill it and those who want to save it. To learn it's fate you will have to watch the film.

This is a very well-done piece of work. The characters are interesting and there is just enough sarcastic humor to really lighten the mood. Betty White plays a foul-mouthed local resident and her delivery of her "I'm rooting for the crocodile" line is an instant classic. This is a fun film and far from typical. It is not just a giant-lizard-eating-people film. Check it out. ... Read more

Reviews (18)

The 80's at it's finest! Not to be missed!
I saw this movie when it first came out... I"ve owned the soundtrack on tape and now on CD... I've bought the movie used from a video store when I couldn't find it new - and I hope that it will somehow get onto DVD... The movie is a must see if not a must own.. the Soundtrack is a MUST OWN for sure... one of my fave's of all time with it's ONLY problem being that it doesn't have the song "Where Is She" by Blue Future on it - if you've seen the movie, you know the song... other than that it's near perfection... another great soundtrack "The Lost Boys" ironically another Corey/Corey tagteam hit...

Great Movie for all Generations.
This movie is a great movie and I have been enchanted by it since I first saw it in the 80's. Now it is out on DVD and I still enjoy it. It is so romantic and has alot of human emotion in it. I have to also admit I used to be in love with Meredith Salenger. She is such a fine actress and Wow, what a bod. This movie has soooo much cool music in it and it appeals to all ages. The romantic part of me loves this movie and it is right up there with another romantic movie that I love, "Xanadu" with Olivia Newton John. Corey Feldman might not have been the best actor ever, but he was excellent in this and the Academy Awards should have noticed. (Like they ever vote for anthing that REALLY deserves it). The rest of the crew made an excellent movie and the dirctor and editor did a first rate job. What else did the director go on to do?

Pick up the sound track and you will love it. I listen to it all the time and the inclusion of the Van Morrison hit "into the mystic" sets the mood for any situation. Beautiful movie and all time classic.

my favorite movie of all time so far
although a hard movie to follow at times,its very entertaining and i know it word for word.i have probably watched it 50 times or so.its not for everyone,but if you like 80s movies about romantic comedy with wild twists you will love this one.its worth a buy for sure,and i suggest getting it new ,for only a few dollars more.

Dinger lives / An 80's gem
One of my favorite films so defining of the 80's. A classic teen angst high school movie but with imagination. I think Corey Feldman & Corey Haim made a great team in this. This film makes you want to go back to the 80's as a teenager in high school, watching it nowadays. I completely related to Corey Haims character Dinger. Dinger and Bobby are best friends Bobby falls for Lainie the hottest girl in school and has to convince her that she loves him before the night's over but here's the story in an accident Bobby switches his body with the old man next store living life thru his eyes and vice versus. The same thing with Lainie and the old man's wife. A romantic comedy with a twist. Pay attention to the characters and their bond. A great film about friendship & relationships in high school. An essential to collection for anyone who grew up in 80's cinema. I own the DVD and the soundtrack is great too.

Dream a little dream on dvd
Just to let you know Dream a Little Dream was released on dvd ... Read more

Reviews (12)

A HISTORICAL FICTION SOAP OPERA
April Morning is a historical fiction soap opera loved in great big portions by N. Lampi. (Une lampe for short) He made us watch this movie and I was shocked at how EVIL the British appeared to be. However, this movie was very soap opera-like. For example, the main character (Adam Cooper) said, "FATHER, WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO!" I found that very funny and TOO dramatic. Also, it maybe hard to remember *cough*test*cough* but at the end Adam receives his father's watch. WATCH! w-a-t-c-h!!! Remember that!!! Oh well. Thus, this movie gets 3/5 stars. Some talking people *cough*J. Reeves III*cough* ruined it by talking! OH well......

Factual, moving account of the birth of our nation.
I saw this a few years ago on T.V. and have wanted a copy of my own. I can't believe a movie this powerful is not on video yet. A must for all young people to see! Masterful telling of our country's revolution.

Ap-ril Morning
This was asesome I saw it at school

A morning for greatness
This is simply a gem of a movie based on Howard Fast's excellent 1962 novel,( which I still have), of the first day of hostilities between colonists and Britain.

There may have been bigger blockbusters made about the American Revolution (The Patriot, Revolution etc) but to me this under- rated 1988 film is a true classic, capturing the quintessential decency of American colonial village life in Lexington and the developing tensions and conflict on that fateful day of 19th April 1775.

I agree with the 2 previous reviewers that this film is a great teaching tool. It shows many things: the tensions and love in family life, particularly between Moses Cooper ( Tommy Lee Jones) and his son Adam ( Chad Lowe),who is no longer a boy yet not quite a man; romance between Adam and Ruth Simmons ( played by the lovely Susan Blakely); different generations and how they relate to each other; the underlying strong Christian faith of the era,( which still prevails in American life today); the need to perform civic duties; and culture and costumes far removed from our own period etc.

"April Morning" is also effective because it does not glamourise war or demonise the redcoats. In fact both Adam and a young redcoat are both seen, at various stages, to be scared witless by the whiff of 'grapeshot' and of battle. Yet overall, in what is truly a momentous day for Adam personally, (as well as the villagers of Lexington and Concord), we see how the events mature him and this is brilliantly illustrated at the end of the film when he leads his family in prayer for their food and life. This very subtle approach makes it evident that the boy, like colonial America, has gone for ever and has been replaced by a decent man who would,with humility, be worthy of his emerging new leadership role-as would America.

As a non-American I conclude by saying that any American who fails to appreciate this film simply lacks a soul and an understanding of the greatness of American history - a fact which was demonstrated on that dusty Lexington-Concord road 226 years ago- and by the makers of this film who have created another very special "April Morning".

One Shot Heard Around the World
This movie gives an accurate and interesting account of the beginnings of the American Revolution. A boy becomes a man, not by choice but because of events that are not under his control. There is great acting by all. My students will love this movie and will gain a greater understanding of the Lexington and Concord battles. I only wish I could obtain a video of the movie. My copy is so old! This is an action/adventure/drama all rolled into one. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

very good
this movie rocks it has Corey Felmen in it. Lots of good action and good acting.

This movie was cool :)
"Edge of Honor" tells the story of two boy scouts named Luke (Scott Reeves) and Butler (Corey Feldman) who stumble across an array of weapons, and they decide to come back at a later time to get them. However, Luke accidently leaves his map to the boy scout camp behind, and the men who own the weapons, find this map, and kill everyone except for three people at the camp. Luke and Butler and their friends realize they must fight back for their survival. This movie was cool, and the action sequences are awesome! This movie however is hard to get because it is low-budget, and is rarely seen at any video stores.

Edge of Honor
This movie, set on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, follows the adventures of 5 scouts as they accidently stumble upon illegal gun-running.

There's plenty of action but not an overly engaging plot. Corey Feldman, reunited with Meredith Salenger (Dream a Little Dream), seems to be impersonating Christian Slater. Daniel Wartman gives a particularly good performance. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

An Okey film
This film was released befor Deep blue sea. Here the sythnesis two crocodile some how never review managed to get into a lake in Main. A gore movie rate r for Bad langue gore violence. Not as good as alligator series but still a good movie.

The part at the end when the old lad is feeding the adult crocdiles offspring is hilarious. The old Lady delivers soem funy a humerous lines.

If you like this I recomend Crocodile 1 Crodile 2, Blood Surf, Alligator 1 and Alligaotr 2 the Mutation and Dino Croc

wierd and scary
lake placid was a excited and scary movie about a crocodile who terrorized the people who came into it's habitat.An old woman feeds the crocodile her LIVE STOCK[cows or horses]....................

A jawful of laughs, you'll never know what bit you
The last thing to be expected in the pristine Maine wilderness and tranquil setting is a 30-foot eating machine, a reptilian of the species Crocodylus. Only this time, it's a real-life phenomenon.

Allocated her first real field assignment, a palaeontologist from New York City, Kelly Scott (Bridget Fonda) finds herself amidst a party of curious onlookers in Maine to investigate the origins of a tooth extracted from a recent victim involved in a vicious attack along a lake. She is introduced to a local Fish and Game warden Jack Wells (Bill Pullman), an irritable sheriff Hank Keough (Brendan Gleeson), and Hector Cyr (Oliver Platt), an "eccentric millionaire mythology professor", a crocodile fanatic who deifies crocodiles and contemplates he is "untouchable" and "godly".
Ticks, mosquitos and petty irritants of nature are essentially Kelly's assumed only fears. On the contrary, what the lake splashes up is a reflection of how trivial Kelly's anxieties really are. Overcoming their disparity, the warden, sheriff, palaeontologist, professor and deputies must explore all options and settle on a scheme that entails the enticement of the croc out of its territory, accompanied by unforeseen disasters.

'Lake Placid' is a highly acclaimed film directed by Steve Miner and produced by David E. Kelley and Michael Pressman. A 1999 20th Century Fox release, it is "this year's 'Anaconda', only you spend as much time laughing as you do screaming" (David Poland, TNT Roughcut.com).
Unconventionally effective and a jawful of laughs, "where 'Godzilla' makes the head hurt, 'Placid' splashes up a bit fun" (Ross Anthony, Hollywood Report Card). A tossup between a frivolous comedy and an edgy horror film with an unpredictable end, 'Lake Placid' is befitting for any audience who holds a zest for the darker side of Nature.
Also featuring Meredith Salenger as Deputy Gare and Betty White as the widowed Mrs. Bickerman, it throws stones of wit, humour and horror with an inexorably smart and edgy dialogue, stretching the boundaries of extraordinary special effects to send out ripples of shock, telling a tale of the concealed secrets lurking beneath the Maine lake's serene surface. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

You Need Not Take It Seriously to Like It
BUG BUSTER is one of those rarest of fright films: it knows when not to take itself too seriously even if it does not know when to frighten and when to amuse. The Bug of the movie is the Mother Bug, a flying roach that looks exactly like what is it, some guy on wires wearing a bug suit. It is hard to imagine even small children being fightened, but it is far easier to see that the audience is titillated by overlapping waves of corny dialogue, cheesy special effects, and guest appearances by Star Trek's James Doohan as a corrupt small-town sheriff and George Tokei as a demented entymologist. The plot is nonsense, of course. A Mother Bug lays eggs that threaten everyone in town. This theme of insectoid mother love we have seen before. ALIENS showed us how it could be presented in a serious vein. But here, in BUG BUSTER, everything is played for laughs. Randy Quaid steals the show as exterminator General George, who squares off in a boxing match with the Mother Bug in a scene that pays homage to Charles Dutton, who tried much the same in ALIENS 3. The result of this slugfest is a microscopic metaphor of the joy that a Big Bug movie can bring if only it refuses to take itself too seriously.

BEAM US UP SCOTTIE!
Yes, James Doohan and George Takei, STAR TREK's Scotty and Sulu, are in this movie. Doohan has more screen time as the sheriff, but Takei as an eccentric scientist, looks like he stepped right out of a Japense scifi flick.
BUG BUSTER, an entertaining little flick, has an identity crisis that works against its overall effectiveness. Is it a horror movie with comic touches or is it a comedy with horror touches? It's not out and out satire like the Scary Movie series, and it seems to want to take itself seriously, even with Randy Quaid's over the top General George, the pest eliminator. At any rate, director Lorenzo Doumani keeps the movie going along pretty well and has some unique things going for it.
First, here we have Bernie Kopell (from LOVE BOAT) and Anne Lockhart (June's daughter) playing the parents of premenopausal Katherine Heigl. And they get their own love scene..it's nice to see people past the age of 50 having the desire to have sex and show their love for each other.
As for the bugs, the real roaches are quite repulsive, and even the giant one at the climax is effectively disgusting. Downtown Julie Brown has a "cute" cameo as the reporter for FU2 t.v., where she blatantly extols the calamities happening in the little town of Mountainview.
Another unique touch: Trailer Trash, the band in the lodge's lounge, featuring Melba Toast and ?, is hilarious.
Entertaining, but its identity crisis, keeps it from being better. Oh, Brenda Doumani who plays the veterinarian is effective, and probably related to the director? Anyway, she also sings the movies closing credit song, "Virtue", which is about as bad as a song can get!

One of Heigl's best films
OK, there are two reasons why this film gets 5 stars. You Katherine Heigl fans know what I mean.

Here Heigl's family moves to a small west coast town being pleagued by giant bugs. And only the cast of 'Star Trek' can save her.

For a B movie the production is suprisingly good.

For those of you disapionted by Heigl's recent films 'Valintine' and 'Evil Never Dies' have no fear. Thoses film stunk because Heigl barely had any screen time. In 'Bug Buster' she is truly the main character and does what she does best, taking baths and showing.

I'd probably rate this film third after 'Wish Upon a Star' and 'Prince Valient' (where is that DVD?)

If your a guy wondering "who in Katherine Heigl?" Look her up on the internet. Then come back here and order this film.

Bug Buster
Well guys, I was one of those who made the movie. Comical is the only word for it. Let me tell you, it wasn't intended to be a humorous film at first!
-this from the hard working art department

Where No Movie Has Gone Before...
Comical supposed "horror" movie with the doctor from "Love Boat" (Bernie Kopell), Sulu (George Takei) and Scotty (James Doohan) from "Star Trek", and Isabel (Katherine Heigl) from "Roswell", as well as co-star of those wonderful "Vacation" movies, Randy Quaid.

The whole thing with the bugs and the dark and the water was pretty darn far-fetched. If you are a horror movie fan, this is NOT the film for you. Randy Quaid as a twisted exterminator-general -- that's about the only scary thought in the movie. But if you want see former Trek dudes die, it's all right.

But let's face it: this movie would have been pretty darned unwatchable without Katherine Heigl in it. She looked the best I had ever seen her look (at least until the June 2000 Maxim shots). She has some acting talent as well, though you would not be able to discern it from this flick. More Heigl and less Scotty in the future works for me... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

good thriller..
When I first saw it , it was scary, I liked the scene where the daughter get's brave and takes on the scary aunt..this movie is hard to find..Can't find it in the video stores.

Seemed a bit boring on tv
I've only seen the MONSTERVISION version on tv. I want the R version so I can see the scene where the blonde girl gets ripped up in the escolater. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A Simple Twist
The ending of this movie had an interesting twist which I myself enjoyed, or found funny, but others might hate. I reccomend watching this movie ONLY if you HAVE SEEN any of River Phoenix's other movies already. If you see his style of acting first then you will know why River himself didn't like making the movie that much...although I did love the ending.

Excellent coming of age film / River's talent
I remeber this movie in 1988 quite well because I was transfixed by River Phoenix's character. Based on the novel by Bill Richert "You never said goodbye" Phoenix plays Jimmy a smooth talking charming kid from a working class family who moves to the richer side of town. Hangs with these rich kids who are the type to die if they ever lost their money. While trying to impress and win the heart of the one girl who ever really got to him his girlfriend Lisa ( Meredith Salenger) before she moves to Hawaii. He gets himself into hard situations and troubles just about every relationship he has by sleeping with his best friends ( Mathew Perry) girlfriend, has sex with his mothers best friend. Then smashes his fathers car up in the course of one night. River's character in this film is the type that has a charisma that makes it hard for people to say no to or stay mad at. A funny teen angst movie excellent performance by River Phoenix they couldn't of casted anyone else for this role. One of my favorite 80's coming of age films worth viewing.

one of my favorite movies of all time
i went through alot of trouble to see this movie when i was a kid. my mom let me rent it after i looked for it all over the place. i searched everywhere and then i found it at a blockbuster. she said for me to rent it but that she had to watch it with me because she didnt want me watching r rated movies. so i said okay and we went home to watch it and after time after time of having to put my hands over my eyes (and peaking through my little fingers and smiling) jimmy started getting it on with joice fikkit on the floor and mom said for me to go to my room and i was unable to finish the movie.
then finally i go to a friends and we rent it on her dads card because he didnt care what we watched. then of course i could rent it at home because "mom, ive already seen it". this movie was out of print for years but now its on dvd.
jimmys got this holden caufield, rebel without a cause thing with him. in the process of trying to get what he wants he screws things up i guess thats why as 23 year old ive grown to connect with jimmy. i think anyone who has chased the person they love out the door after they chased them out knowing that the person will never come back can appreciate this movie. i think anyone who enjoyed catcher in the rye would appreciate this movie and yes even though i dont like connecting old movies to new ones because i like the old ones better. i think if you liked igby goes down youll find a place in your heart and your movie collection for jimmy.

a past one night stand informs jimmy falsly that she needs his college fund so that she can get an abortion and now jimmys got 36 hours to get his life situated. during this 36 hours jimmy can have any girl he wants but jimmy doesnt want just any girl what he wants is lisa. jimmy finds out his girlfriend lisa is moving to hawaii and he is bound for an all male business school. once jimmy can get the money for the plane ticket he will be destined for a life in hawaii with lisa where she has declared she will go all the way with him.
during these 36 hours jimmy manages to get himself into more trouble than most could manage in years. (based on the book "jimmy reardon" also titled "arent you even gonna kiss me goodbye" by william richert) if you find this book get it when you see it, it is VERY hard to find. i searched for about 10 years and i just got a copy today

River...
I am a teen boy and I can relate to River Phoenix. He is hot and great in this movie about a sexually frustrated teen. Matthew Perry stars as his "friend". A good teen movie from the 80's. River, you are missed...:(

Not River's best,but interesting.
A hard film to review this one. I'm tempted to say it's a crock of ..., but I'm a Phoenix fan. And while the direction is uninspired (and at times downright sluggish), Phoenix is as usual engaging. The supporting actresses are all very unique and decidedly quirky - particularly amusing is the underused Louanne as Susie, and Matthew Perry in an early role as Phoenix's best downtrodden friend is amusing.

Director Richert worked with Phoenix again in Gus van Sant's My Own Private Idaho, this time acting. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Erika Eleniak Rules!!
The Beautiful,Talented,voluptous Erika Eleniak rules in a Bank Robbery role where she wants to give the money back which makes this movie very interesting and well worth watching!!

Erika Eleniak Rules!!
The breathtakingly,beautiful,talented and voluptuous Erika Eleniak rules in a Bank Robbery role where she wants to give the money back which makes this movie very interesting and well worth watching!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The original 1960 version of Village of the Damned is regarded as a classic of science-fiction and horror, and it remains one of the creepiest movies of its kind. Directed with occasional flair by John Carpenter, this 1995 remake trades subtlety for more explicit chills and violence, but the basic premise remains effectively eerie. In the tiny, idyllic town of Midwich, a strange mist causes the entire population to fall asleep, and when everyone awakes the town physician (Christopher Reeve) discovers that 10 women--including his wife and a local teenaged virgin--have mysteriously become pregnant. Their children are all born on the same day, with matching white hair and strange, glowing eyes, growing at an accelerated rate and raising Reeve's suspicion that they're not of Earthly origin. These demonic brats can control minds and wreak havoc with the power of their thoughts--so of course, they must be destroyed! Only Reeve knows how to get the job done, and his performance (the actor's last big-screen role before his paralyzing accident in 1995) grounds this otherwise superfluous remake with enough credibility to hold the viewer's attention. But for the real chills, definitely check out the original version--it's 20 minutes shorter but twice as spooky. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (40)

An Excellent Thriller Film!!
John Carpenter's "VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED" is an excellent thriller film about who prevails in the "survival of the fittest". One day, a seemingly peaceful California town receives an invisible force which knocks every citizen into a long sleep. The answer to what caused the blackout remains a mystery. Soon after, ten women in the town find themselves pregnant. Dr. Susan Verner offers an allowance, provided by the government, to the people who decide to have their babies for study. Simultaneously, nine children are born. The tenth is a miscarriage, which is taken into Verner's custody. They all have platinum-blonde hair, slender fingernails, and strange eyes. Soon after their birth, a random number of accidents and suicides occur. Dr. Alan Chaffee, who's wife died of suicide, teams up with Verner to uncover the truth about these powerful children. We witness many accounts of people becoming possessed by the evil children's glowing eyes, to drive themselves to death.

Though not as promising as the 1960 original, the film makers have done an excedingly well job in creating a good scare for audiences. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good, psychological thriller. - Joey Layou Jr.

Yay for the demon kids.
Village of the Damned is a remake of a 1960 version, which is based on a book, The Midwich Cuckoos. Village of the Damned is about a small town in which everybody passes out. Nobody can get in or out. When they wake up, 10 women are pregnant, one a virgin. Only 9 of the children are born; one is stillborn. These children have platinum white hair and cool emotionless personalities. It turns out they can control bodies and read minds.
People seem to have mixed feelings about this movie. Some say it ..., and others say it was great. Some feel halfway. So, of course, my opinion might be different than yours.
I'm one of the people who loved it.
Most of the acting was good, like Christopher Reeve, who did a good performance as the father of Mara, the leader of the children, who was played by Lindsey Haun. Lindsey did a great job as the emotionless, cruel child. Thomas Dekker was good as David, the one good child, teetering between emotionless and being normal. The special effects are good, but this wasn't too scary; though it did have freaky moments that made you jump. It was violent and kinda gory at times.

"Hast thou eyes of flesh?"
". . . Seeist thou as man sees?"

These questions are asked in the Book of Proverbs and in John Carpenter's Village of the Damned, a remake of director Wolf Rilla's 1960 version, both adapted from John Wyndham's novel The Midwich Cuckoos.

Village of the Damned is the story of the simultaneous births of telepathic children to every woman of child-bearing age in the coastal village of Midwich, California. Carpenter's version is more bloody than the version set in Midwich, England, starring George Sanders (but, like many of Carpenter's movies, not as bloody as people think).

Carpenter's remake is more hopeful. Maybe the filmmakers wanted to leave the story open for a sequel, or maybe the survival of one of the children without his extraterrestrial mate is meant to show the possibility of union between the two inimical species. ("Are we to pity you?" asks Mara, daughter of the town doctor and leader of the alien children, as she explains the facts of cosmic evolution to her father.)

The woman quoting Proverbs is the wife of the minister killed by the children before he can shoot their leader. The minister's wife leads torch-bearing villagers who might have come from a forties Universal horror film. Though put to the children, the question (Are you human?) is also directed at the other villagers and at us.

This Village of the Damned begins with the same deliberate pacing of the original film, a mark of British horror. Something passes over Midwich and everyone blacks out for six hours. Not everyone wakes up.

If there's a theme it's what duty parents owe their children. Children often seem like alien monsters even when they weren't conceived in a blackout by an interstellar cloud. Children demand food and education about the world and ultimately they demand that their parents step aside - - die - - for them to inherit it.

Here there are good reasons for parents to feel uneasy about their soon-to-be-born offspring - - some women are virgins or have been separated from their husbands so the children couldn't have been conceived normally. But none of the parents reject the children for that reason.

The mothers have no choice. After the mass conceptions they all have dreams of carrying their babies to term - - the first telepathic action of the childrens' group mind. The men accept the children, too. The angriest husband, who's been away for months, at first leaves his wife, but then joins her in the huge delivery room where all the children are born on the same night.

After the children are born the adults, even their parents, aren't safe. The childrens' urge to survive and the knowledge that one species or the other will dominate causes them to play on the emotional bond that exists for the parents, especially the mothers, without being hampered by it themselves. This isn't much different than the biological adaptation normal infants have acquired to ensure their survival. David is the exception, the one whose ties to the group mind are weakest.

One of the children was stillborn and taken away by a government scientist (or was it?). She was to be David's partner. Mara tells David that his lack of a mate does make him less valuable to the group. As the children realize they have to escape the town and their parents' control - - grow up - - the town doctor, Mara's father, has the opportunity (and therefore the responsiblility) to try to save humanity. David, too, makes a choice.

Parents, especially ones with green-eyed children, might have some disturbing thoughts after watching this movie.

The Village People
Horror master John Carpenter's 1995 remake of the 1960 film, of the same name, takes the original premise and adds a modern spin. The first time I saw the film, I have to say that, I thought it was just OK. When I looked at the movie again recently, I found myself gaining new respect for the film. It may not be tops among Carpenter films, but Village Of The Damned, isn't a total wash either.

In the California coastal town of Midwich, a strange unseen force causes the entire town to be rendered unconscience. When the populace reawakens, it is discovered the pregnancy rate has increased. The locals are at a loss to explain the cause. Soon, ten strange children are born, at the same time. All of them possessing platinum blone hair, piercing green eyes and supernatural powers. The intelligent, quiet children are instantly disliked by the townspeople. When residents begin to die under strange curcumstances, the first suspects are the "special" children. It's up to Dr. Alan Chaffee (Christopher Reeve, before his tragic horse riding accident) and Dr. Susan Verner (Kirstie Alley) to discover the truth and stop the children from destroying the town.

Carpenter infuses the film with plenty of his usual touches. The performances from Reeve and Alley are solid and the effects pretty good. The "kids" are genuinely creepy, all of this makes the film better than I remember. The movie script does have a number of problems that are troublesome and its finale seems a bit contrived.

The extras on the DVD are pretty slim at best. Production notes and the theatrical trailer are all you get. While more substantial bonus material, would have been nice, given the final product--I can almost see why things ended up the way they did. Recomended as a rental or for rabid fans of Carpenter's work

"I Must Think of a Brick Wall"
If horror maven John Carpenter decides to do a remake of a classic sci-fi horror film, it should be safe for fans to assume that it's gonna be great. After all, this is the groundbreaking filmmaker who turned Michael Myers into a slasher-film icon in HALLOWEEN (1978) and directed the highly revered THE THING (1982), itself a remake of the classic 1951 film THE THING FROM ANOTHER WORLD. So when Mr. Carpenter's 1995 remake of the classic 1960 thriller VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED came out, it should've been a fantastic cinematic experience for horror and science-fiction fans. It should've been. Sadly, it wasn't.

For those of you unfamiliar with the basic plot of both films, here's a quick summary. In the middle of a seemingly average day, all of the residents of a small village mysteriously fall unconscious, and anyone attempting to go into the slumbering village also passes out. When the folks finally awaken, most everything seems to be perfectly normal. Normal, that is, with the exception that all of the women of the village capable of bearing children are pregnant. The mystery children are all birthed nine months later, and as they grow, it is very apparent that all of them have eerily similar physical characteristics. Also, they mature and learn much faster than the average child, which is creepy enough. But the real terror begins when they start exercising their preternatural psychic powers.

In the original 1960 film, it was always tacitly implied that the strange children were fathered by extraterrestrials, but nothing occurs in the film to blatantly prove such. This actually adds to the mystery of the origin of the children, which in turn heightens the suspense and terror...and the fun for the audience. Unfortunately, Carpenter's 1995 remake loses most of this fear-of-the-unknown suspense when it is revealed that one of the children had miscarried, and the aborted fetus, which has been preserved in the office of the village doctor, looks like the stereotypical sci-fi alien, complete with bug-eyes and an almond-shaped head.

The original film stars British actor George Sanders as the astute "father" of one of the mystery tots who eventually infers the evil nature of the village offspring and ultimately saves the world. Sanders was an accomplished veteran of both the British and U.S. cinema, and his talent and experience add a great deal of credibility to the film's fantastic plot. But for some reason, John Carpenter chose to cast Christopher Reeve as the lead in his remake. Though Reeve is an adequate actor who did a fine job as Clark Kent and his titular alter ego in SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE (1978), he just simply does not have the range or depth of Sanders and is therefore unable to pull off a convincing average-Joe hero. Add to this the tepid performance of supporting actress Kirstie Alley (TV's CHEERS)--here grossly miscast as a government scientist--and it becomes impossible for the audience to suspend its disbelief and surrender to the fantasy of this film.

Carpenter's remake of VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED is not without its moments, however. Gore hounds and fans of slasher films like Carpenter's HALLOWEEN will enjoy the scene where a man lies roasting on a barbeque grill. And though they are not as genuinely eerie as the children in the original film, the evil kiddos in Carpenter's remake can often be creepy little brats, and some of their scenes are quite scary.

Overall, the 1995 remake of VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED is a disappointment, and true horror fans should avoid it and instead push harder for the original 1960 film to get the DVD treatment. In the mean time, fans who want to spend an evening with John Carpenter will probably get more satisfaction from viewing one of his other films like THE FOG (1980) or THEY LIVE (1988). ... Read more

Reviews (41)

An overlooked gem.
True, The Journey of Natty Gann is darker and more adult-oriented than most live-action Disney movies, but that doesn't stop it from being a contemporary classic that the entire family can enjoy.

Set in Chicago during the Great Depression, this inspirational story is about a young girl named Natty Gann's (Meredith Salenger) search for her father (Ray Wise) after he is forced to suddenly travel west to take on a job. Along the way, she is befriended by a wolf and a young drifter named Harry (John Cusack) with whom she develops a romantic attachment.

As it turns out, The Journey of Natty Gann is an enjoyable romp with decent acting especially from Meredith Salenger, glorious visuals, a realistic depiction of the Great Depression, and a beautiful score by James Horner. Unfortunately, it's no longer available on video (it was last released in 1995) which is a shame because it remains a favorite among many people including myself. Disney seems to be embarrassed of their 80's family films as hardly any of them appear still available. To sum it all up, The Journey of Natty Gann is just - wow!

Endearing story of the Depression
This is a little-known Disney movie that is probably one of the studio's best live-action films. This was one of my childhood favorites, and, when I saw it again recently, it became one of my adulthood favorites.

The story takes place in the midst of the Great Depression and starts out in Chicago. Natty and her father are struggling to make ends meet, but still manage to love each other and survive. Trouble comes when Natty's father finally gets a job - in Washington. Unable to find Natty to tell her, he leaves her a note and leaves her in the charge of an overbearing boardinghouse owner. Fed up with bad treatment and not wanting to believe that her father abandoned her, Natty sets out to meet up with her father, hopping on trains and hitching rides west. Along the way, she helps free a wolf who is being used in dog fights. She and the wolf meet up later and become companions. Natty also joins up with John Cusack, another drifter looking for work.

The movie includes beautiful scenery and an interesting portrayal of Depression-era America. The relationships are also fascinating. For instance, Natty only calls the wolf "wolf," and still recognizes that he is a wild animal. In other words, she doesn't attempt to make him into a pet. Additionally, her relationship with John Cusack's character is not silly, self-conscious, or filled with expectation.

Another reviewer noted that the DVD version of this movie is disappointing. I found the quality of my DVD to be absolutely fine. There are no special features, but the film itself is of decent quality.

This is a sweet, fascinating movie that is appropriate for children and adults and should immediately be considered a classic.

Decent movie, bad transfer
A good period piece about people struggling to find work during the depression. When Natty's father leaves Chicago, Illinois and goes to Seattle, Washington for a job at a lumber camp he leaves her behind. He misses her when he has to leave so he tells her in a letter he will send for her. When she decides she can't wait she strikes out on her own. She runs into John Cusack's character and helps a wolf escape from a dogfighting ring. Her adventure getting to her father is difficult and enriching. She travels the rails and highways to get there. A little slow in parts but overall a decent family movie. If only Disney had thought enough of this movie to make a good transfer to DVD. I was appalled at how bad it was during the opening credits. The credits jumped around on the screen. The rest of the movie was not as bad as that but it was a little grainy, not clear and sharp like we usually see with Disney films. That probably explains why I have seen it selling for what it is sold here or less.

a little gem- 2 stars for the dvd, 4 for the film
I recently saw this movie again on cable, and concur with other reviewers that the dvd is a waste of time. This movie is a rarity for family fare in that it is uncompromising and un-sappy. It treats the depression theme in a very mature way, but the journey itself transcnds what could be a very dark and somber mood throughout the movie. Interesting to me that it was all filmed no more than 15 km. from my neighbourhood in Vancouver . Seeing it for the second time 20 years later, I got to see a small slice of my past- the old train station, the law courts building, etc.

Not a Family Movie
Parents, beware, this movie is not for your children. The majestic scenery is overshadowed by a gloomy outlook, grotesque swearing (including taking the Lord's Name in vain several times), and the point of view that all adults in leadership are evil. Trust me, this is one for the trash can. That's where my copy is. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

For Sheen Fans...only
Let me start by saying I'm a big fan of Martin Sheen and his clan. So I enjoyed seeing Martin, Charlie, and especially Martin's brother Joe Estevez (the resemblence is so strong you'll know when you see him) together in this film. I have to admit that the script was just terrible. The actors did what they could with it, but even Martin's always excellent acting couldn't redeem it.(Clearly he did this film only as a favor for his son.) I love Charlie Sheen and I know he was a creator of this film, but I can't lie - sometimes it's just painfully bad. That being said, it's worth watching for Sheen fans. I loved Joe and wish he was in more movies with Martin.

Sheen Shines Again
This movie is a must-see for anyone who wouldn't dream of missing an episode of West Wing. Martin Sheen does for the police force what he has done for the Presidential office- show us what it could and should be- as a dedicated cop and family man. Never a dull moment. Great action scenes, including an explosive ending.

Second rate home movie
Charlie Sheen produced this home movie starring his father (Martin Sheen), his uncle (Joe Estevez) and himself. This is a B-minus film about dirty cops involved in a drug deal. Almost everything about this film is second rate. The story is predictable and unoriginal. The dialogue is mindless and insipid. The photography is dull and the music is awful. The only redeeming elements are the stunts and pyrotechnics, which are reasonably well done.

The acting is mediocre at best. Charlie Sheen is often embarrassingly bad, leaving his dad to carry the film. Uncle Joe is just a throw in to keep the family employed and adds nothing to the film. The three drug goons are wretched.

Charlie Sheen's once bright career continues to grind gears with this clunker. I rated it a 4/10. Action lovers might enjoy it, but others will want to pass. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Based on a true story . . .
The other three customer/reviewers here are apparently unaware that this movie is based on the true story (mid-60s) of the Pied Piper of Tucson (Charles Schmid) who is far more weird than the movie's main character and who murdered three women while posing as the Elvis of Arizona. Charlie applied ManTan w/ a trowel, drew a huge "beauty" mark on the right side of his face, dyed his hair black and piled it to the sky and since he was only 5-3 he also wore huge boots stuffed full of newspaper, cans, etc. so he could be as tall as the high-schoolers he was running w/. He was 23. The movie is good in a whacked out kind of way, but the "true" story is far whackier. The Pied Piper got a double death sentence and 50 years for his three murders, got a reprieve when the death penalty was deemed unconstitutional in '71 and was then murdered in prison a few years later b/c other prisoners couldn't stand how pretentious he was! The part in the movie where the main character has a "special" amp built (actually a tape player) so that it appears he is a guitar god is also true.

Debbie Harry is a cool Mom
this is a really John Water-esque type movie about a jealous and crazy cool cat boy and a crazy girl who loves him and is always into trouble and who's Mom in the movie is Blondie's Deborah Harry and Roseanne's tv daughter Sara Gilbert also co star's . This film is set in the late 50's early 60's and is a great movie to own .

I smell Dax Wax Pomade . . . where are you John Waters
Extremely wacky, screams 'B' movie, way cheesy, definitely not your typical lady killer (I had no idea Richard Grieco was a twin). Now personally, I don't sleep with men that wear more makeup than me, but I have to say, he did have some terrific lines for bedding the babes. Don't expect something you would see at Sundance or Cannes and you should get a great big kick out of this movie.

take it with a grain of salt
If you like B-movies and artsy fartsy movies, this one is for you. Lets just say that it was funny without trying to be. one of those movies you need to not think too hard about and just accept it for how it is.Starring Balthazar Getty. First movie i ever saw with natasha gregorson wagner (she was in lost highway with Balthasar getty as well). Meredith Salanger (the actress form the 80's in Dream a little Dream with...). Sara Gilbert (Darlene from Roseanne) and the other lead guy whose name always escapes me, LOL. He is supposed to be the cool guy that everyone wants to befriend, but B.Getty was much cooler. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

You Need Not Take It Seriously to Like It
BUG BUSTER is one of those rarest of fright films: it knows when not to take itself too seriously even if it does not know when to frighten and when to amuse. The Bug of the movie is the Mother Bug, a flying roach that looks exactly like what is it, some guy on wires wearing a bug suit. It is hard to imagine even small children being fightened, but it is far easier to see that the audience is titillated by overlapping waves of corny dialogue, cheesy special effects, and guest appearances by Star Trek's James Doohan as a corrupt small-town sheriff and George Tokei as a demented entymologist. The plot is nonsense, of course. A Mother Bug lays eggs that threaten everyone in town. This theme of insectoid mother love we have seen before. ALIENS showed us how it could be presented in a serious vein. But here, in BUG BUSTER, everything is played for laughs. Randy Quaid steals the show as exterminator General George, who squares off in a boxing match with the Mother Bug in a scene that pays homage to Charles Dutton, who tried much the same in ALIENS 3. The result of this slugfest is a microscopic metaphor of the joy that a Big Bug movie can bring if only it refuses to take itself too seriously.

BEAM US UP SCOTTIE!
Yes, James Doohan and George Takei, STAR TREK's Scotty and Sulu, are in this movie. Doohan has more screen time as the sheriff, but Takei as an eccentric scientist, looks like he stepped right out of a Japense scifi flick.
BUG BUSTER, an entertaining little flick, has an identity crisis that works against its overall effectiveness. Is it a horror movie with comic touches or is it a comedy with horror touches? It's not out and out satire like the Scary Movie series, and it seems to want to take itself seriously, even with Randy Quaid's over the top General George, the pest eliminator. At any rate, director Lorenzo Doumani keeps the movie going along pretty well and has some unique things going for it.
First, here we have Bernie Kopell (from LOVE BOAT) and Anne Lockhart (June's daughter) playing the parents of premenopausal Katherine Heigl. And they get their own love scene..it's nice to see people past the age of 50 having the desire to have sex and show their love for each other.
As for the bugs, the real roaches are quite repulsive, and even the giant one at the climax is effectively disgusting. Downtown Julie Brown has a "cute" cameo as the reporter for FU2 t.v., where she blatantly extols the calamities happening in the little town of Mountainview.
Another unique touch: Trailer Trash, the band in the lodge's lounge, featuring Melba Toast and ?, is hilarious.
Entertaining, but its identity crisis, keeps it from being better. Oh, Brenda Doumani who plays the veterinarian is effective, and probably related to the director? Anyway, she also sings the movies closing credit song, "Virtue", which is about as bad as a song can get!

One of Heigl's best films
OK, there are two reasons why this film gets 5 stars. You Katherine Heigl fans know what I mean.

Here Heigl's family moves to a small west coast town being pleagued by giant bugs. And only the cast of 'Star Trek' can save her.

For a B movie the production is suprisingly good.

For those of you disapionted by Heigl's recent films 'Valintine' and 'Evil Never Dies' have no fear. Thoses film stunk because Heigl barely had any screen time. In 'Bug Buster' she is truly the main character and does what she does best, taking baths and showing.

I'd probably rate this film third after 'Wish Upon a Star' and 'Prince Valient' (where is that DVD?)

If your a guy wondering "who in Katherine Heigl?" Look her up on the internet. Then come back here and order this film.

Bug Buster
Well guys, I was one of those who made the movie. Comical is the only word for it. Let me tell you, it wasn't intended to be a humorous film at first!
-this from the hard working art department

Where No Movie Has Gone Before...
Comical supposed "horror" movie with the doctor from "Love Boat" (Bernie Kopell), Sulu (George Takei) and Scotty (James Doohan) from "Star Trek", and Isabel (Katherine Heigl) from "Roswell", as well as co-star of those wonderful "Vacation" movies, Randy Quaid.

The whole thing with the bugs and the dark and the water was pretty darn far-fetched. If you are a horror movie fan, this is NOT the film for you. Randy Quaid as a twisted exterminator-general -- that's about the only scary thought in the movie. But if you want see former Trek dudes die, it's all right.

But let's face it: this movie would have been pretty darned unwatchable without Katherine Heigl in it. She looked the best I had ever seen her look (at least until the June 2000 Maxim shots). She has some acting talent as well, though you would not be able to discern it from this flick. More Heigl and less Scotty in the future works for me... ... Read more

Reviews (1)

You can't go wrong with Jessica Alba
To some this movie will not appeal. Some might even go as far to say that it is completely beyond redemption because of its views of the future and its terrible plot line. But I say its got one huge redeming quality and that is Jessica Alba. ... Read more