Reviews (3)

Reason To Believe
This is a basically good movie. I was disappointed that there was not an unrated version. There are scenes which have been edited out. If you buy a censored version (which the "R" version is), you've been cheated. The movie should be seen as the director filmed it!

Sleazy and trashy
Reason To Believe has got to be the worst movie I have ever sat through. Non of the characters are at all believable and most are morally disgusting. I am no prude but if this movie represents the way college students live today then it is no wonder the world is in such decay. There really is no reason to see this movie. Totally disgusting. Why well known actors would be involved in such sleazy trash is beyond comprehension!!!!

"A Reason to Believe" that college is dangerously fun.
This movie gives an accurate portrayal of college life while at the same time giving you the "over the edge" exaggerations. It takes a serious look at date rape which, unfortunately, really does happen in Anycollege, USA. If you like dumb college guys doing funny-as-hell college pranks, this movie is for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Saddened by the untimely death of their father and husband, a familymoves to a new town and confronts the usual--bullies, demanding newjob--and the unusual: an autistic neighbor boy who believes he can fly. BonnieBedelia is the stressed-out mom, and Bedelia-look-alike Lucy Deakins plays theperceptive daughter who braves ridicule to reach out to the boy under thetutelage of wise teacher Colleen Dewhurst. This earnest film's melancholy istempered by its fantastical ending and the fun of seeing a pre-Wonder YearsFred Savage as the soldier-obsessed little brother, not to mention one of thefuture denizens of Beverly Hills 90210 (Jason Priestley). Parents may waxnostalgic over early '80s fashions and may take delight in appearances by Mr. Munster (Fred Gwynne) as an alcoholicwith self-knowledge, Facts of Life gal Mindy Cohn as a chatty neighbor, andLouise Fletcher playing a kindly psychologist. Slow pacingand heavy dollops of tragedy make this mostappropriate for ages 8 and up. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (27)

A juvenile that will deeply touch adults
First, this is one of the greatest arrays of juvenile acting talent I've seen. Jay Underwood leads the group in a poignant portrayal, ably supported by Lucy Deakins...there is chemistry between the two.

Fred Savage adds just the right comic element, to soften the darker aspect of the movie.

And then, there's the fantasy element. At first, I was disturbed by the sheer fantasy that isn't revealed until the climax of the film. It just seemed as to realistic a film to have such an ending. And yet, I found it somehow refreshing, and yet it's the fantasy which in spite of the title, just didn't come off for me, and that's the only reason for my not feeling that it deserves five stars.

All in all, though, this is a movie to watch and to enjoy. There's just enough real life sense of tragedy in the young people's background here to keep it from being overly sweet.

This FIlm Was Extremely Enchanting
The Boy Who Could Fly was the most interesting movie to me when I saw it in its original release. I thought it was creative and inventive and it went on the premise that what you believe in - can be real.

It's completely fiction and almost science fiction but it works. Jay Underwood plays a boy orphaned because of plane accident. He becomes a recluse and a mute. Then his new neighbor a young girl who is also his age befriends him.

Convinced she can help him she makes an effort to communicate with him. He is a social misfit, however, he has one gift and talent that he keeps hidden well - he can fly.

A great premise and some good special wire effects (perfected because of the Superman films) the film is very simple but it has a sweet and warm chocolaty center. Bruce Broughton did a wonderful score for the film.

Special note: If you go to see a movie at the Hollywood's El Capitan - it is the score from this film that you hear as they open the curtains to view each movie. It is a wonderful score and cue that goes well with the film.

Not on DVD yet, but if it ever does - I hope it has extras. Nick Castle (The Last Starfighter) did well on this one!

Sweet and Uplifting!
After moving into a new house, the Michaelson family discover that an autistic boy named Eric lives next door. Milly Michaelson(Lucy Deakins) befriends Eric(Jay Underwood) and learns that ever since Eric's parents died in a plane crash, he pretends to fly. Eric lives with his Uncle Hugo Gibb(Fred Gwynne from The Munsters) who is not fit to take care of Eric because he is often drunk. As a result, Eric is occasionally institutionalized since it is feared that his pretending to fly will harm him. Thanks to Mrs. Sherman(Colleen Dewhurst) - Milly and Eric's school teacher, Eric is brought back home. Mrs. Sherman one day asks Milly to help Eric. Milly keeps a daily journal on her efforts which seem fruitless. Near the end, Eric tries to escape from the people who come to institutionalize him, and Milly follows trying to help Eric escape. They end up on the roof of their school, Taft High. Unfortunately, they are followed onto the roof and have nowhere else to run. They walk towards the edge of the roof, threatening to jump!

The magical ending of this great movie will surely leave you with goosebumps and exhilarate you.

Milly: We're all a little like Eric. Maybe we can't soar off into the clouds. But somewhere, deep inside, we can all fly.

Also in the movie are Fred Savage from "The Wonder Years," who plays Milly's small brother, and Mindy Cohn from "The Facts of Life," who plays Milly's neighborhood friend.

Highly recommended. A great family movie.

MONA, AND HER CATTY FRIENDS
The Boy Who Could Fly, was a very good movie, but my favorite character was Mona, and when she threw the volleyball at the main girl from the movie. Her presense in the film had everything to do with the movie.

Remember when this was the standard for kid's films?
"The Boy Who Could Fly" is such a rarity in the genre. This is not so much a kid's movie, as it is a full-blooded drama that happens to have kids as characters. It tells the story of a family, suffering the loss of their father/husband. The decline in income requires them to move into a "fixer upper" home in a quiet residential neighborhood. The eldest child, Millie (beautifully played by Lucy Deakins) becomes fascinated with the teenage autistic boy next door, Eric (Jay Underwood) who sits in his window all day and pretends to fly. Through circumstances at school, Millie takes him on as a "project." As her kindly teacher(Colleen Dewhurst) points out, "Doctors haven't been able to get a word out of him. Maybe a friend could." She tries to draw him out of his condition through every day activities, and over time, the form a very close connection, and even fall in love. Meanwhile, Millie must deal with the burdens of home, trying to reconcile the suicide of her father, and her very stressed out and grief-stricken mother(the wonderful Bonnie Bedelia), who is trying to get back into the work force.
While there is certainly more to the story than this, it would be a shame to spoil details for those who have not seen this film. It is uncommonly intelligent, charming, and very moving. It speaks in the language of children, without ever becoming condescending or silly, even when the film's more fantastic elements are revealed. The story and its characters feel real. Their grief feels real. Their longing to believe in happy endings feels real.
The performances are outstanding. Lucy Deakins and Jay Underwood are entirely convincing. It's so rare to see a teenage girl portrayed with this kind of uncynical intelligence. Underwood's Eric barely has any lines in the film, but instead, like a young Harrison Ford, communicates so much in his face that we hardly notice. This is a teen romance for the ages.
The adult players are also fine. Bonnie Bedelia, one of the most convincing actors or our era, plays Charlene as tough yet fragile, nurturing but flawed. The late Colleen Dewhurst is lovely and compassionate as Mrs. Sherman.
Surprisingly the film has been written and directed by Nick Castle, known for such disappointments as "Mr. Wrong" and "The Last Starfighter." He is better known as being the 1st actor to play Michael Myers in the original "Halloween." This is his best film by far. He should try to make more films along these lines. We sure need them.
I hope people will show this film to their kids some day. It is a reminder that films about kids used to be intelligent and authentic, not lobotomized, as I feel they have become over the past 15 years. This film still gives me hope, and gives me the excuse to dream. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Candy has one of his finest opportunities in this film by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club) about a perpetual screw-up (Candy) who gets his act together enough to watch over his brother's kids effectively. The late actor scores big points resurrecting elements of his more decadent persona from SCTV days, but he also has some persuasively touching, sentimental moments. Hughes's direction is not as focused as it was only a few years before, but there's no mistaking his touch. The DVD release has a widescreen presentation, production notes, biographies, Dolby sound, optional Spanish and French soundtracks. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (54)

The Whole Charm of John Candy!
When his sister-in-law's father suffers a heart attack and needs to travel, UNCLE BUCK (John Candy ) is called in, the last available person to come and watch the kids. Certainly, an uncle should be able to take off without hitches. But, UNCLE BUCK, is one of those playful adults who has been dances his way out full-time employment and a marital contract with his frustrated girlfriend, Chanice Kobolowski (Amy Madigan). The plot thickens with humor as UNCLE BUCK tries to deal with an snobish teenager trying to undermine every aspect of his life in her home.

This is a comical story and adult guardians and the difficulty of growing up. If you have scene the chopped-up verion on TV, you haven't seen the whole of John Candy. I particularly missed the golf-lessons with Bug.

Look for great performaces by Laurie Metcalf ( Jacky, the sister from ROSEANNE the series), Jean Louisa Kelly, Gaby Hoffmann, Macaulay Culkin ( from Home Alone. He's about 4 or 5 in this), Amy Madigan, Elaine Bromka, and Jay Underwood.

Buck is.....well, Buck.
John Candy is Uncle Buck. Directed by John Hughes this movie is anything but boring. Buck's sister in law just found out that her father who lives out of town just had a heart attack. Desperately needing a baby sitter for their three young kids, (one of which is Macaulay Culkin from Home Alone), they turn to Buck, a party going guy, who at the age of 40 is still un-employed, un-married and un-knowing in the art of raising children. But "no problem" he thinks...."kids are easy". Wrong, what he finds is a house full of responsibility with a rebellious teen to take care of as well as her younger brother and sister. Meanwhile his girlfriend keeps more pressure on him about the two of them getting married, despite the fact that Buck just doesn't want to settle down. Uncle Buck is a classic comedy thats just plain fun to watch so don't miss it.

I give this movie only 4 stars despite its appeal to me due to the fact that I give only movies that overly hilarious from beginning to end a 5 star rating. Uncle Buck though does have a few parts that are without comic relief, but that doesn't stop the story or that particular part of the movie from being entertaining. Its still a great family comedy classic.

Another great John Candy comedy

Director: John Hughes
Format: Color
Studio: Universal Studios
Video Release Date: January 19, 1999

Cast:

John Candy ... Buck Russell
Jean Louisa Kelly ... Tia Russell
Gaby Hoffmann ... Maisy Russell
Macaulay Culkin ... Miles Russell
Amy Madigan ... Chanice Kobolowski
Elaine Bromka ... Cindy Russell
Garrett M. Brown ... Bob Russell
Laurie Metcalf ... Marcie Dahlgren-Frost
Jay Underwood ... Bug
Brian Tarantina ... E. Roger Coswell
Mike Starr ... Pooter-the-Clown
Suzanne Shepherd ... Mrs. Hogarth
William Windom ... Mr. Hatfield
Dennis Cockrum ... Pal
Joel Robinson ... Miles' Friend #1
Colin Baumgartner ... Miles' Friend #2
Erik Whipple ... Miles' Friend #3
Mark Rosenthal ... Party Boy #1
Doug von Nessen ... Party Boy #2
Wayne Kneeland ... Party Boy #3
Gigi Casler ... Party Girl in Bedroom
LaVerne Anderson ... Party Girl #1
Gina Doctor ... Party Girl #2
Rachel Thompson Perrine ... Party Girl #3
Ron Payne ... Maisy's Teacher

Jane Vickerilla ... Teacher #1
Kyle Lewis Eastman ... School Child
Dana Taylor ... School Child
Jennifer Kane ... School Child
Christen Loftis ... School Child
Genae Affrunti ... School Child
Anna Chlumsky ... School Child
Betsy Bottando ... Woman in Car
Julia Morgan ... Additional Voices
Granville Ames ... Additional Voices
Ramey Ellis ... Additional Voices
Leigh French ... Additional Voices
Patricia Arquette ... Additional Voices
Laura Jacoby ... Additional Voices

Devon Odessa ... Additional Voices
Arnold F. Turner ... Additional Voices
Garin Bouble ... Additional Voices
Tim Hoskins ... Additional Voices
Julie Payne ... Additional Voices
Jack Blessing ... Additional Voices
Todd Larson ... Additional Voices
Michael Berkowitz ... Student
Ryan Todd ... School Child

The Russell's have to go to Indianapolis because Cindy's (Elaine Bromka) father has had a heart attack. They can't find anyone to watch their three children while they are gone except batchelor uncle Buck (John Candy), Bob's brother (Garrett M. Brown). The little kid's, Maisy and Miles (Gaby Hoffman and Macaulay Culkin) are no great problem, with the exception of the teenage girl, Tia, (Jean Louisa Kelly), who is a pouting, angry, snotty, rebellious little jerk. She treats her mother disrespectfully, is self-centered, and carries that attitude on to Buck, who is trying to do the right things by the kids, In other words, she is playing the part of an ordinary 15-year-old who has never been properly disciplined by her parents.

This was a great movie. I particularly enjoyed the parts where Buck was threatening Tia's boyfriend, Bug (Jay Underwood), who has dishonorable designs on the girl. Buck's threatening attitude was delicious, and my appreciation no doubt reflects my own dislike of teenaged boys, the same feelings as any man who has had teenaged daughters to raise. Namely: that they should all be imprisoned until they are at least 40-years-old and rendered eunuchs, and the girls' fathers need to be well armed at all times with shotguns, and the boys in question should be left with absolutely no doubt as to the fathers' willingness--even eagerness--to use them with the intent to emasculate the culprits who dare to even think about touching their daughter.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and maintenance
and other books

Uncle Buck Is Totally Funny!!!
When I first saw this movie on TV I knew I was going to like this even before I watched it.My favorite part in the movie is Macaulay Culkin who plays Miles Russell asks Buck those personal questions to him that part was just too Cute!!!Macaulay Culkin was such a very Cute Kid in this movie.And I also like John Candy,too.I feel so bad that he's dead now.This movie is the Best,I gotta get This Movie!!!!!!

Buck Russell... Best Uncle EVER!
John Candy has his BEST performance EVER in this film by John Hughes. "Uncle" Buck Russell (Candy) is a perpetual screw-up who HAS to get his act together enough to watch over his older brother's three kids & dog, Tia, Miles, Maisy and puppy, Parsey since his sister-in-law's father had a heart attack.

The cast includes Mac Culkin as Miles, Gaby Hoffman as Maisy, Amy Madigan as Buck's girlfriend, Chanice Kobolowski, & Laurie Metcalf (Roseanne's sister, Jackie) as the crazy neighbor lady, Marcie Dahlgren-Frost. Also billed in small parts are Anna Chlumsky (My Girl), Patricia Arquette, and Devon Odessa (My So-Called Life).

This film is totally hilarious but also has those wonderful John Candy touching/sentimental moments.

A wonderful family film that can be watched over and over again!

Happy Watching! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

FANTASTIC, TRUE TO LIFE STORY.
To the person who wrote the first review...this was in no way a sleazy movie. It was a true depiction of a diabolical self-centered sociopath who killed his wife for greed, and the horrific fall-out.

By the way, this movie also was made with the main character's oldest son on the set as an advisor. Learn your facts.

If you don't like true crime stories, don't waste your money the next time!

Typical NBC TV Trash Movie.....
NBC TV movie of the week about a murder case that left three boys with a mother and a father in jail, and they did not give their approval for NBC to make this sleazy movie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Last Of The Not Quite Human Series:
This was the last film of the "Not Quite Human" series. The series first started in 1987 when the first "Not Quite Human" video came out and was followed by the sequel "Not Quite Human 2" in 1989.

In this last film of the series, Chip and his Father are out to sell business, and on the trip, Chip's father is kidnapped and replaced with a Android of him. Chip and the "Android" must find out the clues to find out where his father is and rescue him! The film has lots of surprises and has been aired on Family Channel a few times in the past. Is worth the watch!

Great family film, clean and fun!
Of the 3 Not Quite Human movies, Still Not is our favorite. It has plenty of action, humor and plot to keep us on the edge of our seats. This is a very clean, fun for the whole family entertainment. Please republish it!

It was Good, But not the Best!!!
The 3rd sequel to the series "Not quite Human".Chip Carson, is android who was built by his scientist father.After his father gives a speech, he is kidnapped and tortured by a company who wants his secret to building androids.Chip finds out about his father getting kidnapped and that his father was replaced by a clone.With the help of Chip's new friend, they must hurry and stop this evil company.2 other sequels were made before this, "Not Quite Human" (1987) and "Not Quite Human 2" (1989).Both are Out-of-Print.

I hope you enjoy this movie as much as I do!

Enjoy!!! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Please Re-Release This Video!
This was the first of the "Not Quite Human" series based on the novels by Seth McEvoy. There were 2 sequels following this film: One in 1989 and one in 1992. This has been my all-time favourite for about 3 years now. I first saw it in May of 1998 and I just fell in love with it!!! It is definetly a movie of the 80s!!!

Dr. Jonas Carson (Alan Thicke) invents an Andriod (who is later called "Chip") in his home. He looks like any other adolesent and nobody could tell if he was human or not. He goes to school with his sister Becky (Robyn Lively) and does anything else like any other modern teenager in modern day middle America. W

What they don't know is that his former employer is out to steal the android to re-program him! Good Grief!

What happens next.....watch it and find out (...). Recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A story about the Relationship that Really Matters
Road to Redemption is dubed as a comedy movie. Although the comedy part of the movie, allowed a chuckle now and then. The movie made a bigger hit in it's message. A young girl living with her lover works for a Mob boss. She and her lover in get in trouble by talknig illegal money mailed to her boss. Financially dry, she and her lover blow it on fixed horse racing bets. When they loose all the money, she travels to her meet her rich retired grandfather, who by the way has not seen her since she was a little girl. He agrees to give her the money owed under one condition. That she takes him fishing. Off they go cross country, with the mob at their heels, and her lover who turns eventually out to be her traitor. The theme is no doubt directed towards a grandfather who wanted to start a new relationship with his granddaugther, who is only intrested in getting the money she needs. A Good story, with a God inspired message, a good dvd for all young and old.

A++++
Road to redemption was better than I hoped for. A Christian movie with some humor. Don't miss out-Get the DVD version! You will get many extras that you won't find on the VHS. This is not a witnessing tool, but a good addition to the Christain DVD collection, try "Vanished" by cloud ten pictures for a witnessing tool. If you liked this movie try "Something to sing about" & "A Vow to Cherish" both are heart warming Christian movies and are also by world wide pictures. Plus they have many extras if you purchase the DVD versions.

Very funny and moving
It's always a risk to buy a DVD sight unseen, but I bought this gem based on some reviews I've read and the fact that it's made by Worldwide Pictures who have produced some great movies (Vow to Cherish, Something to sing about).

Road to Redemption tells of a young couple Amanda Tucker (the lovely Julie Condra) and Alan Fischer (Jay Underwood) who are sick of struggling along financially so "borrow" some money from Amanda's boss who also happens to be a Mob boss, along with the money comes racing tips for some fixed races so off they go to the racing track. All does not go to plan and Amanda finds herself having to leave town to track down her Grandfather Nathan (Pat Hingle) in order to hit him up for some cash so she can pay back her boss.

There are some excellent performances put in by the lead actors as well as the supporting mobsters Tony Longo as Vincent the enforcer is very amusing as it Wes Studi as Frank Lightfoot. There are some real funny set pieces in this film and some of it reminded me of the also excellent Dumb and Dumber (minus the crudeness).

Road to Redemption is a family friendly comedy with real heart. It's extremely amusing and a joy to watch. It also very moving and touching as well as Amanda gets to know her Grandfather and learns about what is most important in life. I recommend it whole-heartily for anyone needing a good laugh and it's refreshingly free from smut, foul language and jokes made in bad taste.

Enjoy this film and thanks for reading.

Is the Mob after you? God can handle it!
This is one Christian film that lots of people will enjoy. I mean believers in Christ and non-believers. It's a great insight on following the road to Christ. It's about a couple, Amanda (Julie Condra) and Alan (Jay Underwood) who found stolen mob money. They decide to gamble the money on horse racing and lose the money. The gangsters find out about this and go after the couple. The grandaughter, Amanda seeks the help of her wealthy grandpa Nathan (Pat Hingle) for the money she needs to pay back the mob. But grandpa has plans. It seems he "got religion" and is willing to give her the money. But she has to drive him to visit his favorite fishing hole some 800 miles away. There are some breathe-taking scenes of Utah. So they're all on the run from the mob and along the way learn a valuable lesson of choices and consequences. In the meantime, God gets Amanda's attention and God gives the mob a run for their money. The movie is rated PG for thematic elements and mild violent content, but still a clean Christian movie. It's advised that very young children shouldn't view this. For older teens and adults may find a lesson to be learned that doing something you know is wrong can only get you into deeper trouble. Billy Graham's 'Road to Redemption' is really a great movie with a great message to lead those to Christ.

This movie is really great!
We had movie night this past Sunday at church, and I have to tell you that this movie really moved within the church. I thought it was going to be a cheesy movie, but little did I know that the movie was going to be awesome. I think that this movie would make a great witnessing tool for non-believers to get an insight of how someone would come to know Christ. God Bless All!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A modern entertaining vampire show
My view is based on the fact I am a big Michael Praid fan as well as a horror fan. The special effects were cheesy and there were errors in the film. You could tell when there was a real baby and when there was a doll. But all in all, I enjoyed the movie and bought it for myself. It's different from the other vampire flicks and I found it entertaining enough to purchase a used copy to enjoy with my family. If you like vampire flicks, if you like Michael Praed, or if you like scary movies although this one doesn't really count as that, you will enjoy this movie.

A Great Sequel
This film is a worthy follow-up to its predecessor "To Die For". Here we find Dracula has moved to a small town in the hills, working as an emergency room doctor on the night shift. As the story unfolds, we learn that he is sustaining himself on plasma from the hospital while his extended "family", including is vicious brother Tom, are wrecking havoc on the natives. Then Dracula meets Nina, a single mother who has an adopted baby that seems to be plagued with problems. The infant's marathons of crying repeatedly send his mother to the emergency room trying to find out what's wrong. Dracula just wants to live in harmony with humans at this point. As in the first movie, he and his evil sibling end up doing battle over whose way of life is right and who gets the girl. It's a great modern vampire tale.

Plotless...
It could have been much longer, with more of a plot. It was obviously edited way too much. The acting was average. The reason I bought this movie was because the gorgeous Michael Praed stars in it. He WAS great, but the movie went to fast and didn't last long enough. And to top it off, the most likeable character dies in the end. It depressed me! Unless you are a Michael Praed fan, DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!

Entertaining vampire-movie!
This movie isn't very scary, and it's not groundbreaking...but for another strange reason, I find it highly entertaining. It also contains a little bit of humor. Here we met three vampires, one of them a "nice" doctor, who the myth of Dracula was born with. His brother Tom is slighty different. A cold-hearted vampire, with no remorse. I'm not saying that this is the best buy you can do, but if you like horror-movies, I'm sure you will find this movie very interesting. It also contains graphic scenes of gore. Some of the special effects are quite cheesy, but that's not a big minus. Enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

A quartet of fine performances support this bittersweet story about coming of age in the shadow of the atomic bomb. Rose Chismore (Annabeth Gish, in her movie debut) is a shy girl measuring out her teenage days in Las Vegas, Nevada, circa 1950. Both Rose and Las Vegas are on the cusp of change--the girl is experiencing the first awkward pangs of maturity thanks to a local boy, while the town is suddenly abuzz with scientists en route to the nuclear testing facilities at nearby White Sands and Alamogordo. But at Rose's home, life is at a standstill. Her stepfather (Jon Voight) is a traumatized World War II vet whose drinking and nightmares are leading to physical abuse, and her mother (JoBeth Williams) labors under a gambling addiction that threatens to tear down her sunny veneer. Rose finds herself sitting at both a physical and emotional ground zero. All that's needed is a spark to set off an explosion--which comes in the curvy form of Aunt Starr (Ellen Barkin), a brassy former beauty queen who's come for a quickie divorce and, hopefully, a new husband, just in time for the first A-bomb test. Desert Bloom is a gently moving film about growth, change, and maturity, for better and worse. It's buoyed by the strength of its leads; Gish, in particular, is a revelation. A fine sleeper for the whole family, with only a smattering of language and violence. Corr later wrote the similarly unsung Prefontaine. --Paul Gaita ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Walking Wounded
Sensitively told coming-of-age film set against Las Vegas and the early years of atomic testing. Rose (Annabeth Gish) is thirteen and very much wants to connect with stepdad Jack (Jon Voight), an alcoholic WWII veteran still possessed by the demons of combat. Trouble is, she's operating on one track, while he's operating on two, so that just when they seem at last to converge, he goes off on a destructive delusionary binge. Movie is notable for the exceptionally fine performances of these two actors. Gish, tottering atop two gawky legs and peering out from behind the cosmetic curse of horned-rim glasses, is the very real, aching embodiment of adolescent angst. Hers has to be one of the finest, least mannered renderings of teen-age yearning and self-doubt in many, many years, and made even me, a hardened old curmudgeon, feel a kindly regard for the hopelessly pubescent. Voight's character is less sympathetic and more complex. Victimized by the evils of war and beset by alcohol and impotence, he's having trouble with his masculinity in a house full of women. He wants to fulflill a positive role for his wife and stepdaughters but the inner turmoil keeps erupting unpredictably.You want Jack and Rose to connect, to heal one another's emotional wounds, but circumstance is against them. Movie leaves off on suitably ambiguous note as atomic test parallels emotional family blowup. We know time will take care of Rose's problems, but what of Jack. Film is not so much about dysfunction as it is about adolescence and the walking wounds of war, such that you'll remember the characters long after the various plot complications have subsided. What a fine piece of non-commercial movie making this is thanks to Sundance Productions and writer-director Eugene Corr. Their work along with that of the entire cast shows once again why "the obscure little movie with something to say" continues to be one of our finest film traditions.

an overlooked gem
This is a well acted movie.I especially like annabeth gish..she is so sweet and lovely in her character.I felt sorry for her being mistreated by John Voight`s character.Ellen Barkin is great too.

A story of a troubled family
I think this movie was extremely good. Great acting by Annabeth Gish and Jon Voight. Having this movie be Annabeth's first big screen. About a troubled father who got hurt in the war and abuses his oldest step-daughter. A compeling story of protecting yourself, and love, and betraying the people you love.

Very troubling story.
Jon Voight is the stepfather with a drinking problem and a bad temper. Annabeth Gish plays his oldest stepdaughter who wants very much to be accepted by him. He is constantly badgering them about the A-bomb tests about to commence in the desert near Las Vegas. I just saw this movie on HBO.

A good movie about growing up
This is a very good movie about growing up in a disfunctional family. It shows that things can happen and that hope was not given up. Annabeth gish shows early on in her career that she will become a great actress. Also stars Ellen Barkin as her drunken down-on-luck aunt. Also see Radio Flyer. Coming of age film. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

FANTASTIC, TRUE TO LIFE STORY.
To the person who wrote the first review...this was in no way a sleazy movie. It was a true depiction of a diabolical self-centered sociopath who killed his wife for greed, and the horrific fall-out.

By the way, this movie also was made with the main character's oldest son on the set as an advisor. Learn your facts.

If you don't like true crime stories, don't waste your money the next time!

Typical NBC TV Trash Movie.....
NBC TV movie of the week about a murder case that left three boys with a mother and a father in jail, and they did not give their approval for NBC to make this sleazy movie. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Hand That Rocks The Cradle it's not ...
But it's not bad, either. Thoroughly entertaining flick about a misfit nurse who swears revenge against a man who caused her father to commit suicide after killing her mother and brother. I found some of the suspense scenes to be rather humorous at times, and the plot holes made the movie even funnier. Good pick for fans of cheap cinema.

The Nurse
Another of the producer Pierre David's classy thrillers which features Lisa Zane in a surprisingly effective and chilling role. Zane plays Laura Harriman, a nurse whose father was recently accused of embezzlement. When Laura walks in on her father committing suicide and murdering her mother and brother, she vows revenge on the man who accused her father. After Bob Martin, the man who made the accusation, has a stroke after hearing of Laura's family's tragedy, Laura decides to take on her revenge now and take a job as his live-in nurse. Now, Bob is helpless and paralyzed, at the mercy of his new caretaker: Nurse Harriman. Above-average direct-to-video thriller has some decent scares and moments of suspense, but the plot seems to go almost nowhere in some scenes. The performances are good and I found that the music suited the film beautifully adding an eerie feel to it. Unfortunately, the plot holes and the plot going nowhere lower the rating for this. **The reason why Nurse Laura Harriman decides to vow revenge is quite similar to that of Payton Flanders' reason to vow revenge in THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not what they thought it would be...
I got a copy of the film 'Promised Land' from a friend. It is set in a small midwestern town where high school basketball is king. Sounds rather like Indiana, doesn't it? This gave the initial appeal to me, as films like this can help me understand the people in the area better -- at least, this is my hope, since I am not an Indiana native.

The actors are all very young. The film stars a very young Keifer Sutherland (Danny) and Meg Ryan (Bev) as a rather unlikely couple. The real 'star' of the film, the one who gets top billing, is Jason Gedrick (Hancock), whose career has been rather less prominent than Sutherland's or Ryan's. Tracy Jo Pollan (Mary) also stars in one of her few starring film roles. Pollan is now much better known through her marriage to Michael J. Fox.

The plot is a rather simple one. Four characters -- a high school basketball star (Hancock), a cheerleader (Mary), a dropout (Danny), his wife from a western state (Bev)-- all get tangled together in a final blow-up in the small hometown. The film opens during the all-important last moments of a basketball game. Of course, our guys win; the basketball star announces he's leaving for college, and the dropout announces he's leaving town. The cheerleader is left behind, but has hopes of her own.

Fast-forward two years. The basketball star is back home, working as a policeman. We slowly discover during the course of the film that he didn't make it as a college basketball star, and couldn't stay in college any other way. Mary, meanwhile, has gone off to another college, but has come home for the Christmas holiday, and as Hancock tries to rekindle old feelings, probably largely derived from hoping to recapture feelings of past glory, she feels pressured.

Danny, in the meanwhile, has gone out west and married Bev, a strange and wild woman. We learn that Danny has spent time in jail, and has never had a steady job or stable life. We don't learn as much about Bev through her speech, but can assume as much is true for her through her behaviour. Danny and Bev marry is a bizarre Las Vegas wedding ...and begin the long trek back home so she can be introduced to the family for Christmas (something that takes Bev by surprise).

Danny comes home and, in the course of various strange happenings, ends up with Bev in a convenience-store robbery. Hancock is the officer called to the scene, and ends up shooting Danny dead.

There are many unrealistic parts to the plot. Few high school jock stars are as likely to be friendly toward the dropouts as Hancock is toward Danny, for instance. When Danny returns home and goes to a bar, his friends wave hello, calling out 'Hi, Senator!' Apparently, Senator was his mock-ironic nickname in high school. One of his friends asks if he has become a senator yet; I hope that small-town folk aren't this unaware of the ways of political reality!

However, many of the emotions and situations ring true. Hancock's frustration with having reached the pinnacle of his life's glory at age 18 are very present; Mary's resistance at being drawn back into that life, yet still being attracted to Hancock is understandable. Bev is a strange character overall. She possibly represents the wildness that was lacking in the sombre (read - boring) small town environment.

'In a small town like that, you only get to make about one mistake.' Danny says this to Bev, and that is a real insight. Small towns are the same the world over -- those who don't leave remember everything for generations.

The production quality of the film is fairly good, but as one of the earliest of the Sundance productions, it lacked a budget for the final, Hollywood polish. The director, Michael Hoffman, does not have an extensive filmography, but has directed such diverse films as Soapdish, Restoration, and A Midsummer Night's Dream. A little editing. The acting is good, but not great. The script is sometimes lacking, but passing fair. The characters are people who begin to spark an interest, but are ultimately unsustainable. Had there not been the emotional and violent ending (very uncharacteristic for the town, one imagines), there would be little memorable.

This is a slice of American life in the middle; not the top, nothing glitzy or glamourous here, but not the bottom either. A very different view of high school and college-age years than typical Hollywood fare -- hopes have been dashed, if there were hopes at all, and the future stretches out in front, but as a rather bleak picture of sameness.

The film does not have a happy ending. Perhaps even without the shooting at the end, there would not have been a happy ending. Does one want a fast death in a blaze of glory, or a slow death by mediocrity? Sometimes that seems like the only two options for many people, and not just those in small towns. Ultimately, there is no Promised Land here. It is something these characters aren't permitted to enter, because it has been defined beyond their abilities to attain.

This film is largely overlooked, and has many points in which improvement can be made. Ultimately, it hangs together adequately, but not superbly, and perhaps that is ultimately its downfall.

Nearly 15 yrs later, still the worst movie I've seen
Agree that it was beautifully filmed, but.... there must have been a great deal lost in the translation.

The American Dream
The American Dream is something different for everyone and cannot easily be defined. This film does a pretty fair job on debunking the generalized commonly accepted myth of the standard American Dream theory, espeially as it is based on true events. James Newton Howard was just starting back then and his brilliance shines through magnificently in his score. The film craft itself beautifully rendered, well acted and is to me well balanced and paced for the subject matter. I have to dust it off every once in awhile to remind myself what the potentials and pitfalls of being American is all about.

Gorgeous junkfood.
Alas, the whole is less than the parts. Promised Land is a beautifully filmed, well acted, heartbreaking story with an absolutely fabulous score by the always excellent James Newton Howard. Its just that the material--the story itself--isn't worthy of such gorgeous cinematography and fine performances. Storywise, its pretty much junk but what raises it up are some really (visually) beautiful scenes. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

a avide movie watcher
This is one of the Best films from a great decade for movies, the 80's. It was one of my fav films as a kid. I only wish they would put it out on DVD. It has all the great elements for a classic movie; the nerdy kid, the quarky best friend, the hot cheerleader, the jock that losses in the end, ect ect. This film is a classic and I would recommend it to everyone.

WHERE'S MY TAPE
Can not rate the tape as i haven't received one yet? I've waited a month and wrote twice and still no tape???? After reviewing all the comments on this seller i can see a trend of not delivering.....

Fun for the kids
Who hasn't dreamed of being invisible. This funny movie explores the question of what could be done if one were invisible. A classic flick. The locker room scene isn't so bad either. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Right from the start there's a wink in Alan Rudolph's dry comedy of sad characters. This film, touted for its Oscar-nominated performance by Julie Christie, is a solid entry for fans of Rudolph's Choose Me and Love at Large. First we meet the amorous Mr. Fix-it, aptly named Lucky Mann (Nick Nolte). Lucky is a big teddy bear who finds joy in construction and womanizing. Nearly every sentence is a smooth entendre or a typical Rudolph witticism. This arrangement seems to be fine with his longtime wife Phyllis (Christie), an ex-B-movie actress who acts as if much of her life is still a bad movie. Lucky's latest client is a young housewife (Lara Flynn Boyle) who also has a muddle of a marriage: Marianne swoons for Lucky's attention, because her husband, Jeffrey (Jonny Lee Miller), has energy for his high-rise business career but little else. Soon Jeffrey espies sad and stunning Phyllis and is on the prowl, unaware that she is Lucky's wife.

Many filmmakers have made statements about the rarity of monogamy but Rudolph is one of the few who finds so much strength in fooling around.He has deep, long answers to why his characters are the way there are, and this leads to scenes that actors relish, even if they don't ring true. Certainly Christie has not had a part this juicy in years, and Nolte, warm and energetic, simply shines. Miller, usually the young ruffian in films such as Trainspotting, gives an intriguing slant to a stuffed shirt. Rudolph has never reached the complexity nor the mastery of his mentor Robert Altman, but he has created his own niche: the comedy of characters usually found in urban dramas. There are laughs in this movie that you simply won't find in the typical Hollywood comedy. Like Altman, he proves that being an independent voice is not about the methods of filmmaking, it's about talent. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Another reason why Julie Christie should continue to perform
Here's Julie Christie more beautiful, more enchanting, sexier than she has been since her role in Doctor Zhivago thirty years ago. She's an ageless wonder, delicate and sweet while also being smart and tough. Her performance as Phyllis Mann, a washed up B-Movie actress is entrancing, so much so that when viewing the film, I found myself ignoring the other actors while she was on screen. I couldn't take my eyes from her for a moment, though that's no slander at her co-stars. Nick Nolte is as watchable and likable as ever as Christie's philandering husband. Lara Flynn Boyle and Johnny Lee Miller have never really been my cup of tea, but perform complex parts with admirable skill. They are a young couple with all the material possessions in the world but separated by an emotional iciness between them. Boyle wants a child while Miller does not, so she turns to handyman Nolte. Miller happens to meet Christie and becomes fascinated by her while she allows herself to be seduced as much out of revenge as curiosity. The film is stylishly directed by Alan Rudolph and I give special credit to cinematographer Toyomichi Kurita for his excellent camera work, though I envy him for getting to stare through his lens every day to see Julie Christie before him. A touching film with fine performances all around, with Christie the standout(yet again).

An smart odd film about Romance.
When a Key Repairman (Nick Nolte) cheats on his Attractive Wife (Julie Chrsitie in a Oscar Nominated Role), a has been actress for a younger woman (Lara Flynn Boyle) but when his wife cheats on a handsome young man (Jonny Lee Miller), who dates the younger woman and the Realationship gets Complicated.

Written and Directed by Alan Rudolph (Mortal Thought, Breakfest of Champions) shows a Strong Dramatic Comedy about Love and Redemption. Julie Christine gives a Strong Role gives the film:Best Asset. Grade:A.

Old Roses, Young Weeds
A fading light that illuminates the day, when it's too late to change anything about it, is the Afterglow. In the gray city of Montreal, two couples prance in its dim daze, uttering writer/director, Alan Rudolph's highly stylized dialogue: Lucky (Nick Nolte) and Phyllis Mann (Julie Christie) have been married for over twenty years. He is a philandering fix-it man, she is wittily morose ex-B-movie actress. They have an arrangement about his philandering that goes back to a painful incident in their past, one that is clear in the present's Afterglow. More upscale, and younger, are the Byrons, Jeffrey and Marrianne, a miserably rich yuppie couple. He entertains his suicide fantasies by stepping out onto his high-rise office ledge, sticking his knee into the air, waiting for a strong wind to push him off. She is a semi-hysterical, insatiate housewife, who is building a baby room for a baby her husband promises they will never have.

The plot mechanics of what follows would be farcical if it weren't for the pace. In the yuppie's lavish house (similar to the one Al Pacino called "post-modernistic bull#*%^" in Heat), Lucky goes to build the frustated housewife nursery for the phantom infant. Given their respective marital status, an affair, especially in film with jazz dominating the soundtrack, is mandatory. By sheer coincidence, or by the writer's desire for contrast, Jeffrey and Marrianne meet. Suicidal he maybe, but as his well complemented secretary would attest, he does have an attraction, albeit non-sexual, to older women. This is their first exchange:

Phyllis: I noticed your wedding ring.

Jeffrey: Its removable.

Phyllis: Does your wife know that?

Jeffrey: If we find her, we'll tell her.

Rudolph is so fond of such rhythmical gesticulation of dialogue that instead of the above standing out, it could be a random selection from his script. The whole thing is written this way, hence defeating any dramatic aspirations the film might have had; if these people talk like this ALL the time, then what planet are they from?

This is that part where I'm supposed to say why I thought the picture is not what it might have been. It is true that the actors, with the exception of the Oscar nominated Christi, struggle to create anything special under the director's pretense; Miller is fun in role that is virtually opposite to his Sick Boy in Trainspotting, but the character is one note. Boyle brings nothing new to frivolity and neurosis. And Nolte is just Nolte. But if you were familiar with the films of Alan Rudolph you'd know that he hasn't failed here. Afterglow is, probably, exactly what he wanted it to be. A small scale drama with a slightly skewed sense of reality. He is the patron saint of the slightly off-key film (his underrated 1990 murder mystery Mortal Thoughts was realistic only because every other murder mystery was not). So Afterglow is no surprise, just another part of the man's repertoire. The only thing that might make Rudolph's oak-lined, smokey, booze drenched creation worth visiting is a jewel of performance by Julie Christi. She is able to sell Rudolph's silly non-jokes, as when she calls her husband Lucky Mann (which is his real name, ho ho), without letting on if she is loving, mocking, hurt or disgusted by him. She is the enigmatic, fascinating mystery the rest of the film only thinks it is.

Afterburn
Christie and Boyle sink their teeth into great parts but this love rectangle unfolds too slowly to be that entertaining. Rudolph's attempts at screwball comedy are ill conceived, but his direction is good. Too bad his male characters do nothing but think with, uh, you know.

Great Acting, Great Story
I thought the movie was great overall. The story is very deep and moving, nicely woven, and even though Nick Nolte might not have had the 'sexy' look required for his part, I think he more than compensated for it with his aura. The movie engages you from start to finish and Julie Christie was amazing. Rent it, especially if you're in the mood for something romantic, yet different in its take from a lot of what is out there today. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When he was a child, Griffin (Jay Underwood) witnessed the murder of his parents by a lullaby-singing, sand-sprinkling serial killer who thought he was "The Sandman" (Michael Harris).Seventeen years later, Griffin has grown up to be an aspiring journalist, but his parent's killer only now is being put to death.Before the Sandman is executed, he invokes a black-magic ritual that allows him to come back to life as a creature of sand who can change shape at will.His mission: to end Griffin's life, which mysteriously assures him immortality.Although this diverting B-movie thriller gets grounded by low-grade effects, it works around it via Michael G. Wojciechowski's stylish cinematography;the Sandman scattering to envelope one victim and later flying through air conditioning vents as a cloud of dust are effective.Despite some contrived moments and the mixed acting abilities of the supporting cast, Sleepstalker keeps things moving thanks to director-coscreenwriter Turi Meyer's confident guidance, good performances from Underwood and Harris, and an appropriately self-conscious sense of humor.(But keep an eye out for two blatant continuity errors.) The creepy opening is quite memorable. --Bryan Reesman ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A Fun Film
This is another one of those movies I like to rent once a year or so. I find horror films to be mindless fun and this is a good one. I was impressed with the quality of the DVD, although it is not in widescreen. I like the acting and the character development. I liked Griffin. The Sandman could have easily become another icon like Freddy or Jason if they had continued with sequels. Of course with any horror movie, you can poke holes in the plot. There was little gore and no sex scenes and this made the movie lack what most other horror movies provide. The acting was good, the photography and lighting was good, and the score was good.

This is a fun addition to my collection.

a top dog INSULT!!!! to horror movies and horror fans!!!!
this movie by far is one of the worst horror flicks ive ever seen!!!BAD BAD BAD acting!/CRAPPY CRAPPY CRAPPY directing!(nothing artful about it!!!)/STUPID STUPID STUPID special effects(and i mean FAKE!!!stupid)/NOT ORIGINAL!!!/in a movie this crappy you need alot of blood & gore to give a horror fan some type of satisfaction,but GUESS WHAT!!!!there is none!!!!that i think is what URKED!!!me the most.i mean the NERVE and or the lack of NERVE it takes for a DIRECTOR who has no good creative/original/creepy(leave it to the viewer to imagine what evil could be behind the door)scenes in his or her movie,to not even give us any blood & gore"THAT SHOULD BE A CRIME!!!!" the bottom line is there are GREAT low budget horror films out there(example"the original TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE") and there are some GREAT big budget horror films out there(example"ALIEN")and somewhere in between there are GREAT horror movies with flaws(example"NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET")there are also some great horror movies out there that are only great because of the large amount of BLOOD & GORE in them(example"DEAD ALIVE")but then there's movies like this one that im reviewing right now that just plain out STINKS!!!!it doesnt matter how it was made LOW BUDGET/BIG BUDGET/IN BETWEEN/ITS JUST CRAP!!!!!!im not joking its like a BAD 80s HBO after school special thats trying as hard as it can to scare you BUT IT JUST DOESN'T!!!ITS JUST TOOOO STUPID!!!!!!!!!HORROR FANS DON'T WAIST YOUR TIME!!!!! i just can't say it enough this movie is so stupid that it kicks & screams for some BLOOD & GORE to save it and they don't even give you any of that!!!!100,000,000,000 THUMBS DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sleepstalker
I remember watching this when it first came it out. It scared the hell out of me. Even the lullaby scared the hell out of me. Basically because it was composed in miner keys. But I thought that it was an outstanding horror film. It's not quite original but it's good enough to scare the hell out of you.

The film is about a young boy named Griffen, who sees his parents killed by serial killer who calls himself the Sandman. Seventeen years later, Griffen has grown up to be a talented journalist. He feels pure relief when he finds out that the killer who murdered his parents is being executed. But what Griffen doesn't know is the Sandman performed this black magic ritual that will resurrect him into a horrific creature made of sand that can change his shape at will. The execution is performed and the sand-like killer/creature is resurrected and he sets out to end Griffen's life.

Like I said, this is not quite original but it is an excellent film and it will make you have every light on in your house.

Sleepstalker...
Horror, yes. Suspense, yes. Acting, OH YEAH. This one had me turning the lights back on. One thing that really got me was the closing sound track. Teresa Straley's rendition of "Sleep Baby Sleep" was not only haunting, but captivating. I only wish that it were available on a sound track album. In my opinion, this movie is, for horror fans, well worth watching. Great direction, but unfortunatly, there is a small problem with continuity. I've seen worse in films with higher budgets. Enjoy it for what it is, but remember to leave the lights on...

Mr. Sandman, put me to sleep
An obvious re-creation of SHOCKER (which was WIZARD OF OZ compared to this movie) where a family killer is put to death but comes back to life in the form of sand and goes after someone he knows for revenge. Incredibly poor quality low budget flick is unconvincing, boring, and unentertaining. Some low budget fans have forecomingly given this far more credit than it deserves. They can keep it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Don't Be Fooled By The Title - This Is One Powerful Movie
"Dancing in September" is one of those movies that comes up from your blind-side and knocks you to your knees. This movie has to be one of the most realistic, well written, acted, and powerful character development studies in a long, long time. I rented this movie, thinking I was getting a 'flick', just something to chill out to, y'know, you're typical feel good movie on par with "Love Jones", "Soul Food", "While You Were Sleeping" etc. A romantic comedy. Whew! *Whistles* Was I mistaken, but don't get me wrong! This movie is extremely powerful, more than that. This movie is effecting. Very effecting.

There are many themes in the movie, but it seems the underlying theme that carries through the whole film is the power of television and the people behind it. The movie is pot-holed with interludes where people in the television industry share their comments and thoughts on the lives of the characters and the power of TV, (but don't worry, unlike many movies I can think of, this does not jar the flow of the movie, which is quite an accomplishment). One woman says (and no, this isn't an exact quote) that if a commercial can convince you that a certain ant-acid is the solution to your pain, or that one insurance company is the solution to your debt problems, then it can certainly convince someone that violence is the answer, can't it? This has been a long debated topic since the beginning of television, and Nicole Ari Parker squares off with Isaiah Washington over this very issue during the course of the movie, while trying to juggle their intertwining professions, relationsips, and ultimately, the morals that both bring them together and put them at odds.

This movie shows the depth and evolution of a person superbly, portraying the effect television, power, money, love, hate, confusion, controversy and rejection have on a persons heart, soul, and life.

The movie started out much as I expected it to, a reasonably interesting light hearted film centering on three main characters; Isaiah Washington, who plays an ambitious african-american with dreams of being an influential power in the television industry. Nicole Ari Parker plays a strong headed and strong willed african-american woman (as usual), but in this movie, she brings an extra element of magic to the character she gets type-casted into so often. There's a genuine emotion about her performance in this movie that feels real. Maybe it's because this is a topic that really does effect her, after all, she is an actress. Last, but not least, you have Vicellous Reon Shannon, who plays a confused youth caught up with the drama and baggage of a young daughter, an angry girlfriend, and her volatile gang-banger boyfriend. Shannon's character goes through the most phases of evolution, going from depressed and down on his luck, to fame in a second, to arrogance, to everything falling to pieces, and finally to the moment of truth, where everything that has piled up on his nerves and emotions climbs to a feverish climax, bringing every character in the movie to a confrontation of their own lives and decisions. Without Shannon's character, you wouldn't have a movie.

The GREATEST feature of this movie, however, is that every character starts off relatively innocent and ambitious with strong-standing morals and visions for their life. Determined to stand their ground against the arrogant, greedy and emotionally blind executives in the TV industry who try to conform and supress their ideas, they find themselves slowly crushed, melted and molded to what the industry wants them to be, spurred inexorably into the fires by their own aspirations. What's so great about this, is that 3/4's of the way through the movie, each character in the movie has evolved into the one person whom they hated in the beginning of the story. Nicole Ari Parker becomes the self-absorbed screen writer, unable to hear the voice of other, perhaps wiser people. Isaiah Washington, who arguably had the lowest standards to begin with, becomes the dis-loyal father whom he's hated for so many years by abandoning Nicole Ari Parker's character in her moment of need. Last, but not least, Shannon's character ends up drawn back to his old image of gangsta, a man of the streets, and evolves consequently into the image of his baby-mother's volatile boyfriend whom he's been so opposed to since the beginning of the film.

Finally, each character finding themselves at a point in their lives they swore they would never be at, they are all faced with several life-changing decisions, and in a climax that will you leave you utterly breathless, fall back to ground-zero, each character in a different way, forced to take a look back on their life and what effects their decisions may have had on their peers, friends, and relationships.

"Dancing in September" is a sombre, accurate and moving character study that is sadly under-recognized as well as under-appreciated. "Dancing in September" is filled with hidden meanings, subliminal messages, and out-right confrontations of multiple issues our society refuses to face today. This is a film that will make you think, something the television and movie-making industry lacks now-a-days, and something that more movies need.

Staying true to yourself
I really enjoyed this movie. It shows what can happen when you are behind the scenes of show business. How a person can get caught up, and how much it can change your life, and not always for the better. A really good movie to watch, with some good acting. People will want to compare this movie to Bamboolzed, but they are very different. I saw this when it first came on HBO a few years ago. Tommy Crawford (Nicole Ari Parker of TV's "Soul Food"), is a staff writer on a television sitcom. When she speaks out about the show she is writing on she gets fired.

She pitches her own television series to a start-up television network. George Washington (Isaiah Washington), an ambitious executive at the network, sees Tommy's show as a way up the corporate ladder and champions the project. Tommy's (called "Just Us") is on the network's fall line-up after some "creative tweaking."

Another reason to check out this movie is for Vicellous Reon Shannon's performance as James or "Semaj." His character is going through some emotional changes, and he is trying to make good with the mother of his child played by Melinda Williams (Soul Food Series). This movie is really excellent, and it's one you really should see. It's powerful without beating you on the head. You will get the message easily.

Good Film
this film is really cool.it takes you behind scenes of a Show from the Writer&Producer Perspective.this Film&Bamboozled have alot in common.the sad Part not much has realy changed with how Hollywood acknowledges the Diversity in Black life on TV.it's still the Same Ole Same ole overall.this film deals with alot of issues head on.Props to the cast.

Dancing in September
Although some might like to compare this movie to Bamboozled, I find that they are similar in theme but from two different points of view. Bamboozled shows us the inside of the television sitcom from the actors point of view. Whereas Dancing in September, we get to see the workings of television from the writers/producers viewpoint . I found Dancing in September to be an excellent film. The writing was first rate and the acting was equally as good. I have been following Isaiah Washington's career from his early days on Living Single, and have admired how much he has grown as an actor. If you want to see what goes on behind the scenes of situation comedy, Dancing in September is the movie to see. If you've ever wondered why a somewhat funny character suddenly goes over the top then Dancing in September is the movie to watch.

Intelligent Drama About TV Business
DANCING IN SEPTEMBER is the long-form directing debut of Reggie Rock Bythewood, writer of GET ON THE BUS. Although the film had its world premiere at the 2000 Hollywood Black Film Festival, it was not widely seen until it premiered on HBO a year later.

The film tells the story of Tommy Crawford (Nicole Ari Parker of TV's "Soul Food"), a staff writer on a television sitcom. When she dares speak her mind at a story meeting, the executive producer's fragile ego is bruised and Tommy abruptly gets the axe.

Fortunately, all is not lost. Tommy pitches her own television series to a start-up television network (not unlike the WB or UPN). George Washington (Isaiah Washington), an ambitious executive at the network, sees Tommy's show as a way up the corporate ladder and champions the project. Before you know it, the series (called "Just Us") is on the network's fall line-up and a special bond develops between Tommy and George. Through it all, Tommy is forced to navigate through the politics of network television. As the saying goes, "Be careful of what you ask for, because you might get it."

Isaiah Washington gives one of his best performances to date in DANCING IN SEPTEMBER. Unlike the Damon Wayans character in Spike Lee's similarly themed, BAMBOOZLED, George is believeable throughout the film. Although you may not always like George, his character is very consistent. Unlike, BAMBOOZLED, the story stays true to form, although there's a subplot that throws the film's equilibrium off slightly when it turns violent.

One of the real highlights among the cast is Nicole Ari Parker's performance. She is fantastic in this film. Made before she signed on do to "Soul Food" for Showtime, it was her first starring role (not counting the fine featurette MUTE LOVE). Her dramatic range is quite impressive. In short, she brings a depth and intelligence to her character that is rarely seen in younger actors of today.

Another reason to check out this movie is for Vicellous Reon Shannon's performance as James or "Semaj." He plays a street vendor that is cast in Tommy's series. Some of his scenes with Parker and with her "Soul Food" co-star, Malinda Williams are among the strongest in the film.

For those who liked BAMBOOZLED, they should love this film. In many ways it is more effective in showing how television networks will do almost anything in their neverending pursuit of ratings. One of the reasons for this is probably the fact that Bythewood worked for many years as a writer for network television. He doesn't need to show actors in blackface to make his point, like Spike Lee did in his film.

Also, actor for actor, the performances are much better in DANCING IN SEPTEMBER and more believeable than BAMBOOZLED. Even actors in relatively small roles get to shine. One that immediately comes to mind is that of Jenifer Lewis, who plays a character in Tommy's series.

Other than what has been already mentioned, one warning about the film is that it is an insider's view of television. This might not appeal to some viewers that do not have a connection with "the business." It may seem foreign to them. Hopefully, viewers will look past that and just enjoy the film.

In short, DANCING IN SEPTEMBER is a solid directorial debut for Reggie Rock Bythewood. It has quality acting, drama and something important to say about the world. Hopefully, we'll be seeing more from Bythewood and his fine ensemble in the near future.

Last but not least, kudos go out to HBO for allowing audiences to see this very worthwhile film. Combined with Showtime, the Independent Film Channel, Black Starz! and the Sundance Channel, cable seems to be the place where intelligent films get their place to shine. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The Raffle - Like a good dessert: Light, Warm and Sweet
Despite it's sexist-sounding premise, this movie is warm and often tender. The characters are endearing and the humor is gentle and good-hearted. Yes, there are a couple of long montages of T&A, but they are pretty harmless, and it's easy to fast forward through them (if like me, you find them boring.)People who like T&A shows will probably enjoy them.
In any case, with or without the montages, this is a light romantic comedy with a happy ending and a few good plot twists to keep you interested along the way. What could be better?

The Raffle
This movie would have been 4 stars, except for the so