Reviews (240)

The Lost World
This sequel to the 1993 blockbuster is good as sequels go but isn't a great movie. Jeff Goldblum gives a good performance as Dr. Ian Malcolm and Julianne Moore contributes too. The screenplay based on the novel by Michael Crichton is poorly done but has a few funny lines. The cinematography is good and captures the horror very well, and the production design is very frightening. The soundwork is very good, but the editing by veteran Michael Kahn (Close Encounters, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T.) is not very well done, you can hardly digest what is happening. John Williams contributes a rousing yet ominous score. One thing that keeps this movie moving are the incredible Oscar nominated special effects done masterfully by the great Dennis Muren and Stan Winston. The basic plot is that John Hammond, the creator of Jurassic Park, has an island where dinosaurs roam freely but must send Malcolm along with his girlfriend and two other companions to photograph the dinosaurs so Ingen will be kept from disturbing the dinosaurs. Overall, fairly well done, suspenseful, but fails to capture the awe, greatness, and wonder that the original possessed. There is also a Jurassic Park 3 coming out. I can't wait.

Dinosaurs Galore
Recently I was able to catch Spielberg's The Lost World. I say Spielberg because other than the title it bears no resemblance to the book. This is not necessarily a bad thing. While a lousy interpretation of the book it is still a good film.

Jeff Goldblum is hired (by a man who is dead in the book) to study the ecosystems on InGen's Site B where dinosaurs have been flourishing. Only the fact that his girlfriend is in danger gets Goldblum to go. No sooner does he arrive and try and convince her to leave than a massive InGen expedition shows up to hunt and capture dinosaurs.

InGen's plans for capturing dinosaurs goes awry when Goldblum and friends release the dinosaurs during a satellite-linked board meeting. InGen plans to open a dinosaur park facility at the San Diego zoo. During the chaos every radio in the camp manages to get trampled. The survivors must now find a way off of the island. Unfortunately most of them are killed in a brief attack by velociraptors while in tall grass.

The few survivors of the second expedition manage to capture a T-Rex and ready it for shipping to the states. Goldblum and friends escape by helicopter.

In San Diego the T-Rex manages to escape and go rampaging through the city. Goldblum must lure the T-Rex back onto the freighter that brought it to the States. In the end a huge navy escort follows the freighter back to the island while Mr. Hammond implores to public to leave the dinosaurs alone; they deserve it.

Some people definitely had fun making this movie. There were scenes from classic and not-so-classic movies including King Kong, Godzilla, Carnosaur 3 (CARNOSAUR was the book Crichton got the idea for JURASSIC PARK from) and others. Two scenes I particularly enjoyed were a crowd of screaming Japanese looking over their shoulders while running in terror and a little boy who wakes his parents to tell them that there is a dinosaur in the back yard.

It was reported that a paleontologist made sure that the dinosaurs acted as current scientific beliefs say they should. Hah! The Stegosaurs were the size of apatosaurs. Something, possibly the escaped triceratops, managed to knock a hummer airborne so that ir reached an altitude of at least a hundred feet and an amazing distance. Velociraptors can now leap three stories up and forty yards out. The tyrannosaur can run right through building walls without slowing down. Fun? Yes. Realistic? No way. Needless to say if the dinosaurs acted this way in the first movie then no one would have escaped.

Still, it was a very fun film that I recommend to any dinosaur lover who can stand to see people pulled apart by huge carnivores sharing a tidbit. The Lost World (the third film by that name) should be available on video and day now.

Steven Plays Around A Bit...
Actually, LWJP is just Steven Spielberg having some fun. It's an obvious tribute to movies like King Kong, Godzilla, and even the original 1925 version of The Lost World. It's a non-stop SFX extravaganza that is more dessert than a nourishing meal. Jeff Goldblum returns as Ian Malcolm. He is not bad in his role, though he does wear thin. Julianne Moore is beautiful as always, and pulls off her "concerned scientist" part with ease. The T-rex is back, with his mate and offspring. The Raptors terrorize, managing to kill off many slimy hunters and Ingen drones. Not a bad sequel, considering that most sequels are pure rubbish anyway. I enjoyed the T-rex running rampant in LA. I only wish it had had more time to cause hysteria and chaos! A nice binge-eating trip down Hollywood Blvd would've been cool! Oh well. Watch with brain on pause...

It's Lost All Right
"Jurassic Park" could be forgiven the lack of story and character development because it was artfully crafted to be a thrill ride. This sequel, also inspired by Michael Chrichton's book, departs more from the story and fully flops into the B-movie category.

Jeff Goldblum is back visiting the dinosaurs, along with several other characters from the previous movie. This time our scientists are observing the behavior of the dinosaurs, trying to learn as much as possible, a very scientist-like activity. However, greed plays a part once again as a team of big-game hunters come to the island to attempt to capture an array of dinosaurs for a dinosaur zoo in an attempt for Ingen to recoup some of its substantial investment in the dinosaurs.

All appears to be going well for everyone except the dinosaurs until the scientists decide to play environmentalists and release all the dinosaurs from their cages. The dinosaurs go on a rampage (ever seen a rampaging triceratops?), destroying the camp of the hunters. Even then our scientists would have been okay had they not decided to help a baby tyrannosaurus. The parents track down the baby with predictably bad results for the humans.

Now scientists and big game hunters alike are on the run from the tyrannosaurs, and in the process of escaping they encounter our old friends the raptors, still intelligent, still agile, and still very hungry.

Eventually some of the characters escape, and the tyrannosaurus and its baby are captured so that they can be taken to California. Something unexplained happens on the ship and the only thing left are the tyrannosaurs and a hand trying keeping a cargo bay door closed. Remove the hand and a miniature Godzilla roams the streets of San Diego.

The first Jurassic Park movie had plot holes that you were able to ignore in favor of the cool special effects and the action. This time the plot holes are bigger than the movie. Real scientists do not behave as Dr. Sarah Harding (Julianne Moore) does in this movie. As Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) advises her, "Do not interact," a basic rule of scientific observation. Interacting is for Green Peace and the Sierra Club, not for real scientists.

Our hunters blunder about in a manner that is guaranteed to get them killed. They run when they should walk. They walk when they should stay put. The actions of the supposed scientists continually put everyone into danger. When you remove the bullets from a gun, and the gun is later used to attempt to protect you, the result is predictable. The plot holes continue in allowing the tyrannosaur escape.

Added to the plot holes are moments of humor that further spin this movie into the realm of low-budget monster movies. The scene with the dog in a San Diego suburb was completely unnecessary. Of course, by that point I was beyond disappointed with the movie.

This movie does have a few good points, all based on action scenes, but the plot holes outweigh the good portions and the mistakes and silly behavior make this movie difficult to watch. I give this movie three stars because the special effects continued to be good, the only redeeming feature of this movie.

Okay, not as good as the first
This movie was okay. The first one is so much better, but this one is still not bad. I thought it was awesome when the T-Rex attacked a city! I still bought it because I love the movies. See it if you like the first, but don't expect it to be better.

MPAA: PG-13
Running Time: 129 minutes
Year released: 1997 ... Read more

Reviews (198)

College Life without the Education
Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell give college a second try in the raucous comedy "Old School". A rowdy party for their depressed friend Mitch (Luke Wilson) becomes the talk of the local college campus and gives them the chance to relive their wild college lives. Soon, Mitch, Frank "The Tank" (Will Ferrell) and Beanie (Vince Vaughn) form their own unorthodox fraternity whom crazy antics draw the attention of no-nonsense Dean Pritcher (Jeremy Piven). From director Todd Phillips (Road Trip), "Old School" is a hilarious comic romp but its no "Animal House". This wild comedy is good-natured fun with a great comic cast and off-beat humor. Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn are quite funny but it's Will Ferrell who delivers the movie's most outrageous laughs. The cast also includes Juliette Lewis, Elisha Cuthbert, Leah Remini and Sean William Scott.

If you enjoyed this funny comedy in theaters then "Old School" Unrated Edition is a recommended DVD purchase. Except for some slight nudity in the opening menu, there isn't much difference between the unrated and rated editions of "Old School". The movie is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains a fine picture quality with good sharpness. The 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS sound options are quite clear and often engaging. The DVD features an audio commentary by cast members and director Todd Phillips, deleted scenes, a hilarious "Inside the Actors Studio" spoof and a short behind-the-scenes featurette. Overall, "Old School" Unrated Edition scores a "B-".

Sort of an Animal House 25th anniversary tribute.
"Old School" brings back the fun and irreverence of the days of "Animal House" that so few movies seem willing to revisit. Comedy these days seems built around 'paint-by-numbers' formulas or 'let's see how much we can gross people out' shock characteristics. Current releases like "Boat Trip" and "Bringing Down the House" fall in the former category while any movie involving Tom Green or the Farrelly Brothers falls into the latter category. In "Old School", it's refreshing to see a movie that takes a 'devil may care' attitude with its plot and characters while also have the common sense to push the envelope where appropriate without ever crossing the line (following "Animal House's" lead).

In "Old School", Mitch (played by Luke Wilson) is depressed after a breakup with his longtime girlfriend. He moves into a new house near the local college campus and his two best friends, Beanie (Vince Vaughn) and Frank 'the Tank' (Will Ferrell) decide to cheer him up by using his new house to throw a wild 'freedom' party. In a party complete with nubile co-eds, binge drinking, and a performance by Snoop Dogg, the party becomes legendary and draws the ire of the college dean, who just happens to be some nerd that Mitch, Beanie, and Frank tormented in high school. He attempts to take the house from Mitch by claiming it can only be used for campus-related events. This sparks Beanie's imagination to create the most unorthodox fraternity in existence to circumvent the dean's ruling. From there, "Old School" engages in the type of 'us against the administration' hi-jinx that made "Animal House" such a riot.

Will Ferrell gives a performance worthy of John Belushi with his Bluto-esque take as Frank the Tank, whose relapse back into his college days fractures his brand new marriage. Yet, it doesn't seem to affect Frank too too much. Ferrell, as witnessed by his years on Saturday Night Live, is one of the more gifted physical comedians performing today. He has the lunacy of a Jim Carrey without any of the pretentiousness or self-importance that seems to plague Carrey. Vince Vaughn gives another winning performance as a typical, sleazy salesman type who remains just enough on the side of respectability that you still like the guy. It's classic Vaughn. Luke Wilson's performance isn't quite as memorable, but his lovable-loser demeanor fits the role of Mitch perfectly. There are a number of other supporting characters that, while barely more than one-dimensional, make this film a winner (Blue, the 80-year fraternity pledge is a personal favorite).

With world events becoming more somber and depressing and with movies becoming increasingly disappointing, it's quite a relief a no-frills good time can be had at a theater. "Old School" lets the audience feel that kind of relief.

Absolutely worth every penny, HILARIOUS!
I woun't ramble on too much, but I will say this movie is the best I have seen in a while. It's over the top funny, each of the 3 guys (Vaughn, Wilson and Ferrell) make it that much better. It's one of those movies you can watch over and over again and NEVER grow tired of it. Worth every penny, it's definately a 5-star movie in my book.<br /> <br /> ~

makes Animal House seem like Tolstoy
THIS DRIVEL LEFT ME WANTING LESS. DISGUSTING! WITHOUT MERIT!

"Hey Merisa It's Frank Ricard"
The Funniest movie of 2003. This slapstick party comedy starring the King of comedy William Ferrel and also starring Lucas Wilson and Vincent Vaughn. The three men who relive their college years when they start a faternity. This film is laugh out loud hilarious. It's the Animal House of the 21st century. it's Ferrel's funniest act since Jay and Silent Bob and Saturday Night Live. The Best scene is Will Ferrel streaking " come on snoop, snoopaloop bring your green hat". This film will be a classic comedy some day. If you want screwball,slapstick comedy. or if you saw Anchorman first. You'll love Old School. It's a hell of a good parade of party animals. "Blue your my boy" ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Little Off the Beaten Path...
This is not the movie you want to watch with a bunch of friends on a Saturday night. This is a movie for people who liked "Ghost World," "Devil's Advocate," or "Feeling Minnesota." It's quite strange, but I saw it once and fell in love with the accents, the irony, and the drummer from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, who plays a gangster. True, many of these actors never went anywhere. But it features some great dialogue and amazing realism.

fast & exellent condition!!
Tank you.
I get to supreme used VHS!!

Good study of human nature
I own this film already and would have to say that it is a rather interesting study of human nature. The "what would I do with..." it is a character study of the lottery in general and how people react and how it turns into cause AND effect.

It was the worst I've seen in a while.
I stopped watching it 1 hr into it because it was painfully unfunny. We have taken to calling the movie, "you lucky bastard," and comparing other terrible movies to it. ... Read more

Description

Hip and hilarious -- critics and audiences alike are raving about this must-see comedy hit! It's a laugh-out-loud look at a fun group of friends who spend their days looking for work and their nights in and out of Hollywood's coolest after-hours hangouts! When the lovesick Mike (Jon Favreau -- RUDY) can't seem to shake a relationship rut, his smooth, fast-talking buddy Trent (Vince Vaughn -- THE LOST WORLD: JURASSIC PARK 2) decides he'll do whatever it takes to show Mike a good time! Whether laughing over martinis in smoky cocktail lounges ... or searching for beautiful babes on an outrageous road trip to Vegas, these young swingers are determined to rewrite the rules of modern dating! Also starring Heather Graham (AUSTIN POWERS: THE SPY WHO SHAGGED ME). ... Read more

Reviews (179)

You mean you haven't SEEN Swingers?!!
Have you ever been afraid to talk to a member of the opposite sex? Have you ever been nervous about your career or future? Have you ever just wanted a drink to wash it all away? Then check out this film, which centers around two best buds: Vince Vaughn's Trent, the smooth-talking L.A. ladies' man and Jon Favreau's Mike, the broken-hearted nice-guy.

Mike, six months out of a serious long-term relationship and not making any progress in the recovery process, is a struggling comedian/actor in Los Angeles and he's hating it. The savior of his sanity is Trent, who likes to think of himself as a big brother type mentor to the girl-shy Mike. They and their friends eek out an existence in day jobs, trying to score acting gigs. At night, they hit the swingin' 1990's L.A. lounge scene--with a stint in VEGAS, BABY, VEGAS! as well.

Trent's glassy smooth player schtick will make women giggle with delight and make the guys high five while Mike's romantic misadventure will make everyone cringe as he sulks over his loss, wallows in self-pity, and gets shot down when he does try to move on. If you want to laugh, if you want to care about a movie character, and if you want to be inspired by HOW MONEY YOU ARE, then GET THIS MOVIE!

TOP 10 REASONS TO WATCH THIS MOVIE
Swingers could be a hip movie, a Guys movie, great-sagacious-advice movie, a warm-amusing movie, this-is-what-friendship-is-about movie, or simply one of the most facetious for-a-lark flicks of the 90s. But whatever tag you wish to stick on it, this honest, low-budget humdinger from Liman is very very "money"!

Top 10 reasons to get your hands on this movie now:

(1) It's fast-paced, well edited (not one wasted scene) and frequently laugh-out-loud funny. If you hear people dismiss this as an inconsequential narrative about a "bunch of losers trying to get laid", I'm afraid they just have not watched the entire movie. I am not into the "Spy who shagged me" genre of humor, but this movie will truly grow on you.

(2) It'll ring a bell with almost anyone, particularly guys. Mike -- a crestfallen loverboy (Jon Favreau) is in the throes of a breakup, and his confidence has hit rock bottom. (Sidenote: Favreau is a very ordinary looking guy, which in fact imho is the power of his character.) Under the aegis of his friend Trent (Vince Vaughn, in top form, a lot better than his controlled acting in, gulp, The Psycho) Mike re-learns how to get back up on his feet and take reins of his life/emotions again. While this happens, we are treated to a bunch of every-day faux pas that we all can identify with in a blink. Interested yet?

(3) The boys' camaraderie is infectious. If you watch this movie with friends -- and this indeed is the best way to watch it! -- you'll know what I mean. This has to be one of the most honest portrayals of relationships between friends -- both the lover and the platonic variety.

(4) Call me weird but I loved the sound track, a delectable blend of underground jazz and triphop.

(5) Some of the "get back on your feet" dialogue for Mike is truly marvellous, and makes for better, more down-to-earth, more inspiring advice about life and relationships than Dr. Ruth and Oprah put together.

(6) An interesting look at the Los Angeles we never see in films, the underground life of the struggling actors and writers and less glamorous people, not living in Malibu opulence as seen in other weaker films.

(7) Some great Sega Genesis NHL ice-hockey "footage" (to use a dignified term) and an unusual preview of seeing Gretzky's head knocked.

(8) This is to men what "Sex and the City" is to women. (Ok, SATC has had a lot more time than Swingers to entice us with the workings of the Modern Woman, but you get the idea)

(9) A wide assortment of one-liners for you to conveniently plagiarize from. Not seen in a single movie since Roxanne with Steve Martin.

(10) Oh, and it's so laid back, its horizontal. No spiffy visual FX, no crash boom bang, no cheap frills. But still a high handsome homerun.

Required Viewing.

Lame
To borrow a "witty" line from the movie, this movie is so NOT money. Tries to be too hip, too cool, too indy. People don't act this way.

Shallow and less than exciting. I know some people want to go buy this movie and watch it like 50 times or something, but not me.

Mickey 's the Winner.....
Very funny movie, basic concept of the movie lots of friends who are actors just party. You follow the guys around town and hanging out drinking but there also more drama about getting over an EX.
Just watch the scene where Vince Vaughn and the guys are have a meal after a heavy night of drinking. Haaa it was very "Saturday Night Liveish".... It is a dry pan comedy,it has many classic lines in the movie and Heather Graham is in it. What more can I say..
Very under rated movie but tons of fun.

Men`s Night
This hip, somewhat witty movie about two guys living the LA nightlife is amusing and clever at parts bue as a whole it`s not too convincing. John Favreau and Vince Vaughn play two twentysomethings friends who move to LA in order to get a life and find a girl. One of them (John Favreau) is still struggling to forget his ex-girlfriend while trying to face new situations, meet new people and avoid a depression. Director Doug Liman presents a stylish, mildly entertaining movie with fine acting, good dialogue and some funny scenes, yet this isn`t quite enough and still seems like an empty, shallow picture. The plot is almost nonexistant, even if the mid-nineties zeitgeist is well captured.

"Swingers" is nothing more than an average guy flick, quotable enough and with its share of hipness, yet not too memmorable or captivating. It`s watchable and all, but it lacks a point. There are better movies of its genre around ("About a Boy", "High Fidelity" or, for something edgier and more original, "Fight Club"). ... Read more

Reviews (73)

John Travolta's best role since "The General's Daughter"!
Now, THIS is a John Travolta movie! Especially when this movie is called "Domestic Disturbance", a movie that is packed with so much action and suspense that it never, never, never lets up from one minute to the next! This is director Harold Becker's ("Mercury Rising", "Malice") best film since he directed Bruce Willis in 1998's "Mercury Rising"! The rest of the supporting cast, including Vince Vaughn ("The Lost World: Jurassic Park"), Teri Polo ("Meet the Parents"), Steve Buscemi ("Armageddon"), and newcomer Matt O'Leary were all incredible alongside Travolta. But, to me, this is really John Travolta's movie as he stands out above the crowd as Frank Morrison, a successful boat builder and divorced, but loving father to his son Danny (O'Leary). Frank's ex-wife Susan (Polo) is now married to a new resident named Rick Barnes (Vaughn), also Danny's stepfather, whom everyone thinks of as the perfect gentleman and such, but Rick is not so perfect to Danny when he witnesses Rick killing a person and burning his body inside a factory one night. And quite frankly, the only person who will believe Danny is none other than his father, whom Danny has never lied to before. Rick knows that Danny told his father that night and starts making threats to him about it...but Frank will be damned if Rick thinks that he's going to lay a hand on his son! So, Frank goes out to find out the truth about Rick and bring the truth to light, etc. With lots of suspense from start to finish, leading up to a earth-shattering climax between father (Frank) and stepfather (Rick), you'll agree that "Domestic Disturbance" is one of the best John Travolta films ever made since "Swordfish" and "The General's Daughter"! A DVD must-have for any Travolta fan or any Travolta collection!

Nice in places where it should be naughty.
Stereotypical characters, convoluted logic, and an abundant absence of intelligence abide in "Domestic Disturbance," a thriller that wants to be naughty, but ends up playing nice. What begins as a somewhat interesting film tailspins into an unending chasm of unbelievable plot twists and aggravating characters who make all the wrong choices. Here is a movie that covers familiar ground, yet it fails to spark much interest once things go awry.

John Travolta stars as Frank Morrison, a boat builder whose ex-wife Susan (Teri Polo) is on the brink of remarrying. This, of course, is unacceptable to their 12-year-old son, Danny (Matthew O'Leary), whose outbursts against his parents' divorce have led to being picked up from the police station on numerous occasions. Like any good father, Frank advises Danny to accept that which he cannot change, and to give his new stepfather, the wealthy and popular Rick Barnes (Vince Vaughn), a warm welcome.

Now anyone who knows their thrillers can guess that if there is money involved, then there's usually a tainted past here and there; this film is no exception. The wedding goes off without a hitch, despite the presence of Ray Coleman (Steve Buscemi), a former acquaintance of Rick's who is set on collecting a large sum of money from his old pal. One thing leads to another, contrivances appear, and Rick has a murder on his hands, unaware that Danny witnessed the deed from the backseat of the car in which it occurred.

This is the first in a series of several scenes that look promising, but hold little intensity or surprise. Judging from Danny's "Boy Who Cried Wolf" syndrome, it is easy to foresee that no one will believe him when he reveals what he saw, save for Frank, who must hold a grudge against his son's aggressor if there is to be any action or energy in the story. There's a little bit of cat-and-mouse going on, as Frank searches for the missing Ray and possible clues to take to the police, but it goes virtually nowhere.

The movie seems more interested in showing us just how stupid people can be in such situations, however unbelievable they may be. From the start, Susan stands by her man, defending him against Danny's accusations. Does it ever occur to her that when a strange event happens, Rick was out of the house at that same time? Does she ever stop to think about how her disbelief in her son's statements is affecting him, rather than the old song-and-dance about her marriage to Rick? Even the police are completely clueless, ignoring everything until the end when it hardly matters.

My big complaint with "Domestic Disturbance" is its editor, who has chopped the movie down to a mere 88 minutes, too short for a thriller and too long for a documentary on vengeful stepfathers. Paramount's advertising campaign for the film hit us with a slew of pre-release television commercials, as well as a lengthy and revealing theatrical trailer. There are scenes in both of these, one of which involves a car chase, the other involving a discussion between Rick and Frank in which Rick tries to buy him off. These and others glimpses are not even included in the final cut, and perhaps may have been more interesting than what we see here.

The climax is standard fodder, but it has the ability to generate more intensity than the rest of the film altogether. Travolta turns in a good performance, convincing us of his status as a loving father; Vaughn fails to generate a sense of menace, while Polo does little else except look completely clueless. For all its attributes (which are few), "Domestic Disturbance" adds nothing new to a worn out genre; its lack of lucid plot could be overlooked if not for its failure to generate any level of suspense. '

Note: The film was shot on the eastern coast of North Carolina, in Southport, yet in one scene, Ray mentions his locating Rick was from a childhood memory of Rick's about a family vacation in Maryland. Your thoughts, Mr. McNally?

FATHER KNOWS BEST
DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE is a by the book, easy to predict potboiler, but one directed with sharp verve by Harold Becker and given a boost by the performance of Matthew O'Leary as young Danny. O'Leary went on to show his incredible range in FRAILTY, but in this movie, he brings his doe-eyed innocence and fervent fear to form the core of the movie. John Travolta does well as Danny's father, although he sometimes seems overburdened with trying not to act like Pulp Fiction; Vince Vaughn is appropriately menacing as the wicked new stepfather, but we never really understand his motivation for marrying Polo in the first place. Steve Buscemi shows up in his usual seedy bad guy role, but doesn't get much of a chance to do anything with it.
This is an entertaining movie, and works because it attacks our primal fear of something happening to our kids. It's to O'Leary's credit that it works so well.

A better movie then you think its going to be
Yeah, I'll admit that I watched this disc with very little in the way of hope or expectations but an hour and a half later I was pleasantly surprised at this little thriller. While this film's foundation is comprised of typical 'B-movie' elements the film certainly over-achieves by way of Harold Becker's taut direction and Travolta and Vince Vaughn's excellent performances making this a better thriller then it deserved to be.

As far as overall disc production goes, the video transfer is average at best while the 5.1 Dolby is slightly better. Extras are skimpy as well with a commentary track by Becker, a handful of deleted scenes and a few storyboard examples. Is the disc ultimately worth your purchase? Probably not - but certainly worth your rental dollar should you find yourself craving a well done b-movie thriller.

One of the best movies of its type to come along in years
I really like this movie. Granted, it's a little predictable, and in places maybe Travolta seems a little flat. It has a few other flaws as well. But there are a lot of reasons to like a movie and sometimes you have to make allowences.
What works about it? Matthew O'Leary and Vince Vaughn; the helpless kid & the bad guy. As the movie progresses, the kid gets more and more loveable and the evil dude becomes ever more despicable. Everything you need for this type of movie to be successful; a couple of very good actors in the right roles, convincingly earning, in this case, our sympathy or our bile. Even if the movie holds up in no other way for you, these two actors are sure to do their part. Settings, production, background, or script aside, these two deliver.
Predictable? Somewhat, sure. How many movies aren't? As for Trovolta perhaps being a little off, hey, the man is very busy. Besides, he was supposed to be low-key in this role, the emphasis of the movie being his son's plight. I think ultimately he served that role very well.
So despite its flaws, this movie still works, and I think quite well. If you haven't seen it you should consider doing so. ... Read more

Reviews (198)

College Life without the Education
Luke Wilson, Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell give college a second try in the raucous comedy "Old School". A rowdy party for their depressed friend Mitch (Luke Wilson) becomes the talk of the local college campus and gives them the chance to relive their wild college lives. Soon, Mitch, Frank "The Tank" (Will Ferrell) and Beanie (Vince Vaughn) form their own unorthodox fraternity whom crazy antics draw the attention of no-nonsense Dean Pritcher (Jeremy Piven). From director Todd Phillips (Road Trip), "Old School" is a hilarious comic romp but its no "Animal House". This wild comedy is good-natured fun with a great comic cast and off-beat humor. Luke Wilson and Vince Vaughn are quite funny but it's Will Ferrell who delivers the movie's most outrageous laughs. The cast also includes Juliette Lewis, Elisha Cuthbert, Leah Remini and Sean William Scott.

If you enjoyed this funny comedy in theaters then "Old School" Unrated Edition is a recommended DVD purchase. Except for some slight nudity in the opening menu, there isn't much difference between the unrated and rated editions of "Old School". The movie is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format. The DVD contains a fine picture quality with good sharpness. The 5.1 Dolby Digital and DTS sound options are quite clear and often engaging. The DVD features an audio commentary by cast members and director Todd Phillips, deleted scenes, a hilarious "Inside the Actors Studio" spoof and a short behind-the-scenes featurette. Overall, "Old School" Unrated Edition scores a "B-".

Sort of an Animal House 25th anniversary tribute.
"Old School" brings back the fun and irreverence of the days of "Animal House" that so few movies seem willing to revisit. Comedy these days seems built around 'paint-by-numbers' formulas or 'let's see how much we can gross people out' shock characteristics. Current releases like "Boat Trip" and "Bringing Down the House" fall in the former category while any movie involving Tom Green or the Farrelly Brothers falls into the latter category. In "Old School", it's refreshing to see a movie that takes a 'devil may care' attitude with its plot and characters while also have the common sense to push the envelope where appropriate without ever crossing the line (following "Animal House's" lead).

In "Old School", Mitch (played by Luke Wilson) is depressed after a breakup with his longtime girlfriend. He moves into a new house near the local college campus and his two best friends, Beanie (Vince Vaughn) and Frank 'the Tank' (Will Ferrell) decide to cheer him up by using his new house to throw a wild 'freedom' party. In a party complete with nubile co-eds, binge drinking, and a performance by Snoop Dogg, the party becomes legendary and draws the ire of the college dean, who just happens to be some nerd that Mitch, Beanie, and Frank tormented in high school. He attempts to take the house from Mitch by claiming it can only be used for campus-related events. This sparks Beanie's imagination to create the most unorthodox fraternity in existence to circumvent the dean's ruling. From there, "Old School" engages in the type of 'us against the administration' hi-jinx that made "Animal House" such a riot.

Will Ferrell gives a performance worthy of John Belushi with his Bluto-esque take as Frank the Tank, whose relapse back into his college days fractures his brand new marriage. Yet, it doesn't seem to affect Frank too too much. Ferrell, as witnessed by his years on Saturday Night Live, is one of the more gifted physical comedians performing today. He has the lunacy of a Jim Carrey without any of the pretentiousness or self-importance that seems to plague Carrey. Vince Vaughn gives another winning performance as a typical, sleazy salesman type who remains just enough on the side of respectability that you still like the guy. It's classic Vaughn. Luke Wilson's performance isn't quite as memorable, but his lovable-loser demeanor fits the role of Mitch perfectly. There are a number of other supporting characters that, while barely more than one-dimensional, make this film a winner (Blue, the 80-year fraternity pledge is a personal favorite).

With world events becoming more somber and depressing and with movies becoming increasingly disappointing, it's quite a relief a no-frills good time can be had at a theater. "Old School" lets the audience feel that kind of relief.

Absolutely worth every penny, HILARIOUS!
I woun't ramble on too much, but I will say this movie is the best I have seen in a while. It's over the top funny, each of the 3 guys (Vaughn, Wilson and Ferrell) make it that much better. It's one of those movies you can watch over and over again and NEVER grow tired of it. Worth every penny, it's definately a 5-star movie in my book.<br /> <br /> ~

makes Animal House seem like Tolstoy
THIS DRIVEL LEFT ME WANTING LESS. DISGUSTING! WITHOUT MERIT!

"Hey Merisa It's Frank Ricard"
The Funniest movie of 2003. This slapstick party comedy starring the King of comedy William Ferrel and also starring Lucas Wilson and Vincent Vaughn. The three men who relive their college years when they start a faternity. This film is laugh out loud hilarious. It's the Animal House of the 21st century. it's Ferrel's funniest act since Jay and Silent Bob and Saturday Night Live. The Best scene is Will Ferrel streaking " come on snoop, snoopaloop bring your green hat". This film will be a classic comedy some day. If you want screwball,slapstick comedy. or if you saw Anchorman first. You'll love Old School. It's a hell of a good parade of party animals. "Blue your my boy" ... Read more

Reviews (240)

The Lost World
This sequel to the 1993 blockbuster is good as sequels go but isn't a great movie. Jeff Goldblum gives a good performance as Dr. Ian Malcolm and Julianne Moore contributes too. The screenplay based on the novel by Michael Crichton is poorly done but has a few funny lines. The cinematography is good and captures the horror very well, and the production design is very frightening. The soundwork is very good, but the editing by veteran Michael Kahn (Close Encounters, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T.) is not very well done, you can hardly digest what is happening. John Williams contributes a rousing yet ominous score. One thing that keeps this movie moving are the incredible Oscar nominated special effects done masterfully by the great Dennis Muren and Stan Winston. The basic plot is that John Hammond, the creator of Jurassic Park, has an island where dinosaurs roam freely but must send Malcolm along with his girlfriend and two other companions to photograph the dinosaurs so Ingen will be kept from disturbing the dinosaurs. Overall, fairly well done, suspenseful, but fails to capture the awe, greatness, and wonder that the original possessed. There is also a Jurassic Park 3 coming out. I can't wait.

Dinosaurs Galore
Recently I was able to catch Spielberg's The Lost World. I say Spielberg because other than the title it bears no resemblance to the book. This is not necessarily a bad thing. While a lousy interpretation of the book it is still a good film.

Jeff Goldblum is hired (by a man who is dead in the book) to study the ecosystems on InGen's Site B where dinosaurs have been flourishing. Only the fact that his girlfriend is in danger gets Goldblum to go. No sooner does he arrive and try and convince her to leave than a massive InGen expedition shows up to hunt and capture dinosaurs.

InGen's plans for capturing dinosaurs goes awry when Goldblum and friends release the dinosaurs during a satellite-linked board meeting. InGen plans to open a dinosaur park facility at the San Diego zoo. During the chaos every radio in the camp manages to get trampled. The survivors must now find a way off of the island. Unfortunately most of them are killed in a brief attack by velociraptors while in tall grass.

The few survivors of the second expedition manage to capture a T-Rex and ready it for shipping to the states. Goldblum and friends escape by helicopter.

In San Diego the T-Rex manages to escape and go rampaging through the city. Goldblum must lure the T-Rex back onto the freighter that brought it to the States. In the end a huge navy escort follows the freighter back to the island while Mr. Hammond implores to public to leave the dinosaurs alone; they deserve it.

Some people definitely had fun making this movie. There were scenes from classic and not-so-classic movies including King Kong, Godzilla, Carnosaur 3 (CARNOSAUR was the book Crichton got the idea for JURASSIC PARK from) and others. Two scenes I particularly enjoyed were a crowd of screaming Japanese looking over their shoulders while running in terror and a little boy who wakes his parents to tell them that there is a dinosaur in the back yard.

It was reported that a paleontologist made sure that the dinosaurs acted as current scientific beliefs say they should. Hah! The Stegosaurs were the size of apatosaurs. Something, possibly the escaped triceratops, managed to knock a hummer airborne so that ir reached an altitude of at least a hundred feet and an amazing distance. Velociraptors can now leap three stories up and forty yards out. The tyrannosaur can run right through building walls without slowing down. Fun? Yes. Realistic? No way. Needless to say if the dinosaurs acted this way in the first movie then no one would have escaped.

Still, it was a very fun film that I recommend to any dinosaur lover who can stand to see people pulled apart by huge carnivores sharing a tidbit. The Lost World (the third film by that name) should be available on video and day now.

Steven Plays Around A Bit...
Actually, LWJP is just Steven Spielberg having some fun. It's an obvious tribute to movies like King Kong, Godzilla, and even the original 1925 version of The Lost World. It's a non-stop SFX extravaganza that is more dessert than a nourishing meal. Jeff Goldblum returns as Ian Malcolm. He is not bad in his role, though he does wear thin. Julianne Moore is beautiful as always, and pulls off her "concerned scientist" part with ease. The T-rex is back, with his mate and offspring. The Raptors terrorize, managing to kill off many slimy hunters and Ingen drones. Not a bad sequel, considering that most sequels are pure rubbish anyway. I enjoyed the T-rex running rampant in LA. I only wish it had had more time to cause hysteria and chaos! A nice binge-eating trip down Hollywood Blvd would've been cool! Oh well. Watch with brain on pause...

It's Lost All Right
"Jurassic Park" could be forgiven the lack of story and character development because it was artfully crafted to be a thrill ride. This sequel, also inspired by Michael Chrichton's book, departs more from the story and fully flops into the B-movie category.

Jeff Goldblum is back visiting the dinosaurs, along with several other characters from the previous movie. This time our scientists are observing the behavior of the dinosaurs, trying to learn as much as possible, a very scientist-like activity. However, greed plays a part once again as a team of big-game hunters come to the island to attempt to capture an array of dinosaurs for a dinosaur zoo in an attempt for Ingen to recoup some of its substantial investment in the dinosaurs.

All appears to be going well for everyone except the dinosaurs until the scientists decide to play environmentalists and release all the dinosaurs from their cages. The dinosaurs go on a rampage (ever seen a rampaging triceratops?), destroying the camp of the hunters. Even then our scientists would have been okay had they not decided to help a baby tyrannosaurus. The parents track down the baby with predictably bad results for the humans.

Now scientists and big game hunters alike are on the run from the tyrannosaurs, and in the process of escaping they encounter our old friends the raptors, still intelligent, still agile, and still very hungry.

Eventually some of the characters escape, and the tyrannosaurus and its baby are captured so that they can be taken to California. Something unexplained happens on the ship and the only thing left are the tyrannosaurs and a hand trying keeping a cargo bay door closed. Remove the hand and a miniature Godzilla roams the streets of San Diego.

The first Jurassic Park movie had plot holes that you were able to ignore in favor of the cool special effects and the action. This time the plot holes are bigger than the movie. Real scientists do not behave as Dr. Sarah Harding (Julianne Moore) does in this movie. As Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) advises her, "Do not interact," a basic rule of scientific observation. Interacting is for Green Peace and the Sierra Club, not for real scientists.

Our hunters blunder about in a manner that is guaranteed to get them killed. They run when they should walk. They walk when they should stay put. The actions of the supposed scientists continually put everyone into danger. When you remove the bullets from a gun, and the gun is later used to attempt to protect you, the result is predictable. The plot holes continue in allowing the tyrannosaur escape.

Added to the plot holes are moments of humor that further spin this movie into the realm of low-budget monster movies. The scene with the dog in a San Diego suburb was completely unnecessary. Of course, by that point I was beyond disappointed with the movie.

This movie does have a few good points, all based on action scenes, but the plot holes outweigh the good portions and the mistakes and silly behavior make this movie difficult to watch. I give this movie three stars because the special effects continued to be good, the only redeeming feature of this movie.

Okay, not as good as the first
This movie was okay. The first one is so much better, but this one is still not bad. I thought it was awesome when the T-Rex attacked a city! I still bought it because I love the movies. See it if you like the first, but don't expect it to be better.

MPAA: PG-13
Running Time: 129 minutes
Year released: 1997 ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Dwight and friends make a real western
The more I see this flick, the more I love it. At first viewing this DVD, I thought it started off pretty dull and slow, but then things picked up when I realized the film's characters are supposed to be quirky and odd. I loved the unpretentiousness of the writing and acting. No stupid predictable Hollywood lines or situations in this film. GREAT!

Being Dwight's first Director job (and not knowing anything else about Mr. Yoakam) I think it's a minor masterpiece. I do wish he'd have cast someone else as his character and concentrated on directing only. All the actors were outstanding. Can't say enough about them. Truly a pleasure to watch them in action. I also dug those wild rags!

This movie gave me the western flick bug. I rented other westerns thereafter. Well-known and recent ones, including a God-awful remake of High Noon with Tom Skerritt and Michael Madsen. I love this little gem the most. I intend to buy it. Already own the soundtrack CD.

Can't wait until Dwight's next effort.

A Dark Movie That Isn't For Everyone
South of Heaven, West of Hell really didn't get much theatrical exposure, which is surprising considering its stellar cast, including Dwight Yoakam, Billy Bob Thornton , Bridget & Peter Fonda, Vince Vaughn, Paul Reubens and Bud Cort. In addition, South of Heaven, West of Hell is in the strange position of having different cuts of the film being released on VHS and DVD. The VHS of South of Heaven, West of Hell is 30 minutes shorter than the theatrical and DVD version of the film. I have no idea why Trimark would decide to touch South of Heaven, West of Hell, one of the most intriguing and 'real' westerns I've seen in a long time.

Running at about two and a half hours, South of Heaven, West of Hell takes its time telling its story, but surprisingly doesn't really feel slow. Director/Star Dwight Yoakam does a great job of capturing the feeling of life in the West at the turn of the century. There's a scene at dusk where there's nothing really going on, a group of people sit around outside and listen to people play music. It's such a stark contrast to modern life where people close themselves in their homes and flick on the TV. It's little moments like this that create a real and credible world in which the story takes place.

Aside from being one of the more methodical and realistic westerns I've seen, South of Heaven, West of Hell is also by far the darkest, where there really aren't any heros, and the lines between honor and revenge are quite blurry. South of Heaven, West of Hell is a gem of a movie with stellar performances. While I felt Dwight Yoakam did a great job as the lead, I really enjoyed the supporting performances, especially Bud Cort (best know for being Harold in Harold and Maude), Paul Reubens, who is a thrill to watch playing a cowboy, and Billy Bob Thornton in a brief but pivitol role.

After watching South of Heaven, West of Hell I still had a number of questions about the film, but unfortunately the commentary doesn't clear everything up, which at first was a little frustrating, but after a bit of thinking was ok. It's hard to remember a recent film that I thought about as much afterward. South of Heaven, West of Hell isn't a movie for everyone but for those interested in a dark, real western I'd highly recommend it. [Geoffrey Kleinman, DVDTalk.com]

Beautifully photographed, that's about it...
I love Dwight Yoakam's music and songwriting, he's surely one of the best singer/ songwriters out there but I think he should leave the screenwriting to professional screenwriters. This film looks beautiful, but the plot leaves a lot to be desired and the dialogue is often very dull. Dwight has some positives in this, as bad as it is. For instance, he looks great on a horse, but he looks uncomfortable in front of the camera here, which is unusual for him, given his other movies. The characters are interesting enough, but not given enough development that we can see. I don't think Dwight should give up directing entirely, but I would not recommend seeing this.

South of Coherence, West of Logic
Dwight Yoakam, accomplished country/western singer, loves movies. He has appeared, as an actor, in over a dozen films. On this film, Yoakam functioned as writer, co-producer [with Buck Owens], director, star, and of course, he worked on the musical score as well. This would be quite a feat for the most accomplished of movie stars, which Mr. Yoakam is not. He can be very effective as an actor, when directed properly, as in "Sling Blade" and "Panic Room". He is a better actor than Johnny Cash was, or Merle Haggard; certainly as good as the icon known as Willie Nelson.

This film is so bad, it is almost good. It is so different, so off-center, so oblique, that it challenges the audience. The cinematography, by James Glennon, is lush; images bathed in dust and golden light, drenced in blood-red sunsets and shimmering mirage riders, ghost-like apparitions. I think it is admirable that Yoakam had enought influence, enough money, enough good friends, and enough ego to launch this dark confused tale. But, alas, it does not emerge as eclectic as Jim Jarmusch's mini-classic,"Dead Man". We all love a western, and Yoakam can be applauded for purposefully breaking down many of the cliches of the genre. Next time though, sir, please procure blanks for your handguns that do not sound like cap pistols.

The movie has been called self-indulgent, and it is; tedious, even egregious. Actually, what it is remains closer to a labor of love falling leagues short of coherence. It was poorly written. Without strongly defined characters, clear conflicts, and fully-realized conclusions, we struggle as viewers. At times, the film becomes too esoteric; like Dennis Hopper's "The Last Movie", one suspects the cast had fun doing it, but where's the fun in watching it ? No one wants a film to fail. We search for those tiny nanoseconds that elevate, entertain, and enlighten us.

The movie is populated by bizarre characters portrayed by a bevy of terrific actors. Yoakam, as U.S.Marshall, Val Casey, is at ease in front of the camera; but Val comes off as shallow posturing. Where is the anger, inner strength, and passion ?
Several times in the semblence of a plot it is mentioned that an official government letter exists, and in it is the information that Valentine Casey was deceased; that he had died in Cuba in the Spanish-American war. When confronted with this conundrum, Val just stares wistfully toward the horizon. So, as an undercurrent, we wonder if Val is really an avenging spirit, or if the whole movie represents a nightmarish dream ?

Joe Unger, as the outlaw Nogales, makes a strong impression, finding a real person within the absurdity of the script. Billy Bob Thornton, Peter Fonda, Matt Clark, and Bo Hopkins, sleepwalk through their brief scenes, lending their visage and names to the project. Bridget Fonda, as Adelyne, is credible, considering her character is written incoherently. The Henry Clan are the heavies. They are led by Luke Askew, astride a primitive wheel chair, spouted biblical platitudes, manning a machine gun mounted on his wagon, and finding time to bugger his daughter. Vince Vaughn cuts a wide swath as Taylor Henry, the most lethel of the bunch; killing without remorse, ice-blooded and stone-faced. Comic relief is provided with the bawdy flavor of Shakespeare; down, dirty, and bloody. Bud Cort is dipped in [foul stuff], stripped, humiliated, beaten, and shot. Paul Reubens, as Arvid Henry, seethes like a [unique] gunslinger, bouncing about like a Marx brother; murdering, [abusing], stealing,... Michael Jeter, as the uncle, gets to whine, beg, howl, cajole, and [be abused],... Terry McIlvain, as Val's sidekick, U.S.Christmas, is costumed in a colorful skirt, like a South American gaucho, and he makes the most out of his screen time.

...this one could become a cult classic.

The Best Western Since Pale Rider
Easily the best western since Pale Rider. As a 26 year old non-country boy, the only other westerns I considered worthwhile were those of Sergio Leone and anything shoot-em-up with Clint Eastwood, pre-Unforgiven days... Dwight Yoakam serves up a fine dish of honky-tonk, gunfighting, and even raunch in a western that plays more like a documentary than fiction. Not in the boring ... documentary fashion, but in a way of life, be it low or otherwise. This movie is original, intelligent, and puts any later western to shame, including Young Guns, its sequel, Unforgiven, or Posse. Those who claim there is no plot are obviously not paying attention to a film they decided to critique. ... Read more

Amazon.com

How's this for impressive trivia: Dodgeball faced off against The Terminal in opening-weekend competition, and 29-year-old writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber aced Steven Spielberg by a score of $30 to $18.7 in box-office millions. That's no mean feat for a newcomer, but Thurber's lowbrow script and rapid-fire direction--along with a sublime cast of screen comedians--proved to be just what moviegoers were ravenous for: a consistently hilarious, patently formulaic romp in which the underdog owner of Average Joe's Gym (Vince Vaughan) faces foreclosure unless he can raise $50,000 in 30 days. The solution: A dodgeball tournament offering $50K to the winners, in which Vaughan and his nerdy clientele team up against the preening, abhorrently narcissistic owner (Ben Stiller) of Globo Gym, who's threatening a buy-out. That's it for story; any 5-year-old could follow it with brainpower to spare. But Thurber, Vaughan, Stiller, and their well-cast costars (including Stiller's off-screen wife, Christine Taylor) keep the big laughs coming for 96 nonsensical minutes. With spot-on cameos by champion bicyclist Lance Armstrong, David Hasselhoff, Hank Azaria, Chuck Norris, and William Shatner, and a crudely amusing coda for those who watch past the credits, Dodgeball is no masterpiece, but you can bet Spielberg was unexpectedly humbled by its popular appeal. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (206)

Poopy in a diaper bag
This movie was horrible.It was like eating turd.Ben Stiller shouldn't inflate in this movie just makes him look weird and Vince Vaughn was tall compared to Ben Stiller.If you are gonna buy this movie just imagine eating poop that's how the movie is like.

Full of Laughs
This movie is not without flaws, but I've never laughed harder before almost to the point of not being able to breathe and Ben Stiller's performance as a gym mogul is the best I have seen yet of Ben Stiller. This is truly his best performance yet.

The plot is pretty simple and straight forward. I was very pleased to see in the cast of characters, for they are real characters, some alumni from the movie, Office Space, another film about regular folks trying to forge a way through life. The supporting actors were superb, except for one exception. I didn't like Vince Vaughn's performance in this movie, which consisted more of giving "pep-talk" lines rather than acting.He appeared more to me as a slick businesssman than a "regular Joe," trying to keep his gym afloat. He's also too much of a pretty boy to play the "average Joe" role...

Nevertheless, Ben Stiller and the rest of the supporting cast are hilarious and their performances are superb. For a good laugh, don't miss this one.


*N.B.*
This movie is meant to be goofy and shouldn't be taken in any manner seriously.

Dude, where's my dignity?!
OKay, Ben, not even guys getting hit in the face with [dodge]balls is gonna save you this time. Did they just unfreeze your Starsky charcter and put you in this movie? You're killin me!!!!!Do something different!

The rest of the cast was good, although not the same can be said of the jokes. This could have been a thirty minute movie, maybe add another 10 minutes of that kid getting hit with the wrenches.

If you love Ben Stiller please "See all my reviews"

So Silly, So Crude, and So Funny
You find no subtlety here, and you shouldn't try to.Here is the a comedy with lots of ultimately crude, rude, unsophisticated gags.But I like 'Dodgeball' because of that, and if you love kind of a comedy like 'There's Something About Mary,' this film is for you.

Story?It's about a bunch of underdogs who need money very badly.So they join in the national dodgeball tournament in Las Vegas to get $50,000.That's it, and they form a ragtag team called 'Average Joes' while another team attempt to crush them, called 'Purple Cobras.'

Vince Vaughn, cast against type, plays the reluctant leader of 'Joes' and Ben Stiller plays the greedy gym owner named 'White Goodman.'Add to them, Christine Taylor (Ben's real-life wife) joins in the cast as the lawyer who is sexually harassed by Mr. Goodman.Is there any depth, subtle touch, or social message?But should there be any?

[SLAPSTICKS AND CAMEOS] Rip Torn's funny dodgeball coach says, 'If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball.'Right?In fact, red rubber balls fly around and hit the characters in the face.The traditional slapstick comedy like pie-throwing is done in another style, with more energy and vitality, with lots of raucous humor.Dirty languages abound, and the gags are often very sexual.Plus, you see many cameos -- William Shatner, Chuck Norris, Hank Azaria, David Hasselhoff (as German coach), and Lance Armstrong -- all of them adding more unexpected humor to the film.

I don't say this is the best comedy of the decade, but it is true I enjoyed watching the film very much.Silly, to be sure, but sometimes, just sometimes, absolute silliness with unstoppable energy produces a hilarious comedy like this.And as far as the box office figure goes, which exceeded $110,000,000 in USA alone, many people seem to have felt the same way as I do.

One of The Funniest movies of All Time!!
I saw This movie and I liked it. So When The PSP version comes out, I will be first to get it. I've heard that some psp movies are very dark even when the brightness setting is all the way up. I hope this movie looks just like the one on dvd. pick it up when it comes out!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (240)

The Lost World
This sequel to the 1993 blockbuster is good as sequels go but isn't a great movie. Jeff Goldblum gives a good performance as Dr. Ian Malcolm and Julianne Moore contributes too. The screenplay based on the novel by Michael Crichton is poorly done but has a few funny lines. The cinematography is good and captures the horror very well, and the production design is very frightening. The soundwork is very good, but the editing by veteran Michael Kahn (Close Encounters, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T.) is not very well done, you can hardly digest what is happening. John Williams contributes a rousing yet ominous score. One thing that keeps this movie moving are the incredible Oscar nominated special effects done masterfully by the great Dennis Muren and Stan Winston. The basic plot is that John Hammond, the creator of Jurassic Park, has an island where dinosaurs roam freely but must send Malcolm along with his girlfriend and two other companions to photograph the dinosaurs so Ingen will be kept from disturbing the dinosaurs. Overall, fairly well done, suspenseful, but fails to capture the awe, greatness, and wonder that the original possessed. There is also a Jurassic Park 3 coming out. I can't wait.

Dinosaurs Galore
Recently I was able to catch Spielberg's The Lost World. I say Spielberg because other than the title it bears no resemblance to the book. This is not necessarily a bad thing. While a lousy interpretation of the book it is still a good film.

Jeff Goldblum is hired (by a man who is dead in the book) to study the ecosystems on InGen's Site B where dinosaurs have been flourishing. Only the fact that his girlfriend is in danger gets Goldblum to go. No sooner does he arrive and try and convince her to leave than a massive InGen expedition shows up to hunt and capture dinosaurs.

InGen's plans for capturing dinosaurs goes awry when Goldblum and friends release the dinosaurs during a satellite-linked board meeting. InGen plans to open a dinosaur park facility at the San Diego zoo. During the chaos every radio in the camp manages to get trampled. The survivors must now find a way off of the island. Unfortunately most of them are killed in a brief attack by velociraptors while in tall grass.

The few survivors of the second expedition manage to capture a T-Rex and ready it for shipping to the states. Goldblum and friends escape by helicopter.

In San Diego the T-Rex manages to escape and go rampaging through the city. Goldblum must lure the T-Rex back onto the freighter that brought it to the States. In the end a huge navy escort follows the freighter back to the island while Mr. Hammond implores to public to leave the dinosaurs alone; they deserve it.

Some people definitely had fun making this movie. There were scenes from classic and not-so-classic movies including King Kong, Godzilla, Carnosaur 3 (CARNOSAUR was the book Crichton got the idea for JURASSIC PARK from) and others. Two scenes I particularly enjoyed were a crowd of screaming Japanese looking over their shoulders while running in terror and a little boy who wakes his parents to tell them that there is a dinosaur in the back yard.

It was reported that a paleontologist made sure that the dinosaurs acted as current scientific beliefs say they should. Hah! The Stegosaurs were the size of apatosaurs. Something, possibly the escaped triceratops, managed to knock a hummer airborne so that ir reached an altitude of at least a hundred feet and an amazing distance. Velociraptors can now leap three stories up and forty yards out. The tyrannosaur can run right through building walls without slowing down. Fun? Yes. Realistic? No way. Needless to say if the dinosaurs acted this way in the first movie then no one would have escaped.

Still, it was a very fun film that I recommend to any dinosaur lover who can stand to see people pulled apart by huge carnivores sharing a tidbit. The Lost World (the third film by that name) should be available on video and day now.

Steven Plays Around A Bit...
Actually, LWJP is just Steven Spielberg having some fun. It's an obvious tribute to movies like King Kong, Godzilla, and even the original 1925 version of The Lost World. It's a non-stop SFX extravaganza that is more dessert than a nourishing meal. Jeff Goldblum returns as Ian Malcolm. He is not bad in his role, though he does wear thin. Julianne Moore is beautiful as always, and pulls off her "concerned scientist" part with ease. The T-rex is back, with his mate and offspring. The Raptors terrorize, managing to kill off many slimy hunters and Ingen drones. Not a bad sequel, considering that most sequels are pure rubbish anyway. I enjoyed the T-rex running rampant in LA. I only wish it had had more time to cause hysteria and chaos! A nice binge-eating trip down Hollywood Blvd would've been cool! Oh well. Watch with brain on pause...

It's Lost All Right
"Jurassic Park" could be forgiven the lack of story and character development because it was artfully crafted to be a thrill ride. This sequel, also inspired by Michael Chrichton's book, departs more from the story and fully flops into the B-movie category.

Jeff Goldblum is back visiting the dinosaurs, along with several other characters from the previous movie. This time our scientists are observing the behavior of the dinosaurs, trying to learn as much as possible, a very scientist-like activity. However, greed plays a part once again as a team of big-game hunters come to the island to attempt to capture an array of dinosaurs for a dinosaur zoo in an attempt for Ingen to recoup some of its substantial investment in the dinosaurs.

All appears to be going well for everyone except the dinosaurs until the scientists decide to play environmentalists and release all the dinosaurs from their cages. The dinosaurs go on a rampage (ever seen a rampaging triceratops?), destroying the camp of the hunters. Even then our scientists would have been okay had they not decided to help a baby tyrannosaurus. The parents track down the baby with predictably bad results for the humans.

Now scientists and big game hunters alike are on the run from the tyrannosaurs, and in the process of escaping they encounter our old friends the raptors, still intelligent, still agile, and still very hungry.

Eventually some of the characters escape, and the tyrannosaurus and its baby are captured so that they can be taken to California. Something unexplained happens on the ship and the only thing left are the tyrannosaurs and a hand trying keeping a cargo bay door closed. Remove the hand and a miniature Godzilla roams the streets of San Diego.

The first Jurassic Park movie had plot holes that you were able to ignore in favor of the cool special effects and the action. This time the plot holes are bigger than the movie. Real scientists do not behave as Dr. Sarah Harding (Julianne Moore) does in this movie. As Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum) advises her, "Do not interact," a basic rule of scientific observation. Interacting is for Green Peace and the Sierra Club, not for real scientists.

Our hunters blunder about in a manner that is guaranteed to get them killed. They run when they should walk. They walk when they should stay put. The actions of the supposed scientists continually put everyone into danger. When you remove the bullets from a gun, and the gun is later used to attempt to protect you, the result is predictable. The plot holes continue in allowing the tyrannosaur escape.

Added to the plot holes are moments of humor that further spin this movie into the realm of low-budget monster movies. The scene with the dog in a San Diego suburb was completely unnecessary. Of course, by that point I was beyond disappointed with the movie.

This movie does have a few good points, all based on action scenes, but the plot holes outweigh the good portions and the mistakes and silly behavior make this movie difficult to watch. I give this movie three stars because the special effects continued to be good, the only redeeming feature of this movie.

Okay, not as good as the first
This movie was okay. The first one is so much better, but this one is still not bad. I thought it was awesome when the T-Rex attacked a city! I still bought it because I love the movies. See it if you like the first, but don't expect it to be better.

MPAA: PG-13
Running Time: 129 minutes
Year released: 1997 ... Read more

Reviews (326)

Great Color, Great Costumes....Not much substance
To put it simply..this movie didn't have just a real great plot. At best, it was quite weak. Most of the movie takes place inside of a serial killer's deranged, albeit very colorful mind. Actually, the film reminded me a lot of Silence of the Lambs, except you don't really care about what happens to the characters; and Jennifer Lopez is no Jodie Foster.

Actually in this movie, Ms. Lopez's character acts more like Little Bo Peep, or Goldie Locks. She is just too sugary sweet. You want here to wake up and yell at someone.

As for the visual aspects of the movie; the were awesome! The costumes, the terrific use of color, and all of the sets were spectacular. This will sound gross, but there is one really cool scene where a horse gets sliced like cheese between plates of glass. But, it is alive and you can see its organs moving! Really gross, and doesn't mean much to the film, but really cool, in a sick sort of way.

Overall, I would buy it again....especially for the cheese slicer!

Bizarre and intriguing
The Cell

Score: 69/100

Four stars from Roger Ebert. Ten stars from my friends. 69 stars from me. I'd have to agree with myself. In my opinion, The Cell is not really 10/10 or 4/4 quality. It is indeed a fine film, but to call it a masterpiece or an instant classic is going far, far over the top.

Catherine Deane (Jennifer Lopez) is a psychotherapist who is part of a revolutionary new treatment which allows her mind to literally enter the mind of her patients. Her experience in this method takes an unexpected turn when FBI agent Peter Novak (Vince Vaughn) comes to ask for a desperate favour. They had just tracked down a notorious serial killer, Carl Stargher (Vincent D'Onofrio), whose MO is to abduct women one at a time and place them in a secret area where they are kept for about 40 hours until they are slowly drowned. Unfortunately, the killer has fallen into an irreversible coma which means he cannot confess where he has taken his latest victim before she dies. Now, Catherine Deane must race against time to explore the twisted mind of the killer to get the information she needs, but Stargher's damaged personality poses dangers that threaten to overwhelm her.

There is lots to like about this film. It's haunting images bring the art to life with lots of expression, the make-up and costume design is amazing and the idea of entering the mind of a serial killer is quite original and used with immense style. However, there is a couple of flaws which make The Cell plummet from what could've been a higher rating. Vincent D'Onofrio is strangely muted in his performance, and instead of been intelligent, some of the scenes are just plain strange, with no explanation or excuse to tag them along. But Jennifer Lopez looks and acts amazingly, although not quite up to her sexy standards in Out of Sight. I have to admit the best scenes in the film are the ones inside Carl Stargher's mind. They are occasionally brilliant (the part where Novak is trying to tell Catherine that the mind isn't real is disturbingly amazing) and well-filmed by Tarsem Sighn, director.

I liked the bizarreness of this film because it wasn't typical. All the images were new, and most of the ideas were original and we hadn't seen them put on film before. It's not perfect, and not exactly something you'd watch twice, but this is still an entertaining film for a Tuesday night, one that will stick in your nightmares for a wee while after viewing.

J-Lo In Wonderland...
The dark, bleak inner world of serial killer Carl (Vincent D'Onofrio) Stargher's mind is a bizarre labyrinth of horror and mystery. It also holds the key to finding Carl's latest female victim, before it's too late. Psychologist, Catherine (J-Lo) Deane is part of a team that has the ability to transfer a person into the mind of another. Catherine must enter Carl's head and travel through it's dank halls and passages, in order to help the FBI find the poor girl he's stashed away in a hidden dungeon. You see, Carl puts his victims in a plexiglass tank, drowns them over the course of 40 hours, and bleaches their lifeless bodies. Unfortunately, Carl slipped into a deep, irreversible coma, just as the feds moved in on him. Now, it's up to Catherine to make contact with Carl's inner self and get the information that will save his latest prey. Catherine is both gentle and strong, as she battles the insane beast that has manifest itself in Carl's mind. She befriend's Carl's "inner child", a terrified little boy, constantly on the run and reliving past tortures at the hand of his sadistic father. Can Catherine gain the boy's trust and get him to tell what he knows, or will the beast-man get them first? An excellent psycho / supernatural chiller, THE CELL is a haunting, beautiful creep-fest! Give it a look...

CELL MATES
THE CELL is one of the most visually arresting movies of the recent decade, rich in kaleidoscopic, Dalian imagery, and some beautifully arranged vistas. However, all this technical wizardry can't elevate Jennifer Lopez's wimpy performance. Yes, the woman is beautiful, and she photographs better than any beautiful actress in some time. But, Jennifer seems too inhibited to let her inner beauty outshine the outside. While she smiles and cries effectively, these emotions don't seem to be coming from her. Vincent D'Onofrio, a brilliant actor, gives a typical psychotic performance, but it is mind-numbing all the same; Vince Vaughn seems to be giving his audition for Norman Bates, but in actuality, he's better in this than he was in the remake of PSYCHO. Marie Jean Baptiste, an actress of worthy merit, is lost in the script, with only Jake Weber as Vaughn's periplectic partner, giving a performance of any nuance.
THE CELL is visually delightful, but emotionally void; however, it is a trip while you're with it. Doesn't leave you feeling much afterwards, though.

First rate movie
THE CELL is a really interesting movie that will most likely shock you. Visually, it's one of the most beautiful movies I've seen, the cinematography is breathtaking. Jennifer Lopez plays a child psychologist who can enter the minds of children and help them work through their problems. She enters the mind of a serial killer (played by Vincent D'Onofrio) who has fell into a coma. She has to find information about one of his victims he has been holding in a glass cage that is filled with water every now and then. She only has 48 hours to complete this, and she encounters a truly strange messed up world inside of his head, trying to find the truth. Like I said, it's visually quite stunning and the plot was interesting too, kept me guessing and glued to the screen. Very good movie. ... Read more

Reviews (326)

Great Color, Great Costumes....Not much substance
To put it simply..this movie didn't have just a real great plot. At best, it was quite weak. Most of the movie takes place inside of a serial killer's deranged, albeit very colorful mind. Actually, the film reminded me a lot of Silence of the Lambs, except you don't really care about what happens to the characters; and Jennifer Lopez is no Jodie Foster.

Actually in this movie, Ms. Lopez's character acts more like Little Bo Peep, or Goldie Locks. She is just too sugary sweet. You want here to wake up and yell at someone.

As for the visual aspects of the movie; the were awesome! The costumes, the terrific use of color, and all of the sets were spectacular. This will sound gross, but there is one really cool scene where a horse gets sliced like cheese between plates of glass. But, it is alive and you can see its organs moving! Really gross, and doesn't mean much to the film, but really cool, in a sick sort of way.

Overall, I would buy it again....especially for the cheese slicer!

Bizarre and intriguing
The Cell

Score: 69/100

Four stars from Roger Ebert. Ten stars from my friends. 69 stars from me. I'd have to agree with myself. In my opinion, The Cell is not really 10/10 or 4/4 quality. It is indeed a fine film, but to call it a masterpiece or an instant classic is going far, far over the top.

Catherine Deane (Jennifer Lopez) is a psychotherapist who is part of a revolutionary new treatment which allows her mind to literally enter the mind of her patients. Her experience in this method takes an unexpected turn when FBI agent Peter Novak (Vince Vaughn) comes to ask for a desperate favour. They had just tracked down a notorious serial killer, Carl Stargher (Vincent D'Onofrio), whose MO is to abduct women one at a time and place them in a secret area where they are kept for about 40 hours until they are slowly drowned. Unfortunately, the killer has fallen into an irreversible coma which means he cannot confess where he has taken his latest victim before she dies. Now, Catherine Deane must race against time to explore the twisted mind of the killer to get the information she needs, but Stargher's damaged personality poses dangers that threaten to overwhelm her.

There is lots to like about this film. It's haunting images bring the art to life with lots of expression, the make-up and costume design is amazing and the idea of entering the mind of a serial killer is quite original and used with immense style. However, there is a couple of flaws which make The Cell plummet from what could've been a higher rating. Vincent D'Onofrio is strangely muted in his performance, and instead of been intelligent, some of the scenes are just plain strange, with no explanation or excuse to tag them along. But Jennifer Lopez looks and acts amazingly, although not quite up to her sexy standards in Out of Sight. I have to admit the best scenes in the film are the ones inside Carl Stargher's mind. They are occasionally brilliant (the part where Novak is trying to tell Catherine that the mind isn't real is disturbingly amazing) and well-filmed by Tarsem Sighn, director.

I liked the bizarreness of this film because it wasn't typical. All the images were new, and most of the ideas were original and we hadn't seen them put on film before. It's not perfect, and not exactly something you'd watch twice, but this is still an entertaining film for a Tuesday night, one that will stick in your nightmares for a wee while after viewing.

J-Lo In Wonderland...
The dark, bleak inner world of serial killer Carl (Vincent D'Onofrio) Stargher's mind is a bizarre labyrinth of horror and mystery. It also holds the key to finding Carl's latest female victim, before it's too late. Psychologist, Catherine (J-Lo) Deane is part of a team that has the ability to transfer a person into the mind of another. Catherine must enter Carl's head and travel through it's dank halls and passages, in order to help the FBI find the poor girl he's stashed away in a hidden dungeon. You see, Carl puts his victims in a plexiglass tank, drowns them over the course of 40 hours, and bleaches their lifeless bodies. Unfortunately, Carl slipped into a deep, irreversible coma, just as the feds moved in on him. Now, it's up to Catherine to make contact with Carl's inner self and get the information that will save his latest prey. Catherine is both gentle and strong, as she battles the insane beast that has manifest itself in Carl's mind. She befriend's Carl's "inner child", a terrified little boy, constantly on the run and reliving past tortures at the hand of his sadistic father. Can Catherine gain the boy's trust and ge