Amazon.com essential video

It's not Blazing Saddles, but there are some chuckles to be found in Mel Brooks's 1993 spoof of the Robin Hood legend. Cary Elwes is Robin (with a lighthearted jab at Kevin Costner's bad English accent in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), while Richard Lewis plays an angst-ridden King John, and Roger Rees a snotty Sheriff of Nottingham. Comic David Chappelle has some good moments as the only black member of Robins's noble thieves, and Brooks does his own spin on Friar Tuck: Rabbi Tuchman. The song-and-dance sequences featuring a chorus line of the Merry Men ("We're men / men in tights") is vintage Brooks, but otherwise the film can't get any traction. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (115)

A spoof for people who hate spoofs.
If you're sick and tired of spoofs, especially the dumb ones of today, like "Mafia!" or "Scary Movie", this is the spoof for you. This movie has all kinds of crazy humor that doesn't offend anyone or go over the top, and has a mess of celebrities in it, like the main star, Cary Elwes, and a great supporting cast consisting of Amy Yasbeck, Dave Chappelle, Isaac Hayes, Megan Cavanaugh, and even Patrick Stewart, under the direction of comedy legend Mel Brooks, who also appears in the movie. This movie has all kinds of humor, from humor spoofing modern times, to "secret" humor, to metaphorical humor, and to simply wacky humor anyone can laugh at. Like the Monty Python movies and the Naked Gun trilogy, you'd have to be dead not to find this movie funny.

So in short, see this movie! You'll laugh till your sides hurt!

It is not one of Mel Brook's best but there are some laughs
I read that Mel Brook's made this movie because he is facinated with the Robin Hood legend (In particular the Errol Flynn version) Remember "When things were rotten" back in the seventies. He did this movie to poke fun at the Kevin Costner version "Prince of thieves". Apparently Kevin Costner refused to wear tights and as far as Mel Brooks was concern Robin Hood wore tights. I remember one line in which Rabbi Tuckman said to Robin Hood. Robin Hood you just won the heart of the princess YOU PRINCE OF THIEVES YOU!"

Robin Hood is played the versitile actor Cary Elwese, who has done both comedy and drama. One of his most memorable lines in this movie was "Unlike other Robin Hoods, I have a British accent."

My main complaint his that many of the Jokes are recycled from previous Mel Brook's movies. The scene with Dom De Louis as a Godfather like character was funny. It was a pretty good immitation of Marlon Brando.

The actor who played hangman in this movie was also the Hangman in Blazing Saddles.

Of course Mel Brook's always played a character in his movies. He played Rabbi Tuckman who made money by going to differevt villages performing circumcisions.

Funny?
I saw this when it was released in theaters. I had hopes for quite a few laughs. Instead there were just a few. Very few. Ever see a "comedy" where you keep waiting for the funny stuff to happen, but it never does? That's what happens with "Robin Hood-Men In Tights".

A Classic Brooks Adventure!
"Robin Hood: Men in Tights" was the first of Mel's movies that I saw. It was also one of the movies that sealed me as a Brook's fan! Cary Elwes was the classic Robin, with fun pokes at all the various others who had been in the role. The merry men were the funniest group gathered on one screen and the raps that began and ended the movie were a different idea, but still really cool. This movie should be given more credit as a hilarious comedy. In fact, when my school did the musical "Brigadoon' (which takes place in Scotland), a bunch of the guy actors did a parody of "Robin Hood" as a school broadcast commerial. They changed the words of the famous song "We're men in tights!" to "We're men in Kilts". It was classic! If you are looking for a good film, this is it!

Where is the DVD?
This is one of the funniest movies ever made. If Dracula: Dead and Loving It can make it to DVD, then why not this? Not only that, but it is available in Europe and Australia but not in the US. What are they waiting for? ... Read more

Amazon.com

For a film heavily dependent on special effects, the best effect going in this 1994 comedy is the ever-expressive star, Jim Carrey, playing a shy bank teller who stumbles across an ancient mask that turns him into a green hepcat with extraordinary powers. Cameron Diaz plays the love interest, but the real purpose of the movie is to bring cartoonish energy and effects into a live-action production. Toward that end, director Charles Russell does the job, but the gimmick wears out quickly for those easily bored by this sort of pseudo-animation. Lots of kids adore the film, though, and why not? The hero gets to be a whirlwind of mischief and still get the girl. The DVD release includes optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, deleted scenes, trailers, optional French soundtrack and optional French and Spanish subtitles.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (78)

Hello, Cameron Diaz And A Job Well Done Mr. Carrey
I must say that after watching such films as ,She's The One, and others starring Cameron Diaz I was not entirely impressed with her portfolio but when I got this DVD and gave it a quick viewing I must say I was(cough, cough) wholeheartily impressed with her performance. Okay, aside from watching this movie in that Music Television sort of way that totally discounts any of the other action going on other than the beautiful women being creatively(yet tastefully, yeah right) photographed I actually found this flick to be very appealing. I really don't know whether to call ,The Mask, a musical comedy, a romantic comedy, or a fantasy but I'm sure it's a bit of each. This is certainly a movie that showed Jim Carrey to be a good addition to the cast. His cartoonish comedy fit the role of a man with a love of cartoons very well, or should I say,"Like a glove."(I'll apologize in advance for the quote from Ace Ventura Pet Detective)The singing scenes were great. I have to admit I laughed a lot particularily during the scene with the cops instead of arresting Stanley Ipkus(How the hell do you spell that name?)they sang and danced to the "Cuban Pete" song. The other singing scene in the Coco Bongo with Carrey and Diaz dancing was not to shabby either. Ipkus's buddy Charlie was funny in a corny kind of way. His line about always wanting to say I believe it was take them away boys or something to that effect added to the cheese factor(Hey, I like cheese) The actors who played the officer and the sidekick in pursuit of the man in the green mask(AKA Ipkus) were very funny and the joke about the impossible pajamas was witty to say the least. The cameo by Ben Stein of Win Ben Stein's Money and Ferris Bueller's Day Off was also well placed. You know, the villain had a very Eric Roberts like aura about him.(Naturally, I didn't like him) So ,The Mask, is for anyone who deep down inside is a love crazed fiend with or without a really bad set of pajamas.(And of course a green mask of the night god Loki) The Mask is certainly worth a look, maybe even two.(hundred?)

Carrey'd Away
THE MASK is the film that made Jim Carrey a movie star. Carrey plays Stanley Ipkiss, a nerdish bank worker, whose hum-drum life is about to change in a big way. Stanley finds an ancient mask, that alters his personality, and causes his innermost feelings and desire to surface. The once shy nerd turns into a green face, big grinning party animal. Directed by Charles Russell, who allows Carrey to be his over the top antic self, as his cartoonish alter ego, The Mask, wisely keeps things moving at a brisk pace. Some of the Mask's bits are real howlers, like the first time he tries to woo the lovely Tina Carlyle (Cameron Diaz in her big screen debut), or the climax, when he tries to defeat the evil, Dorian Tyrell (Peter Greene), who wants to use the mask's power for dastardly deeds. Stanley's dog and sidekick Milo (almost) steals the show with a few antics of his own. The film has plenty of laughs and some fine F/X--a winner especially if you are a fan of Carrey's. Viewers can choose to watch the film in either Widescreen or Pan and Scan formats

The extras on The Platinum Series DVD are pretty good too. The commentary track from Russell is never dull. The deleted scenes offer a few more laughs from Carrey. Production notes, cast and crew information, and the theatrical trailer, round out the DVDs "added value material".While the handfull of extras are nice to have, Jim Carrey is the real reason to buy this disc. Recommended for the fun of it.

FUN HAS NEVER BEEN SO GREEN
Did you know that this excellent comedy was planed to be a horror?! Based on popular comic, THE MASK would be a storu about green killer who tells sarcastic remarks, while he's tearing a part his victims with an axe. But, when director Chuck Russell got Jim Carrey for this role he decided to do a comedy. And lucky for him and us he did a great job. I remember when I saw THE MASK for the first time. Fantastic story, interesting characters, and of course, Jim Carrey in role which made him famous. Story is about unsuccessful, shy banker who comes in possesion of an ancient wooden mask which turnes him into a wild, green, party creature who now has everything: powers, money and love. It influented on me so much that I find the same dog like Milo (that is one damn smart dog!). Carry gave the best of himself: he danced, sang and made jokes all the time. Cameron Diaz left me breathless, and two caps..., well, see it for yourself. This film guaranties fun whole 90 minutes it lasts and trust me, you will love it.

I got my copy in a box of CORN FLAKES!
You know you've hit rock bottom when your movies come free inside a box of CORN FLAKES! Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha!!!!!!!

The movie, it was great for the kids, although there was some pretty suggestive stuff in there.

For anyone over the age of 10 this is NOT a good movie, I think Jim Carrey is good- but I'm not a big fan of his movies. Dumb & Dumber will always be my favorite Jim Carrey film, and his Andy Kaufman was good.

The Mask....it's just your typical Carrey flick. You might as well get Ace Ventura or Liar, Liar. It's ALL the same.....

Sorry, Jim

Jim Carrey's best film to date!
I still get lots of laughs watching "The Mask" after a full decade since it's release to theatres and even to this very day, "The Mask" stands as Carrey's greatest movie to date even amidst the funny films he's done since then.

The character John Ipkiss is a worker in NYC whose job goes down the toilet until he discovers an ancient artifact that resembles a mask of some sort and when he puts it on, it causes him to transform into a wildly erratic genius who goes totally beserk and Ipkiss decides to use the mask to fight crime in NYC but his mask is saught by a greedy criminal mastermind bent on taking over New York and kidnaps Ipkiss's love interest and threatens to kill her if time runs out and now Ipkiss with the power of hte mask must stop the madman before it's too late.

The ride throughout this movie is just hilarious and the comedic wit of Jim Carrey carries this film the whole way through. Go and get this movie as soon as possible. It's a classic for all ages to come. ... Read more

Description

This special PRETTY WOMAN 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION is a director's cut that adds some special touches to an enduring comedy hit. In addition to the original theatrical trailer and a rocking music video of "Wild Women Do," performed by Natalie Cole, the Anniversary Edition offers plenty of behind-the-scenes fun! On-set interviews with Richard Gere, Julia Roberts, and director Garry Marshall serve up entertaining inside info -- and some funny anecdotes! Behind-the-scenes clips provide an exclusive look into the making of PRETTY WOMAN -- a fascinating process that fans are sure to appreciate. You'll find something new to enjoy every time you watch the PRETTY WOMAN 10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION! Academy Award(R)-winner Julia Roberts (2000, Best Actress, ERIN BROCKOVICH) and Richard Gere (RUNAWAY BRIDE) light up the screen in this irresistible comedy! When successful corporate mogul Edward Lewis (Gere) meets carefree Vivian Ward (Roberts), their two lives are worlds apart. But Vivan's energetic spirit challenges Edward's no-nonsense approach to life, and soon they are teaching each other -- and falling in love! This timeless rags-to-riches romance captures hearts with its humor, passion, and unforgettable fun! ... Read more

Reviews (172)

Pretty Woman: the best movie in the entire pretty world!
Everyone knows this story, whether they've experienced certain parts of it, or just love it pure & simply because it's terrific. And if you haven't seen it, why not?! Go out and get it now. Go on!

This is the one Julia Roberts film that can never be out-done. No amount of Erin Brockovich's can beat this movie. This catapulted Julia into the big-time, mainstream movies, and she's now one of the highest paid actresses. I dunno whether something like Pretty Woman was never done before this, or whether I'm just sick of Julia Roberts now, but she won't come across a script as good as this again. Not even the supposed "sequel", with Richard Gere & Julia reteaming (they could go all the way and do a Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks) with Garry Marshall and Hector Elizondo for Runaway Bride. Nowhere near as good. But that's a different movie.

The actors are great, and I think it's the only Richard Gere movie I've ever seen - apart from Runaway Bride. The night elevator operator's face (Patrick Richwood) is an absolute picture most of the time, and he makes you laugh just by looking at him.

Of course, everyone knows that Julia's character, Vivian, turns from a poor hooker, into a rich lady. I much prefer Vivian as the hooker. When you first meets Edward (Richard Gere), she's fine, she's cute, and he gives her all this money, and she turns into a frumpy, awkward lady. The clothes are ill-fitting and really don't suit her.

In a few years, when Julia Roberts is old and grey (Richard Gere already was old & grey in this!), this will be considered a classic.

Watch out for a very much blink and you'll miss him role of the detective, played by Hank Azaria. I've seen this movie a hundred times, and it's the first time I noticed him!

The songs are terrific in this, from Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" to Natalie Cole's "Wild Women Do" (the video is not impressive though). The best song is of course, Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love", played as Vivian leaves Edward. It's a very poignant scene, and I always play this song if I'm feeling down about something. The lyrics match any relationship problem perfectly, and matches the scene in Pretty Woman

Romance & Comedy All In One
Pretty Woman is an excellent movie in my opinion. It's about Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a hooker who is 'working' on Hollywood Boulevard one night with her friend Kit De Luca (Laura San Giacomo). Around the corner comes a Lotust and the person in that car is none other than Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a heartless business man on his way to the Regent Beverly Wiltshire Hotel. The car then stalls (he doesn't know how to work a stick shift) and that's when him and Roberts meet. Gere then takes Roberts to the hotel with him and before she knows it he's asking her to stay with him the whole week for $3,000.
Some of the cast members include Jason Alexander as Philip Stuckey, Edward's trusty lawyer, Ralph Bellamy as James Morse, the man who's company Edward's firm is trying to take over, Alex Hyde-White as David Morse, James Morse's son, and Hector Elizondo as Bernard Thompson, the manager of the
hotel.
The music in this motion picture is found on the Pretty Woman Soundtrack. It includes Natalie Cole - Wild Women Do, David Bowie - Fame 90, Roxette - Must Have Been Love, Christopher Otcasek - Real Wild Child (Wild One), and probley the most popular song that relates to this movie is Roy
Orbison - Oh, Pretty Woman.
I recommend this movie to anyone who likes comedy, romantic, or movies where opposites find one another. This movie will stick around for generations to come. I would give this movie five gold stars and two thumbs up.

Modern Day Pygmaelion
Pretty Woman is a great movie. When Julia Roberts acted in this 1990 classic, she was sexy, vibrant and cute. In her latest movies she seems to have lost her charm, and appears awkward and frumpy.
It is a romantic comedy about a lovable prostitute Vivienne (Julia Roberts) hired by a spoiled, jaded billionaire, Edward (Richard Gere) for a highly unusual assignment.

Needless to say, this encounter irreparably changes both of their lives forever. Thouroughly a story that is funny, touching and engaging,

The change is Vivienne from a streetwalker to a lady mirrors a Pygmalion/My Fair Lady type of theme.

As the voice at the end reminds us, sometimes your dreams come true and sometimes they don't but you are always free to dream!

Some pretty memorable stuff in this movie!

Modern Day Pigmaelion
Pretty Woman is a great movie. When Julia Roberts acted in this 1990 classic, she was sexy, vibrant and cute. In her latest movies she seems to have lost her charm, and appears awkward and frumpy.
It is a romantic comedy about a lovable prostitute Vivienne (Julia Roberts) hired by a spoiled, jaded billionaire, Edward (Richard Gere) for a highly unusual assignment.

Needless to say, this encounter irreparably changes both of their lives forever. Though a story that is funny, touching and engaging, Vivienne's dreams come true, and she able to start a new life, and having found love

The change is Vivienne from a streetwalker to a lady mirrors a Pygmalion/My Fair Lady type of theme.

Edward too has finally learned to love!

As the voice at the end reminds us, sometimes your dreams come true and sometimes they don't but you are always free to dream!

Should be called Pretty Stupid
This movie was terrible. If there was a perfume called "essence of fart" then thats what this movie would smell like. ... Read more

Description

A comic reinvention of the Bela Lugosi classic about a Transylvanian vampire who works his evil spell on a perplexed group of Londoners. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

It's Not The Best, But Also Not The Worst!!
It's not the best Mel Brooks movie and not a classic like Young Frankenstein but it's not as bad a movie as some have made it out to be, it was really enjoyable and I have been a fan of Leslie Nielsen since his Naked Gun TV show and movies and I have been a fan of Harvey Korman since first seeing him on The Carol Burnett Show when I was a kid. And though I like Dracula Dead And Loving It I really prefer Love At First Bite which starred George Hamilton as Dracula, though that movie might be kind of dated these days at least for younger viewers.

Made me P!$$ my pants.
Come on now, it's a Mel Brooks film so you know it's going to be funny. I'm a Dracula fan and love the original story so I was a little curious to see what Brooks would do to it. When I saw the film, my questions were answered and the laughter came in spades.

You'll see alot of Brooks' regular actors returning for this one including Harvey Korman, Megan Cavanaugh, Amy Yasbeck, Peter MacNicol, and even Ann Bancroft in a cameo in the beginning of the film. Steven Weber was great as Jonathan Harker as was Brooks as Van Helsing. Leslie Nielson mixed his "Naked Gun" character with Dracula and the results are definately pleasing. But the standout actor in this film is Peter MacNicol as Renfield, Dracula's slave under his power. MacNicol's performance is hands down the best of the film.

If you're looking for a good laugh, this film will deliver on every level possible. But this film comes second to Robin Hood: Men In Tights which is Brooks' best film of his career.

Very Funny
I thought this movie was absolutely hilarious, and it doesn't need to refernece almost everything to sex, like most of today's comedies do. It's just simple slapstick and great jokes and tons of funny scenes. I love it! I saw this movie a couple years ago, and have been searching for it since. Maybe this DVD will give me the chance I need.

Renfield You IDIOT!
This is an excellent movie, it's been one of my favourites for years. I believe that Mel Brooks is a true genius. However, reading the reviews for this movie, I hardly think that they do it justice. Everyone should watch this movie. And to those reviewers who listed great Mel Brooks movies, I DO agree with you, but HELLO! You are all forgetting his funniest movie ever-
ROBIN HOOD MEN IN TIGHTS!
There is no movie that can compare with this one in terms of comedy.
So, in conclusion, Dracula Dead and Loving It is excellent, you should buy it, Mel Brooks is a genius and you should all buy Robin Hood Men In Tights and watch it many, many times until you have learnt it all off by heart as I (and many of my good friends) have done.

HEY PAPERPLATER LEARN TO SPELL
You couldn't have comprehended Bram stokers novel very well considering twice you spelt it B.R.A.N. Not to mention all your other mispellings and atrocious grammar. As for Bram Stoker's Dracula. That was the worst Dracula movie ever made on a high budget.Like wow man... Keanu Reeves is like uh... totally convincing as an englishmen.Mel Brooks was totally in the right to blast that movie.Though he barely touched on that one.70% of it was a satire of the Bela Lugosi version,so chill out dude.The Wayan brothers? HA! The Wayan brothers say "When we grow up, we hope we'll have as much comedic genius in our entire bodies as Mel Brooks has in his little pinky. Amazons review section should have an indicator next to the reviews that are written by children 12 years or younger.Sometimes I feel a little guilty when I tell people off.BUT NOT IN YOUR CASE. On to the DVD.For itself it's a great movie. Picture dimensions compared to the VHS; the same at the top, a little more to the sides, but the bottom is cut off slightly.This only bothered me for one scene. On the VHS at the end of the autopsy you can catch a glimpse of the cadaver's face.(That's the dead body on the table,PAPERPLATER). On the DVD you can't see it at all.The commentary is good but not great(in the informative sense).Yet I've watched this 3 times with commentary,because it's fun to listen to.I would still like to know who composed that wonderful piece Dracula and Mina waltz to just when Dracula said "COME MISS MINA"at the ballroom dance.A music only track would have been nice.And a 20 minute behind the scenes with outakes and bloopers should have been included.If this dvd came out years ago,these things wouldn't bother me.But after such a long wait, my suggestions should have been included.The sound and picture quality is excellent.THIS ONE IS RECOMMENED as a keeper for the intelligent movie viewer. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Like a pumpkin that transforms into a carriage, some very shrewd casting (and the charisma of Julia Roberts, in particular) morphed this story of a Hollywood whore into a Disneyfied Cinderella story--and a mainstream megahit. This is the movie that made Roberts a star; the charm of her personality helping tremendously to carry viewers over the rough spots in the script (which was originally a cynical tale about prostitution called 3000--after the amount of money Richard Gere's character pays the prostitute to stay with him for the week).Gere is the silver-haired Wall Street knight who sweeps streetwalker Roberts into a fantasy world of room service at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel and fashion boutique shopping on Rodeo Drive. The supporting cast is also appealing, including Laura San Giacomo as Roberts's hooker pal, Hector Elizondo as the hotel manager, Jason Alexander, Ralph Bellamy, and Hank Azaria. Now, is this something you want your sons and daughters to see? That's entirely up to you. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (172)

Pretty Woman: the best movie in the entire pretty world!
Everyone knows this story, whether they've experienced certain parts of it, or just love it pure & simply because it's terrific. And if you haven't seen it, why not?! Go out and get it now. Go on!

This is the one Julia Roberts film that can never be out-done. No amount of Erin Brockovich's can beat this movie. This catapulted Julia into the big-time, mainstream movies, and she's now one of the highest paid actresses. I dunno whether something like Pretty Woman was never done before this, or whether I'm just sick of Julia Roberts now, but she won't come across a script as good as this again. Not even the supposed "sequel", with Richard Gere & Julia reteaming (they could go all the way and do a Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks) with Garry Marshall and Hector Elizondo for Runaway Bride. Nowhere near as good. But that's a different movie.

The actors are great, and I think it's the only Richard Gere movie I've ever seen - apart from Runaway Bride. The night elevator operator's face (Patrick Richwood) is an absolute picture most of the time, and he makes you laugh just by looking at him.

Of course, everyone knows that Julia's character, Vivian, turns from a poor hooker, into a rich lady. I much prefer Vivian as the hooker. When you first meets Edward (Richard Gere), she's fine, she's cute, and he gives her all this money, and she turns into a frumpy, awkward lady. The clothes are ill-fitting and really don't suit her.

In a few years, when Julia Roberts is old and grey (Richard Gere already was old & grey in this!), this will be considered a classic.

Watch out for a very much blink and you'll miss him role of the detective, played by Hank Azaria. I've seen this movie a hundred times, and it's the first time I noticed him!

The songs are terrific in this, from Roy Orbison's "Pretty Woman" to Natalie Cole's "Wild Women Do" (the video is not impressive though). The best song is of course, Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love", played as Vivian leaves Edward. It's a very poignant scene, and I always play this song if I'm feeling down about something. The lyrics match any relationship problem perfectly, and matches the scene in Pretty Woman

Romance & Comedy All In One
Pretty Woman is an excellent movie in my opinion. It's about Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts), a hooker who is 'working' on Hollywood Boulevard one night with her friend Kit De Luca (Laura San Giacomo). Around the corner comes a Lotust and the person in that car is none other than Edward Lewis (Richard Gere), a heartless business man on his way to the Regent Beverly Wiltshire Hotel. The car then stalls (he doesn't know how to work a stick shift) and that's when him and Roberts meet. Gere then takes Roberts to the hotel with him and before she knows it he's asking her to stay with him the whole week for $3,000.
Some of the cast members include Jason Alexander as Philip Stuckey, Edward's trusty lawyer, Ralph Bellamy as James Morse, the man who's company Edward's firm is trying to take over, Alex Hyde-White as David Morse, James Morse's son, and Hector Elizondo as Bernard Thompson, the manager of the
hotel.
The music in this motion picture is found on the Pretty Woman Soundtrack. It includes Natalie Cole - Wild Women Do, David Bowie - Fame 90, Roxette - Must Have Been Love, Christopher Otcasek - Real Wild Child (Wild One), and probley the most popular song that relates to this movie is Roy
Orbison - Oh, Pretty Woman.
I recommend this movie to anyone who likes comedy, romantic, or movies where opposites find one another. This movie will stick around for generations to come. I would give this movie five gold stars and two thumbs up.

Modern Day Pygmaelion
Pretty Woman is a great movie. When Julia Roberts acted in this 1990 classic, she was sexy, vibrant and cute. In her latest movies she seems to have lost her charm, and appears awkward and frumpy.
It is a romantic comedy about a lovable prostitute Vivienne (Julia Roberts) hired by a spoiled, jaded billionaire, Edward (Richard Gere) for a highly unusual assignment.

Needless to say, this encounter irreparably changes both of their lives forever. Thouroughly a story that is funny, touching and engaging,

The change is Vivienne from a streetwalker to a lady mirrors a Pygmalion/My Fair Lady type of theme.

As the voice at the end reminds us, sometimes your dreams come true and sometimes they don't but you are always free to dream!

Some pretty memorable stuff in this movie!

Modern Day Pigmaelion
Pretty Woman is a great movie. When Julia Roberts acted in this 1990 classic, she was sexy, vibrant and cute. In her latest movies she seems to have lost her charm, and appears awkward and frumpy.
It is a romantic comedy about a lovable prostitute Vivienne (Julia Roberts) hired by a spoiled, jaded billionaire, Edward (Richard Gere) for a highly unusual assignment.

Needless to say, this encounter irreparably changes both of their lives forever. Though a story that is funny, touching and engaging, Vivienne's dreams come true, and she able to start a new life, and having found love

The change is Vivienne from a streetwalker to a lady mirrors a Pygmalion/My Fair Lady type of theme.

Edward too has finally learned to love!

As the voice at the end reminds us, sometimes your dreams come true and sometimes they don't but you are always free to dream!

Should be called Pretty Stupid
This movie was terrible. If there was a perfume called "essence of fart" then thats what this movie would smell like. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bloodhounds II is a good potboiler.
Bloodhounds II is a good flick for a Saturday afternoon. Corbin Bernson is pretty much standard issue as Harrison Coyle, the writer bedeviled by a vengeful murderer. Nia Peebles has her moments as Coyle's partner in the search. Ian Tracey does a fine job as the man living a double-life. His martial arts ability is terrific to see onscreen. All in all, this is a must-see for any who enjoy a good murder mystery. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

You Won't Believe Your Eyes...Not Both of Them Anyway!
You will recognize almost everyone in this film and I don't think it ever even made the big screen. This is one of those pictures that became a cult classic on cable and video. If you're not yet a Hudson Leick fan-and if you're not, we'll send a few of the boys around to speak wit youz-buy this now because when it finally hits network TV, her entire role will be in the program director's VCR, not on your screen. I have no idea why they changed the name from Denial to Something About Sex but I can only imagine that it was...and still is...too hot to handle. I've never seen such a classy combination of sex and humor and, as a licensed private detective, I am compelled by law to give it 5 Stars.

Yes,the scene with Hudson Leick is worth buying this video!!
Let me make this perfectly clear,the only reason why I even heard of this movie,rented this movie and ultimatly bought this movie was because of the infamous sex scene with Hudson Leick AKA
Callisto to Xena fans.And yes,the scene is really,really good and yes,Hudson Leick is really,really sexy!If you're an admirer of Hudson Leick/Callisto(which 9 out of 10 you are if you're checking out this review)then buy this video as it is extremely rare.She is not credited on the box cover nor in the opening credits,but you will find her name at the end.If you can buy this movie for a good price,then do so!

Woody would like it.
While I was watching this film I couldn't help but think of Woody Allen films. This movie is very much like some of his films. Something about sex focuses on the sex lives of three married couples and there various stages and insecurities about fadelity. The film opens at a dinner party where a guest, Art Witz(Jason Alexzander), proposes to the three seemingly happy couples that monogomy is not natural. The rest of the film covers the journey these people take to answer that question. I found this film quite entertaining. The cast was very good. Each character had there own sort of neurotic qualities that made them unique. To be more specific one character uses the same line over and over to pick up women, another has a fetish for porn(which leads to a hilarious cameo from Ron Jeremy), another a liking for "special" massages, and one character is obsessed with larger women. All this makes for some really funny stuff. I thought the film was well edited. It seemed to know just when to cut, never too much, which is a credit to the director Adam Rifkin. I recommend this film. It delivers exactly what it promises with it's title. I said earlier it reminded me of a Woody Allen film, well yes, but without New York, and with graphic sex scenes(Allen never has these). If you like this film I also suggest Friends and Lovers which is very similar in context to this film. If you like comedies about sex you will like Something About Sex.

Hudson Leick makes Something about sex special
First up, Hudson wasn't in the opening credits of the film. The movie begins when Art(played by Jason Alexander of Seinfield fame.) is invited to a party with three couples. They are Issacc(Ryan Alosio) and Claudia(Amy Yasbeck), Joel(Jonathan Silverman) and Sophie(Leah Lail) and Sam(Patrick Dempsey) and Sammie(Christine Taylor). Art begins to discuss that adultery is "the monogamy denial". He says, "I think that monogamy is not natural. I really don't think it exists. At least not in practice. It turns otherwise honorable people into liars.....people cheat! It happens all the time.That`s why they don't like to talk about it." There's an argument from the three couples saying that he doesn't know what he`s talking about. And the rest of the story it shows you that Art is right.

I`m only discussing one of the couples, Issacc and Claudia because of Hudson's involvement. Issacc cheats on his wife with various women. In the story we see Eve(Shawnee Free-Jones) a young college girl who he has sex with and believes all his lies and Deborah(HUDSON LEICK) who he and Joel meet at a hockey game. Claudia also cheats on Issacc with Art. She tells him that she and her husband have an agreement on to never ask questions. So when Art meets Issac he gets nervous around him and Issacc asks Claudia why he got psycho, all she does is smile. So he asks her did she sleep with him and she said remember our agreement, so he stops and thinks about his affairs and doesn`t say boo. And they start to play wrestle in bed.

In Hudson's performance she plays Deborah. At the hockey game Issac says to Joel that women can't seperate the difference between sex and love. To them it's all the same, but men can seperate the difference. So Deborah, Hudson's character, overhears it and says that it isn`t true. A woman can have a one night stand and forget about it. Also, she tells him that every female he had sex with isn't sitting at home by the phone waiting for him to call. But infact Eve is doing that. Here it shows you that some women are like what Issac said and some women are like what Deborah said. Hence they are both right and both wrong. The next scene of Hudson is that she is in bed with Issac(her first nude scene to best of my knowledge). Issac is trying to feed her the lines he fed Eve and Deborah doesn`t buy it. Deborah tells him to shut up and go back to the sexual intercourse.

Overall the movie tried to give a reasonable explaination of what happens in marriages, but it doesn't tell enough. What it does tell is true in some relationships, if not all. The movie to a certain extent can be used as a documentary on the way people interact in mid to late 1990`s. What it lacks is that it isn't diverse enough and it was too positive. At the end there are some marriages that end like that, but many more are different.

Something About Infidelity
This movie was very entertaining. A writer inplants the obsessions of infidelity to three seemingly happy couples. It leads onto a road of self havock. A great representation of the taboo thirsts in all of us. Some characters you love, some you hate, some you sympathize with others just disgust you. Even big man Ron Jeremy make a funny cameo while at the "office", if you know what I mean. Only disappointments were the full screen format and the mono sound. Overall a good flick. ... Read more

Reviews (32)

We all know it is a dumb movie but don't take it seriously.
What is the problem with people who hate this movie so bad what is so horrible about this film? I laugh everytime I see this movie it is very fun to watch not boring but I admit the some of the story is rather stupid but you have to expect it with a movie like this. I have seen so many more stupiter movies than this. Of course all of you people can complain that if you like this movie you have some serious issues SHUT UP! John Ritter was good with kids in it and the other actors were alright but have a light heart while watching it don't take the film seriously just sit back and laugh at it it is a fun movie. And some other reviewer said that they got physically ill after watching this movie What the hell is that all about? I really cannot think of one thing that can be so bad in this movie that makes people hate Problem Child so bad it is a funny movie.

It's Too Short
I liked the movie, I've seen it many times. But, there is always a problem, the movie ends too quickly. The movie is only an hour and, maybe, fifteen minutes? A movie should be one hour and thirty minutes/two hours. And the begining is too long. OK, so the boy goes from house to house because nobody wants him. I get the point. Does it really have to be five/ten minutes to tell us that the boy is a troublemaker? And what ever happened to the wife, Amy Yasbeck? For fifteen/twenty minutes, she's in a suitcase! I think you should see this movie but don't get your hopes up. It's not the best John Ritter movie. :(

A sad day for comedy lovers
It is a sad day for comedy lovers as we lost John Ritter. Problem Child is an entertaining movie. Both Ritter and the young child actor are brilliant in this too-short amusing tale. The only warning I could give you is consider whether or not you want to give your children this movie - it might give them ideas. Know what I mean? :)

Funny
This was one of the funniest films I've ever seen. I laughed alot.

Not as good as the last 2, but cool...
I like the beginning the best, when they are first getting Junior, but all in all a pretty good, family flick. When my sisters and brothers discovered this movie, they watched it at least once a week. Only my brother was born yet when it was released, but I had seen it so I skipped but now I love watching it on TV. Again, though, the last two were much better. The ending to this was just..blah after awhile. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Not as good as the first!
This movie other than the fact it makes no scence. First of all the grandfather was beried under ground for like 100 years and he is still living. and at the end the gunman was hiding in the cooker and shoots the grandfather. Other than that it is funny and scary.

Not as good as the first!
This movie is cool other than the fact it makes no scence. First of all the grandfather was beried under ground for like 100 years and he is still living. and at the end the gunman was hiding in the cooker and shoots the grandfather. Other than that it is funny and scary.

house 2-the second story-what the hell?
i saw this film years ago on a dark friday night. overall i wouldn't rate this one to highly but i have seen worse.please not i have not seen house 1 so i cannot compare it with that, whether that would change my review or not i do not know.
house 2 involved the story of some very, very old man who i can remember as sort of looking green. then there was this killer cowboy guy on a horse near the end and he got killed. i didn't really know whether to laugh or wince the whole way through, this film didn't work very well on any level. but not too bad anyway. overall i would not really rate this but you could do much worse.

I think I like it for all the wrong reasons!
If you like the unintentional comedy of bad acting and bad special effects then check this film out. Everytime I see the muppet like baby monsters in this movie, I laugh so hard my side hurts!

TERRIBLE
THE FIRST MOVIE WASN'T THAT GREAT, WHY BOTHER WITH A SEQUEL. ... Read more

Reviews (71)

a modern holiday CLASSIC!
This movie has become one of my all-time favorites. While there are many classic films celebrating Christmas, this is the film I look forward to watching at Thanksgiving each year. I discovered this film one year when I couldn't make it home for the holidays- and watched it again and again. I felt like I had indeed gone home and seen old friends. I cannot understand why some reviewers didn't love it (like Leonard Maltin, but then, when was the last time you concurred with one of his reviews? I think he's paid to praise Hollywood high budget action films).

"Home for the Holidays" is a familiar and touching picture of a typical American family gathering at Thanksgiving time. The casting is wonderful and includes Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr , the always amazing Anne Bancroft and Dylan McDermott. The lead character, a single mother who has long-ago fled her hometown, as played by Holly Hunter is very endearing and readily identifiable, and the situations while depicted humorously, ring true. Jodie Foster did a wonderful job directing- any sentiment from this film, and it has a lot of sentimental value- comes from her wry depiction of family renunions, the inevitable bickering, and resolution at the holidays; emotion is never forced by the actors or upon the viewer. This is a great feel-good, true to life film; I think everyone who is single and under 40 should own it and enjoy it each Thanksgiving, whether you make it home for the holidays or not.

Delightful Dysfunction
Home for the Holidays has made my list of favorite movies. Why? It is full of warmth, biting wit, and brimming with...well...dysfunction.

Holly Hunter is great as Claudia Larsen, a single mom approaching forty. Claudia (nicknamed Clyde), is petrified of going to her parents' for Thanksgiving. Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning as Adele and Henry are typical well-meaning parents - Adele's interference balances out Henry's bumbling sentiment. Adele's eccentric sister Gladys brings a little out-and-out humor to the movie.

The scourge of the movie is Claudia's sister's family, the wonderful Witmans. Younger sis Joanne is a sickening perfectionist, and her daughter is even worse. The meek men of the house, Walter and Walter, Jr. are avoiding direct contact with Joanne, if not alleviating her tantrums. Claire Danes is also good as Clyde's daughter Kit, even though her appearance in the movie is brief. Also, Dylan McDermott is a charming bystander as Clyde's love interest.

Finally, the best part of the movie. Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of gay middle child Tommy is brilliant. It's funny, touching, and (I think) Oscar worthy. Well, definitely Globe worthy, then.

Home for the Holidays is about Thanksgiving, basically, but is great for any occassion - watch it to gain some appreciation of your family. You're not as abnormal as you think.

One to Own
This movie is hysterical, painful, sad and joyous. The characters are real, the situations are all too familiar, and the humor is spot-on. We watch this movie at least twice a year and laugh just as hard each time.

Robert Downey Jr. steals the show and portrays his character with such honesty that it is (in my opinion) his best performance to date. Holly Hunter captures the helplessness of the annual Thanksgiving from Hell that is often the reality of all of our lives. However, it is not preachy, it doesn't wrap things up in a pretty bow, but it leaves you with the feeling that life is good just the way it is.

A must see.

Family Matters
I have to say that I was a bit surprised at how much I liked Home For The Holidays. After all, a large family gathering for a major event, is certainly nothing new in film. There are plenty of dramadies like this--it's all in the execution--and that makes it work. I have to also disclose that I'm not the biggest fan of Holly Hunter's and perhaps that caused me to go into this, not expecting a whole lot.

In the span of a 36 hour period, Claudia Larson (Hunter) has managed to lose her job, make out with her boss and learn that her daughter (Claire Danes) is planning to "go all the way". But Claudia's fortunes actually take a turn for the worse when she flies home to endure an even more difficult hardship known as the family Thanksgiving. Beleagured, not ony by her neurotic mother (Anne Bancroft), a kooky father (Charles Durning), eccentric brother (Robert Downey Jr.) and compulsively "normal" sister (Cynthia Stevenson), Claudia struggles to maintain her sanity. But as the festivities roll along those prospects prove difficult. As sparks fly, tempers flare and issues are exposed, surprisingly, Claudia manages to discover things about herself and her family she never know.

The script from W.D. Richter is better than I expected. Coming from a large family of my own, there's plenty that I can identify with. Really anyone who has a family will find that to be the case for them as well. The script very well done. The drama is "real"-and not over the top or too melodramatic. The lighter moments are not too broad or cheap. Directed by Jodie Foster, the cast hits all the right marks--even Hunter. I had very few complaints. Foster, as well known actress herself, dives right in and isn't affraid of the limited setting.

The DVD boasts a solid audio commentary from Foster. Who, as she has on her other commentaries, provides for an engaging and insightful track. The only other extra on the DVD is your typical theatrical trailer. Participation from the cast would have made things a bit more comlete.

Home...works. Its problems are few...Recommended

like fruitcake
Robert Downey Jr is a hoot. But no one else in this movie measures up. Direction is ploddding; chracterization, mawkish. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Threre's no problem with this film.
Problem Child 2 may not be one the best films made but it sure is one of the best films ever made. This excellent film only received 1 star but those critics must be insane. Problem Child 2 is the better sequal to Problem Child and the the amazingly wonderful prequal to the horrendous(though those critics give it 2 stars) Problem Child 3: Junior in Love.

Problem Child 2 is about when Little Ben(John Ritter) and Junior(Michael Oliver)move to a town called Mortville to put their life in their town in the first film behind. In school there Junior is put in sixth grade by the principal Mr. Peabody(Gilbert Gottfried) so he'll be out of the school quickly.
Big Ben(Jack Warden) comes to Little Ben's and Junior's home because he is broke. Big Ben's presence makes Junior miserable so does Trixie, a girl Junior meets in the school who is as bad as him, and Little Ben's attempts to find Junior a mother. So Junior plays pranks on all of them making them miserable. One night when Little Ben takes Junior to a carnival a rich evil lady named La Wanda who owns the bank Little Ben is a customer to comes to their house and remakes since she loved Little Ben once she sees his picture. When they get home the home is remade and La Wanda is there with Big Ben supporting a marriage between them just because that ugly old man wants some dough. But Little Ben likes Trixie's mother Annie, the school nurse. So Junior has to stop La Wanda with some help from Trixie.

That's the plot of Problem Child 2. Let's hope that the studio that made the first movie on DVD brings this out on DVD with GOOD special features. Well for now just try to find this film on VHS.

one of Ritter's best
Such a sad day for a review of a comedy, but I had to review this movie. John Ritter's passing will be sorely felt to those who knew him and to those who love his work. This film stands out not only because of his hilarious performance as the ever-suffering father of junior, but his remarkable ability to turn even the most mundane script into a comedy masterpiece. This 1991 film reunites John Ritter, Amy Yasbeck, and Michael Oliver from the first film. The first film was amusing at best, but this one is superb. Ben Healy moves his son to the divorcee capital of the suburban world--Mortville and hijinks ensue. Junior is selfishly protective of his father and will do anything to keep him to himself,even broadsiding his father's half-baked attempts at dating. There's the homemade porn show of the first and last babysitter and her boyfriend. There's the "shocking" removal of another date from hell, and then there's Lawanda. Amongst all these, is the sweet and sublime nurse Annie, played by Ritter's future wife Amy Yasbeck. It is difficult to watch these two. Even in this early film, their affection for each other is painfully obvious. Yet, there is a poignant bittersweetness to this movie. A few years ago, I was lucky enough to tape this off the tv and I'm so glad I did. Some scenes are edited, such as the "vomit comet" scene, but as this movie is so hard to find and not on DVD, I'd say I'm quite lucky. If you're fortnate enough to find this, you won't be disappointed. It is one of Ritter's funniest and perhaps his most honest performances. Hopefully Three's Company will be on DVD soon. May you find peace John Ritter, your laughter and your smile will be missed.

Problem From Start To Finish
A box-office bomb, the only thing this movie is notable for is the lawsuit Universal Pictures filed against the mother of the child star Michael Oliver.

It turned this movie did no good for no one no way no how!!!

It was bad!

Better than the first,NO DELETED SCENES ON THE VHS
Problem Child 2 is the funniest comedy of the 90s,but if you watch Problem child 2 on TBS or USA there are scenes not found on the VHS,like the scene were Junior asks Trixie were's the principal's office and she shows were it is and puts a sign on his back,also when Trixie beats up Junior and marks his face with a permanent marker,Junior and Ben go home and put icepacks on their heads and Junior tells Ben girls are stupid,and also when the open house scene Murph sticks his face in the ranch dressing.all those scenes are deleted from the VHS,so record them off your TV but there are edited scenes from the TV version,so if Universal makes Problem Child 2 on DVD they should put deleted scenes on it.

One of the funniest films ever
I bought the VHS tape just for the vomit scene. I play that scene over and over and it still makes me laugh. I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bonnie + Clyde - Bonnie = Not very entertaining
Yet another movie (this one made for TV) about famous 1930's bank robber John Dillinger. This time Dillinger is played by Mark Harmon and Marshal Melvin Purvis, Dillinger's nemesis, is played by Will Patton. Moves too fast to become boring, but its instantly forgettable despite the good cast. Stick with John Milius' 1973 movie of the same name. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Not as good as the first!
This movie other than the fact it makes no scence. First of all the grandfather was beried under ground for like 100 years and he is still living. and at the end the gunman was hiding in the cooker and shoots the grandfather. Other than that it is funny and scary.

Not as good as the first!
This movie is cool other than the fact it makes no scence. First of all the grandfather was beried under ground for like 100 years and he is still living. and at the end the gunman was hiding in the cooker and shoots the grandfather. Other than that it is funny and scary.

house 2-the second story-what the hell?
i saw this film years ago on a dark friday night. overall i wouldn't rate this one to highly but i have seen worse.please not i have not seen house 1 so i cannot compare it with that, whether that would change my review or not i do not know.
house 2 involved the story of some very, very old man who i can remember as sort of looking green. then there was this killer cowboy guy on a horse near the end and he got killed. i didn't really know whether to laugh or wince the whole way through, this film didn't work very well on any level. but not too bad anyway. overall i would not really rate this but you could do much worse.

I think I like it for all the wrong reasons!
If you like the unintentional comedy of bad acting and bad special effects then check this film out. Everytime I see the muppet like baby monsters in this movie, I laugh so hard my side hurts!

TERRIBLE
THE FIRST MOVIE WASN'T THAT GREAT, WHY BOTHER WITH A SEQUEL. ... Read more

Reviews (59)

It's Not The Best, But Also Not The Worst!!
It's not the best Mel Brooks movie and not a classic like Young Frankenstein but it's not as bad a movie as some have made it out to be, it was really enjoyable and I have been a fan of Leslie Nielsen since his Naked Gun TV show and movies and I have been a fan of Harvey Korman since first seeing him on The Carol Burnett Show when I was a kid. And though I like Dracula Dead And Loving It I really prefer Love At First Bite which starred George Hamilton as Dracula, though that movie might be kind of dated these days at least for younger viewers.

Made me P!$$ my pants.
Come on now, it's a Mel Brooks film so you know it's going to be funny. I'm a Dracula fan and love the original story so I was a little curious to see what Brooks would do to it. When I saw the film, my questions were answered and the laughter came in spades.

You'll see alot of Brooks' regular actors returning for this one including Harvey Korman, Megan Cavanaugh, Amy Yasbeck, Peter MacNicol, and even Ann Bancroft in a cameo in the beginning of the film. Steven Weber was great as Jonathan Harker as was Brooks as Van Helsing. Leslie Nielson mixed his "Naked Gun" character with Dracula and the results are definately pleasing. But the standout actor in this film is Peter MacNicol as Renfield, Dracula's slave under his power. MacNicol's performance is hands down the best of the film.

If you're looking for a good laugh, this film will deliver on every level possible. But this film comes second to Robin Hood: Men In Tights which is Brooks' best film of his career.

Very Funny
I thought this movie was absolutely hilarious, and it doesn't need to refernece almost everything to sex, like most of today's comedies do. It's just simple slapstick and great jokes and tons of funny scenes. I love it! I saw this movie a couple years ago, and have been searching for it since. Maybe this DVD will give me the chance I need.

Renfield You IDIOT!
This is an excellent movie, it's been one of my favourites for years. I believe that Mel Brooks is a true genius. However, reading the reviews for this movie, I hardly think that they do it justice. Everyone should watch this movie. And to those reviewers who listed great Mel Brooks movies, I DO agree with you, but HELLO! You are all forgetting his funniest movie ever-
ROBIN HOOD MEN IN TIGHTS!
There is no movie that can compare with this one in terms of comedy.
So, in conclusion, Dracula Dead and Loving It is excellent, you should buy it, Mel Brooks is a genius and you should all buy Robin Hood Men In Tights and watch it many, many times until you have learnt it all off by heart as I (and many of my good friends) have done.

HEY PAPERPLATER LEARN TO SPELL
You couldn't have comprehended Bram stokers novel very well considering twice you spelt it B.R.A.N. Not to mention all your other mispellings and atrocious grammar. As for Bram Stoker's Dracula. That was the worst Dracula movie ever made on a high budget.Like wow man... Keanu Reeves is like uh... totally convincing as an englishmen.Mel Brooks was totally in the right to blast that movie.Though he barely touched on that one.70% of it was a satire of the Bela Lugosi version,so chill out dude.The Wayan brothers? HA! The Wayan brothers say "When we grow up, we hope we'll have as much comedic genius in our entire bodies as Mel Brooks has in his little pinky. Amazons review section should have an indicator next to the reviews that are written by children 12 years or younger.Sometimes I feel a little guilty when I tell people off.BUT NOT IN YOUR CASE. On to the DVD.For itself it's a great movie. Picture dimensions compared to the VHS; the same at the top, a little more to the sides, but the bottom is cut off slightly.This only bothered me for one scene. On the VHS at the end of the autopsy you can catch a glimpse of the cadaver's face.(That's the dead body on the table,PAPERPLATER). On the DVD you can't see it at all.The commentary is good but not great(in the informative sense).Yet I've watched this 3 times with commentary,because it's fun to listen to.I would still like to know who composed that wonderful piece Dracula and Mina waltz to just when Dracula said "COME MISS MINA"at the ballroom dance.A music only track would have been nice.And a 20 minute behind the scenes with outakes and bloopers should have been included.If this dvd came out years ago,these things wouldn't bother me.But after such a long wait, my suggestions should have been included.The sound and picture quality is excellent.THIS ONE IS RECOMMENED as a keeper for the intelligent movie viewer. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Holly Hunter plays a Chicago-based single mom who--on the day before Thanksgiving--loses her job and is informed by her daughter of the latter's intention to surrender her virginity while on a weekend-long affair. If that's not enough, Hunter's character then has to fly to Baltimore to join her fractious family for another difficult Thanksgiving. Robert Downey Jr. is terrifically charming as her prankish, gay brother, and Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning show plenty of comic resilience during the predictably interesting Thanksgiving dinner scene. The script by W.D. Richter (Brubaker) avoids the usual clichés in family dramas--the deepest, darkest secret revealed here involves the painfully sweet revelation of a 40-year-old crush. Jodie Foster, directing her second feature, focuses instead on the inevitable softening of old grudges and disappointments with time. This is a wise as well as wonderfully fun movie. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (71)

a modern holiday CLASSIC!
This movie has become one of my all-time favorites. While there are many classic films celebrating Christmas, this is the film I look forward to watching at Thanksgiving each year. I discovered this film one year when I couldn't make it home for the holidays- and watched it again and again. I felt like I had indeed gone home and seen old friends. I cannot understand why some reviewers didn't love it (like Leonard Maltin, but then, when was the last time you concurred with one of his reviews? I think he's paid to praise Hollywood high budget action films).

"Home for the Holidays" is a familiar and touching picture of a typical American family gathering at Thanksgiving time. The casting is wonderful and includes Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr , the always amazing Anne Bancroft and Dylan McDermott. The lead character, a single mother who has long-ago fled her hometown, as played by Holly Hunter is very endearing and readily identifiable, and the situations while depicted humorously, ring true. Jodie Foster did a wonderful job directing- any sentiment from this film, and it has a lot of sentimental value- comes from her wry depiction of family renunions, the inevitable bickering, and resolution at the holidays; emotion is never forced by the actors or upon the viewer. This is a great feel-good, true to life film; I think everyone who is single and under 40 should own it and enjoy it each Thanksgiving, whether you make it home for the holidays or not.

Delightful Dysfunction
Home for the Holidays has made my list of favorite movies. Why? It is full of warmth, biting wit, and brimming with...well...dysfunction.

Holly Hunter is great as Claudia Larsen, a single mom approaching forty. Claudia (nicknamed Clyde), is petrified of going to her parents' for Thanksgiving. Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning as Adele and Henry are typical well-meaning parents - Adele's interference balances out Henry's bumbling sentiment. Adele's eccentric sister Gladys brings a little out-and-out humor to the movie.

The scourge of the movie is Claudia's sister's family, the wonderful Witmans. Younger sis Joanne is a sickening perfectionist, and her daughter is even worse. The meek men of the house, Walter and Walter, Jr. are avoiding direct contact with Joanne, if not alleviating her tantrums. Claire Danes is also good as Clyde's daughter Kit, even though her appearance in the movie is brief. Also, Dylan McDermott is a charming bystander as Clyde's love interest.

Finally, the best part of the movie. Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of gay middle child Tommy is brilliant. It's funny, touching, and (I think) Oscar worthy. Well, definitely Globe worthy, then.

Home for the Holidays is about Thanksgiving, basically, but is great for any occassion - watch it to gain some appreciation of your family. You're not as abnormal as you think.

One to Own
This movie is hysterical, painful, sad and joyous. The characters are real, the situations are all too familiar, and the humor is spot-on. We watch this movie at least twice a year and laugh just as hard each time.

Robert Downey Jr. steals the show and portrays his character with such honesty that it is (in my opinion) his best performance to date. Holly Hunter captures the helplessness of the annual Thanksgiving from Hell that is often the reality of all of our lives. However, it is not preachy, it doesn't wrap things up in a pretty bow, but it leaves you with the feeling that life is good just the way it is.

A must see.

Family Matters
I have to say that I was a bit surprised at how much I liked Home For The Holidays. After all, a large family gathering for a major event, is certainly nothing new in film. There are plenty of dramadies like this--it's all in the execution--and that makes it work. I have to also disclose that I'm not the biggest fan of Holly Hunter's and perhaps that caused me to go into this, not expecting a whole lot.

In the span of a 36 hour period, Claudia Larson (Hunter) has managed to lose her job, make out with her boss and learn that her daughter (Claire Danes) is planning to "go all the way". But Claudia's fortunes actually take a turn for the worse when she flies home to endure an even more difficult hardship known as the family Thanksgiving. Beleagured, not ony by her neurotic mother (Anne Bancroft), a kooky father (Charles Durning), eccentric brother (Robert Downey Jr.) and compulsively "normal" sister (Cynthia Stevenson), Claudia struggles to maintain her sanity. But as the festivities roll along those prospects prove difficult. As sparks fly, tempers flare and issues are exposed, surprisingly, Claudia manages to discover things about herself and her family she never know.

The script from W.D. Richter is better than I expected. Coming from a large family of my own, there's plenty that I can identify with. Really anyone who has a family will find that to be the case for them as well. The script very well done. The drama is "real"-and not over the top or too melodramatic. The lighter moments are not too broad or cheap. Directed by Jodie Foster, the cast hits all the right marks--even Hunter. I had very few complaints. Foster, as well known actress herself, dives right in and isn't affraid of the limited setting.

The DVD boasts a solid audio commentary from Foster. Who, as she has on her other commentaries, provides for an engaging and insightful track. The only other extra on the DVD is your typical theatrical trailer. Participation from the cast would have made things a bit more comlete.

Home...works. Its problems are few...Recommended

like fruitcake
Robert Downey Jr is a hoot. But no one else in this movie measures up. Direction is ploddding; chracterization, mawkish. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

THE ANSWER
The Yma Sumac is called the Gopher Mombo.

Ritter is funny as always
This movie is great, plain and simple. I've watched John Ritter since his days on "Three's Company" and loved the physical aspects of his comedy. This movie finds a small measure of that toward the end, but it's still got some great moments throughout. Well worth watching!

Help!
Can you provide the Sound Track? Failing that, can you provide the name (and source) of the Yma Sumac cut?

Thanx. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Threre's no problem with this film.
Problem Child 2 may not be one the best films made but it sure is one of the best films ever made. This excellent film only received 1 star but those critics must be insane. Problem Child 2 is the better sequal to Problem Child and the the amazingly wonderful prequal to the horrendous(though those critics give it 2 stars) Problem Child 3: Junior in Love.

Problem Child 2 is about when Little Ben(John Ritter) and Junior(Michael Oliver)move to a town called Mortville to put their life in their town in the first film behind. In school there Junior is put in sixth grade by the principal Mr. Peabody(Gilbert Gottfried) so he'll be out of the school quickly.
Big Ben(Jack Warden) comes to Little Ben's and Junior's home because he is broke. Big Ben's presence makes Junior miserable so does Trixie, a girl Junior meets in the school who is as bad as him, and Little Ben's attempts to find Junior a mother. So Junior plays pranks on all of them making them miserable. One night when Little Ben takes Junior to a carnival a rich evil lady named La Wanda who owns the bank Little Ben is a customer to comes to their house and remakes since she loved Little Ben once she sees his picture. When they get home the home is remade and La Wanda is there with Big Ben supporting a marriage between them just because that ugly old man wants some dough. But Little Ben likes Trixie's mother Annie, the school nurse. So Junior has to stop La Wanda with some help from Trixie.

That's the plot of Problem Child 2. Let's hope that the studio that made the first movie on DVD brings this out on DVD with GOOD special features. Well for now just try to find this film on VHS.

one of Ritter's best
Such a sad day for a review of a comedy, but I had to review this movie. John Ritter's passing will be sorely felt to those who knew him and to those who love his work. This film stands out not only because of his hilarious performance as the ever-suffering father of junior, but his remarkable ability to turn even the mos