Description

Excitement awaits the entire family as all your favorite electrical appliances -- Toaster, Lampy, Radio, Kirby, and Blanky -- return for their bravest adventure yet. Robbie, the master's baby, has been mysteriously beamed up to Mars! It's up to our heroes, plus a houseful of new friends -- a fan, a microwave, calculator, bag of cheddar-flavored popcorn, and "the contraption in the junk drawer" -- to reach for the stars and bring him safely home. Starring the voice talents of Farrah Fawcett, Carol Channing, Wayne Knight (Newman on "Seinfeld"), and Alan King, and featuring all-new songs, this delightful tale overflows with friendship and courage. For out-of-this-world entertainment, Disney's THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER GOES TO MARS is one fun-filled mission your children will love! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Bizarre but Worth it.
This movie opens with the same underlying conflict in the heart of every appliance; the fear of not being useful. The bickering of our main characters with the microwave (similar to the high-tech appliances in the original) reminds us of this. Then, when Little Master is born, he forges a bond with the appliances. A hearing aid in the junk drawer, once belonging to Albert Einstein, plans to be beamed up to the moon by a colony of rebel 'built-to-break-down' appliances, led by a giant refrigerator "Supreme Commander" who is in actuality the brother hearing aid. Unfortunately, Little Master is beamed up instead. Ratzo the rat is forced to tussle with the Monitor in the baby's crib while the five main characters, a Carol Channing ceiling fan, a hyper calculator, and the hotshot microwave are forced to fly out to Mars in an oversized laundry basket. With the aid of popcorn and their old pal Wittgenschtein, of course.

On Mars, they encounter Viking I the satellite, and a Christmas angel who's never seen a tree. Also, the colony of rebel Wunderluxe appliances have a serious vendetta against man, and plan to destroy earth with a missile launch; they might remind one of the pokemon Mewtwo, created by humans but resentful of them and with a free will, wishing freedom, and to rebel against their former 'Masters' and creators.

This movie raises the dubious question of what's alive and what's not, as has been rightly pointed out. I don't want to say this a goof that wrecks an otherwise satisfying film, however, it's worth considering. The Christmas ornament, clearly not an electrical appliance, but rather a little doll with organic hair and robes, is alive. But the garbage can she's placed in at the end is not. Okay, chalk it up to enchantment. Christmas is supposed to be magical. The kitchen faucet can also speak, but that's even acceptable. It's those balloons in space that make one wonder; a balloon is also, in this film and clearly not the other two, is to be extended the privilege of possessing a soul? In the other two this was reserved for all humans, all animals, and all electrical devices alone. What separates a balloon from a sofa? Sure, it was the obvious object that would be living out in space due to the unsteady grip of a child. Yet still...

If one simply listens to their song and appreciates it for what it is, and doesn't analyze it, it's easier. In the end, peace comes to the reconciled appliances, the baby returns home, and essentially everyone is content, perhaps except Viking I...but even he will remain in contact with Angelina, the ornament. The songs are weakest in this film. The plot is utterly weird. But the song Chris sings to Little Master, "I see a new you," is actually very pretty when you hear it multiple times. And overall the movie is not a huge disappointment.

The Toaster sequel to AVOID
It pains me to have to think about this movie again, but I thought I'd write a review to warn people away, if I could. Some of the other reviewers don't sound too fond of the Brave Little Toaster movies, period, but that's not the case with me! I loved the original movie, and the other sequel (part two in the Disney-adapted storyline) "The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue," is an enjoyable extension of the Toaster series, if not quite up to the original. This dreck, just forget it. I don't care how nuts you and/or your kids are about the Brave Little Toaster, if you're over 3 years old this monsterpiece will give you brain cramps. (And why would you want to traumatize a 3 year old with this!?) I watched this film with a 7 year old and a 9 year old, and we all agreed about how awful it is.

When I first watched this very convoluted movie, it brought every "what were they smoking" cliche to mind about the screenwriters and director. Seriously, it was hard to imagine that people whose brains weren't chemically fried could POSSIBLY think that some of the nonsense and downright creepiness in this flick was a good idea. Then I finally read the Brave Little Toaster books by Thomas M. Disch (which are excellent, by the way, and I highly recommend them.) A large part of the awfulness of the "Mars" movie sequel seems to result from the unfortunate collision of the Disney- and Disch-authored plots. Disney pretty much took Disch's concept of anthropomorphic appliances and ran with it, adding their own human characters and greatly altering the plot. The "master" of the appliances Rob McGroarty, his girlfriend/wife Chris, the veterinary school thing --all 100% Disney.

Not that I have a problem with Disney re-writing the storyline; as I've said I enjoy both the movies and the books which inspired them. But in the "Mars" movie, Disney seems to have decided to include every bizarre element of the Disch book (appliances travelling to Mars under their own power, gigantic talking refrigerators, talking toy balloons surrounding the Earth, "Christmas Angels" on Mars etc.), failed to integrate said bizarre elements into the Disney storyline or explain them, and then they added MORE convoluted nonsense of their own. The Disch story is a lighthearted fantasy with a sci-fi edge; the Disney adaptation never gets off the ground.

Anyway, enough about how the plot of this mess is, well, a mess, and onto to the creepiness! One of the constants of the first two Toaster movies, and a feature of most "inanimate objects coming to life" movies (think Toy Story), is that the talking appliance characters only come to life when people are NOT around. But in "Mars" we watch a truly terrifying musical number with the McGroarty's new baby and the appliances... something about how Rob's appliances are watching out for the kid while they dance around and cuddle. And for the rest of the film, appliances can "come to life" around the baby. (That kid is REALLY going to need some therapy when he grows up.)

Perhaps the creepiest aspect of "Mars" is the fuzzy boundary about what can and cannot "come to life" with human speech and sentience. Usually in Disney films, this includes people and non-human animals. The Toaster films extended this to electrical devices, which was charming and unique since we tend to think of our favorite and least favorite appliances and electronics as having personalities anyway. In "Mars," not only do animals and appliances talk to one another, the kitchen sink talks! And toy balloons can talk! Christmas ornaments can talk! It's a regular talking extravaganza, and it raises eerie metaphysical questions about what ISN'T alive in this whacko movie.

As other reviewers have noted, "The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars" has some serious plausibility problems as well. That may sound like a funny complaint about a film whose title character is a talking toaster, but believe me, you'll be scratching your head too. The plot (such that it has one) revolves around the McGroarty's infant son being kidnapped by a rebellious band of appliances who have somehow relocated themselves to Mars. It's not too well explained how the baby is transported to Mars, but once he's there, he floats around in some kind of impervious air bubble (which can survive re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, of course.) Thomas M. Disch may have written some far-out stuff, but at least in the book he made a point of explaining how ONLY machines could survive the extreme temperatures of Mars and the vacuum of space. (I mean the absence of air, not Kirby:))

I could cite many comparable examples about how this movie was very poorly adapted and put together, but already my brain is cramping up from too much thinking about it. Bottom line: Watch the OTHER Toaster movies and read the books, just avoid this one!!!

This is worse than the first one! (Now that's BAD!)
The Brave Little Toaster goes to Mars is on my list of my top five least favorite animated kids movies (Number one is Tarzan and Jane, number two is Cinderella 2 dreams come true and number three is the movie you're reading the review of)! The hair-brained idea (for starters) is terrbile. What are the chances of a Martian taking the baby that happens to be in the same house that has the talking accessories? Probably a 21% chance because we don't even know if Martians exist! Anyway, the plot is so gooney, and the movie is so slow, and animation is so corny, you'll be sorry if you watch this! I can't think of enough bad things to say about it! And the rat can talk to the toaster! Who ever heard of a rat talking to a toaster??? It's so bad, it makes you wish you would have watched the first one! And if you think THAT you KNOW it's a bad movie (By the way, the first Brave Little Toaster is number 4 on my list, I haven't seen the other Brave Little Toaster movie and I hope I NEVER do!) Look, if you want satisfaction in a video, either buy: Uncensored Bosko Volumes 1 and 2 (That's a DVD), Out of the Inkwell Vol. 3 The Birth of Ko-Ko, The Bugs Bunny/ Road Runner Movie, or Betty Boop the definitive collection (all of these are available at Amazon). If you don't want to be bored out of your skull, do NOT watch this movie. Over and out...

Solid and entertaining sequel almost up to original film
I've never seen so many applicances get around so often. Perhaps NASA should hire the Toaster and his pals to get them to Mars! This is an entertaining installment but the plot is a bit confusing for some small children. There are very few little ones who know who Albert Einstein is, much less the theory of relativity (or the unified theory). There's also few children who know what hearing aids are for. I'd suggest watching this movie with your kids to explain (to their comprehension)the confusing bits of the story.

The second film to be produced in this trilogy (although the last in it), Mars is the second best. The colorful backgrounds, songs and adventure will capture your child's attention. It also provides a great dialog about values, misunderstandings and prejudice. It's also a entertaining movie. It's a pity that Disney didn't invest a bit more money in this sequel (it was actually done outside of Disney if I'm not mistaken and picked up by the company). The animation could have been a bit smoother but your kids probably won't notice.

The songs are enjoyable and the difficulties the characters have provide excellent examples of conflict resolution for kids. The plot is less dark than the first film but, again, may require a bit of explaining.

Pay Attention to What The Kids Are Watching??
My grandson, age 2 1/2, loved the Brave Little Toaster Goes to the City; however, after watching the BLT Goes to Mars, he started this thing, "I hate God.." He just kept saying it from time to time and we realized that he associated the 'refrigerator' or Supreme Commander in this movie with God, as his conception of going up to Mars was like going up to Heaven where he, through this movie, was introduced to 'God'.... or so he thought, and he was upset by the refrigerator character. It's just good to try and find out where the kids 'thoughts' are... ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Better Than The Book
As far as TV movies go, "Killing Mr. Griffin" is a pretty good teen-oriented suspense film and a definite improvement on the 1978 book Lois Duncan wrote. In the book, there's no main character to empathize with, but in the movie, Susan McConnell (played by Amy Jo Johnson) is the leading protagonist, who is targeted by a group of popular classmates and asked to assist them in a senior prank played on Mr. Griffin (Jay Thomas), the harsh English teacher at Del Norte High School. Things go wrong, though, when Mr. Griffin accidentally dies on them due to his heart condition, and now all six teens must try and cover up his death.

Most of the book's characters are the same in the movie, except for Tori and Bree (Mindy Spence and Jennifer Hammon), who are kind of a combination of Betsy Cline, the cheerleader in the book. Tori is probably the closest thing to Betsy, though--she's basically a blonde rah-rah. But in the movie, Tori is Mark Kinney's (Scott Bairstow) girlfriend, whereas in the book, Mark was pretty much a loner. He's also much more popular and charismatic in the movie--and not all that bad-looking either. ;)

The remaining two guys, Dave Ruggles (Mario Lopez) and Jeff Garrett (Chris Young), act as Mark's sidekicks, but Dave is more in the spotlight than Jeff, because he's the one to lure Susan into their kidnapping scheme. Michelle Williams from "Dawson's Creek" even makes a few appearances as Susan's close friend, Maya (another made-up character for the movie).

If you've read "Killing Mr. Griffin" by Lois Duncan, then you might want to give this movie a try. In my opinion, it's much better than the book. It's more organized plot wise, has good character development and a somewhat better ending. Rated PG-13 for some violence and sensuality.

A somewhat dark teen flick
With lots of star power (Scott Bairstow, Amy Jo Johnson, Michelle Williams, and more), Killing Mr. Griffin occasionally hits home because it contains realistic elements of teenage life--at any rate, the life of an awkward, smart, unpopular teenage girl, Susan, who is dying to be popular. Amy Jo Johnson plays this part well. After her teacher, Mr. Griffin, humilates her in class, Susan agrees to be part of a prank that is operated by some of the popular kids, including the guy she has a crush on. The kids want to humilate Mr. Griffin, like he humiliates his students. But the prank goes horribly wrong, and the students spend the rest of the movie living with the consequences of having to keep a terrible secret. Susan is especially haunted by what has happened. Her friend Maya (Michelle Williams) and her family suspect she is hiding something, and Susan is conflicted between doing the right thing and keeping her "good girl" image. It's a bit scary at times. Sometimes even a little *too* dark and edgy. It isn't the best film out there, but it is an interesting story and features talented actors, which more than make up for the dreariness of the plot.

Great page-to-screen adaptation
Lois Duncan's Killing Mr. Griffin was an interesting novel in its own right, but this made for television movie manages to improve on the original. Amy Jo Johnson, the pretty young actress many may recognize as the former Pink Power Ranger, stars as Susan McConnell. Susan is a good student, yet she is shy and awkward around the popular crowd. She is especially shy around Dave (former "Saved by the Bell" player Mario Lopez), the handsome jock she has a crush on. Mark, the leader of the group Dave hangs with, is bent on becoming student body president and the most popular guy in high school. After being humiliated by Mr. Griffin, the notoriously strict English teacher, Mark develops a plan to get revenge. They will kidnap Mr. Griffin as a prank to humiliate him as he has humiliated students. Susan is unwittingly sucked into the plan by her feelings for Dave and her desire to become popular. Dave is pressured into using Susan's obvious feelings for him to a nasty advantage. The plan to kidnap Griffin goes almost as planned...but then he dies unexpectedly, and things spin out of control. The climax of the film is better than that in the novel, with just enough suspense to keep viewers hooked. Overall, this movie was excellent, and serves as a grim reminder of what peer pressure is capable of. The only qualm I had was that it was not a theatrical release. Highly recommended.

Would you go as far as murder for payback?
Killing Mr. Griffin could as well be true. A lot of people would go through anything just to fit in. But could you lose everything you know and understand in the process? An understandable movie about Responsibility, and Mistrust in the way of fitting in.

Mr. Griffin is a strict teacher. Maybe too strict. Five seniors at the school Mr. Griffin teaches at think so. When revenge is the first thought that comes to mind, Mark, David, Jeff, Bree, and Tori set out to find a way to get back at Mr. Griffin for what he's done, but no one is volunteering for bait. When Susan McConnell is put under the spotlight for what seems a harmless prank, she decides to go for it. Besides she gets a couple of satisfactions to go with it. One, she gets to fit in. Two, she can get Mr. Griffin back at embarrasing her in class, and Three, she can hang out with David, the guy she has a crush on. When Susan sees what doesn't seem like an inoccent prank, she goes to where they have left poor Mr. Griffin tied up, and hostage. But Mr. Griffin isn't moving. He isn't even breathing. He's dead. After trying to figure out what happened to Mr. Griffin, the six are faced up against the biggest decision of their lives. Tell what happened, or keep it a secret.

An amazing story. The characters may have been mixed up a little bit, but it still made a great story. Lois Duncan did well with the book, but I think the movie was better. In the book you weren't as sorry for Mr. Griffin as you were watching the movie. Jay Thomas gave an awesome portrayal of the overlystrict Mr. Griffin. I think they kind of mixed Susan and her friend Maya up on accident. Susan was supposed to be the loner with glasses, and not exactly attractive. But Susan was very attractive in this movie. It was kind of hard to believe she couldn't get a boyfriend. Like someone said before, Tori and Bree were a split up of Betsie in the book, but I don't think Betsie was exactly that "I'm so cool" kind of girl in the book. The boys were portrayed great. Snobbish, not exactly serious.

A great movie to the book which I also recommend. This time I recommend the movie first. Than read the book. Either way, Mr. Griffin will die twice. 5 stars without a doubt.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISE
This NBC-TV movie surprised me. Writers Kathleen Rowell and Michael Angeli are very adept in creating both scenes and dialogue that seems realistic: the mousy girl who wants to be popular; the teens who find themselves Svengalied by a handsome rich boy; how a boy interferes in the relationship between two blossoming young women. And some really credible performances, mainly from Amy Jo Johnson, Scott Bairstow, and Mario Lopez.
Jay Thomas Mr. Griffin is a difficult character to empathize with, but in view of what teachers have to put up with in school, one can understand his cynicism. However, one cant' excuse his cruely in humiliating students in front of their classmates. He is also an extremist. But...he doesn't deserve what happens to him.
Bairstow as Mark gives us a teen of arrogant self-delusion; a narcisstic liar; and an obviously psychotic personality. Johnson and Michelle Williams are great in showing the special bond between two good friends.
There's not a lot of action in the movie, but it really doesn't need it; the key here is what happens when people's lives aren't important to the callow youths who can't accept the responsibility of their acts.
A sharp, tidy thriller. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A very worthy part 2 of the trilogy.
This movie is good on several counts. First, it may be the third installment in the Brave Little Toaster trilogy, but it's obviously intended to be inserted between the original and "Mars," to tie together the Master's departure for college and his marriage to Chris/fatherhood to Rob, Jr. in "Mars." That development seemed to come much too soon, leaving us to wonder just what occurred in between. This movie carries a wonderful message about animals and their rights, focusing rather heavily on a snake named Mergatroid, a devoted white mother cat named Maisie, a disaffected rat named Ratzo, an elderly ape named Sebastian, and a sweet Chihuahua named Alberto. Despite the fact that the film often borders on corny, with "animals in danger" for some reason flashing on the computer screen when they're taken away by the evil Mack, to be shipped to a lab, the music in this movie isn't too bad, considering it's a sequel. We're introduced to some new appliances as well; a modem, female computer, some printers, a security camera in the police Dobermans' pen. On the whole, the main characters retain their personalities true enough to form, but don't have quite enough funny or poignant lines to allow this to come close to matching its original. Not that anything ever could. This is a worthy sequel. The Master is studying to be a veterinarian, a suitable profession. The interaction of appliances and animals is interesting.

Oh, and let's not forget Wittgenschtein, the old super-computer! This movie was obviously planned before "Mars," because it explains how he came to live in the museum. Brian Doyle-Murray does a great job as the voice of this funny, nice guy. And it's a touching moment when Radio sacrifices his own WFC-11-12-55 tube to save him. The Toaster hasn't been the only brave one throughout these movies. The others have done some pretty brave things themselves.

Overall, not a bad sequel. Cheesier than the first, it might not satisfy older viewers, but the younger ones should find most of it cute if nothing else.

Disney's animal rights message?
I was enjoying this movie until I noticed that part of the plot involves villains stealing animals to be sold to an animal research lab (that Toaster and his friends rescue). This not only perpetuates the myth that scientists walk the streets trying to steal your pet for experimentation, but conveys the message that animal experimentation is wrong. If you are are an animal rights supporter, then this movie is for you and your kid. Instead, if you support the responsible and humane use of animals in medical research avoid this movie at all cost.

I can't believe Disney's writers didn't notice the underlying message in this movie. I can only conclude this represents their opinion on the subject. Very sad.

Entertaining but not up to the original
Looking for something to entertain the kids on a wet night? This installment of the Toaster series will fit the bill quite nicely. Although it's not as well written, directed or produced as the first film (or even the second), To The Rescue does deal with a number of moral issues and difficult decisions that the Toaster and his pals have to make to save the life of some lab animals.

More of a slapdash affair than the first film (or, in my opinion, the convoluted sequel), Rescue is a poor relation to the original film. THe characterizations and conflicts are still strong and suspenseful but the plotting is sloppy. Most younger children won't notice but a few older ones might. Luckily, kids can suspend their disbelief a lot easier than adults.

Kids won't pay attention to the quality of animation as much as adults and the gaps in the plot probably won't be an issue. The songs are entertaining and almost to the quality of the first film. The best vocal performance comes from Brian Doyle-Murray (Bill Murray's brother and another Saturday Night Live/Second City alum) as the computer. His distinctive gravelly voice and performance add quality to this average sequel.

Just a note for parents this is the second film in the Toaster series. It was planned and written after the third film Goes To Mars and is the only one in the series not inspired by Thomas Disch's children's stories.

The only Toaster sequel worth watching
Like many other grown-ups who are kids at heart, I am a big fan of the Brave Little Toaster. For the completely uninitiated, it's a series about anthropomorphic appliances, and other mechanical things (are computers and streetlamps and giant evil magnets etc. really "appliances"?), who come to life a la the "Toy Story" toys when people aren't around. For good measure, traditional Disney-style anthropomorphic animals are included in a bit part in the original movie, and in "Rescue" the animals can talk and are in effect the "human" equals of the appliances.

For some bizarre reason known only to Disney and whoever else produced the Toaster movies, "To the Rescue" was released AFTER the other direct-to-video sequel, "The Brave Little Toaster Goes To Mars." So "Rescue" is often referred to as the third chapter in the series, or Toaster III, etc. But as should be pretty obvious to anyone who has watched all three movies and paid minimal attention to the plot, "Rescue" is clearly the SECOND chapter in the series, with events taking place directly after the theatrical release. In the original movie, Rob McGroaty, the "master" of the appliances, is going away to college. In "Rescue," he's a college senior wrapping up his thesis (titled "The Secret Life of Animals," humorously enough... oh, how little Rob knows!) in veterinary medicine. In the god-awful bad "Mars" movie, Rob has married longtime girlfriend Chris and is an established veterinarian with a baby on the way.

I don't think that "Rescue" is on the level of the original movie, but it's definitely worth a look. (When it comes out on DVD, I think I'll actually buy it!) Its failings could best be described, I think, as "sloppiness." Whereas the first movie was pretty groundbreaking with the totally non-organic cast, who were NOT familiar, human-shaped playthings like the Toy Story toys, in the 10+ years between the original and its sequels the producers must have realized that Hey, kids love the Toaster, so why not make their parents buy some slapped-together sequels!?

Despite some jokes and references clearly meant for adults - nothing DIRTY, people, so chill out - and some songs that are actually pretty good, "Rescue" has a slap-dash feel to it, with TV cartoon-quality (as opposed to movie-quality) animation, and plot holes you could drive a truck through. Or maybe, I should say plot *discrepancies.* (Grown-ups use big words, you know!) Once you get over silliness like Rob losing a 600 page thesis due a power outage - he typed the entire thing in one sitting, without saving to disk ONCE?! - or the notion that Eville animal vivisection people will pay lots of dough to acquire any old collection of miscellaneous animals, there's an enjoyable and even exciting story to be found, very much in the spirit of the original movie. Unlike "Mars," which totally runs off the rails with its cockamamie stupidity and creepy extension of human sentience to seemingly everything (like balloons, yikes!!), "Rescue"'s shortcomings never threaten to tank the whole movie.

Aside from the appliances saving some cute talking animals, "Rescue" brings Radio, Lampy, Kirby and the gang into the Information Age. In the first movie, "high-tech" is pretty much synonymous with evil, with the "evil appliances" at Rob's parents' apartment (who have replaced the old gang left at the summer cabin) singing their hilarious "cutting edge of technology" song, infomercial-style. "Rescue" carries over the stern disapproval of rampant consumerism, and also acknowledges that even "cutting edge" machines are quickly abandoned by the always-looking-for-something-better masses.

By way of a crash course in modern technology, singing and dancing computers, servers, and modems perform a musical number ("Information Superhighway") for the benefit of Rob's elderly appliances. It's a catchy, goofy tune, and yet it has a genuinely moving message about the power of the internet to bring isolated people into a larger community. Even more affectingly, this song is reprised by an abandoned pre-transistor (1st gen) computer that Rob's appliances discover in the university basement.

The abandoned computer - named Wittgenstein, as in the polymath philosopher for some unexplained reason - is actually one of the highlights of the movie. Wittgenstein has, hands down, the best songs, and the sub-plot to bring him a new part helps prevent the movie from being all about the cuddly wittle animals and what a dweeb Rob is. "Rescue" eschews much of the emotionally tough material of the first movie, and as such I expected that every character who needed to be rescued or repaired in some way would get help, but I was still very happy to see Wittgenstein (Brian Doyle Murray, in one of his better voice roles IMO) get his due. Not to mention, it's refreshing to see a NON-EVIL sentient computer for once! :)

Alack, the comically brilliant Jon Lovitz does not return to reprise his role as Radio, my favorite character, but his replacement is pretty good. And the voice of Tony the Tiger (I'm not going to try to spell his name) happily returns as Kirby the vacuum cleaner. If you haven't seen the original Toaster, go rent or buy it ASAP! If you like the Toaster, chances are you'll like this sequel as well.

We love the toaster!!!
Ok. Well, I'll admit it! The toaster rocks! My son and I dance to the songs and he asks to watch it on a daily basis. What a cute movie, with fun songs and a good story. The animation is well done and the voices are perfect! Enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

This hit-and-miss 1988 comedy pairs John Candy and Dan Aykroyd in a story of one family's summer vacation all but ruined by the uninvited appearance of another, more loutish family. Howard Deutch (Some Kind of Wonderful) directs from a half-hearted John Hughes script, which reduces Hughes's jokes-and-epiphanies formula (The Breakfast Club, Home Alone) to true gaudiness. On the other hand, Annette Bening makes her screen debut here. The DVD release has a widescreen presentation, production notes, trailer, optional French soundtrack, and optional Spanish subtitles. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Hilarious and lighthearted
Dan Aykroyd and John Candy are hysterical in this lighthearted comedy. Candy and his family go to a cabin in the woods for what Candy hopes will be a relaxing summer vacation. Soon after their arrival, Aykroyd and his family show up uninvited and take over. Over the course of the week, they meet a man who has been struck by lightning 66 times, a 100-year-old man who dies on his birthday yet still comes to the party, and a feisty local girl who toys with Candy's oldest son. Add to this a family of determined racoons with a language all their own ("What do they think we have these wonderfully dextrous fingers for?"), an unwelcome bat flying in the house ("It buzzed me"), a dump full of hungry bears ("Yogi and Boo-boo in the flesh"), and a bald-headed grizzly ("Big bear chase me!") and hilarity ensues. It's a movie you'll want to watch again and again.

ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES
I LOVED this movie and would recommend it to everyone.
John Candy takes his family for a relaxing vaction in the mountains. To his surprise his obnoxious brother-inlaw, played by Dan Aykroyd and his family arrive. They were not welcome visitors.
Poor John tries desperately to have a relaxing time despite a cabin full of unwanted company. Unfortunately everything bad that can happen does. Including in this is another unwelcome guest, this time a bat. I'm telling you, I laughed myself silly over this scene. Perhaps it is because I have had such an adventure and it was much more fun watching someone else go through it. Of course the attack of the bald headed bear has to rank up there as well, as John and his brother-in-law try to protect their family against yet another unwanted guest.
This movie is a laugh a minute and one that will leave you with a giggle in your heart. Feeling down? Get this movie!
Truly a legacy of the one we all will greatly miss, Mr. John Candy.

A Perennial Favorite
We watch this movie at least once per summer while at the lake in Wisconsin. There's nothing like it to make the entire family crack up laughing with nearly every scene. This movie is as much a part of our family summer vacation as the stay in the Northwoods alone.

You can't go wrong with this classic movie, The Great Outdoors.

One big laugh riot
I adore "The Great Outdoors". This is one of my favorite John Candy movies of all time. Yeah it is no Shakespeare but I wouldn't have it any other way. Dan Ackroyd plays the obnoxious brother-in-law who crashes John Candy's family vacation up in the woods at a cozy little resort. Dan brings his neglected wife played by Annette Benning and their identical twin daughters who are bit on the scary side. The results is a non-stop laugh riot. No many how many times I have watched this film, I still find myself laughing uncontrollably, especially when the raccoons comes out at night to raid the trash cans. I loved it when the young raccoon is told what hot dogs are made of. Anyone familiar with Doug Seuss's bears would know that this is one of the films that the late Bart the Bear made as the bald-headed bear. I loved the final interaction between John Candy's character and the bald-headed bear. It is one of the funniest scenes in the film, next to the water-skiing scene. One of the classic moments in the film is when the entire family goes out to dinner and John Candy decides to order the ol' 96er (this enormous chunk of beef). I personally love "The Great Outdoors". It remains one of my favorite movies from the '80s. It is pure physical comedy. There are a lot worse films than this if you ask me, namely Carrot Top's lone film "Chairman of the Board".

A Good Family Movie
This is a pretty good John Candy/Dan Aykroyd movie. While it's not as good as Uncle Buck or Planes, Trains & Automobiles, it's not bad at all. It's a great Summer/Family Comedy. It doesn't make me laugh and laugh, it's just fun to watch. I'll never stop liking it. ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Animal House For the 90's
PCU is a 90's version of Animal House. Set at the fictional Port Chester University in Connecticut, the film centers around a fun loving fraternity who faces eviction from their frat house unless they come up with $7,500. for damages. Much like Animal House, a smarmy, white-bred priss teams with the dean to help aid in their ousting. The campus is overrun with political correctness from Womanysts, Afrocentrics, gay groups, stoners and others. The plotlines are predictable, but the cast lead by the extremely underrated Jeremy Piven, rise above the clichés to create an extremely enjoyable film. Mr. Piven stars as Droz, the leader of the group and he plans a blow out party at the house's main room, The Pit. His cohorts include Alex Desert as Muls, his smooth talking best friend, a young Jon Favreau (with a bizarre dreadlock hairdo) as the stoner Gutter, Megan Ward as the freshman Katy and Chris Young as a pre-freshman up for weekend to see if he wants to attend the school and who ends up ticking off almost the entire campus. They are pitted against the Dean Garcia-Thompson played with icy bluster by Jessica Walter and Rand McPherson played with unctuous smarm by David Spade. Through a series of mishaps, it looks like the party is going to be a bust. Then through a minor set of miracles, George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic show up and play the party and they gather enough cash to pay the damages. It is still not enough to save them. In another Animal House parallel, the frat disrupts the school's Bicentennial celebration and ends up saving the house by getting the dean fired. PCU has TV movie like running time of barely one hour and twenty minutes, but its brevity helps keep the frantic pace up and it doesn't get bogged down in extraneous plotlines.

Not perfect, but Piven is great
I saw this in theaters, and although I felt at the time that it didn't measure up to similar films (Animal House), it grew on me. It does an excellent job of poking fun at the whole PC craze that was sweeping college campuses in the early to mid 90's...it was so bad, anything you said could be misconstrued, and any attempt to have fun was frowned upon. This movie made me a huge fan of Jeremy Piven (although, after this movie, I can't believe he's the DEAN in _Old School_!) My favorite moment was when the group wonders what happened to Gutter (Jon Favreau)...one character says he's probably in a parking lot picking his nose somewhere. Cut to Gutter in a long shot, under a parking lot street lamp. He looks down at his finger, then makes a flicking motion... his nose-picking is only implied, never seen.

Incidentally, the director is an actor, Hart Bochner. You may know him better as Ellis, the slimy, coke-using co-worker of John McClane's wife who tells the terrorists/robbers John's real name.

This, My Friends, Is A Very Good Movie
Goodness me, just got the movie today, enjoyed it thouroughly. It's sort of unknown though, to a lot of people. I found out aboutit because it was on daytime HBO. Anywho, this is a great college film that seperates itself from the rest in its genre (except a few such as Animal House or Road Trip). It has a descent cast, including Jeremy Piven and David Spade. It is quite funny and has many memorable parts, while keeping in mind the important topic of political correctness. I'm not saying the movie is politically correct, it's far from it, but it makes you think twice about it. Funny parts involve meat, stoners playing frisbee, certain Freshman year memories and many more. I personally enjoyed this movie, as should most people.

Heretics on Fire!
I love this movie. It's not wonderful acting and it does not possess a great plot. It was a movie that reflected its time and for that, I for one, am quite thankful. "Stop Protesting" should be the mantra for this new century. PC, unfortunately, will never die but this movie went a long way to delegitimizing it. I had a laugh when I saw that this was rated #12 for Michigan universities--it would have to be based on my memories of visiting my friend's at Michigan. The universities are infested with wacko Foucaultian post-modernists and, even if we can't get rid of them, we should make fun of them relentlessly--which is exactly what this film does.

Classic---Animal House
Funny 80's college movie a classic must have hard to find anywhere...ebay doesn't have... ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Better Than The Book
As far as TV movies go, "Killing Mr. Griffin" is a pretty good teen-oriented suspense film and a definite improvement on the 1978 book Lois Duncan wrote. In the book, there's no main character to empathize with, but in the movie, Susan McConnell (played by Amy Jo Johnson) is the leading protagonist, who is targeted by a group of popular classmates and asked to assist them in a senior prank played on Mr. Griffin (Jay Thomas), the harsh English teacher at Del Norte High School. Things go wrong, though, when Mr. Griffin accidentally dies on them due to his heart condition, and now all six teens must try and cover up his death.

Most of the book's characters are the same in the movie, except for Tori and Bree (Mindy Spence and Jennifer Hammon), who are kind of a combination of Betsy Cline, the cheerleader in the book. Tori is probably the closest thing to Betsy, though--she's basically a blonde rah-rah. But in the movie, Tori is Mark Kinney's (Scott Bairstow) girlfriend, whereas in the book, Mark was pretty much a loner. He's also much more popular and charismatic in the movie--and not all that bad-looking either. ;)

The remaining two guys, Dave Ruggles (Mario Lopez) and Jeff Garrett (Chris Young), act as Mark's sidekicks, but Dave is more in the spotlight than Jeff, because he's the one to lure Susan into their kidnapping scheme. Michelle Williams from "Dawson's Creek" even makes a few appearances as Susan's close friend, Maya (another made-up character for the movie).

If you've read "Killing Mr. Griffin" by Lois Duncan, then you might want to give this movie a try. In my opinion, it's much better than the book. It's more organized plot wise, has good character development and a somewhat better ending. Rated PG-13 for some violence and sensuality.

A somewhat dark teen flick
With lots of star power (Scott Bairstow, Amy Jo Johnson, Michelle Williams, and more), Killing Mr. Griffin occasionally hits home because it contains realistic elements of teenage life--at any rate, the life of an awkward, smart, unpopular teenage girl, Susan, who is dying to be popular. Amy Jo Johnson plays this part well. After her teacher, Mr. Griffin, humilates her in class, Susan agrees to be part of a prank that is operated by some of the popular kids, including the guy she has a crush on. The kids want to humilate Mr. Griffin, like he humiliates his students. But the prank goes horribly wrong, and the students spend the rest of the movie living with the consequences of having to keep a terrible secret. Susan is especially haunted by what has happened. Her friend Maya (Michelle Williams) and her family suspect she is hiding something, and Susan is conflicted between doing the right thing and keeping her "good girl" image. It's a bit scary at times. Sometimes even a little *too* dark and edgy. It isn't the best film out there, but it is an interesting story and features talented actors, which more than make up for the dreariness of the plot.

Great page-to-screen adaptation
Lois Duncan's Killing Mr. Griffin was an interesting novel in its own right, but this made for television movie manages to improve on the original. Amy Jo Johnson, the pretty young actress many may recognize as the former Pink Power Ranger, stars as Susan McConnell. Susan is a good student, yet she is shy and awkward around the popular crowd. She is especially shy around Dave (former "Saved by the Bell" player Mario Lopez), the handsome jock she has a crush on. Mark, the leader of the group Dave hangs with, is bent on becoming student body president and the most popular guy in high school. After being humiliated by Mr. Griffin, the notoriously strict English teacher, Mark develops a plan to get revenge. They will kidnap Mr. Griffin as a prank to humiliate him as he has humiliated students. Susan is unwittingly sucked into the plan by her feelings for Dave and her desire to become popular. Dave is pressured into using Susan's obvious feelings for him to a nasty advantage. The plan to kidnap Griffin goes almost as planned...but then he dies unexpectedly, and things spin out of control. The climax of the film is better than that in the novel, with just enough suspense to keep viewers hooked. Overall, this movie was excellent, and serves as a grim reminder of what peer pressure is capable of. The only qualm I had was that it was not a theatrical release. Highly recommended.

Would you go as far as murder for payback?
Killing Mr. Griffin could as well be true. A lot of people would go through anything just to fit in. But could you lose everything you know and understand in the process? An understandable movie about Responsibility, and Mistrust in the way of fitting in.

Mr. Griffin is a strict teacher. Maybe too strict. Five seniors at the school Mr. Griffin teaches at think so. When revenge is the first thought that comes to mind, Mark, David, Jeff, Bree, and Tori set out to find a way to get back at Mr. Griffin for what he's done, but no one is volunteering for bait. When Susan McConnell is put under the spotlight for what seems a harmless prank, she decides to go for it. Besides she gets a couple of satisfactions to go with it. One, she gets to fit in. Two, she can get Mr. Griffin back at embarrasing her in class, and Three, she can hang out with David, the guy she has a crush on. When Susan sees what doesn't seem like an inoccent prank, she goes to where they have left poor Mr. Griffin tied up, and hostage. But Mr. Griffin isn't moving. He isn't even breathing. He's dead. After trying to figure out what happened to Mr. Griffin, the six are faced up against the biggest decision of their lives. Tell what happened, or keep it a secret.

An amazing story. The characters may have been mixed up a little bit, but it still made a great story. Lois Duncan did well with the book, but I think the movie was better. In the book you weren't as sorry for Mr. Griffin as you were watching the movie. Jay Thomas gave an awesome portrayal of the overlystrict Mr. Griffin. I think they kind of mixed Susan and her friend Maya up on accident. Susan was supposed to be the loner with glasses, and not exactly attractive. But Susan was very attractive in this movie. It was kind of hard to believe she couldn't get a boyfriend. Like someone said before, Tori and Bree were a split up of Betsie in the book, but I don't think Betsie was exactly that "I'm so cool" kind of girl in the book. The boys were portrayed great. Snobbish, not exactly serious.

A great movie to the book which I also recommend. This time I recommend the movie first. Than read the book. Either way, Mr. Griffin will die twice. 5 stars without a doubt.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISE
This NBC-TV movie surprised me. Writers Kathleen Rowell and Michael Angeli are very adept in creating both scenes and dialogue that seems realistic: the mousy girl who wants to be popular; the teens who find themselves Svengalied by a handsome rich boy; how a boy interferes in the relationship between two blossoming young women. And some really credible performances, mainly from Amy Jo Johnson, Scott Bairstow, and Mario Lopez.
Jay Thomas Mr. Griffin is a difficult character to empathize with, but in view of what teachers have to put up with in school, one can understand his cynicism. However, one cant' excuse his cruely in humiliating students in front of their classmates. He is also an extremist. But...he doesn't deserve what happens to him.
Bairstow as Mark gives us a teen of arrogant self-delusion; a narcisstic liar; and an obviously psychotic personality. Johnson and Michelle Williams are great in showing the special bond between two good friends.
There's not a lot of action in the movie, but it really doesn't need it; the key here is what happens when people's lives aren't important to the callow youths who can't accept the responsibility of their acts.
A sharp, tidy thriller. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

best movie ever!!!!
My sister and I watched this movie so many times that our VHS tape is all fuzzy and we still continue to watch it! So happy that it was released as a DVD so that we can watch it endlessly! Definitely a must-see "classic" movie!!!!

dance til dawn the best 80's movie
when i was younger i used to rent this movie all the time.it has so many of the 80's stars in it.its such a great movie,make sure u get to see it some time or buy it its so worth it

dance til dawn
FANTASIC VIDEO REALLY MEAN THAT YOU GUYS

Very Entertaining
...Dance til' Dawn was a good movie... It was basically centered around the Prom. Kevin McCrae (Brian Bloom) asked Angela Strull (Tracy Gold) out on a date because his friend lied and said that she was "easy". He ended up falling for her, but she had already found out why he asked her out in the first place so she dumped him. The whole time Angelea's father (Kelsy Grammar)was following them. Meanwhile Shelley Sheridan (Alyssa Milano), Kevin's ex-gf ends up spending time with Leftcourt (Chris DeYoung), the geek of the school and she ends up falling for him.

I really enjoyed this movie because it was funny. I highly recommend it for a good laugh.

FINALLY!
It's about time this late-eighties gem was released to DVD. Loved the movie then (back in my junior-high and high-school days), still love it. Accidentally taped over my VCR-from-TV copy; am glad it's being reissued, this time to a better format. So many big names in one hilarious movie - and folks, this doesn't happen very often! :) ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Middle of the road. That's it, and that's all!
This movie is nothing more than an attempt to cash in on the first one's success. Julian Sands once again returns as Satan's son, but he seems to be sleepwalking this go-round. Two disposable teenage actors (Paula Marshall and Christopher Young), play two descendants of Druid warriors who are the ONLY people who can fight the Warlock and prevent him from releasing Satan into Earth. Oh, and there are six rune stones or something he has to possess to unlock Satan from the bowels of the Earth (etc.etc.). You get the idea.

Anyway, this has some pretty decent effects, and some pioneering computer animations, but all in all, it's a very weak film, and, putting the special effects aside, there's not much left but incompetent acting and cheap thrills. If you like the Warlock films or love Julian Sands, buy this one, or if you're curious, buy it, but overall, you could skip it without really missing anything.

ANTHONY HICKOX DOES IT AGAIN!
Warlock:The Armageddon is an enjoyable watch. I bought this DVD because 1.Anthony Hickox directed it. 2.Monika Schnarre has a small part in it. I hadn't seen it before when I purchased this film, but I enjoyed it. I love what Anthony Hickox did with this sequel. The special effects, a good cast. I love Paula Marshall (from 'Hellrasier 3)- what a talented and likeable actress. I got a thrill seeing Monika Schnarre again in a small part as a runway model.

I hope that anthony Hickox would make more films like this.

Druidism and Satanism?
I have to say, that I am really into Horror-Films, also if they have a satanic touch; but when I saw, that this film is a mixing of old pagan-rites with satanic rites I came into rage. For myself Wicca and celtic Rites of Paganism are wonderful Ways and I learned, that Pagans do not believe in Satan! So, this story is one of the worst, I've ever seen! If the producer would describe kabbala-rites, which would be more suitable than pagan-rites, this film would be a little bit more interesting...

But sorry, Paganism and Satanism... nothing has to do with each other...

Blessed be

If you love Julian Sands this is a great movie.
If you love Julian Sands this is a great movie. He looks wonderful in this film. It also has lots of action and a good story line.

HE'S BACK!
This is a thrilling sequal to the classic "Warlock".You will love it!It is just as good as the first!If the first one made you jump,you will fly out of your seat watching this one!The Warlock is reborn and has to collect 6 sacred stones for the rise of satan.Now two warriors must stop him before it's too late.With a trail of blood in their way,can the warriors stop him?This thriller also stars Joanna Pacula.The dvd features include the theatrical trailer,interactive scene selection and set up.It's agreat buy so get it now! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Middle of the road. That's it, and that's all!
This movie is nothing more than an attempt to cash in on the first one's success. Julian Sands once again returns as Satan's son, but he seems to be sleepwalking this go-round. Two disposable teenage actors (Paula Marshall and Christopher Young), play two descendants of Druid warriors who are the ONLY people who can fight the Warlock and prevent him from releasing Satan into Earth. Oh, and there are six rune stones or something he has to possess to unlock Satan from the bowels of the Earth (etc.etc.). You get the idea.

Anyway, this has some pretty decent effects, and some pioneering computer animations, but all in all, it's a very weak film, and, putting the special effects aside, there's not much left but incompetent acting and cheap thrills. If you like the Warlock films or love Julian Sands, buy this one, or if you're curious, buy it, but overall, you could skip it without really missing anything.

ANTHONY HICKOX DOES IT AGAIN!
Warlock:The Armageddon is an enjoyable watch. I bought this DVD because 1.Anthony Hickox directed it. 2.Monika Schnarre has a small part in it. I hadn't seen it before when I purchased this film, but I enjoyed it. I love what Anthony Hickox did with this sequel. The special effects, a good cast. I love Paula Marshall (from 'Hellrasier 3)- what a talented and likeable actress. I got a thrill seeing Monika Schnarre again in a small part as a runway model.

I hope that anthony Hickox would make more films like this.

Druidism and Satanism?
I have to say, that I am really into Horror-Films, also if they have a satanic touch; but when I saw, that this film is a mixing of old pagan-rites with satanic rites I came into rage. For myself Wicca and celtic Rites of Paganism are wonderful Ways and I learned, that Pagans do not believe in Satan! So, this story is one of the worst, I've ever seen! If the producer would describe kabbala-rites, which would be more suitable than pagan-rites, this film would be a little bit more interesting...

But sorry, Paganism and Satanism... nothing has to do with each other...

Blessed be

If you love Julian Sands this is a great movie.
If you love Julian Sands this is a great movie. He looks wonderful in this film. It also has lots of action and a good story line.

HE'S BACK!
This is a thrilling sequal to the classic "Warlock".You will love it!It is just as good as the first!If the first one made you jump,you will fly out of your seat watching this one!The Warlock is reborn and has to collect 6 sacred stones for the rise of satan.Now two warriors must stop him before it's too late.With a trail of blood in their way,can the warriors stop him?This thriller also stars Joanna Pacula.The dvd features include the theatrical trailer,interactive scene selection and set up.It's agreat buy so get it now! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

For Cistaro
I watched this movie to see Anthony Cistaro (as the cop pointing out the large amount of blood on the stairs) in an earlier role than Kenneth Irons (from Witchblade). Still, mythology stories are never ALL bad.

the wolf fenrir takes over an alcheologist's body.
great flick. i loved it. the special effects could have been a little better, but not for a 91 flick. i loved the story line and i am really into norse mythology ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Rent it....
A decent movie about a cycle of poverty and addiction...Brittany Murphy and Jeremy Jordan (yes, Jeremy "The Right Kind of Love" Jordan!) stand out with their performances in an otherwise Lifetime-movie-of-the-week caliber film. Worth a watch, for sure, and at a low price might be worth purchasing if you're a big Murphy or JJ fan...

FALLING SKY IS AMAZING!
This touching film has truely moved me! Brittney Murphey did an AMAZING job! this film follows a single part in poverty with daughter (murphey) and is so incredibly INSPIRATIONAL and TOUCHING! with many SHOCKING and SUPRISING twists and turns! ITS SURE TO BE LOVED, it should be a LAW for EVERYONE TO WATCH IT! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Absolutely Amazing
I first saw this movie ten years ago when I was fourteen. At the time I was going through a hugely sentimental phase, and I was soaking up knowlege and ideas like a spongue. During this time I struggled a lot with trying to work out where I fit into the political scheme of things (I was an advanced child!) and this movie really gave me a leg up towards thinking about what war and it's implications meant to me as an individual. It shaped a lot of my ideas and it helped me to grow. I only managed to see it twice while it was on television, because it appears that it was never available in the rental shops near me, and by the time I started seriously searching for a copy to buy and own, it was out of production.

If you have not seen this movie, it is worth the purchase. The acting is superb and I have to say, truly unbelievable. Wil Weaton is a great actor, but I never saw him as truly brilliant until I had watched "December." Stand by Me is a great movie, Toy Soldiers was a great performance for him, but "December" truly takes the cake.

While I will confess (as I read other reviews when submitting my own!) that the storyline leaves something to be desired, I don't think that this movie is about *story*. It is about *feeling* and *ideas*. Not everybody is going to appreciate that or like that, but those of you who are interested in ideas and personal growth through the explorations thereof, then this movie is a must see.

So very bad...
but partially filmed at my alma mater, Wells College, so a must for my video collection. The acting in this movie is forced, the storyline fairly stupid. What could be a great movie about boys at the dawn of WWII is mediocre and overly dramatic.

Beautiful Cast & Outstanding Movie
To most of the public eye this movie could be seen as boring and wasteful, but if you take a closer look this picture it is truthful & emotional. The thing I liked most about it was its over acceptional cast. Wil Wheaton, the star from Stand By Me, was exravogent. Chris Young, also seen in Great Outdoors, gets my vote. Balthazar Getty, from White Squall, put on a wonderful performance. If I were Siskel and Ebert I would most definately not only give the movie two very enthusiastic thumbs up but also the cast. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

best movie ever!!!!
My sister and I watched this movie so many times that our VHS tape is all fuzzy and we still continue to watch it! So happy that it was released as a DVD so that we can watch it endlessly! Definitely a must-see "classic" movie!!!!

dance til dawn the best 80's movie
when i was younger i used to rent this movie all the time.it has so many of the 80's stars in it.its such a great movie,make sure u get to see it some time or buy it its so worth it

dance til dawn
FANTASIC VIDEO REALLY MEAN THAT YOU GUYS

Very Entertaining
...Dance til' Dawn was a good movie... It was basically centered around the Prom. Kevin McCrae (Brian Bloom) asked Angela Strull (Tracy Gold) out on a date because his friend lied and said that she was "easy". He ended up falling for her, but she had already found out why he asked her out in the first place so she dumped him. The whole time Angelea's father (Kelsy Grammar)was following them. Meanwhile Shelley Sheridan (Alyssa Milano), Kevin's ex-gf ends up spending time with Leftcourt (Chris DeYoung), the geek of the school and she ends up falling for him.

I really enjoyed this movie because it was funny. I highly recommend it for a good laugh.

FINALLY!
It's about time this late-eighties gem was released to DVD. Loved the movie then (back in my junior-high and high-school days), still love it. Accidentally taped over my VCR-from-TV copy; am glad it's being reissued, this time to a better format. So many big names in one hilarious movie - and folks, this doesn't happen very often! :) ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Five Stars Funny !
This movie really tickles my funny bone and it is definitely on my top ten commedies list (check out the book by William Kotzwinkle... also known as "Jack in the Box"... it is a VERY funny memoir). This movie is definitely worth a rent or buy. It has fantasy moments that are kind of "Scrubs"-like, and it will give the right crowd a serious case of the giggles (and roll around laughs). Sure the movie is predictable, but you won't care. Watch it for the laughs (and universal childhood memories). This movie also features a great true to self performance by John Cameron Mitchell the future writer-director-actor of the awesome cult sensataion "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". This movie is the only movie ever directed by Robert Shaye (who is now the Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of New Line Cinema... he helped to bring us the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Nightmare on Elm Street Series, and great hits like Frequency).

Schank is unreal.
Hard to believe that the guy in this DVD who plays Schank is currently a candidate for US Senator of Hawaii, but it's true.

This move is full of people who over the years have terrific stories about who they've become since then. Great movie, great director. I heard Brian Evans speaking very well of Robert Shaye on CNN when he was asked about his role in this movie during a political interview with Senator Inouye.

I forgot "Lenny" was in this movie, but he's cool in this.

Forgettable 1950s "Coming Of Age" [Imitation]
A call from his divorce lawyer takes wealthy middle aged man (effectively played by a bitter-yet-reminiscent Michael McKeon, Lenny of the "Laverne & Shirley" Fame) back to his high school days in the 1950s, when a teenager's sole preocupation seemed to be "getting some". The cast of regulars includes the tough kids with greasy hair, the wimps who get their pants stolen at fist-point, everybody's "Mrs. Cleaver-like" mom, ...typical plain and efficient school marms, and the parade of girls that make it all worth the while. Throw in some predictable [weak] jokes a la Porky's, a 1990s-style 50s Rock & Roll sound track (with an occasional original), and you've got "Book of Love".

This film will make you glad that we don't live in the 50s anymore. Unlike "Grease" and "American Graffiti", "Book of Love" paints a picture of unease and awkwardness, along with all of the cliched "teen angst" we know only from those "Health Class" information film strips. The "guys talk" with all its raunch and masculine toughness is forced and totally over-emphesized. Only those with a ... hard high school attitude and a lack of discriminating taste will enjoy this slapped-together 90 minute waste of time. Clearly not in the same league as the far superior Classics in this category. I could watch "American Graffiti" or "Grease" another 20 times, but "Book of Love" was a one-timer.**

Five Stars Funny !
This movie really tickles my funny bone and it is definitely on my top ten commedies list (check out the book by William Kotzwinkle... also known as "Jack in the Box"... it is a VERY funny memoir). This movie is definitely worth a rent or buy. It has fantasy moments that are kind of "Scrubs"-like, and it will give the right crowd a serious case of the giggles (and roll around laughs). Sure the movie is predictable, but you won't care. Watch it for the laughs (and universal childhood memories). This movie also features a great true to self performance by John Cameron Mitchell the future writer-director-actor of the awesome cult sensataion "Hedwig and the Angry Inch". This movie is the only movie ever directed by Robert Shaye (who is now the Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of New Line Cinema... he helped to bring us the Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Nightmare on Elm Street Series, and great hits like Frequency).

Better than American Graffiti and Hollywood Knights
This movie makes you want to go back in time and live in the 50's. You can identify yourself with each charater and their dilemmas. This movie is packed with non-stop laughter. The soundtrack is also a huge plus for those who enjoy the beginning of the rock-n-roll era. ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Animal House For the 90's
PCU is a 90's version of Animal House. Set at the fictional Port Chester University in Connecticut, the film centers around a fun loving fraternity who faces eviction from their frat house unless they come up with $7,500. for damages. Much like Animal House, a smarmy, white-bred priss teams with the dean to help aid in their ousting. The campus is overrun with political correctness from Womanysts, Afrocentrics, gay groups, stoners and others. The plotlines are predictable, but the cast lead by the extremely underrated Jeremy Piven, rise above the clichés to create an extremely enjoyable film. Mr. Piven stars as Droz, the leader of the group and he plans a blow out party at the house's main room, The Pit. His cohorts include Alex Desert as Muls, his smooth talking best friend, a young Jon Favreau (with a bizarre dreadlock hairdo) as the stoner Gutter, Megan Ward as the freshman Katy and Chris Young as a pre-freshman up for weekend to see if he wants to attend the school and who ends up ticking off almost the entire campus. They are pitted against the Dean Garcia-Thompson played with icy bluster by Jessica Walter and Rand McPherson played with unctuous smarm by David Spade. Through a series of mishaps, it looks like the party is going to be a bust. Then through a minor set of miracles, George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic show up and play the party and they gather enough cash to pay the damages. It is still not enough to save them. In another Animal House parallel, the frat disrupts the school's Bicentennial celebration and ends up saving the house by getting the dean fired. PCU has TV movie like running time of barely one hour and twenty minutes, but its brevity helps keep the frantic pace up and it doesn't get bogged down in extraneous plotlines.

Not perfect, but Piven is great
I saw this in theaters, and although I felt at the time that it didn't measure up to similar films (Animal House), it grew on me. It does an excellent job of poking fun at the whole PC craze that was sweeping college campuses in the early to mid 90's...it was so bad, anything you said could be misconstrued, and any attempt to have fun was frowned upon. This movie made me a huge fan of Jeremy Piven (although, after this movie, I can't believe he's the DEAN in _Old School_!) My favorite moment was when the group wonders what happened to Gutter (Jon Favreau)...one character says he's probably in a parking lot picking his nose somewhere. Cut to Gutter in a long shot, under a parking lot street lamp. He looks down at his finger, then makes a flicking motion... his nose-picking is only implied, never seen.

Incidentally, the director is an actor, Hart Bochner. You may know him better as Ellis, the slimy, coke-using co-worker of John McClane's wife who tells the terrorists/robbers John's real name.

This, My Friends, Is A Very Good Movie
Goodness me, just got the movie today, enjoyed it thouroughly. It's sort of unknown though, to a lot of people. I found out aboutit because it was on daytime HBO. Anywho, this is a great college film that seperates itself from the rest in its genre (except a few such as Animal House or Road Trip). It has a descent cast, including Jeremy Piven and David Spade. It is quite funny and has many memorable parts, while keeping in mind the important topic of political correctness. I'm not saying the movie is politically correct, it's far from it, but it makes you think twice about it. Funny parts involve meat, stoners playing frisbee, certain Freshman year memories and many more. I personally enjoyed this movie, as should most people.

Heretics on Fire!
I love this movie. It's not wonderful acting and it does not possess a great plot. It was a movie that reflected its time and for that, I for one, am quite thankful. "Stop Protesting" should be the mantra for this new century. PC, unfortunately, will never die but this movie went a long way to delegitimizing it. I had a laugh when I saw that this was rated #12 for Michigan universities--it would have to be based on my memories of visiting my friend's at Michigan. The universities are infested with wacko Foucaultian post-modernists and, even if we can't get rid of them, we should make fun of them relentlessly--which is exactly what this film does.

Classic---Animal House
Funny 80's college movie a classic must have hard to find anywhere...ebay doesn't have... ... Read more

Reviews (9)

A very worthy part 2 of the trilogy.
This movie is good on several counts. First, it may be the third installment in the Brave Little Toaster trilogy, but it's obviously intended to be inserted between the original and "Mars," to tie together the Master's departure for college and his marriage to Chris/fatherhood to Rob, Jr. in "Mars." That development seemed to come much too soon, leaving us to wonder just what occurred in between. This movie carries a wonderful message about animals and their rights, focusing rather heavily on a snake named Mergatroid, a devoted white mother cat named Maisie, a disaffected rat named Ratzo, an elderly ape named Sebastian, and a sweet Chihuahua named Alberto. Despite the fact that the film often borders on corny, with "animals in danger" for some reason flashing on the computer screen when they're taken away by the evil Mack, to be shipped to a lab, the music in this movie isn't too bad, considering it's a sequel. We're introduced to some new appliances as well; a modem, female computer, some printers, a security camera in the police Dobermans' pen. On the whole, the main characters retain their personalities true enough to form, but don't have quite enough funny or poignant lines to allow this to come close to matching its original. Not that anything ever could. This is a worthy sequel. The Master is studying to be a veterinarian, a suitable profession. The interaction of appliances and animals is interesting.

Oh, and let's not forget Wittgenschtein, the old super-computer! This movie was obviously planned before "Mars," because it explains how he came to live in the museum. Brian Doyle-Murray does a great job as the voice of this funny, nice guy. And it's a touching moment when Radio sacrifices his own WFC-11-12-55 tube to save him. The Toaster hasn't been the only brave one throughout these movies. The others have done some pretty brave things themselves.

Overall, not a bad sequel. Cheesier than the first, it might not satisfy older viewers, but the younger ones should find most of it cute if nothing else.

Disney's animal rights message?
I was enjoying this movie until I noticed that part of the plot involves villains stealing animals to be sold to an animal research lab (that Toaster and his friends rescue). This not only perpetuates the myth that scientists walk the streets trying to steal your pet for experimentation, but conveys the message that animal experimentation is wrong. If you are are an animal rights supporter, then this movie is for you and your kid. Instead, if you support the responsible and humane use of animals in medical research avoid this movie at all cost.

I can't believe Disney's writers didn't notice the underlying message in this movie. I can only conclude this represents their opinion on the subject. Very sad.

Entertaining but not up to the original
Looking for something to entertain the kids on a wet night? This installment of the Toaster series will fit