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By now, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan have amassed such a fund of goodwill with moviegoers that any new onscreen pairing brings nearly reflexive smiles.In You've Got Mail, the quintessential boy and girl next door repeat the tentative romantic crescendo that made Sleepless in Seattle, writer-director Nora Ephron's previous excursion with the duo, a massive hit. The prospective couple do actually meet face to face early on, but Mail otherwise repeats the earlier feature's gentle, extended tease of saving its romantic resolution until the final, gauzy shot.

The underlying narrative is an even more old-fashioned romantic pas de deux that is casually hooked to a newfangled device.The script, cowritten by the director and her sister Delia Ephron, updates and relocates the Ernst Lubitsch classic The Shop Around the Corner to contemporary Manhattan, where Joe Fox (Hanks) is a cheerfully rapacious merchant whose chain of book superstores is gobbling up smaller, more specialized shops such as the children's bookstore owned by Kathleen Kelly (Ryan).Their lives run in close parallel in the same idealized neighborhood, yet they first meet anonymously, online, where they gradually nurture a warm, even intimate correspondence. As they begin to wonder whether this e-mail flirtation might lead them to be soul mates, however, they meet and clash over their colliding business fortunes.

It's no small testament to the two stars that we wind up liking and caring about them despite the inevitable (and highly manipulative) arc of the plot. Although their chemistry transcended the consciously improbable romantic premise of Sleepless, enabling director Ephron to attain a kind of amorous soufflé, this time around there's a slow leak that considerably deflates the affair. Less credulous viewers will challenge Joe's logic in prolonging the concealment of his online identity from Kathleen, and may shake their heads at Ephron's reinvention ofManhattan as a spotless, sun-dappled wonderland where everybody lives in million-dollar apartments and color coordinates their wardrobes for cocktail parties. --Sam Sutherland ... Read more

Reviews (480)

Caviar Garnish
This is the second remake of "The Shop Around the Corner". The first was Technicolor musical called "In the Good Old Summertime" which starred Judy Garland. References to Miss Garland's most famous film "The Wizard of Oz" abound in "You've Got Mail" (Meg Ryan hanging ruby slippers on a Christmas tree and reading the book "The Scarecrow of Oz" while ill, the song "Over the Rainbow" being sampled throughout and sung in its entirety at the end, etc.) In addition to reminding me of the two previous versions, I was also reminded of "Pillow Talk". In "Pillow Talk", Doris Day and Rock Hudson, who hate each other, fall in love over a party line without either realizing who the other is. Here, it's Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks falling in love over the Internet. The plot is lightweight and predictable, but the performances more than make up for that. Dabney Coleman, Jean Stapleton, Greg Kinnear, and indie-queen Parker Posey are all brilliant, and although neither of the leading rolls are much of a stretch for Hanks or Ryan, they are at least likeable and have more than enough star power to make this picture work. The script is light and funny, and this film is sure to please if you don't ask it to be more than it is.

The best romantic flick I've ever experienced.
There are a couple of things this film has going for it. First is the chemistry between the on-screen characters. There's a reason Hanks and Ryan were casted for this flick- it's because audiences (including myself) like to see the sparks between these two people. They were a great team in Sleepless in Seattle, and it's pretty obvious the 'magic' is still there.

The soundtrack to this movie is absolutely incredible. Harry Nilsson is perfect (the puppy song, over the rainbow), and the rest of the songs fit so well with the mood of the movie at all times. Sinead O'Conner's addition (I think it's called the lord must live in NY city) adds to the mood I talk about later, and Carol King's Anyone At All is one of the best romantic songs I've ever heard/played.

The mood to the movie is always incredibly upbeat- which is strange- most movies have their lulls or depressing moments. This movie, however, never gets itself in that rut. It's always very very cheery and bright. Although some may hate that, I can do nothing but appreciate the change of style. Everytime I watch You've Got Mail, I just think, "I WANT TO GO TO NEW YORK!!!"

Overall, the movie just makes you feel good. It's one of my favorite movies, and is certainly my most favorite romantic film. Even techies won't get annoyed, because thank goodness the focus isn't aol or anything of that matter.

Bouquets of sharpened pencils, indeed
Here's the main and completely irrelevant reason to love this movie: New York City in the fall. Honestly, it should have no bearing whatsoever on the plot, but it does -- and it's impossible not to fall in love with the bright, sunshiny, orange-leaved sheer beauty of the city encapsulated in this movie. Without even resorting to shots of Central Park in all its glory (and really, who can resist that?), "You've Got Mail" takes you on a lovely scenic tour of the Upper West Side, Starbucks and all. Who can resist the street fairs, the parks, the stores, the dock? It's picture-perfect, and if it's a bit surreal, I won't admit it: New York really is rather lovely in the fall.

Aside from making me want to run away to the Big Apple and work in the children's section at Fox Books, "You've Got Mail" also features Meg Ryan at her most adorable ("Aren't daisies just the friendliest flower?"), Tom Hanks at his most charming, and a terrific supporting cast (Greg Kinnear and those typewriters!). The story, a modernized little "remake" of "The Shop Around The Corner", is more fairy tale than realism -- two people fall in love over email, in war in real life, and however can such a thing be solved -- but it's an enchanting story nonetheless. In a time when romance on the web seems all-too-seedy and in reality, sometimes frankly dangerous, this little tale of two people sharing their most intimate thoughts long before they share a single glance is like a breath of fresh air. Sure, the technology's a little faded, but the magic's still there.

I know, I know...
I know what you're thinking. Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Greg Kinnear. You think you're too good for this movie, don't you? It's the sappiest, dumpiest little half-a-flick ever reared by Nora Ephron. Romantic comedies suck. Do I paint a correct picture, or do I exagerate? Well I think you're just cinematically jaded.

Yeah, that's right! I said it!

A lifetime of Vietnam movies and tragic love stories has left you too cynical to enjoy a simple romance between two adults. Teenagers getting into car crashes, mothers being diagnosed with breast cancer, murderers who you like despite the fact that they're pure evil. These are the cinematic icons that appeal to you, yes? Well what about hard-edged bookstore manager and idealistic bookshop owner? What about oddly-principled boyfriend who owns two identical typewriters? What about...uh...Jean Stapleton? She was funny, right?

Look, the point is it doesn't suck and don't judge it just because it's a Hanks/Ryan romantic comedy on par with "Sleepless In Seattle" (Which was a good one too, by the way).

Although, I still prefer the original "Shop Around the Corner" with Jimmy "Not Bow-Legged" Stewart.

Clever!
This is an excellent updated version of "The Little Shop Around The Corner" with anonymous penpals using email instead of the letters used in the original with Jimmy Stewart and Margaret Sullivan. Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks,as always,make a great team. ... Read more

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This live-action version of E.B. White's novel doesn't have quite the magic of, say, Toy Story. Instead of entertainment the whole family can be enthralled with, Stuart Little is squarely aimed, and successfully so, at the 4- to 10-year-old watcher. Does this make it a bad family film? Not in the slightest. The gee-whiz visual effects (created by original Star Wars wizard John Dykstra) and the film's ebullient wholesomeness make this a welcome addition to the home library.

In E.B. White's world, it's hardly surprising that human parents would adopt "outside their species." The smooth-talking mouse Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox) seems the perfect new child for parents Geena Davis and Hugh Laurie, especially with an adorable wardrobe of very small sweaters and pants. Harder is fitting in with the Little's family cat, Snowbell (voiced by Nathan Lane, who also deftly voiced Timon in director Rob Minkoff's last feature, The Lion King). The simple story deals with Stuart trying to fit in with his new life, including big brother George (Jerry Maguire's scene-stealing Jonathan Lipnicki). And of course there's an adventure when Snowbell's schemes lead Stuart into true danger, in the form of the devious plans of an alley cat named Smokey (voiced by Chazz Palminteri). Brisk--85 minutes--amusing, and tolerably cute, Stuart Little stands tall. Two curios: The effects are so cleanly done that we could call Stuart the first successfully computer-animated actor, and the screenplay was cowritten by M. Night Shyamalan, who made bigger waves in 1999 writing and directing The Sixth Sense. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (162)

Fun entertainment that suffers from an overly-mawkish tone
Stuart Little

Score: 64/100

He's clever. He's enthusiastic. He's a can-do little guy with an attitude. And he's a mouse. From the co-director of The Lion King and the writer of The Sixth Sense comes an entertaining family film from classic American author E.B. White. It's surely a star-studded crew there, and there's not much a family of four could white other than a couple of talking mouse's and many exciting scenes. Even though Stuart Little falls flat from a few flaws, it's still a fun children's comedy, that will be worth your time, depending on your feelings towards movies like this.

In a cosy house near New York City's Central Park, Mr. and Mrs. Little (Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis) bring home a surprising addition to the family...Stuart (voiced by Michael J. Fox), and he's a er...mouse. Despite the urgings of Mrs. Keeper at the orphanage to adopt within their own species, the Littles beam with the pride of new parents. At home the little guy with a big heart (not to mention whiskers, a little pink nose and a really dapper wardrobe), searches for a sense of belonging and a place to call home in the decidedly supersized world. When Stuart is adopted by the Littles he embarks on an adventure with a variety of characters - including his nemesis, the cat Snowball (voiced by Nathan Lane) - and learns the true meaning of family, loyalty and friendship. The Littles, in the meantime, each discover there is a Stuart in all of us - the spunk, spirit and courage to be true to ourselves and follow our dreams despite the odds.

Stuart Little is a good movie, but it suffers majorly from an over-corny note. It's big smiles and drowning frowns all the time, none of the characters ever look normal. Their expressions are practically drawn in, and none of them have much originality about them apart from Stuart, of course. Still, the film provides plenty of entertaining scenes, including an exhilarating cat chase and a superb boat race. It may have a sense of bore in some parts of the film, but overall, it's a very bearable movie that will silent children and, surprisingly, adults for a rainy day. It's a film that combines live action with some groundbreaking visual effects by artists and innovators who have taken digital character creation to a bold new level with the birth of Stuart. The visual effects are the most plausible thing about the film, they are truly memorable, it's some of the most amazingly done animal-talking done since Babe.

Not as good as it could've been, Stuart Little is still watchable fun, a film where you can really expect the whole family to enjoy it.

Pleasantly surprised
I rented this DVD because I am a huge fan of British actor (and musician, comedian, novelist...) Hugh Laurie, and was very pleasantly surprised.

The animation is outstanding, so much that you don't even notice it, and Michael J. Fox is absolutely perfect as the voice of Stuart. The very colorful, almost-realistic-but-not-quite setting was quite well done, and the group of acting cats must have been a monumental accomplishment. Jonathan Lipnicki is cute as a bug, and Hugh Laurie (great fake accent!) and Geena Davis are perfect storybook parents who finish each other's sentences and eat a lot of meatloaf. Rounding out the talent is Nathan Lane as the voice of Snowbell, the cat who is mortified at having a mouse in the family.

It is fascinating to watch the extra features and to see just how much work went into making Stuart so real. Excellent work! A clean, fun, enjoyable movie.

Stuart Little brought to life
This is a marvelous adaptation of E.B. White's tale of the little mouse who found himself a place by the hearth in an all too human family. It is such a wonderful story and the animation brings Stuart Little to life. Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis play the adoptive parents to a tee, and the other members of the family provide excellent support. Jonathan Lipnicki turns in a first class performance as the reluctant brother.

The story plays out effortlessly, with wonderful scenes moving back and forth between mad-cap adventure and family bonding. The animation team really outdid themselves with Stuart and his fake mouse parents, who make a fantastic entrance midway through the movie. The conspiracy of cats is mostly humorous, and not overly frightening for little ones. Every scene appears to have been meticulously created. The toy boat race is riveting. The kids will love every minute of it, as will adults as this movie avoids the typical pratfalls of family entertainment. The DVD also provides some nice add-ons, such as storyboard sequences for some of the scenes and mouse trivia games for the kids.

Mickey Mouse
Magical, heartwarming family film based on E.B. White's children's book. A couple's adoption of a second son, oblivious to the fact that he's a mouse, leads to problems with their human son which plae in comparision to the family cat's resentment. High-quality computer-generated detail allows the mouse to appear real and permits the many featured cats to talk freely. Jonathan Lipnicki is adorable as the human son and the voices of Michael J. Fox as Stuart and Nathan Lane as his nemisis Snowbell perfectly fit the roles.

Animals steal the show
There are few kids movies I can sit through more than once--this one I've already seen 7 times! My son is now over 3 and he can load the DVD player himself and turn on the TV. Guess what gets put on now?! I must say that I love that the movie doesn't patronize my son. There are heavy issues here: fear of being alone; fear of violence; fear of failure--but the characters aren't obsessed or broken by their fears, they confront them and work through them. For example, when Stuart is trying to make friends with the family pet cat Snowball, Stuart says rather naively, "Can't we just be friends? Do you want me to scratch your ear? Can I pat your tummy?" to which Snowball answers, "How'd you like to pat it from the inside mouse-boy!?" Direct, without wishy-washy handwringing, or moralizing. My son says that he "loves Stuart." I too love Stuart. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Safe Men cracks with wit and oddball humor
Sam Rockwell and Steve Zahn in the same movie is pure brilliance. Zahn usually plays all wacky, offbeat and dumb characters and Rockwell sometimes plays different, but the chemistry between them is great and it makes this movie kickin'. Rockwell and Zahn are wanna be singers who are mistaken by the Jewish Mob or whatever you might call it (the mob include Michael Lerner and Paul Giamatti, they bring rich and snippy atmosphere to their characters, especially Giamatti as Porckchop). Meanwhile their are other two safe men on the loose played hilariously by Mark Ruffalo and Josh Pias. Ruffalo scores big time as Frank (when he tried to react what John Cusack did with the speaker was hilarious). Other funny moments include when Zahn and Rockwell try to break a safe and the woman of the house catches them. They have this long conversation and its , its the giggles. The 2nd would be when Ruffalo and Pias are talking about which Charles Angels they want and like. "Kate Jackson, yeah I used to have a sexual attraction to her when I was a kid" funny and then when their done "let's go get a slow gin fizz". A good time

The only thing it needed was more bad singing.. Really!
I found this one in the bargain bin at the video store and figured I could rent it for 2.50 or buy it for 5.00. I made the right choice and I can now watch this movie whenever I want.

A BAD lounge act is mistaken for the top safe cracking team in Rhode Island, but just maybe they have an ace in the hole. Jewish mobsters, country jam samplers, sweet moustaches, low quality knock-off jeans, and one wierd prosthetic pepper a great comedy. There are real relationships between the characters that give them genuine depth. It cleverly drives the plot with these relationships and avoids falling into the "need-some-money-before-next-Tuesday-clock" that drags around most of the lame-o comedies you see today.

Sam Rockwell is quietly assembling an impressive body of work. Take a look at this one and you can say stuff like "I was way into Sam Rockwell's early stuff a long time ago." and Steve Zahn remains hilarious even though he's the straight-man in this one. They play off of each other and the rest of the cast perfectly.

The story has wide appeal and I haven't run across anyone who hasn't enjoyed it, from my quasi-yuppy sister to my sports nut drinking buddies. Great for a date night, guys movie night, or just when you feel like watching something surprisingly warm, funny, and great.

It's a sin that this thing didn't do better, expecially when you see repetitive "funny wig-and-voice" crap coming from the SNL vets making millions. Take a chance. You will laugh more than you did at Goldmember, smile almost constantly, and feel great when it all wraps up. Definitely needs a DVD release.

Id give it five stars, if only it were on DVD
I know, I know... It's been said before. But I just wanted to reiterate that this is a movie that NEEDS a full on DVD. Hopefully, someone at Universal will read these reviews and figure out that they could make a buck by distrubitng this in DVD format. The movie itself is a great comedy, with well developed charecters (sometimes over the top, but clearly this is intentional), and the dialogue is just hilarious. This movie is a great example of what a good script combined with excellent casting can do for charecter interaction. It's always nice when you can see that the writer, director, and actors are all on the same sheet of music. Watch this movie if you want to laugh. If you don't like laughing, then I suggest you seek therapy. Oh, and watch this movie when you're cured.

comedy where Sam Rockwell shines
If you liked Sam Rockwell in "Confessions of a Dangerous Mind", check this comedy out. It takes the same sort of skewed perspective to appreciate and illustrates the actor's sharp timing and subtlety. The other reviews do a good enough job of explaining the story - but there is no way to explain the off-kilter vibe of this weird little comedy. The Jewish Mob. Shelly Hack. Harvey Fierstein as a fence. Paul Giamatti (Man on the Moon, Private Parts) as Porkchop, a low-level mob thug with "daddy issues". Killer script from one of the writers of "Meet the Parents", John Hamburg - who also directs.
Hopefully the high profile "Confessions" will lead to this film's DVD release. For now, we fans will comprise a secret club. . . "nice 'stache, bro."

I LOVED THIS MOVIE!
Simple, funny and cute. Every character is adorable, and you will fall in love with all of them. I highly recommend this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Sweet with a bite to it
I loved the first Stuart Little movie (Aren't we all just ever-aging children?) and the sequel was every bit as good, perhaps better--except for the mildly irritating effort of Melanie Griffith who delivers her lines as if English wasn't necessarily her first language. That said, the production is entirely redeemed by the rest of the cast--particularly the outstanding Nathan Lane as Snowbell, delivering some of the funniest one-liners this side of the Catskills. What is especially wonderful about this film is the production design: the use of Crayola-like primary colors in the great sets and costumes, and the crisp cinematography. The special effects blend seemlessly into the film so that the viewer isn't constantly saying, "Oh, wow! Cool effect." Because everything is so beautifully integrated, it's pure pleasure simply to watch and smile and savor a movie that never falls into saccharine mode but has great sweetness none the less. Geena Davis is, as before, just lovely as Mrs. Little--dimples flashing in genuine-seeming pleasure (perhaps merely at being in such good company, in such a delightful film.)
Most highly recommended for kids of all ages (even the wrinkled ones.)

Stuart Little 2" is a fun movie for kids
I think "Stuart Little 2" is a better movie than its predecessor. The sequel has more humor, more effects, and is faster paced than the original. The effects in this film are stunning. Stuart Little has incredible detail in his movements and hair. The bird Margalo is also well animated. She moves just like a bird but still manages to have a cartoon kind of face. The falcon is pretty cool and evil looking, too. All in all, it's an amazing accomplishment by Sony Imageworks. The effects hold up particularly well on the small screen and the colors are bright and clear. The DVD presentation looks great.

The voices in this film were well cast. Though I despise Melanie Griffith, her voice fit the bird well. She had just the right mix of innocence and street smarts. James Woods is excellent any time he plays the bad guy, and his voice fits the evil falcon well. And if you saw the original then you know Michael J. Fox fits the mouse's voice perfectly. However, the show stealer is Nathan Lane as Snowbell. Pretty much all of the characters are dull compared to this cat. He has some of the funniest one-liners of any film this summer and steals the show any time he's on screen.

The music in "Stuart Little 2" is pretty good, too, and sounds great on a home theater system. You may find yourself tapping your toes to this soundtrack.

A fun and good-natured movie for all ages.
This sequel to the 1999 original Stuart Little movie is every bit as good as that one and in some ways I would go as to say that it's even better.

The legendary mouse Stuart Little goes on an another adventure when after returning to a normal life with his human family, The Littles, Stuart finds himself developing a crush on a canary but she is in danger of being imprisoned by a tyrant falcon who hates mice and the female bird has never gotten a chance to migrate south with the rest of her species. She and Stuart's worlds collide one day and they've sparked a romance but after she is kidnapped by the evil falcon, Stuart Little and his former feline rival and now somewhat friend Snowbell work together and set out to find and rescue her from the evil falcon before it's too late.

This film is yet another good sequel in moviemaking that dodges the infamous sequel-slump and brilliantly continues the story from the first Stuart Little movie. The mix of live and computer animation is really excellent and even the canary and Stuart Little look almost realistic and perfectly blend in with the live footage. It may not be anything phenomenal but it is pure entertainment for those who just want plain fun without anything graphic nor beyond PG rated.

It's not necessarily an essential movie but this is certainly worth renting or at least checking out.

An even more wild adventure
Engaging and fun, but not up to the mark set by the first Stuart Little movie. Not much level of plausibility, which was the case in the first movie, where you actually come to believe this little mouse is real. This movie takes on a video game aspect with plenty of action to keep kids enthralled to the very end. The animation team outdoes itself with the level of detail in their animation. Stuart's little eyes are so expressive and Margalo comes across as a winsome soulmate. The falcon steals the show, with James Woods adding a touch of humor to the "fierce creature," who creates quite a bit of tension in this movie. My little one (2-1/2) was a little worried about the fate of Stuart, but after multiple viewings feels assured as to the outcome. Now that the two movies come packaged together you might be better off buying the box set, if you don't already own the first movie.

Mouse Hunt
The sequel to the E.B. White story of Stuart Little is so amazing and much better than the first. Kids will love the sequel if they enjoyed the first E.B. White story Stuart Little and Charolette's Web. Rob Minkoff did a great job making the sequel. Michael J. Fox was so amazing doing his act as Stuart Little. ... Read more

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Tom Hanks's debut as a writer and director is a lively, affectionate account of the shooting-star career of a forgotten (fictional) '60s pop-rock band called The Wonders--as in "one-hit wonders." Hanks plays the manager of the group, which includes drummer Guy "Sticks" Patterson (Tom Everett Scott) who works the floor at his parents' appliance store in Erie, Pennsylvania; Jimmy (Johnathon Schaech), the talented and temperamental lead singer and songwriter; Lenny (Steve Zahn), the goofy guitarist; and Ethan Embry as a geeky little fellow identified in the cast list only as "The Bass Player." The movie traces their meteoric rise and fall, from cutting their first record, to going on tour with a Phil Spector/Motown-type revue, to the internal tensions that lead to the band's disintegration, which comes when they fail to follow up their smash hit single, "That Thing You Do!" And that song, by the way, is so catchy it would definitely have been a hit in 1964--and deserves to be one today. This delightful movie would make a great double-bill with Allison Anders's wonderful Grace of My Heart. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (125)

Finally on DVD!!!
You're not likely to find a more sweet, affectionately drawn portrait of a time and era than this film. The last great one before this was "American Graffiti." Tom Hanks takes a very easy-going hand with the direction of this excellent movie, which is one of the film's strong points. It moves at a fast, yet leisurely pace and has a good story to tell about one of the millions of one hit wonder band that crop up, have a hit or two, and then just when they are about to become the hugest group in the world, disappear into oblivion. The group in this movie, therefore is, aptly called the "Wonders." (The original spelling of their name, the "One-ders" has to be changed because people kept pronouncing it "Oh needers".) This movie is a very light, fun musical comedy/drama with a bouncy, authentic-sounding score, highlighted by the excellent title number and some other faux-60s pop hits, and delightful performances from an exuberant cast. Hanks even has a small part as their manager, in a very downplayed, tasteful performance. This movie is wise to never take itself or its plot too seriously, acknowledging throughout, even during the breakup, that the "Wonders" was really a whim more than anything else throughout their shortlived history. Many clever set pieces compare the "Wonders" to parts of Beatle history, the difference being that the Beatles had more than one or two hit singles. All in all, this movie is a fun, vibrantly colorful look at the 60s music industry, that gently and subtly parodies the era while celebrating it simulaneously. P.S. Look for a fabulous cameo by Rita Wilson, Hanks' real-life wife as a cocktail waitress.

"...like I wonder what happen to the O-NE-DERS?" Lenny
Those words spoken by Lenny just kill me...Zahn plays the part of Lenny, the smart-talking and wild member of the group. This movie takes place in 1964, just as Vietnam was beginning to re-focus a carefree America. Along comes a "one-time wonder" with a hit song which climbs the Billboard Chart in record time...The chemistry that Zahn, Schaech, Scott, and Embry have, combine to form an exciting and comical band who go from obscurity to nationwide fame in a few weeks' time. Each member of the group handles the group's rising success in a different way. That aspect alone is unique! Tom Hanks plays the manager-part very realistically, but adds a twist of humanity when it comes to dealing with Scott's character. Liv Tyler, who plays Jimmy's girlfriend Faye, does a wonderful job of playing the part of the loyal girlfriend (though Jimmy burns her in the end). Tom Everett Scott does a fantastic job as the main character whose drums bring the Wonders to life through his playing. The plot is simple but could've been more developed. The soundtrack is a must if you purchase the movie. The album notes are fictional but add insights to other characters in the movie. Hanks did a wonderful job directing this movie and writing many of the songs involved in the movie. Overall, this ranks as one of my family's favorite movies...

"We can use the 'Wonders' with an 'O' 'N' 'E'"
This is one of Tom Hanks' best!
Written, directed, and starring Tom Hanks, 'That Thing You Do!' tells the charming story of a small town band hitting the big times. It starts with the find of a perfect drum player and ends in a wonder.
Guy Patterson is helping run the family appliance store, something he could live without doing, Jimmy is the lead singer to a newly started rock band with one problem: his band has its first gig and no drum player!
That's when Guy comes in, with his amazing fast drum playing skills, which turns the band's best song, "That Thing You Do", from good to great!!! They recieve a standing ovation and are asked to perform another gig! After making a single recording of "That Thing You Do!" on a record, they get a manager, who leads them to their new manager, Mr. White (Hanks).
After making the radio and hitting a state fair tour, the band fly to California where they are given a chance to perform live on TV!
As the worst would happen, something dramatic with Jimmy and his girlfriend, who is also their costume mistress, and the band break up. Giving the song "That Thing You Do!" a lable as a One-Hit Wonder.
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The movie is awesome, all in all. It delivers fast, fun comedic jokes and has very snappy and catchy music. The ending is very sweet, giving a brief on all the main characters and where they are today. This movie will touch your heart, if not through the story, then the music.

Not deep, but highly etertaining slice of 1960's pop music
This is a movie about a 1964 garage rock band called "The Wonders" that catapults to the big time in one summer then disbands, having made only one hit -- get it? The one-hit-Wonders!

Some reviewers have complained that this movie isn't deep or "real" enough. I'm assuming that it doesn't show enough explicit sex and drug use to satisfy their urge for reality (the movies they recommend as alternatives are rated R). This movie isn't trying to go that deep, but it's a very entertaining, very clean slice of mid-60's Amnerican pop music.

My husband came of age in the 60's and he finds it immensely entertaining. He always laughs at the all-girl band Tom Hanks cleverly creates to showcase local 60's mediocrity -- and he's laughing at himself, remembering some of his own mediocre music ensembles from the same decade. But he only laughs during that one song; the rest of the music in this movie is excellent. Every time he hears the alterative version of the main song (during the end credits) he wishes that his own garage band would have had access to music like that.

1964 was an interesting time for pop music; it included 50's type genres as well as rock and roll (which is usually associated with the 60's, although it began earlier), and this movie (and soundtrack) capture it beautifully. The "Playtone Galaxy of Stars" (Playtone being the fictitious recording lable featured in the movie) includes a black girl's group, a glamourous blond pop singer and a tall, dark, handsome guy, reminiscent of a certain "look" from the late 50's/early 60's who sings a song hummorously reminiscent of "Secret Agent Man." Even jazz is featured: when the group falls apart, the drummer gets to jam with a black Jazz pianist that he's admired for years.

Not only do the Wonders sing the phenominally catchy and immensely listenable title tune (and the actors are really playing and singing, which is quite an achievement) but several others: my personal favorite is the jazzy "Dance With Me." But the wonderful (there I go again) title song is what seems to magically captures a whole decade of rock and roll; it would have been a major hit if it had existed in 1964.

My husband and I obviously love this film and what's really great about it is that our kids love to watch with us; they especially love anything Steve Zahn says or does -- he's hysterical. All the other performances are great as well; it's a very good piece of ensemble work and everyone gives a very natural performance. The plot clips right along, the screenplay is witty and the cinemetography is very cleverly done.

All right, so it doesn't have a deep meaning, but it's not trying to. If you enjoy music from the 60's, you can't find a more entertaining film than this one.

Just OK, nothing special
I expected an entertaining movie judging by these reviews,
but I was disappointed. This is a trite, ordinary movie with a catchy song. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Daddy Day Care: Daddy'll Fall Asleep
Daddy Day Care seems like the perfect kids comedy. Don't get me worng, it is. But the daddies might snooze off during it. When a father gets fired from his job, he starts a day care center for kids. Eddie Murphy doesn't look happy doing this little kiddy-joke comedy, but his acting is still grade-A. All the good jokes are given away on the commercial. The movie still ain't bad, for a kid flick. Each child in the movie you get to know better and better and every character as his/her own funny joke. The movie keeps kids awake, but age 20 and up might find it boring. Daddy Day Care is 90 minutes, just enough to cram all the jokes and punchlines into. The ending is happy, the characters are happy and the movie itself seems happy. Bottom Line: There's better movies out there, but if the latest box-office hit is sold out, Daddy Day Care is the way to go.

Fun for the whole family
We first went and saw Daddy Day Care at the theater and really enjoyed it. My mother in law bought it for our family for Christmas and we have watched it 3 times since, and I laugh more and more each time. Eddie Murphy is truly a genius. I enjoyed his hard core stand up comedy, his Beverly Hills Cop movies, Coming to America, etc. and now am enjoying watching him in family movies like the Dr. Dolittles and Daddy Day Care. It is good clean fun our family can enjoy together, and that is rare nowadays. The little boy who plays Murphy's son is absolutely precious, and the casting for everyone was perfect, from Murphy's wife to his day care business partners.

I have read reviews where people thought the movie was juvenile. Well, it is about children, so I don't know what the expectation was. Anyone who has spent time with little kids, or has kids of their own will definitely appreciate this hysterically funny film.

The special features are fun too. There are interviews with the kids, and the kids do some interviewing too. Great music also!

Great flick
What do you have when two cereal promotional guys are fired off from the only thing they know how to do and they bills are piling up, and they need a job badly? In the same time, you need to find a good day care center for the kids when both parental units are off to work and find work. The main problem is, it is hard to find any at least a daycare that is trustworthy to even leave your kids and not to worry at all if it is safe enough and cheap!

So back to question to unemployment. What do you do? Open an excellent daycare yourself! Open a business up! The only problem is you have a very strong and able competition, from an established day care which act like preschool. And the owner is very keen to keep every kid in her daycare not anybody else's.

Much to add, there is a short animated movie in this dvd set and you gotta watch it *grins* Early Bloomer is the cutest animation I have ever seen and I must admit of watching it repeatitively way too many times hehehe

Good for a Laugh
The movie isn't dealing with profound concepts and ideas, but it is a light hearted movie that provides many laughs. Very enjoyable.

a very cute kids movie
if you have a choice between this or the haunted mansion get this this movie is a very good kids movie that the whole family will enjoy. All of the characters are awesome ... Read more

Amazon.com

Ben Stiller's directorial debut was this sporadically successful twentysomething comedy that tries too hard to codify the generational experience of its young adult characters. Winona Ryder plays a still-unformed woman struggling with career and relationship issues, Janeane Garofalo portrays her best friend, and Ethan Hawke and Stiller play the two lovers pursuing her. The story is as also about generation-X confusion over how to get by in a hand-me-down world with not much to get excited about, a world filled with a pop culture currency of bad music and poetry slams. The film's chief strength is its appealing cast, which is bolstered by appearances from David Spade, Renee Zellweger, Kevin Pollak, Jeanne Triplehorn, and Stiller's mother, Anne Meara.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (59)

I Loved this Movie!
I Loved this movie! It had everything: comedy, realism, and the ability to make you laugh and cry. The acting is superb. Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo, Steve Zahn and Ben Stiller are excellent.
Lelaina Pierce (Ryder) is the valedoctorian of her college and should have her entire life mapped out for her, but all she has is a job at a morning talk show called 'Good Morning Grant' where she makes barely enough money to cover her rent. (For all those Frasier fans out there Grant is well acted by John Mahoney who plays Frasier's father on the show.) Her best friend Vickie (Garofalo) has just been promoted to manager at the Gap, and her other friend Sammy (Zahn) is coming to terms with his sexuality. Troy (Hawke) is her other troubled best friend who is the lead singer of a band and is in love with Lelaina. Lelaina videotapes all her friends making a documentary about their lives and their troubles, and she meets a guy named Michael (Stiller) who she begins dating, and who wants to turn her documentary into a television show for the network he works for called In Your Face TV.
The movie has a plot that appears so simple, yet it applies to everyone everywhere. It tries to answer the question: what to do when you just get out of college and where should life go?
Lelaina is also trapped in a love triangle and has to decide who she wants to be with more: Hawke, her closest friend or Stiller (who makes an excellent directorial debut), someone who loves Lelaina but also wants to profit from her documentary.
There are cameos from actors such as Renee Zellweiger, David Spade, and Swoozie Kurtz (who plays Lelaina's mother in one scene).
This film is one of my favorite movies of all time and is one that should be more well-known. It also has a fiere soundtrack, featuring artists like the Knack (Sharona), and Lisa Loeb, so I highly suggest you buy that as well.
"There's no point to all of this. It's just a random lottery of meaningless tragedy and a series of near escapes. So I take pleasure in the details. You know... a quarter-pounder with chesse, those are good, the sky before it starts to rain, the moment where your laughter becomes a cackle... and I, I sit back and smoke my Camel Straights and I ride my own melt..."-Troy from Reality Bites...
SO BUY THE MOVIE!

Awakenings
This romantic comedy/ coming of age/ drama/ teen movie presents an intriguing an amusing look at the lives of the twentysomethings, showcasing their conflicts and doubts after graduation.

Director Ben Stiller offers an interesting snapshot of the mid nineties, presenting a curious perspective of that zeitgeist and its atmosphere.
Stiller himself, Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke play three dazed and confused young adults who have to deal with troublesome situations and decisions in a turning point of their lives. The story focuses, with humor and some depth, the difficult and contrived process of growing up, offering characters that have contradictory views and ideas of the world.
The movie wisely covers multiple problems of the Genration X crowd, like the stuggle to find a decent job, the indecisions after graduation, the price of independence or the choices about love. Although this picture has a few years, it still seems fresh and poignant today, focusing situations that occur everywhere.

"Reality Bites" is a fine, witty and clever flick, that despite its somewhat predictable plot proves to be a noteworthy and entertaining effort. A little gem and a good one to watch with a group of friends, since most youngsters can relate to it.

Reality Does Bite, but This Movie Rocks
In what was perhaps one of the most overhyped movies at the time, "Reality Bites" proves to be in the Zeitgeist of the mid- '90s but for different reasons than you might thing.

It was not the movie that came to define a generation in story, tone, or soundtrack the way "The Graduate" captured the moments of its time (for that you should watch "Singles"). "Reality Bites" did, however, capture the what was expected of the generation - to be unemployed, irrevent, speak in a pop-culture lingo, and wrestle with the meaning of irony. In spite of what expectations were placed on the generation (or the movie), "Reality Bites" remains funny ten years later.

Watch to see the last of Winona Ryder's great roles as she struggles with her relationship with Ethan Hawke. Enjoy the moment when we are introduced to Janeane Garofalo as she shimmies to "My Sharona." And enjoy the film that brought Ben Stiller into the mainstream as a leading actor.

The anniversary DVD is a great opportunity to rediscover the movie and appreciate the on-screen appearences of up and coming Gen-X Hollwood - David Spade, Renee Zellweger, and Steve Zahn all appear. And be sure to check out Lisa Loeb's music video for "Stay," as directed by Hawke.

Yes, Reality Bites Sometimes
"Reality Bites" stars Oscar nominees Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, plus Ben Stiller, Jeneane Garofalo, and Steve Zahn. Ben Stiller makes his fine directorial debut in this film. This is a great coming-of-age comedy proving that being independant isn't as great as it looks. The plot of four college graduates moving into a house together is highly entertaining, especially considering all four people have opposite personalities. All of them combined as one adds lots of laughs: a college valedictorian, a sexually active person, a non-motivated rocker, and a mellow person hiding a secret. Comedy and drama combine in the perfect scenes, namely everyone's life struggles, the making of the documentary, and falling in love. Though certain life aspects could have been expressed more thoroughly, the film ideas are brilliant. The acting from all the performers are great, especially Winona Ryder. All offer their own movie theme perspectives, which are mastered greatly. "Reality Bites" is a great memory flashback from a great entertainment era, the mid-90's. This will surely entertain many audiences.

This is the best movie
I can't express how classic this movie is. If you have ever seemed to quetion what the hell you are going to do with your life or questioned relationships with friends, this is the movie for you. It's funny, sad (happy sad), and the soundtrack is nothing but early 90's classics. BUY IT! You can't beat the cast...Winona Ryder, Ethan Hawke, Ben Stiller, and Geneane Garofolow (can't spell her name). ... Read more

Reviews (58)

Glass half full
"Shattered Glass" is a clever film about the rise and fall of an attention-craving, fawning huckster. It's rare these days to watch a suspense movie that literally has no action, but "Shattered Glass" succeeds marvelously. I had a blast watching the film's self-fixated protagonist squirming as the screws were tightened and he was snared in a web of his own deceit. Stephen Glass wanted the big byline, the articles that would catapult him to fame and grant him the status he desired. In order to achieve this, he fabricated stories with such enthusiasm one couldn't help but be swept up in the excitement. Hayden Christensen plays him to the hilt, with nuanced mannerisms, golden boy charm, and a sincerity that gradually grows stale. His insecurity is evident when he ends his conversations with apologies, false compliments, and self-deprecation designed to elicit sympathy or praise. His theats at suicide are at once chilling and pathetic.
The story is deceptively simple, but the details are complex, adding layers of psychological instability. I also enjoyed Peter Sarsgaard's performance as a poised editor who will do the right thing even if it means alienating himself from the office staff, who fall prey to Glass's manipulations. The film is brilliantly bookended with fantasy scenes that show Glass's true motivations--lying to gain public attention and acclaim, not unlike a serial killer who turns himself in to become a figure of notoriety.
Amazingly, the story seems to continue as Glass published a novel, "The Fabulist", which also tries to twist the truth to shift responsiblity to other parties. Online reviews of this novel smack of author participation, as if the writer sought to balance the negative reviews with his own glowing summations. Why else would the reviews be so incredibly polarized, with most giving the novel one star, while others give it five stars? Decide for yourself.

"Glass" is see-through but still compels
March was a big month for ethically challenged journalists.

First, infamous ex-New York Times reporter Jayson Blair published his book, "Burning Down My Masters' House," a tome that generated reviews uniformly more interesting than the actual contents of its pages.

Then "Shattered Glass" was released on video. The film looks at Stephen Glass, a young writer and associate editor for The New Republic who, in the mid- to late '90s, rose to notoriety with his vivid, colorful articles - many of which were later found to be, in whole or in part, simply products of his imagination.

The movie focuses on the period in 1998 when Glass' jig was just about up. In order to cover his tracks, he's forced to fake his notes, manipulate office politics, create phantom voicemail accounts and manufacture Web sites and business cards. As depicted by "Shattered," passing off fiction as journalism isn't just a despicable practice, it also appears to involve about four times more sweat than doing actual, honest work.

It's a fascinating story that, on the whole, is deftly handled. Unfortunately, Hayden Christensen, who plays Glass, doesn't seem as skilled a con artist as the guy he's portraying had to have been. With his passive-aggressive apologies and transparent flattery, he's more of an Eddie Haskell than a convincing fraud. I'm a reporter at a newspaper that's a long way away from the infinitely more sophisticated, more competitive New Republic, yet Glass' manipulation, as rendered by Christensen, wouldn't fly in my newsroom for five seconds.

As a result, the movie suffers somewhat and, while that may also be a fault of the writing, the script doesn't fail actors Peter Sarsgaard and Hank Azaria who, as Glass' editors Charles Lane and Michael Kelly, give smart, flawless performances and are the best reasons to see the movie (yes, Sarsgaard is every bit as good as the hype claims).

Also solid is Steve Zahn as Forbes reporter Adam Penenberg, and the scenes in which he disproves one of Glass' articles fact-by-fact play like lighter reversals on "All the President's Men."

On the DVD: The lone extra feature is a brisk "60 Minutes" segment on the real Glass, in which we see what a low-key, blank-eyed cipher he actually is. There's also a somewhat self-serving though no-less-interesting commentary track by Lane and writer-director Billy Ray that, ironically, points out the many inventions and dramatic licenses that were taken in order to make the story more cinematic. It's too bad they didn't give the actual subject of the movie an opportunity to comment on the movie that's been made from an unfortunate, pathetic chapter of his life; that would've been something to hear.

EXCELLENT
After missing this one in the movie theatres, I made a point to rent this one when it came out on DVD. I now want to purchase my own copy--and I will be revising my Favorite Movie List.

Shattered Glass revolves around Stephen Glass, former reporter for The New Republic Magazine during the 1990's. Glass achieved outstanding status as a reporter. Turning out great story after great story, everyone thought Glass an outstanding journalistic talent.

Too bad he did not write fiction at the time. It turned out 17 of his features for TNR turned out to be either partially or totally fabricated.

His tapestry of lies unraveled in May of 1998 as a writer for Forbes Online, Charles Penenberg (Steven Zahn) tried to do a follow-up story on Glass' latest piece called "Hacker Heaven." Unable to find a website for a fictitious software company, nor credible phone numbers for any of the sources, Penenberg contacted TNR editor Charles Lane.

At this point, Lane starts to have his own doubts and does his own investigation. As he uncovers the truth, Lane discovers that Glass not only fabricated the whole Hacker story, but may have done the same with other stories. Of course, the fiction ends as Glass is fired.

The independent movie has so many strengths going for it. First and foremost is the cast. Hayden Christensen plays Glass who uses his childlike charm and innocence to dupe superiors. Christiansen, who played young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars is able to spin his yarns and congratulate himself for it. As Glass, Christensen tenaciously sticks to his lies even when proof flies in his face. A quick wit even tries to modify lies to suit his own needs. The charm works more as Christensen uses his innocent and sincere voice to issue hollow apologies.

Another outstanding performance is Peter Sarsgaard who plays new TNR editor Charles Lane. Sarsgaard provides the most subdued, yet powerful performance. Often, experts tell us 85 per cent of all communication is non-verbal. This is where Sarsgaard has a true strength. He displays diappointment, concern, skepticism, and downright anger without flamboyant gestures or pitch and tone in voice.

Another noted performance is Hank Araria, who usually does many voices for "The Simpsons." In real life, Azaria shows some real acting credibility playing the wise and insightful Michael Kelly, Lane's predecessor at TNR. Kelly went on to serve as editor for the Atlantic Monthly and was killed in April 2003 while coveirng the war in Iraq. In fact, Shattered Glass was dedicated to Kelly's memory.

Probably the ultimate muscle for Shattered Glass is the accuracy for what really happened. Although I liked the 1999 release of The Insider, writer director Michael Mann sacrificed the truth in order to "add drama" to the story. That does not happen, though, in Shattered Glass. In this case, writer/director Billy Ray tells it like it happened--as if knowing journalism's main goal is to search for the truth.

The conjectural end (which I will not reveal) probably has the greatest dramatic affect on the whole movie. While some in the audience might feel sympathy for Glass and his duplicitous methods, others will feel betrayed, angry, and skeptical. Still, it struck me that Glass' habitual lying actually took him to another realm where he believed his own lies. Within the mind of Glass, he DID do a story on Young Republicans acting like reprobates. Glass believes he DID do a story on a hacker kid who was cut a deal by a software company.

Who knows the real intention of the movie. Was it to chastise Glass--or other fabricators like Jayson Blair? Or maybe to rebuke the journalist profession? Or did the movie intend to slap the motion picture industry for leaving truth at the studio gate? In any case, Shattered Glass works--and it works well.

Contemporary Masterpiece
You can't trust anybody, and now, because of Stephen Glass, you definitely cannot trust the press. Mr. Glass snatched everybody's confidences and destroyed them with fabricated, fantastic stories. After his downfall, many newspapers and magazines found one or two inconsistencies with their writers, including the New York Times, the Boston Globe and USA Today.

This film proves that Hayden Christensen isn't just that whiny brat from the Star Wars movie. He's a whiny brat in this movie, too ... but he plays Glass with such sincerity and charm you cannot help but feel the tiniest bit sorry for his mistakes. But it's Peter Sarsgaard who really steals the show as Glass's editor at The New Republic, who, after taking over the magazine from the late, great, and heavily favored Michael Kelley, discovers his writer isn't as good as everybody thought. Sarsgaard melts down into a puddle of anger and anxiety. He tears into Christensen with unholy vengeance. He makes you squirm in your seat as Christensen tries to weasel underneath his thumb.

The largest flaw with this movie is totally up to audience interpretation. Some people believe this film glorifies what Glass did. In a way, that's true. It sets an example of "if you screw up, don't worry, you'll get a young Darth Vader to play you in the film, and Tom Cruise will produce." At the same time, Christensen plays Glass like a greasy sewer rat, and even when you're feeling a touch sympathetic, you can see Glass for the sniveling bastard he truly is. So while it at once condemns and approves, the film makes Sarsgaard's character the true hero, and therefore steals any and all of Glass's thunder.

The DVD features an interview with Mr. Glass, exposing him for the whiny, self-serving jerk he truly is.

Excellent
Well acted and a good thriller. It's like a thriller without the murder. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Austin-based filmmaker Richard Linklater (Slacker, Dazed and Confused) has a knack for discovering young actors and getting the best out of them. For example, Dazed and Confused launched the careers of Matthew McConaughey (A Time to Kill), Parker Posey (Waiting for Guffman), Adam Goldberg (Saving Private Ryan), and Anthony Rapp (star in the original cast of the Broadway musical sensation, Rent). SubUrbia, based on the play by monologist Eric Bogosian, is the first Linklater-directed film that he didn't also write, and although the result feels more in-your-face Bogosian than laid-back Linklater, his way with actors is still very much in evidence.

SubUrbia centers on a group of bored, aimless, post-high-school kids who spend an inordinate amount of time hanging out in the parking lot of a local convenience store. It all takes place over a single night, when a fellow classmate by the name of Pony (Jayce Bartok), who has become a hot pop star since graduation, returns with his limo and his publicist (Posey) to do a little slumming in his hometown. Giovanni Ribisi (Saving Private Ryan) as the introspective Jeff, Ajay Naidu as the proprietor of the Circle A (for "anarchy"), and Steve Zahn (Out of Sight) as the buffoonish Buff, are also very impressive in a movie that's a real showcase for its terrific actors. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Put back the Leprechaun!
This is a funny movie that will also get you thinking. It's about some post-high school losers who have nothing better to do than get drunk and hang outside a convenience store. That may sound kind of lame, but it picks up when 'Pony' (Jayce Bartok), a high school acquaintance of theirs who has made it as a rock star pays a visit, along with his attractive publicist Erika (Parker Posy), creating tension between some of the characters. The main character Jeff (Giovanni Ribisi) is constantly questioning everything, and helps to move the plot along by provoking reactions from the others. There is also tension building up between the convenience store owner (Ajay Naidu) and the group, and it all crescendos into a fantastic finale.

I'm giving this 4 stars because the first half hour or so is pretty dumb; there isn't many laughs, and not too much happens before Pony shows up. But since this movie is two hours long, it has plenty of time to redeem itself and succeeds in doing so.

Oh Man!
For all you Giovanni lovers out there, you have to see this! He gets neggie in this movie! It's not really an adult movie, it's more for teenagers cause they are the only ones who understand. I guess I just liked it cause I'm obsessed with Giovanni Ribisi.

great movie
This movie was really great. It's by far my favorite movie...I've seen it more than five or ten times, and it isn't at all old. It's about a group of kids (just under 20 years old) trying to figure out life and trying to deal with it at the same time. The brief nudity part that helped give this movie it's R rating is because Giovanni Ribisi (really hot) decides to take off his clothes. But anyways...great movie that I definatly recommend.

Vun-der-full!
I love this movie. Giovanni Ribisi is a wonderful actor, and he is obviously on the way to big things. If you've seen him in any of his 'big' movies, check this one out- he's at his best.

stereotyped characters?
To call the characters in this film stereotypical is downright blind. This movie IS my town, it's not only my town, but probably thousands of others as well. And to the other reviewer who called giovani ribisi's character "the only smart one", I think she missed the point. He was an intelligent guy, but his counterparts were smart as well. This guy is basically me. He doesn't want to do anyhting, he just wants to live. He says that he wants to "maybe write", THAT'S MY EXCUSE TOO!! I tell my family that I want to be a writer so they won't realize that I just want to stay where I am. All the characters in this film have real counterparts in my life. I know a girl like Suze, I know an alcoholic likr Phoebe, I know the drunk goon like Buff, and I know a guy who although he wasn't in the military, is still alot like Tim. Sadly there are no rock stars where I live, but hey, you can't have 'em all right? Richard Linklater's films always have a mirror to my life, Dazed and Confused was basically my parents, Slacker is me, and Suburbia is my town and my friends. I always like Linklater's movies because they're so laid back, they make you think, and question yourself, something that not many films do well. Anyways, this all brings me to my point, (I knew I had one somewhere) Although this subject matter is better for the stage, It still makes a helluva thought provoking film. If you live in a small town, watch this, you might recognize someone. ... Read more

Description

Filmmaker Richard Linklater (Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise) explores the lives of young Americans at a crossroads in subUrbia, adapted by Eric Bogosian (Talk Radio) from his playIt rocks with soundtrack music by Sonic Youth, Beck Skinny Puppy, Butthole Surfers, Elastica and more of today's edgiest alternative bands.

An ensemble cast featuring Parker Posey (Party Girl), Steve Zahn (That Thing You Do) and Nicky Katt (A Time to Kill) stars in this engrossing story that opens during a typical night among friends who are stuck somewhere between high school and the rest of their lives.The night doesn't stay typical for long.The arrival of a former classmate who is now a rock star sets passions and conflicts in motion.Before the night is over, friendships will be forged or shattered, romances will be won or lost, limits will be tested and futures will be shaped. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Dude, let's go hang out at Circle K!
Boy, talk about a movie about nothing! It's basically two and a half hours of a bunch of punk kids standing around in parking lots talking. Okay, maybe I'm being a bit unfair. This movie is very slow, but it is meaningful. It's basically a look at the lives of bored small town teens (although Austin is a strange choice for the locale. I live there, and trust me, it's far from a small town) who have nothing at all to do, and have to deal with their friend's rise to stardom. But really, for the most part, nothing really happens in the movie! It's like real life! But, perhaps that's the genius of it. You'd better have a good attention span, though. I would have to say that Giovanni Ribisi pretty much runs the movie. He by far outdoes everyone else's performance, and is really the only likable character in the movie (with the possible exception of Steve Zahn). Ribisi sort of serves as the grouchy but eloquent voice of reason in the group. It's cool to see him play such a well-spoken character, because he usually plays a dumb guy in everything else. You sort of get the feeling that he hates his friends, and would rather be anywhere but with them, but he hangs with them anyway because he doesn't really have a choice. But, when your friends are a drunken goofball, a big, belligerent guy with tattoos, and a pretty boy folk singer, and your girlfriend is a bad poet with an even worse hairdo, it's kind of understandable. This is really more like a documentary than a movie, but it has its moments. I think the thing I liked the best about it was that it was filmed where I live, so I recognized a lot of the stuff in the movie. All in all, I'd say I don't have any strong feelings for this movie, I neither love it nor hate it, but if you like this kind of stuff, you might as well check it out.

Compares to Kevin Smith
I think this movie is absolutely true and hilarious. This group of 20-somethings is exactly like people I know. This has a theme similar to Kevin Smith movies and other funny realistic comedies. If you liked this I recommend you see Clerks, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Glory Daze, and Mallrats. This group of people hang outside a convenience store getting drunk and encounters real life issues. You should definitly buy this movie! Ribisi and Zahn are the funniest ever. The scene where Zahn steals the lawn ornament is great. Its an awesome flick. The only character I don't like is the rock star, he is the only reason I don't give it 5 stars. Rent or buy it, its worth it. Its kind of an immature comedy but that is what makes it good. If you like Kevin Smith movies or Glory Daze you'll really like Suburbia.

Linklater knows that small towns can suck.
I rented this movie for two reasons: the first being that I was stood up by a friend on a Saturday night and wanted something to calm my anger; and secondly, it looked good. I must say, from start to finish, this is a wonderfully directed movie. The performances that Richard Linklater got out of these actors was astounding. Out of all of them, I think that Goivanni Ribisi gave one of his all-time best (even compared to Saving Private Ryan, which I think was his finest dramatic moment).

Everything about the movie screams teen-angst, from the theft of a lawn-knome, to one of the many anti-MTV sentiments.
I gave this movie 5 stars because I was tired and ornery when I put it in, and by the end I couldn't fall asleep if I had wanted to.

Don't see it for laughs
From the cover one would think that this movie is a teen comedy. The movie is very good, but it is more of a morality tale than a comedy.

Teen Angst
I saw this movie in a sunday at 2 A.M. and I think it`s a nice hour to watch it. "Suburbia" is one of those movies that captures well the state of loneliness and melancholy that the late-teens/ young adults feel when they enter a world with limited perspectives and an uncertain future. Yep, it`s the everyday world we all live in. The director Richard Linklater innovates a bit (again) as he prefers to center all the plot action in a single night, developing some key moments for his characters. The teens portrayed here seem a bit stereotyped in the beginning but they slowly change during the movie. The dialogue and camera-work are realistic and the acting usually competent. However, it`s a bit slow at parts and the overall atmosphere is not for everyone. But for those who try it, it`s still a good indie-movie with something to say about today`s youth. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

In the typical Don Simpson-Jerry Bruckheimer mold (the partnership yielded Top Gun and Days of Thunder, among many other films), this 1995 drama is a combination of one-dimensional but enjoyable performances, lots of high-tech nonsense taking place onscreen, and mechanistic movie-making at its loudest and most seizure-inducing. Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington play nuclear submarine officers squaring off over the former's apparent intention to do some unauthorized damage to an enemy. Tony Scott (Top Gun) directed, bringing his luster and pop commercial sense to go with all that Simpson-Bruckheimer eye candy. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (104)

Crimson Tide rocks the boat!
After experienceing Crimson Tide for the 15th time, I believe this is my favorite movie of all time. From the very beginning of the movie you are swept into a very plausible scenario: Russian rebels have captured nuclear missle silo's and are threatening to launch at the U.S.. The USS Alabama has been deployed to launch a preemptive strike against Russia. This movie has what DVD owners are looking for: Excellent visuals, bass thumping sound, and great acting. Denzel Washington gives the best performance of his career as Lt. Commander Hunter. His character's by-the-book style is at direct odds with Captain Ramsey's (Gene Hackman) old-school ways. The result is an incredible clash of wills that results in mutiny and the near destruction of the world in a nuclear holocaust. The tension is thick in this drama, and the movie has emotional moments and moments of extreme joy. You will be on the edge of your seat rooting for either Capt. Ramsey or Commander Hunter throughout the movie. This is a must-see movie!

Hoovers the greasy tool!
This movie sucks. It's a disservice to the men of the US Submarine Service. Let's look at what's wrong with this movie. Firstly we have Gene Hackman playing the gunger-than-ho submarine captain in a way that makes you think he prepared for this role by trying to channel George C. Scott from _Patton_. Cigar chomping, scenery-chewing aside the US Navy doesn't let guys who act like Gene Hackman did in this movie anywhere near nuclear weapons. I worked with three men who were former commanders of missile submarines and they were the polar opposites of Gene Hackman's character. Then we have the pseudo-dramatic tension of the conflict between Denzel Washington and Hackman over whether or not to launch the missiles, of course the problem with this bit of dramatic tension is that it's BS, one of the standing orders for nuclear launch is "when in doubt, don't." If you can't get a good authorization you don't just pull a wild hair out of your ass and decide to launch some missiles. Anyone who has a problem understanding this doesn't get near the nuclear missiles. People in the Navy have watched _Dr. Strangelove_ and know not to let people who don't understand this sort of thing near the nuclear missiles.

A JOKE
I am an American Submariner. The Boat I was on at the time this "movie" premiered in Canada was invited to partake in the first showing. There were about 50 of us including officers and chiefs. From the word "go", we tore this movie apart. No wonder the Navy didn't participate in its making. IT IS A JOKE! The beginning scenes where they were diving the boat included pictures of all sorts of other submarines diving. I remember at least 6 classes of boats being shown. Maybe if we were not "bubbleheads" we would have thought it was an interesting movie. Highly doubtful tho. The differences in classes is telling. As far as the plot goes there are fail safes incorporated to prevent this from happening. This movie was made to promote hysterics just like some news media only show one side of a story. I have seen this movie once and would reccommend you seeing " The Hunt For Red October". It's closer to what we did than this one.

isn't fit to scrape barnacles off "Das Boot"
I didn't think it was possible for there to exist a badly-made submarine movie, but I watched this and realized I was wrong. If you know anything about submarines, you'll not like this film very much. Examples? Ok, how about this: The boat (sub's are referred to as "boats" not "ships") is crippled by a torpedo explosion, and the Chief of the Boat announces to the XO (Denzel Washington),"forward ballast tanks damaged. we've lost forward air". The next moment, the boat's main propulsion plant is lost, and the sub is shown heading downward into the depths. Do they move the bow planes / fairwater planes or stern planes to use forward momentum to help the boat rise? NO. Do they blow after ballast (the after ballast tanks are presumably still operational)? NO. What do they do? They just ALL STAND THERE staring at the depth gauge, awaiting their arrival at "crush depth", the depth at which the surrounding pressure of the sea will be more than the pressure hull can withstand and the sub will implode and kill them all. But what saves them? Ah, someone in the Engine Room apparently flicks a switch to start the turbines again! "well, whaddya know, I've started the plant again!" Look, if you suffer an engineering casualty that causes the plant to be lost, chances are you're not going to be able to repair the cause in 5 minutes. Add to this the flimsy character development, the "musical chairs" Caine Mutiny - meets - Keystone Kops command changes, the contrived 'drama' - it's just not believable, folks.
So what to do? I recommend you rent, buy, or borrow "Das Boot" (or its very-well-dubbed version "The Boat"), come home and watch it. Immerse yourself in a real submarine drama. And deep-six this artificial-reef of a movie.

Hackman & Washington Chew Up the Screen
Superior performances by Denzel and Gene. Good supporting performances by Tony Soprano and Gandalf. Great tension. Perfect Tarantino dialogue. Lots of nice realistic touches. Aren't that many good sub movies out there. Only a handful come to mind. Definately worth repeated viewing. ... Read more

Reviews (213)

Funny , Romantic and Sexy
This is one movie that had a lot of star power. George Clooney returns to normal movie bliss as Bank Robber Jack Foley, who, after just getting out of jail decides to rob another bank. Though it may seem successful it isn't and he gets into a 1981 Honda Accord Hatchback(AKA Eggcar) which doesn't work. Back to Jail He Goes. Jennifer Lopez also does a great Job as Karen Sisco, a Beautiful Federal Marshal. Dennis Farina is funny and over Protective as her Father Marshall Sisco. Also, Don Chedle makes another good movie choice(He Also Stars in the risque Boogie Nights) as Boxer and theif Maurice "Snoopy" Miller. His nickname is Snoopy because he throws his Fights to make money, even in jail. Also there is Albert Brooks as Ripley a rich Embesler who gives them all the lowdown on uncut diamonds. This funny movie also stars Michael Keaton reprising his role as Ray Nicolette ( From Jackie Brown) a strange FBI Agent who is always reveiling who he is. Memorable Scene- Karen protects herself from Snoopy's Cousin , Ex Boxer, Kenneth with a metal weapon and saying "We've Tusseled" Watch and Enjoy. Also watch out for the scene stealing White-Boy Bob

Why I have a soft spot in my heart for Jennifer Lopez.
Though this made no money when it was first released, director Steven Soderbergh's caper film "Out of Sight" has developed a strong cult following. This well-written, well-acted, beautifully shot ensemble comedy-drama is superior entertainment, and it "launched" Soderbergh's comeback to the world of serious film by proving that Hollywood films can still be smart and artistic.

Taken from an Elmore Leonard novel, the script gives George Clooney his best part to date. As Jack Foley, a moderately successful thief who uses words more than guns, he's given moments where he's supposed to be tough and tender. He's smart but impulsive, and he frequently finds himself in the middle of a jam. During a prison escape, for instance, he ends up sharing a car trunk with a federal marshal named Karen Sisco, played in a sophisticated, ballsy turn by Jennifer Lopez.

From that scene of flirtatious, intense dialogue because they like each other and hate each other, stuck at an impasse where neither one of them can make a move, Sisco and Foley banter and battle throughout the entire movie. When their confrontations come (in the seduction scene and, later, in the final heist), the payoffs to the audience are rewarding.

The supporting cast is uniformly colorful, and all the characters are well-defined. I particularly liked Don Cheadle's work as a scary, insecure prison boxer and Steve Zahn's turn as a hapless criminal obsessed with wearing sunglasses.

But the scenes between Clooney and Lopez set the screen on fire, moreso because of the way they deliver their dialogue than because of the way they look. The editing of the seduction scene, where their dinner dialogue seems to narrate what happens to them after dinner, is what makes it so sexy.

Great movie. Lopez has never done anything yet that's as good.

JLo & Who?
Clever dialogue and witty banter make "Out of Sight" an enjoyable film loaded with many twists and meaningful turns. Characters played smart kept my attention, though I was confused about who was Jennifer Lopez's boyfriend. How apropos? George Clooney is too good looking to survive in prison and come out looking so fresh. Many familiar faces, not all in the credits offer more fun. No surprise Clooney and Lopez find a lot to talk about and the time for conversation in the end.

Michael Duranko
www.bootism.com

"Out Of Sight" Review
Steven Soderbergh's smoothly-adapted cinematic take on Elmore Leonard's novel of the same name has George Clooney (in one of his finest performances) as Jack Foley, a bank robber who keeps ending up upstate due to a good deal of bad luck. Jennifer Lopez is Karen Sisco, a beautiful but very dangerous Federal marshall who ends up in Foley's trunk during a prison getaway and eventually ends up falling for the escaped prisoner she has been assigned to bring back in. Foley and his partner-in-crime, Buddy (Ving Rhames) are planning one last score though. They're planning to swipe some uncut diamonds from a former cellmate who has them hidden in his winter home in Detriot. They aren't the only ones in on the caper though as Don Cheadle's thuggish Maurice "Snoopy" Miller has also managed to bully his way into the picture. "Out Of Sight" works real well, mostly in part to thanks to Scott Frank's very well-done adaption of Leonard's novel. The very entertaining performances from the ensemble cast don't hurt things either. Even J-Lo who is generally more of a "movie star" than an "actress" brings a lot to the table. Also look for Michael Keaton in a brief cameo, reprising his role as Ray Nicolette from "Jackie Brown".

Out of sight totally underestimated
i absolutely loved the film!
The chemistry between jlo and George was awesome!
i absolutely loved the hypnotic tune playing softly when clooney and lopez where in the detroit bar and again when she cuffed him and the police came.
could, if possible anyone send me the notes (piano) of the tune played during the bar scene and at the end when she shoots him. i would be very grateful! Thank you!
RumenaMiah22@hotmail.com ... Read more