Reviews (9)

4 and a quarter stars
A good movie. Better acting than the norm for Goosebumps and the plotline is a bit thicker than usual. Although the actors continue to be scared of the tiniest things - as in, exaggeration - it's good creepy fun. Decent SFX for this type of movie. The Wolf-in-the-house-chase with Emily is terribly executed, effects wise. Otherwise good work.

The werewolf that was terrifying
This video tape i saw at school. In Ms.Ahern's room. It was creepy. There was this family,and this boy named Grady and this girl named Emily. They were afraid of their new town,or bored.
Then,Grady meets Will,and Will tells him legends of the werewolves. And,about the town. Grady gets murdered by a werewolf,and he finds out that Will is a werewolf.
He gets a fever,then he's a werewolf,too. This video was all right. I could live with it.

Great Movie
This movie is great. The werewolf is scary when the sister first sees it in the living room. The effects are alright for this kind of a movie. The acting is good and the plot is great. It's a great movie!

Well, 2nd Best Is Not Bad.
I don't feel this quite matches "Night In Terror Tower," "Welcome To Dead House," "The Haunted Mask," or "The Haunted Mask Part 2." But we must not overlook 2nd best. In this day and age, we are often lead into shunning 2nd best. That is not always a good idea. Well, onto the review. It is not the best Goosebumps video (in my opinion), but it does have worthy elements. As usual in good horror, the story STARTS normal and harmless. (Good!) I don't feel the family is as well drawn as the one in "Welcome To Dead House," but it is alright. The (harmless?) eccentric serves to grab our attention quickly. Some of the Goosebumps videos have better scenery, but there is a spooky charm to the scenery in this one. Will is a well drawn character who seems normal enough but makes us nervous at times. It is interesting how Grady wants to stay away from trouble (a possible werewolf), but when his dog is starting to fall under suspicion of bad things, he summons his courage and tries to find out what is happening. I can't tell you too much more without ruining the video, so I will just say that the rest is captivating. One very well drawn scene is the one where the director alternates between shots of Emily and Grady. Also, a memorable situation is when Grady has to convince his mother (a scientist) that there may be things out there that science can't explain. Some people complaimed that this video is too predictable. But even if we know what is happening, that does not mean we can't still enjoy the charm it offers. It's only 45 minutes. So even if you figure out what is going on early, do yourself a favor and enjoy how everything leads up to the solution.

Dog vs. Werewolf
This video was really amazing becasue there was also a dog that struggles to protect Grady and his family from a hideous monster that has been wondering in the swamps for many years. IF there were 3 komondors dogs that are really hairy bigger and stronger than than Vandell then this would be no contest if they went up against the werewolf because Komonodor dogs are really strong and they have a really powerful bite like a pitbull. When grady was being attacked by the werewolf and Vandell came to the resuce and when the dog bit the werewolf's arm well the 3 komondors would all attack the werewolf bit the monster so hard maybe the werewolf would be crippled then grady would have been safe big time and he would sit back and watch the komondors tear the werewolf to shreds. But anyways I really like this movie if I scripted this movie then I would have put the 3 komondor dogs in the movie instead of Vandell. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

"I Hope You Don't Mind Drinking This Early"
Starting with "The Thin Man", William Powell and Myrna Loy were Nick and Nora Charles, Dashiell Hammett's greatest creation. This series stood apart from others in that it was a class "A" production all the way, MGM giving these wildly popular films their best contract players and their finest behind the scenes people to create something unparalleled in American film history.

The origional "The Thin Man" was a masterpiece of light and witty comedy mystery that has never been equaled. For that reason it is unfair to compare the five films that followed with the first one, and once that is set aside, each of the five was charming, witty, and classy, the perfect way to solve a mystery and be entertained at the same time. This was the last entry and was just teriffic, as "The Thin Man" went out in style.

Manhattan meets the hip jazz scene in this one as Nick and Nora are involved in solving another delicious murder, with nice touches from Nicky Jr., and of course, their dog Asta. It begins when Nick and Nora have a night out on the gambling ship "S. S. Fortune".

The film opens with a young and stunningly beautiful Gloria Grahame singing "Your Not That Easy to Forget" and only gets better. As Nick and Nora rub shoulders with the elite, and a few of Nicky's old 'pals', a chain of events leads to murder, discovered the next morning when the chief suspect stops by with his fiance to ask for Nick's help. Nick turns him over to the cops for his own safety when he is shot at but the deal is sealed when the bullet hits a bottle Nick had been saving for a special occasion , and as he puts it, "An old friend of mine went completely to pieces".

There are no shortage of suspects as Nick and Nora start nosing around, aided by a young Keenan Wynn as one of the hip band members. It's very funny as Nora begins to pick up the 'lingo' of Wynn and his jazz friends, who seem to have a language of their own. The victim seemingly had no end of enemies. He was deep in debt to a dangerous gambler, had been cheating on his girlfriend (Grahame), was running out on a contract to play at the "S. S. Fortune" for greener pastures, had publicly humiliated Grahame's former boyfriend Buddy Hollis (Don Taylor), and more.

Before it's over, Nick and Nora will walk in on another murder, and Nick will stage a suprise back on the waters, gathering all the suspects back on the swanky "S. S. Fortune" to trick a killer. Patricia Morison, Jayne Meadows, Dean Stockwell, Ralph Morgan, William Bishop and Marie Windsor all offer fine support to make this closing chapter one of their best. Some nice family moments (Nick and Nora style) with Asta and Nicky Jr. are put in the mix as well, Nicky Jr. seemingly a 'chip of the old block'.

The same carefree and fun loving ambiance that was a staple of every entry is here and a good, atmospheric mystery to boot. There is nothing shabby about "Song of the Thin Man". It is a bar that many have attempted to reach when making a light comedy mystery but these films have endured because of their wit, fun, and charm. Nothing has ever come close to them and you won't want to miss this one!

The Thrill Is Gone
While the previous THE THIN MAN GOES HOME was hampered by a very weak script, THE SONG OF THE THIN MAN actually has a decent script but lacks the energy and sparkle of the first four films in the series. Even William Powell and Myrna Loy seem a bit tired of the whole thing, and this film finds their legendary chemistry reduced to the occasional twinkle.

The script is entertaining enough, concerning the murder of a band leader with ties to casino gamblers, and the supporting cast has a number of fine performances by the likes of Gloria Grahame, Jayne Meadows, and Keenan Wynn. Most viewers will find it all reasonably entertaining, but the bloom is gone; newcomers to the 'Thin Man' series would do better to select one of the first four films in the series.

For fans only!
I loved the earlier THIN MAN movies. The chemistry between Nick and Nora was cute and new at the time the films originated. Nick, the former police detective, who loved to drink but had the deductive capabilities of Sherlock Holmes. Nora was the adventurous rich girl who proved to be more than a match for her street smart husband. This formula worked very well during the early movies but by the time SONG OF THE THIN MAN was released the magic was gone.

Now Nick, & Nora are now parents of Nick Jr. played by Dean Stockwell (QUANTUM LEAP's Rear Admiral Albert 'Al' Calavicci)and both clearly showing their middle age wear and tear. All the interplay between Nick and Nora seems old and tired. Nick continues to use his street connections to try and generate clues while Nora still seems to be curious about Nick's detective powers. Nick, as always, rounds up all the suspects and as everybody, except the criminal who must not be familiar with Nick's modus operandi, knows he revels the criminal and saves the day. I should have listed this as a spoiler but anyone familiar the THIN MAN movies will know how the film ends. The only mystery is who did it and not how it will be revealed.

I love THE THIN MAN movies. I really enjoyed THE THIN MAN GOES HOME. However the series should have ended there. SONG OF THE THIN MAN was an obvious attempt to ring a little more money out of the franchise. Even though I'm not a big fan of the film I do hope it and all the other THIN MAN movies are released on DVD.

What's the Thin Man Got to do With Charlie the Tuna?
This is not the best of the Thin Man series but it is entertaining; particularly for the mainstream stereotyping of the Jazz world. An interesting bit part is played by Henry Nemo ("The Neem") a Jazz musician, composer, and hustler who--according to the writer who created 60's T.V. icon Charlie the Tuna--was the inspiration for the Starkist spokesfish. The original Charlie (whose motto was "the shortest distance between two points is a angle") was a cool New York hustler who was always looking to get taken by Starkist as a shortcut to gaining status; but never quite got the concept.

Not With A Bang But A Wimper
In SONG OF THE THIN MAN Nick and Nora board a gambling ship where a band leader is murdered. Nick is drinking again after being forced to abstain from alcohol during his last case in THE THIN MAN GOES HOME. Nick and Nora are accompanied by Nick, Jr. who is played by a young Dean Stockwell. Keenan Wynn has an important role as a member of the band. Edward Buzzer is the director.

The film marked the sixth and final entry in the THIN MAN Series. William Powell and Myrna Loy held the starring roles of Nick and Nora Charles in all of the movies. The sixth film was definitely one of the weakest in many respects except for the atmosphere which was quite upbeat. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Strange and gripping
I was quite pleased to finally find this movie at a video store seeing as it's been out of print for some time. I've been a fan of the luscious, high-cheekboned Maud Adams since her slinky appearances in two Bond movies, The Man with the Golden Gun and Octopussy.
Tattoo is a very intense story of one man's obsession with a woman and with a fetish. Bruce Dern plays roles like this so well. His character is a make-up artist who develops a fixation with a beautiful model (Adams) he meets on a job. Dern's real love is tattooing, and although he wins the girl over and has the chance to romance her in a normal relationship, he is unable to because of his pathology. He kidnaps her instead and exerts control over her until she willingly submits to having her flesh permanently marked by his needles.
The plot of lovesick men kidnapping/imprisoning the objects of their affection has been repeated many times, as in Tie Me Up, Tie Me Down, and Private Obsession, but Tattoo holds its own in this genre. The ending is shocking, yet fitting.

Great Body Art
"Tattoo" is a unique mystery that explores a tattoo artist who becomes dangerously obsessed with a model/actress. Many twists and turns occur, keeping the mystery alive. Though few other writers have constructed such theme, there are many flaws. The kidnapping and the captive scenes could have been more detailed and more involved. Most of those scenes would never occur in that level in real life, especially the victim's escape plans. Despite such flaws, the storyline is highly creative. The body art is highly enjoyable to view. The high-tech effort involved in perfecting every detail and making them real-looking was highly noticeable. They're flawless. The acting was average. There was some potential for improvement, but that never happened. The actor behind the tattoo artist, the lead character, gave his character a deeply dangerous persona, giving the movie the extra mystery. Such depth symbolizes the movie. "Tattoo" may have mixed reviews toward its audiences. It has good details; it has some that could use great improvement. However, this will keep many entertained.

A flawed Creation story
Karl (Bruce Dern) is an obsessed tattoo artist who kidnaps model Maddy (real-life model/actress Maude Adams). Karl drugs Maddy and takes her to a secluded house. Maddy awakens to find she has become a canvas for skin illustrations -- Karl is consecrating her body with tattoos. A virtual prisoner, Maddy submits to becoming Karl's masterpiece and Goddess.

Some Pagan organizations conduct periodic rituals that include rededication to the Pagan God and Goddess -- voluntary tattooing can be a part of these rituals. I consider "Tattoo" a flawed Creation story, however. Bruce Dern plays Karl much like Anthony Perkin's "Psycho" role and Karl's secluded house resembles the house overlooking the Bates Motel. Kidnapped Maddy passively submits to tattooing. And I believe the exquisite pastel tattoos depicted on Maude Adams are not practical. Most tattoos use dark saturated colors for patchability, and Maddy's pastel tattoos could not be patched artistically after abrasions, winter dryness, and sunburn peeling. Maddy would be forced to become a hothouse plant to maintain her pastel tattoos' beauty.

Deliciously Weird
I love movies like this, I watch them to see just how strange they will get!!! Tattoo is more of a psychological drama, I found myself wondering what it would be like to have been in a position like that of Maude Adams' character...I was completely paranoid and even claustraphobic by the end of the movie!!!

Intense charicter study that is erotic and fun.
The movie is a late 710's early 80's classic, that has elements of part of all of us. Bruce Durn IS the charicter he plays, and if you let the movie flow, you will enjoy the quality of the story, desire, and intensity. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fun & catchy. Warning: it may take over your brain!
I'm not a big fan of the Animaniacs TV show, but these songs are lots of fun! If I'm bored, or having a bad day, this tape always cheers me right up. I often find myself humming bits from The Quake Song, The Big Wrap Party, and others. Recommended for anyone, of any age, who appreciates inspired wackiness, bad puns, and silly rhymes. :) ... Read more

Reviews (11)

It's a Movie - of course the book's better!
One of my all-time favorite novels, and now one of my favorite videos. Of course the book is better. A movie could never approach the philosophical breadth that Dostoyevsky does in his classic novel, nor could it develop the characters as fully and as masterfully. Lament that the "Grand Inquisitor" does not make an appearance in the film, and that the character of Father Zossima (a very significant figure in the novel) is not developed at all. But, for a movie, it's quite well done and worth the watch. Even my kids enjoyed it (my 10 yr-old daughter figured out the murder mystery before it was revealed). Yul Brynner is very concvincing and, I'm no "trekie," but Shatner rules! I liked it.

Pale version of the novel
This was fair as a movie, but an extremely poor adaptation of one of the finest novels ever written. It would be comparable to a cartoon version of Hamlet. Cobb is outstanding as Fyodor and Brynner is quite good as Dmitri, but they are hamstrung by a phenomenally flat script. Shatner is a disaster as Alyosha and the other characters are not particularly memorable. If you have not read the book, this is a decently enjoyable film. The original story is pared down and the ending changed, but still OK for a light viewing. If you have read the novel, however, this film will be neither entertaining not elucidating.

The Brothers Whats?..av
This movie doesn't go along with the book, but what movie about a book goes along with it? This movie is your typical movie about a book and kinda twisting the books details. But it is pretty funny.

Excesses of Every Description
THE BROTHERS KARAMAZOV is a movie about a dysfunctional nineteenth century Russian family headed by a domineering father (Lee J. Cobb). He and his strong-willed son (Yul Brynner) compete for the same woman (Maria Schell). The family which also has three other sons is torn apart by excesses of every description and some of the characters seem much larger than life - especially Brynner and Cobb. The thoroughly competent supporting cast includes Claire Bloom, Richard Basehart and William Shatner.

The film was based on a novel by Feodor Dostoevsky. It received one Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor (Lee J. Cobb). The main competition for Oscars in 1958 came from GIGI.

Richard Brooks also directed ELMER GANTRY.

Yul Brynner HOT as usual
Interesting how one of the greatest novels of all time can play like a pretty good episode of General Hospital on the big screen, when placed in the right(?) hands. See it for YB, God rest his soul, and some interesting family intrigue. You will be entertained, but if you want more than that, READ the book! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

A Good One to Show in School for MLK Day
"Selma, Lord, Selma" fills an important niche by telling a story of the Civil Rights Movement in a manner that is accessible to upper elementary students (and older). The characters and situations are believable, and the story is told from the perspecive of a young--almost 12 years old--African-American girl who got involved after writing a report on Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

While this film portrays the harshness of the situation, including two deaths, it is not graphic or gratutitous. I personally appreciated the way the non-violent Civil Rights movement of Rev. King and his followers was based on their Christian beliefs. The film is not preachy, but the religious context of the movement is realistically portrayed.

As the school librarian, I will be recommending this video to teachers in our elementary school as an option for the Martin Luther King holiday.

Selma Lord Selma is the BEST!
All I have to say...is that Selma Lord Selma is the absolute best movie today! It is about Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement in the 60's. My teacher showed us this movie a couple of years ago. I love it! I recommend everyone goes out and buys it. It is a great video!

A must-see video on an important part of US history
This is a true story with true characters and events, not a fictionalized "this could have happened" history.
This is the story of the civil rights movement in 1965 Selma, Alabama. After the events shown in the video, Lyndon Johnson made the following speech -- one of his best:
"At times history and fate meet at a single time in a single place to shape a turning point in man's unending search for freedom. So it was at Lexington and Concord. So it was a century ago at Appomattox. So it was last week in Selma, Alabama.
"There, long-suffering men and women peacefully protested the denial of their rights as Americans. Many were brutally assaulted....
"There is no cause for pride in what has happened in Selma. There is no cause for self-satisfaction in the long denial of equal rights of millions of Americans. But there is cause for hope and for faith in our democracy in what is happening here tonight...." You may wish to find the entire speech and read it -- it's available on the internet.
This movie is appropriate for school use for 5th and 6th graders and up. "Selma, Lord, Selma" never fails to bring tears to my eyes. A good companion video is "Ruby Bridges."

AWESOME!!!!!!
I watched it last night, and i loved it. It really made me see the prejudice that goes on. It made me cry and be more thankful than i am

Selma, Lord, Selma--- Great Movie
I had watched this movie in school during my history class, we were studying the civil rights movement.And I think that this movie did a great job showing and describing the event. I think that this movie is very inspirational, and it would make you will grateful for what you have. This movie is from the view of an African American little school girl who wanted to take part in the civil rights marches in her community. She was a very brave girl who was very determined to reach the goal of freedom. Other characters in the movie were also very great and very good with their role like the young Reverend in the movie named Jonathon. ... Read more

Description

C'mon and listen to songbird Doris Day heads toward Great White Way stardom in this sparkling songfest full of favorite standards, co-starring Gene Nelson. Year: 1950 Director: David Butler Starring:Doris Day, Gene Nelson, Gladys George ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The penny says, "In God We Trust".
She's a singer and a tap-dancer. Doris Day does it all. She is an entertainer aboard a cruise ship. She's come back to the United States to visit her mother. Her mother is also a singer, but in a nightclub. What Doris does not know, her mother no longer has the New York house and she is no longer a well-known Broadway star. She is too ashamed to see her daughter the way her life has turned. Very nice musical! Tunes include: "Lullaby of Broadway", "In a Shanty In Old Shanty Town", "Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart", "Somebody Loves Me", "I Love The Way You Say Goodnight".
Also in the cast: Billy DeWolfe (one of Doris' closest friends), Gladys George, Florence Bates and Anne Triola.
Best line: Doris gives Gene Nelson a gift. She says that there is a message on there for you. It's a 1949 penny that says atop, "In God We Trust".
Awesome mechanical dolls number.

Come On A long and Listen To The Best Musical Of All Time
Doris Day and Gene Nelson star in this classic movie! Doris Day is going to New York from Londan England. Doris is going home from England thinking that she is going to be metting his mother but she then learns that her mother has been lying and she is not a famous singing but a singer at a local Night Club! This also stars Cuddles as the sweet man who tries to cheer Miss Day up by buying her a nice mink stole and a lot of other nice stuff! This movie will keep you in stitches! But then Cuddles wife finds out and gets really mad at her! This is a hilarious and a very funny movie! You will always enjoy this movie!

Broadway Smash
I've watched this Musical so many times and still get a great joy in watching it, it's so breath-taking with the songs, dance's and story line. I've just bought this video, and I would recommend it to anyone. Doris Day is my favourite actress of all time, and she teams well with Gene Nelson (who is a fantastic dancer).

COME ON ALONG AND LISTEN TO........
The 1951 Warner Brothers release, "Lullaby of Broadway" was a big success at the box-office. Warners had taken the hit song from one of their big 1930's extravaganzas, dressed it all in pretty technicolor, given it a typical back-stage storyline and filled it with a lot of talented and gifted performers. It was a surefire recipe for success and it succeeded admirably.
From the opening frames when star Doris Day, donned in a tux, ala Eleanor Powell, sings and dances her way delightfully through Cole Porter's "Just One of Those Things", the audience is whisked away on a melodic journey. The songs come fast and furious thereby capably keeping the audience from realizing they'd seen the story done before and that the chemistry between Miss Day and co-star Gene Nelson is more like that between a brother and a sister than two sweethearts.
Doris Day arrives in America to visit her mother who she has been led to believe is a great American star. The plot deals with the efforts of those around her in preventing her from realizing the truth. In the meantime Doris meets talented dancer Nelson, they fall in love, and by the end of the picture Day is rendering the ultimate version of the title tune in a lavish number that'll leave a smile on everyones' face.
After only three years of making films, Doris Day easily proves why her rise to superstardom was accompished so quickly. While there is little to challenge her thespian skills, she makes the most of the opportunities presented and is completely winning and natural. It's during the musical sequences that she shows why she was Warner Brothers best musical asset in the late 40's and early 50's. No one else could come close.
Gene Nelson is a very talented and athletic dancer. His "Zing Went the Strings of My Heart" is a kockout. He and Miss Day make a great dancing pair, in particular doing "You're Getting To Be a Habit With Me" and a new song composed for the picture, "I Love The Way You Say Goodnight". As previously noted however, the chemistry Day had with other Warner co-stars such as Gordon MacRae and even Jack Carson, seems to be missing. It throws the picture ever so slightly off balance.
S.Z. Sakall and Florence Bates are a delight in supporting roles, as are Billy DeWolfe and Anne Triola, as musical "staff" to Sakall and Bates. Gladys George, a notable dramatic actress in the 1930's, provides a moving and powerful portrayal as Day's mother and they have a scene together that is extremely effective.
While I don't think it quite measures up to some of Day's other Warners pictures, "Lullaby of Broadway" is nevertheless a tuneful formula picture, blessed with some fine talent and if you're not tapping your feet during Day's snappy rendition of the title tune, then you need to check for a pulse. This is one lullaby that won't put you to sleep.

watch it twice a day
completely enjoyable with my favorite version of 'Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart' sung and danced by Gene Nelson. If I didn't own it already, I'd buy it again. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

awesome!
I saw this movie on the Nightmare Before Christmas DVD and I love it! It's a great story, sometimes cheesy but never too much so. Plus I think I'm in love with Barret Oliver who played Victor, I realize that now he's thirt-one. But when this was made he was eleven and I'm fifteen so I don't think it's that creepy. Anyways... what I'm trying to say is this movie really rocks and you should watch it!

Wonderful short for all ages
I show this movie to my fifth graders every Halloween. They get a kick out of the touching story and the adults who come to the party dig the references to the classic Frankenstein movies from the 30's. There is something for everyone in this movie. Tim Burton showed us a bit of his budding genius with this short. A must have for any Tim Burton fan.

It's alive!
It's a twisted variation on all of the "boy and his dog" movies on the market. It's also a modern suburban reinterpretation of Frankenstein. And it's one of Tim Burton's first efforts as a movie director.

Burton's quirky, dark sense of humor and drama is very apparent in this early effort.

Very cute
Made by Tim Burton long before he became famous, this black&white short is about a dog whacked by a car, then brought back to life, ala Frankenstein. There are problems; the poor thing springs leaks when he drinks. Alas, there are other, worse problems, best discovered by your watching this movie. Not only is it cute, it's touching, and very much showcases the talent that made Burton such a well-known director.

Wow! What a great short!
This movie is about a Bull Terrier that gets hit by a car and is brought back to life by his boy as a franken weenie. A must see for BT owners and everyone who loves them! So cute but dont rush out and buy this because it comes free on the nightmare before christmas DVD! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

My Favorite Bertolucci Film!
It has been a few years since I've seen "The Conformist". But, this was the first Bernardo Bertolucci movie I ever saw. And the film has stayed with me all this time. Like some of the other customers on here, I too feel this is Bertolucci at his best.

To be honest I really can't quite remember the story-line so well. A man named Marcello (Jean Louis Trintignant)is sent to assassinate his old professor, Professor Quadri (Enzo Tararscio), who left Italy when the fascist took over.

Bertolucci managed to tell such a powerful, abosorbing story, that even in at it's most gritty moments, I couldn't turn away from the screen. There's a scene where two people are shot at that would probably be describe by people as disgusting, but, my eyes were glued to the screen. And this is the power most of Bertolucci's films have. Well, at least on me.

I too feel it's a shame this film it not available on vhs or dvd. And because of that this film is not as well known as it should be. Here is a movie that many would agree upon as being one of Bertolucci's best films, and no one can see it. All most of us can do is just recall moments of the first time we saw it.

For anyone who ever gets a chance to buy this film or even rent, do it! It will truly be one of those rare films that will always keep coming back to you.

Bottom-line: Simply Bernardo Bertolucci's best film! Powerful and absorbing. Bertolucci hits the bullseye.

Breathlessly awaiting The Conformist on DVD
I was shown this film in cinema class when I was 17, and then only saw it again recently, 14 years later. It's still wonderful, and IMO Bertolucci's only universally great film. I don't fault Criterion for not including it in their releases, it's probably a rights issue as it normally is (i.e. they had but lost the rights to Kwaidan - A for effort though). Folks like Criterion and Anchor Bay can't always get the rights to a director's entire body of work. Despite it all, I am one of the masses breathlessly awaiting a DVD release of The Conformist (though not optimistic an original Italian language version was ever cut, so we may have to endure the bad dubbing forever) - the art direction and cinematography are unforgettable. I never forgot certain scenes over the course of 14 years and thousands of other wonderful films. Please someone, release the DVD rights to good people like Kino, Criterion or Anchor Bay - we'll be lining up.

Pictures without subtitles
Naturellemant! This is a film one has to see. And once and a while it plays in a cinema here or there. Isn't that the only possitive side effect of such a wonderfull movie un-available both on DVD AND in its original language? To have to be on the look out for cinema screenings, somewhere? If you really want to see this film! Yes, I think so. And there is one more.
But what a sin to dub this film! The soundtrack on this VHS tape is in English! I was under the impression this was a common procedure in Germany only - 'he, Ronny, wir mussen den Dollars und Magnums in John's chevrolet nach Miami fahren!' - and very understandably the treatment that is received by animated films for childeren.
The film is magnificently photographed - by Vittorio Storaro. And the film deals with an important story. You can allways watch the VHS tape with the soundtrack switched off! Than you turn the postsynchronisation into an advantage. Because, you will be able to view the picture without the disturbing subtitles. That's the other advantage of this tape.

DVD - Get moving Paramount
I've heard about this film from friends and film professors for years, but have been unwilling to watch butchered, dubbed versions. I missed a showing of the restored print up in Los Angeles yesterday. According to the LA Times, the restoration was personally supervised by the film's legendary cinematographer, Vittorio Storaro.

Paramount is to be commended for taking this step. Now they have to take the next one, however, and actually release it to DVD. A restored version of the film does little good playing in a few arthouse theaters where almost nobody can see it. Release this to DVD now, please!

Pleaaasssseeee....
I WANT "THE CONFORMIST" RELEASED ON DVD!!!!!! It is so annoying I can't have this film on dvd. ... Read more

Reviews (238)

great satire from the late eighties
Mel Brooks definitely lives up to expectations with Spaceballs. This parody of the Star Wars movies will deliver laughs whether you are a sci fi fan or not. The cast of characters (including Bill Pullman, John Candy, and Rick Moranis...and of course Mel Brooks) closely parallels the familiar cast of Star Wars, but Rick Moranis takes the cake as Dark Helmet, the Darth Vader-like figure. ("And now you see that evil will always triumph, because good is dumb.")

Personally, I found this movie amusing at 10, and now at 22 I still think it's wonderful. Most of the other reviews give you an idea of what the movie contains, so I won't get into a long explanation, but I have to recommend this one pretty highly as a great comedy.

Spaceballs
The Planet Spaceball has a problem; They're slowly running out of air. However, they have a plan; Capture Vespa(Daphne Zuniga), the Princess of their peace-loving neighbor planet Druidia, which would force their father, King Roland(Dick Van Patten), to give them the combination to the air shield, which underneath contains 10,000 years of fresh air. Instead, the Princess and her droid Dot Matrix(Voice of Joan Rivers), running away from her wedding to Prince Valium(JM J.Bullock), they find her. After being offered $1 million spacebucks, which they need to pay off gangster Pizza the Hutt(Dom DeLuise), space pirate Lonestarr(Bill Pullman)and his half dog/half man sidekick Barf(John Candy)go to stop the evil Lord Dark Helmet(Rick Moranis)and Spaceball President Skroob(Mel Brooks)and along the way, Lonestarr learns the ways of the Schwartz from the everlasting know-it-all Yogurt(Mel Brooks)

This movie, along with "DRACULA DEAD AND LOVING IT" is Mel Brooks at his best. It's fricking hilarious!! Bill Pullman is great as Lonestarr, a spoof combination of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, Daphne Zuniga gives her all as Princess Vespa, John Candy is hilarious as Barf, Joan Rivers is decent as Dot Matrix, Rick Moranis is downright classic as Dark Helmet, a wimpy puny spoof of Darth Vader(He's the funniest guy on this movie!!!)and the rest of the cast is average.

Highly recommended as one of Mel Brook's best and with lines like "I am your father's brother's nephew's cousin's former roommate", "You are to refer to me as idiot, not you captain!", you won't stop laughing. So see this film.

AND MAY THE SCHWARTZ BE WITH YOU!!

because good is dumb
although not a mel brooks masterpiece this film does not suffer solely from lack of comedic inspiration. in fact i find it to be one of his best. its main problem, in my opinion, was the shift in audiences. for the most part films such as Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein catered to an audience that was, by 1987, much older and focusing on family life. plus, brooks' comedic venom was now aimed at a less familiar target in Star Wars. intially, even i had a hard time time convincing myself it was worth seeing. but after repeated viewings i realized that it was as funny as many of brooks' best. now dont get me wrong, you wont laugh as often as you did for High Anxiety but you'll laugh none the less. sadly, the core players of previous films are missing here (Harvey Corman & Madeline Kahn) and it suffers becasue of it but the times were changing and so were the films. only later on did brooks really get into a stupor with Robin Hood: Men In Tights and Dracula: Dead and Lving It, starring the one dimensional Leslie Nielsen.

The Funniest Movie Ever!!!
Spaceballs, a comic masterpiece directed by Mel Brooks, is one of the funniest movies that I have ever seen. I own the trilogy of Star Wars and I watched every movie in the trilogy before I viewed this movie. After I watched Spaceballs, I found myself in a state of pure laughter as I saw Mel Brooks and John Candy imitating the trilogy of Star Wars. Anyone that wants a good funny movie to view should buy Spaceballs today.

Holy Crap it was good!!
This movie was absolutely crazy and funny!! I couldn't help but laugh the whole way! My favorite moment was the spoofing scene of Alien. Sooo funny. Watch Spaceballs and get ready to laugh hard. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Never before available on home video and unseen on television since1973, the 1950 production of Annie Get Your Gun has achieved somewhat legendary status, most notably for who would inherit the role Ethel Merman had made famous on Broadway in 1946. MGM originally cast Judy Garland, but her ongoing drug and alcohol problems led to her being fired and replaced by Betty Hutton. Fortunately, the bright and brassy Hutton sparkles in this highly fictionalized story of Annie Oakley, the sharpshooter who wins fame in Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show and wins the heart of fellow sharpshooter Frank Butler (Howard Keel). Dashing baritone Keel was beginning his career as one of MGM's favorite leading men in the 1950s (including Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and Kiss Me, Kate). Together they make gold of the many Irving Berlin hits--"Doin' What Comes Naturally," "Anything You Can Do," "They Say It's Wonderful," "I Got the Sun in the Morning," and the classic anthem "There's No Business Like Show Business."

Annie Get Your Gun is unquestionably a product of the 1950s. Keel's relentless chauvinism and Hutton's constant fawning over him grow tiresome (though she does stand up to him in a battle of the sexes), and the Indians wear full headdresses and face paint, say "Ugh," and destroy modern conveniences. (In the name of political correctness, the 1999 Broadway revival starring Bernadette Peters removed "I'm an Indian Too" and received its own share of criticism from purists.) Quibbles aside, the excellent cast and immortal score make Annie Get Your Gun a classic musical. It's great to have it back. --David Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (71)

Betty Hutton scores a triumph as Annie Oakley
At last the 1950 movie muscial "Annie Get Your Gun" is finally available for a whole new generation and fans who fondly recall seeing it years ago to experience the magic of America's greatest composer,Irving Berlin(who in addition to the great score of this film brought us"White Christmas", God Bless America" and hundreds of others)dynamic stars, Betty Hutton, Howard Keel and a first rate supporting cast perform in one of Hollywood's greatest and at the time most expensive musical. The technicolor has been preserved in such a manner that the colors are a joy to behold and the meticulous detail of the great photography of Charles Rosher and the costumes by Walter Plunkett("Gone With The Wind")and Helen Rose, who did the exquisite western costumes for Betty Hutton are truly a feast for the eye.This film showcases Betty Hutton at her best. She may not have "voice of the century" like Judy Galand who had to bow out of the role due to illness and other problems but she adds a tremendous gusto to the role plus an almost child like innocence to her early scenes as the backwoods, uneducated Annie. She is especially touching in several scenes in addition to her special gusto (toned down here from some of her earlier roles). Betty Hutton was one of the top stars in Hollywood when this film was released. That same year she made the cover of Time magazine and the film went on to be one of the top grossing movies that year. She went on to sing and dance with Fred Astaire in "Let's Dance" and then won the coveted starring role in Cecil B. DeMille's oscar winning film(for best picture of 1952)"The Greatest Show on Earth"in which she did most of her own stunts in her role as a trapeze performer in a circus.(both of these films are available on video Her last big film was "Somebody Loves Me" in 1952. She left Paramount Pictures due to a dispute over having her then husband direct her next film. She later made one more film in 1956(released in 1957 called "Spring Reunion" a small black and white film produce by Kirk Douglas'company co-starring Dana Andrews. Miss Hutton gave a sensitive performance in this drama about an unmarried career woman in her 30's ,lonely and living with her parents. Once the most popular girl in high school, she meets and old classmate at a reunion. The film gave Miss Hutton a chance to really show that she was a actress fo considerable depth. It is a small film but quite affecting. It is not available on videobut has been aired on TCM) Also in "Annie Get Your Gun", Howard Keel made his movie musical debut and it was an auspicious one indeed. The first of many great parts showcasing his magificient baritone voice, natural acting ability and his strong, handsome ,masculine prescence.Mr. Keel later reached his peak in MGM musicals in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" and especially "Kiss Me Kate" (both available on video and probably DVD)The theatrical version of "Annie Get Your Gun"had several songs that were not included in the film. One "I'm a Bad Bad Man" would have been fun to have had Mr. Keel perform and two sung by Annie were a ballad"I Got Lost In His Arms"(beautifully done recently by Bernadette Peters in the broadway revival) and the delightful "Moonshine Lullaby" sung by Annie to her little brother and 3 sisters with an assist by them . It would have been nice to have had Miss Hutton do these in the film. Most of her songs except "They Say It's Wonderful" are of the exuberant variety. She is a standout doing the show's greatest number "There' No Business Like Show Businesss" in which she sings with her co-stars, later a reprise by herself and a again with Mr. Keel. Before the film, it is enjoyable to see the original trailer(or coming attraction promotion) for the film, a short introduction and brief history of Annie Oakley and her various incarnations by broadway/television star, Susan Lucci. Shown are outakes made by Judy Garland before she was let go for the film. After the film 2 completed numbers by Miss Garland are shown. She appears rather tired in them but her voice is just great and fine natural acting ability is evident as always. Finally a lovely number that unfortunately was later deleted from the film before it was released is shown for the first time.It is called "Let's Go West Again" with Betty Hutton. It is a good number , beautifully shot, sung in a more low key manner by Miss Hutton. Another interesting sideline, some of the original lyrics by Mr. Berlin were considered a little too "racy" for movie censors in 1950. For example in "You Can't Get a Man With A Gun",The lyric "a man's love is mighty he'll even buy a nighty for a gal who he thinks is fun, but they don't make pajamas for pistol packing mamas" was altered for the movie to "a Tom, Dick or Harry will build a house for Carrie when the preacher has made them one" Although a minor complaint it did cause a few of the songs to lose a little of their "bite".The film won 2 Oscars for sound recording and musical adaptation and it is obvious by the smooth , clear arrangements which give great justice to Irving Berlin's genius as both a composer and lyricist. I highly recommend this film for the entire family, especially if you are tired of the current films that offer nothing more than extreme violence, car chases, boring performers, gimmicky special effects, blatant sexuality etc. run and get this film. Betty Hutton was recently interviewed by the brilliant Robert Osborne on TCM(the Turner Classic Movies cable channel) and if they see my review I want to say "Bravo" to both of you for an outstanding one hour conversation about Miss Hutton's life and career. I hope that Betty Hutton will continue to give future interviews and lectures . She is a remarkable "survivor"who gives so much of herself to her audience.It is not surprising that she got her start on the Broadway stage and after her movie career continued appearing all over The USA and Europe in concerts and and theatrical productions to sellout audiences until personal problems in the 1960's caused her to stop performing until she made a brief return to Broadway in 1980(filling in for Alice Ghostley) in the role of Miss Hannigan in "Annie" ( muscial based on Little orphan Annie)

Worth the wait?
Well, it`s here at last. The long-awaited VHS of this smash hit Broadway musical.
I remember seeing it at the movies when it came out and thinking - what went wrong?
The tunes are great - the start is excellent but there`s no heart.
It`s too clean I guess and one-dimensional. Poor Howard Keel has not got into his stride as a movie actor and his Frank Butler is stodgy and quite unpleasant.
Our girl, Betty does her nut as usual but as she gets prettier so does her character diminish and she too appears brash and unsympathetic.
Of course, the songs are block-busters but I really missed Moonshine Lullaby which would have gone a long way to redeem Betty Hutton`s portrayal of Annie Oakley.
My favourite line is when Chief Sitting Bull says:
"Keep bow tight, keep arrows sharp AND NO PUT MONEY IN SHOW BUSINESS."
Unfortunately the movie degenerates into montage sequences of little moment and a conclusion that depends on the woman being subservient to the man and 'letting him win'.
Based on a true story, it starts so well........but finishes like a damp squib.
In all fairness, Judy Garland couldn`t have cut it as Annie, as we see in a couple of her numbers before she was sacked from the production.

There Really Is No Businesss Like Show Business!
Annie Get Your Gun is my favort play.And now it is my favort movie. I loved being in that play even though i was only 11 years old i still loved doing it.As I got older I found out that there was a movie and when I got the movie I could not stop watching it, and now my future goal would Be Palying Annie Oakley. And I think Annie would be proud.

There Really Is No Businesss Like Show Business
Annie Get Your Gun is my favort play. I loved doing it even though i was only 11 years old is till loved doing it.As I got older I found out that there was a movie i could not stop watching it. And My Future goal in life would Be Palying Annie Oakley. And I think Annie would be proud.

One of the most fun films ever made!!
Betty Hutton is sooo good in this musical. Even in pigtails, freckles, and rags she's totally loveable and her backwoods accent is hysterical!!
Annie Oakley (Hutton) and Frank Butler(Howard Keel) are two of the best gunshots in the world, but Oakley, who doesn't know a thing about being a lady, falls hopelessly in love with the handsome Butler. After accepting an offer to work with Butler in Buffalo Bill's western show, Oakley takes pains to become a beautiful lady and win Butler's heart. Unfortunately for Oakley, Butler can't take her being a better shooter than him, so a big rivalry ensues and so does all the fun.
Most memorable performance is Hutton and Keel's adorable number with the song "Anything You Can Do."
The quality of this DVD is great. Picture's bright and clear, sound is excellent, and so are the extra features like Susan Lucci's intro and about four outtakes, two of which contain Judy Garland's only two finished performances. Enjoy!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Carroll Ballard's 1983 adaptation of Farley Mowat's autobiographical novel turns his life-changing experience studying the wolves in Canada's inhospitable North into a moving drama of one man's courage and discovery of nature's majesty. Charles Martin Smith plays green biologist Tyler, sent by the Canadian government to "prove" that the wolves are depleting the caribou herds, but what he finds is a natural world in perfect harmony where he becomes a tolerated outsider. Dumped unprepared in the wilds by a hard drinking bush pilot (Brian Dennehy), Tyler learns survival skills from the aged Eskimo who saves his life and the rules of coexistence from a neighboring wolf (which results in a literal pissing contest as man and beast mark their respective territories). Tyler's journey culminates in the majestic run with the wolf pack, an exhilarating sequence where for an instant he becomes one with natural environment of the wilds. For all its beauty, however, Tyler's experience becomes a bittersweet lesson as the encroachment of hunters, tourism, and the social landscape threaten the natural order. As in his previous film, the delicate and lovely The Black Stallion, Ballard's astounding visual treatment captures the awesome natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness with power and poignancy. Kevin Costner's Oscar-winning Dances with Wolves explores many of the themes presented in this film, but without the resonance or beauty of Ballard's unsung masterpiece. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Best Film of the 80's
Screw "Raging Bull." This quiet little Disney film from the mid-80's will knock your socks off. Carroll Ballard works wonders with this exquisite movie based on Farley Mowat's tales of wilderness in the Arctic. BY FAR the best of the early Disney "attempts" at more adult storytelling. And BY FAR the best score Mark Isham has ever produced. I've seen the film a dozen times, and cannot WAIT to see the quality of the Anchor Bay widescreen release. Check out the Mark Isham Score (available on Amazon.com). The only thing missing is the cool music from the mouse eating scene...sorry for the spoiler!

Fine fictionalized documentary ahead of its time
This fictionalization of the Farley Mowat book about his Arctic adventures studying wolves is amazingly enough perhaps the most controversial film Disney studios ever made. How sad is that? The reasons for the controversy would seem minor: first, the movie is not entirely true to Mowat's book; two, it's lightly plotted; and three, a man is seen running around naked in the tundra. To which I say, so what? so what? and gee, how offensive. (Maybe they should have clothed the wolves.)

The latter complaint is the major reason for all the ranting by some "reviewers." To them a Disney film showing human nakedness seems a sacrilege and they want their bowdlerized world returned to them, and they want Disney censured and made to promise never to do anything like that again! The complaint that there wasn't enough tension in the film is also off base since this is a contemplative, even spiritual film, not a slick thriller. People with sound-bite attention spans who need to mainline exploding cars and ripped flesh to keep them interested need not apply.

The criticism that Director Carroll Ballard's film is not entirely true to the book is legitimate, but I would point out that movies are seldom if ever entirely true to their source material. A film is one kind of media with its particular demands while a book is another. It is impossible to completely translate a book into a movie. Something is always inevitably lost, but something is often gained. Here the cinematography and the beautiful musical score by Mark Isham are fine compensations.

The acting by Charles Martin Smith as "Tyler" (Farley Mowat) and Brian Dennehy as Rosie, the exploitive redneck bushpilot, and Samason Jorah as Mike the compromised Inuit (who sells wolf skins for dentures) and especially Zachary Ittimangnaq as Ootek, the quiet, wise man of the north are also pluses. Note how compactly the main issues of the film are exemplified in these four characters. Indeed, what this film is about is the dying of a way of life, not just that of the wolves, but of the Inuit people themselves who are losing their land and their resources while their young people are being seduced away from what is real and true and time-honored for the glittering trinkets of the postmodern world. This is a story of impending loss and it is as melancholy as the cold autumn wind that blows across the tundra.

What I think elevates this above most nature films is first the intense sense of what it would be like for a lower forty-eight kind of guy to survive in a most inhospitable wilderness, and second the witty presentation of some of the scenes. Ballard works hard to make sure we understand that it is cold, very cold and desolate and that there are dangers of exposure and weather and just plain loss of perspective that have killed many a would-be adventurer and might very well kill Tyler. I think it was entirely right that near the end of the film we get the sense that Tyler is going off the deep end emotionally, that the majestic and profoundly melancholy experience has been too much for him.

Tyler begins as a greenhorn biologist dropped alone onto a frozen lake amid snow covered mountains rising in the distance so that we can see immediately how puny he is within this incredibly harsh vastness. The following scene when Ootek finds him and leaves him and he chases Ootek until he drops, and then Ootek saves him, gives him shelter, and leaves again without a word, was just beautiful. And the scenes with the "mice" and running naked among the caribou and teaching Ootek to juggle were delightful. The territorial marking scene was apt and witty and tastefully done. (At least, I don't think the wolves were offended.)

This movie was not perfect, however. For one thing, those were not "mice" that Tyler found his tent infested with. I suspect they were lemmings posing for the cameras. Those who have seen the film about the making of this movie undoubtedly know what they were; please advise me if you do. Also the "interior" of Tyler's tent was way too big to fit into the tent as displayed. Also it would be important from a nutritional point of view for Tyler to eat the "mice" raw as the wolves did! (The actual creatures that Mowat ate I assume were mice.) If Tyler had to exist purely on roasted and boiled rodent for many months, he would encounter some nutritional deficiencies. Still, eating a diet of the whole, uncooked mouse would be sustaining whereas a diet of lean meat only would not. (Add blubber and internal organs for an all-meat diet to work.) Incidentally, the Inuit people get their vitamin C from blubber and the contents of the stomachs of the animals they kill.

Where were the mosquitos and the biting flies that the tundra is infamous for?

Since this movie appeared almost twenty years ago, the public image of the wolf has greatly improved and wolves have been reintroduced to Yellowstone Park. I think everybody in this fine production can take some credit for that.

Great movie and great book!
This was one of the first (and few) books I read for fun while I was growing up. Then when the movie came out, it was the icing on the cake. Today I'm ordering it for my dad for Father's Day in rememberance of "back then." I can't wait to watch it with him after all these years.

lol @ one star reviewers!
I find the one star reviews of this movie amusing.Its sad that people condemn this movie just because they are hyper and easily bored and entertained only by blood and violence.The same movie that bores the aforementioned fools will satisfy more intelligent and philosophical individuals that have more interest in the natural world.As an animal lover and animal welfare activist,I enjoyed this film and can recommend it to anyone thats ever had an interest in nature and wildlife.Remember to order the wide-screen version,you`ll see the film as it was meant to be seen.

proto "lost in translation"
Well, at least, I get the same sort of feeling from both films. I am biased--I love Alaska, the wilderness, and hate people. So the setting of this film works for me--something I picture in my mind when i am stuck in rush hour traffic. There is some slow moments in the plot. The movie has some feel-good undertones to it. However, the sound in most movies is merely a backdrop. In this, it really serves to move the film along, to connect on a different level. Sound plays into the plot. My favorite scene is when the scientist is sitting on a hill playing his oboe to a midnight Alaskan sun. There is something transcendent about that very scene. I almost see it as the connection of two worlds. Regardless, I would highly recommend it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Ancient curses, all-powerful monsters, shape-changing assassins, scantily-clad stewardesses, laser battles, huge explosions, a perfect woman, a malcontent hero--what more can you ask of a big-budget science fiction movie? Luc Besson's high-octane film incorporates presidents, rock stars, and cab drivers into its peculiar plot, traversing worlds and encountering some pretty wild aliens. Bruce Willis stars as a down-and-out cabbie who must win the love of Leeloo (Milla Jovovich) to save Earth from destruction by Jean-Baptiste Emmanuel Zorg (Gary Oldman)and a dark, unearthly force that makes Darth Vader look like an Ewok. --Geoff Riley ... Read more

Reviews (535)

Wild, Giddy Space Opera...
The story goes that director Luc Besson began writing THE FIFTH ELEMENT in his teens, incorporating all the Sci-Fi elements he loved into one over-the-top, grand space opera...sort of an "E.E. 'Doc' Smith 'Skylark' Meets Flash Gordon and Barbarella" hybrid with sex, intergalactic action, and even some pseudo-religious overtones tossed in...in other words, a teenage daydream come true! Critics panned the end result for this very reason, sneering at Bruce Willis' Earth-saving (yet again!) Korben Dallas, and Besson's then-girlfriend, clothing-optional Milla Jovovich, as the innocent demigod, Leeloo.

The critics were wrong!

THE FIFTH ELEMENT is, in the best sense of the word, a classic 'B' movie, a space opera where a prologue vaguely similar to STARGATE leads to a future Earth where traffic jams occur thirty stories above the ground, humanity is ruled by beefy 'Tiny' Lister Jr., and where the Ultimate Evil is served by everyone's favorite villain, Gary Oldman, sporting a Southern accent! If this DOESN'T convince you that this is a 'popcorn' flick, not to be taken too seriously, there is Chris Tucker, sporting a blond hairdo, as the Galaxy's favorite media personality, promoting himself as he hits on his adoring female fans; Ian Holm, as the monk who knows 'the Secret', forced, despite himself, to become an active participant in the adventure; and some of the most ... ugly alien mercenaries you'll ever see, terrorizing a space resort, until they meet their match in Bruce Willis' 'DIE HARD in Space' protagonist! Yippee-Ki-Yay, indeed!

The FX are astonishing, the comedy, broad and sly, the heroics, macho, and as Leeloo, sent to save Earth, Jovovich manages to be both naive and sexy, with broken English and a gymnast's grace.

Bruce Willis is a joy, as always, to watch, and he carries the film with charm and self-depreciating humor, whether dealing with endless phone calls from his mother, driving his sky taxi recklessly (cabbies change very little in the future!), taking on terrorists single-handed, or falling for the exotic Leeloo. When he blows away a roomful of hostage-holding aliens, then asks, "Does anyone else want to negotiate?", you KNOW Besson picked the right guy for the lead!

If you want Profound Science Fiction, watch 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY again...but if you want to kick back and just have fun, look not further...THE FIFTH ELEMENT delivers!

Star Wars Fans can love this movie too!
I grew up with Star Wars, and still love it today, but times, tastes and styles do change. It doesn't make one "better" than another, just different. I, for one, absolutely love this movie! It's fun, flashy, thin in spots and hopelessly romantic, but also very positive about the future (if a bit crowded). Futuristic New York is enough to give you vertigo! The visuals, set designs, aliens and costumes are amazing - if you don't like this movie's look, you are probably dead.

Mila makes Leeloo "perfect" as the Supreme Being out to protect all mankind - innocent and wise all at once; and you just can't fault Bruce for doing what he does so well, a cynical wisecracking working stiff just looking for that "one perfect woman". But the secondary characters are what truly makes this one fun: "Weddings?" - Ian Holm delivers classic straight lines and Chris Tucker is just high-energy comedy as Ruby Rhodd (that trashy radio guy) - I roll on the floor every time I watch this - and it's definitely one to watch over and over for the incredible detail and sheer visual magic.

Buy widescreen and see the whole thing!

QUITE A TRIP
It's entirely possible that Luc Besson was on some kind of drugs when he scripted this way-out, wacky, but extremely entertaining scifi thriller. His vision of the future is both impeccably original and wildly humorous. Cars spinning through space; police cars that still squeal tires when there's nothing to squeal them on! Like a wild video game, the vision of this future is great.
Bruce Willis is fine as Corbin Dallas; he evinces his usual cool macho, with that underlying bit of sensitivity. Milla Jovovich, red hair and all, does a good job in conveying the enthusiasm, innocence and naivete of the newly born. Notice the sadness in her eyes as she views the word "War"; her reactions are poignant. Gary Oldman as Zorg is all out ham and he pulls it off, showing what a versatile actor he is. The usually stoic Ian Holm has never been livelier than in his role as Father Cornelius. He looks like he's having the time of his life and after all the stuffy, laconic roles he's played, he cuts loose and is wonderful. And Chris Tucker---what a character. Tucker is manic, frantic and annoying---but he is also very very funny. I haven't laughed like that in a long time. Note too the capable performances of Tiny Lister (usually a mindless body bag) and Brion James (also a lot looser than in his usually villainous roles).
THE FIFTH ELEMENT is a strange movie indeed, but I found it to be one of the most unusual scifi films in some time.

Silly.
If only they had another director (perhaps Ridley Scott, using a little "Blade Runner" flair), this movie could have had the potential to be very good. Instead, director Luc Besson ("Leon," aka: "The Professional") chose to formulate this sophomoric piece of sour eye-candy that even the geekiest science fiction aficionado would despise. Aside from the poor direction, Hudson Hawk paired with an androgynous (and extraordinarily annoying) Chris Tucker sidekick, is enough to drive anyone to mercilessly strangle a kitten.

the unperfect movie
Give me a break! Milla Jovovich as the perfect woman, a god?! This movie would have not seen the light of day if she was a black woman. I mean there are far better looking white women than this lady, indeed, in a white mans world, would such a film be fashioned in the way that it has been. Outside of the whole white supremacy view, I thought this movie was koo with its special effects, although Judge Dredd did the same exact scenery in its earlier day, so, nothing new in that department. I also didnt care for how the black man was depicted as a wimpy feminine sambo, but this is what white america views as a great film, who cares if they made Tiny lister a black president, that was probably the only good thing about the whole cast arrangement, thats if that didnt have some personal insult to it as well. lmao! The insecurities of ppl who are in denial about such, will always be revealed in some way. As this movie made so brutally clear, dont get me wrong, racist ppl do not bother me in the least bit, I just like show them up, on their hidden agenda's, say what u want, but I would have prefered the perfect being to be nonhuman, as our species has proven to be something less than perfect, to say the least. pun intended ... Read more

Amazon.com

The promise of "One Hundred Beautiful Girls on Horseback" and a personalappearance by the Tommy Dorsey orchestra are among the enticements of this 1943MGM musical, a typical installment in the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland let's-put-on-a-show genre. Not typical is the quality of the songbook, which trots outsome sublime George and Ira Gershwin tunes: "Embraceable You," "FascinatingRhythm," and a meltingly plaintive Garland solo on "But Not for Me." The plothas rich kid Rooney, energized as usual, sent away to a boys' school in the WildWest as a way of containing his mania (see title). The only gal in town isJudy, the granddaughter of the school's dean. The stars are affectionatelymatched, and musical fans will enjoy the young June Allyson belting out a spunky"Treat Me Rough." Rooney's comedy routine, imitating various radio personalities(including boxing champ Joe Louis), is one of those topical bits that willalmost certainly puzzle viewers today. The director is Norman Taurog, an MGMworkhorse who would later helm many of Elvis Presley's desultory vehicles. BusbyBerkeley staged the rave-up finale to "I Got Rhythm," but the most beguilingproduction number is "Bidin' My Time," sung by Garland and some cowpokes--adroll performance with surrealistic flourishes. Girl Crazy seems nobetter or worse than the average musical of the era, but it was a huge hit, andRooney would never reach this pinnacle of box-office success again. --RobertHorton ... Read more

Reviews (10)

FAST AND FUNNY
In GIRL CRAZY, Rooney and Garland finally grow up, despite the best intentions of a formula which saw them as kids on stage in film after film. Judy plays Ginger Gray, the daughter of a college president. The character Garland once described as "Dorothy Adorable", once given free rein in BABES ON BROADWAY (1941), BABES IN ARMS (1939) or the Andy Hardy movies, has, however, grown more complex. Ginger Gray shows the contradictory and ironic charm of the latter Garland characters, both vulnerable and quick to laugh at herself in a way that the roles as "Dorothy Adorable" hardly suggest. Berkeley films such as BABES IN ARMS & BABES ON BROADWAY had used the familiar "let's put a show on" theme as a glorious excuse for Garland, Rooney and dozens of other chorus folk to concoct variety shows. Although Norman Taurog's (he was Jackie Cooper's uncle) direction and staging of the musical numbers reflected the beginnings of a new style in film musicals, the plot of GIRL CRAZY is completely conventional. Not only are Rooney and Garland featured in virtually every scene, but they usually dominate the frame in Taurog's composition. Tommy Dorsey's orchestra provides the swingy ambience and the musical score is outstanding: "But Not for Me", "I Got Rhythm" "Embraceable You" "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Bidin' My Time" along with 7 others!

Isn't this great!!!!
This CD just came in the mail today. Just popped it in the player and I love it already! Judy's major numbers on this disc are featured on several of her Decca studio recordings, which is where I heard them first. But the original soundtrack performances, as heard here, are the best yet! This is, without a doubt, the best recording of the fabulous Gershwin score (although the 1952 Mary Martin cast album, now the only version in print, is good too). Garland and Rooney always worked so well together. The sound on the disc is wonderful - you'd never know it was made in 1943! All selections are in STEREO (except the Main Title, in monaural), thanks to the (as always) wonderful remastering and remixing job by Rhino/Turner. Unfortunately this disc is out of print, and its a shame that it is (I got my copy via Ebay). Keep an eye open for it, though. No faults with this one; it's great! As another reviewer states, these are quite possibly some of the greatest numbers ever put on film and disc!

One song in particular makes this movie special
I'm giving this film 5 stars based on one particular song in the film: "Bidin' my time". This performance by Judy just knocked my socks off when I caught it some time ago on late-night television. The rest of the film is fine too, but I'm a nut about music (all music from classical to rock) and after hearing this particular rendition I just had to own it. There's something different about how she and her group perform this song. I don't quite know how to describe it but it caught my interest immediately. It seems somehow ahead of its time. Anyway, that particular performance is just a joy to watch. I noticed that the commercial review had also picked up on this particular song.

Some of the best musical numbers ever put on film are here
I ignored this movie for years thinking it was just another over-exuberant essay in the over-abundant MGM collection of sappy adolescent musicals. I'm glad that listening to an English revival of the original musical finally motivated me to watch it, because some of the best musical numbers ever put on film are here. Busby Berkeley started as the director but was replaced for supposedly tyrannical behavior. His production numbers appear at the end and are quite amazing, choreographing "I've Got Rhythm" with guns and bullwhips. All the numbers on this movie are quite exceptional, in particular "Biding My Time" one of the Gershwin brothers' finest and most surprising tunes, but also "Treat Me Rough" and "Could You Use Me". And the arrangements are some of the best I've ever heard, anticipating the harmonies of the Hi-Los and the Four Freshmen by a decade and a half. Judy has never looked prettier nor sung as purely and Mickey pulls out all the stops without (well, almost) going over the top. He even plays a terrific piano solo, with Tommy Dorsey! I never get tired of watching this movie. It's an explosion of pure pleasure.

The fun never stops...
This is Mickey and Judy's best film together. They play off each other wonderfully and Judy's laughter is infectious. But it's the GREAT musical score that makes "Girl Crazy" a movie to go crazy about. This was their last starring feature together (she went on to bigger things in the years following) so get it, tuck it away and keep it for a rainy day when you need a reminder of how talented this screen duo was. ... Read more