Description

In a case of mistaken identity, a young man from Detroit becomes entangled in a web of European espionage, adventure and romance. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

James Bond parody
I've seen this movie many times before, it's always enjoyable. I think the first time I had actually seen this thing was when I was five or six. Anyway, I'd recommend this film to anyone, except of course, to little children, due to the sexual suggestiveness of the film, which occurs in a paticular scene more-so than others where the hero of the movie is thrust apon the bed and the woman in the blue dress straddles him. What's more is that when the scorpion that she pulls out to kill him with ends up on her back, she begins to run around the hotel room, making it seem as if she's purposely trying to bounce her cleavage. Oh yeah, and one more thing . . . Didn't seem a little dumb to try and kill a guy with a very dangerous bug like a scorpion? Well, I guess that's why I love the movie so much; lots of silly and bizarre things like that through the whole 89 minutes

Good film for persons of all ages.
This movie may not be cast with big stars, but it is a movie I have watched at least once a year. This movie is also great for teacher's (language) to see with their class on, perhaps, the last day of school. It's cute, has some great action scenes and is loaded with suspense. Even my teen liked it. It may be considered a B movie, but it's great entertainment.

Michael Corben ---deep cover agent for the CIA
The unlikely has happened; it appears there is more than one Michael Corben. One an agent for the CIA the other a French student on class assignment to France. Is it possible that they can get their personalities crossed? And when offered a fancy car to drive do you expect the confusion to be cleared?
All is going well, a 007 life with money cars girls. Then reality sets in Michael and the French Teacher must team up to save Europe form a dastardly plan of the evil Steranko.
Will he succeed or is Europe doomed?

great entertainment
Great entertainment with funny ideas and a young Richard Grieco. Gabrielle Anwar plays his girlfriend. Grieco's role is mistaken for an agent and he goes through all kind of amusing adventures

Great secret agent parody
Ok, this is a B-rated movie. It was panned in the reviews when it came out.

Still, it is one of my favorites. I even bought it after renting it. The class clown flunks French class, and ends up flying to Paris to salvage his grades, accompanied by the French-teacher-from-Hell. Once there, he is mistaken for a secret agent and ends up in a slapstick adventure. Next thing you know, he is soon sitting behind a Lamborgini complete with guns, parachute, and missiles, chasing a hot blonde babe.

It is a parody of the James Bond movies, that most will find mildly amusing. Most of my friends roll their eyes when I pull it off the shelf. Still, I think it is one of the greatest flicks ever made. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I need the DVD. I need all the DVDs. How much do you want?
Considering all the myriad BAD business decisions they've been making lately (they *really* passed on distributing Moore's new film? WHEW, they're gonna regret that!) I guess we shouldn't be surprised that Eisner's Disney is hiding this great series in a sealed vault, as if it were a 20-year-old black-market shell of Sarin gas.

It just ain't fair. Why does one of the most poorly-managed corporations of the 90s/00s get to own such GREAT stuff?!?

As I said on another review . . . I think they're missing out on tapping the SIMPSONS/SOUTH PARK fan base. Idiocy! Bithering, numb-skulled, Bush-minded IDIOCY!!

GREAT concept/execution, VERY funny stuff
I want all these episodes on DVD. Come on!!

This is "classic" Disney fare, you know, it's made for kids but it's got humor that only adults will "get". I have four or five tapes with three episodes each. Great stuff. I want ALL episodes on DVD. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Noteworthy Entry for the Mission: Impossible Collector
THE CONTROLLERS is the first entry in Mission: Impossible's fourth season and features a semi-plausible plot and a somewhat larger cast than the previous seasons. In the two-part episode, the IMF must prevent a scientist from unleashing a mind-controlling drug. THE CONTROLLERS is a good edition to the post-Bain/Landau Mission: Impossible T.V. series, but there is a chemistry that seems to be missing. From a technical standpoint, the series stands out as the first appearance of Dina Merrill as Meredyth and a post-Star Trek Leonard Nimoy as Paris. An enjoyable edition to the series. ... Read more

Reviews (552)

Terrible movie, more Stephen King Schlock
This endless movie was a reminder of why I hate Stephen King stories, 3 hours of my life wasted on this drivel.

The Green Mile represents death row in a Louisiana prison of the 1930's, when a huge black man, sentenced to death, reveals remarkable powers of precognition and hands-on healing. However, this story is mired in implausible situations and a lack of believeability.

We have the gratuitious scenes of Tom Hanks peeing for comic or shock value, the frequent graphic executions of death row inmates, the mumbling cajun accent of Michael Jeter, the remarkable coincidence of Sam Rockwell also landing on death row even though no one seems to make the connection that he also worked for the family whose daughter John Coffy is accused of murdering.

Mr Jingles is a mouse used as a plot device to tug at your heart strings, although it becomes tiresome after a short while.

The character of Purcey is useless and adds nothing to the story.

John Coffey spends this entire movie sweating and blubbering his way through his sentence. Even his miraculous healing of a woman with a terminal brain tumor isn't enough for Tom Hanks to somehow intervene and get this miracle worker off death row, but instead, he reluctantly executes him in the climax of the movie.

Should we also believe that John Coffey, via touch alone, bestowed practical immortality upon Tom Hanks and Mr Jingles? Give me a break. By the end of the movie we learn that Mr Jingles is now about 65 years old, which has to be about 25 times a normal mouse life span; Tom Hanks will also live 25 lifetimes? Does no one at the nursing home question his age of 108? Give me another break. Obviously Stephen King is filling some gaping plot holes with quickie and implausible explanations.

All the actors do a very fine job, but.....

This movie is terrible, don't waste your time. Rent Shawshank Redemption instead!

Powerful Movie!
This movie is outstanding, and anyone who gives it less than 5 stars does not do it justice. Tom Hanks, never a disappointment, stars as Paul Edgecomb, a guard who is the main person involved with "The Green Mile," or death row. He brings compassion, integrity, and honesty to the role of a man who is in charge of the inmates sentenced to die. David Morse, an actor who I also happen to love, stars as his friend. The chemistry between these two actors is incredible, and I hope they will star in future movies together as well. Their relationship gives a depth to the entire movie. Barry Pepper, from Saving Private Ryan, is also wonderful, and he will continue to have a great acting career for many years. Duncan shines as John Coffey ("like the drink, only spelled differently"), and really gives the movie a full circle of competent and award-worthy performances. His passion and child-like innocence gives Coffey the true meaning of the word spirit. This is a wonderful movie that can be both sad and touching at the same time. This is the type of movie that once you see it, you will think differently about life and about human beings in general. This movie touches the heart, and does it in a way that few movies have ever done. I hope that everyone who watches this movie will feel as I do, and this is definitely something that everyone should make a point to see!

Touching story, beautiful acting.
The other fantastic prison movie. (The first one being The Shawshank Redemption). This one is a little more magical and very touching. Do not miss it!

Not Good.
'The Green Mile' was long, tedious, absurd, and boring. Only for die-hard Stephen King or Tom Hanks fans.

The redemption subrreptitiously...
From all standpoits, this picture means a complex and deep sociological approach about the human behavior.
A prison represents the background ; the vehicle for developing a fine story filled with many narrative devices and secondary readings.
Lets start with the character of Percy. Obviously Percy represents the nazi spirit ; a characteristic smell in that age.But notice than much more than a political movement the nazism works out here as a living style. Watch the way he acts ; her cut hair and his manners ; he seems to be a hard beat man and behind of this invisible wall ; you feel a man with serious emotional and affective lacks. The proofs are very clear ; he is a man without a bit of humanity a beast would be a term appropiate if not that issue may offend the animal species.The punishment for him it's excellent ; he will live in his memory over and over the horror: the Shakespeare's memory . The sin hurts much more in the memory than in the flesh.
We have in the prison characters who trascend his personal values through the green mile . The silent agreement : "All what it happens in the green mile , it keeps in the green mile" will be a statement that won't be too long after the redemption caused for Coffey. The mouse gag is a very ingenious clue. A prisioner will experiment a twist of fate with this pet.
The main character John Coffey is framed to die in the electric chair ; acussed by a murder . Slowly the curtains will reveal the awful truth and you as viewer will be reflected in the moral jury who observes the execution.
Notice by moments the film reminds us to a great picture of the same age (1935) , casually titled "Fury" of Fritz Lang . In many ways it doesn't sound speculation to state the rendezvous for that shocking film. The extrordinary picture Top Hat in which we watch to Fred Astaire dancing with Ginger Rogers is a touch of genius device that let introduce us and links the last will of Coffey ; Heaven ; I'm in heaven. And you can not avoid thinking in Cinema Pardiso ending.
The script was a hit. Frank Dubont made a very well done work with the camera , art direction , photography, cast and enlightment.
When the film concludes you remain in your chair thinking the multiple lines around the story . The sense of revenge , vested as justice ; the ugliness who lives in the soul of that people will watch the last minutes of Coffey beats in your face, your solu and your heart.
The smart ending is filled with sweetness ; it's very clever and it works out as relief for the viewer , who may forget the real intention of the film . You may assume the most comfortable position and consider the film as a beautiful redemption story : good choice for you , but the bitter message goes far beyond ; the racism ; the intolerance and the pain for the narrator who should live thinking about his silent shame , and to make nothing for avoid it.
To know and not to do is still not knowing said once the japanese writer Mishima.
This film and the wisperer's horse were the finest achievements in 1998 ; good signals that reveal the awakening of new proposals and ideas for the american cinema.
A winner movie! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

elated to find this one
AFTER YEARS OF SEARCHING FOR THIS ONE BY DIFFERENT AVENEWS, i WAS ELATED TO FIND IT HERE ON AMAZON.COM.
I ALSO BELIEVE IT IS A HIGHLY UNDERRATED FILM THAT HAS BEEN LOST IN THE ARCHIVES FAR TOO LONG.
I ALSO FOUND ANOTHER GREAT FONDA MOVIE THAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR, FOR YEARS, AND THAT IS,( SOMETIMES A GREAT NOTION, WITH PAUL NEWMAN ) ANOTHER ONE BURIED IN THE ARCHIVES FAR TOO LONG WAITING TO BE RE'DISCOVERED.

Near brilliant, undiscovered western
The 1959 film "Warlock" is one of those great surprises for movie fans. It's a classic western, undiscovered, awaiting the lucky viewer who happens to stumble across it. After viewing this dark, almost gothic oater, most viewers will ask themselves, "Why haven't I heard of this film?!"

I'm not sure as to why "Warlock" has been relatively ignored over the years, though I think the film is derivative of other films. I think the generic Hollywood backlots where "Warlock" was undoubtedly filmed certainly detract from its overall allure. But simply put, "Warlock" fell through the cracks, and it's a film deserving of reexamination.

Part "High Noon," part "Shane," part "The Searchers," "Warlock" tells the tale of a town victimized by crime. They hire a gunfighter in the form of Henry Fonda, who arrives with a crippled sidekick (Anthony Quinn) in tow. Fonda's character becomes a semi-celebrity, granted carte blanche as he calmly strolls the streets adorned in shining pistols and dark suits. The cantankerous Quinn, lugging around a shotgun, watches Fonda's back while sipping champagne and taking care of the finances.

But the town (named Warlock) is anything but a simple job. A former love of Quinn's (Dorothy Malone) is a resident, and he wants her back. Richard Widmark also resides here, and he's none too happy about the hiring of the gunfighters, sensing the community should stand up for itself. A young woman (Dolores Michaels) also catches Fonda's eye, and for the first time he begins to wonder about settling down. All of these emotional dramas play out, having tragic circumstances.

Director Edward Dmytryk, one of the more underrated filmmakers from this period, has done an excellent job in weaving these multiple storylines together. He also displays an excellent visual flair, most notably during a gunfight between Fonda and Frank Gorshin about midway through the film. I could argue that the scene is one of the great cinematic gunfights in history. Superbly choregraphed, Fonda screams the name "Billy, Billy......!" before drawing his gun and reluctantly killing the man. It is a brilliant, unforgettable moment, precursing many of the operatic gunfights from Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns 10 years later.

Quinn also gives a memorable supporting performance as Fonda's sidekick. Tortured by his club foot handicap and angry at the world, Quinn is a live keg waiting to explode. He does the dirty work for Fonda, and exposes the hypocrisy of Fonda's dream to settle down and retire from a life of gunfighting. Quinn knows he and Fonda can never be a part of modern civilization. Essentially, they are walking death, perfectly symbolized by Fonda's dark suits - a black spot in the dusty streets, stark and apart.

As Fonda stands amid the ruins of a burned out saloon, he is alone, tall, lanky, a scythe-carrying spector. His past choices have fatefully isolated him from civilization. Like John Wayne's Ethan Edwards at the end of "The Searchers," he can never comfortably walk through the door of domestic civilization. He is destined a life of solitude, forced by fate to step aside and allow the modern world to take root. His job, for all intents and purposes, is finally done.

"Warlock" is a great, undiscovered western. It has brilliant performances, terrific dialogue and unforgettable imagery. It is an unheralded masterpiece.

Unjustly neglected Western
Warlock is a town in the West ,one that is experiencing an epidemic of lawlessness,deliberately fostered by a local rancher ,Alec McQuon (Tom Drake ).He allows his ranch hands free rein ,as a way of demonstrating his power and deterring challenges from others contemplating moving into the area.(The use of terror as a political tool helps give the movie a distinctly contemporary relevance ).One of his men Gannon (Richard Widmark )is conscience stricken and withdraws from the gang .
The town leaders -having seen the latest in a succession of Marshal's driven away -turn to a hired towm tamer ,the legendary Clay Blaisdell (Henry Fonda )to enforce the law and he is accompanied by Tom Morgan (Anthony Quinn ) a club footed saloon keeper and noted gunman in his own right .The relationship evokes comparison with that of Earp and Hollday ,and it is worth noting that Fonda had played a similar role in "My Darling Clementine" of which this movie is darker more tragic version
The townspeople have taken the step reluctantly and in a key scene ,Blaisdell -who is aware that he is in some respects an anachronism ,sets out the situation bluntly and with eloquence

"I come here as your salvation ,at a very high wage.I establish law and order,ride roughshod over offenders.At first ,you're pleased because there's a good deal less trouble.Then a strange thing happens -you begin to feel I'm too powerful and you begin to fear me.Not me but what I am.When that happens we shall have had full satisfaction from each other."
The prediction is spot on .The very success of Blaisdell in sending McQuon packing the first time prompts the threat of massive reprisals and the town backs away from supporting him.
Gannon meanwhile has become the new deputy Marshall and seeks to impose the ruile of law in defiance of both Blaisdell -whom he likes and respects -and McQuon.
Both Blaisdell and Gannon have significant relationships with women -Blaisdell with a leading figure in the town Jessie Marlowe (Dolores Michaels)and Gannon with Lily Dollar (Dorothy Malone )who hates Blaisdell who she feel nedlessly killed her fiance at the instigation of Morgan.
The various conflicts all move towards a resolution by violence-that between the McQuon gang and the law ,the conflict within Gannon whose younger brother is part of the McQuon outfit ,and most compellingly that within Morgan whose friendship with Blaisdell ,it is hinted rather than stated, may contain a semi -erotic element.
There is more than a hint of Greek tragedy about the movie -the atmosphere is brooding and tragic and the movie is more town focused than is usual within the genre ,making sparse use only of its Utah locations .It is an internal Western rather than one of the wide open spaces.
The climax will evoke memories of High Noon -the discarding of legend and with it a sense of personal identity and the riding away into an uncertain future is moving and apt.
Brillaint performance all round especially by Quinn as the tragic Morgan -a man destroyed by the power of his friendship.Fonda back in the genre after a long absence is brilliant and minor roles are well cast .Action scemes are well staged and for their day quite violent.

The neglect this fine movie has fallen into is unmerited--please give it a go even if the genre is not your normal thing.

Warlock
This is a timeless and universal tale of the power of true friendship.Anthony Quinn was not just proctecting his livelihood when he became sniper to take out the stagecoach passenger and made it look like a robbery soon after they moved to Warlock. He knew that would have presented problems for Henry Fonda.(I have not seen the movie in more than 15 years to remember the details but that still impresses me)He was willing to take care of that without bothering "Clay".
Clay fell in love and was ready to give up the 'life'and settle down in Warlock.This jolted Quinn's psyche because he truely loved Clay who was the only one that showed him respect and accepted him as a person rather than as a "cripple" . Clay loved what he was..a gunfighter for hire and Quinn was even happier as his very capable supporter. Together they ruled their own lives going wherever they wanted wherever they pleased.Life was good for them regardless. Now Clay wanted to give all that up in the name of love. Unfortunately it came out into the street when Clay told him it was over and he should leave, he did'nt need him in his life anymore.It humiliated him, but even so he was willing to let it go and let his friend be until he saw Dorothy Malone in the jeering crowd that was taunting him mercilessly. That was too much for him..the two great loves of his life turning on him like that.Like any red-blooded male in any universe, the testosterone jolt engulfed him " I'm faster than you Clay"....he turned and faced his friend as the jeers turned to cold silence.The dearest of friends were suddenly mortal enemies staring each other down."I was always faster'n you Clay"... there was no turning back, challenge made and accepted...they had to duel.
Quinn was much faster but deliberately aimed wide of Clay whose killer instincts remained true to nature as he drilled Quinn's chest with deadly accuracy.
"I won Clay..I won"....Quinn was smiling as he felt the bullet tear through his heart, taking his last breath.
Clay stood in shock, paralysed by what he had just done.When he was able to move he ran to his friend's crumpled body and took his head in his chest as a mother would her child...the tears shot from his eyes.He commanded the crowd to sing hymns in tribute to his dead friend.His life changed forever.He broke the engagement that was so dear to him and left Warlock and the woman he loved behind.

A Western As It Should Be
A GREAT western! Fonda, Widmark, and Quinn gave superb performances in this one. Fonda as the mercenary lawman has scrupples and is principled, so totally different from the Eastwood types. This is definitely one of the best of the "American Made Westerns" genre. The phasing complements the story. The finale "shootout" between Fonda and Widmark is classic and will be long remembered. I highly recommend this to true blue western buffs for this is one of the last "highs" before the onslaught of the sphagetti westerns. Ranks up there with Stagecoach, High Noon, the Searchers, Chisum, Ride the High Country, and Rio Bravo. ... Read more

Description

What happens when the Governor of Idaho decides to close his state borders to fight a wave of immigrants, but is caught up in a stormy love affair with his fiery Hispanic news reporter mistress? The answer may well be the start of THE SECOND CIVIL WAR. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Awsome movie!
Directed by Joe Dante this brilliant black humor comedy satirizes everything, from racism, to imigration, religion, politics and the power of the media. In a near future, the governor of Idaho(Beau Briges) decides to close his state borders to protect the "american way of life", more precisely his own. The situation turns into a circus when a plane of pakistani refuges fleeing from a nuclear war tries to land in Idaho. And so starts this big mess that might lead to civil war. As the story progresses we see it from various points of view like the news network triyng to explore the situation for higher viewings rates, the imconpetent president and his advisors and governor Farley that sees himself in a situation where there is no turning back. Great performances from James Earl Jones and James Coburn.

One of the best films ever made.
I think that this is one of director Joe Dante's best films ever made. The film's subject provides an interesting an entertaining look at what could happen in the United States in the future. The issues discussed in the film such as racism, immigration, and the United States as the only remaining powerful nation on Earth made this film both serious and humorous. The film also had a great cast. They gave convincing and effective performances. I think that this is a really great movie. It's really worth watching.

Funny, relevant and possible
Sorry, but I love this movie. Not only is it quite funny, but it prophisized not only Lewinsky, but GW Bush as well. This is something that I think could happen in the US (a Hispanic Revolution, closing our borders to immigration). I also think the fact that Clinton could not ask South Carolina to remove the confederate flag indicates just how fragile the Presidency is in the context of states and Governors.

My wife and I fell asleep
I know. I know. This is a spoof. It isn't supposed to take itself seriously. But even as spoof, the characters in this effort did not develop enough depth to elicit any kind of emotion or concern in me. So this is funny? There's enough xenophobia, sleaze and megalomania in real life politics anyway. If you can stay awake, you might find something to chuckle about here and there. But this was no kneeslapping rollick. And you won't find many allusions to the first Civil War here, either, if you are expecting them. Then maybe I don't know what I'm talking about. My wife and I fell asleep.

"Strangelove" Quality Political Black Comedy
"The Second Civil War" accomplishes what "Wag the Dog" tried and failed to do. While the latter, despite great performances, becomes a stale one-joke movie, the former takes ever more outrageous twists and turns. And everything that happens is frighteningly within the realm of possibility! Best in-joke: James Earl Jones, the "voice" of CNN, plays a reporter for the CNN clone in the movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1999 Humanitas prize-winning video explores the intenseworking relationship of painter Edward Degas and ballerina Marie vonGoetham.The story opens on a desperate and dispirited Degas forced intoportraiture as a means of making a living.His disdain for "opera rats"turns to fascination when he encounters floundering ballerina Marie vonGoetham.Degas becomes so obsessed with Marie that he hires her as a model, and the temperamental pair discovers a common devotion to their respectiveart forms.Through their relationship, Degas teaches Marie to ignorecriticism, dare to make mistakes, and believe in herself.Marie teachesDegas to respect other people and, after he loses his own self-confidence, to live by his own advice--ignore criticism and believe in himself.Thiswonderful look at two struggling artists is full of beautiful dancing andfascinating glimpses of Degas at work in his studio.While the video is based mostly on conjecture and fantasy, the underlying messages--thatartists pour great effort into appearing effortless and the portrayal ofself-doubt as an insidious enemy that kills talent--are enduring truthsrelevant to any artist. (Ages 7 to adult) --Tami Horiuchi ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A masterpiece in itself
It was because of this show in the Artists' Special series I became interested in Edgar Degas and his artwork. And because of it Degas is my favorite artist.

This show portrays Degas as how I might imagine him to have actually been. The stubbornness of Degas and Marie keeps them from agreeing at times but in the end they form a friendship and a magnificent stature is also born.

Watch it with your kids.
I saw this on a long flight and was so impressed with it that I got it for my daughter to see. It's a great balance of history, important life lessons and entertainment. Four stars doesn't mean it wasn't good - I just think reviews are more useful if they aren't all 1's and 5's. A great film to watch with your kids.

Does being a genius give you license to treat others badly?
This story is beautifully produced by the Canadian film company, Devine Entertainment, known for their commitment to excellent entertainment for older children. This biography shows Degas as a self-centered old man whose art is more important to him than people. A young ballerina, Marie, has a major influence on changing his attitudes and behavior. It begs the question, "Does being a genius give you license to treat others badly?" Our child viewers commented: "I learned about what it takes to be an artist." "I liked the way they all taught each other something. The painter taught her that if you don't make a mistake you'll never learn. She taught him not to be so grouchy and have respect for others." Most 8 to 12-year-olds will enjoy this, particularly girls, and girls interested in dance will dance with joy!

KATHRYN LONG DOES IT AGAIN!
Kathryn Long, the teenage actress who is fast becoming "Canada's Jodie Foster", again plays a "heavy" in this film, the nasty older sister of the young dancer of the title. Long's range of talent is considerable, from teenage vampiress Divia in FOREVER KNIGHT to the harried young heroine Carly Beth in two HAUNTED MASK movies, and now, this historical drama allows her to shine in a non-supernatural role. Rent it or buy it especially for this talented, beautiful actress! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Good movie, but not quite as good as the book. . .
As with the first Black Stallion movie, I probably would have liked this one better if I hadn't read the book first. There are lots of things that are changed -- for example, the setting for the Black's home is changed to North Africa instead of Saudi Arabia, and Alec ends up going off on the journey by himself, instead of with Henry and Mr. Volence, the owner of one of the horses who ran against Alec in the match race. But these are changes I can handle. The one thing that really irks me is the way Abu Ishak was portrayed. In the book, Abu Ishak was a pretty nice guy. He offered Alec a reward when he came to claim the Black -- legally and tactfully -- and understood how much Alec loved the Black. When Alec and his travelling companions find Abu Ishak's home, Abu Ishak warmly welcomes them. In the film, however the same character is a total jerk. He ruthlessly snatches the Black away after setting the Ramsay's barn on fire to create a diversion, and even ties Alec up at the pier to stop him from following them. And when Alec treks all the way across the desert to find him, Abu Ishak only allows Alec to stay after Alec coerces him into it by appealing to his conscience. Only at the end at the film does he show something resembling kindness. The ending in the film was OK, but I like the book's ending better, when Ishak promises Alec the Black's first colt. I suppose the directors wanted to make sure there wouldn't be another sequel. Cass-Ole's presence was about the only thing that made this film very appealing. I give it two stars.

The Black returns to his homeland.
I watched this movie in the theater when it first came out. It was a great movie. I cried when Abu ben Ishak claimed the stallion from Alec, while Alec was trying to encourage the stallion to gallop away, who refused to move. The book is much different from the movie but both book and movie are great to read and to watch. I would have liked to see Abu go to Alec's home and explain about Shetan(the Black's true Arabian name) being his and that the stallion was stolen from him. (somewhat similar to what the book did.) Instead they had them kidnap the stallion, wrong thing to do, if Alec was smart he would have turned back to the cops that must have been at the house while the barn was burning down and told them that someone was stealing his horse. But he didn't. What he did was run after the thieves and get into the trailer with the Black. But they must have stopped once or twice on the way to the waterfront werehouse. Alex could have easily have escaped with the Black before they reached the werehouse. The whole movie was great, a few things were not by the book but I guess that's how Hollywood wanted the movie to be. I still love both movie and book.

Not up to the original, but not bad for younger viewers
Certainly this is a far cry from the magnificent, magical dream-poem that is the original Black Stallion movie. More of a standard animal/adventure film for younger viewers and if you think about it that way, it's not too bad. Most of the original cast (except Mr. Rooney) return and it was made in a timely enough way that Kelly Reno is still relatively young and charming -- a really non-actorish child actor and part of the whole appeal. I read both books as a little tyke, but didn't remember the second book too well. It seems to me that many of the details were changed but the general idea of the Black being kidnapped back to his original home in an Arabic country is retained.

Alec's adventures chasing his horse are appealing and interesting, and so is the climactic race at the end. But the story just peters out, and we never see Alec return home or what he does without his beloved horse now. (You do have to wonder in a kid's film why there is no resolution with his poor mom (Terri Garr), who had to be frantic when her young son mysteriously disappears for about three months.)

I applied the "11 year old girl who is horse crazy" test to this film, and decided it would definitely pass. That is who it is really made for, despite the male protagonist (and there is a girl rider in the plot, although she gets the heave-ho in favor of the hero). And that girl (me, about a million years ago) would have enjoyed this, although not as much as the original. It would have held my attention and I would have wanted to view it several times.

If your children loved the first film, this much more prosaic sequel would probably be of interest. Just don't expect great art.

The Stallion Returns!!!
Four years after the first film, l983 would usher in this sequel to the The Black Stallion, and Kelly Reno would once again be the one who rescues the Arabian stallion from other thrilling captivities. There are more horses, exotic locations, and thrilling plots here than meets the eye, and the story gets so much better. But of course, it is "Cass-ole" who steals the show - the beautiful black Arabian stallion.

A might fine sequel to a great original film. Highly recommended!!!

one of my favorite all time movies!!!
the black stallion is one of the most magnificent creatures i have ever seen and the desert scenery is quite spectacular in this film... does anyone know how i can get a hold of the music, even just sheet music to this film? it's so beautiful... ... Read more

Amazon.com

This 1993 sequel to theSt. Bernard hit finds big, fluffy Beethoven now at home with gruff-but-lovable dad Charles Grodin, supermom Bonnie Hunt, and their three kids. The story continues with Beethoven falling for a female St. Bernard and having a litter, unbeknownst to Grodin, while the new dog's owner (Debi Mazar) starts angling for benefits from this union. The larger dog pool certainly adds more cuteness and laughs to this follow-up, and Grodin and Hunt--consummate professionals--don't let sequel-itis lower their energy or their wonderfully idiosyncratic way with dialogue. Mazar brings her own edge to the proceedings, too, but in the end, the film's accent is still very much on a feel-good experience for everyone.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (11)

BEETHOVEN HAS FOUND A GIRLFRIEND!
i watched Beethovens 1st 2nd and 3rd and i got to say this is the best one ever. This movie is about beethoven finding a mate, but the girl (missy) gets taken away by an evil dog napper. Beethoven saves her and she had puppies, but the dog napper soon takes missy away again, now its up to the newton to save the puppies from being drowned, our worse.
I liked this movie because i like dogs and adventures, the puppies are so cute and i cant believe anyone would like to drown them,
before i go i would like to recommend this movie to anyone who likes animals, even if your not a big animals fan you still gotta see this movie

Cuter than the first
BEETHOVEN'S 2ND, in my opinion, is even cuter than the first BEETHOVEN. I laughed REALLY hard when George (Charles Grodin) first discovered the puppies in the basement of his house and said, "OH, no!" Those puppies were REALLY adorable! In my opinion, Regina (Debi Mazar) and Floyd (Chris Penn) were like Cruella and her henchmen, Horace and Jasper! I was glad when the puppies got them all dirty. I mean, what human being would want to drown five sweet, cute, innocent puppies? When Beethoven caused the deck of Taylor's (Ashley Hamilton) lake house to collapse, I was relieved because he saved Ryce (Nicholle Tom) from being raped. In conclusion, I HIGHLY recommend this cute movie to all you Charles Grodin fans or dog lovers out there who have not seen it.

Beethoven the 2nd!
A cute family movie that everyone is sure to enjoy! I have nto seen this forever btu I LOVED it when we had it and would watch it over and over and over again! A cuter movie is hard to find!

Beethoven's own family
So far this is best Beethoven movie ever out of the other Beethoven movies. Beethoven gets a girlfriend and has puppies. But Missy(Beethoven's girlfriend) is owned by a evil women who hates dogs. She just wants Missy for money because she is a pure blood. Beethoven is split from his love throughout the whole movie. I felt sorry for beethoven. But the puppies are okay with Beethoven's owners for a while. Charles Grodin was funny than ever. I enjoyed every minute of this movie. It is funny and heartwarming like the original. I wish I had this movie.

Sweet Movie
This is a funny and adorable movie. We actually like it better than the 1st one. The theme is love instead of violence like the 1st. We laugh our heads off many times during the movie. My kids are five and four. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A wonderful movie
When eight-year-old Heidi (played by Shirley Temple) is orphaned, her maternal Aunt Dete (Mady Christians) takes her to live with her gruff and unsociable paternal grandfather, Adolph Kramer (Jean Hersholt). Through her sweetness and love, she brings the Grandfather out of his shell, and back into the company of men. Disaster strikes when Aunt Dete steals Heidi away to be the companion of a rich man's invalid daughter (Marcia Mae Jones). Showing nothing but kindness to all around her, she holds out hope that somehow she will be reunited with her grandfather and all of her friends. [Black-and-white, created in 1937, with a running time of 1 hour, 28 minutes.]

Perhaps a little saccharin compared to today's movies (thank God!), Heidi still has a powerful storyline. Combining rich dialogue with beautiful scenery, this movie even includes a sleigh-chase scene! I must also mention that this movie includes Arthur Treacher (playing Andrews the Butler), one of my personal favorites.

This movie is such a wonderful echo from another time. I must say that I doubt that the Hollywood of today could produce such an uplifting story, full of wonderful values. I have two children (7 and 10), and this was a great movie to watch with them, having nothing objectionable--in fact quite to the contrary. So, if you have children, then I can't recommend this movie enough!

CLASSIC TEMPLE
The classic European tale, done up vehicle for Shirley is an excellent choice for Temple, allowing for a couple of musical routines done as dream sequences. Heidi is an orphan who warms the heart of her bitter grandfather (Jean Hersholt) who has not spoken since his son ran away with a girl. Marcia Mae Jones is touching as the invalid whom Heidi befriends,and Mary Nash is the nasty governess. Mady Christians plays Aunt DeDe, the cruel aunt. Children will love this movie and it's available colorized.

It's Okay....
I didn't see anything totally special or touching about this movie. The Alps don't even look that pretty. If you want to see the best Heidi I suggest watching the 1993 version of it.

Fox owes Shirley Temple and her fans better
I've always loved this movie and was thrilled to get it on DVD but the picture quality is horrendous. This is the worst DVD I've ever seen from a major studio. The colorized version was done back in the 80's before the process was refined and it looks awful. The black and white version is even worse. It looks like someone dragged the film down the street and then transfered it to DVD. Shame on Fox for leaving this version the only one available.

Shirley Temple delivers again!
I thought this was a great make movie of Joanna Spyri's timeless classic Heidi. They got all the characters right, and they at least got the plot right this time. I hope they come out with more books made into movies like this!

Heidi is a little orphan girl left under the care of her isolated Grandfather Adolf Kramer by her neglectful Aunt Didi. Heidi makes the best of staying with her Grandfather and learns to like it. Without knowing, she is bringing the life back into her Grandfather all by just being herself. When both soon learn to love each other, and Heidi gets the town to like her Grandfather again, Didi comes back and sells Heidi to a rich family in Frankfurt, Germany. There, she meets Clara, the invalid daughter of Heir Sessman. Heidi tries to teach her to walk, but she's too afraid, for both of them know that Frauline Rottenmeir the housekeeper doesn't want Clara to get better. The old woman makes Hiedi's stay there even worse by threatening her, and even smashing both Clara's, and Heidi's breakable Christmas presents. Heidi must get back to the Alps of Switzerland fast or else she'll sold to the Gispsies by evil Rottenmier.

Shirley Temple was a great actress for Heidi. If they tried, they couldn't get a better Heidi. She delivers all the time. The noly movie I don't recommend with her in it is the Blue Bird. That was boring as heck. I do recommend Curly Top though, and Wee Willy Winky. Those are both classics along with Heidi. Instant 5 stars! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A favorite among my guilty pleasures
This one of a handful of films that I can either sit and watch with friends or let play in the background over and over again.
A cast built of (often underrated) character actors play a group of Florida cops learning the ropes of setting up a sting operation while they try to catch the criminials in the act of pawning hot goods. It a good hearted, often hilarious, entertaining bit of popcorn fluff to kill 90 minutes of time. Its a shame its not out on DVD....

Classic late 70's cop movie
I happen to like this movie, despite how few people have seen it. It's about a cop (Deluise) who is soon retiring but he has one last job. He and two partners I believe set up a S.T.I.N.G. operation to catch thieves selling stolen goods. I'm only 20, so I wasnt even born when this movie was made, ...

Basically a Burt Reynolds Film without the Burt Part
It almost seemsas if this movie was originally written with Burt Reynold in mind, but for some reason he couldn't or wouldn't do it.

They certainly rounded up the Usual Reynolds-Film Suspects -- Jerry Reed, Dom deLuise, Alfie Wise, Pat McCormick and others, and the overall humour has exactly that slightly sardonic, semi-detached air that Burt's raised eyebrow and signature cackle/chuckle (so associated with him that it was used as part of an animated studio logo bit on "Smokey & the Bandit") suit so well .

Even without Burt, the cast are an excellent ensemble who play well off each other, delivering the goods quite satisfactorily.

If nothing else, it's definitely an agreeable-enough way to while away an otherwise unfilled hour and a half or so; i don't think this film will fail to entertain, so long as you're not expecting Great Classic Entertainment.

(Look for the then-Mayors of Miami Beach and Miami in cameos -- for a friend who grew up in Miami, they were almost the funniest part of the film. I won't spoil it for you -- check the end credits, if you don't spot them. Also, take a close look at the police cars you see charging through the night in one shot)

When you're Hot you're hot, when you're not you're NOT.
It is simply pretty hard NOT to like Jerry Reed, Dom Deluise and the charming Suzanne Pleshette, but frankly this film is no funnier than your average sitcom and that is not saying much. A forgettable crime caper comedy this film is about a police scheme to break up a crime ring by posing as an outfit that fences stolen goods. I can remember ONE funny scene that still gives me a smile. The key here is ONE. The rest is really just a waste of time.

Hoosier reviewer
Fantastic movie if you want some good, clean comedy. Hilarious plot and excellent mesh of characters. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent early Elizabeth Taylor adult role
I've always loved this film. I constantly feel that it is unfairly dismissed as a jungle soap opera but it has so many very good things going for it. I feel it was a very important early adult film role for Elizabeth and certainly gives an indication of all the stunning roles coming up for her soon like "Giant", "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof", "Suddenly Last Summer" etc. She gives here an excellent performance and absolutely holds her own against Dana Andrews and Peter Finch.
The look of the film is spectacular and Elizabeth has never been more lovely. I wont retell the saga of Elizabeth replacing Vivien Leigh here again as other reviewers have mentioned it already, bu tthe film does benefit from the stunning on location photography in Ceylon which adds richly to the films quality. Abraham Soefar has a superb role as the mystical and haughty man servant who at first despises but then grows to appreciate Elizabeth's character through plague and then of course the spectacular elephant stampede at the finale which is without doubt "Elephant Walk"s most famous scene. It is a stunner and well worth the wait.
I highly recommend "Elephant Walk" for all of you who, like me, love Elizabeth Taylor and know what a fine actress she is. An excellent film to sit back and enjoy....they don't make 'em like this any more!!

A great film!
I really like this film. It has everything in it, adventure and drama. Elizabeth Taylor wears ome very beautiful clothes in it as well. The scenery is great to. I'd give it more stars if I could. It really keeps your interest.

ELIZABETH REPLACED VIVIEN
The casting of the female part in this film was a shaky one. Firstly, Taylor was cast but lost the part due 2 pregnancy. Then Vivien Leigh got the part(the industry shocked that she would accept this film - truly a programmer) and persuaded lover Peter Finch to undertake the male part. Vivien suffered severe breakdowns on location in Ceylon and was eventually fired. Taylor came 2 rescue but thanks to Vivien`s scenes didn`t have 2 go to Ceylon and shot her scenes in Hollywood. So it`s Vivien Leigh u see in the longshots in the location footage. A windmachine threw a splint into Taylor`s eye which supposedly could have been fatal. On the whole, an exciting film with a rousing finale concerning the title of the film. A must-see. Strangely, Taylor seems 2 be at her best in her not so-famous-parts.

A very underrated film and a good early adult role for Eliza
A very entertaining film with the elephant stampede at the finale a real stand out. Elizabeth Taylor is excellent in a early mature role. Beautiful color photography on location in Ceylon. Well worth purchasing ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Hey, Paramount! You got it wrong once again!
What a shame! This wonderfully trashy movie deserved better treatment on DVD! When Paramount released "The Carpetbaggers" on LaserDisc years ago, they used the "censored" US version instead of the more "racy" European cut. I was one who wrote them about this, but apparently no one at the office took notice or cared, so here is the US cut once again. What is missing is Ms. Baker's nude back sitting in her budoir when her stepson comes in to tell her that she is now a widow. Ms. Baker's almost nude back is also displayed in the short montage in Paris before she goes down with the chandelier; in the scene missing she poses on a divan for a group of painters. (This image was even depicted on an American lobby card! People must have wondered where it went!) Not much to cry about maybe, but fun in any case! If these scenes were not to be found in the Paramount vaults in Hollywood, they could have asked for them from any surviving European print - existing in decent condition in state archives in both Sweden and Denmark.
Sad is also the fact that the print used for DVD transfer is absurdly grainy! The LaserDisc was much better in this respect! The speckles and dirt are gone, but I'd rather keep them for a smooth film-like image quality.
Now, please let us have other Paramount trash classics on DVD from this era: "Harlow", "Sylvia" and "Where Love Has Gone", to mention just a few! But please make sure they're mastered from first class complete prints! Is this asking too much?

"The Carpetbaggers" AKA "Is he crazy folks?"
I just finished watching the "The Carpetbaggers" on AMC; I thought the 'C' part of that acronym was "Classic", but now realize that perhaps 'Cornball,' 'Contagious,' or 'Compelling' may substitute since this movie seemed to be all of this. But, hey, maybe that's just the gin talkin. It is one of those movies that you cannot wait to end, so you can find out just who these B-film actresses really were - yet you continue to watch. But when it does end, you are somewhat saddened that it is over. Partially sad because you have been drawn in by this charismatic yet utterly ruthless SOB Jason Cord (George Peppard), but mostly just sad because AMC DOESN'T GIVE YOU THE CREDITS! that's why I'm here...finding out that the actresses were Caroll baker (as Rina Marlowe, the not-so-lovable Hollywood star; and Elizabeth Ashley (as Monica Cord) - the impossibly forgiving ex/not-so-happily-ever-after-wife of the unmarriable-unlovable-unrelenting-insanely ambitious Jason. Bob Cummings gets accolades as the fiendishly charming scumbag who plays Dan Pierce - most probably a very typical Hollywood agent. Someone who would put a rattlesnake in your pocket and then ask you for a match if he could get 10% of your blood in doing so. Go ahead and watch the dern thing (4/5 stars) - You'll understand. But hey - don't forgit the gin.

Devoid of Interest
I suppose THE CARPETBAGGERS may hold the same cult-film appeal for some views as such awful movies as VALLEY OF THE DOLLS hold for me--but I've quite been able to see it. Loosely based on Harold Robbins' trashy bestseller which was itself loosely based on the life of Howard Hughes, the film gives us glimpses of such performers as George Peppard, Elizabeth Ashley, Diane Baker, and an aging Alan Ladd, but even their presence can't spark up the deadly dull script. Give it a miss.

--GFT (Amazon.com Reviewer)--

CAN'T HELP MYSELF
C'mon. Admit it. Embarrasing though it may be, you probably have one. One of those films that by almost any standard of good taste is considered to be pure trash -- but you adore it just the same. Well, "The Carpetbaggers" is my source of shame and delight. Yes, it's cheap and tawdry, unintentionally laughable at times, and held together (barely) by a script with many a line in need of a rewrite. It sports hair styles and costumes that, although undeniably lavish, are often anachronistic to the 1920's and 1930's (those decades in which the story is set). Performances range from extreme and over-the-top to downright comatose. But this early 1960's contribution to the breakdown of the American cinema's once strict moral code never loses its ability to do what Hollywood does best -- to entertain. It's a film filled with a grand potpourri of characters ranging from an arrogant and ruthless Jason Cord (a wooden George Peppard) to a lushly lascivious Rina Marlowe (a questionably sexy Carroll Baker), from a charmingly unctuous (i.e., villanous) Dan Pierce (Bob Cummings) to a bubbling and bouncy Monica Winthrop Cord (a totally engaging Elizabeth Ashley). Classic character actors and actresses (e.g., Charles Lane, Tom Tully, Audrey Totter) abound. And Elmer Bernstein's jazz score boasts a main theme that is pulsatingly decadent. Yes, "The Carpetbaggers" is all flash and fire with very little substance. But I love it. Can't help myself.

Not frequently mentioned: A complex movie!
This movie starts out with a bang in the first five minutes. Itkept me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie. It is a movie that I have remembered since I saw it the very first time years ago. George Peppard and Carol Baker are at thier top performance levels, and the movie keeps moving with intricate subplots going at all times. Many reviews mention the tycoon who is cruel and calculating, the insights into the movie business, complex personal relationships, but few mention the situations that created these characteristics in him, one being a incident that is never totally shown or explained, but partially shown then implied, not explained thoroughly. This particular subplot may then get missed and is psychologically of great impact if one looks for and finds it.

For music fans, the soundtrack is fabulous, I have had it on Lp for almost 15 or more years, and it is one of very few soundtracks where I am willing to just listen to the music without always seeing the movie, it is wonderful all on it's own. Just on it's own, the music is well worth buying the movie. I sincerely appreciate Amazon for still carrying what many might consider an old, and outdated movie. I don't believe times have changed that much, much of it would still apply today. For anyone that likes phychological plots and mystery this is a movie for you, even if not, the other subplots make it a very worthwhile movie to have. I would recommend it to anyone, and especially George Peppard fans. END ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Based on Thomas Harris's novel, this terrifying film by Jonathan Demme really only contains a couple of genuinely shocking moments (one involving an autopsy, the other a prison break). The rest of the film is a splatter-free visual and psychological descent into the hell of madness, redeemed astonishingly by an unlikely connection between a monster and a haunted young woman. Anthony Hopkins is extraordinary as the cannibalistic psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter, virtually entombed in a subterranean prison for the criminally insane. At the behest of the FBI, agent-in-training Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) approaches Lecter, requesting his insights into the identity and methods of a serial killer named Buffalo Bill (Ted Levine). In exchange, Lecter demands the right to penetrate Starling's most painful memories, creating a bizarre but palpable intimacy that liberates them both under separate but equally horrific circumstances. Demme, a filmmaker with a uniquely populist vision (Melvin and Howard, Something Wild), also spent his early years making pulp for Roger Corman (Caged Heat), and he hasn't forgotten the significance of tone, atmosphere, and the unsettling nature of a crudely effective close-up. Much of the film, in fact, consists of actors staring straight into the camera (usually from Clarice's point of view), making every bridge between one set of eyes to another seem terribly dangerous. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (362)

One of the best thrillers!
Absolutely as scary a movie as Hollywood could ever produce. The acting, writing, cinematography, and dramatic lighting effects are awesome. The story, based on my favorite book by Thomas Harris of the same title, is incredibly chilling. FBI trainee Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is assigned to an interview with "Hannibal The Cannibal" Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), who is, without a doubt, the completely immoral personification of evil. Hopefully, Lecter will aid in the capture of another grizzly murderer who skins his victims. The plot twists and turns as will your stomach. However the explict and grizzly visuals are sumptous rather than repulsive. However, this film still can not be recommended to the squeamish. Anthony Hopkins makes the most of his part and leaves you with an impression that will haunt you forever. If you like the movie, read the book alone in the dark, which will also send chills up your spine. Nightmares Gaurenteed!

The movie also won five accolodes from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Including Anthony Hopkins only Oscar which he won for Best Actor, and Jodie Foster's for Best Actress. It even won Best Picture of the Year.

A classic, master-mind of a thriller
The Silence of the Lambs

Score: 96/100

When it won the 5 most important Oscar's (Picture, Actor, Actress, Director, Screenplay) in 1991, The Silence of the Lambs proved not only is it tear-jerking drama's that get so much attention, but the full-of-plot, intriguing thriller's are also an important part of film history.

Young FBI agent Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster) is assigned to help find a missing woman to save her from a psychopathic serial killer who skins his victims. Clarice attempts to gain a better insight into the twisted mind of the killer by talking to another psychopath Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), who used to be a respected psychiatrist. FBI agent Jack Crawford (Scott Glenn) believes that Lecter who is also a very powerful and clever mind manipulator have the answers to their questions to help locate the killer. Clarice must first try and gain Lecter's confidence before he is to give away any information.

The Silence of the Lambs is a clever, chilling and brain-numbing movie which just keeps getting better and better. The performances are quite simply superb, the two leads, Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins both pull off uniquely amazing performances, and they have a great screen chemistry, while Scott Glenn and Ted Levine back them up nicely. Director Jonathan Demme pieces everything together awesomely with Ted Tally's extraordinary script, adapted from Thomas Harris' novel. On the subject of books and novels, this is one of the few films that has surpassed the high standards of its book, and The Silence of the Lambs deserved to be praised for that alone!

The Silence of the Lambs is a brilliant, immediate classic that everyone should've seen after 10 years of stunning the world.

Hannibal Lecter the best bad guy in a movie
The first one of the trilogy of Hannibal Lecter. Anthony Hopkins at his very best. A fantastic movie, don't miss any of the three.

The very best
Roger Ebert said, "I t has been a good long while since I have felt the presence of Evil so manifestly demonstrated as in the first appearance of Anthony Hopkins in "The Silence of the Lambs", and it is exactly that manifestation of evil caused The Silence of Lambs to leave such an indelible mark on moviegoers. Hopkins performance surely rates as one of the best performances, male or female, in Hollywood history.

Credit also goes, in enormous quantities, to Jonathan Demme and Jodie Foster. To Demme because he realized that the horror of this film was psychological, and to Foster because her perfectly played naiveté to Lecter's arrogant worldliness created the canvas on which the film resonates.

Too many thrillers and wanna-be thrillers fall into the least common denominator - trite scare tactics. Here, there was nothing trite. The images were clear, original, and gripping.

I've seen this film half a dozen times (there are very few films that I've watched more than twice), and every time my mind brings up the scene that Ebert is referring to - in Chilton's psychiatric ward - my mind's eye sees Lecter wearing orange. This is Demme's brilliance. He has done such a terrific job of creating Lecter as a devil, that when I think of him, I clothe him in colors of fire. In reality, he wears blue in that scene.

In a later scene, the scene that names the book and film, Lecter is imprisoned in a tall cage in the center of a wide open room, and Foster sneaks in to visit him, hoping to garner more clues to the murder she's investigating (it's easy to forget while watching this film that there is something going on other than the relationship between Lecter and Starling, like the other serial murderer in the film, the one that is actively killing people). This is where Demme (and Hopkins and Foster, for that matter) shines. Lecter, seated, asks Starling, "What does he do, this man you seek?" Starling answers, "He kills women." "No, that is incidental," Lecter replies. When Lecter speaks - and his diction is flawless, perfect, and amazing, capturing his contemptful personality - the camera is completely focused on his face, and the lighting and shadows that Demme employs evokes images of every devil or demon our imagination, or literature, has ever conjured.

This scene, and everything that follows (the second meal of raw meat, the killing of the guards), is a breathtaking piece of artistry.

This is, quite simply, the very best thriller Hollywood has ever produced.

Pretty good - I liked it
With excellent directing, writing, and acting...Jodie Foster plays a great role and should have won the academy award. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Director Richard Lester (A Hard Day's Night) took over the franchise with this first sequel in the series, though the film doesn't look much like his usual stylish work. (Superman III is far more Lesteresque.) Still, there is a lot to like about this movie, which finds Superman grappling with the conflict between his responsibilities as Earth's savior and his own needs of the heart. Choosing the latter, he gives up his powers to be with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), but the timing is awful: three renegades from his home planet, Krypton, are smashing up the White House, aided by the mocking Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman). The film isn't nearly as ambitious as its predecessor, but the accent on relationships over special effects (not that there aren't plenty of them) is very satisfying. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (132)

"Superman II: The Wrath of Zod!"
That would have made a better title when it came out into theaters in 1981(Giggle)! Anyway, the second Superman movie was definately a gem for anyone to watch! It is action packed as the Man of Steel (Christopher Reeve) takes on the 3 Kryptonian villains (wonderfully played by Terrence Stamp, Sarah Douglas, and Jack O'Halloran), and its romantic in terms of Superman becoming serious with Lois Lane (Margot Kidder)! Although it was sad that Richard Donner didn't get to direct the second movie, Richard Lester did a wonderful job filling his shoes! However, this was the first film which really began the down-fall of the series! It was clear that Richard Donner did set the tone for Superman which meant not to muck around with the legend! That being the case with the powers you see in this film! If you are a die-hard Superman fan, and know the character and his powers, you'll know what I mean when you watch it! Second, the romance of this film with Lois and Superman does reach it's peak, but then at the end of this film, the fans will be upset with the total outcome! The worst was yet to come with the next 2 films! Fortunately, this DVD is special to me because the magic is still there! Along with the "letterbox" widescreen version to the film which preserves this film and the other so well! Still, I know there were scenes cut-out of the original film that I wish could have been added onto this DVD! Maybe they will come out with the complete version someday soon! Still, a very good movie I recomend to anyone!

Superman II - Extended ONLY
This film gets 4 stars from me based on its extended version and not on the pathetic theatrical cut! A lot of footage was cut from this film but did make it onto various extended versions that were screened across the world. The theatrical cut of this film is a poor reflection on what director Richard Donner intended the world to see. After his sacking by the Salkinds, Richard Lester was dragged in to complete the film and refilm perfectly filmed scenes which Donner filmed in 1977. This decision cost everyone a great movie.

In 1984 fans finally got a well edited film when a lot of Donner's footage was re-inserted into TV broadcasts of the movie. The longest version having accumalated some 24 mins of additional footage. This version has only been screened in Europe and Australia and contains 7 mins more footage than the 1984 ABC telecast. Most notable extended scenes are of Lex and Eve exploring the exterior of the fortress. Miss T to Les, "...It is funny that there is no front door...". Also present is Superman's "Blast off!" line after Lex and the villains are taken away by the Arctic police. These crucial scenes were cut from the theatrical and ABC extended broadcasts.

In saying that still, the film will get 5 stars when I see all director Richard Donner's footage restored into the film.

Anyone thinking that the theatrical is a good film is much mistaken. Any of the extended TV broadcast are a MAJOR improvement over an average film!

A Richard Donner Cut is what I'm after
Not nearly as good as the first movie, this suffers from production problems as a result of Donner's sacking by the Salkinds.
It's plainly obvious which scenes were shot by Donner and which weren't. And sadly, they left out a hefty chunk of what Donner had filmed, giving Lester the top billing as director.
Another sad omission is John Williams rousing score, which has been poorly duplicated. Not nearly as uplifting and powerful as John William's efforts in one.
Although the primary focus is on Lois and Superman's relationship, it doesn't save this picture from stinking. Even Gene Hackman's wonderful performance(which was all directed by Donner, with the exception of scenes where Lester used a body double and an impersonator for Hackman's voice) can't salvage this.
So why do I give this three stars? Because it does have it's moments, though scattered, and I live in the hope that a Richard Donner cut, using primarily all his footage, which would bring back all the scenes with Marlon Brando, will eventually pop up and finally put to bed the question of what could have been.

We need a 21st Century Superman movie!
Very bad film.
They released Spiderman into the 21st century, why not Superman?
I've always found him to be the most appealing comic book character. He is sure for an amazing performance.
RELEASE HIM INTO OUR CENTURY!

BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL!!!
All you people complaining about what is and should have been (Donner not being able to complete the project) the end result is a movie that many people view as better! Leave my Superman II alone! ... Read more

Amazon.com

For Adam Sandler fans only, this dopey comedy features the former Saturday Night Live star as an overindulged rich guy whose father insists he repeat grades 1 through 12 before taking over the family business. The scenario is perfect for Sandler's infantile leanings (which he has fortunately outgrown in more recent movies), and for the most part the jokes about being too old and too big for the experiment are obvious. Chris Farley and Steve Buscemi turn up in uncredited cameo appearances, but otherwise the film is pretty dismissible, except for those diehards who can't get enough of Sandler. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (153)