Reviews (3)

WOW!
David Duchovny hosts three more episodes of the popular adult series. Contains the episodes: "The Psychiatrist," "Four on the Floor," and "Emily's Dance."

Segment: "The Psychiatrist." Linda, the client played by Demetra Hampton (Valentina [1988]), picks up men on trains and in hotel bars and accepts money for various active and passive sex acts but contends that it's the psychiatrist with the problem. Linda asserts, "You sit there in your big chair and listen but you feel nothing." The "Psychiatrist" (Denise Crosby) writes to Red Shoes lamenting, "Whom does he psychiatrist talk to?" (Actually, the role looks more like that of a psychologist, because she seems to rely on logo therapy rather than drugs.) The Psychiatrist goes to the hotel bar and hooks up with the same man (Georges Corraface) replicating the experience of Linda. On "The Man's" prompts, she progressively removes items of her clothing, accepting various amounts of money for each garment. But eventually she turns the tables on him by demanding that he touch her. Has she gotten in over her head or can she manage a real relationship with him? Segment: "Four on the Floor." An old movie featuring two couples who engage in group sex while on a vacation far from home serves as the inspiration for the story. The Red Shoes correspondent (Rachel Palmieri, I think) reports having seen the movie during a break from final exams preparations at college. Later, when she and her lover are involved in a car accident while on a double date with their best friends, they have to take shelter from the rain in an old abandoned building. Of course, they must all remove their rain-soaked clothing and huddle together to keep warm. Is history (as told in the movie) about to repeat itself? Segment: "Emily's Dance." Emily (Kent Masters King) is an aspiring dancer. Her technique is excellent and the film makers like her looks, but she can't let herself "get into" her performance. She gets a tryout on a project directed by Zalman King (Himself), who is assisted by Ashley Lowengrub (Herself) and which is choreographed by Tony Ciulla (Himself). Freedom Williams is the lead male dancer who also coughs up the rap stuff in the background. He sees her talent and tries to push her over the line where she will finally be free to express herself through her dance. Will he succeed or just break her spirit?...

Not sure if this is same version? Different Box
The one I have, I like the first story best with Denise Crosby from Star Trek Next Generation. She plays a psychiatrist and mimics her patient's wild adventure, except she is better. It is called The Psychiatrist. The next one is called Four on the Floor like the title, it is sexy, but as the other reviewer stated these are soft porn. The last one is Emily's Dance, it is really sexy dancing. The first story is the best. I was going to put it up for sale here, but since it has a different box, I will put it up in auctions with a picture.

My Review
This is one of the best porno movies that i have ever purchased it has some of the best details. And the picture is so CLEAR. The movie has some of the hottest girls I have yet to see in a movie. The one thing i didn't like about this movie is their wasn't enough hardcore. It was just a lot of softcore. I would strongly recemend this movie if you are into softcore, but i would look for something else if you want hardcore. ... Read more

Book Description

When a routine burglary in an elegant, upscale Virginia mansion goes awry, career thief Luther Whitney finds himself witness to a brutal murder involving none other than Alan Richmond, the youthful, charming, and thoroughly corrupt President of the United States. Torn between fear for his life and devotion to his family and country, Luther must make a decision that will change not only his own destiny, but the destiny of the world as we know it. Based on the best-selling thriller by David Baldacci, described as "relentlessly entertaining" by The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, William GoldmanÕs screenplay captures the paranoia, greed, and corruption of politics through the ages and around the world. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Two fabulous moments
Given its pedigree, and the talent on offer in every department, "Absolute Power" ought to be Absolutely Stunning. However, except for two sequences, it is merely competant entertainment.

The first great moment is a conversation in the Museum between Ed Harris (a cop investigating a robbery and murder) and Clint Eastwood (a known jewel thief). Harris suspects Eastwood, and is hoping to trick him into an admission by asking for "advice" on how the crime might have been committed. Eastwood did in fact commit the break-in and witnessed the murder, neither of which facts he wants to reveal. The conversation is a delightful cat-and-mouse game, acknowledged as such by both characters while they continue playing. It ends with Eastwood remarking that he must leave to go and have his pace-maker checked: Harris counters that he will be back tomorrow: "Tomorrow is promised to no-one," comes the rejoinder.

The second is a consumately filmed conversation between Gene Hackman and Judy Davis (respectively the U.S President and his Chief of Staff) while they give an exhibition-dance at a formal White House function. As they waltz, the President reveals to Davis that she is unknowingly wearing a necklace belonging to the murder-victim; in turn, Davis tells him that incriminating evidence is in the hands of Eastwood, who may use it to expose them both. As they trade this ghastly information back and forth in front of the assembled dignitaries, they have to pretend to be having a light-hearted, joking conversation.

Two fine scenes do not make a fine movie. But the rest is sufficiently entertaining that you will probably feel it was worth it.

A political thriller but also a strong father-daughter story
At the start of "Absolute Power" Luther Whitne (Clint Eastwood), cat burglar par excellence, finds himself in a very strange situation. While robbing a rich man's safe in a large bedroom closet, he is interrupted by the appearance of a man and woman who head straight for the bed. While hiding in the closet, where he sees what is going on through a two-way mirror, he watches while the sex play gets rough: the man hits her, she stabs him with a letter opener, and then two men come into the room and shoot her. Luther gets out of there, but while his presence was undetected it does not go undiscovered. The problem is that the man he was watching happens to be the President of the United States (Gene Hackman).

Now, I have to stop at this point and tell you that one of my cinematic pet peeves is the idea that the United States Secret Service will let the president do anything, no matter how stupid or reckless, without batting an eye. Indeed, in "Absolute Power" there are two such agents, who help to cover up the murder and then try to track down Luther and kill him. However, the actors playing those two agents happen to be Scott Glenn and Dennis Haysbert, which is an important fact because a lot of the faults in this film area absolved by the casting, the credit for which goes to the film's director: Clint Eastwood.

The hook for this thriller is the idea that the president, his Chief of Staff (Judy Davis), and the Secret Service are out to get Luther, whose stated intention is to get out of town and get lost as quick as possible. But the key to this film ends up being a rather odd romantic triangle that exists between Luther, his estranged daughter, Kate (Laura Linney), and the D.C. homicide cop, Seth Frank (Ed Harris), who is assigned to the murder. Frank interviews Luther, not because he thinks the old con is a murderer, but because he is one of the few that could have pulled off the heist. He then moves on to Kate, hoping to get her to persuade her father to turn himself in before the wrath of the rich man (E.G. Marshall) whose wife is dead comes crashing down on him. Frank clearly likes Kate and is rather impressed by Luther, which is good because I like smart cops. For his part, Luther clearly has some admiration for the detective and also likes his taste in women.

My favorite scene in this movie is when Frank takes Kate to her father's house, where she has never been, and (knowing where Luther hides the key), takes her inside. In one room she finds a gallery of photographs, of all of the key moments in her life after her father left. "She was at none of these," she insists to Frank, although clearly that was never the case and we can see in an instant that she is rethinking her entire relationship with her father. As much as it is fun to watch Luther outsmart the cops, the Secret Service, and the hitman sent by old man Sullivan, the heart of this film is between Luther and Kate. Even when she sets him up, believing it to be the only way of helping keep her father alive, he surprises her by showing up. His reasoning? He did not want her to believe he was a murderer. Besides, his daughter wanted to see him.

I understand the script by William Goldman is quite different from David Balducci's novel, but that simply has to do with Eastwood playing Luther (if you read the novel you will understand why this would matter in terms of the significant changes). Eastwood's direction is competent as always, and, as I mentioned above, he gets the credit for being able to bring together such a solid cast for one of his projects (who would turn down a Clint Eastwood movie?). Final Note: the White House Tour Guide is played by the director's daughter, Kimber Eastwood.

THIS TAKES A SWIPE AT CLINTON
"Absolute Power" had me thinking that somebody read my screenplay, "A Murderous Campaign", used my idea but gave me no credit. Maybe. "Absolute" is a Clint Eastwood picture, playing on the public perception that Bill Clinton might just be a murderer. However, the President bears no resemblance to Clinton.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
STWRITES@AOL.COM

Brilliant Thriller!!
In the dark times of the Clinton presidency of scandal and corruption ....this movie really hit home. I was amazed that Hollywood even let this movie slide by, considering their Leftist politics!
Gene Hackman plays a Clinton like President who cheats on his wife and biggest fund raising supporter,...with his chief of staff..seemingly resembling Hillary Clinton, who covers up for him...added to the dimension of realism to this movie. It almost resembles Tom Clancy's work with all the politics and secret service detail. Given the hilarious irony that a jewel thief/War hero (Clint Eastwood)had more honesty and character than this wife cheating President was even more funny!

This movie is one of Clint Eastwood's best...and is enjoyable no matter what party you are from.

Clint vs. The White House...Who Will Win?...Well, You Know!
This review refers to the Warner Home Video(DVD edition) of "Absolute Power"

This is one of Clint's best. It really shows off his expertise in front of and behind the camera. His on screen magnetism matches his superb direction in this great thriller. Also included is some of the best talent in Hollywood, as Clint has a knack for surrounding himself with the finest actors.

"Absolute Power" from 1997 is a terrific thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat(even after repeated viewings) as Clint goes up against some mighty powerful enemies. He is an aging master thief, and while in the process off pulling of the ultimate job, witnesses a murder.And this murder involves the most powerful man in the world. When Clint is the chief suspect, he must prove that the blood trail leads all the way to the Whitehouse. Not an easy task for our guy, as he is being persued by all sides.The film is multi-faceted as it also let's us in on this thief's softer side as he tries to build a relationship with his estranged daughter. A huge cast includes, Ed Harris, Gene Hackman, Laura Linney, Scott Glenn,Judy Davis, Dennis Haysbert and the great E.G. Marshall.

This film looks and sound magnificent on this superior quality DVD. You have the choice of widescreen(highly recommended), or standard format. Colors are vibrant, and the picture is crystal clear.The Dolby Dig 5.1 will have you thinking all the action is going on right in your living room. There are some production notes included and there are subtitles in English, French and Spanish.

This film is also offered as part of a 3-pack here at Amazon...The Clint Eastwood "Hero" collection. It also includes "Heartbreak Ridge" and "A Perfect World", which also stars Kevin Costner. If you are like me and can't live without ALL of Clint's work..the 3-pack would be a more economical way to go!

Washington is no match for our guy!(Who is?)....Go for it..and enjoy...Laurie ... Read more

Reviews (1)

One of the Best Made-for-TV Mini-Series
This is one of the best made for tv mini-series. The movie is based on the dominick dunne novel of the same name. The story is also based on a true story, the story of alfred bloomingdale and his mistress of 12 years, vicki morgan.
both jason robards and rebecca de mornay do outstanding jobs, but jill eikenberry is not to be forgotten either as the wealthy unforgiving socialite wife.
i highly recommend this movie, its one of my favorites. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

child of glass
I REALLY LOVED this movie as a child! I hope Disney re-releases it soon! It's one of the few movies that I can clearly remember from my childhood, even though it's been years since I saw it. Disney just doen't make them like that anymore!

"DISNEY", PLEASE RELEASE "Child of Glass"
I watched Child of Glass about 2 years ago. I was fortunate to find it at an OLD movie store. So, I rented it and fell in love with it again. My sister-in-law, whom had never saw it, watched it with me and she has been asking me to find it ever since. The old movie store went out of business, so I can't rent it again. Please re-release this movie on VHS or DVD so I can buy it and watch it again and again. I loved it, and miss it.

Child of Glass
Our screenwriter instructor asked us to make a list of 10 of our favorite films of all time then select 3 of those. When I finished Child of Glass was number one on my list. I can't even explain why I like this movie so well, perhaps because I was raised in a haunted house and the house next door was also haunted by the ghost of a dead school teacher.

Others have explained what this movie is about. They've also explained how difficult it is to find. I have discovered the same things. I would love to have this movie on DVD. I'm not likely to pay $40 for it though. I watch for it to come on TV again but so far have seen no clues as to when or if it will ever appear on TV or a movie channel again.

I'm the author of "The Adventures of Megan Martin" MeganMartin.com which is being adapted to screenplay format now. If someone learns when Child of Glass is going to show or were it can be bought on DVD at a reasonable price please contact me.

Thank you.
...Bryon

"FINALY FOUND!" How I would love to get it on DVD.
As a young boy I happened across Child Of Glass playing on TV. I imediately fell in love with the film, but haveing missed the beginning and unfortunately never catching it playing again, I didn't know the name of it. In fact I didn't even know it was a Disney film. However the film left such an impression on me that years later I would occasionaly question video stores about it giveing a brief synopsis. People sometimes would fondly recall the film but not it's name or where I could find it. With the internet I would on occasion briefly search for it with no success, till recently. I am pleased to know that others were impressed with the film as I was. However I am disapointed to find that it is no longer in print. How I would love to get it on DVD. Child Of Glass may not be a blockbuster film but it is clean entertainment for the family and an experience I would like to enjoy again and share with my children.

Child Of Glass Is Grand
I had always loved this movie as a child. I remember watching so intently when ever it was on. I loved Alexander and Blossom. I really loved the Plantation House.

I had been looking for this movie for years. I had heard that it had been released in 1986 on VHS and BETA but I couldn't find one. This year a very dear friend gave me a copy of this that he had converted to dVD. And it included a cover art that was a minature version of the origional. Even though it is a fake. I treasure this DVD. So much.

This movie begins showing The Ainsworth family traveling to their new plantaion house. WHen they arive the Kids are pretty shocked at how run down the house is. Well they work on it. And you meet the Drunk Caretaker who has Murder On His Mind. One night Alexander sees a Blue Light from the hay loft of the barn. He goes out there and sees the ghost of Inez. She tells him what help she needs from him. Well Alexanders decides to help him. I don't remember the exact riddle. But it was about the 2 should touch. Well it goes on. And Alexander falls into the well. And he is found. His parents send his little friend Blossom down. And she finds the China Doll. They rescue Alexander and they go into the Cemetery into the Chapel of Inezs Family and place the doll on top of her tomb. Well the gost of Inez apperas and grabs the doll than dies and evaporates into the Tomb. THan the doll appears and falls onto the floor. The head shatters and in side the head is the long lost treasure. WHich consists of millions of dollars worth of diamonds.

Great Movie. Fun for the whole family. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A Most Accurate Depiction of the Civil War and the Old West
Hollywood couldn't make a movie like Josey Wales today. In an age of political correctness, sappy westerns, and revisionist history, I find this movie a refreshing break from modern "reality." It is a classic, and one of the few movies that I own and watch more than once.

The realistic representation, references to actual historical figures, interwoven irony, and tightly knit dialogue make this movie a pleasure even for those prone to analyzing small details.

I grew up in the South and still remember my grandparents describing life during the Civil War in much the same terms that Josey Wales experiences it. The vast majority of Southerners were dirt-poor farmers who had never even seen a plantation, much less owned slaves, and I can't help but regard The Outlaw Josey Wales as a cinematic vindication of the wrongs they suffered at the hands of looting and pillaging murderers like W.T. Sherman.

A couple of interesting side notes that will enrich your viewing of Josey Wales: Clint Eastwood's son in the movie is his son in real life; Lone Watie was a chief in real life; Sondra Lock went on to become Clint Eastwood's wife in real life.

Classic Eastwood, Classic Western, Classic Movie
In recent years, Clint Eastwood's "The Outlaw Josey Wales" has been elevated to a higher plain than it occupied when released in summer 1976. Praised by a handful of critics, the film did well at the box-office but really acquired a following through no less than six highly rated airings on NBC, ABC, and CBS. Now it's often considered Eastwood's finest hour as director and star, even surpassing his Oscar winning "Unforgiven" in some eyes. Among its fans was the late Orson Welles who praised it as one of the finest Westerns ever made, and praised Eastwood as a director worthy of notice long before it was fashionable to do so. In 1996, Eastwood's fifth film as a director was even recognized by the Library of Congress when it was added to the National Film Registry, that collection of films deemed historically, artistically, and/or sociologically important and deserving of protection from tampering by anyone but the original director.

At first glance, I found it overlong and meandering, enlivened only occasionally by some trademark Eastwood gunplay. But if it's a little short on the action for which Eastwood made his name, repeated viewings make it clear that there is much more happening beneath the surface. The Outlaw Josey Wales is very much a film about community and trying to find a place in one. Josey Wales is an outlaw only because he avenged the death of his family at the hands of murderous Union soldiers. Now a hunted man, this peaceful farmer is an Angel of Death wandering the west in search of vengeance but also a place to call home. Its scope is much bigger than the revenge tale at its center, and the film represents an important step in Eastwood's maturation as a director.

Beautifully photographed, splendidly acted (especially by John Vernon), and capably directed, "The Outlaw Josey Wales" is one of Eastwood's finest hours (although "Unforgiven" is superior in my book), and one of the finest hours for the western, as well.

"I RECKON SO."
LEAVE THE WINING 'UNFORGIVEN' ON THE SHELF AND BUY THIS ONE.
EASTWOOD HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER IN FRONT OF OR BEHIND THE CAMERA.
WALES (EASTWOOD) IS A MISSOURI DIRT FARMER RAIDED BY RED LEGS UNION TROOPS AT THE END OF THE CIVIL WAR. AS A RESULT HE BURIES HIS WIFE AND CHILD AND SETS OUT WITH CONFEDERATE IRREGULARS TO "SET THINGS ARIGHT."
AND THAT HE DOES EARNING A REPUTATION AS A FEARED PISTOLERO IN THE PROCESS. ALONG THE WAY HE IS FORCED TO ACCEPT A RAG TAG FAMILY OF LONERS AND LOOSERS.
HE IS FREQUENTLY CHALLENGED AND SYSTEMATICLY BLASTS THE BAD GUYS
PUNCTUATING HIS KILLS WITH TOBACCO SPITTLE ON THE CORPSES FOREHEADS. WHEN A PARTNER REGRETS NOT BEING ABLE TO BURY THE BAD GUYS, JOSEY QUIPS IN TRUE LACONIC FASHION "BUZZARDS GOTTA EAT, SAME AS WORMS.'
THE DIALOGUE SELLS THIS SHOW. THE CHIEF VILLIAN YANKEE WHO IS CHARGED WITH TRAKING THE OUTLAW REMARKS TO HIS MEN (REFERRING TO WALES) "NOT A HARD MAN TO TRACK, LEAVES DEAD MEN WHERE EVER HE GOES." WALES CONCLUDES HIS EPIC MISSION BY FINALLY KILLING HIS ARCH RIVAL 'RED LEGS TERRELL' THEREBY AVENGING HIS LONG DEAD FAMILY.
THE FILM IS NOT WITHOUT HUMOR THANKS TO 'LONE WATIE' AN OUTCAST ELDERLY INDIAN WHO LIGHTENS THE DRAMATIC LOAD WITH TIDBITS OF WIT AND WISDOM. WHEN WALES ASKS WATIE IF HE HAS ANY THING TO EAT.
THE OLD WARRIOR REPLIES AS HE HOLDS UP A COLORFUL STONE "JUST THIS PIECE OF ROCK CANDY, BUT ITS NOT FOR EATIN....JUST FOR LOOKIN THROUGH."
WATIE ENCOURAGES WALES BY INSISTING THAT HE "ENDEAVOR TO PERSEVEARE."

WALES DOES SO AND SLOWLY REDISCOVERS HIS LOST EMOTIONS AND IN THE END WE ARE LED TO BELIEVE ALL WILL BE WELL.

GOOD WESTERN ENTERTAINMENT?

AS JOSEY WOULD SAY "I RECKON SO."

Simply the Best
This is the best Western of all time, bar none.

GREAT!
i love this movie i have seen lots of of clints movies (yes and some R ones but just 2) this is the best! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Most of this second volume of stories from the 1985-87 televisionanthology series is a middling offering from former Steven Spielbergprotégé Robert Zemeckis, who later won an Oscar for directingForrest Gump. (Spielberg was the creator of Amazing Stories.)Zemeckis's episode is a bit of schlock horror called "Go to the Head of theClass," and while itstars Christopher Lloyd in a fiendish role as a decapitated teacher, and an atypical part for Mary Stuart Masterson as a manipulative teenage babe, there isn't much that sticks to the ribs.

The real treat on Book 2, however, is the animated "Family Dog,"directed by the little-known Brad Bird but supervised by Tim Burtonlong before he became a household name. A witty and observant satire on familydysfunction as seen through the eyes of a pet pooch and perennial scapegoat,"Family Dog" follows the misadventures of a sweet-natured mutt just trying tofit in with his human housemates but betrayed at every turn. Tormented by abratty boy, prodded by an exuberant toddler, and an easy target for an unhappymom and duplicitous dad, the dog can't get a break. Burton's dark sensibilitiesare certainly in play, and the animation--while owing something to Warner andDisney--is novel and expressive. One needn't worry about young viewers watchingthis one: there's no physical brutality and the comedy always prevails. Plus,the ending proves, definitively, that every dog does indeed have hisday. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Family Dog Takes the Cake!
The Family Dog is absolutely the funniest cartoon I have ever seen. We wore out our copy years ago, and I'm so grateful to find that it's here for sale. Although we haven't seen it for eons, my family still quotes from it, and we never fail to crack up in giggles at even the memory! I can't speak for the Christopher Lloyd portion, but Family Dog is WELL worth the investment, for the youngsters as well as the adults in the family!

Family Dog is the head of its Class! But, Class is a Dog.
This tape consists of "Go to the Head of the Class" and "Family Dog." Team Robert Zemeckis with his 'Back to the Future I, II, & III' & 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit' star, Christopher Lloyd and you are bound to get a hysterically funny, creative tale. But, that did not happen here. Nothing of Zemeckis' (Used Cars, Contact, Forrest Gump) film making know how is evident here and Lloyd has never been more annoying. Additionally, this hour long episode has a half hour story-line stretched way too thin. Even Coffey and Masterson have no charm here. On the positive note, some of Stan Winston's (Terminator, Jurassic Park) headless effects are very impressive for 1980's television. BUT Family Dog!This could be the most successful of the entire series. After all, it spawned a spin-off series! (Very short lived). But, it is meritous. The animation is great fun. The dog's nose floating an inch off his face is hysterical and his reactions are obvious without being human. The stories themselves are smartly paced with 'real' dialogue and each is balanced with humorous music by Danny Elfman of Oingo Boingo fame. Enjoy!

OH MY GOD!!!
The cartoon was unbelievably funny! That rotten little boy and the smartass dog was too too funny for words.I RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE TO ANYONE WITH AN ATTITUDE PROBLEM BECAUSE THIS MOVIE WILL GET RID OF IT TEMPORARILY. JUST LONG ENOUGH FOR YOU TO FORGET WHY YOU WERE MAD IN THE 1ST PLACE

Amazing Stories Review By MaxS. McPike
When I first watched the Amazing Stories TV show I was just
stunned ,I loved it and I even thought it was better than
the Twilight Zone movie and also it was a lot different than other movies and TV shows . What I also liked about it was that it had a lot of famous people in it like: Kevin Kostner, Pat Hingle, Kiefer Sutherland, Mary Stuart Masterson,Christopher Lloyd, Rhea Perlman, and many others. I think it is fun for the whole family. P.S. I think they should put it on DVD.

THE BEST ANIMATION SHORT OF ITS TIME
BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT, just for the short, "Family Dog" I have been looking for this cartoon for years!! I knew of someone's household that was similar to this short! My family and I used to watch this everytime it came on cable, before the series came out. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Amazingly good but very disturbing movie.
This movie is based on Herbert Selby's cult novel from the early 1960s. The novel traces the lives of some rough urban characters (prostitutes, street hoodlums, transvestites, striking dock workers) in 1950s Brooklyn. Think of this as "On the Waterfront" without the sugar coating. A friend of mine hates the movie because he feels it is nightmarish and lacks a moral center. I like the movie for just this reason, as deep down I think life is that way. The movie is a harsh and uncompromising look at people whose dreams don't work out; in fact, the dreams often explode in the characters' faces. Jennifer Jason Leigh, Stephen Lang, Stephen Baldwin, Jerry Orbach and Alexis Arquette are fantastic. Don't watch this with kids or with people with delicate sensibilities---it's violent, sexually graphic, and full of verbal abuse and foul language.

Nightmarish in the extreme!
(...) As it was, this movie profoundly depressed me. (...)There is tenderness in the depiction of a young man's adoration for a prostitute (Jennifer Jason Leigh), as well as comic relief (of sorts) in the complications arising from an unplanned pregnancy. Unfortunately these moments are few and far between, and the cumulative effect of numerous beatings (starting with the very first scene!), cowardice and sexual violence will greatly disturb most viewers.

The acting, however, is top-notch. The entire cast is thoroughly believable - depressingly so in the case of Stephen Baldwin and his fellow thugs. Director Uli Edel is a master at creating atmosphere, and an operatic sense of doom permeates the entire movie, helped in no small measure by Mark Knopfler's beautiful but ominous score.

As a movie I would give Last Exit to Brooklyn five stars for its execution, but just one star for its sense of life. Nihilists will love it for reinforcing their own bleak view of life, but romantics should definitely give it a miss.

Why the Dodgers left Brooklyn
It's the 1950s. Under President Eisenhower's administration, everyone has a house in the suburbs, a decent job, a gas-guzzling car, and a basic "Leave It to Beaver" lifestyle.

Not so, said Hubert Selby, in his novel, LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN. For a good deal of the working class, times were still tough. Preyed upon by crime, toyed with by factory owners and unions, and, ultimately, shackled by their own ignorance, the working class had their promise of a white picket fence and primrose garden vacated. In Brooklyn, particularly, things were acutely tough. Manufacturing jobs were on a rapid decline, as companies moved out of town or out of state (which was why those companies remaining in Brooklyn were able to mess with their employees: take it or leave it, was their attitude). At the same time, an influx of immigrants seeking jobs made the hunt for work even more competitive--another bonus for the remaining factory owners. Slums rapidly worsened, so much so that Dodger owner Walter Alston decided his team's future was in jeopardy. L.A. looked like a much safer place for a stadium.

But neither Selby nor director Uli Edel portrayed this working class as merely innocent victims. Neither the book nor the film is a didactic rant about class warfare. The poor had their own vices of greed, brutality, and dissipation. Just about every other scene has someone going through someone else's wallets, union funds or pockets. If they aren't doing that, they're drinking, fighting, or whoring. It's a pretty dismal world. The natural response to this film might be: "Wait a minute. Not everyone working class Johnny-Punchclock guy was a criminal. Most people worked hard and honestly." Of course, this is true but it's not the film's concern. This is a study of those who were trapped in that world, and this study is compelling and horrifying.

Uli Edel has perfectly captured this bleak world, either bathing everything in a garish light or obscuring it in heavy shadows. The performances are brilliant. There's no understating Jennifer Jason Leigh's gritty and powerful performance. Also keep an eye out for a cameo by Hubert Selby as the driver who hits Georgette. Not for the weak-stomached and definitely not for kids, LAST EXIT TO BROOKLYN is as cinematographically close to the innermost circle of urban hell as you can get.

A Hell of a Film
Last Exit to Brooklyn tells a story the way it needs to be told...realistically. This film is not for everyone. If you can't accept the fact that some people do behave like this than this film is not for you. Everyone doesn't live in a fantasy land and Last Exit to Brooklyn shows this. People brought up in conditions like these or who are familiar with people such as this can vouch that people are truly like this in some places. It may not be an excuse for how others act but it is real and this film proves that. This is a powerful, moving film not to be looked upon if you're easily offended out of your own ignorance and live in a rose-colored world. If you have the ability to watch a movie, understand it and be taken in with what the film represents ( without feeling threatened ) then this movie is a keeper. If you can't see that Last Exit to Brooklyn deplicts reality for people other than the super fortunate, rent Sweet Home Alabama because this movie is not for you.

Nasty, Ugly, Wrong
People who think that the working class or anyone who is down and out is necessarily brutal and self-serving will love this film. For those who like their "social realism" as ugly and unambiguous as possible,this is the film for you. Most of the characters are one-dimensional,yell their lines and are either outrightly cruel/unfeeling (practically everyone) or hystrionic/narcissistic victims doomed to be wiped out by the end of the film (eg Gorgette the transvestite, Tra La La the town "tramp"). Almost all are totally unsympathetic--practically no-one in this film is worth caring about. Sorry, but real life is NOT like this,not even amongst the "downtrodden" who obviously make such sensationalist fodder for those eager to "slum it" vicariously for a couple of hours. This film might titilate nihilistic 20 yr olds or middle class suburbanites and has clearly thrilled all the critics (and almost everyone else in this forum) but I found it stupid and ugly (and boring). Jennifer Jason Leigh is terrific, I must add. That is the only good thing I can say about this film, I'm afraid. For those looking for uncompromising social realism and characters written with compassion rather than contempt, try reading Steinback's "Cannery Row" or see the movie of his novel "Of Mice and Men" or, for a more contemporary, very bleak but infinitly better film than Last Exit see "Nil by Mouth" directed by Gary Oldman. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Before they unleashed the idiotic mayhem of Independence Day and Godzilla, the idea-stealing team of director Roland Emmerich and producer-screenwriter Dean Devlin concocted this hokey hit about the discovery of an ancient portal capable of zipping travelers to "the other side of the known universe." James Spader plays the Egyptologist who successfully translates the Stargate's hieroglyphic code, and then joins a hawkish military unit (led by Kurt Russell) on a reconnaissance mission to see what's on the other side. They arrive on a desert world with cultural (and apparently supernatural) ties to Earth's ancient Egypt, where the sun god Ra (played by Jaye Davidson from The Crying Game) rules a population of slaves with armored minions and startlingly advanced technology. After being warmly welcomed into the slave camp, the earthlings encourage and support a rebellion, and while Russell threatens to blow up the Stargate to prevent its use by enemy forces, the movie collapses into a senseless series of action scenes and grandiose explosions. It's all pretty ridiculous, but Stargate found a large and appreciative audience, spawned a cable-TV series, and continues to attract science fiction fans who are more than willing to forgive its considerable faults. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (168)

The okay movie that became a really great television series
It is interesting to watch the 1994 "Stargate" film from the perspective of the spin-off television series, "Stargate SG-1," which is on its way to becoming the longest running science-fiction series of all-time. As was the case with "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," we have an okay film that becomes a first-rate television series.

Once upon a time, 1928 to be exact, archeologists discovered a strange disc buried in the sand of Egypt. The next thing we know we are in the present, and Egyptologist Daniel Jackson (James Spader), is having his colleagues walk out on him as he explains his radical theory about the ancient Egyptians and their language. But then a mysterious old woman (Viveca Lindfors) gives him an invitation to travel to a secret military base buried beneath the Rocky Mountains to do translations. Jackson has nothing else to do, so he shows up, immediately corrects all the mistakes and figures out all the mysteries, and the next thing we know he is being shown the Stargate. He then joins a military group led by Colonel Jack O'Neil (Kurt Russell), who has been recalled back to active duty to find out where you go to when you step through the Stargate. The answer is you go to the other side of the known universe where you discover a desert planet where an alien who was known as Ra (Jaye Davidson) by the ancient Egyptians is lording it over the local humanoids.

This movie is mostly eye candy. Being shot on a desert planet means that it has lots of scenes shot in bright sunlight, which really is unusual for a science fiction film, where they tend to be dark and murky. "Stargate" brings back the same sort of ideological tension between scientists and the military that we enjoyed during the 1950s with films like "The Thing From Another World," as Jackson is all excited to explore a brave new world and O'Neill is looking for an excuse to blow everything up with the nuke in the big suitcase.

Truth about this movie is that it the ideas are a lot better than than the execution. The idea of the Stargate is a nice way of circumventing the laws of physics that scoff at warp drive and other narrative necessities to a good space yarn. It is not a far leap of logic to get from this one Stargate to the idea that there are others, and there is also the nice corrollary that this system explains why there are so many humans scattered throughout the galaxy where they all live on oxygen breathing planets.

Beyond that the television series picks up on the Jackson-O'Neill dyad, reducing it to the idea that one is an academic and the other is a warrior and never the twain shall meet. Of course Richard Dean Anderson's O'Neill is even quirkier than Spader's Jackson, while Michael Shanks's Jackson starts off even more humorless than Russell's O'Neill. But it all works, so why quibble? The original "Stargate" ends up being more about style than substance, which is why it is so interesting that the television series could find something substantial upon which to build a television series.

If you have yet to see "Stargate" in any version, then you are strongly urged to proceed immediately from this 1994 film to the first season of "Stargate SG-1." Even if you find this film tedious, just get through it and move on to the good stuff. You could not pass go and head directly for season one of "Stargate SG-1," but you really need to know the players and some of the rules of the game before hand.

Director's Cut Is Excellent!
I'm not sure what makes the ultimate edition much different from the special edition, as both include the director's cut and theatrical version. The ultimate edition does include a 'making of' featurette, as well as a 'Is there a stargate' featurette that isn't included on the special edition. These are both interesting, but nothing to write home about. One big difference is the audio. The ult. ed. includes DTS 6.1 audio, as well as dolby digital 5.1.

Good: Being a fan of Stargate SG-1, I wanted to own the original movie as well, and when the ult. ed. was released, knew it was time to buy. I watched the director's cut, and was amazed. There were added scenes, as well as extended existing scenes. These changes really gave me a better understanding of how things in the tv show came to be the way they are, such as the relationship between Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson. In the director's cut, we see more interaction between them. We also get more into the head of Jack, and better understand just how messed up he really is after the loss of his son.

Bad: The only disappointment I have with the ult. ed. is that there were no 'gag reels' or bloopers, or other deleted scenes included. I enjoy watching these on other DVDs I have, and would have loved to have seen them for Stargate.

Overall, I'm glad I added this DVD to my collection. My only wish is that the Stargate SG-1 DVDs included behind the scenes or blooper reels as well.

Just an attempt to get more bucks from fans
If you're like me, you are really - really - getting tired of producers, film compaines, whomever there is to blame re-re-re-releasing the same DVD with different packaging, and calling it the "Ultimate" or "Supreme" or "this time it really is a Limted edition" special releases. The motivation? Raking it in from fans who expect and want more. You'd be better off spending your bucks elsewhere.

There is NOTHING to make this DVD stand out from any of the numerous previous releases. Save your money! Sure the director's cut is great - but it's on what, three previous releases?

Solid Flim, This DVD Is Lacking, However...
Stargate, as a film, is really a solid example of imaginative science fiction. The characters are a little cardboard-y, and the plot is, of course, wholly unbelieavble (as is the norm for science fiction, though!)...Overall, though, this film succeeds in being very, very entertaining to watch. Additionally, the entire premise of the film is so original that it was a thoroughly enjoyable - if light - film experience. The ending had something to be desired, but this is still an entertaining movie.

Of course, this film really doesn't have much to do with the actual stargate conspiracy, but it is interesting, nonetheless. Kurt Russell does, believe it or not, an excellent job with his role and manages to balance a powerful character in this film.

Now, for this DVD. Firstly, the DVD is cheap. That's always a plus. However, all the DVD has on it is the movies: I was pretty much expecting there to be what MOST DVD's have (-ie, traliors, interviews, etc)...I was disappointed to find that this edition did not contain any theatrical trailers. There is, however, a short side-film about the Stargate and the prospect of there even being one.

In a way, a very realistic movie...
First off, once you get past the idea of a Stargate the rest kind of falls into place. The government, with the help of Professor Daniel Jackson (James Spader), figures out how to work it. Pro. Jackson, with an escort of soliders led by Colonel Jack O'Neil (Kurt Russell) step through it to the other side.
They find a desert planet where humans are being made to mine for the same material that the gate was made from.
The people are Egyptians who were removed from Earth over 10,000 years ago, by an alien, and even Daniel Jackson can't understand their language because living languages CHANGE.
The movie is careful to stay away from many of the cliches of most sci-fi movies but also stays away from having characters which are TOO simple. Both Daniel and Jack (played by James and Kurt) are real people, not cardboard cut-outs, with all the flaws and merits of our own reality. The natives are catch between trying to be friendly towards strangers AND not pissing off their Gods.
The science and technology used by Ra and his men look very sleek and very real. From the spaceship to the gliders, everything has a touch of old Egyptian myth mixed with advanced alien know-how.
The DVD comes with two versions of the movie, Director's Cut and the theatrical cut, in which the former has audio commentary. The DVDs also have a great 'Making of Stargate' featurette, a 'Is There a Stargate?' short starring Erich von Daniken himself, trailers, scane access, crew and cast information and production notes.
Everything you could want in a DVD set, a mixture of sound science fiction, a touch of great effects and the pinch of old fashion adventure. This is a great pop corn flick. Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Jena Malone spectacular!
Little Jena Malone was superb in her role as Ellen Foster. I've seen the movie twice on the television, and will soon be adding this video to my home library.

It opens up where she claims she lays in bed and thinks up ways to kill her daddy. He is such a mean person, especially when he's drunk. Ellen's mother is very sick, but he insists she have a clean house and supper cooked by the time he gets home from work. Ellen does the best she can to help her mother, whom she loves dearly, so her dad won't be so mad. But it doesn't matter, the poor woman works so hard that she dies and leaves Ellen alone with nowhere to go. Sometimes her dad goes off for days at a time and leaves the little girl by herself.

Ellen's grandmother doesn't want her because the grandmother hated the daddy and thought Ellen would be like him. Same with Ellen's aunt. And Ellen's girl cousin was a jealous little girl and a mama's girl. She did everything she could to get Ellen in trouble until Ellen finally ran away to find her own family.

This movie ended good, just the way I would have ended it, with Ellen finding a home. But don't take my word for it. Get the video Ellen Foster and see for yourself what a wonderful movie it is.

Powerful
Ellen Foster based on the novel by Kaye Gibbons, is a story about a girl who just wants a place to call home. It's emotional and has you crying several times througout. It's not one of the best movies I've seen but it is a good movie that leaves a powerful impact. I as a viewer would be more inclined to rent it or get it out of the library than purchase it. It's really not a movie that you can watch over and over.

Five Stars for Jena Malone
For such a young performer, Jena Malone gives an unforgettable performance as an unwanted child. She practically carries the whole movie. The rest of the characters are basically caricatures of the evil grandmother, the drunk father, noble mother, do-gooder art teacher, and insensitive aunts. She herself is a caricature of a long-suffering child but Jena more than competently erases the caricature and becomes Ellen Foster.

Jena Malone conveyed a child's depression from her situation and rising beyond the hopelessness by doing something about it. Her subtle gestures and myriad facial expressions equals the performance of an Academy Award winner.

The best part of the movie is the way her face shows sudden shifts in her emotions, the inner conflicts, the fear of rejection and a child's hope, all this in one scene near the end (a rather lame ending, too pat, but then, don't we all need endings like this after such a heart-wrenching movie?) as she talks to Mrs. Montrose.

I hope she is able to get work like this in her future, work that will show her mastery of her craft and her range. So far, I've seen her in supporting roles in big budget movies, but when she gets the starring role and an equally good script, the movie world better watch out!

Lit teachers! This is a good find!
I taught this novel to a class of high school seniors, and then they watched the movie. It was a short, yet suitable video. Although it did deviate from the book at times, the characters are very well chosen and portrayed accuratly from the novel.

Mediocre family film, but a complete disgrace to the book!
The movie was much less impactful, much less meaningful, and generally much less compelling than the book. Ellen's various guardians in the film deserve Nobel Peace Prizes in comparison to their characters in the book. Jena Malone as Ellen Foster did well for a TV-film actress, otherwise the acting was mediocre. The only people I would recommend this film to are those with kids (8-12) who can't bear the thought of reading and aren't likely to change their minds once they reach ages 13 and up; the book is a bit explicit for children under 13. Basically, you're comparing the book Oliver Twist to your typical small-screen/straight-to-video cheesy drama. Angels in the Endzone is what pops into my head, but that's just my opinion on a different film. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One of the Best
I was in fifth or sixth grade when I saw the first chapter of this serial. (I am 71 years old now.) I really loved westerns and it was a few years before I became a Redskin fan. I really liked Sammy Baugh and looking at the special effects in the serial now really makes me appreciate the genius of the people who made them.

Great Ranger!
'Slingin' Sammy Bough made only one movie, this rip-roaring, fantastic l2-episode serial which should rank with the greatest. Co-starring with B-actress, the plucky Pauline Moore, Sammy is a terrific action hero and the best cliff-hanger episode is when he and Pauline are trapped in a shed while all the oil wells explode around them. Neil Hamilton is a suave and evil and delightful villain. The camera set-ups, the fight sequences and especially the imaginative climax of each episode ranks with Spy Smasher, Daredevils of the Red Circle and G-Men Versus the Black Dragon. Wish Sammy had starred in more flicks, although some film historians point out his amateurish attempts at acting. In serials, acting isn't what fans want (except in a villian). we want our heroes to be fearless and macho and Sammy delivers these qualities in spades. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

The worst performance of everyone involved.
Do you want to watch a bad movie? Here it is! Despite of the title, the director and the casting, the result is poor. The exception is Roberto Benigni, of course, whose effort gives the small amount of comic wit you can enjoy in watching the movie; this is why we rated the second star. Apart from his comic scenes, the movie lacks continuity of action and even misses to end some minor plots, making you wonder if it will ever have a sequel, or if the director himself pitifully stopped the movie, just to avoid more boredom to the audience. If you like Peter Sellers, don't watch this movie: you will miss him. If you like Roberto Benigni, use your scissors and keep just his best performances.

The End Of The Line For Blake Edwards
This is the movie that proves the genius behind the Pink Panther movies wasn't Blake Edwards, but Peter Sellers who unfortunately, is long gone when this one is made. In my fifty years of enjoying movies, I've only actually walked out of the theater before the end three times. This is one of the movies. Roberto Benigni is horrible. Admittedly, I don't find him funny at all. I have seen about six of his films and each time I fail to find anything funny about this guy. This movie will test even the true Benigni fan, however. I can't remember one funny moment (in the hour I stayed). I was so disappointed being such a fan of Peter Sellers and hoping that Edwards hadn't totally forgotten how to be funny. If I could have given this zero stars, I would have. This is one of the few things I will change if I ever get a time machine. Debbie Boone, Celine Dion, and Roberto Benigni better hope that never happens.

Good lead performance, mediocre film
Not a great comedy by any means but it's certainly not the worst of the Pink Panther series. The two films that preceeded this one are absolutely awful movies, and The Revenge Of The Pink Panther (the last film starring Peter Sellers when he was alive and kicking) was no great shakes either. In his last film as Clouseau (sorry, I'm not counting 'Trail'), Sellers was operating on autopilot, probably realising that these films no longer held any interest or challenge for him other than how best to spend his paycheque.

Unlike the two films before it, this film has something really special going for it...star Roberto Benigni. Rather than walking through his scenes like Sellers was apt to do when provided with less than challenging material, Benigni is overflowing with comic energy regardless of the drawbacks of the script. He dominates every scene he appears in...even when he doesn't have any lines he's always doing little bits of comic business that capture the viewers attention. When he's not onscreen the movie flatlines and doesn't come alive again until he reappears.

Another thing this film has going for it is the entertaining opening credits sequence featuring the Pink Panther and Jacques Clouseau Jr.-in animated form-interacting with Bobby McFerrin and his fellow singers performing a terrific acapella rendition of The Pink Panther Theme. The animation is far superior to anything seen since Richard Williams work on The Pink Panther Strikes Again and is reminiscent of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. It's a short sequence, but gets the movie off to a promising start.

However, the movie falters badly around the halfway mark when director Blake Edwards decides to once again incorporate supporting characters from previous films (he tried to prop up the previous two films by doing exactly the same thing, with dire results). Rather than introduce a new lead comic character and move forward, Clouseau Jr. is weighed down by the pointless reintroduction of characters from the Peter Sellers movies. The film stops dead in its tracks when Benigni visits costumer Auguste Balls (played by Graham Stark and not Harvey Korman, as in 'Trail') and meets Kato who joins Clouseau Jr. on his case. Herbert Lom also appears as Dreyfuss, but Lom is much more subdued in this film. The eye-twitching is still there, but he's no longer the gibbering headcase of the Sellers Clouseau films. He's the one returning element that works.

Forget about plot or story (I did!) as the only reason to see this film is for Benigni's wonderful performance. With a stronger script and less reliance on characters from the preceeding films, this film could have launched a new revitalised Pink Panther film series. Unfortunately Blake Edwards found it impossible to let go of the past, and the film became nothing more than an interesting curio as a result.

Benigni could truley be Sellers' child
Despite the bad reviews this movie received, I rather liked it. Benigni was very convincing in his role as the Great Detective's illigitimate son, right down to stumbling around like an idiot, looking for a "cleau", being an officer of the "leau" and the giving and receiving of "bimps".

ill-legitimate attempt at continuing the Panther dynasty
Oh dear. The "ill-legitimate" son of Panther. Positively ill-making, desperately forced attempts at humor. A confused plot. Broad pratfalls and grimacing. If you liked the silly subtlety of Peter Sellars, you will be horrified by this ill-advised attempt at cashing in on his legacy. If you want a good giggle to lighten your day or evening, try "The Imposters", instead. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

The Bumbling Inspector Clouseau's Best Movie
This is the Pink Panther I remembered as a kid. Peter Sellers as the bumbling inspector Jacques Clouseau. Herbert Lom as Dreyfus, the former chief inspector that's been committed to a mental institute due to Clouseau's ineptitude. While there's no stolen diamond (as the previous "Pink Panther" movies usually had), this movie centers around the two main characters. A simple plot... Dreyfus wants to stop at nothing to rid the world of Clouseau. Memorable scenes: the opening scene at the mental institute with Dreyfus falling into the lake time and time again; Clouseau trying on his new hunchback disguise followed by an explosion; Clouseau disguised as a dentist working on Dreyfus' tooth; many failed attempts to get into Dreyfus' castle by Clouseau; and the apartment entry fight scene between Clouseau and his trusted Asian servant Cato. Memorable lines: "What kind of Bomb was it? ("The exploding kind"); "Does your dog bite? ("No") -the dog bites Clouseau- "I thought you said your dog doesn't bite?" ("That's not my dog"). Director Blake Edwards did a wonderful job guiding Sellers and then letting him go off on his own when needed while the camera was rolling. I can see where this movie was inspired by the James Bond series. As well as this movie proved to be a big inspiration to anything Austin Powers ever did. This movie has very few extras... a trailer, an 8-page booklet with some insight from the director, and your choice of full/wide screens. Picture is clear and sound is (only) average. Good movie overall and still fun to watch after all these years.

The funniest "Panther"
The inimitable Peter Sellers strikes again as Chief Inspector Jacques Clouseau, in this fourth installment of the classic "Pink Panther" series, "The Pink Panther Strikes Again," directed by Blake Edwards. Given the fact that the assessment of comedy is intrinsically subjective, this film is arguably laugh for laugh and sight gag for sight gag the funniest of the five (followed closely by the second of the series, the hilarious farce, "A Shot In The Dark). In this one, former Chief Inspector Dreyfus (Herbert Lom) is about to be released from the mental hospital-- in which he has resided since being driven crazy by Clouseau-- when on the very afternoon of his hearing he is visited by none other than Clouseau himself, who has come to speak on behalf of his former boss. Suffice to say that by the time Clouseau is through "helping," he is driven from the premises by the relapsed, raving madman, Dreyfus. And it's only the beginning of the inept French Inspector's antics that, before it is over, will include a trip to the Ocktoberfest, encounters with a dozen hit-men from around the world, a beautiful Russian spy named Olga (Lesley-Anne Down), a surprise Egyptian spy (who will remain nameless) and a one-man assault on a castle. As Laurel and Hardy proved so many times before, for every action there is a reaction; a theorem of which proof is unequivocally provided here by the relationship between Sellers and Lom. This was the film in which Edwards and his stars not only further devised, but honed to perfection, their foolproof formula for laughs: After the "first wave" of hilarity provided by Sellers, it is followed up-- in just enough instances to be totally effective-- by Lom's reaction to 1.) Sellers directly (as in the first, classic scene at the mental hospital), or 2.) Lom's reaction to Seller's antics as they are related to him by a third party. It's a one-two punch that never fails and which, in effect, derives twice the fun from a single gag. And it's brilliant. But at the end of the day, it must be noted that there is one element above all else that accounts for the success of this film, and that, of course, is the Man himself, Peter Sellers. Sellers must be regarded as-- if not "the," then at least one of the-- funniest actors ever to grace the silver screen. There was no end to the ways he could make you laugh; from the subtlest expression-- an eye averted or perhaps the slight raising of an eyebrow-- to the broadest slapstick, it was all within his personal domain, and he was the Master. Physically, practically all he had to do to get a laugh was show up; consider the scene in which he arrives at the hospital to visit Dreyfus: As he saunters across the lawn of the vast grounds surrounding the buildings, a croquet mallet and ball lying to one side catches his eye; there is just the slightest hesitation in his step, the subtlest change of expression in his eyes and the merest inclination of the head. And there, in that briefest of moments upon the screen, you know-- beyond the shadow of a doubt-- what is about to transpire. And you're right; a moment later Clouseau has the mallet in his hand and his foot on the ball, and even as it's happening-- just as you knew it would in that split second before it did-- he has you on the floor laughing. That was the gift-- and the genius-- of Peter Sellers. Was every film he made a classic? A great film? Of course not; but you would be hard put to find a single performance of his, even in a bad film (Like 1970's "There's A Girl In My Soup"), that did not embody that unique spark that defined him. It was certainly alive in his portrayal of Clouseau (possibly the definitive Seller's character), and in retrospect, what a shame it seems that there were only five "Panther" movies ever made. But so it is, and shall ever be. The supporting cast includes Burt Kwouk (as the ever faithful and attacking manservant, Cato), Andre Maranne (Francois), Colin Blakely (Alec Drummond), Leonard Rossiter (Inspector Quinlan), Richard Vernon (Dr. Fassbender), Briony McRoberts (Margo) and Michael Robbins (Jarvis). A funny movie that showcases one of Cinema's truly unique and funny actors, "The Pink Panther Strikes Again" is a side-splitting, fun movie you can watch over and over and never grow tired of. The best of the series, it stands as a glowing tribute to the comedic genius of Peter Sellers.

"The Phone Is Ringing....Relax, I'll Get It."
This is my all time favorite Pink Panther film. I think that I like it the best of the series as is dwells so totally on Herbert Lom's madness, which is, of course, entirely caused by Clouseau. The opening scene of the film sets the pace, with the brilliant slapstick 'Dreyfus in the lake' segment (I am particularly fond of the role of the rake in that scene.)

The characterizations of Dreyfus and Clouseau are totally wonderful in this film. Watching Dreyfus descend into total madness is one of the all time greatest comic performances. Sellers as Clouseau is wonderful playing off of Lom, in such great segments as the 'hallucinatory dentist' and the 'hunchback and the bomber' scenes. This film is much less subtle than my other favorite from the series "A Shot in the Dark", but what it loses in subtlety, it gains in situational humor unrivalled in any other comedy ("Does your dog bite?"..."No."..."I thought you said your dog did not bite."..."That is not my dog.") Only Sellers could make these scenes work, and work they do, brilliantly so.

There are so many great scenes and lines that I couldn't possibly list them. Some of the best lines ever written for a comedy are in this film. To go with the brilliance of the script, the excellent direction from Blake Edwards, the always entertaining animated credits, the beautiful sets, the acting from everyone, led, of course, by Sellers and Lom, is letter perfect.

The DVD is an excellent transfer, and very pleasant to watch. The only real options are language and subtitle related, though there is an original trailer. I would have loved to have seen some outtakes as extras. Reportedly the cast frequently broke up laughing during the filming of this movie, and there is no wonder, given how funny the material is.

I first saw this in the theater when I was a kid. I loved it so much then that I went back several more times, and never tired of it. Now, almost thirty years later, I still never tire of this film. If you haven't seen "The Pink Panther Strikes Again", by all means do so at once. If you have, it's time to get reacquainted with a brilliant old friend!

Classic Clouseau
Unlike the other Panther films, which still mix in some of director Blake Edwards' skillful subtle comedy ala "Breakfast at Tiffany's," this Panther outing is strictly high caliber slapstick. The plot, which is far-fetched, exists simply as a framework to get star Peter Sellers out of one comic situation and into another. This is not a bad thing - some of the funniest comedies are the ones that have the skimpiest storytelling. I've seen all the Panther films many times, and this is the one that I always laugh the loudest at. It's hard not to enjoy Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau and how he unintentionally outwits his former superior Dreyfus (Herbert Lom). The DVD release contains both the widescreen and fullscreen versions of the film (though no real extras)and is a step up from the old VHS release. It's always nice to have this choice on a single disc. I honestly don't know what extras could be included as most of the outtakes were unfortunately recycled in the inferior "Trail of the Pink Panther." I recommend this DVD to anyone who enjoys a slapstick approach to comedy.

By Far the Best in the Series
Since there have been other reviewers here who have taken the time to write in detail why this movie was so good, I will just agree in saying that it is indeed an excellent film! It is by far the best in the entire Pink Panther series and will have you laughing the entire time. If you enjoy this film, be sure to check out the rest of the series. ... Read more

Reviews (92)

Captain Ron
For a Wildly hilarious re-watchable comedy, this is your film. My review is of the movie as this is written pre-DVD. This film has the family of Martain Short, beautiful independent decorator wife and 8 year old son and 16 going on 25 yr old daughter all thrown together on an inherited sailboat they must sail back from the Caribe! They get the aid of one-eyed Captn Ron, a patch eyed Kurt Russel who seems to have no credentials, but to perturb Martain Short when against logic, he comes through time after time when the chips are down in the most humorous ways possible. Scene after scene has so much humor you can't pick it all up in one showing. Kurt Russell and Martian Short as Captn Ron and the father/ships owner are perfectly cast. You will not regret this film and if you are like a lot of folks will end up knowing many of the lines and jokes, the recollection of which will brighten your day with a smile long after the movie. Has a happy heart warming ending, some suspense, and a generally upbeat tone more movies should have. It's many sailors' favorite. I personally loved Steve Martain in The Jerk and to me they both rank one and two in terms of modern comedy movies. Suitable for a whole family and with a gut splitting ending.

That's okay, Boss, it could happen to anyone!
Even Captain Ron! Finally, on DVD!!! This is my family's favorite movie. We know all the lines and recite them along with the movie, and we still laugh so hard it hurts. Plus, the wisdom of Captain Ron helps bring humor into MANY real-life events. Something goes wrong at work? Just say, "That's okay, Boss, it could happen to anyone" and make everyone else wonder why you're smirking. Having trouble merging onto the freeway? Just say, "They'll get out of the way, they always do. Learned that driving the Saratoga." MUST HAVE DVD!!! CAN'T WAIT!!! Planning to buy several copies of the DVD. (rating the VHS version) (FYI, boaters, especially sailors, will probably find this movie more funny than land-lubbers.)

Don't cost much
Why are all the good movies so cheap within a month of me buying them? Try this one out. Don't cost much and it's worth a whole lot more.

Lets not get to serious here
This is just a fun movie. Yes, it is unbelievable, yes it is a bit dorky but hey so is Disneyland and it's a lot of fun. If you like movies like Goonies ect then get this film.

Funnier than it should be
First off, I laughed throughout this film. I suppose it qualifies as a 'guilty pleasure' since it isn't (and doesn't pretend to be) the Citizen Kane of boating flicks.

Kurt Russell gives an excellent comedic performance, something that isn't always easy to do. He plays his role straight, and really lets the antics of Martin Short and the rest of his family play off him. I love the scene where Russell is sleeping, and the daughter notices that he has his patch on the wrong eye...is Captain Ron for real, or a con man, or worse...?

This film brings a smile to my face whenever I watch it, or even think of a scene, or line, here or there. And what more do you want a comedy to do? Buy the film...you'll watch it more than once.

The cinematography is excellent, the boat beautiful, the Caribbean never looked better, and it's as good-naturedly funny as heck.

Recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

One of my favorites
This episode is a sterling example of how the Outer Limits TV series took sci-fi television to heights that have yet to be surpassed four decades later. Typical of this series, "The Man Who Was Never Born" manages to be frightening while at the same time literate, thoughtful and futuristic -- and yet humane in how the story portrays its characters.

Martin Landau is terrific as "Andro," the mutant human from the future who can influence present day people with hypnotic suggestion. Landau is such a class act; truly one of the best actors of these past forty years. His voice transmits his earnest and gentle character's conflict and confusion in dealing with his own emotions (e.g., love, duty to humanity) and the awesome choices that his situation presents.

I'd like to acknowledge the well-written comments from previous reviewers that spurred my interest in this episode. I must echo their praise and highly recommend this episode.

TV at its most distinguished.
This episode manages to be highly original with some highly unoriginal material--mainly, the "Beauty and the Beast" theme and the ancient sci-fi cliche of saving the future by traveling to the past. "The Outer Limits" had a genius for making the old seem new, and "The Man Who Was Never Born" may be the most distinguished example thereof. The new series, by contrast, achieves exactly the opposite by making newer themes seem old and stale through cliched presentations. Same name, very different series.

Martin Landau is superb as Andro, the sensitive and peace-loving human mutant from the future who hates the task he must carry out. Everyone is top-notch, in fact. The themes within themes make each viewing a new experience.

The masterful direction is by Leonard Horn, who went on to contribute in a major way to the original "Mission: Impossible" series, his finest achievement being that series' "Operation: Rogosh," now available on video.

Who said that sci-fi couldn't be romantic?
"The Architects of Fear" and "The Man Who Was Never Born" are the only episodes of the 60's anthology that underneath the otherworldly trappings was a love story.

Martin Landau ("Andro") stars as an Earthman from the future that travels back in time to prevent the birth of a man destined to destroy humanity as we know it. Along the way he falls for "Nicole" (Shirley Knight), the woman that would become the mother of Earth's destroyer. Both actors show why they have been a theatrical and television presence, respectively, for over four decades.

Accompanied by a lush Dominic Frontiere score and superb lighting, the episode is a feast for the ear and the eye.

Haunting
Easily one of OL's top five episodes. The effects are rancid, but the story is so well written, acted, and produced, you won't care. It's a study in the suspension of disbelief that will completely draw you in, and leave you with your jaw dropped - it has probably the most haunting ending of any entry in the entire series.

Martin Landau was the ideal choice to play Andro, who travels eighty-five years back in time to prevent a sterilizing and disfiguring biological warfare plague from devastating humanity. Overshooting his mark, he inconveniently falls in love with the woman he must kill (Shirley Knight) in order to achieve his objective. How he resolves the dilemma constitutes the most lyrically poetic of all OL stories, and one not to be missed.

In a nutshell, this one is pure magic. They don't make them like this, anymore.

My 2nd favorite Outer Limits episode
One thing I liked a lot about Outer Limit was the viewer could never be sure where the story was taking him. Unlike series TV where you might lose a Star Trek private but NEVER a regular, with Outer Limits there were NO REGULARS, so they could tell the tale anyway they wished. They do so here in a great form, as the story keeps twisting in ways one may not expect. This is a very thoughtful episode with many touching moments. And who does not want to root for the beast to win the gal? ... Read more