Reviews (1)

Trials and tribulation of the 4077th in Season 3 of M*A*S*H
Volume 2 represents the middle third of Season 3 of "M*A*S*H," which was the low point mainly because the previous tape had "O.R." and the next tape has "Abyssinia, Henry." The episodes continue to focus on military hijinks, buttressed by real anecdotes and stories the producers picked up visiting medical units in Korea:

(57) "Alcoholics Unanymous" (Writers: Everett Greenbaum & Jim Fritzell; Aired: November 12, 1974) has Henry away and Frank (Larry Linville) declaring prohibition at the 4077th. Grade C+: I never really find all the drinking to be all that funny, although I certainly understand the motivation behind it. But the resolution on this one is just too cute.

(58) "There Is Nothing Like a Nurse" (Writer: Larry Gelbart; Aired: November 19, 1974) has the nurses being evacuated from the camp when the enemy mounts as invasion, which forces the guys to deal with each other. Grade A-: Singer Loudon Wainwright III justified having a recurring supporting role during Season 3 with the song he sings in this episode.

(59) "Adam's Ribs" (Writer: Laurence Marks; Aired: November 26, 1974) has Hawkeye (Alan Alda) sick and tired of army chow. So he decides that what they need to do is order forty pounds of ribs from Adam's Ribs, the celebrated Chicago barbecue joint. Grade B+: This is one of the better scheme episodes of the series with bonus points for the cole slaw joke.

(60) "A Full, Rich Day" (Writer: John D. Hess; Aired: December 3, 1974) is another one of Hawkeye's letters home detailing another fun day at the 4077th. Grade B: A solid but not spectacular episode.

(61) "Mad Dogs and Servicemen" (Writers: Linda Bloodworth & Mary Kay Place; Aired: December 10, 1974) has Radar dealing with the former when he is bit by a dog that might be raid, and the doctors concerned with the later, a solider suffering from psychosomatic paralysis. Grade B-: This is a double-plot line episode where the two halves do not fit together all that well. Not that they should, but it is nice when they do.

(62) "Private Charles Lamb" (Writers; Larry Gelbart & Sid Dorfman; Aired: December 31, 1974) has a grateful Greek regiment preparing a traditional Easter feast for the 4077th and Radar horrified that they are actually going to slaughter that cute little lamb. Grade B-: Radar will not stand up for himself, but becomes a lion to rescue a lamb.

(63) "Bombed" (Writers: Everett Greenbaum & Jim Fritzell; Aired: January 7, 1975) has the O.R. keeping busy while the camp is being pounded by friendly fire, during which Trapper and Hot Lips get, well, trapped together in the storage room. Grade B+: This episode is sort of a lesser version of the classic "O.R."

(64) "Bulletin Board" (Writers: Larry Gelbart & Simon Munter; Aired: January 14, 1975) is another collection of vignettes this time centered around camp activities posted on the camp bulletin board, including a picnic and a Shirley Temple movie. Grade B: Nice touch with Trapper writing a letter home to his daughter. These episodes show that "M*A*S*H" was comfortable just playing off of its characters without necessarily having standard plot lines.

As I indicated above, there are no classic episodes among the eight collected here (I am sure my affection for "There Is Nothing Like a Nurse" is atypical), but it is still a solid collection. The rating has to do with judging these eight episodes by the high water mark on "M*A*S*H," so while these were shows as good as any other situation comedy they do not represent the best of "M*A*S*H." ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Don't bother
The Nazi episode has to rank near the bottom of Trek offerings, if only because it is in such poor taste. What were they thinking? I'm tempted to give the episode at least some support for the fact that it has plenty of action, but after being reminded by other reviewers just have off-base Kirk's speech was (the one that seems to equate the Nazis with other holders of absolute power), I can't give the episode any extra props. There could be no better example than this episode of the dangers inherent in drifting too far away from the tenets the show was founded upon. At times it worked, like in A Piece of the Action, but you can almost watch things getting out of hand as the second season progressed. Bread and Circuses flirted with the line; Patterns of Force crossed way over it.

Zeons and the Patterns of Force
Kirk and Spock are captured on this planet of Nazis. It was pretty much standard 60's TV villians. The enemy is again...you guessed it another crazy federation captain who thought he could make the perfect society. This was also done with the episode "Bread and Circuses" where they were on the Gladiator planet.

The Enterprise visits the planet of the Nazis
The Enterprise visits Ekos, another one of those fun planets that is like Earth with a twist in "Patterns of Force." This time around they show up to check on John Gill, a Federation cultural observer, who has been studying the progress of the planet's primitive and warlike people. Instead they find a society patterned on Nazi Germany, with people from the neighboring planet of Zeon serving as the scapegoats for the Ekosians. Eventually it becomes clear that Gill introduced Nazism to make it more efficient (the whole trains running on time bit), but, gee, the "bad" side of Nazism seems to have taken hold along with the "good." I always thought this episode was was an implicit attack on academics, who like to get involved in spirited debates on such things but usually lack the power or opportunity to put their theories into practice. You have to remember this was still the Sixties and the Nazis were still the big villains of the day; it would be another decade before they were replaced in Hollywood by psychotic Vietnam vets as the top villains. In the end this episode justifes the Prime Directive, which is not exactly a vote in its favor. But "Patterns of Force" certainly makes a compelling case for its anti-revisionist argument. Yet there is still that subversive element that those black Gestapo uniforms look pretty good on Kirk and Spock. Bottom line is that this is still pretty heady stuff for a science fiction show.

One of the most entertaining and suspenseful episode by far!
In "Patterns of Force," Kirk and Spock go searching for a former Star Fleet professor named Gill, but they find that he has created a culture patterned after Nazi Germany....or has he?

From reading about the episode, I was expecting "Patterns of Force" to be just an average episode, but man I was wrong big time. Now I've seen all but six episodes, including "The Cage," of Star Trek - The Original Series, and I can honestly say that in my opinion, "Patterns of Force" is one of the best overall episodes.

"Patterns of Force" is VERY suspenseful and entertaining, parts of it such as Captain Kirk telling Spock to hide his ears are humourous, and everybody does a great job of acting. If you like Star Trek at all, do yourself a favor and get "Patterns of Force." You might find yourself in a pattern of watching it more than you expected to.

Okay this story is going a little too far.
Okay, I can accept stories where the Enterprise encounters two planets, one that has a 20th Century Roman Culture on it, and another that has modeled it's society on Chicago gangs from the 1920's, but this one where the planet has a Nazi Germany goverment on it, brought about by a federation scientist and historian, is sort of taking things beyound the point of beliveability, This is just a case of doing one too many of these stories, and it falls as flat as a pancake. I can understand the moral/historical issues raised in the episode,but please, let's not see anymore of these finding Earth type cultures on distant planet stories with Star Trek. ... Read more

Reviews (203)

A Powerful Film By Master Of Disaster Emmerich
Roland Emmerich directed the 1996 blockbuster hitIndependece Day which many still consider his best work. Later, he directed Godzilla, which according to some was not well-crafted. But 2004's "Day After Tomorrow" is quite powerful and moving and Roland Emmerich brings back the magic and dynamics of his old masterpiece Independence Day. This time the threat is not alien, it's our own earth. Global warming has caused the polar ice caps to melt and erratic weather to errupt. Hail begins to attack Tokyo, Japan and it snows in the usually hot New Delhi, India. Star Dennis Quaid gets a hold of the fatal news that the world is going to end as it experiences a new Ice Age. His son Sam (Jake Gallynhaal) is away in New York City on an Academic Decathelon which he joined to be with the girl he loves. Sela Ward plays Sam's mother and Dennis Quaid's wife, a doctor who is caring for a cancer-struck little boy. The President of the U.S. and the Vice President (who looks a bit like Dick Chaney)completely ignore the warnings and it's not long before Los Angeles is destroyed by a tornado. The Hollywood sign gets blown away. New York City is flooded. The special effects are top-notch and the characters and plot stunningly engaging. Only a small group who has listened to Sam, who in turn was going by his father's directions, remain in the New York City Public Library even after it freezes entirely. Dennis Quaid searches for his son in the extreme weather. This is a movie about survival, as is expected about humans when confronted with great disaster. It is about courage and human compassion. To contrast the epic disaster with its serious drama is touches of humor such as the bum and his dog who survive the disaster and the fac that the tables are turned and it is desperate survivor Americans who are crossing the border illegally into Mexico, which was not effected by the disaster. All the performances are credible and though one can easily criticize for its typical disaster movie routine, it does'nt matter. The success of this film proves that we love to see this kind of genre. Humankind surviving all sort of disasters and the will to live. Five stars. An incredibl experience at the movies and hopefully it will make a wonderful DVD loaded with interesting features.

Disaster movie
We don't need to get too intellectual on this movie, nor make any pretense of why you should see it - there is one reason and one reason only to view The Day After Tomorrow, the special effects. We all know this. So I really don't want to spend a page writing about the dialog that is worse than a soap opera, the science that made Lord of the Rings look reality based, or the believability factor that made Cliffhanger look like CNN. C'mon, you kind of expect that from a movie like this don't you?

All of that nonsense aside, there are several scenes which are truly spectacular, some of the best special effects that I've seen. True, a great deal of those scenes were shown in the previews, but there are still many staggering effects that are saved for the film.

Yes it's melodramatic. Yes it's preachy (Al Gore and Al Franken actually used this movie to promote their environment agenda). But if you would enjoy seeing LA destroyed by what would be the largest tornado in recorded history, or New York getting swallowed by a wall of water, it's worth the price of the movie ticket. And here's another idea - go with some friends and keep notes of the best (i.e. worst) lines, and then afterwards you can argue about which was the worst line of dialogue. Mine was probably, "Jake...tell her how you feel," with "I think I will go close my eyes for a while," coming in at a close second.

One final note to the dude at Amazon who filters these reviews: Here's a little inside tip - *stop posting reviews written by people who haven't even seen the film - and even ADMIT this in their reviews!* And certainly don't make them the spotlight review. Maybe you could have a special "trailer review forum" for these idiots and stop wasting our time.

Best new movie
The Day after Tomorrow is a outstanding movie. The special effects are awesome. I was not sure about the movie at first but after I rented it from blockbuster and viewed it, I definitely will buy it on dvd fullscreen. There have been a few movies made involving natural diasters but this one is the best. If you have not seen it yet, definitely watch it. The director did a fantastic job, the cast members put a outstanding job. It's one of those movies you'll want to watch again and again.

Great Thrill Ride Movie
When you watch this movie it will feel like you are in the movie. Trust me I have seen it 4 times in the theaters. You will have to watch it again and again and each time you will find something new. Enjoy the movie.

"Independence Day" minus the aliens, plus eco-propaganda.
If you've seen the 1997 sci-fi hit "Independence Day", then for all practical purposes you've seen this movie too. The only real difference is that instead of a bunch of ticked-off aliens, the threat of human extinction comes from a ticked-off "Mother Nature". In the former, however, it was all about "us versus them" and the triumph of the human will to survive. In "Day After Tomorrow", the message is: "We have met the enemy, and they are the Republicans."

Yeah, the movie is about the epic struggle to survive in the face of an overwhelming natural catastrophe, but it's pretty obvious that the producers were less interested in telling a story and more concerned about sending an election-year political message. From the early scenes of the movie, the "hero" character (a very forgettable paleoclimatologist played by Dennis Quaid) serves as the "voice crying in the wilderness" against the environmentally unsound excesses of corporate America. He warns of the doomsday scenario which does in fact unfold throughout the movie, but the heavily stereotyped conservative politicians (who are, no doubt, in the pockets of the polluters) shrug off his warnings. Maybe it's just me, but I thought the "vice president" character looked uncannily like Dick Cheney. Coincidence? I don't think so, but feel free to decide for yourself.

The main story is about a dysfunctional family whose members find themselves separated by the unpredictable (yet somehow predicted) chain of natural events. Of course, the events aren't really natural -- they're caused by foolish and greedy men who fail to pay attention to the needs of Mother Earth. Somehow, against incredible odds, the family manages to reunite, save the human race, and resolve their own domestic issues all at the same time. And of course, the tale is duly concluded with the humiliation of America and its (implied Republican) leaders, as well as some cheap jabs at American immigration policy.

In short, this is enviro-hysteria at its cheesy best, but election year political propaganda at its worst. There isn't even a mild attempt to veil the message -- it's right there in your face. If you're a Bush-hater, you'll cheer. If you're a little more honest with yourself, you'll see this film for the cheap trash that it is. The ONLY reason I gave it a second star was because it was chock full of stunning visual effects from beginning to end. Beyond that, your enjoyment of this movie will stand in direct relation to your political affiliation. That's no way to make a movie. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Two Good Episodes: Focus on Motivation not Action
In WORLD'S END and NEMESIS, both from the start of season two, directors Robert Butler and Jerry Hopper continue the high quality of scripting and plotting that came to characterize the first season. Since the audience was both large and loyal, the scripters thankfully did not feel the need to jazz up their scripts with ideas that abandoned strong character development and frequent use of Kimble's past. Suzanne Pleshette, who plays Ellie Burnett in WORLD'S END, is one of Kimble's most memorable leading romantic interests. Off screen, they were carrying on a real life relation and that chemistry showed. Miss Pleshette was also used successfully in another episode, ALL THE SCARED RABBITS. The booming voice of narrator William Conrad, besides being used to repeat the most famous example of a run on sentence in literary history that began each episode, also narrated prepared introductions that provided useful information. Conrad tells the viewer that Kimble is reading from his hometown newspaper and sees in the classifieds: 'Personal to R. K. Have information, regarding September 17th. Phone me at home. Urgent. E. B.' Unfortunately for Kimble, Lieutenant Gerard reads the Stafford Sentinel too and guesses correctly who 'RK' and 'EB' are. Burnette has long loved Kimble and will do anything to be with him. She has information about the one-armed man that disheartens Kimble--the one-armed man is dead, thus opening the way for Kimble to cease looking for him and perhaps settle down permanently somewhere with her. At the last moment, she receives word that her information was in error. The one-armed man yet lives. The dramatic focus is on Gerard's tailing Burnett to catch Kimble and on whether she will hide the error and keep Kimble or tell the truth and lose him to further searches. This episode is a fine one in that it explores the ethical limits that a woman will go to keep a man. Plus the aura of Gerard in the background generates further suspense.
NEMESIS is another superb episode because it contains a number of themes that enrich the complexity of the relation between pursued and pursuer. The focus is mostly on Gerard and his son. The audience has seen Gerard mostly as a monomaniacal hunter of Kimble. He seems to live and breathe his job to catch the fugitive. But this total involvement comes with a price. Every day that he is on the road chasing Kimble is one day less that he has for himself and his family. NEMESIS shows Gerard in one of his rare days of relaxation with his son as they go on a camping trip. The boy, well-played by Kurt Russell, likes his dad and looks forward to spending time with him. By coincidence, Kimble is working near where Gerard plans to camp. When a local cop notifies Gerard that Kimble is in the area, Gerard is seen as having to make a choice that he must make often in future episodes. He must sacrifice his family for his duty. He does so here, and asks the cop's wife to mind the boy for the duration of the hunt. A plot complication is the boy's decision to hide out in the sheriff's car which Kimble steals to escape. Thus Gerard's son, Phil Jr., is an unwitting hostage. When his father finds out where his boy is, he reveals a side of his personality that he tries hard to suppress, that Kimble may not be guilty of murder after all. Gerard does not show concern that Kimble might harm his son. He tells the sheriff: 'He'll feed the boy.' Phil Jr. tries to help his father by leaving clues as to his whereabouts. Kimble again shows his inner goodness by helping Phil Jr recover from an injury even at the risk of recapture.
This episode and its companion are well-written and show aspects of the universe of Kimble and Gerard that immeasurably enhance the pleasure of their watching.

The Fugitive finally gets his man!
I had seen this episode years ago when I was a kid. I remember everyone was so anxious for the conclusion the following week. I had looked for this episode for years, I was finally able to find it on Amazon.com. Anyone who ever enjoyed "The Fugitive", absolutly must have this. I only wish it was available on DVD.

Great Volume Of A Great Series!
These two episodes of David Janssen's 1963-1967 Classic TV drama, "The Fugitive", are both favorites of mine! The best episodes are the ones that feature that relentless of all police detectives, Lt. Philip Gerard (Barry Morse)! And both of these classics contain Gerard in all his chasing splendor.

Two fine guest-star appearances are on tap here as well. .........
In "Nemesis", a very young Kurt Russell is featured as Phil Gerard, Jr. (Kurt also appears in another Fugitive episode later in the series, but NOT as Lt. Gerard's son). Kurt is very good in "Nemesis", as he accidentally stumbles upon his dad's #1 prey. Slim Pickens also guest stars in this program. It's another one of the many stellar cat-and-mouse episodes in this series, with Gerard hot on the trail of Dr. Kimble, only to have him slip through the dragnet at the very end! It's implausible, indeed, when you stop and think about it, that Kimble could evade capture time and time again during the course of this series' 4-year run [especially considering such a shrewd pursuer as Gerard is chasing him]. But, heck, it's fun anyway! And, obviously, if he's captured, the series is over! So Kimble must elude the authorities each week.

The beautiful Suzanne Pleshette stars with Janssen in this volume's second offering, "World's End". Suzanne, like Russell, also was featured in other episodes of the series (at least 1 that I can think of), but not as the same character.

There's 98 minutes of chases and thrills on this VHS cassette, and you'll also get to see the episode previews (or "trailers") that were shown before the main titles on each show.

Richard Kimble vs. LT Gerard In Two Episodes Of TV Classic
This tape contains two episodes of the classic 1960s drama starring David Janssen and Barry Morse. Nemesis originally aired in October of 1964 while World's End aired in 1965.

Nemesis is the more fascinating of the two episodes. While driving his son Phil Jr. (Kurt Russell) on a camping trip, LT Gerard learns that Kimble is in the area. He leaves Junior with the wife of Sheriff Deebold, but the youngster hides in their car as they close on The Fugitive. Kimble steals the car - and is shocked to find the son of his enemy in his presence.

Junior does all he can to leave clues to Kimble's whereabouts - he leaves a trail of football cards (Kimble confiscates the cards, then mails them back at the end), he lights a campfire, then leaves a sweater folded into an arrow delineating their direction (Gerard Sr. notes that "Phil never folded a sweater that neatly before in his life"). Eventually the two fugitives are caught by a local hunter named Corbin (Slim Pickens), but Kimble beats him up and escapes. Junior pursues but steps on a bear trap. Kimble frees him, and Junior's view of The Fugitive changes completely. ... Read more

Reviews (29)

THE BEST DIRTY HARRY IN THE SERIES!
After the disappointing Enforcer from 1977, Sudden Impact is without doubt the best episode in the five Dirty Harry films - excellent storyline, well played soundtrack, well-used locations and of course a strong cast. The climax of the film is truly well staged and blends the taut, seriousness of the film throughout. The story of a rape victim seeking revenge on those that carried out the attack certainly brings the best out of Sondra Locke.

Once the film was released, Clint Eastwood was universally acclaimed for bringing such a delecate subject to the cinema. It was a gamble that had hansomely paid off.

Clint himself is on top form and plays it vintage style, like the first Dirty Harry. The best line has to be the:- "Go Ahead - Make My Day". Harry's dog - Meathead brings some light moments to the script as does his scene with Bradford Dillman.

Great support too from Eastwood film veteran - Pat Hingle.

It is no suprise that Sudden Impact is to this date the highest grossing Dirty Harry episode.

Harry's worst adventure.
After Harry lands on a mafia hit list he is sent to the small town of San Paulo (actually Santa Cruz, CA) to investigate the background of a murder victim. What Harry uncovers is a serial killer settling a score.

Clint Eastwood doesn't like repeating himself, so it is no big surprise that the Dirty Harry movie he directed resembles the others in the series very little. It is largely set outside of San Francisco and his character has little to do with the actual plot for the first forty or so minutes. The action is nicely handled, but the story's pace is turgid - thanks in large part to Joseph Stinson's sloppy and underdeveloped screenplay. When Eastwood revealed that Sudden Impact was turned into a Dirty Harry movie late in the rewrite game, I was not surprised. The tape holding his character into the story in first few reels is quite evident. Harry fans will want to have this in their collection, but I just don't think it is as fun or exicting as the other movies in the long running series.

Trivia - Bradford Dillman makes his second Dirty Harry appearance in Sudden Impact. This time out his character is named Captain Briggs, although he played Captain McKay in the 1976 entry The Enforcer. Briggs was actually the name of the vigilante team leader in the 1973 sequel Magnum Force. Whether this is a knowing wink to that thriller or just sloppy continuity, I am not sure. But I'm edging towards sloppy continuity myself.

Nearing the End of the Callahan Trail
This is the fourth of five "Dirty Harry" films in which Eastwood stars as a San Francisco police detective. By the time the last appeared (The Dead Pool, in 1988), Eastwood had aged and times had changed but Callahan's non-negotiable values and unorthodox methods had remained essentially the same. The title of this film really makes no sense: None of the actions has a sudden impact. On the contrary, directed by Eastwood, the plot gradually develops to the inevitable climax. After still another controversial incident, Callahan is required to take an extended leave-of-absence and finds himself in a small coastal town where he meets Jennifer Spencer (Sandra Locke), a serious painter with even more serious emotional problems. Years ago, she and her sister were the victims of an especially violent rape; the sister remains comatose in an institution. Spencer is determined to locate and kill the rapists. One of them is the son of the local sheriff (Pat Hingle) who, for obvious reasons, discourages any interest in the case. He especially resents Callahan, "a big shot city detective" who attempts to investigate one of the several local murders.

Of special interest to me are two evil characters, Ray (Audrie Neenan) and Mick (Paul Drake), with whom Callahan has his final confrontation. Both are despicable and thus deserving of Callahan's singular application of justice. In this and other films, Locke's acting skills are clunky, at times almost laughable, especially when juxtaposed with the performances by Neenan and Drake. Bruce Surtees' cinematography is outstanding. His previous work includes Dirty Harry and Play Misty for Me (both in 1971) and The Outlaw Josie Wales (1976). He teamed up with Eastwood later with Pale Rider (1985). Surtees' excellent work plus several memorable scenes explain my rating which would have been higher, had the plot made more sense and had another actress (other than Ali MacGraw) portrayed Spencer. To me at least, both Callahan and the series are by now getting a tad long in the tooth.

Good movie
I really liked this movie and found it to be very enjoyable.

Good Plot is What Makes It Different
There is only one Dirty Harry movie for me, and that is the first one, the Don Siegel's version. The mixture of the first Dirty Harry is just too well (the charismatic Harry Callahan, the dangerous Scorpio, intense relationship between Scorpio and Callahan), that the other four only practically try to borrow Harry Callahan "tough-attitude" in a different background. I'm not saying this to say that the other sequels are bad, is just that i've seen those sequels more as a 'separate, different action' movie from the original Dirty Harry. Because i'm not expecting another Dirty Harry movie, but just merely a good action movie, then i'm not dissapointed nor feel betrayed when watching Sudden Impact. It has just the right thing that make this movie as a 'better movie' if compared to the previous Enforcer or Magnum Force...a good story, something that is rarely found in the present day action movie.

It told a story of a woman who avenge her sister by killing her sister's rapers...and here's where Harry Callahan steps in, not as Harry Callahan that we know in the good old 'Dirty Harry', but as a detective who have to face his inner morale question on the right of that woman to avenge her sister, and his obligation to arrest a murderer.

So to all of you who really want to see Dirty Harry, well go directly to the real thing..the first Dirty Harry. To all of you who want to see more action...well you have to see Magnum Force or The Enforcer....but for those who wish to see an action movie with a touch of good story, well here it is. Of course the action is there...and its a good one too (particularly the finalle shoot out in fun park near the beach)..there is also some mob issue that Callahan wanted to nailto add up more possibility for action sequence....and you can still have some good one liner's from Eastwood such as 'Go ahead make my day'..but all of those were not as 'heavy' as its two predecessor. But then again, the action and the story is balanced prety well, thus makes Sudden Impact is very enjoyable. Eastwood directing is moderate but sufficient...i'm in the opinion that this movie is far much better then Eastwood recent work, 'Blood Work'.

Recomended for those of you who like action movie with a better plot and deeper character, unrecomended for those of you who wish a 'total shoot out' . ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

After a nine-year break from the genre that made him an international star (the Western just before this one was The Outlaw Josey Wales, from 1976), Clint Eastwood returned in this gritty Western, crafted in the tradition of Shane and High Noon. Eastwood directed and stars as the nameless stranger known only as "Preacher," because he rides into a beleaguered mining town wearing a clerical collar. He's either an agent of death or an angel of mercy, and the echoes of Shane ring loud and clear when he comes to the aid of independent miners who are being terrorized by a local tycoon (Richard Dysart) and his ruthless band of hired guns.Befriended by a miner (Michael Moriarty) and idolized by the miner's wife and daughter (played by Carrie Snodgress and Sydney Penny, respectively), the "Pale Rider" sparks the defiant spirit of the underdog miners and takes after the bad guys with single-minded purpose. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (31)

Pale Western
CLINT EASTWOOD returned to the saddle after almost a decade with the film PALE RIDER. He alternated duties between acting the mysterious dark hero only known as "Preacher" and as the films director. And in the end, PALE RIDER is a sturdy Western. It also tends to be predictable as most Western's are, since they travel by such strict mythic guidelines.

Land hungry villains relentlessly harass some prospectors. Just when their spirit is about to break, The Preacher arrives and revitalizes the village, giving them the desire to fight. Of course the powerful villainous leader, Coy LaHood (Richard Dysart) wants their inspiration wiped out so he brings in some hired guns to eliminate the Preacher. And, like so many other Westerns, it will all be sorted out by a gunfight in the middle of town.

PALE RIDER is a simple story with the exception of an awkward love triangle involving a mother and daughter. That alone is the only drawback to the solid storytelling. Clint himself emits extreme star power over the film, even with a minimum of dialogue. And of course, this is a must for his core fans and those who love westerns.

The DVD offers both a widescreen and pan and scan transfer which loses much of the beautiful expansive scenery. But in both transfers, there are problems in the dark end signaling a standard transfer. The audio is only sufficient for a DVD. But, the film doesn't play like a spectacle so none of that matters. There is nothing of major note in the arena of extra features except a text discussion of Clint on Directing and trailers for the film as well as Eastwood's next Western, the Oscar Winning UNFORGIVEN.

A Good, Though Cliched, Western. 3.5 Stars
The late 70's-early 80's were not very kind towards westerns, and it was feared that the genre might be gone forever. But then, in 1985, Lawrence Kasdan's masterpiece "Silverado" blazed across the screen, and westerns were back again, unfortuanately for a rather short-lived comeback (until 1994, with the last great western: "Tombstone"). "Silverado" was not alone, however, because that same year Clint Eastwood also returned to the saddle after a nine-year period (his last, "The Outlaw Josey Wales", was back in 1976). And though not among his best, "Plae Rider" makes for worthy entertainment. The story concerns a group of prospectors who are constantly harassed by the neighboring millionare and his thugs, warning the miners to clear out or else. But the prospectors have held strong, though none of them are sure how long they can keep it up. One day, however, a mysterious stranger rides into town (sound familiar?) and decides to help them out. The whole film is basically nothing more than a rehash/merging of "Shane" and "High Plains Drifter" (Eastwood's first directorial western), with Eastwood repeating his signature role (no, not Dirty Harry) of the mysterious gunman without a name. I know that critics have declared Clint Eastwood one of the greatest actors who has ever lived (and I fondly agree), this is getting a little old, isn't think?! I mean, the man has played the part a hundred times over! "A Fistful of Dollars", "For A Few Dollars More", "The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly", "Two Mules For Sister Sara", "High Plains Drifter". . . . . . . the list goes on and on.

Okay, those were the cons, and now for the pros. However unoriginal the plot is, it has little sprinkles of the supernatural here and there, and the film possesses the dark, errie atmosphere that was found in "High Plains Drifter". And this time, the stranger is a preacher (or claims to be). And, like Eastwood's first western, you never really can tell: is the stranger just an ordinary man out for revenge, or is he a shadow of the past from beyond the grave? Whatever your opinion on it, the whole feel of it is really cool. As usual, Clint is at his squint-eyed best, and the rest of the cast does an overall great job as well. It's really nice to see John Russell ("Rio Bravo") back in a western again. Just that whole thing with the Preacher and the teenage girl I found weird, out of place, and simply pointless. The climactic showdown holds some suspense, but it's nothing to get excited about.

"Pale Rider" has been placed under the awesome Clint Eastwood Collection brand of DVD's. But it's a bit of a disappointment, especially after buying/viewing the CEC of "The Outlaw Josey Wales". While that western received a seamless remastering job as well as special features worthy of the title Special or Collector's Edition, this DVD's picture and sound quality are only passable. It's a bit blury, and the darks (especially during the night scenes) seem more blue than black. And all you get is production notes and a trailer. Oh well; I guess the better the movie, the better the DVD treatment.

Conclusion: If you're an Eastwood fan, buy it. If you're partial to originality, go get "Shane" or "High Plains Drifter" instead.

an homage to clint westerns
yes the story is similar to shane (although the preacher was
(likely) dead before the film starts, compared to shane who
was (likely) dead as the film ends)

but if anything this was more like a retrospective of clint's
western characters, with a hint of Dirty Harry thrown in
for good measure

the parallel with High Plains Drifter is obvious; the ending
where LaHood gets shot is straight out of Joe Kidd. the character
of the preacher is a pastiche of the man-with-no-name; the way

the last deputy is dispatched looks like a scene from Hang 'Em
High (and after all, by then he had fired 6 shots -- or was it
only 5?)

High Non redux
Clint Eastwood appears - looms - in this gritty Western in the cowboy tradition of High Noon and Shane. Eastwood also directed Pale Rider, a movie in which he's known only as Preacher, because when he appears in town, he's wearing a clerical collar. Hard for the beleaguered miners (who are being terrorized by a smarmy land-grabbing tycoon and his band of local baddies) to figure out at first is whether Eastwood is a good guy or a bad guy. There's the requisite pretty woman and adoring child who belong to one of the miners, and it gives Eastwood to prove his intensions are high-minded.
Classic Eastwood, classic cowboy, classic classic.

Decent Eastwood Western is hurt in comparison to Shane
Pale Rider is worth watching, but unfortunately, it draws too heavily on George Stevens's classic western Shane, which just might be the greatest western ever made. It is well-acted and nicely shot, but it really can't hold a candle to Shane.

Three stars. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

i search this...
Hello, i search this movie in the last ten years. i don`t found a video or a dvd in pal- system. please, can everybody help me? i thx for any answers. Edi

What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?
Is this movie available for sale? I want to buy a copy.

What Did You Do In The War Daddy?
This movie was made in the 1960's, and I remembered seeing it then, and thought it was one of the funniest movies ever. I had always wanted to see it again, so I was elated to be able to get the video. When I watched it again it was as funny, if not more so then I remembered. Harry Morgan, is hysterical, and Dick Shawn and James Coburn are great. It is really, as they say, a laugh riot. It is well worth watching, and I reccomend it highly.

James Coburn, just being himself
A by-the-book Captain is ordered to capture a strategic village in Italy. The Italian soldiers are willing to surrender if the can have a festival first. The lieutenant (Coburn) convinces the Captain (Shawn) "Wake Me When It's Over (1960)" this is the only way. Because of aerial reconnaissance they must look like they are fighting. To sort this out an intelligence officer, Potter (Morgan) is sent in and gets lost in the catacombs singing "Peas pottage hot". Mean while the festival gets complicated with the Mayors daughter. Who wins?

COMEDY SPOOF ON WW2 IN ITALY
THIS A COMEDY ON THE ARMY DURING WWII ABOUT A TOWN READY TO SURRENDER AND THE GERMAN'S WHO WANT THE TOWN BUT THE PEOPLE OF THE TOWN WANT TO PARTY. COL POTTER (HARRY MORGAN)FROM MASH IS ALSO MAJ POTTER IN THIS MOVIE. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Fabric of Love
This emotionally stunning film deservedly won the 1989 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Friends and family tell the stories of five disparate individuals whose lives are lovingly represented by panels in the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt: David Mandell, Jr., an 11-year-old hemophiliac; Dr. Tom Waddell, Olympic athlete and organizer of the Gay Games; Robert Perryman, a former drug addict turned proud husband and father; Jeffrey Sevchik, the lover of film historian, author, and gay activist Vito Russo; and David C. Campbell, a gay "everyman" whose story is touchingly told by his dying partner, Lt. Commander Tracey Torrey. The threads of these persons' courageous battles with AIDS are interwoven with archival news footage detailing the history of the disease's spread throughout America, and examples of how the United States government and public did - or perhaps more accurately, often did not - respond to the growing crisis. The film ends with the surviving loved ones describing the experiences of making the Quilt panels, and then details the first national exhibition of the Quilt in Washington, D. C. in October 1987. (The Quilt was last displayed in Washington in 1996, and had grown to over twenty times the size shown here.)

The raw emotions of the storytellers are incredibly powerful in their purity and honesty; it's impossible not to be moved to tears as David Mandell's father speaks of his child's last Christmas, or Russo tells the story of visiting his partner's body in the morgue. The film footage is beautifully supported by Dustin Hoffman's eloquent narration (his voice has never been so convicted yet quietly subdued in any of his film roles), and hauntingly underscored by the music of Bobby McFerrin performed by Voicestra.

"Common Threads" is an absolutely must-see film that not only reveals the human face of HIV and AIDS, and gives voice to those who are left behind to grieve in the wake of death and suffering. With each scene, the movie also offers larger evidence of humanity's capacity to cope with devastating tragedy; to express compassion and selflessness; and above all else, to love wholly and unconditionally through even the worst of circumstances.

Film to touch the heart.
This film in done well. Since the time of this film the quilt has grown. I think it is time for HBO to do a new version and shown a new generation how the AIDS Memorial Quilt has many stories to tell. I was honored in 1990 to be asked to help in making of a panel. Thank you HBO.

Please don't forget us by not putting this on DVD
I am probably one of the few people that has this on LaserDisc. I was extremely touched by the dedication to this video. It was self evident in the quality of the sound and video, as well as the choice of narrators and musical background.

The Times of Harvey Milk has probably topped this one, but the AIDS crisis has not gone away. Please ... please publish this one on DVD. Thanks.

rcc ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Universal Soldier with Van Damme
Universal Soldier realeased in 1993 is one of the best action flicks from Jean Claude Van Damme.

In fact, this film was done during Van Damme's increasing popularity.

Van Damme and Dolph play two 2 vietnam Vets who kill each other during the Vietnam War.

Actually the scene in Vietnam are intense and well directed.

Dolph, plays the psychotic and vindictive Staff Seargeant from the Army who wants to kill any Vietnamese (guilty or innocent) in path.

When Van Damme, tells the Sergeant that it's time to pull out , the crazy Sergeant sees him as a traitor and proceeds to beat up his comrade while Lungren tries to save the innocent Vietnam girl the Sergeant is holding hostage.

Eventually all of them die, or so we think.

The military eventuallys finds the dead bodies, but instead sends the Sergeant and Damme into a secret biochemical, regenerative expirement in which dead military soldiers are being revived as security soldiers known as the "Universal Soldiers".

The project at first is a success, but when Van Damme, starts recalling memories from his past, he remembers how his bloodthirsty Sergeant kills and all hell breaks loose.

It also reminds of the Robocop movie with Peter Weller, in which a dead cop is resurrected as a crime busting machine, but as the machine stars recollecting his past memories, the machine starts becoming more human.

The film has so many big budget stunts and fist fights and kickboxing action that you'll have to watch it a couple of times to appreciate the full value of this great sci fi film.

The other's film stars is the beautiful and sexy Alley Walker, who plays the reporter who joins Van Damne on his fight against the Universal Soldier.

Great critics like myself, remember Alley Walker from the great crime drama show "Profiler" on Nbc which lasted about 5 years.

Alley's character is great to watch, here character is very beautiful and has alot of humor and pizazz.

Lundgren, Van Damme Shine in Action Confrontation
Pitting two of the action genre's superstars against one another, Universal Soldier is surprisingly entertaining in its delivery of non-stop action and intensity.

Jean-Claude Van Damme stars as Luc Deveraux, an American solider who is murdered in the line of duty during the Vietnam War by his deranged commanding officer, Sgt. Andrew Scott (Dolph Lundgren). Three decades later, Deveraux resurfaces as a Unisol, a human being that has been genetically juiced for combat by the U.S. armed forces. When his memory returns, Deveraux deserts the Universal Solider program with the psychotic Scott in hot pursuit.

Lundgren returns as the "antagonist," a role he successfully played earlier in his career as Ivan Drago in Rocky IV and would later undertake in Johnny Nmemonic. Here, he plays it to he hilt, playfully shouting typical action movie dialogue - "Are we having fun yet?" - and reveling in his character's sinister plunge into post-traumatic stress disorder.

From the outset, director Roland Emmerich builds the tension that is so often lacking in today's action films. Lundgren is sinister and proves himself in the opening scene as a formidable match for Van Damme. As the film progresses, his descent into evil becomes more and more entertaining. Emmerich's approach succeeds at building the tension for the ultimate showdown. The audience wants to see this confrontation by film's end -- and it's worth the wait.

The DVD has few extra features, but what options that are present -- theatrical trailer, production notes, etc. -- are more than satisfying for an action film more than a decade old.

A good idea pretty well executed
I like this movie. Roland Emmerich turns out decent work when he starts with a decent idea.

And this movie is based on an extremely cool idea: a secret government project to use the reanimated corpses of dead soldiers as 'UniSols' ('UNIversal SOLdiers'). They're like killer combat zombies -- equipped to receive commands remotely, impervious to pain, quick to heal, and pretty much unstoppable although they tend to overheat if they stay active for too long.

The plot: Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren were in Viet Nam together, Lundgren wacked out and started killing innocent civilians, Van Damme tried to stop him, and they wound up killing each other. (This is all in the first five minutes of the film.) Their corpses were packed in ice and shipped off to the UniSol project, and after the opening credits roll, they're on an antiterrorist mission as part of a S.W.A.T. team from hell. But a few things start to jog their memories, and it isn't long before the two of them are at it again . . .

You don't have to be a particular fan of the Muscles from Brussels to enjoy the concept here, but Van Damme is actually pretty effective in his role. At any rate the story is briskly paced and about as believable as stuff like this ever gets. It's nicely done if you like this sort of thing (which I do).

Ally Walker does nicely here too, as a newswoman who winds up accompanying Van Damme in his, um, travels. If you enjoyed her in _Profiler_ (as I did, and I stopped watching the show after she left), you'll like her in this.

An entertaining action-SF flick, then, and a cut above the usual 'B-movie' fare. This probably isn't Emmerich's best work (it seems to me to try a little too hard to be _The Terminator_), but it's well done.

off the FN' hook awesome !!!!
Universal Soldier is one of the most awesome movies i've ever seen about 2 soldiers in the vietnam war played brilliantly by jean claude van damme and dolph lungren who both kill eachother but are bought back to life years later as UNI SOLS who are programmed to deal with hostage situations, any way after a while van damme starts to regain his memory of who he was when he was human and leaves the UNI SOL camp, the head of the UNI SOL corporation sends all the UNI SOLS out to find van damme, after a while dolph lungren starts to regain his memory as well and takes over the command of the project and commands the UNI SOLS to seek and destroy Van Damme.
With awesome fight scenes and many memorablelines and good special effects Universal Soldier is an explosive action packed ride thats enjoyable from start to the awesome climax of the film. Dolph Lungren is awesome as the evil psychotic sergent.
highly reccomended to buy on DVD with a few extra features like trailers, multiple sound options and a bonus music clip entitled 'body count's in the house' , great song played at the end of the movie.

Better than I expected...
It came as no suprise that the critics panned "Universal Soldier" upon it's original theatrical release. I always have hated Roland Emmerich films, this being the only one that I hadn't seen in theaters. But I did want to see it now, and the reson was Ally Walker.
I always liked the television show "The Profiler", which aired for sveral years in the mid 90s, and it's re-runs are on today. I always liked the actress who played "Sam", the main character.
Her name is Ally Walker. She hasn't been in many films, but "Universal Soldier" was one of her first, and most well-known.
... For some reason, the huge movie store in my nieborhood had lost thier copy of it, so I bought it on Amazon.com. I was pleasently suprised by the film, and I wish I would have reserved my judjement.
I give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars. This is because not only is Ally Walker great in it, but Van Damme and especially Lundgren are, too. Dolph Lundgren isn't exactly a great actor, but he does well here. For me, Lundgren's bad guy is the most memorable aspect of this film.
The action scenes are solid, and at times quite unique. The main problem with the film is that there is no real explanation of how or why these UniSols were created. How exactly did they do this (bring the dead back to life)? The answer in the film was too brief and simple.
This film will never be a favorite of any film critic. But, if you are looking for a fun Action-Adventure film with three good performances, look no further than "Universal Soldier". ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Emilio Does His Vietnam Movie
Emilio Estevez does a fine job as both star and director of this overlooked film. His real father Martin Sheen plays his father, and watching the two together is remarkable. This movie really makes you think about what it must have been like for Vietnam vets coming home profoundly changed, to a world that didn't change along with them, and no one really understood post-traumatic stress syndrome at that time in history. And that is the legacy of Vietnam - making it home alive was not the end of the war for those who fought. If you're a vet, you'll want to see this, and you'll want your kids and parents to see it too.

The War At Home 1996 w/Martin Sheen & Emelio Esteves
I just watched The War At Home. This story is very well written, acted & directed. It makes you care for all the characters, and understand what each one is feeling and going through. Not just with what is said, but more importantly, what is not said. The movie gives us a small glimpse of what the Heroic and Brave men went through after returning from the Vietnam War. I myself do not care for war movies, but I could not stop watching. I gave this review five stars because it truly deserves it! I also love that the story is character driven, and does not for one minute rely on special effects. There are a few scenes that were VERY tastefully done, and I did not need to look away once. I highly recommend it. Rarely do I cry during movies, but this really touched my heart, as it will yours. Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Kathy Bates & Kimberly Williams really give great performances. Directed by Emilio Estevez.

This is awesome!
This movie blows me away! Martin Sheen and Kathy Bates, (my favorite actress,) both play roles totally unexpected and suprising as husband and wife.

The acting was believable of all characters, and it really makes you stop and think about the horrors that our soldiers had to endure in Vietnam, God bless them! This is a wake up call addressing our need to honor our vetrans and their families.

I highly reccommend this flick!!!

Great film (minor spoilers herein)
I first saw _The War At Home_ by accident on television. I was about 16 at the time. I loved it mainly because I thought it was a true story, since I had turned it on after the first 15 minutes & missed the opening voice-over. (Just to clarify: five million Americans served in Vietnam over the course of that long war, therefore a good chance exists the events in this movie happened to thousands of young vets--so I'm hesitant to call it FICTIONAL)

Watching it four years later, I felt very sad at the end. Which I actually DIDN'T feel the first time I saw it. The characters were both likeable & unlikeable; I love a movie where you can resent one character you've known all of two hours, or be on the verge of tears when another is facing a difficult time.

Bob seemingly acknowledges his son has changed for the worse when he gives his "draft card speech" at the Thanksgiving day table, but he does nothing to help Jeremy. At the same time, Karen is a psych student, but she can be a little too harsh on Jeremy in certain moments. But the characters are humans, they make mistakes.

The only real problem I had was with the ending voice-over. It gave too much away. I would have been happier wondering what became of Jeremy. (I wonder why they had Karen, of all the characters, doing the voice overs?) Still, it's worth 5 stars.

speechless
i am speechless.
this movie is definetly one of my favorites.
It might not be funny at all. But it is one of the best acted movies of the 90's.
that's all i have to say
i am speechless ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Eastwood returns to directing
Eastwood's directorial debut was "The Unforgiven", a stylistic return to the glory days of the western. This time he has entered a new one, films about the death penalty. Eastwood plays a barely-sober hack newspaper reporter. His character is very enigmatic, although I think that was much more to do with Clint than with the story. He is walking a fine line between being a brilliant asset to the paper and being fired. You see, he has a tendancy to go on crusades, and he is about to embark on a fresh one with his current writing assignment. His job is to write a "human interest sidebar" about the execution of an accused murderer. The problem is, Clint thinks he's innocent. Is Clint stupid for going off half cocked? Is he just being reckless with his career, or is he brave in standing up for what he beleives is right? These are the questions the film asks us to contemplate as Eastwood gets clues and revelations about the case. I like to see Eastwood in this type of role, which is quite similar to that burgler one a few years ago. A low key guy struggling with his role in life. Quiet and subdued, he constantly wonders about what is the right thing to do. I was never a fan of "Dirty Harry", or those Sergio Leone films. We see a rare raw side of Clint Eastwood the man here, instead of Clint Eastwood the cardboard cutout. The title says it all, this is realistic, not superhero fantasy.

Worth seeing for stellar supporting cast performances
This is a decent, if not stellar, movie rental for those who like mystery/morality plays. I rented the video and then bought a previously-viewed copy to keep because of the fine support performances by Isaiah Washington and Lisa Gay Hamilton; these 2 tug your heartstrings with their portrayal of a loving couple facing the ultimate separation of an enforced death penalty. If you have the patience to sit through all the side stories (and there are way too many) told to illustrate that Clint's character is an aging hack without a personal life or moral conviction to speak of, then you'll see some great acting by Washington and Hamilton, as well as James Woods as Clint's editor. Other stupid side stuff: the inclusion of Clint's ex partner, their daughter, and his current wife in cameo roles and some haggling-for-money-sexual harrassment scenes by a homeless man intended to be humorous but which were just annoying and dragged the movie out still further. In conclusion, this film needed a much tighter editor/story but the supporting cast still makes it worth viewing.

Clint Is Still Number One
Clint Eastwood's 1999 release, True Crime, was based on an Andrew Klavan novel and filmed in a style that reminds me of movies made in the late 70's or 80's. As I watched the first few minutes, my first thought was that poor Clint was to old to portray the part of Steve Everett and this movie had been a waste of money. At first, it actually kind of "creeped me out" watching him come on to the beautiful young women in the movie, but you cannot always judge the movie by your first impressions. Steve Everett is a cheating husband, a horrible father, a recovering alcoholic, and a womanizer, but he is, first and foremost, a newspaper reporter with a "nose" for the truth. His boss, Bob Findley (Denis Leary), assigns him to cover an execution as a human-interest story. Bob has a hard time working with Steve, knowing that Steve has been sleeping with his wife, and struggles to maintain a professional office relationship. Steve has a hunch that Frank Beechum (Isaiah Washington), a black man convicted of the murder of a pregnant white girl, is innocent, but only has one day to come up with evidence before the execution takes place as scheduled. The plot to this movie is predictable and has been done in other movies many times, but Clint Eastwood's skill as a director turns this otherwise "dog" into a suspenseful thrill ride. The performances of Isaiah Washington and Lisa Gay Hamilton are precise and moving. James Woods is hilarious and Francesca Fisher Eastwood, Clint Eastwood's daughter in real life, is adorable. Michael Jeter, Michael McKean, Bernard Hill, and Diane Venora also give great performances and help make True Crime a very good movie that is definitely worth 127 minutes of your time. Oh, and about my first impressions, I was wrong, Clint is not too old for the part or the beautiful young women. Clint is still number one.

Eastwood Is The Man
Another great Eastwood directed film with terrific performances by everyone in the cast especially (i.e. Isaiah Washington, Lisa Gay Hamilton and James Woods). Eastwood is one of my favorite directors ever. If you are in any way familiar with an old radio show called "Nightbeat" this film is very similiar. This one has a very suspenseful ending.

A RACE TO THE FINISH
Okay, let's get two sore points out of the way: Yes, Clint is really a little too old for the leading role, especially in pairing him with such young ladies; and yes, James Woods goes way over top in his cartoonish role as Alan, the editor in chief. But, aside from that TRUE CRIME is an astounding work for the director Eastwood. The real stars of the picture, however, are Isaiah Washington and Lisa Gay Hamilton. As the doomed but innocent Frank Beecham, Washington controls his performance, making him both heartbreakingly real. No overacting here. He uses his face, his body, his voice to convey the hopelessness and fear of his impending execution for a crime he did commit. Hamilton as his wife, Bonnie, has a very demanding role, and her grip on this character is unbelievably subtle and intense. Some real tear-jerking scenes in this one. Hard to believe Washington and Hamilton were overlooked at Oscar time. Denis Leary is exceptionally good as Eastwood's boss who finds out his wife is sleeping with Eastwood. Leary could have taken this over the top, but he again controls the anguish, jealousy (both professionally and personally), and doesn't resort to familiar tactics. Bernard Hill as the warden, Michael Jeter as a key witness, and Michael McKean as a really scuzzy minister also do well.
Also, the lovely song voiced by Diana Krall, should have made it to the Oscar nominations too! Her voice reflects the hopelessness and despair of the film's script. The writers should also be commended for its faithfulness to Andrew Klavin's excellent novel.
A very good film and worth seeing.
IT MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK ABOUT THE DEATH PENALTY. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

I Hope You Enjoy The 3,000 Pounds Of Jell-O!
Some people have entertained this as a tribute to Peter Sellers, and I don't want to judge the motives of Blake Edwards and crew, but for the record I am highly suspect when it is asserted that this wasn't a quick money grab.

The first part of the film is a rehash of some scenes from earlier "Panther" movies and outtakes cleverly edited to try to resemble a story. The truth be told, there are some individually hilarious clips in the first half, which is why I gave the film two stars.

Hands down the best scene in the movie involves a nightmare that Herbert Lom has regarding a birthday present from Clouseau, and his attempts to swim in it. In fact, the only truly great moments in the film all star Lom, the most gifted of any of the "Panther" co-stars. I was also amused that the name of Hercule's (Seller's friend and regular of the series, Graham Stark) boat was "The Moth", of course pronounced "Muuuth" as homage to Sellers.

The second half (after Clouseau's plane disappears...) is devoted to annoyingly self-important reporter Marie Jouvet, played by the pretty but untalented Joanna Lumley, looking for clues about Clouseau's disappearance. She takes the opportunity to interview Dreyfus and Cato, and as well as Sir Charles and Lady Litton (David Niven and the late Capucine, who, the back story reveals are now married), and most embarrassingly of all Clouseau's "father" and nanny. The scene with Clouseau, Senior and "Nanna" is utterly painful to watch and is nothing but a bad caricature of Sellers. The childhood flashbacks which follow are even more wretched, particularly the dismal "Good, Bad, and the Ugly" parody of Clint Eastwood with a cap gun. Finally, to add insult to injury, the friendly reporter tangles with the mafia in a pointless plot cul-de-sac and fights with Cato, in what may have been the worst single idea in an otherwise artistically bankrupt movie.

This film is now available as part of the "Pink Panther" DVD set, so I would watch it if only for Dreyfus in the Jell-O, but I wouldn't seek it out.

Excellent tribute to a comedy legend
Critics hated this movie and called it a cheap moneymaking ploy. They also said it was offensive to Peter Sellers fans. Well, I'm a Peter Sellers fan and I consider this a superb and timely tribute to a master comedian. I don't find it even remotely offensive nor do I think it's a cheap moneymaking ploy. Director Blake Edwards says goodbye to his favorite star with some interesting out-takes and recollections of Clouseau from Pink Panther stars in character. Some of the later scenes could have been better, and Joanna Lumleys' terrible French accent could be considered a cause of offense! Nevertheless, this deserves to be in any Peter Sellers video collection. The last of the really funny Pink panther movies.

WHICH ONE WAS PETER SELLER'S LAST MOVIE?
The Fiendish Plot of Dr. Fu Manchu or this blob of bloopers? That is the question.

My explanation for this movie's plot
We don't get to find out whether Closeau is ever found again or not because Edwards had a sequel (Curse of the Pink Panther) coming up just around six months later and the point of that movie was to find the missing inspector. I admit the film gets weak in the second half with reporter Lumley trying to find a Clouseau-story but the film stiil was richly entertaining and lumley makes a pretty good leading lady.

A disappointing Panther
Make no mistake, I am a Peter Sellers fan and I enjoy his Clouseau character in particular, but this entry was a real letdown. It did have some amusing moments but overall, I simply didn't appreciate The Trail of the Pink Panther. One of the silliest things about this movie is that there is no plot; the Pink Panther is stolen, Clouseau is sent to find it and goes missing. After that both him and the diamond are forgotten and all we see after that is a bunch of interviews with people who knew Clouseau. Aside from that, the old footage is, for the most part, not particularly funny. The only outtakes I laughed aloud at were a few from The Pink Panther Strikes Again. Blake Edwards should have waved the white flag after this movie but instead he goes on to make 2 more Panthers. It's too bad that Peter Sellers last appearance in the Pink Panther series was such a poor film. Stick with the original five films only. Forget this episode, as well as the next 2 movies and the Inspector Clouseau movie. They aren't worth your time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This somewhat desperate-looking project pairs the aging Clint Eastwood (he also directed) with a younger actor (Charlie Sheen) who was hot at the time this film was made (1990). There's certainly nothing wrong with that strategy, but it would have helped if Eastwood had a decent story to wrap around his commercial strategy. The senior star plays a grizzled cop with a smooth-faced preppie (Sheen) as a new partner. Their odd-couple shtick is as predictable as one would expect, with each man approaching the same job with a wholly different set of convictions from the other. Inexplicably, Eastwood also hired Raul Julia and Sonia Braga to plays Germans, but then the scene most people remember in this movie is Braga's rape of Eastwood--indeed an unusual moment. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (9)

hard edge action
The rookie is a hardcore action ride.Sheen @ eastwood are very good together.The shoot outs are hard,the fights are bloody,the language is brutal.A hard movie along the lines of The last boy scout.

Race car scenes are famous
This film is known for the miniature race cars that zoom under real cars and then explode. Pretty cool.

FORMULAIC BUT WATCHABLE COP THRILLER
Clint Eastwood and Charlie Sheen make strange co-cops, the chemistry was there but not quite. The Rookie is full of formula action cliches with plot holes so large you could drive a stolen SUV through them. The saving grace: a funny grizzled performance by Clint Eastwood. If you can digest the first 15 minutes and not think too hard about it, "The Rookie" is actually quite a watchable movie with some pretty nifty explosions, escapes and chases. You know, the works.

Another Eastwood Goody!!! And Sheen Was Good Too!!!
When two policemen move in on car thieves, one of them gets killed. And the fallen officer isn't just a partner, he's a friend. Now it's PERSONAL!!! Clint Eastwood plays Nick Pulovski the surviving partner, who makes it a point to try and find the hoodlums. Of course Clint plays a rough and tumble policeman like in his Dirty Harry roles, but in this movie, he does show a more down to earth side, lighter side. There's a terrific car chase involving Clint and when it's over, it's rather comical.
Nick gets a new partner David Ackerman (played by Charlie Sheen) who looks more like an insurance salesman than a policeman, mainly because he's from the side of town where you learn early in life where to put your fork and knife on the table.
With this new partner, the two head out to try and find the thieves. The head goon is played by none other than Raul Julia. I must admit, when I first spotted Raul playing that of a villain, I didn't think he'd fit the role, but after seeing the entire movie, I'd say he done a terrific job at it!
The big question is Will Nick and David get their man? Well, of course I'm not going to say, but I will say that if you like movies with just the right amount of action, plus an equal helping of suspense, intrique, drama, and a light seasoning of comedy, you'll be sure to love this entertaining film.
It's the perfect movie meal.

Ultimate Eastwood Action!
"The Rookie" is the best Clint Eastwood movie to have ever been made since "Dirty Harry." You have a veteran cop named Nick Puvloski teamed up with a clueless, gutless rookie (Charlie Sheen) and you have pure lordage. They've teamed up to bring down an import auto dealer who was also the genius bad guy in "Street Fighter" (Raul Julia). Puvloski put his cigarette in the man's drink. Pure admiration. Genius lines were delivered with "Welcome to hell, man." Remember the parts where Ackerman goes on a rampage at the bar and raises some unholy hell. The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire. We don't need no water, so let the MF burn! "Get in the freakin' car!" The stunts are worthy. This movie has brought lots of joy to my life. Heaven to my eyes and gratification to my mind. I have found myself after watching this movie. Praise Clint Eastwood for this masterpiece film. So, Warner Bros. PLEASE put this on DVD now, if not for me, but for human civilization. ... Read more