Reviews (2)

Acme Anvils And Aches
When I found out Chuck Jones passed away late February, my heart broke. In my opinion, he was the greatest animator of all time. His most famous pair, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, has captured audiences of all ages left and right.

The 1993 video Crash Couse, reflects on some fantastic cartoons that were created by the animation pioneer. The cartoon collection continues the neverending chase in many exciting cartoons like Hip Hip Hurry, Scrambled Aches and Ready, Set, Zoom!

In dedication to Chuck Jones, his famous pair, Road Runner and Coyote, still captures the hearts of millions. And that is what makes this crash course so great.

Beep Beep! Is The Word As Wile E. Lives Up To Santayana
"A fanatic is someone who redoubles his effort when he hasforgotten his aim." So the words of George Santayana are cited byChuck Jones to explain the outlook on life that Wile E. Coyote possesses. Certainly Wile E's fanaticism leads consistently to engaging cartoon antics in this ultimate chase drama.

Of the five cartoons on this tape, my favorites are "There They Go-Go-Go," "Hip Hip Hurry!" and "Scrambled Aches."

"There They Go-Go-Go's" score is immortalized on Warner Records' The Carl Stalling Project, and it is a totally different experience seeing this cartoon and hearing the score when able to differentiate the many nuances covered up by sound effects. The cartoon's gags, sound effects (especially the distinctive deep-throated rocket roar when the Road Runner flies past), and attractive, UPA-influenced stylized backgrounds also are winners.

"Hip Hip Hurry!" was filmed during a musicians' strike at Warner Brothers, so stock music cues used on such shows as The Adventures Of Superman and The Donna Reed Show (I think they came from Gordon Zahler's company; these cues were also used by Hanna-Barbera in the early years of their television work) were assembled by John Seely. This "canned" score has been unfairly criticized by Leonard Maltin and by Jeff Beck & Will Friedwald, for it works quite well, and in this case adds an unexpected and genuine dramatic tension to the proceedings, especially in the thunderous closing gag when Wile E. downs a huge container of speed juice that he can't control.

"Scrambled Aches" opens with a surprisingly well-edited scene of the Road Runner escaping and then Wile E. plunging off a cliff. Three other gags stand out here - Wile E. rides a rocket that gives him two close shaves (Treg Brown makes excellent use of the above-mentioned deep rocket roar effect here); he uses a balloon to drop an anvil on the Road Runner on a cliffside bridge (here Jones, his animators, and designer Maurice Noble use size and atmosphere to splendid effect); finally Wile E., using a motorized paving roll, corners the Road Runner into a cannon, but it appears to be a train tunnel instead.

Chuck Jones stands with Ray Harryhausen and Tex Avery as one of America's three greatest animators. ... 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 (3)

Not a true Best of Eddie Murphy video
The first thing one needs to know about this tape is that it is not a Best of Eddie Murphy collection by any means. This video contains the bulk of two SNL episodes hosted by Eddie Murphy: one when he, still a cast member, filled in for an ailing Nick Nolte, and one marking his return as host to the show he had recently left (oddly, they are shown in reverse chronological order). SNL just wasn't a very good show in those years; Eddie Murphy had basically been carrying the show on his own shoulders. Since all of the skits on this tape don't actually include Eddie Murphy, you get some pretty bad segments to go along with the good ones. Murphy even warned the audience in his first monologue that some things on the show would not be very funny, and he wasn't lying.

There are a few memorable skits on this tape, however. Buckwheat lives again to have an odd reunion with Alfalfa, Eddie delivers one of his vintage Stevie Wonder impressions, Mr. Robinson returns to the neighborhood, and Murphy goes undercover as a white man in his memorable documentary White Like Me. Throwaway skits such as Milestones (with Eddie as Desmond Tutu) and Hairem Skarem (with Eddie as an effeminate hair care professional) manage to dreg a few laughs out of the indifferent material. Gumby gets his own Christmas special, but the bad moments outweigh the good in this particular skit. The real highlight here, in my opinion, is Black History Moment. Eddie fudges his lines a couple of times and compensates with some very funny ad libs.

With the good comes the bad. Harry Anderson's eight minutes of comical magic seems to bring the video to a crashing halt. Lifestyles of the Relatives of the Rich and Famous, with Martin Short playing Jerry Lewis' niece, is bad; The Stairs, with Martin Short as a soldier who has no clue as to how to climb stairs, is even worse; Julia Louis-Dreyfus' A Christmas Message is simply atrocious. Eddie Murphy fans will certainly find some good material on this tape, but it comes with some pretty unfunny baggage. Don't let the title fool you: this is a far cry from a Best of Eddie Murphy video.

Best compilation of Eddie Murphy material
This video is probably the funniest compilation of SNL skits with Eddie Murphy. A college friend of mine had a copy and we spent many a night watching it over and over. Then we'd hit the bars and perform skits in our drunken stupor. I have been looking to purchase this video for the past couple of years, and would like to find it!!!

This video is HILARIOUS
If yuo want an insane laugh, go for this tape anyday. It is blatantly offensive and very 80's, but that is what makes it so much fun- and neat, that he was great then and is great now as well! ... Read more

Reviews (45)

A Masterwork of Erotic Fiction
I was prompted to write this review after seeing some of the tripe written about the film. Most so-called adult films are mindless, empty, clinical depictions of rutting and most "erotica" is childish and bland. The Story of O is different: it is literature and the film is an excellent adaptation of the novel. I read the novel first and felt nothing but satisfation on viewing the film. The director and cast bring the novel alive as it is meant to be.

This story, written by a woman I might add, is not about the exploitation of women or a woman. It is not about submission to anything other than one's own love and sexuality. It is symbolic, so profoundly so, that it must touch upon our archetypes.

Many might miss that through submission, O conquers her lover--totally. There is an irony here in that her lover ends up the submissive one. She taps into the infinite power of her femininity and becomes a goddess. I am not into bondage and discipline personally, yet this movie is a favorite of my wife and me. O haunts, she is supernally erotic, and profoundly feminine.

The quality of the film is first class, it is well acted, and is a classic. IMO, it is a must have film. It is the only erotic film in our house--the rest just are so bland.

A Masterwork of Erotic Fiction
I was prompted to write this review after seeing some of the tripe written about the film. Most so-called adult films are mindless, empty, clinical depictions of rutting and most "erotica" is childish and bland. The Story of O is different: it is literature and the film is an excellent adaptation of the novel. I read the novel first and felt nothing but satisfation on viewing the film. The director and cast bring the novel alive as it is meant to be.

This story, written by a woman I might add, is not about the exploitation of women or a woman. It is not about submission to anything other than one's own love and sexuality. It is symbolic, so profoundly so, that it must touch upon our archetypes.

Many might miss that through submission, O conquers her lover--totally. There is an irony here in that her lover ends up the submissive one. She taps into the infinite power of her femininity and becomes a goddess. I am not into bondage and discipline personally, yet this movie is a favorite of my wife and me. O haunts, she is supernally erotic, and profoundly feminine.

The quality of the film is first class, it is well acted, and is a classic. IMO, it is a must have film. It is the only erotic film in our house--the rest just are so bland.

Classic Soft Core
The Story of O doesn't stand much as a story at all on the surface. It
really is just a film that dared to be original for it's time and probably
succeeded only because of it's massive amounts of nudity. I for one (of many
it's assumed) absolutely adore nudity. The Story of O is actually deeper
than I give it credit for and that is actually something I can appreciate.
I enjoy being convinced that these characters are real and caring about them
and so forth and then seeing the best looking ones rip off there clothes and
prance about in nothing but their epitdermis. That's my absolute favorite
part of cinema actually. Call me primal, shallow and a glutton but it's
among my favorite things.

Corinne Clery is a model turned actress who had a good string of
exploitation-like films going there for quite some time. She is my
definition of perfect in terms of thin brunettes with beautiful faces. Her
body is indeed nice to look at and here we see her more naked than quite
possibly anyone had ever been in film. We don't see anything too graphic
unfortunately but she is nude for about 80% of the film. One more comment
on this dimension, this film does contain my all-time favorite female full
frontal nude scene ever. Toward the end we see Cori in all in glory
standing up, tied to two posts covered in sweat and some nice whiplash marks
as she shakes about with semi-wet hair. Very nice indeed.

O.K., enough on the shameless aspects. The Story of O is a standout
landmark in this genre directed by softcore staple Just Jaekin (Emmanuelle).
He gives an element to softcore that only Andrew Blake can give to hardcore
and what really should be the goal of this now dying genre. This work is far
more intimate and at first seemingly less gratuitous but lets face it, the
end result is really no different to the majority of viewers anyway. The
crowd that is just happy to get Cori Clery paused or looped on their DVDs (I
consider part of myself among them to some degree). However, in the vain of
films that push mainstream and well directed projects to the limits, The
Story of O will always be remembered.

I've heard comparison's to the Image. If you liked the Image, keep in mind
that The Story of O doesn't go that far. Metzger's work is always somewhat
gratuitous and pornagraphic, this film is not. All situations are
stimulated and played down. Nice displays of the female body but also not
an anatomy lesson either. Jaekin actually despises pornography probably
because it mostly misguides the motivations for creating intelligent
pictures about this kind of subject matter.

One of the best and most erotic films ever made.
"The Story of O" is a masterpiece. I wish I would have seen it in its original language (French), but it's dubbed in English pretty good. Do you remember that famous orgy scene from Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut? Well, this entire film feels like that scene and that's very cool. It creates a mysterious and dreamy atmosphere, it has good acting and it's beautifully photographed and edited. You don't get to see a movie like this everyday.

Was this film really made in 1975? If I didn't know I would have sweared it was a new release. As jacked as it may sound "The Story of O" deserves to be such a classic -- it stands with brio the test of time and after "Nine 1/2 Weeks" it could very well may be the best erotic film ever made. As jacked as it may sound, I was intrigued by it from the beginning to the end.

Coulda, Shoulda
This one could have been a lot better and should have been a lot sexier. It kinda misses the mark in all areas, except for the fact that if you can get a girl to watc it with you she'll probably be up for some sweating later on -- due to the erotic nature of the film. I'd like to contrast this with the "New Sex Now" video, which, while it is very low in production values, delivers a major payload in the content and expertise that it bestows upon lucky viewers. O, I wish this "O" had been something near as good as the book "Story of O" which was PHENOMENAL -- but alas, it woulda been nice. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

A starkly original film-going experience based on a true life story, this film from New Zealand director Peter Jackson (Dead Alive, The Frighteners) is a stirring drama that offers up the unexpected. The story concerns two girls, outcasts who become best friends, whose bizarre fantasy life becomes more intense as their bond becomes increasingly more obsessive. When the mother of one of the girls tries to intervene and split the girls apart, they kill her and stand trial for murder in what is to this day still a celebrated and controversial case. Kate Winslet (Titanic) and Melanie Lynskey create two sympathetic and yet uncomfortably eerie characters in riveting portrayals. Featuring some startling and unique moments of visual brilliance as well as a disturbing love story between the two girls, Heavenly Creatures is at once both unsettling and beautiful to behold. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (124)

Intense & Beautiful!
Heavenly Creatures is my favorite movie of all time. It's about two highly intense girls who become best friends in the deepest sense of the word. They don't really seem to have anyone but each other. To help deal with this, they create a fantasy world, first in words and books, then with clay. And all the while it's active in their mind. They escape into this world called Borovnia and into each other. When Juliet (played by the incredible Kate Winslet) comes down with another bout of tuberculosis, she's quarentined in a hospital and the separation proves to be extremely difficult for Juliet and Pauline. But the real test comes when Juliet is to be shipped out of the country. That bit of separation is too much for the girls to handle and they go to desperate lengths to prevent it. Whether or not they succeed, I won't say.

This movie is based in truth. Much research can be done online as to the factual content of the movie. Many people question if their friendship turned into any sort of lesbian relationship. Other questions have been raised as well. However, fact or fiction, this is one of the most incredible movies out there for viewing. It's beautiful and breathtaking and something everyone should see. I can't recommend it enough.

"Come with me..."
"How can these heavenly creatures be real?" asks Pauline in one scene of "Heavenly Creatures," the exquisite and horrifying docudrama of a real-life murder in New Zealand. Peter Jackson uses spectacular special effect, great actors, and outstanding direction to show us how these heavenly creatures became monsters.

In 1952, Pauline Parker (Melanie Lynskey) is a loner at her proper New Zealand school, until the day Juliet Hulme (Kate Winslet) arrives -- an intelligent, witty, daring girl who appeals to Pauline. They share a love of the arts, writing, sculpting, drawing, fantasy, and tenor Mario Lanza. Soon the two of them are nearly inseparable, spinning their fantastical tales of castles, knights, unicorns and beautiful ladies. (The foremost ladies, Deborah and Gina, are modelled on themselves) Even Juliet's four month stint in the hospital doesn't separate the girls through their letters and shared fantasies. But soon Juliet's father (Clive Merrison) becomes concerned that their close friendship is "unhealthy." It is, but not just in the way he thinks.

The two girls' emotional attachment has turned incredibly intense, so that they barely think of anyone but each other, and the fantasy stories begin to seep into reality for them . Pauline drops out of school and stops talking to her parents; Juliet learns that her mother is sleeping with one of her clients, and that her parents are divorcing. Now she's being sent to South Africa, and there is no telling when she will see Pauline again. Unless they do something about their parents so that they can stay together... such as murder.

Peter Jackson kicks off "Heavenly Creatures" by emphasizing what a beautiful, in most ways peaceful country (via a cheesy 1950s documentary). But he rapidly shows that beauty is not everything -- the complex and beautiful fantasy land of Borovnia has a sort of amorality in its stories, that reflects the girls' own minds. Their mothers are problematic -- one is selfish, the other is controlling -- but the girls begin to see them as mere obstacles to be dealt with. Jackson doesn't just show what the two did, but showed why they did it. But even then, he doesn't sugarcoat anything.

Melanie Lynskey is excellent as Pauline; she has something of the look of both a child and a woman, switching between smiles and sullenness, depending on who she's speaking to. And the luminous Kate Winslet plays the somewhat devil-may-care Juliet, whose vivacity and charm overrule any of Pauline's reservations. "It's everyone else who's bonkers!" she says gleefully when Pauline casts doubt on her own sanity. The supporting actors are also good, especially Clive Merrison and Honora Peirse as Juliet's dad and Pauline's mom, who are both concerned about their children.

The dialogue is outstanding, both chilling and simple ("Our main idea for the day was to murder Mother"; "we decided to use a rock in a stocking, rather than a sandbag..."). And Richard Taylor's handling of the CGI and prosthetics is oustanding. One particularly vivid scene has a hillside transforming into an exquisite garden. And nobody except Peter Jackson could have pulled off the idea of including living clay figurines or four-foot-wide butterflies, but somehow it not only works, but adds to the surreality of the story. Jackson's unique camerawork is here as well; if you enjoy his swooping shots and close-ups, then this will be a treat to watch.

There is some sexual content, including Pauline in bed with a young man, and the two girls in bed with each other (where they envision the other as the guy they desire -- a very creepy scene). The DVD is pretty bare-bones, unfortunately, without a "making of" or director's commentary. There are some trailers for other movies, and the trailer for this one as well. (Which is not so amazing because it wobbles a little as it played)

While Juliet went on to become bestselling murder mystery writer Anne Perry, no one is entirely certain what happened to Pauline. This movie is frighteningly vivid, beautifully made, and exquisitely directed, destined to be a modern classic.

not so heavenly
While I watch alot of muder,mystery and suspence movies. This movie was an insight to two girls who murder. This true story is simply disturbing. Kate Winslet plays Juliet Hulme. Juliet and Pauline are selfish and cruel to think of only themselves and kill for the two girls to be together. Did anyone know that Juliet Hulme changed her name to Anne Perry? Name sound a little familiar? Well thats because Anne Perry is a murder mystery writer. What a way to channel thoughts of murder!!! Write about it and make lots of money. I guess since she couldnt just keep killing people for real. She decided to write about instead. Hey Anne, your one sick puppy!!!!!!

A Chilling And Suspenseful True-Story Classic
It still amazes me how Peter Jackson went on to direct three of the greatest epics in the form of "The Lord Of The Rings" that grossed a combined total of $3 billion worldwide when some six years previously directed low-budget films such as "Heavenly Creatures." They say the best things happen by accident (or is that just me?) and just two and a half hours ago I was flicking through the channels, looking for something to watch when I stumbled amongst Heavenly Creatures. Dubbed by my TV guide as an 'intense and atmospheric treat,' I decided to sit and watch it, if not only for the adorable Kate Winslet. By the end I was convinced I had just watched one of the best films I have seen in years!

In 1954 two girls brutally murdered one of their mothers in what still remains, to this day, perhaps the most documented and sensational murders in New Zealand's history. "Heavenly Creatures" tells the true story of this crime drama and highlights their strange friendship. If you think before you watch this that you're just in for another stereotypical blood-splatter flick then you are very much mistaken.

Pauline Rieper (Melanie Lynskey) is a typical student in a strict all-girls' school who is completely bowled over when Juliet Hulme (Kate Winslet) joins her school and tears up her pathetic existence into something radical and fresh. They have similar interests such as the arts, sculpture, English and the tenor Mario Lanza. Eventually both the romance and the frightfulness of it all reaches a tragic conclusion. In their all consuming friendship Juliet and Pauline create a "Fourth World," better than heaven (because it has no Christians), inhabited by the clay figures they have fashioned to represents their friends and where the music of Mario Lanza, the greatest tenor on earth, is always in the air.

The two girls' emotional attachment has turned incredibly intense, so that they barely think of anyone but each other, and the fantasy stories begin to seep into reality for them. Not even a four-month stint in hospital for Juliet can keep Pauline away. Pauline drops out of school and stops talking to her parents; Juliet learns that her mother is sleeping with one of her clients, and that her parents are divorcing. Now she's being sent to South Africa, and there is no telling when she will see Pauline again. Unless they do something about their parents so that they can stay together...such as murder.

Watching the film I felt a continual underbelly of lesbianism playing a major role. These suggestions are continually squashed, however, due to the times the movie is set in where homosexuality is an 'unnatural' subject. Kate Winslet is superb as the bright and luminous Juliet and with her posh accent, she brings a certain level of humor to the film that would have been impossible without her. Melanie Lynskey portrays Pauline superbly too, contrasting from the mature attitude of a fully grown woman to the sly grin of an evil teenage girl who knows too much. The films comedy moment can be cheesy at times, but are intentional in their positions in that they counterbalance the horrifying scenes. Many moments pre-horror build up the suspense brilliantly, then perform a sort of anticlimax. However, the peaceful and tranquil music that plays just before the brutal and obscene ending is obviously intentful.

The ending is what stays with the viewer most when looking back on the film The way Jackson directed the scene to be something truly spectacular was superbly pulled off. The screams of the mother and the cuts to the alternative-world made me want to cover my eyes in fear, but I persisted and watched through the horror. The dialogue of the film is brilliant, and only Peter Jackson could come up with the idea of life-size clay models that walk and talk. Six years later he'd be making something a lot grander. Richard Taylor supplies the CGI effect and is superb in doing so making for surprisingly life-like, realistic characters - remember, this was 1994!

In the end what you have here is a fantastic and timeless film that is perfect for college/University studies both in direction and content. What is most fascinating, apart from the real-life chilling theme that features prominently throughout, is the fact that Peter Jackson went on to become one of the world's most celebrated directors in history, whilst Kate Winslet went on to star in the most successful motion picture of all time! This is a film that will appeal to all generations (obviously not youngsters) of people with a thirst for crime, horror, blood, gore and fantasy. Don't try and ignore it - this film will make your head spin!

Absolutely breathtaking...
Recently, I was fortunate enough to have my fiance introduce me to this movie. Its one of her all time faves, but she wasnt sure if I would like it or not. Truthfully, neither was I.

Good LORD, I loved it.

Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynsky were absolutely phenomenal; the story was at once disturbing, brilliant, and cute; the scenery was breathtaking, and the direction showed that Peter Jackson was brilliant long before making LotR.

All in all, if you enjoy movies that make you think, you'll love this. I loved it when I saw it, but after having a while to process it, and mull it over, it's become an instant favorite.

This movie at times has a VERY David Lynch-type vibe to it, and as I said, will definitely make your head spin.

I dont think I could possibly recommend this movie more. SEE IT! ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Send Me No Flowers
Oh Boy! This was a good one! Tony Randall was funny, especially when he was writing the eulogy and kept taking all the nice comments out of it the night the two men spent together. Doris Day was "on to her husband's antics". A true "hypochondriac" in the best way I've ever seen. I just loved the scene when Rock (her husband in the movie) was purchasing the cemetary plots and Paul Lynde was excellent as the salesman. You could tell he was really into his work! I've seen the doctor in several Disney movies too and he plays the part well. And the medicine cabinet......oh my! That was something to see. If you want to have some entertainment, this is certainly a movie to watch. You won't regret seeing it and besides, it's a good movie to share with friends for an evening. Order a pizza or two and ........enjoy the movie!

Want a good laugh???
This is a very, very funny movie. I had no idea it would be so good. Written by Julius Epstein, directed by Norman Jewison and starring Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Edward Andrews and Tony Randall with the great Paul Lynde doing a hilarious turn as a funeral home manager. Hypocondriac Hudson overhears his doctor (Andrews) discussing the impending demise of a terminally ill patient and figures that he is the unfortunate person being discussed. He thereby triggers a magnificent comedy of errors, misunderstandings and lies. One of the very few movies that have caused me laugh out loud even when watching it on my own. Usually I find these '60s comedies pleasantly nostalgic and mildly amusing at best but this film is just out and out FUNNY! It reminds me a little of "Guide For The Married Man" in spirit. I LOVE it!! Highly recommended. The dvd has a great anamorphic wide screen picture and the colors are great. Nothing but a trailer in the way of extras (I suppose a commentary from Doris Day and Tony Randall would be too much to ask for) but still worth the money. I'm glad I bought this.

Pretty Funny
The movie is very funny, with Rock Hudson playing a hypochondriac named George. He is at a doctors appointment, when he overhears the doctor discussing a dying patient on the telephone. Immediately, he assumes he is the dying one. He then starts searching for a new husband for his wife with the help of his friend Arnold. The only problem is that Arnold must say the name George at least 10,000 times. It can get exsaperating. Overall, it is a very funny movie, but kind of gets of out hand at the end.

Doesn't Have The Flaws of the New Pillow Talk DVD!
I just bought the boxset that contains all three of Doris and Rock's movies enhanced in anamorphic widescreen. Pillow Talk is my favorite of the movies they made together and Lover Come Back is my second favorite and I had seen both movies before but yesterday was the first time I ever saw Send Me No Flowers and while I prefer the other movies this was good too and the anamorphic widescreen transfer seems to be fine and doesn't have the misframing problems of the badly botched anamorphic widescreen Pillow Talk DVD and I wish I had bought the DVDs for Send Me No Flowers and Lover Come Back seperately instead of this boxset with the terribly flawed Pillow Talk DVD! In Send me No Flowers Rock Hudson plays a hypochondriac named George Kimball who overhears his doctor talking about another patient who is dying and mistakenly thinks he is talking about him and he goes about trying to find a new husband for his wife Judy played by Doris Day so she will have someone to take care of her but she gets suspicious and winds up thinking that he is having an affair and trying to cover it up. Doris and Rock are teriffic as usual and so is Tony Randall who plays their friend and next door neighbor Arnold.

Send Me No Flowers Today
Judy Kimball (Doris Day) and George Kimball (Rock Hudson) have finally tied the knot in their 3rd and last film together. George is a major hypochondriac that when he goes to the doctor he hears his doc telling somebody that they are not expected to live much longer but George thinks he is talking about himself and gets all worried well he then tries to get judy another man before he dies and Judy thinks for sure that George is having an affair with a neighbor! Well he then tells her the truth and that ends it until she sees the doctor and the doc tells her the real story well than George admits to her and they are all hapy once again! ... Read more

Description

When it comes to hilarious gags and non-stop laughs, the world's funniest bunny is always on the money.It's high comedy on the high seas when Bugs stars in a brand new short from legendary chuck Jones, From Hare to Eternity.Also contains three classic animated Bugs Bunny shorts! Year: 1997 Starring:Bugs Bunny, Yosemite Sam ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A good collection.
This video features 6 uncut Bugs Bunny cartoons. The first is "From Hare to Eternity," which was a cartoon directed by Chuck Jones in 1995 as a tribute to the great cartoon director Friz Freleng who passed away that year. It is a good cartoon even though Chuck Jones was passed his prime. It just went to show that Chuck was never too old to make a good cartoon. The only thing I really didn't like about the cartoon were the vocal talents (or lack thereof). I'm afraid I really just don't like anyone but Mel Blanc providing the voices of Yosemite Sam and Bugs Bunny. If you don't either, then you may not care for this cartoon as much as you would the others on this video: High Diving Hare (another Bugs/Sam toon), Bully for Bugs (featuring Bugs as a matador), Rabbit Fire (Bugs/Daffy/Elmer classic), My Bunny Lies Over the Sea (Bugs vs. Scot in a game of golf), and Ballot Box Bunny (Bugs and Sam run for mayor). Again, all of these classic cartoons are uncut, but this is especially noteworthy considering High Diving Hare and Ballot Box Bunny are frequently edited on TV.

Buggs Bunny is a given 5-star performance!
For a cartoon, Buggs is enjoyable at any age. IN this episode, Buggs and Yosemite Sam are at war. Yosemite is a nasty pirate trying to keep Buggs from stealing his treasure. Ar. But, fear not, a good hare never gives in! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The final season for the Not Ready for Primetime Players
If you love the Not Ready for Primetime Players then you'll love the best of 1980. Although it's the first season without Dan Aykroid...it's also the last season with Lorne before his hiatus. Bill Murry sings his heart out as Nick the Lounge Singer. Gilda, Jane Curtain, and Lorain Newman also display their comedic genius with Teri Garr in the Mr. Potaoehead sketch. Kirk Douglas and Buck Henry are excelent hosts as well, and hilarious performences by Tom Davis and AL Franken make this tape a classic. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Series!
I have watched this series over and over again and I never get tired of them. Well acted with interesting story lines. Hard to find and definitely worth the money. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

I Would Really Like to see it on DVD!!
I didn't read the Danielle Steele Book Changes but I saw this movie that is based on the book and liked it and I'm hoping that it will be transferred to DVD. Cheryl Ladd who I have liked ever since seeing on Charlie's Angels when I was a kid was very good in this movie and so was handsome Michael Nouri and I recommend this movie but think it should be on DVD! I'm also thinking of going to a used book store to look for the book so I can finally read it.

A Mother From NJ
This movie had everything in it. Cheryl Ladd made me laugh and cry as a mother of 2 twin girls who meet and falls in love with gorgeous Michael Nouri who is a widower with 3 children. The doctor played by Nouri and the newscaster played by Ladd were the typical couple in the end who had a hard time bringing to families together and then adding in two more.(They had twins in the end)

great movie
changes was a great movie.i watched it sevral times and i couldnt get enough of it.

Awesome book, awesome movie!!!
Very heartwarming movie, just like the book, no disappointments what so ever!!! Although the descriptions of the characters differ somewhat in the movie, the movie does not miss a beat and does not take away from the original story. A good movie to curl up on the couch to.

PAM DOES NOT LIKE MEL THAT MUCH
PAM DOES NOT LIKE MEL THAT MUCH/VAL GETS PREGNANT BY MARK AND MADDIE IS 8 HE IS THE YOUNGEST/MEL HAS 2 GIRL TWINS JESS AND VAL AND AT THE END SHE HAS A GIRL AND BOY TWIN BY PETER/PAM TOOK IT THE WORST WHEN THERE MOM DIED. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This HBO original comedy, adapted by Larry Gelbart (Tootsie) from the book by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, concerns one of the most compelling tales of corporate buyout madness in the go-go 1980s. James Garner plays F. Ross Johnson, CEO of RJR Nabisco. Following failed and expensive efforts to sell a smokeless cigarette to the public, Johnson decides that he's had enough of navigating around the wrath of the company's stockholders. Drawing up plans to buy RJR Nabisco outright, he soon finds himself outmatched (though still determined) in a race for the prize with takeover king Henry Kravis (Jonathan Pryce). The ensuing battle is both bitterly funny and full of acid-tinged insights into the '80s greed that changed corporate America forever. Besides Gelbart's great script and Glenn Jordan's competent direction, the star of this exciting film is Garner, who is absolutely wonderful as the gracious Johnson. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Great entertainment if you like Wall Street, etc.
People who complained that this movie doesn't compare to the book should relax a little. Any movie that's based on books cannot do the book justice in less than 2 hours. If you have 3 hours a la Lord of the Rings or 4 hours like the A&E production of Pride & Prejudice, then maybe and I would have adjusted my rating accordingly.

But this movie is under 2 hours and managed to take a very complicated topic in Leveraged Buy-Outs (LBO's) in one of the biggest LBO's of our time in RJR-Nabisco and manages to make the story very entertaining. It flows quickly and I had no trouble following what's going on.

The acting is superb; Jonathan Pryce played Henry Kravis as a cold, calculated and ruthless corporate raider (whether Kravis is like that in real life I don't know) and James Garner did a nice job as F. Ross Johnson. Overall, if you like wall street type movies like Wall Street with Michael Douglas and Charlie Sheen, I would highly recommend this movie. In fact, I like this better than Wall Street.

Infamous LBO and Characters Interestingly Depicted
In the wild and wooly 1980s, leveraged buyouts (LBOs) -- financed predominantly through the issuance of junk bonds -- reigned supreme. James Garner gives a nice performance as CEO of RJR Nabisco, F. Ross Johnson. After reluctantly meeting with KKR's LBO guru Henry Kravis (portrayed masterfully by Jonathan Pryce), Johnson figures it would be best to go his own route to accomplish the buyout; after all, Johnson wants to retain his autonomy and Pryce would unlikely allow this to happen.

An all-out power war ensues, with Johnson working with Shearson Lehman Brothers pitted against Kravis and the powerhouse Drexel Burnham Lambert (mysteriously downplayed).

The performances are great and the storyline moves fast and holds your interest. Not to be missed if the dynamic world of finance is your thing. A very different movie than Wall Street both cinematically and contextually.

Stars James Garner, Jonathan Pryce (really, really good), and Peter Riegert.

I could see this movie over and over
This is a great movie, particularly for someone interested in true stories of corporate behavior. Several of my finance professors when I was pursing my MBA recommended this movie. I was not disappointed.

Due to a high volume of profanity, this movie is not appropriate for young children.

Not as great as the book, but a DELIGHTFUL farce
The book this movie is made from is a masterpiece of business literature. It is impossible to make that wonderful book into anything less than an extended documentary or a several part mini-series. That being admitted and set aside, this is a very good and very funny movie. Amazingly, it tells a lot of the actual story as you can cram into a standard movie format.

It is bitingly funny and like all satire that truly bites, it is funny because it is based on truth. This movie condenses the RJR - KKR competition into something like a farce (as it seemed in the papers at the time). Some may object to making such a huge deal into something of a joke, but c'mon, this whole deal had a large dose of the absurd about it. How else could they have played this story in two hours?

And it is has the additional benefit of being educational for business students. You will see how managers misuse shareholder money by treating it as if it were their own (agency costs). You will see planeloads of money poured into bad projects (NPV). You will see naked greed, inept investment advice, and broken trust (corporate ethics). You know, late 20th century American business! It is funny, dramatic, and a bit touching, for example, as they fly the sick pooch home on his own private corporate jet. (Which some deny every happening, but it has entered the realm of legend - so whether it happened or not it has become something like a kind of truth.)

James Garner is terrific (he almost always is) as is the whole cast. It really is a delightful movie and that is almost miraculous given how deadly boring this topic could have become.

But don't forget to read the book!

If you read the book, it's a disappointment.
If not, it can be funny even to laymen. Obviously, it's practically impossible to transfer everything from the book to movie. So don't expect too much, Wall Street guys. ... Read more

Reviews (50)

One of Disney's Most Beautiful Fairy Tail Classics
While Cinderella is simpler and quieter than many other Disney features, the simplicity only adds to the beauty and magic of the movie. The animation is frequently mesmorizing.
True to form, Disney takes a universally known story, and adds characters full of personality to bring it to life. Disney has always had a talent for developing loathsome villains, and Lady Tremain is among the most evil of them. You can feel that she's bitter through to the core. Many of the supporting characters lend a great deal of humor to the film. Jacques and Gus are both hillarious and charming, and watching their exploits with Lucifer is a riot. The poor Duke's interactions with the King are delightful, and the Fairy Godmother is quite a character.
Cinderella herself is sugary sweet, and while she may not be the ideal role model for young girls in today's world of strong women, she is likeable and she shows us the value of friendship, hope, and faith.
Cinderella includes a nice selection of original songs, including the adorable "Cinderelly", the sweet "So This is Love", and the classic "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes".
This is a great choice for a movie to watch as a family, as it's entertaining for all ages, but it is simple enough and so innocent that your children can watch it by themselves and stay entertained time and time again.

Disney's Cinderella; The Best Disney Classic Yet?
I believe that the 1950 Disney adaption of the fairy tale by Charles Perrault is one of the most popular Disney movies released since 1937. This movie is funny, sad, and charming at the same time, which may sound impossible for some movies.

I have watched this movie since I was 2, and I am now 12, and let me tell you that after 10 years, you never get tired of it. I have the Masterpiece copy on this page, and it is very, very worn out, so I cannot wait for Disney to re-release this classic on Disney VHS and DVD in 2007, so I can buy it and technically get my hands on it! :)

Anyway, this movie is about a girl named Cinderella, who's father and mother have both died. She is forced to live with her vain and ugly stepsisters and cruel stepmother, and furthermore is forced to become a slave in her own home.

Cinderella's only friends are the loyal mice, the birds, the dog an also the horse. One day, an invatation arrives from the palace, stating that every eligible maiden in the kingdom has to attend to a royal ball, honoring the return of the prince.

Cinderella's stepmother lies to her, saying she can go only if she gets her chores done, and if she finds something suitable to wear.

She does all her chores, while her animal friends make a dress for her. Sadly, the stepsisters tear it up, and leave. However, Cinderella meets her Fairy Godmother, who sends her off to the ball, but she has to be back before the stroke of midnight, otherwise, the spell will be broke...

Enjoy this Disney masterpiece once again, which proves that dreams can come true.

Cinderlla Cinderlla night and day cinderlla
I have seen this wonderful disney classic at my home and at my grandparents house,i loved the animation and mainly the music because thats what wins me over every movie and cartoon,i will be glad to see it on DVD,this is a movie that every disney fan(like me)should have in there colection.

Cinderella is one of the greatest movie ever made!
Buy this movie you'll never regret it. It's worth every penny you spent with it. Most especially if you want to finish some chores around the house, and you want your kids occupied this is a great movie for them.I've seen this film so many times with my daughter and I love every minute of it. This is the kind of movie that makes you Sad because of Cinderella's awful situation, Angry because of her evil Step-mom and Step-sister and Happy because her wish came true in the end.

Happily Ever After.
I'm one of the fans of Disney's Cinderella.I'm wondering why this beautiful animated film has not been realeased.I've waited it for many years.I believe there're many people waiting for its special edition DVD.Cinderella's really a masterpiece,but why it's abandoned?I gratefully hope Disney will not hurt its fans.Please do not lead people to forget Cinderella.I don't want Cinderella to be dead,especially in all children's minds. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Only a mother or a certified baby-phile could love this John Hughes comedy (he wrote and coproduced it). Aside from that endorsement, the diaper starts to stink. Baby Bink is kidnapped by three inept crooks, but the child escapes from their hideaway, leading to a chase through the city. Bink's journey follows the story line of his favorite bedtime book, Baby's Day Out, and he goes to a zoo, a construction site, and a retirement center. Hughes is following his accountant's favorite bedtime tale, "Let's rewrite Home Alone again," but with very little of the humor or impact of that smash. A number of scenes center on the crushing or incineration of Joe Mantegna's groin, not exactly family-fare yuks. There are some moments of levity with the crooks and a gorilla. --Keith Simanton ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Eddie, Norby, and Veeko Should be Very Quiet Inmates
If I were in the shoes of the three thugs who kidnapped Baby Bink, I wouldn't want anyone to know how I was foiled by a nine-month-old, especially one who helped put me behind bars.
This is a hilariously funny movie about a wealthy couple(Lara Flynn Boyle, Matthew Glave), whose precious baby is kidnapped all because Mrs. Cotwell wanted her son's photo in the newspapers. The thugs disguise themselves as photographers and trick her into leaving them alone with her son. But in the hilarity that follows, Baby Bink proves that he is not so helpless as he leads his captors on a wild goose chase around Chicago.
The whole family can watch this movie together,with great scenes of Chicago, and a wonderfully acted morality tale showcased in one of the best ways possible.-- Through the eyes of a child.

Imagine that---a baby who's smarter than his kidnappers!
I remember seeing this movie in the theater when it came out and I finally managed to get it on tape this Thanksgiving. It's as funny now as it was back then. Why these three ditzes are holding a baby for ransom in the first place isn't really explained; it's pretty obvious that they don't know thing number one about taking care of a baby. But the scenes which make this movie one of my favorites include the incident involving the cigarette lighter, Joe Mantegna doing battle with the gorilla, and Nordby's completely off the wall rendition of "Mary Had a Little Lamb". (It followed her to work one DAY!!...and Mary lost her job!)

It's 12 noon, do you know where your baby is?
When baby Bink is kidnapped by three bumbling kidnappers posing as baby photographers, he manages to escape from their hideout and do all the things mentioned in his favorite story book.

Always one step ahead of his would be captives, he leads them through parks, construction sites and an ape house at the zoo. The best part of all is when they finally get their hands on him just as the cops come up to ask about their vehicle. Trying to hide baby Bink under his coat, Eddie gets a little warm downstairs. By the time the cops leave and he is able to remove his coat from his lap, he is on fire. His buddy stomps him out again and again ("THAT is how you put out campfires")

I laughed so hard at this movie I was crying. Not really for children, but a great comedy for teens and adults.

Not the best acting
This movie is cute, and that is why I rated it two stars. Otherwise, I would have given it a one. The baby in the
movie is not really acting. It is just simply following someone and smiling. The whole theme is just plain dumb
and stupid. A baby smarter and more durable than it's kiddnappers? HUH?! Who would want to watch some crazy baffoons waddle around with goop sliding down thier noses and arms? I'll tell you what, not me.

This Was So Funny I cant describe it
this is the story of 3 nitwits trying to kidnap a baby from his family after the family disapears and the baby is at the kidnappers apartment thats when the fun begins i love the end of the movie when the kidnappers got arrested "you little infent" if i was in those kidnappers shoes i couldnt get my hands on that kid i would be super mad ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best Movie I ever watched
This movie I feel brought my family closer togeather and let us share something. My family and I have 14 Five Mile Creek volums and wish to get our hands on more. What i must say that we like about the movie is it is cleen and exciting movie, and yet has a great story. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This 1992 crowd pleaser made almost as much money for Whitney Houston as its chart-busting soundtrack. A high-wattage star vehicle as only Hollywood can make, The Bodyguard stars Houston as a pop-music diva (now there's a stretch) and Kevin Costner as the stern bodyguard who is assigned to protect her after the singer receives some nasty death threats. Pop star and bodyguard don't hit it off at first, but they wear down each others' defenses, and before long Houston is baring her tonsils with a rousing rendition of the Dolly Parton chestnut "I Will Always Love You." The film, written by Lawrence Kasden, was originally intended for Steve McQueen, but the script languished for years before Houston took an interest in the project. A proposed sequel would potentially have starred Costner and Princess Diana, until Diana's tragic death precluded that possibility. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (46)

A Good Movie With a Few Minor Flaws
First off I'd like to mention that even though it lists the remastered soundtrack as one of the special features, it doesn't mean that it is has the actual soundtrack included, it just means the scenes of the movie with music are remastered. This DVD isn't really good as far as special features, but the movie is as good as it was 10 years ago. Whitney is excellent in her film debut, and Kevin is no worse than he usually is. The only big problem with this movie is that Whitney's character, Rachel, curses more than half the time. If you have a child that you don't think is old enough to listen to Whitney Houston saying the F word, I suggest you tape this off TV (it's always on) and watch that copy when with your child, as they always edit the curses out. Other than these things, this movie is excellent, suspenseful, romantic, and gives you insight into the dangerous life of a superstar. If you like these things, or just like Whitney, or, umm, Kevin, you will love this movie, just don't expect "I'm Every Woman" to show up anywhere, it doesn't.

Outstanding
When this movie first came out the critics panned it mercilessly and frankly I just can't understand why. I thought it was fabulous. Kevin Costner plays an ex-Secret Service agent hired to protect a spoiled, difficult to get along with diva receiving death threats. Whitney Houston portrays the spoiled starlet to perfection. The chemistry and interplay between Houston and Costner was electric. The music in the movie was also great.

There are really some key elements that made this movie extremely good. First, I thought the acting was top notch by all involved. The supporting cast really played their characters well, as did the stars. Secondly, the editing was outstanding. The movie and plot move along at a fast pace. There is not a dull moment in the entire movie. And finally, the plot was plausible (for the most part) and the mystery - who is the hit man - slowly reveals itself. Having watched the movie several times, there a several foreshadowings.

Overall I found it a most entertaining movie both as a mystery, a thriller, and love story.

Are you sick
Its sad that a movie like this that contains no script or story plot is labeled a great movie and is given better reviews than Mariah Carey's Glitter which contained a story and plot.

Come on just think about it. I love Whitney as a singer though.

Visit my site: http://www.mjacksononline.tripod.com

LOVED IT!!
Kevin Costner is a FOX!!! I loved this movie..I bought the DVD since I had never seen it but liked Whitney Houston. I am now a fan of Kevin Costner!! I was so happy and in tears when she stepped off that plane in the end. I had to bust out my Whitney Greatest Hits CD! LOVED it!!

I sorta like it, but I don't respect it...
You're going to see "The Bodyguard" spoofed a lot. Just two days ago I saw an episode of "The Simpsons" with Homer saving Mark Hamill from a horde of geeks. As the song "I Will Always Love You" swelled in the background, the image of Homer carrying an animated Mark in his arms filled the screen.

Of course, the film itself isn't a good movie. "The Bodyguard" is, in fact, a very bad movie. But I like it, in an odd sort of way. It's one of those likable but stupid movies that make the time fly by on a Friday night -- unless, of course, you have something better to do than waste your time watching Kevin Costner attempt to act and Whitney Houston attempt to love him.

The movie stars Kevin Costner as Frank Farmer, a bodyguard who blames himself for events from the past that come back to haunt him. Whitney Houston basically plays Whitney Houston (though the character's name is different in the film), a famous singer like herself who falls in love with her newly-aquired bodyguard and sparks an interracial romance that threatens her career almost as much as the death threats she has been receiving in the mail.

Frank's mission is to protect her at all costs from the assassinator, who is not a metallic cyborg and who does not bear an uncanny resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger (though it would have helped market the film). The surprise at the end is that the killer is not who we think it is throughout -- so don't think at all! Just watch. I hope I didn't ruin any part of the movie for you. But don't tempt me -- I'm about to give away the rabid fan's identity to you.

"The Bodyguard" is a big, mushy mess, filled with bad acting and bad scriptwriting. The entire movie is bad. It's way too long for its own good -- especially when it is broadcast on network television and stretched to a near three-hour showing. (Do they really provide fifty minutes of commercials these days on CBS?) I've seen the movie numerous times, on network television and unedited, and it always seems too long. But, despite its (extremely) bad traits, the movie is a lot of fun to watch.

I don't like Kevin Costner. I think he is, what I call, a *blah* actor. He talks with such a lightweight mumble that it often induces sleep. If Costner wants to make money after his film career is depleted (that's happening, folks), he should market Costner Sleep Cassettes. Insert a cassette tape/CD of Kevin Costner reading your least favorite book, and you're guaranteed to fall asleep in less than five minutes -- or your money back!

I found one great role that Kevin Costner has played over the years, and it was the role he played in "The Untouchables," opposite Robert De Niro's Al Capone. Brian DePalma directed that movie, and it worked because the role for Costner fit his dull acting talent. Watching him attempt to *really* act is quite sad. Remember his interpretation of Robin Hood? Some people liked it, but I thought it was a disgrace to Robin Hood.

For what it's worth, Costner is good here, mainly because he acts like a dull bodyguard who is required to show absolutely no feelings whatsoever. His character basically walks around with a single expression on his face throughout the film, including while he's on a date with Whitney and the night after (if you know what I mean).

The movie sparked a lot of controversy because the couple embrace in a passionate kiss at the end of the film. If you don't mind sitting through bad acting, bad directing, bad scriptwriting, all stretched out to two and a half hours...then this is the movie for you. I, personally, sorta like it. But I don't respect it. ... Read more

Description

A comedy about a wall street corporate raider and his attempt to acquire an 81-year-old new england wire & cable company. He finds himself in the fight of his life against the company chief executive, his assistant and an attractive new york attorney who takes the attempted business conquest personally. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Another Meaning for the Phrase "Other People's Money"
A cute little romantic comedy, which DeVito surprisingly carries off very well as a male lead. The real surprise, however, is the honesty in the writing -- instead of the usual casting of corporate raider as archvillain, it FINALLY gets pointed out that Peck's character DOESN'T own the company -- he's just managing it for the stockholders (something most viewers don't seem to understand). A nice little clear insight into another facet of capitalism, on top of a cute romance, with a lot of snappy dialog. Well worth adding to your video collection, especially if you're a DeVito fan.

Realistic and thought provoking
Gregory Peck is an idealistic, passionate, and paternal entrepreneur who is about to lose a business that he and many who work for him put their lives and spirit into. Danny Davido is a corporate raider but not portrayed as a Gordon Gekko. His reason for taking over Peck's business is not so much slaughter than it is economics.

The crescendo to the movie comes in the two speeches before the company shareholders. The speeches punctuate what is more the reality in today's world. Corporate take-overs and liquidations are not simply a bunch of greedy business people enriching themselves at everyone else's expense. From an economic point of view New England Wire and Cable should be shut down. It's in a business that is outmoded by new technologies and its assets are worth more sold off for some other purpose. Rationally it makes no economic sense to continue such a business. The money from selling this failing business can be invested in a business that is viable and growing - this will help create new jobs and add growth to the economy. Of course the people that have worked at New England wire and cable will lose their jobs and Peck will lose his business.

What's refreshing about the movie is the writer didn't set up a straw man to argue either point view. Both sides present intelligent arguments from believable characters. The movie challenges us that what is rational is not always what feels good. An efficient and productive economy is one that has the ability to change, but there are costs - people get displaced.

Where the script fell short and where many in our society lose perspective is that while businesses may die out people are flexible. One's skills can be revamped and applied to more productive pursuits. Instead, however, the scriptwriters concoct a not so believable happy ending. Still, though Other People's Money is probably one of the most honest movies to come out of Hollywood on the topic of capitalism.

A film that will outlast many others
It's almost 2003 and there's still no DVD. It's about time.
Except, perhaps, for his opening monologue, DeVito doesn't put a foot wrong. However, if the film was missing any of it's essential elements (Jewison, DeVito or Miller) it would have fallen hard. As it is, it's thought provoking fun right through. (But it would be more fun on DVD.)

Provides a great return on invested capital...
Remember the good old 80s, when Ronald Reagan ruled the roost? The stock market was part of the zeitgeist at large, but in a pre-CNBC way; it was there in the news, but Mainstreet America wasn't as plugged into it then as she is today. Consider that stocks can be bought and sold over the web with the click of a mouse- being coddled by a broker was so old news, so old economy. Information is online in reams and ready to be accessed at a moment's notice, one didn't have to peruse a bunch of pulpy pages to figure out what the return-on-equity of Disney calculated to. It's against this backdrop that OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY finds itself, a competent and interesting piece of film which presents two sides to the hostile-takeover-and-subsequent-liquidation scenario.

Danny DeVito portrays the odious Lawrence Garfield, affectionately christened with the salubrious sobriquet "Larry The Liquidator." Garfield loves one thing better than his beloved doughnut pastries: woefully undervalued companies. When his computer screen filters out the latest hot prospect, New England Wire & Cable, his shark-like senses smell the blood immediately and he sets out for a meeting with its owner, Andrew Jorgenson, played to great curmudgeonly effect by Gregory Peck.

Jorgenson is a fatherly figure to his workers, respected and revered almost to the point of deification, one would imagine. When Garfield points out that his company's stock price is out of whack in relation to its book value, Jorgenson is staunch in his reply: get out, and take your Wall-Street greed with you. But everyone knows that the little guy isn't going to be cowed so easily; he's as feisty and fanatic as he is sly and devious. They know he'll find a way to bulldoze over Jorgenson and his twenty percent ownership.

Enter Penelope Ann Miller's character, Kate Sullivan, a firecracker counselor who is as sexy as she is intelligent. Sullivan is the estranged stepdaughter of Jorgenson; antagonistic though the pair is, she is nevertheless willing to help him keep his business out of the hands of Garfield. Only problem is, Garfield is having difficulty keeping his hands off Ms. Sullivan. As detestable as the situation is, she decides to exert a bit of sexual leverage over him to facilitate achievement of her goals. The film eventually climaxes with a raucous shareholder's meeting and a pernicious proxy fight.

OTHER PEOPLE'S MONEY serves as an excellent cinematic snapshot of that specific period of time when buzzphrases like "trickle-down economics" and "Star Wars defense system" were constantly uttered in media outlets and watercoolers alike. It's not a film which relies on an overabundance of clever camera moves or convoluted plot devices; instead, it builds from a foundation of useful thespian techniques and dexterously crafted dialogue (the source for the screenplay is a stage production, so it is obvious why the lines would be so precise). DeVito, Miller, and Peck excel in their roles, making them come alive with a conservative approach; the viewer never feels as if he/she is being suffocated by cloying histrionics. The triangle formed by these three characters is a dynamic one, much more expanisve than its one hundred eighty degrees.

DeVito in particular requires a spotlight look; it isn't so much that he's invented any novel blueprints toward his discipline- instead, one realizes upon post-viewing analysis that he fit the part like the proverbial glove. Garfield's vitriolic, killer-instinct demeanor proved a suitable substrate for the actor to react with; in the end, a more than successful catalysis is the result. But it wasn't just the acerbic tendencies he gelled with. Garfield possesses a healthy quanta of vulnerability, as he is also a lonely loner, looking for love and companionship; DeVito triumphed with this aspect as well (think of his outing in THROW MOMMA FROM THE TRAIN, with Billy Crystal). One strategy which would have added depth to the film would have been an ongoing voiceover for Garfield; his insights would have enriched the overall narrative and injected it with a unique energy.

The movie, above all, presents a balanced take on a fascinating issue: is the hostile corporate takeover an evil act? Although one could a