Reviews (25)

Finally on Video!
CBS made a big mistake waiting for more than half a year to air the second season of this great series which facilitated its cancellation. Didn't they know that the average American attention span is 20 minutes? People forgot The Magnificent Seven existed and a show which was a hit in its debut season went into oblivion... Luckily, someone finally released some of it on tape. Thank you, thank you, thank you! The cast features some of my favourite people -- Dale Midkiff as Bud is hillarious, Eric Close (currently on Now and Again, another CBS show you have to see) as Vin is a perfect choice for the part, Michael Biehn fills the shoes of Yul Brinner with aplomb, Ron Perlman is great as always. Anthony Starke is a new favourite of mine after seeing him work wonders as Ezra, the hustler, the card shark, the self-centered ego-maniac. I miss this show and only wish it had been given a better chance. We need more tapes with existing episodes.

The Magnificent Seven-a must own video!
The Magnificent Seven (Michael Biehn version) is the best I have seen as far as westerns go in a very long time. An ex-Confederate officer and his army come upon an Indian village, terrorize them and then threaten to return in a few days for gold they believe the villagers to possess. Two of the villagers go to the nearest town to seek/hire men to help them. What I love about this movie are the relationships that developed between the characters, Chris and Vin, Buck and JD, Nathan and Josiah, Chris and Ezra. The movie also conveyed with a few words, their actions or even a look each character's personality, what type of a man each character is, what their dreams are, what haunts them, etc. It has action (some very violent scenes), a little romance, some comedy, a villian of course, but most of all, seven men who become heroes. Michael Biehn's portrayal of Chris Larabee as the leader of this group of men is right on the money. Dale Midkiff is a delight to watch. Eric Close, Anthony Starke, Andrew Korvit, Ron Perlman and Rick Worthy are all wonderful in their portrayal of their individual characters. These seven actors' portrayal of their characters are a great ensemble and complement one another, while at the same time they are also very unique and diverse. I highly recommend this movie. You will not be disappointed.

Where's the DVD?
While not a fan of westerns this is a great series. Full of action, great writing and wit, why was this cancelled when there some real rubbish on TV?

Hopefully, someone will have the presence of mind to release this on DVD and then we in the UK can enjoy.

Possible Addiction
This is a great movie by itself, but it was an even better lead in to a wonderful, if short-lived series. It has all the guns and scenery of a great western, with much of the grim reality of 'modern' movies. Characters you can really cheer for, and good guys, who sometimes aren't so good. A lot of fun! After this, you may want to watch the whole series...

Brilliant
I bought this video for my wife. We both watched it, more than once. My wife is a Michael Biehn fan and I must admit he plays a very good part.
I believe that this is better than the original..... ... Read more

Reviews (807)

A heart-shaped French delicacy!!!
Amelie is a rare delight. The title character is a painfully shy loner who discovers a small box filled with a little boy's keepsakes. She seeks the rightful owner of the box. The charm of this film is that Amelie wants to perform her little miracles, hiding in the shadows, with no recognition for herself. The characters in this piece are fascinating, each one reflecting back a facet of Amelie's personality. In the end, Amelie's compassion ends up being her own salvation - and that is what makes the film so much of a joy to watch. Hollywood has pretty much exchanged emotion and subtlety for rudeness, crudeness, and over processed digital special effects. Like a good French wine, this motion picture is an experience to be savored - not devoured. Amelie has a look and feel that stands out from anything I've seen in recent years. So many modern films are filtered with a grayish or orange tint, which tricks the viewer's eye into thinking it is watching a stark, gritty documentary. Steven Soderbergh seems to be the reigning master of this technique. Amelie by contrast, with it's deep reds and fluorescent and forest greens accented by cobalt blues and electric yellows, transports you to a world full of magic and hope. The effect is enchanting.

The DVD package is complete with commentaries and documentaries on the making of the film. These added features make it clear that this film was carefully planned by director Jean-Pierre Jeunet, much like "The Sixth Sense." Shots were storyboarded, set up, and orchestrated months in advance. And any extra footage of Audrey Tautou is always welcome in my home. A blend of the beauty and grace of Audrey Hepburn, the humor and physical skill of Charlie Chaplin, and the vulnerability of early Winona Ryder, and the sultry elegance of a sixties European model. Her method of using her eyes, facial expression, and body language (relying less on verbal expression) to create a character is what helps makes Amelie transcend language barriers.

I was a little disappointed there wasn't a version with dubbed English, but after 15 minutes or so, I didn't even notice that I was reading subtitles. There were more than quite a few belly laugh moments, and it became very apparent that this is one of those rare films that is so good it completely transcends culture, language - the universal message is "The good you do for others returns - especially when you don't expect it to." A French delicacy. I just hope we get to sample more of Jeunet, Tautou, and the rest of this team's products soon. Thanks, Miramax.

A Mainstream Hit Dipped In Euro-Sauciness!
The lack of any decent films from the English lingo countries of England and America has given rise to an increase in recognition of some of the finer foreign language exploits into cinema. Earlier this year we had "Amores Perros", and in England we had Japanese shock-fests "Audition" and "Battle Royale" (the latter has to be seen to be believed). The most successful foreign language film this year, bar "Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon" obviously, was this French trifle that whilst appealing to the fickle tastes of mainstream audiences superbly serves up its romantic hokiness in a touching and cute way. Over-hyped, to be sure, but not without its pleasures.

Jean-Pierre Jeunet's "The City Of Lost Children", which he co-directed with Marc Caro, bears the most resemblance to the look of "Amelie", which looks different to any other film this year with all of its rich, antique-looking cinematography as well as its inclusion of several effects shots that help to render Paris as paradise on Earth. Visual coups include Amelie herself collapsing to the ground as a puddle of water and the titular garden gnome that travels the world much to the chagrin of its owner, Amelie's father. Everything smacks of resplendence in this movie and no cinematic trick is left not utilised.

In all respects, "Amelie" is likely to play better in America than it should in Europe, where its cute benevolence will be welcomed by many, especially after September 11. If you are one of those people who can't help but giggle as bug-eyed little girls stare into the camera with a cheeky smile, then this film is for you (indeed, Audrey Tautou is bug-eyed, cheeky and very good in the title role). If you are like those who criticised "Amelie" for its lack of interracial characters, then don't bother: this beguiling trifle is a fantasy, pure and simple, like "Amelie" herself.

Green and Red beauty and smiles
A beautiful movie about a simple, and pretty weird girl. Pay particular attention to the beautiful color selection and Audrey Tautou's flawless acting. Amelie is the feel-good movie of our times and is sure to bring a smile to anyone's face.

really, what's so great about this?
Its quirky and pretty and all, but then it turns into a typical love story in the end. Dissapointing, I would rather it be a film where she makes everyones lives nicer, and this importance isn't placed on her Only Being Happy If She Gets The Guy. The actress is really pretty, there are nice scenes and ideas, parts are funny, but I don't understand why it has this cult status.

Lithe and awake.
Jean-Pierre Jeunet makes a welcome return to his home country after the loud but pedestrian 'Alien Resurrection'. In 'Amelie' Jeunet seems to have taken as much influence from Danny Boyle as Francois Truffaut. The accelerated jump-cuts, tracking shots and zooms all make for high-octane energy even if most of it is artifically created. Although 'Amelie' herself is almost too twee to identify with, many of the other characters' faces simmer with restrained intensity (increasingly becoming a Jeunet trademark.) The acting is above average (exception being the always good Domnique Pinon), but it's the quality of the storytelling that shines. Trust the French to be able to remind us that cinema is still relevant in it's second century, that evocative minor epiphinies such as running your hand through grain or the sights and sounds of a market are not just the preserve of the written word but can actually be rendered on screen (and still find an audience!). Through imaginative editing, camerawork and a little help from CGI, Jeunet's film packs in more incident and wonder than most of today's novels are capable of producing. ... Read more

Reviews (172)

Rice & Lloyd Webber's Operatic Passion Play on Film
After the bizarre Broadway staging of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera, the film version of "Jesus Christ Superstar" had to be a more traditional offering. Producer-Director Norman Jewison filmed on location in Israel, using natural settings and sparsely constructed sets for what is essentially a string of music videos (since it was written as a studio album first, the music presents problems for moving from one scene to the next). The framing device for the film is the cast arriving/departing by bus. Ted Neeley's voice is suited to the role, but certainly he is the shortest Jesus I can recall seeing in films. Yvonne Elliman and Barry Dennen remain from the original studio album and Broadway production as Mary Magdalen and Pilate, which is perfectly all right. However, it is clearly Carl Anderson as Judas who gives the best performance in the film. The film version suffers from the inadequate voices of several of the supporting cast members (most notably Josh Mostel as Herod) and the grossly reduced chorus of singers which never comes close to matching the number of bodies on screen, and there are a few unintentional laughs (as when Israeli tanks come over the dune and chase Judas). But the use of paintings depicting the crucifixion and the final shot of sheep being herded past the cross the cast leaves behind on the hill, are particularly effective. Of course as with most movies, if you want to watch it you want to get a hold of the widescreen edition, otherwise you cannot appreciate the Last Supper tableau or just enjoy the compositional elements of the shots. Every Easter weekend I watch this film, even if I do not have time to do all of "Jesus of Nazareth" or "The Greatest Story Every Told." The only thing radical here is the music, but I still have to think it qualifies as the requisite joyful noise.

Controversial Rock Opera
Jesus Christ Superstar was Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice's first major success. The rock opera was first a concept album that exploded on the charts hitting number one and spending almost a year in the top ten and unleashed Murray Head on the world. It was then made into a successful Broadway play starring Ben Vereen. In 1973, respected director Norman Jewison (In The Heat Of the Night, Fiddler On the Roof) brought it to the big screen. The film was shot on location in Israel and that gives it an authentic feel. There is no dialogue in the film, everything is sung in true opera fashion. It kind is like a forerunner of the music video in that fact. Mr. Jewison mixes the biblical setting with modern nuances such as guards carrying machine guns, tanks and planes appear and at the beginning of the film, the cast arrives by bus and at the end it leaves on the same bus. The beginning of the film shows the cast setting up what appears to be a play. They get into costumes and set up for the play. The movie focuses on the last seven days of Jesus and Ted Neeley appears in the title role. The movie focuses on Jesus' relationship with Judas, who is played by Carl Anderson. The plot likens Jesus to a modern-day rock star, who rises above all the other prophets due to the hype-machine. Judas thinks that Jesus is believing the hype and moving away from his humble roots. He turns traitor in the belief he is helping the nation. At the end, we are left wondering if this was just a play or was it real as all the cast members get on the bus except Mr. Neeley. The movie fades out quite powerfully in the sunset on the cross. The movie moves along through the series of songs and is well choreographed. The album, play and film were highly controversial due to its take on the Passion of Jesus, but putting religious beliefs aside, it is an excellent film.

Most powerful movie ever produced!
Too many people miss the point. This movie was not made as a literal portrayal of Jesus' last days...it was (and remains) a figurative interpretation of the last days of one who would inspire a new branch of religion.

From the opening moments of the movie when Carl Anderson (Judas) sings ("...my mind is clearer now, at last, all too well, I can see, what we all, soon will be...") through Ted Neely (Christ) during "Gethsemane" ("Allright! I'll die, just watch me die!") the viewer is mesmerized by some of the most powerful music, lyrics, and staging ever written and performed. This particular sequence (when Jesus is climbing the mountain, fairly crying out for God's explanation of things to come ~ "Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain") still brings tears to my eyes and I've seen this movie at least 100 times!

The movie was shot on location in Israel a few years after the 6 day war, and during the Vietnam war. These realities are not lost on the writers, and evidence of their beliefs and opinions are sprinkled throughout the movie (the tanks coming over the horizon and the F-16's flying over Judas' head were a nice touch). Their religious convictions are displayed in such moments as when the priests are on the scaffolding ("He is dangerous") and the crowd extols Jesus below ("Haysanna, hosannah, sanna sanna ho, sanna hey sanna hosanna; hey JC, JC won't you die for me...") watch Jesus' face at that moment....

Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdelene) does a fine job of balancing the angst of Judas with the over-arching compassion of Jesus, and Barry Dennen (Pilate) captures a high point when he washes his hands of Jesus' plight. Bob Bingham's (Caiphas) bass rattles your soul with his deep melodic tonality.

While the acting is certainly not on par with the great actors of our times, one has to take that with a grain of salt. I was 7 when I first saw it and I still watch this movie at least once per year (can you guess which day? :) By far this is Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice at their best.

Who the Hell did they get to play Jesus?!
The guy who plays Jesus is an awful singer. He ruined the entire movie sounding like the lead from some punk band. Also, it's clear they did not cast the actors based on their looks (or even their talent for that matter). I tried very hard to like this. I love musicals but this ranks down there with Cats, Hair, and Nine. If you want a great musical based on the scripture, check out the amazing Godspell.

awesome
OK, granted this musical was done in the early 70's and therefore has some 70's overtones, but the acting and singing are magnificent. The relationship between Judas and Jesus is powerful, and Ted Neeley stares right into your soul. I first saw this movie when I was about 7 years old and it left a lasting, positive influence on me regarding Christ. ... Read more

Reviews (51)

A Travel Brochure to Love
Norman Jewison created this warm and airy ode to love, and gave it both the beauty and fragrance of a flower cart on the cobbled streets of Italy. The scenery will take your breath away and the story make you smile in this light romantic comedy.

The always sweet and engaging Marisa Tomei is Faith, on the the verge of marriage when a phone call from her fiance's friend will stop her dead in her tracks, simply because his name is Damon Bradley. A game played when she was a child and a Gypsy fortune teller at a carnival in her teens told her the man she would love and marry would be named, Damon Bradley.

Bonnie Hunt shines as Faith's sister-in-law and best friend, who takes off to Venice with her in search of her destiny, written in the stars. When they discover he has left the hotel he called from, the search will go from Venice to Rome, and the lovely Italian coast, as Norman Jewisn gives us a gorgeous view of romantic Italy.

Robert Downey Jr. is at his most charming as Damon Bradley, who Faith meets by chance, or perhaps fate, and falls in love with. Faith will discover, however, that destiny has a few twists and turns in store for her, in this truly delightful violin concerto to love.

This film will work its magic on you if you enjoy a light romantic comedy with a 1950's feel, and will surely become one of your favorites if you are seeing it for the first time. Don't let destiny, or this film, pass you by.

Some enchanted evening....
That is what it is when you watch this movie. Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey, Jr. has such chemistry it's hard to believe they're not a couple in real life. Tomei plays Faith, an engaged woman chasing her destiny all the way to Italy. Unbeknownst to her, Downey IS her destiny. This movie really makes you believe in true love, destiny, and that one special someone. See it with someone you love.

And I personally love all of Downey's works--but I'm biased. To me, there is no better talent in this movie. And he is so good looking! I fell in love with him too!

Buy it, watch it, love it!!!
I love this movie. On a rainy day, with nothing to do, curl up on the couch and feel good. What a great movie to lose yourself in. If you believe that there is just one person for you, if you ever believed in destiny....this is the movie for you. Take it at face value, don't over analyze it. Just love it. Both Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr. were never better.

What am I missing???
I don't really understand all the favorable reviews of this movie. Let me list the things I like:

Marisa Tomei's opening scene in the classroom
The beautiful scenery
The allusion made by her name--Faith

The rest of this movie was a huge disappointment to me. Especially as I was expecting something of the same calibur as Sleepless in Seattle, which lot's of people compare this to. First of all, a ridiculous plot. Who would fly half way around the world because of a NAME of someone you were supposed to marry?!? Secondly, Peter (aka, Damon 1) claims to be in love with Faith after knowing her less than 24 hours. And alleged feelings seem actually to be only sexual chemistry. Not much basis for a long term relationship between "soulmates." Yes, I know they had some common interests. So what? I have common interests with hundreds of people, some of which I might be attracted to--not really enough reason to declare lifelong devotion after only a few hours. The premise of this movie does exactly what Kate (Faith's sister-in-law) claims that movies do. They paint a picture of a false reality. I know all movies do so, but most movies don't claim NOT to. And if this is someone's idea of reality, pity to them. Wake up! Love is much deeper and more multi-faceted than this farce of "divine predestination." Of course, as a good Calvinist, I believe every event is predestined--both good AND bad. However, not every predestined relationship will be all asparkle with sentimentality and unbridled passion.

One of the best romantic comedies
This is one of the best romantic comedies! The age-old concept of star-crossed lovers is beautifully portrayed by the always charming and talented Robert Downey Jr. and the wonderful Marisa Tomei. It's a must see for all romantic comedy lovers. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Provacative and entertaining
After having just seen the latest version of the Thomas Crown Affair I much preferred the original version with Steve McQueen & Faye Dunaway. It had subler shadings in it and even though it wasn't as slick as the Brosnan-Russo "Affair", I felt it was more stylish, and had more substance. It really kept you guessing more, and the ending was more in keeping with the nuances played out during the film itself. The newer one threw in so much unnecessary nudity it grated on me. Too much of the "90's obligatory gratuitous sex" trying to make a good movie better. It didn't succeed. Steven McQueen gave you much more of a feel of a man who had his finger in many pies and was simply bored with his predictable (boring, rich life) and out to pit his considerable brain power against his antagonists. There too, there was more of the picture of the Law against the man who believed he could beat the odds. All in all, McQueen's Thomas Crown Affair had both style AND substance; the Brosnan Affair had only the style.

Chess was never this much fun
I was interested in seeing this film after I saw the remake, especially when I heard so many people say the original was so much better. After having seen both, I'd call it a toss up (both were good!).

Actually, the remake was only loosely based on the original. The original is about a rich guy who knocks off a bank, and the remake about a rich guy who steals art.

This film is well crafted and though the story is far fetched (as in the remake) it's entertaining. Norman Jewison does a terrific job of directing. His visual interpretations, camera angles and dramatic effects are timeless. He overuses the split screen concept a bit, but we need to remember that in 1968 this was fairly new technology and he was probably enamoured with the novelty of it. Think of how much `morphing' was being used when it was first developed.

Probably the best scene involved the chess match between Thomas (Steve McQueen) and Vicki (Faye Dunaway). It was far more erotic than all the scenes where Rene Russo was running around naked in the remake.

The acting was excellent, with Dunaway taking top honors as the stop-at-nothing insurance investigator who literally gets her man. Steve McQueen played the rich macho ego maniac to perfection. His only minus was his phony victory laugh, which was overacted and overused. Paul Burke stayed appropriately but effectively on the sidelines as the police detective.

In comparing the two films, I'd have to say it's about even. The remake had a more inventive and interesting story, replacing the bank robbery with an art heist, but it was also more ridiculous in the final disposition of the stolen painting. The original had better direction and use of the camera, while the remake was much better in use of costumes, props and sets in recreating the opulent lifestyle. Clearly the remake benefited from 30 years of technological improvement in sound and film quality.

The remake was more self indulgent, especially in the sexual area. The McQueen interpretation of Crown was more realistic than Brosnan's conflicted and emotional distraught version. Each reflected their respective times, but McQueen's character was a better representation of the timeless arrogance of the ultra rich. I have to give Rene Russo a slight edge as the investigator. She gave the character more complexity and range. Paul Burke was far superior to Denis Leary as the cop.

The ending of the original was definitely superior, though each ending was really true to the characters' personalities as portrayed.

I gave this film an 8/10. If you like classic films, and you enjoyed the remake, you will probably enjoy this one as well.

Has It Been THAT Many Years?
After enjoying the remake of this movie I ordered the DVD of the original. I loved it at the theater back in the sixties and hadn't seen it since then. For once in a blue moon, I discovered I liked the remake better! The plot is only vaguely the same for these two movies. I remember this film was a great departure for Steve McQueen and he still seems to have a thug-like quality to me. Ms. Dunaway is a walking parade of late-sixties fashion, with lots of makeup and eyelashes. Strange, I didn't ever realize she had a scar on her forehead. Regardless, the style of cinematography is extremely dated now. Sort of like what today's jerky-camera commercials will look like a few years from now. Oh, it's fun to watch. It's just not as good a story as the remake.

The Original Crown!
This is an extremely fine film. Besides a ingenious story and terrific acting by McQueen (who plays a "cool" and very wealthy businessman perfectly) and Dunaway (who looks absolutely stunning and plays it "smart" in nearly every scene), this movie has some fascinating and utterly BRILLIANT editing like no other film I know of... and a HAUNTING and GORGEOUS music score created by Michel LeGrand.

What about the NEW version?

I have been a huge fan of the original Thomas Crown Affair since I first saw it while in the military in 1969..... and bought the 1999 "re-make" because I heard so many good things about it. I must say that honestly there are good points in BOTH films. I never quite bought the fact that the original wealthy "Crown" got his "kicks" robbing a bank.... so stealing the "Monet" made much more sense to me. I also thought the story was a bit more interesting in the new version and I was more satisfied by the challenge Bronsnan's character found in Russo's bluntness.

Overall, however this 1969 "Crown" is the version I prefer. It contains an absolutely beautiful music score by Michel LeGrand (which is superior to the loud, lackluster and frangmented score that Bill Conti created for the new version). The title track here is "Windmills of Your Mind" is an awesome song, but also amazing is "Her Eyes, His Eyes" created for the infamous chess playing sequence. I also prefer the sensuous and sexy elegance of the fire between McQueen and Dunaway to the overtly sweaty lust that Brosnan and Russo desparately share together... this film is more subtile and suggests sexuality.. which seems more fascinating than just the plain nakedness in the new version.

Although I do prefer this film to the remake, both versions are well made and interesting in their own right, and should be enjoyed for what they are and what makes them so entertaining.

"Cat and Mouse" At Its Finest
Once again, why did they ever even think of remaking this movie? Steve McQueen is at his best in his portrayal of Thomas Crown, a wealthy genius who is a mastermind for constructing elaborate bank robberies. I really enjoyed the music in this film, particularly the way it interacts with the director's (Jewison) use of split screens. While it's a dated technique, it really helps move the plot along without unnecessary cutting. Additionally, the anonymity of his accomplices and the way that several loose ends come together to form the perfect robbery is best captured by this technique, in my opinion.

Beyond McQueen's powerful performance, Faye Dunaway blows Rene Russo's remake performance out of the water. Dunaway is smart, sexy, and knows how to handle herself. While it's a bit slow in some parts, this movie is a psychological piece that focuses primarily upon the "cat and mouse" interplay between McQueen and Dunaway. This is a "battle of wits" movie-not a pure action flick, as the remake might have you believe. The ending is also extremely well done. Rather than end on a typical Hollywood note, the final scenes of this film will leave you perplexed and wanting more of this film. With one of the longest screen kisses I've ever seen and the famous "chess" sequence, this film is a classic that definitely belongs in your video library. ... Read more

Amazon.com

When he emerged from film school in the mid-1980s, director Phil Joanou was touted as the next Steven Spielberg, perhaps because Spielberg took him on as a protégé briefly. Since then, it's been "Phil who?" thanks to a series of mediocre thrillers like this one. Based on one of a series of novels by James Lee Burke about a troubled ex-cop named Dave Robicheaux, this film sat on the shelf for a couple of years before finally being released in 1995. Alec Baldwin plays Robicheaux, a recovering alcoholic who has put life on the New Orleans police department behind him--until a plane crashes in the lake next to his house. He rescues a young Central American girl from the wreck and adopts her--and winds up involved in a gumbo of drug running and dirty dealing involving an old pal named Bubba. Tip-off that this movie should have gone straight to video: Bubba is played by Eric Roberts. Redeeming feature (at least for men, who are all dogs, as everyone knows): a Teri Hatcher nude scene. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (15)

A poor adaption of a very good book
My main problem with the movie is the casting of Alec Baldwin as the lead character. He is miscast, and should stick to the pretty boy characters he usually plays. His attempt at a bayou accent is ludicrous, for example. Surprisingly, Terri Hatcher does a convincing job in her role. My advice? Read the book, and skip the video.

A very underrated movie.
This is quite simply a 4-star production of a 5-star book. Many people only rented a copy to fast forward straight to the Teri Hatcher nude scene, while some actually wanted to see the screen adaptation of a wonderful book by James Lee Burke.

Many seem to attack Alec Baldwin's portayal of the lead character, Dave Robicheaux, but I actually think he did a very respectable job. Sure his Cajun accent wasn't 100% dead on, but that isn't all that makes a character. The Robicheaux character, throughout the series of books, is a flawed character that is full of heart and that is exactly how it comes across on-screen. It seems as if every other role was perfectly cast, especially the role of Claudette (played by Teri Hatcher). Every last detail is done perfectly, from the accent down to the sultry demeanor.

The plot brings plenty of action scenes, with many scenes that bring out emotion. If the production studio hadn't been nearly broke when this movie was made (and subsequently put on the shelf for a couple of years), therefore going vastly unpublicized, it would have been more successful at the box office. Don't let the numbers fool you, this is quite a film.

The Teri Hatcher balcony scene sure helps too!

Overlong but great acting and atmosphere
Not sure why this one was trashed by critics when it came out in 1996. I think maybe they were just looking for a reason to cut loose on Alec Baldwin. Who knows? While no one's idea of a classic, it's still a damn fine little neo-noir thriller.

Alec Baldwin does an excellent job in the lead and Eric Roberts just about steals the movie with a characterization that is at once frightening and goofily ingratiating.

It's a shame this one was thrown away and abandoned during it's theatrical release because it seems like director Phil Joanou hasn't done much of anything since. That's too bad because he's a great director (see his STATE OF GRACE and FINAL ANALYSIS also).

Give it a chance!

Give it a chance....
I for one love the flick. I thought that Alec Baldwin played Dave Robicheaux very well. Also I thought that Eric Roberts as Bubba Rock was an inspired choice. And it wasn't the actor's fault that the film sat on a shelf for years. They just got caught in the crumbling of Orion Studios. Thus no promotion was assigned to the film when it finally emerged. The saddest thing that may have occurred was that it cooled the creation of further films based upon the other Dave Robicheaux novels. I always felt that John Goodman would have made a grand Cletus Purcell!

Guys, Listen...
Sure, everyone buys the video for the Teri Hatcher nude scene. You might as well...it did such bad box office that it went straight to TBS (minus nudity)so you won't be recording the unedited original off cable. You could just download the pix from a hundred sites, but dang rabbit, Teri is so sexy in this film that you want to get the whole thing. And while everyone criticizes Alex Baldwin's Cajun accent, Hatcher gets it smooth as silk. Girls, Listen...I didn't read the book. My wife did. And we agreed to see the film after seeing the trailer. She votes thumbs up. As a licensed private detective, I'm not sure I buy the uncoastered Gin Rickey water-mark taste test but, as Johnny Carson liked to say "You buy the premise--you buy the bit." I bought it on VHS. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Wonderful Family Entertainment
Our Family has enjoyed Five Mile Creek over and over again. This is a must see movie for all ages. As usual a Disney Great. A wholesome movie that the entire family can enjoy together. The producers need to begin printing again so anyone who has not seen it can. Five Mile Creek is full of adventure, the story is full of lifes lessons, happiness, tragedy, and irony. After just one episode, your'e hooked and can't wait to see the next. Everyone will enjoy this movie.

!BEST SERIES EVER!
A few years ago my family and I rented these videos one by one. I was probably 10yrs old then. My favorite character was and still is Con Madigan. We all loved Five Mile Creek. Now, we are watching them all again. They are still one of the best shows possible to watch on a TV. We own them all now. They are always going to be the best.

This is one of the best series I have ever watched!
I absolutely love this series. I watch them over and over, and they never lose their ability to keep my interest. I can't wait until my children are old enough to share them with me. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Gwendoline
This is a movie that is based loosely on John Willie's "Sweet GWendoline." Gwendoline, played by Playboy model Tawney Kitaen, is seeking a rare butterfly that was originally sought by her father. She eventually finds a society of all women. The girls are man starved and wear thongs, though the warriors among them get full armor, which means that they can cover their chests somewhat, while the worker girls are not so fortunate. There is bondage aplenty and even a pony-girl powered chariot chase. There is little doubt what the point of *this* movie is!

The movie is half dubbed in the same way that the spaghetti westerns were. Those that speak French, spoke it and were dubbed into English. Tawney did not have to learn french, and her part was spoken in English, as were the other two in her expedition.

The movie was written by "Just Jaekin" who has written several such things including "Emmanuel" in 1974. This is the guy that is the idea behind the "Just Jack" in "Will and Grace."

If you want to see a lot of cuties prancing about and cat-fighting when they are not tied up in one form or another, then this is the movie for you.

One of the great babe fight flicks
If you like voluptuous babes scantily clad in armor running around with sharp pointy things, and who doesn't, this is the movie for you.

If they put it out on tape, let's hope they include all of the fight footage that was missing on the first video VHS release. There was an entire 3 way elimination match that was omitted. Surprisingly enough, I caught it on broadcast TV.

ADAPTATION OF EROTIC ADVENTURE COMIC MISSES THE POINT
Despite what Leonalrd Maltin says, this film, though a French production, is based on a comic strip created in America by an English-Australian, John Coutts (aka John Willie), which first appeared in his amusingly erotic fetish publication "Bizarre" in the late '40's-early'50's. The title was "The Adventures of Sweet Gwendoline" and has recently been released in a deluxe hardcover collection. The original story involved the heroine constantly getting captured by the villains trying to prevent a horse from being run in a race to save the family farm, and a mysterious bob-cut agent keeps on helping her out. The whole point of the comic and its sequels appears to be showing impossibly sexy women in bondage and sexy clothing. This film keeps the names of some of the characters, borrows some concepts from "Bizarre," and does put the heroine in perilous predicaments, but basically goes its own way in theme and story.

In the film, our 1930's heroine, along with her faithful French maid (who wears the bob-cut), are seeking a rare butterfly that her late entymologist father disappeared trying to find. Their adventures take them to a steamy, slimy, decadent Asian port city where they meet a tough, world weary, cynical mercenary who rescues them from an unscrupulous gangster. They travel through jungles and deserts meeting cannibals, river pirates, and other dangers, until they find a hidden civilization of women. To say what happens next would give away too much and besides, the shock of the bizzarre is half the fun of the movie. Suffice it to say that there is much nudity and various forms of imprisonment, bondage, restraint, and gladiatorial combat (even a human-powered chariot race). It is all very French it its creation of scenes, locations, and cultures. It's as if certain elements of old movies that were done but not considered very important really caught the imagination of French fimakers and now they were trying to create their own version.

Many of the actors obviously were not speaking English during filming, and its pretty obvious that the film was completely dubbed. This does get a little distracting.

This movie plays occasionally on TV, where every bare breast must be edited out. This makes the end of the film very choppy. To make up for this lost time, the TV version includes some extra dialogue that makes the character development slightly more believable, and some extra footage that adds some comedy. The video tape lacks this dialogue and footage.

Old fans of the comic probably already know this film exists, it having recieved a lot of attention from the bondage and fetish community. New fans of the comic curious about this film should be warned that the style and frequency of the bondage and restraint is very different from the comic; focused a lot more on the wierd sci-fi dungeon aesthetic and mostly in the last quarter of the movie, rather than the traditional damsel-in-distress style. This was one of Tawney Kitaen's first movies and the filmakers wanted her so much they were willing to scale down the sex and bondage to please her.

Few people would call this a "good" movie, though many people would enjoy it. If you want an actual "good" movie, subtract one star from this review. However, ther is plenty of stuff that will make an audience react: nudity, violence, blood, corny dialogue, bad dubbing, great production value, etc. If you enjoy this sort of thing, add a star.

One of the best BAD movies ever!
I find this movie to be hilarious. It is truly BAD, but it's so much fun to watch. It's like a bad romance novel made into a BAD romance/comedy/action flick with a little zest thrown in from Tawny Kitaen. Most guys tend to like the eye-candy. Most women like the bad romance novel aspect. It's great for those who like BAD movies. ENJOY.

a hoot
About 20 years ago my friend and i went to see this, we had no idea what to expect. It was rated R. But judging from the audience of 10 people, no one had noticed. A family of 4 with 2 young kids and a old couple are what I remember. Well, the film was not for them and they were awfully quiet, but we were laughing ourselves silly since it's such a goof. I think that it would help to get lit before watching it. I just bought it and await my trip down memory lane. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This Broadway hit gets a solid film treatment by director Norman Jewison, but that can't make up for the weaknesses of the script (which were as true onstage as they are here). Jane Fonda plays a chain-smoking shrink sent to a convent to do a psychological evaluation of a novice (Meg Tilly) who gave birth to a baby and then killed it in her little room. Was it a virgin birth? A miracle? And what of the bloody stigmata that seem to spontaneously appear on her hands? Fonda also finds herself clashing with the Mother Superior (Anne Bancroft) over the line between faith and science. But writer John Pielmeier can't flesh this out beyond an idea; in the end, the solution is a disappointingly earthbound one that even the strong acting in this film can't elevate. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Unlikely subject soars as Art.
While the theme surrounding AGNES OF GOD (virginal nun giving birth, baby is found murdered) may seem trite (or, even more sadly, of little interest) for modern filmgoers, the movie itself is a triumph of style over substance. Not that there's anything really wrong with John Pielmier's award-winning play or its adaptation for film--in fact, most of it is quite literate. But what elevates the film to near-greatness is the work of Norman Jewison, probably one of America's most underrated directors, and the inspired casting of Jane Fonda and Anne Bancroft, two of the world's great actresses, and the brilliant, Oscar-nominated (and Golden Globe-winning) performance of Meg Tilly as the beset young novice.
Fonda is simply great (though probably miscast) as the psychiatrist trying to unravel the secrets of Agnes and her convent, receiving little help from the Mother Superior (Bancroft, also Oscar-nominated as Best Actress) or her colleagues, who simply want a quick, dismissable verdict to a non "p. c." court case. Fonda's character has some demons of her own to fight along the way (including a church-disavowed abortion and a sister who died in a convent), but so, we find out, does Bancroft's character. The convergence of these events answer some of the questions surrounding the birth, while leaving others appropriately open to speculation (like religion itself).
The direction and cinematography create a real feeling of cloister and serenity, and the lovely music by veteran Georges Delerue also contributes to the haunting effect of the movie. Whatever your views of the topic might be, the movie is a stunning success. Highly recommended for discerning viewers.

A trio of actresses inspires wonderment
Several weeks ago, I reviewed the 1973 film CATHOLICS, and made the point that it would be best understood and appreciated by Roman Catholics. AGNES OF GOD, released in 1985, is a picture for which the same might be said.

Meg Tilly stars as a young woman who's recently given birth to, and apparently murdered, her baby. No surprise there, except that she also happens to be a young nun, Sister Agnes, tightly cloistered in a French Canadian convent. Agnes has no memory of the deed, so Jane Fonda plays the court-appointed psychologist, Dr. Livingston, tasked with unearthing the facts of the matter. Who was the biological father? How did he breach the convent's walls to gain access to Agnes and impregnate her? What were the circumstances of the birth and killing? Anne Bancroft plays the head of the religious house, who apparently knows more than she's telling. Livingston won't be stopped, and the Mother Superior is indomitable. It's a case of the Irresistible Force meeting the Immovable Object.

All three actresses give exceptional performances in a film that pivots around two key elements of Catholicism, the doctrines of the Immaculate Conception and the Virgin Birth, as well as the phenomenon of the Stigmata. There's even a lighter moment as the Fonda and Bancroft characters discuss what sort of cigar might have been the favorite of certain of the Apostles. (Can you envision Peter smoking a big stogie?)

It's been argued that the picture, while undeniably excellent, was ultimately unsatisfying. I think such a conclusion misses the point, which is that some things, like the Immaculate Conception and the Virgin Birth, will never be proven facts, but must be accepted on faith by those so inclined. And, not all movie endings are necessarily tidy, nor should they be. Sometimes, the conjecture one is left with is the point of it all.

Strong Woman Stuff
This is a movie for women who want to see women in strong vibrant rolls. The performances of Jane Fonda, Ann Bangcroft and Meg Tilly are outstanding. The movie leaves several key issues up to the audience to decide what they think, faith or no faith doesn't really matter, the movie is a fantastic and stands by itself.

Hard to Nail This Film Down
Explaining Jesus Christ is hard to nail down. Analogously, interpreting this film is hard to nail down. I would expect to see wide variance in interpretations, and that is all right. We Americans love to disagree, and we defend the God given rights to disagree without malice.

Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft, and Meg Tilly all play outstanding roles in this film. The supporting cast (e.g., Guy Hoffmann, Winston Rekert) is brilliant as well. This film has elements of a great movie such as humor, a message(s), gripping drama, suspense, and haunting music.

I have seen this movie more than 100 times. I believe that Sister Agnes experiences an Immaculate Conception in this film; furthermore, I believe Sister Agnes was "crucified." He (God) chose Agnes to give birth to His child. Why Sister Agnes? A number of reasons can be conjectured; however, speaking as a Mathematician and Computer Scientist, I can't attach a mathematical certainty to any of these reasons. For example, is God warning us? Afterall, very few people believe in God today. So God, for example, may have chosen Agnes to bear His child in order for Agnes to give birth, say, to a holy person whose purpose is to warn those outside of God's flock to adhere to the teachings of God. Unfortunately, Agnes fails God by paradoxically murdering His child because she felt unworthy of bearing God's child. So did God make a mistake?

The true beauty of the movie from my perspective is that I'm always left after watching this film with feelings of serenity, tranquility, and a heightened belief in God.

Britt W. Barrett
Senior Computer Scientist & Mathematician

Postscript: It would be interesting to know what Reverend John Trigilio Jr., PhD, ThD, one of the co-authors of "Catholicism for Dummies" has to say about this film.

Salutation to the Virgin Mary:

Ave María, grátia plena, Dóminus tecum, benedícta tu in muliéribus, et benedíctus fructus ventris tui Jesus. Sancta María, Mater Dei, ora pro nobis peccátóribus nunc et in hora mortis nostræ. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.

Believe it or Not
The movie in its entirety is an unresolved investigation of a psychologist Dr. Martha Livingston on a murder inside a mystery within a miracle in the convent. To be honest, i enjoyed the film but it was quite interesting to conclude that the character played by Jane Fonda is justified to her quest of knowing the truth behind the mystery by using the methods of science, but at the end...what had happened to her investigation, does she truly found the answer she was looking for...or she was just affected by the holy and symphathetic character of Meg Tilly (as the young novice)? The movie still remains a mystery to unravelled if your are more on scientific side like Livingston but to the one who is religious, no methods of science can explain the miracle of God for a person like Agnes.

This film is also an excellent example of science and religion collition. A movie that speaks of the stroing points and weaknesses of both fields. The movie speaks like this, There are some things that one cannot be explained scientifically...it's beyond our capacity to know it and sometimes, we must accept our limitation and start a leap of faith. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Interesting Movie
In case anyone didnt know, this is an animated film made in the late 80s. Daffy Duck inherets money from his rich uncle and starts a ghost hunting company with Bugs and Porky. Although Daffy is the star, all the classic WB characters apear in this film. This is a pretty good movie, as it combines a bunch of classic Warner Bros cartoons together into one story with new animation. The new footage is nicely animated, although the difference between it and the old cartoons are quite noticable. However, the writers do a good job of making tons of old cartoons flow together as one story.
This is a good movie, but it is by no means "one of the best animated movies of all time" as other reviewers have said. Its a good movie of course and it entertains, but it is not a classic animated feature. Why, it has no comparision by the countless classic Disney features released decades before this. But if you take it for what it is, you will enjoy it.

Finest Animated Film of All Time!!!!
This is not only the best Loony Toons film, but quite possibly the best animated film of all time!!! I remember when this movie first came out in 1988, I rented it CONSTANTLY until my parents finally bought it for me. I have gone through several copies and am waiting for my latest copy to arrive in the mail. This is THE BEST movie ever!!! It is hilarious and GREAT for halloween coming up!! Buy this movie! It rocks!

Lazy, but Still Worth While
This movie is lazy because there isn't much new footage, but it's OK because the shorts they put in it are pretty good.

DAFFY DAFFY DAFFY DAFFY DAFFY!
This is my favorite Daffy Duck movie. It all start like this a millionaire leaves Daffy money but he must use the money for good and needs to provide a service to people and if Daffy thinks of selfish aims the millionaire (ghost) will make the money disappear so Daffy opens an exorcism agency and Porky, Bugs, and Sylvester work with him and they have to attend cases of ghosts and monsters in a very original way I really recommend this video why WB doesn't start releasing classics like this on DVD, Fantastic Island (Daffy's First Movie 1983), Looney Looney Looney Bugs Bunny Movie, The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Movie and all of those cartoons on video I'm sure that many kids will buy at as many other adults trying to remember their childhood.

BEST FULL-LENGTH ANIMATED MOVIE FROM WB!
This is one of the best if not the best full-length animated movie from Warner Brothers Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, Tweety and Sylvester open a kind of ghostbuster agency and try to solve some cases really really good I would even dare to say an Animated Classic. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great Adaptation!
I thought this adaptation would have gotten a nod from Willa Cather. The scenery was beautiful, the characters just as Willa Cather drew them in her book by the same title. Jessica Lange was Alexandra with her quite dignity, and strong will and the chemistry between she and Carl was very believable. Perhaps the best characters were Maria (Anne Heche) and Emile, who did a superb job at playing star crossed lovers. I was very impressed with the screen play. There were so many quotes from the book, who ever did it had a good sense of the book. There were only two faults I found with the film and that was the casting of two characters. I believe they could have found someone else to play the younger Alexandra. Heather Graham seemed too stiff and her accent was always slipping. The other character was the land. There should have been more shots of it. The land was such a central part of the book. It is what gave Alexandra her strength and her faith.

If one likes very accurate novels into film or period pieces and great actor/actress chemistry this is a great movie to watch. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great! I would recommend them to everyone.
I have enjoyed every single volumn that I have been able to purchase. I watch them over and over and over. I have the first 15 volumns and would love to purchase the last 5 volumns. I can't understand why they haven't re-released them so that we can get and enjoy the whole set. Best tapes for the whole family to enjoy.

Great Family Entertainment
I have collected many volumes of Five Mile Creek and have never been disappointed. I only wish I could find the volumes I don't have!!

great family movie. with something for the hold family.
I have collected 10 volumes and wish I could find the rest of the set. I have watched the ones I have over and over again.

Wonderful and wholesome movie
I have watched every single Five Mile Creek Video and I love all of them. They have good morals and I don't have to worry about my children seeing or hearing something they shouldn't. And they are very entertaining. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Just like "Lucky Chances", the book "Lady Boss" is so much
better than the mini-series. I do like the casting of Kim Delaney as Lucky instead of Nicolette Sheridan. The role just suits Kim better. The mini-series is is entertaining but in my opinion not worth purchasing. Get the book or wait till it comes on cable again!

Was this suppose to be based on the book?
A good movie wriitten by Jackkie Collins, but HEY COME ON! This followed the book hardly at all. I must admit, Kim Delaney is much more likable than Nicolette Sheridan as Lucky. Bridgette wasn't in this one just like she wasn't in the first movie (Lucky/Chances). next time Jackie write a mini-series not based on your books..... ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1985, Steven Spielberg launched the anthology TV series AmazingStories, directing one of the early episodes, "The Mission," a taut, emotional story set during a World War II combat flight.

Kevin Costner plays the pilot of an American bomber running raidsinto German airspace. During a dogfight with Nazis, a piece ofenemy aircraft wedges itself into the hull of Costner's rig and jams thehatch of the ball turret gunner. The shootout cripples the landing mechanism,and the net effect is that the gunner (Casey Siemaszko) is stuck in histransparent shell, unable to get back up into the body of the plane andcertain to die horribly during an imminent, emergency landing.Spielberg keeps tightening the screws, brilliantly directing a handful of goodactors (Kiefer Sutherland is in the mix) in a tight spacerapidly filling with dread and grief. While it has to be said that theresolution of "The Mission" may well be the most improbable turn of events in television history, everything up to that point is as exciting as TV can get.

Also on Book 1 is "The Wedding Ring," starring real-life spousesDanny DeVito and Rhea Perlman as a married couple who spice up their 10thyear together after DeVito, playing a costumer in a wax museum, gives hismousy bride a ring that belonged to a black-widow killer. Perlman, cast as a beleaguered waitress exploited by a callous boss, gets a personality makeover whenever she dons the ring, becoming insatiable in bed and a convincing femme fatale everywhere else. The only problem is that she's soon chasing herterrified husband around with a large kitchen knife, imbued with more thanthe sexy spirit of the ring's previous owner. Directed by DeVito, this cute episode works best as a different kind of vehicle for Perlman, who reallydoes make the screen sizzle. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Best hour of TV ever
I remember watching this Amazing Stories premiere and being
rendered slackjawed for the entire episode. I can remember no
better television, ever. It was like watching 'Raiders of the
Lost Ark', '1941', and 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' all
wrapped up in an hour of tension. This is a masterpiece worthy
of film.

...and the DeVito episode is pretty good too.

:)

With dream's, You live
I can seriously relate to the characters in the mission. My grandfather was a tailgunner during WWII. Once he was sick and unable to go on a mission. His entire crew and plane were destroyed on take-off. And where would I be? Out of existance. Steven Spielberg directs the first in a series of Amazing stories, a story about heart and survival. Kevin Costner is the captain of a crew of airmen in WWII. The Bellygunner dreams one day of drawing for Disney, and hopes as soon as the war is over, to work in the land of magic.

Kiefer Sutherland, a more serious character and close companion, always keeps an eye out and protects his friend nomatter the cost. On one mission in flight over enemy lands, the plane is hit my enemy fire. The good news is they can make it back to base. But the tragedy is, the door to the bellygunner is stuck and the landing wheels are jammed. Sutherland has a tremendous decision to make, and is faced with a hard decision of his life.

In a tension mounting climax, you see how the dreams and ambitions of one man can change the lives of the others around him forever. Absolutely great.

The other story, The Ring, is funny as all get out. If the decision had been left to me, I wouldn't have stuck these two stories together because they are so different. I would wait a half an hour between the two so you can get the most out of them. Devito and Pearlman have a hard lesson to learn about love, and what it takes to rekindle it. Good stuff.

The First Episode Reviewed, not the second!
The first episode, "The Mission", is a very enetertaining tale that anybody under the age of 20 would enjoy. I consists of fighting in WW2 and of the lives of B-17 pilots. It is a miniature "Memphis belle" yet is in its own class. A B-17 has many gun turrets on it, and one is located on the bottom of the plane. In this episode of Amazing stories, the belly gunner's bubble is damaged, and he cannot get out. To make matters worse, the bombers landing gear will not go down, so the crew has to risk a belly landing, which would spell the end of our cartoon-drawing, luftwaffae-fighting, and caring hero, Kevin Costner. The ending is surprising, and has a bit of magic to it. This is, of course, my opinion. And the music by John Williams! WOW! amazing, to say the least. Especially when the AS theme surges as the gunner frantically creates his solution to the problem. If you wanna know how it ends, scroll down as far as you can go

The gunner, being a cartoonist, frantically draws his airplane, while John Williams them races and flares. He draws his plane, and adds a pair of balloony, cartoon tires to the landing gear, which results in an impressive bending of animation and live action, for the time. And thus, the B-17 lands safely, and the gunner is united with his lady, and the crew lives happily ever after.

First in the series of Amazing Stories videos not so strong.
This tape includes both "The Mission" and "The Wedding Ring." The Mission is helmed by Steven Spielberg. This special one-hour episode has his style written all over it. The cinematography is a gorgeous sepia and the winning score by John Williams is properly heroic. The whole episode is very grand for television including the superstar casting (Kevin Costner, Kiefer Sutherland). Even the screenplay is a direct, no-nonsense approach to the situation. However, the magical ending is a major letdown and is totally removed from the earthly tension Spielberg builds up through that point. In fact, one of the attempted solutions to their problem, involving passing an opened parachute through a little window to the belly gunner for him to use after he kicks out of his plexi-glass cock-pit would make for a more promising, dare I say 'Amazing' ending. Next on the tape is Danny DeVito's "Wedding Ring." This was the second season opener and, other than the star power of Rhea Perlman and husband Danny DeVito, is an un-Amazing whimper. DeVito and Perlman do portray a cute couple and the musical score by Craig Safan is enjoyable, but otherwise, this is a tired, boring story. ... Read more

Reviews (93)

A wicked sense of humor
As a huge fan of the horror genre, it's my duty to loathe the injustice given to The Frighteners. It's astounding to see how little known and/or undervalued this awesome film is. I think what killed the movie was its timing. Michael J. Fox's career hadn't yet been revived by Spin City and insufficient marketing ( not to mention the fact that Robert Zemeckis plastered his name all over it!) resulted in the films poor box office performance and attack by critics. Perhaps it will attain some much-deserved popularity when Peter Jackson, he of Dead Alive fame, becomes king when Lord of the Rings (which I am 99.9% sure will rock) is finally released. The movie starts with "psychic investigator'' Frank Bannister (a scuzzier-than-usual Michael J. Fox) selling his services as ghost exterminator. It's a scam, though: Frank is in league with the ghosts (John Astin, Jim Fyfe and Chi McBride), whom he can see because of a past trauma -- a car accident five years earlier that killed his wife. When substantial numbers of people start dropping dead in town, only Frank sees that the culprit is a Grim Reaper-like spirit. The cops -- along with a bug-eyed FBI agent (Jeffrey Combs) -- think Frank's the killer. Frank's only ally is psychologist Lucy Lynskey (Trini Alvarado), whose husband (Peter Dobson) is among the recently deceased. Lucy uncovers a link between the current killings and a long-dead serial killer (Jake Busey), whose psycho girlfriend (Dee Wallace Stone) is still alive and rattling around in a spooky mansion.

It has to be said that Jeffrey Combs steals the show as Agent Dammers, the paranormal specialist who is himself far from normal. Sporting a Hitler hairstyle, Dammers provides comic relief/villainy and is laughably pathetic. The thing that stands out in the film is its evil sense of humor. After all, serial killing has never been so funny. Indeed, kudos to Jackson for the masterful handling of twisted horror and black comedy. The film also makes extensive use of computer graphics. Since the ghosts are some of the film's main characters, they became a focal point in the film's production, resulting in over 400 computer enhanced shots. Special makeup veteran Rick Baker was responsible for the interesting look of some of the complaining ghosts, ghosts who are slowly falling apart. Peter Jackson had set up his very own special effects company a few years ago, in order to be able to work completely detached from Hollywood in New Zealand. After upgrading the company substantially for this project, his effects unit was eventually able to handle all of the 570 effects shot of the film without having to use ILM -- Yeah! Universal released The Frighteners in its original theatrical 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio. The disc's anamorphic transfer is stunning and beautifully rendered. It creates a sharp image with a huge amount of detail. The film comes fully dubbed in English and French. It is also closed captioned and contains Spanish subtitles. So in the end, The Frighteners is easily one of those cases where any self-respecting horror fan has to say "screw the critics".

Wicked fun
Just before doing "Lord of the Rings," acclaimed director Peter Jackson (who can be seen in a cameo as "Man with Piercings") made an off-kilter horror/comedy movie called "Frighteners." Though "Frighteners" was barely in theaters, it's funny, creepy, well-acted and wonderfully directed.

Frank Bannister (Michael J. Fox) has seen spirits and apparitions ever since the traumatic car crash that killed his wife. Now he operates an amateur "ghostbusting" operation that is supposed to exorcise ghosts from people's houses -- the underbelly of his business is that the ghosts who haunt those houses are in league with him (Chi McBride as the extremely opinioated afro-ed Cyrus, Jim Fyfe as the nerdy Stuart, and most of John Astin as what is left of The Judge).

Frank's business certainly isn't hurt by the fact that for years after a serial killer's murderous spree, people have died mysteriously of heart attacks. Then Frank starts seeing fiery numbers emblazoned on the foreheads of people who later die, including the husband of doctor Lucy Lynskey (Trini Alvarado, who has an eerie resemblance to Andie MacDowell). As if trying to stop a specter of death weren't hard enough, crazed FBI agent Milton Dammers (Jeffrey Combs) believes that Frank is the one murdering people. And the evil specter is still killing -- and Lucy is the next victim.

Peter Jackson once said that he has a "moronic" sense of humor, and it shows up in all its glory here -- from bug spray dissolving a ghost's face to a piece of talking oily sludge to a drill sargeant ghost with submachine guns, this is weird and absolutely hilarious. But he's also good during the more serious moments, such as Bannister's flashbacks to his wife's death, or a psychopath stroking her ghostly lover's face. One of the most effective shots is of a pair of murderous lovers giggling, kissing, dancing and holding a shotgun; it's stuff like that that got Jackson "Lord of the Rings." The opening shot is pure Jackson, with the camera swooping through a window, past fluttering curtains, and though a hole in the attic floor to a screaming woman below.

Jackson also takes the opportunity to poke a bit of fun at more conventional ghost movies, with the big Gothic house, the ghost in '70s clothes, and Fox's hilarious turn as a ghostbuster. (One scene in particular seems to be spoofing "Ghostbusters") Big problem? Probably that would be that the opening scene doesn't seem to make much sense later on in the movie. But aside from that, there aren't many, especially since the conclusion makes a lot more logical sense than the average horror flick.

Michael J. Fox does an excellent job as Frank, giving the right combination of cockiness and pathos to a guy who isn't perfect, but is good at heart. Trini Alvarado is excellent as a smart, kind woman who is a bit on the gullible side, but definitely not a damsel-in-distress. (Nor is she eye-candy) McBride, Fyfe and Astin are great as the big annoyed guy, the nerd, and the dirty old cowboy. Jake Busey's freaky eyes and toothy grin are perfect for serial-killer Johnny Bartlett, and Dee Wallace-Stone embodies both cowering fear an