Reviews (206)

Chicken FUN!
Last night, I was lucky enough to attend a sneak preview of this new adventure from Aardman Studios (makers of the "Wallace and Gromit" films), so let me be the first (but definitely not the last) to say that "Chicken Run" is simply the most delightful, visually amazing, and FUN animated movie since Disney's "The Lion King." Other studios (notably Warner Brothers) have tried to take a bite out of Disney's pie-share of the kid-movie market, but Aardman and Dreamworks have done it best in this charming, hilarious, and edge-of-your-seat thrilling animated fantasy about a group of hens trying to break out of a chicken farm. Running the farm with an evil eye and an iron ax are the villainous Mrs. Tweedie and her henpecked (literally) husband, who's sure those chickens are plotting escape. The voices are perfect, from Julia Sawalha and Jane Horrocks from "Absolutely Fabulous" as chickens to Mel Gibson as the "flying" rooster Rocky. I want to recommend that every parent take their kids to see this one: unlike many other recent cartoons, this one is completely suitable for all but the very youngest children (there's some tense moments in a chase at the end, and a little threatening to the chickens with an ax), but even better, this will delight and amuse the adults with its clever animation, perfect voice-casting, witty visual allusions to famous movies like "The Great Escape," "The Bridge over the River Kwai," and "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and Indiana Jones-type thrills that range from a chase inside a automatic chicken pie-making machine to a dramatic and climatic escape that is reminiscent of, but even improves on, the high-energy chase sequences of Aardman's "Wallace and Gromit" films. The moral lessons (you can succeed better with teamwork; stand by your friends) are pointed but gentle, without hitting kids over the head. I can't recommend this one highly enough, folks, whatever age you are. And if you head out of the theater and go eat a chicken pot pie, you have a much, much, harder heart than mine!

RUN and see Chicken Run...
I don't know quite what I expected when I saw this movie, but I have to say, that despite its theme, the humor was definitely NOT just for children. I was originally hoping it to be polished and neatly produced (similar to the fantastic Toy Story movies) but you can only do so much when it comes to clay-mation. Well with that said, 'Chicken Run' was truly a delight. The jokes were on a childrens level--PART of the time...SOMETIMES the jokes were outright WAY over the heads of children--nothing dirty mind you, but the producers also realized what Disney figured out a few years back: 'Sure, it might be considered a kids film, but there are going to be a LOT of adults that see this, too--and you simply CANNOT ignore them anymore'.

TRYING to escape from a chicken's version of a concentration camp (the similarities are hilarious) and the motto of those running the camp: "NOBODY escapes!" All of the characters are funny, especially the knitting lady who wonders about the chickens who disappeared by asking, "Did they go on holiday?" The first time I saw an animated film with the voice of Mel Gibson I hated it, I hated, hated, HATED IT!! 'Course I'm talking about the abysmal 'Pocohontas' and while watching it I just COULDN'T help but think of Gibson's face every time his character spoke...I was afraid that was also going to be the case here, but thank heavens that isn't what happened at ALL. In fact I completely forgot about Gibson almost immediately. This is not just fun for children, but VERY worthwhile for adults as well. Grab it while ya can and you will most likely see it over and over.

Not funny?
All those 1 star reviews claim that the movie was bad and not funny. Well, the first time was about to see it I thought it would be funny. It had quite a few funny moments but overall I got impression that it was rather sad (but optimistic). Then I realized that I liked it that way.
Technically, it is perfect, even in the era of 3D animated movies.
Chickens are not your prime target of any movies, but this is THE chicken movie to own. Funny and sad at the same time, if you think about it.

P.S: my usual comment for amazon reviewers. Before you claim that this or that movie is THE worst you ever saw, think twice. It might imply that you indeed have seen VERY few movies in your life, or that you are just talking bull. Can you seriously claim that a particular movie is the WORST movie you have ever seen? I don't know about you, but it would take me some serious thinking to come up with a SINGLE WORST movie I ever watched. Unless you are a Tibetian Monk, you probably did not think it through. It might be bad, but is it the worst?

Good for everyone!!
Kids love this movie for the talking chickens and their attempts to fly along with the creative rats...adults love this movie for the subtle humor and gentle jabs at other movie classics. If you are looking for a movie for all ages, this is one to fit the bill. And, it doesn't forget to examine the question, "Which came first?"

A real pleasure, with little (if anything) to offend.

THIS CHICKEN LAYS A GOLDEN EGG
CHICKEN RUN is a delightful film, fun for both children and adults! The stop motion animation is brilliant and the characterizations and the voices that supplied them are superb! What is basically an animated poultrified GREAT ESCAPE comes across with laughter, touching sentimentality, and lots of wonderful vignettes. Julia Swahala and Jane Sherrocks (both from Absolutely Fabulous) are indeed absolutely fabulous in their roles. Sawahla's Ginger is the epitome of today's female action hero---brave, loyal, independent and a touch feisty! All of the hens are wonderful, and producers should be ashamed in not featuring them in the credits. Their names don't appear until the end and they go by so fast you can barely read it. These actors are wonderful and deserve more credit for the quality of this film. Its only "star", Mel Gibson, is dashingly heroic and fits Rocky to a tee. Tony Haygarth (so good in Frank Langella's Dracula) does great with Mr. Tweedy's role and Miranda Richardson as the evil Mrs. Tweedy is perfect. This film is lovingly made and has wonderful music, as well. Also, catch some references to other films, such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" where the tumbling boulder is replaced by tumbling wingnuts, and catch Mrs. Tweedy's Cruella deville impression after she is bombed with gravy!
I loved this movie, it makes you feel good, and is excellent to boot! Don't miss out on this one! ... Read more

Description

Sam Peckinpah's light-hearted, rambunctious ode to the dying Wild West, with Jason Robards as a rascally prospector who transforms a desert water-hole into big business. Year: 1970 Director: Sam Peckinpah Starring:Jason Robards, Stella Stevens, David Warner ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Break the News...Cable Hogue is coming to town..
I really enjoyed this unusual offering from Sam Peckinpah. It is offbeat in several respects, but most notably in that it lacks the violence and bleakness of his prior film(s), The Wild Bunch. Peckinpah takes a risk here as well though, exploring a genre, the western semi-comedy, that fails more often than it succeeds. For every Blazing Saddles, there's a Cat Ballou and a Paint Your Wagon. Interestingly enough, the humor here is not incredibly sharp or witty as a rule. Some techniques, like the sped up film and winking currency seem pretty silly today. The movie is endearing nonetheless because we sense the Director's sincerity and good intentions. Scenes like the singing of Butterfly Mornings could easily have fallen flat (particularly given that neither the tune nor the voices were exceptional), but I found them charming, since I felt the director and singers were totally behind them and went with the emotions. But sincerity and good intentions are of course by no means enough; other pluses here are the complex themes (the trappings of technology, man as an individual vs. social being, morality, role of serendipity in life), strong acting, and interesting characters.

The setting, in one of the last western outposts of the 21st century, really brings out the inexorability of technology's advance. Hogue is ultimately a tragic figure who fails to adjust to technology and city living, and literally suffers for it in the end of the movie. However, we are left with the suspicion that he was the happier for never having given into city ways, and for having remained an individual. Being on his own certainly helped him, as eulogized, stay a man, both good and bad (nice observation about Cain &Able=Cable, b.t.w.). Robards also plays the character right; neither too tough nor too weak, too good or too bad-just a man true to himself.
We also have an interesting assortment of side characters and misfits (which seems to have influenced several Eastwood films including The Outlaw Josie Wales, the two Orangutan films, and Bronco Billy) who while caricatures to some extent, are also interesting characters. There's the philandering preacher, and the hooker with a heart (not to mention a body!) of gold.

I can't give this film five stars, since it's a bit long and some parts feel kind of clunky and dated today. But it gets four stars without any reservation, thanks to the offbeat feel, warm tone, and several charming performances and scenes.

If you enjoyed this film, you might check out Junior Bonner, Little Big Man, Bronco Billy, and the Outlaw Josey Wales.

Tomorrow is the song I sing....
When I was younger, Sam Peckinpah's more violent films were my favorites, now, as I approach the age of the title character, this film is far and away my favorite. Peckinpah came up with a philosophical, almost biblically themed picture here- yet it is also filled with the most laugh-out-loud humor of any of his films. It had to be an accident, it just works too perfectly to have been done on purpose....

This is the story of Cable Hogue, a prospector in the Arizona territory of 1908. He is left to die without water by his two partners. Not only is he left to die- he is laughed at because of his "yellowness" at not doing the same to them when given a chance. So Cable tries to walk out of the desert knowing that he has no chance. He talks (he never prays) to the God that he has never had much use for. As a result, he finds water; water where it never was and could never possibly be.

This is the start of Cable's desert kingdom. He builds it out of nothing and out of bluff. He builds it with his own hands, out of what the desert provides. When necessary, he defends it with deadly force. Yet Cable gains respect and friends along the way. Sure, he can be mean and ruthless when he has to be, but to those who prove worthy, he can be a generous and loyal friend. He even wins the love of the most beautiful woman in a land where women are scarce (Stella Stevens- she never looked better than she did in this film.)

Then, at the height of his success, the two former partners that left him to die are delivered into his hands....

I used to wonder at the name "Cable", since I had never heard it before. Then I got it, Cable is a combination of Cain and Abel. This is because Cable is a combination of good and bad. On the one hand he is capable of hardness, even to the point of taking a life, but on the other hand he can show justice and mercy in sparing a life. To paraphrase the phoney preacher at the end of the film, Cable wasn't strictly a good man, and he wasn't strictly a bad man, but Lord- he was a MAN!

A brilliant little gem of a movie.
Starring Jason Robards & Stella Stevens and Directed by Sam Peckinpah, The Ballad of Cable Hogue is a brilliant little gem of a movie that somehow never made it onto the national radar screen when it was released. A major departure for Peckinpah, whose forte back then was the ultra violent epic-movies like The Wild Bunch and the highly acclaimed Straw Dogs-The Ballad of Cable Hoague tells the tail of a fellow abandoned for dead out in the western desert who is lucky enough to find the equivalent of an oasis and converts the spot into a way station for the pony express and the stage coach runs of the time. Wonderfully acted by Robards as Hoague and Stella Stevens as the nearby town's "working girl" as his romantic interest, the story is in essence a depiction of western life and the characters of the time.

This was a wonderful vehicle for may well know western character actors of the day: It's full of those sort of actor you recognize in an instant and have no idea what their name is. The story is sweet and engaging and the movie is totally devoid of the violence and gore that Peckinpah was famous for at the time.

So, if you are the sort of person who wants a movie to actually tell a story, actually present real characters, and warm your heart-this is definitely a choice you should make. You will not be disappointed.

touching, clever and funny
gee what a crappy review by Leonard Maltin. The film is not overlong. And it is a FILM, not a moo-vie, and it deserves to be praised. It is not overlong at all. I guess he's too busy reviewing chop-house wasterns, surely not his favorite genre anyway; he prefers all glitz, big names and no substance. This film is wonderful. All the roles, ALL, are played extremely well, and very believably. It has much to offer.. truly funny moments and situations, a fair amount of suspense and action, and an excellent screenplay. It is more like you are there, watching real people, not Hollywood actors who are thinking about something else when being filmed. The most memorable moments in The Ballad of Cable Hogue are the tender ones between Cable and his ill-found, but adoring younger sweetheart. The music is very special also. I love the song " Butterfly mornings and Wildflower Afternoons " I think it deserves 5 stars.

A story worthy of Shakespeare !
The Ballad of Cable Hogue is one of those films which is a complete story. True to life, tragic, touching, funny and yet at times embarrasing and sentimental, it ends in a melancholic tragedy that leaves the viewer content, but looking ahead toward their own life.

Sam Peckinpah shows his absolute mastery of the directors art in shaping a story into a beautifully shot, superbly acted, charmingly scored but above all sensitively directed cameo of the end of the wild west.

Jason Robards gives an unparalleled performance, a character that is a creation in itself. Stella Stevens, for any and every man who watches this reminds us of the mystery that is a woman.

Robards Cable Hogue is the hard bitten, down at heel rambler who finds his fortune in a near death experience. The delicious Miss Stevens is a saloon gal who is touched by Cable Hogue's simplicity and down to earth appreciation of her. He falls in love with her and the story gets underway.

There are 3 charming and unashamedly sentimental songs arranged by Jerry Goldsmith and performed in a hip country western style by Richard Gillis.

In its own way this film is a small masterpiece, see it and enjoy. ... Read more

Amazon.com

One of the touchstone movies of the 1980s, Tootsie stars Dustin Hoffman as an out-of-work actor who disguises himself as a dowdy, middle-aged woman to get a part on a hit soap opera. The scheme works, but while he/she keeps up the charade, Hoffman's character comes to see life through the eyes of the opposite sex. The script by Larry Gelbart (with Murray Schisgal) is a winner, and director Sydney Pollack brings taut proficiency to the comedy and sensitivity to the relationship nuances that emerge from Hoffman's drag act. Great supporting work from Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning, Bill Murray, and pre-stardom Geena Davis. But the film finally belongs to Hoffman, who seems to connect with the character at a very deep and abiding level. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (59)

What y'all really want is some gross, caricature of a woman!
In 1982, Dustin Hoffman played one of his most memorable roles as Michael Dorsey in the hilarious comedy, "Tootsie". As an out-of-work actor, Michael teaches acting classes because no director will hire him due to his somewhat peremptory attitude, or so says his agent George Fields (Sydney Pollack, who also directed the film). Frustrated with being undesirable and wanting to prove himself, Michael dons a dress and high heels so that he can apply for a female role in a television soap opera. Calling himself Dorothy Michaels, the soap opera director, Ron (Dabney Coleman), thinks that Dorothy is too ugly for the part, but Dorothy's dominance earns 'her' the right to a screen test and 'she' gets hired! As the film progresses, Michael's pretense as a woman earns him the stardom and recognition that he longed for. However, it also gets him into trouble not only with a woman that he's dating, Sandy (Teri Garr), but also with two of the regular stars from the soap opera, Julie (Jessica Lange) and John Van Horn (George Gaynes).

With an excellent script, superb acting and a hilarious story, it was completely unsurprising that "Tootsie" earned 10 Oscar nominations, including nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Syndey Pollack), Best Cinematography and Best Screenplay. Dustin Hoffman was nominated for Best Actor and both Teri Garr and Jessica Lange were nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Of all the Oscar nominations, only Jessica Lange won the Oscar. Dustin Hoffman won the Golden Globe for Best Actor, as did Jessica Lange for Best Supporting Actress. The number of Oscar nominations that the film earned demonstrated the many strengths of the film, not to mention that the film will keep you laughing and fully engaged!

Other very memorable characters in the film include Julie's father Les (Charles Durning), Michael's roommate Jeff (Bill Murray), soap opera producer Rita (Doris Belack) and soap opera nurse April (a young Geena Davis).

If you enjoy films such as "Some Like It Hot" (1959) and "Mrs. Doubtfire" (1993), you will more than likely enjoy "Tootsie" equally as well. I rate "Tootsie" with a resounding 5 out of 5 stars and am very pleased to own it on DVD.

We Are Large...We Contain Multitudes
When I first saw this film more than 20 years, I really did not fully appreciate then what director Sydney Pollack, his cast, and his crew had achieved. To be sure, I found the humor hilarious, the cross-dressing and gender-bending clever, and all of the performances first-rate. I have the same opinion today. However, in ways and to an extent no previous film had done, Tootsie makes certain assertions which have serious implications, then and now. For example, that at least some men can more fully develop their masculinity by recognizing their femininity, as indeed Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels (Dustin Hoffman) does. And the same is also true of at least some women. Moreover, this film effectively demonstrates how difficult it can often be to gain and then sustain another's complete trust. To salvage his acting career, Michael repositions himself as Dorothy so he will be hired to play a character in a soap opera. As Dorothy, he establishes an especially close relationship with another cast member, Julie (Jessica Lange), and falls in love with her while continuing to deceive her. Later, her widower father Les (Charles Durning) falls in love with Dorothy and thus becomes another unwitting victim of Michael's deceit. The eventual happy ending does not include Les.

Shakespeare never devised for his Italian comedies a plot as complicated as the one Larry Gelbart and Murray Schisgal provided for Tootsie. Under Pollack's direction, all of the cast members provide brilliant performances, notably Bill Murray as Michael's friend Jeff and George Gaynes as John Van Horn, another cast member. Jessica Lange was selected to receive an Academy Award as best actress and deserved it. Much of this film is hilarious, it is always entertaining, but as I indicated previously, having seen it again recently, I find it much bolder and more thought-provoking now than I did 21 years ago. To some, perhaps, its serious implications may even seem threatening.

A Nearly Perfect American Comedy
I heard a story that Dustin Hoffman was considering doing this movie, but that he waited until he had been made up to see if he made a convincing enough woman before agreeing. I don't know how true this story is, or even how convincing he is as a woman, but thank goodness this movie was made.

I can't think of another movie more perfectly cast except.... maybe... Casablanca? Jessica Lange is perfect as the beautiful soap actress and love interest. Charles Durning is perfect as the sweet older man who falls in love with Dustin's "Dorothy". Terri Garr is perfect as the insecure female friend who loses the role on the soap to "Dorothy". Bill Murray is great in his few scenes - this is one of the first movies where we actually got to see him "act". Dabney Coleman is perfect as the arrogant director of the soap who cheats on poor Jessica. Director Sydney Pollack wisely casts himself perfectly as Dustin's exasperated agent. (The scene early on where he informs Dustin that NO ONE will hire him because he's too "difficult" is fantastic.) Lastly, Dustin Hoffman is perfect as the actor who becomes a better man by pretending to be a woman.

The film is full of situations that turn your expectations sideways - I'd give examples, but that would ruin your enjoyment if you haven't seen it yet! Trust me - just watch this movie - but only if you want to be entertained!

FUNNY. AND MEANINGFUL.
What a tightly scripted, beautifully acted, finely paced comedy! Having seen it a long time ago, I felt it must've been very much like an older version of Mrs Doubtfire, but this marvellous film has a lot more going for it than the female impersonation angle.

When a failing actor cross dresses to get a job, he also discovers the inconveniences of being a "woman of the 80s". Throughout the film, there's always a pleasing sense of cynical humor (e.g., "I dont believe in hell. I believe in unemployment, but not in hell") and Hoffman is topnotch in his role.

The from Morricone has a somewhat grating refrain of Stephen Bishop's "It might be you" but I guess it perfectly serves its purpose, providing the touching backdrop to the actor's increasing awareness of the strength of feminine qualities -- the touch of the baby to his cheek, the poignant sight of Julie's skirt swishing in the kitchen, the offering to Dorothy of her chocolate-covered finger to suck, etc.

I can see that Hoffman must have committed to this movie bigtime, and I notice that there's a book that describes the making of this film but is currently out of print. Perhaps something to this effect would have been great to include on the DVD itself, which is incidentally quite lousy for such a classic film.

At any rate, it's a great addition to any movie collection.

Dustin Hoffman is the best!
Dustin Hoffman is a fantastic character actor, one of the all time greats. He is superb in this movie. He is an actor who can't get a job as a man but through circumstances, ends up getting a woman's part in a soap opera. The cast thinks he is a woman and it really was funny watching Hoffman try to keep them from learning he was a man. This movie was really funny and yet it had a lot of drama and humanity included.

I found his portrayal of a woman more interesting and likable than that of the male character, in fact, there were times that I would get so wrapped up in the character, Dorothy, that I would forget that he was a man acting as a woman. The cast, Jessica Lange, Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Bill Murray, Charles Durney, Geena Davis, were all great.

This is one of those movies that will be remembered for years to come! Enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

I will never forget this movie
I have not seen this movie since it was first aired on TV many years ago, but I will never forget it. It is one of the most moving films I've ever seen, and on my list of favorite movies of all time. (This list includes El Norte, Careful He Might Hear You, The Good Fairy, My Man Godfrey, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, Black Orpheus, Dersu Uzala, Notorious, The Shop Around the Corner, Big Lebowski, 12 Angry Men and Whistle Down the Wind, just to give you an idea of my taste.) I wish they would re-release The Dollmaker on DVD, but I'd settle for VHS if I could get it.

Mountain Magic
I'm not sure what year this wonderful film was released and it's hard to believe it's not available on tape yet. The down home charm of this folklike movie has made me actually wear out my old home taped copy after excessive viewing. Jane Fonda's portrayal of this homespun Kentucky mountain woman was absolutely fantastic. It was also good to see Helm on screen again continuing to play his often southern mountain character. These two actors together made quite a team showing us their poor, yet hard working and surviving family during war and less prosperous times in our country. A talented craftswoman and hard working wife that has a somewhat dreamer of a husband that works hard and learns to appreciate the life they already had was all they really needed. Each character, in their own way uses the skills they were given to improve their families lives and survive the times. This movie, as well as, a few select others I can think of, gave me that view into some of past times of people living nickel to nickel, company housing projects,coping with extreme family tragedy, food that is precious to life, hard work that pays off in the end and the importance of family values. I feel like a very fortunate person each time I watch this emotionally moving story. Well worth seeing.

The Dollmaker
This was a wonderful movie and book and I would love to own a copy on DVD. I wonder why some of the best movies seem to take the longest to be done on DVD?

THE BEST TV MOVIE EVER MADE
This is without a doubt the best acting Jane Fonda has ever done. If this movie had been a theatrical release, her performance would have won her an oscar. This is the most moving and beautiful family film I have ever seen. The child actors in this film are amazing beyond words and Helms casting as the husband of Fondas character is perfect. The soundtrack alone I would pay a fortune to own. Lucky for me,I do own a copy of the video and have enjoyed it many times.

The Dollmaker...all time great.
I absolutely love this movie and never get tired of watching it. I would really love to own it on DVD. Does anybody know of a place where I could find that?? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Doctor Detroit
This is a very funny movie. Dan Ankroyd is Hilarious. I wish that they would bring it out on DVD. OLD SCHOOL comedy at its best.

ACKROYD IS NO DOCTOR
Dan Ackroyd's first starring vehicle after the success of the original "Saturday Night Live" is a weak disjointed comedy wherein he plays a college professor who must pose as a mob boss. The scenes with a rival crime czar, a woman named 'Mom', are grotesque and funny but Ackroyd never fits comfortably in the role as he did in hundreds of SNL skits.

The Doctor is Definately In!
"Doctor Detroit" is a comedy that will take many fans back to the glorious days of the early 1980's, when disco was in its' dying stages and comedy stars from television's "Saturday Night Live" were starting to branch off into film projects. Dan Aykroyd in his the best role of his life plays Cliff Skridlow, a nerdy college professor who has a chance encounter with a group of 'professional' ladies.

When Cliff meets a pimp (Howard Hessman) on the run from Chicago's most ruthless crime boss, Mom, he must find a way to fend for the ladies who fear for their lives. Their pimp has fled to Tahiti, and therefore Cliff the college professor becomes Dr. Detroit, pimp extradonaire.

In a series of meetings with Mom, Dr. Detroit becomes the most feared and legendary pimp throughout Chicago. However his professional life is falling apart as the college is in need of dire funds to continue operating. With the help of the girls and their assistant Diablo (T.K. Carter) Cliff balances his professional and social lives. But after being named "Player of the Year," Cliff must make an appearance at the annual "Players Ball" in order to receive this honor. The problem is that he has another engagement for the college on the same night and at the same hotel the ball is being held. With Mom and her goons lurking nearby, the Doctor/Cliff will make this a night you'll never forget.

Featuring a cast full of past and future stars, and a soul-filled soundtrack, 'Doctor Detroit' was a showcase for many talents. Three of the four women playing the 'girls' include a pre-"Nanny" Fran Drescher, Donna Dixon (she later married Dan Aykroyd), and Lynn Whitfield ("Eve's Bayou"). The film also includes a special appearance by soul legend James Brown as the main attraction at the Players Ball.

Full of funny scenes including Aykroyd impersonating a Southern lawyer and his battle with Mom at the junkyard, Doctor Detroit gave Dan Aykroyd a vehicle to extend his comedic skills to the fullest extent. The film's most classic scene is the excellently choreographed opening at the Players Ball where everyone is grooving to the rhythms of James Brown. Pimps, prostitutes, and crime lords all get involved in what has to be an ode to the blaxploitation films of the past.

If you are looking for a clever, funny, and hip film, your search has ended. "Doctor Detroit" still remains as one of the 1980's most memorable comedies.

excellent , must see
this is one of the best movies ever produced. Dan Akroyd is at his best and even funnier than in Blues Brothers. also has star appearance of James Brown. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Otto Preminger turned this 1959 courtroom drama, based on the popular novel, into terrific adult drama. James Stewart stars as a small-town lawyer who defends an army officer (Ben Gazzara) accused of murdering a bartender who assaulted his wife (Lee Remick). The taut script, large performance by Stewart, and then-daring elements of the story (words like "panties" are spoken in the context of discussing a sex crime) give the action a certain immediacy--which you don't find very often in today's movies about jurisprudence. Nice work by Remick and Gazzara, as well as George C. Scott, Arthur O'Connell, and real-life judge Joseph N. Welch, who plays the judge in this film. A very good experience all around. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (48)

One of the finest courtroom dramas ever filmed.
Anatomy of a Murder is one of the finest courtroom dramas ever filmed -- on a par with Witness for the Prosecution and Inherit the Wind. Jimmy Stewart gives one of his finest performances as a small town attorney defending an army officer who has coldbloodedly killed a man alleged to have raped his flirtatious wife. The rest of the cast is uniformly good, especially Lee Remick as the beautiful sexy wife and Ben Gazzaro as her jealous husband on trial for murder. Stewart's character is assisted by his old friend, an alcoholic former attorney convincingly played by Arthur O'Connell -- an outstanding character actor whose work, unfortunately, is often overlooked. A young George C. Scott (in one of his first films) plays a skilled and implacable prosecutor. This is movie making at its best; a true classic.

Good movie, if you haven't read the book. Otherwise, lousy
I had the great misfortune of reading the book before watching the movie. The book was a masterpiece, arguably the best piece of courtroom fiction ever written. John Grisham's a head of lettuce compared to Robert Traver's brilliant, accurate portrayal of the controversial (fictional) trial of Frederic Manion.

But if you've read the book, DO NOT WATCH THE MOVIE. It will be a massive dissappointment.

You will be put off by the Duke Ellington soundtrack. Sure, it's good music, but this is the story of rural northern Michigan, not the nightclubs of NYC. Duke's jazz does a disastrous job of complementing the setting of the film, and seems quite jarring in spots.

You will be put off by the inaccuracies, like Biegler's ability to play the piano, which never happened in the book (and which only happens in the movie to make Duke's score fit). You will feel that the story could have happened anywhere, anytime, whereas the book was distinctively Upper Peninsula in atmosphere.

You might agree with me that Jimmy Stewart was miscast. Sure, he does a great acting job as always, but whenever I looked at the screen, I saw Jimmy Stewart: Jimmy Stewart is talking to the bartender, Jimmy Stewart is arguing in a courtroom--as opposed to seeing Paul Biegler. It's like watching a movie where Jimmy Stewart's the lawyer, not Paul Biegler. Jimmy Stewart, defense attorney.

The only real highlight, what saves the movie, is the superb acting job by George C. Scott, whoever played the Irishman, and others. If it weren't for them, I'd be giving this movie a one-star review.

Perhaps if you haven't read the book you'll delight in the movie. It's a good stand-alone movie. It's fairly enjoyable despite its faults. But if you've read the book first, you'll hate it. And if you haven't read the book, I highly recommend you read it now. It's far superior to the movie in every way.

Think of it as a Courtroom Film Noir
The excellence is Anatomy of a Murder lies is how it doesn't try to cram itself down your throat. The movie takes its own sweet time telling an intelligent and challenging story. There really aren't any good guys here and there are no easy answers. That's the point of film noir. Everyone is bad in some way, everyone has motives, and happy endings rarely take place in real life. Very direct for a movie made in the late 50's. A woman's alleged rape and the murder of her alleged rapist by her husband is described repeatedly and in detail. James Stewart is surprisingly effective as a weary cynic who takes the case not because he thinks the accused is innocent or a swell guy but because he thinks he can win and get the guy off. After Stewart returned from the horrors of WWII, he turned away from the cheerful harmless fare of his younger days. It can be fairly said that he had two careers. His post war career is much more serious and mature. Introspective characters. Deeply troubled men. Obsessed men. Men of dubious morality and hard bitten practical values. Stewart never made a WWII movie. He didn't need to, he lived it.

"I beg the court...let me cut into the apple"
This film hooks you in the first minute with Saul Bass' brilliant titles and Duke Ellington's music, and then has you caught for the duration in the next few scenes; the dialogue is sharp and intelligent, and at the age of 50, Jimmy Stewart gives one of the best performances of his illustrious career, as Paul Biegler, an attorney who would rather be fishing than getting fees for his work. Stewart is so natural, so real, and so immensely likable. He's the kind of guy you wish you could have in your family, but wily enough to argue a good defense in court.

Lee Remick has just the right amount of provocative sensuality as Laura Manion to make one wonder what exactly happened on the "fateful night" in question.
After playing Southern belles in both "A Face in the Crowd" (1957) and "The Long Hot Summer" (1958), Remick was offered the role of Laura because Lana Turner, who was supposed to play the part, refused to wear an "off-the-rack" wardrobe, and wanted dresses designed by Jean Louis (hardly what a Army wife would be wearing). It was a big break for Remick, and she makes the most of it.

The entire supporting cast is superb: Ben Gazzara as the intense Lt. Manion, Arthur O'Connell as Biegler's assistant and friend, Eve Arden as Biegler's loyal secretary. George C. Scott is Dancer, the Assistant State Attorney, and Joseph N. Welch, who gained fame for being the Special Counsel for the Army in the Army-McCarthy Congressional hearings, is a delight as Judge Weaver. Duke Ellington makes a cameo appearance as Pie Eye, and even Muffy the beer drinking dog does a great job. Otto Preminger's direction flows at a lovely pace, with a balance between the dramatic tension and thoughtful scenes tinged with humor.

There were Oscar nominations for Best Actor, Supporting Actor (both O'Connell and Scott), Picture, and Editing (all losing to "Ben Hur"), as well as Sam Leavitt's beautiful b&w cinematography (lost to "The Diary of Anne Frank") and Wendell Mayes marvelous screenplay adaptation of the Robert Traver best-seller (lost to "Room at the Top"), proving that 1959 was a great year at the movies.
I love courtroom dramas, and this is one of the best ever made; it's unpredictable, with a very authentic feel to it, perhaps because the author, using the pen name of "Robert Traver", was actually Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker.
Total running time is 160 minutes.

A legendary film
Otto Preminger was one of the most creative and brave directors of the american cinema in the fifties and sixties.
His works were loaded with a ravishing realism , they were very expilict , challenging and disturbing .
Imagine what it means the plot around the adultery commited by the wife of an officer in that age . You can reply me with From here to the eternity but this film is more shocking , and overcomes in dramatic punch to From here ...The other examples you may think is Baby doll and Dial M for murder in the fifties, but this one wins the match.
The powerful sequence in the Court has only a serious match in The Nuremberg judgement . Never before there was not a previous film so disturbing like this that film who explicitly turned around the bitter and awful consequences about the adultery .
The plot is overwhelming , magnificient built , without any hole . The cast is incredible . Consider these giants actors as Ben Gazzara , George C. Scott , Arthur O'Donell, James Stewart and Lee Remick in her screen debut .
This film was nominated as the best film but was unlucky , because Ben Hur literally won all the prizes and somehow that fact stroke the undeniable virtues of that superb work.
However the time seems to set in the right place this picture.
Acquire this one.
One of the most remarkable films in the american cinema story.
If I could give this film ten thousand stars , I 'd do it . ... Read more

Reviews (52)

See Exodus
The screenplay by Dalton Trumbo differs from the book but captured the essence of the story of Exodus. A close obsever and listner will learn much of the climate and environment of the time, noted scene, the broadcasting of news to refugees aboard the Exodus while declaring a hunger strike in a harbor on the island of Cyprus. Paul Newman is not particularly strong as Ari Ben Cannon. The character in the book was a bit more masculine. Eva Marie Saint and Sal Mineo are great, and Sir Ralph Richardson. Sal Mineo desrved an oscar. Otto Priminger was atypical for the day, choosing to film outside of a sound stage on location as much as possible. There are mistakes, shadows of the camera on the faces of actors at times but his unique style of direction is the film's power. Ernest Gold's score is stirring and powerful and beautiful. Some may find the story telling a bit slow by today's standards. If patient, a complex, historical and significant drama will unfold. This is an excellent film. See Schindler's List first and then Exodus. Actually, the sequence here should go somthing like this: Lawrence of Arabia, Schindler's List, and Exodus. What a history lession of the Middle East. Enjoyable, too. The widescreen format is the only way to thoroughly enjoy this film.

Where are the pompadours?
Remember the gladiator movies from the 1950's where all the men wore pompadour hairstyles? If this movie had been made five years earlier we would have seen Paul Newman with puffy hair. Sadly, we missed it. Suffice it to say this movie is really quite bad. It is filmed as if the actors were all on holiday and there just happened to be cameras around. In several spots the sound quality is really quite poor. If you are a Paul Newman fan you should give this movie a miss.

Beautiful and tragic
This tale of the subjugation of the Palestinian people will appeal to hard-core Israelites, but will seem amazingly brutal to those of us who still harbor questions about the Zionist Cleansing Experiment.

Right up there with "Bonnie and Clyde" in making you cheer for the bad guys -- and feel badly thereafter.

A Slice of History!!!
This is one of the best films of all time. With Paul Newman, Eva Marie Saint, and Lee J. Cobb, and Sal Mineo, among the ensemble cast, it doesn't get any better than this. The movie tracks the crew of a ship which ultimately wants to go to Israel- they are Jews from Europe who want to repatriate, and Paul Newman is highlighted as the son of Lee J. Cobb, who represents Ben Gurion.

There's lots of action in this movie, and the additional casting of Peter Lawford as an American attache is real interesting as well. There's intrigue, a prison break, romance, a great soundtrack, and an ending which points to the headlines of today.

A marvelous film, and highly recommended!!

How the Movie Exodus Influenced My Life
The movie 'Exodus' has been a very big influence in my life. The first time I viewed it was when I was 10 years old, right after it was first released back in 1960. My older sister explained to me that it was the true story of the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948 in fulfillment of bible prophecy ("...shall a nation be born in a day?" Isaiah 66:8). I didn't fully understand it back then, but it made a big impression on me and became a seed in my heart that continued to grow for another 38 years. During that period of time I never forgot the movie or what it represented. The seed came to fruition in 1998, the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel, when I was blessed to be able to visit Israel for the first time. A few days prior to my departure I obtained a copy of the movie and viewed it again. The memories flooded back, but with a much more enlightened understanding of the miracle of Israel and the return of the Hebrews to their ancient covenant land after 2000 years of dispersion ("...I [God] will gather you from the nations and bring you back from the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you back the land of Israel" Ezekiel 11:17). How could anyone not see that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob has proven He keeps His word and continues to watch over His word to perform it??!! Why is He doing this? "I [God] do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake... I will sanctify My Great name...and the nations shall know that I am the LORD" Ezekiel Chapter 36. In other words, God keeps His word and this proves it. And if God can redeem Israel and the Hebrews He can redeem anybody from any nation if they will repent and acknowledge Him as Lord. I recommend the movie, it will help you relive the miraculous moment, and give you a taste for that which is yet to come. The epic musical score is unforgettable... if only it were still available. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Nice Little Christmas Video
I chanced upon this on the Hallmark Channel last night and really enjoyed it. Sure, it has some of the usual syrupy elements you find in holiday movies, but they're served in moderation, leaving you with a smile and not a tummy-ache. (How's that for holiday metaphor? wink!)

Carla Gugino is wonderful in her role, and effortlessly carries much of the emotional energy of the production. A number of veteran actresses make appearances, but none "steals the show," allowing the focus to stay on the main characters.

There are a few moments of "Christmas magic," but the focus of the story is on the spirit of the holidays (love, family, kindness, generosity, togetherness, etc.) and can be enjoyed by all, regardless of religious background. There are a lot of funny, heart-tugging, or happy little moments, and there is an sense of innocence throughout. It's definitely one the whole family can watch and is perfect for a quiet holiday evening.

A Lovely Family Christmas Story
This has already become one of my favourite Christmas movies and I just bought it the other day! It's a wonderful family film and as usual Hallmark has put out an outstanding production. Anyone who loves touching Christmas movies with a romantic story line will find this one hard to pass by. The touching scenes are combined with great humour to create a very enjoyable movie. The acting is superb by all the cast. Patty Duke is the angel and is charming in her role. The movie is based on the novel by Marilyn Pappano.

Emilie Thompson, played by Carla Gugino, is an aunt who wants to keep custody of her niece and nephew. Their mother, her sister, is a drug addict and is in jail. The opening scene shows Emilie and the children going to see her in the hospital because she had a drug overdose. A Children's Aid worker meets them there and tells Emilie she will put them in foster care immediately, because Emilie does not have a way of supporting the children. Emilie leaves with the children and starts on a journey to try to keep them together. They wind up in Bethlehem, USA and I love the line in which Emilie says, "We can't be THAT lost!" With direction from the angel, they wind up staying in an abandoned house in the community and find themselves holding up a facade.

In an amusing turn of events, while trying to escape the law, Emilie falls in love with the town police officer, Nathan Blair. David Conrad is really good in this role, and portrays the perfect man who is VERY handsome, sensitive, good with children, etc. In fact if most women don't "fall in love" with him while watching this movie, I would be very much surprised.

The lies Emilie has told in order to keep the family together, catch up with her on Christmas Eve and create a true test to the love that has developed between her & the children and Nathan.

There are some good messages to learn from the story about the importance of family and the fact that Anything is Possible.

My only disappointment is that it is presently not available on DVD. Hopefully that changes soon.

Great family movie
This is one of those movies you will sit down and watch again with your family (maybe at Christmas) I would recommend this movie to anyone it can be watched by the whole family, rare these days.

A Hallmark Special
As an avid Christmas movie-aholic I found this one made me feel good. A woman runs off with her prison-bound sister's kids and ends up in the town of Bethleham (in the USA). With no money and a broken down car they take up residence in a long empty house that is awaiting the deceased owner's heir. Emilie is mistaken as the heir and doesn't correct the townpeoples assumption. The "Miracle" is when the children find a normal life and find out that "anything is possible". If you like feel good movies and putting the tissue box to use, get this one.

A Very Sweet Christmas Romance
This movie is fulled of miracles! It's so sweet! All I have to say is buy it! It's about two young children who are to be taken into foster care after their "druggy" mother is put into a "jail." The children's young and spirited aunt desides she isn't going to let them be taken away. That's when the adventure (and the romance begins)! ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Good Movie That Takes Itself Too Seriously
The story: Earth scientists discover another planet in our solar system -- orbiting on exactly the opposite side of the sun from Earth. A mission is hastily put together and, despite espionagic (Is that a word? Should be.) attempts to stop it, it succeeds. However, when Ian Hendry and Roy Thinnes crash-land on the other planet, they find . . . Earth. Except, it's not. It's exactly like Earth, but in mirror-image. Of, course, the people of htraE had launched a mission to the "other" planet (Earth) at the same time, crewed by yrdneH naI and sennihT yoR, and they believe that the two astronauts who just crashed are their own people who aborted their mission, without good reason, and came back. How do Ian and Roy prove they're not naI and yoR?

Commentary: Good acting, good direction, and great special effects, but this movie is grim, bleak, serious, gray, tense . . . you get the idea. Of course, it's trying to be serious, but it becomes 100% and life is seldom 100% serious (there are a few jokes and a few smiles even in "Saving Private Ryan"). The film loses some of its realism by taking realism too seriously. The makers of this film were probably trying to avoid the ... stereotype of many science-fiction movies, but took it one step too far.

Overall: Despite all my gripes in the previous paragraph, I like this film and remember it vividly years later.

Interesting And Unusual Sci-Fi Cult Film From 1969
From the creators of "The Thunderbirds" and "Space 1999" came this 1969 science fiction melodrama of astronauts discovering a mirror image of Earth always hidden from view of the real Earth because it is always on the other side of the sun. Also known as DOPPELGANGER, this is an unusual entry into the sci-fi genre, a strange cross between "The Twilight Zone" and Kubrick's 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. Roy Thinnes and Ian Hendry are the two astronauts who discover the parallel world and soon become entangled in it. The visual effects work of Derek Meddings still holds up surprisingly well after more than three decades of cinematic advances; and while the uneven dialogue means that JOURNEY cannot really compare to "2001" or the more recent CONTACT, this is still well worth watching for its premise, as well as a fine score by Barry Gray.

Kill the editor! This flick is just too slow.
Journey to the Far Side of the Sun (1969)
This flick supposes that there is another planet in the same orbit as our earth, but on the opposite side of the sun. As such, that seems interesting, and while this film does have some merit, it is just plain too slow.

The Andersons' plots were just plain boring, and all the mechanical complexity in the world could not help. Not one of their series lasted more than two seasons, because anything the Andersons' ever toutched relied upon mechanical intricacies rather than plot or interaction between characters. If only they had not spent so much time showing the spacecraft being positioned for launch, or the elevator going down the shaft, or the sections of the rocket being assembled, their productions would be worthwhile. But for the same reasons that UFO, Stingray, the Thunderbirds, Space 1999, etc were boring and hence, short-lived, this is boring. The fact that they only provided the special-effects for Director Robert Parrish, did not help much. This film was clearly a full half-hour to forty-five minutes too long. Hooray for the DVD player's next chapter button, because fast forward is not fast enough. If not for such drawn out boredom, this would certainly merit 4 of 5 stars. However, its extensive use of mechanical processes as time-killers ruined an otherwise decent flick. Watch the first fifteen minutes, click next chapter until you reach about an hour into the film. Resume viewing at the point where the guy lands on the other Earth, watch it to the end, and you will not miss anything worthwhile, but you will save yourself 40 - 45 minutes of drudgery.

Synopsis:
The premise is that our earth sends a spacecraft to the other earth; however, it returns in only half the time it should have taken for a round-trip flight. Yet, what if our astronaut hero IS on the other earth? If so, how would he know the difference? Like I said, watch the first 15 minutes, and skip the next 30 to 40 minutes. What you will miss contributes nothing to the plot.

5/5 for nostalgia, 1/5 for action, 2/5 for character development, 0/5 for editing, 3/5 for plot.

A Must For Sci-Fi Fans!
This lesser known film starring Roy Thinnes (From TV's Invaders) is actually what I consider a lost gem. It was made at a time where the story was more important that the special effects (though the effect are fairly good for its time).

A scientist theorizes that there is another world in Earth's Orbit directly behind the sun. Since the sun always blocks it from us we can never see it from Earth. Roy Thinnes is selected to go on a mission to get to this world. I don't want to tell the rest of the plot because it will give the rest of the movie away. Let's just say there are some real surprises.

The movie is British and has that good British flavor of acting that was in such TV series like The Avengers.

Gerry Anderson's "Far Side"
In the near future, a routine mission by an unmanned solar probe detects a planet sharing Earth's orbital plane, but orbiting exactly opposite to it. Plans to land an expedition to the mysterious planet are initially shelved because of the cost - but then reinstated and rushed forward when the existence of Earth's twin is discovered by a secret agent (Herbert Lom). Jason Web, a ruthless visionary of space exploration, manages the program as if he's going up. Instead, the two-man crew is headed by a stoic American astronaut named Glenn Ross, a man who seems to have nothing to come back to. Ironically, Ross does return back to Earth - apparently having turned around midway and crashlanding. But Ross is perplexed - his last memories are approaching the mystery planet and landing, having no explanation for his return.

Okay, so there is an explanation [] and on reflection it's not an entirely intelligent one. Actually, the idea of a parallel Earth poses an interesting (likely unintentional) cold war metaphor: scientists and politicians are spurred to expend outrageous sums to conquer and explore a mysterious region or enemy only to find it that the enemy is no different than themselves. Scientifically, it's even less acceptable: everything on this other world is a reverse-mirror image of our Earth, from human anatomy, electric polarity to written language. Luckily, dialog is not reversed though - since the reverse Earth lives within our universe, complete with the same laws of physics - why anything should be reversed at all is a mystery. Instead our hero hits on the twin-earth solution and even sells it to the otherwise immovable Web, though you get the sense that they might have had some reservations about the idea. The thinness of the idea is underscored in the film's unsatisfying climax. The film even junks the promising cold-war undertones after they provided a convenient device for spurring the expedition (Web allows Lom's character to reveal the existence of the other Earth to his foreign masters, knowing that his own superiors will now be forced to pony up the "thousand, million pounds" the expedition will cost).

If "Journey" has a thin idea, it's still a stand-out delivery. Gerry Anderson's vision and Derek Meddings's effects are lovely. Though you know that they're working with models, the exacting attention to detail creates a world you don't want to dismiss as simple elaborate miniatures. Aside from eye-candy, the flick also centers on the strong-willed performances of (vet sci-fi fixture )Roy Thinnes as Ross, and Pat Wymark as the tough-talking Web. For a great piece of glamorous 60's sci-fi, this is your flick. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

this episode
This video has two episodes that are highly ranked of my favorite episodes. The seal is my second favorite. BUY THIS DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tense, as usual
Of the two episodes in this video, the best is The Seal. It is always great to watch the IMF in action. In The Seal, an ancient and sacred seal has been stolen from an obscure country and in the interest of obtaining their favor in the Cold War, it is the team's duty to return the seal.

While this is an earlier episode, you can tell the show was hitting its stride. All the elements are there: timed sequences, the fake accents, a magician, hiding in equipment to gain entrances, fake ids and what is always best - watching the team psych out their prey.

I do not recall having seen this episode and I was surprisingly tense watching this show...there is so much going on and you know there is always the unexpected surprise. This show had everything including a trained cat! Don't miss it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This underrated 1990 film directed by Richard Pearce (Country, Leap of Faith) features exceptionally nuanced performances by both Sissy Spacek (Coal Miner's Daughter) and Whoopi Goldberg (Ghost) in a story set against the backdrop of the emerging civil rights movement of the 1950s South. Spacek plays a Southern socialite who becomes gradually enlightened by the plight of her housekeeper, played by Whoopi Goldberg, as she struggles to raise her family amid the increasing turmoil, prejudice, and violence around her. A well-done treatment of an important period of American history, The Long Walk Home is an effective and accurate period drama. It is also an opportunity to see fine, understated performances by two very popular actresses in an earnest and socially conscious setting. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Christine's Review - The Long Walk Home
'The Long Walk Home' was an excellent film. It was very informative and educational, as well as pleasurable. In Montgomery in 1955, life was difficult for those who lived there. I think this film was a great portrayal of how hard everyone's life was and the changes they had to make. Odessa Cotter and Miriam Thompson, two central characters, teach us an important lesson for other to live by. Miriam doesn't allow her husband, Norman, to tell her what is right and wrong. Miriam doesn't let him control her actions. She realizes that helping with the carpool and supporting the boycott is the right thing to do. Odessa is very strong while all this is going on. She has hope of a new order. At first, I was skeptical on all the violence and racist language, but later realized that having it all gave a more practical view and a better understanding on how harsh life was and what everyone had to deal with. I recommend and encourage everyone to see this movie, if not already seen. Even if you're not into this kind of historical background, it's still very good and enjoyable to watch!!

The Long Walk Home
This movie paints a very vivid picture of the 1955 bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. Odessa Cotter, a maid, is in the middle of the beggining of the civil rights struggle. One can see the differences between a white and black family during the 50's. Odessa struggles to support her family and the boycott. One feels the tension between the two groups, and the violence that sometimes resulted. I saw this movie in Morality class, and I'm glad I had the chance to see it. Because of this movie I am more aware of the civil rights struggle and all of the hardships that came with it. I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to enrich their knowledge and enjoy a great movie.

Great movie concerning black's struggle
I thought this movie was a great movie. It depicted the black struggle in the Montogomery Bus Boycott very well. It was very relasitic in showing the inequality that the black people faced in that time period and how many white people were so racist and unfair to them. It also shows how some white people were very helpful and supported the boycott (Miriam). I believe that this movie is a greta movie to make all ages aware of was really occured during the black rights movement. It teaches you alot about the different views of people and what it is like living as a black person and a white person during this era.

Wonderful Film -- Terrible DVD
This is a marvelous film that gives an accurate account of life in the middle of the 20th Century in the Southern US. I couldn't wait for it to come out on DVD. And what did we get? The usual horrible ARTISAN shoddy worksmanship. The DVD has no extras, not even a trailer. It is in full frame instead of widescreen. But most important, the print is terrible. It is very soft, as if it is a copy of a copy. There is no sharpness to it at all, and colors bleed. It is as bad as Artisan's "The Quiet Man." Artisan should not be in the DVD business, as they have no concept of quality. I would be ashamed to work there.

mike's opinion and review
The film, The Long Walk Home, was a very excellent one in that it showed how things really were at one time. It showed the brutality that people had toward our fellow man and how people don't respect others because of a God-given feature such as skin color. It was hard to watch at times, hard to believe that people can be so rude, ignorant, and immature. It opened my eyes as to how exactly black people were treated and how they were looked down on and mis-treated. This film is one to be remembered because it showed the truth, and even though the truth is not what many wish to see, it is the facts. Odessa showed courage, love, and most of all faith. These three virtues helped her immensely to get through the tough times of her life. I recommend it to anyone who wishes to seek knowledge about the past and wants to learn from it. ... Read more

Reviews (219)

Nostalgia for children of the 80's
Let's face it. Most of us who rate this movie highly do so because it invokes all those rosy-hued memories of our childhood decade. One only has to bring it up to another Gen-Y-er, or whistle a few bars of the opening theme song, to see eyes light up with recognition amid wistful sighs for a more innocent time.
It is the characters and rich settings that pull this film off.
Leads Barret Oliver and Noah Hathaway are both on the verge of being too beautiful to be boys. They display a rare depth for young actors, Oliver's over-dramatic portrayal being unbelievable only for those who are never around play-acting children. Hathaway's subtle facial expressions are riveting, and he deserves respect if for no other reason than for nearly carrying the entire movie. The breathtaking Tami Stromach as the Childlike Empress was every young girl's dream character before the era of the Disney Princess, and she played her enigmatic role with suitable poise and mystery. Who of this generation did NOT, sometime in their childhood, convene with schoolyard cronies to "play Neverending Story" and then argue about who would "be" the Empress, Atreyu, or Bastian? Obviously these characters strike a chord with kids.
The story bears a somewhat faint resemblance to the book on which it is based, though the original author was so dissapointed with the result that he did not want his name associated with the film in any way. I have read the book, and found it to be rich in imagination, depth, and dare I say it, moral psychology, much of which contrives to be muddy and confusing to very young readers. The film simplifies it rather starkly, but in a way I think is satisfying. Classic themes of identity, of an underdog's triumph, of imagination empowering reality, are clearly emphasized. Complaints that the movie ends halfway through the book are valid, but the truth is that the book almost becomes two stories, with the second half diverging wildly from the pacing and characterization of the first, and to try and fit it all into a two-hour film would have done neither film nor book proper justice.
Special effects were groundbreaking for the time, some more successful than others. I didn't realize until several years ago that Engywook and Urgle were supposed to be tiny gnome-like creatures! I always assumed, even as a child, that they were exactly what they are - normal sized people shot in skewed perspective with Atreyu. It wasn't until noticing that they used different sized props between them and Atreyu that I realized the perspective was actually deliberately forced! Ah well...it was a long way to Lord of the Rings.
A few complaints: some sets seem cramped. The scene in which the "ambassadors" from all over Fantasia approach the Ivory Tower sets it up as an enormous landmark where masses of representatives from every one of the no-doubt vast peoples are to convene, yet when we are given an internal view of the structure, we see a claustrophobic ballroom in which a handful of creatures loiter, and in spite of their various weird and fantastic appearances, we are given no more than a brief glimpse of a few. Costumes of the leads are simple and convincing, though.
Altogether, an enjoyable movie, and one I will definitely show my own children. There are some dark moments for kids not yet jaded by too much modern special-effects violence, so use caution. And please, please, spare anyone else from the appalling sequels...part II had little merit and was vaguely eerie, and part III was not only frankly awful as a film but downright blasphemous from the literary perspective.

Probably the best fantasy movie of all time!
"The Neverending Story" is a great fantasy movie from the 80s about a boy named Bastian (Barret Oliver) picturing a story unfold as he reads it from a book called "The Neverending Story." In this fantasy-filled story, a great land called Fantasia is being destroyed by a terrible enemy called the Nothing. It's up to a boy named Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) to find The Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach) and help her before Fantasia and all its habitants get wiped away completely. Atreyu is the only one that has a chance of rescuing Fantasia because he's a warrior and he doesn't know it yet, but he will make many new friends along the way, including one very special friend named Falkor that happens to be a dragon that looks kind of like a dog.

I'll leave it up to you to watch "The Neverending Story" and find out what happens, but I don't recommend watching it. I recommend buying it instead. A lot of people probably think that "The Neverending Story" is a movie that is only suit for kids, but they're wrong. I used to watch this movie with my mom all the time when I was a kid, and now I'm 21, and I still enjoy the movie just as much now, if not more than I did when I was a kid.

When you or your kids first watch "The Neverending Story," neither of you will probably remember everything about the movie, but what you will remember are the spectacular special effects and the entertaining characters such as Falkor the dragon, a HUGE rock creature, the mean wolf, a giant turtle that has a face that resembles that of E.T., and many other interesting creatures. But trust me, whoever you are, you will want to watch this movie over and over again for years to come and you will learn new things about it every time you watch it.

"The Neverending Story" not only has its special effects and plot working full force for it, it also has great acting and an unforgettable and catchy soundtrack.

"The Neverending Story" is in my opinion one of the best movies that a kid can watch for many reasons, but it's a great movie for ANYBODY of any age to watch, especially if you're a kid at heart. When I say that a movie is probably the best ever made in its genre, I don't exaggerate any, I compare it to all the others that I've seen of its type. Therefore, you know that I really do like "The Neverending Story" a lot! Purchase "The Neverending Story" for yourself or for someone you care about as soon as you can. You won't regret it!

Triumph of human Imagination
Sir Adam got it almost right! Good review, by the way.

This is an awesome story about the importance of the story. Yes, the moral lesson of "The Neverending Story" is the importance of the story itself (and by extension the importance of human imagination). If one has read some of Joseph Campbell's "The Power of Myth" one understands this completely. It is that Native American idea of "he who does not have the stories has nothing."

The key force of destruction in this tale is "the Nothing" literally non-existence or the lack of imagination. The world in which "The Neverending Story" takes place, Fantasia, is a conglomerate universe composed of the dreams and hopes of all people. Every story ever told and every character who has ever lived exists somewhere in Fantasia. So that somewhere in Fantasia, Paul Atreides wanders a desert landscape while somewhere else in Fantasia Alice falls down the rabbit hole.

Fantasia, this conglomerate world of human dreams, is dying. The reason is that people in the real world no longer dream... of anything. It is a very modern tale about the death of the human capacity to, as John Lennon put it, IMAGINE. Without the capability to imagine anything, people become easily manipulated by forces greater than them... this is where the real villain comes in (more about that after the next paragraph).

The main protagonist, Atreyu, is the alter ego of the real life boy who is reading the story. The real life boy, therefore, is filled with imagination, brimming with it, in fact. He exists in a real world where nobody imagines anything anymore. Therefore, the alter ego (in Fantasia) of the real life boy with imagination is a young champion who is trying to save imagination itself and its conglomerate world, Fantasia.

The real villain of the story is, at least from a Christian context, Lucifer, or the Devil himself. He is the "force behind the Nothing" who is attempting the death of all imagination. This explains the creature known as the Morg. As Sir Adam mentioned in his review, this is the major adversary for Atreyu (and the real life boy who is his generator). The Morg is, in his own words, "a servant of the force behind the Nothing." The Morg is, I believe, a demon, or fallen angel servant who has somehow crossed the border into Fantasia and put on the guise of that mythical creature of destruction, the werewolf. The Wolf image is only a guise used by the demon to try to blend in with his surroundings.

Of course, we know who wins in the end. This is a very complex movie and a VERY relevant one to the times in which we are living. I see people around me who are quite literally mental cripples who are incapable of imagination. Without the stories, we are nothing.

Best fantasy of the 80s
I grew up on this movie, but I hadn't seen it in years until I bought this DVD. I view it with and adult's perception now, so it's not as good for me as it was when I was a kid. However, because I can see that kids would love it, I think it still holds up well. Heck, I still like it.

I wish this DVD had more special features, but alas it does not. What really bothered me was that it didn't have a subtitle for when Bastian shouts out a name for the Child-like Empress. I was so looking forward to finally finding out what the heck he shouts out for her name, and I get nothing. But I researched it on the net, and apparently it's "Moon Child." It does sound like that's what he's shouting. But I'm baffled that that was his mother's name (unless he changed his mind further into the film and decided to give the Empress a random name rather than his mother's).

So overall, the movie's good and the DVD is so-so. Great picture and sound quality, but no special features and no subtitle for when he shouts out the Empress' new name. But it's the only one in the series worth buying I think. Well, maybe the second one was ok.

Speaking as an adult
Having only seen this movie for the first time two years ago, I beg to differ with those who claim that it's allure is lost to those not having been exposed to it at an early age. What makes this movie significantly superior to many other such children's films is heartful, caring use of non computer generated special effects. The challenge comes with letting yourself go on the wings or backs of the several beautifully crafted creatures we share this adventure with. It's shabby chic artisty is everywhere to be found including that great Moroder new wavey score. The best film fantasy film since the 80's? Quite possibly. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

One of my top 10 movies....
I love this movie, it's one of my top 10 favorites. It's glitzy and it dazzles me, and it's just the kind of movie that gives me sweet dreams and one you'll love to cozy up with on a Saturday night. It's so very lavish and everything in this movie is just beautiful and huge!! Everything about this movie is on such a grand scale, everything is just so big and gorgeous, the mansion is again just gorgeous, the rooms are perfectly and beautifully decorated and the colors that are used are just dreamy, the flower arrangements are also huge and they sit atop huge fireplaces, this movie is just a feast for the eyes! (I found that I watched it again so that I could rewind and rewind just to feast on the sets!) For the most part, the movie stays pretty close to the storyline of the book, and the book was again a huge and wonderful read, (which I also suggest!) My husband also liked this movie, he liked the actors and the storyline, the cars, the racing and the bird's eye view of the auto industry, and one of his favorite actress is Leslie Ann Downs. The flashbacks made me feel like I had slipped back in time, and oh I also just loved how Betsy got her man, the little swim she took... (she's the same actress who played the little girl on Make Room For Daddy with Danny Thomas--I think?). Lawrence O is in my opinion, very sexy and magnetic and perfect for the part, he's very handsome and even though I had never seen him before in any other movie, whew, what a cutie he is, even for an older man! But I love Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones. And yes, I totally agree with the viewer who said there was no chemistry between any of the actors and that Tommy Lee rushed through his lines like he was in a hurry to get to an audition for Coal Miner's Daughter (I had a good laugh at this!), but still he's young and cute and he does not disappoint. I love movies with good actors, pretty sets, lovely clothes, romance and happy endings and any movie that goes back in time or ia a period piece, gets my vote every single time.

Not a masterpiece but still good
The betsy which is based on a novel by Harold Robbins is not

a very good movie but it is not that bad.I didn't like Olivier's

performance but i think Tommy Lee Jones did great.The love

scenes in the movie are very beautiful and Kathleen Beller is

a very gorgeous actress [Most known for her role as Kirby

andrews in Dynasty] and i adore her love scene with Tommy Lee

Jones.

A So-Bad-It's-Great Classic
There's so much awfulness to love in this movie, a camp classic done as straight as an arrow.

I have a hard time figuring out what's my favorite thing about this movie because there's so much to love -- the total miscasting? Olivier's "Americanish" accent which is frequently slurred? The complete lack of chemistry between any of the principle characters? That "Where's My Paycheck?" look on Katherine Ross' face? The way Tommy Lee Jones spits out his lines so quickly like he needs to leave the set early to go to the Coal Miner's Daughter audition? ... The heavily gauzed-lens flashbacks? The complete implausibility of Harold Robbins' story? Mansions decorated with whicker furniture? Sir Larry's parade of horrendous toupees?

If you miss Dynasty or The Colbys for any of the above reasons, or if you are just a connoisseur of So-Bad-They're-Great movies you can't miss this one. ...

Great Fun in A Grat Pot Boiler
This is a movie with no pretensions. It is about corporate intrigue, family disputes and beautiful bodies. It is an unashamed pot-boiler. It is helped by the fine acting that does not descend into camp. There are many highy ca