Reviews (47)

Excellent film, shoddy DVD treatment
"Frantic" was released in 1988 and quickly disappeared from theaters, which is a shame because it's a great little film. Acclaimed director Roman Polanski has crafted a wonderful mystery/thriller. Unfortunately, Warner Brothers doesn't seem to care much about giving this movie the treatment it deserves. It's not widescreen, there are absolutely no extras (not even the requisite trailer) and it doesn't look like there was any effort in restoring the picture. The price is quite good compared to the average DVD, but you get what you pay for here.

Harrison Ford stars as an American surgeon in Paris for a convention and brings along his wife (Betty Buckley, who played the mom on the TV show "Eight is Enough") in order to make the trip something of a second honeymoon. They barely have time to settle into their hotel room when the wife mysteriously disappears. A "frantic" Ford spends the rest of the film looking for her and along the way he encounters mysterious Arabs, inept U.S. embassy bureaucrats, missing luggage, a dead drug dealer, and a young female party animal who ends up being his main source of assistance in tracking down his wife. It's an engaging thriller that gets a little contrived toward the end, but still a fun ride.

This is not a masterpiece on par with Polanski's "Chinatown" or "Rosemary's Baby," but still quite enjoyable. Unfortunately, the DVD is basically VHS quality. Shame on Warners. Still, if you want to pick up a disc cheap and don't mind sub-par quality, this is nice one to get.

Polanski does Hitchcock
In Frantic, Harrison Ford plays a doctor who travels to Paris for a medical convention, but his plans change when, upon stepping out of his hotel shower, he finds his wife (Betty Buckley) gone. Receiving no help from the local police or American representatives, the good Dr. Walker goes on searching for her himself, and with the help of the beautiful and mysterious Michelle (Emmanuelle Signer) the search drags him into a world of crime, drugs, mistaken identities and international intrigue.

Of course, in the hands of the master Roman Polanski, Frantic is fantastically made and brilliantly directed. Even Harrison Ford, by far not one of my favorite actors (to me, Ford's career begins and ends with three classic characters: Han Solo, Indiana Jones and Rick Deckard. Everything he's done since 'Temple Of Doom' is just the same old character over and over again) turns in a respectable and believable performance. The trouble is Frantic lacks the depth we've come to expect from Polanski classics like Chinatown, Rosemary's Baby or Tess. It actually looks more like a Hitchcock than a Polanski - and that goes for more than just the plot, which is probably an intentional Hitchcock homage. The whole thing looks - unlike other Polanski films - not like an intricate and finely crafted piece of cinema which took two or three years to make, but like a simple story with simple schematic characters which is told in an intricate and clever way by a director who makes two or three movies a year, like Hitchcock. The only character in the movie that is structured and complete is Ford's; Michelle is quite intriguing (not to mention extremely attractive) but fails to make an impression and leaves as abruptly as she appears. As for Mrs. Walker, she serves more as a houseplant than as a human character. The rest of the characters are nothing more than aids or obstacles in Walker's frantic chase, though most of them are portrayed by talented actor who hand in satisfactory performances in their small parts.

Aside from all that, Frantic is quite an entertaining movie, if your expectations aren't TOO high; don't expect this to be another Chinatown. It's a well made, well built schematic thriller that treads familiar grounds and does what it's meant to do, which is thrill, suspend and entertain. As such, it's a fantastic thriller with great acting and directing, good suspense and a good share of comic relief. Not essential for Polanski fans, but worth the watch.

Much too sophisticated for average filmgoers.
This film is a Cornell Woolrich, entirely American style of thriller set in Paris in the mid-80s. It never veers from its exceedingly well-written premise and is peopled with a fantastic cast that makes this uprooted American genre work perfectly in new environs. Ford has never been better, and although Singer isn't going to win any awards her situation is quite believable. This is a rare and unique film, a thoroughly modernized Hitchcock piece that I feel outdoes a lot of the "master's" films. It reminds me of another maligned film, Snake Eyes, in that it has been totally misinterpreted by modern audiences seeking explosions and mind-numbing action scenes. This is a classic thriller. Really fun. And for anyone who has been to Paris, it's wonderful to see all of the locations and the portrayal of the underside of the city. Polanski is a magnificent director and plays every scene perfectly. LOVE IT.

Ahhh Paris...
Frantic is one of my all-time favorite sleeper Ford films. Frantic received anywhere from mixed reviews to a luke warm reception when it premiered back in 1987. Audiences and critics could not understand if it was meant to be a high octane action thriller or a throwback to the era of psychological drama a la Hitchcock with Parisian settings. It is actually a little of both but leaning more towards a slowly culminating subtle action feel. There are no huge pyro-technic explosions or violent gore. Just a few car chase scenes and ricocheting bullets...In the end, in my book, Frantic to me is more of a cult status Polanski/Ford Flick classic. From the opening movie credits rolling in the tradition of the way ending credits normally close a film, Frantic contained that eccentric yet highly artistic Roman Polanski touch. It also introduced Polanski's beautiful young French model/actress wife Emmanuelle Seigner (European Brooke Shields or Mariel Hemingway). While she provided much candy for the eye, her acting ability saw some room for improvement. Polanski's keen eye for directing is awesome;Particularly the way he does the rooftop scene with Ford's character and the French girl Michelle. If you were afraid of heights or suffer from vertigo, then this is your nightmare scene. Also, the scene where Walker awakes to see the huge Statue of Liberty is brilliant (you will know what I mean if you see this) !

Frantic is the tale of a happy married couple having their 20th Anniversary celebrated in The City of Lights while also combining a medical convention Dr. Walker (Ford) must attend. All is disrupted by an accidental switching of identical suitcases. One case contains the clothing articles of his wife Sondra ( Broadway actress/singer and 70's Eight Is Enough step mom Betty Buckley) and the other, well, you will have to find out by watching the dvd, an item the bad guys want. In an attempt of desperation to retrieve this suitcase and its contents they kidnap Sondra and hold her in exchange for the case with it's valuable contents. Dr. Walker must now rescue his wife with the aid of a street smart French gal named Michelle (Emmanuelle Seigner) who is also entangled in this dangerous web of intrigue and may possess the key to the entire mystery...

What will mystify some viewers is something that a critic pointed out years ago. Here it is...If the bad guys knew what the suitcase looked like containing the merchandise, then why didn't they just run into the hotel room and snatch it? Instead, they left the suitcase behind but take the wife...Thought to ponder. But, then, again, such a quick and witty resolve on the part of the bad guys would have resulted in an extremely short film !

Moody and somewhat atmospheric is the way to describe Frantic. Moody and atmospheric also applies to the soundtrack performed by Ennio Morricone. A soundtrack which harkens back to the 70's detective t.v. series like Streets of San Francisco or Mannix but with a contemporary feel (use of orchestration with horns and electric guitar or bass). Throughout the film a song by Grace Jones entitled "I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango)" is ominously used to add to Frantic's feel.Frantic also possesses an 80's dated quality in music and fashion in quite a few club scenes but with that Parisian or European panache (in a good 80's way, er, ah, if that is at all possible). So, if you are looking for a Ford film with a bit of cinematic scenic style, a somber yet catchy soundtrack, Parisian setting, a hankering for reliving the 80's then Frantic is the ticket !

Harrison-Polanski duet
"Frantic is one of the best thrillers with Harrison Ford and there are two reasons for it: 1. Directed by Roman Polanski; 2. Filmed in Paris. I think Harrison Ford and Roman Polanski is one of the unreplacable duets in a film industry. I do also hope to see Harrison Ford and an actress Emanuel Seigler together on a screen again, because you can feel the chemistry between them, which does not always happened between the leading actors, and they do not even play lovers. If Harrison Ford plays in the movie, you don't even need to know anything else about the film - watch it!!! ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A Pleasant Surprise
I had never heard of this movie before I saw it and I wasn't expecting it to be any good--but it is. It's really, really good.
Considering the star status of Steve Martin (who turns out an extrodinary performance in this film) why has it been so overlooked? Martin plays "Jonas Nightengale", a glib traveling evangalist, faith healer, and con man. When one of his trucks breaks down in the impoverished town of Rust Water, Kansas, he sets up his tent and invites the town to a revival. The sheriff (Liam Neeson) is determined to stop Nightengale from seperating the poor and desperate people from what little money they have. At first this film appears to simply be a cynical expose of the tricks fraudulent preachers use to shake down their flocks. But as it progresses it reveals itself to be something much more complex and subtle. At one point Nightengale, when confronted as being a fake, replies, "What difference does it make as long as I get the job done?" Yet when a real miracle occurs, something he can niether explain or control, his lack of faith is shaken and he actually becomes angry with God. As in real life conversions, the film unexpectedly turns you around 180 degrees by the end.

Outstanding!!
This movie touches everyone who watches it. Some may not admit it but you sit through it without being touched you are dead or numb. Steve Martin is super as Jonas Nightingale, definitely an academy award performance. My personal favorite moment is the little comical dance he breaks into in the middle of his sermon. It always breaks me up each time I watch it and I have seen it many times. It is one of those movies you never seem to see enough. Liam Neeson is also great as the sheriff who is skeptical of Jonas and tries to bring him down. Everyone knows how great Debra Winger is and this one of her best efforts. A must for every serious movie lovers library.

The Well Known Correlation Between MEATLOAF & Word Of Faith!
Steve Martin is born to play the starring role of Jonas Nightingale, a travelling huckster, fraud of a faith healer, demon "caster outer", "slay in the spiriter" & more importantly, a money grubbing false prophet. Along with his no-nonsense sidekick manager, Jane, played aptly by Debra Winger, they bilk poor souls from a small town out of their hard earned cash with the oldest profession in the world. No, not prostitution. The selling of the Gospel Of Jesus Christ!

This film exhibits many word-faith doctrines such as "positive confession", "gospel of health", "gospel of wealth" and the whole "name it and claim it" belief. More imporantly, what it also has is some great smaller role performances given by Lolita Davidovich as waitress Marva, Lukas Haas as Boyd, Liam Neeson as Will, Philip Seymour Hoffman as Matt, and MEATLOAF as Hoover!

This movie also has a great soundtrack with samplings from Don Henley, Patti LaBelle, Wynonna Judd and of course, the great Meatloaf with "Paradise By The Dashboard Lights"!

Seriously though... This film has a great ending and shows what REAL MIRACLES are made of and EXACTLY where they are made...

A fun & entertaining family film!

Happy Watching!

WOW
What an awesome movie! I have already watched so many Steve Martin's movies but in this one he gives us the best performance ever.
Jonah, is a public religious speaker who goes from town to town to heal and give hope to people. A whole team works for him. His main assistant gathers and passes on the information to him about people in the audience. Everything she says he got it through the "GOD" (microphones in his ears)...

Very very very funny for us and very very very threatening and serious for phony people such as Benny Hinn and some other wackos like himself.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Phe-no-men-al!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This movie has been one of my favorites since it hit the big screen many years ago. Not that I am old now, but I was a very young person when it came out, and being an avid lover of Gospel music, I was truly taken back by the music that was apart of this movie. Many Gospel music notables such as Ricky Dillard (Choir director) and Albertina Walker (soloist) quickly caught my eye as the movie and plot began to develop. I would truly recommend this movie to those who love Gospel music, and even those who love Steve Martin. He did a phenomenal job of playing a minister and a con simultaneously. I applaud him!!!!! I urge anyone that reads this review and is contemplating purchasing this movie to do so with no hesitation. You will not regret it!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

KEIFER SUTHERLAND'S FIRST MAJOR MOVIE WITH A STARRING ROLE.
KEIFER SUTHELAND HAS HIS FIRST BREAK THROUGH ROLE. IN THIS 1930'ERA\SET MOVIE. ITS A GREAT DRAMATIC ROLE IF UR A KIEFER FAN THIS IS A MUS OWN MOVIE FOR U.BY THE WAY HE'S ONLY 17 IN THI FILM SO IF U THINK HE WAS HOT IN THE LOST BOYS WAIT TILL U SEE H IN THIS FLICK.

My crush on Keifer Sutherland
This movie started my ENORMOUS CRUSH on Keifer Sutherland. I believe this was his very first movie and it was GREAT! I would someday LOVE to visit Nova Scotia and see the beautiful scenery. The acting and plot were done very well and it got quite suspenseful when poor Keifer's character Donald kept that terrible secret and was continuously taunted by the father of the girl he loved. My crush has since wained, but it's still a good movie to remember my feelings for Keifer. Great movie!

Kiefer Sutherland in a complex coming of age film
Kiefer Sutherland plays Donald Campbell, a sixteen-year old boy growing up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia in the 1930's in this coming of age drama from director Daniel Petrie. Donald's mother (Liv Ullmann), wants her son to join the priesthood, and the young boy is entertaining the idea. But he is also at the age when girls make a big impression, especially his neighbor, Saxon Coldwell (Leah Pinsent). Yet it is her younger sister Dianna (Jane McKinnon), who he turns to for his initial stumblings through the art of love. Besides, the Depression has hit, and after school Donald has to help his father with work rather than engaging in dating behavior.

Petrie crams a lot into this (supposedly) autobiographical film. There are dark family issues in the Campbell home--the death of a child in the past and an older brother who has become brain damaged--and when Donald witnesses the murder of two elderly neighbors you have to wonder if "The Bay Boy" is making a radical shift in direction. But the common denominator is quite simple: we are witnessing a young boy make the key decisions that will lead him to become the man he is going to become. However, this idea makes more sense the second time around watching this film.

This was Keifer Sutherland's second film, after a small part in "Max Dugan Returns." I am not sure if it is intentional on his part as a young actor, but he plays his scenes with the others his own age a lot better than he does with the adults. Ullman brings depth to the role of the hardworking mother, who represents the strong undercurrents in Donald's life. There is a lot crammed into the single year of his life depicted in this film, but through it all the impressionable young Donald retains his sense of wonder. The cast also includes Robert Donat, Matthieu Carriere and Isabelle Mejias. This 1984 film, which is a personal work by the director, was filmed on location in Nova Scotia.

Young Keifer Sutherland in a complex coming of age film
Kiefer Sutherland plays Donald Campbell, a sixteen-year old boy growing up in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia in the 1930's in this coming of age drama from director Daniel Petrie. Donald's mother (Liv Ullmann), wants her son to join the priesthood, and the young boy is entertaining the idea. But he is also at the age when girls make a big impression, especially his neighbor, Saxon Coldwell (Leah Pinsent). Yet it is her younger sister Dianna (Jane McKinnon), who he turns to for his initial stumblings through the art of love. Besides, the Depression has hit, and after school Donald has to help his father with work rather than engaging in dating behavior.

Petrie crams a lot into this (supposedly) autobiographical film. There are dark family issues in the Campbell home--the death of a child in the past and an older brother who has become brain damaged--and when Donald witnesses the murder of two elderly neighbors you have to wonder if "The Bay Boy" is making a radical shift in direction. But the common denominator is quite simple: we are witnessing a young boy make the key decisions that will lead him to become the man he is going to become. However, this idea makes more sense the second time around watching this film.

This was Keifer Sutherland's second film, after a small part in "Max Dugan Returns." I am not sure if it is intentional on his part as a young actor, but he plays his scenes with the others his own age a lot better than he does with the adults. Ullman brings depth to the role of the hardworking mother, who represents the strong undercurrents in Donald's life. There is a lot crammed into the single year of his life depicted in this film, but through it all the impressionable young Donald retains his sense of wonder. The cast also includes Robert Donat, Matthieu Carriere and Isabelle Mejias. This 1984 film, which is a personal work by the director, was filmed on location in Nova Scotia. ... Read more

Reviews (40)

Great Movie!!
Outbreak is a fantastic action/drama with a great, all-star cast.

Outbreak features the acting talent of Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, Morgan Freeman, Cuba Gooding Jr., Kevin Spacey and Donald Sutherland. Dustin Hoffman puts on one excellent performance throughout this film, and the supporting cast is nothing short of excellent. This thriller will keep you on the edge of the seat until the very end of the movie.

The DVD while lacking many special features, is still well worth owing. The crisp picture, theater sound, and low price makes this one well worth getting.

If you are a fan of any of the above actors, pick this one up!!!
You will not be disappointed.

Highly Recommended!!

A movie worth watching!
Outbreak, brings to the screen the likely scenario that a deadly virus (similar to the Ebola virus) spreads rapidly endangering mankind, and threatening life on Earth. The likelihood of such a phenomenon is presently great indeed (as it always has been i.e. the Black Death etc), and hopefully the film will get many people thinking.
The movie is very realistic in its approach, and conveys a much needed message of the dangers facing people, especially when dealing with viruses (how easily many of them spread e.g. an airborne virus in an airplane or a movie theater). Moreover, one realizes how the government would have to act in such an emergency and the type of use of the military one should expect in order to protect the majority of people that have yet to be infected and contain the spread of the disease.
Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, and Rene Russo, whose performances are simply amazing, make this movie one of the best of its kind.
The actors' great talent and chemistry clearly shows, thus providing a film that can be watched over and over again.
Resident Evil (Milla Jovovich) is another very good movie dealing with virus-related incidents/threats, though it falls much more under "Horror" than Outbreak, which is a more "Thriller/Action" type of film. Another movie that comes to mind is Twelve Monkeys (Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Medeleine Stowe), which is a futuristic/science fiction approach to similar virus-related threats to humanity.
In short, Outbreak is a very good movie, it's an eye opener, and very much worth watching!

Stop that Virus!
Viruses scare the bejesus out of people who spend any significant amount of time thinking about them. Stephen King has written a couple of horror stories where humanity is essentially destroyed by the flu. "Outbreak" taps into that primal fear and elevates a killer virus to a status cinematically usually only reserved for tornadoes, volcanoes, great white sharks or Godzillas. In Outbreak a bad virus is discovered in a deep dark place, carried by a cute monkey, and attempted to be stuffed into a military pandora's box.

Wolfgang Peterson knows how to make a suspenseful movie as he proved with "Das Boot" and "Air Force One" and here he gets to work with a cast that would be difficult to reproduce today with Dustin Hoffman, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, Cuba Gooding, Jr, Rene Russo and Donald Sutherland.

There are a few cliches in the film. Sutherland plays a stereotypical military general who sneers as he orders the death of thousands of innocents in the name of "National Security" - but he does it with skill and enthusiasm. Morgan Freeman dispatches a bomber crew with a speech that could have been replaced word for word with the same speech Slim Pickens delivers to his bomber crew in "Dr. Strangelove" ("I know you have reservations about what you've been ordered to do..... you wouldn't be human if you didn't....")

There are several light-hearted moments, such as when Hoffman's Colonel is out in a helicopter flown by Gooding's Major and they all but acknowledge that they are the characters-in-a-disaster-movie-tasked-with-saving-humanity. "I don't need you to get negative on me now", Dustin says after Cuba summarizes the hopelessness of their situation. "Affirmative, Sir!"

Awesome
I loved this movie. That is all that can be said. That is all that is needed to be said.

Casualties of War.
"In war, truth is the first casualty." - Aeschylus.

In 1989, a secret U.S. Army SWAT team was called in after an Ebola outbreak among monkeys in a Reston, VA lab; a mere ten miles from Washington, D.C. They eventually determined that this particular strain wasn't contagious for humans - others, however, are; capable of producing a 90% mortality rate within a matter of days. The incident produced Richard Preston's bestselling book "The Hot Zone," on which this movie is loosely based (another project involving Robert Redford and Jodie Foster eventually folded).

Like the Reston Ebola strain, the (fictitious) Motaba virus at the center of Wolfgang Petersen's "Outbreak" is brought to the U.S. by an infected monkey, caught near a village in the Zairean (now: Congolese) Motaba Valley. Unlike the Reston Ebola it is contagious for humans, with a 100% mortality rate within a single day. And unlike any known Ebola strain it is airborne, i.e. not only transmitted by direct human-to-human contact.

Officially nobody has any prior knowledge of the virus at the time of its apparent first hit. In fact, once they've overcome their shock about its gruesome effects, USAMRIID Colonel Sam Daniels (Dustin Hoffman) and his assistants, Majors Schuler and Salt (Kevin Spacey and Cuba Gooding Jr.) - in Zaire to provide medical assistance - are downright ecstatic to have discovered a new virus; a once-in-a-lifetime event for most scientists, if it happens at all. What they don't know is that their own superiors, Brig.Gen. Billy Ford (Morgan Freeman) and Maj.Gen. Donald McClintock (Donald Sutherland) have encountered this virus before, albeit non-airborne, in a mercenary camp in 1967 ... and on McClintock's orders, firebombed the camp to secretly develop a biological weapon. Now McClintock insists that their knowledge remain secret even after a first Motaba outbreak in Boston, brought about by the Californian animal lab worker (Patrick Dempsey) who has unwittingly smuggled the carrier monkey out to sell it to a pet store; and after another outbreak in Cedar Creek, CA, transmitted through the pet store owner and a lab technician infected by his blood. McClintock's solution is the same as 30 years earlier: Firebomb the contaminated area and everybody in it, keep your weapon and be done with it.

But unlike 1967, complete secrecy is no longer an option, as not only Colonel Daniels's team but also his ex-wife Robby (Rene Russo), who is now with the CDC and has helped contain the Boston outbreak, is aware of the virus's presence. Thus, McClintock opts for the reverse strategy, obtains a presidential OK for his "Operation Clean Sweep" - after a dramatic presentation to the assembled cabinet resulting in the conclusion that the "bug" is capable of spreading to the entire country, including D.C., within a mere 48 hours; and the admonishment "Be compassionate, but be compassionate globally" - and orders Ford to get Daniels out of the way and keep him "in line."

Daniels, however, who has long earned a reputation for following orders rather selectively, rushes to Cedar Creek, to work alongside Robby and her team trying to contain the virus. In short order Ford and McClintock show up as well, and soon the town is crawling with soldiers, who seal it off to the outside world and implement a curfew, to prevent a further spread of the virus but also in preparation of "Operation Clean Sweep." A frantic race ensues; pitting Daniels and Salt, who set out to search for the host animal to develop an antiserum, against their own comrades.

The premise of "Outbreak" is entirely believable; as evidenced by the 1989 Virginia incident - after all, it was mere luck that the Reston strain didn't prove contagious for humans - and by the fact that, as is public knowledge, various kinds of viral strains do exist in the U.S. and other countries; at the very least for experimental purposes. While their military use is banned under the 1925 Geneva Protocol and the 1972 Biological Weapons Convention, there still is no functioning control mechanism in place (which was/is also a factor in the Iraq WMD debate). And although the U.S. is a signatory to both aforementioned instruments and has previously stated its non-use policy, the Bush government abandoned international discussions on the issue in 2001.

So, "Outbreak" addresses enormously important concerns; and it does so compellingly and with a stellar cast. Dustin Hoffman imbues his Colonel Daniels with tremendous compassion but also a great sense of humor; and his snappy exchanges with Russo's Robby Keough and his team are a delight, especially those with Kevin Spacey, who in 1995 burst into movie audiences' collective awareness with this film, the Oscar-winning "Usual Suspects" and "Se7en." Morgan Freeman brings all his sensitivity to the movie's most intricate role, General Ford, who is caught between being party to McClintock's scheme and realizing its profound immorality. Then-27-year-old Cuba Gooding Jr. may have been a bit young to play a Major, but he certainly stands his ground; and few actors can portray a villain as menacingly as Donald Sutherland, although the script gives him little opportunity for true complexity.

Unfortunately, "Outbreak" gets the full "Hollywood thriller" treatment, complete with dramatic score, two-dimensional villain, cliched ending and reliance on a few coincidences too many. This (and some plot inconsistencies) somewhat reduces its effect, preventing a good movie from becoming a truly great one - although its 'copter chases are pure eye candy; and it certainly helps that they were shot by Michael Ballhaus, arguably the business's best cameraman. But for the importance of its subject alone, and its outstanding cast, "Outbreak" is worth all the notice it has received.

"[The Cedar Creek population] are casualties of war. ... I'd give them all a medal if I could. But they *are* casualties of war." - "Outbreak," Maj.Gen. Donald McClintock.

"[N]o massacre has occurred ... no further action is warranted." - From the initial Department of the Army investigation report on the March 16, 1968 My Lai incident (Vietnam). ... Read more

Reviews (14)

QWERKYNESS SQUARED!!!
If you like brilliant writing coming from the qwerkyest characters ever put on screen, than this is the show for you! I stumbled upon this show years back while channel surfing and have sought it out ever since. Awhile back, A&E ran it every day, and there was a marathon that I taped, but of course it was VHS. Having had DVD for two years now, I just can't watch VHS or broadcast TV anymore. Apart from the obvious video quality and sound issues, the incredible ease of navigation and repetition abilities of DVD's make VHS tapes more obsolete to DVD's than dinosaurs are to humans; it is that drastic a quality difference! PLEASE, PLEASE, PRETTY PLEASE release this brilliant drama/sitcom...IT DEFIES DESCRIPTION really, but you can't watch it for five minutes and not be a fan forever. The Northern Exposure fan base is huge. So speaking for Joel, Maggie, Maurice, Chris, Ed, Holling, Shelly, Marilyn, Ruth Ann, Adam, and Jesse The Bear; please release Northern Exposure so I can die a HAPPY MAN!!!

The Best TV Series Ever!
Northern Exposure has to be the most wonderfully directed, acted, and produced television series' I have ever seen. Especially the pilot episode. The scenary and the music in every episode make you feel as if you are a part of it all. Every episode has a very emotional ending, and leaves you with this warm, satisfying feeling inside. After watching Northern Exposure, I wanted to move to Alaska for the longest time. From Chris in the Morning to Dr. Fleischman, every character is dynamic, and you can never once tell that they are acting. It is just a very wonderfully natural show. I tried to get some of my friends to watch it, but they don't get the worth and moral value from it that I do. I hope that TV stations keep playing the re-runs on A & E or other networks. Rob Morrow, aka Dr. Joel Fleischman, is one of the best, and now one of my personal favorite, actors. The way each episode goes into detail about the smallest things, just shows you how thought-out, well-written, and well-planned the makers are. Its a shame there aren't more series like Northern Exposure today. The makers also did an A+ job in casting the characters. I don't really have a favorite, since they are all just great, but I especially like Chris, Ed, and Fleischman. Chris has this intellectual way about him. He's sort of a rehabilitated philosopher so to speak. He and his radio show are one of the key moral points of the series. He usually sums up the moral value of each episode. I just can't say enough about this show!

Northern Exposure NOT on DVD?
I have seen some of the dumbest movies and TV series come out on DVD, and they were just made recently. Where's Northern Exposure? This series has been over with for a long time, what is it you are waiting on? I have never been glued to a TV set before in my life until NE came to TV.
I, as well as others are extremely disappointed in this, so PLEASE begin recording this on DVD so the entire world population can once again watch the best series that was ever created.
I thank you very much.

season one available on DVD in UK
If season two comes out on DVD in the UK I'm going to buy one of those "illegal" DVD players that let you watch DVD encoded for others regions-countries. The players start at $89.00 and are as high as $600.00. There is a huge amount of good DVD stuff out there that will never be released here so that $100.00 bucks would be well spent. The $89.00 one is small and easy to slip into a crowded area. So instead of getting all my money the studio will only get a royalty. too bad for them.

what's the hold up with the DVD's ?
i can get "Britney Spears" concerts on DVD, but not the all-time best TV series EVER?? ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Get the "Big Picture" and Enjoy
A very captivating movie. Peter O'Toole is as charming as ever and the love story, in the end, will leave you crying for joy that all is right with the world. Though probably not suitable for kids, it is still a good, clean, funny movie. When the movies over, you feel like you finally get "the big picture". This movie is definitely for the hopeless romantic!

An all-time classic! Must watch!
A beautifully written and produced movie with something for everyone with a tender-heart. The music score gently swept me off my feet and into the movie. It carefully propelled me into the life of the characters. You will laugh with them, and you will cry with them. You will be forced to re-define the meaning of love. You will wonder: how far am I willing to go to bring back a loved one? You will be challenged to ask yourself: would I stand by someone I loved even if he/she was on the verge of death? This movie is worth watching. No kidding. On the side of the characters, I admire Boris (played beautifully and delicately by Vincent Spano) the most. His innocent boy-like nature will charm you. His desire to find true love and his passion to understand "the big picture" will challenge you to think in the same vein.

Eric, you are a genius!
I'm a world-class cynic, but this movie reminds me to keep my mind and heart open.

epalfreyman
This will be short. The movie is one of my favorites, ever. The romance is moving and both realistic and idealistic at the same time. Hemingway and O'Toole take a relationship that should be a joke and make it touching and believable. O'Toole is excellent as the eccentric professor. The theme of love is what holds the movie elements together and it deals with love in many manifestations. I'm not Catholic, but it was one of the few films that didn't turn Catholics into jerks, and I really enjoyed that here was a young couple trying to find love without having to disparage their faith to do it. The movie is charming, witty and touching. If you're a cynic, it won't be for you; but if you believe in love, believe in the big picture, and believe in redemption; this is a film for you.

Creative genius
I must first start out saying that this is one of the few movies that has actually brought me to tears.
Boris and Barbara's relationship struck me as the most sincere and heart wrenching love affair that I have ever witnessed. Peter O'Toole is captivating as the eccentric scientist and David Ogden-Stiers has perpetuated his typecasting with his role as the arrogant intellectual.
This is the first major movie role for Ms Hemmingway and she shows flashes of the talent that made her so famous on TV a few years later.
This is a love story with a cast of suporting characters that make it shine. It also asks some very serious questions about the medical establishment and how terminally ill patients are treated. Your hopes will be raised and your heart be broken by this movie. It is well worth the cost. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

amazing story of family
If you see only one Little House episode in your life, see this one!!!... It has been my favorite for years. It's really about forgiving, understanding, and loving your family through hard times. With all the things going on in the world, this is what it all boils down to, and this is what TV should be. This is just a beautiful movie with excellent family values, outstanding acting (Michael Landon's performance is one to remember), and a strong feel-good tone brought together to create a story you can appreciate and characters you can admire.

I definitely recommend this. And if you're new to "Little House," I would also recommend the others in the series. Check out some really good ones like "Remember Me," "Premiere Movie," "Craftsman," and many more. This is a show that will never lose its flavor.

BEAUTIFUL story of family and forgiveness
What a beautiful and touching movie. I have recently become a huge Little House fan, thanks to my mom who got me hooked on the TV series =) This is one of the most powerful episodes I have ever seen--it's so REAL and therefore incredibly effective. What I like so much about the Little House videos is that they have such strong family morals. This is a family that loves each other so much, you just want to cry because it is so touching. In "The Lord is my Shepherd," the spirited young Laura Ingalls gets nervous when a baby boy is born into their family. She sees her Pa with his new son and worries that the baby will take her place in her father's heart. Laura's jealousy is so thick that she refuses to pray for her brother when he comes down with an illness that threatens to take his life. But, as it turns out, Laura ends up being the most devastated one in her family when the baby dies. She feels that the baby's death is her fault, and she feels overwhelmingly guilty because she actually believes that her father wants a son more than he wants her. Lost in her own emotions, Laura runs away to the mountains and, through the grace of God, meets a kindhearted old hermit named Jonathan who befriends Laura and gradually counsels her through gentle advice and a sense of understanding. It is Jonathan who will help Laura come to the realization that nobody could possibly love and need her the way her Pa does (and if you watch some more videos in the series, you will immediately see how much he really loves and cherishes Laura). It is a truly beautiful story that moved me so deeply. Both Laura and Pa learn valuable lessons about unconditional family love. The Ingalls family paints a clear picture of what family is all about. The acting here is strong, solid, and consistent. Melissa Gilbert is heart-melting and sincere as little Laura, and Michael Landon is absolutely incredible in his role. To me, he IS Charles "Pa" Ingalls, and the only one I can imagine fit for the part. He may very well be one of the most masterful actors I have ever seen. He plays the role to the max, and he becomes the character both inside and out. His acting is so strong--in fact, all of the acting in "Little House on the Prairie" is amazing. Sorry if I ended up writing too much--but when it comes to movies like this, there aren't enough words in the world to describe how good they are. "The Lord is My Shepherd" is a beautiful, beautiful story with all the morality, love, and sensitivity that you could ask for in a movie. Blended in with the hardships of pioneer life and a vision of the courageous individuals who lived through it, it makes a pretty impressive movie that you can watch with your entire family. Don't wait any longer to watch these shows--I truly do hope that you will buy some of them, because I'm sure you will be very moved and inspired by the message that they have to share. (sorry again for making this too long!!!)

the lord is my shepard: Little House on the Prairie
I like this video because of it's family values it has. The sence of family unity. I just love shows that are wholesome and that I can watch with my children. And Little House has that.They don't have any bad words or naughty senes in it. And still it lasts through time. That proves that wholesome entertainment lasts the test of time and people truely like that best. ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Beyond this place there be dragons
"Out of Africa" stands out as one of the most spectacular movies ever made. At the 1985 Academy Awards this movie won seven Oscars including Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Picture. It deserved all seven!

It is filled with romance, scenery, real-life struggles and the inevitability of fate. It is a journey into Africa and into love. The escape is in the hand of fate. This movie presents Africa as a paradise. The natural environment is harsh, yet unspoiled in this movie.

This is based on the true story of Danish writer Isak Dinesen/Karen Blixen (Meryl Streep) who left Denmark to marry German Klaus Maria Brandauer/Baron Bror Blixen (Klaus Maria Brandauer) and start a dairy in Kenya.

Some women do enjoy the security of a man looking after them, however Karen is different. She seems to desire companionship and offers her fortune in exchange for marriage. Her husband changes his mind about the dairy and instead they use her money on a risky venture to grow coffee. This is not a marriage based on an intense romance, in fact, Karen is marrying her lover's brother.

Soon after they arrive in Africa, it becomes apparent this is not a satisfying marriage for Karen. Not only is her husband unfaithful to her, he gives her syphilis. Disease is not the only threat, she also has to fight floods and fire. There are lions which apparently try to attack Karen and Denys although I thought that was pretty unlikely in the situation.

I didn't like the "hunter" aspects or when the two lions are killed, but if you watch at the end, I think even the lions forgive the hunter. When I've seen lions during the day they were normally napping in the shade. Apparently they had trouble getting the lions to act aggressive and there is information on the DVD explaining these details.

Karen finds acceptance in big game hunter Denys Finch Hatton (Robert Redford) who loves her ability to tell stories. He starts the stories and she completes them. I think he is impressed by her confidence and creativity. He sees who she really is. Her husband is obviously blind to this beautiful goddess he has taken to Africa.

She in turn is delighted by this interest and slowly allows him into her world. While Denys and Karen are a perfect match and as close to soul mates as possible, Denys is unsure of commitment and explains how a piece of paper won't make him love her more. Meryl Streep and Robert Redford have chemistry, chemistry and more chemistry in this movie! They mostly share a few kisses, yet their relationship is on such a deep level, I think it could survive if they just told each other stories.

What Karen seems to truly desire is a man who will sacrifice to be with her. She wants to be of value. Denys tells Karen she has confused "want" and "need." This is an excellent portrayal of the gender differences. Man wants to be free to come and go and woman wants security, love and commitment. She wants to be treated with respect.

Denys "wants" Karen and Karen seems to "need" Denys. The question is not whether he will realize this in time before he loses her, but whether or not fate will turn their lives into a tragedy or allow them to form a true relationship. As Karen says:

"When the gods want to punish you, they answer your prayers."

Karen seems the surrender to her fate and is able to experience a brief moment of ecstasy in her life even though she is wounded from the experience.

When you view this movie, there are various elements which hint at the ending, yet I didn't recognize them until viewing this the second time. This is a movie I watch every few years because I too once lived on a farm in Africa. It was not quite this romantic because I was still a child. This movie makes me terribly homesick because once we left Africa, we never went back. Africa seems a moment in time, maybe everyone should live there once. When I watch this movie I need a big box of tissues!

The best moment in the movie is when Farah asks Karen to build a very big fire so he will know where to find her. It is a moment so beautiful and poetic, I've not seen anything like it in any other movie. I appreciated this movie more now that I'm in my 30s and married than before when I was single and had just returned from Africa myself. This movie is contemplative and deals with complex issues.

Spectacular Scenery and Emotionally Satisfying.

One Of The Best Romantic Movies Ever Made!
This is undoubtedly one of the finest movies made over the last twenty years or so. Both Meryl Streep and Robert Redford are absolutely terrific in playing star-crossed lovers who are also intellectual soul mates in what has to be one of the greatest and yet saddest of all movie love affairs. This is a dramatization culled from the memoirs written by Isak Dinesen about her fateful decision to leave her comfortable but boring life in Scandinavia behind in favor of a much more dangerous and adventurous try at a new life as a married woman in Africa. Blowing her inheritance trying to support her philandering new husband's ill-advised business ventures, she falls in love with the land, the people, and the times. Indeed, out of Africa comes the experience of a young lifetime.

In fact, the topography of Africa provides the perfect background and the most splendid of opportunities for her to live her life on her own terms, out of the long and suffocating shadow of family and social convention. And the journey taken by Karen Blixen is a long, joyous, and eventful one, a trip that literally takes her breath away with its rich, varied, and enriching experiences. Yet all this adventure has its cost in pain and suffering, and her growth into a woman of substance who eventually finds her way into a dreamy intellectual played so well by Redford also fates her to become a woman bereft of that that means most to her; her lover, her farm, and her place in Africa itself.

This is a lovely film, one that capitalizes by using the dramatic and primitive backdrop of wild Africa in painting a period piece that is unparalleled in its graphic portrayal of life on the very edges of civilization in an epochal time of Africa's evolution to modernity. The cinematography alone is worth the price of the DVD, for anyone who loves nature will recognize Redford's steady hand in influencing the way the fragile yet exquisite sub-Saharan environment is depicted. I have seen the movie a number of times, and each time come away with a renewed sense of how fragile and wondrous the ecology of this part of Africa is. This is a wonderful movie I can heartily recommend. Enjoy

Avoid unless you thirst for empty drivel.
This is the worst film ever to win the best picture Oscar.
All the beautiful cinematography is wasted on a trite plot and tepid performances. When you start to probe further into the rationale of the characters and look for any real themes, the search turns up dust. Out of Africa is as empty as a blind man's sockets. It seems to have something there, but it lies.

To see the same type of film, but with real characters, interesting thematic elements and powerful direction, watch The English Patient.

God, I want my 3 hours back! AHHHHHHH! Die Stupid Movie!!!!!

Out of Africa - Film review
If you're a Sydney Pollack fan you'll sure enjoy this film. Out of Africa, besides the excellent performances of Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, will certainly get your attention with the astonishing landscapes of Africa.
The story is about the life of Karen Blixen, who gets married for convenience and moves to Africa where she starts running a plantation. Things start to go wrong when her husband starts being absent often and cheating on her. Karen, eventually, falls for a hunter, Dennis, but she demands more of the relationship than he is ready to offer. For Dennis his freedom is essential and in the end you're faced with the unexpected.
You can also count on an extraordinary soundtrack and photography, so it is a film that is really worth seeing!

Somewhat overrated star vehicle --- I just don't get it
I assumed that any film that rampaged through the Oscars the way this one did would be rewarding on so many levels. I must be missing something. What I saw was a beautifully filmed but rather ponderous vehicle to two mega-stars who circle around each other like glittering birds that do not want to muss their magnificent plumages. Emotionally, I have rarely found a "romantic" film to be so totally bereft of passion or emotion.

I feel this is largely due to Robert Redford playing Robert Redford pretending to be Finch-Hatton. He just seems to so totally out of place in this film, and I really could care less about his accent. He just never seems to be anything other than Robert Redford. In any case, his character, supposedly a free thinker who is more in touch with the Higher Truths that Nature offers, comes off as as a self-absorbed character who never met an emotion he couldn't throw a wall around. The relationship between Finch-Hatton & Blixen comes off as being so frigid & lifeless that I simply could not relate to it on any level.

Meanwhile, the film lumbers along through the Great War (with the producers assuming that viewers are all well acquainted with WWI in East Africa), treating us to great scenic shots. Yes indeed, the cinematography is great in this film. All the Brits saddle up, presumably to do battle with von Lettow-Vorbeck, and off they go. Then they saddle up, and off they go to someplace else. They spend a great deal of time going off to some distant spot or another. Eventually some people die, as they are wont to do, and then some more people die. One of them ends up being Robert Redford, which proves most inconvenient for the story line, and so the movie lumbers towards its end shortly thereafter.

This is not a terrible film by any means. I find the performance of Michael Kitchen (a fine actor who deserves more notice) as Berkeley Cole to be most noteworthy. Also, the cinematography is quite breath-taking and goes a long ways towards redeeming the movie as a whole. I also derived great amusement (not intended by the producers) of watching the not exactly diminutive Michael Gough play the (in real life) itty-bitty Hugh Cholmondeley, Lord Delamere. I laughed every time Delamere was in a scene.

Is it a good film? I suppose so. Is it a great film? I don't see how one can really say that. Is it the most overrated film to win a slew of Oscars? Hardly --- let's not forget "Titanic" and "Around the World in 80 Days," just to name a few. It is an OK film. I guess I was just disappointed because I went into it with higher expectations. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

Teenage mutant ninja turtles 2 the secret of the ooze!
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!This was awesomely entertaining,and cartoonishly funny.Speaking of that,I like the change they made from dark and serious to bright and toonish (as I just said).what I think is that the director perpously wanted to have each turtle film to be different.As in,the first to be dark and moody,the second to be for younger kids and the third film to be more in between.See what Im talking about,that gives you a choice on what kind of movie style you like.....you know what,I barely know what the hell im saying..So,anyway!The entire film is way funny and well done,I just love those creature things Rahzar and Tokka.There are non stop laughs and parts that are little over done,wich is okay.I always laugh my head off when donatello gets thrown 50 feet in the air.Well the dvd has plenty of fun stuff like Pick that flick game and a theatrical trailer.OK,I give the movie 5 stars and 3 and a half for the dvd.I like the second one the most and the third and first are tied for second...hmm sounds fare enough.

GO NINJA GO!!!
Okay, cheesy title, I personally hate Vanilla Ice, but I loved this movie. There was more humor in it, and the turtles were fun. The first one was absolutely thrilling, and this one matched it quite nicely. I personally like the looks of the turtles better in #2. I also like Donny's voice better. I love Corey Feldman, but whoever did Donny in #2 was really good. Raph was the best looking turtle, and his accent was so perfect!!!! GO RAPH!!! The mouth movements of the turtles in this one were much better, and I loved the humor. I didn't really care for Keno, but yah. He was cool too I guess. Some people don't like the fact that this one is more cartoonish in appearance, sound and storyline, but it started out as a cartoon, why not make it a bit more cartoony? Okay, I could live if there was less humor, but YA GOTTA LOVE MIKEY!!!! Yeah, so out of the trilogy, the second one was my favorite. (I LOVE DONNY!!!)

Just GREAT!
THIS MOVIE IS SO GREAT AND IS FILLED WITH ACTION, HUMOR, AND A GREAT SCRIPT! LOVE IT!

YES!
Teenage mutant ninja turtles 2 is a great movie and is much better than the first one because it has more of everything a movie needs to have in order to be a good movie. It isn't one second boring and I still love after I watched it 11 times already. A GREAT MOVIE!

It has Vanilla Ice in it!
This movie is worth the price and its 5 star rating just for Vanilla Ice. He sings a rad song called 'Ninja Rap' and its one of the greatest audible compilations to ever enter my ear lobes.
But it. Now! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Whenever a new network gets a start, some weird things make it onto the air. That's the only possible explanation for Get a Life, Chris Elliott's short-lived series in which he starred as a thirtysomething paperboy, Chris Peterson, who still lived at home with his folks. (His dad, strangely enough, was played by Chris's real-life father, Bob Elliott, a respected comedian in his own right.)

The two episodes on Volume 1 exemplify what Get a Life was all about: a straight-faced spoof of sitcom conventions that managed to avoid all of the conventions that spoofs usually observe. That it wasn't laugh-out-loud funny is beside the point; Elliott's fans know that his brand of humor is often diametrically opposed to conventional humor.

Though the plots are fairly conventional--in "The Prettiest Week of My Life," Peterson enrolls in the Handsome Boy Modeling School, where he competes with another student, Sapphire; "Bored Straight" finds Peterson trying to rehabilitate a gang of teens--the shows themselves are anything but. --Randy Silver ... Read more

Reviews (35)

My all-time favorite show!!
I was thrilled to see that "Get A Life" was available on video. It was without a doubt the funniest television series I've ever seen. The 2 episodes on Volume 1 are classics. I feel they are a good representation of what the show had to offer. The scene when Chris poses "shirtless" in "The Prettiest Week of My Life" and the scene when Chris tries to counsel the teens in "Bored Straight" are hilarious! People who watch this series and come away saying it's stupid amuse me. You either get it, or you don't. I look forward to more volumes being released. My favorite episode was "Zoo Animals on Wheels."

Get A Life: The Anti-Sitcom
Quite simply, Get a Life was is anti-sitcom in which all other sitcoms pale in comparison. I sold my blood so I could purchase both volumes of this great series (even though I had many episodes on tape). It was worth every drop. Volume One is good in that it starts with two shows of the first season. However, I tend to like the episodes in which Chris dies at the end (an aspect of the show that was later ripped off by the uninspired and pointless "South Park" -- I will watch Chirs get squashed by a boulder or blow up any time). Nevertheless, Volume One is a must for the Get a Life fan and anyone who is sick and tired of the cookie-cutter network comedies. Volume 2 is even better. My only disappointment is that there is no word on when Rhino is releasing Volume 3, 4, 5, etc. Wallet-Boy forever

One of the greatest shows ever
There were two shows on television during the early-mid 1990s whose comedic genius was too far ahead of the times and they were (consequently) canceled. Get a Life was one of them; the other, a show which aired on Mtv, The State.

I'm glad that at least a few episodes of Get a Life have made it out to DVD. Let's all keep our fingers crossed for DVD editions of more Get a Life, The State, and... Cabin Boy.

Let the idiocy begin (or continue, or something)!

One of the best tv shows every on FOX
Thanks Rhino for the two tapes.

Great action I can't wait for the 3rd volume.

While these two are great,We need such classics as Zoo animals on wheels, and Wallet Boy.

This is what TV should be!

i made sure 2 tape every single episode as it aired, cuz. .
. . .from the minute i first heard about this "sitcom", i just knew it wasn't gonna stick around long, much less acheive "friends"-style immortality via ad-nauseum syndication :/ in my experience, most people, particularly women, just take an Instant visceral dislike to chrissyboy, much to their everlasting loss. he's the anti-tom cruise; every project he touches (tattinger's, daddy's boy, cabin boy, teen beat articles, cinemax specials, snl and getalife) turns to despised, financial turds. damn shame, cuz with the exception of getalife's premiere episode (thankfully not among the few selected for inclusion on these rhino releases; it was likely an intentionally-watered-down pilot to lull fox execs into green-lighting this programming aberration), elliott's utterly unique, downright Poetic (he has Such a way with words) flavor of clueless idiocy is maintained with remarkable potency throughout its too-short run. these two eps are no exception: among their other acheivements they puncture, a la an assassin's scopelock, diana ross And to-sir-with-love styles of oozy sentiment (both particularly strong banes to my sensibilities) without hardly even trying -those are just colLATERAL damages! :)

if Anyone deserves an honest-to-goodness, messianic cuckoo cult to spring up around him it's paperboy chris peterson. he's got all the standard qualifications: a humble station in life; near-universal apathy, scorn and rejection from the world; a tendency and gift for sharing his "insights" via oblique, evocative metaphor; timeless youth and resurrectional abilities (he literally Dies at the end of many of these shows. plus, it's an historical inevitability that he'll never mature one Whit); and undying faith in sacred visions only he can see :) so I SAY UNTO YOU ALL, in this, our year 2000 (holy date significantly embedded into so many getalife episode titles), let our getalife jihad sally forth like a kid at the beach buried up to his neck in sand. only it's not sand, it's candy. and it's ALIVE! vt ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Great romantic comedy.
This was a fun James Garner at his romantic comedy best. I rank it #2 in that category. Natalie Wood is great oposite Garner. This is a comedy that uses some slapstick and mis-direction and coincidence to create the friction that make it fun.

I still prefer the Wheeler Dealers for sheer fun, but overall CC is a better movie, with a more interesting plot and co-star.

A Wonderful Classic
What is it about 1959? They made some great films including "The Miracle" my personal favorite of ALL times.But take a nice simple story, add some toe-tapping music, mix in brillant actors like Garner and Wood and you have the makings of a wonderful, memorialbe, teary-eyed classic film that will give you a smile on your face.The unfortunate thing is the likes of this will never be duplicated. Hollywood of today has lost all sense of real entertainment. BUY this one folks,,,,you won't be sorry. I just wish it would come out in DVD.

One of My All Time Favorites
Sitting in Washinton D.C. a week after the worst terrorist attacks in US history, this was the movie I wanted to see. Perhaps because it was a simpler time back then -- in my life and in the movie -- or because I have so many fond memories of Miss Wood, or maybe because I just needed a good cry.

The story is bittersweet, but there is a happy ending. The businessmen have hearts, and the mid-century architecture (McCall's penthouse) and Miss Wood's wardrobe are just superb.

Pretty Woman can't hold a candle to this one.

Before The Wheeler Dealers before Pretty Woman
Based on a book "Cash McCall ISBN: 0736605738" the plot is too close to reality. Much of it was reused again in "Pretty Woman ASIN: 0788821075." A tycoon James Garner learns that creation is more fun than destruction. However it take a beautiful woman (Natalie Wood) to help point him in the right direction.

This was an O.K. movie and a first for some things but it was not funny or inspiring or suspenseful or...

THEY DON¿T MAKE EM LIKE THIS ANYMORE
When Natalie Wood was in her prime, she was at the top of the biz, stunningly beautiful, sharp, but accessible. And no one played the all-american stud better than Jim Garner.

Call it a bedroom farce if you like but Cash McCall combines a lot of wheeling and dealing with a good old fashioned boy-meets-girl to make a very pleasing movie.

At first glance, McCall (Garner) is part playboy, part ruthless businessman, but we know better; that his heart of gold belongs only to Lory Austen (Wood), a woman he met last Summer, and he's thought of nothing but her since.

Standard fare, well done with attractive stars, that alone puts it in the upper 20% as far as I'm concerned. Enjoy it. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Show some emotion Gene
I'm telling you now, don't read this unless you've seen the movie, because I spoil it. In my English class, we read the novel as a class. I liked the book and I thought it wasn't that bad. Then, we watched the movie. I can tell you that my whole class kept laughing at the bad acting. From when you see Finny on the ground after he falls when Gene jumps in the water, to Gene's completly emotionless reaction when he learns that Finny has died. Many of the parts were changed. Such as the scene in the butt room and the movie is nothing like I thought it would be. I just have to say that I thought the actor who played Brinker was really hot. So, the movie was fine but the acting was laughable.

Overall, not too shabby
Poor John Heyl. Whatever happened to him...? He played Phineas in this film and did so rather well, I thought. Parker Stevenson is a very unfortunate, one-dimensional, barely-able-to-convince-us-he's-a-real-character Gene; this is troublesome since the entire story behind "A Separate Peace" is really's Gene's own. The supporting cast did a fine job...the actor who played Leper was credible, and Brinker's role was filled very adeptly as well. What pleased me most was the firm adherence of the film to Knowles' novel, which is one of my favorite works of American literature. I'd like to see the 2003 made-for-TV version of the book but cannot locate it on VHS; the 1972 rendition is still, in my opinion, a tremendously commendable adaptation.

A "Dead Poet" type of Story
A good portrayal of Gean (Parker Stevenson)& Finny(John Heyl), & the tension between the lead characters is already evident within the first few minutes of the movie.

The setting depicted at the Devon School where there is a dangerous diving tree (very high and scary above the river) and the physical tension between the two roomates portends what will happen later in the story.

While I had a little trouble getting over the "Hardy Boy" image of Parker Stevenson, he still makes a handsom Gean and John Heyl a more athletic and outgoing Finny.

Needless to say the jealously builds in Gean as the story continues and the sad truth is Finny is really his best friend (of course Gean can't see through his jealousy). While this movie can't approach the charm and quality of a more contemoporary classic like Dead Poets Society, it is faithfull to the book and the gloomy mood of World War II where we're really not sure the world is friendly or not.

It is a haunting and lamenting type of story that should be of value to any of today's youth, that negative actions played out today can have really bad consequences. Once you've really "screwed up" you can't take it back easily & you may regret youthful mistakes the rest of your life!

In the end Gean makes his seperate peace by revisiting the school (much later in life) and in some small way remembering Finny if only to beg his forgiveness (much like returning war veterans revisiting Vietnam or the Beach of Normandy making their peace with the wars of their time).

P.S. I'd never trust a review by a 12 year old, they're usually bored easily and can't sit still for more than 10 minutes. A message from a grumpy old man!

Good for its kind
I was in this film, along with about 100 other preppies. It's pretty close to the book, with a few minor changes. Some parts will remind you of Owen Meany. The staircase will.
The trial scene is too long, but the Hampton Beach footage is beautifully done. I don't see any other way of filming it.

A decent adaptation of the novel
This movie closely follows the novel, with few changes that cause very minor distractions. I do not recommend watching the movie prior to reading the novel. Gene's internal dialogue is lost on the screen, and therefore does not reveal his growing jealousy, anger, and guilt as successfully as the book. The story itself is a great portrayal of young men struggling to mature during World War II. Many of the negative reviews must come from 15 year old students who were forced to read the book - or others who are just too ignorant to pick up on the important themes.
Though the acting is second rate, the story remains timeless. I don't think they were trying to win any Oscars here. ... Read more

Reviews (130)

Takes classic film noir detective story to new heights
This 1974 film takes the classic film noir detective movie to new heights. Yes, there is murder, scandal and lots of lies. But yet Jack Nicholson, cast as a private eye, is a sympathetic character. There's one scene in which the director, Roman Polanski, playing a bit part as a thug, rips open Nicholson's nose with a knife. This is the kind of wound that makes the audience grimace every time someone refers to it in the film. Faye Dunaway is cast as the femme fatale. She's beautiful, of course, and it's hard to take our eyes off of her. She's a woman of mystery, but little by little we glimpse her humanity. And by the time her secret is revealed, she's won everyone's heart.

Based on a real life scandal in Los Angeles in 1908, another underlying theme is about water and power in this desert city. The action takes place in the 1930s, and the details of that period of time are well portrayed, right down to Faye Dunaway's shaved and penciled eyebrows. The screenplay won an Academy Award and I can understand why. It was tightly written and revealed details that moved the plot forward at just the right pace. I sat there fascinated, not wanting to take my eyes off the screen, trying to figure out what would happen next and constantly surprised by the next twist and turn. John Huston is cast in the role of a wealthy landowner with a huge secret of his own. He's a fine actor and his presence on the screen added depth to the whole production.

The DVD has a special interview with the writer, Robert Towne, as well as Roman Polanski. This added to my enjoyment of the film and provided further insight about its production. Definitely recommended.

Transcendent Film Noir
I've seen very few "greatest film" lists that don't have Chinatown among the top 10, or even top 5. It's deserving. It's done in the style of a '50's film noir, but transcends the genre.

There are great performances here by Jack Nicholson and John Huston. Nicholson plays a jaded but heroically decent private investigator in the mold of Humphrey Bogart. He's much less the tough guy than Bogart, though, and you get the impression that he'd rather being doing something less seedy for a living. It's a very subtle portrayal. Huston, on the other hand, plays a tycoon whose mere presence on the screen can make your skin crawl.

The film stands out in just about every respect. The sets are wonderful and the cinematography beautiful to look at. Even the score is exceptional.

The DVD is a little short of extras, but they really aren't missed. The transfer is very high quality in all respects.

To the brainiac above who doesn't understand why the water is being dumped in the ocean: they're trying to create a drought to drive the farmers out of business. That's pretty much the key point of the plot. And, yes, a .38 snubnose is perfectly capable of hitting someone at 50 yards. Guns & Ammo tests them to that distance all the time. Get a clue!

A Master Screenplay, A Perfect Film
Many writers consider Robert Towne's screenplay for 'Chinatown' as the perfect screenplay. It is, and is also in fact the example of how important good writing is in the art of cinema. It is perfection and in the hands of Roman Polanski it became a film masterpiece. But it all goes back to the writing. Robert Towne has taken the true story of how Los Angeles stole water to grow and wound around it the fictional story of Jake Gittes, Evelyn Mulwray, and Noah Cross and made them major participants in an ugly little tale of lust and greed. Towne's screenplay is layered like a decaying Dahlia with twisting mysteries and taught suspense. There is not a loose end in sight and a few well placed red herrings are added to the mix to delight any fan of this type of story.
The attention to detail from vintage cars, sets, real L.A. streets and alleys to the excellent score by Jerry Goldsmith and the golden cinematography of John A. Alonzo contribute to all the aspects of this classic of the post 60's film noir.
Faye Dunaway as Evelyn Mulwray is at the top of her game creating a neurotic exotic hothouse flower that carries death within the heart of her dark and dirty secret. Lacquered and veiled in the most perfect black widow getup of the genre she is superbly brittle and vulnerable at the same time. She is fascinating to watch as she slowly unravels along with the mystery until she is naked in the horror of what her past and present prison is. This is a great performance by a great artist.
As Evelyn's father Noah Cross, John Huston is the debauched cancerous center of evil and greed captured within the crumbling casing of a seemingly charming old man. He too gives the performance of a lifetime and his soliloquy on what a man is capable of is chilling.
The center of this masterwork is Jack Nicholson who became a star with this, the best of his early work. His J. J. Gittes is hardboiled and ruthless in getting to the bottom of why he is being used to take the fall for a murder. He embodies the soul of Bogart and the heart of a romantic fighting to stay tuff in a rotten world. He is drawn with such skill that he seems not to be acting but simply existing the real world of L.A. in the late 1930's.
"Chinatown" is seminal in its place in film history. It bridged and old and forgotten genre with a new Hollywood in its post studio infancy and laid the groundwork for later films of equal ambition such as "Mullholland Falls" and "L.A. Confidential".
This is one of the best film ever made and a must have for any serious film collector.

I cut my nose shaving
Not since Otto Preminger's LAURA had filmgoers the pleasure of watching a classic film noir, until Polanski's CHINATOWN. The plot and characters are complex but chillingly believeable. I can't find anything wrong with this film. It is well-paced for a fairly long movie. The lighting, cinematography, setting, costumes... everything is as should be. The performances by John Huston and Faye Dunaway are eerie and tragic, respectively. Then of course there's Nicholson. Mad Jack was already firmly established on the Hollywood map having already won acclaim for EASY RIDER, THE LAST DETAIL, and FIVE EASY PIECES. This film however fixed him permanently in the constellation of Hollywood stars. ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST would soon follow. In any event, his portrayal of an aloof, world-weary gumshoe who stumbles in over his head into an intrigue involving crooked politicians and the money-slobbering wealthy still holds up 30 years later. This is an incredible film.

THIS IS WHAT FILM IS SUPPOSED TO BE
The mid-1970s saw a spate of "government conspiracy" films, all with liberal themes that emanated from Watergate. None of them were about Kennedy stealing the 1960 election. Hmm.
"Chinatown" (1974) may be the best screenplay ever written. A historical look at 1930s Los Angeles, it actually condensed events from the 1900s with events that, uh, never happened but made for good drama. Written by L.A. native Robert Towne, directed by Roman Polanski, produced by Evans and starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunnaway and famed director John Huston, it told the story of how Los Angeles became a metropolis. In Towne's version, Huston "owns" the L.A. Department of Water & Power with a character based on actual L.A. City engineer William Mulholland. Mulholland had orchestrated the political deal which built the aqueduct that brought water from the Owens Valley into the L.A. Basin, allowing millions of Southern Californians to keep their lawns green to this day.
The Mulholland character is "sacrificed" at the altar of greed, embodied by Huston, who secretly buys the San Fernando Valley, knowing that once the water deal is set, it will be incorporated into the city, making him a gazillionaire. It is rather cynical, although nobody suggests the L.A. "city fathers" were boy scouts. The same old theme is that capitalism and American political power are corrupt. To make sure the audience is convinced the corruption is beyond redemption, Huston is in the end found out be an insatiable, incestual monster. He plays the role so well it brings up minds-eye imagery of his real daughter, Angelica. The film is utterly beyond any criticism, regardless of political colorization. For decades, film students and screenwriters have studied it. It spawned an artistic quest to lace the screen with symbols, metaphors, backstory, and twists.
"Chinatown" seems to be the apex of the American film period, the mid-1970s. The period from 1960 to 1979 is unparalleled, but the backstory of the people who created these classics is a telling tale of why the genre leans to the Left. In the 1960s, film schools became popular. Four schools emerged, and have held their place as the place to learn the craft. In Los Angeles there was the USC School of Cinema-Television. Their first big alumnus was "Star Wars" director George Lucas. UCLA combined their film school with their drama program, so as to bring actors, writers, directors and producers together. Coppola went to UCLA along with a future rock star named Jim Morrison, who would form The Doors with another UCLA film alumnus, keyboardist Ray Manzarek.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
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