Description

Jim Caviezel (HIGH CRIMES) and Guy Pearce (THE TIME MACHINE) give sizzling performances in THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO -- the greatest tale of betrayal, adventure, and revenge the world has ever known. When the dashing and guileless Edmond Dantes (Caviezel) is betrayed by his best friend (Pearce) and wrongly imprisoned, he becomes consumed by thoughts of vengeance. After a miraculous escape, he transforms himself into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo, insinuates himself into the French nobility, and puts his cunning plan of revenge in action. This swashbuckling thriller will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the last ounce of revenge is exacted. ... Read more

Reviews (280)

A surprisingly fresh and superb adventure film
In this time of fire and explosion oriented blockbuster movies it is indeed refreshing to find a remake of a classic novel of the quality of The Count of Monte Cristo currently available. I happened to nonchalantly choose this film at the DVD outlet as a source of viewing background for an evening of desk work. WRONG! This superbly made film of the Dumas' novel is excellent and gripping on every level. The quality of the film, shot in Ireland and Malta, is visually stunning, the story remains true to the original, and the cast is outstanding. James Caviezel makes a star turn in the title role, aided by the always excellent Guy Pearce, the veteran Richard Harris, the here venomous James Frain, a fine and very different role for Luis Guzman, and the elegantly beautiful Dagmara Domincyzk. The movie is beautifully paced, the long prison scenes allow Caviezel and Harris to create tremendous rapport, and the age old theme of REVENGE has rarely been played out so well. This is a beautiful period piece, finely photographed and scored and edited and directed. For a taste of just how exciting the old tales can be visually, treat yourself to an evening with The Count!

Petered out toward the end.....
The Count of Monte Cristo is the tale of naive but likeable commoner Edmund Dantes, his best friend Fernand Mondego and his betrayal at the hands of Mondego, to the government and subsequent imprisonment in Chateau D'If. Upon escape from the Chateau D'If, Dantes assumes the identity of the wealthy Count of Monte Cristo in order to take revenge upon the men who put him there.

I want to preface this review, by saying I have never read the Dumas' classic, and so this is my first experience with the count's story.

James Caviezel plays a very good Edmond. His romance with Mercedes (Dagmara Dominczyk) was convincing, his interaction with the other characters well portrayed....But I admit, I grew tired of the endless sword-fighting scenes near the end (I found my finger straying to the 'fast-forward' button), and I grew tired of Edmond's endless and obsessive need for revenge. (About three-quarters of the way through the movie, I kept thinking it might be a good idea to put Edmond back in Chateau D'If).

While the sceneary and setting were both quite spectacular, I can only give this movie an 'average' rating, because of the sheer unlikable qualities of most of the main characters. By the end of this movie, I asked myself "Who Cares about Edmond, Mercedes of Fernand?" Not this viewer.

Well Crafted
Well crafted story telling and fine performances make this an enjoyable film adaptation of a classic work.

An outstanding production and well worth a viewing.

Good Adaption of a Classic Story
I read Dumas' book, though an abridged version, and really enjoyed the pace of his story. So when I had to stay over at my uncle's house for the weekend, I got a chance to view this movie adaption from his movie library. After first choosing a Guy Pearce movie called "Memento", which had something to do with memory loss, I turned that movie off after 20 minutes, when I got too confused with it. To my surprise, Pearce is also in the The Count of Monte Cristo. I first saw Pearce in the superb L.A Confidential. Pearce is an impressive actor, even after the "what's the plot" story of Memento. Pearce plays the chief villain in the movie, Fernand, jealous of Edmond Dantes played by Jim Caviezel.

Dumas' classic story of wealth and revenge is unforgettable. Caviezel is very good as Edmond Dantes, the wrongly accused scapegoat of the Assistant Prosecutor, Villefort. The scene in which he is imprisoned and whipped with full beard, long hair made me wonder if Mel Gibson chose Caviezel to play Christ after viewing this scene. It reminded me of the crucifix scene of Gibson's "Passion" film. Dantes (Caviezel) is aided by an imprisoned priest played by an unrecognizable Richard Harris. The priest helps Dantes by helping him learn to read and improve his dexterity in dueling. The priest's death however helps Dantes the most, for Dantes uses the body bag meant for the priest to make his escape and find the treasure that will make him the Count of Monte Cristo. Once he becomes the Count, he exacts revenge (the fun part of the movie) on those who wronged him.

I suggest reading the book first, because you'll be imagining the actions taking place as you read Dumas' words. For the most part the movie stays the course of Dumas' plot, with some additional scenes and dialogue for drama's sake. This costume piece is also helped by nice scenery and good acting all around. Don't know how well it did at the box office, because most moviegoers stay away form literary adaptations, but it's well worth the rental, or buy it on VHS/DV like my uncle did.

Somewhat entertaining, but...
My objection to this movie was not that it had utterly nothing in common with Dumas' novel but for its name and that of its main character. As I'm sure anyone who's ever heard of this movie knows...Hollywood has once agian taken liberties and distorted a classic story into something else. I've gotten used to that by now. In any case, I still did not like the movie.

After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that James Caviezal is really not a particularly good actor. He plays every role the same...with a sort of bewildered determination that gets very old...after about thirty seconds. There are some difficult lines in that movie, and James Caviezal makes them sound forced. Not good for a movie that has already been forced enough. Caviezal is certainly something to look at, so for a while his bad acting slips past one's guard, but in the end, nothing can hide badly delivered lines. It's a pity really, because had that role been better casted it would have greatly improved the movie. The secondary characters were wonderful. Guy Peirce, as always, did a spectacularly oily job as Ferdenand, the chief villain and Mercedes' son looked so much like James Caviezal that it made her revelation to her husband at the end of the movie a touch redundant. Richard Harris was wonderful as the priest and Michal Wincott had a humoursly sadistic little part as the prison warden. Too bad Caviezal couldn't hold up to the rest of the cast.

Oh yes, and one other thing...if you're going to chande every thing but the names of the characters...the least you could to is pronounce the names right. It's FRENCH people!! The name Dantes is pronounced Dante!! Please...I was wincing every time they said his name. If they insist on butchering the book...can they not at least get the names rightf?

On the upside, it was beautifully filmed and the costumes were lovelly. As I have said, the supporting cast was excellant (although Mercedes looked a bit to much like Dantes for my taste)and it was because of them that I enjoyed the movie. It is traditional cookie-cutter Hollywood with very bad bad-guys and very good good-guys, revenge, love...oh yeah and they had to toss in a bit of religion, annoying, but not overbearing...if you want to be entertained, the movie will do so...if you want a good movie...look elsewhere. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Bomb!!!!!!!!!
I love all of Billy Zane's movies and this is one of his best great love story with some comedy. If it wasn't for the fact that I saw Head Above Water this would have been on the top of my list!!!!!

CLASSIC!!!!
This movie is a classic indie. It has all the elements you would expect from an indie comedy/drama. A must have for any funky film fanatic.

A Cult Classic!!!
This was a great flick! I first saw it a few years back at a friends place. Ever since then I've been looking for it everywhere. A must for Billy Zane fans. Hip, with an original plot that twists and turns. A great addition to any offbeat video collection.!

Didn't live up to the "hype"
For all the people who said this was such a great, quirky little movie, "Must See"...I was really, really disappointed. Even if I never heard of it before and saw it on TV, I would have stopped 1/2 through. It had maybe two laughs...otherwise, this would have been a great project for someone in junior college film school. A terrific waste of Zane, Beals and especially Harry Shearer. Could have been much more over-the-top with two more script revisions.

Quirky, Offbeat,...Disappointing
I'd exhausted the recommendations of the local video specialist and was looking for that quirky original gem for a movie that would keep me entertained and be able to pass on to friends and family as a hot rental. As I was rather new to the Internet and this site I took to heart this movie when I read the prevoius reviews and figured this was the one.

To say the least disappointing. The characters were quirky, offbeat and original but the movie plodded along at a rather pedestrian pace with little or no dynamics. To me it was a movie that was trying to be too odd, offbeat, etc. but tried too hard to be different to a fault. It certainly lost the attention of the spouse after the first 15 minutes, but I can't use her as a barometer to judge movies. Still it was like watching an un-popular guest at a party trying to overcompensate and instead coming off as un-popular AND desperate.

I've definitely seen worse but I was hoping for more. A disappointing rent for $3.50. ... Read more

Reviews (58)

fantastic
This in one of the most delightful (in fact the most delightful) opera movies I have ever seen. The first amazing thing is that there are no cuts in the score.

About the cast...well...incredible...
Domingo sings Don Jose incredibly. No contemporary tenor is his equal. Carreras and Lima (the other 2 don jose on DVD) are just not as good as him. Domingo also has a good french accent...which is a must in this opera.

Migenes: well I can't understand some other reviewers who accused her of ruining the performance. I thought she was incredible. She is an amazing actress. Although she never sang carmen on stage, she has however a very deep understanding in the role...perfectly reflected in this movie.

The toreador (raimondi) and micaella are also good. Well..overall the cast is great ...and the decor is AMAZING...the opening scene is a bit brutal...but also...what can i say...the music in the prelude IS brutal and the sets are just following the music..isn't that opera???

I highly recommend this DVD.

I don't get the hype.
I guess all other opera movies are laughably bad, so when this halfway decent production of Carmen comes along it's suddenly a masterpiece. Let's not be too quick to give it a standing ovation. Don Jose is one of Domingo's signature roles and he sings it beautifully, but the horrendous camera work of this film makes him appear too stiff and cold, especially during scenes with Micaela. The beginning is way too gross and way too long, and the big scenes like the "Tor-ee-a-dor" seem sort of worthless after sitting through the slow sections. My big problem with this movie is Migenes. She can't do anything except dance and wiggle in a sexy manner which seems to fulfill the role at first but, by the end, makes her effort less satisfying because it's really all she knows how to do. She just couldn't sing it and she needs to shave under her arms. A really over-rated film. Yes, it's hard not to enjoy Carmen, but in my opinion even the beautifully lavish scenery couldn't save this. An average attempt at best.

Busty, Lusty and Dusty
One of the best Opera Movies.
Oh sure Opera purists will quibble with the choice of Julia Migenes Johnson because she is not a "classic" Carmen.
But believe me, when she seduces Don Jose while she is being detained, I too was seduced. In some other operatic productions on film the only way you could tell the leading lady was beautiful or seductive was because the characters told you, despite the obvious proof to the contrary.
In this beautifully shot film Carmen is not a ravishing beauty, if anything Micaela (Faith Esham, who is, by contrast, lovely and whose voice in both the duet with Don Jose and her solo later on, soars as high as the mountains in the background) is a doll. She's a good girl and his mama's choice for his future.
Don Jose's career path is also set. He's a good soldier and due for promotion. Yet he'll throw it all away on a promise of Manzanilla and some hot lovin' and we believe it because Julia Johnson sells it.
The film portrays Carmen as a 21st Century woman stuck in a dusty backwater world, where strict formalities are mocked by the common folk (witness the children mocking the soldiers in the beginning). She's not a slut, she's a playful flirt who doesn't recognize Jose's seriousness.
I can quibble with some things myself, for example the aforementioned duet between Jose and Micaela is shown in a long shot that feels like it goes on forever. Give me a couple of close ups, please. I understand their wanting to show the stiffness and formality (and distance?) between the two, but there's no need to bore us; and there maybe too much dust swirling about as the peasants dance about, but you do get a sense of reality often missing in operas (or even movie musicals when shot on location, like West Side Story, though shot in Manhattan, where was the garbage?)
This movie works on the two levels it strives for. The opera is wonderfully performed by both singers and orchestra. The story is timeless and the plot easy to swallow. Cinematography is top notch, and though the direction could have been more imaginative
this is more than a good opera movie, this is a good movie.

The best of Domingo's !
It is wonderfully singed, gloriously staged and unbelievably truthful opera. One may dislike the film -like settings but they do work as intended. It is dynamic, south -France flavored, sunny and tragic Carmen. I know only another Domingo's DVD that may pair with this one, the "Cavaleria rusticana".

Carmen singing not too good
The visuals of the film is very good and atmospheric, except for the bullfighting scenes which are too gory. As for the singings, Placido Domingo does an excellent job, but not so Julia Migenes. Sometimes I can't tell whether it is just her singing style or she is out of breath. She may not ruin the film but she is not very pleasant to hear. Having a sexing acting Carmen may appeal to a lot of people, but this is not the reason I listen to opera. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Olivier Martinez (Unfaithful, The Chambermaid) plays Angelo, an exceptionally gallant, Italian soldier-in-exile hiding out from his Austrian enemies in rural France, where a cholera epidemic is sweeping the countryside. Helped in a tough spot by a countess (Juliette Binoche), Angelo swears his unyielding protection to her as she searches for her missing husband. The nobler virtues hold sway as Martinez suppresses his own deepening love and desire for the lady, an admirable posture that has ironic consequences when the countess herself becomes deathly ill. Jean-Paul Rappeneau, maker of the ornamental but empty Cyrano de Bergerac, directs this adventure-romance to a nice pitch of vitality and high drama. The two leads establish a great chemistry (they became offscreen lovers and parents), like watching a pair of thoroughbreds running in the same race. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (29)

A believeable tale only possible outside of Hollywood
This movie was a rare treat to have seen on the big screen. It showcases Oliver Martinez (Angelo Pardi) and Julliette Binoche (Pauline de Theus) in this engaging tale of romance in the cholera epidemic of 1832.

Rather then get into the specifics of the plot which can be seen in the myriad of other reviews, I want to stress how this movie was only made possible due to the supreme casting by Director Jean-Paul Rappeneau and Producer Rene Cleitman. The choice of Mr. Martinez brought this movie to life. Befroe his death in 1970 Giono said that in the belief of Neo-Realism that the actor be a commoner. While not at that level, Martinez portrays an air that other well known actors are unable to feign.

In addition, Julliette Binoche is able to work with him to the point where we are able to actually see Martinez grow throughout the film. All in all a fantastic watch and the upcoming release on DVD will hopefully bring a few more fans of Rappeneau into the mix.

It's lack of love scenes was not a minus
This movie is, first of all, something I don't think could ever be made in America. Why? Because America would want more action and more romance and more of everything that this movie has and "fails to deliver".
I've seen some French movies that were poor and this one doesn't fall into that category. Part of what I liked about this movie was it's simplicity and it's honor. Yes, Olivier Martinez does come across as superhuman as everyone around him succumbs to cholera and he wanders unscatched from every death scene, but it made me keep watching, just to see who this man was and where he came from and what he was supposed to be doing.
I liked the fact that the movie portrayed Juliette Binoche and Olivier Martinez's infatuation in such a simple, uncomplicated way. I liked the ending of the movie and how they kept everything open. It was nice to see people on the silver screen facing "real life rejection" as well, which is something few American films fail to portray, if the candy coated glossed over version of the powerful psychological film "Abre Los Ojos" is any example. Tom, I'm willing to just pretend that didn't happen.
Anyway, you should watch this film, if only to sit there and grind your teeth and be frustrated over it. At least you are grinding your teeth over something.

Very beautiful
This is one of my favorite foreign movies. I won't reveal anything about the plot, I'll leave it to you. I will say that some parts are slightly predictable though.

The acting is superb. I've always loved Juliette Binoche (Chocolat, The English Patient American movies) and I met Oliver Martnez through this movie. Both portray their roles amazingly and delicately, adding something great to a slightly dull script.

The scenery is absolutely stunning, enough said. This is well worth seeing, if you don't mind subtitles. (I don't at all ^^)

Good Old Fashioned Adventure--a la Francaise
Olivier Martinez has been called the French Brad Pitt. How about Juliette Binoche as the French Julia Roberts. Or is that not saying enough in either case?

Well, whatever your opinions of the actors in general, they are perfectly cast in this corker of a romantic adventure. Perfect chemistry between the two stars adds to what already a good, old fashioned high spirited adventure film. They don't make 'em like this anymore--either in this country or in France.

In fact, when you think of current French cinema, you tend to come up with charming, but self-consciously post-modern works like AMELIE or L'AUBERGE ESPAGNOLE. That kind of nod-and-a-wink filmmaking has its place, and I have nothing but affection for those films, but there's something about good old school stroytelling that can be utterly enthralling. You're actually allowed to get caught up in the tale and to forget that you're in a cinema (or your living room) watching images on film (or videotape or DVD or whatever). What a concept!

I am unfamiliar with most of director Rappeneau's work--although I have heard good things about his version of CYRANO and the celebrated ZAZIE DANS LE METRO. He certainly has a flair for historical romance, so I am now eager to see his treatment of the Edmond de Rostand classic. Or almost anything else he's done for that matter. He appears to have a great visual sense (or knows enough to seek out cinematographers who do). It's hard to think of a more beautifully shot film.

Like most films, HORSEMAN ON THE ROOF is not for everyone. But for lovers of foreign films in general--and of real romantic adventure in particular--this film delivers the goods.

Horseman could have been a contender
Horseman on the Roof is a beautifully filmed movie. The acting is good; the script, not so good; the choleric, two-minute transformations from healthy to "Dawn of the Dead" puplesque, ridiculous. The plot is rather predictable and mundane. I'm a big fan of foreign films, including the French ones. Overall, this one disappointingly misses the mark. There are, however, several action scenes that are quite good and the cinematography is outstanding. ... Read more

Reviews (84)

Consider it a wonderful experience
The movie musical was on its way out by the time 'Oliver!' hit theaters in 1968. Happily, this marvelously fun and entertaining film swept the Oscars and earns my vote for the best musical of the 60s (although 'The Music Man' ranks a close second). Mark Lester is adorable in the title role and Jack Wild is a kick as the mischievious Artful Dodger. Then there's Ron Moody recreating his stage role as the villainous (but still likable) Fagin. He's not exactly the same character created by Charles Dickens but he's memorable just the same. And Shani Wallis' Nancy along with Oliver Reed's Bill Sikes give the film some real dramatic punch. The production design strikingly recreates the feel and flavor of mid-19th century London. And the songs which include 'Consider Yourself' and 'Oom Pah Pah' are the icing on the cake. Do your family a great favor and add this timeless treat to your DVD collection.

I'm reviewing. . . .the situation.
I bought this movie because I had some vague, but pleasant memories of it from my childhood. I must say that the movie did not disappoint. It is a well-crafted musical with vivid characters. While they're not exactly analogous to their Dickensian counterparts, who portray a much darker, seamier side of London's underworld, the characters sparkle. Ron Moody as Fagin is unforgettable, and Wild as the Dodger was a perfect casting job. The musical numbers are memorable, hum-inducing performances, such as "Consider Yourself" "Oom Pa Pa" "You got to Pick a Pocket or Two" and "Who Will Buy". My personal favorite is "Reviewing the Situation" because I feel the lyrics to that song are so well done and so well executed by Moody. The adorable Mark Lester is the weak link in an otherwise strong chain. He plays a passable Oliver, but lacks the oomph that the others bring to their roles, and his voice is somewhat airy but sweet (according to other reviewers, too sweet). Nevertheless, he fulfills his end of the bargin, portraying a rosy cheeked cherub in the presence of villains. Oliver Reed plays Sykes to perfection, exuding such dark evil that his sinister shadow precedes him onto the screen. I handled his killing of Nancy better as a grown-up; however, young children may find that scene as distrubing as I did twenty years ago. Overall, this is a finely done musical, and for me, was time well spent.

I think I'd better think it out again.

CONSIDER THIS ONE A WINNER - OSCAR WINNER, THAT IS!
Carol Reed's "Oliver!" is the musical version of Dicken's Oliver Twist. It stars Mark Lester as the irrepressible street urchin, suckered into the lair of a vagabond by The Artful Dodger (Jack Wild) and forced into a life of crime by Fagin (Ron Moody). But when Oliver is salvaged from the slums by a benevolent philanthropist, Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed) decides to make a quick buck off of the trade. Shani Willis costars as Sikes' girlfriend, Nancy, who thwarts the kidnapping plot and pays for her betrayal with her life. This is a very stoic, stagy and rather dry musical that may capture the essence of Dickens in its settings characters and plot but seems totally out of touch with the effervescence of the traditional Hollywood musical. Even with such main staple songs as "Consider Yourself", "Boy For Sale" and "Food, Glorious Food", truly, the spoon full of sugar remains a bitter pill to swallow on this occasion.

Columbia Tri-Star has made "Oliver" available in a startlingly good looking transfer. Colors are solid, rich, vibrant and bold. Contrast levels are exactly where they should be. Blacks are incredibly deep. Fine detail is fully realized. Only occasionally do age related artifacts betray the vintage of the film. The audio is 5.1 and wonderfully spread across all five channels of the sound field. There are no extras. This film is spread across two sides of a single disc. The break comes at the point of intermission.

Moody's Fagin steals classic OLIVER!
Until CHICAGO reenergized the movie musical genre, this musical version of Charles Dickens' immortal "Oliver Twist" was widely regarded as one of the last of the great movie musicals. Indeed, with its high-energy performances, infectious music, steady direction by Sir Carol Reed and glorious sets, this movie won the 1968 Best Picture Oscar over such formidable competition as THE LION IN WINTER, CHARLEY, and FUNNY GIRL.

Of course, most people are familiar with the classic story of young Oliver Twist, whose mother dies giving him birth and is forced to be raised under the cruel supervision of the English workhouse officials. When he dares beg for more than his meager ration of gruel, the youngster is apprenticed to an undertaker and his extremely nasty family. After escaping this hostile environment, he finds himself taken in by the roguish Fagin, the Artful Dodger(Fagin's best pupil), and the rest of his band of young pickpockets. In time, however, Oliver will find his home, but not before dealing with the likes of the brutal Bill Sikes with the help of Sike's sympathetic lover, Nancy, and the kindly Mr. Brownlow.

As musical films go, it is hard to fault the wonderful casting in this film. Mark Lester makes a perfectly, if maybe overly, innocent Oliver, while Jack Wild is a delight as the rascally Artful Dodger. Shanie Wallis is heart-rending as the tragic Nancy. Oliver Reed (Sir Carol's nephew) is truly scary as the menacing Bill Sikes. Harry Secombe displays a glorious tenor in the comic role of Mr. Bumble, the beadle of the workhouse. However, it is Ron Moody's fantastic performance of the rascally Fagin that steals this movie. It is not surprising, when you consider that he created the role when the musical was first produced in London. Of course, the character itself has gone quite a change from Dickens' original, going from the debatably nasty anti-Semitic portrait of the novel to that of a lovable, if sneaky, eccentric. Indeed, Moody's excellent portrayal would set the tone for almost all future performances of the role to date, including those of such actors as George C. Scott and Richard Dreyfus, among others.

Some Dickens fans may quibble about the liberties taken with the book, from the softening of Fagin to the elimination of Oliver's evil step-brother Monks from the storyline. And it isn't a perfect film by any means. (The child singer who dubbed Mark Lester's songs sounds like she's in an echo chamber of some sort, which makes Oliver's singing a jarring contrast to the rest of the cast.) But, as a musical film, it is a wonderful entertainment and superb introduction to the classic story. As a result, this is one musical that I would DEFINITELY recommend.

Excellent
If only movies were made like this today. This film is filled with witty comedy, wonderful music, and great acting. One of the best musicals out there!! This film displays a boy's life going from the lowest of low (an orphanage) and slowely rising to a better life. The only thing is, it makes stealing look a little. .. well . . fun! But i'm sure we can all live with that right? ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Go Go Power Rangers!!!!!!!!!!
This episode is the last of the Evil Green Ranger episodes. The Power Rangers at the end get Tommy to his original self and becomes one of the good guys, then they go and get Rita, but she always seems to disappear whenever she gets in danger (she's a chicken). Trust me if you are looking for action this is the video to get for anyone in your family, but if you are getting this video make sure you have seen the other four episodes that go along with this video. They are here in Amazon.com, just have to search for them. If you are embarassed to buy it because you are to old, hey, I am 15 years old and my mom loves them and she is 41 years old. The Original Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers Rule!!!!!!!!!!!!! So buy it!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (18)

do not analyze but enjoy
I have studied martial arts for a very long time, and I teach young children...This movie may have an element of revenge overtoning the truth behind the meaning of martial arts, but children do not see it that way, nor do I...all the children I have taught have seen this movie and we all agree it is a great film, about respect, teamwork, leadership and growth...the people who constantly analyze a film instead of viewing it and enjoying it will always miss the message behind it. Sure it was about revenge for the character "tommy" - Yet, how did it end! I think this is an excellent movie for the young and old alike. So for all those people who constantly pester the subject behind this movie don't really know/understand the meaning of Martial arts. For them, you need to grow up and get with the program! I would like to see this movie in DVD soon as well...

good viewing quality hard to find
I first saw this movie when it first came out, and believe it or not i can still remember the story line and the impact it had on me as a person having only seen it once,MAYBE TWICE,this movie greatly inspired me with the message it sent. But you have to watch the whole thing, especially the last 30-45 minutes of it to really grasp what that message is. Few movies(as a grown man)have ever made me angry, want to stand up and cheer, and shed tears at the same time. if you want to see a movie with people beating each other up and killing each other just for the fun of it, then this is not the one for you, but if you enjoy a good show of competition and sportsmanship,with some "on the edge of your seat action" and a heartfelt message contained therein then i defineitly absolutley recomend this one. Lets just say you might not pay much attention to your popcorn bowl!

Great Movie
This movie is very touching........very. I recomend it to all martial arts fans

The Best of The Best, Alot better than the rest
i will keep it short and sweet. The Best of The Best is one of the best movies i have ever seen, The ending is really good and it almost made a tear drop from my eyes.Buy it and watch it forever

pop it tommy, pop it.
If you want to watch a fun movie, this is it. Sure, some of the acting is not academy award winning. Who cares! It's a movie you just want to watch when there's nothing else on. It's not a chick flick. However, I assure you that you will be reciting several lines from the movie. Anyone that has watched this movie can recite a line or two. It's that good! hahahaha...

i'm sure there's a small following of "best of the best." we are still waiting for the dvd version. It's a fun movie. enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (59)

Absorbing! Realistic! Riveting! Fantastic!
1961's "The Hustler" is a picture that will truly "suck you in". It totally absorbed my attention throughout. Making this in black-and-white was a wise choice by the movie-makers too. It sets the mood of the drab surroundings we experience during the film.

A perfect cast has been assembled here, with Paul Newman a knockout in the lead role of pool shark "Fast Eddie" Felson. Piper Laurie, George C. Scott, Murray Hamilton, and Myron McCormick give strong support to Newman. And there's a very controlled and somewhat subdued Jackie Gleason as "Minnesota Fats". Jackie doesn't have a huge part here, but he pulls off his role as "Fats" with style.

There are a lot of quiet moments in this picture ... when just visuals propel the story. I like that in movies! Sometimes there's too much dialogue in a film, in places where nothing needs to be said at all. It just seemed to me that the producer/director (Robert Rossen) knew when to keep the actors quiet here.

The Hustler will forever remain a Classic to me!!

Some Hustler stats:
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Running Time: 135 minutes.
Debut in theatres: September 25, 1961.
Nominated for Best Picture of 1961. (Beaten out by "West Side Story".)
Paul Newman nominated for Best Actor of 1961. (Beaten out by Maximilian Schell--Judgment at Nuremburg.)
Both George C. Scott and Jackie Gleason were nominated for Best Supporting Actor in 1961 for this film. (Both beaten out by George Chakiris--West Side Story.)
Piper Laurie nominated for Best Actress in '61. (Beaten out by Sophia Loren--Two Women.)
Film won two 1961 Oscars --- Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction/Set Decoration (B&W).
Billiard champ Willie Mosconi, 14-time world champion from 1941-1957, was a key technical adviser on the set of The Hustler, literally teaching Mr. Newman how to play the game of pocket billiards, right down to his grip on the cue stick. Newman became quite proficient by the end of the shooting of the picture.
Newman reprised his role as Fast Eddie in 1986's sequel, "The Color of Money", co-starring Tom Cruise. Newman DID win the Oscar for Best Actor that year.

Newman's Own...
It is a real shame that not one of the actors, nominated for their work in THE HUSTLER, took home the Oscar. Now, a true classic in every sense of the word, the film is still one of the coolest motion pictures ever made. Originally released in 1961, the film is flawless. "Fast" Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) is an arrogant pool hustler, who seems unbeatable, that is until he meets his match. When his desire and ambition for perfection lead him to challenge legendary pool king, "Minnesota Fats" (Jackie Gleason), things heat as Felson may have bitten off more than he can chew. He risks everything good in his life for a shot at glory. Piper Laurie as Sarah Packard, has great chemistry with Newman, and George C. Scott as Bert Gordon is tops too.

Based on the book by Walter S. Tevis, the movie was directed by Robert Rossen, and shows off his real talent as a filmmaker. Desperate to put his "Ralph Kramden" character behind him, Gleason delivers a fine dramatic performance, that is sure to surprise you, if you only know him from "The Honeymooners". The pool room action is put together very well. The fact that the film was shot in black and white, only enhanced the action on screen, and makes it give off an almost cooler aura.

It's great to finally see the movie on DVD. The special features are great. The most interesting of which, is the "picture-in picture" commentary, that explains how all of the trick shots were done in the film. This innovative feature is "way cool" The commentary track is pretty good too. However, I enjoyed the retrospective documentary, "the inside story", a bit more. It was also neat to see the vintage theatrical trailer.

The DVD is Highly Recommended and is a must have in anyone's movie collection

One of the greatest American films ever made. MUST SEE!!!
With or without the Oscar, this is one of the greatest American films ever made in any genre. George C. Scott refused to take part in the Oscar ceremonies when "The Hustler" was nominated, calling them "a self-serving orgy" if my memory serves me right. Perhaps that stand contributed to the movie not being recognized in its own time. Whatever the reason, this film shows you that recognition is unnecessary for true art. The cream always rises to the top.

People may not realize that Paul Newman was an unknown when this movie was made. His youthful brashness and emotion laden performance show him as an actor beyond his years.

One can never say too much about George C. Scott. He's old reliable, in this movie as in his others. He does an excellent job. He's just so good that we are numb to his mastery.

Piper Laurie also turns in an amazing performance. Her acting is subtle but her method is steady.

The real standout in this film is Jackie Gleason. He shows why he was called "The Great One." I personally feel that this movie shows him as the greatest method actor of his generation, and perhaps one of the greatest ever.

But unbelievable acting is only one part of this gem. The cinematography is clear and artistic. The script is expertly written and the scenery couldn't be more authentic.

This is the only pool movie I know of that you can enjoy as a pool player. The pool scenes are unbelievable. They used the greatest pool players of the day in shooting and it shows. The Color of Money is a nicely shot movie but there is not really a lot of pool in it. This is a pool movie that transcends pool.

Please do yourself a favor and add this to your collection.

The Hustler is simply amazing.
The Hustler is a 1961 20th Century Fox release about the game of billiards. It features an amazing cast; Paul Newman as Fast Eddie, Jackie Gleason as Minnesota Fats, Piper Laurie as Sarah Packard, and George C. Scott as Bert Gordon. Robert Rossen directs the 134-minute film, with outstanding cinematography, for which it won an academy award, but it was hard not to just watch the amazing acting displayed.

The most interesting things I found in the movie are the lighting and the camera angles. The pool halls are just as most people picture them, dark, dingy and full of smoke. This is visible at the beginning of the movie when Fast Eddie and Minnesota Fats play their first game of pool. The players are lit when playing at the table, but when the rest of the hall is shown, it is dark with almost no lighting whatsoever. I find it interesting that the actors are kept in the shadows, even when delivering dialogue, until they lean to the table to shoot. I feel this is to emphasize the game played, and the players, but only when they are doing what is important to them. This also pushes the spectators almost out of view, to become the same as the viewers in the theatre and at home. This leads to a somewhat humorous scene. Fast Eddie and Minnesota Fats are playing a marathon set of games for high stakes. The favorite is Fats, but he is down about $10,000. While Fats is making a shot, an employee of the pool hall starts to raise the blinds, and he complains telling the employee to "cut that sunshine out", to accentuate the mood I feel the director was trying to set. After 25 hours of playing, Minnesota Fats wins back $13,000 dollars, leaving Eddie with only $200 in his pocket.

The lighting changes when Eddie is not in the pool hall, and is almost blinding to the viewer. There are many scenes with Eddie and Sarah in her apartment, and it is usually very bright, but when the mood is depressing or dreary, it gets darker, helping to convey the mood displayed. When they travel out of the apartment, the mood is usually light, and the scenery also brightens showing the actors more dramatically.

The camera angles used in the movie are very interesting to the viewer. There are many shots inside of doorways, usually featuring Fast Eddie. Those scenes are usually more personal parts of the movie, away from the pool halls. The actors are almost never featured in the center of the screen, but offset to the side. I feel this is to allow the lighting to enter more into the viewing experience. When scenes are shown featuring two actors, the camera takes a side view, making the space between them seems greater. The camera also often shifts in between characters, even when separated by just a table. This allows the spectator to concentrate more on the speaker, or to view emotion conveyed by the other actors. When the actors are playing pool, the camera often pans up to the character leaning down to the table. I feel this angle allows us to focus more on the action of shooting, and on facial expressions, instead of the actual shot. When at the pool hall, there are also many angled shots from above and over, allowing the background and lighting to display more prominently.

I would rate this movie five stars. While I have not concentrated on the acting, it is tremendous. Paul Newman displays amazing emotion, and mix of desperation and cockiness of Fast Eddie conveys through almost every small thing he does. The story line is unique and builds the characters into people that the viewer can become very interested. However, I find that what the audience usually does not notice is what truly makes this movie great.

A Breath-taking Cinematic Experience...
A small-time pool hustler, Eddie Felson (Paul Newman) also called Fast-Eddie, is feeling that he is on his way up as he wants to take on the reputable Minnesota Fats (Jackie Gleason). However, Eddie is young and boastful with poor self-control and after several drinks he loses a very large amount of money to Minnesota Fats in a lengthy pool game. Penniless and embarrassed Eddie runs off like a dog with his tail between his legs from his manager and friend. As Eddie leaves he meets Sarah (Piper Laurie) with whom he begins to form a relationship with. As Eddie then attempts to rebound from his financial set back he meets Bert Gordon, a ruthless and wealthy gambler. Gordon offers Eddie a tough deal, but it might be a new beginning for Eddie depending on what price he might have to pay in order to get back on his feet. Hustler is a remarkable film about self-discovery, greed, love, and billiards that captivates the audience through an intriguing story. The story's genuine feeling of how people struggle through difficulties is brought out by a terrific cast as well as cinematography that lends support to the emotions that the characters feel. In the end, Rossen creates a breath-taking cinematic experience. ... Read more

Description

The greenskeeper is about to start World War IIIagainst a gopher.The judge plays to win but his nubile niece has her mind set on scoring her own way.The playboy shoots perfect golf by pretending he is the ball.And the country-club loudmouth just doubled a $20,000 bet on a 10-foot putt.Insanity?No. Caddyshack.Chevy Chase, Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight and Bill Murray tee off for a side-splitting round of fairway foolishness that does for golf what Animal House did for college fraternities and Police Academy did for law enforcement.Chase's laid-back delivery has kept audiences of Saturday Night Live and movie hits National Lampoon's Vacation, Fletch and Spies Like Us in the aisles for years.Sharing his wisdom with a caddy or his bed with debutante Lacey Underall, he never misses a shot.Rodney Dangerfield is well, Rodney Dangerfield.Even when he's off camera, he's on.And fans that have made Easy Money and Back to School box-office hits like him just fine.Knight-possessor of the best slow burn since Laurel and Hardyfusses, fumes and finesses his way through his role as Bushwood Country Club's one-man Legion of Decency.Murray's hole-in-the-head assistant greenskeeper is straight out of Looney Tunes.Murray, who brought the house down in Meatballs, Stripes and Ghostbusters, is funny even when he talks to himself.In Caddyshack, the term "golf nut" takes on a deranged double meaningand the laughs are par for the course! ... Read more

Reviews (172)

The slobs -vs- The snobs
This is a classic comedy that is still funny after so many years, I have read the reviews of this film left by others regarding the picture, I am not sure what they are talking about?!, I thought it had a great DVD transfer, the 19th Anniversary edition that is, they could be referring to the initial release of this film years earlier, however everyone plays their roles to perfection, Chevy Chase plays what is probably his best role as a playboy who golfs for fun, not scores, Rodney Dangerfield is perfect as a free-living, humorous & rude real-estate developer who loves getting a rise out of the late Ted Knight's uptight judge, & Bill Murray is lovable as the dim-witted groundskeeper who has a personal war with a gopher that is the film's real star, watching these characters unfold in neat as is Michael O'Keefe as a ambitious caddy who longs for somthing more, Cindy Morgan is Knight's niece with a questionable reputation, definately a movie that anyone could probably relate to, with the exception of some gross-out humor, the candy bar most noticebly, it is a straight comedy as Dangerfield squares off against Knight, watching these two is like watching politians go at it, but Murray's obsession with killing the gopher is never dull, watching the gopher react to his future plan of ridding him is funny as Murray uses plastic explosives in the form of other animals, this film had a sequel that had potential & had Murray & Dangerfield attached, but bowed out after Warner Bros. refused to compromise a script rewrite by them, only Chase returned for that one with little screen time, I highly recommend the original, but pass on the sequel, why Warner would allow Murray & Dangerfield to walk on the follow-up just shows how arrogant studio executives are, the follow-ups failure was their reward, the original is one of the best comedies ever!!!!!!!

Grab your bag
Caddyshack is a movie that takes place at a upscale country club. The plot is based around a golfing match for high stakes between a team of Rodney Dangerfield and Chevy Chase versus Ted Knight. Caught in the middle is Michael O'Keefe. But forget the plot, it really doesn't matter. What matters are the brilliant comedic performances given by the above-mentioned and Bill Murray. Mr. Dangerfield plays a wild and crazy land developer who is rude, crude and obnoxious. Mr. Chase is Ty Webb, who is independently wealthy and plays golf without keeping score. Mr. Chase is at his wisecracking, smug best. Mr. Knight, plays a stuffy judge and he brings his Mary Tyler Moore persona to the character as he thinks he's smarter than he actually is. Mr. O'Keefe is given the least funny of the roles, but we feel for his character Danny Noonan. Mr. Murray gives a tour-de-force performance as Carl, the bumbling, stoned assistant greenskeeper. His scene where he describes as the Cinderella story at the Masters is a movie classic and one of the funniest scenes ever filmed. If you like comedies and want to laugh, then Caddyshack is for you. It is a movie that you can watch a million times and laugh just as hard as the first time you saw it.

Belly laugh city
Just when I thought I couldn't watch the rest of the movie, a hysteric comedic scene or line brought me out of it. Rodney is unforgettable. When this one shakes out, some of the funniest stuff ever (so bad it's good).

A golf player's must!
If you play golf,this film is for you. I'm sure Jack Nicklaus,Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods have all seen this film. Harold Ramis directs an all-star cast featuring Chevy Chase,Bill Murray,Brian Doyle Murray(Bill's brother),Rodney Dangerfield and the late Ted Knight. This film's fetured song is I'M ALRIGHT recorded by Kenny Loggins. This hit film,theatircally released in July 1980,spawned the sequel,CADDYSHACK 2 in 1988.

Best Golf Movie...Ever
While it's tough to put a golf movie ahead of Adam Sandler's great Happy Gilmore, no other golf movie has as many memorable lines in it as this one does. In fact, few other comedies have as many great lines as Caddyshack. Who can forget the conversation about playing with the Dali Llama or Bill Murray's monologue while "driving" the flowers?

"It's in the hole!"

One of the best scenes of the movie is where Chevy Chase drives the ball through Bill Murray's window, causing a great conversation between two comic greats of our time. Also, for anybody who has seen the new Tiger Woods' commercial where he's chasing the gopher and don't understand what in the world is going on- see this movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Originally made as a two-part TV miniseries, this umpteenth adaptation of Johann Spyri's novel is exceptionally easy on the eyes. Jason Robards plays the grumpy grandfather who tends for the orphaned Swiss girl. Jane Seymour chews up the scenery as the governess to a spoiled, rich city girl whom Heidi is forced to visit. The adults think the invalid Klara (Lexi Randall) needs companionship, but wise old grandpa knows she needs good mountain air and independence. Noley Thornton is sweet enough in the title role and Robards's performance provides depth. This Disney production brings little to the story, but is worth watching for its stunning Alpine vistas.--Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Stunning!
This version of Heidi is truly wonderful. The story is so great and all the actors played the roles very well. Shirley Temple was good, but Noley Thornton is fantastic. Unlike the older version of Heidi this has a freshness to it. The other version the Alps don't look nearly as stunning and the slede ride was the fakest thing I have seen in my life. In this re-make you can almost see the hills bursting with song and joy. It is truly magnificent.

Great film for People of all ages!!!!
I rented this from Top Hat Video the other day and I watched it last night when the thunderstorm was interupting the sound this has gotta be one of the best disney films ever Noley Thornton is a sweet girl in this films she's great for the part of Heidi Sure Shirley Temple was good for the part of Heidi in her version of the tale but Young Noley is great too her sweetness in this film makes me feel so good if you thought Shirley was great for Heidi wait till you see this disney version of the tale it's a very sweet story I recommend you get this Noley Thornton is great for Heidi!!!!!!

absolutely absolutely perfect
I viewed this film and realized how ugly I am compared to such a beautiful person as Heidi. She was so patient, caring, loving and wise. Please if you ever want to see a good film and you want to waste almost 3 hours of your life on films SEE THIS FILM!

The outside beauty makes you feel so ugly within... I am not kidding. It's that beautiful!

a movie for the heart
Great movie with very good actors. Little Noley thornton is wonderful and loveable in the title role.

Heidi has a refreshing perspective on life
Heidi has a refreshing perspective on life. She chooses love, love for a crochety old man. In her eyes he becomes lovable to the viewer as well. The scenes of nature are stunning and the tender exchanges in human relationships are deeply moving. Heidi is not just a great "G" movie for children, it's a great movie for adults who need another glimpse, another reminder, of the beauty in our surroundings... both in people and in nature. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Robert Donat won an Oscar for his portrayal of the humble British don in the 1939 film Goodbye, Mr. Chips--and Peter O'Toole was nominatedfor his version of the role in this lackluster musical (he, along with Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight of Midnight Cowboy, lost to John Wayne in True Grit). O'Toole is affecting as the shy English schoolteacher at a private boys' school who is brought out of his shell by the love of a good woman, then goes on to become a teaching legend after her tragic death. But the idea of turning this touching tale into a musical (with totally forgettable songs by John Williams and Leslie Bricusse) was almost as wrong-headed as having O'Toole do his own singing--or as casting singer Petula Clark as his wife. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (30)

Time For The Critics To Become Wrong
A dismall profession, that of critics. Anyone who has been exposed to massive doses of awfull musical-movie production of the 50s and 60s (usually through 70's afternoons TV features) is absolutely honest in labeling them crap from Hollywood's sadest period.

Then, as decades pass, you keep remembering scores like 'Where Did My Childhood Go', by Peter O'Toole, in this Goodbye Mr. Chips, while the whole score of Singing In The Rain goes down the drain (as you always wished it to go, despite all the hype around the crap).

I vaguely remember 'Mr. Chips, but I am pretty sure it is very cheesy. But the songs are becoming better with the years, and ABSOLUTELY non-existent in CDs. So I am buying the movie on DVD, just to hear the score.

Wouldn't it be astonishing if the movie also became better with time?

The score has definitely to be reapraised by the critics. It is very honorable of Amazon.com to criticize so heavily an item it intends to sell (I have used this candid advice many many times). But I really recomend the critics to hear to O'Tooles performance with 2000's ears (rather than with 70's TV watcher's).

A Warm and Touching Film
"Goodbye, Mr. Chips" is a classic, sentimental tale about a reserved British schoolmaster (Peter O'Toole) who meets and falls in love with a beautiful show girl (Petula Clark). The dour school teacher and the flamboyant show girl stand in stark contrast to one another, yet they share a love and devotion that only deepens through the years. Slowly, the classics teacher emerges from his shell to become a much beloved figure to generations of young boys who profit from his teaching and guidance at the mythical Brookfield School in England.

Peter O'Toole is a versatile actor whose range has been exhibited in his role as the driven scholar, warrior, and Messiah in "Lawrence of Arabia," as the comic and cunning art thief in "How to Steal a Million," and here, in his touching and affecting performance as Arthur Chipping, schoolmaster. Petula Clark is the renowned song stylist who adds spirit and sensitivity to her role, not to mention a brilliant, soaring voice. Together, O'Toole and Clark create a chemistry that gives the film a universal appeal, transcending time and generations. This motion picture will leave a lump in the throat and a glow in the heart.

Overlooked ignored masterpiece.
Goodbye Mr Chips (1969) always has and always will be one of my all time favourite movies. I have directed three stage versions over the years with young actors based on Terrence Rattigan's brilliant, witty, theatrical script. I am always amazed the film was not well received in its initial release. When it was released in Australia in 1970, it was a smash hit, yet its failure in the States forced distributors to pull it out of theatres and slash 30 minutes out of it. There were so many various cut versions I have seen over the years. Thankfully it was released on VHS about fifteen years ago and was restored to its original length (well almost, the song "When I Was Younger" has always been cut from the film altho on the soundtrack). I despair it has never been released on DVD and only a shortened CD exists where it is doubled up with songs from the soundtrack of "The Boy Friend:"/. I feel sure if it was released on DVD it would find a whole new audience. I watched it again recently and was amazed at how fresh and charming it is, its one of those rare movies that never date. A movie desperately needing to be re-evaluated by critics again. Also, the music is wonderful, why do people criticise Bricusse. His style is so subtle, hummable? What does that mean> These are gentle, tender love songs with a couple of theatrical showstoppers....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE someone get a full length CD (its pefect for Rhino to release) and DVD of this movie out very soon., O Toole and Petula Clarke were never better. My one criticism of the VHS is that it is a little misty (and I dont mean in the sequences that are supposed to have that effect) and not very sharp and clear. It needs to be srestored to its original 70MM brilliance.

Absolutely great film!
This is the film which is filled with affection.
This is the film that I will never forget.
Everytime I watch this film, it leaves me with warm and gentle feelings.
I have a VHS and a vinyl record.
When will they make a DVD and a CD?
The acting, music, lyrics, cinematography, everything is great.
I was dumfounded to find out how badly the critics in USA treated this film.
It was an era of 'new cinemas.'
It might have been considered nonsense or out of date for them to evaluate this kind of lovely film as a good film.
I saw this film in Japan in 1970.
The critics in Japan were sensible enough to choose this film to be one of year's best.
Peter O'toole is perfect in his role as always, you know.
Petula Clark utterly fascinates us with her voice and act.
And I believe this is the best work of Herbert Ross.
I must say it deserves to be treated more fairly.
This is a must-see film for all generation.

Why is this not on CD???
This has to be my favorite movie of Peter O'Toole's. John Williams' score is, as always, perfect. Petula Clark sings so beautifully and has wit to boot, and O'Toole brought tears to my eyes as Chips. I never care about what the critics say, I thought the songs were memorable and kinda sweet. This should have already been on DVD, if not on CD. It's sad how some of Williams' early works are not given the royal treatment as the most recent ones. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

great stuff but a crappily made
Belushi and Aykroyd are amazing no complaints about the skits except maybe some more.

The videotape itself is really crappy though. It plays in EP. In my opinion all factory made, store bought videos should be in SP. I have the video about 5 years and I have trouble playing it now. It plays like a video you've had for ten years that was taped in EP off of TV

SNL the funny years
Yes, this is what SNL should be. All you people who think SNL has been consistently funny the last 10 years (they've had their moments, but they are few and far between): buy, rent, borrow or steal these videos. Now. You will learn the truth. ... Read more

Reviews (278)

A CLASSIC! THE BEST ROCKUMENTARY FILM EVER!
This is Spinal Tap is the brilliant rockumentary/mockumentary chronicling the band Spinal Tap's tour of the United States. This was Rob Reiner's debut film, and what a film to begin with. This is Spinal Tap remains somewhat of a cult classic, but its hilarious characters, awesome music, and brilliant storyline comes to life on screen, and everyone could enjoy this movie. Michael McKean plays the lead singer David St. Hubens to perfection, while Harry Shearer plays Derek Smalls with great finesse. A young Christopher Guest plays Nigel with a quiet brilliance, and Guest would incidentally go on to direct and star in two of his own mockumentary films, WAITING FOR GUFFMAN and BEST IN SHOW, which I must say, are equally genius, especially the recent sleeper hit BEST IN SHOW. Also great is Tony Hendra, as the cricket-stick wielding manager of the band. June Chadwick is strong as David's girlfriend Jeannine, and Bruno Kirby makes a great cameo as the limo driver. The other supporting cameos are fantastic, coming from Fred Willard(who won a Best Supporting Actor award from the LA Critics for his role in BEST IN SHOW), Dana Carvey, Billy Crystal, Fran Drescher, Angelica Huston, and Paul Shaffer. This utterly hilarious movie is excellently directed by Reiner, who plays the director of the mockumentary within the film, Marty Dibergi! Fantastic!

Original Rockumertary
This Is Spinal Tap pokes fun at documentary films with what faux director Marty DiBergi calls a rockumentary. While MTV took this title and actually had rockumentaries, VH1's wildly successful Behind The Music series is a take off (albeit a serious one) of Tap's concept. Michael McKean, Christopher Guest & Harry Shearer star as a fictional English heavy metal band Spinal Tap. The film follows them around on their concert tour and the hoopla surrounding the release of their album Smell The Glove. The three stars are hysterical. They conduct themselves with a mock seriousness and that better than everyone attitude that stars often assume. The concert sequences are great as the Tap's songs are great spoofs of the metal genre with titles like "Stonehedge" & "Big Bottoms". The movie is woefully short, so the extra footage is a welcome addition. Tony Hendra is brilliant as the band's put upon manager and a young Fran Drescher shows up as a record label executive while Dana Carvey and Billy Crystal have a small bit as mime waiters.

Fantastic
The classic This is Spinal Tap is truly the greatest depiction of a rock band in cinematic history. I remember watching this for the first time with my buddies...everything thats happened in this movie has happened to me. The guy getting stuck in the pod, the tour dates being cancelled, playing under a puppet show, all of it!! And my buddies are sitting there laughing and Im like....this isnt funny. And THATS what makes the movie so great.....its SO realistic.

The definitive rock and roll band movie.....get it today!!

Big and stupid. And clever. VERY, VERY clever.
Alright, I'm not going to bore you with the details or story of this sublime Reiner "documentary," nor am I going to babble on and on about how spot-on a parody of NWOBHM (that's "New Wave Of British Heavy Metal" to the uninitiated) this is.

Instead, I will offer you some quotes. Those alone should give you plenty of insight as to why this is one of the greatest movies of all time. To wit:

"Oh, there actually is, uh... there was a Saint Hubbins?"
"That's right, yes."
"What was he the saint of?"
"He was the patron saint of quality footwear."

"You know, just simple lines intertwining, you know, very much like - I'm really influenced by Mozart and Bach, and it's sort of in between those, really. It's like a Mach piece, really. It's sort of..."
"What do you call this?"
"Well, this piece is called "Lick My Love Pump".

"As long as there's, you know, sex and drugs, I can do without the rock and roll."

"Here lies David St. Hubbins... and why not?"

"Dozens of people spontaneously combust each year. It's just not really widely reported."

"It's like, how much more black could this be? and the answer is none. None more black."

"We are Spinal Tap from the UK - you must be the USA!"

"You can't really dust for vomit."

"This pretentious ponderous collection of religious rock psalms is enough to prompt the question, 'What day did the Lord create Spinal Tap, and couldn't he have rested on that day too?'"

And of course: "Why don't you just make ten louder and make ten be the top number and make that a little louder?
"These go to eleven."

Not laughing? Well, the visuals are even funnier--malfunctioning stage props, a guitar solo that probably singlehandedly gave birth to the "neo-classical" shred style, unique ways to use a violin, and of course lots and lots of retarded sexuality and bad poetry. Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Derek Shearer absolutely NAIL it. Everybody should have this film. Especially metalheads who aren't afraid to have a good, long laugh at themselves.

Rockin' and Mockin'
When this film was originally released, its targets were hard rock bands like Whitesnake and Dio, along with overly pretentious concert films like The Last Waltz and Song Remains the Same. 20 years later, the film still holds up - and practically everything in it could apply to newer bands like the Darkness, and VH1's ridiculous Behind the Music TV series. Why? The cast and creators manage to walk the fine line between satire and homage while staying in love with the spirit of rock n'roll. Sure, band members Nigel, David, and Derek may be half-witted hacks but we love them because they reflect not only most of our rock heroes - but our rock fantasies as well. There's a sense of joy in this film that's absent in many 'serious' rock bands and films that are soon forgotten. Director Rob Reiner was also smart enough not to aim for a constant barrage of one-liners and slapstick. There's actually a story and a subtext here that most parody films totally lack. The DVD comes with a grab-bag of Spinal Tap goodies, including a hilarious commentary track and rock videos. This one's a comedy for the ages. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Superb
I am not sure what the person before me knows about French cinema and the history of this film in particular but before posting comments that border sheer ignorance PLEASE do some research. This true masterpiece of a film was shot in 1.33 and that is how La Belle Noiseuse it was shown during the Cannes film festival. This is the prefered original aspect ratio (perhaps some have forgotten that not all films are supposed to be seen in widescreen, many were shot in an academy ratio of 1.33). Though La Belle Noiseuse is a modern film, just like Godard often does, Rivette has chosen a ratio that fits best his vision.

With this said the length of the film has nothing to do with the artistic merits it conveys. This is a strong, utterly sophisticated, yet bold and original film that reaches the very core of the creative process artists go through. Exceptional work!!

A word before it's released
This is a 4-hour French film, and I have seen the VHS version. Although the film is generally criticized for being way too long and boring, I personally found the film very appealing. I enjoyed the slow pacing. The film definitely involves the viewer, and 4 hours later, you feel like you really know these characters, who now have a life of their own. There is a substantial amount of nudity in the film, but it's more about posing for an artist than about sex. This is, in fact, an art film, not a mainstream film. As such, it delves into human emotion as much as it paints the beauty of the female form. I'm giving this film, in advance of its DVD release, 3 stars because it is being released in standard format, which is an insult to any film, and because it may not appeal to the average mainstream viewer, who may be too impatient to watch all 4 hours of it. But for me, it will be a welcome addition to my limited collection of French films.

I absolutely agree with everything said by the 5-star reviewer (except for the statement about this being released in its orginal format, which is apparently erroneous). But having read contemporary French language critiques of this film, and having dicussed it with a few of my French friends (who mostly complained about its length), I still believe that the average mainstream non-French viewer will probably find the film a bit too long and boring. Fans of art film in general, and French films in particular, will definitely treasure it, though. Include me in.

See it any way you can...
La Belle Noiseuse is now available on DVD through Amazon.co.uk. Unfortunately it is transferred in 1.33:1 aspect ratio, which is falsely stated to be the original ratio, whereas in fact the film was shot and screened in 1.66:1 - while for some films this might be tolerable, here the cropped picture detracts woefully from the cinematic experience - profiles are severed, actors inexplicably move half off screen, the beauty of many tableaus is compromised. One can only hope that Criterion decide to provide an American edition. That said, the actually picture quality is good and the subtitles legible.
*
There is an interesting interview, however, with Rivette, in which he tells of Divertimento being edited together entirely from out-takes. To illustrate the point a dinner table scene is shown, first from La Belle Noiseuse, and then from Divertimento -in the first there are many cuts and changes of point of view, in the second a slow zoom in onto one couple and only a single cut. In a way, then, Divertimento is an entirely different film. Rivette explained the changes as in part stemming from a certain boredom attending the traditional editing process - he and his editor did their best to entertain themselves, and to create a significant variation on the original work of art.
*
As an exploration of the artistic process, and of the psychological danger involved in exploring the depths of another human, the film is wonderful. Of course, in terms of aesthetic beauty it is also hard to fault. Michel Piccoli is sensitive and somehow manages to vie for command of the screen against the charms of Emmanuelle Beart (who really is stunning).
*
This, I think, is by far Rivette's best work, and definitely worth viewing in whatever available format.

Only for hardcore "La Belle Noiseuse" fans (like me)
After receiving extraordinary acclaim for his 4-hour masterwork "La Belle Noiseuse", seminal French New Wave director Jacques Rivette edited it down to 2 hours (by jettisoning its long real-time takes of an artist at work), substituting alternate takes of certain scenes and making subtle but important changes in the scene order. The result is "Divertimento", a slightly darker and, in my opinion, substantially lesser work.

If you admire "La Belle Noiseuse" as much as I do, "Divertimento" will give you a thought-provoking but not revelatory new angle on a great film. If you haven't seen "La Belle Noiseuse" yet, don't cheat yourself by watching this one first. ... Read more

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This thematic video, featuring the best game-show parodies presented by Saturday Night Live, concentrates mostly on the later years, with regulars Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Julia Sweeny, and Chris Farley dominating the proceedings. And though some of the skits have their moments, such as when guest host Joe Pesci menaces seriously out-of-place contestant Chris Rock on "Bensonhurst Dating Game," an inevitable feeling of sameness can creep in. Perhaps that's mostly forgivable, as the individual sketches were not written or acted to be seen one after another. Besides regular cast members, guest hosts were regularly put to work in game-show skits, with varying degrees of comedic success--Garth Brooks (in drag in a misbegotten parody titled "Old French Whore"), Jerry Seinfeld, Tom Hanks, and Quentin Tarantino. Gilda Radner and Bill Murray appear all too briefly in a snippet of a sketch from the early years, but seeing Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Laraine Newman, and Chevy Chase in "Jeopardy 1999" from the show's first season is a treat. For a fan