Reviews (11)

A VINTAGE MASTERPIECE.
King Vidor, this film's director was vitally interested in social issues: here he wanted to show the rest of 1929 America what the black man was going through. This early talkie was the first all-black feature film and indeed one of the boldest pictures ever made - M-G-M knew it wouldn't get much of a release in the deep Southern states of the U.S. Using many amateurs - for instance, Harry Gray - who played the Parson - was a janitor at a Harlem newspaper - Vidor proved his genius by elicting performances from the melange as good as might be seen in a seasoned troupe. Shot on location in Tennessee, every frame is redolent with authenticity: it's a huge film and no expense was spared to recreate various eras. The love scenes are realistically and believably executed, and the film doesn't date nearly as much as one would suppose. In my opinion, Nina Mae McKinney was a fascinating performer who should have had more to do in films: here she plays Chick, a vibrant beauty among lowlifes. Some of the picture gets overly dramatic - with Holy Roller meetings, a wake, cabarets and various Plantation scenes -but its filled with humanity and a true understanding of the way it was back then. Tunes include AT THE END OF THE ROAD, SWANEE SHUFFLE by Irving Berlin and nearly every well-known spritual ever written. Originally filmed as a silent, the sound was added in post production.

A unique glimpse of black music in the 1920s
I would broadly agree with the Maltin review quoted here; but it's worth commenting on the musical side. The film gives, in some sections, a remarkably authentic representation of black entertainment and relgous music in the 1920s, which no other film achieves. Unfortunately some of the sequences are rather Europeanised and over-arranged. For example, the outdoor revival meeting, with the preacher singing and acting out the 'Train to hell', is entirely authentic in style until the end, where he launches into the popular song 'Waiting at the End of the Road'. Similarly, an outdoor group of workers singing near the beginning of the film are saddled with a choral arangement of 'Way Down upon the Swanee River'(written by Stephen Foster, who never went anywhere near the South) - no black workers would sing that!. The best sequence is the dancehall, where Nina Mae McKinney gives a stunning performance of 'Swanee Shuffle' - just the right sort of popular song; although actually filmed in a New York studio using black actors, the sequence gives the most accurate representation I've ever seen of a low-life black dance-hall -part of the roots of classic jazz. Nothing else on film comes near this: most Hollywood films sanitize black music out of all recognition; and later, in the 1930s, when black artists began to show their real styles, jazz had moved on to become more sophisticated and the whole style of behaviour had changed. All this makes the film a unique document: and it's worth adding that the soundtrack is a remarkable achievement, given the primitive equipment available at the time, using a much wider range of editing and mixing techniques than is generally thought to have been used so early on in talkies. (Reviewed by Roger Wilmut)

a magnificent milestone
The first all-African American feature film ever made, "Hallelujah !" was also King Vidor's first "talkie", and one that he was willing to forfeit his salary for in order to make.
Those who might be troubled by "racial stereotypes" are failing to see the exquisite beauty of this film, and its place in cultural history; it is an astounding film for all Americans, especially those of African descent, to watch and be proud of.
A melodramatic morality tale, it is about a naive cotton farmer who falls into the net of a pretty but corrupt girl, and his rocky road from sin to redemption.
It also shows the hardship of the life of a sharecropper; the wrenching poverty and backbreaking labor, as well as the faith to survive it all.

Daniel L. Haynes is extraordinary as Zeke. Had he been born 50 years later, he would no doubt have been a major world superstar. Incredibly handsome and charismatic, he was also blessed with a marvelous voice, and great acting ability. Thank goodness this film exists, as a remembrance of his enormous talent.
The other members of the cast are also excellent, with Nina Mae McKinney as the seductive Chick and Fanny Belle DeKnight, as Mammy Johnson, Zeke's mother who never gives up hope for her wayward son. The scene where Mammy holds the children in her arms and sings a lullaby is one that moves me to tears; this is a film that expresses much love, and the best of human characteristics.

The music is glorious, combining spirituals like "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" with songs like Irving Berlin's "Waiting at the End of the Road", and there are also some superb dance numbers. I was particularly delighted by the short but well executed sand soft shoe in the bar scene, a style that started in the early 1910s during the minstrel shows. Tap dancing has its roots in slavery, and the history of this unique American art form is fascinating; anyone interested in the evolution of American dance will love this film.
The b&w cinematography by Gordon Avil is crisp and uses stark contrasts, and for the most part, there is little evidence of its age. Coming from the same era, and with similar themes of good and evil, this film shares a kinship with the DuBose Heyward and Gershwin versions of "Porgy and Bess". Total running time is 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Well done!
This was the second talking feature featuring Black Americans ("Hearts in Dixie" w/Stepin Fetchit seems to be MIA). But it's very good. Oh sure, the story's a tad hackneyed (Country boy goes to the big city and is bamboozeld by city gal), but the execution of it all makes it worthwhile. Daniel Hayes is good as the country boy (wait til you see the "train sermon") and Nina Mae McKinney makes me proud to be a South Carolinian. You'll really enjoy the climactic scene, which is remarkable considering the primitive state of sound films in those days. But enough of that-see and enjoy.

Nina Mae McKinney Is The Best! Lena and Dorothy-Forget It
For awhile I heard of Nina Mae McKinney, I read she was married to the same man Billie Holiday would marry. Not much is said, but when you see this film you'll fall in love with her and wonder how come she's forgotten. Nina Mae McKinney was the first black beauty on the screen, she was a raw beauty, down-to-earth beauty. After one big movie, Nina Mae McKinney starred in movies as a maid, another film I suggest is a film short "Pie Pie Blackbird". Nina Mae deserved more then what she got from MGM. MGM could of made her into what Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, and Greta Garbo was to whites. Even though she was a hell of a performer, she had a little bad attitude which cost her a lot of work. But a lot her films are around, they may be hard to find, but their around. I hate how people she paved the path for Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge, she may have, but people often say Nina Mae was their role model, not really. If you ask me I think Nina Mae McKinney was better then all of them but she wouldn't kiss the white man's [bottom]. This movie is the ultimate black movie, telling about black southern life. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Majel Barrett, who played nurse Christine Chapel in the original Star Trek series, returned to the screen in "Haven" as Lwaxana Troi, mother of Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) and (as someone once put it) the "Auntie Mame of the galaxy." The story concerns Deanna's reluctant agreement to participate in a marriage arranged by her late father. She dutifully meets her betrothed, a doctor named Wyatt (Rob Knepper), who turns out to be a good person baffled as to why Deanna doesn't look like the blonde he has seen in visions since childhood. An obligatory action subplot finds the Enterprise imperiled by the last survivors of a biological war. But the real entertainment here comes from the brassy Lwaxana's huge personality, her endless flirtations with a flustered Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), and her in-fighting with Wyatt's family. Barrett (Mrs. Roddenberry in real life) subsequently made annual visits to TNG as Lwaxana, but this episode almost didn't happen until writer Tracy Tormé (son of Mel) rescued and fixed an all-but-abandoned story treatment. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (8)

The introduction to Lwaxana Troi
When the Enterprise arrives at the idyllic planet of Haven, where the legend is that your mere presence on the surface can cure illness, a package is beamed up. (This idea would be revisited in the movie "Insurrection.") It contains a message for Deanna Troi and betrothal gifts. Many years earlier, Deanna's late father had arranged for Deanna to be betrothed to Wyatt, who is now a physician. Even though she is happy on the Enterprise, Deanna agrees to honor the Betazoid custom and marry Wyatt. This will require her to leave the Enterprise, which hits Will Riker hard.
Shortly after the gifts arrive, so do the parents. We are introduced to Lwaxana Troi, mother of Deanna and one of the most obnoxious characters ever to appear in television. Extremely opinionated, vain and honest to the point of social ineptness, she manages to embarrass and offend everyone she comes in contact with. The primary explosion occurs at a reception, where Deanna finally explodes in frustration at the bickering between the parents.
Even though they have had no contact for many years, Wyatt and Deanna get along rather well, although Wyatt is surprised at her appearance. For many years, he has had a vision of a beautiful woman, and he has made several drawings based on that vision. He had expected Deanna to be that woman, but there is no resemblance between them.
Circumstances become very serious when a Tarellian ship arrives at Haven. The Tarellian civilization is one that self-destructed due to the release of an extremely virulent virus for which no vaccine could be created. Since the virus was so deadly, all Tarellian ships had been systematically hunted down and destroyed. At first, there is no evidence that the ship is inhabited, but eventually it responds to the Enterprise hails and one of the members of the crew turns out to be the woman in Wyatt's visions.
Wyatt then takes a small amount of medical equipment and beams over to the Tarellian ship to spend the rest of his life trying to cure the Tarellians.
This is an episode that deals solely with feelings. Those of Deanna for her mother, her feelings of duty as a Betazoid, her feelings for Will Riker and those for Wyatt. There are also the secondary feelings of Will for Deanna, Lwaxana's for Deanna and Wyatt's for Deanna. However, it all comes down to Wyatt's love for the woman of his vision, so much so that he abandons his previous life to be with her, knowing that he could shortly die for it. I generally find such romantic stories too sappy for my tastes, but this one was enjoyable.

"Could you please continue the petty bickering?"
Star Trek: The Next Generation's effort to give their primary characters more detailed back stories began with "Haven" as Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett-Roddenberry) boards the Enterprise-D and promptly makes life difficult for her daughter Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis).

Deanna Troi receives a gift from the planet Haven after the Enterprise arrives there. The gift is a talking jewel chest that announces Troi's upcoming marriage to Wyatt Miller (Rob Knepper). However, all plans for the wedding are put on hold when a Tarellian vessel enters the area and Wyatt must confront his true destiny.

Lwaxana Troi's first appearance in the series was rather grating as she came across as that one member in every family whose special talent was to annoy people. The character would evolve as the years went by into a more complex and caring woman but her debut gets her off on the wrong foot. Lwaxana was inserted into this episode only to serve as the catalyst for some comical in-law sparring and did not really contribute anything meaningful to the events at-hand. The entire subplot involving Wyatt's dream woman also comes across as mostly silly. Yet, credit must be given to the series' writers as they started to flesh out their characters by introducing the first of a long line of family members who would greatly enhance the dynamics of the series in following seasons.

First Appearance Of Lwaxana Troi!
It's okay but not one of my favorite episodes, though it did introduce one of my favorite recurring characters Lwaxanna Troi, Deanna's eccentric mother, but Haven is just not my favorite Lwaxanna Troi episode but I do think it's worth watching just to see the first appearence of Lwaxana and see how the Lwaxana Troi episodes improved over the years!

Good but not Great!
I like Star Trek The Next Generation and I like Troi's mother Lwaxana but despite some funny Lwaxana scenes it is probably one of the weakest of the episodes with Lwaxana but it definitely is worth more than 1 or 2 stars and 3 stars is a good rating for this episode which for me 3 stars means I liked the episode but didn't love it.

Three and a half stars really...
When Deanna Troi receives a message from her home planet of Betazoid, she announces to her shocked crewmates that she is to be married by arrangement to a man she was betrothed to as a child. Haven provides the first appearance of the formidable Lwaxana Troi and her silent manservant Mr Homn as they arrive on the Enterprise with Troi's fiance and prospective in-laws. Wyatt Miller, although content at the idea of the marriage, expresses his surprise on meeting his bride: he has been dreaming of a woman he assumed to be Deanna for years. Preparations for the wedding ceremony (which will be performed with all guests totally nude) are under way, when an unknown ship approaches the Enterprise. By a strange twist of fate and very lucky coincidence, the vessel is carrying Ariana, the woman from Wyatt's visions, who has been experiencing similar dreams herself. But Ariana is Tarellian: one of the last survivors of a race thought to have wiped themselves out through biological warfare. These same survivors are now dying yet the planet of Haven refuses them sanctuary, fearing that the plague may spread. Wyatt is know torn between his reluctant fiance and the women of his dreams.

I would rank 'Haven' as a three and a half star episode - a little above average, with some humorous moments courtesy of Lwaxana and the bickering between the in-laws. To be honest, I think this episode would have been better received had it aired a lot later on in TNG's run. At this point in the series, we still didn't know or care much about any of the characters and the whole Riker-Troi Imzadi thing hadn't really been explained. Of course, the relationship did take all of seven seasons and three movies to actually to become official, but it built up a huge following of Imzadi-obsessed relationshippers and became probably the most popular of all the Trek romances. 'Haven' is the first episode that focuses mainly on Troi and if you can ignore the unbelievable-to-the-point-of-stupidity coincidence (destiny maybe?), it's pretty good. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Fiendish fun
The Mask of Fu Manchu easily could have served as inspiration for Raiders of the Lost Ark. Archaeologists dash to retrieve a relic to save Western Civilization from the diabolic Dr. Fu Manchu. There's feats of derring-do. Scenes of despicable torture and heroic bravery.

What makes this movie so much fun is that in "Raiders" you know Dr. Jones will win. Nazis are mere obstacles in his path to run over.

But in this movie, Boris Karloff's performance as the insidious Dr. Fu Manchu makes the Nazis seem like mere shadows of a threat compared to his evil genius. His Fu Manchu is a villain you not only fear, but respect.

Myrna Loy as his daughter is wickedly good. While the sparks put off by Fu Manchu's diabolical invention are impressive special effects, they are nothing in comparison to the sparks emitted by a young, scantily clad Myrna Loy.

Karloff amazes
If you are a Karloff fan, you must see this movie. What a role - a rich Asian sadist! Myrna Loy is also quite impressive. I think the best part of this movie (other than Karloff's acting, and his make-up job - wow!) are the sets. There are different torture rooms for different characters. I've never read any of the Fu Manchu books, so I can't comment about that. But Karloff's portrayal is pure evil and pure genius!

BEST MOBIE EVER MADE!!!!
this is the ebsat movie ever PERIOD! **MANCHU'S PICKS** # 1, this is a must get as you all kno this is my grandpa and he is one of the geraytest actors that ever looiked into a camrera, this is about his many faces and mask and stuff, obut dont listen to me get it, A MUST!

Love this piece of exotica!
"The Mask of Fu Manchu" would have to be one of the unfairly maligned cinema efforts of the 30's. Myrna Loy in her great autobiography while referring to it as pure hokum also had the good sense (something you would expect from Nora Charles!!) to point out how alot of effort went into the production and it was peopled by wonderful actors ideally cast.

I have always loved the sheer exotica of this film and the lavish production and look of the piece will keep you entranced from start to finish.

Towering over all is Boris Karloff as the nefarious Dr. Fu Manchu... everyones favourite villian. It was a role Boris was born to play and he employs the right combination of sheer evil, cruelty and even wry humour to bring the part the right conviction. Karloff was a fine actor who too often was trapped in poor material in his Hollywood years. He does have a role of a life time here in Fu Manchu and, despite loving Christopher Lee is his interpretation of the evil doctor, I feel he has never been equalled in this role .

Special mention must also be made of Myrna Loy as Fu's "ugly daughter!" She is terrific in the role of the evil daughter who has designs on the young white explorer Charles Stratton. Only one year off real stardom in "The Barbarian" with Ramon Novarro and "The Thin Man" of course with William Powell, here she is playing the last of her exotic roles before she became in the next evolution of her illustrious film career the "perfect wife" ( a title she hated). She is pure evil here and is quite startling in the controversial whipping sequence which was cut out of many prints for years . Lewis Stone lends his always excellent support as the head of the expedition to the Gobi desert in search of the fabled tomb of Genghis Khan.

Full attention was lavished on the look of the film from the exotic art deco/Chinese palace interiors by Cedric Gibbons to the out of this world creations by Adrian for Karloff and Loy which will take your breath away. The film has the definite MGM feel to it so you know great care was taken in every area in mounting this production.

All of the evils associated with the "good doctor" are here to be relished by the viewer.Pits of hungry crocodiles, bell tortures, the "room of a thousand fingers" which is in reality a wall of spikes and assorted creepy crawlies in glass jars. Totally engrossing stuff!!!. No one need ever take this film seriously but it is terrific fun and as a lover of films of the 30's I can't help but admire the work that went into it.
One note though, it appears that the film was edited for release onto video as I always feel that Myrna Loy's character seems to simply disappear before the finale and no explanation is ever given. The jacket cover mentions that someone betrays Fu Manchu to help release the men but that doesn't occur in the version on video. Just a little mystery that needs to be cleared up.

Enjoy "The Mask of Fu Manchu" As a piece of first class froth it has no equals

enjoyable camp
Ah yes, Boris Karloff as an Oriental nutcase in search of the mystical mask of Genghis Khan. His daughter is "Fah-Lo-See," (love the pun) played by then vamp, later to be Nora Charles, Myrna Loy. The movie is great fun, and of course the bad guys get their comeuppance in the end. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

One of the best episodes!
This is one of the best Star Trek Next Generation episodes because in the context of Star Trek and encounters with alien species, it explores the complicated and difficult feelings which can arouse in regard to love, physical appearance and the unpredictability of one's partner. If only we had more Star Trek episodes as thought-provoking and emotionally moving as this one!

Who was that Trill I saw you with last night
Who was that Trill I saw you with last night?

In this one Bev Crusher falls for a Trill host. They make their first appearance in this episode. The host's body rejects the worm and Riker offers to serve as host to the worm entity. Other than that it's not the most action filled episode. But it does stretch the bounds of love for poor Bev. She has this thing for Riker, however it's the personality in the Trill that she loves. It's sets the tone for all the future Trills we see like Dax in Deep Space Nine.

Beauty Within
I am not a Crusher fan, nor am I a big Riker fan, and if someone had told me the concept of the episode, I would have rolled my eyes, but this is one of the most profound, beautiful things I have ever seen on TV. Odan, the symbiotic being Crusher is attracted to, is incredible--he gives the notion of "having a beautiful soul" substance. His impulse to love, and the enforced restraint in Riker's body is riveting--Jonathan Frakes displays some of his best acting ever.
One wishes the episode didn't have to end as it does--Crusher's all-too human failing can't rise to the challenge of unconditional love--but it is fitting, and inevitable, given the episodic format.
I recommend this highly to anyone.

Dr. Crusher falls in love with a Trill.
This is one of those Star Trek episodes where one of the crew falls in love with an "alien" and things do not work out. In "The Host," Dr. Crusher falls for Odan, a Federation ambassador who happens to be a Trill, although this apparently means nothing to her. Obviously this episode has great implications for the Star Trek universe down the road with Jadzia Dax being a main character on Deep Space Nine. When Odan is injured during an attack on a shuttle, Crusher discovers the symbiotic relationship between the Trill and its host and is stunned to learn that "Odan" is the parasite in the relationship. Crusher removes the Trill and puts it in stasis. When the host dies they learn it will be forty hours until a new host can arrive for Odan, which will be thirty-eight hours too late for Odan. To save the Trill's life and to allow the delicate negotiations to continue, Commander Riker volunteers to host Odan. This means that Crusher has to get used to the idea of Odan living in Riker's body.

Star Trek often tries to find interesting new ways of dressing up old ideas, and "The Host" deals with the idea that beauty is only skin deep. Enlightened people want to believe that they love the mind, the soul, the personality of someone, not their appearance, and here is a chance for Crusher to put this to the test. Once we gloss over the idea that the Chief Medical Officer of the Federation's flagship did not know what a Trill was before Odan showed up on board, this is a fascinating episode. Certainly it treats both its subject and the focal character seriously. Given Jack Crusher's tragic death, there is a certain pathos that carries over to any of Beverly's attempts to find love in the universe. This is an adult episode that provides some of Gates McFadden's best moments on the series and introduces a species that will be put to much better dramatic use in the future.

Beverly falls in love?
Dr. Crusher falls in love with an alien diplomat, who is involved in peace talks with an alien planet. But the good Doctor is crushed when she learns that her lover is actually a parasitic life form that lives off host bodies and has lived for years. The episode becomes even worse when the symbiont is planted into Riker's body to resume the peace talks, and when a suitable host comes aboard the Enterprise, the symbiont is finally placed in the body of a woman. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What might have been a one-note family comedy becomes something more thanks to the comic brilliance of costars Nathan Lane and Lee Evans, as well as the distinctive, dark-fable look given the film by a little-known director named Gore Verbinksi. (Could he be the next Tim Burton?) Lane and Evans play idiotic brothers who inherit a house and all but destroy it in pursuit of one small, pesky mouse. The guys are always the butt of the sight gags--most of which are very funny--but their considerable powers as slapstick artists are also at play. The climactic scene at an auction was the funniest scene in any American movie in 1997, the year of Mouse Hunt's release. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Hilarious!
I think one of the most annoying things about movie critics is that they're supposed to know their stuff, but in the end they come across as just being college guys looking for something dirty to watch! Isn't it funny how they can't help but get down on a hilarious, old fashioned comedy like this and yet show them something like American Pie and it's great intellectual humor! A modern classic! Sickening! This movie was totally hilarious with hardly any sexual humor at all! Allright, just a hint here and there that wasn't necessary. Beyond that this movie was such a perfect comedy for everyone! I absolutely loved this movie! They used every cartoon trick in the book to try and stop that mouse! And wasn't Christopher Walken just incredible?!!! The casting in this was soooo great! It makes me so sad when movies like this come out and hardly get noticed by the public for whatever reason! Probably the lack of sex humor is evident and the previews and it keeps the movie goers away. Anyway I loved it! Do yourself a favor and pick it up! I've got it on VHS but hope to get the DVD eventually!

Mouse Hunt Movie Review
MOUSE HUNT- Movie Review
Critic's Grading
Story: B+
Acting: A-
Artistic Value: B
Entertainment Value: A
Interest Level: A-
Production Value: A

Mouse Hunt, one of the most hilarious movies that DreamWorks produced in 1997 is just fantastic! After Peacemaker (1997), DreamWorks produced another children's movie, this time with a mouse. Even though this movie did not get huge attention like Cinderella or any of the Disney movies, it sure did capture not only the children, but also the adults' attention. It gives children laughter and happiness.
Two greedy brothers, Ernie (Nathan Lane) and Lars Smuntz (Lee Evans) inherit the string factory and a house, which is worth ten million dollars from their father (William Hickey). Two brothers try to sell this old and scary house for money, but there is an obstacle; a tiny mouse. With the tiny mouse, who is afraid of losing his house, and these two brothers, who think this mouse would reduce the value of the house, they get into big chaos which leaves a big mess at the end.
The story gets intense and hilarious via the effect of the shots and different media. The mouse, which has been shot with CGI, looks pretty realistic and gives extra comedy to it. The setting of the house and its effect permeates the mood to this movie. The sounding of the thunder and lightening, shouting, and all sorts of sounds add to the great amount of intensity. The destruction of the house, also shot with CGI, is great! My heart almost fell down as this gigantic house fell down!
Ernie, acted by Nathan Lane, is great fun both physically as a character of his own. Ernie is the oldest son of the two, and he is greedy and blinded by money. In other hand, Lars, played by Lee Evans is skinny with a very heart warming character. These two opposite characters bring out the conflicts and humorous events that make the story more amusing. The mouse, one of the cleverest characters in this movie, has created lots of brilliant ideas to prevent him from losing his house. They are all very fantastic!
This movie can be entertaining to everyone, including adults. Even though it is rated as PG, some scenes aren't proper for young children. There is a part where Lars's wife suddenly takes off her clothes. Also, some of the black jokes are inappropriate. The way they fight and joke might overwhelm some of the young children. It is likely that youngsters may also follow some of the inappropriate scenes in their daily lives. Mostly, it is very entertaining and everybody should see it!
For this movie, I can rate its overall grade as A-. Even though there are some parts which could have been improved, I think it is an excellent movie which puts a smile and laughter in everyone's mind. I strongly recommend this movie to anybody in any age. Why won't you follow me and adventure into this hilarious world?

Man vs Mouse
Last week, thanks once again to the wonderful Patio theater located on Irving Park at Austin, I caught a delightful fantasy film. It was the Dreamworks production Mouse Hunt.

Two brothers inherit the family string business (Smuntz String) and a run-down old house. Neither is worth anything. Or so it seems at first. The house was designed by an eccentric architect named LaRue and was believed to be only a rumor. Suddenly the house is worth millions. Instead of selling outright, the brothers decide to hold an auction to get a better price. But to reach that point they need to do some restoration and get rid of a very determined mouse.

There are then some scenes of the brothers trying to outwit a mouse that could outwit Einstein. Finally they think they have sent the mouse to Castro and the auction begins. As the price reaches unheard of levels the mouse returns. The brothers are so distraught that they bring about their own ruin and destroy the house. Having nowhere else to go they return to the old string factory. The mouse follows.

Once in the factory the mouse shows some more of its intelligence by starting up the factory line and adding Gouda to the mix. The result is a new form of string cheese that becomes the rage with the mouse hired on as head taster.

This movie is truly hilarious. The mouse is great. I believe the mouse is near immortal as well as a genius. I believe this because there is a tendency for owners of the LaRue house to be found locked in a trunk in the attic. We know for a fact that the mouse defeated Christopher Walken (playing the strangest exterminator you have ever seen) and managed to get him from in front of the house into a trunk in the attic. It is even possible that the mouse was responsible for the architect going mad. Whatever the case, this movie is really worth seeing. If you can not find it in a second-run theater, look for it when it comes out on video.

Great movie, I really enjoyed it !!!
It's the type of movie, you can watch
repeatedly, and enjoy it every time.

It's a must have in anyone's dvd collection.

Great movie, I really enjoyed it !!!
Great movie, I really enjoyed it !!!

It's the type of movie, you can watch
repeatedly, and enjoy it every time.

It's a must have in anyone's dvd collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

While many ugly Americans best remember Gerard Depardieu fromlate-'80s Hollywood fluff (and the less said about Green Card thebetter), his art-house reputation as a legitimate, conscientious actorwas more than mere hype.The solid Return of Martin Guerre (LeRetour de Martin Guerre) stands as Depardieu's personal high-watermark: here, he was handed a well-written, nuanced role--one inviting abalanced display of intelligence, charismatic cool, and purepassion--and he makes the most of it.The narrative, set in medieval Franceduring the Hundred Years' War, follows the alleged homecoming of asoldier after many years of absence.His wife (a structurally difficultrole to portray with any skill, but played gamely here by the fetchingNathalie Baye) finds him such an improvement--both in the sack andotherwise--from the husband who left for the front that she ignoresthe villagers' suspicions that he is an impostor.The costumes andscenery are quite a bit better, and more historically responsible, thanwhat we've all come to expect from period drama, and the logical flawsand obvious questions begged by the plot mechanics are smoothed out bydirector Daniel Vigne's steady hand with story art and cinematic pacing. The film was remade in English, and updated to the Reconstruction, in 1993 asSommersby, starring Richard Gere and Jodie Foster.See this original instead. --Miles Bethany ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Yes this story is descended from reals events many centuries
...Ago ! MARTIN GUERRE ( WAR MARTIN ) was existe many time ago ! And this story of this movie sentimentalize the inquisition period, the differents credences of our french ancestors who could are able to succeed some incomprehension by the ancient people and when a man as much as MARTIN GUERRE was able to to store the wole of privacy from a frend during the war who has never loved his wife and throught that has leave behind she, thus, subssequently he can appropriate the idendity of his bad friend which is not able to love his wife ! But when his family and more its adbenturess enemy past begain to discern the subterfuge, it's too late for them, because MARTIN GUERRE with his lage, big capacity to store evry events can frustrate them easily ! But his illegitimate wife begin to be scared ! And this is the debut of the end for the poor MARTIN GUERRE who's not a coward, he accept his destiny ! VERY GOOD DVD FILM !

Medieval verismilitude....
I bought "The Return of Martin Guerre" because I am a history buff, and the film had been described by a leading historian as the most accurate film one could find depicting the life of the middle class in Medieval France. The story line has been redone by Jody Foster and cast in post-Civil War Virginia, but this film is head and shoulders above the remake. If you can't understand French, read the subtitles and watch it more than once.

The setting is a small village in France during the late Middle Ages. The tale centers on a soldier, Martin Guerre played by Gerard Depardieu (in his younger slimmer body), who returns home after years of absence. He renews his relationship with the wife he deserted (or rather begins again since his former relationship left much to be desired). His years away have made him a better person than the callow youth he was when left the village seeking adventure. He has become a loving husband and a hard worker, and discordance seems a thing of the past.

After much hard work, one day, he asks his family to relinquish a parcel of land he says rightfully belongs to him. This request disturbs the family who had assumed he was gone for good and would never assume ownership of the land. Their greed leads them to begin a court proceeding against him charging him as an imposter who has no right to the land.

I found the legal angles of the story quite intriging. It was illuminating to discover there were laws and jurisprudence as well as thoughtful judges during this period. The "humanist" movement had begun, so there were newer provisions for protecting individuals from the group. The contrast of these provisions with the archaic punishments that date from an earlier period is instructive.

Why, O Why
Great movie, concur with the other comments, but what moron decided to cut the beautiful love scene between Depardieu and Baye from the DVD (the one just before he gets arrested the 2nd time). The perpetrator should be flayed and hanged and everybody who bought the DVD should be provided with a free replacement that includes this scene to compensate for the emotional anguish at seeing this jewel damaged by an incompetent, hypocritical editor.

Stand-Out performances in this true story!
Gérard Dépardieu is exquisite in this true tale of medieval identity theft. Nathalie Baye is excellent in her role as an ingenue who allows herself to believe in a man who she knows is lying to her.

The story flows well and the cinematography is great. The film rises above all expectations and is in a league of its own!

R I D I C U L O U S
This "film" starring the talented French actor Gerard Depardieu is one of the most absurd, unbelievable stories to be set to film--made doubly so by (or perhaps because of) the ridiculous casting of the uniquely cob-nosed Depardieu as the husband who goes off to war and comes back "improved" (both as a person and we're lead to believe, a lover). No doubt the wife knows he's not the same man who left years before (and this makes the story idiotic from the outset) although she pretends she doesn't (how could she not know?). And (big surprise!) the townsfolk are suspicious. Afterall, how many people look like Depardieu? Well, the movie carries this ruse out for all of two, fairly boring subtitled hours of annoying French-speak and gushy google-eyed lovelooks from the movie's "hero" and "heroine" as the viewer is treated like the fool he (or she) is for watching this drivel. The movie gets two stars (instead of one) because the acting is top-notch.

Believe it not, this movie was remade several years ago (I think it was called "Somersault" or something like that) with better (from a believability standpoint) and worse (from an acting standpoint) casting and starred Richard Gere and Jodie Foster. As ridiculous as the original is, the remake is worse. Avoid both if possible. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Worth seeing 100 times!
They don't make them like this anymore! An exciting film noir with the beautiful Rita Hayworth and the handsome Glenn Ford. They were the most popular movie couple of the 1940s/1950s and seeing GILDA you're caught in this love triangle of a women torn by love/hate and two men falling into her trap. Rita does the unforgettable "Put the Blame on Mame." A MUST SEE for fans of these two classic mega-stars!

"There never was a woman like Gilda!"
This artificial melodrama is only redeemed by the absorbing performances of its lead actors. Set in the Argentine, along a backdrop of gambling casinos, illicit trade and international intrigue, it portrays an American gambler (Glenn Ford) who is enlisted to become the right-hand-man of a powerful casino owner. He is struck by the fact that his new boss's wife, Gilda, is an old flame of his, a sensuous, enigmatic and manupulative "femme fatale", played by the sex bomb of the 1940s, Rita Hayworth. The story develops along a pattern of a love triangle sustained by reciprocal hate, love and domination as the trio dramatically pit their wits against each other. The dialogue sparkles once managed by these actors and in this style. Hayworth is captivating as Gilda, perhaps her most accomplished performance. Ford is also good as the gambler promoted by the boss to casino top-dog, though the honours also have to go to George Macready as the the husband and boss, the ice-cold, self-possessed, aristocratic type. The character actors, particularly Joseph Calleia and Stevan Geray, provide excellent support. The digitally remastered version of the film restores the crisp quality of the black-and-white phtography.

"I make my own luck."
In Charles Vidor's classic film "Gilda" Johnny Farrell (Glenn Ford) plays a down-on-his luck drifter in Argentina. One night, he meets mysterious casino owner Ballin Mundson (George Macready), and soon Johnny is working in the casino--and rapidly rises to become Ballin's right-hand man. Johnny has a rosy future until Ballin leaves for a short period and returns with a juicy new bride--Gilda (Rita Hayworth).

Johnny and Gilda had a relationship in the past that turned sour. Ballin quickly guesses the true state of affairs and a rather bizarre love triangle ensues....

Ballin attempts to control Gilda by giving her a very long leash. He has some rather dirty business in his past, and that keeps him occupied. Ballin assigns the role of watchdog to Johnny. Johnny finds this role excruciatingly painful, and he's caught between fealty to his employer and suppressed lust for Gilda. Johnny attempts to control Gilda by locking her up--neither man's plan works. Gilda remains an exotic, reckless creature who endangers herself in order to make a point. Gilda's wild attitude towards life, and her sarcasm--loaded with suggestive meaning--is brilliant. When describing herself, Gilda says, "If I'd been a ranch, they'd have named me the Bar Nothing." All men want to possess her, and yet possession is the one thing she won't allow.

Rita Hayworth as Gilda is simply stunning. There's no other word that I can use. When she's in a scene, she takes over--with her body, her movements, and her reckless approach to life. When she enters Ballin's sharply controlled existence, chaos rules, and she sends out shock waves of desire to all who see her. Hayworth performs a semi-striptease during a song, and she removes one item of clothing. The crowd roars with delight, and the men in the audience have to be physically restrained from ravishing her on the spot. Amazing stuff. For film noir buffs, I recommend this film. It's highly entertaining, full of great-one liners, and Rita Hayworth is nothing less that magnificent. The DVD was marvelous quality and well worth the purchase--displacedhuman.

Rita Hayworth stars as GILDA, with her 2 GAY boyfriends!
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I remember the first time I saw this noir classic as a teenager and thinking how wonderful it was that a film had been made in the mid-1940's that actually featured a plot about two gay men and their diva girlfriend.

Years later, I read an interview with Glenn Ford in which he said that everyone who worked on the film knew there was an obvious gay storyline, but that due to the film being made in the 1940's, they had to be very subtle in their interpretations of gay lovers on-screen. It's still obviously clear that George Macready is Glenn Ford's rich and not-so-charming sugar daddy. Both leading men wear so much product in their hair and are so well dressed and manicured, you just KNOW they can't be straight!

It doesn't take a genious to figure out that the two leading men are more than just good buddies. When Mundson first presents his new wife Gilda to his male lover Johnny, he says "Quite a surprise to hear a woman's voice in my house, isn't it Johnny?" Well, you can tell by the look on Johnny's (Glenn Ford) face just how surprised he is!

Gilda is the perfect trophy-wife for any gay man in the 1940's who's running a gambling casino and who needs the perfect "beard" to keep up a straight appearance. Gilda is just so fabulous that any gay man would love her... except of course for Glenn Ford, whose insanely jealous of his boyfriend's new diva; for reasons that are never made quite clear in the film. (Probably due to heavy post-production censoring, of which much was done by the notorious Hayes Office that censored all films of this era.)

In fact, Gilda is so fabulous, that not only does Mundson marry her, but when he "dies" in the film, Gilda is then married by Mundson's lover Johnny! (Of course neither marriage is ever consummated - a fact made quite clear in the film.)

Gilda is so diva-esque, she's almost a drag queen! The gowns, the shoes, the hair! FAB-u-lous! The ad-line for the film stated: "There never was a woman like Gilda". Of course there never was a woman like Gilda. Gilda wasn't supposed to be like any real woman, she was a fabulous cartoon. While there may never have been a woman like Gilda, we had the closest thing: Rita Hayworth.

Of her own real-life problems with men, Rita was quoted as saying "All the men I knew went to bed with Gilda and woke up with ME." Who could live up to the reputation of Gilda, the character of whom "there never was a woman like"? Poor Rita!

Watch this film with a "queer eye" and you won't see any "straight guy" in the storyline. Snaps for good gay cinema of the forties!

P.S. If they ever decide to remake this film, I would recommend that they cast TV's "Will & Grace" lead stars Deborah Messing as Rita Hayworth and Eric McCormick as Glenn Ford. They would be PERFECT cast in these immortal roles! (Deborah Messing is SO Rita Hayworth, and she plays off McCormick just as Rita played off Glenn Ford. The casting would be ingenious!

"Maybe That Stands for Something"
Rita Hayworth went down in Hollywood history as the Love Goddess. Her title role in *Gilda* (Columbia Pictures, 1946) leaves no doubt why. Yet here she is much more than a sex symbol. For one thing, Rita was a seriously talented actress. For another, she was one of the best dancers in films. To this day her performance in *Gilda* remains unrivaled as a combo of skill, sensuality, sensitivity, and sheer drop-dead pulchritude. Columbia's catchy ad-phrase for the film was, "There never was a woman like Gilda." You'd better believe it. Glenn Ford perfectly fills out the character of Johnny Farrel, the young gambler who hates to love femme fatale Gilda. In return, Gilda loves to hate Johnny. George MacReady offers an outstanding performance as murderous Ballin Mundson, the man Gilda fears.

If you like movies that challenge the viewer to figure out hidden meanings, then *Gilda* is for you. "Maybe that stands for something," Rita-as-Gilda says near the beginning; "Maybe that means something," she says near the end. Halfway through she says, "Any psychiatrist would say that means something." The question of interpretation hangs over the entire film, loaded as it is with symbolism and double-entendres.

On the other hand, you can ignore the subtext and enjoy *Gilda* as a noirish romantic mystery-thriller. It's a beautiful flick to look at in black and white, and it's never boring, even all the decades since it was made. Some reviewers say the plot is difficult to follow. I don't agree; the story is both logical and economical. But that may be because I understand *Gilda* to be a dramatized introduction to the psychological concepts of C.G. Jung. Never mind. If you like your movies to be just movies, *Gilda* tastefully blends ingredients from *Casablanca*, *The Maltese Falcon*, *Notorious* and *The Big Sleep*, then stirs in its own original sauce. In my opinion, it's an improvement upon those classics, as fine as they are by themselves.

I wouldn't call *Gilda* a true film noir, for the reason that at the end the male and female leads are triumphant instead of tormented. Great films of the 1940s that had real "noir" (black) denouements are *Criss Cross*, *Detour*, *Double Indemnity*, *Scarlet Street*, *The Killers* and *The Postman Always Rings Twice*. Still, on their way to a happy ending Johnny and Gilda pass through a landscape that is darker and more suggestive of spiritual abandonment than most '40s film noirs dared explore. At the same time, because of the intense chemistry between the leads, *Gilda* sizzles hotter than any film of that period I can think of.

Love the music too. Five stars. They just don't make 'em like this any more. ... Read more

Description

High-Definition transfer, with new electronic subtitles. A pre-cursor to Francois Truffaut's 400 Blows and a major influence on the French New Wave. From one of the most intriguing personas in film history.

Much more than simply a classic of world cinema, Zero de Conduite's blend of pure joy and anarchist satire will burn itself into your memory forever. Set in a boarding school outside Paris, four young boys secretly plot to subvert the grotesque and oppressive administration led by an overly dignified midget in full formal wear, and a headmaster and dormitory monitor appropriately named Fishface and the Creep. Such an anarchistic vision so upset French authorities that the film was banned for over ten years, and only reappeared after Jean Vigo's untimely death at the age of 29. This tender and ferocious elegy to youthfulness has been previously available in unwatchable bootleg versions. We are proud to be offering this masterpiece in a new transfer, which illuminates the wonderful absurdities of Vigo's world. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Beautiful, surreal view of the life of young children
Jean Vigo excels in presenting life as a sort of surreal dream, with bits of humanity scattered throughout. In 'Zero In Conduct', it seems he finally gets to live out a fantasy of childhood rebellion, probably one in which many have shared. There are many beautiful and innovative shots, including the gorgeous slow-motion march through the falling feathers. It occurred to me that Francois Truffaut may have seen this film before he made 'The 400 Blows'. Highly recommended for fans of 'L'Atalante', however the 'International Film Series' version sold here at Amazon is a very low-quality print, so be careful.

Strange and wonderful
Imagine a film directed by a small child who was also a cinematic genius, or by a Martian who had never seen a movie except "L'Age D'Or" and the complete works of Charlie Chaplin ...

"Zero de Conduite" is the most authentic picture of the world of childhood ever committed to celluloid: luminous, surreal, shocking, lyrical, sensual, rebellious, innocent, cruel, and very funny. It's really impossible to describe - but see it, and you'll dream it for the rest of your life.

If you love it, rush out in search of "L'Atalante", the only other feature Vigo made before his early death.

Vigo = Genius
This is the best film about the beauty of revolt. The pillow fight scene is the best, and I might add that this film made my school years .... much more understandable, as well as bareable. I presume viewers will feel the same. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

'Maids' - - -Three Pretty Stars in A Row.
An odd, (and hardly publicized) little black-comedy/bedroom farce written and produced by STAR TREK creator Gene Roddenberry and directed by Roger Vadim (AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, BARBARELLA). One could understand Vadim involved with this piece of light-hearted sleaze, but Roddenberry? Boasting a great and diverse cast with Rock Hudson, Angie Dickinson..., Telly Savalas, Roddy McDowell, Keenan Wynn, and James Doohan (Star Trek's Mr. Scotty himself), the film has dark humor, [love]situations, and a murder mystery to boot. Rock Hudson, in one of his weirder and misogynistic roles, plays a coach/counselor (Tiger) at a western university. He's bedding some of the college ... coed's, killing them when they want commitment, and leaves their bodies strewn along various parts of the university (a far cry from his characters in films with Doris Day). An on-campus investigation (headed by Telly Savalas as Capt. Sam Surcher) begins and Tiger is the prime suspect. In the meantime, one of his students, Ponce (John Carson) is having a tough time scoring with girls. Tiger (Hudson) is willing to give the young man some advice. Then, enlists the help of Miss Smith (Dickinson) to help Ponce along but gets (and gives) more than she bargains for. Much of the humor is the relationship of Hudson's and Dickinson's characters in the film when helping out Ponce (Carson), and the weirder humor comes when Tiger (Hudson) is "sampling" the coeds. The film is slightly entertaining. Satirical at times with it's point of view of women and the education system. However, it is mostly worth watching just to see these actors play against type. A curiosity from the man who created STAR TREK. Note: Look for actress Joanna Cameron (as Yvonne), one of Hudson's ...co-ed/victims. She played ISIS - - in the Saturday morning live action kid's show part of the SHAZAM (Captain Marvel) hour. Also, William L. Campbell has a supporting role as a sheriff deputy (Grady). He played one of Star Trek's (orig. series) memorable alien villains, Trelane from the 1967 episode "The Squire of Gothos."

Before Wild Things there were...
Wonderfully sleazy film with Rock Hudson doing his best to fool all the other characters and the viewers of his innocence in various rapes and murders around the high school where he is the clean cut Phys Ed teacher.

Vadim's sensibility really has no place in the US how he managed to get this one ... is beyond me.

The Sexual Revolution Has (Had) Arrived!
It is shocking to look back and see how screwed up America was during this time of "free love," as the concept of this movie would be totally unacceptable now. But the country was 'feeling itself out,' as it were, and the pendulum always swings a little too far at first.

The movie is very cheesy, but the most surprising thing about it is how comical Angie Dickinson is in this role. I do wonder why she chose to play a B movie role that is so overtly sexual at that point in her career, because I wouldn't expect to be taken seriously as an actress after this. But this movie is a moment in time, and has historical significance as part of the swinging 60's-70's era.

Rock Hudson is always good, but Angie Dickinson is absolutely delightful in this role. Her scene being seduced by Rock Hudson is classic camp, and her timing is great. She was forty when this was made, and became a major sex symbol well into her forties. "Dressed to Kill" was made when she was near fifty. Go Angie!

Teasing short skirts
I suppose the '70s promoters of this thing thought there was some sort of serious "message" in satirizing the importance of football against the backdrop of sexy coeds being murdered.

I'm a bit of a Roger Vadim fan since his movies tend to emphasize pretty girls. This movie has lots of pretty girls, mostly in short skirts. One of the earliest scenes is a boy walking towards the school as a girl in front of him bends over to pick up her books. At that time in fashion history, skirts were so short that girls *never* bent over, except in movies (see "Smile").

Eye candy from the golden age of free love
I actually saw this in a theater when it first came out (ok, I'm old, get over it) and I'd been really curious to see it again. It was just as bad (and good) as I'd remembered.

It's just as Austin Powers said: consequence free, unprotected free love. And terrific miniskirts as well. I watch it for the fashions, and Roger Vadim's make-out scenes are more appealing than hard core. ... Read more

Reviews (160)

Very weird but has its moments
Very odd but often entertaining comedy that features humorous performances from its stars, Julia Roberts and Brad Pitt. A disappointing factor for those hoping to watch these two lovelies together is the fact that they hardly share any screen time together. After a very shaky start of watching this odd couple fight over a trip to Las Vegas (which are terribly acted, revealing either too little rehearsing or actors not actually performing scenes on the set together), the film gets going when Pitt is forced by a group of gangsters to whom he owes a favour to retrieve a supposedly cursed handcrafted gun from Mexico. While he is gone Roberts is kidnapped by a hitman (James Gandolfini) who is possibly one of her boyfriend's enemies. Most of the film is funny, but some twists and turns will feel so odd as to not actually be quirky but actually be very uncomfortable. Considering the mean tone the film has, it seems like a real let-down when the ending turns out to be much sappier then expected, and director Gore Verbinski can't seem to decide if he wants to actually make a grungy movie or show his actors up as gorgeous icons. A worthwhile, if halfhearted, effort.

The Mexican a very flawed film with Pitt and Roberts
Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts star in this dark comedy/low budget action movie. ''The Mexican'' is about a guy named Jerry (Pitt) who works for a crime boss. One day the crime boss, asks Jerry for one last ''job'' before Jerry decides to quit working for him and pay of his debts. The ''job'' though isn't as easy as Jerry thinks it is. He is asked to find a rare gun that is worth alot of money in Mexico.

Jerry's girlfriend , a nieve and spoiled brat named Samantha (Roberts fits the role perfectly ) reacts to Jerry last job like a bat out of hell. She immediately tells Jerry that if he goes to this job that she will never take him back, and to not both coming to her. The character of Samantha is as shallow and mean as a woman can get, I almost get shivers down my spine when I think that women like Samantha exist, because they aren't worth fighting for.

What Samantha doesn't realize is that Jerry is doing this job for her out of love. Jerry wants to pay his debts , and to pay of this debts requires doing this job in Mexico.
Pitt while not being the charasmatic actor, does at least add some depth and character to Jerry.

Anyhow once Jerry arrives in Mexico (a pretty dangerous place in some areas, but enjoyable in others) meets his contact who is going to give the rare gun to him.

However, things go horribly wrong when the contact Jerry is with literally dies
in front of him during a midnight celebration in Mexico. Jerry at first does not know the guy is dead, until he notices the bloody headshot on the car seat where he places the body in!!! Uggh.

This is only the start of a bad situation for Jerry. Once Jerry's crime boss finds out that he has fowled things up (although it's not his fault this guy is dead) sends in a psychopath killer named Leroy (James Gandolfini ) to hold his girlfriend Sam as hostage, while Jerry tries to come back to his boss with the antique gun.

One of the big problems the Mexican is the load of unlikeable characters in the
film. Brad Pitt's character of Jerry is probably the only somewhat likeable character in the film. Julia Roberts (again in her usual uncharasmatic self) as Sam, doesn't really
show any love or compassion only up to the point where she herself becomes involved in Jerry's situation. She only really cares about herself.

Then there's Gandolifini's character who can be best characterized as self hypocriting homosexual, hitman. which in fact he is if you watch the whole film. Gandolfini is best known for playing the paranoid , lovable, and evil Tony Soprano in the Sopranos but his role in that overrated, and his role in this film is forgettable.

The Mexican is not a total waste of a film, although much of it is.

I loved the twists in the film that the Mexican's in the film, from the villages to the cops were smarter than the dumb gringo (Jerry) who comes to look for the ancient gun for his boss. In fact, the Mexican's gave me such a good laugh, that I thought they were probably the best actors in the film. Every stereotype that Jerry and his white crime buddies put on them is eventually thrown back in their face with big laughs.

That's all I can say, I won't spoil it though by going into the exact dialogue. The film also has a couple of good twists in the middle, and near the end. However, the Mexican though has so many problems with it, that keep it from leaving a lasting impression and making it a likeable film that I can't recommend buying.

Renting it though is a different matter, you'll probably get some good laughs from it like I did, but that's it.

As Roger Ebert would say ''Two Thumbs Down'' but give it a viewing however don't expect to be blown away by this low budget film because you wont.

Good, Convuluted Story
I liked it. Lot's of people didn't, but for a Brad Pitt movie with my least favorite actress Julia Roberts, I found it highly entertaining. Some violence, some edge of the seat moments and some dark humor. Quite a tale.

Once Upon a Time in Mexico
This movie got some attention since it has two big Hollywood stars in it, Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts. However, it`s not too enticing or convincing, just a merely entertaining mix with bits of romantic comedy, thriller, road movie, action and an offbeat feel that tries to reach cult status. It`s a decent effort, but the characters aren`t very intriguing (Pitt plays a dumb pretty boy, Roberts is in another bland role and only James Gandolfini, the best element here, truly convinces as an interesting gay hitman), the plot is full of ups and downs and it runs for way too long. At parts it even comes close to Tarantino/ Robert Rodriguez territory, yet as a whole it`s too muddled and uneven to suceed. Director Gore Verbinski offers a couple of nice shots of Mexico with good atmosphere and an appropriatte soundtrack, making for a mildly enjoyable cinematic experience. Still, this is just fast-food cinema overall. Not memmorable, but worth watching once.
A decent rental.

Can't believe what everyone tells you
I heard from so many people that this movie was horrible. Well I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I really liked the flashbacks to the legend of the gun and it was just a very fun movie to watch. I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Riker's deep, dark secret revealed!
I love it when we find flaws and dark pasts in our favorite Trek characters. This time, Commander Riker is the subject and the secret he has been living with for twelve years is one that could alter Federation relations with the Romulan Empire forever!

Admiral Pressman, Riker's old commanding officer aboard the starship Pegasus, wants to retrieve the lost Pegasus because it has secret technology that the Pegasus crew had been working on when their experiments went awry (and the ship was lost). The key is that the Pegasus's crew was working on cloaking technology which, as the episode explains, is illegal for the Federation to use. Never mind the absurdity of such a treaty (c'mon, this is like the USA banning stealth fighter technology so we don't upset China and then allowing China to use stealth technology--it would be an incredibly stupid thing to do), the important thing here is the conflict generated among Picard, Pressman and Riker. Riker is torn between loyalty to his former commander and his duty to the Enterprise and the Federation. There are plenty of terrific, dramatic, and tense moments in this episode. As Riker, actor Jonathan Frakes shines here. Great episode all the way!

This episode, along with "Second Chances" and "A Matter of Honor", makes up what I call the essential Riker collection.

The deep dark secret of Riker and the USS Pegasus
Admiral Pressman has joined the Enterprise on a secret mission to recover the USS Pegasus. Twelve years ago, when the Pegasus was captained by Pressman and William Riker was a helmsman, the ship disappeared under unusual circumstances. When Picard questions Riker about what happened his First Officer refuses to answer: he is under orders to remain silent. Just to make things more interesting, the Romulans are also looking for the Pegasus. When the Enterprise finds the ship, buried deep within an asteroid, the truth is revealed: the Pegasus had an experimental cloaking device which was also capable of phasing matter. Unfortunately, this device violated the Federation's treaty with the Romulans. When Pressman tried to run field tests on the device, his crew mutinied. Now Riker has to choose between the order to keep his mouth shut about what his former Captain is trying to do and his obligation as a Starfleet officer.

"The Pegasus" is one of the first of several Star Trek episodes to hint at dirty dealings by a secret segment of Starfleet; this idea was explored more fully on Deep Space Nine. Apparently everybody on this show has a past and in this one we learn more about Will Riker's. The teaser for this episode is one of the cutist in the series, as Picard and Riker inspect the entries made by the ship's children for Captain Picard Day (and Picard has to explain it all to an admiral who interrupts with the orders for their mission). "The Pegasus" is a slightly above average episode of the series, hurt by the idea that Riker really could be ordered to keep Pressman's secret. If he spoke up when Picard asked him for the truth, he could have saved everyone a ton of grief.

Doing Your Duty v. Doing the Right Thing
The conflicting demands of duty & conscience have formed one of the most basic themes of all 3 Star Trek series. "The Pegasus" represents one of the show's best treatments of that theme, a story of intrigue which poses some hard choices for Commander Riker. Riker's first commanding officer, Capt. (now Admiral) Eric Pressman enlists the Enterprise to salvage the remains of the Pegasus, an experimental starship which they served on together, until it was lost, years before. The Pegasus' wreckage still contains top-secret technology, now in danger of being stolen by Federation enemies. But Riker's current captain, Jean-Luc Picard, begins to suspect that the Pegasus has darker secrets which both Pressman & Riker are hiding from him. Picard challenges Riker, forcing him to re-evaluate choices he made as a young man & consider whether the secrets that he & Pressman are protecting are worth the cost.

Pressman is portrayed by Terry O'Quinn, whose performace surprisingly anticipates his role on the TV series "Millennium" as Peter Watts.

Another guest star, Michael Mack, turns in a wonderfully smooth & predatory performance as the enemy commander, Sirol. In two pivotal scenes, Picard & Sirol engage in darkly comic exchanges of diplomatic niceties, full of thinly-veiled threats. Mack reminds us of why even people who know history are willing to forget the absurd roots of this enemy race, the "Romulans," as a sort of alien version of the Roman Empire; instead, he focuses on the features which make them unique: their elaborate manners & catlike cruelty. Mack's casting also introduces the idea that Romulans come in more than one shade of olive!

The script also works in a few moments of lighter humor. The stiking thing is that these moments are actually done well--Star Trek has been using puckish humor unsuccessfully for decades! Don't miss Jonathan Frakes' Patrick Sterwart immitation, or Picard's embarrassment over being a children's "role model"!

Action and intrigue, the stuff that makes Trek great . . .
The Pegasus is one of TNG's best episodes, with great character development, mystery and intrigue, and new layers added to the substance of what makes up Starfleet and the Trek Universe. For those who haven't seen it, a nice twist in the plot regarding Pegasus and Riker's past; some excellent dynamics with Riker & Picard . . all in all a great show. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

A must to view every Holy Week for your soul's sake
You have read the previous reviews praising this film. This film is so informative of what is happeing today that it should
be watch every Holy Week. The reason is all too apparent. Checkout the sad events happening in the Christian Church. Is it true that the vile actions peak between Ash Wednesday and Easter?
Does Satan and the Creator square off and choose their champions to fight to the death. What ever happens to the priests who lose? (My pasture did commit such a grieveous act and after being punished,he disappeared from sight.) This film should be raised to cult status. It is so important. We all know the Jesus was tempted in the desert by the devil. Was his temptation similar to what what was shown in the film? I personally believe His temptation was so intense that it was unimaginable. Jesus triumped over that dragon ,the devil.

Satan is one fine honey!!
I give two thumbs up for the costume design for Satan.

A Movie that Takes Itself too Seriously
O.K. I don't know what planet these other reviewers are from, but it seems they were watching a different movie. I agree that The Unholy is worth watching-I've seen it several times because it is so funny. I mean we've got priests calling from the dead-ON THE TELEPHONE, no less. My friend and I saw this back when we were in college and have been calling each other as Father Dennis ever since. This movie takes itself way to seriously-this is a great B flick, but certainly not all the raves I've read in these other reviews. If you're expecting an excellent film, the likes of Rosemary's Baby, don't bother. However, if you're looking for a fun, scary laugh, the likes of Carnosaur, then, by all means, check this one out!

I TOLD YOU IT WAS WORTH IT!
I recommended this movie highly(on the sales page for the film "Stormswept," which is a whole different animal). Of all of the horror movies I have seen, this one has always impressed me with its originality and weird characters. Not to mention, those religious movies are always a little spookier. The guaranteed scare from this film make it worth much more than the price to buy it. HORROR/SUSPENSE FANS ENJOY!

Fabulous
Father Michael, (Ben Cross), has been appointed the pastor of St. Agnes church in New Orleans. He is out to battle The Unholy, a demon that only manifests itself on the Easter Vigil. Father Michael must overcome temptation and the devil himself in order to save his soul. An excellent movie that will keep you glued to your seats. Totally scary beyond belief. If you love horror, you'll love this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Money Isn't Everything
Robert Donat, an excellent actor who made too few films, stars as a young English doctor who enters the profession with many ideals and dreams, but loses them along the path of his life. Rosalind Russell stars as the schoolteacher he marries that loves his ideals, while Ralph Richardson and Rex Harrison are doctors he befriends at different points in his life. Richardson believes in helping the regular man and that money is not important, while Harrison treats wealthy hypochondriacs in between fancy lunches and golf games. The message of the film is pretty obvious, and there are some slow parts. But the acting is fine, with special praise to Richardson who has a number of showy moments. It's one of those stories that reminds us that money isn't everything.

Fine medical melodrama, very heartfelt.
This is a wonderful screen adaptation of the classic novel that deals with a Doctor in Great Britain as he struggles with the entrenched medical establishment. The film is dated, of course, and may be a bit slow for modern tastes. The lead actors are mostly fine in their roles, although Robert Donat as Dr. Manson seems to be somewhat conflicted in his motivations. Rosalind Russell gives an excellent performance as Dr. Manson's highly-principled wife. Ralph Richardson does a great supporting turn as a flawed physician desperately trying to reclaim his humanity. His impassioned plea to Dr. Manson to join him in a preventative care group is one of the highlights of the film. A very young Rex Harrison does a nice job as a society doctor. Overall, this is a highly watchable film with a delighful cast and a relevant storeyline. I would highly recommend this film, especially to anyone in the medical profession.

A Doctor's struggle with morality in the world of medicine.
This is a moving and beautifully acted film about a doctor who attempts to be a courageous and moral man in his practice. Robert Donat is superb as Andrew Manson-- a man who begins his career with dreams of healing people without any compromises, then later is challenged by the material temtations of his profession. This film is a great story and has an incredible scene at the end, reminiscent of the ending bridge scene in "Its a Wonderful Life". I recommend this movie highly! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

give it five
a charming, moving, funny, excellent movie. a masterful piece of film making featuring a wonderful performance by marion davies. watch her here and it is impossible to believe the myth that the only reason she was a movie star was the super-heated sponsorship of william randolph hearst. this movie is almost like a funny version of a star is born, with a happy ending. william haines shows why he was one of the great stars of the late silent era. a good, happy evening of old movie watching.

Total delight that gets better with time
"Show People" is an experience not to be missed. Even if you are not a fan of silent cinema you could not help but be won over by this production. It has the unique distinction of being one of the very rare examples of both Marion Davies and William Haines work on video. I have never seen any of the other films of either artist but I'm sold on them after purchasing my copy of "Show People"

Marion Davies is a revelation in the lead role of Georgia born Peggy Pepper who arrives with her pushy father to "crash Hollywood" and become a "great dramatic actress" only to find herself dumped into slapstick comedies where she spends her days being sprayed with water and throwing custard pies!!

For too long Marion was kept a prisoner of William Randolph Hearst's effort to turn her into a dramatic queen of the movies when in reality she was a superb commedianne. "Show People" showcases her in a superb role ideally suited to her comic talents and she runs away with the film. The classic "aud