Reviews (25)

So What If It's Not the Real Rio De Janeiro?
Maybe it's not the "real" Rio, but it's certainly the one tourists with American dollars are interested in, and so that works for me! I thought this was a good film. It reminded me of the Stanley Donen film, "Charade" with Antonio Fagundes a Brazilian Cary Grant, and while Amy is no Audrey, their chemistry was superb. The young soccer star's character was hilarious. Cinematography is vibrant, like that in the movie "Frida". The music is out-of-this-world. The whole thing is like a delicious meal with yellow corn tortillas, red tomatoes green chilies on a blue stoneware plate: visually and physically satisfying. Closed captioning doesn't get in the way for a change; in fact, there are passages where CC and subtitling work together well, because the languages interchange frequently. Students of Portuguese like me who are not used to hearing the spoken language will learn a lot from this movie.

A major annoyance: during the audio commentary by husband and wife Amy Irving and Bruno Barreto, the movie's audio track goes out of sync with the video track. This irritated me a lot, and this quality glitch loses it a star. The main movie track was fine.

Look for young Max Spielberg and his brother Gabriel Barreto for a cameo. In the meantime, I'm going to see if Amazon.com has this soundtrack!

The Charm and Beauty of Rio and Bossa
"Bossa Nova" is the perfect marriage between American and Brazilian culture!
As a Brazilian and a Carioca ( a native of Rio ) , I was very pleased to see my hometown in this film portrayed in all its natural beauty and charm - and with the marvellous, sensual and relaxing music of Tom Jobim in the background!
The movie itself is light and funny; the photography is splendid and the characters are so typical of Brazilian culture and reality ! - (the ignorant soccer player celebrity , the elegant, worldly Ipanema woman..., the middle class romantic/naive internet girl...., the charming , successful lawyer... - and the English teacher!
(As an English teacher myself living in this city , I can assure you I run into such people in my classes and social outings quite often ! )

One of the most romantic scenes is the one in the classroom where Fagundes imagines himself dancing a Broadway show with his English teacher , Amy.
And at the very last one, when the romantic couple goes swimming in Ipanema Beach, the background music ( a Bossa Nova "classic" )- "It could only happen to you" sung both in English and Portuguese is the perfect combination of the two cultures and the romance between the main characters. It makes one feel free, happy and romantic - just like Bossa Nova itself!

Rio As It Should Be
I was an English teacher in Brazil so this film resonated with me-how I wish I could have afforded a large apartment in Arpoador!

The film is a classic romantic comedy in the American style, which is the only quibble I had with it. It seemed to me that they were explicitly trying to appeal to the American market and that left me feeling that there was something dishonest at the core of the film.

Nevertheless, taken on its own terms it is very pleasant with characters one can easily identify with. Its view of Rio, as a city reminiscent of Honolulu, is laugh-inducing to anyone who has lived there but still serves the film well. When the soccer player left his brand new expensive sports car in the street, without a brigade of bodyguards to watch over it, I gasped involuntarily but soon got over it.

I sound critical of Rio but really I loved it and this film evokes the best of it without getting bogged down in irrelavant social commentary.

A different kind of Brazilian movie
When I was younger, I used to wonder: how come Brazilian soap operas are so popular and Brazilian movies are considered poor? Even the so-called "good" Brazilian movies weren't appealing enough to Brazilian audiences. The answer may be that "good" Brazilian movies usually favor the background over the plot. They try to find a style of their own by making prominent use of elements of Brazilian culture, but the plot itself becomes secondary and, more often than not, boring.

That's where "Bossa Nova" succeeds: it is a simple, lightweight romantic comedy that would not be out of place in Brazilian television. The success of this movie in Brazil far exceeded everyone's expectations. Instead of blatantly displaying Brazilian landscapes and typical characters, director Bruno Barreto simply used the beauty of Rio de Janeiro as a backdrop for a story that could have happened anywhere. And yet, the magic of Rio permeates this movie in a soothing, insidious way. As Bruno says in the commentary track, he chose to portray Rio as he wished the city still were, with no violence and poverty. Interestingly, not only does Bruno speak English through the whole commentary (since he's talking to his wife Amy Irving), but he even says his own name with an American accent! Talk about fully absorbing a foreign culture!

In a word, this is the kind of Brazilian movie I used to dream of when I was a teenager: just a simple and catchy story with strong enough appeal both for Brazilian and foreign audiences.

Carioca Life
Overall, I thought this was a great movie. There were a few moments that were trying too hard for laughs, however the story plot, the acting, and the scenery were all wonderful. I especially thought the scenery was exceptional! If not for the story, I think it is still worthwhile to check out this movie to see Rio at its best! However I do agree with one other reviewer that this movie does give the deceiving impression that everybody in Rio, particularly middle to upper-middle class people, live in apartments in prime locations with spectacular views of the ocean. There was not a trace of poverty or crime in this movie, but I think is appropriate being that this movie is supposed to be a light hearted romanic comedy instead of a "favela" movie. That's why the director's commentary is kind of a nice optional feature on the DVD version. The director, having himself grown up in Rio, clearly explains that he wanted to bring the best out in Rio. Happy movie going. Tchau everybody! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Best of Both Worlds!
I really enjoyed this movie. At first I thought that her two husbands were Vadinho the gambler and drunk, and Vadinho the loving husband. He was bascially two different people himself. I would have left him if I was her, though but I understand that in that time women didn't leave their husbands. Also in that time, it was not uncommon for men to have mistresses. After Vadinho's death, I was happy that Doña Flor decided to remarry, but I thought that she could've found someone more interesting than Teodoro. He's a nice guy and all, but he's just so boring. She was used to the wildlife with Vadinho, and it was a shock to her when she married Teodoro. I think that's why she gave into Vadinho when his soul returned. And since she was the only one who could see him, there was no harm in having realtions with him once again, and in the future. She was happy with both of them. She was getting the best of both worlds. I highly recommend this movie to all movie goers.

What is all the excitement?
I'm only writing this review because a lot of people seem to think this is such a great movie. I wish now that I had bought the Sally Fields version. This is very amatuerishly done in my opinion. It was made nearly 30 years ago, and if you want to watch an out-of-shape soap opera star run out naked, maybe you will like it. He wasn't comical, he was just repulsive. Had he been gorgeous, maybe I would have liked it better. Save your money and buy the American version.

A compelling movie that grasps your attention.
A wonderful movie from beginning to end. Don't let the subtitles keep you from watching such a brilliant movie.
Sonia Braga is a wonderful Brazilian actress, once again displaying her sensual side in this movie about a loving wife torn between her gigolo husband and a loving devoted husband.
I never get tired of watching this classic.
And if you haven't read the book. you must!

A Heartwarming fantasy about love and life! Beautiful!!!!
Dona Flor is the film version of internationlly acclaimed Brazilian author, Jorge Amado's masterpiece! It is a beautiful story of a Bahian woman and her first husband who is arrogant and abusive but at the same time passionate and sexy. He dies. Her second husband is a good provider and loves her but lacks the passion and charm of the 1st husband. When the first husband's spirit comes back to Dona Flor she soon realizes that she can have everything she ever wanted. It is a beautiful story and Sonia Braga's performance is brilliant as usual! The cinematography shows great views of the fasinating city of Salvador. Well worth watching! E um dos melhores fimles do Brasil!!!! E uma maravilha!

Sultry and sexy Sonia Braga reigns supreme in "Dona Flor"
"Dona Flor & Her Two Husbands" gives a wonderful and often charming glimpse into one woman's life--and affairs of the heart--in 1940's Salvador da Bahia, Brazil. If you're an aficionado of all things Brazilian, you'll love "Dona Flor," from the Bahian Carnaval to moqueca to candomble (NOT voodoo) to a great shot of the Pelorinho at the film's close. Not for the sensually inhibited, "Dona Flor" is highly entertaining. ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Film-Lite!
Gwyneth Paltrow plays Donna, a poor girl from the boonies who longs for escape and adventure in "View From Above." She aspires to follow in the footsteps of her role model, and eventual mentor, (Candice Bergen), as an international flight attendant. With dreams of Paris and New York City dancing in her head, she enters Royalty Airlines' training school, run by a very funny Mike Myers. She proves to be a stellar student but runs into trouble with her double-dealing, kleptomaniac best friend.(Christina Applegate). Instead of Paris, Donna pulls Cleveland as a billet, and is saved from total despair by love interest, Mark Ruffalo.

This film is a harmless bit of fluff that is, at times, just zany enough to be fun. The story plays out like a camp fairy tale, happy ending and all. One of the best spots is the run of credits at the movie's end, juxtaposed over hilarious film clips that were cut from the unfinished product. I got pulled into watching this with my daughter, and it really wasn't bad. Cost of a DVD rental, $4.00. Cost of time spent snuggling with daughter - Priceless!
JANA

Light and silly
Such a flimsy movie would have totally failed were it not for the appeal of the actors, and here Paltrow is very endearing in the role of a smalltown girl who wishes to be a flight attendant and see the world. The movie is upbeat, has its obligatory conflicts and struggles, and throws in the obligatory romance.

Another perk to this fun, mediocre film is the presence of Candice Bergen, who exudes worldly charm and steals every scene she's in. And there's also Mike Myers as an instructor in flight attendant school; he has a peculiar problem with his eyes and manages to make it both a source of humor and poignancy.

So if you want a fluffy, inspirational film that won't make you think too much and that has it's memorable moments, View From the Top could be a decent movie for you.

uneven though occasionally fun
Bruno Barreto's "View From the Top" boasts a cute premise that doesn't quite live up to its potential. The film starts out in a satirical vein, promising to deliver a nifty spoof of life in the friendly skies. Instead, it settles into a typical romantic comedy formula, not bad as these things go, but nothing to write home about either. So while "View from the Top" never soars very high, neither does it end up crashing and burning. In this day and age, one must be grateful for a safe landing, even if the ride is a bumpy one.

Gwyneth Paltrow delivers a winning performance as Donna, a small town girl who becomes a stewardess as a way of escaping her dysfunctional family and white trash upbringing. The first part of the film is fun, as Donna earns her wings flying for a cut-rate airline whose attendants dress and act more like prostitutes than stewardesses. With their form-fitting, cleavage-exposing blouses, purple hot pants and big hair, these pleasantly perky hostesses look like they're ready to serve their passengers more than just the customary coffee, tea or milk. So far, so good - but once the girls move onto a more "legitimate" airline, much of the satiric bite drains out of the film and we move onto the more familiar terrain of catty rivalries, long distance romance, and unrequited love.

In addition to Paltrow, the movie features Christina Applegate, Rob Lowe, Candice Bergen and Mark Ruffalo in various roles. Mike Myers is surprisingly annoying in the part of a cross-eyed stewardess trainer. The screenplay by Eric Wald has a maddening tendency to drop characters along the way, giving the film a slapdash, unformed and oddly amateurish quality. As partial compensation, the film boasts superb production and costume design and a generally ebullient spirit.

"View From the Top" doesn't end up flying us anywhere special and it's definitely coach all the way, but it does serve up a few laughs in mid flight.

Very Fluffy Eye-Candy: And That's All
So, what does she wants to do, after all? I mean, Gwyneth Paltrow, who was going to be a great thing, that's how I thought when she was in "Shakespeare in Love or "Sliding Door." Then, "Shallow Hal" came. And then, this one, complete mess.

Ms. Paltrow is utterly miscast as Donna living in a small town in Nevada. She wanted to leave the place anyway, and see the world, and to do so she becomes a flight attentant. So far, you see so lots of cliche -- a girl living in trailer, a mom who had married four times, and her drunk husband. Is this supposed to be a satire? Or just insensible, prejudjuced ideas of someone behind the movie?

And Donna becomes a flight attendant, and be a friend with Christina Applegate and Kelly Preston as co-workers... quite a bad sign, isn't it? For these ladies, talented as they are (especially the latter), tend to be typecast. And again they are. To make matters worse, Kelly Preston soon disappears (whom I miss) while Candice Bergen shows up (who exactly looks unchanged from her role in "Miss Congeniality"), and Paltrow & Applegate go on to audition for the first-class airline, where the best trainer is over-the-top Mike Myers, whose awfully misguided acting demolishes every little thing in the film.

What does this film want to do? It sometimes suggests our prejudiced ideas about flight attendants, trying to be a satire. But the satire is weak, when you see Applegate and Paltrow engaged in a fierce cat flght (really), the former banging the head of the latter into bread. Comedy? But the gags are weak too when Myers' performance is just irritating and unfunny, the same kind of gags you see in, say, "Little Nicky." And there is a romance, which is too weak to remember (love interest, Mark Raffalo).

"View From the Top" gives us lots of fluff, that's the only thing you can get. And as that, the film is not bad, a real eye-candy. You will see Paltrow in bikini, and the costumes she wears are very fashionable. And that's all that I can recommend.

i love this movie!
personally, i think that this movie is great!! its not an oscar winner, but its a colorful movie that makes you feel... i dont know nice... so i quess we can call it a feel-good movie!!! it makes you think, that if you want something really bad in the end you will succeed and everything is gonna become great (wich doesnt really happen in real life but its nice to see it happen to someone else) I really didnt like all the bad reviews this movie got, because everyone started comparing it to "Austin Powers" just because Mike Myers plays in it... well its not Austin Powers but its sweet and funny and one of my favourite movies of 2003 (or did it come out in 2002)? ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Drama cop
Drama: An undercover New York City cop must deal with his troubled partner and an investigation into his ties with the mob while investigating the rape and beating of a nun good plot good cast

Movie based 5% on true events.
This movie was 95% fiction. All the shootings never happened,including the Mafia guys and girl friend. About the only thing that was close to real was the nun incident and yet that too,was a bit embellished. Movie makers should do their homework and find other cop stories that need no make-believe script.

HAIKU MOVIE REVIEW:
Better read the book. Real Bo better than Baldwin. But Balwin not bad

Baldwin not bad
HAIKU MOVIE REVIEW: Better read the book. Real Bo better than Baldwin. But Balwin not bad. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Amy, Amy
Honestly I didn't realize Amy Locane was such a bombshell until I watched this movie. And she also gave a very strong performance. Amy Irving did a really great job too. "Carried Away" came out in 1996, and I haven't seen in the last 5 years any other movie scene as explicit (and thought provoking at the same time) as the one with Irving and Hopper in the buff - yes, both of them. In the wrong hands, that kind of shots could have turned this terrific film into a Lolita-style soft porn.

Utimately disappointing but the acting was superb.
I expected a poignent character study of the way these people's lives were impacted by the affair between a 47 year old teacher and his 17 year old student. Amy Irving is magnificent as she battles between her pride and her genuine affection for Hopper's character. Hopper is astonishing in his dignified, quiet desperation and sudden hopeful passions. Gary Busey is also remarkable in a role which calls for more restraint and subtlety than he's been allowed before. But, while the acting was superb, there was something wrong with both the pacing and the plot. Too much time was spent on the affair and too little on the ramifications. I wonder if men would find this movie more to their taste than women: Siskel and Ebert gave it 2 thumbs up...

Amy Locane is gooooood!!!!!!
Amy Locane plays a 16-year old girl, Who sees her teacher lose his relationship to another womer. She then sets her sights on her teacher seducing him at every turn.

A strange little film about coming of age as an adult.
For the first 20 minutes of this movie, I kept thinking, "What the hell is this?" I'm glad I waited out the initial apparent lack of plot and seemingly gratuitous sexuality to appreciate the nuances and the layers of this fine film. This movie, you see, is about appearances and trying to get beyond them to reveal what's underneath in order to "come of age as an adult." One of the most touching and telling scenes of this struggle takes place between Irving and Hopper late in the film. It's worth it.

Surprisingly Good
I am usually put off by the subject matter in this film, but it is far from the usual. I like to compare this film to "Lolita"- but I think the average person is better able identify with Joseph (Dennis Hopper) than with Nabokov's Humbert. This film is all about coming of age- when you're already an adult. How to cope with growing older, and losing the virility of youth in favor of manly responsibility. Joseph is a man torn between these two worlds. As a handicapped man a little past middle age- he is hesitant to marry the woman he knows he should marry, and tries to hang-on to youth by engaging in an illegal and dangerous affair with a seductive minor. The thing that makes this movie great is the incredible scene between Irving and Hopper that is done nude. That scene is a lasting testament to self love, the triumph of reality over fantasy, and the beauty found in flaws (instead of the beauty in flawlessness). Get this movie. Some of the scenes are really steamy. But more than that, it is a moving film. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Interesting Fact Based Thriller
Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" was based on the scandalous Cerro Maravilla incident that rocked Puerto Rican politics in 1978. On July 25, 1978, two young independence-seekers were ambushed by island police and murdered in cold blood near Cerro Maravilla. Police reports claim that the activists were trying to sabotage a radio transmitter to air pro-independence messages throughout the island, however after a serious investigation by the Puerto Rican government, it was discovered that this was a planned murder sponsored by the governor at the time, Carlos Romero Barcelo, and members in his pro-statehood administration.

The scandal which left a major mark on the dirtiness of Puerto Rican politics, helped paved the way to Barcelo's defeat by pro-Commonwealth governor, Rafael Hernandez Colon, and destroyed the statehood party's reputation forever.

This film, directed by Brazilian director, Bruno Bareto, stars Amy Irving, as Kate, an investigative reporter working for a local newspaper. After uncovering the truth behind the massive cover-up by the governor, Kate is determined to uncover the truth even more so than before. However, danger lurks around, as both FBI and the governor's allies monitor her moves.

Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" is partly-fictional, however it does open the viewer's eyes that injustice, oppression, and corruption can exist even in a democratic free country as the United States. Although some of the film seems to be outdated and/or inaccurate (clothes, economic development, etc..) other parts of the film remain interesting enough to retain the viewer in a suspenseful state.

Amy Irving, who later married Bareto (after her divorce from Stephen Spielberg, she began filming in Puerto Rico) is an excellent actress, and her role is believable. Lou Diamond Phillips is excellent as a villain you will love to hate, and Andy Garcia's role is indeed a "glorified cameo". While the film ends on a different note (the film has Kate capturing the police chief's confession on tape, when in fact it took more than 15 years of senate hearings and investigations by human rights groups to finally reveal the truth about the cover-up) the film will allow many who have little or no knowledge about Puerto Rico's complex colonial situation with the United States to gain a broader understanding.

Filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico and neighboring suburbs, this film should be watched by all who support human rights throughout the world.

Kinda corny...
The only thing that actually made this movie watchable was that Kevin Spacey was in it. Any movie he's in is watchable. The plot is cheesy, and there are about 50 million other movies like it, but if you're a Spacey fan, go for it. Lou Diamond and Irving fans could probably watch this too.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY
Shots shatter the silence a top a foggy mountain in the tropical island, as the two dead bodies fall to the ground...Government conspiracy, political cover up, spies and corruption are the ingredients of this film based on the true story of the events that happened back in the 70'S, about the murder of two puertorrican students that were in favor of Puerto Rico's independence, in a time where people who favored this political view were being black listed and harrassed, by the government.One of the students was the son of a well known writer. Having been in Puerto Rico when all of this took place,and when the movie was shown in theaters there, I have to say that this movie is only a brief portrayal of the much more complex true story.The film is based on the book Murder under two flags, by Anne Nelson. Interesting to watch , even with it's geographical and cultural inaccuracies. In one scene, we see the students taking a cab to the Cerro Maravilla which is deep in the country side, however the cab is going in the wrong direction towards Old San Juan( Old San juan sits in a peninsula/island conected to the larger island by one bridge, which they had left behind). Also, they show the locals wearing clothes from the 40's, and make the island look like a banana republic which I thought was ridiculous. They show old trucks hauling chickens, people wearing straw hats, and a third world kind of atmosphere that even for that time, is inaccurate. Andy Garcia wears a hat, and dresses like Orvil Reddenbucker, bow tie and all! Needless to say we all laughed outloud in the theater,it was insulting and funny at the same time. The real life Rivera Cruz-the prosecutor- actually wore designer suits, and no hat! I guess Hollywood will never let a latin american country be shown as a modern city with well dressed,clean cut, educated people. We need Latin directors and producers who know the culture, to start pointing out this things to the big studios, because the people who do the research on culture for set and fashion design are way off, believe me,I know, I'm puertorrican, born and raised. The director, Bruno Barreto, is brazilian, and probably meant well by trying to show us a 70's Puerto Rico.Next time they should first contact the Instituto de cultura de Puertorriqueño(Cultural institute of Puerto Rico)and they gladly will provide the historical and cultural background needed for this type of movie. The movie is good although I didn't like the ending, it was too cliché. The movie features great puertorrican actors like, Tony Chiroldes, Michelle Corbiere, and Claribel Medina to name a few. These three are fully bilingual and I wonder why they haven't appear in more films, because I know there is a shortage of well train bilingual spanish/english speaking actors in the industry.All in all is a movie that shouldn't be missed. I bought it. ... Read more

Reviews (67)

Film-Lite!
Gwyneth Paltrow plays Donna, a poor girl from the boonies who longs for escape and adventure in "View From Above." She aspires to follow in the footsteps of her role model, and eventual mentor, (Candice Bergen), as an international flight attendant. With dreams of Paris and New York City dancing in her head, she enters Royalty Airlines' training school, run by a very funny Mike Myers. She proves to be a stellar student but runs into trouble with her double-dealing, kleptomaniac best friend.(Christina Applegate). Instead of Paris, Donna pulls Cleveland as a billet, and is saved from total despair by love interest, Mark Ruffalo.

This film is a harmless bit of fluff that is, at times, just zany enough to be fun. The story plays out like a camp fairy tale, happy ending and all. One of the best spots is the run of credits at the movie's end, juxtaposed over hilarious film clips that were cut from the unfinished product. I got pulled into watching this with my daughter, and it really wasn't bad. Cost of a DVD rental, $4.00. Cost of time spent snuggling with daughter - Priceless!
JANA

Light and silly
Such a flimsy movie would have totally failed were it not for the appeal of the actors, and here Paltrow is very endearing in the role of a smalltown girl who wishes to be a flight attendant and see the world. The movie is upbeat, has its obligatory conflicts and struggles, and throws in the obligatory romance.

Another perk to this fun, mediocre film is the presence of Candice Bergen, who exudes worldly charm and steals every scene she's in. And there's also Mike Myers as an instructor in flight attendant school; he has a peculiar problem with his eyes and manages to make it both a source of humor and poignancy.

So if you want a fluffy, inspirational film that won't make you think too much and that has it's memorable moments, View From the Top could be a decent movie for you.

uneven though occasionally fun
Bruno Barreto's "View From the Top" boasts a cute premise that doesn't quite live up to its potential. The film starts out in a satirical vein, promising to deliver a nifty spoof of life in the friendly skies. Instead, it settles into a typical romantic comedy formula, not bad as these things go, but nothing to write home about either. So while "View from the Top" never soars very high, neither does it end up crashing and burning. In this day and age, one must be grateful for a safe landing, even if the ride is a bumpy one.

Gwyneth Paltrow delivers a winning performance as Donna, a small town girl who becomes a stewardess as a way of escaping her dysfunctional family and white trash upbringing. The first part of the film is fun, as Donna earns her wings flying for a cut-rate airline whose attendants dress and act more like prostitutes than stewardesses. With their form-fitting, cleavage-exposing blouses, purple hot pants and big hair, these pleasantly perky hostesses look like they're ready to serve their passengers more than just the customary coffee, tea or milk. So far, so good - but once the girls move onto a more "legitimate" airline, much of the satiric bite drains out of the film and we move onto the more familiar terrain of catty rivalries, long distance romance, and unrequited love.

In addition to Paltrow, the movie features Christina Applegate, Rob Lowe, Candice Bergen and Mark Ruffalo in various roles. Mike Myers is surprisingly annoying in the part of a cross-eyed stewardess trainer. The screenplay by Eric Wald has a maddening tendency to drop characters along the way, giving the film a slapdash, unformed and oddly amateurish quality. As partial compensation, the film boasts superb production and costume design and a generally ebullient spirit.

"View From the Top" doesn't end up flying us anywhere special and it's definitely coach all the way, but it does serve up a few laughs in mid flight.

Very Fluffy Eye-Candy: And That's All
So, what does she wants to do, after all? I mean, Gwyneth Paltrow, who was going to be a great thing, that's how I thought when she was in "Shakespeare in Love or "Sliding Door." Then, "Shallow Hal" came. And then, this one, complete mess.

Ms. Paltrow is utterly miscast as Donna living in a small town in Nevada. She wanted to leave the place anyway, and see the world, and to do so she becomes a flight attentant. So far, you see so lots of cliche -- a girl living in trailer, a mom who had married four times, and her drunk husband. Is this supposed to be a satire? Or just insensible, prejudjuced ideas of someone behind the movie?

And Donna becomes a flight attendant, and be a friend with Christina Applegate and Kelly Preston as co-workers... quite a bad sign, isn't it? For these ladies, talented as they are (especially the latter), tend to be typecast. And again they are. To make matters worse, Kelly Preston soon disappears (whom I miss) while Candice Bergen shows up (who exactly looks unchanged from her role in "Miss Congeniality"), and Paltrow & Applegate go on to audition for the first-class airline, where the best trainer is over-the-top Mike Myers, whose awfully misguided acting demolishes every little thing in the film.

What does this film want to do? It sometimes suggests our prejudiced ideas about flight attendants, trying to be a satire. But the satire is weak, when you see Applegate and Paltrow engaged in a fierce cat flght (really), the former banging the head of the latter into bread. Comedy? But the gags are weak too when Myers' performance is just irritating and unfunny, the same kind of gags you see in, say, "Little Nicky." And there is a romance, which is too weak to remember (love interest, Mark Raffalo).

"View From the Top" gives us lots of fluff, that's the only thing you can get. And as that, the film is not bad, a real eye-candy. You will see Paltrow in bikini, and the costumes she wears are very fashionable. And that's all that I can recommend.

i love this movie!
personally, i think that this movie is great!! its not an oscar winner, but its a colorful movie that makes you feel... i dont know nice... so i quess we can call it a feel-good movie!!! it makes you think, that if you want something really bad in the end you will succeed and everything is gonna become great (wich doesnt really happen in real life but its nice to see it happen to someone else) I really didnt like all the bad reviews this movie got, because everyone started comparing it to "Austin Powers" just because Mike Myers plays in it... well its not Austin Powers but its sweet and funny and one of my favourite movies of 2003 (or did it come out in 2002)? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Interesting Fact Based Thriller
Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" was based on the scandalous Cerro Maravilla incident that rocked Puerto Rican politics in 1978. On July 25, 1978, two young independence-seekers were ambushed by island police and murdered in cold blood near Cerro Maravilla. Police reports claim that the activists were trying to sabotage a radio transmitter to air pro-independence messages throughout the island, however after a serious investigation by the Puerto Rican government, it was discovered that this was a planned murder sponsored by the governor at the time, Carlos Romero Barcelo, and members in his pro-statehood administration.

The scandal which left a major mark on the dirtiness of Puerto Rican politics, helped paved the way to Barcelo's defeat by pro-Commonwealth governor, Rafael Hernandez Colon, and destroyed the statehood party's reputation forever.

This film, directed by Brazilian director, Bruno Bareto, stars Amy Irving, as Kate, an investigative reporter working for a local newspaper. After uncovering the truth behind the massive cover-up by the governor, Kate is determined to uncover the truth even more so than before. However, danger lurks around, as both FBI and the governor's allies monitor her moves.

Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" is partly-fictional, however it does open the viewer's eyes that injustice, oppression, and corruption can exist even in a democratic free country as the United States. Although some of the film seems to be outdated and/or inaccurate (clothes, economic development, etc..) other parts of the film remain interesting enough to retain the viewer in a suspenseful state.

Amy Irving, who later married Bareto (after her divorce from Stephen Spielberg, she began filming in Puerto Rico) is an excellent actress, and her role is believable. Lou Diamond Phillips is excellent as a villain you will love to hate, and Andy Garcia's role is indeed a "glorified cameo". While the film ends on a different note (the film has Kate capturing the police chief's confession on tape, when in fact it took more than 15 years of senate hearings and investigations by human rights groups to finally reveal the truth about the cover-up) the film will allow many who have little or no knowledge about Puerto Rico's complex colonial situation with the United States to gain a broader understanding.

Filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico and neighboring suburbs, this film should be watched by all who support human rights throughout the world.

Kinda corny...
The only thing that actually made this movie watchable was that Kevin Spacey was in it. Any movie he's in is watchable. The plot is cheesy, and there are about 50 million other movies like it, but if you're a Spacey fan, go for it. Lou Diamond and Irving fans could probably watch this too.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY
Shots shatter the silence a top a foggy mountain in the tropical island, as the two dead bodies fall to the ground...Government conspiracy, political cover up, spies and corruption are the ingredients of this film based on the true story of the events that happened back in the 70'S, about the murder of two puertorrican students that were in favor of Puerto Rico's independence, in a time where people who favored this political view were being black listed and harrassed, by the government.One of the students was the son of a well known writer. Having been in Puerto Rico when all of this took place,and when the movie was shown in theaters there, I have to say that this movie is only a brief portrayal of the much more complex true story.The film is based on the book Murder under two flags, by Anne Nelson. Interesting to watch , even with it's geographical and cultural inaccuracies. In one scene, we see the students taking a cab to the Cerro Maravilla which is deep in the country side, however the cab is going in the wrong direction towards Old San Juan( Old San juan sits in a peninsula/island conected to the larger island by one bridge, which they had left behind). Also, they show the locals wearing clothes from the 40's, and make the island look like a banana republic which I thought was ridiculous. They show old trucks hauling chickens, people wearing straw hats, and a third world kind of atmosphere that even for that time, is inaccurate. Andy Garcia wears a hat, and dresses like Orvil Reddenbucker, bow tie and all! Needless to say we all laughed outloud in the theater,it was insulting and funny at the same time. The real life Rivera Cruz-the prosecutor- actually wore designer suits, and no hat! I guess Hollywood will never let a latin american country be shown as a modern city with well dressed,clean cut, educated people. We need Latin directors and producers who know the culture, to start pointing out this things to the big studios, because the people who do the research on culture for set and fashion design are way off, believe me,I know, I'm puertorrican, born and raised. The director, Bruno Barreto, is brazilian, and probably meant well by trying to show us a 70's Puerto Rico.Next time they should first contact the Instituto de cultura de Puertorriqueño(Cultural institute of Puerto Rico)and they gladly will provide the historical and cultural background needed for this type of movie. The movie is good although I didn't like the ending, it was too cliché. The movie features great puertorrican actors like, Tony Chiroldes, Michelle Corbiere, and Claribel Medina to name a few. These three are fully bilingual and I wonder why they haven't appear in more films, because I know there is a shortage of well train bilingual spanish/english speaking actors in the industry.All in all is a movie that shouldn't be missed. I bought it. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good Movie
Amor bandido is certainly not a very romantic and dreamy movie. It is very violent but every scene is totally justified. One must know that all characters in the movie are not sophisticated, they all live in favelas and have a lot of problems because they don't know how to live better.
Despite all the violence and sad way of life, there is sensible side of the story. Some people may not like it because it is not a dreamy movie but it does not make it a bad movie. On the other hand as with all foreign movies, translation is not as good as the original language, therefore it may not make sense to a lot of viewers. The movie, to my taste is very good.

didnt keep my attention
i rented this movie based on a recommendation from one of my co-workers who, just like me, is into lesser-known movies...i suppose that this movie is a "gritty" "bonnie-n-clyde' type story, but the story about the skeletal prostitute and her lover failed to keep my attention, and frankly halfway through the film i a) wasnt able to relate to any of the characters on a personal level, and b) didnt care if any of the characters lived or died...in general, a REALLY BAD movie ...

gritty and seductive
A young girl, estranged from her bullying detective father, loves a boy with an angelic face and heavenly body. But he is also a cold-blooded sociopath, and his crimes are being investigated by her father. One feels the girl's dilemna, because it's hard not to love this beautiful and seductive outlaw. A story worth of Greek tragedy.

The actors yell at each other excessively.
The scene where the detective winces and covers his ears in the front of the truck is good example of bad acting. The film is faded and dated in the manner of many films of the 1970s, and when it was transfered to video, the irregular speed of the projector caused the music to warble. But it was filmed in Rio de Janeiro, in Portuguese, and the story is compelling.

a story of outlaw love
Not all love relationships are healthy ones. This story tells how a young Brazilian woman with a deceased mother and a father from whom she is alienated turns for love to a young man of extremely mysterious and questionable background. This is not really a Bonnie and Clyde story, because the heroine is basically a decent person, but one who is obsessive about love. Her father, a well-known detective in Rio de Janeiro, tries to save her from self-destruction, but fights an up-hill battle amidst the squalor of the sexual and criminal underworlds of Rio. Dr. Patrick L. Cooney, Ph.D. in sociology ... Read more

Amazon.com

In 1969, the democratically elected government of Brazil was toppled and a military dictatorship took its place. The junta ruled through terror and intimidation, torturing political enemies, controlling the press, and severely curtailing freedoms. A group of Che Guevara-worshipping Marxist radicals (the MR-8) plotted to kidnap an American diplomat (Alan Arkin) to force the government to meet their demands. The college radicals hooked up with two senior revolutionaries, an avuncular veteran of the Spanish Civil War and a cold, ruthlessly intense younger man who becomes their commandant. What could easily have become an overwrought drama is instead played out in understatement. The middle-class radicals falter more than once when it looks like they will indeed have to execute their captive; their counterparts in the government's secret police grapple with their consciences when it comes to torture and terror. Arkin is excellent as Charles Elbrick, the diplomat; his conversations with his abductors bring out his humanity as the deadline draws near. Overall, the film--which receieved a Best Foreign-Language Oscar nomination--has asense of tension and claustrophobia that is as oppressive as the clammy Rio de Janeiro humidity.This is a thoughtful political drama with emotional depth, well-drawn characters, and excellent direction. (Incidentally, the radicals' commitment paid off in 1979, when Brazil's democracy was restored and all political prisoners were given amnesty.) Stuart Copeland provides the excellent score, along with '60s-period bossa nova music. --Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great Film, Excellent Surprise.
My girlfriend found this movie in a used film/CD store in Denver. She knew this film had been nominated for an academy award a few years ago. It was snowy and cold so we decided to stay home and watch it. It is great, really good. It gives us a shocking view of what was going on in Latin America, a story that was never told here in the US. I never heard of this episode, and the movie made me research more about it. It made me proud of our ambassador, a corageous, brave, yet vulnerable man while in captivity, and on the other hand made me ashamed to know that my country was supporting all that repression in Brazil. Besides, that Claudia Abreu chick is HOT!!! Impressive acting by Arkin and the Brazilian actors.

An intelligent and moving historical drama
Brazil, 1969. The country is under the control of an oppressive military regime. A group of idealistic students join an underground revolutionary group in protest. Out of this climate of paranoia and violence, a bold plan is conceived: a plot to kidnap the U.S. ambassador to Brazil. This true story forms the basis for the excellent film "Four Days in September," directed by Bruno Barreto.

I have seen many historical films, and this is one of the best. There are no cardboard heroes or villains in this film; there are lots of moral shades of gray. Are these students terrorists or freedom fighters? Is the ambassador an innocent victim, or an ally of oppressive forces?

Leopoldo Serran's intelligent script is based on Fernando Gabeira's book "O Que E Isso, Companhiero?" The dialogue offers thought-provoking insights into the minds of the individuals involved in these events. The cast gives universally superb performances; particularly impressive is veteran U.S. actor Alan Arkin as Ambassador Charles Elbrick. The film as a whole is well complemented by a memorable musical soundtrack. Barreto's direction is both suspenseful and sensitive. Whether you are interested in Latin American history or just enjoy a well-made drama, I highly recommend this film.

Echoes of today
Seeing this film at this moment in history is instructive. Issues of repression, coups d'etat, torture of prisoners, radical extremists - it all rings very "current." The story of Brazil's military coup was sadly ignored in this country, and in these times, we should all be watching carefully.

It is a fine and complex film, highly recommended.

A great movie in spite of some minor inaccuracies
This movie faced a lot of criticism in Brazil for the liberties it took with history. Some criticism dates back to the publication of Fernando Gabeira's book, mainly the fact that Gabeira's importance in the kidnapping is overplayed. Other survivors from the operation claim he did not write the note to the press, as the movie shows. Also, a girl did try to get information from the Ambassador's security man, but she did not spend the night with him (and those who like to spot errors may notice the fact that he calls her by her code name, René, even though she introduced herself by a different name). And one just has to read other books about those days in Brazil to realize most torturers were sick animals, not guilt-ridden human beings like the guy in the movie.

In spite of all these flaws, the movie still works admirably as a snapshot of an era. I understand it was rather easy to sell this movie to the international market because Alan Arkin is in it and the event it is based on involved the kidnapping of an American ambassador. But it would be great if people all over the world could also see another movie titled "Pra Frente Brasil". The story is fictitious but inspired by actual facts: while the 1970 World Cup is taking place and the whole Brazilian population is glued to television sets, a guy is captured by mistake and tortured to death by the police. Brazil won that World Cup, so the whole country was in a celebratory mood while the horrors of repression were happening in the underground.

Sticks with you
I saw "Four Days in September" when in came out in U.S. theaters in 1999. It has stuck with me since then, mostly because of Alan Arkin's fabulous performance as Ambassador Charles Embrick. But, also, because of the way the film brings to light for its audience what life was like in Brazil during the miltary dictatorship of 1969 - 1979. And, because of its very understated manner of showing you how this small, underground group of anti-regimists coalesced, got its training, and put its thoughts into actions. It all feels very real. No Hollywood-ization here.

If you want an entertaining *and* eductional evening, rent or buy "Four Days in September." You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Description

A turbulent story of crime and doomed romance set in the tawdry underworld of Rio. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Good Movie
Amor bandido is certainly not a very romantic and dreamy movie. It is very violent but every scene is totally justified. One must know that all characters in the movie are not sophisticated, they all live in favelas and have a lot of problems because they don't know how to live better.
Despite all the violence and sad way of life, there is sensible side of the story. Some people may not like it because it is not a dreamy movie but it does not make it a bad movie. On the other hand as with all foreign movies, translation is not as good as the original language, therefore it may not make sense to a lot of viewers. The movie, to my taste is very good.

didnt keep my attention
i rented this movie based on a recommendation from one of my co-workers who, just like me, is into lesser-known movies...i suppose that this movie is a "gritty" "bonnie-n-clyde' type story, but the story about the skeletal prostitute and her lover failed to keep my attention, and frankly halfway through the film i a) wasnt able to relate to any of the characters on a personal level, and b) didnt care if any of the characters lived or died...in general, a REALLY BAD movie ...

gritty and seductive
A young girl, estranged from her bullying detective father, loves a boy with an angelic face and heavenly body. But he is also a cold-blooded sociopath, and his crimes are being investigated by her father. One feels the girl's dilemna, because it's hard not to love this beautiful and seductive outlaw. A story worth of Greek tragedy.

The actors yell at each other excessively.
The scene where the detective winces and covers his ears in the front of the truck is good example of bad acting. The film is faded and dated in the manner of many films of the 1970s, and when it was transfered to video, the irregular speed of the projector caused the music to warble. But it was filmed in Rio de Janeiro, in Portuguese, and the story is compelling.

a story of outlaw love
Not all love relationships are healthy ones. This story tells how a young Brazilian woman with a deceased mother and a father from whom she is alienated turns for love to a young man of extremely mysterious and questionable background. This is not really a Bonnie and Clyde story, because the heroine is basically a decent person, but one who is obsessive about love. Her father, a well-known detective in Rio de Janeiro, tries to save her from self-destruction, but fights an up-hill battle amidst the squalor of the sexual and criminal underworlds of Rio. Dr. Patrick L. Cooney, Ph.D. in sociology ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Interesting Fact Based Thriller
Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" was based on the scandalous Cerro Maravilla incident that rocked Puerto Rican politics in 1978. On July 25, 1978, two young independence-seekers were ambushed by island police and murdered in cold blood near Cerro Maravilla. Police reports claim that the activists were trying to sabotage a radio transmitter to air pro-independence messages throughout the island, however after a serious investigation by the Puerto Rican government, it was discovered that this was a planned murder sponsored by the governor at the time, Carlos Romero Barcelo, and members in his pro-statehood administration.

The scandal which left a major mark on the dirtiness of Puerto Rican politics, helped paved the way to Barcelo's defeat by pro-Commonwealth governor, Rafael Hernandez Colon, and destroyed the statehood party's reputation forever.

This film, directed by Brazilian director, Bruno Bareto, stars Amy Irving, as Kate, an investigative reporter working for a local newspaper. After uncovering the truth behind the massive cover-up by the governor, Kate is determined to uncover the truth even more so than before. However, danger lurks around, as both FBI and the governor's allies monitor her moves.

Based on actual events, "A Show of Force" is partly-fictional, however it does open the viewer's eyes that injustice, oppression, and corruption can exist even in a democratic free country as the United States. Although some of the film seems to be outdated and/or inaccurate (clothes, economic development, etc..) other parts of the film remain interesting enough to retain the viewer in a suspenseful state.

Amy Irving, who later married Bareto (after her divorce from Stephen Spielberg, she began filming in Puerto Rico) is an excellent actress, and her role is believable. Lou Diamond Phillips is excellent as a villain you will love to hate, and Andy Garcia's role is indeed a "glorified cameo". While the film ends on a different note (the film has Kate capturing the police chief's confession on tape, when in fact it took more than 15 years of senate hearings and investigations by human rights groups to finally reveal the truth about the cover-up) the film will allow many who have little or no knowledge about Puerto Rico's complex colonial situation with the United States to gain a broader understanding.

Filmed in San Juan, Puerto Rico and neighboring suburbs, this film should be watched by all who support human rights throughout the world.

Kinda corny...
The only thing that actually made this movie watchable was that Kevin Spacey was in it. Any movie he's in is watchable. The plot is cheesy, and there are about 50 million other movies like it, but if you're a Spacey fan, go for it. Lou Diamond and Irving fans could probably watch this too.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY
Shots shatter the silence a top a foggy mountain in the tropical island, as the two dead bodies fall to the ground...Government conspiracy, political cover up, spies and corruption are the ingredients of this film based on the true story of the events that happened back in the 70'S, about the murder of two puertorrican students that were in favor of Puerto Rico's independence, in a time where people who favored this political view were being black listed and harrassed, by the government.One of the students was the son of a well known writer. Having been in Puerto Rico when all of this took place,and when the movie was shown in theaters there, I have to say that this movie is only a brief portrayal of the much more complex true story.The film is based on the book Murder under two flags, by Anne Nelson. Interesting to watch , even with it's geographical and cultural inaccuracies. In one scene, we see the students taking a cab to the Cerro Maravilla which is deep in the country side, however the cab is going in the wrong direction towards Old San Juan( Old San juan sits in a peninsula/island conected to the larger island by one bridge, which they had left behind). Also, they show the locals wearing clothes from the 40's, and make the island look like a banana republic which I thought was ridiculous. They show old trucks hauling chickens, people wearing straw hats, and a third world kind of atmosphere that even for that time, is inaccurate. Andy Garcia wears a hat, and dresses like Orvil Reddenbucker, bow tie and all! Needless to say we all laughed outloud in the theater,it was insulting and funny at the same time. The real life Rivera Cruz-the prosecutor- actually wore designer suits, and no hat! I guess Hollywood will never let a latin american country be shown as a modern city with well dressed,clean cut, educated people. We need Latin directors and producers who know the culture, to start pointing out this things to the big studios, because the people who do the research on culture for set and fashion design are way off, believe me,I know, I'm puertorrican, born and raised. The director, Bruno Barreto, is brazilian, and probably meant well by trying to show us a 70's Puerto Rico.Next time they should first contact the Instituto de cultura de Puertorriqueño(Cultural institute of Puerto Rico)and they gladly will provide the historical and cultural background needed for this type of movie. The movie is good although I didn't like the ending, it was too cliché. The movie features great puertorrican actors like, Tony Chiroldes, Michelle Corbiere, and Claribel Medina to name a few. These three are fully bilingual and I wonder why they haven't appear in more films, because I know there is a shortage of well train bilingual spanish/english speaking actors in the industry.All in all is a movie that shouldn't be missed. I bought it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Movie
A movie that shows the poor life and the patetic consequencies of it.Betty Faria in her best performance show all her versatility and extraordinary dramatic talent. Tragic-comedy history very well directed by Bruno Berreto.

Unforgetable
Betty Faria was amazing in her performance with Fausta. She should be indicated to Oscar for this work. No one in Brasil could do that better, even Fernanda Montenegro. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Amy, Amy
Honestly I didn't realize Amy Locane was such a bombshell until I watched this movie. And she also gave a very strong performance. Amy Irving did a really great job too. "Carried Away" came out in 1996, and I haven't seen in the last 5 years any other movie scene as explicit (and thought provoking at the same time) as the one with Irving and Hopper in the buff - yes, both of them. In the wrong hands, that kind of shots could have turned this terrific film into a Lolita-style soft porn.

Utimately disappointing but the acting was superb.
I expected a poignent character study of the way these people's lives were impacted by the affair between a 47 year old teacher and his 17 year old student. Amy Irving is magnificent as she battles between her pride and her genuine affection for Hopper's character. Hopper is astonishing in his dignified, quiet desperation and sudden hopeful passions. Gary Busey is also remarkable in a role which calls for more restraint and subtlety than he's been allowed before. But, while the acting was superb, there was something wrong with both the pacing and the plot. Too much time was spent on the affair and too little on the ramifications. I wonder if men would find this movie more to their taste than women: Siskel and Ebert gave it 2 thumbs up...

Amy Locane is gooooood!!!!!!
Amy Locane plays a 16-year old girl, Who sees her teacher lose his relationship to another womer. She then sets her sights on her teacher seducing him at every turn.

A strange little film about coming of age as an adult.
For the first 20 minutes of this movie, I kept thinking, "What the hell is this?" I'm glad I waited out the initial apparent lack of plot and seemingly gratuitous sexuality to appreciate the nuances and the layers of this fine film. This movie, you see, is about appearances and trying to get beyond them to reveal what's underneath in order to "come of age as an adult." One of the most touching and telling scenes of this struggle takes place between Irving and Hopper late in the film. It's worth it.

Surprisingly Good
I am usually put off by the subject matter in this film, but it is far from the usual. I like to compare this film to "Lolita"- but I think the average person is better able identify with Joseph (Dennis Hopper) than with Nabokov's Humbert. This film is all about coming of age- when you're already an adult. How to cope with growing older, and losing the virility of youth in favor of manly responsibility. Joseph is a man torn between these two worlds. As a handicapped man a little past middle age- he is hesitant to marry the woman he knows he should marry, and tries to hang-on to youth by engaging in an illegal and dangerous affair with a seductive minor. The thing that makes this movie great is the incredible scene between Irving and Hopper that is done nude. That scene is a lasting testament to self love, the triumph of reality over fantasy, and the beauty found in flaws (instead of the beauty in flawlessness). Get this movie. Some of the scenes are really steamy. But more than that, it is a moving film. ... Read more