Reviews (5)

Heart Rending and Triumphant...
...for anyone who grew up during the sixties and seventies this is a poignant look back that you won't want to miss. Don't look for flashes of pop idols, teenage fads, or media darlings... rather than the then world under the spotlight, "Family Album" is about you and me and all the other everyday people who were playing out the search for the typical "American Dream" during the years when it finally began to grow up. And while your mom may not have been a movie star or your dad a business tycoon you'll see them in Faye and Ward Thayer, and you'll see yourself as well... struggling to be one with yourself and one with your family...

Don't miss out on Danielle Steele's "Family Album"... it's a great flick! Great performances were delivered by Jackyln Smith, Michael Ontkean and then newcomer Joe Flanigan.

An Excellent Movie
I have to say that at of all the danielle steel movies this is my most favorite. No matter how many times I watch I still end up crying at the ending. I thought jaclyn smith and michael ontkean portrayed their characters greatly and with much passion for the roles. I am just happy that I finally was able to find this movie and own it now I could watch it over and over without getting tired, this is definetly one of the best danielle steel movies you have to own or watch. You won't be sorry.

One of the best of the Danielles
Of the 20 or so made-for-TV Danielle Steel films, "Family Album" is one of the best - great acting - especially from Joe Flanigan (in his first film role) as the gay son who is totally appealing.

Lots of production values makes this one look like a regular theatrical release rather than a TV film. Well worth seeing.

A touching movie that is full of love and heartbreak!
This movie although alot different than the book is very good. It documents the heartache, losses, and triumphs of one remarkable woman... Fay Price Thayer. In this movie she will learn many lessons including the power to forgive a cheating husband, helping a pregnant daughter make decisions, love her gay son, and rise to the top as an oscar winning director. This movie is so realistic and makes you feel as if you are watching a real family live there lives. There are times when you have to assure yourself that this is just a movie. Don't pass up the chance to see and feel the emotions of one remarkable family and share the moments that were remembered in there Family Album.

Entertaining !
This three hours movie is full of entertainment. It's very touching and you can't stop the movie for just even a second. You can see several years of a woman who tries to be a female director in a time where woman liked more to be seen at home cooking for a man. But she managed everything, but has to fight in private against all the family troubles that appear. The most touching thing is when her gay son was denied by his father and she has to deal with it. The ending is very sad but watch for yourself and enjoy "Family Album" ! ... Read more

Reviews (24)

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR is perfect for a Halloween night!
This was the first horror movie I ever saw and I love it. It's blend of comedy, horror, and shock/atmosphere creates enormously scary fun. A group of kids accidentally release a witch's curse on the town of Pitchford/Pitchfork Cove. Soon vampires, werewolves, zombies, and maniic killers are loose. Some are frightening, like the Vernon Nester zombie and the Judge monster, and others are humorous like the midget werewolf and the alcoholic ghoul. It's Halloween night, and the ghosts and ghouls decide to create a party of their own! First rate fun with scares and laughs.

E-mail me: jackmonsoon@hotmail.com

A Halloween classic!
Part of the appeal of "Midnight Hour" is that it's a good, fun Halloween film for the entire family but also enjoys an almost cult status among the adult set. Though not ultimately destined for a place in the Horror Hall of Fame I look at it like this: "Midnight Hour" is like that baseball player who's a hometown hero but never achieves recognition outside those who grew up watching him. Hope that makes sense.

The story is pretty cliche. A bunch of teenagers find a scroll in a museum that will raise the dead when read aloud in a cemetary on Halloween night. They do and hilarity ensues. I hung out with a pretty diverse bunch in high school but I never knew anyone who's idea of fun was getting together to read musty old incantations. Anyway, what follows next is B-movie actors getting zombified for the duration of the movie until the curse can be broken.

What I love most about this movie, though, is its encompassing of age old tradition and classic seasonal imagery. This is partly why it has become inextricably linked with my memories of Halloween.

If you're looking for an enjoyable movie with a fun, if a bit formula plot, for your Halloween party then it doesn't get much better than "Midnight Hour". Thank Anchor Bay for bringing this rare Halloween gem back to prominence.

Demons arise
This movie takes place in a small town in Pennsylvania on Halloween. A group of kids decide to break in to a museum to steal costumes for a party one of them is throwing. They go to the cemetery to try them on and find an old parchment in one of the chests. They recite the chant written on it not knowing what they have unleashed. After they leave zombies, werewolves, vampires, and a large serial killer are revived and come out of their graves to wreck havoc. The party is at the vampire witch Lucinda's old house, and she comes home. Before long the party is full of dancing zombies & vampires. One of the friends meets up with a cheerleader (that is not a zombie) back from the grave and they have to try and end the curse by midnight. It is a hard task because the items they need are scattered amongst the other friends. This is a great halloween movie that also has some laughs in it.

80's Kids Ultimate Halloween Flick
I can rememebr the first time I watched "The Midnight Hour" on television when I was about 7 or 8. I LOVED IT!! And that statement still holds today. My Mom taped it for me the first time it was on, and when my cousin misplaced my videotape, I was shattered!! I found this rare gem one night at a Blockbuster and was absolutely overjoyed!! Now that it is out on DVD I am in heaven!! My only lament is the lack (or absence of is more like it) of extras on the DVD. But I guess being a made-for-tv movie, there really couldn't be much to work with for extras.
This movie is such a rare find. It's a first rate 80's horror movie that encompasses camp, humor, a little scariness and a great soundtrack (another should've been) and of course those laughable 80's fashions: who could forget the pumps worn with white ankle socks?? But this was so cool back then and it's still kinda cool now, in a way that probably only 80's kids can truly appreciate and understand. This is a movie that you wanna show people who've never seen it and you KNOW they'll enjoy. Sure there are a lot of incongruities like why are some zombies not decayed at all?? Well they're main characters of course and for plot purposes one of our unwitting teen characters has to fall in love with them!
For me this move is not only a good horror flick, but it conjures up memories of past Halloweens when Halloween meant having fun and being a little scared--like trick or treating (which at 25 I still miss!!), and staying up late on Halloween night and watching creepy movies with your family; a time when Halloween meant something to you and your friends and you waited all throught the month of October to get to the 31st! And school Halloween parties with cupcakes and goodies.
I know when I watch this movie, I'm that little seven year old again, in her pajamas watching the movie in the dark and getting a little laugh or a little scare here and there.
Living in Salem, MA (the self-proclaimed Halloween capital of the world) is great, but nothing holds a candle to being a kid on Halloween except maybe having "The Midnight Hour" to watch over and over again! "Halloween.....my favorite day of the year." True fans of this movie will know which character said that line!

Outstanding Soundtrack!
Actually, I have already written a review of the film. This is just some soundtrack information for the fans of this excellent Halloween fun flick. I've received emails from Amazon customers asking me about certain songs, so I've decided to post the soundtrack here. Anyway, on with it:

The Midnight Hour - Wilson Pickett
Lil' Red Riding Hood - Sam The Sham & The Pharoahs
Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Clap For The Wolfman - The Guess Who
How Soon Is Now? - The Smiths

Mama Told Me (Not To Come) - Three Dog Night
Sea Of Love - Phil Philips & The Twilights
(This is the original version, not the remake in the film)
Get Dead - Shari Belafonte-Harper
Devil Or Angel - Bobby Vee
Baby, I'm Yours - Barbara Lewis

If anyone wants to add to this, please feel free. This is an excellent blend of spooky tunes from the 50's through 80's. If you are an insane fan like myself, you'll go ahead and collect these songs to make your own soundtrack. I just thought I'd help the crazy ones along a little bit. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Better Than The Book
As far as TV movies go, "Killing Mr. Griffin" is a pretty good teen-oriented suspense film and a definite improvement on the 1978 book Lois Duncan wrote. In the book, there's no main character to empathize with, but in the movie, Susan McConnell (played by Amy Jo Johnson) is the leading protagonist, who is targeted by a group of popular classmates and asked to assist them in a senior prank played on Mr. Griffin (Jay Thomas), the harsh English teacher at Del Norte High School. Things go wrong, though, when Mr. Griffin accidentally dies on them due to his heart condition, and now all six teens must try and cover up his death.

Most of the book's characters are the same in the movie, except for Tori and Bree (Mindy Spence and Jennifer Hammon), who are kind of a combination of Betsy Cline, the cheerleader in the book. Tori is probably the closest thing to Betsy, though--she's basically a blonde rah-rah. But in the movie, Tori is Mark Kinney's (Scott Bairstow) girlfriend, whereas in the book, Mark was pretty much a loner. He's also much more popular and charismatic in the movie--and not all that bad-looking either. ;)

The remaining two guys, Dave Ruggles (Mario Lopez) and Jeff Garrett (Chris Young), act as Mark's sidekicks, but Dave is more in the spotlight than Jeff, because he's the one to lure Susan into their kidnapping scheme. Michelle Williams from "Dawson's Creek" even makes a few appearances as Susan's close friend, Maya (another made-up character for the movie).

If you've read "Killing Mr. Griffin" by Lois Duncan, then you might want to give this movie a try. In my opinion, it's much better than the book. It's more organized plot wise, has good character development and a somewhat better ending. Rated PG-13 for some violence and sensuality.

A somewhat dark teen flick
With lots of star power (Scott Bairstow, Amy Jo Johnson, Michelle Williams, and more), Killing Mr. Griffin occasionally hits home because it contains realistic elements of teenage life--at any rate, the life of an awkward, smart, unpopular teenage girl, Susan, who is dying to be popular. Amy Jo Johnson plays this part well. After her teacher, Mr. Griffin, humilates her in class, Susan agrees to be part of a prank that is operated by some of the popular kids, including the guy she has a crush on. The kids want to humilate Mr. Griffin, like he humiliates his students. But the prank goes horribly wrong, and the students spend the rest of the movie living with the consequences of having to keep a terrible secret. Susan is especially haunted by what has happened. Her friend Maya (Michelle Williams) and her family suspect she is hiding something, and Susan is conflicted between doing the right thing and keeping her "good girl" image. It's a bit scary at times. Sometimes even a little *too* dark and edgy. It isn't the best film out there, but it is an interesting story and features talented actors, which more than make up for the dreariness of the plot.

Great page-to-screen adaptation
Lois Duncan's Killing Mr. Griffin was an interesting novel in its own right, but this made for television movie manages to improve on the original. Amy Jo Johnson, the pretty young actress many may recognize as the former Pink Power Ranger, stars as Susan McConnell. Susan is a good student, yet she is shy and awkward around the popular crowd. She is especially shy around Dave (former "Saved by the Bell" player Mario Lopez), the handsome jock she has a crush on. Mark, the leader of the group Dave hangs with, is bent on becoming student body president and the most popular guy in high school. After being humiliated by Mr. Griffin, the notoriously strict English teacher, Mark develops a plan to get revenge. They will kidnap Mr. Griffin as a prank to humiliate him as he has humiliated students. Susan is unwittingly sucked into the plan by her feelings for Dave and her desire to become popular. Dave is pressured into using Susan's obvious feelings for him to a nasty advantage. The plan to kidnap Griffin goes almost as planned...but then he dies unexpectedly, and things spin out of control. The climax of the film is better than that in the novel, with just enough suspense to keep viewers hooked. Overall, this movie was excellent, and serves as a grim reminder of what peer pressure is capable of. The only qualm I had was that it was not a theatrical release. Highly recommended.

Would you go as far as murder for payback?
Killing Mr. Griffin could as well be true. A lot of people would go through anything just to fit in. But could you lose everything you know and understand in the process? An understandable movie about Responsibility, and Mistrust in the way of fitting in.

Mr. Griffin is a strict teacher. Maybe too strict. Five seniors at the school Mr. Griffin teaches at think so. When revenge is the first thought that comes to mind, Mark, David, Jeff, Bree, and Tori set out to find a way to get back at Mr. Griffin for what he's done, but no one is volunteering for bait. When Susan McConnell is put under the spotlight for what seems a harmless prank, she decides to go for it. Besides she gets a couple of satisfactions to go with it. One, she gets to fit in. Two, she can get Mr. Griffin back at embarrasing her in class, and Three, she can hang out with David, the guy she has a crush on. When Susan sees what doesn't seem like an inoccent prank, she goes to where they have left poor Mr. Griffin tied up, and hostage. But Mr. Griffin isn't moving. He isn't even breathing. He's dead. After trying to figure out what happened to Mr. Griffin, the six are faced up against the biggest decision of their lives. Tell what happened, or keep it a secret.

An amazing story. The characters may have been mixed up a little bit, but it still made a great story. Lois Duncan did well with the book, but I think the movie was better. In the book you weren't as sorry for Mr. Griffin as you were watching the movie. Jay Thomas gave an awesome portrayal of the overlystrict Mr. Griffin. I think they kind of mixed Susan and her friend Maya up on accident. Susan was supposed to be the loner with glasses, and not exactly attractive. But Susan was very attractive in this movie. It was kind of hard to believe she couldn't get a boyfriend. Like someone said before, Tori and Bree were a split up of Betsie in the book, but I don't think Betsie was exactly that "I'm so cool" kind of girl in the book. The boys were portrayed great. Snobbish, not exactly serious.

A great movie to the book which I also recommend. This time I recommend the movie first. Than read the book. Either way, Mr. Griffin will die twice. 5 stars without a doubt.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISE
This NBC-TV movie surprised me. Writers Kathleen Rowell and Michael Angeli are very adept in creating both scenes and dialogue that seems realistic: the mousy girl who wants to be popular; the teens who find themselves Svengalied by a handsome rich boy; how a boy interferes in the relationship between two blossoming young women. And some really credible performances, mainly from Amy Jo Johnson, Scott Bairstow, and Mario Lopez.
Jay Thomas Mr. Griffin is a difficult character to empathize with, but in view of what teachers have to put up with in school, one can understand his cynicism. However, one cant' excuse his cruely in humiliating students in front of their classmates. He is also an extremist. But...he doesn't deserve what happens to him.
Bairstow as Mark gives us a teen of arrogant self-delusion; a narcisstic liar; and an obviously psychotic personality. Johnson and Michelle Williams are great in showing the special bond between two good friends.
There's not a lot of action in the movie, but it really doesn't need it; the key here is what happens when people's lives aren't important to the callow youths who can't accept the responsibility of their acts.
A sharp, tidy thriller. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

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

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

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

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

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

Reviews (4)

Best ending
Excellent episode from this great show. The ending makes this one memorable. After the ice breaks, all of the men in town gather together for their traditional "running of the bulls"- in the buff. The music is perfect' "Where the Wild Things Are"- about everyone's need to go a little crazy, and we'll go there together.

Spring Breakup Brings Out the Animal in Cicely
This is one of my favorite episodes because it first introduces Officer Barbara Semanski to Cicely, the future bride of Maurice Minnefield. The whole town is struck with "Spring Fever"in anticipation of the ice breaking and to go along with that is a healthy dose of mass "horniness". Joel and Maggie go at it for the first time and Holling gets his horns clipped when Officer Semanski, played brilliantly by Diane Delano, lands a TKO in the boxing ring before the whole town. Chris has his own scheme for reminding people about "chaos" by ripping off stereos and Ed tracks him down. A quote by Chris "Sometimes you gotta do something bad just to know you're alive"..Excellent episode!

Spring Break
This is a gem of postmodern television. Spring is approaching, and along with it, the annual breaking of the ice. The stress of the ice manifests itself in many of the townspeople. See MTV, the Garden of Eden, the impermanence of material goods, boxing, and zen all come together for a rousing running of the bulls.

This is one of the best of what was a wonderfull show.
This episode has everything that makes northern exposure good. If you have never seen northern exposure than this is a great one to start with. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Shakespeare's Version vs. the Movie
I recently watched this movie, and I can say that I wasn't overly impressed. I am a big fan of Shakespeare's work, and I don't think that The Tempest he wrote was made to have a setting like the 1800's. It is absurd that someone could take one of Shakespeare's masterpieces, and turn it into a movie about a plantation owner during the civil war. If the movie had not been "based" on the original Tempest, then it might have been ok. Shakespeare's version had meaning, and a theme behind every scene, which I believe the movie lacks. Prospero was a very powerful, and exquisite character in the original, and in the movie he is pathetically portrayed by Peter Fonda, who I believe has limited acting abilities. The original also had creative characters, like Calliban and Ariel, who were the devil's son and one of Prospero's spirits. The original Tempest was like no other, and it had it's own style. I just don't think that that particular work of art should have been transformed into a typical civil war movie, with no originality.

Not Shakespeare
Despite the title, this film contains none of Shakespeare's language except random words like "daughter," "the," and "and."

For NON-Shakespeare buffs, I'd say it's a decent tale, setting the play's retold events in the American Civil War. It's a good combination, since we understand the emotions of the tale better in a known context, while the story shows us a different angle on the war. Overall, though, the combination doesn't quite jell.

Some things work very well. The portrayal of Ariel as a black slave is meant to set viewers on edge, especially since Prospero (I'm sorry, that's Gideon Prosper) refuses to set him free for most of the film--one of the clearer signs that Prosper is not just a wronged hero but a driven man who hurts others with his singlemindedness. Judging by other review comments, the director succeeded in making his point.

However, Ariel sounds and acts so clearly like a modern urban black man that it's hard to feel he was raised a slave and a member of a very different culture.

Peter Fonda does a good overall job with Prosper, but the director (and/or scriptwriter) doesn't convince us either why Prosper took up Voudun in the first place or why he gave it up in the end, which limits our understanding of the character.

But the loss of Shakespeare's language, in exchange for modern clarity of a tale that doesn't make that much sense without it, adds up to a film I certainly don't plan to keep.

This Film Insults My Intelligence
I was, no, I am deeply disappointed in this film. Who said that just because a movie is "made for TV" it is allowed to completely eliminate all acting skill, story line, and meaningful plot elements? This film is a hodgepodge of ideas taken from the story, trying desperately to cling together to form a plot. I have read The Tempest, it was good. I watched this movie, it was not. The only way that this movie could redeem itself would be if it were on Mystery Science Theatre 3000. It takes chutzpah to put your name on a film like this. Peter Fonda should run for president with nerves like that.

The Tempest is Trash
The movie The Tempest with Peter Fonda completely failed to display the quality and meaning of Shakespeare's play. The whole mystical feel of Shakespeare's play was lost. The setting of the story made no sense. The actors were terrible and the civil war did not fit in. All in all I wouldn't ever recomend this movie to anyone. To put anyone through that torture is cruel and unusually punishment. If you want a good and meaningfull story read Shakespeare's play.

My Review
I thought that the movie overall was okay. I didn't like how they used slaves in it. I wish they would have encorporated more of what Shakespeare had said in the movie. I thought that the movie left out a lot of parts from the play that I would have liked to see. I thought the movie was much easier to understand and it would have been good to have watched it before I read the play. I feel that most movies based on a book never portray all that is in the book. ... Read more

Reviews (65)

Child's Play 3 - Not A Bad Sequel
Child's Play 3 came out in 1991, exactly one year after the last sequel, Part II. Reviewers despised it, of course, because they hate everything. This, overall, is not a bad sequel. Yes, it is my least favorite of the series, but can be enjoyable.

Andy Barclay (Justin Whalin this time) has been sent to military school, where everybody decides that he can get some good discipline and forget all the mayhem that the killer doll, Chucky, has done through his life.

Meanwhile, the Good Guy Doll company decide to make Chucky again. They think that they should try and forget what has been said about before and make everyone like Chucky again. This leads to our deranged, homicidal doll coming back to life and trying to find Barclay. Chucky travels to the military school and finds a new boy who he could transfer his soul into. Andy finds out and tries to stop him, while everybody else thinks he's crazy. Chucky begins his rampage, while Andy desperately tries to help Chucky's target.

This movie is not scary at all. I don't think any of the Chucky movies are, except for Part I. That was a bit creepy, because we didn't exactly know who Chucky was. In this one, Chucky just kills people and makes jokes about how he did it. Don't come looking for a scary movie!

The acting in this movie is okay. Justin Whalin plays a believable Andy, but he didn't really act like the little Andy we used to know. That's okay though. The rest of the cast were your stereo-typical characters. There was the tough girl who likes Andy, his nerdy friend, his soldier enemy, and many more predictable characters.

Overall, this movie deserves a rental. You might want to stay away from this if you hate Chucky movies, because that's what it is. It is also not for little children. Chucky cusses pervasively and kills a lot of people in gory ways.

RATED R for very strong violence/gore, language, and some disturbing images.

Classic
The reason I'm giving this movie 5 stars is because it is a pure classic in my life. This was the only chucky movie I ever saw as a kid. I recorded it on a tape from usa. And yes, of course. It scared the hell out of me. And I love it. The movie is starring: Justin Whalin as ANDY. No Alex Vincet. (didn't you get enough of him in 1 and 2?)It was funny, Justin Whalin also came out on a disney movie too, called: "Susie Q". So everytime I would see that, I would say "Hey! He's from the chucky movie!" About the movie, he finds andy in a military camp, at he's 16, but instead he tries to hunt down another kid, Tyler. And kills eveyone who gets in his way, Andy tries to stop him. And lots of guns are used too. And the movie end up at a fair. Out of all the chucky movies, CHILD'S PLAY 3. Chucky is deffinetly at his evilist! Except the tv version held chucky back, it was edited for gore, languege, an for its runnig time. But finnaly on dvd! YES!!! First in line!!!

Easily the best
This is very simply and easily the best of the Chucky three. I mean, the SFX are much better, the setting unforgettable. Yes, there are elements to this one I don't like - Chucky's ressurection is fairly mediocre; just like CP 2 really, except we don't see many workers. The opener is slow, what with the swirling goop and credits -- it's rather boring, you should Fast Foward. I have the DVD but I assume its the same deal as the VHS.
The movie is eerier than the others with much more "is he coming" types-of-feelings to it. The acting is fairly good - better than the second but not like the first - with Justin Whalin and Perry Reeves doing stellar. Perry does the best, she's extremely convincing.
The climaxing ten minutes in the funhouse Roller Coaster comprise the best ending I've ever seen in a movie to date. The CP 2 climax in the factory was horrible compared to this, and it was on its own stellar. This scene is just so great. Chucky's death probably could've been executed better. The good news is, unlike the first film, he dosen't come back eighty times, only once.

Lets Play hide the Soul
Very good. This series is so unlike a lot of the horror series...it actualy has GOOD sequals!!!

Andy is shipped off to a Military school and Chucky follows him there but ends up in the hands of a little boy who befriends him. CHucky tries to act good around the little boy while at the same time tries to kill andy.

I love this movie. The death scenes are very good and eyecatching and chucky is ruthless in his attempt to kill everyone. A lot of the deaths are awesome! My favorite is where he replaces paint balls with bullets..

This is the last of the series that is any good and worth seeing...

HOW COULD YOU RATE THESE MOVIES?
NONE OF THE CHILD PLAY MOVIES SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.THATS WHY SOME PEOPLE GIVE IT BAD REVIEWS. DO PEOPLE REALY EXPECT A CHILDS PLAY MOVIE TO BE OSCAR MATERIAL???? I AM GIVING THIS MOVIE 5 STARS JUST TO PISS OFF ALL THE CRITICS WHO HAVE TO BASH EVERY MOVIE BC THEY DON'T HAVE A LIFE. IF YOU DIDN'T LIKE THE FIRST ONE THEN WHY DID YOU WATCH THE OTHER FILMS? I BET YOU THESE CRITICS ARE THE SAME PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THE BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER FAN CLUB, AND ARE ALSO OVER 30 STILL LIVING WITH MOMMY. IF YOU WANT A ACADEMY AWARD WINNING MOVIE, THEN GO WATCH FRIED GREEN TOMATOES WITH MOMMY....DON'T F@!k WITH THE CHUCK!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

How the town of Cicely came to be named for Cicely
"Cicely" (Season 3-Episode 23, May 18, 1992) finds Joel encountering Ned Svenborg (Robert Blossom), a 108-year-old man who tells him the story of how the little Alaskan town of Cicely came to be back in 1909. It seems way back when the community was a cultural mecca known as "the Paris of the North," established by a free-thinker named Cicely (Yvonne Suhor) and her companion Roslyn (Jo Anderson). As Ned tells his story, Joel imagines the town's present citizens as the characters in Ned's tale: Ed becomes the young Ned, Maurice is the power hungry Mace Mobrey, Chris is his hired gun Kit, Shelly is the young harlot Sally, Holling is Abe the man who loves her, and Maggie is missionary woman Mary OKeefe. Joel, of course, is Franz Kafka, who is struggling with an idea for a story about metamorphosis. As Ned tells the tale of how Cicely was intended to be a utopian paradise and her tragic fate, Joel appears to have some appreciation for what a special little town he is stuck in by a simple twist of fate. Of all the Cicely history episodes, this one is definitely the best. The final episode of the third season, "Cicely" was written by Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider, this episode was directed by Rob Thompson. Did you know?: In Italy "Northern Exposure" was known as "Un medico tra gli orsi," which translates as "A doctor between the bears."

INCREDIBLE
If I hadn't been a Northern Exposure fan already, I certainly would have become one while watching this episode. I found it to be incredibly moving in so many respects. It can really stand alone as a marvelous piece of historical fiction. Put in the context of the series,however, it marks a true turning point. None of Cicely's residents will be able to look at their town in quite the same way, least of all Joel. Setting the much-awaited Cicely history lesson aside, the last scene of the epsode says it all for me. Joel can finally see past the snow, the mud and the miles between himself and New York City to see the heart and soul of a little town on the cusp of the new Alaskan Riviera.

Possibly one of the best things I've seen on TV.
This was the episode that made me fall in love with Northern Exposure. I found this episode to be incredibly moving, tender, and touching. Even if you've never seen the show, I still think it's worth seeing because it's so good.

An absolute "must-have" for any Northern Exposure fan.
"Cicely" answers many of the important questions about the town of Cicely. How it got it's name, who lived there first, etc. No one can claim to be a true NE fan and not own this episode... END ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Maggie, Maurice and Marilyn take stock of their lives
The fourth season of "Northern Exposure" opened with "Northwest Passage" (September 28, 1992), which refers to Maggie's depression over her 30th birthday as she becomes obsessed with the idea she is growing old and is missing out on life. Joel, of course, provides no comfort whatsoever, so by way of a solution Maggie enacts an Indian ritual to put her past to rest. Meanwhile, Maurice has commenced working on his memoirs and Marilyn has asked poor Chris to teach her how to drive. Written by Robin Green, "Northwest Passage" was directed by Dean Parisot. Nothing spectacular happens in this episode, which makes it an interesting choice for inclusion in this video collection, but it does give a nice character study of the M characters of Maggie, Maurice and Marilyn, which, obviously, is the point. This one is for true fans of "Northern Exposure," and not the casual viewer.

Maggie Reaches a Crossroad
This episode is so important to those who are dealing with the inevitable "sands of the hourglass" reaches certain years of our lives. Maggie is turning the big "3-0" and wants to have closure with her past dead boyfriends and sets out alone to purge them only to find, in a fever- induced hallucination, that they all blame her for their downfall! Meanwhile, back in Cicely, the ever pompous Maurice is driving everyone crazy recording his memoirs and Chris ends up literally driving Marilynne crazy as she takes driving lessons from him. Marilyne decides to walk and Joel saves Maggie and tenderly stays with her in the hospital with a kiss on the forehead. A sweet glimpse of things to come.....

it is great
like it so much but my cable company take out the chanel where I see i ... Read more

Reviews (2)

a sad story
I first saw this movie when I was like 10 and it was quite by accident, nothing better was on that particular day and there was no Cable! Ricky shroeder heavily depends on his moms to be there for him in practically every aspect of his growing life because his father is too busy with "work" and on business trips. I got the impression his father was there in name only and he rarely knew him, his mother suddenly gets gravily ill (they never really said with what but I am assumming cancer)he must then learn to adapt to life without his mother being there especially after she passes away. He suddenly has to build a relationship with his father in order to get them through this tough time and get on without her in their lives. It was really sad...a real tearjerker, Rick Shroeder is the master when it comes to making real tears (I don't think they sprayed anything in his eyes during the making of this one)
Overall I was feeling it, a nice family oriented movie from back in the day, I'd order it.

Touching and moving...a tearjerker
This is a very touching made-for-television movie that follows a young boy close to his mother while she fights for her life battling cancer. It's very moving and highly recommended! ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Follow-up Info
The "light stealing" episode of Northern Exposure is "Northern Lights" which is also available on VHS. "Northern Lights" and "Aurora Borealis" are 2 different episodes of the show....

Chris meets Bernard, but Joel runs into Adam...
"Aurora Borealis" (Season 1-Episode 8, August 30, 1990), is sub-titled "A Fairy Tale for Grown-Ups." Strange things are happening in Cicely, especially for Chris and Joel. Chris (John Corbett) is working on a sculpture but is drawn to a stranger in town, Bernard (Richard Cummings, Jr.). After talking about Jung and the collective unconscious Chris and Bernard start acting alike and end up talking alike. When Chris encounters Bernard, and Jung, in his dream they discover the truth: the two are brothers. Meanwhile, Joel (Rob Morrow) is returning from a house call on a forest ranger when his truck breaks down. Suddenly, a strange hulking figure appears from the woods, scavenges some things from Joel's truck and beckons for the doctor to follow. Thus Joel encounters Adam (Adam Arkin), the mysterious figure everybody in Cicely has been talking about. Turns out Adam is a superb chef. But the next morning Adam is gone and when Joel returns to town, no one will believe his strange tale. A landmark episode of "Northern Exposure" that introduces two of the most fascinating recurring guest stars in the show's run. Perhaps even more imporant, Dr. Fleischman finally meets somebody who complains more than he does. "Aurora Borealis" was written by Charles Rosen and directed by Peter O'Fallon. Did you know?: In Sweden "Northern Exposure" was known as "Det ljuva livet i Alaska," which translates as "The sweet life in Alaska."

Lost Episodes?
I'm trying to find 3 episodes of NE. The first 2 involve Maggie. One is where she's rescued by a hunky guy who takes her to his cave. When she goes back later, she finds out he's really a bear who changed to human form just to meet her. The 2nd episode involves a stray dog that Maggie thinks is the reincarnation of her dead boyfriend Rick. The 3rd episode is about Fleischman's mom who's visiting. She falls off a mountain and doesn't even get a scratch. Marilyn explains that she became an eagle and "flew" down.

Does anyone know the names/numbers of these episodes? There're my favorites and I'd like to track them down.

NE was a great series, but I did lose interest when Joel left and the new doc came to town. However, the first couple of seasons were classics.

Maggie & the Bear, Maggie & the Dog, Fleischmans Mom Flies
I'm looking for 3 episodes of Northern Exposure. The first 2 involve Maggie. One is the episode where she meets the hunky guy who rescues her & takes her to his cave, and when she goes back to visit she finds out he's a bear who took human form just to meet her. The 2nd episode is the one where she finds the dog that she thinks is the reincarnation of Rick, after he's killed by the falling satellite.

The 3rd episode involves Fleischman's mom who's visiting, and she falls off a mountain and doesn't get hurt, and Marilyn explains that she flew like an eagle, which is why she didn't get hurt. Does anyone know the names/numbers of these episodes?

NE is still great to watch on reruns. However, I lost interest when Joel left and the new doc came to town.

Blokey! It's "Dinner at 7:30!"
The episode you're looking for (with the dream where everyone switches personalities), opened the 6th season on 9/19/94. The title is "Dinner at 7:30" Written by: Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider Directed by: Michael Fresco

Aurora Borealis is my absolute favorite episode of this most wonderful series, by the way. It truly is a fairy tale for adults. Why this magnificent series isn't out as a full DVD set is beyond me. No one is running Northern Exposure anymore and I miss it terribly. Nothing like it on TV before or since. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Northern lights, a dream world captured on tape
Northern exposure is brilliant at it's worst and in this magical episode, it combines every character nuance, every dynamic to it's upmost. Chris, ever my personal hero toils over a piece of performance art that, shockingly to both himself and the viewer fails to come together: "there's no there there" he laments. Mistaken for a hobo by Cicely's first homeless person, they share a pure moment in which class and situation are immaterial - brilliant! Maurice flaunts his famous bigotry brought up smart by a surprising twist in the hobo's story while Bernard ponders so incisively the psychological and metaphysical reasoning behind class attitudes. Joel meanwhile battles with his personal dejection and "abandonment issues" as Cicely first denies him his holiday and then begins a lawsuit against him when he protests. The episode ends as brilliantly as ever with truly the most captivating and enchanting set imaginable, set to an appropriately whimsical score. Brilliant an absoloute 5 star cracker. ... Read more

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Northern Exposure at its best.
This is my favorite episode. It offers a new perspective on Thanksgiving that can only enhance our current tradition. I love the way most of the townsfolk smile and wave as tomatoes are hurled at them. It represents tolerance and respect at its quirkiest best.

Start Watching it on Halloween and Don't Stop Til T-Day!
This episode of Northern Exposure is one of my all-time favorites. The music, the visuals with Cicely all decorated for the annual Raven pageant...I have come to associate all of that stuff with Thanksgiving now just as much as I do turkeys and pilgrims. Yes, it is depressing *in a way*, because Joel is such a sourpuss at first. But he gives a wonderful comic performance and Maggie's interaction with Mike Monroe is sweet too. Definitely one to watch over and over during harvest season.

This is for Becy Williams.
This episode is a diappoinment. how can you say this episode makes you feel warm and fuzzy. it made me feel cold & icey. it think this was a supper depressing episode. WARNING! THIS EPISODE MAKES YOU FEEL ANGERY & DEPRESSED! do not watch this episode if your watching the show for the first time. watch Aura Borealis this epsiode makes you warm & Fuzzy.

Leaves you with warm, fuzzy feelings over & over again!
I absolutely loved this celebration of our nation's first official holiday! This episode embodies all that Thanksgiving is meant to be about. Fall is "in the air" (pumpkins & skeletons) as tomatoes go flying toward the Caucasian population on the streets. Dr. Joel Fleischman... a Jewish member of society, originally does not see history in relation to the upcoming Thanksgiving celebration through the eyes of his fellow native Indian citizen. However, thanks to the Alaskan gov't, Joel finds out that he is further "enslaved" to a fifth year of medical service to the state of Alaska. Upon realizing that this proposition is quite valid & legal, Joel resigns himself to the situation and begins to view things as hopeless. Alas, his "eyes" are now beginning to see things for the first time as a fellow native Indian. The feeling of hopelessness allows Joel to participate in the annual Fall Festival Parade typically reserved for only the native Indians (a culture of fellow victims of a sense of hopelessness, historically speaking). All is not lost, however. Joel, along with Maggie's current love interest (played by actor Anthony Edwards..E.R.), decide to lay all mental obstacles aside during the town's Thanksgiving feast...just long enough to enjoy it!!!!! You will leave this episode feeling warm & fuzzy each and every time you watch it!!!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Northern Exposure is the BEST
Wow, it's refreshing to read other reviews from people who are still watching Northern Exposure in 2001. I thought I was the only one who religiously watches the reruns on cable. I am adding the videos to my collection. The writers were brilliant when creating this show; they developed characters who were memorable and had something meaningful to say. You don't see that very much in TV anymore.

the best!
,This is one of the best shows of all time.This episode received a glowing and detailed review on the CBS sunday morning show with Charles Kurault in 1990.I am thrilled that it is now available on vhs since my own taped copy was destroyed by poor storage conditions. the scope the story is grand.the individual characters are used to great effect.if you are familiar with the series but have not seen this episode I recomend without reservation

Among the best in broadcast television history
This episode grabbed me by the throat and never let go. I saw it when it initially aired, and waited religiously for it to air again so I could tape it. I have always been a Northern Exposure fan, but this episode was at the same time the epitome of NE, and far beyond it. There are so many outstanding scenes and such an overwhelming gestalt, that this episode is quite likey one of the top ten episodes of ANY show in television broadcast history Yes, that includes the Newhart series finale and The Simpsons "Homer the Heretic". (For the unititiated, there have been ALOT of shows in television broadcast history.) The best scenes are 1) the town meeting where Chris and Joel debate the esoteric nature of truth vs fact as the plaid shirted townspeople cheer them on 2) Joel's hypothermically induced dream of his ancestors' (whom he has never met) passover seder in the old country where he meets elijah the prophet and 3)Holling's explanation to Joel why his bloodline is cursed and so he "desires no heirs". If by any chance the author of this sublime script ever checks in here to look at the reviews, pls email me so that I can write you a proper fan mail.

The Body in question.
I enjoyed this episode. It was interesting to watch. The episode kept us watching until the end just to find what happen next. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Nice Drama!!
John Ritter stars in this nice drama as a 29year old man falling in love with a 43 year old woman.It's a must see!! ... Read more

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Valerie Bertinelli Rules!!
Valerie Bertinelli rules as a nun who falls in love with a priest.It's a must see movie!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The family favorite
This episode, of so many spectacular episodes, has got to be my families absolute favorite. This episode not only brings forth some of the complexities of Marices character, but truly defines Adam. When Adam chastises Ed for his stirring inadequacies, lectures the kitchen staff, threatens the head chef, unleashing all of his arrogant culinary expertise, calls himself a genius when complimented for salvaging some bad fish; only to be fooled by a faked 1928 Chateau L'Tour that Eve made from a bottle of off-the-shelf ingredients - it is priceless. Add that to the final toast of the evening - insults and retorts between Maurice and Ron and topped with a whopper from Chris - this episode is absolutely classic. I say it is the best episode of the best TV show ever made. Period.

miss this show
This is one of my all time favorite shows. I got to thinking about it lately and was thrilled that Amamzon has some videos. (Would be helpful if a synopsis of the video was included on the order page.)

Maurice is at his egotistical self-important best here as he throws the party to end all parties, or as Ruth Ann says, "an homage to himself." We also see the return of Adam and Eve--a priceless couple. Seeing them was well worth the price of the video.

I would love to see a video of the episode where Maggie has yet another boyfriend die on her. This guy was killed by a fallen satellite and the casket had all sorts of satellite things spoking out from it. One of the funniest things I've ever seen on TV. Think it was from the first season, don't know name of episode and I don't get the reruns here. Also would like to see the one where Adam and Eve are introduced and Joel is stranded with them, I think.

One of the Best Northern Exposure Episodes of All!
I have seen all 110 episodes of NX and this is by far one of my favorites! Maurice Minnefield throws a huge party so that means we get to see the wonderfully strange "Adam" going his "chef" act and Joel thinks Maurice has not invited him to the party. Even Adams' wife, Eve, the hypochondriact, and their new baby are there. Together with the rest of the cast, even Ron, the gay guy, this is an episode not to be missed. One thing after another happens in this highly quirky and eccentric little Alaskan town, a TRUE delight!

A must-see for anyone who has classical cooking knowledge
One of the best Northern Exposure episodes ever. Minnifield throws a huge party, and Adam comes to bail him out. Meanwhile, Shelly breaks a bottle of '29 Chateau LaTour, and spends the rest of the episode trying to trick Maurice and Adam into believing that it is the real thing. This is a hilarious episode that will make anyone laugh, especially anyone with some knowledge of classical cooking. A must see. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Nice Job
This movie about Holocaust survivors is a little gem, not to be missed. The entire cast, including Blythe Danner and Joe Mantegna, turn in fine performances. It is fascinating to see David Lascher, the boot-wearing stud from "Hey, Dude", turning in a sensitive portrayal as the son.

A moving and thought provoking story.
This film of holocost survivors, and if you like, survivor guilt, is well done with an excellent cast. It is a thought provoking movie and while it ends well, I can't call it a happy ending.

In the opening scene, I think it is forced showing Ms. Danner's left forearm with a serial number tattooed on it. This could have been shown in a more natural manner during the course of the film. Where is Mr. Mantega's number? This a criticism of style not content.

There is a scene where the two boys discover the secret place where $20,000 is kept in several mayonaise jars. This hits you hard because it reminds you that this is the early 60s, the war and "final Solution" are just a generation in the past, and you get reminded that even through the survivors are here in America, they feel a potential need may exist to move on for survival. .... This getaway money makes sense to me and is certainly a key point in the film.

Survivor guilt is a strong issue in the film. It is brought to the fore front when Ms. Danner is told that one of her sons, whom she hadn't seen since some point in WOrld War II, has been found and is to be reunited with her. Later it turns out not to be so. This causes untold pain for both parents. Mr. Mantega's charecter lost a wife and two sons while Ms. Danner lost a husband and two sons. The use of the psychiatrist to bring this out in the case of Ms. Danner and her son is quite interesting and thoought provoking. It takes the two present day sons to bring Mr. Mantega to even talk about his two lost sons. It must be a terrible burden to carry and to try to find meaning from. ....

Overallt this is a well made film with a cast that works well together. I highly recommend it both for the cast and also the subject matter of the film.

A call to remember
I want so see a trailer of this film,in Austria,i cant see,or buy it ,when did it start on TV-in Austria,or cable-TV-in Germany,via sattelit! Please remind me as soon as posible !

A Call To Remember is an inspiring film to remember!
This true story of a family that has survived the holocost and started a new life in America reveals an important part of human history with such emotion and beautiful performances. You will be so inspired and uplifted by the strength of this family. This is an important film and tells a story that represents millions of jewish immigrants' lives in the fifties and sixties, a story that needed to be told!

Blythe Danner is amazing and brilliant
this movie is brillant, sensitive and extremely delicate. It's not always easy to watch and hold the tears though but it helps understanding certain things and Blythe Danner is outstanding. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Better Than The Book
As far as TV movies go, "Killing Mr. Griffin" is a pretty good teen-oriented suspense film and a definite improvement on the 1978 book Lois Duncan wrote. In the book, there's no main character to empathize with, but in the movie, Susan McConnell (played by Amy Jo Johnson) is the leading protagonist, who is targeted by a group of popular classmates and asked to assist them in a senior prank played on Mr. Griffin (Jay Thomas), the harsh English teacher at Del Norte High School. Things go wrong, though, when Mr. Griffin accidentally dies on them due to his heart condition, and now all six teens must try and cover up his death.

Most of the book's characters are the same in the movie, except for Tori and Bree (Mindy Spence and Jennifer Hammon), who are kind of a combination of Betsy Cline, the cheerleader in the book. Tori is probably the closest thing to Betsy, though--she's basically a blonde rah-rah. But in the movie, Tori is Mark Kinney's (Scott Bairstow) girlfriend, whereas in the book, Mark was pretty much a loner. He's also much more popular and charismatic in the movie--and not all that bad-looking either. ;)

The remaining two guys, Dave Ruggles (Mario Lopez) and Jeff Garrett (Chris Young), act as Mark's sidekicks, but Dave is more in the spotlight than Jeff, because he's the one to lure Susan into their kidnapping scheme. Michelle Williams from "Dawson's Creek" even makes a few appearances as Susan's close friend, Maya (another made-up character for the movie).

If you've read "Killing Mr. Griffin" by Lois Duncan, then you might want to give this movie a try. In my opinion, it's much better than the book. It's more organized plot wise, has good character development and a somewhat better ending. Rated PG-13 for some violence and sensuality.

A somewhat dark teen flick
With lots of star power (Scott Bairstow, Amy Jo Johnson, Michelle Williams, and more), Killing Mr. Griffin occasionally hits home because it contains realistic elements of teenage life--at any rate, the life of an awkward, smart, unpopular teenage girl, Susan, who is dying to be popular. Amy Jo Johnson plays this part well. After her teacher, Mr. Griffin, humilates her in class, Susan agrees to be part of a prank that is operated by some of the popular kids, including the guy she has a crush on. The kids want to humilate Mr. Griffin, like he humiliates his students. But the prank goes horribly wrong, and the students spend the rest of the movie living with the consequences of having to keep a terrible secret. Susan is especially haunted by what has happened. Her friend Maya (Michelle Williams) and her family suspect she is hiding something, and Susan is conflicted between doing the right thing and keeping her "good girl" image. It's a bit scary at times. Sometimes even a little *too* dark and edgy. It isn't the best film out there, but it is an interesting story and features talented actors, which more than make up for the dreariness of the plot.

Great page-to-screen adaptation
Lois Duncan's Killing Mr. Griffin was an interesting novel in its own right, but this made for television movie manages to improve on the original. Amy Jo Johnson, the pretty young actress many may recognize as the former Pink Power Ranger, stars as Susan McConnell. Susan is a good student, yet she is shy and awkward around the popular crowd. She is especially shy around Dave (former "Saved by the Bell" player Mario Lopez), the handsome jock she has a crush on. Mark, the leader of the group Dave hangs with, is bent on becoming student body president and the most popular guy in high school. After being humiliated by Mr. Griffin, the notoriously strict English teacher, Mark develops a plan to get revenge. They will kidnap Mr. Griffin as a prank to humiliate him as he has humiliated students. Susan is unwittingly sucked into the plan by her feelings for Dave and her desire to become popular. Dave is pressured into using Susan's obvious feelings for him to a nasty advantage. The plan to kidnap Griffin goes almost as planned...but then he dies unexpectedly, and things spin out of control. The climax of the film is better than that in the novel, with just enough suspense to keep viewers hooked. Overall, this movie was excellent, and serves as a grim reminder of what peer pressure is capable of. The only qualm I had was that it was not a theatrical release. Highly recommended.

Would you go as far as murder for payback?
Killing Mr. Griffin could as well be true. A lot of people would go through anything just to fit in. But could you lose everything you know and understand in the process? An understandable movie about Responsibility, and Mistrust in the way of fitting in.

Mr. Griffin is a strict teacher. Maybe too strict. Five seniors at the school Mr. Griffin teaches at think so. When revenge is the first thought that comes to mind, Mark, David, Jeff, Bree, and Tori set out to find a way to get back at Mr. Griffin for what h