Reviews (362)

Rousing swashbuckling tale
This is not your Father's Zorro, and Antonio Banderas does a fine job as the masked avenger (and according to the Amazon.com trivia section, the first Hispanic to play this role). Banderas plays the second generation people's hero in Southern California, just prior to Spain's ceding of the land to Mexico.

Anthony Hopkins is a great second (who is actually the first) Zorro, a/k/a Don Diego de la Vega, a Mexican land baron and freedom fighter. After escaping decades later from prison, Hopkins escapes from prison to seek revenge on the no-good governor (well played by a smarmy Stuart Wilson) the man who killed his wife and stole his daughter.

Bandaras, a low-life bandito becomes urbane and a proficient warrior at the teaching of Hopkins, and then becomes transformed by a positively bewitching Catherine Zeta-Jones. Their interplay gives the film its romantic, and often sensual edge.

Lots of swordplay and general excitement, as we recall from Douglas Fairbanks and Disney's Guy Williams. The movie moves quickly (but bogs down for awhile 2/3 of the way through. Happily, it picks up the pace through the end.

Nice scenery. When we see the sign of the return of Zorro, via a blazing Z cut into a hillside , it is positively thrilling. A stirring script which fits the film well. More than enough humor (such as the scene in the confessional, or one of several chased of Zorro by the troops) for the purpose of lessening the tension which is well added by a malevolent Matt Letscher.

As one says, it is a grand throwback. As another said: That's entertainment!

...They make the sign of the Z...
This film is the most recent Zorro film. It stars the young Hispanic Antonio Banderas and the intelligent actor Anthony Hopkins. THis may be the first time that a true Hispanic has played Zorro in an American film.
In 1820, Spain has lost California to Mexico. But Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson) the Spanish govenor, is determined to kill his nemisis Zorro. The fox again foils Montero's plans with the help of two young orphans, one of whom he gives a medallion. Somehow, Montero learns that Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins) is Zorro. Diego's wife is murdered by Montero's men, his hacienda burned, Montero robs him of his child, and Diego is sent to prison. Defeated but determined never to surrender, the enraged fox promises the govenor that he will never be rid of him.
Twenty years later, Santa Anna has become worse than Montero, and people vanish without a trace. The orphan who helped Zorro, Alejandro Mureita (Banderas) and his brother are caught by Montero's man Capitan Love (Matthew Letcher) who beheads Alejandro's brother. Meanwhile, Deigo escapes and sees that Montero has raised his stolen child Elena (Catherine Zeta Jones). Diego sees Alejandro. The two men form an alliance. Diego trains Alejandro in the art of the sword, the whip, riding a horse, and athletic ability. Alejandro tries an exlpoit as Zorro but is rejected by Diego. In the end, however, the new fox earns his mask. Diego now seeks revenge on his nemisis, Montero, while the new Zorro tries to free the people.
This film extends Zorro's legacy. However, in the future I am sure we will see more films with Zorro being Diego. One line with this film seems to hold more emotion than the rest.
DIEGO: "Rafael! You'll never be rid of me! Never!"

New Zorro, New Age
I have never been a huge fan of Antonio or Jones until I saw this film. With its breathtaking scenery, action and atmosphere it makes you love zorro again! A new zorro for a new age! Very well done film with superb acting. The dvd is full on with excellent picture quality and sound.

Zorro No Longer a Hero
Zorro, the hero of Pulps, movies, books, comics and television, has a new movie out. Antonio Banderas, on Larry King Live, mentioned that he hoped this movie would help to keep alive the spirit of the only Spanish super-hero (he in not the only one nor was he at the time of the interview). Well, I think it will do much to keep the name alive but not the spirit.

Anthony Hopkins is Zorro, the Fox. After years of struggle, Spain is pulling out of California and leaving it to the Mexicans. But Zorro slips up and the evil Governor tracks him down, kills his wife, steals his daughter and throws him in prison. Twenty years later Don Diego (Zorro) hears that the Governor is back. Minutes later he has escaped from prison (what was he waiting for?) and is destined to run into Antonio Banderas. After their meeting, Don Diego trains Antonio to be the new Zorro. The rest of the movie involves the plan to create the Independent Republic of California by buying it from Santa Ana with gold dug out of its soil and stamped to look Spanish. Mexico is willing to make the sale because of their war with the United States (it is now 1841).

If you are looking for a fun swashbuckling adventure, then this is definitely the movie to see. If, however, you want to see Zorro, you might find yourself a little disappointed. Gone is Zorro, the defender of the common people and the innocent. In his place is, not one, but two, Zorro's who are bent on personal vendetta's and enlightened self-interest. It is actually Don Diego's daughter who helps some enslaved Mexicans near the end of the movie.

The transition from one Zorro to another takes the Fox out of the wealthy and privileged and makes him a commoner. The new Zorro is also a thief (in a wonderfully fun scene the young Zorro steals his horse, a very serious crime at the time). Having Zorro break so common a law seemed wrong to me. To have Zorro flaunt the breaking of laws meant to worsen the lives of the commoners is another thing entirely. But in this movie Zorro does not taunt authority. He plots against it, to be sure, but for his own reasons and not for the good of the people.

As this movie has two Zorros, there are now also two villains to be defeated (one each). The elder Zorro still has his old nemesis to contend with while the younger Zorro has made a personal enemy of Captain Love, a young Cavalry officer who seems to be in the wrong country. Both villains are vile and easy to hate. This make the personal vendettas a little more palatable as well as making the ending a lot more fun.

The other main problem with this film is that Zorro loses. Zorro never loses. but in this film Zorro loses big time. He loses his wife, his home, his daughter, his name and twenty years of his life. Granted, he briefly regains his daughter but gone is the hero who can laugh in the face of danger and triumph brilliantly.

The last thing I wanted to mention is that, probably due to the controversy over the new Jeffrey Irons film, Zorro is no longer married to his wife Lolita. Her name has been changed (how dare they) to the more common Esperanza. I can understand the concern of some but Don Diego won the heart of Lolita before the Roaring Twenties. As in the Nabakov novel, Lolita is a valid name before it was turned into an adjective. Next thing you know people are going to try and get Disney to change the name of Bambi because they think it is a girl's name (Bambi was the prince of the forest).

So, if you want to see The Mask of Zorro because, to you, it means an exciting swashbuckling movie, you will really enjoy this one. But if you want to see the movie to watch the continuing adventures of a hero that has entertained all generations since his debut almost eighty years ago, part of you will be disappointed in what has happened to the character.

ZORRO MEETS ZETA JONES
THE MASK OF ZORRO is a rousiing, energetic, exciting romantic swashbuckler movie, reminiscent of all those great Fairbanks and Flynn movies.
Antonio Banderas is a perfect Zorro, starting off rude and crude, ending up flamboyant and gallant. His injection of humor and the way he rolls his eyes is a definite good addition to his role.
The ever amazing Anthony Hopkins shines in his role as the first Zorro, whose life is ruined when his wife is killed and his daughter taken away from him by his cruel enemy. It's rare to see an action hero over the 50 year mark!
Catherine Zeta-Jones is breathtakingly beautiful and is wonderful in her role as Hopkins daughter, feisty, yet adolescent in her yearnings for the masked man.
Stuart Wilson is vile and irreprehensible as Don Metero, the head villain, and he plays it to the hilt.
Matt Leschler as the Captain is even worse, his dashing good looks hiding a psychotic imbalance.
The whole movie is superb; James Horner's overlooked Oscar score is beautiful, including the closing credits duet by Tina Arena and Marc Antony of "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You."
This is a fun, enjoyable and uplifting kind of movie. ENJOY! ... Read more

Description

A noir thriller set in 1948 L.A., pits Detective Harry Lovecraft against a cast of horrors in his search for a stolen book of ultimate mystical power. ' 'Imagine ?Who Framed Roger Rabbit?? with witches and zombies instead of toons.' ' (USA Today.) ' 'A great way to spend an evening.' ' (Entertainment Weekly) ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Guilty Pleasure
This is probably the "guilty pleasure" to top all other guilty pleasures. A made for TV flick that should have been released theatrically. No major stars--though Fred Ward you may remember from "Tremors"--but one of the best made-for-TV movies ever broadcast. No major special effects--no huge explosions--but the ones in the flick are human-sized (like the Borg queen in "Strar Trek") and thus twice as interesting. A lot of in-group jokes for genre lvoers, from Ward as Detective Harry P.Lovecraft to another named Bradbury. A real popcorn thriller that's frequently hilarious to boot. And at the price, one of the best bargains going.

Very good.
It's very good movie, though it'd never win an award. It has few insightful things to say, though you have to over-interpret to see them. One belief I hold dear came from this movie, which is why I don't practice witchcraft is so "...Nothing has a mortgage on my soul." It gives the message not play with things you don't understand. THere should be more movies like this one.

Very good.
This is a pretty good movie, though it'd never win an award. It has few insightful things to say, though you have to over-interpret to see them. One belief I hold dear came from this movie, which is why I don't practice witchcraft is so "...Nothing has a mortgage on my soul." It gives the message not play with things you don't understand. I'd suggest this to fans of H.P. Lovecraft.

BRILLIANT AND HILARIOUS LOVECRAFT SPOOF
Whether you are an "in the closet/out of the closet" Occultist, you'll love this film spoof of the occult in general, and HP Lovecraft in particular. The scene where Fred Ward has a conversation with a real estate agent who praises the fact that her homes are made with "the finest Thaumaturgy" and builder zombies falling in the background will split your gut...no pun intended. Anyone will enjoy this film; but Occultists will howl. Plus, Old Cthulhu never looked so good...

Great way to blow an hour and a half

It's not incisive or heavy and it won't inspire debate, but this movie is an absolute blast nonetheless, and a nice illustration of the fact that a movie doesn't have to be vapid pablum to work as light, fun, happy entertainment. Even the violence isn't anywhere near as gory as it could have been. In general, you'll hit the rewind button 90 minutes after starting the film and be pretty pleased at the way you just spent those 90 minutes.

The story is engaging and fun, Fred Ward (who I've had a soft spot for ever since "The Right Stuff") is perfect as the inexplicably sexy roadworn gumshoe, perfect casting. David Warner plays his standard "Hi, I'm Bob Evil" type of role and does a lovely job at it.

This could have been a lot schlockier than it was if it hadn't been played so straight, but as it is, with the actors playing it *absolutely* straight, you get to enjoy the movie on a variety of levels: just suspending your disbelief and letting yourself fall into the story, and enjoying the general fun of watching it all played so straight. One little wink at the camera would have ruined it.

It's called a comedy, but I'm not sure it is -- it's just that the way the film comes together just has you chuckling out of delight more than laughter. ... Read more

Reviews (159)

A Climb You'll Never Forget
A team of mountain climbers run into dire straits when they encounter a turn in the weather and become stranded during an assault on K2 in "Vertical Limit," a thriller directed by Martin Campbell. Millionaire businessman (and experienced climber) Elliot Vaughn (Bill Paxton) has surrounded himself with the best climbers in the world to help him reach the top of K2 and effect his "life's statement." World renowned climber Tom McLaren (Nicholas Lea) is in charge on the mountain; but when conditions dictate a return to base camp, Vaughn's money and position prevail and they continue on with what becomes a fool's errand. Watching the proceedings from below is Peter Garrett (Chris O'Donnell), who also happens to be an expert climber, as is his sister, Annie (Robin Tunney), who happens to be a member of Vaughn's team. When it becomes clear that the climbers are stranded, Peter goes into action and puts together a rescue team; he's not about to let his sister die on the mountain. He enlists the help of a local, Montgomery Wick (Scott Glenn), a legendary climber who knows K2 better than anyone else alive. And with his team in place and good to go, the adventure begins. The story-- by Robert King, with a screenplay by King and Terry Hayes-- is substantially well written, and though it has a sense of "been-there-done-that" about it, it's like your favorite ride at an amusement park; as soon as you get off, you want to get back on and go again. That's the way it is with this movie. It's familiar territory, but under the steady hand of director Campbell, and with the help of some breathtaking photography, it's a heart-stopping, exciting film that refuses to let you off the hook from the opening sequence to the very end. An interesting cast was assembled for Campbell to use in the telling of his story, most notably O'Donnell, who has attained a level of maturity that gives a credibility to his character that he has lacked somewhat in previous outings; and Scott Glenn-- looking aptly weather-beaten here-- who effects just the right touch of isolation to make Wick a somewhat enigmatic presence. Tunney makes her Annie believable, which is especially important in putting across the climbing sequences, and Paxton does likewise with Vaughn, though his character is not really much of a stretch for him as an actor. But he does deliver. The real find here, however, is the charismatic Izabella Scorupco (Monique), who not only proves that she has what it takes as an actress, but is a classic beauty in the style of Lake, Leigh and Bergman rarely seen in Hollywood in the past two or three decades. There are a number of scenes in "Vertical Limit" that will have you on the edge of your seat and may even have you gasping aloud; at the same time, there are certain aspects of this film that have inevitable conclusions. But Campbell has put it all in a fresh, exciting package that makes this movie more than worth your while and is thoroughly entertaining. Check it out; It's a ride you're going to be glad you jumped on.

Great Entertainment
I love this movie.

Granted, from a mountaineering perspective a lot of scenes are plainly ridiculous: the climbing accident at the beginning of the movie where Peter, Annie and their dad all seem to have bombproof protection and are simply ripped off the mountain all the same - people climbing K2 from base camp straight to the summit, all during daylight on one day - Annie's rope being severed as she is falling into a crevasse - Peter Garret summitting even though he has no previous high altitude experience or acclimatization whatsoever - Monique doing her lunge for the crevasse with one cam in her left hand, groping for the rope with her right hand - it is all a load of crap.

Still, it is great entertainment! Loved the emotional moments, eg interactions between Peter and Annie, Montgomery finally finding his wife (frozen to death), etc.

Wonderful music and scenery, besides. As to the scenery, for the people critizing that the movie wasn't all shot on K2: this movie was shot in New Zealand, home of Sir Edmund Hillary! This is where he learned the ropes, ok? And yes, where Lord of the Rings was shot in New Zealand too, by the way.

An intense movie that sometimes treads dangerous slopes
I got to see this movie at the theatres when it was released back in late 2000 and although I was not expecting anything all that great "Vertical Limit" nonetheless was a half-way decent movie that is an adrenaline rush for action fans, but at the same time was a bit awkward at times.

It begins with Peter Garrett and his sister Annie with their father in the deserts of Arizona and they are climbing a huge mesa but a horrible accident occurs and threatens to kill all of them and their father sacrifices his own life to save his two children by cutting the rope which results in him falling to his death.

Flash forward many years later, things take place in the cold unrelenting winds of K2, the world's second highest mountain but also the most dangerous, Peter and Annie Garrett now adults set out on their adventure to conquer the treacherous peak but the attempt goes horribly wrong when the woman climber falls into a vast ice crevice far away from any nearby camps due to an avalanche, and is stuck in a ice crevice underneath unstable ice forms which threaten to collapse at any moment and time is against them as the raging winds, isolation, and extreme cold threaten to kill the entire crew if it goes wrong.

This movie on a casual note is really quite good because of it's vivid portrayal of the dangers of mountiain climbing especially with climbing some of the worlds highest peaks like K2 which is in fact even more dangerous to climb that Mt. Everest. The overall tone is very intense and not to mention scary as h.e.l.l.

The acting at times though is a bit hammy especially by Robin Tunney and Chris O'Donnell. Scott Glenn as the mysterious mountain dweller though was really good and the character was really something to see.

The superbit Collection has really excellent sound quality and the 5.1 DTS sound when connected to the stereo will make you feel almost like you are back at the theatre watching this movie all over again on the big screen.

Um...I don't think this movie was meant to be funny
I enjoyed this movie tremendously. My friends and I were rolling on the floor laughing our heads off! However, since it was supposed to be a thriller, I think that maybe the director should be locked in a box and NOT allowed to make any more adventure films.

The plot went something like this:

Pretty boy Peter Garret has to lead a rescue mission to save his estranged sister and her team who have been trapped by an avalanche.

The 'rescuers' plan to climb up the mountain where Peter's sister' team is trapped carrying Nitro they have obtained from the Pakistani military to blast them out of the ice cave they're stuck in. This involves jumping out of a moving helicopter with Nitro strapped to their legs and some how not getting blown up.

If you want a good laugh, buy this movie. If you want a real adventure film, don't.

So bad it was funny!
This movie sucked. Who wants to watch some random bimbo and a scary rich guy stuck up in an ice cave? It's annoying! And all the cool characters got blown up before this abysmal movie was halfway over.
And then there's the plot. Carrying Nitro up a mountain is a very very very stupid thing to do. I can't believe that someone actually thought this up as a storyline. First of all, if you jump out of a moving helicopter with Nitro strapped to your back, you will explode. However, none of the characters who did this were incinerated as they obviously would have been in real life. In fact, no one got blown up because they tripped and smashed their Nitro. Oh no! One guy died because he dropped his Nitro over a cliff and it started an avalanche, two other guys died because they left their Nitro out in the sun and it ignited (does Nitro really react to sunlight??) and the last two dudes died 'cause this one dude cut the climbing rope. It was stupid. I've said that before.
Basically, DON'T WATCH THIS!
If you want a real mountain climbing experiance, read Into Thin Air! ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Time of the preacher.
Probably the finest television drama series ever, 'Edge of Darkness' was 1985 made flesh - nuclear paranoia in a world gone mad. Apart from the faces, not much has dated, and even if the threat of nuclear annihilation seems less newsworthy, it's still an excellent, taut thriller. Bleak and brilliant, it starts with a seemingly random murder, and ends with the world on the brink of apocalpyse.

Everything works, and works well - the clever, non-linear direction is never annoying, the writing is intelligent, everything progresses with brutal, cold logic, and it all seems so much more serious, more 'real' than other television dramas of the time (with the possible exception of the early 'Taggart'). The acting is superb - Joe Don Baker's character may be a stereotype, but he makes it work, and the late Bob Peck is almost disturbingly intense. It's a shame that, for most people, he will be remembered as the unfortunate trapper from 'Jurassic Park' (or the narrator of countless nature documentaries).

It remains with you when its over, the music is excellent, and key images (nuclear trains at the dead of night, driving rain on the motorway, a room full of telephones, a field of umbrellas, and little black flowers) haunt you forever.

Edgy and paranoiac (aliens and paranormal not incl.)
"Get it while it's hot!" With those words, (and two bars of plutonium in his hands) yankee actor Joe Don Baker became one of the immortals of British television in this series which set the tone for edgy, paranoiac television years before the X-Files. In this dark mini-series, Baker played free-lance CIA operative Darius Jedberg whose cowboy swagger and country can-do attitude has guaranteed him a role in every new James Bond flick. The real star and hero is late actor Bob Peck as Yorkshire policeman Ronny Craven whose understated yet wrenching performance of a man coming apart provides a more subtle energy than Baker’s over-the top performance (see the box – the still of Peck with a gun in one hand and a teddy-bear in the other sums it up). When Craven’s radical-environmentalist daughter is brutally gunned down, Craven follows clues that lead him to suspect sinister nuclear-age industrialists. Seeking to uncover proof of a covert program to generate weapons-grade plutonium, and thinking that Craven’s daughter had been on the verge of uncovering the conspiracy when murdered, Jedburg hooks up with the british police officer who has slowly begun to disintegrate with grief. Prodded but also steered by Thatcher-government functionaries with their own agendas, Peck and Baker form an uneasy alliance on collision course with a nuclear-age vionary.

A superb work, with a pefectly edgy score by Eric Clapton. I first caught the series in the late 80’s on PBS while Thatcher was still in office, and environmentalism was still something only radical lefties worried about. There’s a pretty heavy allegory against nuclear energy – best typified by how Craven’s slow disintegration begins to mirror that of some raw and toxic isotope, radiating bits of itself away as it diminshes in halfs over a slow period of time. But the story also excels because it rises above metaphors – the black flower that is meant to symbolize mother Earth’s revenge against the human infestation that has soiled the world isn’t a symbol at all, Jedberg says – he’s seen it in the killing fields of Afghanistan. Though the story is centered on Craven, the Yorkshire cop plays straightman to Jedberg’s fall guy, with the two trading words about the end of the world, the environment and the lyrics to Willie Nelson songs. I had to watch this on UHF with crummy reception (snow, doubled images and all) but you can catch it pristine. Get this tape.

Televisions finest hour ¿ or longer.
A true sin is that "Edge of Darkness" is unavailable on DVD, but you can get all of Adam Sandler's movies. No justice in the world.

Bob Peck & Joe Don Baker get to do the best work of their careers in this in-depth wonder of a mini-series. Others have covered the bases on the plot, so I won't rehash it here.

Suffice it to say it is long overdue to get this gem out in the US. An apparently terrible copy is available in the UK (bad video & bad sound), so I'd call for someone to work on this as a labour of love.

I know you would get an appreciative audience.

Masterpiece........
Firstly let me point out that there is a DVD version of EOD, several actually. The best version is the latest released this year which is a wonderful transfer and includes a documentary on the film, Magnox and has clips of interviews and award ceremonies and discussions on the series. It is on region 2 DVD and is available from amazon uk. I too remember watching this masterpiece unfold when it was originally screened here in the uk. I was only 14 at the time and British television was still producing some wonderful stuff. Even so I knew this was something extra special. It must have planted a seed in my subconscious. Incredibly in 2003 it has lost none of its power and seems just as prescient now as ever. The callous disregard for the individual by corporations, the 'great game' played out between competing security agencies, the conspiracy of silence in the media. The ecology movement. The collusion of government with the malign constituents in our society. Ostensibly though this is still the 'little man's story' and what a central performance from the late great Bob Peck. His personal disintegration is harrowing to behold as he tries to unravel the mystery. Joe don Baker, what can you say about his performance. He is utterly compelling as the old school agency man fighting to keep his head above water. His verbal sparing matches with 'arts council' funded MI5's Ian McNeice and Charles Kay (also superb) are very very funny. Oh the script, what a script. Troy Kennedy Martin the writer provided the most consistently brilliant screenplay for television ever written. Martin Campbell the director sculpts it all into an entity that supplants the TV media. The DVD I saw previously to EOD was Leone's masterwork Once upon a time in America and I can honestly say EOD which bares many similarities is right up there alongside it. I don't think I could give this production a better accolade.

Criminally overlooked
I have lost count of the number of times I have watched Edge of Darkness, and still seen something new and haunting in its ramifications for our current age. In this deeply disturbing film series the devil is most defintely in its Cold War detail, and Troy Kennedy Martin's script uncovers many of those very real demons that lurk in the international trade of nuclear technology and weapons grade plutonium, the most dangerous material in the world, and which is still clouded in mystery. It is also a mythic story of hope for the future, as Bob Peck's character finds his allies in the strangest of places, even as his enemies are everywhere.The fact that this series has still not come out on DVD is truly amazing, and if I believed in conspiracy theories i might even be suspicious! Who knows! Roll on E of D 2!! We need to be told, now more than ever... ... Read more

Reviews (34)

'Beyond' Logic
I admired the political messages of "Beyond Borders," but I can't say the same for the love story. It seemed out-of-place and forced. Sara (Angelina Jolie) was a troubled housewife who was deeply moved by a doctor's efforts to feed starving children in Ethiopia, Cambodia and Chechnya. She journeyed to those countries over a decade and eventually fell in love with the doctor (Clive Owen). The movie tried very hard to be a politically motivated film and I respect that. They should've left out the love story but kept the level of passion for their cause to rise throughout the movie. You don't know whether to feel for the characters in the end or the whole charade they went through to make a difference, to help. But, it's worth your time and it's a lot different than most movies.

3 & 1/2 Stars - Beautiful & Ugly all the while Unforgiving
I watched "Beyond Borders" last night, and while the other people I watched it with were beyond bored, I was infatuated. The film, while being a bit "preachy," (nothing anyone would be overly annoyed with) is visually intoxicating. Sometimes in a surreal way other times in a horrific way, but intoxicating no less. Angelina Jolie shines in her role as Sarah, an American whose life changes drastically throughout the years of her adult life with her experiences with refugee camps she visits. Clive Owens plays Nick, a struggling refugee doctor with the best of inentions, but has become cynical and often bitter towards others, but not without good reason. Together they reach an understanding of one another, and eventually find love. But as much as the studio promotes this as a "Love Story" it is NOT that in the least. (I repeat this is NOT a love story.) It is bulked up by some hollywood explosions and such. However in whole this is a film about HEROISM in it's many forms. This film will grab hold of your heart, it will tug, warm, tear, comfort and break it. I think everyone should watch it becuase it gives an honest and unforgiving look at worlds outside our own little box. I give it * * * 1/2 for being a great film, but dragging on a little at times.

A lot better than I expected
I was expecting the worst when it came to this movie. I am a fan of Angelina Jolie, but it didn't do very well at the box office and I didn't really hear anything about it.

Well, none of that matters because this is a very good movie. Angelina does a good job here, as does Clive Owen, her love interest. The story was interesting and eye-opening. It kept my attention even though this isn't a lightning-paced movie. I wanted to know what would happen to Angelina's character. I was also surprised by a few twists that happen unexpectedly. There's a key scene midway through the movie that doesn't mean a lot at the time, but perfectly foreshadows something that happens later on.

I highly recommend this movie. It was very entertaining and it really did make you think. I'm not a big fan of movies like this, but this is an exception. It should have been a bigger hit.

Schock film!
This movie is deeply bitter. It's touchimg and it deals with a premise that we forget too many times , inmersed as we are in our daily activities.
In a beautiful wedding a doctor will suddenly appear and will denounces the injustice for having denied them an important amount of money for the homeless and poor people from Africa.
This breakthrough will twist the life of Sarah Jordan (Angelina Jolie) and she will become the most exhaustive fighter for this noble cause.
Campbell makes a good and haunting movie , even there are some irrelevant scenes , but you never miss the interest in the story . Obviously this world of injustice will generate the unavoidable atraction between them .
Jolie gives a very realistic portrait.
The rest of the story runs for you .
Interesting story , above the average .

Wonderful Love Story
This movie is very good! I will have to say, to the individuals who are watching it for the first time, pay attention to every detail because it makes the ending pack more punch! Even though the ending is sad...I think the movie is well done and Angelina Jolie's performance is OUTSTANDING!!! Enjoy... ... Read more

Reviews (362)

Rousing swashbuckling tale
This is not your Father's Zorro, and Antonio Banderas does a fine job as the masked avenger (and according to the Amazon.com trivia section, the first Hispanic to play this role). Banderas plays the second generation people's hero in Southern California, just prior to Spain's ceding of the land to Mexico.

Anthony Hopkins is a great second (who is actually the first) Zorro, a/k/a Don Diego de la Vega, a Mexican land baron and freedom fighter. After escaping decades later from prison, Hopkins escapes from prison to seek revenge on the no-good governor (well played by a smarmy Stuart Wilson) the man who killed his wife and stole his daughter.

Bandaras, a low-life bandito becomes urbane and a proficient warrior at the teaching of Hopkins, and then becomes transformed by a positively bewitching Catherine Zeta-Jones. Their interplay gives the film its romantic, and often sensual edge.

Lots of swordplay and general excitement, as we recall from Douglas Fairbanks and Disney's Guy Williams. The movie moves quickly (but bogs down for awhile 2/3 of the way through. Happily, it picks up the pace through the end.

Nice scenery. When we see the sign of the return of Zorro, via a blazing Z cut into a hillside , it is positively thrilling. A stirring script which fits the film well. More than enough humor (such as the scene in the confessional, or one of several chased of Zorro by the troops) for the purpose of lessening the tension which is well added by a malevolent Matt Letscher.

As one says, it is a grand throwback. As another said: That's entertainment!

...They make the sign of the Z...
This film is the most recent Zorro film. It stars the young Hispanic Antonio Banderas and the intelligent actor Anthony Hopkins. THis may be the first time that a true Hispanic has played Zorro in an American film.
In 1820, Spain has lost California to Mexico. But Rafael Montero (Stuart Wilson) the Spanish govenor, is determined to kill his nemisis Zorro. The fox again foils Montero's plans with the help of two young orphans, one of whom he gives a medallion. Somehow, Montero learns that Diego de la Vega (Anthony Hopkins) is Zorro. Diego's wife is murdered by Montero's men, his hacienda burned, Montero robs him of his child, and Diego is sent to prison. Defeated but determined never to surrender, the enraged fox promises the govenor that he will never be rid of him.
Twenty years later, Santa Anna has become worse than Montero, and people vanish without a trace. The orphan who helped Zorro, Alejandro Mureita (Banderas) and his brother are caught by Montero's man Capitan Love (Matthew Letcher) who beheads Alejandro's brother. Meanwhile, Deigo escapes and sees that Montero has raised his stolen child Elena (Catherine Zeta Jones). Diego sees Alejandro. The two men form an alliance. Diego trains Alejandro in the art of the sword, the whip, riding a horse, and athletic ability. Alejandro tries an exlpoit as Zorro but is rejected by Diego. In the end, however, the new fox earns his mask. Diego now seeks revenge on his nemisis, Montero, while the new Zorro tries to free the people.
This film extends Zorro's legacy. However, in the future I am sure we will see more films with Zorro being Diego. One line with this film seems to hold more emotion than the rest.
DIEGO: "Rafael! You'll never be rid of me! Never!"

New Zorro, New Age
I have never been a huge fan of Antonio or Jones until I saw this film. With its breathtaking scenery, action and atmosphere it makes you love zorro again! A new zorro for a new age! Very well done film with superb acting. The dvd is full on with excellent picture quality and sound.

Zorro No Longer a Hero
Zorro, the hero of Pulps, movies, books, comics and television, has a new movie out. Antonio Banderas, on Larry King Live, mentioned that he hoped this movie would help to keep alive the spirit of the only Spanish super-hero (he in not the only one nor was he at the time of the interview). Well, I think it will do much to keep the name alive but not the spirit.

Anthony Hopkins is Zorro, the Fox. After years of struggle, Spain is pulling out of California and leaving it to the Mexicans. But Zorro slips up and the evil Governor tracks him down, kills his wife, steals his daughter and throws him in prison. Twenty years later Don Diego (Zorro) hears that the Governor is back. Minutes later he has escaped from prison (what was he waiting for?) and is destined to run into Antonio Banderas. After their meeting, Don Diego trains Antonio to be the new Zorro. The rest of the movie involves the plan to create the Independent Republic of California by buying it from Santa Ana with gold dug out of its soil and stamped to look Spanish. Mexico is willing to make the sale because of their war with the United States (it is now 1841).

If you are looking for a fun swashbuckling adventure, then this is definitely the movie to see. If, however, you want to see Zorro, you might find yourself a little disappointed. Gone is Zorro, the defender of the common people and the innocent. In his place is, not one, but two, Zorro's who are bent on personal vendetta's and enlightened self-interest. It is actually Don Diego's daughter who helps some enslaved Mexicans near the end of the movie.

The transition from one Zorro to another takes the Fox out of the wealthy and privileged and makes him a commoner. The new Zorro is also a thief (in a wonderfully fun scene the young Zorro steals his horse, a very serious crime at the time). Having Zorro break so common a law seemed wrong to me. To have Zorro flaunt the breaking of laws meant to worsen the lives of the commoners is another thing entirely. But in this movie Zorro does not taunt authority. He plots against it, to be sure, but for his own reasons and not for the good of the people.

As this movie has two Zorros, there are now also two villains to be defeated (one each). The elder Zorro still has his old nemesis to contend with while the younger Zorro has made a personal enemy of Captain Love, a young Cavalry officer who seems to be in the wrong country. Both villains are vile and easy to hate. This make the personal vendettas a little more palatable as well as making the ending a lot more fun.

The other main problem with this film is that Zorro loses. Zorro never loses. but in this film Zorro loses big time. He loses his wife, his home, his daughter, his name and twenty years of his life. Granted, he briefly regains his daughter but gone is the hero who can laugh in the face of danger and triumph brilliantly.

The last thing I wanted to mention is that, probably due to the controversy over the new Jeffrey Irons film, Zorro is no longer married to his wife Lolita. Her name has been changed (how dare they) to the more common Esperanza. I can understand the concern of some but Don Diego won the heart of Lolita before the Roaring Twenties. As in the Nabakov novel, Lolita is a valid name before it was turned into an adjective. Next thing you know people are going to try and get Disney to change the name of Bambi because they think it is a girl's name (Bambi was the prince of the forest).

So, if you want to see The Mask of Zorro because, to you, it means an exciting swashbuckling movie, you will really enjoy this one. But if you want to see the movie to watch the continuing adventures of a hero that has entertained all generations since his debut almost eighty years ago, part of you will be disappointed in what has happened to the character.

ZORRO MEETS ZETA JONES
THE MASK OF ZORRO is a rousiing, energetic, exciting romantic swashbuckler movie, reminiscent of all those great Fairbanks and Flynn movies.
Antonio Banderas is a perfect Zorro, starting off rude and crude, ending up flamboyant and gallant. His injection of humor and the way he rolls his eyes is a definite good addition to his role.
The ever amazing Anthony Hopkins shines in his role as the first Zorro, whose life is ruined when his wife is killed and his daughter taken away from him by his cruel enemy. It's rare to see an action hero over the 50 year mark!
Catherine Zeta-Jones is breathtakingly beautiful and is wonderful in her role as Hopkins daughter, feisty, yet adolescent in her yearnings for the masked man.
Stuart Wilson is vile and irreprehensible as Don Metero, the head villain, and he plays it to the hilt.
Matt Leschler as the Captain is even worse, his dashing good looks hiding a psychotic imbalance.
The whole movie is superb; James Horner's overlooked Oscar score is beautiful, including the closing credits duet by Tina Arena and Marc Antony of "I Want to Spend My Lifetime Loving You."
This is a fun, enjoyable and uplifting kind of movie. ENJOY! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Gary Oldman, hot off his success in Sid and Nancy and Prick Up Your Ears, went Hollywood with this stenciled thriller, which came minus many thrills. The most impressive thing about it is his American accent. Otherwise, there's not much to recommend this Martin Campbell film. Oldman plays a hotshot defense attorney in Boston who, in a highly publicized case, gets rich playboy Kevin Bacon acquitted of murder--only torealize afterward that Bacon is not just guilty, but a serial killer who has gone on a spree again. So the lawyer takes the law into his own hands and finds himself overmatched in a battle of wits with the murderer. But then, this whole movie is overmatched in the wits department. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Makers had no thought of making the film this could've been?
WARNING: SPOILERS, although this movie is its own worst spoiler.
The makers of this film had a good thing going, if only they'd suspected it and dared be a bit ambiguous as to whether their motives were politically correct or not. But guess they were committed all along to making a different film than the good one this could've been. Kevin Bacon plays Martin Thiel, a disturbed young man who was traumatized by learning that his mother wanted to abort him. Considering that, even the staunchest pro-choice advocates might ought to cut him some slack if he's not firmly in their camp. As the movie goes on we see perhaps even more compelling reasons why he's traumatized. Quite apart form her intentions in his prenatal days, we see that his mother is one who would make Susan Smith seem warm and caring by comparison. The movie (unwittingly, I suppose) creates considerable sympathy for Martin. But never mind all that. This movie is firmly committed to by-the-books political correctness. Because Martin is an abortion opponent and his mother is a doctor who performs abortions, don't imagine any room for suspense here as to who must be the villain and who must be his last victim. When some of his mother's former patients show up murdered and mutilated, Martin becomes the chief suspect. At one point (somewhere around halfway through) he seems to virtually confess to his lawyer (played by Gary Oldman) that he's the killer, hinting that he carries out a sort of divine justice against those who got abortions. Unquestionably here's a disturbed guy. But wouldn't a smart suspenseful plot development from that point be the following? Martin is no killer, but in his traumatized state almost admires whoever is and almost wants to take credit for those deeds and/or protect the real killer. Meanwhile his ice queen mother is a most conflicted pshcyopath, not at all totally secure in her belief in the morality of abortion but keeps providing them to have access to knowledge of who gets them, so she can exact her "vengeance" on them. But that would mean the movie would have to settle for being ambivalent on the subject of abortion. Its makers lacked the imagination and/or courage (probably both) to make that intriguing thriller. Instead what they do make from the point of Martin's virtual confession is as morose and boring as it is predictable.

Good Performances, Dumb Plot
A pompous and predictable thriller that covers all-too-familiar territory, this one is about a lawyer who helps set his client free of murder charges only to find out he was guilty of that crime and of another killing. Those who prefer smart thrillers will be disappointed, but with its occassional moments of intriguing suspense and credible performances by Oldman and Bacon, it's hard to look away.

A Principal Achivement In The Suspense-Thriller Genre
This is a thriiler worthy of high ranking Gary oldman plays the defense attorney who gets psycho Kevin Bacon aquitted of murder charges and then soon realizes the big mistake he made when his cilent starts taunting him by killing again and again. Noteworthy performaces all around and backed up by a memorable film score. If you want to see Kevin Bacon in a different role that expands his acting capabilties see this film, as for Gary Oldman this is one of his most acomplished works. A far cry from his usual bad guy over the edge type characters. I love this film!

boring and stupid
this dull, dull waste of time has no reason to exis

Criminal Law: A landmark in the careers of Bacon & Oldman
Criminal Law, released in 1989, gave a door-opening opportunity for Gary Oldman to enter the world of "real" Hollywood movies, and provided an opportunity for Kevin bacon to demonstrate his talent in a career slow spell. The plot is a well constructed thriller with Bacon playing the malevolent client of Gary Oldman's maverick neophyte criminal lawyer. Oldman gives an excellent portrayal of a young egotist torn between the oath of client confidentiality and the knowledge that his client is guilty. Bacon is brilliant as the cold genius client. A third very creditable performance is delivered by Joe-Don Baker who plays a tenacious wizened investigator. Overall the script provides for a tense thriller with much food for thought, laying the groundwork for similar movies one and a half decades later such as "Seven" and "Kiss the girls". I'd recommend it highly, but not on a dark rainy night if you're alone. ... Read more

Reviews (235)

3.5 out of 5
In 1995, action fans rejoiced. James Bond was back and just as fun as ever in GOLDENEYE. This time around, 007, played by Pierce Brosnan, is filled with shame over the death of his counterpart 006 (Sean Bean), believing he was responsible for 006's demise. Suddenly Bond is wisked into a war involving a stolen Russian missile launcher named Goldeneye, meanwhile being pitted once again against the Russian general (Gottfried John) that killed 006. Brosnan is arguably the greatest thing to happen to Bond since Roger Moore; he's every Bond in one, combining Sean Connery's strategy with Roger Moore's humor, George Lazenby's human side with Timothy Dalton's dark side. Brosnan is truly what the Bond franchise was looking for. The film also features a very nice score by Eric Serra; adventurous directing by Martin Campbell; and an action-packed script by Jeffrey Caine & Bruce Feirsten which also features plenty of humor. GOLDENEYE goes beyond the standard Bond flick, and ranks highly among the most entertaining well through it's 130 minutes; action/Bond fans will not be disappointed!

END TITLE: May not be gold, but action fans won't want to miss it

A Great, New Taste in the James Bond movies
Goldeneye is a great James Bond movie. Pierce Brosnan has to get credit for his performance as James Bond. Sean Connery was good, George Lazenby was plain and acted like a stick figure, Roger Moore was too nice and kind, Timothy Dalton spiced up 007 with his "over the edge" approach, but Pierce Brosnan is the greatest James Bond yet! I am a avid 007 fan and I have seen all of the movies so I know just what other people are looking for. The villans are also great. Sean Bean portrays Alec Trevelyan 006, Bond's best friend that also has a darker side that James did not know. Alec was once 007's partner, so he knows his every move. It is great to see a newer and more evil villan. The action sequences are great. The movie first sars off with James bungee jumping off the world's largest dam, then the pace of the movie has you up on your seat when James Bond is drving a WWII tank in the streets of St. Petersburg. If you don't like those cat-and-mouse chases, there is also many awesome mano-e-mano fights, including the climatic scene of 007 and 006 fighting on top of a Antenna cradle in Brazil. All in all, it is a great Bond movie that you shouldn't miss!

Good movie GREAT femme fatale
I loved Goldeneye because of:
a) Tank chase through St. Petersburg
b) The bungee jump off the dam
c) The humour
d) Isabella Scorupco's performance
and e) Famke Janssen's absolutely perfect, deadly femme fatale Xenia Onnatopp. She's the best, absolutely, the best Bond villain/girl EVER! Ilove Famke Janssen, but I've only seen her in this and X-Men. I can't find others anywhere.
But I'm sure you ain't reading this to hear about me going on about Famke Janssen.
The plot- Bond (superb Pierce Brosnan) is investigating a French anti-electric tampering helicopter, the 'Tiger', when it's stolen by Xenia Onnatopp, a fellow car enthusiast who is linked to a Russian terrorist group Janus.
At MI6, it is discovered a Russian satellite base was struck by an EMP weapon from space known as 'Goldeneye'.
Bond then begins his search for 'Janus', the head of the terrorist group, and soon meets up with one of 2 survivors from te EMP strike, Natalya, Isabella Scorupco, and soon discovers a global threat to technology, banking resources, and people's lives.
Excellent new Bond here. Brosnan's first Bond's is one of his best.
Cheesy explosion sounds annyoed me, and the missing action sequence with Bond's car, the BMW Z3 Roadster is completely missing.
But good casting and sets etc. prove that Bond could go on forever, or at least until the films become unprofitable. (Hee hee)

The Gold Medal!!
Goldeneye is one of those films that you know, from the first second, is going to please. It is an almost perfect movie from the awesome beginning to the slow unraveling of the plot to the love interest(the Russian) to the woman villianess (Xenia Onatopp - LOVE THAT NAME and what an entrance!!!!). On top of that we get Judi Dench as the new "M" and what a great bit of casting that was! Exciting, beautiful, sexy - the return of the spy himself.

well crafted movie, an eclectic bond
brosnan's inevitable debut.he really hasnt put much of his own stamp on the character and his portrayal is more an eclectic mix of the previous bonds.
that said, this is a fun debut.
there isnt much of a plot but theres plenty of ambience and some great character acting.
the images of the ghost like stalinesque graveyard are appopriately creepy and a not so subtle visual statement on the fall of the soviet union.
the main heroine and the main villian are a bit colorless but the two side villians (alan cummings and famke janssen) are great fun and sadly remind us that its been some time since we've seen bond villians with this much personality.
too, judi dench brings a much needed 'oomph' to the franchise and one hopes she'll be around for some time.
goldeneye seemd to promise new life to the franchise.
alas, the two sequals that followed fell flat. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The 18th James Bond adventure was a runaway box-office success when released in 1995, thanks to the arrival of Pierce Brosnan as the fifth actor (following the departure of Timothy Dalton) to play the suave, danger-loving Agent 007. This James Bond is a bit more vulnerable and psychologically complex--and just a shade more politically correct--but he's still a formally attired playboy at heart, with a lovely Russian beauty (Izabella Scorupco) as his sexy ally against a cadre of renegade Russians bent on--what else?--global domination. There's also a seductive villainous with the suggestive name of Xenia Onatopp (Famke Janssen), and the great actress Judi Dench makes her first appearance as Bond's superior, M, who wisecracks about 007's "dinosaur" status as a globetrotting sexist. All in all, this action-packed Bond adventure provided a much-needed boost the long-running movie series, revitalizing the 007 franchise for the turn of the millennium. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (235)

3.5 out of 5
In 1995, action fans rejoiced. James Bond was back and just as fun as ever in GOLDENEYE. This time around, 007, played by Pierce Brosnan, is filled with shame over the death of his counterpart 006 (Sean Bean), believing he was responsible for 006's demise. Suddenly Bond is wisked into a war involving a stolen Russian missile launcher named Goldeneye, meanwhile being pitted once again against the Russian general (Gottfried John) that killed 006. Brosnan is arguably the greatest thing to happen to Bond since Roger Moore; he's every Bond in one, combining Sean Connery's strategy with Roger Moore's humor, George Lazenby's human side with Timothy Dalton's dark side. Brosnan is truly what the Bond franchise was looking for. The film also features a very nice score by Eric Serra; adventurous directing by Martin Campbell; and an action-packed script by Jeffrey Caine & Bruce Feirsten which also features plenty of humor. GOLDENEYE goes beyond the standard Bond flick, and ranks highly among the most entertaining well through it's 130 minutes; action/Bond fans will not be disappointed!

END TITLE: May not be gold, but action fans won't want to miss it

A Great, New Taste in the James Bond movies
Goldeneye is a great James Bond movie. Pierce Brosnan has to get credit for his performance as James Bond. Sean Connery was good, George Lazenby was plain and acted like a stick figure, Roger Moore was too nice and kind, Timothy Dalton spiced up 007 with his "over the edge" approach, but Pierce Brosnan is the greatest James Bond yet! I am a avid 007 fan and I have seen all of the movies so I know just what other people are looking for. The villans are also great. Sean Bean portrays Alec Trevelyan 006, Bond's best friend that also has a darker side that James did not know. Alec was once 007's partner, so he knows his every move. It is great to see a newer and more evil villan. The action sequences are great. The movie first sars off with James bungee jumping off the world's largest dam, then the pace of the movie has you up on your seat when James Bond is drving a WWII tank in the streets of St. Petersburg. If you don't like those cat-and-mouse chases, there is also many awesome mano-e-mano fights, including the climatic scene of 007 and 006 fighting on top of a Antenna cradle in Brazil. All in all, it is a great Bond movie that you shouldn't miss!

Good movie GREAT femme fatale
I loved Goldeneye because of:
a) Tank chase through St. Petersburg
b) The bungee jump off the dam
c) The humour
d) Isabella Scorupco's performance
and e) Famke Janssen's absolutely perfect, deadly femme fatale Xenia Onnatopp. She's the best, absolutely, the best Bond villain/girl EVER! Ilove Famke Janssen, but I've only seen her in this and X-Men. I can't find others anywhere.
But I'm sure you ain't reading this to hear about me going on about Famke Janssen.
The plot- Bond (superb Pierce Brosnan) is investigating a French anti-electric tampering helicopter, the 'Tiger', when it's stolen by Xenia Onnatopp, a fellow car enthusiast who is linked to a Russian terrorist group Janus.
At MI6, it is discovered a Russian satellite base was struck by an EMP weapon from space known as 'Goldeneye'.
Bond then begins his search for 'Janus', the head of the terrorist group, and soon meets up with one of 2 survivors from te EMP strike, Natalya, Isabella Scorupco, and soon discovers a global threat to technology, banking resources, and people's lives.
Excellent new Bond here. Brosnan's first Bond's is one of his best.
Cheesy explosion sounds annyoed me, and the missing action sequence with Bond's car, the BMW Z3 Roadster is completely missing.
But good casting and sets etc. prove that Bond could go on forever, or at least until the films become unprofitable. (Hee hee)

The Gold Medal!!
Goldeneye is one of those films that you know, from the first second, is going to please. It is an almost perfect movie from the awesome beginning to the slow unraveling of the plot to the love interest(the Russian) to the woman villianess (Xenia Onatopp - LOVE THAT NAME and what an entrance!!!!). On top of that we get Judi Dench as the new "M" and what a great bit of casting that was! Exciting, beautiful, sexy - the return of the spy himself.

well crafted movie, an eclectic bond
brosnan's inevitable debut.he really hasnt put much of his own stamp on the character and his portrayal is more an eclectic mix of the previous bonds.
that said, this is a fun debut.
there isnt much of a plot but theres plenty of ambience and some great character acting.
the images of the ghost like stalinesque graveyard are appopriately creepy and a not so subtle visual statement on the fall of the soviet union.
the main heroine and the main villian are a bit colorless but the two side villians (alan cummings and famke janssen) are great fun and sadly remind us that its been some time since we've seen bond villians with this much personality.
too, judi dench brings a much needed 'oomph' to the franchise and one hopes she'll be around for some time.
goldeneye seemd to promise new life to the franchise.
alas, the two sequals that followed fell flat. ... Read more

Description

From the director of Goldeneye. The year is 2022 . A former marine captain has been sentenced to life on a remote island prison where the most violent and feared criminals have been secured. There is no escape ... or is there? ... Read more

Reviews (21)

ESCAPE FROM ABSOLOM is a classic science fiction movie
ESCAPE FROM ABSOLOM is a classic sci-fi movie from New Zealand director Martin Campbell, the man behind GoldenEye and The Mask of Zorro, ESCAPE FROM ABSOLOM is truly a classic movie starring Ray Liotta, Lance Hendrikson and Ernie Hundson (Ghostbusters fame) who all do exellent performances. Liotta does good acting in a scene of the movie when his character is haunted by the memories of him killing people as he watches the fire. This sci-fi film set in 2022, in a future where prison corporations have become big buiness, A convicted soldier (Liotta) is taken to a Jungle island after being banished from a maximum security prison ruled by actor Michael Lerner. Only to find the Jungle island is ruled by two societies of prisoners, Savage outcasts and peaceful criminals. Where he discovers escape is impossible, and he plots to escape. The film is set on location in Austrilia, the film has good film-sets, good costume designs and good special effects. Like FORTRESS, Escape from Absolom should have a sequel, in which Liotta should reprise his role as Robbins. ESCAPE FROM ABSOLOM is a classic science fiction movie.

A little-known classic action flick!
What a cool movie! I didn't think much of "No Escape" when it hit theaters, and didn't pay any attention to it until seeing on TV one night when nothing else was on. What a surprise! This is a great action flick, just alot of fun to watch. It's a great DVD to watch with a bunch of your buddies, heck, even my wife loved it.

Ray Liotta stars as a former marine with a hidden, dark past, so dark in fact, that he kills his commanding officer and is sentenced to life on a tropical prison island filled with rival gangs. He lands in the bad section of town first, dukes it out with the baddies, and ends up with the civilized tribe, becoming a leader & inspiration for them to fight for what they have and to get off the island. Pretty standard plot, but the action is fast-paced, there's plenty of it, and the actors really shine.

Liotta does a stand-up job as our hero, Lance Henrikson is very good as The Father, and the supporting cast turn in admirable performances as well. But the true reason to see this film is the absolute tour de force performance of Stuart Wilson as the arch-villain Marek. Never have I seen an actor deliver a better mix of humor & nastiness; he's completely brilliant here. Wilson pulls off the best antagonist I've ever seen in an action flick. I guarantee you'll enjoy the movie for, if nothing else, Wilson's performance alone. His work here is a must-see for any action fan.

A good cast, a phenomenal villain, and a load of fun; that sums up "No Escape". Don't let this underrated action film slip by you. It's so much better than the typical Stallone/Schwarzenegger action movie, and Wilson's brilliant performance must be seen. Enjoy!

escape on your own will
the first 15 minutes are boring but when Liotta goes into the outsiders camp and has some fun its great. Lots of violence with dull character villians but Stuart Wilson is a hoot as the head baddude. burns some with some pretty horrible dialoug but then theres still goodies, with the highlight being when Stuart and his men come into the insiders camp and find noone but Liotta and one of their weapons, Liotta fires and boom, great scene.

Dull and Uncreative
Unimpressive film with a rather predictable plot. Ray Liotta has been wrongly convicted of a crime and is sent to an island-prison colony divided into two camps: unreformable criminals and reformed, peace-seeking, criminals. It is evident by Ray Liotta's character and his predicament that this is a good guy vs. bad guys movie. The dialogue is, for the most part weak, and the film is too long. For a movie of this sort, I would recommend watching "Escape from New York" or "Running Man" instead: they're shorter, have better stories, and better actors all together.

Una pelicula muy bien lograda.
Excelente film, con actuacion de calidad como suele ofrecer Ray Liotta.
Solido guion, apropiada banda sonora e inmejorable fotografia, hacen que esta pelicula atrape de comienzo a fin.
Vean este pelicula para dar cuenta de cuantas otras son burdas copias. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Reilly Ace of Spies
In December B. Harnden wrote a warning about buying the 4 video set expressing his disappointment that it did not include the first 2-hour segment which appeared on PBS. I have just had the same experience. Harnden indicated that he was going to order the "first" tape with the hope that it is the tape of the first segment. I wonder if he or anyone knows what the answer to this conundrum is. Like Harnden, I would like to see the whole series.
John

An Ace Series
I thoroughly enjoyed the series when it played on PBS. If you buy the four-cassette package, I think it gives you the whole series (not sure). The single cassette is the first cassette of the package. Confusing yes. Get the package. Unfortunately Amazon is out of stock indefinitely, but I was able to get it elsewhere.

The exploits of Sidney Reilly based on the book by Lockhart "Reilly Ace of Spies." There is a second book by Lockhart that supposedly corrects the first book. Reilly is truly the man of mystery, a single, double, triple ... agent, who knows? The major mystery about him is whether he perished in Russia or was turned. The series succeeds brilliantly on all levels. A must buy for any spy buff along with "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "Smiley's People."

What is the complete series with all episodes
This one of my all time PBS favorites. However the Amazon posting does not make it clear as to haow many tapes gets it all. Why is Episode i called out separately from the four video set ?

Excellent series
I first saw this series on TV many many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Sam Neill played Reilly to perfection - cool, sophisticated and amoral. Every single episode is rivetting and it is done without the usual gunfights, explosions and gadgetry that is common in today's spy dramas.

This movie/series is over rated.
This not in the same league as Le Carre adaptions by the BBC. This episode lacks any true drama in my view ; a tepid introduction. I think Reilly's life was far more exciting than this. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

'Beyond' Logic
I admired the political messages of "Beyond Borders," but I can't say the same for the love story. It seemed out-of-place and forced. Sara (Angelina Jolie) was a troubled housewife who was deeply moved by a doctor's efforts to feed starving children in Ethiopia, Cambodia and Chechnya. She journeyed to those countries over a decade and eventually fell in love with the doctor (Clive Owen). The movie tried very hard to be a politically motivated film and I respect that. They should've left out the love story but kept the level of passion for their cause to rise throughout the movie. You don't know whether to feel for the characters in the end or the whole charade they went through to make a difference, to help. But, it's worth your time and it's a lot different than most movies.

3 & 1/2 Stars - Beautiful & Ugly all the while Unforgiving
I watched "Beyond Borders" last night, and while the other people I watched it with were beyond bored, I was infatuated. The film, while being a bit "preachy," (nothing anyone would be overly annoyed with) is visually intoxicating. Sometimes in a surreal way other times in a horrific way, but intoxicating no less. Angelina Jolie shines in her role as Sarah, an American whose life changes drastically throughout the years of her adult life with her experiences with refugee camps she visits. Clive Owens plays Nick, a struggling refugee doctor with the best of inentions, but has become cynical and often bitter towards others, but not without good reason. Together they reach an understanding of one another, and eventually find love. But as much as the studio promotes this as a "Love Story" it is NOT that in the least. (I repeat this is NOT a love story.) It is bulked up by some hollywood explosions and such. However in whole this is a film about HEROISM in it's many forms. This film will grab hold of your heart, it will tug, warm, tear, comfort and break it. I think everyone should watch it becuase it gives an honest and unforgiving look at worlds outside our own little box. I give it * * * 1/2 for being a great film, but dragging on a little at times.

A lot better than I expected
I was expecting the worst when it came to this movie. I am a fan of Angelina Jolie, but it didn't do very well at the box office and I didn't really hear anything about it.

Well, none of that matters because this is a very good movie. Angelina does a good job here, as does Clive Owen, her love interest. The story was interesting and eye-opening. It kept my attention even though this isn't a lightning-paced movie. I wanted to know what would happen to Angelina's character. I was also surprised by a few twists that happen unexpectedly. There's a key scene midway through the movie that doesn't mean a lot at the time, but perfectly foreshadows something that happens later on.

I highly recommend this movie. It was very entertaining and it really did make you think. I'm not a big fan of movies like this, but this is an exception. It should have been a bigger hit.

Schock film!
This movie is deeply bitter. It's touchimg and it deals with a premise that we forget too many times , inmersed as we are in our daily activities.
In a beautiful wedding a doctor will suddenly appear and will denounces the injustice for having denied them an important amount of money for the homeless and poor people from Africa.
This breakthrough will twist the life of Sarah Jordan (Angelina Jolie) and she will become the most exhaustive fighter for this noble cause.
Campbell makes a good and haunting movie , even there are some irrelevant scenes , but you never miss the interest in the story . Obviously this world of injustice will generate the unavoidable atraction between them .
Jolie gives a very realistic portrait.
The rest of the story runs for you .
Interesting story , above the average .

Wonderful Love Story
This movie is very good! I will have to say, to the individuals who are watching it for the first time, pay attention to every detail because it makes the ending pack more punch! Even though the ending is sad...I think the movie is well done and Angelina Jolie's performance is OUTSTANDING!!! Enjoy... ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great series. I saw it on PBS twice
Sam Neill is in his element as Sidney Reilly (Sigmund Rosenblum) during the Russian revolution. You are never sure whom he is spying for. He is a British spy that was responsible for gaining secrets that assured the Japanese success in their maritime war efforts with the Russians. He later became involved in the Bolshevik revolution. This is volume one of (eleven episodes/four cassettes.)

Original

Episode # Prod # Air Date Episode Title

____ _______ ________ ___________ ___________________________________________

1. 1- 1 5 Sep 83 An Affair with a Married Woman (90 min)

2. 1- 2 7 Sep 83 Prelude to War

3. 1- 3 14 Sep 83 The Visiting Fireman

4. 1- 4 21 Sep 83 Anna

5. 1- 5 28 Sep 83 Dreadnoughts and Crosses

6. 1- 6 5 Oct 83 Dreadnoughts and Doublecrosses

7. 1- 7 12 Oct 83 Gambit

8. 1- 8 19 Oct 83 Endgame

9. 1- 9 26 Oct 83 After Moscow

10. 1-10 2 Nov 83 The Trust

11. 1-11 9 Nov 83 The Last Journey

12. 1-12 16 Nov 83 Shutdown

Sidney Reilly / King of all Spies
After getting teased years ago by LPB's Mystery Theatre ran all the Episodes pertaining to Sidney Rosemblum aka Sidney Reilly. The series pretty well runs true to the "Robin Bruce Lockhart's "Reilly:Ace of Spies". Lockhart's Father was a member of the British Diplomatic Corps during Russia's Lenin/Bolshivick revolution. Reilly worked desperately to bring down Lenin and his cronies. Had he succeeded the world would have been a much better place. And who knows WWII could have been adverted. The series shows Reilly's exploits in a very truthful way. The book, the entire VHS series show the true beginning of the Secret services as we know today. Ian Fleming knew of Reilly's exploits and they served as a stimulus to his James Bond series years later. Reilly ended up with a bullet in his head trying to save Mother Russia. Stalin ,the Cheka (later th KGB) saw the only way to end this potent threat was execution. This man could have changed the 20th Century. An excellant read(if you can't find the book, buy the Video ! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

What the...........
I loved the movie, but the DVD is EDITED. There were several scenes that have been edited (I am assuming for nudity and content since the film revolves around a porn set).
I don't really have a problem with the nudity, but there were several scenes that were crucial to the story...especially right before the murder takes place (it is something Barbara Hershey finds in her boyfriends office. On video, you see what she sees, in the DVD you don't....if I wanted an edited film, I would have watched it on the Lifetime Network.

lots of screen time for Hershey
This is one of the scandalously few top billings in Barbara Hershey's career. As such, the iron-stomached film viewer will at least get to enjoy lots of BH screen time for his suffering. Other than that, not much.

Irrelevant but amusing: I read somewhere that during the filming of this movie Sam Shepard would whine every time he had to do anything involving the least bit of action. (Jackie Chan heroics are not involved, you understand.) What a wussy!

She protected others but could not protect herself
The title of this thriller is both a pun on Barbara Hershey playing a lawyer and the fact that she is being stalked, though the stalking is dropped halfway. Hershey is perceived as a flake, partly because she dresses "unprofessionally", wears wavy hair, and tends to talk to herself. However luckily for us, this perception gives Hershey a "defensive" atttitude (ho ho) and her acting has a bit more edge than usual. Director Martin Campbell keeps her moving here, rather than letting the camera settle on her, which ironically makes her look all the more beautiful. Hershey's lawyer finds herself in a bind when she is involved in the death of her married lover, who is also a client she is defending for his association with a porno racket. The porno film that opens this film actually looks pretty tame, and it seems odd to have the female as the aggressor, though I suppose this is a male fantasy. When we are told that the father of the actress seeks to punish all those involved (and this includes Hershey by association) because the girl is underage, something is off since the girl seems most willing in the footage. By having Hershey fight with her lover and attack him, the idea that she has killed him is raised, though surprisingly this is dropped quickly, all the more surprising considering how savage her attack is. What's more of a surprise is having Hershey represent Mary Beth Hurt as her lover's wife. Hershey herself says this is not possible after she reports the death, and thereby makes herself a material witness. Hurt pleads guilty to the murder, and at one point Hershey challenges her by telling her she was always a bad actress, recalling their shared college play. This line is particularly unfortunate coming from Hershey, since Hurt is so much the stronger performer. Even saddled with a ridiculous southern accent and drag-queen fly-away hair (what was the hair-stylist thinking?!), she is the best thing about the entire film, though not even she can save the pseudo-Fatal Attraction ending. In spite of the schizophrenic treatment, Campbell maintains our interest all the way through, though I could have done without Hershey spilling red wine on Mary Beth's white carpet. Even though she doesn't make much of an impression, it's still interesting to see Sheree North in the supporting cast, as a reminder of what Marilyn Monroe's later roles may have been if she had lived. Oh, and Sam Shepard's in it too, and seems very bored. ... Read more