Reviews (10)

An Underappreciated Capra Classic
I love this movie. All of Frank Capra's films are great, but this is the one I like the most(this and YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU). It's a wonderful story of a "woman of the street" trying to put on a good show for her daughter when she comes to visit(and introduce her fiance). It's a touching and funny film and goes sadly unheralded(at least Criterion released in on laserdisc). I often think of it in the same class with the Barbara Stanwyck classic, STELLA DALLAS. A must for any classic film fan, an absolute must.

The 1933 Columbia Pictures logo
LADY FOR A DAY is worth seeing if only to see that 1933 Columbia Pictures logo which introduces the film. This movie deserves a cluster of stars, the Frank Capra 50 star rendition of Damon Runyon's wonderfully Broadway story of Apple Annie. The characters are in the tradition of the Lemon Drop Kid--Moose Moran, and Oxford Charlie; in this movie it's Dave the Dude. Dude, played by Warren William, is portrayed as Runyon would have expected him to be portrayed. And what a supporting cast to "Apple Annie," May Robson; cast including Walter Connolly as the Spanish Count, and Ned Sparks, with his monotone delivery, is Dude's mobster sidekick. Of course the brassy, nightclub bombshell, moll-to-be Glenda Farrell rounded out the bunch of Broadway mugs. It just wouldn't have been a 1930s Manhattan movie without the New York celebrities including Irish cops, the Mayor and Governor. Their evening police escort with motorcycle sirens and headlamps blazing was in the Grand B movie tradition for a Grand A movie. It was a fairy tale as weren't all of Damon Runyon's tales? Well written, well cast, well done. Take it from Dude's muscle-man, Shakespeare, "Ee-say, is-thay, ovie-may-- Or else! Yer may find yerself takin' a ride up tah 42nd Street.

The rating is for the DVD
I should have listened to the other person who mentioned scratches on the movie. However, while he found them only slightly distracting...I found them to be so disruptive that I lost track of the movie. This print was transferred from a copy that had severe sprocket tooth scratches. These scratches lasted for almost 20 minutes.

While my rating of the movie itself would be 3-4 stars, I cannot recommend...even to fans of the movie...to buy this copy. I wouldn't even be happy if I had bought it for under 10 bucks....but at this steep price, I advise against it.

A Good Capra DVD
Lady for a Day is a fine Capra film. The story concerns a street vendor Apple Annie (May Robson) who has deceived her daughter that she is a High Society lady. The daughter, who has been living in Spain, decides to visit and what's more brings along her prospective fiancé plus his father, a Spanish count. So as not to scupper her daughter's marriage, Annie must enlist the help of her underworld friends to continue the deception. The film is at times very funny with a tone which looks ahead to the Screwball comedies of the later thirties. It is also often rather moving, with May Robson's terrific performance eliciting a great deal of sympathy. The rest of the cast is equally fine. Warren William as Dave the Dude is that most unusual of characters a gangster with a heart of gold. Guy Kibbee, familiar from so many thirties films, is always fun to watch. This time he plays a pool shark who agrees to pretend he is Apple Annie husband. Jean Parker, as Apple Annie's daughter Louise, will be familiar to anyone who has seen the 1933 version of Little Women in which she plays Beth. Her role in Lady for a Day could hardly match that role, but she still performs well with her memorably unusual voice. She also looks absolutely stunning. It's even possible to glimpse a young Ward Bond, as a policeman on a horse, obtaining an apple from Annie.

The print used for the Image DVD is not perfect. The main problem is that towards the end of the film, the right hand edge of the picture has been damaged so that white marks appear on the print. This only affects a small portion of the picture, but it is a little bit distracting. For the most part however, the print is clear and sharp. Even when there is some damage, the rest of the picture is fine. I have seen any number of thirties and forties films which have survived in worse condition than Lady for a Day. Moreover the sound quality on this DVD is above average for a film from this period. The wonderful dialogue is easily audible and the soundtrack has very little background noise. As an extra the DVD includes a commentary by Frank Capra Junior. This is a DVD which Capra fans should enjoy.

stay away
This wonderful film is a total disaster in its DVD format. Frank Capra Junior calls it a restored print which is a joke. The film is often dark, details are hard to see and there are sprocket holes, white spots and all kinds of detractions in the film. How could Image and Capra release this mess on DVD! This outstanding film deserves much better than is offered. ... Read more

Reviews (275)

JIM CARREY was Born to Play THE GRINCH!
I just want to say THE GRINCH with JIM CARREY is one awesome Holiday movie! I am 24 years old and I really dig this movie. I saw this movie at the show last Christmas, and I had a blast watching it. It is very close to the DR. SEUSS book and animated movie but being a motion picture the movie has a lot more detail on the story which gives the story of The Grinch a whole new life. The DVD will be released this NOVEMBER and you can pre-order it here on AMAZON.com. The DVD has so many special features like - Sing-Along songs, Read-Along songs, DVD ROM content such as - Add a Grinch to your own photograph, screen savers, games, recipes, the Music Video of Faith Hill's "WHERE ARE YOU CHRISTMAS", a Whoville section which includes Who School, Jim Carrey make up application, set decorations, visual effects, and a few more surprises such as a Spotlight on location, Deleted scenes, and Outtakes. Buy this DVD it is a great flick to add to your Holiday Movie Collection! You can also check out the WIDESCREEN version DVD, this one is for the FULL SCREEN version of The Grinch.

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE THE BOX OFFICE
BASED on the classic Dr. Seuss tale of "HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS", THE GRINCH not only proved the durability of the multi-talented JIM CARREY (comedies, dramas, now family films), but also proved that classic stories can be modernized and still be just as enjoyable.

Not only is the unique element of the story still there, but the silver screened edition adds more plot on many subjects. Most importantly - the Grinch's origin that explains his hatred and disgust for the Whos and their beloved holiday. Some will argue that this either perverts a classic or dulls it's shine. Not at all, and after seeing the movie you'll realize that it is in no way possible.

The movie can't tarnish that eternal shine, and really can only make the old classic even more popular than it already is. Here are some facts and comparisons:

Some say: "If you can't stick to the classic's criteria, there shouldn't be an updated version."

I say: "The classic is a 2 minute read and a 30 minute cartoon. There's no such thing as adjusting a 30 minute cartoon's subject matter into that of a required (atleast) 90 minute film. The updated version actually contains all that is in the cartoon and book, adding the rest was simply needed. Could you imagine stretching out 30 minutes of material into 90 minutes?! Anyways, THE GRINCH is BASED on the classic childrens book. B A S E D."

Some say: "I went to THE GRINCH in hopes of seeing something alot more. That movie is basically the Grinch stealing Christmas, where's the rest? Surely the story needed something different!"

I say: "Saying you knew the Grinch would steal Christmas and that you expected more is like saying you went to TITANIC in hopes of the true story having a manipulative-movie-happy-ending where the boat doesn't sink. Too bad because besides the added origin/reasoning, great make-up (Oscar winning), excellent design and portrayal of the Whos and their town (Oscar nominated Art Direction)...you also get JIM CARREY who gives another Oscar-snubbed performance as the Grinch. Not only does CARREY go through with hours and hours of make-up each day to get the job done, he also makes the Grinch his own. He keeps the tone and attitude of the classic character solid while adding humor, plenty of facial expressions he could do without make-up, and most of all... ironically likeable."

Some say: "Where's the rhyming and Seuss-like feel? The movie had dialouge and singing...but that dialouge should be in rhyme!"

I say: "Pleeeeaaassseee!! That's the one thing this movie definetely did not need and wisely kept out! Constant Seuss rhymes would only bore the adults of the FAMILY MOVIE AUDIENCE much like Disney movie songs and Barney sing-a-longs. A little rhyming is allright, a whole 90 minutes..."

Some say: "Many parts of THE GRINCH are not for children audiences! Kissing a dog's rearend! Belching in someone's face? That is so immature and vulgar for a PG rated movie!"

I say: "Firstly, it's a PG (Parental Guidence suggested, let's all say it together...again...one more time). Lastly, it doesn't show a close-up (or at all) of the dog's butt meeting the lips of it's victim. It's not as graphic as you make it sound. Belching...yeah, gross. Nobody does that until they see a movie to influence them to do so. Yeah, whatever...next?"

Some say: "There's quite the run of dry spots that can drag on."

I say: "I must not have noticed, nor left the house with such a Grinch-like attitude. I went to the movie to have fun. The parts I thought were dry was the little girl singing "Where Are You Christmas", but atleast, thank god, they didn't go overkill with it. JIM CARREY also gets in on the singing with his version of YOU'RE A MEAN ONE, MR. GRINCH."

I haven't seen THE GRINCH since opening day (11/17/00) and would gladly deem it in the Top 5 Movies of 2000. AND, it certainly isn't as bad as THEY make it seem. Either they are JIM CARREY bashers or not a fan of modernizing classics, but I can't think of one real reason not to see it. Though I won't and can't ever forget this NOW-CLASSIC, I do highly recommend this one for everybody. At the moment I am wishing I had seen it more than once, 'cause now I'm suffering from withdrawls to know when it will be released to own on DVD! Remember, not all classics set the standards. Sometimes it can be the upstaged by it's successor.

Loved it!
I really liked it a lot! I watch the original cartoon every Chrsitmas and I've read the book to my little brother. This is a really cute movie I would definitly reccomend. I think the Grinch's cold hearted spirit is captured really well (until he turns good that is). Some people don't like this and feel it ruined the Grinch because it's not strictly to the book, but what do you expect? The book wasn't very long. It can be read in about five minutes more or less...

Anyway I do suggest you watch this provided you aren't one of those affor mentioned people that freak out over every little thing. I do NOT reccomend the Cat in the Hat movie. I thought that movie seemed too much like Austin Powers in a cat suit to tell the truth,

Did these people even read the BOOK????
What a terrible movie! How could you possibly ruin such a classic Dr. Seuss book?
Dr. Seuss is one of my favorite authors (no kidding, the books are for much younger readers than me...but I own every Dr. Seuss book, anyway.) It drives me crazy that Dr. Seuss' wife let them PRODUCE this rot! If I were her I reject them and I might even (as Dr. Seuss said on DR. SEUSS GOES TO WAR) smack them in the snoot!
I even didn't watch the whole thing, I left as soon as I could. Unless the ending was about sixty times better than everything prior to that, it was one of the worst movies I've ever watched!
Jim Carrey DID do a good job, but he can't save a movie like THAT! And did we really have to go into his long, boring and disturbing childhood? It tells us WHY he hates Christmas, whereas in the book no one quite no the reason why he hated it. (And don't even get me started on how much I hate THE CAT IN THE HAT with Mike Myers (who, by the way, can't act)!
Not to say I don't like the animated TV Special THE GRINCH WHO STOLE CHRISTMAS. That was maybe better than the book was. Although, what could you expect from a master like Chuck Jones who actually KNEW what he was doing! That movie at least 1000 times better than this!
And one of the best parts of the book was "Maybe Christmas DOESN'T come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more." But how can you believe THAT on THE GRINCH, the vulgar movie that was merchandised to the BONE!!!!!
After watching this film, you realize: The Grinch didn't steal Christmas...but the directors RUINED Christmas!

So THAT'S how he stole it...
That was Jim Carrey in that costume? I don't think anyone could have pulled it off better, but for me, Taylor Momsen, who played Cindy Loo Who, was the most enjoyable to watch. What a gifted little actress. Christine Baranski and Molly Shannon, both musically-inclined favorites of mine, also danced across the screen.

So this isn't exactly the same storyline as the one penned by the good doctor himself. But it is very close, with some details added in to give adults a few more chuckles.

And if you like it for nothing else, you will love the fantasy world created by some outstanding set and costume design; terrific old and new music; and vivid special effects.

Worth a viewing or two for all of you Who's. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

One of the best comedies of the 1970s, Blake Edwards's ode to midlife crisis and the hazards of infidelity now plays like a valentine to that self-indulgent decade, and it's still as funny as it ever was. In the signature role of his career (along with "Arthur"), Dudley Moore plays a songwriter with a severe case of marital restlessness, and all it takes is a chance encounter with Bo Derek (in her screen debut) to jump-start his libido. Julie Andrews plays Moore's wife, who will only tolerate so much of her husband's desperate need to reaffirm his sexual vitality, while Moore pursues Derek to a tropical rendezvous. The action builds to the now-famous bedroom scene that sent everyone rushing to the music store for their own copy of Ravel's Boléro. Talk about a classical climax! --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Five Stars for Dudley and Julie
In 10, Dudley Moore gives a five star performance on two fronts as both a comic and music genius. Film fans may be unaware that Moore scored several films and performed as a concert pianist in his career in addition to his acting talents.

Moore plays a fortyish songwriter who has developed the mother of all mid-life crisis's. Julie Andrews (who looks fantastic here BTW) shines as his impatient love interest and Bo Derek is lovely as Dudley's fantasy girl. Brian Dennehy and Dee Wallace-Stone are very good in supporting roles.

The DVD transfer is good especially for a film that has a little age. The sound is mono only which is disappointing but understandable. This is one of Blake Edwards best films and a must see for fans of romantic comedy. It is sad and sobering to realize that both Moore's and Andrew's gifts have been diminished by illness. Grab this DVD and take time to remember how really talented they both are.

Pleasant little outing for Dudley Moore and Bo Derek
Buying this DVD shortly after the unfortunate demise of Dudley Moore brings home how little of the artists work is currently available on DVD and CD.

Growing up in England in the 1960s in England it was hard to miss the revolution that was taking place in comedy as well as in other areas of the arts. Dudley Moore was an integral part of that revolution along with his friend and colleague Peter Cook. Sadly much of their recorded output is no longer available. Even sadder is the growing number of those performers who were part of that revolution who are no longer with us.

10 is the story of a wealthy composer who has everything that money can buy and a long-suffering girlfriend played by Julie Andrews who has a mind of her own.

Moore sees Derek, in her first starring role, and pursues her through a series of misunderstandings from the moment he first sees her on her way to a wedding to finally being alone with her in her hotel room where he discovers her to be a hedonist only seeking self-gratification.

The movie is notable for the consideable degree of nudity and for it's moralising on the relaxed social attitudes, if in fact there were any, following on from the nineteen sixties social revolution. There is a moralising tone throughout as we follow Dudley's escapades and although there are a number of humourous situations it is hard to tell whether it was intended as a comedy or whether there was a more dramatic intent.

It is nevertheless a warm nice movie and in some ways is more representative of Dudley Moore the person than his other silver screen appearances. Bo Derek gives a faultless performance as the pleasure seeking girl but that is all her role is limited to. Julie Andrews will forever remain to me the way she was in the Sound of Nusic and that is all I can say about it.

This DVD is a pleasant way to remember Dudley Moore. He would be better remembered if his catalogue of films and music were once again to be made available for public pleasure and enjoyment.

Good movie - poor casting
I would just like to use this space to contest that Bo Derek never was qualified enough to be a 'sex symbol' character in anything. So, to cast her in this movie as the 'sex' interest of Dudley Moore doesn't quite work. (I keep wanting someone to yank those raggedy beads off her odd looking head.)

I would also like to give a special message to John Derek: John, may Providence strike you down for subjecting us to misshapen, no-talent hacks such as Bo Derek and Linda Evans. Two unsexy and boring women (unless one is in to women who look like Skeletor from He-Man).

Also, Julie Andrews gives one the impression of being Dudley's mom, not his wife. Why not cast Doris Day as the wife of Dudley's character?

Sorry all, I had to vent.

Likeable comedy
This is a likeable, interesting comedy. The movie is mostly remembered for Bo Derek, but her screen time is far less than the two main stars, Dudley Moore and Julie Andrews, portraying a couple with relationship problems. The supporting cast is also good. This is a film for adults, with plenty of nudity.

10
Do not waste your money or time on this video. I am only giving it one star because I cannot give it a zero! It was the most boring movie I have ever watched...was not funny...was not anything except BORING!! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Pure genious
These are the first three episodes of Police Squad, the program that laid out the ground works for the Naked Gun series and a lot of other parodies out there (stuff like chalk outline jokes and name puns). I personally consider Police Squad to be better than the Naked Gun series, and all other parodies made by the Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker team. Too bad there were only six episodes made, as this is just pure gold in my humble opinion.

The Naked Truth
This is an extremely hilarious tape. It is just as funny, if not more, than the NAked Gun movies. Watch it a few times and you'll realize all the jokes you've missed.

POLICE SQUAD forever and ever and...
What, only 6 stinkin' episodes is all this show has? Shows you what Hollywood thinks is and isn't funny. The cast is great and the Jokes...Sight Gags that really make you feel good about Vision! A Must Have- What No DVDs?

The original television series is funnier than the movies
"Police Squad," which aired in 1982, starred Leslie Nielsen as Detective Frank Drebin, Alan North as Captain Ed Hocken, Ed Williams as scientist Ted Olson, William Duell as Johnny the Snitch, and Rex Hamilton as Abraham Lincoln. The first three episodes from the short-lived but well-remembered comedy created by the Zucker Brothers are preserved on this tape. I have included both the title that appeared on the screen and the one intoned by the narrator (in that order). Oh, and please remember that the "guest star" for each episode is always killed during the title credits. Now, back to the episodes:

(1) "A Substantial Gift"/"The Broken Promise," the March 4, 1982 series premier with guest star Lorne Greene (dumped out of a car with a knife buried in his chest), finds Frank investigating the murder of a teller at the bank. His girlfriend Sally says it was a recently fired employee, but Frank has his doubts. There is a great scene involving Frank trying to get clear about "Jim Fell" and an equally funny visit to the Dentist. (2) "Ring of Fear"/"A Dangerous Assignment," with guest star Georg Stanford Brown" (crushed by a falling safe), has Frank working the case of a boxer who is murdered after refusing to take a dive. This means a visit to Jim's Gym for Frank, who ends up working with a real dog. (3) "Rendevouz at Big Gulch"/"Terror in the Neighborhood" takes out guest star Florence Henderson (gunned down in her kitchen while making a meal and singing) before Frank and Norberg go undercover at a dance studio to crack down on a protection racket. I really like the fight at the studio.

Why on earth did this hysterical show not succeed? Well, apparently there were so many sight gags (e.g., the Japanese Garden consisting of Japanese people standing in large flower pots), that people actually had to WATCH the show, which, it seems, they did not like to do. Now they have to pay to watch Frank Drebin in the movies. Go figure.

A six-episode comedy classic!
Perhaps, in some wonderful alternate time-band, "Police Squad!" lasted beyond six episodes to survive for, say, two seasons. Or three. Surely, true fans of the series are asking but one question at this point: "My name is not Shirley, but can you tell me how to get to this wonderful time-band?" I'm afraid I can't, but if anyone knows the secret, please share it with me--care of Shirley, of course.

As it stands, six installments are all we have, and they are the funniest TV episodes ever produced, with a dream comedy cast headed by Leslie Nielsen, Alan North, and Peter Lupus. North and Lupus were to continue onto the big screen for the "Naked Gun" series, but studio bigwigs insisted they be replaced by actors with greater name recognition. What a shame!

This, and the second "Police Squad!" video, present the episodes in uncut form. The less said about heavily-edited cable airings of this masterpiece, the better. ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Tom Keogh...SHOVE IT!!
OK, Tom's review is by far one of the worst that I have seen for this movie...I can't believe it was posted. He obviously is not a Ghostbuster fan, but if you are a fan of the first movie, you will definately love this flick. Ironically Dana Barrett(Sigorney Weever) is suckered in by the world of the supernatural again, and who else but the Ghostbusters to help her...and her baby, Oscar(yes, like the hotdog), out of a fix with Vigo the Carpathian. It's a great movie to sit down with the family and eat popcorn on a Friday night with or to sit and watch by yourself. Very entertaining, and the comedic chemistry of Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Dan Akroyd, and Ernie Hudson add together to make one of the best films of the 89 year. Loads of fun! This one goes a little further, because it has a massive river of slime, and the bathtub tries to eat Dana and her baby. Great stuff. I hope you enjoy this movie as much as I have over the past few years that I have owned it. So, if you have a night with the family, make it a GB night. :^)

Ghostbusters II
So, after risking their lives by crossing the streams and barely averting NYC from a disaster of biblical proportions, the guys in grey are sued out of business and shunted off into their own stupid little jobs. Even Dana Barett, the love interest from the first movie, has a baby, but w/o Venkman, who now runs a shoddy psychic talk show.
But when the guys are called into court over charges of Ray's causing a power outage, two dead killers return from the grave to menace the judge and jury. Reluctantly, the recalcitrant judge rescinds the previous sentence and the guys are back, blasting away and having a whole new car.
Unfortunately, while it has a strong start and good performances, the plot holds up like a wet paper bag. Never boring, but a bit of an anticlimax, especially with the end villain. Zhuul and Vinz Clortho are far superior to Vigo's half-possessing of Ray and a museum clerk, and the end battle doesn't make much use of his supposedly wizard-like abilities.
Final Analysis: While have a good start and entertaining performances, Ghostbusters II, unlike its predecessor, is a film that doesn't really pull you in (if you'll pardon the pun).

'Busting Makes Me Feel Good! (A lot Less In This Movie)
One of the main problems with GHOSTBUSTERS II is that it came out five years too late and that everything from the first film was invalid. In the first film the Ghostbusters literally save New York City and were heroes. In the sequel, we find out that that they are prohibited from "ghostbusting" and owe the city a hefty bill for the destruction incurred at "spook central" (Dana Barrett's /Sigourney Weaver apartment building near Central Park from the first movie). In the sequel, they have to literally start from scratch to re-establish themselves along with a new Ghostbusters logo. The rest of the plot is interestingly inventive but not as thrilling or memorable as from the original Ghostbusters (who can forget Gozer, Zhule, the Stay Puft Marshmellow Man). The heroes have to stop an evil spirit from the 16th Century, Vigo the Carpathian (currently inhabiting a painting of his own image being restored at a museum by Dana Barrett). He wants to come back to life by taking over Dana Barrett's baby boy, Oscar while "enlisting" the aid of Dana's boss,Janosz (an annoying Peter MacNicol with a european accent). At the same time his evil presence is oozing pink ectoplasmic slime (the first movie had green slime) being fed by all the negative vibes in New York City. Also,as in the first movie, the antagonizer against the Ghostbusters business was a man from the EPA (which was hilariously original and inventive), in this film it's the the mayor's campaign manager (Kurt Fuller). GHOSTBUSTERS II's production values and special effects are excellent along with the chemistry and comraderie among the cast and characters. However, it feels like it could have been a preliminary draft of ideas for it's characters instead of a sequel (i.e. The Statue of Liberty compared to the Stay-Puft Marshmellow Man). The filmmakers should have taken out the "trying to re-establish themselves" plot from the script, and concentrate on a more inventive and earth-shattering storyline which is the point of any sequel. The hype on the first GHOSTBUSTERS poster states "Coming This Summer To Save The World" and the film lived up to that hype. GHOSTBUSTERS II did not have that kind of atmosphere. Lastly, as stated earlier, the film came out five years too late. To show what five year can do, in the first film, there was a catchy pop tune by Ray Parker, Jr. In this film, it is replaced by an unmemorable rap song...rap had become contemporary by the time the film was released.

The Funniest Movie Ever!
The funniest part of this movie was when a lady's mink coat came alive. I liked the way the ghostbusters sucked up ghosts.
If you liked the Gremlins, you'll enjoy this movie.

Good...
Being such a huge fan of this film's predecessor, I was bound to be somewhat overtly critical of the sequel. Ghostbusters 2 is by far not a bad movie, but it could've been a lot better. On a creative level, the script/plot is basically the same as the first movie... It's kinda like watching the first one, just throw a baby into the mix. A rehash, you could say. Anyway, it isn't all that bad. The jokes are funny, performances are strong... More could've been done with the script and plot basically to make it more unique and original. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

"I'm not a drinker--I'm a drunk." These words, and the serious message behind them, were still potent enough in 1945 to shock audiences flocking to The Lost Weekend. The speaker is Don Birnam (Ray Milland), a handsome, talented, articulate alcoholic. The writing team of producer Charles Brackett and director Billy Wilder pull no punches in their depiction of Birnam's massive weekend bender, a tailspin that finds him reeling from his favorite watering hole to Bellevue Hospital. Location shooting in New York helps the street-level atmosphere, especially a sequence in which Birnam, a budding writer, tries to hock his typewriter for booze money. He desperately staggers past shuttered storefronts--it's Yom Kippur, and the pawnshops are closed. Milland, previously known as a lightweight leading man (he'd starred in Wilder's hilarious The Major and the Minor three years earlier), burrows convincingly under the skin of the character, whether waxing poetic about the escape of drinking or screaming his lungs out in the D.T.'s sequence. Wilder, having just made the ultra-noir Double Indemnity, brought a new kind of frankness and darkness to Hollywood's treatment of a social problem. At first the film may have seemed too bold; Paramount Pictures nearly killed the release of the picture after it tested poorly with preview audiences. But once in release, The Lost Weekend became a substantial hit, and won four Oscars: for picture, director, screenplay, and actor. --Robert Horton ... Read more

Reviews (28)

A powerful movie about alcoholism
Don Birnam, an want-to-be writer with writer's block, is ecstatic when his brother Wick finally leaves their apartment for a long weekend in the country. Free of the constant watching, he is incredibly happy and feels even better after the second drink. Throughout the five days, Don drinks, makes and forgets promises, discovers a brilliant idea for writing and forgets it just as quickly, loses track of time. His mind takes him on a guilt-ridden trip through past experiences and hallucinations. He even awakens after a spill down the stairs to find himself in the alcoholic wing of a sanitarium.

Billy Wilder's film adaptation of the novel by Charles Jackson does a fine job of detailing what happens to someone in the grips of alcoholism: the desparate need, the hallucinations, the blackouts, etc. Ray Milland delivers one of the finest screen performances as Don, giving the impression that you are living every moment with Don, suffering his hallucinations and withdrawal, and thirsting for alcohol. This performance also earned him the Best Actor Academy Award. Jane Wyman is wonderful as Don's girlfriend Helen, who wants to see him through this terrible ordeal. Phillip Terry also gives a strong performance as Don's brother Wick, who wants to help Don by being the strong one, but always caves in, feeding Don's dependency.

For anyone who has read the book, certain aspects from the story have been removed and altered, but this in no way detracts from this portrait of a man in the throes of alcoholism. It's still a very potent and powerful film dealing with an almost taboo subject at the time. Highly recommended.

Compelling vintage classic
"The lost weekend" was a great adaption of Charles Jackson same name novel.Billy Wilder's terrific directing always a bonus. It's about a struggling writer's weekend. Everything happened over a weekend.

The film began with Don pretend to pack his luggage with a bottle tied to a string hanging outside his window.Don's life and fate changed. Don Birnam has writer's block, he is also a alcoholic. He is aware but unable to kick it.He even trade his typewriter for drinks. He been through a lot in a few days and forced to face up to his problem. Luckily he has love and support from his brother and girlfriend.

Ray Milland gave a splendid performance which totally deserved his oscar.He showed Don's fear, depression and all his emotions so vividly. His role is pathetic and psychologically realistic.

This film has a superb script with detailed description of nightmares images and visions. Breakthrough during that era. One of the memorable scene is when Don went to a musical play with actors drinking and he see 'Bottles dancing' instead.

Although this film is black and white I find it amazingly well made and many contemporary movies couldn't hold a candle.

I'm always fascinated by old classic film from 1940 to 1970. Although I belong to new generation I love the feeling and sincerity of old movies.

I find this film psychoanalytic,truthful,compelling and a vintage classic! One of the best film ever made.

Still effective after all these years.
Superb mellow drama about a drunk, Don Birman, played by Ray Milland, & his battle with the bottle over one week-end in New York City. Nobody is a drunk anymore. They are said to have a "substance abuse " problem.
There is little stigma attached to the problem today as compared to the self-loathing Milland felt & the repugnance the neighborhood & even his favorite bartender felt towards him. In fact, the long, fairly one-sided conversations with Nat the bartender, played by Howard de Silva, are some of the best scenes in the movie.
Brakett & Wilder took some chances in this ground-breaking movie. They fought the Hollywood studios who probably wanted it watered down & rendered more palatable. They didn't give in &, as a result, this was the best movie of the the year 1945. It was well deserved. Ray Milland also got an Oscar & he was never better. Jane Wyman does a fine job as his long suffering girl friend, Helen.
It is unbelievable that that kind of woman, a real lady, would put up with a loser like that for so long. But after all, this is a movie. A pat ending that doesn't matter at all. The combination of gritty, street level scenes of New York City, the noir atmosphere & black & white filming all combine to make this one of the best aging movies, still relavent, I've seen in a long time.

Demon Alchohol
This movie which won 4 academy awards including best picture stars Ray Milland as a debonair drunk who hides alcohol in his apartment and cares more about booze than girls. Playin an aspiring writer, he meets the Jane Wyman character when his ticket stub gets inadvertently switched at the coat rack of a theater: he is perturbed because there is a bottle in its pocket. Even though it's Hollywood, and its dated, it's not easy to watch the Milland character miss his dates, go through delerium tremens, and sink socially because of his obsession with this sometimes-very-addictive legal drug. (The coat caper is rectified by the film's end.)

Compelling Film About Alcoholism
I rarely watch older films. By "older" films, I mean movies made before 1960. It's not due to some prejudice on my part about black and white cinematography: my inability to view many early films arises from the fact that far too many of these movies are so melodramatic. You know what I mean: lots of swooning, hands swept across foreheads, and exaggerated body movements all set to crashing waves of syrupy orchestral music. Those swelling violins alone are enough to set my teeth on edge anytime I watch an old film, but occasionally a picture overcomes all of these pet peeves of mine and truly delivers on multiple levels. "The Lost Weekend" is one of those films. Sure, the emoting is there, as is the music and the swooning, but this compelling story about an alcoholic at the end of his rope always pulls at my heartstrings. I am going to start seeking out some classic older films that will tickle my fancy, but I don't expect to find too many of them with the power of "The Lost Weekend."

Ray Milland (an actor who starred in several schlockfests at the end of his career, such as "Frogs") plays Don Birnam, a painfully insecure writer who just can't make his life work. Birnam quickly learned that the soothing balm of alcohol took the edge off his various phobias, but he just as quickly learned that drinking took the edge off his talent, too. For years, Birnam never wandered far from the neighborhood bar or the liquor store, secure in the knowledge that a bottle of rye was always within reach. His brother Wick not only financially supports his boozy sibling; he also covers for him when the drinking causes problems. Of course, Don doesn't care much about his brother one way or the other as long as he gets his shot of whisky when he needs it. Another problem for Don appears in the form of Helen St. James (played by an enormously cute Jane Wyman), a successful writer at Time magazine who accidentally met Don at the opera one night and has since latched on to him despite his chronic alcoholism. When Birnam isn't trying to outwit Wick or Helen, he's down at the local bar spouting alcoholic witticisms to Nat the bartender (played wonderfully by Howard Da Silva) and flirting with a beautiful barfly named Gloria. We learn most of the story through a flashback sequence told by Birnam as he ties on yet another massive drunk.

The film starts with a nervous Don packing for a weekend trip with brother Wick, where the two siblings hope to get out of New York City for a nice change of pace. Of course, Don doesn't want to go because he's not sure he can survive without ready access to booze. In fact, during this opening sequence we see Don hiding a bottle of whisky from his brother by hanging it from a piece of string outside his window. In order to start drinking, Birnam convinces Wick and Helen to go to a concert, a little piece of trickery that is only the beginning of the devious schemes hatched by Don throughout the film. Thus begins a downward spiral over the course of a four-day weekend, as Don resorts to outright theft, robbery, and beggary in order to secure just one more drink. This bender comes with a high price, though: Don suffers excruciating blackouts, nearly gets himself arrested, and ends up in the alky ward at the city asylum. The capper is Birnam's bout with the DTs in his apartment, an incident that reduces him to a shattered, screaming wreck. "The Lost Weekend" is a memorable experience.

Only a person who has never had a problem with alcohol would criticize some of Birnam's philosophical musings about drinking. There is a great bit of dialogue where Birnam tells Nat why he drinks, about how alcohol makes a person feel as though he or she is a great artist on top of the world. Believe me, this is how an alcoholic feels when they tie one on, at least in the early euphoric stages of the addiction. Birnam's enthrallment for rituals of drinking is also dead on; such as his fascination about the rings the shot glass leaves on the bar and the propensity to "see" liquor in the most mundane circumstances (look for the dancing raincoats with the rye bottle in the pocket). An alcoholic does not merely work at his trade part-time; the process of drinking is a full-time job built on a series of elaborate rituals that reinforce this nefarious addiction. "The Lost Weekend" captures the intricacies of alcoholism in a way few films ever have. Unfortunately, the movie lost some of its power due to some hokey effects and a conclusion that had me throwing my hands up in disbelief.

The DVD release is quite good for a film nearly sixty years old. There is a trailer and cast biographies included here, as well as a short bio for director Billy Wilder. The transfer looks pretty good, although I thought I saw a few scenes where certain parts of the picture looked a tad blurry. "The Lost Weekend" won four Oscars: Best Actor for Ray Milland, Best Picture, Best Screenplay, and Best Director for Billy Wilder. As far as I can see, this movie deserves its accolades. If you haven't seen "The Lost Weekend," you are definitely missing out on a great film loaded with grim atmosphere, great dialogue, eerie background music, and excellent performances. ... Read more

Reviews (477)

All That's worth watching
This sweet coming of age tale follows newcomer Patrick Fugit's cross country journey with a 70's rockband by the name of Stillwater. The film is based on director Cameran Crowe's real life experience (also the director of Say Anything, Jerry Maguire, Singles) as the youngest journalist ever to work for Rolling Stone.
He goes to a high school where the kids hate him. He has a mother whose somewhere in between June Cleaver and someone Norman Bates would be bratteling on about. He also has a personal relationship with the Roger Ebert of music critics Lester Bangs.
Lester Bangs invites young William to interview Black Sabbath for him. Instead he runs into the band Stillwater, and the alluring Penny Lane (played by Kate Hudson). When Rolling Stone offers him a chance to travel with the band, and do an interview, William jumps at it.
Ultimately what makes a Cameran Crowe movie worth seeing isn't the plot details, but the characterizations and tender moments of humanity his films provide. Crowe is able to illicit an emotion from his audience without feeling the need to beat his audience over the head with it.
Also, the wonderful performances provided by Kate Hudson, Billy Crudup, Jason Lee, Frances McDormand, Fairuza Balk, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and Patrick Fugit provide more quality acting then three years worth of Oscar ceremonies.
Almost Famous is a funny entertaining, and moving film. It is the quality of this film that won it the Golden Globe for Best Picture and has appeared on over 250 critic's top ten lists. It's a movie with an undefinable quality, but will stick in your memory long after you've left the theatre.

A Crowe's Life
The main character in Almost Famous is a 15 year old rock journalist named William Miller. He gets the chance to write an article for Rolling Stone magazine about an up and coming rock band, Stillwater. He goes out on tour with the band and what starts out as a simple assignment, turns into a life altering experience for all involved. The character of William is director and writer Cameron Crowe's on screen alter ego. Mr. Crowe was a 15 year old who wrote for Rolling Stone and the story is based on his life. The film also involves William's overprotective and aggressive mother (played by Frances McDormand) and the battles she waged with his sister. They are based on Mr. Crowe's own family's struggles and the fact that he was willing to air his family's problems in public adds a touch of humanity and reality to the film. Stillwater is led by Jeff Bebe and Russell Hammond who bicker at one another about the band's future and possible fame. Billy Crudup plays Russell the lead guitarist and Jason Lee is Jeff the lead singer. They have a natural fear of the press and refer to William as the enemy. In fact, William struggles to get an one on one interview with Russell throughout the film. The band is followed on tour by a bunch of groupies who refer to themselves as Band-Aids. Their leader is Penny Lane played wonderfully by Kate Hudson. She is in love with Russell, but it is William whom she confides in. The tender relationship between Penny & William is one of the film's great strengths. Throughout the film, William seeks and gets advice from legendary rock critic Lester Bangs. Mr. Bangs is played amazingly by Philip Seymour Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman provides the film's conscious and his brief time on the screen is electric. All the performances in the film are first-rate including Ms. Hudson who is luminous, Mr. Crudup is brooding and dark, Mr. Lee is self-righteous and Ms. McDormand is a fierce presence. But the most startling performance is that of Patrick Fugit as William. Mr. Fugit had never appeared in a movie before and had minimal acting experience, but he is the emotional center of the film, the link between al the characters. He plays William perfectly and captures the essence of what Mr. Crowe was trying to capture. Mr. Crowe guides the film with an eye for detail as the sets and feeling are completely real and harkens the spirit of the 70's. His screenplay perfectly balances drama and comedy and has some of the sharpest dialogue in a long time. Mr. Crowe took home a Best Original Screenplay Oscar at the 2000 Academy Awards for this great script. Almost Famous is Mr. Crowe's love letter to his youth and the 70's. The film is easily his most personal, but it is the personal touch he adds that gives the film its universal appeal.

"I AM A GOLDEN GOD!" -Russel (Billy Crudup)
I loved this movie. Really, that's all that needs to be said. It is one of those films where you know there are flaws here and there, but it is so utterly engrossing and the tone is so perfect you forget that there are moments when there should have been more drama, but it was toned down for inexplicable reasons.

This is one of my shorter reviews, but really, there isn't much you can say except:

-Kate Hudson was mysteriously intoxicating. You believed every guy wanted her.
-Frances McDromand made you feel sorry for her despite some unnecessary strictness. And she was hilarious.
-If you find rock awesome (like I do), you'll appreciate this portrait of the genre, the bands and the fans, and what drives it all.
-The writing was often clever and involving, if a little on the lighter side (sometimes, not for the best).

So I recommend this film to fans of entertaining, breath-takingly sweet (but not over-the-top), unbelievably "cool" movies, and to fans of classic rock. There's nothing left to say except: have fun.

The real deal
I got this director's cut edition because I so was so intrigued by the original theatrical release. I wanted more.

What I didn't expect was how very the new material (typically extended scenes though there are a few new scenes as well) changed the tone and feel of this film. Penny Lane comes across as a tragic, lost soul. Stillwater comes across as a bunch of debauched, spoiled, poorly educated, brain challenged musicians. The "suits" - including the Rolling Stone "hippy suits" - come across as sharks. William Miller comes across as a well intentioned but naive quick learner. He seems vulnerable. Alot of the ackward mysteries of the theatrical release (How did Lester Bangs and William end up at a pizza joint after they had just said good-bye? Why did Russell deny everything after encouraging William to write what he wanted to? What held Stillwater together after those shocking confessions on the plane? There are many other examples.)

It almost like a different film! In fact, a BETTER film I would have to say.

Further, based on my experience in the music industry I found this director's cut to be more reality than fantasy -- the inverse was true of the theatrical release from my perspective. It's STILL not at a "documentary" level but, hey, this isn't suppose to be a horror flick is it?

Also, I know it's kind of whacky (maybe I'm a brain challenged musician too) but I really dig Stillwater's music. I have been listening to the Stillwater CD that comes in the package since I got it. I agree with Cameron Crowe, if these guys toured I would go see them! The movie is great but this CD (filled with songs by Nancy Wilson of Heart and Peter Frampton) really cooks.

Overall I just couldn't be happier with my Almost Famous Director's Edition set.

Almost Famous Is A Perfect Movie
Director-writer Cameron Crowe's ode to rock n roll is more than
just the coming of age tale he wanted to tell for a long time, it is the crowning achievement that not only vastly impressed critics, but it also vasly impressed audiences as well. This is
an autobiographical account of Crowe's early days, working as a
teenage reporter for Rolling Stone magazine, in which we are introduced to his alter ego, which is 15 year old William Miller
(Played by newcomer Patrick Fugit), who gets introduced by rock
music from his spiritual older sister Anita (Zooey Deschanel). Following this and the overprotective attitude of his mother (Played by the always entertaining Francis McDormand), William
Miller goes on the road to interview the band Stillwater who is
headed by the lead guitarist (Billy Crudup), from then on he starts to travel with these people and meets an upbeat and very
beautiful road groupie named Penny Lane, who is played by the
always gorgeous Kate Hudson, who not only gives a breakthrough
performance, but delivers the performance of her career. I will
stop talking here, just see this wonderful wonderful movie. Filmmaker Cameron Crowe may have been put on the map by Say Any-
thing and Jerry Maguire, but it is Almost Famous that is his
main crowning achievement and to prove it, he won a more than
well deserved oscar for best original screenplay. Francis McDor-
mand won a well deserved oscar nomination for best supporting
actress. However it is the talent and gorgeous Kate Hudson who
steals the show as rock groupie and wallflower Penny Lane. She
was so great shw should have won the best supporting actress oscar. However Marcia Gay Harden won instead for her brilliant
performance in Pollock, but I would have given Marcia Gay Harden
the oscar for her performance in Mystic River instead. This movie is a must-see film. Long Live the 21st century, I love the 21st century including it's movies, internet, DVD's, music,
and Cable TV.

Other Films Directed By Cameron Crowe
Say Anything (1989)
Singles (1992)
Jerry Maguire (1996)
Vanilla Sky (2001) ... Read more

Amazon.com

Joseph Heller's novel was one of the seminal literary events of the 1960s, but Mike Nichols's film ultimately proved too literal in its attempt to bring Heller's fragmented fiction to the screen. Still, Nichols, who made this on the heels of The Graduate, seemed the ideal candidate to tackle this Buck Henry adaptation. The story deals with bomber pilot Yossarian (Alan Arkin), who has flown enough missions to get out of World War II but can't because the number of missions needed for discharge keeps getting raised. The satire and absurdity of Heller's book get lost in Nichols's effort to give screen time to the members of his all-star cast, which includes Orson Welles, Jon Voight, Bob Newhart, Anthony Perkins, Richard Benjamin, and Martin Sheen, among others. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (35)

For a movie: BEST MOVIE Compared to book: NO CONTEST
I read 'Catch-22' first, and it instantly became my favorite book (as soon as I finally got through it). When I heard of the movied version, I was estatic, but in wonderment. How can such a complex book with no linear structure ever be adapted to movie form? My expectations were high, but weary...

First of all, casting was excellent. Alan Arkin played a perfect Yossarian, as well as Jon Voigt as Milo, and so on. The settings were great, really convincing from what I read from the book.

As far as the comparison to the book. If it stands true for one instance, the book is worlds better than the movie. As a reader, you get so much more out of Joe Heller's sardonic universe. The complex plot, the meticulous descriptions (in which he used words I never knew existed...either have a dictionary with you when you read 'Catch-22', or have a vast vocabulary!), and all the rest...

The movie does attempt to follow Heller's complex plot structure, hopping back and forth to unravel plot points with each pass. The movie does this well with Yossarian's epidemic with Snowden. Most of the ingeniously clever dialogue is brought to the screen, but that's what makes the book/movie so great.

At any rate, I highly recommend this movie, as well as anything from Joe Heller...the best writer of the 20th century.

an excellent dvd
"Catch-22" is a beautifully designed, shot and executed movie that, in the end, doesn't really work. However, it's too elaborately staged and too ambitious to be considered a "bad" movie. And the extra features that accompany the DVD help the film transcend a "thumbs up/thumbs down" rating.

First and foremost, it looks amazing. I loved this film when I initially saw it on tape in 1990, but it was only recently that I was able to see it in a widescreen format -- letterboxing reveals what a brutal disservice pan-and-scan does to the compositions of "Catch's" 2.35:1 aspect ratio. If you've only seen this movie in fullscreen, you haven't really seen this movie.

The transfer is also incredible. I'm so used to seeing the grainy print of my VHS copy that I hadn't realized how great a lot of the cinematography is. The use of front-projection during the air-combat scenes is astonishing and the detail and color really surprised me.

But the main reason to get this DVD is the commentary. Director Mike Nichols is joined by Steven Soderbergh to talk about "Catch-22" and through their discussion, one really gets a sense of how Nichols (who had just directed back-to-back hits with "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" and "The Graduate") took on this project with the best intentions and inspiration... and quickly got swallowed up by the massive project and even bigger budget. Soderbergh is, in my opinion, one of the best directors doing commentary these days (he gives a perfect mix of technical details and storytelling) and he really knows his "Catch-22" ---though I find it a little incredible that he never noticed the changing portraits in Major Major's office, as he claims while watching the scene.

This movie is a great mix of Fellini, Laugh-In, Welles and Salvador Dali. Some may feel there's not enough Joseph Heller here but it would take a mini-series to cover all the bases of such a deep, rich novel. At times, this movie can try your patience (like most Catch-22's often do) but it's definitely worth seeing and hearing in this new format.

A change
I take back most of the things I said. This is a great movie, and Milo is good.

A good film that should have been better
First, I was upset to see that the Hungry Joe's character from the book was all but not used, and that he didn't even die because of the cat, but instead suffered Kid Sampson's death from the book. Now...

I do admit, this movie is better than I thought it would be. I'm especially happy with Bob Newhart's Major Major, the Chaplain, and Major Danby. My only problem is that many of the characters aren't portrayed to the best of their abilities, considering how well the book fleshed them all out. The best example is Balsom's take on Colonel Cathcart. In the book, Colonel Cathcart is prim, proper, and insane. In the movie, he is simply a crude, crusty old soldier, reminicent of Ernest Borgnine in "All Quiet on the Western Front." Though he is good when interacting with Dreedle. Orr is good in this, but maybe just a touch creepier than he should be. Milo is just wasted, and a little bland. Orson Welles is surprisingly good, but that is in direct effect of the good writing of his scenes.
Alan Arkin gets off to a slow start, but becomes very good as the film picks up speed. The Snowden films are great.

My main problem with the film, however, is that two very important characters from the book are completely and utterly not in the movie: Clevinger and Dunbar. Clevinger, while only in the first few chapters of the book, had a lot of very interesting things to say about Yossarian's behavior, and would have just been a good character to have. Dunbar, on the other hand, actually had a very large part in the book, serving as Yossarian's side-kick. He also delivered the classic monologue about boredom being the key to a seemingly-longer life. A great piece of writing that would have worked well with the rest of the film.
All in all, I suppose the main thing that would have made this movie better is an extra half-hour, so that more of the classic scenes could have been used. But still, surprisingly good.

It's not the book - what movie is?
I read Catch-22 many years ago. Loved it. I've seen Catch-22 the movie several times. Loved it. But they are different. You are not going to get every nuance of the complex, convoluted book into the movie, but it is a good approximation. The movie works on its own, mostly due to the collection of oddball characters and circumstances. The long list of big named actors did a good job. However, the cinematography may be the star, here. As an "anti-war" comedy, this ranks near the top.

The reasonably-priced DVD has a so-so commentary by director Mike Nichols with Steven Soderbergh. ... Read more

Reviews (220)

A Solid Comic Gem
Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis are the ultimate ghost hunters in the entertaining supernatural comedy hit "Ghostbusters". After being fired from the University, three paranormal investigators (Murray, Aykroyd & Ramis) open their own ghost extermination business. When an evil being from a spiritual dimension invades New York, these unlikely heroes become the only ones that could save Manhattan. "Ghostbusters" is a creative mix of witty humor and amusing fantasy. This engrossing 80's comedy features an imaginative storyline, memorable characters and great visual effects. Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis deliver some excellent comic performances. The cast also includes Rick Moranis, Annie Potts, Ernie Hudson and Sigourney Weaver.

Columbia TriStar has certainly put some effort in developing this Collector Series DVD. The smash-hit comedy is presented in its theatrical 2.35:1 widescreen format. The DVD contains a great video transfer with fine sharpness. The 5.1 Dolby Digital sound is well-balanced and quite clear. The DVD features an amusing commentary with director Ivan Reitman and crew, deleted scenes, trailers, behind-the-scenes featurettes and inventive animated menus. With its clear widescreen presentation and clever supplemental extras, "Ghostbusters" is one of the best Columbia TriStar DVDs and earns a winning "A".

Incredible DVD for an incredible movie
My words simply cannot do justice to this amazing DVD release. If you haven't seen "Ghostbusters", you really don't know what you're missing.

Incredibly entertaining, "Ghostbusters" is a comedy about paranormal scientists who go into business for themselves in New York City. The Ghostbusters (played finely by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson) go around Manhattan eliminating the spooks and spirits that trouble people. Director Ivan Reitman's 1984 masterpiece takes an interesting premise and works wonders with it. Funny and suspenseful, "Ghostbusters" features first-rate acting, witty writing, and some impressive special effects.

This Collector's Series DVD release is unmatched in quality. The anamorphic widescreen presentation makes the film look better than ever before. And the tons of extra features that Columbia has included allows "Ghostbusters" to excel on DVD. Included a three in-depth featurettes, audio commentary (with an innovative "live video" option that shows their silhouettes), deleted scenes, conceptual art, storyboards, trailers, and so much more. The 3-D animated menus are a nice touch. This DVD is highly recommended as it surpasses all the other discs in my collection. If you like "Ghostbusters", you certainly won't be disappointed with this release.

Central Park West was never funnier.
No need to tell anyone that GHOSTBUSTERS was the best comedy of the 80s (and probably better than anything in the 90s). Without resorting to adolescent potty humor (like PORKY'S or AMERICAN PIE), GHOSTBUSTERS relied on a super script, powerful directing, and the best acting jobs of the cast's careers. It did NOT rely on the special effects. As another reviewer perfectly put it, the special effects served the plot, not the other way around.

What I do need to tell you is that what makes this set worth the price is the gravy: all those extras, like the interviews, special effects demonstrations, and storyboards. The transfer to dvd is great and the enhanced soundtrack complete the value.

Still StayingPuft
The movie is classic. Period. Nuff said. End of discussion. Bill Murray is a legend. Every man should have at least one Bill Murray DVD in his collection, and if you only have one, then Ghostbusters has to be it. Sure others will go on about Caddyshack and blah, blah, blah. Those people are idiots. Sure Cadyshack was great, but it is no Ghostbusters. Ghostbusters started a completely new genre: modern sci-fi comedy.

The DVD itself is great. Nice menus, engaging commentaries, etc., but the DVD still feels a little "light" on extras for such a classic movie. Hopefully it'll get the royal DVD treatment on it's 20th anniversary release.

still holds up
This film phenomenon still holds up two decades later, with still passable special effects and great lines and performances from a very talented cast -- Bill Murray at his acerbic best, Rick Moraniss, Dan Ackroyd, Sigourney Weaver et al. DVD extras are very good and include: a text commentary (which works very well), a video, an original making-of featurette and a 1999 featurette, a sfx featurette, trailer, drawings and storyboard comparisons and 10 deleted scenes. The film can only be heard or subtitled in English.

Revisit your past -- you won't be disappointed! ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Mostly cliched, but there are some good things. (SPOILERS)
"Jersey Girl," Kevin Smith's first foray away from Jay and Silent Bob, is a father's story. Smith, a new parent when he wrote it, had feelings about his experience that he wanted to share - how a reluctant single father, played by Ben Affleck, sees his life change because of a child and how he comes to embrace it. That part of the film rings true. And there are touching moments regarding how he deals with his seven-year-old girl's questions about sex. And Affleck's performance is better than usual.

However, much of the film is completely mundane, featuring movie cliches that are so tried and true that you'll often know where "Jersey Girl" is going before it gets there. For instance, when you hear the daughter in the film mention her "school play," you know something's going to happen to keep her father from getting there on time. After a downright wacky elementary school performance of "Sweeney Todd" (that no authority figure organizing the event seems completely aware of until it's onstage), the shocked audience proceeds to "slow clap" their way into a standing ovation.

And the movie's essential conflict at the end is between a father's ambition to be something other than a garbageman and loving the quirky life that he and his daughter already have, so the conclusion is far from surprising. (My problem with this film and other movies who pose this conflict, like "Sweet Home Alabama," is because few in Hollywood really picked the small town life, though they make movies about people who do.)

There was a Q&A with Kevin Smith after the screening I attended, and the Q&A was far more entertaining than the film. Smith, who has done edgy films confronting homosexuality and religion in the past, makes his most Hollywood-ized film here.

just a little laugh..a little tear...
Ollie Trinke is a slick Manhattan rock promoter who falls in love, gets married, and has a baby. Things are cool so far. During labor, his beautiful wife delivers a lovely baby girl. But sadly, Mom doesn't make it. Ollie really loved his wife. And the problem is now: Who will take care of the child while Ollie presents Fresh Prince? A talented cast, a witty script, and the devilish Kevin Smith have given birth to the sleeper of the year. Aren't we all chasing that better job? Should I buy a new cell phone? Is my car out of date? Does it matter? "Jersey Girl" attacks the GEN-X madness of modern big-city rat-race. What is happiness all about? The big bucks or the little family? No new ground here, but very flawless execution. "Jersey Girl" stars Ben Affleck, cool and sober, and perfect as big-shot Ollie Trinke. The cast includes Liv Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Matt Damon, Will Smith, and a very remarkable George Carlin. The real ringer is little Raquel Castro,as 7-year-old Gertie. This tiny ball of dynamite from Long Island steals your heart and leaves you laughing out-loud. Doubt me? Don't just buy a ticket for "Jersey Girl", get down to the theater right now! My mother was from Teaneck. Trust me on this one. There's nothing like a "Jersey Girl".

Why not? Watchable. And Liv Tyler is on fire.
The worst thing that one can say that J Lo is tragically miscast. I am not saying she is a bad actress (because she is not bad, she is quite simple THE WORST), but for the role, it is impossible to feel sorry when she dies: talk about impossibility of separating actor's own image from the role. The saddest moments of the movie are the first minutes when this self-centered, hysterical, unstable, whining cow is actually on the screen.

Ben Affleck is average - I did not mind watching him in this role; and he has a credible go at credible depiction of the type. George Carlin is superb, and his caustic wit, an echo of all-stops-pulled stand up performances, occasionally shines through - a delight.

But of course it is Liv Tyler who makes the movie not just watchable, but very, very pleasantly watchable. Liv is heart-stoppingly cute in this film, even in her slightly unflattering librarian spectacles. The film is family stuff, so don't expect One Night At McCool's type of drooling (foamy car wash and stuff), but oh boy is she worth her royalty check.

Give it a chance!
I don't know what everyone is complaining about. It is a moving tearjerker and cute too. Of course it's not going to get any oscars for acting, but why not just give it a chance? Raquel Castro is an incredibly talented kid, and I am no fan of child actors or actresses, believe me. I also found George Carlin to be perfectly cast. Maybe the folks who are panning this movie are not parents yet, so they see the whole thing differently. I say, "Give it a chance!"

A Little Bit for Everyone....
So I admit that it's not the best I've ever seen of Afleck. It is the best I have seen of J Lo (though that is not saying much). But the movie overall is pretty good. I am an avid Kevin Smith fan and as such I was excited to see the movie, but I did not get my hopes up. I found this movie to cater very much to his fans. In my opinion it is an attempt for Kevin Smith to bring a heartfelt family type, quasi-chickflick to his fans who probably aren't the biggest fans of those types of movie. Unfortunately for other moviegoers, it seems to be lost on them as the style doesn't fit into any "normal" category. It is for that reason that I applaud him. This isn't the best movie Kevin Smith has made, but it is very enjoyable and successfully translates Smith's style to other genres of film. The movie is fun, funny, and touching. Raquel Castro is absolutely enchanting, Carlin gives a wonderfully touching but hilarious performance, and Afleck can be sentimental if you give him a chance and don't prejudge.

Other people say that this film is just a rehash of the cliche, but then aren't most touching chickflick type movies? I think that Kevin Smith's style adds a great deal to the movie to make it stand out from the rest, as I am tired of all the other cliched heartfelt movies.

However, I'm waiting to buy the movie until it comes out on Special Edition with all those great Kevin Smith extras next year. ... Read more

Reviews (282)

You Betcha!
Whenever I rave about a movie I've recently seen, there's the inevitable question "What's it about?" With regard to this film, I recall responding that it's about a pregnant police chief who eventually solves a series of brutal murders somewhere in the Upper Midwest. (Brainerd, Minnesota? Fargo, North Dakota?) It is always a pleasure to observe Frances McDormand's performance in a role for which she received an Academy Award for best actress in 1996. The film was directed by Joel Coen who co-wrote the screenplay with brother Ethan. This film effectively combines some of the most dead-on (albeit affectionate) cultural satire of Scandinavian Americans in "Small Town U.S.A." with severe physical violence as when one victim is stuffed upside-down in a wood chip machine. (When I first observed "Margie" methodically gathering information, I was reminded of Colombo whose keen mind is also underestimated.) The basic story involves Jerry Lundegaard (William H. Macy), a desperate swindler. After his wealthy father-in-law Wade Gustafson (played by Harve Presnell whom I did not recognize) refuses to become involved in a real estate project, Lundegaard hires Carl Showalter (Steve Buscemi) and Gaear Grimstad (Peter Stormare) to kidnap his wife Jean (Kristin Rudrud) so that he can use most of the ransom to cover his debts and thereby conceal his crimes. Of course, his plan fails and several lose their lives as a result. As the film ends, the camera focuses on Chief Gunderson as drives her police sedan across the bleak winter landscape (think of the surface of the moon beneath three feet of snow and ice), with one of the two kidnappers in custody. She claims not to understand how anyone could behave badly in such a "beautiful" world.

Yes, this is a nasty film...at times severely violent. It also has a number of delightful comic moments, notably during Chief Gunderson's conversations with her husband Norm (John Carroll Lynch) as well as with Lundegaard. The acting by all members of the cast is consistently brilliant under Coen's crisp direction. After numerous viewings, what I still enjoy most in this film is McDormand's performance. Chief Gunderson may have a trusting heart but also a remarkably sharp mind. She wants so much to believe in goodness, to think the best of others, but she is by no means naive. As played by McDormand, she invests this film a warmth which is all the more remarkable, given the physical setting and time of the year.

Fargo
The Coens did it again. In their production of Fargo, they create an atmosphere of incompetence in the northern Midwest, poking fun at the people of Minnesota. Frances Mcdormand definitely deserves her Oscar, adding that humorous accent. William H. Macy also puts in a great performance as car salesman Jerry Lundegaard, whose wife is kidnapped by two men he paid to do it, Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare, and then his wealthy father-in-law can pay the ransom, then he would split the money with the kidnappers, and get out of his financial trouble. Instead of just asking his father-in-law, he hires these two numbskulls, and they screw it up big time. I'm possibly the biggest Steve Buscemi fan, and he's great in this one. I think it would have been interesting, however, if he had tried the Minnesota accent. That probably would have added some more humor to his role, even though it is hilarious already. His interaction with the parking booth attendant his great. Playing his partner, Peter Stormare doesn't talk much, he only has about 15 lines, but is funny and ruthless as it is. This movie also recieved the Best Screenplay Oscar, which was well-deserved. This moive is great.

"..that was your accomplice there in the woodchipper."
Fargo fits into a tiny crack between popcorn flick and truly interesting, and not just because it's based on a true story. It feels the right amount of homely and immersing to be just another irrelevent kidnapping "drama", all the while keeping its simplistic "movie feel".

The story is told from mutliple perspectives of the main characters. A less-than-successful car salesman Jerry Lundegaard [Macy] agrees to pay two crooks, Carl Showalter [Buscemi] and Gaear Grimsrud [Stormare] to kidnap his wife Jean [Rudrüd]. But along the way, complications happen and the body count rises as Lundegaard and his two hired crooks try, unsuccesfully, to follow through on their plan. Through this, we meet the primary character, or the one whose perspective we look through most--Marge Gunderson [MacDormand], a 7-months-pregnant police officer who takes it upon herself to figure out the situation.

Fargo has more of a small town murder investigation plot than a dramatic something-isn't-quite-right kidnapping focus, which does nothing to worsen the quality of the overall storyline and how it plays out, but there are points where you can spot editing errors and total blandness, but the movie itself is shorter than you would expect and manages to work in such an innovative take on the genre to the frame. The acting is done well and is completely convincing, and the good direction goes hand-in-hand with it. As mentioned, there are spots were the script could be better done, but so much whereas it takes away from the feel of the movie.

FARGON CONCLUSION
i SAW THIS MOVIE ONLY TWICE. The first
time I was drunk i also love guys but holes , the second time i was giving birth and the third tme I WAS IN THE LOCAL JOINT FOR STRONG BODY ODOR ROBBERY. I think that thisd movie was so extremely sad that i was laughing for three hours as i swallowed my underarm deoderant tablets.buy this movie now its good

A Shocking Film that took me completely by Surprise.
I expected Fargo to be a light hearted comedy that was set in the midwest. The movie not only was funny but it was thrilling and violent as well. The movie was good, very good actually. Frances McDormand did a wonderful job playing Marge the pregnant police officer. All the other performances are great including Steve Buschemi's as the ransomer of William H. Macy's wife. The plot is very gripping and the low score and cinematography was good too. I highly reccomend this film. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Wow - what a jump.
Okay, the Breakfast Club is by no means a great movie - as I said in another review of it, its the cinematic equivalent of cotton candy - but whatever, you need that from time to time. Just the same though, its atleast passable as a solid cinematic achievement. 16 Candles is not. It's obvious in 16 Candles that director John Hughes was new to the whole writing/directing thing for the movie is filled with holes, the most prominent one, his obvious desire to fill them all. Let me explain - some characters can just be secondary characters - you dont need to see the depth in a beauty queen at the tail end of the movie when you've spent the entire first 80 minutes of the film portraying her as superficial. Don't get me wrong, its not bad to give a beauty queen depth, but the chances of her suddenly falling in love with a geek 4 years younger than her is not only unlikely, its borderline impossible - Hughes is living in a fools paradise (and continues to do so in The Breakfast Club).

That said, the Breakfast Club is a much better movie, but again borderlines on impossible. This may have been applicable back in the 80's (I dont know, I didn't live in it) but its deffinately not now. I dont think teens have ever been so easily led, openly influenced, and free to give out there hearts as they are in this. Furthermore, some kids just aren't deep - thats reality - this is a movie, and it doesn't reflect that.

Bottomline, Breakfast Club is worth seeing and even buying, 16 Candles is worth seeing if you're a fan of the actors or director. I give 16 Candles a C- and Breakfast Club an A-

A naughty romatic high school comedy with great acting
Let's face it. We all went to high school where the socialites and the jocks ran the school while the rest of us were considered low class. We couldn't get respect at school or at home. The co-central character Samatha played brilliantly by Mollie Ringwald, wants to be sought after by the best looking boy in school and honored at home on the most important day of her life, her sixteenth birthday. The other co-central character Farmer Ted aka The Geek played by Anthony Michael Hall wants to be the high school stud but is hopelessly pure geek. Samatha and The Geek both end up obtaining all they ever dreamed of and more within 24 hours time. Heck of a deal. The movie is really enhanced with the continuous smart ... remarks of Samatha's little brother and the wild and sex crazy Long Duk Dong played by Gedde Watanable. Property and Casualty Insurance claims adjusters best avoid this movie but hey, the kids were only having fun.

I don't think the VHS movie tract is the original film score but I can't that say for sure. I watched the movie the second time with closed captions to catch even more of the jokes. There are plenty of visual jokes as well throughout the movie, too many to list.

An excellent movie that captures the spirit of the 80's!
The Breakfast Club and 16 Candles are both great movies that captures the feeling of the decade. I have watched both of these movies many times and they still continue to provide laughter and entertainment for my friends and I. So if your looking for a great movie to sit down and watch, then I recommend both of these movies!

a really good coming of age 80's film!
really enjoyed it! i must have watched it about 100 times. a good movie which shows how life in the 80's brought a bunch of kids together. my friends and i relate to it too! a must see!

Generation X's theme movie!!!!
A movie for all who grew up in the 80's. Definative a time when parents were to busy to care, and kids to appethetic to think. A must see. ... Read more