Reviews (1)

TFTDS Vol. 5--A True Part of the 80s Culture
A fixture...a "must have" for the 80's Cult-TV offbeat enthusiasts. This was the first TFTDS video I came to own, and my favorite of the six I have so far. It was interesting to see the "lighter side of hell" in the form of Clive Barker's earlier writing, which I found both amusing and clever. The series is a veritable who's who cornucopia of classic TV/movie actors as well the up-and-comers; i.e., Robert Forster (Jackie Brown), Anthony Heald (The Silence of the Lambs, TV's Boston Public), Seth Green (Stephen King's "It", and later, Austin Powers' comedies, etc.) only to name a few ...The writers, directors and actors all bring something special and personal to the series and specifically to this video. It captures some of the nuances of the Twilight Zone series, but peppered with an 80s attitude and new directions in writing and overall treatment of the genre. For both the nostalgic and the first-time viewers, a treat. To me, TFTDS helped define the feel, mood and sympatico that was the 80s...Hey, I was there! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Happy 20th Anniversary, Tales from the Darkside
It's hard to believe it's been 20 years or more since co-producer George Romero's TV series first traversed the ozone highway into our living rooms. And this particular volume 6 is no exception to the creative benchmark the series set forth. Conceptually, TFTDS is a compilation of a myriad of short story writers, screen writers, etc., of this genre, put into a TV format. Team this with an eclectic mix of actors and actresses including classical, up-and-coming, Vaudevillian, oldies but goodies (golden age of TV), even Broadway, and throw in well metered direction and interesting special effects (for this era), and you have a winner, with an 80s feel. My kudos to the casting crew! In this particular tape, five episodes are taken from the series, featuring the writing skills of Robert Bloch (Psycho) and Michael McDowell (Beetlejuice). Since the writers in the series are so numerous and varied in style, the mood and feel of each are totally different from one another, and represent an albeit edgy, 80s representation of television programming. My personal favorite on this tape was "Baker's Dozen", where a greedy advertizer (Larry Manetti from Magnum PI) gets his just "desserts" by a voodoo woman who just happens to bake one "mean" cookie (Mabel King from The Wiz). Then, when the cookie lady becomes a little too powerful for her own good, she's thwarted by the elderly but crafty Aloysious who proves once again that good things come in small (kitchen rat-sized) packages. Great viewing for 8-14 year olds especially, but fun for all. In short: Clever, creepy, but not overly gory. Great for Halloween party sleepovers! A series of some of the best horror short story writers of the 80s era, put to film. P.S.--Check out the companion paperback and episodes 1-7. I have them all, and my teenage daughter and her friends are really into them. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Remarkable Performances
The first time I watched this movie, I knew I was going to love it. Jodie Foster is a *superb* actress and director. In fact, "Little Man Tate" is her directoral debut. Dianne Wiest also gives a wonderful performance in this movie as the psychologist with whom Fred Tate (a stunning performance by Adam Hann-Byrd) studies. A little overbearing at times, she really gave her character life. Dede Tate (Foster) is Fred's Mom who doesn't have a steady job and feels like she is competing with Jane (Wiest) for Fred's affection. She finally comes to the realization that her son is looking for one thing and one thing only: a Mom. So now it's up to her to prove that she is a good mom. This movie is definitely meant for anyone who likes these actors. I say that because they are all at their best in this brilliant movie. The commentary by Jodie Foster is also a great addition to the movie. This is one movie that I will not get tired of anytime soon.

Heart-warming, insightful
In a swift enjoyable story, Jodie Foster plays an adverage single parent, Dede Tate, trying to do what is best for her gifted son, Adam Hann-Byrd (Fred Tate). He's college-level genius who struggles with worldly issues and anxiety. But, his grades draw the attention of guru educationalist - - Dianne Wiest, playing Jane Grierson, who convinces Foster to let Little Tate move in with her, be embued in higher-education surroundings, adopt her diet and sophisticated habits. Where does that leave Mom? And how will that affect a little boy who feels cursed for having a brain? How far should a kid be pushed? Who gets to be the judge on what is better for the child? Terrific performances: Jodie Foster, Dianne Wiest, Harry Connick Jr., David Hyde Pierce, Debi Mazar

GOOD DIRECTIONAL DEBUT FOR JODIE FOSTER.
Jodie Foster is known as one of the best actresses in these days, but with 'Little Man Tate' she proved that she is capable of direct a good movie. 'Little Man Tate' is a simple story, but it has many interesting angles.

Basically it's the story of Fred Tate, a prodigious kid (expert in mathematics, physic, music and painting, among many other things), and the struggle of his mother Dede (Jodie Foster) to give his little son the possibility of enjoy a normal life without significant worries, like most of the 8 year old kids have. Eventually they meet Dr. Jane Grierson (Dianne Wiest), who sees in Fred a reflex of herself, and she tries to develop even more Fred's abilities and intelligence.

'Little Man Tate' is a movie with interesting and multidimensional characters, even though this is a little movie, almost independent cinema, it's interesting enough to see Jodie Foster's solid directional debut. The best performances in 'Little Man Tate' are: Adam Hann-Byrd as the little Fred Tate, he is the centerpiece of the plot and the movie, also Dianne Wiest is fine as Dr. Jane Grierson, her presence changes the life of Fred and his mom Dede. In 'Little Man Tate' Jodie Foster is adequate as an actress, but as a director she is even better.

Very Well Done
When this movie first came out, I saw it with a friend, and thought it was good. Little did I know, one day, I too would be faced with the difficult challenge of raising a gifted child. I watched this movie a few days ago, and I could relate to what that mother felt, and I could also see how my son feels when he is rejected by his peers and finds he has no place to fit in.

This is a movie worth seeing.

Geniuses Have Feelings Too
An excellent movie detailing the trials and tribulations of a grade school genius. Jodie Foster does a super job of acting and directing. Its nice to see her warmth and concern when trying to look out for her son's best interests. Also intriguing is Jodie Foster's struggles in relating to her son.

But beyond the fine acting is the story which depicts young Fred's struggles with fitting into a mainstream society. In spite of his great mental prowess, all young Fred would like is a playmate. While waiting to go on a television show, his most innocent bonding is with the makeup artist's little son. Fred is curious and genuine and wants to make friends. Unfotunately there are many difficult people out there who certainly try to limit his confidence in developing relationships. Its a series of attempts and little successes and failures that enable Fred to grow interactively. He sure has the intelect.

Anyway, engaging and charming this movie certainly is. Try it on to get perspective on what its like to be a child prodigy. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Best Volume of All
I believe this is the best volume of this series out of them all. It includes my favorite episode of all time, "Trouble With Mary Jane." In which a yound girl becomes possessed by a demon and her grandmother hires a pair of occultists to perform an exorcism on the little girl. Although they do succeed in the exorcism, the result is something very unexpected. Other episodes on this volume include, "The Devil's Advocate", "Ring Around the Redhead", "The Satanic Piano" (another one of my favorites), and "A Choice of Dreams". If you like twisted, strange, and unusual stories, I highly recommend this product to you.

Join the Darkside!
In the second volume, I lovingly discovered that my second all-time favorite episode was included: The Devil's Advocate. My all-time favorite episode, Seasons of Belief, is on the first volume. Anyway, The Devil's Advocate stars Jerry Stiller as a smart-alec radio talk show host who neglects to see how his life is worse than those he constantly puts down over the airways. He realizes it eventually, but not before it's too late. The remaining four episodes are good, but don't exactly compare to The Devil's Advocate. These episodes include Ring Around The Redhead (starring Home Alone's John Heard), The Trouble with Mary Jane (starring Phyllis Diller), The Satanic Piano (starring Michael Warren from Hill Street Blues), and A Choice of Dreams (starring The Godfather's Abe Vigoda). Buy it for Stiller if nothing else! ... Read more

Reviews (71)

a modern holiday CLASSIC!
This movie has become one of my all-time favorites. While there are many classic films celebrating Christmas, this is the film I look forward to watching at Thanksgiving each year. I discovered this film one year when I couldn't make it home for the holidays- and watched it again and again. I felt like I had indeed gone home and seen old friends. I cannot understand why some reviewers didn't love it (like Leonard Maltin, but then, when was the last time you concurred with one of his reviews? I think he's paid to praise Hollywood high budget action films).

"Home for the Holidays" is a familiar and touching picture of a typical American family gathering at Thanksgiving time. The casting is wonderful and includes Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr , the always amazing Anne Bancroft and Dylan McDermott. The lead character, a single mother who has long-ago fled her hometown, as played by Holly Hunter is very endearing and readily identifiable, and the situations while depicted humorously, ring true. Jodie Foster did a wonderful job directing- any sentiment from this film, and it has a lot of sentimental value- comes from her wry depiction of family renunions, the inevitable bickering, and resolution at the holidays; emotion is never forced by the actors or upon the viewer. This is a great feel-good, true to life film; I think everyone who is single and under 40 should own it and enjoy it each Thanksgiving, whether you make it home for the holidays or not.

Delightful Dysfunction
Home for the Holidays has made my list of favorite movies. Why? It is full of warmth, biting wit, and brimming with...well...dysfunction.

Holly Hunter is great as Claudia Larsen, a single mom approaching forty. Claudia (nicknamed Clyde), is petrified of going to her parents' for Thanksgiving. Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning as Adele and Henry are typical well-meaning parents - Adele's interference balances out Henry's bumbling sentiment. Adele's eccentric sister Gladys brings a little out-and-out humor to the movie.

The scourge of the movie is Claudia's sister's family, the wonderful Witmans. Younger sis Joanne is a sickening perfectionist, and her daughter is even worse. The meek men of the house, Walter and Walter, Jr. are avoiding direct contact with Joanne, if not alleviating her tantrums. Claire Danes is also good as Clyde's daughter Kit, even though her appearance in the movie is brief. Also, Dylan McDermott is a charming bystander as Clyde's love interest.

Finally, the best part of the movie. Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of gay middle child Tommy is brilliant. It's funny, touching, and (I think) Oscar worthy. Well, definitely Globe worthy, then.

Home for the Holidays is about Thanksgiving, basically, but is great for any occassion - watch it to gain some appreciation of your family. You're not as abnormal as you think.

One to Own
This movie is hysterical, painful, sad and joyous. The characters are real, the situations are all too familiar, and the humor is spot-on. We watch this movie at least twice a year and laugh just as hard each time.

Robert Downey Jr. steals the show and portrays his character with such honesty that it is (in my opinion) his best performance to date. Holly Hunter captures the helplessness of the annual Thanksgiving from Hell that is often the reality of all of our lives. However, it is not preachy, it doesn't wrap things up in a pretty bow, but it leaves you with the feeling that life is good just the way it is.

A must see.

Family Matters
I have to say that I was a bit surprised at how much I liked Home For The Holidays. After all, a large family gathering for a major event, is certainly nothing new in film. There are plenty of dramadies like this--it's all in the execution--and that makes it work. I have to also disclose that I'm not the biggest fan of Holly Hunter's and perhaps that caused me to go into this, not expecting a whole lot.

In the span of a 36 hour period, Claudia Larson (Hunter) has managed to lose her job, make out with her boss and learn that her daughter (Claire Danes) is planning to "go all the way". But Claudia's fortunes actually take a turn for the worse when she flies home to endure an even more difficult hardship known as the family Thanksgiving. Beleagured, not ony by her neurotic mother (Anne Bancroft), a kooky father (Charles Durning), eccentric brother (Robert Downey Jr.) and compulsively "normal" sister (Cynthia Stevenson), Claudia struggles to maintain her sanity. But as the festivities roll along those prospects prove difficult. As sparks fly, tempers flare and issues are exposed, surprisingly, Claudia manages to discover things about herself and her family she never know.

The script from W.D. Richter is better than I expected. Coming from a large family of my own, there's plenty that I can identify with. Really anyone who has a family will find that to be the case for them as well. The script very well done. The drama is "real"-and not over the top or too melodramatic. The lighter moments are not too broad or cheap. Directed by Jodie Foster, the cast hits all the right marks--even Hunter. I had very few complaints. Foster, as well known actress herself, dives right in and isn't affraid of the limited setting.

The DVD boasts a solid audio commentary from Foster. Who, as she has on her other commentaries, provides for an engaging and insightful track. The only other extra on the DVD is your typical theatrical trailer. Participation from the cast would have made things a bit more comlete.

Home...works. Its problems are few...Recommended

like fruitcake
Robert Downey Jr is a hoot. But no one else in this movie measures up. Direction is ploddding; chracterization, mawkish. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Holly Hunter plays a Chicago-based single mom who--on the day before Thanksgiving--loses her job and is informed by her daughter of the latter's intention to surrender her virginity while on a weekend-long affair. If that's not enough, Hunter's character then has to fly to Baltimore to join her fractious family for another difficult Thanksgiving. Robert Downey Jr. is terrifically charming as her prankish, gay brother, and Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning show plenty of comic resilience during the predictably interesting Thanksgiving dinner scene. The script by W.D. Richter (Brubaker) avoids the usual clichés in family dramas--the deepest, darkest secret revealed here involves the painfully sweet revelation of a 40-year-old crush. Jodie Foster, directing her second feature, focuses instead on the inevitable softening of old grudges and disappointments with time. This is a wise as well as wonderfully fun movie. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (71)

a modern holiday CLASSIC!
This movie has become one of my all-time favorites. While there are many classic films celebrating Christmas, this is the film I look forward to watching at Thanksgiving each year. I discovered this film one year when I couldn't make it home for the holidays- and watched it again and again. I felt like I had indeed gone home and seen old friends. I cannot understand why some reviewers didn't love it (like Leonard Maltin, but then, when was the last time you concurred with one of his reviews? I think he's paid to praise Hollywood high budget action films).

"Home for the Holidays" is a familiar and touching picture of a typical American family gathering at Thanksgiving time. The casting is wonderful and includes Holly Hunter, Robert Downey Jr , the always amazing Anne Bancroft and Dylan McDermott. The lead character, a single mother who has long-ago fled her hometown, as played by Holly Hunter is very endearing and readily identifiable, and the situations while depicted humorously, ring true. Jodie Foster did a wonderful job directing- any sentiment from this film, and it has a lot of sentimental value- comes from her wry depiction of family renunions, the inevitable bickering, and resolution at the holidays; emotion is never forced by the actors or upon the viewer. This is a great feel-good, true to life film; I think everyone who is single and under 40 should own it and enjoy it each Thanksgiving, whether you make it home for the holidays or not.

Delightful Dysfunction
Home for the Holidays has made my list of favorite movies. Why? It is full of warmth, biting wit, and brimming with...well...dysfunction.

Holly Hunter is great as Claudia Larsen, a single mom approaching forty. Claudia (nicknamed Clyde), is petrified of going to her parents' for Thanksgiving. Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning as Adele and Henry are typical well-meaning parents - Adele's interference balances out Henry's bumbling sentiment. Adele's eccentric sister Gladys brings a little out-and-out humor to the movie.

The scourge of the movie is Claudia's sister's family, the wonderful Witmans. Younger sis Joanne is a sickening perfectionist, and her daughter is even worse. The meek men of the house, Walter and Walter, Jr. are avoiding direct contact with Joanne, if not alleviating her tantrums. Claire Danes is also good as Clyde's daughter Kit, even though her appearance in the movie is brief. Also, Dylan McDermott is a charming bystander as Clyde's love interest.

Finally, the best part of the movie. Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of gay middle child Tommy is brilliant. It's funny, touching, and (I think) Oscar worthy. Well, definitely Globe worthy, then.

Home for the Holidays is about Thanksgiving, basically, but is great for any occassion - watch it to gain some appreciation of your family. You're not as abnormal as you think.

One to Own
This movie is hysterical, painful, sad and joyous. The characters are real, the situations are all too familiar, and the humor is spot-on. We watch this movie at least twice a year and laugh just as hard each time.

Robert Downey Jr. steals the show and portrays his character with such honesty that it is (in my opinion) his best performance to date. Holly Hunter captures the helplessness of the annual Thanksgiving from Hell that is often the reality of all of our lives. However, it is not preachy, it doesn't wrap things up in a pretty bow, but it leaves you with the feeling that life is good just the way it is.

A must see.

Family Matters
I have to say that I was a bit surprised at how much I liked Home For The Holidays. After all, a large family gathering for a major event, is certainly nothing new in film. There are plenty of dramadies like this--it's all in the execution--and that makes it work. I have to also disclose that I'm not the biggest fan of Holly Hunter's and perhaps that caused me to go into this, not expecting a whole lot.

In the span of a 36 hour period, Claudia Larson (Hunter) has managed to lose her job, make out with her boss and learn that her daughter (Claire Danes) is planning to "go all the way". But Claudia's fortunes actually take a turn for the worse when she flies home to endure an even more difficult hardship known as the family Thanksgiving. Beleagured, not ony by her neurotic mother (Anne Bancroft), a kooky father (Charles Durning), eccentric brother (Robert Downey Jr.) and compulsively "normal" sister (Cynthia Stevenson), Claudia struggles to maintain her sanity. But as the festivities roll along those prospects prove difficult. As sparks fly, tempers flare and issues are exposed, surprisingly, Claudia manages to discover things about herself and her family she never know.

The script from W.D. Richter is better than I expected. Coming from a large family of my own, there's plenty that I can identify with. Really anyone who has a family will find that to be the case for them as well. The script very well done. The drama is "real"-and not over the top or too melodramatic. The lighter moments are not too broad or cheap. Directed by Jodie Foster, the cast hits all the right marks--even Hunter. I had very few complaints. Foster, as well known actress herself, dives right in and isn't affraid of the limited setting.

The DVD boasts a solid audio commentary from Foster. Who, as she has on her other commentaries, provides for an engaging and insightful track. The only other extra on the DVD is your typical theatrical trailer. Participation from the cast would have made things a bit more comlete.

Home...works. Its problems are few...Recommended

like fruitcake
Robert Downey Jr is a hoot. But no one else in this movie measures up. Direction is ploddding; chracterization, mawkish. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Remarkable Performances
The first time I watched this movie, I knew I was going to love it. Jodie Foster is a *superb* actress and director. In fact, "Little Man Tate" is her directoral debut. Dianne Wiest also gives a wonderful performance in this movie as the psychologist with whom Fred Tate (a stunning performance by Adam Hann-Byrd) studies. A little overbearing at times, she really gave her character life. Dede Tate (Foster) is Fred's Mom who doesn't have a steady job and feels like she is competing with Jane (Wiest) for Fred's affection. She finally comes to the realization that her son is looking for one thing and one thing only: a Mom. So now it's up to her to prove that she is a good mom. This movie is definitely meant for anyone who likes these actors. I say that because they are all at their best in this brilliant movie. The commentary by Jodie Foster is also a great addition to the movie. This is one movie that I will not get tired of anytime soon.

Heart-warming, insightful
In a swift enjoyable story, Jodie Foster plays an adverage single parent, Dede Tate, trying to do what is best for her gifted son, Adam Hann-Byrd (Fred Tate). He's college-level genius who struggles with worldly issues and anxiety. But, his grades draw the attention of guru educationalist - - Dianne Wiest, playing Jane Grierson, who convinces Foster to let Little Tate move in with her, be embued in higher-education surroundings, adopt her diet and sophisticated habits. Where does that leave Mom? And how will that affect a little boy who feels cursed for having a brain? How far should a kid be pushed? Who gets to be the judge on what is better for the child? Terrific performances: Jodie Foster, Dianne Wiest, Harry Connick Jr., David Hyde Pierce, Debi Mazar

GOOD DIRECTIONAL DEBUT FOR JODIE FOSTER.
Jodie Foster is known as one of the best actresses in these days, but with 'Little Man Tate' she proved that she is capable of direct a good movie. 'Little Man Tate' is a simple story, but it has many interesting angles.

Basically it's the story of Fred Tate, a prodigious kid (expert in mathematics, physic, music and painting, among many other things), and the struggle of his mother Dede (Jodie Foster) to give his little son the possibility of enjoy a normal life without significant worries, like most of the 8 year old kids have. Eventually they meet Dr. Jane Grierson (Dianne Wiest), who sees in Fred a reflex of herself, and she tries to develop even more Fred's abilities and intelligence.

'Little Man Tate' is a movie with interesting and multidimensional characters, even though this is a little movie, almost independent cinema, it's interesting enough to see Jodie Foster's solid directional debut. The best performances in 'Little Man Tate' are: Adam Hann-Byrd as the little Fred Tate, he is the centerpiece of the plot and the movie, also Dianne Wiest is fine as Dr. Jane Grierson, her presence changes the life of Fred and his mom Dede. In 'Little Man Tate' Jodie Foster is adequate as an actress, but as a director she is even better.

Very Well Done
When this movie first came out, I saw it with a friend, and thought it was good. Little did I know, one day, I too would be faced with the difficult challenge of raising a gifted child. I watched this movie a few days ago, and I could relate to what that mother felt, and I could also see how my son feels when he is rejected by his peers and finds he has no place to fit in.

This is a movie worth seeing.

Geniuses Have Feelings Too
An excellent movie detailing the trials and tribulations of a grade school genius. Jodie Foster does a super job of acting and directing. Its nice to see her warmth and concern when trying to look out for her son's best interests. Also intriguing is Jodie Foster's struggles in relating to her son.

But beyond the fine acting is the story which depicts young Fred's struggles with fitting into a mainstream society. In spite of his great mental prowess, all young Fred would like is a playmate. While waiting to go on a television show, his most innocent bonding is with the makeup artist's little son. Fred is curious and genuine and wants to make friends. Unfotunately there are many difficult people out there who certainly try to limit his confidence in developing relationships. Its a series of attempts and little successes and failures that enable Fred to grow interactively. He sure has the intelect.

Anyway, engaging and charming this movie certainly is. Try it on to get perspective on what its like to be a child prodigy. ... Read more