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Produced for Turner Network Television and originally broadcast in the summer of 1999, The Hunley is a straightforward, engrossing historical drama focusing on a little-known chapter of the Civil War: the introduction of the submarine into American naval warfare off the shore of war-torn Charleston, South Carolina, in 1864. Writer-director John Gray had previously helmed the 1998 TV movie The Day Lincoln Was Shot, and he has a knack for capturing the Civil War era with a heightened sense of authenticity, allowing for the dramatic license of mainstream television. Armand Assante plays Lieutenant Dixon, a traumatized soldier and grieving widower with just the right mixture of bravado and nihilism to skipper the C.S.S. Hunley--essentially an iron boiler cobbled into a hand-powered submersible weapon--with a volunteer crew of nine men who propel the crude sub in an effort to break the Union's coastal blockade. Donald Sutherland is superbly cast as Dixon's Confederate commander, General Beauregard, and the film's best scenes are those between Assante and Sutherland, playing two weary warriors with one final chance for victory. Otherwise, this is a very conventional film made with integrity but no particular flair, faithfully adhering to historical fact while establishing a solid supporting cast. Assante is guilty of moderate overacting, but he compensates with enough charisma to make his ill-fated command dramatically involving. Most effective is the sense of sheer bravery in the pioneering effort to prove the Hunley as a viable tool of war; the final scene within the sub is both haunting and dramatically intense. (Historical note: The C.S.S. Hunley--named after the drowned captain of a previous test vessel--was discovered intact off the coast of Charleston in 1995; efforts were later made to raise and restore this relic of naval history.) --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Great telling of a little-known piece of naval history
The Hunley was the name of a human-powered experimental submersible developed and employed by the Confederacy during the American Civil War (or "War Between the States"). This movie does an excellent job of explaining the mechanics of the Hunley, but, more importantly, it delves into the minds and souls of men like those who may have actually manned her. As another reviewer aptly pointed out, this movie not only did that, but presented the southern sailors who manned the Hunley as brave men rather than as some kind of villains.

The cast is headed by Armand Assante, the captain of a crew that mans the Hunley, and Donald Sutherland who is the general in overall command of the project.

Be prepared for a look into the conflicted and tormented mind of Assante's character -- a consequence of the loss of his beloved wife. Assante works as a man driven, and, at that same time, as one who has nothing to lose. The supporting cast does a great job in moving character and story-line development along.

This is a far superior movie to another period made-for-TV movie, "Ironclads". "The Hunley" is better in its story development, drama, and acting. But, if you are a naval history buff, you should also give "Ironclads" a look.

As for "The Hunley"...5 stars, an excellent offering, especially for a made-for-TV movie.

Alan Holyoak

Civil War equivalent to Das Boot.
Turner Network Television once again brings us a true story of the Civil War, and like the previous efforts Gettysburg and Andersonville, this movie is a winner. When the subject of Civil War naval exploits is examined the battle between the Ironclads Merrimack and Monitor is the first thing that comes to mind, this film brings us another no less revolutionary story. Truth is indeed stranger (and more entertaining) than fiction, this is the story of the Confederate effort to build and deploy a submersible weapon of war to break the Union blockade of the South Carolina coast. The original name of this vessel was The David (as in David and Goliath) but after the training death of a young office named Hunley the sub was renamed. The opening scene of the training accident will put the hook in you, this is not a boring film. The special effects are very good, the studio built what looks to be a realistic copy of the Hunley, if you are claustrophobic this film will disturb you, even if you are not claustrophobic it will make you squimish. The technical description of the subs operating procedures (and it's torpedo) by Lt. Dixon are painfully easy to understand, the explaination of Union Naval tactics are very clear as well. There is some computer animation used in the special effects but most of what you see has a very realistic flavor to it, the Union shelling of Ft. Sumter and Charleston are good examples of that. Donald Sutherland portraying Gen. Beauregard has a sinister air about him until he explains his wife's death in childbirth "now there is a test for you" he says. Armand Assante does a fine job, you may notice some folks complaining about the accent, don't worry about it, it does not detract from the film, this may be his best work to date. I would have given 5 stars except for the "Hollywoodization" of the scene about the final plunge. Good combat scenes, drunken fist fighting, no sex, this would be about a PG-13 film I'd say. Seeing southern soldiers being cast as the "good guys" will remind sub movie affectionados of Das Boot. In this era of PC where Confederate battle flags are removed, Confederate monuments are vandalized and Southern heritage is viewed as akin to being a skinhead it is refreshing that TNT brought us this truly facinating and entertaining story. I would have bought it on DVD but it was only available on VHS cassette, which is of fine quality. Top notch production quality. Take it from me, I like historically accurate war films, this is one of them.

Great Film But Where's the DVD?
The story of the CSS H.L. Hunley is one of the most engrossing and yet unknown stories of the Civil War. It is fortunate, though, that this film can help revive interest in this remarkable story. Even if this story was entirely fictional, the movie would still stand up well. Great performances all around. This movie grabs you and dosen't let you go. What impresses me the most is that the film stays pretty close to the known facts. All in all, a well crafted film. It really will help you see the Confederate point of view in this war. They were wrong on slavery, but in the end you will cheer for the crew of the Hunley. Now what we need is a DVD with special features.

WOW!!!
Definitely a great Civil War movie and one of my personal favorites, the Hunley, brings to the screen the story of a confederate submarine, the CSS Hunley, and the desperate attempts made by the South to break the Federal blockade that threatened the CSA's very existence. The movie portrays Lieutenant Dixon (played superbly by Armand Assante) in great detail, both as a man and as an officer, and his efforts to succeed in his project of training the crew whose job will be to man the vessel. The movie successfully provides an important insight into one of the many figures of this military conflict. The Hunley is a movie about duty, honor, bravery, fear, and heroes who fought and died in the name of Freedom and above all, love- love of country. A great movie indeed!

An engrossing film
I started watching this film convinced that I would not like it -- it just did not sound like my kind of film. Within minutes I was totally engrossed. Based on a true story, it has an exciting plot and great acting. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Greatest Family Movie ever Made
I thought this movie was made really well. This has been the greatest family movie I have ever seen. It had me laughing and crying at the same time. This is a film that the whole family can enjoy from 0 to 99 years old. And I believe that your whole family will love this movie and watch it everyday like I do.

One of the best family flicks ever.
This movie was made for everybody likes comedy. There are no boring parts at all. It is a bit sad at the end but not very sad. It is half sad half happy at the end. Every minute of this is entertaining. Buy this and enjoy.

Great movie
It is the best movie for kids. My kids watch it over and over again. So if you have kids aged 5 to 10 you should buy this vidio.

Sad,boring I hate it
It is very sad not as bad at the begining but very very sad at the end. It also went by to slow

Excellent for adults and children
Very entertaining for all ages, the gorilla was very well done, good for teaching children about commitment and responsibility. Makes you laugh and cry. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

"Day Lincoln Was Shot" Television Masterpiece
During a trip to our nation's capital in March of '98, I visited the Ford's Theater in downtown Washington,D.C. There I became totally enthralled with the whole Lincoln assasanation conspiracy. About a month after I returned home, I watched "The Day Lincoln Was Shot" on TNT. It was the most fascinating movie I'd ever seen. It gave an account of Lincoln's and Booth's final days and humanized the often misunderstood assasin. Rob Morrow of "Northern Exposure" & "Quiz Show" fame portrays John Wilkes Booth, the young, talented thespian son of Junius Booth, one of the most famous actors of his time. Lance Henriksen plays one of America's most revered figures, President Abraham Lincoln. Morrow's excellent portryal of Booth shows a patriotic and spirited side of him that few people ever realize. The film begins with Booth galloping through the woods, trying to escape, and then being caught in a burning barn. From then on the film is shown in hindsight, beginning with the day Richmond fell. It also shows a romantic & loving side of both Lincoln and Booth, from Lincoln's torrid but comical relationship with Mary Todd, to Booth's courtship of the young and fair Lucy Hale, daughter of an American ambassador. Lincoln's realationship with his youngest son Tad is also very well portrayed throughout the film. In retrospect I feel that this movie is one of the finest movies about President Lincoln ever made. A spectacular ensemble of actors. Morrow's portrayal is award-worthy. A masterpiece in made-for-television movies. END

Best Lincoln Portrayal I've Ever Seen!
I purchased this video recently and have watched it TWICE now within the past 24 hours - it was so well done.

Having read quite a bit on Lincoln in the past, I can tell you that this movie is very historically accurate - a rarity for Hollywood.

The actors who portrayed Abraham Lincoln (Lance Hendriksen) and John Wilkes Booth (Rob Morrow) were absolutely outstanding in their performances.

I would love to see more movies made like this dramatizing actual historical events - they educate and expand the mind, as well as entertain.

If you're an admirer of "The Great Emancipator," then this video is a must for your collection.

Fair
This wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. The biggest disappointment for me were the main players. Few of them really looked like the historical persona. Lincoln's portrayal was a letdown from the start. Although he looked fairly close, his voice was all wrong. Lincoln had a squeaky voice with a real Kentucky twang. (This comes from observations by Lincoln's law partner, Herndon as well as Nicolaye & Haye, Lincoln's secretaries and biographers) Hal Holbrook actually came closest to the right pitch and tone. Even more annoying was the portrayal of Sec. of War Edward Stanton. Here, he comes across like a frustrated grandfather. The real Stanton was NOT a Lincoln fan, he once refered to Lincoln as the "original baboon" and constantly challenged the 16th president on issue after issue. Lincoln would let Stanton have his temper tantrums, but managed to "put his foot down" at the right time. Stanton himself was far from well liked by other members of the cabinet and was actually feared and loathed by many. First Lady Mary Todd was far too slender and attractive in this depiction. If you've ever seen photos of the real Mary, she looked dowdy if not downright frumpy. Her rages were legendary in Washington. She once chased a deliveryman down the street with a broomstick. Secretary Seward called her a "she-wolf" and others dubbed her a bit**. A surprise for me was the portrayal of Dr. Charles A. Leale, the 27 year old Army surgeon who took charge of Lincoln after the shooting. The actor bore more than striking resemblance. It was almost spooky to watch. Jim Bishop's book was followed closely which was one of the more appealing parts of this film. Even snippets of dialog from the book crept in with regularity.

The Day Lincoln Was Shot
This was a terrible movie. Started out slow with boring acts, didn't even get worth watching until the end. Glad I loaned the film out from the library.

A refreshing Film
Take a chance on this well made film that is simply enjoyable to watch. Rob Morrow in particular is amazing and you can't afford to miss watching this film. All TV films should be as good. Also take the time to see Rough Riders, Truman, and Conspiracy. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Earnest, Often Touching Drama
I read recently that upon becoming a mother several years ago, Oscar winning actress Sissy Spacek pulled back considerably on her career and began accepting a few acting assignments a year, usually ones of (what she felt was) social significance. Obviously the role of nurse Susan Lansing, who takes in an HIV-positive infant as a foster child, filled that particular bill. A PLACE FOR ANNIE is a socially conscious a film as one could ask for. It is also an OK drama in and of itself, although hardly a masterpiece...Of course, you have to be receptive to this kind of three-hanky dramatic fare. But hey, those of us who would even bother to sit down for this kind of weep-fest have to admit that basically we're suckers for the genre. It helps when you've got a stellar cast on hand (along with Spacek, you've got Joan Plowright, Mary-Louise Parker, LAW AND ORDER'S S. Epatha Merkerson and the young Jack Noseworthy, all very good indeed). And the kid is adorable. The film tugs shamelessly at the heartstrings, but it doesn't--completely--wear its heart on its sleeve. A lot of credit goes to the capable cast who tend to underplay their roles. Spacek--and the rest of the cast here--may be partial to socially conscious fare, but they're smart enough not to lay it on too thick.

A Movie To Cherish.
I am a lover of the, 'Hallmark Hall Of Fame' movies because they are clean and family oriented. Movies like 'A Place For Annie' helped seal their place in my home. I have a collection of these wonderful films and I will continue to collect them.

'A Place For Annie,' is a true story about a head pediatric nurse, 'Susan Lansing' (played by Sissy Spacek.) Lansing gets attached to an infant patient, (Annie) who at birth tested positive for HIV. Little Annie was also born addicted to heroine and was deserted shortly after birth by her birth mother. When no one would accept this baby, with HIV, as a foster child Susan decides to become Annie's foster mother. She makes it her mission to give this terminally ill child a home and love for as many days as the baby has left.

This movie is wonderful. The performances by the cast are spectacular. The plot is touching and considerably strong. The overall movie quality etc, is well above average. Very few movies are powerful enough to bring such emotion as this film delivers. Through tear filled eyes, I watched as this story of 'true miracles' unfolded. This movie illustrates the power of love and family and gives us the bitter with the sweet of real life. 'A Place For Annie,' is a movie to cherish, and I, BTW, highly recommend it to you. You will thank your lucky stars that you could, in some way, share in the life of Annie and her remarkable, adoptive mother.

I LOVED it!
I don't think I've ever seen any other movie made with so much passion, sensitivity, and love. When you watch it, you don't feel like you're watching a movie; the story is incredibly real, as is the acting and the presented situations. Infected with HIV and abandoned at birth by her AIDS infected single mother, little Annie is given a miracle when one of the nurses (Susan Lansing, played to perfection by Sissy Spacek)takes her in. Annie is well-established in her new home until Linda, her very young biological mother, returns for custody. Unable to provide for Annie and selfishly unwilling to leave her with Susan, Linda reluctantly moves in with Susan's family. Linda is then given a chance to understand her mistakes, take responsibility for them, and become more conscious of her love for Annie--conscious enough to do what is best for her, even though it is very hard. You will never forget this movie. I stumbled across it by accident in a local Hallmark store, and I am so lucky I did because it seems to be a difficult-to-find videotape. Do whatever you can to get your hands on this, but make sure you see it!

BEAUTIFUL movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Not only is it just a really sweet story, but it also has a wonderful message behind it. The acting was excellent and they got an adorable pair of twins to play the role of little Annie. This movie has a lot of sensitivity in it. It all starts when Susan Lansing, a nurse at a local hospital, takes in an abandoned baby. This child, who tested HIV-positive at birth, seems to have nobody who is willing to take her in--nobody except Susan, that is. With the help of a supportive teenage son and a devoted nanny, Susan is able to create a lovingly stable living environment for little Annie. Everything is turned upside-down a year later, when Annie's birth mother returns to claim her. Linda Marsten, the baby's mother, is clearly very young, and her husband has died as a result of drug overdose. Emotionally unable to hand Annie over to her drug addicted birth mother, Susan invites Linda to come live with them in their home. It is during this time that Linda creates a close bond with her child and comes to terms with everything that she left behind when she abandoned her newborn baby at the hospital. At the same time, Linda and Susan learn to put their differences aside and use their shared love for Annie to develop a sort of unsteady friendship with each other. At the end of the movie, it is Linda's selfless love for her daughter that leads her to make the most difficult decision she has ever had to make that will ultimately shape Annie's future. The movie really made me want to cry, especially at the part where Annie was taken away from Susan for the first time when Linda took her for an overnight visit. I think that Mary Louise Parker (Linda) did an EXCELLENT acting job in this movie. She really knew the part well, and she knew how to perform it. When she first appeared in the movie, all I kept thinking was, "I hope Annie gets to stay with Susan, not this woman." But as the movie went on, the viewer gets a chance to see that Linda is just a troubled young parent who feels the consequences for her wrongdoing and has a hard time accepting love from others due to her painful past with her own mother. This beautiful film touched my heart immensely, and it quickly became one of my favorite movies. This is a sweet, touching, and overwhelmingly emotional movie that I enjoyed every minute of. It has so much depth, and it has a firm handle on many real-life struggles and situations. If you haven't seen "A Place for Annie" yet, now is the time to do so.

The Loving Heart
I have seen this movie before and I do not care what anyone says but I thought it was a terrific and touching movie. I cried through like the entire movie. I would really reccomend this movie to others because it has real life facts as well as fictions. I cried the most when Annie's birth mother said she didn't want to be saved if she died. She said when it's her time to just let her go. Again I don't care what anyone has to say about this movie because I loved it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Beautiful movie in spirit and value
This movie is based upon high ideals and values. It demonstrates the struggle between light and dark forces. It shows true spirit, wisedom, strength and beauty for what they are. I reccomend this movie highly. I am surprised it was made in this day in age.

Great Irish Legend
This is a great story based on the Irish legend of the selties and their human counter-parts. It tells the story of two people from two different world find a unque bond in each other. The actors carry the story beatifuly right to the end. This is a great movie for anyone who loves a good romantic story. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Actually based on a true story...
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...being the Battle of Athens, Tennessee (August 1-2, 1946), in which GIs returning from World War II to McMinn County, midway between Knoxville and Chatanooga in eastern Tennessee, found their communities under the vicious control of the Cantrell political machine. The "law enforcement officers" of the county sheriff were, in fact, nothing more than badge-wearing armed goons at Cantrell's command.

This mild movie is the best available dramatization of what happened in that Summer of 1946, when American private citizens, faced with a government that would not obey the law, took up weapons - including semiautomatic military small arms, machine guns, and dynamite - and got themselves an honest election by exercising their civil rights in a manner that would cause today's "Liberals" to soil their silken panties.

Until someone undertakes a proper and accurate dramatic account of what actually happened in McMinn County when the GIs returned to their homes and did to the Cantrell machine what they'd done to the foreign enemies of freedom, this milk-and-water substitute will have to do.
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Seems to be missing something.
An American Story is about a group of WWII veterns who return home to cope with their changed lives. The current mayor has shaken up their town while they were overseas, so the veterns decide to run for office to try and change things. This movie follows several different characters who are undeveloped and in the end of the movie, some of the conflicts remained unresolved.
A better hallmark movie that has the WWII theme involved in it, is Miss Rose White, check this one out if you are interested. ... Read more

Description

Fictionalized account of Jimmy Capone, the brother of gangster Al Capone, who assumes an alias and becomes a lawman. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Lost Capone Is It Fiction?
Seems as though this movie was underplayed......Tried to find it in video stores but it was not there. Not many people recall having seen it. The movie was excellent. The cast played their rolls very well. The story was one that could be easily believed. It would have been an interesting twist to the life of Al Capone. Were there any brothers and or sisters of Capone? How many?

Great plot, moves quickly, very gritty, great actors/acting.
The story about "Al Capone's brother" is an interesting work. The plot is excellent and this moves along quickly. Good actors in the lead: Adrian Pasdar as the brother and Eric Roberts as Al. The film spans many years and we see the men age. Pasdar is very believable and it was surprising to see a not-so-believable performance by Roberts because he is more seasoned. But no one old jumps out of a chair that quickly! That's my only complaint (they should have shot those scenes over - Roberts was laughable in an otherwise terrific film). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Father Son Conflict in Reverse
A father and son struggle to communicate while the son begins to choose his career. The father wants his son to become an architect and the son wants to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming a high rise steel worker. Yet the son's desire to honor his father only dissapoints him. The movie focuses on the communication between father and son and eventually resolves the issue although tragedy almost strikes. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Steven Seagal needed a new approach to his standard head-busting heroics, so he teamed up with Keenen Ivory Wayans for this routine 1996 action flick. This time stone-faced Steve plays Los Angeles homicide detective Jack Cole, newly transplanted from New York and teamed up with Jim Campbell (Wayans). They're assigned to track down "The Family Man," a serial killer who earned his nickname by crucifying entire families and leaving religious graffiti as his calling card. The case heats up when the latest victim turns out to be Cole's ex-wife, and Cole is considered a primary suspect. That makes Seagal get really mad--you don't wanna get Seagal too upset, y'know--but he still has time to quote Buddhist wisdom and crack wise with Wayans, who plays it relatively straight as the practical half of this partnership. It's typical Seagal stuff all the way, with obligatory fight scenes every 10 minutes or so, but Seagal fans will enjoy it, and Brian Cox makes a suitably hissable villain. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Buddha Worship
"The Glimmer Man" is about a Buddhist police officer played by Steven Seagal. That's the whole movie. He teams up with Keenen Ivory Wayans and they try to look for 'The Family Man,' a serial killer who uses religion to make his mark. Steven Seagal was about to be killed by a Russian gang, but he told them, "I gotta lot of cash OR you can take plastic." He used his credit card as a weapon, how nifty is that? Another encounter involved Seagal walking into a restaurant and he caused lots of damage. All of that wine gone to waste and Seagal managed to try some of the food! He sure does enjoy food! Then Seagal fought a bald martial artist at the end of the movie and asked, "Is that the best you got!?" Yes, Steven Seagal can bring it and eat it in this movie. The duo found the killer and uncovered a deep plot involving smuggling. This movie is comedy, especially when Seagal gave Wayans a taste of powdered deer privates. It was disgusting, yet satisfyingly original! Good movie.

Typical Seagal
O.K.-- Steven Seagal was not considered for a Best Actor award for this movie (nor for any of this other flicks). This is, however, an enjoyable little movie -- you just have to get past Seagal's wooden acting, his love beads, and the huge holes in the plot. Keenen Ivory Wayans' character worked well -- he gets credit for all of the intentional humor, including one particularly funny line.

DEFINITELY NOT ORIGINAL
SEAGAL AND KEENEN IVORY WAYANS PLAY TWO COPS THAT'RE GOING AFTER A SERIAL KILLER KNOWN AS THE FAMILY MAN. SEAGAL AND WAYANS ARE DEFINITELY NOT GIBSON AND GLOVER. BUT THIS MOVIE ISN'T AND COULD NEVER BE ''LETHAL WEAPON''. SOME OF THE ACTION IS GOOD, BUT THE MOVIE'S JUST HARD TO SIT THROUGH. AT LEAST KEENEN IVORY WAYANS DOES DELIVER SOME FUNNY MOMENTS. WELL, SEAGAL HAS DONE WORSE MOVIES THAN THIS. BUT THEN AGAIN, SEAGAL HAS ALSO DONE BETTER MOVIES THAN THIS.

Steven Seagal: the name says it all!
This movie is one of my personal favorites. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. You had comedy, drama, suspense and action all rolled into one fantastic movie. Before this movie, I hadn't been a big fan of Keenan Ivory Wayans but he was actually very good in this film. Steven Seagal's performance was excellent and his martial art moves was over the top! I own this video and I never get tired of seeing it. It's all that and a bag of chips!!

One of my favorite Segal movies
This is one of Segal's better movies. I would rate it with Under Siege in quality. Good plot, great supporting cast. He does not inject the PC [stuff] that many of his later movies seem to have. ... Read more

Reviews (26)

Great telling of a little-known piece of naval history
The Hunley was the name of a human-powered experimental submersible developed and employed by the Confederacy during the American Civil War (or "War Between the States"). This movie does an excellent job of explaining the mechanics of the Hunley, but, more importantly, it delves into the minds and souls of men like those who may have actually manned her. As another reviewer aptly pointed out, this movie not only did that, but presented the southern sailors who manned the Hunley as brave men rather than as some kind of villains.

The cast is headed by Armand Assante, the captain of a crew that mans the Hunley, and Donald Sutherland who is the general in overall command of the project.

Be prepared for a look into the conflicted and tormented mind of Assante's character -- a consequence of the loss of his beloved wife. Assante works as a man driven, and, at that same time, as one who has nothing to lose. The supporting cast does a great job in moving character and story-line development along.

This is a far superior movie to another period made-for-TV movie, "Ironclads". "The Hunley" is better in its story development, drama, and acting. But, if you are a naval history buff, you should also give "Ironclads" a look.

As for "The Hunley"...5 stars, an excellent offering, especially for a made-for-TV movie.

Alan Holyoak

Civil War equivalent to Das Boot.
Turner Network Television once again brings us a true story of the Civil War, and like the previous efforts Gettysburg and Andersonville, this movie is a winner. When the subject of Civil War naval exploits is examined the battle between the Ironclads Merrimack and Monitor is the first thing that comes to mind, this film brings us another no less revolutionary story. Truth is indeed stranger (and more entertaining) than fiction, this is the story of the Confederate effort to build and deploy a submersible weapon of war to break the Union blockade of the South Carolina coast. The original name of this vessel was The David (as in David and Goliath) but after the training death of a young office named Hunley the sub was renamed. The opening scene of the training accident will put the hook in you, this is not a boring film. The special effects are very good, the studio built what looks to be a realistic copy of the Hunley, if you are claustrophobic this film will disturb you, even if you are not claustrophobic it will make you squimish. The technical description of the subs operating procedures (and it's torpedo) by Lt. Dixon are painfully easy to understand, the explaination of Union Naval tactics are very clear as well. There is some computer animation used in the special effects but most of what you see has a very realistic flavor to it, the Union shelling of Ft. Sumter and Charleston are good examples of that. Donald Sutherland portraying Gen. Beauregard has a sinister air about him until he explains his wife's death in childbirth "now there is a test for you" he says. Armand Assante does a fine job, you may notice some folks complaining about the accent, don't worry about it, it does not detract from the film, this may be his best work to date. I would have given 5 stars except for the "Hollywoodization" of the scene about the final plunge. Good combat scenes, drunken fist fighting, no sex, this would be about a PG-13 film I'd say. Seeing southern soldiers being cast as the "good guys" will remind sub movie affectionados of Das Boot. In this era of PC where Confederate battle flags are removed, Confederate monuments are vandalized and Southern heritage is viewed as akin to being a skinhead it is refreshing that TNT brought us this truly facinating and entertaining story. I would have bought it on DVD but it was only available on VHS cassette, which is of fine quality. Top notch production quality. Take it from me, I like historically accurate war films, this is one of them.

Great Film But Where's the DVD?
The story of the CSS H.L. Hunley is one of the most engrossing and yet unknown stories of the Civil War. It is fortunate, though, that this film can help revive interest in this remarkable story. Even if this story was entirely fictional, the movie would still stand up well. Great performances all around. This movie grabs you and dosen't let you go. What impresses me the most is that the film stays pretty close to the known facts. All in all, a well crafted film. It really will help you see the Confederate point of view in this war. They were wrong on slavery, but in the end you will cheer for the crew of the Hunley. Now what we need is a DVD with special features.

WOW!!!
Definitely a great Civil War movie and one of my personal favorites, the Hunley, brings to the screen the story of a confederate submarine, the CSS Hunley, and the desperate attempts made by the South to break the Federal blockade that threatened the CSA's very existence. The movie portrays Lieutenant Dixon (played superbly by Armand Assante) in great detail, both as a man and as an officer, and his efforts to succeed in his project of training the crew whose job will be to man the vessel. The movie successfully provides an important insight into one of the many figures of this military conflict. The Hunley is a movie about duty, honor, bravery, fear, and heroes who fought and died in the name of Freedom and above all, love- love of country. A great movie indeed!

An engrossing film
I started watching this film convinced that I would not like it -- it just did not sound like my kind of film. Within minutes I was totally engrossed. Based on a true story, it has an exciting plot and great acting. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

BRIAN"S SONG SHOULD BE HEARD...
This is a Disney remake of the 1971 popular film of the same name, which starred James Caan and Billy Dee Williams. It is based upon the true story of professional football players, Gale Sayers and Brian Piccolo, who played for the Chicago Bears. They became fast friends and were rookie roommates on the road.

When Brian begins losing weight inexplicably and coughing up a storm, it doesn't look good. He finally goes to the doctor, where he discovers that he has cancer. Yet, Brian never gives up. He wills himself to live, inspiring Gale to be all that he can be.

The film takes the viewer through the beginning of Gale's and Brian's friendship, all the way through to the end. Along the way, it touches on many themes. When Gale reaches the pinnacle of success and stardom in the world of professional football and wins an award, he gives a speech that includes Brian. It is a speech that is guaranteed to bring tears to the viewer.

Mekhi Phifer is terrific in the role of Gale Sayers and Sean Maher gives a compelling performance as Brian Piccolo. This is a well directed, well acted film. It is also very sad.

a beautiful song to hear
Hard to believe I didn't recognize this movie until just the other day. What a beautiful movie with emotional depth and a great message about friendship. For anyone who might not know the storyline, it focuses on the true story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, two former football players for the Chicago Bears with every difference you could possibly imagine keeping them apart, including racial differences and completely opposite personalities. Only by rooming together are they finally forced to truly enter each other's lives and help each other in many future endeavors, including a standout challenge in Brian's young life that the two must handle together, as only true friends could.

I have not yet seen the original of this film (which I hope to do soon), so I can't comment on any differences between the 1971 and 2001 versions. I will, however, say that judging from a trailer I recently saw of the 1971 movie, it seems like many similar and sometimes exact lines were used in both films, so I am sure that they both contain much flavor and depth. This 2001 round is an emotionally heartwrenching and altogether remarkable rendition of a true story that will never be forgotten by anyone who has ever followed the Chicago Bears over the years. Mekhi Phifer (Sayers) and Sean Maher (Piccolo) have realism in their acting and knowledge of their roles, thus enabling them to become these powerful and complex characters. I especially enjoyed the performance of Sean Maher. His smile, charisma, and endearing personality made the character all the more real and convincing. This is certainly a beautiful film that touches base with many deep topics (friendship, strength through trial, etc...) and will put many varying emotions to use. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll be touched. I personally don't typically cry at movies, but this one always hits me hard. If you don't choke up or at least feel touched when Brian finally truly verbalizes his love for his wife or when Gale breaks down at the end of the movie, there's something wrong. Honestly, though, this is an outstanding movie--an excellent message. Seeing as this 2001 movie was my first introduction to the story of Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, I was impressed. Don't let the "trashy remake" title scare you off, because this new version has plenty of emotion and strength that has helped transform the story itself into what it remains today in the hearts of many.

matt b's book review
Brian's Song is about two amazing football players named Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers. One is black one is white. they are very different but very much alike. Both men are striving for the same job. Their personalities are very different, but their love for the game is the same. These men sooon become lasting friends on and off the football field, they help each other through some of the worst of times. I personally loved this book and it is one of my all time favorites. This book shows the lasting friendship between two very different people as they struggle through horrbile times. I reccomend this book to any teenage boys who loves sports and a friendship that can't be broken.

i loved both versions
I will always have a special place for this 2001 version in my heart because I saw it before the original, and it introduced me to two remarkable men whom I'd never heard of before. Of COURSE people are going to trash the remake; the 1971 film is excellent, and remakes don't typically go down well with viewers. I will comment that these versions are very different from one another. The 1971 film is more historical and passionately acted, whereas the one from 2001 strives to put somewhat of a twist on the original story without completely defacing it. This new movie shows more of a challenge that Sayers and Piccolo faced in the process of becoming friends; in the original, they pretty much always liked each other and didn't really have to develop it quite as much. Sean Maher and Mekhi Phifer certainly deliver, giving their characters a good degree of depth and passion. I will say that if you truly want to get the feel for every aspect of this remarkable true story, then go for the original. The new one is kind of a simpler recap to acquaint you with the story, although don't judge it too harshly because no matter which one you watch, you're gonna cry.

The horror, the horror
Brian's song, round one, was a perfect film. I am not even going to comment on it. I am simply re-submitting comments, the first sent hours before the premiere of this disaster, that have been thrice rejected by IMDB. (they have only my old e-mail address, so I don't know why)

In seven hours, I will hear familiar music in an unfamiliar arrangement and a voice other than Jack Warden's will tell us the beginnings and the end of the tragic and moving story of Brian Piccolo, lightly regarded blocking back to the incomparable legend that is Gale Sayers.

Well, Brian Piccolo ws an outstanding football player and, by all accounts, a good and admirable man. His death was surely a tragedy and the original still makes me, ME!, cry at the scene when B.D. Williams entreats the the team to play its best in honor of Piccolo.

After the foregoing voice, it will all go down from there, your teeth will chatter, your eyes melt and your ears will bleed. Good God, didn't you learn anything from the Black Odd Couple. Don't mess with perfection. You are not artisans restoring the Sistine chapel, you work in television, television!

Don't watch this and you will be spared the wooden performance of the dude who plays Sayers and the... one playing Piccolo.

This has been a LawDog "I have not and never will see this movie" review.
Not reviewed for typos. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Buddha Worship
"The Glimmer Man" is about a Buddhist police officer played by Steven Seagal. That's the whole movie. He teams up with Keenen Ivory Wayans and they try to look for 'The Family Man,' a serial killer who uses religion to make his mark. Steven Seagal was about to be killed by a Russian gang, but he told them, "I gotta lot of cash OR you can take plastic." He used his credit card as a weapon, how nifty is that? Another encounter involved Seagal walking into a restaurant and he caused lots of damage. All of that wine gone to waste and Seagal managed to try some of the food! He sure does enjoy food! Then Seagal fought a bald martial artist at the end of the movie and asked, "Is that the best you got!?" Yes, Steven Seagal can bring it and eat it in this movie. The duo found the killer and uncovered a deep plot involving smuggling. This movie is comedy, especially when Seagal gave Wayans a taste of powdered deer privates. It was disgusting, yet satisfyingly original! Good movie.

Typical Seagal
O.K.-- Steven Seagal was not considered for a Best Actor award for this movie (nor for any of this other flicks). This is, however, an enjoyable little movie -- you just have to get past Seagal's wooden acting, his love beads, and the huge holes in the plot. Keenen Ivory Wayans' character worked well -- he gets credit for all of the intentional humor, including one particularly funny line.

DEFINITELY NOT ORIGINAL
SEAGAL AND KEENEN IVORY WAYANS PLAY TWO COPS THAT'RE GOING AFTER A SERIAL KILLER KNOWN AS THE FAMILY MAN. SEAGAL AND WAYANS ARE DEFINITELY NOT GIBSON AND GLOVER. BUT THIS MOVIE ISN'T AND COULD NEVER BE ''LETHAL WEAPON''. SOME OF THE ACTION IS GOOD, BUT THE MOVIE'S JUST HARD TO SIT THROUGH. AT LEAST KEENEN IVORY WAYANS DOES DELIVER SOME FUNNY MOMENTS. WELL, SEAGAL HAS DONE WORSE MOVIES THAN THIS. BUT THEN AGAIN, SEAGAL HAS ALSO DONE BETTER MOVIES THAN THIS.

Steven Seagal: the name says it all!
This movie is one of my personal favorites. It keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. You had comedy, drama, suspense and action all rolled into one fantastic movie. Before this movie, I hadn't been a big fan of Keenan Ivory Wayans but he was actually very good in this film. Steven Seagal's performance was excellent and his martial art moves was over the top! I own this video and I never get tired of seeing it. It's all that and a bag of chips!!

One of my favorite Segal movies
This is one of Segal's better movies. I would rate it with Under Siege in quality. Good plot, great supporting cast. He does not inject the PC [stuff] that many of his later movies seem to have. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One More To Go!
Every Martin and Lewis Diamond DVD is more than welcome to my collection!Keep them coming!

Martin and Lewis were the dream team
If you can get your hands on something, anything by Martin and Lewis, I think you should go after it. They were always incredibely brilliant, and this package is no exception. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Greatest Family Movie ever Made
I thought this movie was made really well. This has been the greatest family movie I have ever seen. It had me laughing and crying at the same time. This is a film that the whole family can enjoy from 0 to 99 years old. And I believe that your whole family will love this movie and watch it everyday like I do.

One of the best family flicks ever.
This movie was made for everybody likes comedy. There are no boring parts at all. It is a bit sad at the end but not very sad. It is half sad half happy at the end. Every minute of this is entertaining. Buy this and enjoy.

Great movie
It is the best movie for kids. My kids watch it over and over again. So if you have kids aged 5 to 10 you should buy this vidio.

Sad,boring I hate it
It is very sad not as bad at the begining but very very sad at the end. It also went by to slow

Excellent for adults and children
Very entertaining for all ages, the gorilla was very well done, good for teaching children about commitment and responsibility. Makes you laugh and cry. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Earnest, Often Touching Drama
I read recently that upon becoming a mother several years ago, Oscar winning actress Sissy Spacek pulled back considerably on her career and began accepting a few acting assignments a year, usually ones of (what she felt was) social significance. Obviously the role of nurse Susan Lansing, who takes in an HIV-positive infant as a foster child, filled that particular bill. A PLACE FOR ANNIE is a socially conscious a film as one could ask for. It is also an OK drama in and of itself, although hardly a masterpiece...Of course, you have to be receptive to this kind of three-hanky dramatic fare. But hey, those of us who would even bother to sit down for this kind of weep-fest have to admit that basically we're suckers for the genre. It helps when you've got a stellar cast on hand (along with Spacek, you've got Joan Plowright, Mary-Louise Parker, LAW AND ORDER'S S. Epatha Merkerson and the young Jack Noseworthy, all very good indeed). And the kid is adorable. The film tugs shamelessly at the heartstrings, but it doesn't--completely--wear its heart on its sleeve. A lot of credit goes to the capable cast who tend to underplay their roles. Spacek--and the rest of the cast here--may be partial to socially conscious fare, but they're smart enough not to lay it on too thick.

A Movie To Cherish.
I am a lover of the, 'Hallmark Hall Of Fame' movies because they are clean and family oriented. Movies like 'A Place For Annie' helped seal their place in my home. I have a collection of these wonderful films and I will continue to collect them.

'A Place For Annie,' is a true story about a head pediatric nurse, 'Susan Lansing' (played by Sissy Spacek.) Lansing gets attached to an infant patient, (Annie) who at birth tested positive for HIV. Little Annie was also born addicted to heroine and was deserted shortly after birth by her birth mother. When no one would accept this baby, with HIV, as a foster child Susan decides to become Annie's foster mother. She makes it her mission to give this terminally ill child a home and love for as many days as the baby has left.

This movie is wonderful. The performances by the cast are spectacular. The plot is touching and considerably strong. The overall movie quality etc, is well above average. Very few movies are powerful enough to bring such emotion as this film delivers. Through tear filled eyes, I watched as this story of 'true miracles' unfolded. This movie illustrates the power of love and family and gives us the bitter with the sweet of real life. 'A Place For Annie,' is a movie to cherish, and I, BTW, highly recommend it to you. You will thank your lucky stars that you could, in some way, share in the life of Annie and her remarkable, adoptive mother.

I LOVED it!
I don't think I've ever seen any other movie made with so much passion, sensitivity, and love. When you watch it, you don't feel like you're watching a movie; the story is incredibly real, as is the acting and the presented situations. Infected with HIV and abandoned at birth by her AIDS infected single mother, little Annie is given a miracle when one of the nurses (Susan Lansing, played to perfection by Sissy Spacek)takes her in. Annie is well-established in her new home until Linda, her very young biological mother, returns for custody. Unable to provide for Annie and selfishly unwilling to leave her with Susan, Linda reluctantly moves in with Susan's family. Linda is then given a chance to understand her mistakes, take responsibility for them, and become more conscious of her love for Annie--conscious enough to do what is best for her, even though it is very hard. You will never forget this movie. I stumbled across it by accident in a local Hallmark store, and I am so lucky I did because it seems to be a difficult-to-find videotape. Do whatever you can to get your hands on this, but make sure you see it!

BEAUTIFUL movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Not only is it just a really sweet story, but it also has a wonderful message behind it. The acting was excellent and they got an adorable pair of twins to play the role of little Annie. This movie has a lot of sensitivity in it. It all starts when Susan Lansing, a nurse at a local hospital, takes in an abandoned baby. This child, who tested HIV-positive at birth, seems to have nobody who is willing to take her in--nobody except Susan, that is. With the help of a supportive teenage son and a devoted nanny, Susan is able to create a lovingly stable living environment for little Annie. Everything is turned upside-down a year later, when Annie's birth mother returns to claim her. Linda Marsten, the baby's mother, is clearly very young, and her husband has died as a result of drug overdose. Emotionally unable to hand Annie over to her drug addicted birth mother, Susan invites Linda to come live with them in their home. It is during this time that Linda creates a close bond with her child and comes to terms with everything that she left behind when she abandoned her newborn baby at the hospital. At the same time, Linda and Susan learn to put their differences aside and use their shared love for Annie to develop a sort of unsteady friendship with each other. At the end of the movie, it is Linda's selfless love for her daughter that leads her to make the most difficult decision she has ever had to make that will ultimately shape Annie's future. The movie really made me want to cry, especially at the part where Annie was taken away from Susan for the first time when Linda took her for an overnight visit. I think that Mary Louise Parker (Linda) did an EXCELLENT acting job in this movie. She really knew the part well, and she knew how to perform it. When she first appeared in the movie, all I kept thinking was, "I hope Annie gets to stay with Susan, not this woman." But as the movie went on, the viewer gets a chance to see that Linda is just a troubled young parent who feels the consequences for her wrongdoing and has a hard time accepting love from others due to her painful past with her own mother. This beautiful film touched my heart immensely, and it quickly became one of my favorite movies. This is a sweet, touching, and overwhelmingly emotional movie that I enjoyed every minute of. It has so much depth, and it has a firm handle on many real-life struggles and situations. If you haven't seen "A Place for Annie" yet, now is the time to do so.

The Loving Heart
I have seen this movie before and I do not care what anyone says but I thought it was a terrific and touching movie. I cried through like the entire movie. I would really reccomend this movie to others because it has real life facts as well as fictions. I cried the most when Annie's birth mother said she didn't want to be saved if she died. She said when it's her time to just let her go. Again I don't care what anyone has to say about this movie because I loved it. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Earnest, Often Touching Drama
I read recently that upon becoming a mother several years ago, Oscar winning actress Sissy Spacek pulled back considerably on her career and began accepting a few acting assignments a year, usually ones of (what she felt was) social significance. Obviously the role of nurse Susan Lansing, who takes in an HIV-positive infant as a foster child, filled that particular bill. A PLACE FOR ANNIE is a socially conscious a film as one could ask for. It is also an OK drama in and of itself, although hardly a masterpiece...Of course, you have to be receptive to this kind of three-hanky dramatic fare. But hey, those of us who would even bother to sit down for this kind of weep-fest have to admit that basically we're suckers for the genre. It helps when you've got a stellar cast on hand (along with Spacek, you've got Joan Plowright, Mary-Louise Parker, LAW AND ORDER'S S. Epatha Merkerson and the young Jack Noseworthy, all very good indeed). And the kid is adorable. The film tugs shamelessly at the heartstrings, but it doesn't--completely--wear its heart on its sleeve. A lot of credit goes to the capable cast who tend to underplay their roles. Spacek--and the rest of the cast here--may be partial to socially conscious fare, but they're smart enough not to lay it on too thick.

A Movie To Cherish.
I am a lover of the, 'Hallmark Hall Of Fame' movies because they are clean and family oriented. Movies like 'A Place For Annie' helped seal their place in my home. I have a collection of these wonderful films and I will continue to collect them.

'A Place For Annie,' is a true story about a head pediatric nurse, 'Susan Lansing' (played by Sissy Spacek.) Lansing gets attached to an infant patient, (Annie) who at birth tested positive for HIV. Little Annie was also born addicted to heroine and was deserted shortly after birth by her birth mother. When no one would accept this baby, with HIV, as a foster child Susan decides to become Annie's foster mother. She makes it her mission to give this terminally ill child a home and love for as many days as the baby has left.

This movie is wonderful. The performances by the cast are spectacular. The plot is touching and considerably strong. The overall movie quality etc, is well above average. Very few movies are powerful enough to bring such emotion as this film delivers. Through tear filled eyes, I watched as this story of 'true miracles' unfolded. This movie illustrates the power of love and family and gives us the bitter with the sweet of real life. 'A Place For Annie,' is a movie to cherish, and I, BTW, highly recommend it to you. You will thank your lucky stars that you could, in some way, share in the life of Annie and her remarkable, adoptive mother.

I LOVED it!
I don't think I've ever seen any other movie made with so much passion, sensitivity, and love. When you watch it, you don't feel like you're watching a movie; the story is incredibly real, as is the acting and the presented situations. Infected with HIV and abandoned at birth by her AIDS infected single mother, little Annie is given a miracle when one of the nurses (Susan Lansing, played to perfection by Sissy Spacek)takes her in. Annie is well-established in her new home until Linda, her very young biological mother, returns for custody. Unable to provide for Annie and selfishly unwilling to leave her with Susan, Linda reluctantly moves in with Susan's family. Linda is then given a chance to understand her mistakes, take responsibility for them, and become more conscious of her love for Annie--conscious enough to do what is best for her, even though it is very hard. You will never forget this movie. I stumbled across it by accident in a local Hallmark store, and I am so lucky I did because it seems to be a difficult-to-find videotape. Do whatever you can to get your hands on this, but make sure you see it!

BEAUTIFUL movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Not only is it just a really sweet story, but it also has a wonderful message behind it. The acting was excellent and they got an adorable pair of twins to play the role of little Annie. This movie has a lot of sensitivity in it. It all starts when Susan Lansing, a nurse at a local hospital, takes in an abandoned baby. This child, who tested HIV-positive at birth, seems to have nobody who is willing to take her in--nobody except Susan, that is. With the help of a supportive teenage son and a devoted nanny, Susan is able to create a lovingly stable living environment for little Annie. Everything is turned upside-down a year later, when Annie's birth mother returns to claim her. Linda Marsten, the baby's mother, is clearly very young, and her husband has died as a result of drug overdose. Emotionally unable to hand Annie over to her drug addicted birth mother, Susan invites Linda to come live with them in their home. It is during this time that Linda creates a close bond with her child and comes to terms with everything that she left behind when she abandoned her newborn baby at the hospital. At the same time, Linda and Susan learn to put their differences aside and use their shared love for Annie to develop a sort of unsteady friendship with each other. At the end of the movie, it is Linda's selfless love for her daughter that leads her to make the most difficult decision she has ever had to make that will ultimately shape Annie's future. The movie really made me want to cry, especially at the part where Annie was taken away from Susan for the first time when Linda took her for an overnight visit. I think that Mary Louise Parker (Linda) did an EXCELLENT acting job in this movie. She really knew the part well, and she knew how to perform it. When she first appeared in the movie, all I kept thinking was, "I hope Annie gets to stay with Susan, not this woman." But as the movie went on, the viewer gets a chance to see that Linda is just a troubled young parent who feels the consequences for her wrongdoing and has a hard time accepting love from others due to her painful past with her own mother. This beautiful film touched my heart immensely, and it quickly became one of my favorite movies. This is a sweet, touching, and overwhelmingly emotional movie that I enjoyed every minute of. It has so much depth, and it has a firm handle on many real-life struggles and situations. If you haven't seen "A Place for Annie" yet, now is the time to do so.

The Loving Heart
I have seen this movie before and I do not care what anyone says but I thought it was a terrific and touching movie. I cried through like the entire movie. I would really reccomend this movie to others because it has real life facts as well as fictions. I cried the most when Annie's birth mother said she didn't want to be saved if she died. She said when it's her time to just let her go. Again I don't care what anyone has to say about this movie because I loved it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Actually based on a true story...
---
...being the Battle of Athens, Tennessee (August 1-2, 1946), in which GIs returning from World War II to McMinn County, midway between Knoxville and Chatanooga in eastern Tennessee, found their communities under the vicious control of the Cantrell political machine. The "law enforcement officers" of the county sheriff were, in fact, nothing more than badge-wearing armed goons at Cantrell's command.

This mild movie is the best available dramatization of what happened in that Summer of 1946, when American private citizens, faced with a government that would not obey the law, took up weapons - including semiautomatic military small arms, machine guns, and dynamite - and got themselves an honest election by exercising their civil rights in a manner that would cause today's "Liberals" to soil their silken panties.

Until someone undertakes a proper and accurate dramatic account of what actually happened in McMinn County when the GIs returned to their homes and did to the Cantrell machine what they'd done to the foreign enemies of freedom, this milk-and-water substitute will have to do.
---

Seems to be missing something.
An American Story is about a group of WWII veterns who return home to cope with their changed lives. The current mayor has shaken up their town while they were overseas, so the veterns decide to run for office to try and change things. This movie follows several different characters who are undeveloped and in the end of the movie, some of the conflicts remained unresolved.
A better hallmark movie that has the WWII theme involved in it, is Miss Rose White, check this one out if you are interested. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Born to Be Wild has been dismissed more than once as a knockoffof Free Willy. Except for the teaming of a troubled kid and a large mammal in pursuitof the latter's freedom, that comparison is off the mark. Part screwballcomedy and part animal-rights drama, the film stars WilHorneff as Rick, a young, incorrigible teen whose mother (Helen Shaver), aprimate researcher, enlists him to help care for a gorilla named Katie. Muchto his surprise, Rick bonds with Katie, a lonely simian who yearns forthe Africa of her youth and whose expressive range includes a fair amount ofsign language. When Katie's coldhearted owner (Peter Boyle) decides to takeher back and put her on display at a department store, Rick steals her away and stuffs her in a stolen van--which he then proceeds to drive to Canadahoping his girlfriend's uncle (John C. McGinley), a conspiracy nut, can leadthis 800-pound gorilla to freedom. Rick's quixotic mission is not withoutfunny mishaps and even some character-building challenges to the hero'sconviction. (A rambunctious, often impolite girl like Katie is not theeasiest travel companion.) But the film's final arrival turns out to be muchmore than one might have expected: a moving testament to the joy and pain ofaccepting one's destiny. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Greatest Family Movie ever Made
I thought this movie was made really well. This has been the greatest family movie I have ever seen. It had me laughing and crying at the same time. This is a film that the whole family can enjoy from 0 to 99 years old. And I believe that your whole family will love this movie and watch it everyday like I do.

One of the best family flicks ever.
This movie was made for everybody likes comedy. There are no boring parts at all. It is a bit sad at the end but not very sad. It is half sad half happy at the end. Every minute of this is entertaining. Buy this and enjoy.

Great movie
It is the best movie for kids. My kids watch it over and over again. So if you have kids aged 5 to 10 you should buy this vidio.

Sad,boring I hate it
It is very sad not as bad at the begining but very very sad at the end. It also went by to slow

Excellent for adults and children
Very entertaining for all ages, the gorilla was very well done, good for teaching children about commitment and responsibility. Makes you laugh and cry. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Buddha Worship
"The Glimmer Man" is about a Buddhist police officer played by Steven Seagal. That's the whole movie. He teams up with Keenen Ivory Wayans and they try to look for 'The Family Man,' a serial killer who uses religion to make his mark. Steven Seagal was about to be killed by a Russian gang, but he told them, "I gotta lot of cash OR you can take plastic." He used his credit card as a weapon, how nifty is that? Another encounter involved Seagal walking into a restaurant and he caused lots of damage. All of that wine gone to waste and Seagal managed to try some of the food! He sure does enjoy food! Then Seagal fought a bald martial artist at the end of the movie and asked, "Is that the best you got!?" Yes, Steven Seagal can bring it and eat it in this movie. The duo found the killer and uncovered a deep plot involving smuggling. This movie is comedy, especially when Seagal gave Wayans a taste of powdered deer privates. It was disgusting, yet satisfyingly original! Good movie.

Typical Seagal
O.K.-- Steven Seagal was not considered for a Best Actor award for this movie (nor for any of this other flicks). This is, however, an enjoyable little movie -- you just have to get past Seagal's wooden acting, his love beads, and the huge holes in the plot. Keenen Ivory Wayans' character worked well -- he gets credit for all of the intentional humor, including one particularly funny line.