Reviews (78)

The Hitcher is some seriously bad company...oh, yeah!
This is my favorite Rutger Hauer movie. His persona fits this role perfectly. With a good supporting cast, a well-written screenplay and an excellent musical score, Hauer drives his audience along the twisted path of a psychotic hitch-hiker who kills just about anyone who is unfortunate enough to meet him.

C. Thomas Howell plays a young man by the name of Jim Halsey, who is delivering a car to a customer in San Diego. As he travels across a lonely West Texas highway at nite, he's having trouble keeping awake and nearly runs afoul of a big-rig. When he catches a glimpse of a rain-soaked hitch-hiker (Rutger Hauer) standing on the shoulder, he stops to pick him up, against his better judgement, figuring the man's company would keep him awake.

Halsey tries to strike up a conversation with the hitcher, but the hitcher only gives him a terse and twisted tale about being out of gas and needing cigarettes. The hitcher begins to play a psychological game of words with Halsey that quickly turns into a life-threatening situation. A quick-thinking Halsey pushes the hitcher out of the moving car and speeds away, thinking that's the last he'll see of him. The hitcher seems impressed(!!!) by Halsey's escape; apparently no one else has been so lucky. The hitcher begins to pursue Halsey with a mindless obsession that leaves dead bodies and destruction all around them.

The hitcher is a master of manipulation in this film. I really liked the ending, although, if the storyline is followed accurately, it doesn't allow for a sequel with Rutger Hauer, who absolutely is the shining star of this movie. I would love to see him play this part again- it truly is his calling. As a previous Amazon reviewer noted, he doesn't have to speak a word for you to know what he is thinking and contemplating as the role of The Hitcher. His body language and facial expressions tell you all you need to know. I think this entire movie could have been done without a single line of dialogue from the hitcher and been just as effective.

Rutger is waaaay cool, the movie is awesome and it should be part of your collection if you dont have it yet. A DVD must!

Great latter-day "road" picture, genuinely terrifying.
Seeing this on HBO this morning with the negative experience of "Vanishing Point" still fresh in my mind reminded me that yes, there are some great road movies that take place in the American Southwest which do not leave the viewers questioning the significance of the film...and prefer merely to scare the hell out of them instead.

The plot is staggeringly effective in its simplicity; a college kid (C. Thomas Howell) contracts to deliver a car from Chicago to San Diego. In the desert during a storm he picks up a hitch hiker (Rutger Hauer) who doesn't bother with the pretense of winning his mobile host's faith and trust; he immediately slips into maximum creep-out mode and the kid knows he's in serious trouble within minutes as the hitcher makes it known under no uncertain terms that he has indeed killed someone in a particularly brutal fashion...and with a seeming trace of resignation and inevitability he plans to do the same to the kid.

What follows is a fortuitous escape and a series of subsequent encounters between Howell and Hauer, with entanglements involving the police, Jennifer Jason Leigh (thankfully before she picked up that horrible New England upper class accent she seemed to use in a number of her '90's roles), and more murder victims.

The encounters succeed in building a sense of escalating tension that is never satisfactorily resolved until the film's ending, which does seem somewhat contrived (minus one star for that). However, the performances of all the actors are excruciatingly believable, especially Hauer, who is genuinely disturbing. He's not some sort of supernatural teen slasher a la Jason or Freddy Krueger or (to a lesser extent) Michael Myers, classic horror movie icons all; Hauer is simply someone...ANYONE...that could cross your path without any warning or fanfare...and could make your personal terrorization his sole purpose in life. That is what makes this movie truly scary; while watching it you will clearly understand the implication that yes, this too could happen to you.

"Riders on the storm", indeed.

Where should I begin?!
Ok, one of my favourite movies ever, this is. I know it seems strange now, it isn't an epic with outstanding performances and great set pieces and all that, it's just a plain old, fun 80s horror road movie, but I just love it all the same.

Rutger Hauer is imensely scary as a (not so freaky killer like Jason or Michael, nor a gruesome killer) but a sharp, haunting character with an icy personality. C Thomas Howell is very good as a young teenager. He starts off in the film to be a bit geeky, but once he meets Hauer he starts to get a little freaky himself. They are basically the two main characters in this.

The film -- as you probably know -- is about C Thomas Howell delivering a drive-away car (let me just say I don't like the review from Digibiong! because he says there is a mistake on the license plate of the car, but it's a drive-away car so it doesn't matter) and he has to deliver it to San Dieago, on the way he picks up a stranger on the road, he seems like a nice guy, but he turns out to be quite psychotic. Howell is able to push the stranger out of the car and carry on down the road, but the hitcher isn't done yet, he starts to play a deadly game with Howell, like getting the police onto him, framing him, killing people in front of his eyes and all stuff like that. The film doesn't drag at the start, it starts off straight away with Howell picking the stranger up and it gets darker and darker every time.

The gore in this film isn't that bad, we do HEAR a woman get pulled apart, but we don't SEE it. We never really do see a lot of deaths happen in the film, but I think that's what makes the film scary. It can be very atmospheric at times, but a lot of the scary parts happen in the day-time. When we come to the conclusion it gets a little dissapointing since it doesn't go on for long and I was expecting a great confrontation.

So, that's "the hitcher", one of my favourite movies. Road movies are my favourite genre of movies and here are a couple more good ones:

Breakdown
Convoy
Duel
Hitcher 2: I've been waiting

Absolutely MAGNIFICENT one of the greats of the 80s
Like many, I saw this totally haunting film late night on HBO by myself as a child. The opening scene is quite simply perfectly executed, and one of the most frightening and realistic scenes ever put to film. The atmosphere in this film is so wonderful, and the writing first rate. The leads are utterly convincing -- real props to Howell who has a difficult role. I am in love with the Southwest, and in a odd way this film is a great meditation on the wilderness down here too -- kind of like Thelma & Louise. What American films should be like.

More Than Just A Ride!
One of the scariest movies I have ever seen, The Hitcher is relentless in its intensity. Jim Halsey (C. Howell) picks up a hitchhiker (R. Hauer) on his way to San Diego who soon admits he killed his last ride. Hauer says, "You know that driver from that last car? I cut off his legs". It doesn't take more than that before Jim is able to trick and force the 'hitcher' out of his car. Thinking that it's over, Jim soon sees the hitcher riding in another family's car, knowing he will kill them all. Reporting him to the police is of no use and even after they capture him, he pulls a shocking twist on everyone. Jim befriends a lonely waitress (J. J. Leigh) who believes his story, but soon she ends up in the middle (literally) between them (the most revolting scene in the film). It's a suspenseful, non-stop, killer maniac fright ride. It becomes clear the hitcher is out to frame Jim for multiple murders or kill him. The ending is just as frightening as the rest, but I guarantee you won't leave this film feeling good - just shaken up. Not for the squeamish, but maybe a good date movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com

A very impressive treatment of the rise and fall of New York crime boss John Gotti, this made-for-TV movie succeeds in large measure because of the outstanding work of Armand Assante (I, The Jury, Mambo Kings) as Gotti. Assante creates a complex portrayal of a man loyal to the mob while struggling with personal demons and his own self-destructive ambitions. The film traces the dapper don's rise through the ranks of the Gambino crime family, first through the patronage of his mentor (Anthony Quinn) and then through a brazen assassination of the Gambino boss. Eventually Gotti's world crashes around him as his arrogance over beating the government at trial and his thirst for the limelight causes a rift with his right-hand man, Sammy "The Bull" Gravano (William Forsythe). Gotti boasts terrific New York City locales and a truly impressive cast, including standout work by Forsythe and Quinn. But it's Assante's movie all the way, and he makes the most out of a larger than life character by making him seem no more, and no less, than human and flawed. --Robert Lane ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Exceptional Made-For-TV Movie
Although it is tempting to see this movie in the light of movies like "Goodfellas" it really stands on its own. Director Robert Harmon keeps the pace going with no "slice of life" extenders or heavy soundtrack made up of pop and R & B recordings. The actors are fired up and move the story.
Armand Assante delivers a powerful portrayal of this underworld "original", a media-friendly crime figure, whose star imploded only after the government applied technology to the solution: interestingly, it seems that Gotti's high profile did not do him in - he was "bugged" at his club ventilating about his underboss.
Although Assante gives an all-out yet *measured* performance, actually adding philosphical nuance, some of his co-stars over-act, specifically William Forsythe as Sammy Gravano and Anthony Quinn as Neil Dellacroce. This doesn't mean that their work isn't at times compelling.
Al Waxman as Bruce Cutler is excellent, however, the reported exceeding by Cutler of lawyer-client "parameters" (a word used by Assante throughout the movie) is not addressed. Alberta Watson as Victoria Gotti should have been given more screen time. The great character actor Frank Vincent, as "B.D.", is once again successful. It appears that the Director let him do his understated thing.

entertaining fiction
Armand Assante is effective, William Forsyth doesn't quite match the part physically but still entertains, Anthony Quinn is almost dead on as Neil Dellacroce, and Frank Vincent once again shines. The pace is crisp, the directing edgy and the production from a technical standpoint is done very well. If you're looking for an engaging mafia movie, you'll enjoy "Gotti" immensely.
But if you want a biopic of John Gotti, look elsewhere. This movie would best be described as "a movie inspired by the events of" or "based loosely on" the life of John Gotti.
Factual errors are too numerous to count. The murder of neighbor John Favara is pure fiction; so is Sammy Gravano's execution of his brother-in-law, the meeting between Gotti and Gravano, and the circumstances leading up to Angelo Ruggiero's death (Gotti never visited him in the hospital, much less fed him a cannoli by hand). Still, the characterizations were mostly on the mark. I was, though, profoundly disappointed with the choice for Bruce Cutler, and thought the Castellano actor was a bit too gruff for someone known as the businessman gangster.
If you can manage to put aside the details of the Gotti story and watch this movie for escapism, it's worth the time.

A Friend of Ours
This movie is great! I saw it when it originally aired on HBO and have watched the VHS version repeatedly. Gotti was a man who couldn't help but draw attention his way. Unfortunately he drawed the attention of law enforcement as well! For those who didn't follow Gotti's trial(s) and life closely here is a trivia fact for ya----Armand Assante was a friend of John Gotti and was even at his trial to support him. So his performance is based on first hand knowledge.

My Favorite Mafia Movie
I am a big fan of mafia movies and have seen at least 20 or more Mafia movies and this is my favorite over the classic. The lead actor does a great job playing Gotti and the other actors aren't too shabby either. The story is mostly true and is great drama. This isn't an action movie though, so don't expect gun fights and ect, but if your looking for a really interestting and compelling Mafia story I highly recommend you see this movie.

Had low expectations and was pleased!
Being a fan of Armand Assanti, he tends to get stuck with odd roles and type-cast as a spanish only person,also being a fan of mob movies, I borrowed this movie from my son. I was very surprised! Well acted and very entertaining! If you like The Sopranos, 4 cast members are in this movie. Ok, this is Hollywood. They have to make the story better than reality and they sure did. If you are a fan of Mob movies you will love this one! ya Gotti trust me! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Poor Rosanna Arquette ended up in this Van Damme potboiler about an escaped convict who moves onto the farm of a widow (Arquette) and her two kids. Stuff happens: a cop who likes her gets jealous and beats up the Muscles from Brussels (but only after handcuffing him), there's a fire in the barn, bad guys are trying to drive her away, etc. The story was first developed by screenwriter Joe Eszterhas (Basic Instinct) and the late director Richard Marquand (Eye of the Needle). Eszterhas wrote the script, but who knows what direction this story was originally going? Van Damme's best film is still Timecop, and this is a long way from the quality of that. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (19)

the best and most realistic van damme movie
I'm so glad they made a more realistic van damme movie. I was getting so tired of all this movies where he does all these flying spining dodo kicks which are either repeated a dozen times or are in slow motion. He also didn't hit the final bad guy 500 times or shoot him 7 times to beat him. There was actually some rolling around, grappling, and punching on the ground, which your more likely to see in real life then somebody spin kicking a guy a dozen times. They also didn't overdo showing to many action scenes like in double impact (which is still an awesome movie), but this one was more believable. I don't know why so many people kept saying he did a lot of fancy high kicks in this movie. He didn't, but he still pulled off a variety of fancy moves while managing not to overdo them. I would tell you more but I'd end up giving the whole movie away. This is a must for van damme fans or any action or movie buff.

Well Done Hero Role!
This was a perfect vehicle for Van Damme. A poor woman is being threatened by a wealthy businessman from the local town It becomes Van Damme's duty to protect the poor lady and her kids. Van Damme has his share of problems out of the bad guys also.As usual he is able to overcome all of the forces of evil. As is the case with any Van Damme film there is nonstop action. Van Damme puts on a good demonstration of his karate skills. Van Damme has to overcome overwhelming odds. The forces of evil are many. The movie has a pretty decent plot. The acting in this movie is not that bad either. Watch this movie if you like action. It is your type of film.

BEST DAMME MOVIE EVER!!!!!!
This was such a well made movie and i don't understand why JCVD doesn't do more movies like this! They made JCVD more human than he was in films like Universal Soldier and Bloodsport because he was not the "i will kick your ass any day" guy. He was the "i will kick your because i have to". It also had an ending that the others didn't, but i won't spoil it for you. I just love this movie, JCVD's best work!

THIS IS KINDA DUMB
A CONVICT [VAN DAMME] ON HIS WAY TO JAIL, ESCAPES WITH THE HELP OF HIS BEST FRIEND. SOON, HE MEETS A WOMAN [ROSANNA ARQUETTE] AND HE TRYS TO HELP SAVE HER LAND. THIS MOVIE DEFINITELY DOESN'T HAVE ENOUGH EXCITEMENT AND IT SEEMS TO RUN OUT OF STEAM PRETTY EARLY. MOST OF THE ACTION IS BORING TO WATCH AND THE STORY IS WEAK. DIEHARD FANS OF VAN DAMME SHOULD LIKE THIS A LOT. OTHERS, BEWARE.

Only Thing Van Damme Made Worth Mentioning
Since the 90's Van Damme's career has gone from bad to worse. Because of his limited acting he joined the ranks of Stallone and Schwarzenneger as an action hero. After over a decade of making plotless films, Nowhere to Run is the only film Van Damme should list on his resume. For the first time fans could take him seriously and it was refreshing not seeing him in mid air balancing a plane on one foot and a horse on the other. This is a good, uncomplicated film for movie buffs, Van Damme fans especially. Though a lot of them won't appreciate the lack of superficial action. Van Damme finally did something right when he took part in this movie. Unfortunately he followed this film up with a long list of wrongs that killed his career. ... Read more

Description

A man sets out to avenge the death of his wife by tracking down her murderer - a serial killer who hunts and kills women using his '72 El Dorado. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Better, Madder, Max
I do not write movie reviews. This movie silently surfaced while storm clouds gathered around the anticipated opening of Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ, and I went to see it to see Caviezel's last "pre-Jesus" film role. I'm glad I did, so don't let the previous review throw you off. This is an intelligent movie: Cavievel plays a decent man who is at the end of his sanity - convinced that he saw his wife murdered, sent to prison for an accident (or was it?) which leaves him wondering if he is the reason for the highwayman's coast to coast automotive killing spree, which is seen by the authorities as simply unrelated traffic fatalities. Until he discovers the highwayman has finally made the mistake of leaving a survivor - who is the witness (and bait) he needs. The film borrows elements from "The Car", "Christine", "Hannibal" and, of course, "Mad Max". With Cavievel's character driving a muscled-up vintage Plymouth Duster, and the imminent release of "The Passion", I kept thinking I would see Gibson in this movie with a walk-on role, or at least see his name somewhere in the credits. It's that good.

One of the stupidest movies I have seen in memory!
This movie is really stupid. It rips off Mad Max and Crash. The main character is this guy who's wife is run over by a psycho who gets his rocks off by running over and killing women. The main character drives around in a souped up GTO with a police scanner looking for the killer. He does not trust the police and he winds up kidnapping an innocent woman who is almost killed by the psychopath and uses her as bait. He is too stupid to bring a gun with him and just shoot the psycho through his car window instead he stupidly risks his own life and the life of the kidnapped girl by crashing his car into the psycho's car and then manages to get the girl thrown into the hands of the killer. The movie is full of huge plot holes and stupid behavior on part of everyone involved. I won't bore you with the details. It is short too. Only 1 hour and 15 minutes long but I still kept looking at my watch every 5 minutes. And if your thinking it probably sucks but should at least have a few good car scenes, I would say the car scenes would not justify spending the money for a ticket on. Catch it on late night cable or as a cheap rental only. Then again, don't!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Every American knows that George Washington crossed the icy Delaware River in the War of Independence, if only from Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze's famous 1851 painting. The made-for-cable-TV historical drama The Crossing, scripted by Howard Fast from his novel, corrects at least one piece of historical invention--Washington did not stand and pose for the occasion of Leutze's portrait--but, more importantly, it frames the event in the real-life drama that made it a decisive moment of American history. Jeff Daniels makes a fine General George Washington, the quiet, dignified, and increasingly desperate leader of the volunteer Continental Army. By December 1776, six months after the Declaration of Independence was signed, the tired and hungry army had retreated to the far banks of the Delaware River, a mere fraction of the original 20,000-strong force. Knowing that defeat means the end of the revolution, Washington takes the offensive in a dangerous surprise attack that turns the tide of the war. Like the sprawling Civil War epic Gettysburg, The Crossing takes one incident of the Revolutionary War and digs into the whys and wherefores that make it vital history. It lacks scope and spectacle--major battles appear more like modest skirmishes--and lapses into patriotic fervor at times, but it brims with rich historical detail and comes alive with the stories of officers, soldiers, and a very human George Washington. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (39)

A well acted and accurate accounting of the historical event
In the last 10 years or so, Hollywood and cable TV has finally started to get it right when they make movies (Widescreen or TV) about historical events, and The Crossing is no exception.

This is a well acted account of one of the major events of the War of Independence. Jeff Daniels portrays a superb George Washington, who was at times very impatient and hot tempered. History seems to gloss over the imperfections and vulnerabilities of our nations beloved figures, however this movie shows Washington to be flawed and tired at times like the rest of his army was.

The uniforms,locations, and camp life were accurate as well as the filth and harsh existence the Continental Army had to go through. The movie did an excellent job of trying to film the famous battle, which definitely caught the Hessians by suprise.

Overall, a well acted, accurately portrayed Revolutionary War movie.

Great history
This movie, telling the story of Washington's crossing the Delaware in December 1776, is based on the book by Howard Fast. It gives a vivid picture of the trials of the early period of the Revolutionary War endured by Washington and the men who followed him. Jeff Daniels' portrayal of Washington is gripping. Sebastian Roche as Col. Glover is wonderful. The rest of the cast were well chosen.

One of the most charming scenes is between two of the common soldiers trying to stay warm and dry in a small tent. They discuss the merits of smoking corn silk vs. cow dung in their clay pipes. They are very young and very human

Anyone interested in the history of the Revolutionary War will find that this movie brings the struggle alive, depicting the officers and soldiers as men. The Hessians may be depicted as too mean, but the conversation between their commander, who expresses concern for the treatment of his men, and Washington is touching. This movie ranks with "Gettysburg" in its depiction of war in an earlier era.

America's history of tenacity and unselfishness
Every American should see this film. They should see, in the dramatic way that a video makes possible , the sacrifices that these earlier people made to give us a free country.

I have often marvelled at the patience and tenacity of Washington through those 7 long years of war. This film emphasizes his tenacity and just plain "toughness." It also gives us a picture of those few common soldiers who stayed with him through bitter defeat and privation while the majority deserted or otherwise disappeared. These few made the great difference. And among these few were fewer still the fishermen from Marblehead who saved the Army in New York making possible the escape march to Valley Forge. This same close-knit group of men made the difference again at The Crossing. They knew how to handle boats actually making the crossing possible.

As you watch the film listen especially carefully to the conversations between General Washington (Jeff Daniels) and Col. John Glover (Sebastian Roche). Col. Glover is the feisty, outspoken officer who often disagrees but who knows how to take orders. He commanded the Marblehead fishermen without whom Valley Forge and the Crossing would never have taken place.

If you are interested get Howard Fast's "The Unvanguished." This book tells the story of the Marblehead fisherman in New York in detail. Fast wrote The Crossing including this film script. With Fast's earlier New York battle background you will understand how the Army got into such a desperate situation and Washington's relationship and conversations with Glover in this movie will make all the more sense. .

The acting is good to very good. The script is very good. The story moves along well. The settings are realistic and well done. This is no sacrifice. It is real entertainment. But it could inspire you to a little sacrifice for your country should the need arises.

Not a good movie
The Crossing is really just not a good movie, but I still find it interesting because some of the movie was filmed quite close to where I live; the opening scene when Washington's bedraggled army is marching through a wooded area, and the camp scenes near the beginning of the movie.

To say that the acting in this movie was good would be a slight over-statement, and the dialogue is not what one would call stellar. I would not be so certain about the accuracy of the movie either--few movies are. The general course of events may be faithfully adhered to, but no movie based on a historical event that I can think of has not taken liberty with the truth for one reason or another.

A SUPERB TELEVISION EPIC!
"The Crossing" is one of the finest TV movies ever made. The movie is superbly cast, and led by Jeff Daniels, who surprised me with his outstanding portrayal of George Washington. Why he wasn't asked to reprise the role in "Benedict Arnold," I'll never know! The crossing of the Delaware River and the Battle of Trenton are created with accuracy and excitement. This is a must-own movie for anyone who enjoys serious films! Grade: A+ ... Read more

Reviews (96)

One notch better than expected, but I expected Crap!
I'd give it one star, but the ending was pretty cool - both the original and the alternate ending. I agree with some of the others that the alternate ending would have made it a little more interesting - kind of a "was it real or not?" ending - versus the "Yes, it WAS real." Though like I said, the original ending is pretty cool too.

Problem with the movie is everything leading up TO the ending. The lead actress is the most boring I've ever endured. Good horror films need STRONG female leads! She's simply there.

The "off-the-characters-one-at-a-time" proceedings are routine and mundane - eliciting more sighs than screams. The effects are good - the sound is good. There are some good "cheap" jumps - but still pretty [poor] overall.

Worst of all - this is NOT a Wes Craven film. This is one of those "We're pasting on the name of some famous guy so people will think he was involved" kind of things. His name is in the title, but he neither wrote, nor produced, nor directed. As far as I can tell, he had nothing to do with it but to allow his name to be put in the title (that he would attach his name to this at all is an insult to his own standard of judgment).

If you want something SCARRIER than this - rent and ELMO movie or something - not this dreck!

They offers some good scares
They is one of the better horror movies to come in recent years as it offers up some real frightening moments. While the writing is predictable and the acting is atrocious, overall none of this matters when a film can make you jump out of your seat, or make you slouch in your chair clutching the person next to you. Laura Regan plays a young woman whos night terrors are coming true terrorizing her and her friends. Shre spends the movie trying to get away from "they" and try to convince everyone that shes not crazy. We never actually get to see who "They" are but it makes it all the more intriguing as the director gives flashes of the type of creature "they" could be, and he creates a drab, eerie atmosphere that adds to the horror of the film. The ending by far is the most shocking. While it cannot compare with endings like The Sixth Sense and The Others, it has an ending you, or at least, I did not expect. Something rarely done in horror movies that is worth seeing this film alone.

They
It starts out slow. When it becomes a bit interesting, the whole plot gives way to basic chase. Scenes with no depth, and why don't these people carry a flash light. Use a flash light don't blow your brains out. I've seen a lot worse. But the chases are so unorignal the creature could have been Jason.

Wes Craven Presents "They" OK
A good movie, coulda been a lot worse. Good plot but, I think that it would have been more effective if Wes Craven would have wrote and directed it though.

PLEASE EXPLAIN!
If you know that there are creatures out there that lurk in the dark and want to kill you, why not just take up residence in the lighting department at Lowe's? Honestly, I couldn't enjoy this movie because it seemed like the characters were neglecting the most basic self-protection. Me, I'd buy a generator, candles, battery-operated lanterns, etc.
Other than that, the movie is OK. The alternate ending on the DVD would also have made this a better film. ... Read more

Reviews (78)

The Hitcher is some seriously bad company...oh, yeah!
This is my favorite Rutger Hauer movie. His persona fits this role perfectly. With a good supporting cast, a well-written screenplay and an excellent musical score, Hauer drives his audience along the twisted path of a psychotic hitch-hiker who kills just about anyone who is unfortunate enough to meet him.

C. Thomas Howell plays a young man by the name of Jim Halsey, who is delivering a car to a customer in San Diego. As he travels across a lonely West Texas highway at nite, he's having trouble keeping awake and nearly runs afoul of a big-rig. When he catches a glimpse of a rain-soaked hitch-hiker (Rutger Hauer) standing on the shoulder, he stops to pick him up, against his better judgement, figuring the man's company would keep him awake.

Halsey tries to strike up a conversation with the hitcher, but the hitcher only gives him a terse and twisted tale about being out of gas and needing cigarettes. The hitcher begins to play a psychological game of words with Halsey that quickly turns into a life-threatening situation. A quick-thinking Halsey pushes the hitcher out of the moving car and speeds away, thinking that's the last he'll see of him. The hitcher seems impressed(!!!) by Halsey's escape; apparently no one else has been so lucky. The hitcher begins to pursue Halsey with a mindless obsession that leaves dead bodies and destruction all around them.

The hitcher is a master of manipulation in this film. I really liked the ending, although, if the storyline is followed accurately, it doesn't allow for a sequel with Rutger Hauer, who absolutely is the shining star of this movie. I would love to see him play this part again- it truly is his calling. As a previous Amazon reviewer noted, he doesn't have to speak a word for you to know what he is thinking and contemplating as the role of The Hitcher. His body language and facial expressions tell you all you need to know. I think this entire movie could have been done without a single line of dialogue from the hitcher and been just as effective.

Rutger is waaaay cool, the movie is awesome and it should be part of your collection if you dont have it yet. A DVD must!

Great latter-day "road" picture, genuinely terrifying.
Seeing this on HBO this morning with the negative experience of "Vanishing Point" still fresh in my mind reminded me that yes, there are some great road movies that take place in the American Southwest which do not leave the viewers questioning the significance of the film...and prefer merely to scare the hell out of them instead.

The plot is staggeringly effective in its simplicity; a college kid (C. Thomas Howell) contracts to deliver a car from Chicago to San Diego. In the desert during a storm he picks up a hitch hiker (Rutger Hauer) who doesn't bother with the pretense of winning his mobile host's faith and trust; he immediately slips into maximum creep-out mode and the kid knows he's in serious trouble within minutes as the hitcher makes it known under no uncertain terms that he has indeed killed someone in a particularly brutal fashion...and with a seeming trace of resignation and inevitability he plans to do the same to the kid.

What follows is a fortuitous escape and a series of subsequent encounters between Howell and Hauer, with entanglements involving the police, Jennifer Jason Leigh (thankfully before she picked up that horrible New England upper class accent she seemed to use in a number of her '90's roles), and more murder victims.

The encounters succeed in building a sense of escalating tension that is never satisfactorily resolved until the film's ending, which does seem somewhat contrived (minus one star for that). However, the performances of all the actors are excruciatingly believable, especially Hauer, who is genuinely disturbing. He's not some sort of supernatural teen slasher a la Jason or Freddy Krueger or (to a lesser extent) Michael Myers, classic horror movie icons all; Hauer is simply someone...ANYONE...that could cross your path without any warning or fanfare...and could make your personal terrorization his sole purpose in life. That is what makes this movie truly scary; while watching it you will clearly understand the implication that yes, this too could happen to you.

"Riders on the storm", indeed.

Where should I begin?!
Ok, one of my favourite movies ever, this is. I know it seems strange now, it isn't an epic with outstanding performances and great set pieces and all that, it's just a plain old, fun 80s horror road movie, but I just love it all the same.

Rutger Hauer is imensely scary as a (not so freaky killer like Jason or Michael, nor a gruesome killer) but a sharp, haunting character with an icy personality. C Thomas Howell is very good as a young teenager. He starts off in the film to be a bit geeky, but once he meets Hauer he starts to get a little freaky himself. They are basically the two main characters in this.

The film -- as you probably know -- is about C Thomas Howell delivering a drive-away car (let me just say I don't like the review from Digibiong! because he says there is a mistake on the license plate of the car, but it's a drive-away car so it doesn't matter) and he has to deliver it to San Dieago, on the way he picks up a stranger on the road, he seems like a nice guy, but he turns out to be quite psychotic. Howell is able to push the stranger out of the car and carry on down the road, but the hitcher isn't done yet, he starts to play a deadly game with Howell, like getting the police onto him, framing him, killing people in front of his eyes and all stuff like that. The film doesn't drag at the start, it starts off straight away with Howell picking the stranger up and it gets darker and darker every time.

The gore in this film isn't that bad, we do HEAR a woman get pulled apart, but we don't SEE it. We never really do see a lot of deaths happen in the film, but I think that's what makes the film scary. It can be very atmospheric at times, but a lot of the scary parts happen in the day-time. When we come to the conclusion it gets a little dissapointing since it doesn't go on for long and I was expecting a great confrontation.

So, that's "the hitcher", one of my favourite movies. Road movies are my favourite genre of movies and here are a couple more good ones:

Breakdown
Convoy
Duel
Hitcher 2: I've been waiting

Absolutely MAGNIFICENT one of the greats of the 80s
Like many, I saw this totally haunting film late night on HBO by myself as a child. The opening scene is quite simply perfectly executed, and one of the most frightening and realistic scenes ever put to film. The atmosphere in this film is so wonderful, and the writing first rate. The leads are utterly convincing -- real props to Howell who has a difficult role. I am in love with the Southwest, and in a odd way this film is a great meditation on the wilderness down here too -- kind of like Thelma & Louise. What American films should be like.

More Than Just A Ride!
One of the scariest movies I have ever seen, The Hitcher is relentless in its intensity. Jim Halsey (C. Howell) picks up a hitchhiker (R. Hauer) on his way to San Diego who soon admits he killed his last ride. Hauer says, "You know that driver from that last car? I cut off his legs". It doesn't take more than that before Jim is able to trick and force the 'hitcher' out of his car. Thinking that it's over, Jim soon sees the hitcher riding in another family's car, knowing he will kill them all. Reporting him to the police is of no use and even after they capture him, he pulls a shocking twist on everyone. Jim befriends a lonely waitress (J. J. Leigh) who believes his story, but soon she ends up in the middle (literally) between them (the most revolting scene in the film). It's a suspenseful, non-stop, killer maniac fright ride. It becomes clear the hitcher is out to frame Jim for multiple murders or kill him. The ending is just as frightening as the rest, but I guarantee you won't leave this film feeling good - just shaken up. Not for the squeamish, but maybe a good date movie. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

HEART STRING TUGGING, SLOW MOVING STORY OF GIRL AND DOG
This movie was made in 1989, during John Travolta's descent in popularity. The "Eyes of an Angel" is well enough performed by Travolta and the then sweet little Tito Larriva, but the plot is less than exceptional. The movie suffers a little in keeping a lively pace.

Travolta plays Bobby, a single father on the run with his little girl after stealing money from a gangster. In Chicago, his daughter finds a fierce looking but gentle Doberman who is entered in cruel dog fights, where the loser usually winds up killed or seriously wounded. Fleeing from the gangsters, they are followed from Chicago to San Francisco by the dog - and his former owner, the gangster boss. The dog is in danger of being entered in more dog fights if he is found, and Bobby and his daughter could lose their lives as well.

This movie could have been great for kids, if it didn't contain so much brutality and violence liberally decorated with four-letter gangster talk.

Dog lovers will enjoy it, but viewers who prefer gruesome horror movies or well-depicted musicals will find it tedious and boring.

A Beautiful Story for Any Age
This movie was a complete surprise to me. It's beautifully and realistically filmed, with highly credible acting by everyone, including the beautiful dobie..I've never seen a movie that gave me a better sense of perspective from the dog's view. I feel fortunate to have a copy of it and find it's a wonderful 'pick me up' on a blue day..The movie conveys a powerful message of hope under seemingly hopeless circumstances. I would recommend "Eyes of an Angel" to everyone.

captivatiing and heart wrenching
This movie just shows the dedication that dogs have for people they love. They will go to extreme lenghts to protect the people that they love and who have shown them love. Unconditonal love is what we get from our pets, this movie will have you rooting for the dog and praying for the people he loves. It doesn't start out very fast paced but once you get involved you can't leave the screen til you find out what happens. Dobies are our dog of choice so this was especially meaningful to us. The little girl befriends this dog and in turn he becomes her hero and protector. Wonderful story, I love to watch it over and over again!!!! Other recommendations would be "The Doberman Gang" "Those Amazing Dobermans" and the "Daring Dobermans".

Very Moving
I saw this movie several years ago on HBO, but have never been able to find it to purchase. Fantastic story, but the best character in the story is the Dobe. As one who has had at least two for the last 20 years, they are that loyal. They look mean, but for "their people" they are big softies, and they will get to you. Early Travolta, but good.

Really Touching
A story of a girl who meets a fighting dog, that's probably the nicest dog ever. She wants to keep him but her father(Travolta) won't let her. He's already working on low wage, then his wife's(who's dead) cousin is trying to rip Travolta off! A GREAT story! Watch it!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The edgy, intense Homicide: Life on the Street earned its reputation as the best show on TV from the very beginning. In the pilot episode, "Gone for Goode," rookie detective Tim Bayliss (Kyle Secor) walks into the squad room of Baltimore's elite and smack into his first case, the murder of 11-year-old girl Adina Watson, a crime that will haunt Bayliss throughout the series. Oscar-winning director and series executive producer Barry Levinson helms this episode himself, establishing the nervous, energetic camera work, the bickering camaraderie of the homicide squad, and the meticulous attention to police detail that defined the series. He won an Emmy for his efforts. The third season episode "Every Mother's Son" guest stars Sean Nelson (Fresh) as a cold juvenile killer who couldn't care less that he murdered an innocent boy, while the mothers of victim and killer unknowingly meet in the station waiting room. The final episode in the set, "A Doll's Eye" from the fourth season, is a quiet, introspective look at the parents of a boy left brain-dead by a stray bullet who are dealing with their grief while under pressure to make a decision that could save another child through the organ donor program. Mandy Patinkin make an uncredited cameo as his Chicago Hope doctor. This set lacks the coherent thread that pulled the episodes together on a weekly basis, but it displays the series' range like a candy sampler, and the uniformly excellent episodes are worth seeing under any circumstance. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (16)

DVD?
Simply put, Homicide was a flawless series. The cast, scripts, cinematography...it all just came together. I think it was cancelled because of poor scheduling choices, and because it was so intense. That said, there is a huge number of diehard fans out there...so when is somebody going to wake up and start releasing the episodes (all of them!) on dvd as is done for The Twilight Zone? Court TV is a start, but I want the whole series at my fingertips...I think the series, and we, the fans, deserve it.

The crash-course on Homicide: Life on the Street
Typically if I want to get a friend's reaction to my favorite drama ever, I'll have them sit down and watch these three episodes with me. They represent some of the finest acting and cinematography I've seen in quite some time.

1) The Pilot: "Gone for Goode" - It's Tim Bayliss' (Kyle Secor) first day on the Homicide Unit commanded by Al Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) and the introduction to the cast of characters begins: John Munch (Richard Belzer), the cynical jaded but dedicated cop partnered with the "close to retirement" Stan Bolander (Ned Beatty), Meldrick Lewis (Clark Johnson) is partnered with Steve Crosetti (Jon Polito) and Kay Howard (Melissa Leo) is partnered with Beau Felton (Daniel Baldwin). The wildcard in the unit is Frank Pembleton, the unit's best detective who likes to work alone. Lewis and Crosetti investigate a shooting that might lead to solving 5 more murders (and making them look like heros), Munch is coerced into opening up an accidental death that Bolander thinks was a murder. And Bayliss gets paired up with Pembleton during a murder of an older guy in a hotel and learns firsthand that what he's taught in the classroom doesn't hold up in the real world.

Some famous lines:
Bolander: "She was murdered John, you have to speak for her"
--
Howard: "Homicide? We work for God"
--
Munch: "I've been murder police for ten years. If you're going to lie to me, you lie to me with respect."
--
Crosetti: "That's the problem with this job. It's got nothin' to do with life."

2) "Every Mother's Son" - Bayliss and Pembleton investigate the murder of a 14 year old boy at a bowling alley to find out another 14 year old boy shot him. The shooter thinks he should go because he killed the wrong guy. The mother's killer and the mother of the victim unknowingly meet up and talk for a long period of time in the squad room. Pembleton gets disillusioned about ever having children if they grow up in a world like this.

3) "A Doll's Eye" - Bayliss and Pembleton get involved in a shooting of a boy at a mall. The boy ends up brain dead and the parents struggle with taking the boy off of life support and placing his organs in the organ donor registry to save other children's lives. Marcia Gay Hayden's portrayal of the little boy's mom will have you in tears. It's a quiet episode that focuses on the victims and the struggles that they have to face.

Nothing Else Like It On TV Or The Big Screen!
Anyone that has ever seen this top quality crime drama would agree that there has never been anything else like HOMICIDE on television or the big screen!

This show, in reruns, is as powerful, moving, thought provoking, and at times humorous, as it was during its first run on NBC during the 90's.

EVERY...and I do mean EVERY character leaps off the page with realism and charisma, thanks in part to those who put pen to paper and wrote the lines, and also to the amazing actor who breathed life into the well written scripts.

The early shows are by far the best! And that you will see on this video. Pembelton and Balis, Andre Braugher and Kyle Secor, were televisions definitive dynamic duo. I believe that they, and the other cast members, set a standard for ensemble casts that will never be beat. (A few of the cast members that joined the show towards the end of its run were not as powerful as the original actors, but that didn't stop the show from delivering quality episodes.)

Others have suggested NBC release all of the episodes on DVD and I agree! This was truly MUST SEE TV and for what ever reason the network couldn't see it. (This show is timeless and I would love to see it resurrected, perhaps on cable TV! Are you listening HBO?)

HOMICIDE - Life On The Street is without a doubt is the best television show to date! Kudos to all responsible for bridging it to life, to Court TV for airing it in reruns, and to Amazon.com for bring the series to its fan via VHS and DVD!

Great TV, Great Location
I moved to Baltimore by about Homicide's 3rd season. I had seen a few episodes and was annoyed by the jittery camera work. After living in Baltimore for a few months, and after being forced to watch a few episodes, I was entranced by both the show and the city. Homicide transcends the typical "place-less" show (TV or cinema--is Frasier really a Seattle show? I think not) because it weaves people, events, and emotions in a solid geography. I believe people were--and are still--hooked on this show because it has so much personality and charisma. Baltimore is a town with history, charm, quirks, character, meloncholy, cynicism, evil, joy, and warmth. Homicide captured that and slowly spoon fed it to viewers episode by episode. I don't think most viewers were aware of it, but it happened and it was addictive. To me, the drama, joy, and pain of Homicide is the drama, joy, and pain of the City of Baltimore and its citizens. Only one question remains: where are the Homicide DVDs??

The Best of the Best
After HILL STREET BLUES and ST ELSEWARE I thought network TV had lost it, the came HOMICIDE:LIFE ON THE STREET. It is the best of the best, my only regret is that ther aren't more of the episodes available. Someone tell NBC that they are missing out on a gold mine. ... Read more

Reviews (96)

One notch better than expected, but I expected Crap!
I'd give it one star, but the ending was pretty cool - both the original and the alternate ending. I agree with some of the others that the alternate ending would have made it a little more interesting - kind of a "was it real or not?" ending - versus the "Yes, it WAS real." Though like I said, the original ending is pretty cool too.

Problem with the movie is everything leading up TO the ending. The lead actress is the most boring I've ever endured. Good horror films need STRONG female leads! She's simply there.

The "off-the-characters-one-at-a-time" proceedings are routine and mundane - eliciting more sighs than screams. The effects are good - the sound is good. There are some good "cheap" jumps - but still pretty [poor] overall.

Worst of all - this is NOT a Wes Craven film. This is one of those "We're pasting on the name of some famous guy so people will think he was involved" kind of things. His name is in the title, but he neither wrote, nor produced, nor directed. As far as I can tell, he had nothing to do with it but to allow his name to be put in the title (that he would attach his name to this at all is an insult to his own standard of judgment).

If you want something SCARRIER than this - rent and ELMO movie or something - not this dreck!

They offers some good scares
They is one of the better horror movies to come in recent years as it offers up some real frightening moments. While the writing is predictable and the acting is atrocious, overall none of this matters when a film can make you jump out of your seat, or make you slouch in your chair clutching the person next to you. Laura Regan plays a young woman whos night terrors are coming true terrorizing her and her friends. Shre spends the movie trying to get away from "they" and try to convince everyone that shes not crazy. We never actually get to see who "They" are but it makes it all the more intriguing as the director gives flashes of the type of creature "they" could be, and he creates a drab, eerie atmosphere that adds to the horror of the film. The ending by far is the most shocking. While it cannot compare with endings like The Sixth Sense and The Others, it has an ending you, or at least, I did not expect. Something rarely done in horror movies that is worth seeing this film alone.

They
It starts out slow. When it becomes a bit interesting, the whole plot gives way to basic chase. Scenes with no depth, and why don't these people carry a flash light. Use a flash light don't blow your brains out. I've seen a lot worse. But the chases are so unorignal the creature could have been Jason.

Wes Craven Presents "They" OK
A good movie, coulda been a lot worse. Good plot but, I think that it would have been more effective if Wes Craven would have wrote and directed it though.

PLEASE EXPLAIN!
If you know that there are creatures out there that lurk in the dark and want to kill you, why not just take up residence in the lighting department at Lowe's? Honestly, I couldn't enjoy this movie because it seemed like the characters were neglecting the most basic self-protection. Me, I'd buy a generator, candles, battery-operated lanterns, etc.
Other than that, the movie is OK. The alternate ending on the DVD would also have made this a better film. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

HEART STRING TUGGING, SLOW MOVING STORY OF GIRL AND DOG
This movie was made in 1989, during John Travolta's descent in popularity. The "Eyes of an Angel" is well enough performed by Travolta and the then sweet little Tito Larriva, but the plot is less than exceptional. The movie suffers a little in keeping a lively pace.

Travolta plays Bobby, a single father on the run with his little girl after stealing money from a gangster. In Chicago, his daughter finds a fierce looking but gentle Doberman who is entered in cruel dog fights, where the loser usually winds up killed or seriously wounded. Fleeing from the gangsters, they are followed from Chicago to San Francisco by the dog - and his former owner, the gangster boss. The dog is in danger of being entered in more dog fights if he is found, and Bobby and his daughter could lose their lives as well.

This movie could have been great for kids, if it didn't contain so much brutality and violence liberally decorated with four-letter gangster talk.

Dog lovers will enjoy it, but viewers who prefer gruesome horror movies or well-depicted musicals will find it tedious and boring.

A Beautiful Story for Any Age
This movie was a complete surprise to me. It's beautifully and realistically filmed, with highly credible acting by everyone, including the beautiful dobie..I've never seen a movie that gave me a better sense of perspective from the dog's view. I feel fortunate to have a copy of it and find it's a wonderful 'pick me up' on a blue day..The movie conveys a powerful message of hope under seemingly hopeless circumstances. I would recommend "Eyes of an Angel" to everyone.

captivatiing and heart wrenching
This movie just shows the dedication that dogs have for people they love. They will go to extreme lenghts to protect the people that they love and who have shown them love. Unconditonal love is what we get from our pets, this movie will have you rooting for the dog and praying for the people he loves. It doesn't start out very fast paced but once you get involved you can't leave the screen til you find out what happens. Dobies are our dog of choice so this was especially meaningful to us. The little girl befriends this dog and in turn he becomes her hero and protector. Wonderful story, I love to watch it over and over again!!!! Other recommendations would be "The Doberman Gang" "Those Amazing Dobermans" and the "Daring Dobermans".

Very Moving
I saw this movie several years ago on HBO, but have never been able to find it to purchase. Fantastic story, but the best character in the story is the Dobe. As one who has had at least two for the last 20 years, they are that loyal. They look mean, but for "their people" they are big softies, and they will get to you. Early Travolta, but good.

Really Touching
A story of a girl who meets a fighting dog, that's probably the nicest dog ever. She wants to keep him but her father(Travolta) won't let her. He's already working on low wage, then his wife's(who's dead) cousin is trying to rip Travolta off! A GREAT story! Watch it!! ... Read more

Reviews (96)

One notch better than expected, but I expected Crap!
I'd give it one star, but the ending was pretty cool - both the original and the alternate ending. I agree with some of the others that the alternate ending would have made it a little more interesting - kind of a "was it real or not?" ending - versus the "Yes, it WAS real." Though like I said, the original ending is pretty cool too.

Problem with the movie is everything leading up TO the ending. The lead actress is the most boring I've ever endured. Good horror films need STRONG female leads! She's simply there.

The "off-the-characters-one-at-a-time" proceedings are routine and mundane - eliciting more sighs than screams. The effects are good - the sound is good. There are some good "cheap" jumps - but still pretty [poor] overall.

Worst of all - this is NOT a Wes Craven film. This is one of those "We're pasting on the name of some famous guy so people will think he was involved" kind of things. His name is in the title, but he neither wrote, nor produced, nor directed. As far as I can tell, he had nothing to do with it but to allow his name to be put in the title (that he would attach his name to this at all is an insult to his own standard of judgment).

If you want something SCARRIER than this - rent and ELMO movie or something - not this dreck!

They offers some good scares
They is one of the better horror movies to come in recent years as it offers up some real frightening moments. While the writing is predictable and the acting is atrocious, overall none of this matters when a film can make you jump out of your seat, or make you slouch in your chair clutching the person next to you. Laura Regan plays a young woman whos night terrors are coming true terrorizing her and her friends. Shre spends the movie trying to get away from "they" and try to convince everyone that shes not crazy. We never actually get to see who "They" are but it makes it all the more intriguing as the director gives flashes of the type of creature "they" could be, and he creates a drab, eerie atmosphere that adds to the horror of the film. The ending by far is the most shocking. While it cannot compare with endings like The Sixth Sense and The Others, it has an ending you, or at least, I did not expect. Something rarely done in horror movies that is worth seeing this film alone.

They
It starts out slow. When it becomes a bit interesting, the whole plot gives way to basic chase. Scenes with no depth, and why don't these people carry a flash light. Use a flash light don't blow your brains out. I've seen a lot worse. But the chases are so unorignal the creature could have been Jason.

Wes Craven Presents "They" OK
A good movie, coulda been a lot worse. Good plot but, I think that it would have been more effective if Wes Craven would have wrote and directed it though.

PLEASE EXPLAIN!
If you know that there are creatures out there that lurk in the dark and want to kill you, why not just take up residence in the lighting department at Lowe's? Honestly, I couldn't enjoy this movie because it seemed like the characters were neglecting the most basic self-protection. Me, I'd buy a generator, candles, battery-operated lanterns, etc.
Other than that, the movie is OK. The alternate ending on the DVD would also have made this a better film. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

HEART STRING TUGGING, SLOW MOVING STORY OF GIRL AND DOG
This movie was made in 1989, during John Travolta's descent in popularity. The "Eyes of an Angel" is well enough performed by Travolta and the then sweet little Tito Larriva, but the plot is less than exceptional. The movie suffers a little in keeping a lively pace.

Travolta plays Bobby, a single father on the run with his little girl after stealing money from a gangster. In Chicago, his daughter finds a fierce looking but gentle Doberman who is entered in cruel dog fights, where the loser usually winds up killed or seriously wounded. Fleeing from the gangsters, they are followed from Chicago to San Francisco by the dog - and his former owner, the gangster boss. The dog is in danger of being entered in more dog fights if he is found, and Bobby and his daughter could lose their lives as well.

This movie could have been great for kids, if it didn't contain so much brutality and violence liberally decorated with four-letter gangster talk.

Dog lovers will enjoy it, but viewers who prefer gruesome horror movies or well-depicted musicals will find it tedious and boring.

A Beautiful Story for Any Age
This movie was a complete surprise to me. It's beautifully and realistically filmed, with highly credible acting by everyone, including the beautiful dobie..I've never seen a movie that gave me a better sense of perspective from the dog's view. I feel fortunate to have a copy of it and find it's a wonderful 'pick me up' on a blue day..The movie conveys a powerful message of hope under seemingly hopeless circumstances. I would recommend "Eyes of an Angel" to everyone.

captivatiing and heart wrenching
This movie just shows the dedication that dogs have for people they love. They will go to extreme lenghts to protect the people that they love and who have shown them love. Unconditonal love is what we get from our pets, this movie will have you rooting for the dog and praying for the people he loves. It doesn't start out very fast paced but once you get involved you can't leave the screen til you find out what happens. Dobies are our dog of choice so this was especially meaningful to us. The little girl befriends this dog and in turn he becomes her hero and protector. Wonderful story, I love to watch it over and over again!!!! Other recommendations would be "The Doberman Gang" "Those Amazing Dobermans" and the "Daring Dobermans".

Very Moving
I saw this movie several years ago on HBO, but have never been able to find it to purchase. Fantastic story, but the best character in the story is the Dobe. As one who has had at least two for the last 20 years, they are that loyal. They look mean, but for "their people" they are big softies, and they will get to you. Early Travolta, but good.

Really Touching
A story of a girl who meets a fighting dog, that's probably the nicest dog ever. She wants to keep him but her father(Travolta) won't let her. He's already working on low wage, then his wife's(who's dead) cousin is trying to rip Travolta off! A GREAT story! Watch it!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

"The Subway" became the most celebrated episode of the sixth season of Homicide: Life on the Street. A showcase for Andre Braugher's Frank Pembleton, the squad's tetchy, intense, brilliant detective, it takes place almost entirely in the subway and focuses on the relationship between Pembleton and the dying victim of a gruesome subway platform accident (guest star Vincent D'Onofrio), who's not expected to live out the hour. It garnered lavish praise from TV critics across the U.S., earned two Emmy nominations (including one for D'Onofrio), and won the prestigious Peabody Award for excellence in broadcasting. Little did documentary director Theodore Bogosian know what was in store when he began his made-for-public TV special Anatomy of a Homicide, a detailed look at the creation of the episode from idea through script and production to broadcast. You get it all: script conferences, location scouting, special-effects challenges (how do you portray a man convincingly trapped by a tram and twisted like taffy?), the clip from the HBO series Taxicab Confessions that inspired the story, and a privileged look at network politics. It's an inspired pairing for the video debut of the series, a fine introduction for new viewers, and the equivalent of a coffee-table video album for the faithful. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Television drama at its very best!
If you're reading this, chances are you're already a fan of Homicide to some degree. Some early fans of the show became disenchanted with the program as its run on NBC progressed, feeling that it became more conventional. While it's true that the show's later seasons used less of the stirring camera-work which was the show's visual trademark in the early episode, the stories told were no less compelling.

A case in point is season six's "The Accident" or as it's commonly known "the subway episode." When a commuter becomes pinned between a subway train and the platform, detectives Tim Bayliss and Frank Pembleton are called in, because the accident victim is alsmost certainly going to die. As Bayliss tries to determine what caused the accident, Pembleton (as played by Emmy-winner Andre Braugher) forms an uneasy bond with the victim (played by Vincent D'Onofrio). With Homicide, the focus was always less on what the detectives revealed about their cases and more on what the detectives revealed about themselves as human beings.

Of all Homicide's detectives none showed us more of what was good and bad about human beings than Frank Pembleton. In the context of the show, Pembleton was not only the best investigator in the squad, he was also the moral center, a good man whose sense of right and wrong never fails, soemone who will always remain on the right side of that line even if it means offending those who care about him. As he tries to comfort the victim whom he knows is about to die, Pembleton confronts his own beliefs and notions of faith and goodness. The interplay between the two characters is as insightful, gripping and well-written as anything committed to film in years, and more than anything this is probably the episode which earned Andre Braugher his Emmy award.

This episode also went on to win the Peabody award and was the subject of a fascinating documentary called "Anatomy of a Homicide." In addition to focusing on the specifics of writing and producing "the subway episode," it is also an intriguing window into the politics of television network programming. That documentary is available on this tape along with the full episode. Homicide never quite got its due during its network run, but the availability of these two productions may help redress that balance.

A phenomenal study in human behavour
This episode alone is the best HOMICIDE I've ever seen. Barring the undeniably brilliant perfomances by Vincent D'Onofrio and Andre Braugher, the story is captivating and the tensions sweet torture! The difficulty of knowing a man is going to die and the struggle to do his job as a cop and so much more... What an episode! That aside, as I said, the documentary is a real view of the politics of network television and the complete bliss of getting what you want. They had a great guest star, a script that worked, and a producer/writer determined to get what he wanted! Just great, a MUST for HOMICIDE or D'Onofrio fans!

Stunning Work!
This is extraordinary acting - vincent D'Onofrio, Andre Braugher (always fabulous in this series) and the other great "Homicide" cast - but this story is amazing. Seemed almost more like a stage production than film/television. I saw the story as a metaphor - life, death, the meaning, the randomness versus design of it all, responsibility/lack thereof, the train....all of it. Extremely powerful in every way. Original, powerful, brilliant work.

An episode worthy of inclusion in anyone's video library!
"Homicide: Life on the Streets" was always a favorite of the critics, but it never garnered the ratings success that it so fittingly deserved. Featuring one of the most gifted ensemble casts ever put together (especially the brilliant Andre Braugher with exemplary support from Yaphet Kotto, Kyle Secor and Clark Johnson), "Homicide" should still be on NBC's schedule, right there with the respective "Law & Order's" and "ER".

If one episode clearly exemplifies the intensity and the quality of the series' writing, as well as the skills of the actors, it is "Subway". Braugher gets to run the gamut of his emotions as he deals with the hopeless situation of guest star Vincent D'onofrio, also giving an award winning turn as the trapped commuter.

The episode is a nail-biter and a prime example of what television should be.

Most compelling dramatic anything I've ever seen
I have never had such a visceral reaction to any piece of drama, live or on big screen or small.

I'd long been a Homicide fan, so I was well aware of Andre Braugher's skill, but Vincent D'Onofrio's performance was a revelation. His character is Everyschmuck, the Bud Lite-swilling blowhard found in any bar on any Saturday night, under-tipping the bartender and copping a feel from the cocktail waitress.

But as he slowly discovers his fate, he strips away his schmuckness in layers, like an onion, with Braugher's Pembleton as Father Confessor and keeper of the knowledge that he is doomed. Together they reveal the character's essential humanity and vulnerability.

Pembleton is our surrogate, I think, because he doesn't like this guy much either, but goes in to do his job, and is eventually touched by him, as we are.

My words are feeble. Just see it. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Exceptional Made-For-TV Movie
Although it is tempting to see this movie in the light of movies like "Goodfellas" it really stands on its own. Director Robert Harmon keeps the pace going with no "slice of life" extenders or heavy soundtrack made up of pop and R & B recordings. The actors are fired up and move the story.
Armand Assante delivers a powerful portrayal of this underworld "original", a media-friendly crime figure, whose star imploded only after the government applied technology to the solution: interestingly, it seems that Gotti's high profile did not do him in - he was "bugged" at his club ventilating about his underboss.
Although Assante gives an all-out yet *measured* performance, actually adding philosphical nuance, some of his co-stars over-act, specifically William Forsythe as Sammy Gravano and Anthony Quinn as Neil Dellacroce. This doesn't mean that their work isn't at times compelling.
Al Waxman as Bruce Cutler is excellent, however, the reported exceeding by Cutler of lawyer-client "parameters" (a word used by Assante throughout the movie) is not addressed. Alberta Watson as Victoria Gotti should have been given more screen time. The great character actor Frank Vincent, as "B.D.", is once again successful. It appears that the Director let him do his understated thing.

entertaining fiction
Armand Assante is effective, William Forsyth doesn't quite match the part physically but still entertains, Anthony Quinn is almost dead on as Neil Dellacroce, and Frank Vincent once again shines. The pace is crisp, the directing edgy and the production from a technical standpoint is done very well. If you're looking for an engaging mafia movie, you'll enjoy "Gotti" immensely.
But if you want a biopic of John Gotti, look elsewhere. This movie would best be described as "a movie inspired by the events of" or "based loosely on" the life of John Gotti.
Factual errors are too numerous to count. The murder of neighbor John Favara is pure fiction; so is Sammy Gravano's execution of his brother-in-law, the meeting between Gotti and Gravano, and the circumstances leading up to Angelo Ruggiero's death (Gotti never visited him in the hospital, much less fed him a cannoli by hand). Still, the characterizations were mostly on the mark. I was, though, profoundly disappointed with the choice for Bruce Cutler, and thought the Castellano actor was a bit too gruff for someone known as the businessman gangster.
If you can manage to put aside the details of the Gotti story and watch this movie for escapism, it's worth the time.

A Friend of Ours
This movie is great! I saw it when it originally aired on HBO and have watched the VHS version repeatedly. Gotti was a man who couldn't help but draw attention his way. Unfortunately he drawed the attention of law enforcement as well! For those who didn't follow Gotti's trial(s) and life closely here is a trivia fact for ya----Armand Assante was a friend of John Gotti and was even at his trial to support him. So his performance is based on first hand knowledge.

My Favorite Mafia Movie
I am a big fan of mafia movies and have seen at least 20 or more Mafia movies and this is my favorite over the classic. The lead actor does a great job playing Gotti and the other actors aren't too shabby either. The story is mostly true and is great drama. This isn't an action movie though, so don't expect gun fights and ect, but if your looking for a really interestting and compelling Mafia story I highly recommend you see this movie.

Had low expectations and was pleased!
Being a fan of Armand Assanti, he tends to get stuck with odd roles and type-cast as a spanish only person,also being a fan of mob movies, I borrowed this movie from my son. I was very surprised! Well acted and very entertaining! If you like The Sopranos, 4 cast members are in this movie. Ok, this is Hollywood. They have to make the story better than reality and they sure did. If you are a fan of Mob movies you will love this one! ya Gotti trust me! ... Read more