Description

Based on a true-life story, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE is a loving memoir to a man whose lessons on life have much to teach us about ourselves. Academy Award(R)-winner Jack Lemmon (Best Actor, 1974, SAVE THE TIGER) delivers an outstanding performance as Morrie Schwartz, the Brandeis University professor upon whom the best-selling book is based. Hank Azaria (GODZILLA) plays Mitch, an accomplished journalist so driven by his job, he has little time or energy left for anything else. One night, Mitch happens to catch Morrie's appearance on a national news program and learns his old professor is battling Lou Gehrig's disease. After the telecast, Mitch contacts Morrie, and what starts as a visit turns into a pilgrimage as Mitch opens his heart to the lessons Morrie has to teach him. As the bond grows between these two men, Mitch learns that professional commitments don't mean anything without the love of family and friends. Sure to inspire, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE may just change your views on the meaning of life ... forever. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Great Movie
In the movie Tuesdays With Morrie, Mitch (Hank Azaria) is a successful sportswriter who suddenly learns that one of his old professors, Morrie (Jack Lemmon) is ill. Mitch visits Morrie and the two form an emotional bond, allowing Mitch to see what is really important in life. Tuesdays With Morrie is categorized as a drama but it does contain some funny parts and some sports. Some things that Morrie said made me laugh. They show Mitch at sporting events and press conferences. Mitch ends up flying 700 miles to Boston from Detroit every Tuesday to visit his dying professor. Mitch feels bad the first time he goes to visit Morrie because he had not talked to Morrie for 16 years after he said that he would keep in touch at his graduation at Brandeis University. At the end of the movie, Morrie finally got Mitch to open up and cry. He also got Mitch to talk about what he was afraid of in life. He taught Mitch a lot about living and about dying. Tuesdays With Morrie is an easy flowing movie and it is very simple to understand. It is a movie for people of all ages. The actors, especially Jack Lemmon, do an exceptional job playing their roles in the movie. The book and the movie are almost identical. There are not really any major differences between the book and the movie. One of the differences is that in the book Janine is Mitch's wife and in the movie Janine is Mitch's girlfriend. I think that Tuesdays With Morrie was a very good movie. It made me think of what is important in life, including friends and family. This movie changed my outlook on life. It made me realize what is most important in life and how I need to treat people, especially my elders. I think the theme of this movie was to get people to treat people better, with dignity and respect. I think that anybody that watches this movie will leave happier and with a better understanding about life and how to treat others.

Genuine.
A genuinely touching movie is a rare thing. Attempting to pull at our heart-strings often results in a lot of sap and drama, without much substance.

However, Tuesdays with Morrie is heartfelt, somber, funny, and sad.

The movie details a relationship (The film is adapted from a best selling nonfiction book) between a sports columnist, and his beloved professor which he learns is dying of Lou Gehrigs disease. What follows is a look at the short, poingant relationship they shared. You see, Morrie was a man of the world. He often showed a keen insight into the nature of man. He did much to teach his former student about life, often quoting W.H. Auden's poem "September 1st, 1939"

The movie, as the book, is filled with philisophical, as well as practical insights. Deeply moving, even while not being cinematically brilliant.

Excellent movie ---really worth your time and tears!!!!
This movie has touched my heart and enriched my mind so much! (I cried the entire 2 hours.) Yes, we already know a lot of the things that it tries to convey, but this movie has encouraged me to act now and address many of my own personal issues---family, career, friendships, health, etc. and what's really important in life. Jack Lemmon is so good here, and made me think about the importance of caring for my own sick parents. I love him in this movie and God bless his soul for his contribution to humanity--good acting!!!. --of course, kudos to the author Mitch Albom for sharing Morries' wisdom . I will make sure that my daughter gets to watch this movie and read the book and so as all my siblings and dear friends. The book and the DVD are great 40th b-day gifts that I will also make sure I get.=:) AAAAAAA++++++++++++++

The Best Farewell
Wasn't this Jack Lemmon's last film before his death?? Anyway, I found it deeply stirring and enjoyable to watch. The first time I saw it I vowed that anyone whose life I care about should have this... I truly loved it. If this was Jack's last, what a gift to be able to make this movie while making his own transition... Wow!

Some get it & some don't
I've read the book & watched the movie. I've read the reviews on this movie as well. Most get it & a few wasted their precious time watching it, then wasted my time with their childish & foolish comments. They probably loved Lost In Translation .. now that was a major yawn for me!

Jack Lemmon was at his best in my opinion.

Unless you've confronted death up close & personal and who hasn't by now or truly have a sensitive side, this movie will likley only distract you. Probably because you're too busy not being in the NOW! Slow down, watch it again, without phones or kids or talking .. just take it in and if it still doesn't touch you in some way then you're probably already dead! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Get mindless for awhile with this 1997 disaster flick, starring the La Brea Tar Pits in Los Angeles as a funky place for lava to spew, plus Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Heche as the brave souls who know how to shut off the spout. Director Mick Jackson (The Bodyguard) wastes no time getting to the good stuff--it's happening even before opening credits are over--and neither should anyone in the mood for technical efficiency without the burden of art. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (60)

Better than that other volcano movie with James Bond ;)
I've watched this movie dozens of times, the first being at an ampitheater in Indiana on a cold fall day. I hadn't heard of it before but the tickets were free, so I checked it out. Wow! What a movie! I couldn't believe it, the entire time I was sitting on the edge of my seat, I left with no fingernails at all. All the actors were just terriffic, especially Tommy Lee Jones, who just adds flair to any film he's in. I'm not sure where people get off saying that this movie is too fantastical, either. As they say in the film, one day in Mexico a man saw a smoking fissure in his field; the next day there was a volcano growing there. That story is completely true, and it's happened repeatedly throughout the world. Why couldn't it happen in LA, the most geologically unstable major city? That's like saying that an earthquake can never hit New York City because it just can't happen. And as the current quote on the page said, you can't fight nature? The techniques used in Volcano are used constantly in Iceland and Greenland, which are all highly geologically unstable places with many volcanos. Anywho :) off my soapbox, if you've got a second, check this out on a large TV with a huge sound system! And skip that Dante's whatever, Volcano is the bomb... literally.

Haha, what were you people expecting? Pyroclastic flows?
I think, overall, this is a good disaster movie. I mean, are you ever REALLY looking for a realistic scenerio in an action flick? I think the plot progressed smoothly (not one of those movies where the screen comes on and starts with people running around getting fried), and the music was great.

Obviously this is a small volcano, considering that if it was a Mount St. Helens thing with pyroclastic flows and lava all over, then yeah, LA wouldn't stand much of a chance, but its fun to think how a major city like LA would face a little volcano deciding to pop up in the middle of the city.

I think I lost some IQ...
This has to be one of the dumbest movies...ever...Yes ever...Seeing this movie I think my IQ dropped 20 points from it's stupid storyline and totally impossible happenings as a volcano magically forming in LA

Really dumb....the only thing good about this movie is laughing at it the entire way for its sheer stupidity

A stale and lame piece of junk
Is it fun to watch? Yes. Why? Because this is so bad you can't help but enjoy. They completely and utterly disregard any realism and totally defy the laws of physics. Let's put it this way, in this movie the coast is toast and the plot is rot. Tommy Lee Jones gets a major pay check to lead the rescue effort when geological mumbo-jumbo causes the La Brea tar pits and the new L.A. subway system to spit steam, ash, fire and a rolling, molten sea. Actually the coast is not even toast. Let me quote from everyone's favorite smart alleck Mike Nelson: "I hate to start this by nitpicking, but the movie really should be called lava and not volcano. The "film" starring Tommy Lee Jones and Anne Heche, really was long on lava and, as far as I could tell, had only one small-quite small, really-volcano. And, despite all the hype, the coast was not, at any time during the film, toast. The coastal city of Los Angeles, CA, was indeed in no small danger of being incinerated by flowing magma, but the situation was completely handled by disaster workers, and only the most pessimistic naysayer would describe the situation by saying 'the coast is toast.'" Beyond all that, seeing as how close our characters were to the lava, one would have to wonder why they weren't burnt up. At the temperature of the magma the characters could've in no way been as close as they were. Oh well it's simply a terrible movie. Bad acting, boring plot, crumby music, and doesn't even remotely live up to the hype! Unless you're in the mood for a cheeze-fest I suggest you see something else. Heck watching grass grow would be more stimulating than this.

valcano rocks on!
I love the movie valcano. I recemend it only to people who like horror and death movies becuse valcano is one of them. I hope kids don't really belive that this has happend becuse there has not ever been a valcano so powerful to blow up so much ash and magma to destruct a whole state and more than that so dont belive this happend. I will like this movie so much I am willing to pay for 2 copys of it if I had that kind of money but I dont so dont think I will. ... Read more

Description

Based on the true story of the McMartin family who, accused of a heinous crime, suffered six years of public humiliation before being found innocent. The scandal that tore a family and a nation apart. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

They told the wrong story
I grew up in Manhattan Beach in the 80's. Luckily for me, I went to a different pre-school. I grew up with bumper stickers reading, "I believe the children."
This movie offends me simply because they only told one side of the story, and because they skewed it so much. I was horrified to see the defendants portrayed as victims, and the children and parents portrayed as fools, when I knew the opposite to be true. Parents are not fools. They know when their kids are lying. I helieve the children.
Other reviewers claim this is a true story. I beg any viewer to take it with a grain of salt-- this is the "true" story as told by the defendants. Ask any parent or child involved, and you'll hear a completely different story.

James Woods, Superstar
Armed with a perfect Verbal SAT score and an IQ of 180, intellectual powerhouse James Woods aces his portrayal of a defense attorney who, against the political might of the Los Angeles District Attorney's office, brings the best possible approximation of justice to a family falsely accused of committing the most heinous of non-capital crimes--a family already tried and convicted, though ambitious, reckless, and sensational reporting, in the court of public opinion.

So put the kids in bed, put the DVD in the player, sit back, and prepare to be blown away by Woods's best performance since his guest appearance on "The Rockford Files".

Everybody Loves Raymond
HBO really outdid themselves with this one! The riveting story of the McMartin Pre-School tragedy is delivered with a knock-out punch! The story centers around the molestation charges hurled at the infamous Manhattan Beach pre-school, where head maven Virginia rules with either an iron fist or a mother's heart (depending which side you choose to believe) from her wheelchair. Joining Ma McMartin is her daughter Peggy and her grandchildren, Ray and Peggy Ann. There are also special appearances by Betty Radar and Babette Spitzler. James Woods delievers an inspiring performance as Ray's attorney, while Mercedes Rhuel & Lolita Davidovich play the "villians," Lael Rubin and loose Kee MacFarlane. The film really gets to the heart of the argument that if "children say it is true, they must be believed." I went to school with a guy named FC Gaybo and he knew Kee personally. He said she'd sleep with anything on 2 legs, but that "children don't lie about these types of things." I found this quite an ignorant statement. It is also to note that the writers, Abby & Myra Mann had their home burned to the ground. Insanity! The film is campy too. Watch out for hilarious references to the Alligator Game and (my fave) Naked Movie Star (wish I knew how to play that!). The film also demonstrates the level of paranoia that engulped everyone involved. The mother of the first accuser (a drug addicted psychotic) hits the bottle and makes outrageous claims that the family dog was molested and that she is "Jesus Johnson"! Keep an eye out for Peggy's body cavity search scene!

One side of a very tragic story
Too bad only one side of this story was ever turned into a movie. I would consider it a powerful piece of government propaganda, playing on the incredulity of an audience that would rather not believe the history of this very kind of abuse far beyond what this case attempted to handle ... particularly since it was one of the first to attempt to make its way through the courts.

If one believes everything they see in a movie as the truth, one comes away believing that a terrible injustice has been done. James Woods was, indeed, magnificent as the lawyer defending the accused McMartin clan; as was Mercedes Reuhl as the prosecuting attorney. The McMartin's were portrayed as hapless, innocent victims of a hysterical media circus and Kee MacFarlane was portrayed as ignorant, manipulative and overtly sexy -- bad, boo! evil!

They show you what they want you to see, and so many people have bought it, hook, line and sinker. The children have grown up, their memories intact, and those who survive, continue to suffer and struggle with their healing, moreso because of how the media betrayed them. The children know what this movie could not possibly reveal, they knew it then, and they know even more today.

Someone should make a movie telling *their* story. Not the lawyers, not the accused, not the media, but the children, who are children no longer. It's as if the charges never existed, and the children never existed either.

The fact of the matter is they did, and they still do, as do hundreds of children who were caught up in the nightmare of trafficking in children for nefarious purpose that existed then, and continues to exist today, now in the thousands, globally.

We have a better understanding of this entire phenomenon now, and it is incumbent on all of us to understand the story that is unfolding here so that we can finally put an end to it.

...

......

Vivid and compelling
This account of the most celebrated trial arising out of the child molestation and satanic abuse hysteria of the eighties and nineties-a witch hunt far worse than that of the McCarthy era in terms of lives destroyed and innocent people thrown in jail, and even worse than the Salem witch trials of the 17th century in extent, except that nobody was actually stoned or hanged, was only the tip of the iceberg. Hundreds of innocent people went to jail and some are still there. Nobody can give them back their lives, ruined by immoral prosecutors bent on career-building at any cost and by guilt-ridden latch key parents out to excite their blood lust. Yes, children do lie and more important, as this film demonstrates, they can be brainwashed and coerced into telling the most outrageous and horrific tales (and believing them) to escape the gestapo tactics of their interrogators.

Oliver Stone produced, and Abby Mann, who wrote the celebrated Stanley Kramer film, "Judgement at Nuremberg" (1961) and Myra Mann penned the compelling script. James Woods is excellent as Ray Buckey's attorney, but Lolita Davidovich who plays the evil and sick Kee MacFarlane (who led the indoctrination of the children) is both too pretty and too sane to be truly effective. Mercedes Ruehl plays incompetent L.A. County prosecutor Lael Rubin with enough vile to drip. Sada Thompson brings warmth and charm to the part of Virginia McMartin, and Henry Thomas plays Ray Buckey to a perfect fit.

But this movie was made too soon. In the five years since its production, the full extent of the hysteria has come to light. When a significant portion of a society is taken in by something like this, it takes the passage of time before the full truth can be accepted. Had director Mick Jackson known of the near pandemic extent of the sickness he might have made a larger film. As it is, this is a vivid and compelling film. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Completely Biased, I Admit...
Truthfully, I know nothing of this movie's history, nothing of the actual events from which it was taken. However, considering the film for film's value alone, its strengths are easily indentifiable. Gary Oldman is absolutely brilliant. Any fan who simply loves to watch him work, loves to study each inflection of his ever changable features, will be in heaven just as I was. Though there are many movies of his I enjoy more - few display his breadth and depth so completely. He's nearly flawless here, and is present in almost every scene. Dennis Hopper is also uncomfortably believable, and the supporting cast was perfect (Frances McDormand, Ned Beatty, Pamela Reed).

For those whose attention won't be secured by Oldman alone, or who aren't generally intrigued by stories of mental illness or the usual "injustice within the system" scenarios, this film may hold little for you. I happen to like these kinds of films, and therefore didn't find it to be as bleak as critics nationwide promised it would be. There were some interesting visuals, some touching scenes, some disturbing scenes, etc. It had the rambling gait characteristic of "stories inspired by actual events," and moved at a steady pace, though I was annoyed when it ended upbruptly with an odd lack of closure. What I did find daunting could be perceived as a sign of the time it was made or perhaps low dvd quality - some of the editing and cinematography were poor, and there were warped voice-overs and dubbing.

Bottom line? It's a must for Gary Oldman fans or anyone who needs proof he can play someone other than a villain, a maybe for true story buffs who care more about studying human nature than facts, and probably a good one to overlook for anyone who's looking for a film that is, taken all-in-all, uplifting or cinematically impressive

inspired by a true story
Although believed to be ghost written, the horrors described in Frances Farmer's autobiography, Will There Really be a Morning?, of her mistreatment in a Washington state asylum during her confinement in the 1940's are indicative of the barbarism directed towards those classified as mentally ill. If Graeme Clifford's 1982 biography of Farmer with Jessica Lange only touched upon the snake pit she was thrown into, his touch was far lighter than the sledgehammer approach favoured by Mick Jackson in his tale inspired by the true story of Emmett Foley's 4 years in a Florida asylum.
Even if social conditioning allows us to accept cruelty against men more easily than similar acts against women, it's hard to feel anything for treatment similar to what Farmer endured - including electric shock treatment and drug sedatives - when the director commits as many aesthetic offences as those he presents his characters suffering from.
The main difference between the Farmer case and the one made here for Foley is that Farmer never tried to expose the system. She only fought to remain alive and sane, and it's still not known whether she was eventually lobotomised. Foley observes the injustice of an asylum run like a prison, where men are said to be insane but given no treatment and thereby held legally, and smuggles out evidence which eventually leads to reform and his own liberation. This isn't a spoiler because the outcome is obvious from the beginning. Another difference between Foley and Farmer is that Foley was a medalled Korean veteran, so that his heroism is never in doubt, whereas Farmer's position was more the spoiled movie star with the misfortune of a monstrous mother.
Jackson's heavy hand is apparent in the thundering music score of John Keane, and the way his camera crowds in on the actors, providing claustrophobic closeups. Given Jackson's lack of subtlety, it's miraculous that Gary Oldman as Foley, Dennis Hopper as another inmate, Frances McDormand as Foley's wife, and Pamela Reed as his sister manage to still make an impression. In particular, Hopper is free of mannerism, and McDormand pleasingly glamourised, with a Monroe-wiggle and a quick tongue. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This 1992 crowd pleaser made almost as much money for Whitney Houston as its chart-busting soundtrack. A high-wattage star vehicle as only Hollywood can make, The Bodyguard stars Houston as a pop-music diva (now there's a stretch) and Kevin Costner as the stern bodyguard who is assigned to protect her after the singer receives some nasty death threats. Pop star and bodyguard don't hit it off at first, but they wear down each others' defenses, and before long Houston is baring her tonsils with a rousing rendition of the Dolly Parton chestnut "I Will Always Love You." The film, written by Lawrence Kasden, was originally intended for Steve McQueen, but the script languished for years before Houston took an interest in the project. A proposed sequel would potentially have starred Costner and Princess Diana, until Diana's tragic death precluded that possibility. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (46)

A Good Movie With a Few Minor Flaws
First off I'd like to mention that even though it lists the remastered soundtrack as one of the special features, it doesn't mean that it is has the actual soundtrack included, it just means the scenes of the movie with music are remastered. This DVD isn't really good as far as special features, but the movie is as good as it was 10 years ago. Whitney is excellent in her film debut, and Kevin is no worse than he usually is. The only big problem with this movie is that Whitney's character, Rachel, curses more than half the time. If you have a child that you don't think is old enough to listen to Whitney Houston saying the F word, I suggest you tape this off TV (it's always on) and watch that copy when with your child, as they always edit the curses out. Other than these things, this movie is excellent, suspenseful, romantic, and gives you insight into the dangerous life of a superstar. If you like these things, or just like Whitney, or, umm, Kevin, you will love this movie, just don't expect "I'm Every Woman" to show up anywhere, it doesn't.

Outstanding
When this movie first came out the critics panned it mercilessly and frankly I just can't understand why. I thought it was fabulous. Kevin Costner plays an ex-Secret Service agent hired to protect a spoiled, difficult to get along with diva receiving death threats. Whitney Houston portrays the spoiled starlet to perfection. The chemistry and interplay between Houston and Costner was electric. The music in the movie was also great.

There are really some key elements that made this movie extremely good. First, I thought the acting was top notch by all involved. The supporting cast really played their characters well, as did the stars. Secondly, the editing was outstanding. The movie and plot move along at a fast pace. There is not a dull moment in the entire movie. And finally, the plot was plausible (for the most part) and the mystery - who is the hit man - slowly reveals itself. Having watched the movie several times, there a several foreshadowings.

Overall I found it a most entertaining movie both as a mystery, a thriller, and love story.

Are you sick
Its sad that a movie like this that contains no script or story plot is labeled a great movie and is given better reviews than Mariah Carey's Glitter which contained a story and plot.

Come on just think about it. I love Whitney as a singer though.

Visit my site: http://www.mjacksononline.tripod.com

LOVED IT!!
Kevin Costner is a FOX!!! I loved this movie..I bought the DVD since I had never seen it but liked Whitney Houston. I am now a fan of Kevin Costner!! I was so happy and in tears when she stepped off that plane in the end. I had to bust out my Whitney Greatest Hits CD! LOVED it!!

I sorta like it, but I don't respect it...
You're going to see "The Bodyguard" spoofed a lot. Just two days ago I saw an episode of "The Simpsons" with Homer saving Mark Hamill from a horde of geeks. As the song "I Will Always Love You" swelled in the background, the image of Homer carrying an animated Mark in his arms filled the screen.

Of course, the film itself isn't a good movie. "The Bodyguard" is, in fact, a very bad movie. But I like it, in an odd sort of way. It's one of those likable but stupid movies that make the time fly by on a Friday night -- unless, of course, you have something better to do than waste your time watching Kevin Costner attempt to act and Whitney Houston attempt to love him.

The movie stars Kevin Costner as Frank Farmer, a bodyguard who blames himself for events from the past that come back to haunt him. Whitney Houston basically plays Whitney Houston (though the character's name is different in the film), a famous singer like herself who falls in love with her newly-aquired bodyguard and sparks an interracial romance that threatens her career almost as much as the death threats she has been receiving in the mail.

Frank's mission is to protect her at all costs from the assassinator, who is not a metallic cyborg and who does not bear an uncanny resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger (though it would have helped market the film). The surprise at the end is that the killer is not who we think it is throughout -- so don't think at all! Just watch. I hope I didn't ruin any part of the movie for you. But don't tempt me -- I'm about to give away the rabid fan's identity to you.

"The Bodyguard" is a big, mushy mess, filled with bad acting and bad scriptwriting. The entire movie is bad. It's way too long for its own good -- especially when it is broadcast on network television and stretched to a near three-hour showing. (Do they really provide fifty minutes of commercials these days on CBS?) I've seen the movie numerous times, on network television and unedited, and it always seems too long. But, despite its (extremely) bad traits, the movie is a lot of fun to watch.

I don't like Kevin Costner. I think he is, what I call, a *blah* actor. He talks with such a lightweight mumble that it often induces sleep. If Costner wants to make money after his film career is depleted (that's happening, folks), he should market Costner Sleep Cassettes. Insert a cassette tape/CD of Kevin Costner reading your least favorite book, and you're guaranteed to fall asleep in less than five minutes -- or your money back!

I found one great role that Kevin Costner has played over the years, and it was the role he played in "The Untouchables," opposite Robert De Niro's Al Capone. Brian DePalma directed that movie, and it worked because the role for Costner fit his dull acting talent. Watching him attempt to *really* act is quite sad. Remember his interpretation of Robin Hood? Some people liked it, but I thought it was a disgrace to Robin Hood.

For what it's worth, Costner is good here, mainly because he acts like a dull bodyguard who is required to show absolutely no feelings whatsoever. His character basically walks around with a single expression on his face throughout the film, including while he's on a date with Whitney and the night after (if you know what I mean).

The movie sparked a lot of controversy because the couple embrace in a passionate kiss at the end of the film. If you don't mind sitting through bad acting, bad directing, bad scriptwriting, all stretched out to two and a half hours...then this is the movie for you. I, personally, sorta like it. But I don't respect it. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Steve Martin wrote this film as a meditation on both love and Los Angeles (and then-wife Victoria Tennant). He plays a L.A. TV weatherman who finds himself conflicted about what to do with his life, both professionally and personally. As he works his way through a couple of relationships (including a very funny one with a frisky Sarah Jessica Parker, who talks him into colonic therapy), he discovers a L.A. freeway sign that gives him romantic advice. It helps him realize what he knows intuitively: that the British woman he is attracted to (Tennant) is the one he should pursue. A big cast (and lots of cameos) have fun with this witty (if slight) material and director Mick Jackson adds visual pizzazz. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (62)

*Scratches head* Why did this do bad at the box office?
Actually I can probably answer my own question: because everyone went to see this movie expecting The Jerk and got Woddy Allen. This is not a bad thing, in fact this is (in my opinion) Steve Martin's finest achievement, a brilliantly written, witty, well-rounded romantic comedy that is definately a "cult-favorite". I hate most romantic comedies, detest them because they use stupid plots designed only to drive the characters together. This movie builds a world of comedy around Steve Martin's character, then gently and subtly introduces the romance in a very artistically delightful bit of filming, with a dreamy Enya soundtrack in the background (back when she was at her best). How can you not laugh when Steve Martin is on the freeway and, to his horror, hears it's the first day of spring and consequently "open season on the LA freeway", to which he immediately takes out his gun and starts firing blindly at the old granny in the car next to his, who fires back. Or all the great cameos like Rick Morrannis, Patrick Stewart, Chevy Chase, and even Terry Jones. If you're a fan of Steve Martin's more subtle wit instead of his goofy antics (read his book Pure Drivel for similar subtle humor), you will love this movie.

L.A. STORY is Steve Martin's masterpiece
It's always a delight to follow a movie comic who really knows what he's doing, because eventually you hit the jackpot. With Woody Allen, it was HANNAH AND HER SISTERS; with co-exec-producer/writer/star Steve Martin, it's L.A. STORY. Rarely does any movie, much less a comedy, keep me bolted upright in my seat in anticipation of what might happen next. But from its schizoid opening ballet to its sweetly happy ending, even when I wasn't laughing, I was enchanted.

Martin plays Harris K. Telemacher, a Los Angeles TV weatherman who's unsatisfied with his superficial lifestyle. He woos and beds some women whom most men would probably be thrilled to have (Marilu Henner, "Sex and the City's" Sarah Jessica Parker), but he is unsatisfied until he meets a British journalist (Martin's then-wife Victoria Tennant) whose very unpretentiousness is enough to knock him off his feet.

This is obviously Steve Martin's attempt to be another Woody Allen--there's the Annie Hall-like quirky romance, the use of jazz great Django Reinhardt on the soundtrack (he also uses Enya, which was my introduction to this beautiful vocalist), and he romanticizes L.A. the way Allen does The Big Apple. Funny thing is, it all works. Even if you're as anti-L.A. as Manhattanite Allen is, it's an L.A. crafted in Steve Martin's mind, anyway--and what an original landscape it is.

It even goes Allen one step better. One scene Allen filmed and then deleted from ANNIE HALL featured the rolling news marquee in Times Square telling him to return to Annie in L.A. I have no idea whether Martin ever heard about this or not, but in L.A. STORY, he gets romantic advice from a highway traffic sign. The concept sounds hopeless (as Allen obviously decided it was), but Telemacher is so disbelieving about the concept that its comedy comes across. After all, everything else offbeat happens in L.A.; why not this?

There are few comedies that meld so perfectly. One is tempted to credit its lush visuals and on-the-button pacing to director Mick Jackson, except that Jackson has done little before or since that is this striking (THE BODYGUARD was a big hit, but I can't say it stands out in my mind). It's obviously Martin's comic vision all the way, and it's pure delight.

Martin's physicality and wit are on grand display here. And though Victoria Tennant, like Jackson, has done little else in her career that's this good, Martin certainly makes us see just what he saw in her. When they finally come together, it feels deserved and not at all forced.

In an era where gastric wheezing and room-temperature mentalities substitute for wit, it's refreshing to see a comedy that actually creates its own special world. For me, L.A. STORY ranks right up there with Preston Sturges's screwball comedies--a one-of-a-kind take on the world's craziness and the love that helps us endure it.

L.A. STORY is rated PG-13 for sexual situations and strong language.

One of Martin's Worst...
Having recently been certified as a qualified Steve Martin Critic under the auspices of the ASPG (American Society for the Prevention of Gout), I feel that I must impart what knowledge I have about "L.A. Story" so that the world will be a better place.

"L.A. Story" bombed at the box office after word of mouth killed it. In looking at the overall effort, it's not difficult to see why. "L.A. Story" is, in effect, a vanity effort, something that was manufactured for film critics and industry insiders. After films like "The Jerk", "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid", and "The Man with Two Brains", Martin probably felt that it was time to move on to films that would appeal to a more mature, demographically correct audience.

The only problem is, "L.A. Story" is an effort that over reaches. As celeberal humor, it's too predictable. The sight gags and dialogue exchanges really don't work as humor, because the story itself plods along in a rather formulaic and mechanical manner.

"L.A. Story" is a film that will appeal mainly to members of the International Steve Martin fan club or certain Hollywood mutual admiration societies. If you want to see a good Steve Martin Film, watch anything else but "L.A. Story".

Incidentally, as of this writing, used VHS copies of "L.A. Story' are selling for $1.10 on Amazon...

Pure Genius
I have to admit, I'm not too keen on Steve Martin's newest (especially family-fare) movies, but can put L.A.Story up there in my top 5 movies of all time. Martin is a comedic genius and I get very excited to see him on Saturday Night Live, or in a movie such as this where he is truly in his element. I have owned this DVD for a few years and have put many miles on it, but long for artisan to release an updated version. Perhaps it is not on the top of the list for the studio or Martin (especially since it stars his ex-wife), but true L.A.Story fans hear me out and respond if you remember this:

Throughout the film there are references to "Harry Zell" (a Hollywood player)- more than I can count on one hand, actually. If you are paying attention, you keep expecting to see a scene with Mr.Zell but alas, it ended up on the cutting floor. I can vividly remember the first time L.A.Story debuted on Showtime in 1993 or so and surprise! the debut was hosted by the talented and hilarious John Lithgow- one Mr.Harry Zell. He introduced the movie and with a tear in his eye, showed his scene at the end of the movie. I'd love the film to be completed with this scene inserted in the appropriate spot- or at least included as a deleted scene.

All in all the movie is just about perfect, and people should get the Cliff's Notes to "A Mid-Summer Nights Dream" if they can't understand it.

Literate Love
Let's get this right out in the open. This is a love story. It is nothing more, and it does not need to be. It's context is a combination of philosophical literature and Los Angeles references, which makes for a dynamic range of comedic styles; testicle humor to Shakespearean parody. The sound track adds some magic and lends a weight to a story that is nothing new to the movie business. Yet it is the combination of elements that makes this movie a favorite of mine. Cinematically, it is clean and surreal.

I have read reviews that have called this movie Martin's masterpiece, and in the genre of romantic comedy, I agree. It is my favorite romantic comedy, and know that as a general rule, I hate romantic comedies. And yes, I still say this is a five star movie, definitely on my top 100 list as a Steve Martin fan and critical reviewer.

If you are looking for the "wild and crazy guy", look to The Jerk or his old stand up albums. If you want an intelligent love story in a unique backdrop, get this movie. ... Read more

Reviews (62)

*Scratches head* Why did this do bad at the box office?
Actually I can probably answer my own question: because everyone went to see this movie expecting The Jerk and got Woddy Allen. This is not a bad thing, in fact this is (in my opinion) Steve Martin's finest achievement, a brilliantly written, witty, well-rounded romantic comedy that is definately a "cult-favorite". I hate most romantic comedies, detest them because they use stupid plots designed only to drive the characters together. This movie builds a world of comedy around Steve Martin's character, then gently and subtly introduces the romance in a very artistically delightful bit of filming, with a dreamy Enya soundtrack in the background (back when she was at her best). How can you not laugh when Steve Martin is on the freeway and, to his horror, hears it's the first day of spring and consequently "open season on the LA freeway", to which he immediately takes out his gun and starts firing blindly at the old granny in the car next to his, who fires back. Or all the great cameos like Rick Morrannis, Patrick Stewart, Chevy Chase, and even Terry Jones. If you're a fan of Steve Martin's more subtle wit instead of his goofy antics (read his book Pure Drivel for similar subtle humor), you will love this movie.

L.A. STORY is Steve Martin's masterpiece
It's always a delight to follow a movie comic who really knows what he's doing, because eventually you hit the jackpot. With Woody Allen, it was HANNAH AND HER SISTERS; with co-exec-producer/writer/star Steve Martin, it's L.A. STORY. Rarely does any movie, much less a comedy, keep me bolted upright in my seat in anticipation of what might happen next. But from its schizoid opening ballet to its sweetly happy ending, even when I wasn't laughing, I was enchanted.

Martin plays Harris K. Telemacher, a Los Angeles TV weatherman who's unsatisfied with his superficial lifestyle. He woos and beds some women whom most men would probably be thrilled to have (Marilu Henner, "Sex and the City's" Sarah Jessica Parker), but he is unsatisfied until he meets a British journalist (Martin's then-wife Victoria Tennant) whose very unpretentiousness is enough to knock him off his feet.

This is obviously Steve Martin's attempt to be another Woody Allen--there's the Annie Hall-like quirky romance, the use of jazz great Django Reinhardt on the soundtrack (he also uses Enya, which was my introduction to this beautiful vocalist), and he romanticizes L.A. the way Allen does The Big Apple. Funny thing is, it all works. Even if you're as anti-L.A. as Manhattanite Allen is, it's an L.A. crafted in Steve Martin's mind, anyway--and what an original landscape it is.

It even goes Allen one step better. One scene Allen filmed and then deleted from ANNIE HALL featured the rolling news marquee in Times Square telling him to return to Annie in L.A. I have no idea whether Martin ever heard about this or not, but in L.A. STORY, he gets romantic advice from a highway traffic sign. The concept sounds hopeless (as Allen obviously decided it was), but Telemacher is so disbelieving about the concept that its comedy comes across. After all, everything else offbeat happens in L.A.; why not this?

There are few comedies that meld so perfectly. One is tempted to credit its lush visuals and on-the-button pacing to director Mick Jackson, except that Jackson has done little before or since that is this striking (THE BODYGUARD was a big hit, but I can't say it stands out in my mind). It's obviously Martin's comic vision all the way, and it's pure delight.

Martin's physicality and wit are on grand display here. And though Victoria Tennant, like Jackson, has done little else in her career that's this good, Martin certainly makes us see just what he saw in her. When they finally come together, it feels deserved and not at all forced.

In an era where gastric wheezing and room-temperature mentalities substitute for wit, it's refreshing to see a comedy that actually creates its own special world. For me, L.A. STORY ranks right up there with Preston Sturges's screwball comedies--a one-of-a-kind take on the world's craziness and the love that helps us endure it.

L.A. STORY is rated PG-13 for sexual situations and strong language.

One of Martin's Worst...
Having recently been certified as a qualified Steve Martin Critic under the auspices of the ASPG (American Society for the Prevention of Gout), I feel that I must impart what knowledge I have about "L.A. Story" so that the world will be a better place.

"L.A. Story" bombed at the box office after word of mouth killed it. In looking at the overall effort, it's not difficult to see why. "L.A. Story" is, in effect, a vanity effort, something that was manufactured for film critics and industry insiders. After films like "The Jerk", "Dead Men Don't Wear Plaid", and "The Man with Two Brains", Martin probably felt that it was time to move on to films that would appeal to a more mature, demographically correct audience.

The only problem is, "L.A. Story" is an effort that over reaches. As celeberal humor, it's too predictable. The sight gags and dialogue exchanges really don't work as humor, because the story itself plods along in a rather formulaic and mechanical manner.

"L.A. Story" is a film that will appeal mainly to members of the International Steve Martin fan club or certain Hollywood mutual admiration societies. If you want to see a good Steve Martin Film, watch anything else but "L.A. Story".

Incidentally, as of this writing, used VHS copies of "L.A. Story' are selling for $1.10 on Amazon...

Pure Genius
I have to admit, I'm not too keen on Steve Martin's newest (especially family-fare) movies, but can put L.A.Story up there in my top 5 movies of all time. Martin is a comedic genius and I get very excited to see him on Saturday Night Live, or in a movie such as this where he is truly in his element. I have owned this DVD for a few years and have put many miles on it, but long for artisan to release an updated version. Perhaps it is not on the top of the list for the studio or Martin (especially since it stars his ex-wife), but true L.A.Story fans hear me out and respond if you remember this:

Throughout the film there are references to "Harry Zell" (a Hollywood player)- more than I can count on one hand, actually. If you are paying attention, you keep expecting to see a scene with Mr.Zell but alas, it ended up on the cutting floor. I can vividly remember the first time L.A.Story debuted on Showtime in 1993 or so and surprise! the debut was hosted by the talented and hilarious John Lithgow- one Mr.Harry Zell. He introduced the movie and with a tear in his eye, showed his scene at the end of the movie. I'd love the film to be completed with this scene inserted in the appropriate spot- or at least included as a deleted scene.

All in all the movie is just about perfect, and people should get the Cliff's Notes to "A Mid-Summer Nights Dream" if they can't understand it.

Literate Love
Let's get this right out in the open. This is a love story. It is nothing more, and it does not need to be. It's context is a combination of philosophical literature and Los Angeles references, which makes for a dynamic range of comedic styles; testicle humor to Shakespearean parody. The sound track adds some magic and lends a weight to a story that is nothing new to the movie business. Yet it is the combination of elements that makes this movie a favorite of mine. Cinematically, it is clean and surreal.

I have read reviews that have called this movie Martin's masterpiece, and in the genre of romantic comedy, I agree. It is my favorite romantic comedy, and know that as a general rule, I hate romantic comedies. And yes, I still say this is a five star movie, definitely on my top 100 list as a Steve Martin fan and critical reviewer.

If you are looking for the "wild and crazy guy", look to The Jerk or his old stand up albums. If you want an intelligent love story in a unique backdrop, get this movie. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

This warmhearted TV offering based on Mitch Albom's nonfictionbestseller of the same name dives right into the action, with Morrie (JackLemmon) collapsing within the first three minutes. Then it's cut to Mitch'shectic life as a sports columnist cum television host and long-term, oftenlong-distance boyfriend. But this Mick Jackson-directed film slowsconsiderably after the introductions as former student Mitch (Hank Azaria)learns his beloved professor is dying of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). Hereconnects with his mentor and begins learning from him all over again, thistime about life. Oprah Winfrey produced this 88-minute film, and her renownedtouchy-feely quality is prominent as Mitch learns to love both Morrie and hisown girlfriend. Azaria, better known for somewhat goofy roles (TheBirdcage, the dogwalker on TV's Mad About You)conveys an intelligent, if edgy dignity, and double Oscar winner Lemmon turnsin his usual exquisite performance, giving even the most obvious momentstouches of subtlety. --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Great Movie
In the movie Tuesdays With Morrie, Mitch (Hank Azaria) is a successful sportswriter who suddenly learns that one of his old professors, Morrie (Jack Lemmon) is ill. Mitch visits Morrie and the two form an emotional bond, allowing Mitch to see what is really important in life. Tuesdays With Morrie is categorized as a drama but it does contain some funny parts and some sports. Some things that Morrie said made me laugh. They show Mitch at sporting events and press conferences. Mitch ends up flying 700 miles to Boston from Detroit every Tuesday to visit his dying professor. Mitch feels bad the first time he goes to visit Morrie because he had not talked to Morrie for 16 years after he said that he would keep in touch at his graduation at Brandeis University. At the end of the movie, Morrie finally got Mitch to open up and cry. He also got Mitch to talk about what he was afraid of in life. He taught Mitch a lot about living and about dying. Tuesdays With Morrie is an easy flowing movie and it is very simple to understand. It is a movie for people of all ages. The actors, especially Jack Lemmon, do an exceptional job playing their roles in the movie. The book and the movie are almost identical. There are not really any major differences between the book and the movie. One of the differences is that in the book Janine is Mitch's wife and in the movie Janine is Mitch's girlfriend. I think that Tuesdays With Morrie was a very good movie. It made me think of what is important in life, including friends and family. This movie changed my outlook on life. It made me realize what is most important in life and how I need to treat people, especially my elders. I think the theme of this movie was to get people to treat people better, with dignity and respect. I think that anybody that watches this movie will leave happier and with a better understanding about life and how to treat others.

Genuine.
A genuinely touching movie is a rare thing. Attempting to pull at our heart-strings often results in a lot of sap and drama, without much substance.

However, Tuesdays with Morrie is heartfelt, somber, funny, and sad.

The movie details a relationship (The film is adapted from a best selling nonfiction book) between a sports columnist, and his beloved professor which he learns is dying of Lou Gehrigs disease. What follows is a look at the short, poingant relationship they shared. You see, Morrie was a man of the world. He often showed a keen insight into the nature of man. He did much to teach his former student about life, often quoting W.H. Auden's poem "September 1st, 1939"

The movie, as the book, is filled with philisophical, as well as practical insights. Deeply moving, even while not being cinematically brilliant.

Excellent movie ---really worth your time and tears!!!!
This movie has touched my heart and enriched my mind so much! (I cried the entire 2 hours.) Yes, we already know a lot of the things that it tries to convey, but this movie has encouraged me to act now and address many of my own personal issues---family, career, friendships, health, etc. and what's really important in life. Jack Lemmon is so good here, and made me think about the importance of caring for my own sick parents. I love him in this movie and God bless his soul for his contribution to humanity--good acting!!!. --of course, kudos to the author Mitch Albom for sharing Morries' wisdom . I will make sure that my daughter gets to watch this movie and read the book and so as all my siblings and dear friends. The book and the DVD are great 40th b-day gifts that I will also make sure I get.=:) AAAAAAA++++++++++++++

The Best Farewell
Wasn't this Jack Lemmon's last film before his death?? Anyway, I found it deeply stirring and enjoyable to watch. The first time I saw it I vowed that anyone whose life I care about should have this... I truly loved it. If this was Jack's last, what a gift to be able to make this movie while making his own transition... Wow!

Some get it & some don't
I've read the book & watched the movie. I've read the reviews on this movie as well. Most get it & a few wasted their precious time watching it, then wasted my time with their childish & foolish comments. They probably loved Lost In Translation .. now that was a major yawn for me!

Jack Lemmon was at his best in my opinion.

Unless you've confronted death up close & personal and who hasn't by now or truly have a sensitive side, this movie will likley only distract you. Probably because you're too busy not being in the NOW! Slow down, watch it again, without phones or kids or talking .. just take it in and if it still doesn't touch you in some way then you're probably already dead! ... Read more

Reviews (7)

The Double Helix: The Roller Coaster!
I watched this movie when it was originally aired on television. Intriguing, exciting, and mind-stimulating. I highly recommend it whether you fancy science or not. Jeff Goldbloom's performance caused me to be a huge fan of the actor and love all his acting roles, such as Jurassic Park, Independence Day, etc. My only question is is Why? Why is this movie not available on DVD, or in any format for that matter??!

"We have discovered the secret of life."
By P.J. Persad

Unlike most dreary, dull science films, Race for the Double Helix is a dramatic rendering of intellectual competition for the structure of DNA in the 1950s. Throughout the exploits of the [relatively young] American James Watson (Jeff Goldblum) and the Englishman Francis Crick (Tim Piggot Smith) of Cambridge University, science is shown to be more than just picture perfect labs and school textbooks. There are blunders once in while-Watson recalls the incorrect amount of water in each cell while they construct their first model, which makes them look like a pair of fools in front of Maurice Wilkins, Rosalind Franklin, and other fellow scientists-and stealth is at times desperately required as illustrated in the scenes where Watson nips a view of the remarkable x-ray diffraction photo of DNA taken by Franklin (this aided in the proposition of a double-helical form) and where Crick attempts to scribble down Chargaff's base pairing rules on his hand of A-T and G-C. A man has to do what a man has to do, I guess. A passion and thirst to make it to the finish line (and the desire for fame, glory, and money), along with the "fear" of a renowned scientist like Linus Pauling getting to it first, is also welcome. Social interaction must not be forgotten, but this seems be an exception for Watson. (Goldblum as Watson almost reminds me of James Stewart in his voice's tone of slight stammer/stutters.)

The second half of Race for the Double Helix seems to have more thrills to boot. Where should the sugar-phosphate chains go? On the inside or perhaps on the outside? There is also an emotional confrontation between Franklin and Watson on racing for the gold; she stresses that this is not a game and they are not on a playground. Notable discoveries are evident here in this part including the fact that the strands of DNA must be oriented in opposite directions. (One must also remember to thank Crick for thinking of hemoglobin during times of exasperation.) However, one of the most enthralling moments of the film has to be when Watson is positioned at a desk with cutouts of the bases adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. As he turns them around like puzzle pieces, it dawns on to him after a few tries that purines pair with pyrimidines and not like with like. Then more realization brightens his features as he widens his eyes. He reaches over, lifts up the guanine-cytosine pair, and places it over the adenine-thymine pair. Both pairs match each other perfectly! Here is where I wanted to emit an "aha!" exclamation. Goldblum plays this magical scene so realistically with great appreciation for DNA's structure.

This film has sparked my interest in the history of science and my curiosity in research. In fact it has totally enlightened me that I am persuaded to grab a copy of Watson's The Double Helix, along with Maddox's Rosalind Franklin: The Dark Lady of DNA, for further insight and revival of one of science's fascinating races to reveal the ultimate model of beauty and truth: DNA.

What it takes to learn how to research?
I have been a Scientist for a long time. This video tells a story and educates at the same time. I feel that Jeff Goldblum does Science movies better than most Actors. His sencerity comes across as real. This movie is the best I have seen, about the search for the Structure of DNA.

Stunning
This movie was incredible. It really shows you what DNA is all about in this movie, while at the same time it is not just a boring science film. It keeps you on the edge of your seat up untill the end, which was excellent. I really loved this movie, and I recommend it to any and everybody. James Watson and Francis Crick really take this movie to the next level. Jeff Goldblum (Watson) comes alive in this film, and makes it a very enjoyable experience.

Even high school students like it!
I show this video to introductory biology classes (mostly 9th and 10th graders) after we have discussed the basic structure of DNA and how it is related to protein production. Although the first half of the movie is a little slow, they love the second half. Even though they know how it will end, some yell at the screen when Watson and Crick aren't getting the structure correct. All cheered at the end. The general consensus was "two thumbs up". A very good movie because it shows that science is more than just bunsen burners and lab notebooks. ... Read more

Description

A Directors Guild Award-winning movie for director Mick Jackson, starring Michael Keaton and Helena Bonham Carter. In 1990, CNN was a 24-hour news network in search of a 24-hour story. They were about to find it in Baghdad. Veteran CNN producer Robert Wiener and his longtime producing partner Ingrid Formanek find themselves in Iraq on the eve of war. Up against the big three networks, Weiner and his team are rebels with a cause, willing to take risks to get the biggest stories and - unlike their rivals - take them live at a moment's notice. As Baghdad becomes an inevitable US target, one by one the networks pull out of the city until only the crew from CNN remains. With a full-scale war soon to be launched all around them, and CNN ready to broadcast whatever happens 24 hours a day, Wiener and Formanek are about to risk their lives for the story of a lifetime. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Pretty good movie, but...
I liked this movie because I'm a news junkie and a fledgling journalist myself, but I also liked it because of the acting by the various leads. Micheal Keaton has refined the manic energy of his more extreme roles to portray go-getting CNN producer Robert Wiener. You'd never think that Helena Bonham-Carter is British, I had no idea she was this good an actress. David Suchet as the Iraqi official who heads the Ministry of Information is superb also. The rest of the cast likewise deserves a big hand.

The question is whether or not the story is accurate or if the filmakers have taken "liberties." I tend to think that author and scriptwriter Wiener has given himself a small pat on the back in his portrayal of himself. In the movie he starts off as a hotshot relentlessly pursuing his agenda. When he inadvertantly puts the life of an oil worker in danger he finds himself questioning his journalistic ethics as well as his own morality. Ultimately his motives are noble and he is absolved of any wrongdoing. So what's the real story? Is this realism or idealization? I'd say it's some of both. In what proportions it is hard to say exactly. I'll give the movie the benefit of the doubt.

Great Movie !!
What a film! It is so great to see a movie that can not only entertain, but also educate. And it was great to see Michael Keaton doing what he does best, after so much time. It brings to life what was going on over there. I was 15 when I was watching The Gulf War on TV... It was scary, but at that age I didn't understand. I'm glad to learn the truth in history, especially from movies. I felt the same about the movie "Thirteen Days". Keep bringing those movies that teach us our own history. Robert Wiener and Mick Jackson, you did a great job in telling the story from this perspective.

Would have been interesting if it was true
Sadly, this docudrama is built around the infamous 'incubator' story, which was later found to be US and Kuwaiti propaganda. The movie never admits this. I suppose if it had, a lot of the motivation for the movie characters would be lost. It's a pity that the filmmakers decided not to plumb the real depths that surrounded the events that the movie covers, for if they had, there would be a really gripping story of media manipulation (i.e. not only manipulation by Iraq). Sadly, the filmmakers either ignore the more subtle manipulations that went on, or are blithely unaware of them. In the end, this movie becomes a pro-CNN fluff piece, and is as superficial as the network coverage it intends to portray.

Wow
I liked this movie and so would you. It is based on a true story of CNN heroes who are and decide to stay in Iraq during the Gulf War despite the so many risks. Their brave hearts make them the envy of every journalist from all over the world as this CNN crew is the only one that covered Gulf War - LIVE.

Michael Keaton rocks in this movie. I liked his performance here more then in the famous Batman movie or any other he played before.

I would especially and highly recommend this movie to those people who burned their own flags that represent Justice and Democracy for a scumbag such as Sadam Hussein and its loyal followers which today thanks to U.S.A are the sorest losers as they have always been. Then you'll see how "smart" you were to burn your own flag for someone who is a menace to the civilised world.

A must watch movie. Well done to all the people who made this great movie. Well done to CNN heroes too. CNN rocks - as always.

A great Docudrama
I found the story compelling to follow, I've watched this movie 3 times and enjoyed all aspects of it. Because the characters are real (i.e. CNN's crew) it was credible.But the most moving part was the background music. This would make an awesome CD to own, ranking it right up there with Black Hawk Down Sountrack. I can't find any reference as to the availability of this in a soundtrack, but if it exists......I WANT IT! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Hilarious!!!
This is my all time favorite funny movie. I must have seen it about 50 times, and it hasn't gotten a bit old. I laugh so hard I cry. This isn't slapstick humor, it is suddle and that's what makes it so great!

Good plot, but one problem: its not funny
This movie almost looks like memento ripped off of it. This guy has temporary amnesia, and the plot unfolds as the movie goes on. The plot is very well thought out and clever, revealing something new each minute, but there is one problem. This movie is supposed to be a comedy, and tries hard, but fails to deliver the laughs. There are many desperate attempts at humor in this movie, but only about 3 times does it work. But nonetheless it is an enjoyable 90 minutes, and although it wastes his talent, as one of the few movies Dana Carvey stars, and he is usually so funny, but in this movie he just doesnt deliver.

dumb humor
This is the best comedy of all time. Dana Carvey pulls off the best character of a guy who's got temporary amnesia. He plays the perfect role waking up as a complete moron to the world every morning, whenever he goes to sleep ~ he loses his memory. If you liked Dumb & Dumber...etc. you will love this movie. And it's a good one to buy because you have definately got to watch it more than once. You can't catch everything the first time you watch it. Hope this review helped.

Brilliant
I loved this movie, I think its genius. It has depth, detail, atmosphere, and is hilarious with clean humor (which is kind of refreshing). A great vehicle for Carvey (and I'm not a huge Carvey fan), I can watch it again and again!

You Golino, girl
The comedy CLEAN SLATE runs hot and cold. Its director, Mick Jackson, has made at least one gem (L.A. STORY) and one dog (THE BODYGUARD), and he's between those extremes this time around. CLEAN SLATE's worth a try on television as opposed to buying or renting.

CLEAN SLATE's imaginative premise involves the plight of lead actor Dana Carvey, who doesn't remember anything previous to his last night's sleep. Before we even get to know his character, the film rushes into the story of the daily amnesia attacks, one reason it took me some time to start enjoying the film. Further, several weak plot devices and too many one-note characters strain the credibility of CLEAN SLATE's otherwise fun, clever story.

While its jokes hit or miss, CLEAN SLATE does not waste the comic talents of "Saturday Night Live" funnyman Carvey. However, it is lead actress Valeria Golino who, playing the friend Carvey may not be able to trust, carries the film. She certainly has the advantage of playing CLEAN SLATE's only three-dimensional role.

CLEAN SLATE ain't bad. With some rewriting here and some editing there, it could have been even better. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

A Good Movie With a Few Minor Flaws
First off I'd like to mention that even though it lists the remastered soundtrack as one of the special features, it doesn't mean that it is has the actual soundtrack included, it just means the scenes of the movie with music are remastered. This DVD isn't really good as far as special features, but the movie is as good as it was 10 years ago. Whitney is excellent in her film debut, and Kevin is no worse than he usually is. The only big problem with this movie is that Whitney's character, Rachel, curses more than half the time. If you have a child that you don't think is old enough to listen to Whitney Houston saying the F word, I suggest you tape this off TV (it's always on) and watch that copy when with your child, as they always edit the curses out. Other than these things, this movie is excellent, suspenseful, romantic, and gives you insight into the dangerous life of a superstar. If you like these things, or just like Whitney, or, umm, Kevin, you will love this movie, just don't expect "I'm Every Woman" to show up anywhere, it doesn't.

Outstanding
When this movie first came out the critics panned it mercilessly and frankly I just can't understand why. I thought it was fabulous. Kevin Costner plays an ex-Secret Service agent hired to protect a spoiled, difficult to get along with diva receiving death threats. Whitney Houston portrays the spoiled starlet to perfection. The chemistry and interplay between Houston and Costner was electric. The music in the movie was also great.

There are really some key elements that made this movie extremely good. First, I thought the acting was top notch by all involved. The supporting cast really played their characters well, as did the stars. Secondly, the editing was outstanding. The movie and plot move along at a fast pace. There is not a dull moment in the entire movie. And finally, the plot was plausible (for the most part) and the mystery - who is the hit man - slowly reveals itself. Having watched the movie several times, there a several foreshadowings.

Overall I found it a most entertaining movie both as a mystery, a thriller, and love story.

Are you sick
Its sad that a movie like this that contains no script or story plot is labeled a great movie and is given better reviews than Mariah Carey's Glitter which contained a story and plot.

Come on just think about it. I love Whitney as a singer though.

Visit my site: http://www.mjacksononline.tripod.com

LOVED IT!!
Kevin Costner is a FOX!!! I loved this movie..I bought the DVD since I had never seen it but liked Whitney Houston. I am now a fan of Kevin Costner!! I was so happy and in tears when she stepped off that plane in the end. I had to bust out my Whitney Greatest Hits CD! LOVED it!!

I sorta like it, but I don't respect it...
You're going to see "The Bodyguard" spoofed a lot. Just two days ago I saw an episode of "The Simpsons" with Homer saving Mark Hamill from a horde of geeks. As the song "I Will Always Love You" swelled in the background, the image of Homer carrying an animated Mark in his arms filled the screen.

Of course, the film itself isn't a good movie. "The Bodyguard" is, in fact, a very bad movie. But I like it, in an odd sort of way. It's one of those likable but stupid movies that make the time fly by on a Friday night -- unless, of course, you have something better to do than waste your time watching Kevin Costner attempt to act and Whitney Houston attempt to love him.

The movie stars Kevin Costner as Frank Farmer, a bodyguard who blames himself for events from the past that come back to haunt him. Whitney Houston basically plays Whitney Houston (though the character's name is different in the film), a famous singer like herself who falls in love with her newly-aquired bodyguard and sparks an interracial romance that threatens her career almost as much as the death threats she has been receiving in the mail.

Frank's mission is to protect her at all costs from the assassinator, who is not a metallic cyborg and who does not bear an uncanny resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger (though it would have helped market the film). The surprise at the end is that the killer is not who we think it is throughout -- so don't think at all! Just watch. I hope I didn't ruin any part of the movie for you. But don't tempt me -- I'm about to give away the rabid fan's identity to you.

"The Bodyguard" is a big, mushy mess, filled with bad acting and bad scriptwriting. The entire movie is bad. It's way too long for its own good -- especially when it is broadcast on network television and stretched to a near three-hour showing. (Do they really provide fifty minutes of commercials these days on CBS?) I've seen the movie numerous times, on network television and unedited, and it always seems too long. But, despite its (extremely) bad traits, the movie is a lot of fun to watch.

I don't like Kevin Costner. I think he is, what I call, a *blah* actor. He talks with such a lightweight mumble that it often induces sleep. If Costner wants to make money after his film career is depleted (that's happening, folks), he should market Costner Sleep Cassettes. Insert a cassette tape/CD of Kevin Costner reading your least favorite book, and you're guaranteed to fall asleep in less than five minutes -- or your money back!

I found one great role that Kevin Costner has played over the years, and it was the role he played in "The Untouchables," opposite Robert De Niro's Al Capone. Brian DePalma directed that movie, and it worked because the role for Costner fit his dull acting talent. Watching him attempt to *really* act is quite sad. Remember his interpretation of Robin Hood? Some people liked it, but I thought it was a disgrace to Robin Hood.

For what it's worth, Costner is good here, mainly because he acts like a dull bodyguard who is required to show absolutely no feelings whatsoever. His character basically walks around with a single expression on his face throughout the film, including while he's on a date with Whitney and the night after (if you know what I mean).

The movie sparked a lot of controversy because the couple embrace in a passionate kiss at the end of the film. If you don't mind sitting through bad acting, bad directing, bad scriptwriting, all stretched out to two and a half hours...then this is the movie for you. I, personally, sorta like it. But I don't respect it. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

A Good Movie With a Few Minor Flaws
First off I'd like to mention that even though it lists the remastered soundtrack as one of the special features, it doesn't mean that it is has the actual soundtrack included, it just means the scenes of the movie with music are remastered. This DVD isn't really good as far as special features, but the movie is as good as it was 10 years ago. Whitney is excellent in her film debut, and Kevin is no worse than he usually is. The only big problem with this movie is that Whitney's character, Rachel, curses more than half the time. If you have a child that you don't think is old enough to listen to Whitney Houston saying the F word, I suggest you tape this off TV (it's always on) and watch that copy when with your child, as they always edit the curses out. Other than these things, this movie is excellent, suspenseful, romantic, and gives you insight into the dangerous life of a superstar. If you like these things, or just like Whitney, or, umm, Kevin, you will love this movie, just don't expect "I'm Every Woman" to show up anywhere, it doesn't.

Outstanding
When this movie first came out the critics panned it mercilessly and frankly I just can't understand why. I thought it was fabulous. Kevin Costner plays an ex-Secret Service agent hired to protect a spoiled, difficult to get along with diva receiving death threats. Whitney Houston portrays the spoiled starlet to perfection. The chemistry and interplay between Houston and Costner was electric. The music in the movie was also great.

There are really some key elements that made this movie extremely good. First, I thought the acting was top notch by all involved. The supporting cast really played their characters well, as did the stars. Secondly, the editing was outstanding. The movie and plot move along at a fast pace. There is not a dull moment in the entire movie. And finally, the plot was plausible (for the most part) and the mystery - who is the hit man - slowly reveals itself. Having watched the movie several times, there a several foreshadowings.

Overall I found it a most entertaining movie both as a mystery, a thriller, and love story.

Are you sick
Its sad that a movie like this that contains no script or story plot is labeled a great movie and is given better reviews than Mariah Carey's Glitter which contained a story and plot.

Come on just think about it. I love Whitney as a singer though.

Visit my site: http://www.mjacksononline.tripod.com

LOVED IT!!
Kevin Costner is a FOX!!! I loved this movie..I bought the DVD since I had never seen it but liked Whitney Houston. I am now a fan of Kevin Costner!! I was so happy and in tears when she stepped off that plane in the end. I had to bust out my Whitney Greatest Hits CD! LOVED it!!

I sorta like it, but I don't respect it...
You're going to see "The Bodyguard" spoofed a lot. Just two days ago I saw an episode of "The Simpsons" with Homer saving Mark Hamill from a horde of geeks. As the song "I Will Always Love You" swelled in the background, the image of Homer carrying an animated Mark in his arms filled the screen.

Of course, the film itself isn't a good movie. "The Bodyguard" is, in fact, a very bad movie. But I like it, in an odd sort of way. It's one of those likable but stupid movies that make the time fly by on a Friday night -- unless, of course, you have something better to do than waste your time watching Kevin Costner attempt to act and Whitney Houston attempt to love him.

The movie stars Kevin Costner as Frank Farmer, a bodyguard who blames himself for events from the past that come back to haunt him. Whitney Houston basically plays Whitney Houston (though the character's name is different in the film), a famous singer like herself who falls in love with her newly-aquired bodyguard and sparks an interracial romance that threatens her career almost as much as the death threats she has been receiving in the mail.

Frank's mission is to protect her at all costs from the assassinator, who is not a metallic cyborg and who does not bear an uncanny resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger (though it would have helped market the film). The surprise at the end is that the killer is not who we think it is throughout -- so don't think at all! Just watch. I hope I didn't ruin any part of the movie for you. But don't tempt me -- I'm about to give away the rabid fan's identity to you.

"The Bodyguard" is a big, mushy mess, filled with bad acting and bad scriptwriting. The entire movie is bad. It's way too long for its own good -- especially when it is broadcast on network television and stretched to a near three-hour showing. (Do they really provide fifty minutes of commercials these days on CBS?) I've seen the movie numerous times, on network television and unedited, and it always seems too long. But, despite its (extremely) bad traits, the movie is a lot of fun to watch.

I don't like Kevin Costner. I think he is, what I call, a *blah* actor. He talks with such a lightweight mumble that it often induces sleep. If Costner wants to make money after his film career is depleted (that