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

Reviews (3)

Very cheesy, but entertaining nonetheless
Being somewhat of a geek myself and former resident of silicon valley, this movie immediately appealed to me. However, my girlfriend, nothing like me, found it innane and stupid.

The film manages to deliver a few laughs and lots of cheese, all of which make for an entertaining movie. And really, that is the key to this one. You will be telling yourself while watching this that everything about it sucks, the plot is unbelievable, if not predictable, the acting, well for what it is the acting isn't bad, and there is a total lack of real character development. However, these shortcomings will quickly fade away as you find yourself enjoying this one in spite of your own inner critic.

On the whole it is fun to watch, not just once, but even multiple times. And in the end, even for all its flaws, it ends up being a cute and fun flick.

The 1 Hour and 45 Minutes are Very Entertaining
Somewhat predictable but deserving better praise, THE FIRST 20 MILLION IS ALWAYS THE HARDEST works because we care about the characters in this movie and it is very funny and entertaining. This is due in part that it was co-written by Jon Favreau (SWINGERS) with a script that has some thought and wit behind it compared to many low-brow comedies. Also, it is exec-produced by Harold Ramis (ANIMAL HOUSE, CADDYSHACK, STRIPES, GHOSTBUSTERS). Andy (Adam Garcia--BOOTMEN)is very likable as the high tech ad exec who leaves a high profile job in Silicon Valley to join a research and development/think tank company. He hand picks a team of creative and intelligent (but socially inept) engineers to create a "99 dollar personal computer" only to discover that the the assignment was given to him only because the company needs a tax write-off. In other words, the company expects that it can't be done. Instead, they invent a computer that uses no monitor and keyboard, only interaction with hologram icons. The special effects are pretty good in these sequences. Then, the movie shifts gears with the predictable corporate takeover twists and turns as they find their invention taken from them. However, these sequences are intriguing as they are a topical (yet satirical) look at today's headlines of troubles in the high tech industry especially among the dot-com companies. Jake Busey (tv's - SHASTA MCNASTY) as Darrell once again plays one of his patented support characters as one of the misfit engineers, and Enrico Colantoni (tv's JUST SHOOT ME)plays the evil corporate executive,Francis Benoit, out to steal their invention and get the profits. Lastly, Rosario Dawson (PLUTO NASH) as Alisa plays the down-to-earth artist and love interest to Andy. Overall, a decent comedy with great casting, a plausible inventive high-tech concept, good production values and issues that reflect the real world.

B version of Office Space!
Hilarious! I was entertained by all the great supporting cast members here - Rosario Dawson, Jake Busey, Enrico Colantonio! You find yourself rooting for these losers right from the very start! Not sure why this movie wasn't in theaters, you'll be seeing it on Comedy Central in five years! Some of the emotional connections in the movie weren't believable, but I guess that entertainment! I recommend this movie as a pick me up after any day at work! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very cheesy, but entertaining nonetheless
Being somewhat of a geek myself and former resident of silicon valley, this movie immediately appealed to me. However, my girlfriend, nothing like me, found it innane and stupid.

The film manages to deliver a few laughs and lots of cheese, all of which make for an entertaining movie. And really, that is the key to this one. You will be telling yourself while watching this that everything about it sucks, the plot is unbelievable, if not predictable, the acting, well for what it is the acting isn't bad, and there is a total lack of real character development. However, these shortcomings will quickly fade away as you find yourself enjoying this one in spite of your own inner critic.

On the whole it is fun to watch, not just once, but even multiple times. And in the end, even for all its flaws, it ends up being a cute and fun flick.

The 1 Hour and 45 Minutes are Very Entertaining
Somewhat predictable but deserving better praise, THE FIRST 20 MILLION IS ALWAYS THE HARDEST works because we care about the characters in this movie and it is very funny and entertaining. This is due in part that it was co-written by Jon Favreau (SWINGERS) with a script that has some thought and wit behind it compared to many low-brow comedies. Also, it is exec-produced by Harold Ramis (ANIMAL HOUSE, CADDYSHACK, STRIPES, GHOSTBUSTERS). Andy (Adam Garcia--BOOTMEN)is very likable as the high tech ad exec who leaves a high profile job in Silicon Valley to join a research and development/think tank company. He hand picks a team of creative and intelligent (but socially inept) engineers to create a "99 dollar personal computer" only to discover that the the assignment was given to him only because the company needs a tax write-off. In other words, the company expects that it can't be done. Instead, they invent a computer that uses no monitor and keyboard, only interaction with hologram icons. The special effects are pretty good in these sequences. Then, the movie shifts gears with the predictable corporate takeover twists and turns as they find their invention taken from them. However, these sequences are intriguing as they are a topical (yet satirical) look at today's headlines of troubles in the high tech industry especially among the dot-com companies. Jake Busey (tv's - SHASTA MCNASTY) as Darrell once again plays one of his patented support characters as one of the misfit engineers, and Enrico Colantoni (tv's JUST SHOOT ME)plays the evil corporate executive,Francis Benoit, out to steal their invention and get the profits. Lastly, Rosario Dawson (PLUTO NASH) as Alisa plays the down-to-earth artist and love interest to Andy. Overall, a decent comedy with great casting, a plausible inventive high-tech concept, good production values and issues that reflect the real world.

B version of Office Space!
Hilarious! I was entertained by all the great supporting cast members here - Rosario Dawson, Jake Busey, Enrico Colantonio! You find yourself rooting for these losers right from the very start! Not sure why this movie wasn't in theaters, you'll be seeing it on Comedy Central in five years! Some of the emotional connections in the movie weren't believable, but I guess that entertainment! I recommend this movie as a pick me up after any day at work! ... 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

Reviews (3)

Very cheesy, but entertaining nonetheless
Being somewhat of a geek myself and former resident of silicon valley, this movie immediately appealed to me. However, my girlfriend, nothing like me, found it innane and stupid.

The film manages to deliver a few laughs and lots of cheese, all of which make for an entertaining movie. And really, that is the key to this one. You will be telling yourself while watching this that everything about it sucks, the plot is unbelievable, if not predictable, the acting, well for what it is the acting isn't bad, and there is a total lack of real character development. However, these shortcomings will quickly fade away as you find yourself enjoying this one in spite of your own inner critic.

On the whole it is fun to watch, not just once, but even multiple times. And in the end, even for all its flaws, it ends up being a cute and fun flick.

The 1 Hour and 45 Minutes are Very Entertaining
Somewhat predictable but deserving better praise, THE FIRST 20 MILLION IS ALWAYS THE HARDEST works because we care about the characters in this movie and it is very funny and entertaining. This is due in part that it was co-written by Jon Favreau (SWINGERS) with a script that has some thought and wit behind it compared to many low-brow comedies. Also, it is exec-produced by Harold Ramis (ANIMAL HOUSE, CADDYSHACK, STRIPES, GHOSTBUSTERS). Andy (Adam Garcia--BOOTMEN)is very likable as the high tech ad exec who leaves a high profile job in Silicon Valley to join a research and development/think tank company. He hand picks a team of creative and intelligent (but socially inept) engineers to create a "99 dollar personal computer" only to discover that the the assignment was given to him only because the company needs a tax write-off. In other words, the company expects that it can't be done. Instead, they invent a computer that uses no monitor and keyboard, only interaction with hologram icons. The special effects are pretty good in these sequences. Then, the movie shifts gears with the predictable corporate takeover twists and turns as they find their invention taken from them. However, these sequences are intriguing as they are a topical (yet satirical) look at today's headlines of troubles in the high tech industry especially among the dot-com companies. Jake Busey (tv's - SHASTA MCNASTY) as Darrell once again plays one of his patented support characters as one of the misfit engineers, and Enrico Colantoni (tv's JUST SHOOT ME)plays the evil corporate executive,Francis Benoit, out to steal their invention and get the profits. Lastly, Rosario Dawson (PLUTO NASH) as Alisa plays the down-to-earth artist and love interest to Andy. Overall, a decent comedy with great casting, a plausible inventive high-tech concept, good production values and issues that reflect the real world.

B version of Office Space!
Hilarious! I was entertained by all the great supporting cast members here - Rosario Dawson, Jake Busey, Enrico Colantonio! You find yourself rooting for these losers right from the very start! Not sure why this movie wasn't in theaters, you'll be seeing it on Comedy Central in five years! Some of the emotional connections in the movie weren't believable, but I guess that entertainment! I recommend this movie as a pick me up after any day at work! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Very cheesy, but entertaining nonetheless
Being somewhat of a geek myself and former resident of silicon valley, this movie immediately appealed to me. However, my girlfriend, nothing like me, found it innane and stupid.

The film manages to deliver a few laughs and lots of cheese, all of which make for an entertaining movie. And really, that is the key to this one. You will be telling yourself while watching this that everything about it sucks, the plot is unbelievable, if not predictable, the acting, well for what it is the acting isn't bad, and there is a total lack of real character development. However, these shortcomings will quickly fade away as you find yourself enjoying this one in spite of your own inner critic.

On the whole it is fun to watch, not just once, but even multiple times. And in the end, even for all its flaws, it ends up being a cute and fun flick.

The 1 Hour and 45 Minutes are Very Entertaining
Somewhat predictable but deserving better praise, THE FIRST 20 MILLION IS ALWAYS THE HARDEST works because we care about the characters in this movie and it is very funny and entertaining. This is due in part that it was co-written by Jon Favreau (SWINGERS) with a script that has some thought and wit behind it compared to many low-brow comedies. Also, it is exec-produced by Harold Ramis (ANIMAL HOUSE, CADDYSHACK, STRIPES, GHOSTBUSTERS). Andy (Adam Garcia--BOOTMEN)is very likable as the high tech ad exec who leaves a high profile job in Silicon Valley to join a research and development/think tank company. He hand picks a team of creative and intelligent (but socially inept) engineers to create a "99 dollar personal computer" only to discover that the the assignment was given to him only because the company needs a tax write-off. In other words, the company expects that it can't be done. Instead, they invent a computer that uses no monitor and keyboard, only interaction with hologram icons. The special effects are pretty good in these sequences. Then, the movie shifts gears with the predictable corporate takeover twists and turns as they find their invention taken from them. However, these sequences are intriguing as they are a topical (yet satirical) look at today's headlines of troubles in the high tech industry especially among the dot-com companies. Jake Busey (tv's - SHASTA MCNASTY) as Darrell once again plays one of his patented support characters as one of the misfit engineers, and Enrico Colantoni (tv's JUST SHOOT ME)plays the evil corporate executive,Francis Benoit, out to steal their invention and get the profits. Lastly, Rosario Dawson (PLUTO NASH) as Alisa plays the down-to-earth artist and love interest to Andy. Overall, a decent comedy with great casting, a plausible inventive high-tech concept, good production values and issues that reflect the real world.

B version of Office Space!
Hilarious! I was entertained by all the great supporting cast members here - Rosario Dawson, Jake Busey, Enrico Colantonio! You find yourself rooting for these losers right from the very start! Not sure why this movie wasn't in theaters, you'll be seeing it on Comedy Central in five years! Some of the emotional connections in the movie weren't believable, but I guess that entertainment! I recommend this movie as a pick me up after any day at work! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A very authentic film-Great acting!
The video is well rounded. The characters are based from the legendary members of the C.I.A. This is a true story. This video is highly recommended for its: to the point approach and gives a cold-war feel in history.

Yuri Nosenko: KGB Could be Better
Directed by Mick Jackson and starring Tommy Lee Jones as Steve Daley, Josef Sommer as James Angleton and Oleg Rudnik as Yuri Nosenko. Yuri Nosenko: KGB presents a well acted and interesting examination of the defection Yuri Nosenko, an intelligence officer with the Second Chief Directorate of the KGB. How due to the influence of Anatoli Golitsyn a paranoid KGB intelligence officer that defected to the United States in 1961, Nosenko was incarcerated for over three years. It does a good job of representing the conflict that is caused by Nosenko's defection and the damage that it did to the moral of the Central Intelligence Agency. Unfortunately, Yuri Nosenko:KGB fails to properly represent many of the facts of the case correctly, and simply misrepresents many others. ... 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