Amazon.com

Meg Ryan emerges bloodied but unbowed from this botched comedy by Lawrence Kasdan (The Big Chill). Ryan plays a woman whose fiancé (Timothy Hutton) leaves her for a Parisian beauty. She jets over to the City of Lights to fight for her man, but an incapacitating fear of flying forces her to seek help from a fellow passenger, a French thief played by Kevin Kline, who then tutors her in the ways of getting her beau back. Kasdan seems incapable of pacing the story, let alone getting a firm grip on its comic tone and intentions. The production sputters and regroups and stalls repeatedly, forcing Ryan, particularly, to find the boundaries of her own screwball performance. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (108)

Perfect name for a nearly perfect movie
Meg Ryan's character is afraid to fly, so she can't join her Canadian fiancee (played by Timothy Hutton) in Paris for a convention. But when he telephones to say he has met a "goddess" and is reconsidering their relationship, she forces herself onto the plane, where she meets the oh-so-gallic Luc (Kevin Kline). She doesn't know it yet, but she and Luc have some unfinished business.

"French Kiss" is a perfect title for this Continental tease of a comedy that combines elements of romance, screwball comedy, and a touch of international intrigue. Ryan and Kline seemed perfectly cast even if he is a good deal older than she. It isn't a magnificent movie, but it's quite a good one and much better than the critics would have us believe. A welcome souffle for any fans of Ryan, Kline, or for romantics anywhere.

Best Romantic Fantasy Film Ever!
This is a review I wrote in 2002 - all I have to say is that it STILL hasn't lost it's appeal to me. Still watch it - although the DVD version is much more durable than the VHS version. So, still no French Kiss 2? Hmph!

This is the only movie I've bought that I've had to replace due to wear and tear. I was curious to see what other people thought of my "favorite" movie and heartened to see that I'm not the only French Kiss addict in the world! I was appalled at the hollywood reviews of this fine, romantic comedy. From the opening scene where Meg Ryan is in a fear of flying desensitization training course to its very happy ending, this movie entertains enormously both with its incredibly romantic storyline and the hilarious bantering between Kate and Luc. I admit that I can do "lines" from this movie. Both Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan are in top form. I think that they sizzle together as a romantic couple! Am I the only one who wants to see them reunited in another movie (ala Tom Hanks?)?

One to fall in love with
Great chemistry...You'll love the unpredictible situations...One of my favorites...If you've ever been dumped for another "goddess"this one is great to curl up on the couch with the love that you found...A++++++++++++++

It's been awhile since I've seen it but...
From what I recall it deserves a five star rating. I watched this in French class and I remember thinking oh boy another sucktastic school movie and was pleasently suprised.

At first I doodled, but you can't help but be pulled into the story and the delightful Meg Ryan. I soon was completely involved with storyline and loved every minute of it, and I for once didn't even mind the pretictable ending.

A movie that is worth renting, watching, and then purchasing. Enjoy.

Predictably adorable
In my never ending endeavor to evaluate all the adorable movie stars (I'm sorry, I can't help myself) I've seen yet another Meg Ryan movie and I must say I'm beginning to be smitten. She is just so darn cute. And ageless. And perky. And actually a wee bit sexy when she gets in the right mood. And anyway since the movie takes place mostly in France (the stomping ground of my partially misspent youth) the scenery is nostalgic, the title is cute, and believe me, the food is delicious.

But what carries this movie is a beguiling performance by Kevin Kline and his very oo, la, la French accent. I also liked the concierge who takes Meg's 100-Franc note (worth about twenty bucks) as his God-given concierge right with nothing more than a belated, merci you vile American touriste.

Okay, I have to confess. I have a love/hate relationship with Meg. I just want to take her home and tuck her into bed, but all she cares about is being cute on screen and teasing me.

Director Lawrence Kasdan (Body Heat 1981, Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist 1989, writing credits with George Lucas sagas, etc.) has a few jokes with the nearly all female theater audience and their drag-along beaux. (Actually this video is currently being viewed on the couch across the nation by Roseanne Barr and John Goodman look-alikes with Roseanne making sarcastic remarks about Meg's eyeshadow and scrawny physique while Goodman chortles with squinty eyes as he anticipates the action to come après le flick.) I especially liked the vast vineyard (Meg is drooling) that Kevin DOES NOT HAVE due to his wild and crazy ways (he says, but shows it to her anyway). I mean, RESOURCES are what a real woman wants in a man, dodo brain. What are you doing, playing hard to get?

Anyway, as all romance movie fans know, boy meets girl (cute), boy and girl cannot get it on just yet for 1001 wacky reasons, and finally boy gets girl or actually girl gets boy, and boy turns out to be worth getting as he naturally comes up with beaucoup des ressources of a very special kind. Etc.

See this for Kevin Kline, an underrated actor who has a lot of fun behind the five o'clock shadows and the French pastry while proving he can Can Can with the best of them. ... Read more

Reviews (108)

Perfect name for a nearly perfect movie
Meg Ryan's character is afraid to fly, so she can't join her Canadian fiancee (played by Timothy Hutton) in Paris for a convention. But when he telephones to say he has met a "goddess" and is reconsidering their relationship, she forces herself onto the plane, where she meets the oh-so-gallic Luc (Kevin Kline). She doesn't know it yet, but she and Luc have some unfinished business.

"French Kiss" is a perfect title for this Continental tease of a comedy that combines elements of romance, screwball comedy, and a touch of international intrigue. Ryan and Kline seemed perfectly cast even if he is a good deal older than she. It isn't a magnificent movie, but it's quite a good one and much better than the critics would have us believe. A welcome souffle for any fans of Ryan, Kline, or for romantics anywhere.

Best Romantic Fantasy Film Ever!
This is a review I wrote in 2002 - all I have to say is that it STILL hasn't lost it's appeal to me. Still watch it - although the DVD version is much more durable than the VHS version. So, still no French Kiss 2? Hmph!

This is the only movie I've bought that I've had to replace due to wear and tear. I was curious to see what other people thought of my "favorite" movie and heartened to see that I'm not the only French Kiss addict in the world! I was appalled at the hollywood reviews of this fine, romantic comedy. From the opening scene where Meg Ryan is in a fear of flying desensitization training course to its very happy ending, this movie entertains enormously both with its incredibly romantic storyline and the hilarious bantering between Kate and Luc. I admit that I can do "lines" from this movie. Both Kevin Kline and Meg Ryan are in top form. I think that they sizzle together as a romantic couple! Am I the only one who wants to see them reunited in another movie (ala Tom Hanks?)?

One to fall in love with
Great chemistry...You'll love the unpredictible situations...One of my favorites...If you've ever been dumped for another "goddess"this one is great to curl up on the couch with the love that you found...A++++++++++++++

It's been awhile since I've seen it but...
From what I recall it deserves a five star rating. I watched this in French class and I remember thinking oh boy another sucktastic school movie and was pleasently suprised.

At first I doodled, but you can't help but be pulled into the story and the delightful Meg Ryan. I soon was completely involved with storyline and loved every minute of it, and I for once didn't even mind the pretictable ending.

A movie that is worth renting, watching, and then purchasing. Enjoy.

Predictably adorable
In my never ending endeavor to evaluate all the adorable movie stars (I'm sorry, I can't help myself) I've seen yet another Meg Ryan movie and I must say I'm beginning to be smitten. She is just so darn cute. And ageless. And perky. And actually a wee bit sexy when she gets in the right mood. And anyway since the movie takes place mostly in France (the stomping ground of my partially misspent youth) the scenery is nostalgic, the title is cute, and believe me, the food is delicious.

But what carries this movie is a beguiling performance by Kevin Kline and his very oo, la, la French accent. I also liked the concierge who takes Meg's 100-Franc note (worth about twenty bucks) as his God-given concierge right with nothing more than a belated, merci you vile American touriste.

Okay, I have to confess. I have a love/hate relationship with Meg. I just want to take her home and tuck her into bed, but all she cares about is being cute on screen and teasing me.

Director Lawrence Kasdan (Body Heat 1981, Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist 1989, writing credits with George Lucas sagas, etc.) has a few jokes with the nearly all female theater audience and their drag-along beaux. (Actually this video is currently being viewed on the couch across the nation by Roseanne Barr and John Goodman look-alikes with Roseanne making sarcastic remarks about Meg's eyeshadow and scrawny physique while Goodman chortles with squinty eyes as he anticipates the action to come après le flick.) I especially liked the vast vineyard (Meg is drooling) that Kevin DOES NOT HAVE due to his wild and crazy ways (he says, but shows it to her anyway). I mean, RESOURCES are what a real woman wants in a man, dodo brain. What are you doing, playing hard to get?

Anyway, as all romance movie fans know, boy meets girl (cute), boy and girl cannot get it on just yet for 1001 wacky reasons, and finally boy gets girl or actually girl gets boy, and boy turns out to be worth getting as he naturally comes up with beaucoup des ressources of a very special kind. Etc.

See this for Kevin Kline, an underrated actor who has a lot of fun behind the five o'clock shadows and the French pastry while proving he can Can Can with the best of them. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Lawrence Kasdan's 1983 big-budget variation on John Sayles's The Return of the Seacaucus Seven finds a cluster of old college radicals--who have since gone on to sundry professions and various degrees of materialism--reuniting over the death of a friend. Both playful and thoughtful, the film represents Kasdan(Body Heat) at his most astute. The attractive cast meshes perfectly into a group of characters for which a former closeness is out of synch with their current lives, yet their warmth is enviable and inviting. The script may be a bit too glib, with many one-liners, but it is still a perfectly designed story with telling irony and no little passion. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Get CHILLED Again ... But DVD is Whiter Shade of Pale
I saw THE BIG CHILL in high school. I loved it. Strange, considering my age, but it helped me imagine my high school friends and I getting together at age 30 and having a good time. I just watched it again this weekend on DVD, and still consider it a good movie. Don't let the big budget and big names fool you. It's a small film about interesting characters. The only "action" is when Sam tries to jump into Nick's car "J.T. Lancer"-style. Mostly, it's character study. And Mr. Kasdan cast an incredible group of actors. It's a good film.

Now ... for the DVD ... I think the picture is good. For instance, this is the first time I noticed the mint-green walls of the church in the opening scene. But, the rest of the DVD pales in comparison to others on the market now. Like another reviewer said, the "Trailer" included is for SILVERADO (? ). Where's the BIG CHILL trailer ? The documentary is very well done -- lots of current interviews with cast members (Glenn Close reveals a lot). The cut scenes are interesting too. ** BUT where are the flashback scenes filmed in Atlanta of the cast in their 60's clothes ? I thought for sure we'd get to see those! Nowhere to be found ... Disappointing.

This is the film that lent it's name to a generation.
THE BIG CHILL is one of those films (like AMERICAN GRAFITTI) that people of a certain age will watch and experience a sense of generational identification. The film is an enjoyable (if somewhat surface) treatment of a generation's coming to terms with the compromise and loss of its youthful ideals. The real treats of the movie are the performances of its ensemble cast and the soundtrack, which is filled with great Motown (and other) hits of the era. This DVD is the best video version yet of this film. The colors are warm and autumnal and the soundtrack is crisp (it practically begs to be pumped up during the songs). This is a special edition which contains deleted scenes (which, unfortunately, do not include the scenes with Kevin Costner) as well as a 55-minute documentary on the making of the film. This features current interviews with the cast and crew reflecting on their experiences making the film and what it has come to mean to them. For those who have a wide-screen TV, this film is enhanced for the 16:9 screen ratio. All in all, this is a first-rate presentation of a fine film.

The Big Chill
I think it is a great movie with a great cast of great actors. So those of you out there who did not like it maybe it is over your head. I think it is very on the money for that generation, the only thing that is too Hollywood is the scene where the wife sets her friend up with her husband to get pregnant. That is just a little to much, in my mind I will always wonder if her husband liked it more then he is letting on, like the comment: (you don't have to be so happy). I just love the movie, I just wish we knew more about Alex then was let on.

Extremely Well Thought Of Ordinary Movie
Plenty of star power. One of those movies that, through almost no fault of it's own, features several rising actors who all went on to make it big one way or the other. Very 80's baby boomer 30 somethingish. Celluoid soap opera. Oddly, The Big Chill was a remake of a terrible low budget movie. Go figure.

Truly a waste of celluloid
This is another of the many films that create the self-examining (ie: 'personal inventory' [hint, hint 12-steppers]) genre where highly-powered "yuppie" couple, or single, travels back "home" to re-connect with friends and finds *gasp!* it/they have changed.

Or, regrettably a friend--whom no one has spoken to in ten years--has some terminal illness or suicides [it could never be HIV/AIDS?] and monetary-successful Wall Street broker returns to confront their lost idealism or the struggling artist, or academic professor, that has married their college [or high-school] significant other [yes, some writers in the 80's did possess the ability to use significant others as metaphors].

Can we call it "the Big YAWN"?

Someone says the wrong thing; someone spills a nasty secret. Someone cries; someone storms out of the room [horribly over-acted, as if this were Sunset Boulevard]; someone slams the door of their BMW/Porsche (depending on whether the car salesman convinced them they were a Gordon Gecko or a Joel Goodsen) and speeds off (barely able to hold car onto the road) to some dark watering hole where their former significant other will just happen to arrive minutes later to tempt them (ie: life-crisis when our Baby Boomer realizes how trite and droll their life differs from their youthful ideals).

Part of the plotline we're supposedly believing (or is it suspending belief?) is the late-1950's and the early 1960's as a sublime period of time--full of optimism [nevermind the Cold War, lack of personal freedoms, and violence of the period].

The music could have been the only redeeming factor for this movie, but many 80's films seem to choose between 60's soundtrack or hyper-synthesized melodies [see "Beverly Hills Cop"] and unfortunately, this film lacks music score to distinguish it from the many 80's films of similar content and scores.

105 minutes. Inhumane treatment of moviegoers. ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Great Film Noir. Never Has A Film Had Such Sexual Tension.
The greatest film noir ever made! (Detour [1945] is second) Perfectly cast. It was this film where I took notice of William Hurt and would forever remember Kathleen Turner in such a memorable role (Her first film). Director Lawrence Kasdan did an excellent and outstanding job on this film. A one of a kind. never has a film made me feel such sexual tension and wanting. You can feel the heat! Ted Danson has an annoying role. Richard Crenna plays a real McCoy of a husband. Mickey Rourke in an earlier role before his success. You may recognize Lanna Saunders who played "Marie Horton" (a nun) on the NBC serial Days Of Our Lives from 1979-1985. Another soap opera actress, Kim Zimmer also has a very important role in this movie. Widescreen and Full Screen available on one disc. Adults Only!

A true piece of film noir!
BODY HEAT hits the bullseye!The story is about Ned Racine(William Hurt),a lawyer that does not seem to know the meaning of the word AMBITION.During one summer night,he meets Matty Walker(Kathleen Turner),a sexy married woman who turns down every man who wants her.However one night,she agrees to be with Ned and the beginning of a steamy liaison takes place.Some time after that,she declares her love for Ned and wants a little favor from him that will be convenient for them:she wants him to kill her rich husband.Kathleen Turner is very convincing as Matty,her first role in a motion picture.The musical score by John Barry is very good.The music is very memorable.Some parts tend to be a bit slow moving but they dont bore because of critical information they offer that will make you understand specific events that occur in the film.One of the best movies of the 1980s,no question about it!

A towering film noir!
Body heat meant the reinassance of the film noir in the eighties. Kasdan made his best picture to date. He's a very intelligemt film maker ; and employed the craft of one of the two greatest sex symbols of the eighties the talented and beauty Kathleen Turner who altogether with Theresa Russell completed the sexy duo.
Turner made reached the peak of the perfection the role of femme fatale ; the spider woman , who cleverly makes her web , waiting for a private eye who falls in love with her.

She's married and as you well suppose is very unhappy with her husband (Richard Crenna) ; the plot is superbly built from start to finnish ; the locations the heat we can feel it even outside the screen . The art direction ; the sliding camera and the enlightment are first rate. Search for Mickey Rourke in a cameo.
If you ask me about the best film noir of this decade ; this would head the list ; the others would be in order of importance : The postman rings always twice , Blood simple , Bad timing and the Black widow.
A must in your collection!

Stylish mystery; with excellent acting, and a hot Turner.
This movie, which follows the relationship between a lawyer (William Hurt) and a sultry woman (Kathleen Turner) provides a stylish mix, of sex, mystery, and relationships. With excellent performances throughout; and a very hot (at that time) Ms. Turner, it's a fairly good movie. Nice "jazzy" soundtrack, with the exception of one Bob Seger song (also cool). Kathleen Turner is one cool lady, as she seeks to knock off her husband (Richard Crenna), and later; when she gets greedy, her lover (Mr. Hurt). The sex was fairly steamy, given that it was an "R" movie, and she can convey more eroticism; with her facial expressions than some women could with their entire (nude) bodies. And speaking of bodies, while Ms. Turner isn't the most (physically) endowed woman, she does manage to use what she has to advantage. Sex aside, some interesting supporting performance by Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke too. Worth a look.

Beware!
Don't get me wrong because I love this movie but I got it with a few extras that I didn't expect. First I thought it was a little tacky that there was a price tag on the DVD that was $3 less then what I paid for it. Paying a little extra money wasn't what really made me mad because I still got a pretty good deal for the DVD, what made me angry was the fact that the DVD arrived with little insects crawling on it! I think that the DVD came from a warehouse in Illinois so watch out! My package arrived sealed with my DVD and compementary insects inside. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This massive, in-depth study of the dark Western icon comes off with mixed results. Trying to capture the whole life, (warts and all) of the lawman-criminal-brother-fortune hunter, director Lawrence Kasdan gains points for sheer scale, giving us a rich epic painted in dark colors with gritty settings. But the visual poetry and extensive foreshadowing ruin the dramatic drive. Some scenes have as much impact as stalker movies; you're just waiting for someone to get knocked off. As Earp, Kevin Costner is not afraid to look rumpled and play colorlessly (as in The Bodyguard), but it saps the energy of this 3-hour-plus film. The only relief is Dennis Quaid as a droll Doc Holiday, a much more engaging character. New faces Linden Ashby and Joanna Going (as an Earp brother and a lover, respectively) are solid finds, though the remainder of the female cast is barely given anything to do. Best is the first half, with Costner, as hip as he was in his Silverado days, going through a series of ups and downs until he accidentally finds his profession. Great set design (Ida Random) utilizes dozens of similar settings that always look distinctive. Recommended to fans of the star and the genre, but the story never justifies its length. --Doug Thomas ... Read more

Reviews (82)

Wyatt Earp was a Man
A lot of people forget that Wyatt Earp was a real man who had more courage and integrity then most people you will ever know. This movie is a pretty accurate portrayl of that man. Kevin Costner and Dennis Quaid (Doc Holliday) do a superb job, although the supporting cast has a lot to be desired. This movie differs from the movie "Tombstone", in that it portrays a lot of Wyatt's life from being a teenager during the Civil War to his and Josie's adventure to the Alaskan gold fields near the turn of the century. "Tombstone" deals primarily with the happenings in Wyatt's life in that one town, which ironically dealt with less than 2 years of his long adventurous life. I liked this film because it dealt with an approximate 35 year time span of Wyatt's life, and the movie is long enough to dipict this. There are a lot of historical accuracies in the movie which include proper representations of places and dialogue such as what is said on the way to and during the gunfight. The inaccuracies are easily overlooked such as Virgil being shot in the wrong arm and the reference to "Johnny behind the duece" as "Tommy." All in all though, a good film about the life of a great man, Wyatt Earp.

BUY THIS DVD!
At last Warner Bros. has seen fit to release Kasdan's masterpiece on DVD. Sadly and inexplicably this movie was overlooked at the time of it's release. This superbly written,beautifully played piece is the definitive account of the life of a western archetype achieving everything that previous Earp accounts have failed to with the possible exception of Hour Of The Gun. Avoiding the ludicrous romanticism of My Darling Clementine, or the appaulingly laughable Lancaster/Douglas fiasco, Gunfight At OK Corral, Kasdan's portrayal presents these characters as the contradictory individuals they undoubtedly were and the actors and actresses do a tremendous job of bringing them to life. Costner is utterly believable as a complex man who, influenced by his father's belief in the family unit, almost destroys the very family he is trying to protect. We see him go from an idealistic young man to becoming a resolute, serious individual as a result of circumstances often beyond his control which serve to form his hardened personality and tunnel vision. Dennis Quaid is superb as Doc Holliday and presents a real person rather than Val Kilmer's amusing charicature in the over rated t.v movie-quality Tombstone. JoBeth Williams, Catherine O'Hara and Isabella Rosselini are great in their portrayals of the role of women in the west. Each of the actresses in this movie portrays a distinctly different character never resorting to cookie-cutter characterisations but the one thing they all have in common is, true to the period, women were expected to be supportive but not to have minds of their own; No revisionist western this.
Technically the movie looks and sounds great. Kasdan creates a visual style without being heavy handed and we are presented with a west in various stages of development from shanty towns to the developing, lawless Dodge City and Tombstone where law and order are trying to take hold even when the "law" is being enforced in a very subjective manner, again there is a lot of gray in this movie.
Finally I have to praise James Newton Howard for his wonderful score which, if it were isolated on the DVD would make this a 6 star release.
Apparently deleted scenes are being included on a second disc. An expanded lazer disc was released some years ago which restored this footage to the film, adding even more depth to the characters and as a result an even better movie.
Please buy this movie and, in doing so, encourage Warner's to release the expanded version in the near future. You will not be disappointed.

Western Classic
No doubt this movie is a western classic. I saw it years ago and loved it. I don't have anything negative to say about the movie itself. I almost picked up this 2 disc set until I learned it's a cut down or edited version. Why is the complete 212 min version only available on VHS ? That's just stupid. This is a great movie worthy of a director's cut edition maybe 3 disc set? I'd spend the extra cash on a deeper edition, until then I'll save my money. Please, please release the FULL version on DVD!

I'm very disappointed-why not the Director's Cut on DVD??
I was actually planning to but Wyatt Earp on DVD, but as I already have the Director's Cut on VHS video, I'll wait until the release of it on DVD. I believed this would be the "definitive" video release of Wyatt Earp. I'm quite disappointed!! I would rather have had the complete film on DVD than all of the extras!! Five-stars for the film, one-star for the short-sightedness of this DVD's content!! This is just as puzzling as why the restored version of John Wayne's The Alamo is not on DVD yet, either.

Typical Costner - long drawn out epic!
While the story was great and gave some interesting, perhaps unknown insight to the character of Wyatt Earp (did you know he was married and lost his wife to Typhoid? I didn't!) the movie was a very long, slow, drawn out epic like most of Costner's films. While Dennis Quaid portrayed a believable Doc Holliday, his performance was paled by the superior, more entertaining version by Val Kilmer in "Tombstone". In either movie it was almost unbelievable that the character was played by Dennis Quaid and Val Kilmer respectively (although Val Kilmer was more recognizable), I think both versions of Doc Holliday outshined the portrayal of Wyatt Earp in either movie. While still a good Western for this century, I would not rate this one higher than 3 stars because it was too long and drawn out. 3+ hours is just too long to sit through for something that could have been accomplished successfully in maybe 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
The rating age only goes up to 12, I'm actually 40 years old - LOL ... Read more

Reviews (127)

The Best of The Modern Westerns
I'll tell you how much I like this movie. I bought the VHS and soundtrack no more than six weeks ago and upon discovering its DVD availability, I immediately hit "1-Click".

I can't think of another Western in the 15 years since this film was released that I enjoyed more, not even "Lonesome Dove", and that's saying a lot. I was praying that it would be released on DVD and it's nice to know my prayers were answered.

The cast is one of the finest of the mid-Eighties: Danny Glover, Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Jeff Goldblum, Linda Hunt, John Cleese, and Brian Dennehy. And these are just the principals.

Silverado is a sweeping Western demi-epic that takes some classic genre cliches and weaves them into a modern classic, emboldened by Bruce Boughton's masterful score. The master of this all is co-writer and director Lawrence Kasdan, who has given us some other gems like "Body Heat" and "The Big Chill".

This DVD release is great news and the only thing that could make me happier is to find that additional scenes featuring Rosanna Arquette, deleted from the theatrical release, appear somewhere on the DVD.

A cool western movie
"Silverado" is a really good movie it has a lot of action.
I really liked this movie even though I don't like western movies because western movies always has the typical good guys fighting the bad guys for justice, but "Silverado" has something unique that makes it different from the others western movies maybe its because "Silverado" has drama, adventures, action, comedy and romance.

The soundtrack makes it feel like the real old west. The music fits with the film perfect.

I really liked the story of the movie. A lone cowboy trapped in a desert cabin, pinned down by the bad guys, he must shoot his way out with the help of three more guys. These now become friends and heroes as they go after thieves, protect a wagon train of homesteaders, save their families and friends from the land gruubbing Mckendricks, and fight corrupt lawmen.

The scene that I liked the most is when Linda Hunt says "He can't hurt you , if he is dead". (she said that to a frightened employee).

Anyways you should see this movie if you haven't seen it, but if you have seen it well buy the dvd IT'S WORTH IT.

good for any person
I'm not a fan of westerns but "Silverado" was a good one. It had a lot of action and it never became boring. A good movie to me is something I can watch over and over and not get bored I wouldn't mind watching it again. "Silverado" in my opinion had something unique to it, it had an African American and it had someone funny in it too. Not all westerns had a cowboy that was funny, they where all serious and I think that more western movies should be like "Silverado" in some way. Jake ( Kevin Costner ) was my favorite character and my favorite quote was said bye him too! "All I did was kiss a girl" I like this quote because he said it funny and it's the reason why he got in trouble. Well the sound track in the film was in my opinion to dramatic, but it wasn't to bad it fit into the movie perfect but they should tone it down just a bit. But Silverado over all was a great movie and I recommend that you at least see it once.

What I Think About This Movie
I think tnis movie sucks. The reason I think it sucks is because it boring, it did not catch my attention at all, and there were really no exiting parts in the movie that I like.If enybody were to ask me what I think about this movie I would tell them to save there money, or there time and not watch it.Personally I thought the scenes in the movie were quite not interesting.So really I think this movie sucks, and I wouldnt suggest this movie to enybody.I think they could make this movie better by changing everything.

silverado
I LIKED THIS MOVIE CAUSE IT HAD ALOT OF ACTION AND SOME
NICE GUNS THATS ANOTHER THING I LIKED ABOUT THIS MOVIE.
ANOTHER PART OF THE MOVIE IS WHEN THE MAIN CHARACTERS
GET INTRUBLE FOR SOME THING THEY DIDNT DO SO THEY GET
IN JAIL SO THEY KILL THEGUARD AT THE JAIL SO THEY ESCAPE.
ANOHTER GOOD PART IS WHENTHEY GO GET REVENGE ON THE
GUYS THAT GOT THEM IN JAIL.AND THESE GUYS WERE HAVING
FUN KILLING BADGUYS.ANOTHER PART WAS WHEN THEY RAID
TOWNS AND KILL SERFFES THAT ARE BAD.ONE PART THAT I ALSO
LIKED WASWHEN THE BLACK MAN FIHGTS THE WHITE MEN INTHE
BAR AND HE WINS AND THE OWNER OF THE BAR DOSENT WANT
TO GIVE HIM WINE CUASE HE WAS BLACK AND THOSE WERE THE
THINGS I LIKED ABOUT THIS MOVIE ... Read more

Reviews (2)

bestest western
this is one of my bestest westerns i have ever seen. this movie keeps you interested from the start to finish.The film is stolen hands-down by Kevin Costner, playing an irresponsible young gunslinger who never speaks when hootin' and hollerin' will do. A classic, High Noon-style showdown caps this rousing retro western.

Great Western
I am not a big fan of western movies but since modern day westerns like Silverado, Young Guns, Young Guns 2, Maverick,Tombstone, Unforgiven and The Quick And The Dead I have become really interested in this genre. Silverado has a great plot with a great cast and really good theme music. From Its explosive, breathtaking opening gun battle to a final, tense 'high noon' shoot out, this thrilling western is filled with full-blown entertainment and action. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Lawrence Kasdan adapted Anne Tyler's novel into this mopey comedy which, oddly enough, took the New York Film Critics Circle's best picture award (a case of strategic voting getting out of hand). William Hurt plays a depressed travel writer struggling to come to terms with his son's death. He buys a dog for companionship, then hires an eccentric dog trainer (Geena Davis, who won an Oscar for her role) to teach it to behave. She, in turn, teaches him to reconnect to life. But as he is beginning to admit his feelings for her to himself, he is blindsided by the return of his estranged wife (Kathleen Turner), who attempts to rekindle their marriage. A muffled, low-key affair--so low-key that it sometimes seems positively stationary. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (42)

He Can Help You Find the Best Burger King in Paris
I was in a local Baltimore theatre when I first heard a minor character from the movie, "The Accidental Tourist", proudly announce "Baltimore...greatest city on Earth!" The audience loudly cheered and so began my fondness for this gentle, comedy/drama based on the Anne Tyler novel of the same name.I'm delighted, that this funny, yet emotionally moving film has at long last made it to the DVD format.In the story we meet Macon Leary (William Hurt), a travel writer (for business men who hate to travel), who has basically given up on life, because his young son has been killed in a senseless robbery. Macon has become almost like a 'ghost' going through just the motions of life, emotionally untouched by anything or anyone. His wife Sarah (Kathleen Turner) leaves him because he is not there for her and she needs to get beyond mourning. Alone, Macon seems to be spiraling into a depression without end.That is until, through a series of humorous events (and a very angry dog), Macon meets a quirky, unusually dressed, dog trainer named, Muriel (Geena Davis). Muriel romantically pursues the depressed writer and eventually puts him on the road to joining life again. Screen Writer/Director, Lawrence Kasden has created a emotional film, that has a wonderful sense of oddball humor.The movie has great characters, that are brought to life by a wonderful cast. This includes actress, Geena Davis, who deservedly won an Oscar for her role of the pluckish and romantically determined, Muriel. Davis has created an amusing character, who definitely marches to her own drummer.I can personally attest to the fact, that there are many folks living in Baltimore, who closly resemble her (for more info on Baltimore's more unusual citizens, check out the book "Shock Value" by John Waters). Kudos should also go to actors, Amy Wright, David Odgen Stiers and Ed Begly Jr., who provide big laughs as Macon's rather eccentric siblings.Finally, Bill Pullman gives a good performance as Macon's love lorn publisher, who yearns for an old fashion marriage.The DVD for this film is well done with a fine picture transfer and a good amount of extras. They include an inciteful featurette "It's Like Life", which shows both new and old interviews from the Director and the cast.The DVD also includes the trailer and more then a half hour's worth of deleted scenes, that shed new light on the story and it's characters. This is wonderful film about how you just can't prepare yourself for life. You just got to let it happen!

A Moving Story of Life
William Hurt is absolutely brilliant as a man insulated from his own life in Lawrence Kasden's undervalued masterwork. Hurt's son has been killed in a random act of violence he can not understand. It will cost him his marriage to Kathleen Turner, as he is unable to comfort her, accepting evil in the world and isolating himself from love in an effort to shield himself from pain.

Hurt writes a series of books for the "accidental tourist" and Bill Pullman gives fine support as his understanding editor and friend. Hurt's family is a little strange and in spite of the serious subject matter Kasden has sprinkled this film with some very funny true to life moments, including an hysterical bit about cooking a Thanksgiving turkey at the right temperature, or not!

Geena Davis, as the free spirit who attempts to aleve Hurt's anguish, won a well deserved Oscar for the effort. Her little boy, sweet and allergic to everything, is a reminder of his own son. This prompts him to accept a brief, unsuccessful, reconciliation with Turner which may cost him everything.

The supporting cast and the understated score add to this wonderful and heartrending account of one mans' angst, and his attempt to start living again. The scene in a doorway where he expresses his inability to be like other people is tremendously touching. Her kindness and personal generosity finally begin to wear down the walls and he may just be able to love again, if it is not to late.

This is a richly rewarding film for those willing to take the time and I highly recommend it. It is a testament to our own humanity, the human spirit, and the healing power of love...

Fabulous Movie With Intense Character Studies Throughout...
"The Accidental Tourist" Hmmm... even the title of the film has many meanings. Unhappily married couple, Macon Leary,(William Hurt)a travel guide author and Sarah Leary (Kathleen Turner) have just lost their young son Ethan to an accident. Each of them goes through the grief process alone and thus, the marriage is quite dead. They separate, with Sarah leaving Macon in the big, old empty Victorian house alone, save for Ethan's badly behaved dog, a Welsh corgie named Edward. When Edward misbehaves, Macon just can't get rid of the dog because it reminds him of the good times that Ethan had with Edward. So, Macon takes the dog to obedience school and meets a very ecentric young woman named Muriel Pritchett. Muriel is a young divorcee with a very sickly little boy, named Alexander (Robert Hy Gorman in a very nice portrayal for a little guy). Muriel pursues Macon, a sexual relationship ensues and Macon opens up for the first time about his sorrow for Ethan. There comes a time when macon has to decide what he wants as Sarah returns to the homeplace and wants to try again.

Amy Wright, David Ogden Stiers, and Ed Begley Jr. all turn in WONDERFUL performances as Macon's odd siblings who live together in the family home that they grew up in. Bill Pullman also turns in a great performance as Julian, Macon's publisher.

This is a wonderful character study of families, their hurt, disappointment and finally, reconciliation. The film is strongly written and well acted. If you are looking for a funny romance like, "When Harry Met Sally", a spooky romance like "Ghost" or a treacly, sappy sweet romance like "Sabrina", then you are looking in the wrong place. If you like to see characters that pluck at your heart strings and seem "oh so real" then this is a movie for YOU! Highly recommended!

Happy Watching!

A Rarity: Real Character Development
This is one of my favorite all time films. If you're looking for action, this is not the film for you (there isn't any). If you're looking for suspense, look elsewhere (there's not much). But if you're looking for engaging characters in a plot that makes you think and is both touching and humorous, this is the movie for you.

It's rare that Hollywood produces a movie that respects its audience enough to let them think. This is a movie with so many interesting characters that they could have made several movies. After you watch it, you'll find yourself wondering about the characters' lives before the movie -- and what will happen to them later.

When you're in the mood for something serious, funny and intellectual, this is a good movie to choose.

A DVD that does justice to a great film
In When Harry Met Sally, or Groundhog Day we follow the characters on a journey of exploration as their relationship develops. Macon Leary, in The Accidental Tourist, sets out on just such a journey, but one in which, as the title suggests, he is at the mercy of unforeseen events - the loss of his son, leading to the departure of his wife, and the misbehaviour of his son's dog, which forces him to turn to Muriel, a dog trainer.
They differ in almost every way. He is in his forties, married his first real girlfriend and now writes travel books for businessmen who would rather stay at home; she is much younger, left high school to marry, and since her divorce has to juggle jobs to support a sickly son.
In the reverse of the usual situation, it is she who pursues him, eventually winning him over when, thanks to her sympathetic response, he is able to confess for the first time his anguish at the loss of his son. From then on he is torn between the two women until, on a trip to Paris, he decides the direction of his life for the first time.
Although the spotlight is on these two, we also meet Macon's eccentric siblings who still live in the house where they grew up and follow the equally unlikely romance between his sister and publisher.
The film is faithfully adapted from Anne Tyler's excellent Baltimore set novel. Geena Davis won a well-deserved Oscar as Muriel (and contributes a commentary on selected scenes that reveals how eager she was to play the part). William Hurt had an even more difficult task in playing Macon, a man so repressed that he appears emotionless. Although technically a co-star, Kathleen Turner has to make the best of the lesser role of Macon's wife Sarah.
Amy Wright as Macon's sister Rose catches the quirkiness of her character while avoiding caricature, as do Ed Begley Jr and David Ogden Stiers as her brothers. Bill Pullman's publisher is equally believable. And John Williams proves his versatility by contributing a wistful theme that runs throughout the film.
As well as the film itself, in the original Cinemascope format, the DVD includes a generous helping of deleted scenes, an introduction by director, co-writer and co-producer Lawrence Kasdan, and a featurette with contributions from him and others involved in the making of the film.
This is one of my favourite films, and one that, even after many viewings, I enjoy more than ever. Definitely worthy of five stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

While scoring high-profile credits as a screenwriter (including The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and Raiders of the Lost Ark), Lawrence Kasdan made his directorial debut with this steamy, contemporary film noir in the tradition of Double Indemnity and other classics from the 1940s. In one of his most memorable roles, William Hurt plays a Florida lawyer unwittingly drawn into a web of deceit spun by Kathleen Turner (in her screen debut) as a married socialite who plots to kill off her husband with Hurt's assistance. Kasdan's dialogue is a hoot (sometimes it borders on satire), and the sultry atmosphere is a perfect complement to the perspiration-soaked chemistry between Hurt and Turner, whose love scenes caused quite a stir when the film was released in 1981. John Barry's score sets the provocative mood, and both Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke are splendid in memorable supporting roles. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (47)

Great Film Noir. Never Has A Film Had Such Sexual Tension.
The greatest film noir ever made! (Detour [1945] is second) Perfectly cast. It was this film where I took notice of William Hurt and would forever remember Kathleen Turner in such a memorable role (Her first film). Director Lawrence Kasdan did an excellent and outstanding job on this film. A one of a kind. never has a film made me feel such sexual tension and wanting. You can feel the heat! Ted Danson has an annoying role. Richard Crenna plays a real McCoy of a husband. Mickey Rourke in an earlier role before his success. You may recognize Lanna Saunders who played "Marie Horton" (a nun) on the NBC serial Days Of Our Lives from 1979-1985. Another soap opera actress, Kim Zimmer also has a very important role in this movie. Widescreen and Full Screen available on one disc. Adults Only!

A true piece of film noir!
BODY HEAT hits the bullseye!The story is about Ned Racine(William Hurt),a lawyer that does not seem to know the meaning of the word AMBITION.During one summer night,he meets Matty Walker(Kathleen Turner),a sexy married woman who turns down every man who wants her.However one night,she agrees to be with Ned and the beginning of a steamy liaison takes place.Some time after that,she declares her love for Ned and wants a little favor from him that will be convenient for them:she wants him to kill her rich husband.Kathleen Turner is very convincing as Matty,her first role in a motion picture.The musical score by John Barry is very good.The music is very memorable.Some parts tend to be a bit slow moving but they dont bore because of critical information they offer that will make you understand specific events that occur in the film.One of the best movies of the 1980s,no question about it!

A towering film noir!
Body heat meant the reinassance of the film noir in the eighties. Kasdan made his best picture to date. He's a very intelligemt film maker ; and employed the craft of one of the two greatest sex symbols of the eighties the talented and beauty Kathleen Turner who altogether with Theresa Russell completed the sexy duo.
Turner made reached the peak of the perfection the role of femme fatale ; the spider woman , who cleverly makes her web , waiting for a private eye who falls in love with her.

She's married and as you well suppose is very unhappy with her husband (Richard Crenna) ; the plot is superbly built from start to finnish ; the locations the heat we can feel it even outside the screen . The art direction ; the sliding camera and the enlightment are first rate. Search for Mickey Rourke in a cameo.
If you ask me about the best film noir of this decade ; this would head the list ; the others would be in order of importance : The postman rings always twice , Blood simple , Bad timing and the Black widow.
A must in your collection!

Stylish mystery; with excellent acting, and a hot Turner.
This movie, which follows the relationship between a lawyer (William Hurt) and a sultry woman (Kathleen Turner) provides a stylish mix, of sex, mystery, and relationships. With excellent performances throughout; and a very hot (at that time) Ms. Turner, it's a fairly good movie. Nice "jazzy" soundtrack, with the exception of one Bob Seger song (also cool). Kathleen Turner is one cool lady, as she seeks to knock off her husband (Richard Crenna), and later; when she gets greedy, her lover (Mr. Hurt). The sex was fairly steamy, given that it was an "R" movie, and she can convey more eroticism; with her facial expressions than some women could with their entire (nude) bodies. And speaking of bodies, while Ms. Turner isn't the most (physically) endowed woman, she does manage to use what she has to advantage. Sex aside, some interesting supporting performance by Ted Danson and Mickey Rourke too. Worth a look.

Beware!
Don't get me wrong because I love this movie but I got it with a few extras that I didn't expect. First I thought it was a little tacky that there was a price tag on the DVD that was $3 less then what I paid for it. Paying a little extra money wasn't what really made me mad because I still got a pretty good deal for the DVD, what made me angry was the fact that the DVD arrived with little insects crawling on it! I think that the DVD came from a warehouse in Illinois so watch out! My package arrived sealed with my DVD and compementary insects inside. ... Read more

Reviews (64)

Get CHILLED Again ... But DVD is Whiter Shade of Pale
I saw THE BIG CHILL in high school. I loved it. Strange, considering my age, but it helped me imagine my high school friends and I getting together at age 30 and having a good time. I just watched it again this weekend on DVD, and still consider it a good movie. Don't let the big budget and big names fool you. It's a small film about interesting characters. The only "action" is when Sam tries to jump into Nick's car "J.T. Lancer"-style. Mostly, it's character study. And Mr. Kasdan cast an incredible group of actors. It's a good film.

Now ... for the DVD ... I think the picture is good. For instance, this is the first time I noticed the mint-green walls of the church in the opening scene. But, the rest of the DVD pales in comparison to others on the market now. Like another reviewer said, the "Trailer" included is for SILVERADO (? ). Where's the BIG CHILL trailer ? The documentary is very well done -- lots of current interviews with cast members (Glenn Close reveals a lot). The cut scenes are interesting too. ** BUT where are the flashback scenes filmed in Atlanta of the cast in their 60's clothes ? I thought for sure we'd get to see those! Nowhere to be found ... Disappointing.

This is the film that lent it's name to a generation.
THE BIG CHILL is one of those films (like AMERICAN GRAFITTI) that people of a certain age will watch and experience a sense of generational identification. The film is an enjoyable (if somewhat surface) treatment of a generation's coming to terms with the compromise and loss of its youthful ideals. The real treats of the movie are the performances of its ensemble cast and the soundtrack, which is filled with great Motown (and other) hits of the era. This DVD is the best video version yet of this film. The colors are warm and autumnal and the soundtrack is crisp (it practically begs to be pumped up during the songs). This is a special edition which contains deleted scenes (which, unfortunately, do not include the scenes with Kevin Costner) as well as a 55-minute documentary on the making of the film. This features current interviews with the cast and crew reflecting on their experiences making the film and what it has come to mean to them. For those who have a wide-screen TV, this film is enhanced for the 16:9 screen ratio. All in all, this is a first-rate presentation of a fine film.

The Big Chill
I think it is a great movie with a great cast of great actors. So those of you out there who did not like it maybe it is over your head. I think it is very on the money for that generation, the only thing that is too Hollywood is the scene where the wife sets her friend up with her husband to get pregnant. That is just a little to much, in my mind I will always wonder if her husband liked it more then he is letting on, like the comment: (you don't have to be so happy). I just love the movie, I just wish we knew more about Alex then was let on.

Extremely Well Thought Of Ordinary Movie
Plenty of star power. One of those movies that, through almost no fault of it's own, features several rising actors who all went on to make it big one way or the other. Very 80's baby boomer 30 somethingish. Celluoid soap opera. Oddly, The Big Chill was a remake of a terrible low budget movie. Go figure.

Truly a waste of celluloid
This is another of the many films that create the self-examining (ie: 'personal inventory' [hint, hint 12-steppers]) genre where highly-powered "yuppie" couple, or single, travels back "home" to re-connect with friends and finds *gasp!* it/they have changed.

Or, regrettably a friend--whom no one has spoken to in ten years--has some terminal illness or suicides [it could never be HIV/AIDS?] and monetary-successful Wall Street broker returns to confront their lost idealism or the struggling artist, or academic professor, that has married their college [or high-school] significant other [yes, some writers in the 80's did possess the ability to use significant others as metaphors].

Can we call it "the Big YAWN"?

Someone says the wrong thing; someone spills a nasty secret. Someone cries; someone storms out of the room [horribly over-acted, as if this were Sunset Boulevard]; someone slams the door of their BMW/Porsche (depending on whether the car salesman convinced them they were a Gordon Gecko or a Joel Goodsen) and speeds off (barely able to hold car onto the road) to some dark watering hole where their former significant other will just happen to arrive minutes later to tempt them (ie: life-crisis when our Baby Boomer realizes how trite and droll their life differs from their youthful ideals).

Part of the plotline we're supposedly believing (or is it suspending belief?) is the late-1950's and the early 1960's as a sublime period of time--full of optimism [nevermind the Cold War, lack of personal freedoms, and violence of the period].

The music could have been the only redeeming factor for this movie, but many 80's films seem to choose between 60's soundtrack or hyper-synthesized melodies [see "Beverly Hills Cop"] and unfortunately, this film lacks music score to distinguish it from the many 80's films of similar content and scores.

105 minutes. Inhumane treatment of moviegoers. ... Read more

Description

Four young friends perform a heroic act and are changed forever by the uncanny powers they gain in return.Years later, on a hunting trip in the Maine woods, they are overtaken by a blizzard, a vicious storm in which something much more ominous moves.Challenged to stop a deadly alien force, they confront an unparalleled horror, with the fate of the world in the balance. ... Read more

Reviews (261)

It's not terrible, but it's not that good either
Considering the roasting that Dreamcatcher received upon it's release, I went into this film with very low expectations, and while the film isn't as bad as it is reputed to be, it is far from being the best Stephen King adaptation. The story revolves around four life long friends (Thomas Jane, Jason Lee, Damian Lewis, Timothy Olyphant) who share a special gift that was handed down to them by a seemingly mentally challenged friend (Donnie Wahlberg) whom they had saved as children. When the four go on their usual trip to a snowy cabin in Maine, they become enthralled in the middle of an alien invasion while the military makes a strike against them. Morgan Freeman and Tom Sizemore also star as military officials; Freeman's character has a few ulterior motives, while Sizemore is just looking to do the right thing. Director/co-screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and co-screenwriter William Goldman, as good as they are, had a tough time adapting King's epic novel into a 136 minute film, and while their screenplay misses quite a bit, I think all together they did a decent job. The special effects are nicely done, and there are some surprisingly good blood and gore effects to be had for horror afficiandos. Despite it's advantages (the great cast, director, effects, etc.), Dreamcatcher misses quite a bit thanks to quite a number of plot holes, loose ends, and a terrible ending that is nothing like King's book (the alternate ending included on the DVD is much better). Despite all that, Dreamcatcher is best enjoyed with low expectations, and it is a solid B-horror movie with A-level features.

Scary and well made, but...
BORING!!! This movie had a wonderful concept, and managed to scare audiences every scene, but there wasn't any action or scares in the first hour. For this Stephen King novel's adaptation, they had to have the best actors, best stuntpeople and the best writers. It's very thrilling and scary, but, I'm saying as a piece of educated advice: Don't Waste your time.

**1/2 out of 4

Awesome
This is a good movie i dont care what anyone says. this is my favorite movie ever. I DUDDITS!

Really pretty good
I just saw this movie last night, and I don't get why there are so many negative reviews up here. I thought it was well-filmed and well-acted, with the possible exception of whoever played Henry. I kept thinking he sounded like the doctor guy from the spoof "Airplane." ("Not war, water! Mr. Gray wants water! And don't call me Shirley!") Beav (Jason Lee, I think) was hilarious, though, despite his weird toothpick obsession. Morgan Freeman wasn't bad, I guess. He reminded me of an inept Hannibal Lecter with eyebrow toupees.
The movie/plot/character development was all interesting and true to the book. It really wasn't scary, more action/adventure, but I didn't mind and most viewers probably won't. I figure the reason most people watch or read horror anyway is because they like seeing people who are worse off than themselves, and this flick had that in spades. (Giant intestinal parasite, anyone? No? How about some evil Space Truffles or whatever the fungus thing was called?) Its high point was the relationships between the characters, something King has always been really good at portraying.
Anyway, this movie was fun and good for a Friday night. I'd recommend it. Enjoy!

What were they thinking?
I won't be the first to write on the schizophrenic mess this film is, but having squirmed my way through this film I need to 'exorcise' the ill feeling it gave me.
I've had a firm belief that, beyond "Carrie['76]", "Salem's Lot ['79]" and "the Shining ['80]", all other Stephen King film vehicles are basically the same - churned out with the same flimsy mysticism that chokes his already portentious prose. "Dreamcatcher" is the culmination of so many illogical, half-baked 'Stephen King-isms' that you have to wonder, does Stephen King need to get out more? The latter day adaptations of his films (and that horrid "Kingdom" debacle on TV) only confirm that his stories are better left where they came from- a preprogrammed computer which only requires slight name / location changes and... voila! A new bestseller.
Yuck. ... Read more

Amazon.com

This murky rumination on keeping faith in our troubled times was an early sign that writer-director Lawrence Kasdan (Silverado) was losing his once-powerful grasp on the art of storytelling. Set in modern Los Angeles--with all its random violence, venality, ubiquitous police presence, earthquakes, and dreams--the film concerns an unusual intersection of lives and chance occurrences that alter everyone's perspective on destiny. Kasdan, very understandably, is attempting to create an experience for viewers as intuitive as the undefined forces propelling his characters. But from the outside looking in, there isn't enough internal logic in the story to help us connect the dots. Steve Martin has an interesting part as a garish film producer who undergoes a change in priorities after being assaulted on the street. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (70)

A must! Movies like this can change your viewpoint in life
The first time I found this movie standing on the shelf of a videostore, I thought the cast was breathtaking... I knew Mr. Lawrence Kasdan for his work in "The Empire Strikes Back" and "The Return of the Jedi", but that was about it.

The first 3 minutes sequence, really grabbed me. The music, photography, the subtle message, the edition... Instantly, I knew this was a piece of art... After watching it whole, I couldn't do anything else but to watch it again, sometimes while I worked at the computer... just letting the dialogues sink in.

The power of this film on anyone with an open mind, can be overwhelming. It's not a pretentious movie,it's a realistic one. I have placed it in the top 10 movies I've ever seen, and as a screenwriter on his beginnings, believe me, I've seen a lot... this one is unique. All the performances as well really stand out.

Miracles happen every day .
" Grand Canyon " came out at about same time, as" Parenthood "
and " Short Cuts ". All 3 movies deserves solid 5 stars . All 3 has wide variety of exellent actors . All 3 gives us story of very different people living in one city , but somehow connected to each other .
From my point of view , this film is about luck ... is it luck or may be , just may be , it is small miracles , happen every day ?
It is a story of Mac ( Kevin Kline ), emigration lower in LA , and people around him . People , who effect his life , and same people who's life he changes . Doesn't matter , if he wants to do so , or he doesn't .
Movie starts with the Laker's game . We se Steve Martin(Davis)on the floor court . Of cause we think , that he is a main character in the movie ( but in reality - he is only supporting actor ). We already know - this guy is Somebody ( floor court , Laker's game ?! ). But then , we se Kevin Kline with him and slowly acsent moves to his character , Mac . On the way home , he makes the wrong turn to avoid aftergame traffic . Bad decision . His car died in the wrong neighborhood . Mac in troubles , but towtruck driver shows up and , probably , saves his life . This is how we meet Simon ( Danny Glover ).
1. The story of Mac...
We like this guy . He is honest , likeble person . He is not just floating in the river . He is trying to change something ... for better . Only in the middle of the movie we found out WHY !? He tells this story to Simon ... He was standing on the curb ... and made a first step ... the stranger's hand grab him and pulled back , a split second before the bus pass by ... All he was able to say : Thank you ... and the stranger ? " My pleasure "... "She was wearing Pitsburg Pirates cap !? My favorite team since I was a kid - Mac said - was it LUCK ???Or something else ? He is trying to help Simon , the guy who saved him ones . He loves his wife and son . He is doing so many things right , but later we realise - it is not about him . It is about people around him .And no matter what you do , somebody will get hurt .
2. Story of his family ...
His wife is missing her son ( he left to the summer camp ). He grow up so fast ?! She has so much emptyness now .
His son ? We like him right away .
3. Story of Mac's friend , Davis...
Big time movie producer . Violent movies . This is his world . " I made more money this year , than my father in all his life"- he says . This is his Value ?! We think , he is going to change , after getting shot in the bright day lite in the middle of LA ?! This is what he said ... but nothing changes . He leaves us with his thouts , that his " art " reflect what is going on ??? And a HUGE studio door opens , he walks in and the door closes ... slowly . He looked so small ...
3. The story of Simon ...
I think , he is in reality the main character in this film . His wife left him ( but he is peacefull about it ). His deff daughter is in DC , and he speaks with her on one of those TDD machines . If Mac is just likable guy , Simon is smart from his life experience . We want to hear , what he has to say . I just cann't forget his words : My father died last year ... he was 81...very long time for a black man ... in this town . And story of his sister's family showes it well anouph . Remember , what spanish kids said , after they mooved ? Where he came from ? Beirut , or something ?
PS:It is so easy to say : I have a message to deliver , and I am going to do it ! But in reality , the question is : Do you really have anything to say ? Anything to say , what important to us ? Are we going to hear it?

This movie defenetly has a message ! I am so sorry , that some of us didn't get it . This is only a movie ! And people in it are only the actors . Look around . You'll se the real people ... and may be YOU can do a little miracle for them ?

One of the true marvels in movie history
I have seen this movie shortly after it came out, and then never found it again in any video store. A short while ago I bought the DVD, and by watching it for the second time 13 years after I had initally seen it, it was just as wonderful as the first time.
It is not so much about the movie itself, it is more about the message it portrays. THis is how the world should be, with people helping each other, regardless of where they come from or what they are. Wonderfully intertwining the different characters, the movie appears like the little brother of Short Cuts.

high mileage!
The VHS tape I had forwarded to a friend was faded with use (she said.) Certainly not a commentary on this remarkable movie but a caution on the original sourcing of this tape.

This is a film
This is a movie about life, plain and simple. I saw this dvd on sale for $$$$ at my local best buy, so i thought i would give it a shot........from the first scene where Mack is on the verge of getting held up i was totally hooked - the whole movie was breath-taking , I have never seen a film quite like it, i know alot of people try to compare it to magnolia but i think that's ridiculous.....this film deserves to be recognized for what it is, a story about life and the fact that everybody is a little peon on this planet, but each and everyone of us dictates each others lives in a significant way when we are not even aware of it. I'm tired of reading negative reviews from this tree-hugging hippy new york times junkies, please watch this movie for yourself to form your own opinion rather than basing it on a media outlet. This film will resonate w/ you, it's not your typical friday night rental, it is the type of film that will be in the back of your mind right after you watched it......... ... Read more

Reviews (42)

A charming movie about a small town and a big heart
'Mumford' is one of those movies that just sort of pops out at you. You never expected to see it, but one day you're at the video store, and BOOM! There's a wonderful movie just sitting there that everyone is missing out on. I've seen 'Mumford' maybe three times. And every time I wait to see the long loads of characters as they tell Doc Mumford their problems and you watch as they change. Everyone chages. The reason this movie is so entertaining, is because 1) Doc Mumford is a handsome, compassionate man with a deep secret. 2) There are tons of characters and each one of their stories is interesting. 3) This is the kind of film that makes you love living in small-town America. And writing in a little love story does the movie some good too! But even if the movie hadn't had the little love story, I would still enjoy it anyway, because it's such a funny and heartfelt movie, that you always find some reason to laugh or ever cry! And even if this review doesn't make you want to see it, read the others and see it anyway! Because it's too good of a movie to miss out on.

Nothing New, Yet Engaging
Doc Mumford (Loren Dean) is a small-town psychologist who, in his short four months there, has become one of the most well-liked and respected men in the town. Of course, it helps that there are enough problems in this town to fill an abnormal psychology text book. The charm of the movie, Mumford, lies not in the secrets the people keep, but in the love they all share.

Writer/Director Lawrence Kasdan is treading familiar ground in Mumford. The feel, the angst, (even some of the actors!) are taken from his fabulous 1991 film Grand Canyon. Unlike the earlier work (which dealt with real issues surrounding race relations and violence), Mumford is set in an almost idyllic small town where the worst problems are personal issues of self-esteem.

But Mumford is engaging in its own way. The story centers around Doc, a smart, sensitive, relative newcomer to the town of Mumford (yes, Doc and the town share the same name). While he isn't exactly unorthodox, he isn't afraid to tell his patients to stop talking or even to refuse clients. He even has a penchant for discussing his clients with his patient/friend Skip Skipperton (Jason Lee, Chasing Amy).

The ensemble cast that visits Doc range from Skip, a young billionaire whose high-tech company is the lifeblood of the town, to Althea, a mother of two with a shopping addiction. Doc becomes torn, however, when he finds himself falling for one of his patients, Sofie (Hope Davis, Next Stop, Wonderland), a young woman suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Dean is great as Doc, with an understated humor that reminded me of an optimistic Charles Grodin. His character is multi-faceted, but it isn't until later in the story that his layers start revealing themselves. Alfre Woodard (Star Trek: First Contact) does a wonderful turn as Doc's neighbor Lily. Her small supporting role offers a sounding board to Doc, who has no where to turn with his own problems.

Despite its great cast and humorous twists, Mumford ultimately relies on love to resolve every plot complication. Like in Grand Canyon, Kasdan seems to be under the impression that love conquers all, and the best way to bring conclusion to a story is to pair off the players so they can all live happily ever after.

I have nothing against happy endings, but it compromises credibility when everything turns out well. Mumford seems not to be a story about the real world as an allegory about the human heart. It's not a bad story, but it appears to be a simplified solution to a complicated problem.

dull and insulting
Mumford is a film about a "psychologist" who lives in a small idyllic town, and deals with his patients in a way that seems to annoy them but keeps them coming back. Could it be that Loren Dean happens to look like a model? He also has the charm and acting abilities of a model, which is to say none.

Hope Davis steals the show here, although what she was doing in this film is beyond explanation.

The film does not let the viewer get deep inside any of the characters, certainly what should be paramount in a film that deals with human nature, love, and anxiety. Instead we are offered a script that is so obvious I imagined a five year old with a crayon scribbling it down during recess before submitting it to the studio.

Before you settle down with this film expecting a cozy little vignette about relationships be warned, it is chock full of unnecessary swearing and breast flashing. The review I read likened it to a Frank Capra film; well, you're much better off with the real thing.

Awww, Crap!
The movie is great, and makes you think.

Do yourself a favor and don't read any of the other reviews, because some give away the big twist in the middle (ruining the movie for you).

Hey, reviewers, don't ruin the movies for everybody. That just isn't nice

There's Nothing Special To See In This Movie
I've seen a lot of movies in my life, and Mumford is nothing more than just another to add to the list. I don't like it, I don't hate it, and I don't feel any different after having seen it. I hate being so apathetic, but that's just what this movie does to a viewer.

This is the story of a pseudo-psychologist named Mumford (Loren Dean) who lives and practices in a town named Mumford. He's not the typical shrink. He'll make you feel bad if he has to, he'll tell you to never come back to his office again, and he'll divulge your inner most secrets to anyone who wants to know them. But in spite of his unprofessional approaches to therapy, the whole town seems to love him. We learn half-way through the movie that he's not really a psychologist at all, and everything this town knows about me is completely fraudulent. He's really a former investigator for the Internal Revenue Service who took a few wrong turns in life and decided to completely relinquish his past and start over in this town. The movie shows him treating several very colorful and interesting patients with some very serious problems before his true identity is discovered, though I won't reveal the consequences he must face in the end.

Loren Dean does an adequate job in his performance as a sober-minded psychologist. Though, he's not a terribly gifted actor, and I don't see why anyone would want to give him the lead role in a major movie. Hope Davis, Jason Lee, Alfre Woodard, and Mary McDonnell are also good in their performances as Mumford's patients.

I suppose the reason why this movie wasn't very appealing to me was that the plot was too "by the numbers." In fact, there wasn't much of a plot at all. It relies too much of trying to evoke certain feelings or moods from its audience, which just doesn't ever happen. There's enough substance here to keep a viewer engaged for the duration of the movie, but just not enough to evoke emotion. ... Read more

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