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Riding the strange '50s nostalgia wave that swept through America during the late 1970s (caused by TV shows like Happy Days and films like American Graffiti), Grease became not only the word in 1978, but also a box-office smash and a cultural phenomenon. Twenty years later, this entertaining film adaptation of the Broadway musical received another successful theatrical release, which included visual remastering and a shiny new Dolby soundtrack. For its video and laser disc re-release, Grease lovers can also now see it in the correct 2:35 to 1 Panavision aspect ratio, and see retrospective interviews with cast members and director Randal Kleiser. All these stylistic touches are essential to the film's success. Without the fabulously choreographed, widescreen musical numbers; vibrant colors; and unforgettably campy and catchy tunes (like "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," and "You're the One That I Want"), the film would have to rely on a silly, cliché-filled plot that we've seen hundreds of times. As it is, the episodic story about the romantic dilemmas experienced by a group of graduating high school seniors remains fresh, fun, and incredibly imaginative. The young, animated cast also deserves a lot of credit, bringing chemistry and energy to otherwise bland material. John Travolta, straight from his success in Saturday Night Fever, knows his sexual star power and struts, swaggers, sings, and dances appropriately; while Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of virgin innocence is the only decent acting she's ever done. And then there's Stockard Channing, spouting sexual double-entendres as Rizzo, the bitchy, raunchy leader of the Pink Ladies, who steals the film from both of its stars. Ignore the sequel at all costs. --Dave McCoy ... Read more

Reviews (221)

5 Star Movie Lowered (Slightly) By Disappointing DVD
I won't go into the plot here, because, let's face it, if you haven't seen Grease by now, you probably won't ever see it. And you are missing out on a really fun film. That is the secret to this movie's popularity. It's just plain fun! It doesn't have a really great script, none of the performancies (with the exception of Stockard Channing) is anything above run-of-the-mill, but it's got a lot of great, catchy songs, a very likeable cast, and is just a treat to watch again and again. I was disappointed by this DVD release though, because it's exactly the same as the laser disc, only smaller and you don't have to turn it over. The cast interviews at the end are four years old, and this is really just a delayed release of the 20th Anniversary Edition on DVD. And what fan of Grease needs a cheap, paper booklet of song lyrics? Believe me, we know them all by heart. Truly the most profitable and one of the most popular musicals ever made deserves a better DVD package. The fans certainly deserve it too, having waited so long for this. Boo! to Paramount for, apparently, wanting to wait and pick our pockets again some time down the road when they release the two-disc set with all the extras this movie should have. At least it's in widescreen, which is a totally different viewing experience for anyone who hasn't seen it letterboxed or on the big screen yet. The musical numbers have a much larger scope, with dancers and other action on the sides that had previously been cut off. You will be surprised how many previously unseen guys are on the bleachers with Danny and the gang for "Summer Nights". And to anyone who is planning to buy the full-frame DVD--shame on you! You are truly missing out.

You CAN right a movie about rock&roll!
Most people would think that you could'nt write a good movie about rock&roll. This movie sure proves them wrong. The songs are great, and the movie is great.
I said that the songs were a great part of the movie. Here they are.
1. Grease-5/0
2. Summer Nights-8/10
3. Hopelessly Devoted To You-3/10
4. You're The One That I Want- 10/10
5. Sandy-1/10
6. Beauty School Dropout-5/10
7. Look At Me, I'm Sandra D.-7/10
8. Greased Lightning-9/10
9. It's Raining On Prom Night-3/10
10. Alone at the Drive-In-Movie-1/10
11. Blue Moon-9/10
12. Rock "N" Role is Here To Stay-8/10
13. Those Magic Changes-10/10
14. Hound Dog-4/10
15. Born To Hand Jive-4/10
16. Tears On My Pillow-2/10
17. Mooning-2/10
18. Freddy My Love-0/10
19. Rock "N" Role Party Queen-8/10
20. There Are Worse Things I Could Do-3/10
21. Look At Me, I'm Sandra D.(Reprise)-5/10
22. We Go Togeter-10/10
23. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing-4/10
24 Grease(Reprise)-5/10

As you can see, there are some VERY bad songs, but for the most part, the songs are pretty good. The whole movie was even better than the songs. The whole idea of the movie is a senior high schooler comes to the U.S. and goes to a cheap high school. There, she runs into a guy she met in the summer, who is in a car gang that is against another car gang. Throughout the year, this girl ( her name is Sandy) and her friends deal with the guy(his name is Danny) and his friends. The movie pretty much told about the "typical" high scholl senior's problems, except in a more 60's background. The movie actually took place in the 70's. At the end, Danny's car gang beats the rival gang in a car race, and at the end of the movie, the whole gang of guys and girls gets back together without any problems at the end of the year. The movie is all in all VERY good. Buy it today.

Grease lightning!
(...)

Anyway, "Grease" is one of my favorite movies. It's just one of those timeless gems that will never die (can't say the same for the sequel, though). Every song is a joy and the film couldn't have been casted any better. John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing; all involved give indelibly charming performances. A lot of great films came out of the 70's (The Godfather, A Clockwork Orange, Taxi Driver, Chinatown, Jaws, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, etc., etc...) but "Grease" is still able to hold it's own after all these years. A quintessential film to add to your collection.

As far as the DVD goes, well... it's typical of Paramount to stiff us with what could have been a solid release. If you take into account that almost everyone who buys the disc already knows all the songs and dialogue by heart, the studio could have done lots of fun things with the material. Alas, we only get a songbook (which is admittedly kinda cool) and a documentary. Oh, yeah. And a theatrical trailer. How rare. *scoffs*

A half-assed effort to bring "Grease" to a great medium notwithstanding, I'd highly recommend buying this.

"Summer lovin'... had me a bla-haaast..."

I love this movie
Firstly because it reminds me of a carefree and happy time in my life. I saw this in the summer of 1978 when I was 12 years old and the only thing I had to worry about was making sure I didn't have any overdue library books, keeping the lawn mowed and starting ninth grade in the fall. Secondly because there's some great pop music in this movie, _Hopelessy Devoted to You_ is one of the best pop songs about unrequited attraction ever written. Thirdly because of the subtext of this movie, the lesson this movie teaches you is that in order to get ahead you have to be a slut, just look at the way Olivia Newton John (who was 30 when this movie was made) turns from a good girl at the beginning of the movie into a leather trouser wearing slut at the end. Fourthly I love this movie because all of the actors in it are so obviously too old to be in high school. I figured as a kid that this was because the lead paint factory at the town of Rydell was dumping a lot of stuff into the water supply in those halcyon, pre-EPA days of the 1950s and the resulting heavy metal poisoning made the children of Rydell somewhat slow, which was why they were all still in high school even though they were in their late 20s and early 30s.

Greasy John isn't my cup of grease
As an Australian I find this movie extremely offensive. Why should Sandie have to change and become a greasy fat rude American. She should haved stay the way she was I reckon.

There's a line in this movie about eating sh*t...I agree. ... Read more

Reviews (53)

One of my favorites as a kid
I waited a long time for this to come out on dvd. Bugs me that the companies don't get it right the first time though. They release the dvd with no extras what so ever just so they can release a special edition a few months later. Disney did the same thing with Tron. I'm sure they have a lot of stuff they could've put on this dvd but they chose otherwise. I would've liked to see some trailers at least and it doesn't even look like it has any.

Anyway Flight of the Navigator is a great movie for the whole family. It's under-rated and a lot of people might not even have heard of it. It's about a boy who's accidently sent to the future by an alien space ship. When he finds his family they wonder why he hasn't aged a day. Scientists then run tests on him to find out where he was. He decides to escape and find a way back to the past and getting a ride on the space ship is the only way back. Once he gets on the ship is when the movie turns more goofy as the alien is voiced by Paul Reubens (Pee Herman) after all. The movie is still tons of fun and it does have some clever science fiction in it too for a kids movie. So eventhough the dvd has no extras what so ever the movie itself is worth checking out.

Reminiscent of the best of the Heinlein young adult novels..
Flight of the Navigator is a far better movie than we'd have a right to suspect.

Plot spoiler if you read further:

A few minutes into this film, 12-year-old David Freeman (Joey Cramer) is on an
errand to retrieve his 8-year-old brother, Jeff, when he falls into a gulley and is
knocked out. Regaining consciousness, David returns to his house, thinking only a
few minutes have passed, and instead of his parents and brother finds a locked
door and an elderly couple living there.

Taken to the police station, David is identified by computer records as a boy
reported missing eight years before. Despite the fact that he hasn't aged, he's taken
to the Freeman's at a different house nearby, and when he sees his parents
obviously older, he faints. He returns to consciousness again on a gurney on his
way to a hospital bed. A few minutes later, while his parents are called out of the
room by a somber-faced doctor, David is left alone with his brother Jeff -- who is
now 16.

This is ostensibly a Disney movie for kids -- and later on there is a lot of comedic
Disney hijinks -- but the first half hour of the movie, as David and his family deal
with the trauma of his time relocation, are some of the most heart-rending and
chilling sequences I've seen in any film.

Spoiler over.

This movie reminded me of some of the time-relativity sequences in Robert A.
Heinlein's novel, Time for the Stars. The characters are well written and the actors
do an excellent job, particularly in the scenes between Joey Cramer and Matt
Adler, as 16-year-old Jeff. The distraught parents, Cliff de Young and Veronica
Cartwright, are also excellent -- and Howard Hesseman and Sarah Jessica Parker
round out a great supporting cast.

Special kudos are due to Paul Reubens (best known for his character Pee Wee
Herman) who was originally credited under his own name for lending his voice to a
major character in this film, but had his name removed from the credits, replaced
by the pseudonym "Pall Mall," after Reubens was arrested for alleged indecent
exposure committed in a movie theater seat. (I've never understood how Reubens
was convinced to plead "no contest" to the charge, after theater security cameras
showed him in the lobby buying popcorn at the time of the alleged offense.)
Considering that Disney's Hollywood Pictures division released Powder, directed
by a convicted and confessed child molester, Disney should show some backbone
and restore Reubens real name to the credits.

If you can get ahold of this movie, see it -- and maybe Disney will see fit to release
it again -- on DVD, I hope.

One of the Greatest Family Movies of all time!
This is one of the greatest family movies I have ever seen. I saw it in the theatre in 1986 (twice). I purchased the video as soon as it was released and will now purchase the DVD. I'm so glad it is finally available. If you are looking for a wonderful movie to watch with your family...this is the one to buy!

wtf!!!
get this strictly for the boy's trippy,lsd addicted little buddy that rides on his shoulder!what a little tripper!!!

One of My Favorites as a Child, now on DVD!!!
Flight of the Navigator certainly brings back wonderful memories, of childhood in the summertime eating hotdogs and drinking soda on a sunday night. This Disney flick about a boy's journey mysterious journey through time was long overdue on DVD!! Ofcourse we cannot forget that Sarah Jessica Parker has a prominent role! And isn't Paul Reubens, (aka Pee Wee Herman) the voice of the alien navigator??

The Picture and Sound quality are excellent, as compared to that old VHS copy we all have! Presented in 1:85:1 Aspect Ratio Widescreen. The DVD is lacking any real special features, like "The Making of" or "Commentaries" but it is a wonderful addition to that nostalgic childhood collection. ... Read more

Description

Jack London's immortal tale of courage and survival comes to glorious life amid the breathtaking beauty of the great Alaskan frontier! Ethan Hawke (DEAD POETS SOCIETY) stars as a young man trying to fulfill his father's dying wish to find gold in the treacherous Yukon valley. His incredible journey begins when he meets a veteran gold miner (Klaus Maria Brandauer), who guides young Jack to his father's claim. Along the way, Jack discovers a kindred spirit who will change his life forever -- a magnificent wolf-dog named White Fang. From the taming of a wolf, to the taming of the wild, he must find the courage to conquer his fears and become a man in this spectacular outdoor adventure! ... Read more

Reviews (32)

White Fang- One of the best animal-film ever?
The story tells us about a battered wolf, who becomes the best friend of a young gold digger called Jack (Ethan Hawke).

The scenery of the wilderness and of the snowy Alaska is incredible. The dog-fight between White Fang and a bulldog is dramatic. If you like animal-storys, White Fang is the best film for you.

The actors are convincing and the score is good. The film is so good because it's based on a partly true story. We think that the film includes fun, action and adventure. We liked the scene in which the wolf saves Jacks life by chasing away a grizzly bear best.

It's a must to watch this film!

White Fang- One of the best animal-film ever?
The story tells us about a battered wolf, who becomes the best friend of a young gold digger called Jack (Ethan Hawke). The scenery of the wilderness and of the snowy Alaska is incredible. The dog-fight between White Fang and a bulldog is dramatic. If you like animal-storys, White Fang is the best film for you. The actors are convincing and the score is good. The film is so good because it's based on a partly true story. We think that the film includes fun, action and adventure. We liked the scene in which the wolf saves Jacks life by chasing away a grizzly bear best.

It's a must to watch this film!

Powerful tale of love and violence in Alaskan wilderness
This Disney version of White Fang, starring Ethan Hawke, Jed the wolf, and Bart the grizzly is my favorite movie. The film has breathtaking, sweeping views of the Alaskan wilderness with a swelling score to accompany the cinematography. And that's just the beginning. Fresh-faced and innocent Ethan Hawke plays a wonderful Jack, a young man trying to find his father's Yukon claim during the Gold Rush of the 1800's. Klaus Maria Brandauer brings realism as the man who grudgingly befriends the boy. Jack takes a journey from boy to young man as he encounters death, violence, cruelty, ignorance, friendship, and love in this beautiful movie for anyone of any age.

There is no sex, bad language, or nudity, but make no mistake: this is a violent and scary film. Scenes of dogfights are so realistic you cannot believe the animals are just acting. There is the death of a mother wolf in front of her cub, vicious dogfights, a grizzly attack, implied killing of a man by a pack of ravenous wolves, and an implied sensuous relationship between Brandauer and his lovely girlfriend.

Native Americans and wolves get the treatment they deserve in this movie, bringing a new perspective to viewers without being preachy or maudlin.

Warning: When the grizzly makes his appearance, it is when you least expect, and it will make your heart jump. And it is the biggest grizzly I have ever seen in my life. My hat goes off to the animal trainers in this film.

White Fang - Not even close to the book
If there was any mark lower than one star, I'd put it down. I have not even seen the movie and yet I read the description, and can say that this movie is the lowest of the low.

Jack London's book was an absolute masterpiece, and the movie has absolutely no connection with the book in question, other than title and the name of the wolf.

In the book, it was the life story of a wolf who eventually became domesticated, but not after being injured, beaten, thrown into the fighting pits, and generally had to endure a life of hate for both men and other dogs.

I cannot beleive disney put such a great title on a movie if the film does not have a shred of the art it has been named after.

If you want the real White Fang, go to some bookstore, or search here at Amazon, and get the book. This movie's been designed only to catch the attention of gullible oafs who do not check the back of the case to see what it's about.

To those people who rated 3 and above, read the book and you will share my view, that this movie is a scandal against Jack London and the novel, and should be ignored like any other crappy movie.

I loved this movie...
It's a little different than the book, but a wonderful movie nonetheless.... My only complaint is that it's not on DVD.. major bummer! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The cinematography by Néstor Almendros garnered him an Oscar nomination. Unfortunately, the performance by then child star Brooke Shields garnered her a nomination, too--for a Razzie Award. She won, he didn't.

This 1980 remake of a much classier, 1949 British version features Shields and Christopher Atkins as children shipwrecked on a lush tropical island. They grow to maturity and fall in love, with the script paying special attention to their burgeoning sexuality. Should you desire more trite dialogue, there is an even less satisfying sequel, 1991's Return to the Blue Lagoon. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (58)

This film should be hailed as a classic
After things don't go like they should, a boy and a girl get stranded on an island in the South Seas. The two children are forced to stay together for years on the island with no other place to go. As you might imagine, once these two reach their teenage years, they might begin to feel a little differently about each other.

I was born the year this movie was made and I grew up watching it a lot of times. When I was a teenager, I never really paid much attention to the movie itself because I was head over heels for Brooke Shields. Now that I'm grown, I decided to watch it again and see if it was really as terrible of a movie as I've always heard it was.

Sure, the movie is somewhat controversial and it's not all that deep plot-wise, but to be honest, I still like this movie a lot.

In my opinion, "The Blue Lagoon" had and still has a lot going for it. For one, I don't see why everybody cuts down Brooke Shields for her horrible acting. Granted she's not the best actress in the world, but I don't think she did that bad of a job. Another thing, I saw that the movie doesn't concentrate hardly at all on how the couple actually survives for years on the island, it's mainly just a movie about two teens who fall in love on a seemingly deserted island. But that's all the makers intended for this movie to be about, it's not supposed to be much of a story of survival. It kept me interested the entire two hours and I never got bored at all.

Finally, I've always heard about "The Blue Lagoon" winning the 1980 award for best cinematography, and I can see why. Throughout the movie, there are several captivating underwater sequences along with the views of the island itself and the ocean. Equally as impressive is the film's musical score. The music couldn't have been any better for the parts of the movie that it signifies.

If you like great movies and if you can tolerate watching a classic romance/drama film, do yourself a favor and purchase "The Blue Lagoon." I really don't see why many people throughout the years have bashed it flatter than a slice of cheese because it's a great movie, and in my book, it's a classic!

A Tale of Natual Love-Brooke Shields finest
The Blue Lagoon is a true classic, never have I seen a film shot as beautifully as this one. It is a true story about natual love, the discovery of one's self, their bodies, their confusing feelings for one another as they hit man and womanhood. This film deals with a lot of issues- growing up on their own on a deserted island, their sexuality, masterbation, menstration, sex,parenthood. This film is wonderful. Never have I really seen a film that's not set in civillisation but is so entertaining for one but the story is just beautiful, and Brooke Shields as Emmeline and Christopher Atkins as Richard are fantastic. The musical score is truely beautiful and makes me feel a range of emotions. The first time I saw this film I was so fasinated by it, and was about the same age as the characters so I could relate to some of the emotions they were going through, the confusion of everything. Anyone thinking about buying this film-Go for it- You woun't regret it. As for the fans who have loved this film throught out the years, it was worth the wait. The Extras on the DVD are excellent. The two commentaries are very informative and I love listening to the Brooke Shields track and hearing her insight about the film and that time the film came out. It's also interesting looking at her own personal photo album and the featurette from 1980 is very interesting.This film will always be one of my favourites.-Brooke Shields is just beautiful and is one of the best actress' of her generation.

FANTASTIC
The film was dissected by most critics, but I have always enjoyed it. The stars; Christopher Atkins and Brooke Shields shine in their youthful beauty and performances. The movie was banned in Oslo when it opened in 1980, but it played to full houses in the provinces. The docu on this DVD is good, but the sound is not on par with the movie.

I think the critics at the time was embaressed by its sensual frankness and therefor tried to "kill it". It was a huge hit though and still is a film you should see with your loved-one:-)

ATKINS & SHIELDS - BOTH GREAT
I remember that it was banned in Oslo when it came in 1980, but we saw it out of town hehehe. The DVD is perfect. The cinematgraphy and music as good as it gets. The film was dissected by critics, but I think at the time it was strong stuff to see sexual frankness from a major Hollywood studio. Christopher Atkins and Brooke Shields are both at their best in this film. It is the perfect film for two people in the beginning of their love-affair.

Celebration of emotions
What if a man is not influenced by any thoughts of others and stays totally isolate of all human hypocrisy? What if a man has only nature around him and nothing else to prejudice his sense of right and wrong? This is exactly what this movie is all about.
Two children, stranded in an island, form their own set of ethics and morals...as they have to with no adults around. Their lives, as the Director wishes to convey, are a voyage of discovery. They discover the best food to survive on, they discover the places they should not visit, they discover adoloscence, they discover the rebellion of the teenage, they discover love, they discover passion, they discover the joys of family and finally, the irony of life. They have nothing to influence their discovery and that, in itself makes the movie an adventure and enchanting.
This is one movie that's a must in all collections. ... Read more

Album Details

Lloyd Banks, Member of 50 Cent's G-unit, Delivers the First Single from his Debut Solo Album "The Hunger for More". ... Read more

Reviews (14)

Great Viewing
This movie is just plain fun, silly, silly fun. The premise is absurd: a scientist accidentally zaps his toddler with a magnification ray and the kid "blows up" to 120 feet tall and menaces Las Vegas. No one gets hurt in this humorous spoof of 1950s horror films in general and a sweet sequel of the classic Honey I Shrunk the Kids in specific. Watch it with your children and tell me which scene you liked best, the giant toddler refusing to take a nap or the hulking toddler dressed up in oversized hunting gear to look like "my wife's strange" uncle from Ukraine? This is a warm film. Lots of laughs.

toy car
I like the part when Adam picks up the car with the two teens in it and starts to play with the car.

Deja Vu
This is a great movie for kids. I know because once my 3 year old saw it, we didn't stop watching it the whole week. I think to date we have watched it at least 10 times. So, if you want your small children to be entertained...rent or better yet, buy this one. As an adult you may get tired of watching it but you can catch up on that rather much needed rest while the movie is on. Two enthusiastic thumbs up.

An excellent follow up to the original..
Usualy sequals to movies like this can really lack and leave a lot desired but this follow up to the hit "Honey I shrunk the Kids" is actualy a lot of fun and a nice change on the size changing themes that were developed in the first.

This movie realized that we probably saw enough of the shrinking and being lost in the backyard idea and decided to do the opposite. A few new characters were introduced in this movie to make things work. The most important being Wanyes new son Adam who is a 2 year old toddler and will be the focus of this latest instalment with the wacky inventor and his family. Wayne now is part of a big company who wants to use his size alteration invention for their own uses. The only problem is he can't get the growth part to work correctly. On a surprise visit to the lab with his two sons to do some extra work, 2 year old Adam accidently gets caught under the rays of the growth ray only to wind up growing very slowly over a long period of time. Before they can blink he has grown to over 100 feet tall and terrorizing
downtown Las Vegas. To make matters worse an evil partner in the company is trying to take control of things and wants the kid destroyed.

Its a fun story that really has a lot of creative moments like His other son and the babysitter getting captured by the giant and stuck in his shirt pocked for most of the movie. They make it look really realistic with the giant baby towering over some famous Las Vegas casinos and the crowd reacting pretty realisticly. Kinda like one of those silly Godzilla movies but still with a Disney charm to it. It has a great story and a good climax and everything seems to end up happily ever after. Its defintely a movie that all ages would enjoy, some may not like it more then the first but this one relies more on fewer characters and a focus of one huge character compared to a lot of small characters. So its a fair tradeoff I feel and worked well.

Unfortunatly though the movie has a few problems. One was that they totaly write out the daughter sending her to college, the neighbors too are not mentioned and they don't really show a lot in the way of the kid growing . He sorta just is one size one moment and bigger another. They could have done a little more with such things but those are minor problems.

Bottom line. If you are looking for a fun, carefree and family safe movie. This is the one for you. If you liked the first or any of the "Honey I..." movies this is a must get for the colection. You won't be disapointed.

Tons of fun!
Another one of Wyane's wacky idea's brings him to enlarge his baby child to maybe 50 times! He causes all sorts of trouble for the parents, then the babysitter, and then the city. Ice cream trucks and teddy bears and fire trucks try to stop him, but it's not that easy when your life is at stake for a "squishdown". His mom then intentionally enlarges herself, too, when nothing works. Great movie to enjoy alone, with family, or maybe with friends! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

C.Thomas Howell is the best!
C.Thomas Howell is always going to be mt favorite actor! I am his biggest fan yet...and I am pretty sure I always will be! I havent yet seen this movie...and I am suprised because it is the only movie of Tommy's that I havent seen. All of his other movies are excellent (2 thumbs up! lol*) Well I always will have a special place for tom in my heart and I hope he writes to me one day.....because he is my inspiration and role-model! Thanks Tom you are the best! I know this movie will rock cause I am getting it for X-mas!

An All Star Cast!
The production quality isn't the greatest...but an early great mix of talent. I was suprised to see C. Thomas Howell, Patrick Swayze, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and John and Joan Cuzack in a movie together. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Bleah. Interesting up to a point, but still, a dud.
I was a stupid dolt and actually thought this was a re-make of the Theresa Wright film "Shadow of A Doubt". But I misread the title. My stupid mistake.

The plot was a typical murder mystery, and while it was not the best told tale, I was interested in finding out "who dunnit". So I stuck around until the end. But there were many elements to this film that I found flawed, or just irritating.

And then there was the cast. I like Melanie Griffith. I like Tom Berenger. However, they could not redeem this film. Melanie Griffith came off as self concious of her beauty and "super confident"--which grated on my nerves after a while. Berenger was fine in the role he had, but he didn't get a lot screen time. He really should have been billed as a supporting actor, but the impression I got from the film's advertising was that he was a CO-star. His role wasn't all that big (it was important, but not that big). Supporting actor Huey Lewis got more screen time than Berenger! (Not that I minded--I like Lewis.)

It was nice seeing Nina Foch working again too. She's been around forever, and still has what it takes to give a good performance. Also, nice score by Joel Goldsmith (Jerry Goldsmith's son). Still, I wouldn't recommend this film. Rent it if you must.

If you are a big Griffith fan, you might be tempted, but this is certainly not her best roll. Tom Berenger fans will be disappointed--his part isn't all that interesting.

Good cast but dopey script, stupid characters.
I enjoy almost anything Melanie Griffith is in, but this one was too silly and unbelievable. Her character is supposed to be a smart, tough lawyer but she does everything that would either get a real lawyer disbarred, laughed out of court -- or killed. Beautifully shot, great sets and locations, but everybody is wasted in this dopey script. Nina Foch is a GREAT witchy woman, but I missed John Ritter completely (fooled by the beard)and had to rewind to catch his scene in the very beginning.

Miscast, Misdirected, Mistake
Let's see, where to start. Melanie Griffith is supposed to be one of the best, toughest, smartest defense attorneys in the city, but acts more like a former stripper playing at being a recent law school grad. I guess seductive whispers, a slinky walk, and tepid one-line comebacks are all it takes to free rapist/killers. Realism is non-existent as she voluntarily gives away key information/evidence to the DA and her powerful adversaries before the trial even starts. Her crack investigative team manages to stumble across valuable clues at the drop of a hat without even a trace of intelligent, logical, deductive reasoning or sleuthing. The dialog is absolutely inane, including an awful scene where this supposedly hard-boiled attorney (Griffith) who has successfully defended the scum of the earth, suddenly realizes a full five minutes into the interrogation of her client (a major slimeball) that she believes his story--that he was just having kinky sex, slapping his date around, and didn't really kill the girl--and starts crying at this realization. Supposed to be touching I'm sure, but instead it was so out of place and baffling, I cringed while laughing. In addition there's this weird, pointless side story about a former client whom she got acquitted, then slept with, only to find out he was actually guilty of rape all along. Throughout the movie he repeatedly calls her and taunts her through her answering machine causing her to listen for several minutes before unplugging it, or turning it off, or throwing it against the wall, but never doing anything that makes sense, like changing her phone number. Even this elicits no real emotion from her, she basically sleepwalks through the movie. But, worst of all, this movie is boring--no suspense, no thrills, and I didn't care one bit about the fortunes of any of the characters. I have really liked Griffith in several recent movies and do not understand this one at all, except that she's just horribly miscast--as is everyone in this film. In fact, why I even devoted this much time in reviewing this escapes me--except maybe I'll save someone a few bucks and a couple of wasted hours.

RUN OF THE MILL THRILLS, SAVED BY STARS
"Shadow of Doubt" sounded very intriguing on its back cover. To boot, it also starred Melanie Griffith and Tom Berenger. It's a classy production, great visuals, dialogue and interesting story. The thriller is about a laywer (Griffith) who is defending a young man accused of raping and killing a young woman. She believes the man is innocent, unlike fellow lawyer, Tom Berenger. Soon a politician's family gets wound up in the murders, and the lawyer must seek out information. Craig Sheffer (A River Runs Through It) also stars as a past client of Griffith's, who is a former raper too. Singer, Huey Lewis also stars in the film as does James Morrison and John Ritter (Bride of Chucky). You have seen all this before in films like "Kiss the Girls" and "The Gingerbread Man", but this one suffers because it's just too long, causing you to fall alseep after half way.zzzzzzzzzzzzzz...... ... Read more

Amazon.com

Director Randal Kleiser is so noted for featherweight fare like TheBlue Lagoon and Grease that when It's My Party hit theaters in 1996, critics clapped while filmgoers turned fickle. But it's a potent andtear-jerking film if only because of the personal weight it bears. As Kleiserrevealed in interviews at the time of the film's release, the event that madehim sit down and write the film "was so powerful it became a turning point in mylife," and this film is a fictionalized, heartfelt depiction of that event.

It's My Party is about Nick (Eric Roberts) a young gay man whose AIDS symptoms become life threatening. He decides to toss a final party before he ends his life and invites his friends and family to this most special ofspecial occasions. But then the ex-love of his life--a Kleiser-like filmdirector (Gregory Harrison) who bailed on him after he was diagnosedwith AIDS--arrives.

Kleiser called in favors from his friends and they all worked for scale.He said he "never worked on a set that was so supportive." The result is amovie about AIDS that merits a second look not only because it is empathicand loving, but because it's also defined by Kleiser's honesty and self-criticaldesire for redemption. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Brilliant ERIC Roberts
So you thought Julia Roberts had all the talent in the family? Think again, and see "It's My Party" if you want proof positive that Eric, her brother, deserves the same level of praise and attention. A shattering performance that was grossly overlooked in 1996, Roberts plays the central character, dying from AIDS with dignity and self-determination that is so rarely captured ANYWHERE it's often astounding to the viewer to get through. If you thought "Terms of Endearment" was a terrific film, you might dislike the honesty and wrenching sincerity of this movie. There is little room for self-disdain here, or sadness. Rather, what erupts throughout is pure emotional awareness....Roberts captures so many dimensions of a dying man, you're celebrating AND reflecting at once. There is also an incredible supporting cast and special kudos to Harrison, Newton-John, and Cho. A real family film - see it and share it with the people you love. A note to the studio - how about a DVD release with some behind-the-scenes extras and perhaps even some reflections from the lovely Julia Roberts on her brother's extraordinary turn

Don't waste your time
A few weeks ago, I attempted to watch this movie with a small group of friends. We had all read the summary on the back of the case, and though it sounded good. We were wrong. While the basic story has potential, the presentation is extremely melodramatic. The acting is terrible, and the writing even worse. This is, without a doubt, among the worst movies I have ever seen.

Powerful film, inspired by true events
IT'S MY PARTY (USA 1996): In the last few days before an AIDS-related brain tumor renders him insensible, a young LA designer (Eric Roberts) decides to end his own life, though not before throwing a final joyous bash for family and loved ones. However, the occasion is strained by the arrival of Roberts' former lover (Gregory Harrison), seeking reconciliation at the eleventh hour...

Though heartfelt and moving, Randal Kleiser's powerful film - inspired by actual events - feels a little fragmented and plays like a reunion of his closest showbiz friends (the cast is a veritable who's-who of familiar faces), anchored firmly by Harrison and Roberts in the central roles. Their former relationship is outlined briefly at the start of the film, too briefly for the subsequent break-up to register as anything more than a minor event, though their love for one another is conveyed with real strength and conviction. Roddy McDowall essays the voice of conscience during a brief cameo appearance in which he questions the ethics of suicide, but his character's conservative views are given short shrift by Kleiser's defiant screenplay, which uses a sprinkling of mordant humor to keep mawkishness at bay (at one point, Roberts and his best friend [Bronson Pinchot, camping it up with abandon] launch into a rousing rendition of "It's my party/And I'll die if I want to"!). Viewers are advised, however, that the final twenty minutes are relentlessly, heartbreakingly sad. Amongst the high-profile supporting players, look fast for Nina Foch, Sally Kellerman, Greg Louganis, Steve Antin and a virtually unrecognizable Dennis Christopher and Christopher Atkins.

Sound and picture on MGM/UA's DVD are uniformly fine, and the extras include extended/deleted scenes, a trailer, and an audio commentary with director, cast and crew which goes into greater detail about the 1992 events which inspired the movie.

109m 35s
1.85:1 / Anamorphically enhanced
DVD soundtrack: Dolby 5.1
Theatrical soundtracks: DTS
Optional English subtitles and closed captions
Region 1

Yes it is Moving, But Geez is it ever Depressing
As a rule, if you are a gay male, you are suppose to support any independent type gay film thrust upon you. I have yet to be impressed with these art house gay themed films (with the exception of "Monster"). This one is no exception.
Yes the story is written well. Yes the message is deep. Yes it will make you cry and blah blah blah.
Why do gay films depict the main characters as either drag queens, tramps, or suffering from disease?
Maybe I don't like this film because it was disturbing in the true depiction of what an AIDS victim could possibly face. Or the flashbacks of others that have died in the film. Or the shallow lover that abandons the sick main character. I don't know, it isn't a bad film, it is just horribly depressing and not a film I ever care to watch again.
Why can't the next gay film embrace life, not death. Embrace love, not break-ups. Embrace happiness, not sadness?
Olivia Newton-John sings a beautiful song over the ending credits, if you watch the film, leave the credits rolling to witness this moving song.

Great performances enhance a timely story!
I came upon this little-known film by accident the other evening and it was a discovery that I was glad to have made. As has previously been stated, Eric Roberts portrays "Nick" who has been living an idyllic existence with his partner "Brandon", portrayed by Gregory Harrison. Suddenly, their lives are turned inside out when Nick is diagnosed with AIDS. Brandon is unable to cope with the revelation and begins to distance himself from his friend. The strain on the relationship caused them to have a permanent and ugly separation.

One year later, as the disease begins to progress to its eventual fatal end, Nick decides to throw a "bash" for his himself, as well as his family and friends. Nick also intends on taking his own life because prior to his mind and body's deterioration.

Nick's family and friends all come with the exception of the unknowing Brandon. Margaret Cho, playing one of Nick's friends, intercedes and seeks out Brandon, telling him about his former lover's intentions. During the party, Brandon appears and amidst the celebration, he and Nick briefly reconcile.

The final meeting between the two is poignant as well as celebratory.

As far as the performances are concerned, the principals are superb. Why Roberts did not attain the heights, as his better-known sibling, Julia, is unfathomable. He is quite good as the dying Nick.

Harrison is appropriately confused and compassionate as one that must deal with his own guilt and the mortality of someone with whom he had planned to share his life.

Lee Grant, as Nick's mom, is brilliant, showing why she has been one of the most under appreciated actresses of the past fifty years.

With a supporting cast of Bronson Pinchot, George Segal, Bruce Davison, Marlee Matlin, Olivia Newton-John (who supplies the song heard over the closing credits), Roddy McDowall (in one of his last roles), and a cameo appearance by acting legend Nina Foch (as Brandon's mother), the film has the clout to be one of the best ensemble cast in recent years.

It's too bad that this well-made film came and went with little fanfare and seems now relegated to late night on cable televsion.

The film is powerful and deserving of wider viewership. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

Under-rated Pee Wee circus adventure.
'Big Top Pee Wee' is a must-see for two reasons - for Danny Elfman's typically exuberant score, its hurtling rhythms and circus melodies lending the film an appropriately carnivalesque atmosphere; and the art direction. Pee Wee's home and the town it borders is almost as stylised as the worlds of Tim Burton, with its exagerrated shapes and hyper-real colours. Pee Wee lives on his farm with a herd of animals, including Vance, the talking pig who assists him in his scientific work, the cultivation of odd, genetically modified food (e.g. plants that grow sausages). This cohabitation with beasts scandalises his mean-spirited neighbours, who virtually ostracise him as a pervert, with the single exception of his fiancee, apple-pie schoolmarm Penelope Anne Miller, who diverts his sexual urges with the 'favourite' egg sandwiches he loathes. One day, a storm hits the area; when Pee Wee emerges from his shelter, he is surrounded by the wreckage of a circus. He invites its performers to stay and put on a show in spite of the locals' opposition, and falls in love with Italian acrobat, Gina.

Like his first director Burton, Pee Wee mixes cartoon social satire, in which caricatures represent wider represions, with a fantasy world in which dreams and imagination can be free. For Pee Wee, the boundaries of these worlds fail - his absent-minded indifference to the world around him is matched by a physical clumsiness that hobbles his attempts to mentally soar.

'Big Top' is a far less elaborate affair that his brilliant debut, 'Pee Wee's Big Adventure' - the plot is almost insultingly simple-minded, and there are no gadget-crammed set-pieces. As Pee Wee becomes more adult and sexual, however, his persona becomes more perverse, even grotesque, combining innocence with lechery, decency with deceit. The circus world is vividly realised and characterised, providing an enjoyably cliched putting-on-a-show-in-a-barn energy, but even here, in an unsettling 'Freak Show' segment, Pee Wee's dark, 'abnormal' side is fetished.

GROW-UP! Pee-Wee is a comedian, not BARNEY
This isn't a 5-star movie but since everybody else is giving it 1 star I feel I need to balance out the overall rating. This movie is pretty funny. Pee-Wee's Big Adventure wasn't funny at all, it was just amusing. Okay the escaped prisoner guy was funny but that's about it. Besides, Tim Burton is WAY overrated. Just look what that fool did to BATMAN and PLANET OF THE APES. When I was growing up, BATMAN and PLANET OF THE APES were the coolest things ever. Tim Burton ruined them with his silly movies. Pee-Wee's Big Adventure was supposed to be silly so I guess it's okay, but it still wasn't funny. All the jokes were recycled from Pee-Wee's stand-up routine of the previous 5 years. Maybe they were new to little kids but I'd heard them all before I saw the movie. BigTop at least has new jokes. COME ON, don't tell me you didn't laugh at the HOT DOG TREE. Sure, if you're 8 (or have the mentality of an 8 year old) you won't get the more subtle humor of Big Top, preferring the over-the-top gags like Large Marge. Go watch that lousy Beetlejuice movie if that's your idea of humor.

Ok, so its not his best...
But you have to remember Ruebens had help from Phil Hartman in writing Big Adventure, and Tim Burton Directing. So yeah, its not nearly as good as the first, but good none the less. Its about time that it came out on DVD and I am eagerly awaiting the Playhouse collection later this year.

On a side note, did anyone elses DVD not come with a booklet inside? Mine was empty.

Booo!!! Hisss!!
Fans of Pee Wee's Big Adventure or Pee Wee's Playhouse should NOT see this movie. Summed, up it's just lame. It lacks the intelligent adult humor of the others and is basically just a kid's movie. If you're planning on buying this, DON'T. Buy Pee Wee's Big Adventure or wait for the Playhouse DVD set.

please stand by
Dear Amazon.Com
My dad saw this movie when it came out and didn't like it because of
all the romance in this movie infact I am working on a looney tunes mini-movie for Warner bros. (the people who made Big Adventure which my dad like better) and I am not putting the part with the kiss into my movie and what would the animated me think about this anyways as the animated me said in my mini-movie "the original release [of big adventure] was a classic" in ways big adventure is considered as classic moviemaking but this was not
signed Michael E. Jones ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Watch the film closely
For all of you sharp eyed disney fans out there(like me) you may notice a short scene of 'Mickey and the Beanstalk'.

Wonderful follow up to the first
Usualy sequals to movies like this can really lack and leave a lot desired but this follow up to the hit "Honey I shrunk the Kids" is actualy a lot of fun and a nice change on the size changing themes that were developed in the first.

This movie realized that we probably saw enough of the shrinking and being lost in the backyard idea and decided to do the opposite. A few new characters were introduced in this movie to make things work. The most important being Wanyes new son Adam who is a 2 year old toddler and will be the focus of this latest instalment with the wacky inventor and his family. Wayne now is part of a big company who wants to use his size alteration invention for their own uses. The only problem is he can't get the growth part to work correctly. On a surprise visit to the lab with his two sons to do some extra work, 2 year old Adam accidently gets caught under the rays of the growth ray only to wind up growing very slowly over a long period of time. Before they can blink he has grown to over 100 feet tall and terrorizing
downtown Las Vegas. To make matters worse an evil partner in the company is trying to take control of things and wants the kid destroyed.

Its a fun story that really has a lot of creative moments like His other son and the babysitter getting captured by the giant and stuck in his shirt pocked for most of the movie. They make it look really realistic with the giant baby towering over some famous Las Vegas casinos and the crowd reacting pretty realisticly. Kinda like one of those silly Godzilla movies but still with a Disney charm to it. It has a great story and a good climax and everything seems to end up happily ever after. Its defintely a movie that all ages would enjoy, some may not like it more then the first but this one relies more on fewer characters and a focus of one huge character compared to a lot of small characters. So its a fair tradeoff I feel and worked well.

Unfortunatly though the movie has a few problems. One was that they totaly write out the daughter sending her to college, the neighbors too are not mentioned and they don't really show a lot in the way of the kid growing . He sorta just is one size one moment and bigger another. They could have done a little more with such things but those are minor problems.

Bottom line. If you are looking for a fun, carefree and family safe movie. This is the one for you. If you liked the first or any of the "Honey I..." movies this is a must get for the colection. You won't be disapointed.

Fun Flick!
Quality special effects, good family fun, and Keri Russell in a bikini - what's not to like about this movie? Check it out...

OK sequel, still fun, but not as great as the first movie
Honey, I Blew Up The Kid (1992) was a sequel to the the 1989 hit "Honey, I Shrunk The Kids". As always with most sequels, they are never as great as the original film. However, there are still some funny moments in this one, and I think its still an OK film to watch for family viewing. Rick Moranis and Marcia Strassman return as Wayne and Diane Szalinski, reprising their characters from the first movie. Seeing their 2 and a half year old son get up to 112 feet (after being zapped by one of Wayne's inventions), the Szalinskis try to get things resolved fast, but of course, problems ensue during the course of the film. Veteran actor Lloyd Bridges also co-stars in this movie, along with a young Keri Russell, who would later be known as Felicity Porter on the TV series, Felicity (1998-2002). ... Read more

Reviews (221)

5 Star Movie Lowered (Slightly) By Disappointing DVD
I won't go into the plot here, because, let's face it, if you haven't seen Grease by now, you probably won't ever see it. And you are missing out on a really fun film. That is the secret to this movie's popularity. It's just plain fun! It doesn't have a really great script, none of the performancies (with the exception of Stockard Channing) is anything above run-of-the-mill, but it's got a lot of great, catchy songs, a very likeable cast, and is just a treat to watch again and again. I was disappointed by this DVD release though, because it's exactly the same as the laser disc, only smaller and you don't have to turn it over. The cast interviews at the end are four years old, and this is really just a delayed release of the 20th Anniversary Edition on DVD. And what fan of Grease needs a cheap, paper booklet of song lyrics? Believe me, we know them all by heart. Truly the most profitable and one of the most popular musicals ever made deserves a better DVD package. The fans certainly deserve it too, having waited so long for this. Boo! to Paramount for, apparently, wanting to wait and pick our pockets again some time down the road when they release the two-disc set with all the extras this movie should have. At least it's in widescreen, which is a totally different viewing experience for anyone who hasn't seen it letterboxed or on the big screen yet. The musical numbers have a much larger scope, with dancers and other action on the sides that had previously been cut off. You will be surprised how many previously unseen guys are on the bleachers with Danny and the gang for "Summer Nights". And to anyone who is planning to buy the full-frame DVD--shame on you! You are truly missing out.

You CAN right a movie about rock&roll!
Most people would think that you could'nt write a good movie about rock&roll. This movie sure proves them wrong. The songs are great, and the movie is great.
I said that the songs were a great part of the movie. Here they are.
1. Grease-5/0
2. Summer Nights-8/10
3. Hopelessly Devoted To You-3/10
4. You're The One That I Want- 10/10
5. Sandy-1/10
6. Beauty School Dropout-5/10
7. Look At Me, I'm Sandra D.-7/10
8. Greased Lightning-9/10
9. It's Raining On Prom Night-3/10
10. Alone at the Drive-In-Movie-1/10
11. Blue Moon-9/10
12. Rock "N" Role is Here To Stay-8/10
13. Those Magic Changes-10/10
14. Hound Dog-4/10
15. Born To Hand Jive-4/10
16. Tears On My Pillow-2/10
17. Mooning-2/10
18. Freddy My Love-0/10
19. Rock "N" Role Party Queen-8/10
20. There Are Worse Things I Could Do-3/10
21. Look At Me, I'm Sandra D.(Reprise)-5/10
22. We Go Togeter-10/10
23. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing-4/10
24 Grease(Reprise)-5/10

As you can see, there are some VERY bad songs, but for the most part, the songs are pretty good. The whole movie was even better than the songs. The whole idea of the movie is a senior high schooler comes to the U.S. and goes to a cheap high school. There, she runs into a guy she met in the summer, who is in a car gang that is against another car gang. Throughout the year, this girl ( her name is Sandy) and her friends deal with the guy(his name is Danny) and his friends. The movie pretty much told about the "typical" high scholl senior's problems, except in a more 60's background. The movie actually took place in the 70's. At the end, Danny's car gang beats the rival gang in a car race, and at the end of the movie, the whole gang of guys and girls gets back together without any problems at the end of the year. The movie is all in all VERY good. Buy it today.

Grease lightning!
(...)

Anyway, "Grease" is one of my favorite movies. It's just one of those timeless gems that will never die (can't say the same for the sequel, though). Every song is a joy and the film couldn't have been casted any better. John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing; all involved give indelibly charming performances. A lot of great films came out of the 70's (The Godfather, A Clockwork Orange, Taxi Driver, Chinatown, Jaws, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, etc., etc...) but "Grease" is still able to hold it's own after all these years. A quintessential film to add to your collection.

As far as the DVD goes, well... it's typical of Paramount to stiff us with what could have been a solid release. If you take into account that almost everyone who buys the disc already knows all the songs and dialogue by heart, the studio could have done lots of fun things with the material. Alas, we only get a songbook (which is admittedly kinda cool) and a documentary. Oh, yeah. And a theatrical trailer. How rare. *scoffs*

A half-assed effort to bring "Grease" to a great medium notwithstanding, I'd highly recommend buying this.

"Summer lovin'... had me a bla-haaast..."

I love this movie
Firstly because it reminds me of a carefree and happy time in my life. I saw this in the summer of 1978 when I was 12 years old and the only thing I had to worry about was making sure I didn't have any overdue library books, keeping the lawn mowed and starting ninth grade in the fall. Secondly because there's some great pop music in this movie, _Hopelessy Devoted to You_ is one of the best pop songs about unrequited attraction ever written. Thirdly because of the subtext of this movie, the lesson this movie teaches you is that in order to get ahead you have to be a slut, just look at the way Olivia Newton John (who was 30 when this movie was made) turns from a good girl at the beginning of the movie into a leather trouser wearing slut at the end. Fourthly I love this movie because all of the actors in it are so obviously too old to be in high school. I figured as a kid that this was because the lead paint factory at the town of Rydell was dumping a lot of stuff into the water supply in those halcyon, pre-EPA days of the 1950s and the resulting heavy metal poisoning made the children of Rydell somewhat slow, which was why they were all still in high school even though they were in their late 20s and early 30s.

Greasy John isn't my cup of grease
As an Australian I find this movie extremely offensive. Why should Sandie have to change and become a greasy fat rude American. She should haved stay the way she was I reckon.

There's a line in this movie about eating sh*t...I agree. ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Valerie Quennessen is the reason to see it
Ok.The plot is predictable. The acting borders on the atrocious. The dialogue is awful. But somehow I love this movie. Could be the "menage a trois" fantasy which is the center of the movie. Could be the truly beautiful Greek scenery. More likely it is the presence of one of the most beautiful and enigmatic actresses ever to grace the screen...Valerie Quennessen. This French actress, who unfortunately died in a car crash in 1989, had a simple, down to earth beauty and charisma that was truly amazing.

As for the DVD, the transfer is excellent. This movie has never looked so crisp and beautiful. The transfer is pan and scan. As for special features, there's a theatrical trailer full of nudity, which is cool. But there's nothing elese. No liner notes. No director's commentary. It would have been nice to hear the behind the scenes story on this movie. But I guess Peter Gallager and Darryll Hannah don't look at this flick as their finest hour. Still, this is a good buy. I just wish Paramount would now release, the only other Valerie Quennessen movie, "French Postcards"

Summer Lovers
This movie is in my all time top 20 that I love to watch when I am feeling blue.

An irristable movie about two college students, on summer break in Greek Isles.

Shortly after arriving on Santorini they meet gorgeous French paleontologist and a menage a trois begins.

Michael, Cathy and Lina spend their days in the sun and fun and you will wish you were with them. Just when you think you know what will happen you don't. Summer lovers has it all. From the beautiful blue Agean waters and white washed houses of Santorini,to the extrodinary scenes of the Greek ruins.

Beautiful men and woman and a menage a trois that is both happy and sad.

Some of the best music of the 80's. I have checked high and low for a copy of this CD and is has been out of production for long time. Please, If anyone knows where I could get a copy please contact me at mhaddad45@aol.com.

If I could give this movie 0 stars, I would
A mindnumbingly bad movie.

The only thing that kept me watching was seeing if, at any time, a PLOT would actually develop.

But there was no plot.

Three ugly people hanging out, acting like idiots.

What a terrible, terrible movie.

lighthearted and fun
Summer Lovers is a fun little film about a young couple on vacation in the Greek islands. Michael (Peter Gallagher) and Cathy (Daryl Hannah) are on a Summer vacation after college graduation and his father's death, and are apparently headed for engagement and marriage. Michael encounters and is uncontrollably drawn to Lina (Valerie Quennessen), a French Archeologist working at a dig nearby.

What follows is a light but well handled exploration of the complications that ensue when passion and love collide with society's rules and expectations. What could have easily ended up as just another shallow movie sex romp actually does some justice to the theme of adults exploring new relationship territory and the power of overcoming one's barriers. Although lighter and not in the same league as "Same Time Next Year," it is still a good movie and a fun but somewhat thoughtful look at unusual relationships. It does not follow the expected Hollywood pattern, and I like that. (Can't say more without spoiling it.) I disagree that it is bubble-brained and predictable. The story isn't any sillier than the plot of Casablanca or the Wizard of Oz, just not quite the same caliber.

The story is well told, dialog is okay, and the characters are believable. The scenery is gorgeous and well photographed, and the film is much more enjoyable on DVD than it was when I first saw it on cable and on VHS. The details in the scenes and sound track are much better. I caught much more subtlety in the photography on the DVD. I loved the footage of the beautiful whitewashed Greek buildings and the ocean. There are nude beach scenes and some other nudity, but it is relevant to the time, location, and situations of the characters. This is a love story about sexy young people on vacation in the Mediterranean, after all. The sound track is late 70s to early 80s pop (Prince, Tina Turner, Pointer Sisters, etc.), but good songs that drive the story. There are no real extras on the DVD, and I would have enjoyed at least some commentary from the actors or director about the film and its theme, shooting on Santorini, etc. There was apparently a "Making of" documentary done for TV, and that would be a nice addition. Since Valerie Quennessen is dead, something extra about her would be nice. I agree that she is the most interesting in the cast. Her passing is indeed sad. (She also had a small role in Conan The Barbarian, by the way.)

I especially like one line where Hannah remarks that she had a dream where she was a mermaid. This movie was released in 1982 and Splash (with Hannah as a mermaid!) in 1984. Interesting.

This is one of those films I watch every so often to refresh my attitude and have a light but not completely meaningless escape. Hey, not every movie has to be Doctor Zhivago or Schindler's List to be good to watch. Beauty comes in many forms, and should be enjoyed.

ok
Don't get me wrong.
I like this movie. It has potential. But the acting was horrible and plot is so predictable. The only good part in this movie is the other chick Valerie and the setting of Greece. ... Read more

Reviews (221)

5 Star Movie Lowered (Slightly) By Disappointing DVD
I won't go into the plot here, because, let's face it, if you haven't seen Grease by now, you probably won't ever see it. And you are missing out on a really fun film. That is the secret to this movie's popularity. It's just plain fun! It doesn't have a really great script, none of the performancies (with the exception of Stockard Channing) is anything above run-of-the-mill, but it's got a lot of great, catchy songs, a very likeable cast, and is just a treat to watch again and again. I was disappointed by this DVD release though, because it's exactly the same as the laser disc, only smaller and you don't have to turn it over. The cast interviews at the end are four years old, and this is really just a delayed release of the 20th Anniversary Edition on DVD. And what fan of Grease needs a cheap, paper booklet of song lyrics? Believe me, we know them all by heart. Truly the most profitable and one of the most popular musicals ever made deserves a better DVD package. The fans certainly deserve it too, having waited so long for this. Boo! to Paramount for, apparently, wanting to wait and pick our pockets again some time down the road when they release the two-disc set with all the extras this movie should have. At least it's in widescreen, which is a totally different viewing experience for anyone who hasn't seen it letterboxed or on the big screen yet. The musical numbers have a much larger scope, with dancers and other action on the sides that had previously been cut off. You will be surprised how many previously unseen guys are on the bleachers with Danny and the gang for "Summer Nights". And to anyone who is planning to buy the full-frame DVD--shame on you! You are truly missing out.

You CAN right a movie about rock&roll!
Most people would think that you could'nt write a good movie about rock&roll. This movie sure proves them wrong. The songs are great, and the movie is great.
I said that the songs were a great part of the movie. Here they are.
1. Grease-5/0
2. Summer Nights-8/10
3. Hopelessly Devoted To You-3/10
4. You're The One That I Want- 10/10
5. Sandy-1/10
6. Beauty School Dropout-5/10
7. Look At Me, I'm Sandra D.-7/10
8. Greased Lightning-9/10
9. It's Raining On Prom Night-3/10
10. Alone at the Drive-In-Movie-1/10
11. Blue Moon-9/10
12. Rock "N" Role is Here To Stay-8/10
13. Those Magic Changes-10/10
14. Hound Dog-4/10
15. Born To Hand Jive-4/10
16. Tears On My Pillow-2/10
17. Mooning-2/10
18. Freddy My Love-0/10
19. Rock "N" Role Party Queen-8/10
20. There Are Worse Things I Could Do-3/10
21. Look At Me, I'm Sandra D.(Reprise)-5/10
22. We Go Togeter-10/10
23. Love Is A Many Splendored Thing-4/10
24 Grease(Reprise)-5/10

As you can see, there are some VERY bad songs, but for the most part, the songs are pretty good. The whole movie was even better than the songs. The whole idea of the movie is a senior high schooler comes to the U.S. and goes to a cheap high school. There, she runs into a guy she met in the summer, who is in a car gang that is against another car gang. Throughout the year, this girl ( her name is Sandy) and her friends deal with the guy(his name is Danny) and his friends. The movie pretty much told about the "typical" high scholl senior's problems, except in a more 60's background. The movie actually took place in the 70's. At the end, Danny's car gang beats the rival gang in a car race, and at the end of the movie, the whole gang of guys and girls gets back together without any problems at the end of the year. The movie is all in all VERY good. Buy it today.

Grease lightning!
(...)

Anyway, "Grease" is one of my favorite movies. It's just one of those timeless gems that will never die (can't say the same for the sequel, though). Every song is a joy and the film couldn't have been casted any better. John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing; all involved give indelibly charming performances. A lot of great films came out of the 70's (The Godfather, A Clockwork Orange, Taxi Driver, Chinatown, Jaws, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, etc., etc...) but "Grease" is still able to hold it's own after all these years. A quintessential film to add to your collection.

As far as the DVD goes, well... it's typical of Paramount to stiff us with what could have been a solid release. If you take into account that almost everyone who buys the disc already knows all the songs and dialogue by heart, the studio could have done lots of fun things with the material. Alas, we only get a songbook (which is admittedly kinda cool) and a documentary. Oh, yeah. And a theatrical trailer. How rare. *scoffs*

A half-assed effort to bring "Grease" to a great medium notwithstanding, I'd highly recommend buying this.

"Summer lovin'... had me a bla-haaast..."

I love this movie
Firstly because it reminds me of a carefree and happy time in my life. I saw this in the summer of 1978 when I was 12 years old and the only thing I had to worry about was making sure I didn't have any overdue library books, keeping the lawn mowed and starting ninth grade in the fall. Secondly because there's some great pop music in this movie, _Hopelessy Devoted to You_ is one of the best pop songs about unrequited attraction ever written. Thirdly because of the subtext of this movie, the lesson this movie teaches you is that in order to get ahead you have to be a slut, just look at the way Olivia Newton John (who was 30 when this movie was made) turns from a good girl at the beginning of the movie into a leather trouser wearing slut at the end. Fourthly I love this movie because all of the actors in it are so obviously too old to be in high school. I figured as a kid that this was because the lead paint factory at the town of Rydell was dumping a lot of stuff into the water supply in those halcyon, pre-EPA days of the 1950s and the resulting heavy metal poisoning made the children of Rydell somewhat slow, which was why they were all still in high school even though they were in their late 20s and early 30s.

Greasy John isn't my cup of grease
As an Australian I find this movie extremely offensive. Why should Sandie have to change and become a greasy fat rude American. She should haved stay the way she was I reckon.

There's a line in this movie about eating sh*t...I agree. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Brilliant ERIC Roberts
So you thought Julia Roberts had all the talent in the family? Think again, and see "It's My Party" if you want proof positive that Eric, her brother, deserves the same level of praise and attention. A shattering performance that was grossly overlooked in 1996, Roberts plays the central character, dying from AIDS with dignity and self-determination that is so rarely captured ANYWHERE it's often astounding to the viewer to get through. If you thought "Terms of Endearment" was a terrific film, you might dislike the honesty and wrenching sincerity of this movie. There is little room for self-disdain here, or sadness. Rather, what erupts throughout is pure emotional awareness....Roberts captures so many dimensions of a dying man, you're celebrating AND reflecting at once. There is also an incredible supporting cast and special kudos to Harrison, Newton-John, and Cho. A real family film - see it and share it with the people you love. A note to the studio - how about a DVD release with some behind-the-scenes extras and perhaps even some reflections from the lovely Julia Roberts on her brother's extraordinary turn

Don't waste your time
A few weeks ago, I attempted to watch this movie with a small group of friends. We had all read the summary on the back of the case, and though it sounded good. We were wrong. While the basic story has potential, the presentation is extremely melodramatic. The acting is terrible, and the writing even worse. This is, without a doubt, among the worst movies I have ever seen.

Powerful film, inspired by true events
IT'S MY PARTY (USA 1996): In the last few days before an AIDS-related brain tumor renders him insensible, a young LA designer (Eric Roberts) decides to end his own life, though not before throwing a final joyous bash for family and loved ones. However, the occasion is strained by the arrival of Roberts' former lover (Gregory Harrison), seeking reconciliation at the eleventh hour...

Though heartfelt and moving, Randal Kleiser's powerful film - inspired by actual events - feels a little fragmented and plays like a reunion of his closest showbiz friends (the cast is a veritable who's-who of familiar faces), anchored firmly by Harrison and Roberts in the central roles. Their former relationship is outlined briefly at the start of the film, too briefly for the subsequent break-up to register as anything more than a minor event, though their love for one another is conveyed with real strength and conviction. Roddy McDowall essays the voice of conscience during a brief cameo appearance in which he questions the ethics of suicide, but his character's conservative views are given short shrift by Kleiser's defiant screenplay, which uses a sprinkling of mordant humor to keep mawkishness at bay (at one point, Roberts and his best friend [Bronson Pinchot, camping it up with abandon] launch into a rousing rendition of "It's my party/And I'll die if I want to"!). Viewers are advised, however, that the final twenty minutes are relentlessly, heartbreakingly sad. Amongst the high-profile supporting players, look fast for Nina Foch, Sally Kellerman, Greg Louganis, Steve Antin and a virtually unrecognizable Dennis Christopher and Christopher Atkins.

Sound and picture on MGM/UA's DVD are uniformly fine, and the extras include extended/deleted scenes, a trailer, and an audio commentary with director, cast and crew which goes into greater detail about the 1992 events which inspired the movie.

109m 35s
1.85:1 / Anamorphically enhanced
DVD soundtrack: Dolby 5.1
Theatrical soundtracks: DTS
Optional English subtitles and closed captions
Region 1

Yes it is Moving, But Geez is it ever Depressing
As a rule, if you are a gay male, you are suppose to support any independent type gay film thrust upon you. I have yet to be impressed with these art house gay themed films (with the exception of "Monster"). This one is no exception.
Yes the story is written well. Yes the message is deep. Yes it will make you cry and blah blah blah.
Why do gay films depict the main characters as either drag queens, tramps, or suffering from disease?
Maybe I don't like this film because it was disturbing in the true depiction of what an AIDS victim could possibly face. Or the flashbacks of others that have died in the film. Or the shallow lover that abandons the sick main character.