Reviews (14)

Powerful!
I like this movie because of it's powerful, dramatic story. As George Lucas says in the beginning It's designed to show the horrors of war, so don't expect comic relief, because there is none to be found. The reason why is this film appears to be very grim. It's also very serious. I highly recommend this film to future Indiana Jones fans, and for future High School history classes. Part one of this movie is horrific. It's just a warning of what you shouldn't expect. That's all. I also recommend that future High School teachers, and students watch this video as part of their history classes.

Indiana Jones Lost in the Trenches
"Trenches of Hell" is one of the few modern examinations of World War I, and for that alone it's worth the purchase price. It has a fine "slice of life" feel about it, meandering from the horror of gas warfare to camraderie stolen amongst the hodgepodge of allies that made up the allied side in this "war to end all wars."

What it doesn't have is Indiana Jones--or very much of an ending. There is, after all, no reason for Indy to be present in the telling of the tale--we learn nothing about him nor are we even treated to any of his trademarked mannerisms. Yes, we get lost in this world, and the storytelling--until the surprisingly weak ending--is intriguing enough to demand our attention. But the protagonist could've been Anyman for as much as the spirit of Indiana Jones appears here. Flanery is a fine actor, and his performance is clearly one of the hooks that keeps us interested, but he needed a few scenes of genuine character development to tie his Indy in with Ford's. Instead, this is another Young Indy epsiode in which the name "Indiana Jones" has been stolen for the noble purpose of introducing a wider audience to history.

Thus, like some other entrants in this series, "Trenches of Hell" leaves Indy fans disappointed, but better off for the experience.

Please sir, I want some more
If you watch these videos in chronological order (which you should) this provides a fascinating follow up to the cute and funny Spring Break Adventure (even the more serious Mexico half featured jokes like the letter Indy wrote to his dad). The only problem is, that it shouldn't follow directly after like it does. There were two episodes, "Ireland, April 1916" and "London, May 1916" that were not put on video. Instead, we jump from what must be March (in Mexico) to "Somme, Early August 1916" and "Germany, Mid August 1916". One might ask why this was done.

Once you stop wondering how Indy got to be a Corporal and all that, this video is very good. It really is too bad that there are so few WWI movies out there, compared to all the WWII ones to pick from. I've read some reviewers complain about the fact that the series would be better if it took place in WWII, but it wouldn't exactly be YOUNG Indy, then, would it?

Personnaly, I enjoyed the second half more, as it was less grim and more adventurous. Charles de Gaulle is the only one who seems to recognize Indy's American accent for what it is. It's too bad the ending is so abrupt. Indy doesn't even get out of German territory, which leads to yet another big gap between this video and the next one, where Indy is magically in Africa with Remy, whom I swear died in "Trenches of Hell." Yes, indeed, there are two more episodes, "Verdun, September 1916" and "Paris, October 1916" which are not included.

So, the video itself is great, but for a person who likes to know what's going on all the time, this video series leaves me feeling gypped way too often.

Outstanding - Best of the series
These are arguably the greatest episodes in the series. They are emotional, moving, action packed, and realistic. If there's a knock on the series it's that it's often hokey, and Indy runs into too many famous people. But this episode pulled no punches and delivered on all cylinders. It is so excellent, I rate it better than the last two Indiana Jones movies.

I should also point out I agree with reviewer James Irwin in his comparisons. I found SPR a nice story, and I love Tom Hanks, but if you want a much less Hollywood drama, and something to both thrill you, and move you, check this out. I also agree on BWP being the most overhyped film ever....but that's another thread.

If you're at all curious about the series, buy this, you won't be disappointed.

A harrowing tale of the horrors of war
The 8th chapter in the Young Indiana Jones series, this is a dark and harrowing look at the horrors of war. The movie is divided into three parts:

It starts out in France where Indy, Remy, and a whole army of French and Belgian soldiers are all assigned to take a chateau at the top of a hill. German soldiers have the place surrounded, and the soldiers must fight their way through trenches, past Germans, grenades, and gas. The whole gas sequence is flat out scary and harrowing. The mortars firing gas bombs and the sight of German soldiers in gas masks turning the knobs on tanks filled with poion gas is scary, and gets even worse when out of the clouds of gas come Germans wielding flamethrowers. It is an awesome sight, and quite graphic for a made-for-television movie.

Then we move on to a German P.O.W. camp where Indy and a group of French soldiers dig their way out of the camp, in a scene reminiscent of THE GREAT ESCAPE, right down to the partial collapsing of the tunnel. Although I have always questioned the scene where the German Officer comes into the room to inspect everything but does not notice the giant piles of dirt hidden in the showers that are extremely evident to the viewer.

The third and final part is a second P.O.W. camp (which is actually a castle) where Indy is thrown after being caught trying to escape from the first camp. The castle is for all the "bad apples", and he is put there after being mistaken for a French Officer who has made many escape attempts. Here he meets Charles De Gaulle who together plot their escape from the camp. In a very tense scene, they escape the camp and death of incineration in a giant furnace.

Overall it is a great movie, and truly shows the horrors of war associated with "no man's land" and trench warfare. Definitely an episode to see, and one to consider buying. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Indy plays Ned Nickerson
I would have given this 5 stars, because I really did enjoy it very much. But I can't quite get over the fact that for much of the first half Indy whines and follows his girlfriend around reluctantly, as she initiates all the adventure. I can understand that, at 16, Indy isn't going to be exactly the same as when he's older, but really, when he was played by River Phoenix, during the "Last Crusade" prologue that took place in 1912 (four years before this one) he had much more initiative.

That said, I think Sean Patrick Flanery saves it by being so cute and appealing as Nancy's sidekick, especially toward the end as the Indy in him finally wakes up. I can date it to the moment he takes his fedora out of the closet, and then all of a sudden he's the hero again. One of my favorite parts was when he punched in the glass case after Nancy failed to get it open by picking the lock. But even before then, it's fun to watch, reagardless of the liberties it takes with Indy's character. Nancy is a worthy "Indy girl", being as plucky as Marion Ravenwood (though more innocent).

The second half, the Mexico/Pancho Villa adventure, is a little too contrived for my tastes...I mean, even for "Young Indy", where you have to take all the historical figures popping up with a grain of salt, this doesn't quite make sense. Why is Indy risking his life to retrieve a bunch of dresses? Just buy the lady some new ones, for Pete's sake. It does bring up another thing that irks me; the fact that none of the Correy Carrier (young young Indy) episodes are on video. I watched the whole series when it was on TV, but I can barely remember them. Here we have Indy writing letters to T.E. Lawerence, whom he met in an earlier episode, and he encounters Demetrius, the bad guy from that episode. All this harkening back seems rather cruel when it's not on video, especially when they tout these as "The Complete Adventure of Indiana Jones."

Lloyd Owen, as Henry Jones Sr., does a very good job of sounding just like Sean Connery. I enjoyed the few scenes with him in, since "Last Crusade" is my favorite "old" Indy, due to the repartee between Ford and Connery. Here you get a glimpse of the things they were talking about. Remy never ceases to annoy me, however. But it's worth tolerating Coutteure to watch Flanery. He may not try to evoke Ford as much as River Phoenix did, but he's a great Indy throughout the series.

One of the Best
While Mystery of the Blues is the Best Young Indy video, this is probably second. The Nancy Drew mystery of the first half is really fun, really young, and really Indy. It was great to see Indy with his dad, and to see the suburbia of the time period. I really enjoyed the first half. Great chemistry between Indy and his girl, and his clumsiness came out, along with other hints to the Harrison Ford Indy. The second half was good too, though more serious and educational.

Good movie!
This film is exciting! Indy and his girlfriend, Nancy Stratenmeyer whose father wrote the Nancy Drew mysteries, solve a mystery in the first half involving a traitorous employee and theft of important submarine plans. Lucasfilm hints that Nancy's father based the fictional Nancy Drew on his daughter. I also liked that Indy helps Mr. Stratenmeyer with his stories. The Pancho Villa part is thrilling and fast-paced, Indy's impulsiveness and gallantry getting him more than he bargains for. Eventually, he catches up with his old enemy Demetrius (from "My First Adventure," not currently available on video) and retrieves the fabled Jackal headpiece, originally stolen from the tomb of an Ancient Egyptian architect. All in all, this is a great film of excitement and intrigue, worthy of the name Indiana Jones.

young indy
This was a good video, and I've waited seven years for the series to be released. I was disappointed to find out that Old Indy is not even featured. Perhaps the worst thing they done was to put two episodes together with new footage. This didn't even look right because all of the actors are noticeably older, and Sean Patrick Flanery's hair is obviously longer in the back. They should have thought about these things beforehand, and perhaps filmed them this way in the first place, not try and finish them now as Star Wars Special Edition so tragically looked.

Three and a half stars (couldn't figure out how to do 1/2*)!
The first half is cute and very fun to watch (with a feeling very similar to that of one of the other films by this director: The Rocketeer). I enjoyed the young comedic romance and Hardy Boys/Nancy Drewish mystery. The second half is good, but stretches credibility a tad having Young Indy getting involved with Pancho Villa. There is a good confrontation with an old foe and old score. Staggering production values for a small screen effort (rivals much of the big screen). ... Read more

Reviews (16)

nice action movie
this is my second young indy-movie(my first was treasure of the peacock's eye),and i have all the 3 Harrison ford Indiana movies,and i must say that this movie is a well acting adventure,with nice action,and a exciting fight between Indy and Schiller,the German's officer at the end. Indy must save the live's of a troop of Australian's Horseman,by keep the drink-places saved,in the WW1. Indy meets a dancer(C.Zeta Jones)who is a German's spy,but he don't no this. here in holland are not all Young Indy movies for sale,but the 2 i have are so exciting,that you will never forget this history adventure!

If adventure has a name, it's Young Indiana Jones...
This is an amazing Young Indy episode not previously aired on television. Like the whole series, this episode balances history with adventure in a way that is entrancing and exciting. It co-stars Catherine Zeta-Jones. You'd be surprised to see the list of once little-known actors who appeared in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles who later became big-time stars.

Aussies show the way with a little help from Indy
A great yarn with a little bit of poetic licence. Although based on a true theatre of operation in the Middle East, Indy gets involved with the Aussie "Diggers" of the Australian Light Horse. He befriends them and become great mates. A ripping yarn with great excitement and well put together. The action could have been a little more intense as it was in the Australian Movie "The Lighthorsemen". Albeit, I enjoyed it and found it pretty accurate for its historical content. The only thing thing it doesn't show is how the British stuffed up, like they did everywhere else during WW1.

Warning: NOT for children
Although this movie has no rating, (and why is that?) I would say it is the equivalent of a PG-13. The film contains quite a bit of violence and violent themes. War scenes. Guns firing. Man falling off cliff including hitting the ground. And the scene that made me turn it off showed a close up of Young Indiana stabbing a man including close-up of knife going in and out of his stomach. Parents beware. "Not rated" does NOT mean it didn't deserve one!

bad
they are insulting other nations in this film. As a turkish youth I felt myself very bad. This is a political film it only aims to insult other nations.. Americans and British people are hero in this film of course.. According to them other nations are natural disasters.. Too bad for human beings.. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Semi-educational movies?
While the YIJ series takes some liberties with history, these movies are a great way to learn about the crucial events of the turn of the century. Some even seem to be more of a thinking-person's adventure, which is quite a departure from the swash-buckling Indiana Jones movies.

Too bad this series is so under-rated! I only wish Lucas would produce more! I don't understand why real-quality shows like this don't ever seem to last longer on the networks. Guess it needs to be on Discovery, the History Channel, or TLC.

Shadows in the mist tell intriguing stories
In a significant way, the two hours of this episode could not be more mismatched. Hour one is a film noir exploration of the paranoia associated with a life of espionage. Hour two takes a decidedly more phantasmagoric tack, resulting in scenes of no small terror.

In Hour One, Indy is a spy in Turkey, trying at once to get married and complete a mission for the French Secret Service. It is easily the best-directed hour of the entire series. The lighting, pulled focuses, and intriguing camera movements all evoke the bittersweet emotion the plot would have us feel.

But it's hardly an original plot. It's "From Russia With Love" meets "The Maltese Falcon" meets "On Her Majesty's Secret Service". Fortunately, these are all very good films, so the trip is one we're more than willing to take.

Hour two is perhaps more questionable in this regard. It's a fantastic journey through the dark side of Romanian mythology, and while appropriately creepy for a Haloween party, it marks a significant departure from the traditional themes of Indy plots that some parents may wish to shield their younger children from. I wouldn't call the violence "needless", as other reviewers have, but it is graphic. It is, in short, classic gothic, and it's done very well.

All in all, then, this is an episode well worth your time, but, along with "Trenches of Hell" and "Temple of Doom", it's one of the few Indiana Jones episodes inappropriate for young children.

Definitely not for young children
After reading another review on this site (gypsy18, 5/31/01), I was shocked to see that the reviewer's child had the exact same reaction, almost word-for-word, as did my son. He was equally upset that such violence could have come from the mind of George Lucas.

This video was in the children's section of the store, and it had a "family" label stuck right on it. We asked the store to remove the label, as it is NOT appropriate.

THIS EPISODE ABSOLUTELY NOT FOR CHILDREN!
The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones is an extraordinarily well done series. My son, age 8, just loves it. But it was a mistake buying MASK OF EVIL. My son (usually a tough little guy) was almost physically ill from a particularly bloody scene (although the violence was performed behind a curtain). He had trouble sleeping & actually started crying in the middle of the day from the trauma of remembering this scene! He said, "Mom, I wish we'd never bought this one." My son also said, "Mom, why did George Lucas let this one be unrated? That was bad!" Out of the mouths of babes! Vampires are just too violent a subject for children I think (& some adults, including me)!

The Best!
It has it all with spies and vamprires! We see indy's first supernatural adventure but at the beging it is a spy thriller. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Indy finally gets it, but forgets it.
I thought, from reading the description, that this would be boring. But it wasn't, not by a long shot. It's probably the best "Young Indy".

The action is limited to the first five or so minutes, where Lieutenant De Fonz (aka Indy) disobeys his superior and tells the troops to advance instead of retreat. This results in victory, and a promotion to Captain, but also the Major holding a grudge. Naturally, Indy and the Major are then teamed up on a mission to retrieve some weapons.

The opening battle sequence was even more graphic then "Trenches of Hell", and when Indy grabs the machine gun and mows done countless men, we see just how far he's come (or fallen) in less than a year. I love this one for all the character developement Indy undergoes, especially in relation to the previous videos. It's good to keep in mind that it's now December of 1916, and just last February all Indy cared about was the prom, and driving a cool car to said event. More has happened to Indy in ten months than happens in real peoples' entire lives.

That's where he is at the start of "Oganga". By the end he's changed even more, due to all the slow death he's had to witness. "Onganga" is great just for the fact that Indy is more human in this than he's ever been. He gets feverish, delusionary, and downright depressed. He seems like a real 17-year-old who's in way over his head. This isn't your typical Indy.

While it's good to see Indy's interaction with Schweitzer, and how it changes his outlook on life, I can't help but note that Harrison Ford's Indy seems to have forgotten the whole thing. He's back to killing with nonchalance, and even glee. Perhaps the Young Indy writers should have tried to be more consistent with the already established future. But at least they are consistent within the series, because in the next video ("Hawkmen") Indy changes his approach to the war by joining the secret service.

Kudos to Sean Patrick Flanery, he's a great Indy, especially in this one.

A Gem
I bought Oganga, The Giver and Taker of Life for my younger son, who is enthralled with anything having to do with Indiana Jones, but I frequently find myself watching this and the other Young Indiana Jones videos with him. The series is simply superb.

George Lucas used some of the best writers, directors and acting talent available to him and filmed the series on location around the world. As a result, despite being made for television, they are gems. Ordinarily, I hate it when movies are used to send a message, but the messages in the series generally flow naturally from the plots without being overly heavy-handed.

In this installment, Indy is an officer serving in the Belgian army in Africa during the Great War who is sent on an important and dangerous mission. In the process, he learns much about leadership, European colonialism, death, and ultimately what is important in life. The series skillfully interweaves real-life people into the plot, and in this installment Indy meets Albert Schweitzer.

Parents should be advised that, while uplifting, this is a war movie and that death, from both battle and disease, is integral to the plot.

Pretty good
I have a friend who describes this one as boring. Not True! It's in the same line as Phantom Train and Daredevils. It's one of those episodes that teaches Young Indy about respecting life and people, but they're still great episodes, even if they are less exciting.

Action, but above all, Indy learns to care about life!
In the other movies, Indy never seemed to care about human life. In this he learns lots about life, feelings and points of view. This movie should be seen by everyone who can see it! It teaches valuable lessons and is still a classic Indiana Jones film.

I have always wanted to be a director and these movies have already taught me alot about the types of movies people like. I have used these and other George Lucas and Steven Spielberg films to use as exaples. Right now my friends and I are working on a film. We hope to have it completed by Jr. High.

Open minded people buy this!
This film lacks the cheesy comedy of the traditional indy videos. It explores philosophy and human nature. Indy has doubts about his involvment in the Belgian armys imperialist war in Africa. After speaking to an African native soldier about the war Indy learns that the Belgians will not leave Africa for the Africans but merely take it over from the Germans they are liberating it from. While it is action packed it also shows the political science of WWI. Get this! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

We did kidnap my father! It's a nightmare!
All right, I'm biased. When I watched the whole series on TV I was only about 7, so my memories of most of the episodes are all but nonexistent. "Phantom Train" is one of the exceptions, and the most vivid in my mind. So naturally I enjoyed watching it again, even more than the others. It's great as a breather between "Trenches of Hell" and "Oganga", which are very thoughtful and serious. It is a tad hokey, but in that respect most like the Harrison Ford movies. Indy undergoes character developement, however, which is good. The first half has plenty of action, but Indy learns his lesson of the day, and this lesson actually sticks with him and is seen in the movies. That is, that the ability to improvise is a quality.

The second half seems slow when compared with the first, but doesn't end up being anticlimatic. Von Lettow was really great as the stodgy German general, who reminds Indy of his father (see review title). The German woman who manages to shampoo and condition her hair out in the wilds was, in my opinion, a yawner. But she didn't figure in all that prominantly, so it wasn't too bad.

Five stars for all the times I was able to say, "I remember this part!"

VERY, VERY GOOD VIDEO
I've been an Indiana Jones fan for over six years and this was one of the first young Indy videos I watched. I have seen about half of the episodes available on video and so far this is still my favorite. It had a good story with good acting and great special effects. It is a classic tale of adventure in Africa. In the first part of the video Indy accidently goes on a mission to blow up a mysterious train with a flat-bed mounted cannon that has been shelling allied troops but cannot be found. In the second part of the video, Indy and his army buddy Remmy try to survive the wilds of Africa with an important german military prisoner. They run into hostile bush-men, lions, and are being pursued by the entire German army the whole time. Action-packed and full of surprises along with nice bits of humor in appropriate places this video should delight anyone intereseted in Indiana Jones.

Wonderful Saturday matinee fun
The first hour is pure fun, the action has all the wit and humor of Raiders or Last Crusade, with a wonderful contrast between Young Indy and the much older soldiers.

The second continues all of the wit and humor, yet adds a thoughtful look at Indy's search for father figures to replace his own estranged father, Prof Henry Jones Sr.

Quick, some lead a crusade to persuade Viacom (Paramount's parent company) that either of their networks CBS or UPN needs to make more Young Indy movies! We'll all be right behind you!

"Train" lays down tracks for the developing Indy's character
In his filmed introduction, George Lucas describes "Phantom Train of Doom" as one of his favorite Young Indy stories. For once, his perception of his own work isn't inflated. This is great Saturday afternoon matinee material, as the series was always intended to be. Like the equally exciting "Daredevils of the Desert", this episode succeeds because it is plausible, its historical figures are limited, and its two hours--filmed at different times--are knitted together extremely well.

Hour One has us meeting a very young Indy, indeed. This Indy is a relatively new inductee into the Belgian Army fresh off the boat to East Africa. Indy here is, well, uptight--more uptight than even the younger, River Phoenix portrayal. He likes plans, orders. He hasn't learned yet to say, "I don't know, I'm making this up as I go along". But the group of older soldiers he meets in East Africa soon teach him the value of flexibility. They teach him, in short, how to improvise. In the process, we're shuttled along on a rollicking great adventure.

Hour Two largely reverses Hour One and shows us--and Indy--that improvisation can only successfully begin from a position of discipline. Demonstrating the point is a finely-acted General Von Lettow Vorbeck, Commander of the German forces in East Africa, who variously plays captive and captor. It is a fascinating study in the relative values of luck and strategy. Lucas' choice of von Lettow, along with the apparently accurate 'elderly regiment', is, to my mind, what Lucas should've been doing in most of the episodes. By chosing people who are at once historically important, yet relatively unknown to modern audiences, Indy's association with them doesn't feel so blatantly contrived as in other episodes. Also, by concentrating almost exclusively on Von Lettow in the second hour, we really get a chance to understand the character in a way we never did in, say, "Mystery of the Blues", where historical figures virtually flooded the plot. Here, with just the single villain, we have an enjoyable game of cat and mouse, somewhat akin to "Silence of the Lambs", where we at once dislike and admire our antagonist.

What Hour Two ultimately says, then, is that, while fortune does indeed favor the bold, heroic outcomes are largely the result of ordinary hard work. Ford's Indy has obviously learned the lesson well. For all the action and adventure we see in the films, there's also a lot of study and hard work before Indy ever dons the leather jacket. It is, for the audience, a lesson far more valuable than the history on offer.

Classic Indy Adventure
This film has the classic Indy feel to it. It is an adventure comedy and it is full of fun adventures and one liners. While not as good as Oganga or Trenches of Hell this film is probably the most Indiana Jonesesque of all the Young Indy series. Fun for the family! ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Secret Service Adventure
Being a big History buff. and loving Indiana Jones. i loved this movie. others of the series i have found fairly pleasing...but could do better. i am big on spying and espionage, and am glad to see a movie that portays spying accurately(compared to 007)...and of couse its INDY! BRAVO Lucas

Confusing plot, but on the whole a good movie
This movie is good on the whole, although it does have a few flaws.

The movie starts out with Indy helping 2 Austrian brothers get to Austria through the German barricades. This first half of the movie is good and has a lot of suspense. But once they get to Austria and Indy is re-assigned to Russia, the plot falls apart. It gets very confusing, and character development is underdone. There is some guy that is chasing Indy throughout the first half of the movie, and we never know who he really is. And then suddenly Indy is friends with some people in Russia, and we don't know how they came to be friends. It sort of clears up at the end when the Bolsheviks march through the streets of St. Petersburg, but even then, it is still confusing.

Other than that, it is a good movie, and the portrayal of spying here is magnificently accurate. If you're a fan of Indiana Jones, this is worth seeing, but if you're not, you should probably think before seeing this movie.

Stop being so picky
I'm disliking all the bad press that the second half of this tape is getting. Personally, it's one of my favorites along with two others which have not been released on tape.

I've seen pretty much most of the Young Indiana Jones series and have quiet a few recorded off TV from it's TV run (it's amazing that my tapes still work after 11 years) and personally, I like the Russian one. Oh yeah, I remember seeing in one comment that said that all of Indy's Russian friends were Bolsheviks. In fact only two of them are. If one would read the novelization of this episode, it would explain it more clearly (and it explains why Indy is friends with them). But even in the episode, it shows their differences. The two that are Bolsheviks are Sergei and Irina, the couple that loves each other. The girl that falls for Indy is Rosa and her political philosophy goes toward a democratic socialist government, simular to what many countries in Europe have today (and yes, socialists and communists are different), the man studying to be a priest is Dmitri and would support a Czarist goverment since the clergy was important back in that former government and would not support the Bolsheviks since they support atheism. And the last friend, Boris, is an Anarchist (who doesn't support government at all).

The reason I like this episode is because it shows me that Bolsheviks aren't evil creatures of doom. That they are in fact human with hopes and dreams. Yes, we tend to demonize communists, but that's because the idea was corrupted by human failings and became a dicatorship.

And the first episode on this tape. Eh. It's not my favorite, but it's interesting though.

Great first half, strange second half
The first half of this video is great, it starts out with an amusing instance of mistaken identity, as two Austrian princes, who are also French lieutenants, mistake Indy for a delivery boy because he's riding a bike and his uniform is covered up by his coat. They run him off the road with their car, and are later shocked to learn that he's not only not a delivery boy, but that he's a captain, outranking them. Indy, still insulted, isn't impressed to then learn that they are royalty. This doesn't get the relationship off to a very good start, and so of course Indy is assigned to escort them across the border to Austria.

There are more great moments of humor in the first half, along with lots of running around, and it's all very entertaining. Indy is somewhat grumpy the whole time, which, come to think of it, made him more similar to the older Indy played by Ford.

The second half finds him reassigned to Russia, which is weird in itself, but the bizzare thing was that Indy moves in with a bunch of Bosheviks, and becomes very good friends with them. How he managed this, and why, isn't addressed, since we're just plopped into the middle of his stint in Petrograd. The fact that the Bolsheviks, knowing full well that Indy is a capitalist American working for the French secret service (some secret), allow him to join their midsts is hard to believe. One girl even falls in love with him.

Indy dislikes desk work, and so did I. It was rather boring, watching him mull around the stacks of paper looking like they meant something to him, but we never understand what. He never really did anything in this half, except fail at just about everything he was supposed to be doing. The ending was the worst ending yet, and left me wondering just what we were supposed to make of Indy's politics.

The second half is good for two things, 1: showing that Indy still has a whole lot of growing up to do, and 2: that his birthday is in July (some trivia if you ever need it). But the first half was great, so the video is worth it.

good spy movie for indy.
this movie has a pretty decent first part where indy delivers two austria-hungarian princes to the emperor and empress. but the second part is real weird. indy meets friends in russia and then does some spy work. you never really find out what he's supposed to be spying on, and the russia part really has no plot. like all the young indy movies, the ending leaves you hanging, but this ending is where one of indy's friends die in a political demonstration, so it's extra weird. but the movie is good on the whole. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Really funny
The first half is a hoot the whole way through, it has to be the funniest Young Indy episode. The ending is great; I remember being surprised when I first watched it on TV, so I won't give it away. I'll just say Giulietta isn't as naive as she seemed.

To the second half. This one wasn't supposed to be amusing, but it was. First off I'll say that I did not like Edith Wharton, and from what I've read about her books, I wouldn't like them either. (Basically they're about people with repressed passions, who have affairs that ruin their lives...blah). Edith is obviously going through a midlife crises, and sees Indy as a potential boy toy to make her feel young again. Indy sees her as a mother figure, though a couple lines at the end try to convince us he wishes he were his father's age so he could have a romantic relationship with her. Frankly, it sounded more like he was just saying that to make her feel better.

There was some slight adventure going on in the second half, but it was just backdrop for the romantic tale. All in all, this one is great to watch if you want to laugh at the characters all the way through.

One of the best in the series to start with
Though the series is plagued with misguided efforts to steer Indy into the company of historical greats, this time Lucasfilm keeps the improbabilities to a minimum. This pleasant surprise allows Indy some interesting character development. This is the only tape in which both hours are devoted to romantic plot lines.

Hour One has Indy scuffling with Ernest Hemingway over the affections of an Italian heiress. It's an unusually light-hearted turn for the series to take. The battle between Hemingway and Jones is a treat, and we're more than glad that the battlefield is Italian. Happily, too, Hemingway's appearance in the episode is plausible and welcome. Nothing very original happens in this oft-repeated tale of romantic rivalry, but it's cleverly done against gorgeous backdrops so we hardly mind the staleness of the plot. It's particularly satisfying to see Indy so romantically vulnerable, if only because he grows up to be more of a cynic in the theatrical films. The groundwork laid in this episode introduces us to the side of Harrison Ford's Indy that recklessly falls for the German archaeologist in THE LAST CRUSADE. Yet it also gives us a peek into why he might've had problems committing to Karen Allen's Marion Ravenwood character in RAIDERS.

Hour Two is one of my favorite hours because it combines an interesting mystery with Moroccan surroundings and the unrequited love of an older woman. The friendship with the very much older Edith Wharton is handled with great tact and affection. It is this relationship, more than any other in the YOUNG INDY series, which demonstrates Indy's true philosophical take on women. We see here that he is not a rogue capable of maliciously ruining Marion's life in RAIDERS-as Marion accuses-but that the end to Indy's longest-lasting relationship must have come for other, more noble reasons.

Also, there's a lot more to Hour Two than tentative romance. A mystery of interesting proportions is afoot, and Indy's tracking of it is a delight. It's a kind of Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes mystery, with Indy doing some pretty impressive sleuthing.

All in all, then, "Tales of Innocence" is a highly recommendable member of the YOUNG INDY series, and should probably be one of the first three tapes newcomers watch.

WOW!
This has to be the best out of the titles released in the UK so far ('Phantom Train of Doom', 'Treasure of the Peacock's Eye', 'Daredevils of the Desert' and this itself). I know that may not be saying all that much, but this is truly a FANTASTIC chapter of Indiana Jones.

The love story in the first half is my favourite part of it. Very comic but also moving. It's also really great to see Pernilla August (Shmi Skywalker, Anakin's mother from 'Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace') in another good role - she's even playing a main character's mother again!

Pretty good
Now I remember, Jay Underwood is his name! Well, I love his Hemmingway performance here and even more in Mystery of the Blues. I'd say this one is great...the first half that is, the second half has it's moments, but I didn't really like that old lady.

A lovely story of romance and growth
I love the arc of this video. Starting with a comic tale of a crush (and romantic competition with 'Ernie' Hemingway), continuing with a short, sexual fling, and ending with a adult, lovely, if doomed relationship with Edith Wharton.

Flanery does a wonderful job of letting us see Indy grow and mature thru these adventures. ... Read more

Description

Here's the latest chapter in the popular film trilogy, starringJason James Richter (FREE WILLY) as Bastian, a teenager whose life is turned upside down when his father remarries. On his first day at a new school, Bastian is chased by a vicious gang called the Nasties. He hides in the school library where he finds a magic book that writes itself according to the imagination of the reader. To escape the Nasties (and his troubles at home), Bastian wishes himself into Fantasia, the storybook's phantasmic world of incredible creatures. It's here, away from the pressures of the real world, that Bastian thinks he's safe. But when the Nasties take control of the book, his Fantasian friends get stuck on earth, and it's up to Bastian to save them. And in order to do that, he must defeat the Nasties! With great music by some of your favorite rockers, this awesome fantasy-adventure celebrates the joy of reading and the magic books create within our own imagination! ... Read more

Reviews (44)

The Most Misunderstood Story
I read the novel Neverending story and also enjoyed the first movie. The first two series of Neverending story are based on Michael Ende's masterpiece juvenile literature. This one is purely original story using the theme and characters from this book. The first movie was so successful that the very concept of the original story is left neglected. Second and third series tried to get things right only in vain. Fantasia is a creation of human mind so when we changes the story changes that is what neverending story is. Auryn is as second series nicely put it, not a magic stick. Third series is no exception. Bastian's new sister used Auryn to buy what she wanted then the side effect was their newly-wed parents are in danger of divorce. This story's not a fantasy story at all. It is more real than you imagine. It is too bad a time to make neverending story movie at all during dark 90s. Maybe this time will be more acceptable to have another series. First movie is outstanding but just be back to reality. Its theme has unending stories to make. We are part of neverending story so just let new things add to let fantasia alive.

This one really doesn't end!
I got this movie because I was a big fan of the first two, and I expected this one to be great. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. This movie should never have start production. It is geared too much toward little kids, but I doubt even little kids would be amused by it. The plot has Bastian returning to Fantasia to escape "The Nasties", which is some sort of gang. The Fantasia in this movie is very different from the one in the first two. It looks a lot less inviting, and they really screwed up all the beauty that Fantasia possessed in the first two movies. They turn the Childlike Empress into a joke, who even contemplates using the Auryn to go shopping! Michael Ende would die of shame if he were still alive. They turned his wonderful idea into one big joke. This movie should never have seen the light of day.

NOTHING LOWER THAN 1 STAR ?
Just saw this movie on WAM today 4/10/04. Can't believe that someone didn't stop production on this film EARLY in the making. What a waste. Hope to have better luck with the "Tales" series. Love the first two from the original series... stick with those. This movie lacks Heart. Don't really care that the special effects are poor in any movie that has genuine feeling. I can't imagine it taking long (possibly a week) to make this film. BOO!

BIG Dissapointment....
This movie is a dishoner not only to The Neverending Story but to Michael Ende himself. He didn't even like the original movie, imagine what he would think of this trash. This movie lacks good acting, a decent plot, decent special effects, and consistancy with the first two. The Auryn is some ugly twisted black thing that looks NOTHING like in the first two nor does it have even a SLIGHT resemblence to the one in the book. Non of the characters appear as they did in the first two, and Falkor has been turned in to a stupid scardy cat. Heck, the rock biter has a musical number and a wife with a heavy Russian accent if that gives you ANY clue as to how utterly BAD this movie is. The third installment is a shame for so many reasons. It doesn't fit the style or feel of the first two, and it also prevents there from being a 4th. What they need to do is scrap this entire movie and make a better NES 3. I will NOT be purchasing this movie in any form, I can promise you that. Stick with the original Movie, and the Tales From The Neverending Story series, those are the best we have gotten so far.

The Only Thing Good Was..........
The fact that the kick ass number 1 hit single Crash! Boom! Bang! by Roxette is played at the beginning og this film. Other than that, this film is absoultly terrible, save your money!!!! ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great for kids under three!
This movie is great for kids under three or amnesia victims, who don't remember what a good movie is! This movie is terribly unfunny and grossly unrealistic. The stunts are very impossible and fake, the acting and the jokes are crap. The only use for this DVD would be to use the disc as a frisbee, the booklet as toilet paper, and the case for recycling. That's the only way to get your money out of it. Don't buy this movie for any reason! It is very boring and stupid!

Great Movie For The Family
Hilarious stunts, slapstick humor, outrageous characterizations, and just good all around schtick makes this an extremely entertaining movie for the family. The people who put this movie together realize that it was not intended for a cerebral study in filmmaking; it was meant to just flat out make you laugh. My wife and kids were just howling at various scenes ranging from the stinky lunch room to the slammy whammy infomercial. We must have replayed that slammy whammy infomercial over 20 times, proving how kids can appreciate well written comedy. This movie is not for the prudes, snobs, or bores but definitely for the hip, open minded, slapstick in most of us. Watch it with the family without any hesitation.

Funny movie
This was a very funny movie, it had me rolling on the floor. Even my mom laughed a little, and she hates the movies I like. The story is Super Dave (Bob Einstien) is injured, and has to retire. But DJ (Steve Van Wormer), a kid he is training, steals his name and leaves him to work for Gil (Dan Hedaya). Well, Supe isn't going to really do anything about, but he meets a single mom (Gia Carides), whose son needs an expensive operation, and he falls in love. So the Super One decides to come out of retirement and show the world who the real greatest daredevil is. Very entertaining, and the direction is fun. The DVD could have at least had the trailer on it, though. I really wish this movie had come out in theatres, because it would have been great to see Super on the big screen. Long live Super Dave Osborne!

Super Dave's new move is great
I thought it was a great movie. Anyone who watches this film will laugh almost as much as they probably did when they watched the first Austin Powers movie. Even if you have to clue who Super Dave is, it is still a very funny movie. I can't believe that this was never released in the movie theaters. ... Read more

Amazon.com

And the hits just keep on coming. Sylvester Stallone, who can't seem to draw flies unless he's playing Rocky Balboa or John Rambo, went back to the Rambo well (or septic system, as it were) to show his well-known solidarity with the Afghan freedom fighters who battled the Soviet army in the 1980s. This time it's personal: his handler, Richard Crenna, is captured by the Evil Empire and so it's up to Rambo to leave his work in a monastery in Southeast Asia (oh, puh-leeze) in order to rescue him from the Ruskies. Ever wonder why the Russians had such a miserable time in Afghanistan? It was because Rambo took them on single-handed and kicked their hammer-and-sickle heinies all the way back to Moscow. Cartoonish action, taken ever so seriously by Stallone, who was working desperately to scrape away the unsightly wax buildup from his reputation. --Marshall Fine ... Read more

Reviews (42)

The Action Continues.
In FIRST BLOOD, Rambo was fighting for his personal freedom against a ruthless cop. In RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD II, Rambo redeemed himself and his country by returning to Vietnam to rescue imprisoned American POW's. The Vietcong in the film were backed and financed by Communist Russia, foreshadowing events to come in RAMBO III. In this movie, Rambo's mentor Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna) is taken prisoner in Afganistan while assisting the Afganian rebels against the invading Soviet forces. Rambo comes "out of retirement" from working in a Buddahist commune to rescue his old friend and teacher. In the process he becomes friends with the Afganian people and ends up kicking the tar out of the Soviet military.

There are a lot of inaccurate depictions in RAMBO III. However, the Rambo films aren't about staying true to truth and reality (well, FIRST BLOOD is an exception). They are about a new modern American superhero; a guy who is invincible, a one-man army who gets to blow lots of things up, kill lots of bad guys, all for the sake of truth, justice, and the American way.

I admit the film seems totally different since September 11, 2001. However, that makes the movie a little more interesting to watch. The past, including dated movies, can teach us a great deal.

RAMBO RIDES WITH THE TALIBAN!!! SEND HIM TO CUBA!
IMAGINE REAGAN GIVING ALL THOSE TALIBAN NUT CASES ROCKETS TO SHOOT AT US 20 YEARS+ LATER...

EMBARRASSING!

IT'S ALMOST COMICAL TO SEE THE TALIBAN DISPLAYED AS HERO'S RIDING ALONG WITH RAMBO, WHEN NOW WE GET NON STOP EVIL DOER TALK ABOUT THEM.

OOOOPS, TODAY RAMBO WOULD BE SENT TO CUBA FOR BEING A TRAITOR.

THE MOVIE IS GOOD THOUGH, CHECK IT OUT LOTS OF GOOD ACTION, CEPT RAMBO IS NOW A TRAITOR...

WAY BETTER THAN PART II
THIS TIME, RAMBO GOES TO AFGHANISTAN TO RESCUE HIS FORMER COMMANDING OFFICER. A HUGE IMPROVEMENT OVER PART II. THIS MOVIE IS FILLED WITH THE USUAL EXPLOSIONS AND SHOOTOUTS THAT ONE WOULD EXPECT FROM A RAMBO MOVIE, BUT IT'S ALL ACTUALLY ENTERTAINING. I WOULD HONESTLY SAY THAT THIS SEQUEL CAN POSSIBLY COMPARE TO THE FIRST MOVIE. GET TO YOUR LOCAL BEST BUY STORE AND BUY THIS ONE NOW!

Worthwhile sequel for Stallone fans
Rambo III is a good sequel that doesn't match the success of the two movies that came before it. Troubled Vietnam vet John Rambo is working at a monastery in Thailand when Colonel Trautman shows up to ask him if he wants to go along on a mission. Rambo turns him down, but when he finds out Trautman has been captured by Soviets in Afghanistan, he goes after him to try and rescue him. The plot is predictable, but it is still an entertaining movie. There is plenty of great action throughout as Rambo battles the Soviets alongside the Afghan rebels. If you liked the first two movies in the series, you'll probably like Rambo III.

Sylvester Stallone is good as Vietnam veteran, John Rambo. He has little to say the whole movie instead just staring at someone or firing a gun. Either way, his performance is basically the same as the others. Richard Crenna returns again as Colonel Samuel Trautman who Rambo must attempt to save from the evil Soviets. The two of them are very good together in the scenes they have. Marc de Jonge sneers his way through the role as Colonel Zaysen, the leader of the Soviet forces. The Special Edition DVD offers commentaries, a documentary about Afghanistan, production notes, and widescreen presentation. For an enjoyable action romp with plenty of explosions, check out Rambo III!

hello, hello mr rambo
my name is denise and i'm frigid, but my boyfriend want have
s. e. x. all the time and i won't give him any, but after watching this movie, i told my fat ass boyfriend to dress like rambo and he might get some, so he did, i don't know where he found all these stuff, but boy imagine h0rny fat 267 pound man, out of shape in rambo cloths, i was laughing till i pooped, yeah he was pothetic in bed, all those talk about love and how strong he is, he only lusted 50 sec. but what's funny about it, he started thinking about himself as a rambo, he even bought a band for his bold had, he look like pothetic overweight heart attack patient, and he thinks i'm deeply in love with him, me and my girlfriends are tired of laughing at him, behind his back of cousre, but you should see him walking and saying i fired a few shots, the only shots he fired is from his fat hairy ass.
thank you rambo for giving me so much pleasure of making a clown out of my boyfriend ... Read more

Amazon.com

Sort of comedy, sort of not, this film--cowritten, coproduced, and co-starring Damon Wayans--concerns a loser who takes an entry-level job at a credit company to impress a girl and soon gets caught up in fraud and blackmail. Marlon Wayans, Damon's brother, costars as a confederate in the chicanery. The film is meant to be both a jokefest and an edgy drama--the criminal activity is treated as a dark and serious matter--and the result is that Mo' Money succeeds on neither level. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (5)

HILARIOUS!!!
What can one say about Mo' Money?
Only one thing:
It's awesome!! This movie again prooves that Damon is nothing like the other Wayans brothers, .... Just check out Damon's TV series, which is also hilarious, called My Wife & Kids.
Anyways, on with the movie.
I love this movie-that's all there is to it. This is an action-comedy that actually has both. Many times movies are categorized as this, but they lack in one, or both areas.
Mo' Money has everything.
Go rent it today.
No, go BUY it from amazon.com!!
Thanks for reading!!

MO' DAMON
To begin, the movie could be better than this,
but i must say Damon wayans looks good. ... he reminds me
of my old boyfriend, there are allot of funny stuff
in the movie. When damon fallows amber who's played by
stacey dash tries to get her attention she likes it but let
him suffer some more, than the part that he's waithing with his brother also his real brother by a payphone hoping he will
get the job. He did get it, and then he kissed his brother.
I loved that scene , so funny than his brother replies
he's dirty. Also i diddnt like the end its too short.
The only reason i watched the end was becouse that ...
hot,... boy played in this movie.

I wasnt surprised
I wasnt surprised that I didnt really care for this movie. The Wayan Brothers tend to be more stupid than actually funny and this movie was just as expected.

Watch this NOW!
Excellent comedy/Action movie.

POW POW! Two for One!

Very funny
Very funny movie. Damon and Marlon Wayons kick @$ ... Read more

Reviews (42)

The Action Continues.
In FIRST BLOOD, Rambo was fighting for his personal freedom against a ruthless cop. In RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD II, Rambo redeemed himself and his country by returning to Vietnam to rescue imprisoned American POW's. The Vietcong in the film were backed and financed by Communist Russia, foreshadowing events to come in RAMBO III. In this movie, Rambo's mentor Colonel Trautman (Richard Crenna) is taken prisoner in Afganistan while assisting the Afganian rebels against the invading Soviet forces. Rambo comes "out of retirement" from working in a Buddahist commune to rescue his old friend and teacher. In the process he becomes friends with the Afganian people and ends up kicking the tar out of the Soviet military.

There are a lot of inaccurate depictions in RAMBO III. However, the Rambo films aren't about staying true to truth and reality (well, FIRST BLOOD is an exception). They are about a new modern American superhero; a guy who is invincible, a one-man army who gets to blow lots of things up, kill lots of bad guys, all for the sake of truth, justice, and the American way.

I admit the film seems totally different since September 11, 2001. However, that makes the movie a little more interesting to watch. The past, including dated movies, can teach us a great deal.

RAMBO RIDES WITH THE TALIBAN!!! SEND HIM TO CUBA!
IMAGINE REAGAN GIVING ALL THOSE TALIBAN NUT CASES ROCKETS TO SHOOT AT US 20 YEARS+ LATER...

EMBARRASSING!

IT'S ALMOST COMICAL TO SEE THE TALIBAN DISPLAYED AS HERO'S RIDING ALONG WITH RAMBO, WHEN NOW WE GET NON STOP EVIL DOER TALK ABOUT THEM.

OOOOPS, TODAY RAMBO WOULD BE SENT TO CUBA FOR BEING A TRAITOR.

THE MOVIE IS GOOD THOUGH, CHECK IT OUT LOTS OF GOOD ACTION, CEPT RAMBO IS NOW A TRAITOR...

WAY BETTER THAN PART II
THIS TIME, RAMBO GOES TO AFGHANISTAN TO RESCUE HIS FORMER COMMANDING OFFICER. A HUGE IMPROVEMENT OVER PART II. THIS MOVIE IS FILLED WITH THE USUAL EXPLOSIONS AND SHOOTOUTS THAT ONE WOULD EXPECT FROM A RAMBO MOVIE, BUT IT'S ALL ACTUALLY ENTERTAINING. I WOULD HONESTLY SAY THAT THIS SEQUEL CAN POSSIBLY COMPARE TO THE FIRST MOVIE. GET TO YOUR LOCAL BEST BUY STORE AND BUY THIS ONE NOW!

Worthwhile sequel for Stallone fans
Rambo III is a good sequel that doesn't match the success of the two movies that came before it. Troubled Vietnam vet John Rambo is working at a monastery in Thailand when Colonel Trautman shows up to ask him if he wants to go along on a mission. Rambo turns him down, but when he finds out Trautman has been captured by Soviets in Afghanistan, he goes after him to try and rescue him. The plot is predictable, but it is still an entertaining movie. There is plenty of great action throughout as Rambo battles the Soviets alongside the Afghan rebels. If you liked the first two movies in the series, you'll probably like Rambo III.

Sylvester Stallone is good as Vietnam veteran, John Rambo. He has little to say the whole movie instead just staring at someone or firing a gun. Either way, his performance is basically the same as the others. Richard Crenna returns again as Colonel Samuel Trautman who Rambo must attempt to save from the evil Soviets. The two of them are very good together in the scenes they have. Marc de Jonge sneers his way through the role as Colonel Zaysen, the leader of the Soviet forces. The Special Edition DVD offers commentaries, a documentary about Afghanistan, production notes, and widescreen presentation. For an enjoyable action romp with plenty of explosions, check out Rambo III!

hello, hello mr rambo
my name is denise and i'm frigid, but my boyfriend want have
s. e. x. all the time and i won't give him any, but after watching this movie, i told my fat ass boyfriend to dress like rambo and he might get some, so he did, i don't know where he found all these stuff, but boy imagine h0rny fat 267 pound man, out of shape in rambo cloths, i was laughing till i pooped, yeah he was pothetic in bed, all those talk about love and how strong he is, he only lusted 50 sec. but what's funny about it, he started thinking about himself as a rambo, he even bought a band for his bold had, he look like pothetic overweight heart attack patient, and he thinks i'm deeply in love with him, me and my girlfriends are tired of laughing at him, behind his back of cousre, but you should see him walking and saying i fired a few shots, the only shots he fired is from his fat hairy ass.
thank you rambo for giving me so much pleasure of making a clown out of my boyfriend ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Impressive Mini Series
This is a wonderful movie about an anchient chinese story. The Journey To The West is a book on a scholar that travels to a different world. The movie has great effects and the characters fill the standards of the book. If you love magic and adventure this movie is good. Also if you were interested in movies like: Merlin, 10th kingdom, and Arabian Nights this movie is just what your looking for.

The Goddess of Mercy
The Lost Empire / The Monkey King is a mini series that tells the story of Nicholas Orton (Thomas Gibson) who finds himself on a save-the-world mission. The plot itself is a bit difficult to follow - it is loosely inspired by 'Journey to the West'- the famous chinese epic. However in this version, it shows us what would happen if 'Journey to the West' had never existed. Demons are trying to destroy the book (for the simple reason of that's what evil demons do with their spare time) and the world is running backwards because of it, deleting all the things that 'Journey to the West' helped inspire (which includes buildings and clocks, strangely enough). So the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Ying (Ling Bai) travels from her world to find the prophesied Scholar from Above - our own Nick Orton. He is 'above' because all of the mythological characters he later mets live in a copy of China in one of the (very, very, very large) unexcavated tombs, under the musuem. So with the help of Kwan Ying and the famous terracotta warriors that come to life, Nick finds himself inside the tomb/copy of mythological China, faced with the sacastic Monkey King (Russell Wong) who was been trapped inside a mountain by those same demons that are out to destroy 'Journey to the West'.
As you can see, the premise is quite confusing, so if you like to sit down and get a nice, logical plot, you might want to give this one a miss, as our heroes do a lot of wandering around and your not actually sure where they're going or why.
However, if you are a fan of other Hallmark fantasy mini-series (the Magical Legend of the Leprechauns, Merlin, Arabian Nights, the 10th Kingdom, the Voyage of the Unicorn) then this is the movie for you. Like the others it boasts great special effects, great set-designs and Kwan Ying and her consort Whitesnake wear the most beautiful outfits I've seen. The lovely Ling Bai is perfectly cast as the Goddess of Mercy, and the scenes that take place in the home of the gods are wonderful. Nick and his reluctant teacher the Monkey King are good too, and get some good one-liners, and their allies Pigsy and Friar Sand should appeal to kids. The romance between Nick and Kwan Ying is nothing new, but still enjoyable to watch, and the carefully choreographed martial-art sequences are amazing.
If you are a Chinese-historian or a purist of any kind, I advise you to steer clear, as I'm sure Confucius wasn't an annoying, back-stabbing traiter as he is portrayed here, but everyone else should just sit down and enjoy the ride without being picky.

Offensive...
is exactly how this movie is to be described. I would suggest that any Chinese/Asians living anywhere in the world to avoid this movie at all cost. "Journey to the West" is a very religious story about a Buddhist monk traveling to the West to obtain the true scriptures of Buddhism... along the way, he met diciples to protect him until he gets there.

As someone has already pointed out, Quan Yin is a Buddhishiva of compassion. Buddhists don't have romantic affairs, eat meat, or drink alcohol. It's like showing a Jewish Rabbi eating pork on Friday night. It's disrespectful and sickening. I can't believe people make this kind of crap and take what is a masterpiece and trample all over it. Isn't anything sacred anymore?

What a waste of time...
Recently there has been a surge of interest in "fantasy" type films. With the huge success of "Lord of the Rings," I belive, people are exploring other movies, similar in nature. Well, if you're an adult and you're getting reacquainted with the fantasy genre, this is one to MISS. Ignore it. Keep on walking. Its really just for kids, at best. The story is predictable and it repeats itself, hour past hour. The special effects are good enough for Saturnday morning t.v. but that's about it. I suggest you look at "Arabian Nights" instead.

Racist travesty of an epic story
"Journey to the West" is a literary masterpiece which has been loved in China for nearly half a millennium. In contrast, "The Lost Empire" is a piece of meretricious rubbish which will hopefully soon be consigned to oblivion. Its makers seem to assume, rightly or wrongly, that its audience will be unable to relate to a "foreign" story unless a white guy is inserted, however incongruously, into the action. As if this were not bad enough, the idea of the "hero" comducting a romantic affair with Kuan Yin must be deeply offensive to many people of Chinese extraction. Since Kuan Yin is someimes compared, in her role as compassionate mediator, to the Virgin Mary, one can only imagine the response had the situation been reversed. This is an example of film-making at its very worst. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

A moving and touching film, with plenty of action
Van Damme scores big in this movie. Finally he has picked a movie with a decent supporting cast and a good story. Unlike previous films, Van Damme's kickboxing and martial arts skills are blended nicely with real life situations and drama. This movie deserved a theatrical release, the action is tasteful and the movie has a quick but meaningful pace. Some of the characters have some tired dialogue about being presecuted, but that aside the actors fit their roles. Overall the movie ranks among one of Van Dammes better emotional roles. Lionheart has the same tug on the heart strings, as well as the Legionaire angle.

It's not Beau Geste, but . . .
. . . it was not intended to be.

I like movies about the French Foreign Legion. I like this movie.

All of the stock-characters and stereotypes are here, and the plot is as old as . . . well . . . as old as movies about the Legion!

Van Damme is, of course, the recruit seeking escape in the Legion from enemies on civvy-street. It is that preliminary background that rather drags ("Yes, yes, he's on the run . . . get on with it!"). The training stage in Africa is not particularly well done, either. But once the "bleus" get marching to that far-away, isolated fort-- and the Rifs-- the action picks up.

A number of reviewers do not like this film because it is not a martial arts film. That's their prerogative. But this was not billed as a "Van Damme martial arts film," so I think their criticism unfair.

Van Damme actually does some acting, here, and he is more at home in a besieged fort or boxing ring than in a night-club or romancing the "female interest" character. It's not high-art, but it's entertaining, so pass the wine ration and quit your grumbling!

A "Beau Geste" for the Modern Era
I grew up watching "Beau Geste" (which is a film which deserves to be on DVD)and all other films about the French Foreign Legion fall or rise to that film's greatness. That being so, "Legionnaire" stands as a solid drama of the men who join the legion to forget their past lives and to rebuild new ones--if they survive. The film is well-crafted and the wide-screen format is perfect in bringing the viewer the feel of the desert--its vastness, its heat, and its beauty. The film's action scenes are sensational and the final battles are both memorable and brutal. Jean-Claude Van Damme proves he is more than just a good body or fighting machine--he does some fine acting in this film. One wishes that it could be seen on the large screen--it deserves it.

Good,but its not like his other movies
I went the store and i saw this movie on the counter and they had Van Damnes pic on it so i got it,i watched it,I wasnt pleased,i mean the movie was excellent,but where in the hell is Van Damnes high flying kicks,I am like a huge fan of Van Damne.This is like the only movie i didnt see him do his fancy kicks.This movie is worth watching,but if u wanna see his kicks dont get this one.

good old fashion storey
great to see jean claude in a non-martial arts movie, not a oscar winner by any mean, but a good storey , up dated by modern advances in photography, see it, and see history, the way it was.. ... Read more

Reviews (37)

A moving and touching film, with plenty of action
Van Damme scores big in this movie. Finally he has picked a movie with a decent supporting cast and a good story. Unlike previous films, Van Damme's kickboxing and martial arts skills are blended nicely with real life situations and drama. This movie deserved a theatrical release, the action is tasteful and the movie has a quick but meaningful pace. Some of the characters have some tired dialogue about being presecuted, but that aside the actors fit their roles. Overall the movie ranks among one of Van Dammes better emotional roles. Lionheart has the same tug on the heart strings, as well as the Legionaire angle.

It's not Beau Geste, but . . .
. . . it was not intended to be.

I like movies about the French Foreign Legion. I like this movie.

All of the stock-characters and stereotypes are here, and the plot is as old as . . . well . . . as old as movies about the Legion!

Van Damme is, of course, the recruit seeking escape in the Legion from enemies on civvy-street. It is that preliminary background that rather drags ("Yes, yes, he's on the run . . . get on with it!"). The training stage in Africa is not particularly well done, either. But once the "bleus" get marching to that far-away, isolated fort-- and the Rifs-- the action picks up.

A number of reviewers do not like this film becau