Reviews (114)

Sappy story but somehow lackluster
Kevin Costner and Robin Wright Penn, along with Paul Newman and Robbie Coltrane star in this stomach-turning film based on Nicholas Sparks's titled novel. Penn plays Theresa Osbovue, a woman who falls in love with a man she has never met. A single-mom following a heart-breaking divorce, Theresa retains custody of her son Jason. On a solitary vacation while Jason visits his dad, Theresa is jogging along a remote stretch of coastline when she picks up a sand-immersed bottle containing a passionate letter signed G. The letter turns out to be a heartfelt soliloquy to Catherine. After Theresa's boss publishes the sappy note on the newspaper, Theresa unexpectedly receives a plethora of responses and oddly more letters of the same letterhead turns up at her office. The bittersweet poetry from the letter pulls Theresa's heartstrings and prompts her to search for this man known as the initial G. The movie has adopted from Sparks' novel and seen minor modifications such as the locations of places and the much. Theresa's search for Garret Blake is somewhat cut short in the movie. So if you're interested you should read the novel before watching the movie. Other than that the movie sticks with the original plot:still sad, poignant and heartbreaking, and a bit stomach-turning. Kevin Costner and Robin Wright Penn make an interesting couple to watch. I have to compliment on the beautiful cinematography. The movie, however, is not a bad selection for those who want to enjoy a cozy quiet evening at home. 37/50 3.7 stars.

One of Costner's Best Films
This is a great love story.

Had to watch this one two times!

I highly recommend it for husbands and wives who want and need to rekindle their relationships.

Not anywhere near as good as the book.
They changed SO much from the book to the movie version! Paul Newman's character as the father had his name changed, as well as Theresa's son; Garrett already had a boat, he did not have to build one; his wife was not a painter; Theresa lived in Boston and worked for a fictional newspaper; etc. The movie just lacked so much. There was zero chemistry between the main characters. Kevin Costner was the only wonderful part in the movie as he played the character of Garrett so perfectly that it felt like they stole him right from the pages of the book and breathed life into him to star in the movie. He is the reason to watch this movie - there aren't any other reasons. Read the book - you'll get a more satisfying experience and a more satisfying cry.

Romantic
The plot of this movie was simply beautiful, especially coming from brilliant Nicholas Sparks. The movie was sweet and subtle showing the relationship between a man and a woman.

A woman is a writer, and finds a bottle written with a very beautiful note. She wants to find the author of the notes and possibly write a story on him.

She does meet him, and ironically falls in love with him. She collects the notes any way she can loving him even more. While on her journey, she spends a lot of time with the new man she's fallen in love with.

She has to leave to be with her son who was with his dad over the holiday. Problems arise, and hardships are endured.

The novel and movie are both very touching and romantic.

Left feeling Empty
I like romantic movies. I want the ending to leave me feeling happy, not depressed. Life isn't the fairy tale, thats why I watch movies, otherwise I wouldn't waste my time watching them. I want the fairy tale, the things that could and would never happen in real life. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS MOVIE, until the end, I even stayed up on a work night until 1:30am. If they created this ending to make the movie "more realistic" they failed miserably. I thought I found a new romantic chick flick to add to my collection, I was sorely disappointed. ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

When a Man Loves a Woman is a dumb title (not another classic pop song, please) for a very smart movie. A kind of gender-switch take on The Lost Weekend, it's about a woman (Meg Ryan) whose alcoholism almost destroys her family. That may sound like just another TV movie, but When a Man Loves a Woman is so authentic in detail and emotion, that everything about it seems fresh, urgent, and engrossing. That's because the film is grounded in the actual experience of co-writer Al Franken (assisted by Rain Man scripter Ronald Bass). Franken is best known for his affiliation with Saturday Night Live and Politically Incorrect, and as the author of Rush Limbaugh Is a Big Fat Idiot, and Other Observations. You may recall that Franken is the creator of Stuart Smalley, 12-step programmer extraordinaire. Well, if you want to know how Stuart was born, you can start here. This is no comedy, however. In fact, one of the most painful realizations comes when attractive, "good-time girl" Alice Green (Ryan) and her husband (Andy Garcia) begin to realize how much of a role alcohol played in their marriage and in bringing them together in the first place. The issues and experiences confronted in this movie go far beyond the stuff you see on Oprah. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Great Movie
Coming from an alcoholic family I was able to relate to the children in the movie. I think Meg Ryan played the part perfectly and Andy Garcia did a wonderful job as well. It was a different look at a serious disease, the fact that the mother was an alcoholic.

Meg Ryan (Alice Green) plays a wife and mother of two, who has an out of control drinking problem, that takes her almost dying in the shower to make her realize that she has a problem. Andy Garcia (Michael Green) plays her husband who knows that she has a problem, but just is not ready to face the fact that she needs help or she is going to hurt herself or one of the children.

When Alice finally does get the help she needs, Michael doesn't cope well with the fact that she now has other people to turn to when things get rough. Michael does try to go to a support meeting for family memebers, but just sees it as a bunch of people sitting around feeling sorry for each other. He thinks that things will just 'go back to normal' now that she has gotten help and just isn't that simple.

Although the effects that her drinking had on the kids was not addressed, I felt that it touched most of the bases that a family goes through after recovery.

You will need a box of tissues by your side for this tear jerker.

Riveting movie about the effects of alcoholism
When I first saw the title of this movie, I was thinking that this was going to be a romantic comedy. But, to my surprise, it was so much more.

Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia are good as Alice and Michael Green. I liked the fact that the movie dealt with Alice's alcoholism. She realizes that she has a major problem with alcohol. Eventually, she goes into rehabilitation.

I'm glad that they didn't stop the movie with her coming out of rehab and life will be all wonderful and fuzzy. What happens is that with Alice sober, Michael doesn't have anyone to rescue anymore. It is good to watch how their relationship changes with Alice's new found sobriety. Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia do a great job in showing how alcoholism can effectively mess up a relationship and family.

It's been a while since I have seen this movie, but there are some wonderful supporting performances to mention. Tina Majorino as the oldest daughter, Jess, is astonishing. She shows a lot of emotion for the daughter of an alcoholic. I think that she could have easily been nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

Also, Lauren Tom as Amy, the Green's nanny/housekeeper, is incredible. Her character does not really like Michael Green very much. The scene where Michael begs her to come back and help the family is great. Amy definitely does not make it easy for him.

This movie is definitely not light-hearted fair. In fact, I would really not recommend this for children. But, for adults, I recommend this movie because it tackles alcoholism head on, especially with some not so pleasant views of Alice's alcoholism.

Sad and Real. Finally a good portrayal.
No film has shown the damage that alcoholism does to someone in this way. Nobody thinks that even the houswifes and the soccer moms could be effected. The alcoholic in this movie is played by the awesomely talented Meg Ryan, who should've been nominated for her role as the depressed alcoholic mom, Alice. Andy Garcia is also a good choice to play the troubled husband. The movie is very depressing but has a silver lining. Everyone should see this movie at one time or another, it will change your view on this disease.

Its All About Love xoxo
The movie sucks you in and doesnt let go til the end!! It engrosses you in REAL LIFE, it tells a story that you can feel so close to home it brings tears to your eyes more than once. The first time I saw this movie was at a group meeting for alcoholics and the response was breathtaking it touches your soul and makes you feel the love and the pain and every other emotion possible. The title I must admit doesnt draw you to the movie because you figure *Oh just another romance with no point or purpose* but in reality there are both. This movie is one of my all time favorites and I would recommend it to anyone. Its not just a chick flick for all you guys out there:p Never Judge a book by its cover:)

But she tries so hard...
The scenario of a family dealing with a wife being the abuser rather than the husband is not commonly explored, yet this particular plot was ill-conceived, which almost makes it a crime. If a story as important as this can't be told well, it's better not to tell it at all, or the effect is that the viewers are numbed to a reality people should care more about. And when I finished watching this film, I yawned and put in something more gripping, while I should have at the very least been lulled into a few moments of reflection or contemplation.

For the most part, though the screenplay wasn't great, I feel poor casting is responsible for the film's failure. Try as she might, it just doesn't seem Meg Ryan can be taken seriously doing much else than romantic comedy. No, she isn't a bad actress, but the quirky, cute persona is what carries her, and when she attempts to be serious, she comes off as a little witchy and intolerant, not at all sympathetic or likable. In this particular role as the substance-abusing wife and mother, she doesn't inspire sympathy, never expresses any depth of confliction, and never convincingly emerges with dignity, though I suspect it was meant to be an empowering story.

Andy Garcia is "blah" as her husband. Yes, he's suitable as a nice guy who is confused as he both supports her and tries to hold her accountable, but he often comes across less confused and reticent and more wary and aloof as if he's actually secretly distracted by his dealings as a mob flunky or something.

The best performance is by Tina Majorino, who doesn't for a moment look like the spawn of Ryan and Garcia, but who's authentic reactions of fear and confusion when victimized by her mother are heart-rending. Thus to the film's credit, I guess the reality of a child being the most vulnerable victim in situations of substance abuse is demonstrated, but is not a strong enough impression to make this an even moderately impressive film. ... Read more

Reviews (96)

The best movie I've seen in ages
If all you know of Jennifer Lopez is what you've seen and read in the tabloids and movie magazines, you'll be pleasantly surprised by this movie. Ms. Lopez has talent. I had only seen her in The Wedding Planner, where she was cute and appealing, but in Angel Eyes, she shines. I watched the movie twice the night it came on TNT (it was a double play), taped it, watched it every night that week, and finally ordered it.
Ms. Lopez portrays Sharon Pogue, a tough, yet vulnerable Chicago cop who is shunned by her family, despised by the criminals she tries to help, and hit on by her fellow officers.
Jim Caviezel is compelling as Catch, a man traumatized by an incident he can't remember, yet he has a sense of humor, and a warmth that has been missing from Sharon's life. Together they give each other the strength to face the future.
Shirley Knight is excellent, too, as the mystery woman in Catch's life, who holds the key to his past, but is patient enough to give him time to remember.
I promise you this movie will keep you spellbound until the very end, and then send you running to the video store for more of Jennifer and Jim.

Slow moving but beautifully crafted
I have to confess that I was a bit dubious about borrowing this DVD from my local library but the blurb on the case looked intriguing and as there was nothing on the telly worth watching, I thought, "what the heck!"
All I can say is, "what a little gem of a movie." Jennifer Lopez is a damn good actress, I don't care what anyone else thinks, but that girl is multi-talented. Not only she can act the socks off the likes of Gywneth Paltrow, she has the added bonus of being a red hot singer too.
The plot is quite complex but surprisingly easy to follow. Lopez plays a dedicated cop called Sharon who has her fair share of emotional demons to cope with, along with a stressful job, an over protective partner, and a dysfunctional family life that is just getting worse. James Caviezel plays Catch, a mysterious young man who comes into her life abruptly, saving her from a gun toting assailant. They know each other but are unable to voice this knowledge because they are perfect strangers...aren't they? The story steadily moves through Sharon and Catch's lives as they come to terms with secrets, family ghosts and their blossoming love for each other. This is an unusual love story, with great camera angles, and the flash back between past and present is done with a ghost like subtly that makes you shiver. And no, Jennifer Lopez doesn't burst into song every five seconds, in fact it is James Caviezel who has the musical ability, playing jazz on a trumpet in an elegant downtown bar as Lopez watches on in delight. Also the musical score is great which makes this film all the more watchable.
All the cast in this film are great, right down to Bob the stray mutt that Catch takes in and gives a home.
This is a smart film for smart people. So if you aren't smart, don't bother watching it, you won't understand it, and you might hurt your brain cells in the process.

I Fell In Love w/ Catch Too
I just saw this movie and was absolutely surprised. Like so many who fell pray to the marketing, I thought Angel Eyes was some type of suspense thriller about a cop and some stalker guy. I thought it was the 'same ol' thriller'. So, I'm just watching it.

I was blown away by the depth of the characters and the acting. Jim Caviezel is my new favorite after this. I loved him Frequency, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Passion. But this movie has convinced me of how wonderful of an actor he is. He brings Catch to life through his body language and eyes just as much as he does his line delivery. It was also great to Jennifer Lopez play a different type of character. I can't recall ever seeing her play a dramatic role and was surprised at how well she pulled it off. Most of her characters are more lighthearted than this one.

Those of you looking for a great romance, give this story a try. Jennifer Lopez plays Sharon, a Chicago cop trying to cope w/ the effects of growing up w/ a father who abused her mother. Jim Caviezel is Catch, a mysterious loner and amnesia victim trying to cope w/ the car accident that altered his life forever. The two are wonderful together and create a film that will warm the heart of any romance lover.

A great movie!
This movie gets to your heart no matter what, its a story about human feelings, tragedies and relation ships...you'll be truly impressed by the atmosphere of the movie, even the beginning is amazing! I was shocked when I first this movie, even made me a cry in some moments, its a special movie, good for parents and children, wife and husban. It shows how we can hurt the person we most love, by not admiting that we're not right, and what we did is wrong! Jennifer's character seems not to go on with nobody, the real reasons being well hidden in her heart, once you discover them , you'll see nothing is what it seems to be.
If you like this tipe of movies (dramas) you'll love this one, it will give you a lot to think of!

STUNNED
This is a very good movie. It has made me a fan of Lopez. There is a real depth to her acting. Caviezel was also great in his role. While some may say his acting was stiff, I don't agree.

This movie is not an action of supernatural movie. It's about decesions and events in the lives of the characters and how they cope with them. What is unique about this movie is that it never gets preachy or smary and like real life some issue are not resolved.

A short scene near the beginning of the movie examplifies the realism of this movie. The scene involves Lopez on a date. Anyone would be hardpressed to believe that Lopez would have a hard time getting a date. The movie handles this in a credible way. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Power of Courage; the power of love
An emotionally gripping, touching, and sadly inspirational story based upon the life and creative contribution of Gaby Brimmer. Born of wealthy Jewish refuge parents residing in Mexico after the Second World War, she was afflicted with Cerebral Palsy and unable to move all but her left foot. Despite this, and with the love and wisdom of her parents and life-long Nanny she was the first so handicapped person to challange the entry exams and to proceed through high school and the University at Mexico City, distinguishing herself in the process. She went on to be published, in articles and in her autobiography. Rachel Levin's performance as the severely handicapped Gaby has to be seen to be believed. As a Doctor of Medicine and a writer, I found it astounding. Gaby Brimmer died of a stroke on January 3rd of this year. The world is richer for her inspiration and poorer for the loss. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Traumatic transition from print to screen
After reading "The quiet game" and "24 hours", Greg Iles' books became constant on my "List of books to buy". Iles, to me, is like the earlier John Grisham , the good Grisham, who could write thrillers like "A time to kill" and "The firm".

"Trapped" is a movie based on Iles' "24 hours". It deals with a group of kidnappers who have devised the "perfect kidnapping plan", as Joey, the head of the gang, puts it: by separating the father, the mother, and the child, and by placing phone calls every thirty minutes, the kidnappers have total control of the situation. But this time it's not going to be that easy.

The book is gripping, thrilling and very well written in the sense that all characters' reactions are true to real life. When I knew that there was a movie based on "24 hours", featuring the beautiful Charlize Theron, the competent Kevin Bacon and with a screenplay written by the same author, I wanted to watch it right away. Unfortunately, the result is not the one I expected.

"Trapped" is one of those examples where the transition from print to screen is kind of traumatic. While the text makes the reader turn the pages faster, the movie scenes are rushed and make the viewers role their eyes. While the plot on text is believable, the plot on screen lacks elements so that the viewer fully understands what's going on. While reading the book, I could picture anyone I wanted as Joey, but watching the movie I had to put up with Bacon's worst acting in years. Once again, Charlize Theron is competent, and Pruett Taylor Vince is another good surprise.

Even so, with all these problems, "Trapped" is mildly entertaining and fast-paced, even if somewhat predictable. Greg Iles is an above average author, but needs polishment as a screenplay writer.

Grade 6.5/10

GREAT
With Kevin Bacon being one of my favorite actors and Charlize
Thron being a really talented up and coming actress not to mention how hot she is.Kevin Bacon goes to back to what he does
best and that is play the villan,and he is the villan with that
twisted grin,calm voice,and those killer tatoo's he play's his
best and slimiest villan since Sleepers and River Wild.Now to
the movie this as to be without a doubt the best and most enter-
taining kidnapper movie since Ransom.This movie has it all great
dialogue,character developement,action,and a twist that you really don't see coming.See this movie with in the first 8 -10
minutes of the movie you'll be drawn in to the best movie of it's
genre in recent years.Dont let the credit of the movie(and Kevin
Bacon)fool you he has more screen time in this than Wild Things
were his name is mentioned first in the credits.

Wow
Based upon a novel by Greg Iles, this movie absolutely Rocks!

Joe (Kevin Bacon) is a child kidnapper. He's done it before and he does it again. This time he choses Karen Jenning's family and in broad daylight he forces himself into her house and gets hold of Abigail, Karen's daughter.
But this time it is different. Abigail is asthmatic and she could die in kidnapper hands!

What'll happen next???
You better watch it yourself! :)

From the time Abigail gets kidnapped until the end of the movie you'll feel that you're sitting on thorns or you'll bite all your nails until "there's none".

Highly Recommended

What's wrong with this movie.
Boring and I mean boring.The actors were fine but it is the story that stinks.Why didn't Stuart Townsend's and Charlize Theron's characters who had weapons each took out the bad guys and call the authorities immediately.And the helicopter chase scene didn't make any sense.Why didn't the FBI arrest Courtney Love's character earlier and when Kevin Bacon's character was hit in the face with a tire iron,how did he quickly recovered and was then shot to death.I saw so many flaws in the movie I could list them in a ten minute span.

Predictable Kidnapping Drama...
The perfect kidnapping scheme is put into action by Joe Hickey (Kevin Bacon) for the fifth time as he and his companions kidnap Abby from the Jennings family. The plan consists of kidnapping Abby from the Jennings as Joe's brother, Marvin (Pruitt Taylor Vince), watches Abby for 24 hours. During this time Joe dictates to the mother what she should be doing to get the safe return of her daughter. While all of this is going on,, the father is self-contained as he is on a business trip. However, this time something goes wrong as Abby suffers from asthma. The cast performs well in this suspenseful action film, but it does not save the film as there is not much suspense in this predictable kidnapping drama. Trapped fails to convey a message as it jumps from scene to scene which ends up hurting the overall cinematic experience. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

This One Will Stay In My Collection
The reason I got into this business of buying and selling DVD movies is simply to try to get rid of ones that I have seen. Everybody knows there's a lot of crap out there but I just love watching movies. So this morning after seeing my wife off to work, even after just less than three hours of sleep, I thought I'd slumber myself back to sleep with a movie. For that purpose, I picked up the wrong one.

I won't get into the story of this movie, you get that in the other reviews here. This, BTW, is my first ever movie review.

"White Palace" is as close to a perfect movie as one can get. How can it not be? I never was into the drama/love story genre; but this movie has the right balance between the lead characters, the story and the setting, the supporting cast, the music, and with the awesome partnership of James Spader and Susan Sarandon, got me stuck watching it and making me love Susan Sarandon more than before!

I've always liked Susan Sarandon more than James Spader in the movies they have separately made; but now that I've seen him in this move, I just had to find out more of his other movies. Now, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on "Storyville" and "Dream Lover".

Great job, Director Luis Mandoki! Now let me check your other work...

A Timeless Movie!
White Palace" is truly one of the most enjoyable movies I have ever seen. It is timeless because no matter how many times you see it, you want to keep coming back for more!
I am also a native of St. Louis, Mo. and it was incredible to see so many familiar sites that were in the film etc. his apt.- the outside building is in Clayton and the actual apt. is Lee Redell's, a famous restauranteur who gratiously lent it for the movie or Rachael and Neal's house- I drive past it almost daily!
James Spader has become my favorite actor. I think it is so neat that he never graduated from high school let alone college and look what he has accomplished! He has a presence and a chemistry that is electrifying. He and Susan Sarandon were fantastic as lovers. The movie is very believable even though it is unusual for a woman 15 years older and from a completely different background economically and educationally to have an affair with such a younger man. You want to believe that it can work out.
All in all this is a movie that will never grow old.

A good, solid love story with great performances...
I found this film to be a very moving and touching love story. The chemistry between the two lead characters is fantastic and holds the attention of the viewer. I am a big fan of James Spader and he does a fantastic job in this film, even though I prefer his more recent movies. This is a good film to check out if you are a fan of either Spader or Sarandon.

Sarandon and Spader Sizzle....DVD Fizzles...
This review refers to the DVD edition(Goodtimes Video) of "White Palace".....

There couldn't be two people at more opposite ends of the poles than Nora Baker and Max Baron. He's a 27 year old upwardly mobile executive,obsessive and compulsive, he's neat as a pin, and Jewish. She's 43, is in the "food preparation business"(serves up greasy hamburgers) ,lives in the low rent district, in a house that doesn't get cleaned and has never even met anyone Jewish. They meet twice by happenstance and although it seems all they really have in common is that they are both from St.Louis, they discover they are really not all together different.

Max is grieving for his young and beautiful wife, and Nora her child. And although they handle their grief in very different ways, they take solace in each others arms. Their whirlwind affair, brings a renewed spirit to each of them, but when the relationship steps up to a new level, they wonder how they will fit into each other's world.

It's a believable, beautiful, and at times a funny love story.Susan Sarandon lights up the screen with her portrayal of the fiesty Nora. Spader shines in a role that seems to be made for him. Other notables in the cast include Jason Alexander,Eileen Brennan, and Kathy Bates.

The DVD could have a better transfer. Although there's nothing that will impair your viewing, it didn't seem as sharp and clear as it could be.The sound in Dolby Dig surround was very good, but the film has been "Formatted from it's original version to fit your screen"(pan and scan), and I didn't see a widescreen edition available, so we don't have a choice of how we would like to view it. There are however captions in English and subtitiles in Spanish and French and may be viewed in those languages as well.There are no other special features included.

The film is rated R and even that is pushing the envelope somewhat. The loves scenes are very steamy(this one is definately not for the kiddies), but you'll also find a beautiful story of fate stepping in and lending a hand. A romantic film that is worth the view in any format.

Thanks and enjoy.....Laurie

Wonderful Teaming of Actors
I just saw the edited version of "White Palace" and I remember how much I enjoyed the uncut version, with its gritty realism. Please note the description above says "starring Luis Mandoki," when he's the director! The star is the vastly underutilized James Spader who I just saw in a strange movie called "Secretary." Here he's in love with the older Susan Sarandon and it's magic. I also read the book, whick is quite different from the movie, but they're both quite enjoyable. Pop the popcorn and enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Almost 50 years after the original, it still works!!
One of the biggest problems with remakes is often that they are extremely dated. Born Yesterday, the 1993 remake of the wonderful 50's comedy, starring the irrepressible Judy Holliday, and a gruff, teddy-bearish Brodrick Crawford--holds up beautifully. The basic story remains the same,(remember: "Do me a favor, Harry...drop dead!!!") but the details, the dress and the language are totally 90's. It's a delightful, and really--a touching story of a young woman (Melanie Griffith) who is brought to an appreciation of herself as something well beyond a gorgeous face. Her teacher is a kinder, gentler Don Johnson; and her Neanderthal-type husband, John Goodman is Harry, a nasty 'Fred Flintstone Goes To Washington' kind of guy! It all works till a bit of a let down near the end, but truly, there's a several minute rendition of the first 17 or so Ammendments to the Constitution sung (with energy) to the tune of the "12 Days of Christmas" that, alone, would be worth the price of admission!! Rent it, buy it; somehow, try it!!

VERY WATCHABLE DESPITE THE AIRHEAD BLONDE CLICHE..
It's difficult for me to tell which group this light film satirizes more: bimbo blondes (our protagonist blonde miraculously amasses sparkling intellect through avid reading of a dictionary and the Constitution) or boorish politicians.

Because the new film can't really tell audiences anything about the idiocy of politics that they don't already know, I'd say Born Yesterday is principally about the blonde's enlightenment and her humiliation of her pompous politician husband.

Overall it is a fairly inoffensive that lesirely goes about its comic business. I've seen it a couple of times and finished it on both occasions. And it's in colour (to counter-argue the whole Original vs New debate that other reviewers seem to be fascinated with).

Recommended rental for sure.

I never saw the original, version, so I loved it.

John Goodman and Melanie Griffith played their parts suberbly.

This is about a millionaire scrap metal tycoon who turns real estate mogul (John Goodman) whose clueless girlfriend (Melanie Griffith) finds herself without a clue in the Washington-Merrie-Go-Round. So her boyfriend (Goodman) hires Paul Verrall (Don Hohnson) to help her with the special skills, small talk, etc.

A problem: boyfriend Goodman, like almost everyone else, as the story demonstrates, are not nearly as smart as they lead everyone else to believe, like the reporter for NPR who pretends to have read de Toqueville, but has not, as Griffith discovers. It is all an act, designed to impress others.

The script is so true to life, full of flakes and phonies, that it is almost laughable.

A great movie, and one you will probably remember for a long time. It shows how we all get bullied by the people with real power over us. Very entertaining, too.

Joseph (Joe) Pierre

author of Handguns and Freedom...their care and mainenance
and other books

So it's a remake!?!
Who cares? If I want to watch the original and I feel that strongly about it, then that's what I'll do - stick to the original. In this case, I enjoyed this particular remake very much. It's not the original, no, but it's pure entertainment. I found it to be fresh and engaging. If you only wanna see the original, then skip the remake, but if you're willing to open your mind to a new script with some different actors, then sit back, relax, and enjoy the escapism.

The Original is BETTER!
This movie deserves zero stars. Avoid any version (VHS or DVD) of it!See the original in all its Glorious black and white beauty! The original is a million times better than this trite,stale re-hash with a not-very-talented cast. This a remake that should never have been made,it is horrible! To even suggest that Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson could recapture the charm and sparkle of Judy Holliday & William Holden is preposterous! Melanie Griffith has got to be one of the worst actresses ever, and she butchers this role. As for Don Johnson, it takes more than a pair of horn-rimmed glasses to pretend he is William Holden. John Goodman has the right girth and maybe a bit of the swagger and behaves like a brutish lout to compare with Broderick Crawford in the original "Born Yesterday". But just because the three leads in this remake may look or sound a little like the 3 Academy Award winning talents that were in the original cast, does not mean the movie will work. There is good reason why a remake hadn't been attempted for over 30 years--the film is so good, why mess with it? That's what this version is, a mess!
Hollywood insists on tinkering with classics like this to try to bring them to a new audience, but most of the time, they fail, miserably. How many times (and millions of dollars later)do they need to be reminded of this? To borrow that old joke,(when somebody is trying to 'put one over on you'), "...let me check my driver's license, to see if I wasn't born yesterday " :
Don't get fooled by this movie.

It is wretched! Run, don't walk far,far, away from this one!Avoid it like the plague.
Rent or buy the original BORN YESTERDAY, you'll be glad you did! ... Read more

Amazon.com essential video

Glenn Savan's depressing and self-loathing novel about a 27-year-old upper-class Jewish widower mired in self-pity after his beloved wife dies, and who finds love and sexual rebirth with a trailer-trash older woman, was brought to the big screen by the competent director Luis Mandoki (When a Man Loves a Woman, Message in a Bottle). But the savage irony in Savan's book has been face-lifted by screenwriters Ted Tally (The Silence of the Lambs) and Alvin Sargent (Ordinary People) into something else entirely: what passes for low-rent "slumming" in Hollywood means hiring sexy Susan Sarandon to play Nora Baker, the poor, uneducated 43-year-old waitress in a White Palace burger joint who strikes up an unlikely relationship with sad Max Baron (James Spader). Widower Max attends a bachelor party for best pal Neil (Jason Alexander) and discovers that the local White Palace has stiffed the boys a whopping six burgers. Max barges into the joint, bent on getting his money back, and meets a testy Nora, who is bemused at the young man's insolence. While driving home, Max stops abruptly at a bar for a drink. Inside, Nora is nursing a vodka and takes a shine to the tuxedo-clad, handsome, and morose younger man. He gives her a lift, she seduces him, and the rest of the movie examines how two such opposites in manners and morals can find happiness. The only common bond they have is great sex and a private tragedy. White Palace nudges at the dark journey and the smashing of illusion that was at the heart of the novel, but there is still a fairy-tale element to the film that negates the earthy essence that distinguished the book. In Mandoki's vision, White Palace is about overcoming class, family, and outside opinion to find true love. In Savan's book, Max wastes into decline while Nora ultimately thrives in the quest for truth, redemption, and self-forgiveness. She becomes his salvation only after he stops hating himself. But mainstream Hollywood shuns making "protagonists" so mad, bad, or sad, and as such, too much glitter is tossed on Spader, while Sarandon, as usual, is the only one who seems to embody and understand her character's angst. She deserved her Oscar for Nora, not the nun in Dead Man Walking. --Paula Nechak ... Read more

Reviews (19)

This One Will Stay In My Collection
The reason I got into this business of buying and selling DVD movies is simply to try to get rid of ones that I have seen. Everybody knows there's a lot of crap out there but I just love watching movies. So this morning after seeing my wife off to work, even after just less than three hours of sleep, I thought I'd slumber myself back to sleep with a movie. For that purpose, I picked up the wrong one.

I won't get into the story of this movie, you get that in the other reviews here. This, BTW, is my first ever movie review.

"White Palace" is as close to a perfect movie as one can get. How can it not be? I never was into the drama/love story genre; but this movie has the right balance between the lead characters, the story and the setting, the supporting cast, the music, and with the awesome partnership of James Spader and Susan Sarandon, got me stuck watching it and making me love Susan Sarandon more than before!

I've always liked Susan Sarandon more than James Spader in the movies they have separately made; but now that I've seen him in this move, I just had to find out more of his other movies. Now, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on "Storyville" and "Dream Lover".

Great job, Director Luis Mandoki! Now let me check your other work...

A Timeless Movie!
White Palace" is truly one of the most enjoyable movies I have ever seen. It is timeless because no matter how many times you see it, you want to keep coming back for more!
I am also a native of St. Louis, Mo. and it was incredible to see so many familiar sites that were in the film etc. his apt.- the outside building is in Clayton and the actual apt. is Lee Redell's, a famous restauranteur who gratiously lent it for the movie or Rachael and Neal's house- I drive past it almost daily!
James Spader has become my favorite actor. I think it is so neat that he never graduated from high school let alone college and look what he has accomplished! He has a presence and a chemistry that is electrifying. He and Susan Sarandon were fantastic as lovers. The movie is very believable even though it is unusual for a woman 15 years older and from a completely different background economically and educationally to have an affair with such a younger man. You want to believe that it can work out.
All in all this is a movie that will never grow old.

A good, solid love story with great performances...
I found this film to be a very moving and touching love story. The chemistry between the two lead characters is fantastic and holds the attention of the viewer. I am a big fan of James Spader and he does a fantastic job in this film, even though I prefer his more recent movies. This is a good film to check out if you are a fan of either Spader or Sarandon.

Sarandon and Spader Sizzle....DVD Fizzles...
This review refers to the DVD edition(Goodtimes Video) of "White Palace".....

There couldn't be two people at more opposite ends of the poles than Nora Baker and Max Baron. He's a 27 year old upwardly mobile executive,obsessive and compulsive, he's neat as a pin, and Jewish. She's 43, is in the "food preparation business"(serves up greasy hamburgers) ,lives in the low rent district, in a house that doesn't get cleaned and has never even met anyone Jewish. They meet twice by happenstance and although it seems all they really have in common is that they are both from St.Louis, they discover they are really not all together different.

Max is grieving for his young and beautiful wife, and Nora her child. And although they handle their grief in very different ways, they take solace in each others arms. Their whirlwind affair, brings a renewed spirit to each of them, but when the relationship steps up to a new level, they wonder how they will fit into each other's world.

It's a believable, beautiful, and at times a funny love story.Susan Sarandon lights up the screen with her portrayal of the fiesty Nora. Spader shines in a role that seems to be made for him. Other notables in the cast include Jason Alexander,Eileen Brennan, and Kathy Bates.

The DVD could have a better transfer. Although there's nothing that will impair your viewing, it didn't seem as sharp and clear as it could be.The sound in Dolby Dig surround was very good, but the film has been "Formatted from it's original version to fit your screen"(pan and scan), and I didn't see a widescreen edition available, so we don't have a choice of how we would like to view it. There are however captions in English and subtitiles in Spanish and French and may be viewed in those languages as well.There are no other special features included.

The film is rated R and even that is pushing the envelope somewhat. The loves scenes are very steamy(this one is definately not for the kiddies), but you'll also find a beautiful story of fate stepping in and lending a hand. A romantic film that is worth the view in any format.

Thanks and enjoy.....Laurie

Wonderful Teaming of Actors
I just saw the edited version of "White Palace" and I remember how much I enjoyed the uncut version, with its gritty realism. Please note the description above says "starring Luis Mandoki," when he's the director! The star is the vastly underutilized James Spader who I just saw in a strange movie called "Secretary." Here he's in love with the older Susan Sarandon and it's magic. I also read the book, whick is quite different from the movie, but they're both quite enjoyable. Pop the popcorn and enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Sappy story but somehow lackluster
Kevin Costner and Robin Wright Penn, along with Paul Newman and Robbie Coltrane star in this stomach-turning film based on Nicholas Sparks's titled novel. Penn plays Theresa Osbovue, a woman who falls in love with a man she has never met. A single-mom following a heart-breaking divorce, Theresa retains custody of her son Jason. On a solitary vacation while Jason visits his dad, Theresa is jogging along a remote stretch of coastline when she picks up a sand-immersed bottle containing a passionate letter signed G. The letter turns out to be a heartfelt soliloquy to Catherine. After Theresa's boss publishes the sappy note on the newspaper, Theresa unexpectedly receives a plethora of responses and oddly more letters of the same letterhead turns up at her office. The bittersweet poetry from the letter pulls Theresa's heartstrings and prompts her to search for this man known as the initial G. The movie has adopted from Sparks' novel and seen minor modifications such as the locations of places and the much. Theresa's search for Garret Blake is somewhat cut short in the movie. So if you're interested you should read the novel before watching the movie. Other than that the movie sticks with the original plot:still sad, poignant and heartbreaking, and a bit stomach-turning. Kevin Costner and Robin Wright Penn make an interesting couple to watch. I have to compliment on the beautiful cinematography. The movie, however, is not a bad selection for those who want to enjoy a cozy quiet evening at home. 37/50 3.7 stars.

One of Costner's Best Films
This is a great love story.

Had to watch this one two times!

I highly recommend it for husbands and wives who want and need to rekindle their relationships.

Not anywhere near as good as the book.
They changed SO much from the book to the movie version! Paul Newman's character as the father had his name changed, as well as Theresa's son; Garrett already had a boat, he did not have to build one; his wife was not a painter; Theresa lived in Boston and worked for a fictional newspaper; etc. The movie just lacked so much. There was zero chemistry between the main characters. Kevin Costner was the only wonderful part in the movie as he played the character of Garrett so perfectly that it felt like they stole him right from the pages of the book and breathed life into him to star in the movie. He is the reason to watch this movie - there aren't any other reasons. Read the book - you'll get a more satisfying experience and a more satisfying cry.

Romantic
The plot of this movie was simply beautiful, especially coming from brilliant Nicholas Sparks. The movie was sweet and subtle showing the relationship between a man and a woman.

A woman is a writer, and finds a bottle written with a very beautiful note. She wants to find the author of the notes and possibly write a story on him.

She does meet him, and ironically falls in love with him. She collects the notes any way she can loving him even more. While on her journey, she spends a lot of time with the new man she's fallen in love with.

She has to leave to be with her son who was with his dad over the holiday. Problems arise, and hardships are endured.

The novel and movie are both very touching and romantic.

Left feeling Empty
I like romantic movies. I want the ending to leave me feeling happy, not depressed. Life isn't the fairy tale, thats why I watch movies, otherwise I wouldn't waste my time watching them. I want the fairy tale, the things that could and would never happen in real life. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS MOVIE, until the end, I even stayed up on a work night until 1:30am. If they created this ending to make the movie "more realistic" they failed miserably. I thought I found a new romantic chick flick to add to my collection, I was sorely disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

This One Will Stay In My Collection
The reason I got into this business of buying and selling DVD movies is simply to try to get rid of ones that I have seen. Everybody knows there's a lot of crap out there but I just love watching movies. So this morning after seeing my wife off to work, even after just less than three hours of sleep, I thought I'd slumber myself back to sleep with a movie. For that purpose, I picked up the wrong one.

I won't get into the story of this movie, you get that in the other reviews here. This, BTW, is my first ever movie review.

"White Palace" is as close to a perfect movie as one can get. How can it not be? I never was into the drama/love story genre; but this movie has the right balance between the lead characters, the story and the setting, the supporting cast, the music, and with the awesome partnership of James Spader and Susan Sarandon, got me stuck watching it and making me love Susan Sarandon more than before!

I've always liked Susan Sarandon more than James Spader in the movies they have separately made; but now that I've seen him in this move, I just had to find out more of his other movies. Now, I'm looking forward to getting my hands on "Storyville" and "Dream Lover".

Great job, Director Luis Mandoki! Now let me check your other work...

A Timeless Movie!
White Palace" is truly one of the most enjoyable movies I have ever seen. It is timeless because no matter how many times you see it, you want to keep coming back for more!
I am also a native of St. Louis, Mo. and it was incredible to see so many familiar sites that were in the film etc. his apt.- the outside building is in Clayton and the actual apt. is Lee Redell's, a famous restauranteur who gratiously lent it for the movie or Rachael and Neal's house- I drive past it almost daily!
James Spader has become my favorite actor. I think it is so neat that he never graduated from high school let alone college and look what he has accomplished! He has a presence and a chemistry that is electrifying. He and Susan Sarandon were fantastic as lovers. The movie is very believable even though it is unusual for a woman 15 years older and from a completely different background economically and educationally to have an affair with such a younger man. You want to believe that it can work out.
All in all this is a movie that will never grow old.

A good, solid love story with great performances...
I found this film to be a very moving and touching love story. The chemistry between the two lead characters is fantastic and holds the attention of the viewer. I am a big fan of James Spader and he does a fantastic job in this film, even though I prefer his more recent movies. This is a good film to check out if you are a fan of either Spader or Sarandon.

Sarandon and Spader Sizzle....DVD Fizzles...
This review refers to the DVD edition(Goodtimes Video) of "White Palace".....

There couldn't be two people at more opposite ends of the poles than Nora Baker and Max Baron. He's a 27 year old upwardly mobile executive,obsessive and compulsive, he's neat as a pin, and Jewish. She's 43, is in the "food preparation business"(serves up greasy hamburgers) ,lives in the low rent district, in a house that doesn't get cleaned and has never even met anyone Jewish. They meet twice by happenstance and although it seems all they really have in common is that they are both from St.Louis, they discover they are really not all together different.

Max is grieving for his young and beautiful wife, and Nora her child. And although they handle their grief in very different ways, they take solace in each others arms. Their whirlwind affair, brings a renewed spirit to each of them, but when the relationship steps up to a new level, they wonder how they will fit into each other's world.

It's a believable, beautiful, and at times a funny love story.Susan Sarandon lights up the screen with her portrayal of the fiesty Nora. Spader shines in a role that seems to be made for him. Other notables in the cast include Jason Alexander,Eileen Brennan, and Kathy Bates.

The DVD could have a better transfer. Although there's nothing that will impair your viewing, it didn't seem as sharp and clear as it could be.The sound in Dolby Dig surround was very good, but the film has been "Formatted from it's original version to fit your screen"(pan and scan), and I didn't see a widescreen edition available, so we don't have a choice of how we would like to view it. There are however captions in English and subtitiles in Spanish and French and may be viewed in those languages as well.There are no other special features included.

The film is rated R and even that is pushing the envelope somewhat. The loves scenes are very steamy(this one is definately not for the kiddies), but you'll also find a beautiful story of fate stepping in and lending a hand. A romantic film that is worth the view in any format.

Thanks and enjoy.....Laurie

Wonderful Teaming of Actors
I just saw the edited version of "White Palace" and I remember how much I enjoyed the uncut version, with its gritty realism. Please note the description above says "starring Luis Mandoki," when he's the director! The star is the vastly underutilized James Spader who I just saw in a strange movie called "Secretary." Here he's in love with the older Susan Sarandon and it's magic. I also read the book, whick is quite different from the movie, but they're both quite enjoyable. Pop the popcorn and enjoy! ... Read more

Reviews (96)

The best movie I've seen in ages
If all you know of Jennifer Lopez is what you've seen and read in the tabloids and movie magazines, you'll be pleasantly surprised by this movie. Ms. Lopez has talent. I had only seen her in The Wedding Planner, where she was cute and appealing, but in Angel Eyes, she shines. I watched the movie twice the night it came on TNT (it was a double play), taped it, watched it every night that week, and finally ordered it.
Ms. Lopez portrays Sharon Pogue, a tough, yet vulnerable Chicago cop who is shunned by her family, despised by the criminals she tries to help, and hit on by her fellow officers.
Jim Caviezel is compelling as Catch, a man traumatized by an incident he can't remember, yet he has a sense of humor, and a warmth that has been missing from Sharon's life. Together they give each other the strength to face the future.
Shirley Knight is excellent, too, as the mystery woman in Catch's life, who holds the key to his past, but is patient enough to give him time to remember.
I promise you this movie will keep you spellbound until the very end, and then send you running to the video store for more of Jennifer and Jim.

Slow moving but beautifully crafted
I have to confess that I was a bit dubious about borrowing this DVD from my local library but the blurb on the case looked intriguing and as there was nothing on the telly worth watching, I thought, "what the heck!"
All I can say is, "what a little gem of a movie." Jennifer Lopez is a damn good actress, I don't care what anyone else thinks, but that girl is multi-talented. Not only she can act the socks off the likes of Gywneth Paltrow, she has the added bonus of being a red hot singer too.
The plot is quite complex but surprisingly easy to follow. Lopez plays a dedicated cop called Sharon who has her fair share of emotional demons to cope with, along with a stressful job, an over protective partner, and a dysfunctional family life that is just getting worse. James Caviezel plays Catch, a mysterious young man who comes into her life abruptly, saving her from a gun toting assailant. They know each other but are unable to voice this knowledge because they are perfect strangers...aren't they? The story steadily moves through Sharon and Catch's lives as they come to terms with secrets, family ghosts and their blossoming love for each other. This is an unusual love story, with great camera angles, and the flash back between past and present is done with a ghost like subtly that makes you shiver. And no, Jennifer Lopez doesn't burst into song every five seconds, in fact it is James Caviezel who has the musical ability, playing jazz on a trumpet in an elegant downtown bar as Lopez watches on in delight. Also the musical score is great which makes this film all the more watchable.
All the cast in this film are great, right down to Bob the stray mutt that Catch takes in and gives a home.
This is a smart film for smart people. So if you aren't smart, don't bother watching it, you won't understand it, and you might hurt your brain cells in the process.

I Fell In Love w/ Catch Too
I just saw this movie and was absolutely surprised. Like so many who fell pray to the marketing, I thought Angel Eyes was some type of suspense thriller about a cop and some stalker guy. I thought it was the 'same ol' thriller'. So, I'm just watching it.

I was blown away by the depth of the characters and the acting. Jim Caviezel is my new favorite after this. I loved him Frequency, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Passion. But this movie has convinced me of how wonderful of an actor he is. He brings Catch to life through his body language and eyes just as much as he does his line delivery. It was also great to Jennifer Lopez play a different type of character. I can't recall ever seeing her play a dramatic role and was surprised at how well she pulled it off. Most of her characters are more lighthearted than this one.

Those of you looking for a great romance, give this story a try. Jennifer Lopez plays Sharon, a Chicago cop trying to cope w/ the effects of growing up w/ a father who abused her mother. Jim Caviezel is Catch, a mysterious loner and amnesia victim trying to cope w/ the car accident that altered his life forever. The two are wonderful together and create a film that will warm the heart of any romance lover.

A great movie!
This movie gets to your heart no matter what, its a story about human feelings, tragedies and relation ships...you'll be truly impressed by the atmosphere of the movie, even the beginning is amazing! I was shocked when I first this movie, even made me a cry in some moments, its a special movie, good for parents and children, wife and husban. It shows how we can hurt the person we most love, by not admiting that we're not right, and what we did is wrong! Jennifer's character seems not to go on with nobody, the real reasons being well hidden in her heart, once you discover them , you'll see nothing is what it seems to be.
If you like this tipe of movies (dramas) you'll love this one, it will give you a lot to think of!

STUNNED
This is a very good movie. It has made me a fan of Lopez. There is a real depth to her acting. Caviezel was also great in his role. While some may say his acting was stiff, I don't agree.

This movie is not an action of supernatural movie. It's about decesions and events in the lives of the characters and how they cope with them. What is unique about this movie is that it never gets preachy or smary and like real life some issue are not resolved.

A short scene near the beginning of the movie examplifies the realism of this movie. The scene involves Lopez on a date. Anyone would be hardpressed to believe that Lopez would have a hard time getting a date. The movie handles this in a credible way. ... Read more

Reviews (114)

Sappy story but somehow lackluster
Kevin Costner and Robin Wright Penn, along with Paul Newman and Robbie Coltrane star in this stomach-turning film based on Nicholas Sparks's titled novel. Penn plays Theresa Osbovue, a woman who falls in love with a man she has never met. A single-mom following a heart-breaking divorce, Theresa retains custody of her son Jason. On a solitary vacation while Jason visits his dad, Theresa is jogging along a remote stretch of coastline when she picks up a sand-immersed bottle containing a passionate letter signed G. The letter turns out to be a heartfelt soliloquy to Catherine. After Theresa's boss publishes the sappy note on the newspaper, Theresa unexpectedly receives a plethora of responses and oddly more letters of the same letterhead turns up at her office. The bittersweet poetry from the letter pulls Theresa's heartstrings and prompts her to search for this man known as the initial G. The movie has adopted from Sparks' novel and seen minor modifications such as the locations of places and the much. Theresa's search for Garret Blake is somewhat cut short in the movie. So if you're interested you should read the novel before watching the movie. Other than that the movie sticks with the original plot:still sad, poignant and heartbreaking, and a bit stomach-turning. Kevin Costner and Robin Wright Penn make an interesting couple to watch. I have to compliment on the beautiful cinematography. The movie, however, is not a bad selection for those who want to enjoy a cozy quiet evening at home. 37/50 3.7 stars.

One of Costner's Best Films
This is a great love story.

Had to watch this one two times!

I highly recommend it for husbands and wives who want and need to rekindle their relationships.

Not anywhere near as good as the book.
They changed SO much from the book to the movie version! Paul Newman's character as the father had his name changed, as well as Theresa's son; Garrett already had a boat, he did not have to build one; his wife was not a painter; Theresa lived in Boston and worked for a fictional newspaper; etc. The movie just lacked so much. There was zero chemistry between the main characters. Kevin Costner was the only wonderful part in the movie as he played the character of Garrett so perfectly that it felt like they stole him right from the pages of the book and breathed life into him to star in the movie. He is the reason to watch this movie - there aren't any other reasons. Read the book - you'll get a more satisfying experience and a more satisfying cry.

Romantic
The plot of this movie was simply beautiful, especially coming from brilliant Nicholas Sparks. The movie was sweet and subtle showing the relationship between a man and a woman.

A woman is a writer, and finds a bottle written with a very beautiful note. She wants to find the author of the notes and possibly write a story on him.

She does meet him, and ironically falls in love with him. She collects the notes any way she can loving him even more. While on her journey, she spends a lot of time with the new man she's fallen in love with.

She has to leave to be with her son who was with his dad over the holiday. Problems arise, and hardships are endured.

The novel and movie are both very touching and romantic.

Left feeling Empty
I like romantic movies. I want the ending to leave me feeling happy, not depressed. Life isn't the fairy tale, thats why I watch movies, otherwise I wouldn't waste my time watching them. I want the fairy tale, the things that could and would never happen in real life. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS MOVIE, until the end, I even stayed up on a work night until 1:30am. If they created this ending to make the movie "more realistic" they failed miserably. I thought I found a new romantic chick flick to add to my collection, I was sorely disappointed. ... Read more

Reviews (96)

The best movie I've seen in ages
If all you know of Jennifer Lopez is what you've seen and read in the tabloids and movie magazines, you'll be pleasantly surprised by this movie. Ms. Lopez has talent. I had only seen her in The Wedding Planner, where she was cute and appealing, but in Angel Eyes, she shines. I watched the movie twice the night it came on TNT (it was a double play), taped it, watched it every night that week, and finally ordered it.
Ms. Lopez portrays Sharon Pogue, a tough, yet vulnerable Chicago cop who is shunned by her family, despised by the criminals she tries to help, and hit on by her fellow officers.
Jim Caviezel is compelling as Catch, a man traumatized by an incident he can't remember, yet he has a sense of humor, and a warmth that has been missing from Sharon's life. Together they give each other the strength to face the future.
Shirley Knight is excellent, too, as the mystery woman in Catch's life, who holds the key to his past, but is patient enough to give him time to remember.
I promise you this movie will keep you spellbound until the very end, and then send you running to the video store for more of Jennifer and Jim.

Slow moving but beautifully crafted
I have to confess that I was a bit dubious about borrowing this DVD from my local library but the blurb on the case looked intriguing and as there was nothing on the telly worth watching, I thought, "what the heck!"
All I can say is, "what a little gem of a movie." Jennifer Lopez is a damn good actress, I don't care what anyone else thinks, but that girl is multi-talented. Not only she can act the socks off the likes of Gywneth Paltrow, she has the added bonus of being a red hot singer too.
The plot is quite complex but surprisingly easy to follow. Lopez plays a dedicated cop called Sharon who has her fair share of emotional demons to cope with, along with a stressful job, an over protective partner, and a dysfunctional family life that is just getting worse. James Caviezel plays Catch, a mysterious young man who comes into her life abruptly, saving her from a gun toting assailant. They know each other but are unable to voice this knowledge because they are perfect strangers...aren't they? The story steadily moves through Sharon and Catch's lives as they come to terms with secrets, family ghosts and their blossoming love for each other. This is an unusual love story, with great camera angles, and the flash back between past and present is done with a ghost like subtly that makes you shiver. And no, Jennifer Lopez doesn't burst into song every five seconds, in fact it is James Caviezel who has the musical ability, playing jazz on a trumpet in an elegant downtown bar as Lopez watches on in delight. Also the musical score is great which makes this film all the more watchable.
All the cast in this film are great, right down to Bob the stray mutt that Catch takes in and gives a home.
This is a smart film for smart people. So if you aren't smart, don't bother watching it, you won't understand it, and you might hurt your brain cells in the process.

I Fell In Love w/ Catch Too
I just saw this movie and was absolutely surprised. Like so many who fell pray to the marketing, I thought Angel Eyes was some type of suspense thriller about a cop and some stalker guy. I thought it was the 'same ol' thriller'. So, I'm just watching it.

I was blown away by the depth of the characters and the acting. Jim Caviezel is my new favorite after this. I loved him Frequency, The Count of Monte Cristo and The Passion. But this movie has convinced me of how wonderful of an actor he is. He brings Catch to life through his body language and eyes just as much as he does his line delivery. It was also great to Jennifer Lopez play a different type of character. I can't recall ever seeing her play a dramatic role and was surprised at how well she pulled it off. Most of her characters are more lighthearted than this one.

Those of you looking for a great romance, give this story a try. Jennifer Lopez plays Sharon, a Chicago cop trying to cope w/ the effects of growing up w/ a father who abused her mother. Jim Caviezel is Catch, a mysterious loner and amnesia victim trying to cope w/ the car accident that altered his life forever. The two are wonderful together and create a film that will warm the heart of any romance lover.

A great movie!
This movie gets to your heart no matter what, its a story about human feelings, tragedies and relation ships...you'll be truly impressed by the atmosphere of the movie, even the beginning is amazing! I was shocked when I first this movie, even made me a cry in some moments, its a special movie, good for parents and children, wife and husban. It shows how we can hurt the person we most love, by not admiting that we're not right, and what we did is wrong! Jennifer's character seems not to go on with nobody, the real reasons being well hidden in her heart, once you discover them , you'll see nothing is what it seems to be.
If you like this tipe of movies (dramas) you'll love this one, it will give you a lot to think of!

STUNNED
This is a very good movie. It has made me a fan of Lopez. There is a real depth to her acting. Caviezel was also great in his role. While some may say his acting was stiff, I don't agree.

This movie is not an action of supernatural movie. It's about decesions and events in the lives of the characters and how they cope with them. What is unique about this movie is that it never gets preachy or smary and like real life some issue are not resolved.

A short scene near the beginning of the movie examplifies the realism of this movie. The scene involves Lopez on a date. Anyone would be hardpressed to believe that Lopez would have a hard time getting a date. The movie handles this in a credible way. ... Read more

Reviews (52)

Traumatic transition from print to screen
After reading "The quiet game" and "24 hours", Greg Iles' books became constant on my "List of books to buy". Iles, to me, is like the earlier John Grisham , the good Grisham, who could write thrillers like "A time to kill" and "The firm".

"Trapped" is a movie based on Iles' "24 hours". It deals with a group of kidnappers who have devised the "perfect kidnapping plan", as Joey, the head of the gang, puts it: by separating the father, the mother, and the child, and by placing phone calls every thirty minutes, the kidnappers have total control of the situation. But this time it's not going to be that easy.

The book is gripping, thrilling and very well written in the sense that all characters' reactions are true to real life. When I knew that there was a movie based on "24 hours", featuring the beautiful Charlize Theron, the competent Kevin Bacon and with a screenplay written by the same author, I wanted to watch it right away. Unfortunately, the result is not the one I expected.

"Trapped" is one of those examples where the transition from print to screen is kind of traumatic. While the text makes the reader turn the pages faster, the movie scenes are rushed and make the viewers role their eyes. While the plot on text is believable, the plot on screen lacks elements so that the viewer fully understands what's going on. While reading the book, I could picture anyone I wanted as Joey, but watching the movie I had to put up with Bacon's worst acting in years. Once again, Charlize Theron is competent, and Pruett Taylor Vince is another good surprise.

Even so, with all these problems, "Trapped" is mildly entertaining and fast-paced, even if somewhat predictable. Greg Iles is an above average author, but needs polishment as a screenplay writer.

Grade 6.5/10

GREAT
With Kevin Bacon being one of my favorite actors and Charlize
Thron being a really talented up and coming actress not to mention how hot she is.Kevin Bacon goes to back to what he does
best and that is play the villan,and he is the villan with that
twisted grin,calm voice,and those killer tatoo's he play's his
best and slimiest villan since Sleepers and River Wild.Now to
the movie this as to be without a doubt the best and most enter-
taining kidnapper movie since Ransom.This movie has it all great
dialogue,character developement,action,and a twist that you really don't see coming.See this movie with in the first 8 -10
minutes of the movie you'll be drawn in to the best movie of it's
genre in recent years.Dont let the credit of the movie(and Kevin
Bacon)fool you he has more screen time in this than Wild Things
were his name is mentioned first in the credits.

Wow
Based upon a novel by Greg Iles, this movie absolutely Rocks!

Joe (Kevin Bacon) is a child kidnapper. He's done it before and he does it again. This time he choses Karen Jenning's family and in broad daylight he forces himself into her house and gets hold of Abigail, Karen's daughter.
But this time it is different. Abigail is asthmatic and she could die in kidnapper hands!

What'll happen next???
You better watch it yourself! :)

From the time Abigail gets kidnapped until the end of the movie you'll feel that you're sitting on thorns or you'll bite all your nails until "there's none".

Highly Recommended

What's wrong with this movie.
Boring and I mean boring.The actors were fine but it is the story that stinks.Why didn't Stuart Townsend's and Charlize Theron's characters who had weapons each took out the bad guys and call the authorities immediately.And the helicopter chase scene didn't make any sense.Why didn't the FBI arrest Courtney Love's character earlier and when Kevin Bacon's character was hit in the face with a tire iron,how did he quickly recovered and was then shot to death.I saw so many flaws in the movie I could list them in a ten minute span.

Predictable Kidnapping Drama...
The perfect kidnapping scheme is put into action by Joe Hickey (Kevin Bacon) for the fifth time as he and his companions kidnap Abby from the Jennings family. The plan consists of kidnapping Abby from the Jennings as Joe's brother, Marvin (Pruitt Taylor Vince), watches Abby for 24 hours. During this time Joe dictates to the mother what she should be doing to get the safe return of her daughter. While all of this is going on,, the father is self-contained as he is on a business trip. However, this time something goes wrong as Abby suffers from asthma. The cast performs well in this suspenseful action film, but it does not save the film as there is not much suspense in this predictable kidnapping drama. Trapped fails to convey a message as it jumps from scene to scene which ends up hurting the overall cinematic experience. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Angel Eyes is a mature and levelheaded drama about real people with authentic emotions, clawing through their own hurt and confusion toward a hopeful recovery. In a subtly effective performance as Chicago cop Sharon Pogue, Jennifer Lopez is both gutsy and vulnerable, using her badge as a shield against a past incident of domestic violence that left her estranged from her family and alone with her conviction that good deeds are not always rewarded. This leaves her open to the mysterious appeal of Catch (Jim Caviezel), a haunted loner whose slightly creepy demeanor is merely the cautious façade of a man who, ultimately, has as much to offer Sharon as she does to him. They connect--he saves her life, just as she had once saved his--and Angel Eyes proceeds to reveal the true and fateful depth of their love.

It seems, at first, that Gerald Di Pego's script will turn in a supernatural direction--or at least a metaphysical one--but it doesn't, and director Luis Mandoki navigates an emotional minefield while acknowledging the walls that people build between themselves and the traumatic events they wish to forget. Catch has kept a deliberate distance between himself and a tragedy that Sharon had witnessed--not a repressed nightmare, but a devastating loss from which he will, eventually, recover. That these two characters should rediscover each other at a time of mutual need is not a contrived coincidence. In Angel Eyes, it's the karmic redemption of two wise and deserving souls. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (96)

The best movie I've seen in ages
If all you know of Jennifer Lopez is what you've seen and read in the tabloids and movie magazines, you'll be pleasantly surprised by this movie. Ms. Lopez has talent. I had only seen her in The Wedding Planner, where she was cute and appealing, but in Angel Eyes, she shines. I watched the movie twice the night it came on TNT (it was a double play), taped it, watched it every night that week, and finally ordered it.
Ms. Lopez portrays Sharon Pogue, a tough, yet vulnerable Chicago cop who is shunned by her family, despised by the criminals she tries to help, and hit on by her fellow officers.
Jim Caviezel is compelling as Catch, a man traumatized by an incident he can't remember, yet he has a sense of humor, and a warmth that has been missing from Sharon's life. Together they give each other the strength to face the future.
Shirley Knight is excellent, too, as the mystery woman in Catch's life, who holds the key to his past, but is patient enough to give him time to remember.
I promise you this movie will keep you spellbound until the very end, and then send you running to the video store for more of Jennifer and Jim.

Slow moving but beautifully crafted
I have to confess that I was a bit dubious about borrowing this DVD from my local library but the blurb on the case looked intriguing and as there was nothing on the telly worth watching, I thought, "what the heck!"
All I can say is, "what a little gem of a movie." Jennifer Lopez is a damn good actress, I don't care what anyone else thinks, but that girl is multi-talented. Not only she can act the socks off the likes of Gywneth Paltrow, she has the added bonus of being a red hot singer too.
The plot is quite complex but surprisingly easy to follow. Lopez plays a dedicated cop called Sharon who has her fair share of emotional demons to cope with, along with a stressful job, an over protective partner, and a dysfunctional family life that is just getting worse. James Caviezel plays Catch, a mysterious young man who comes into her life abruptly, saving her from a gun toting assailant. They know each other but are unable to voice this knowledge because they are perfect strangers...aren't they? The story steadily moves through Sharon and Catch's lives as they come to terms with secrets, family ghosts and their blossoming love for each other. This is an unusual love story, with great camera angles, and the flash back between past and present is done with a ghost like subtly that makes you shiver. And no, Jennifer Lopez doesn't burst