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The high-energy, special-effects-laden conclusion to George Lucas's ambitious Star Wars trilogy delivers the final confrontation between Luke Skywalker (a more confident and mature Mark Hamill) and his nemesis-father, Darth Vader (David Prowse, voice of James Earl Jones), as the rebel alliance makes its last stand against the evil Empire. The film opens with an impressive set piece in the cave of the monstrous Jabba the Hut, who holds both Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) for his decadent pleasure until Skywalker comes to the rescue. The final battle pits an enormous armada of rebel ships against the rebuilt Death Star, the planet-killing weapon of the first film, while guerrilla forces battle Empire soldiers on the planet below with the help of a cuddly army of pint-sized, teddy-bear-like creatures known as Ewoks (Lucas's one concession to merchandising) and Skywalker confronts Vader and the emperor on the Deathstar. Director Richard Marquand invests the tale with plenty of humor and a vigorous sense of adventure without losing the seriousness of Skywalker's mission. The special edition adds, among other effects, more creatures and a bouncy song-and-dance number to the Jabba the Hut scenes, and an extended celebration that literally encompasses the galaxy at the film's jubilant conclusion. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (212)

Best Space Fantasy Adventure of all Time¿AFI's Top 100
'Stars Wars: Return of the Jedi, Episode VI' is one of the best of all the episodes of the trilogy ('Star Wars: A New Hope, Episode IV' and 'The Empire Strikes Back, Episode V'). Besides all the excitement and energy, special effect galore-you find out the secrets behind the mysterious legacy of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher). The romance between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia is subtle without all the sex appeal. The confrontation between Luke and his father, Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) and the final battle of the Rebellion vs. The Evil Empire is just some of great climatic moments, plus those cute teddy bear-like Ewoks (Do I sense Lucas merchandising here?). When I attended the first prequel I was disappointed over the story plot. The only thing that made it hold together was the special effects. So I'll stick with the original trilogy. At least it has Han Solo and Chewbacca. A perfect additional to the video is the great Soundtrack by John Williams. I miss the jivey song-and-dance number to the Jabba the Hut lair scenes. An original 1983 version of the Soundtrack album I recall that had the track from the film. It was titled "Lapti Nek." But I did find it on a reissue of 'Stars Wars Trilogy: The Original Soundtrack (Box Set)' with all the original tracks including the Cantina Band and the Ewok celebration songs. I'd also like to mention that there is more humor in the original films than the prequels. It has the best overall story plot.

The prequels are just overpriced productions with a very weak story and dialogue. I'm not sure in the case of Lucas further venture into creating the origins of Obi-Wan Kenobi (One seems to appreciate the much older, wiser and the good side of "the force" Jedi Knight as played by late actor, Alec Guinness), how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader and the parents of the future Luke and Leia. Lately, Lucas seems to be trying to appeal to a broader audience other than focusing on a great story. Nothing can beat the original trilogy story by a stretch. I had alot of great memories about Stars Wars when it first started in 1977. It's become a American culture phenomenon commerically. It's something that everyone will remember and hand down their character, music and book collections to their kids. Yes, I'll say it I saw each one more than 10 times. Shame on me :)! The first book to come out after the first 'Star Wars: A New Hope' movie was Alan Dean Foster's Star Wars Novel "Splinter of the Mind's Eye." It's about the further adventures of Luke & Leia. There has even been spoofs in hiliarious tribute to this like 'Hardware Wars' and 'George Lucas in Love.' This is one of my top 5 desert island films. It's just one movie that will never grow old. It's just as entertaining as it was before. "The Force" is definitely with this for it to be one of the top 100 movies of all time named by the American Film Institute (AFI). That says alot. May the Force Be with You Always!

A Sweeping Epic, Grandiose In Scale
Return Of The Jedi is the final installment in the amazing masterpiece trilogy: Star Wars, and is one of the best in the trilogy. It perfectly interweaves emotion, action, and romance in this epic masterpiece which finishes one of the greatest movie trilogies of all times.

The Galactic Empire has begun construction on a new Death Star which is even more powerful than the first Death Star, and meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, R2D2, and C3PO are attempting to rescue Han Solo from the evil clutches of Jabba The Hutt. After they rescue Han, they plan for the destruction of the new Death Star and find out that the Emperor is personally overseeing the final stages of the construction of the new Death Star. Han, Luke, Leia, 3PO, R2, and a group of rebel commandos must disable the Shield Generator on the orbiting moon of Endor to allow rebel fighter pilots to fly into the Death Star and destroy the main reactor. While the battle rages on, Luke must face his own destiny and confront Darth Vader in a battle to the death which may spell certain doom for the Rebel Alliance and their cause to restore freedom to the galaxy.

The entire movie shines with an epic look whether its a space battle, a sail barge assault above the jaws of a hungry Sarlacc, a Speeder Bike chase through the redwood forests of Endor, or a lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. The emotions involved between Luke Skywalker and the truth about his past grip the audience in the same way that Luke feels, and suspend them above the fate of the Rebel Alliance. Han and Leia's feelings for each other are more developed in this movie, and really tie up loose ends that were left from The Empire Strikes Back. The entire movie actually ties up loose ends and is kind of the resolution point for the Star Wars trilogy. This movie is definitely the best in the trilogy, and worth buying. It is not a disappointment, but one of the greatest movies of all times.

Give Me a Break
Greatest Movie Ever. The "Special Editions" ruined it. Too many great moments to even begin. Love or hate it, if you haven't seen this turning point in film history, you are either uninformed or living in the past. It is more amazing than Wizard of Oz anr Return of the King put together.

The Empire Falls. . .
"So be it. . . Jedi."
- The Emperor

With Return of the Jedi, the space opera saga/cultural phenomenon that began with Star Wars in 1977 and continued with The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, comes to a close.

This perhaps the most difficult film to categorize as far as quality and living tup to expectations. Executive Producer Gary Kurtz parted ways with Lucas after Empire, and Jedi would have been a different film in many respects had he and his ideas stayed put. However, Lucas wanted certain things and would not buge, and what the viewer gets is a climactic and spectacular, if somewhat unfocused, conclusion to one of the most beloved film trilogies of all time.

Luke Skywalker, an older and wiser man for his defeat at Cloud City, attempts a daring rescue mission in the seedy lair of the gangster Jabba the Hutt, a mission to free Han Solo who is being kept as a showroom piece by the ruffian slug. This premise gives birth to the first in a string of incredible action set pieces ranging from monster pits to desert oceans to the blackness of space to the luch forrests of the forrest moon of Endor.

Moving the action along, the plot is more daring even than that of the first movie. The Rebel Alliance, having learned of a new, more powerful Death Star, prepare to mount a final resistance against the station in the hopes of ending the war with one swift stroke. To help accomplish this, Luke, Han, and Leia must deactivate the generator that keeps the Death Star shielded.

However, this won't even be as easy as it sounds. Luke no knows that Darth Vader is his father, and he must confront him if he is to become a fully-fledged Jedi Knight. Han and Leia are caught by a legion of Imperials and must fight a fierce geurilla battle with the help of some unexpected (and sickeningly cute) allies. The Repel fleet is caught between a rock and a hard place - literally - and must contend with both the might of the Imperial Navy and the destructive power of the Death Star while our heroes race to accomplish their mission and restore freedom to the galaxy.

There are parts of Jedi where it really shows that George was going this one alone, particularly the inclusion of the Ewoks (cute, furry, evil Teddy Bears of DOOM), but even with a few marketing concessions and a bold narrative, Jedi still manages to do a LOT of things right. Luke is a more confident character, taking charge of the movie and making you care about him more than ever before as he battles Vader, the Emporer, and the Dark Side. Han and Leia, though not as prominent in Jedi as they were in Empire, are still a joy to watch, particularly in the case of their sometimes-bumbling relationship. Even Lando is given a good deal more screen time, and more importance. Though the characters seem driven by the plot rather than the other way around, this is really the only way the concluding chaper ot the Star Wars Saga could have played out.

As for the Special Edition of Jedi, it is perhaps the most despised of the three. In addition to the requisite digital additions, Lucas added in an entirely new ending sequence of galtactic (literally) proportions to play along with the Ewok celebration after the battle, going so far as to include all new music. Sure, it's still nice, but why mess with something when it's so good?

Either way, this is still a darn good version of a darn good movie, and one that had a hefty bill to fill coming out of the gates. No movie collection is complete without the Star Wars Trilogy, and the trilogy isn't complete without Return of the Jedi. And hoestly, it's really such a FUN movie that it shouldn't be any other way.

If you don't have this, buy, it, or, even better, wait for the DVD release later this year. Either way, the Force will be with you, always.

Return of the Jedi or
King wins! Jedi is not as big a movie as return of the King.11 oscars.WON EVERY ONE FOR KINGUM!!!! Nobody wants to award Lukey.
Luke is back again trying to save his buddies from the fat,massive blob called Jabba. da pizza hut.Thats how he got so obese.eating pizza. The young Jedi fights well and fufills his destiny.but Apoohy is still waiting to get him.WHAT? Yoda is mean and says he has to kill his old man daddy o so justice can be served in the galaxy!!! Then he dies. good riddance. Lukey is the only jedi.Boba falls in the slimy "Pit of Despair"(Ya know,Like the Westley guy that gets tortured)except the princess Leia likes the smuggler. does that Boba kid make it out alive?
After Han solo is unfrozen and back to his happy,smuggy smiley self it;s time to blow up another Death Star.(Palpatine doesn't have many ideas for scary space horror ships.When he was a kid he probably was scared of stars.)So Chewi starts the trouble getting hungry.Oh by they are on Endor trying to destroy the shield of the death star(badly gaurded it looks...hmmm.)But walk into trap they do by Empire...hmmm after almost being killed by Teddy Bears almost.Luke does his Jedi stuff and then everybodies happy.Except when the Rebels get stubidly tricked into being prisoners of mean officers who call them scum.But the teddy bears who led them into it are still at large and the only hope for the rebels(is there any hope Gandalf? For the rebels?)(there never was much hope in teddies.)Luke meanwhile has gotten brainwashed by Yody and Ken-Obi.So he thinks he shouldn't kill Vader or Palpatine for the wrong reasons.But he still has to kill em.They mix him up.Then Poohy has a lightsaber right in front of him.Don't give in to hate Lukey must not.Lando is face to face with a huge fleet of desroyers.Will he blast the death star?Will darth Vader become what he was born to be? A GOOD JEDI? Will lukey take up the saber of the jedi or throw it away? The succsess might depend on one little Ewok somewhare in the wilderness......I hope you also watch Return of the King,because I think Star Wars took the end plot from Tolkien.I still love em! Everybody goes home happy!! But not a thinker end like Lordies.Just more weird how Leia doesn't care her dad is dead.Bye.AAPOOOOOHY!!! ... Read more

Reviews (212)

Best Space Fantasy Adventure of all Time¿AFI's Top 100
'Stars Wars: Return of the Jedi, Episode VI' is one of the best of all the episodes of the trilogy ('Star Wars: A New Hope, Episode IV' and 'The Empire Strikes Back, Episode V'). Besides all the excitement and energy, special effect galore-you find out the secrets behind the mysterious legacy of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Princess Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher). The romance between Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Princess Leia is subtle without all the sex appeal. The confrontation between Luke and his father, Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker) and the final battle of the Rebellion vs. The Evil Empire is just some of great climatic moments, plus those cute teddy bear-like Ewoks (Do I sense Lucas merchandising here?). When I attended the first prequel I was disappointed over the story plot. The only thing that made it hold together was the special effects. So I'll stick with the original trilogy. At least it has Han Solo and Chewbacca. A perfect additional to the video is the great Soundtrack by John Williams. I miss the jivey song-and-dance number to the Jabba the Hut lair scenes. An original 1983 version of the Soundtrack album I recall that had the track from the film. It was titled "Lapti Nek." But I did find it on a reissue of 'Stars Wars Trilogy: The Original Soundtrack (Box Set)' with all the original tracks including the Cantina Band and the Ewok celebration songs. I'd also like to mention that there is more humor in the original films than the prequels. It has the best overall story plot.

The prequels are just overpriced productions with a very weak story and dialogue. I'm not sure in the case of Lucas further venture into creating the origins of Obi-Wan Kenobi (One seems to appreciate the much older, wiser and the good side of "the force" Jedi Knight as played by late actor, Alec Guinness), how Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader and the parents of the future Luke and Leia. Lately, Lucas seems to be trying to appeal to a broader audience other than focusing on a great story. Nothing can beat the original trilogy story by a stretch. I had alot of great memories about Stars Wars when it first started in 1977. It's become a American culture phenomenon commerically. It's something that everyone will remember and hand down their character, music and book collections to their kids. Yes, I'll say it I saw each one more than 10 times. Shame on me :)! The first book to come out after the first 'Star Wars: A New Hope' movie was Alan Dean Foster's Star Wars Novel "Splinter of the Mind's Eye." It's about the further adventures of Luke & Leia. There has even been spoofs in hiliarious tribute to this like 'Hardware Wars' and 'George Lucas in Love.' This is one of my top 5 desert island films. It's just one movie that will never grow old. It's just as entertaining as it was before. "The Force" is definitely with this for it to be one of the top 100 movies of all time named by the American Film Institute (AFI). That says alot. May the Force Be with You Always!

A Sweeping Epic, Grandiose In Scale
Return Of The Jedi is the final installment in the amazing masterpiece trilogy: Star Wars, and is one of the best in the trilogy. It perfectly interweaves emotion, action, and romance in this epic masterpiece which finishes one of the greatest movie trilogies of all times.

The Galactic Empire has begun construction on a new Death Star which is even more powerful than the first Death Star, and meanwhile, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, R2D2, and C3PO are attempting to rescue Han Solo from the evil clutches of Jabba The Hutt. After they rescue Han, they plan for the destruction of the new Death Star and find out that the Emperor is personally overseeing the final stages of the construction of the new Death Star. Han, Luke, Leia, 3PO, R2, and a group of rebel commandos must disable the Shield Generator on the orbiting moon of Endor to allow rebel fighter pilots to fly into the Death Star and destroy the main reactor. While the battle rages on, Luke must face his own destiny and confront Darth Vader in a battle to the death which may spell certain doom for the Rebel Alliance and their cause to restore freedom to the galaxy.

The entire movie shines with an epic look whether its a space battle, a sail barge assault above the jaws of a hungry Sarlacc, a Speeder Bike chase through the redwood forests of Endor, or a lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker. The emotions involved between Luke Skywalker and the truth about his past grip the audience in the same way that Luke feels, and suspend them above the fate of the Rebel Alliance. Han and Leia's feelings for each other are more developed in this movie, and really tie up loose ends that were left from The Empire Strikes Back. The entire movie actually ties up loose ends and is kind of the resolution point for the Star Wars trilogy. This movie is definitely the best in the trilogy, and worth buying. It is not a disappointment, but one of the greatest movies of all times.

Give Me a Break
Greatest Movie Ever. The "Special Editions" ruined it. Too many great moments to even begin. Love or hate it, if you haven't seen this turning point in film history, you are either uninformed or living in the past. It is more amazing than Wizard of Oz anr Return of the King put together.

The Empire Falls. . .
"So be it. . . Jedi."
- The Emperor

With Return of the Jedi, the space opera saga/cultural phenomenon that began with Star Wars in 1977 and continued with The Empire Strikes Back in 1980, comes to a close.

This perhaps the most difficult film to categorize as far as quality and living tup to expectations. Executive Producer Gary Kurtz parted ways with Lucas after Empire, and Jedi would have been a different film in many respects had he and his ideas stayed put. However, Lucas wanted certain things and would not buge, and what the viewer gets is a climactic and spectacular, if somewhat unfocused, conclusion to one of the most beloved film trilogies of all time.

Luke Skywalker, an older and wiser man for his defeat at Cloud City, attempts a daring rescue mission in the seedy lair of the gangster Jabba the Hutt, a mission to free Han Solo who is being kept as a showroom piece by the ruffian slug. This premise gives birth to the first in a string of incredible action set pieces ranging from monster pits to desert oceans to the blackness of space to the luch forrests of the forrest moon of Endor.

Moving the action along, the plot is more daring even than that of the first movie. The Rebel Alliance, having learned of a new, more powerful Death Star, prepare to mount a final resistance against the station in the hopes of ending the war with one swift stroke. To help accomplish this, Luke, Han, and Leia must deactivate the generator that keeps the Death Star shielded.

However, this won't even be as easy as it sounds. Luke no knows that Darth Vader is his father, and he must confront him if he is to become a fully-fledged Jedi Knight. Han and Leia are caught by a legion of Imperials and must fight a fierce geurilla battle with the help of some unexpected (and sickeningly cute) allies. The Repel fleet is caught between a rock and a hard place - literally - and must contend with both the might of the Imperial Navy and the destructive power of the Death Star while our heroes race to accomplish their mission and restore freedom to the galaxy.

There are parts of Jedi where it really shows that George was going this one alone, particularly the inclusion of the Ewoks (cute, furry, evil Teddy Bears of DOOM), but even with a few marketing concessions and a bold narrative, Jedi still manages to do a LOT of things right. Luke is a more confident character, taking charge of the movie and making you care about him more than ever before as he battles Vader, the Emporer, and the Dark Side. Han and Leia, though not as prominent in Jedi as they were in Empire, are still a joy to watch, particularly in the case of their sometimes-bumbling relationship. Even Lando is given a good deal more screen time, and more importance. Though the characters seem driven by the plot rather than the other way around, this is really the only way the concluding chaper ot the Star Wars Saga could have played out.

As for the Special Edition of Jedi, it is perhaps the most despised of the three. In addition to the requisite digital additions, Lucas added in an entirely new ending sequence of galtactic (literally) proportions to play along with the Ewok celebration after the battle, going so far as to include all new music. Sure, it's still nice, but why mess with something when it's so good?

Either way, this is still a darn good version of a darn good movie, and one that had a hefty bill to fill coming out of the gates. No movie collection is complete without the Star Wars Trilogy, and the trilogy isn't complete without Return of the Jedi. And hoestly, it's really such a FUN movie that it shouldn't be any other way.

If you don't have this, buy, it, or, even better, wait for the DVD release later this year. Either way, the Force will be with you, always.

Return of the Jedi or
King wins! Jedi is not as big a movie as return of the King.11 oscars.WON EVERY ONE FOR KINGUM!!!! Nobody wants to award Lukey.
Luke is back again trying to save his buddies from the fat,massive blob called Jabba. da pizza hut.Thats how he got so obese.eating pizza. The young Jedi fights well and fufills his destiny.but Apoohy is still waiting to get him.WHAT? Yoda is mean and says he has to kill his old man daddy o so justice can be served in the galaxy!!! Then he dies. good riddance. Lukey is the only jedi.Boba falls in the slimy "Pit of Despair"(Ya know,Like the Westley guy that gets tortured)except the princess Leia likes the smuggler. does that Boba kid make it out alive?
After Han solo is unfrozen and back to his happy,smuggy smiley self it;s time to blow up another Death Star.(Palpatine doesn't have many ideas for scary space horror ships.When he was a kid he probably was scared of stars.)So Chewi starts the trouble getting hungry.Oh by they are on Endor trying to destroy the shield of the death star(badly gaurded it looks...hmmm.)But walk into trap they do by Empire...hmmm after almost being killed by Teddy Bears almost.Luke does his Jedi stuff and then everybodies happy.Except when the Rebels get stubidly tricked into being prisoners of mean officers who call them scum.But the teddy bears who led them into it are still at large and the only hope for the rebels(is there any hope Gandalf? For the rebels?)(there never was much hope in teddies.)Luke meanwhile has gotten brainwashed by Yody and Ken-Obi.So he thinks he shouldn't kill Vader or Palpatine for the wrong reasons.But he still has to kill em.They mix him up.Then Poohy has a lightsaber right in front of him.Don't give in to hate Lukey must not.Lando is face to face with a huge fleet of desroyers.Will he blast the death star?Will darth Vader become what he was born to be? A GOOD JEDI? Will lukey take up the saber of the jedi or throw it away? The succsess might depend on one little Ewok somewhare in the wilderness......I hope you also watch Return of the King,because I think Star Wars took the end plot from Tolkien.I still love em! Everybody goes home happy!! But not a thinker end like Lordies.Just more weird how Leia doesn't care her dad is dead.Bye.AAPOOOOOHY!!! ... Read more

Reviews (2)

truly magnificent
in this awesome edition,the falcon crashes on endor.this is a planet full of tiny tree dwelling teddy bears with intelligence.to a point.this is definately the most family friendly of the star wars films.they are hanging out and discover the one weakness that could shut down the empire for good.so a battle ensues over the building where it is housed.george lucas is the directer.did he ever do anything basides these?it is the final episode of them all.most anyone will like it.the makers of nontendo made a game that borrows heavily from this film.it is called body harvest.the movie independance day uses it a lot too.by borrowed i really meant ripped off.i dont use that term very often but it was pretty blatant.the only chick is still leia,but at least shes kissing the guy whose NOT her brother this time.the emporer is very very ugly.this movie is spectacular.dont belive anything else.the special effects are cool.the future is done for this batch.this is the last.but if yoiu were born in the 70s,theres still 3 more parts released after this one.prequels.they all are outstanding!

"Jedi" Triumphant
"You, like your father, are now mine."
- The Emperor underestimates The Skywalker bloodline in "Return of the Jedi"

George Lucas' sci-fi saga comes to a satisfying close in Episode VI, "Return of the Jedi".

"Jedi" opens with Luke Skywalker returning to his home planet of Tatooine to rescue his friend Han Solo from the gangster, Jabba the Hutt and his creature co-horts. After bargaining negotiations fail, a spectacular battle commences as the young Jedi (with the help of Princess Leia, Lando Calrissian, Chewbacca, R2-D2 & C-3PO) fights a huge monster called The Rancor and then does a battle royale with Jabba and his horde of weird galactic denizens and servants. The film then jumps to Luke returning to the swamp planet Dagobah to complete his training as a Jedi, only to discover that his master, Yoda, has fallen deathly ill. In his final breaths Yoda reveals the truth about Luke's family ties and gets reassurance, & a final bit of guidance from the spirit of Obi-Wan Kenobi. In order to complete his training, Luke must face Darth Vader again, as well as, Vader's master, Emperor Palpatine. Meanwhile, The Rebel Alliance has prepared for an all out final assault on the Galactic Empire after recieving secret information of a new battle armored space station secretly being built by the Empire. If completed, this new Death Star will spell certain doom to the small band of freedom fighters, as well as, the fate of the galaxy.

First off, its hard to top "Star Wars" and "The Empire Strikes Back" (I'm a die-hard fan of the films (yeah, the prequels too, but don't get me started!). "Jedi" comes close to those first two films, but, not close enough (its still better than the prequels!). Directed by the late Richard Marquand, "Jedi" is packed with both special and creature effects alike. The problem is "Jedi" is much like the first two films, but, on a more massive scale. The film's main premise is to tie up all the loose ends of the saga, and it does a great job of doing just that. Highpoints in the film include John Williams' oscar nominted score, the speeder bike chase, the space battle, Jabba the Hutt, the battle on Endor & the redemption of Anakin Skywalker. Lowpoints - the death of Boba Fett (embarrasing to the point where the character is resurrected in the Marvel comic book and survives in the expanded universe), the Ewok Celebration at the films conclusion and the Lapti Nek number in Jabba's palace is an ominous shadow of Lucas' cutesy side that weighs heavily on the prequels (I remember a lot of fans seeing this & going "What the f**k!?!").

The biggest highlight of all is Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia dressed in the metal bikini as Jabba's slavegirl. What a hottie! During filming there actually was a stagehand who had to make sure that she felt comfy in that bikini, making sure that she wasn't getting hurt to vital parts of her bod (that had to be one of the best jobs on the planet at the time of filming).

Originally titled "Revenge of the Jedi", making the folks at Paramount Studios retitle "Star Trek II: The Revenge of Khan" to the "Wrath of Khan". Lucas changed the title, stating Jedi don't seek revenge. Nominated for 7 Oscars including original score, costume design, set design, and recieving a special Oscar for the film's SFX (presented to Dennis Muren by Cheech & Chong!). Released on 5/25/83 (for the Memorial Day weekend) "Return of the Jedi" has grossed 309 million at the U.S. box office.

"Return of the Jedi" is a satisfying capper to the classic "Star Wars Trilogy" and the conclusion to the most influential and best science fiction saga in film history. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Not the fun kind of chicken ranch...
Ok, to start with, yes, this movie was so funny I choked. Like the other reviewers, I only bought it for my precious Bob. To answer some questions you may have, no, the main character and Bob do not get it on in the hay, because she's not that smart. No, the main character does not die a fiery death, because the producers aren't that kind.
Bob Dylan goes through the entire movie with an "I hope you all die" expression on his face, which is perfectly suitable considering the lines he's being forced to say.
Rupert Everett is all broody and sensitive and painfully boring in this movie and he made me want to hang myself. The only problem is, you can only hang yourself once.
Any music in this film that doesn't come from the mouth of Bob is painfully bad, so have that remote control handy.
Would I buy it again, you ask? Sure, if only to see Bob screw with his image yet again.

Soooo bad - it's good!
If you're a Dylan fan, you should see this just to watch Dylan humbled. Dylan plays an retired rock legend (Billy Parker), who gets friendly (no, nothing happens) with a young female musician...takes her to England with him to play a gig, where they meet a rock star/Parker fan (Rupert Everet). She falls for Everet, blah, blah, blah. The film is cheesy. If you can imagine a circle, with good on one point and bad at the opposite end, picture this film at the bad end...but it is so far into the bad side of the sphere it ends up on the good side. Yeah! It's really that bad. The female singer - Molly (played by Fiona) starts out with some musical integrity (she at least plays guitar) but by the end looks and sounds like Tiffany (who I vaguely remember...but I could be wrong what with being a small child in the late 80s). The Everet character (Colt) plays the classic cliche of what a male musician is - sensitive, moody, drinks to excess (I can't belive they didn't address his alcoholism), and likes to wear more make up than your average model. Oh, and the Dylan character is slightly pedophilic. Molly says she's 18 (which I don't think Fiona was) and Dylan is quite a bit older - he wants her but tries to stay away...tries to protect her but in the end I think he decides he'd like to hook up with her anyway (despite what he says to her in begining of the film). Oh, and before I forget, check out Molly's drummer...the hulking blonde...esp the scene where they get to America and he kisses the floor and shoves a groupie. I chalk this film up to Dylan messing with his image and screwing with the public...at least this funny...the victoria's secret thing just makes me sad.

Make Sure You Get The Right Video
I thought I was getting Bob Dylan, but Clevon Little's Movie instead; if you're buying used make sure you're getting the right one. I wasn't one of the lucky one's and would like to spare someone else the same (Jack) Fate :O)

Almost pure camp fun for Dylan fans...
...except you will need to use the fast-forward button on your remote when Bobby isn't onscreen. He performs a song called "The Usual" that's still in my head after only seeing it once! I heard it wasn't written by him, but I'm sure he does it justice like noone else can in this film.

Oh, and I love the little serenade in the barn at the end.=)

Another thing is I really like Fiona Flanagan's music, which of course helps when you're watching this..a cool chick.

Peace out,
R&C

Don't Shoot Me-I'm Only a Chicken Farmer!!!!
The Late Victor Mature once said he'd been barred from a certain club on the grounds he was an actor. Vic asked the club if they'd ever seen him act! Sadly, Bob can't (act that is) though he remains the enigmatic (musical) genius he's always been. Only highlight is a non-Dylan song-John Hiatt's "The Usual" which sounds like it was written for Bob!
Apart from that, the thing tanks bigtime! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Marvellous.
Sutherland and Nelligan are brilliant, in this old favorite of mine. It's the kind of classic spy movie you never get tired of. However, I think you probably need to be familiar with the movie already, in order to really appreciate it. -By that I mean, its pace might actually be a little too slow for someone watching it now for the first time. But this of course happens to be one of the many good things about it; it takes the time it needs to tell the story, establish the mood and the cold persona of the ruthless "Needle". (It's quite sad to think just how much most certainly would've been considered a waste of time, and ended up on the cutting-room floor if made today.) The picture on the DVD is quite good and sharp most of the time, especially the outdoor-scenes at daytime. By the way, there's an aternative ending of the movie in existence (with cop Bannen arriving by helicopter), and it would've been nice if MGM had included it as an extra bonus treat. Still, this simple tale is a true classic and well-worth getting.

Finding a needle in a hay stack
There are not enough stars to describe this movie. As with any movie, if the entire book " ISBN: 0451163486" were portrayed, the movie would take eight hours "Audio Cassette ISBN: 1561000116." Therefor they could only show the relevant parts and had to do some voice over action to explain the missing logic. But they did not change the plot or the essence of the plot. And I would not think in a million years that Donald Sutherland would be picked to play Henry Faber. Yet now that I see the movie, He is the only person that could be believable as an attractive aloof German spy. Where did they find Kate Nelligan, who played Lucy so well? The island "Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK" looked just like the book. I am glad this is on DVD, as the as tapes tend to ware out.

A PIERCING NEEDLE
Donald Sutherland has tended to be one of our finest actors, overlooked and dismissed by many critics. Sure, he's done some floppers (e.g. Virus), but in this movie he shows why he's such a riveting performer. He plays the Needle, a cold, psychotic killer, who is a German spy and holds the key to knowledge of the D-Day invasion. He ends up shipwrecked on a lonely island, inhabited only by a reclusive cripple and his devoted, if lonely, wife. Kate Nelligan (so good in "Dracula" with Frank Langella) is perfect as Lucy, the woman whose need for love leads to an affair with the Needle. Christopher Cazenove turns in a good performance as her husband, whose bitterness over his auto accident, has turned him into an uncaring, selfish man. Director Richard Marquand keeps the movie moving at a leisurely pace, but packs some powerful suspense scenes; the score by Miklos Roza is admirable, and the scenery is lush and beautiful. I havent' read Ken Follett's novel, but this is a great movie and hopefully did it justice.

Happy Petersen
MARVELOUS, keeps you rivitrd to the story. One of my favorite Follrt works. ZThe book is sensational. I edon't have a DVD

Magnificent.
This saga of a German WWII spy is absolutely fantastic. Donald Sutherland turns in a wonderful performance as Faber ( a great performance is not always given by Sutherland).

The use of the stiletto to enforce Faber's secrets is truly an inspired touch by the director.

This movie is tragic, yet cunningly directed and acted. All of this while starring relative unknowns (excepting Sutherland).

This is definitely the best spy movie of all time. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Before screenwriter Joe Eszterhas wrote the ridiculous Showgirls, he crafted some entertaining if porous thrillers along the lines of the 1985 Jagged Edge, a taut mystery about an attorney (Glenn Close) who defends a newspaper publisher (Jeff Bridges) accused of murder. The fact that Close's character falls for him is more convenient than plausible, but it is a necessary emotional bridge for Eszterhas and the late director Richard Marquand (Eye of the Needle) to build toward a powerful finale. Scary, fun as courtroom dramas go, the film is well serviced by the two lead stars and has impressive support from costar Peter Coyote and especially from Robert Loggia, who plays Close's cop buddy. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Did he do it or didn't he? That is the question.
"JAGGED EDGE" begins on a stormy night at a beach home. A killer walks through the halls with a jagged hunting knife in his hands. After he has killed a rich woman and her maid, and written the "B" word on the wall with her blood, Jack Forrester, the victim's husband, is arrested. Glenn Close plays his lawyer who falls in love with him. The two have a forbidden affair. Did he do it? Or didn't he? There's plenty of evidence on both sides. Is Glenn Close's character defending him because she honestly believes in her mind he is innocent, or is "another part of her anatomy" doing the thinking? Suspense and mystery are so well done in this film, and it is never boring. What an exquisite movie, with marvelous performances from Glenn Close and Jeff Bridges. The beginning is very eerie and frightening, but it would have been even more frightening had it not been on a "mysterious stormy night" like most thrillers, and it was just a nice, serene night, and suddenly he comes in and kills her. Still, it was very well done. The ending could have included more detail, but really, I loved the movie so much, I don't care. WHAT A MYSTERY! WHAT TWISTS! WHAT A THRILLING RIDE! FOR FANS OF MYSTERY AND COURTROOM DRAMA I DEFINELY RECOMMEND THIS SPECTACULAR FILM!!! P.S. The music perfectly fit the moods of the movie too.

Close Call
Jagged Edge is a notable thriller, and while it will more than hold your interest, some elements of the story are a bit problematic

When a San Francisco socialite is brutally attacked and murdered, her publisher-husband, Jack Forrester (Jeff Bridges), is accused of the crime. Teddy Barnes (Glenn Close) decides to defend the charming, manipulative Jack, only to disregard legal ethics by having a torrid affair with him. With the help of private eye Sam Ransom (Robert Loggia), she takes on ruthless D.A. Thomas Krasney (Peter Coyote) who's using the case as a political stepping-stone and will do anything it takes to win a conviction.

Rather infamous screenwriter Joe Eszterhas certainly knows the highs and lows of a lopsided career. He has gone from writing gems like Basic Insinct, to the mediocre at best...Sliver, to total trash that is Showgirls. I would put this particular story somewhere between Basic Instict (not as good) and Showgirls (not as bad) The way that Jack and Teddy get together seems a bit forced in my opinion. The ambiguity of Forrester's guilt or innocence throughout isn't as effective here and is foreshadowed too early for my tastes. Close gives a strong performance as Teddy, a woman torn between her judicial duties, and her attraction for her client. The forbidden affair component probably prepared her for her turn later on in Fatal Attraction. For his part, Bridges is Ok, but doesn't have the needed range to handle the duality of his character on a consistant level throughout the movie...The late Richard Marquand proves that you can direct a mega sci-fi epic, like Return Of The Jedi, and then take on a thriller like this. Clearly, he was going for a film that oozes the Hitchcock style, as a homage and not a mere rip off. Most of the film works--save for a few missteps and hiccups that I mentioned.

The DVD doesn't have much on it, in the way of bonus material, save for a few production notes and the seemingly standard theatrical trailer. You can choose to watch the movie in either the full-screen, or, widescreen formats.

Despite a few of my "issues", with Jagged Edge, I still recommend it.

Typical Courtroom Drama that Falls Below Expectations
I won't say Jagged Edge isn't good or entertaining because it is a very good film. The problem starts with loopholes within a terribly predictable plot. By the middle of the film, even the smart defense tactics of Teddy Barnes ( Glenn Close ) can't help the film's demise. There was no question that Jack Forrester ( Jeff Bridges ) committed the murders. The problem is the director can't keep this a secret for very long.

There is no difference between this and a million other courtroom dramas. You have the smart, fiesty female lawyer who swears to everyone she won't fall for the charms of the handsome rich defendent but, of course she falls for his charms and into his bed. From that point Teddy Barnes lost all credibility of claiming she's a smart lawyer. The plot doesn't stay true to the characters. Teddy's a smart woman yet she plays the dumb victim at every turn. She misses signs anyone in their first year of law school should spot. Jack is painted as suave and brilliant yet he leaves the typewriter ( the item that brings it all together ) in his closet for Teddy to find. Jagged Edge has a lot of supposedly smart folks doing dumb things and it makes no sense. The film started out as an intelligent thriller but switched to a cheap serial killer flick with a tacky and very stupid ending.

On the flipside, this is a very good movie IF you watch it for entertainment only. If you watch it for knowledge or to see a good thriller you are wasting your time. The plot can be figured out by a five year-old in ten minutes and this film is NOTHING unique. Close's and Bridges' chemistry keeps you interested no matter how shabby the film ends up. But the true winners are Robert Loggia and Peter Coyote who steal the show easily with their vibrant, exciting performances. Loggia brought some comedy relief to the drabby scenes and Coyote sparked things up when Close got boring. Jeff Bridges appeared quite dry and I didn't buy him as someone with the brains of masterminding a so-called great plan. Glenn Close played Teddy the way she should have been played. The problem is the character was written with too much heart and not enough brain. That's not too good for a lead character that everyone keeps claiming is such a great lawyer. I would definitely recommend this but beware...disappointments await just around the corner. Since Jagged Edge was made there have been hundreds of films of this nature. I would recommend 1993's Guilty As Sin as one that should be top on your list.

a comfortable favorite
I come back to this film quite a bit - it's a great way to pass a quiet afternoon or a sick day from work. Part of its appeal, I think, is the viewer's familiarity with the suspense/sourtroom drama genre. We know how these films go, and this one has all the elements: a handful of suspects, a conflicted defense attorney, a victim with a complicated past, and a likeable defendant on trial. The writing, acting and directing make these familiar materials into a particularly enjoyable film though, through their attention to detail and craft.

If you enjoy watching real pros work their changes on a familiar
convention, you'll enjoy this entertaining suspense flick.

I screamed out loud
I just knew he was going to come thru that back door. I knew it, I knew it, I knew it. But I still screamed when he finally did. Jagged Edge is a twisted tale of a lawyer (Glenn Close) who defends a publisher accused of murder - and in the process she ends up falling in love with him. Played by Jeff Bridges, the publisher is, shall we say, duplicitous and perhaps not entirely to be trusted - or believed. It's when Close begins to doubt her own defense tactics that things get scary. I won't say more, because if you haven't seen Jagged Edge yet, I wouldn't want to spoil it.
But trust me: you'll scream. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Katherine and sam make a nice couple
I remember seeing the preview for this movie in the theaters when i was three years old watching superman and it scared the crap outta me. after seeing it years later it wasnt as scary as i expected but still an interesting chiller.
Katherine Ross and Sam Elliot play an American couple who get in a motorcycle accident in England. they stay at a mansion where 5 other people including katherine ross are in a cult. and one by one they die till only two are left. Acting is good all around.
the part that stands out in my mind when i was a little kid was when the woman fell under the water and was trapped. Then again when i saw it years later it wasnt that scary. Still all in all an interesting movie with a plot twist. oh, and nice title song another side of me by kiki dee!

just enjoy the scenery
Katherine Ross & Sam Elliott are a true joy to watch (as always). The plot of this movie could have been much much better but you grab the storyline after a while and just enjoy it. As with these type of movies, it is just for your enjoyment and not to be analyzed to death. If anything, ladies just watch it for the sole purpose of seeing Sam Elliott!!!!

A pretty good "and then there were none" movie.
Yep, you can say all you want about what this movie is not. However you watch a movie for what it is. The movie is packed with seasoned actors. The story is just as spooky as any scary movie and the plot gets revealed in little doses as the protagonists are slowly eliminated. Even the elimination has a clear reason and serves the end purpose.

This does have a 70's TV movie feel however they made some good TV movies in the 70's. This did not require exotic graphics. And the end was appropriate with enough leeway to start a series.

The person that playas the nurse/cat (Margaret Tyzack) can be seen again as a mysterious person in "Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, V. 7: Nemesis" (1986) ASIN: 6303404855. Just put the number in the search box and press "GO!"

PROMISING MATERIAL GONE BAD
While the original script, something called "The Devil's Doorway," showed promise, various re-writes and compromises have resulted in a movie which makes so little sense that it's best viewed as an "in-flight" movie. One of those things you halfway watch while doing something else.

The movie begins with a basic implausibility. Interior decorator Katherine Ross is lured from L.A. to England by a lucrative but mysterious job offer. She and boyfriend Sam Elliott decide to fly over a few days early to see some of the English countryside. They're involved in a minor motor accident on a rustic lane and are taken by the other driver to his nearby home to await repair of their vehicle. What do you know, this home just happens to be the very place where Katherine Ross was intended to go all along!

Therein follows some murky activities involving other guests at the home who seem to be part of a Black Magic cult. Gruesome death follows gruesome death culminating in an ending which doesn't really resolve questions raised by the preceding plot.

On the plus side, the two leads are attractive sorts and they're surrounded by a competent British cast which gives a better effort than circumstances warrant. What's more, the large countryhouse in which the action occurs provides just the right atmosphere.

One curious note. While Katherine Ross is warmly dressed throughout with turtleneck sweaters and long skirts, co-star Sam Elliott gets to strip for a rather-extended shower scene. As he crosses the bathroom toward the shower, the camera lingers on the back of his naked body, even though this part of the scene serves no plot purpose whatsoever.

Fortunately Elliott, at about age 33, has the necessary buns-by-Michelangelo to make this moment more of a highlight than an embarrassment.

"Painfully" campy horror movie done by husband & wife. Fun!
I collect movies made by Sam Elliot. It is always a treat to see him portray a character other than a cowboy. Sam and his real-life wife, Katherine Ross, manage to make a pretty good horror movie for us. As with all movies of this genre, the plot has a few "holes" in it, but over-all, the suspense and decent acting contribute to make an entertaining hour and a half. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The late British director Richard Marquand had his share of hits (Eyeof the Needle, Return of the Jedi, Jagged Edge), but when he was off his game (Hearts of Fire, The Legacy), he was truly off. The 1984 Until September is one of Marquand's misfires, though it is hardly an embarrassment. A love story about two strong-willed individuals, the film stars Karen Allen as Mo, an American tourist (from thatother "Mo," Missouri) stranded in Paris for a few weeks. Crashing in a friend'splush apartment, Mo meets her handsome neighbor, Xavier (Thierry Lhermitte), amarried banker whose family awaits him elsewhere on holiday. The two initiate a romance that finds them butting heads twice as often as kissing, withXavier frequently flogging his overconfidence as a man of the world to adistinctly unimpressed, far from naive Mo. The more Xavier's façade crumbles, the nicer and more real he becomes, until he has to face the fact thathis life of marital convenience and mistresses is a charade. As a peek into anaffair that blossoms not because of Paris's effect on lovers butbecause of the gift of honesty, Until September is somewhatunusual. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (20)

My Belgian Prince
I've just joined Netflix. It is an excellent DVD rental club. I looked up this, my favorite love story and was devastated to find that it's not available on DVD format. I've seen this movie so many times. Most memorable was during an affair with a Belgian prince. We would watch a foreign movie in bed on Sunday mornings in San Francisco many years ago. We'd sip on champagne and get lost in a film. It was so funny! He spoke several languages and when a film had subtitles he would occasionally nudge me and translate for me. WELL........he would obviously forget that I could read the English subtitles just fine!!! This however was in English and was so true to the American woman lost to romance with a classy European man.

Falling in Love with Thierry Lhermitte
I first saw this movie a number of years ago, and once owned it on VHS. I thought most CERTAINLY it would come out on DVD, but as yet it hasn't. This is a most romantic movie. I thought that if all French men were as Theirry Lhemitte, in their good looks, their speech and mannerisms they were adorable. I wish this movie would come out on DVD, for I most certainly would buy it. Its great, you love Karen Allen's character & you love Theirry Lhemitte in his role. When I watched him in "Le Divorce", I was once again reminded of his beauty as a man.

Until September a great romantic movie!
I just saw this movie for the first time about six weeks ago. I have now seen it four times. I love this movie! It has now become one of my top 10 favorite movies of all-time!Please MGM release it on DVD. I have e-mailed them and asked for them to do this. I hope some other people will do the same. This is a beautiful love story, that is well acted, and which features a beautiful musical theme, as well as beautiful scenery. The two stars have a great chemistry together. What more can i say about this film. I liked everything in this film.

Wonderful Roman in the City of Lights
No matter how many times I watch "Until September" I never tire of seeing this movie. It has been just over 20 years since the filming completed in Paris and this movie remains steadfast in my mind and heart and has actually proven more powerful as the years pass! Karen Allen and Thierry Lhermitte both are commended for excellent performances that have withstood the test of time with this movie as other viewers can attest to as well. In addition I highly recommend the soundtrack by John Barry for Until September which is available on CD. For Thierry Lhermitte, not only was he superb in "Until September" he has grown even better with age - like a fine wine and shows no signs of slowing down! Thank goodness!

A beautiful double feature is awaiting.....
I "re-found" this movie after watching "Le Divorce" the other day and instantly felt a recognition of Theirry Lhemitte's character. Then it came to me...this man was Xavier from "Until September!" I then remembered how I use to (years ago) watch this wonderful movie over and over again. With that in mind, I went on E-Bay and Amazon trying to find another copy of it....hoping all along that it was on DVD. To my surprise I found that the VHS copies out there were few and far between, being out of print, and $50 or more with no DVD in sight. With that in mind, my husband suggested I search of my old VHS movies I had stowed away and guess what.....THERE IT WAS! I now have a beautiful "almost new" copy of this wonderful love story to watch over and over once again. It is one of those timeless love stories that puts me in a time warp of sorts as it is so odd to see such a beautiful man twenty years older within a span of several hours. My double feature is awaiting me so I must go....."Until September" and "Le Divorce" here I come! ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Marvellous.
Sutherland and Nelligan are brilliant, in this old favorite of mine. It's the kind of classic spy movie you never get tired of. However, I think you probably need to be familiar with the movie already, in order to really appreciate it. -By that I mean, its pace might actually be a little too slow for someone watching it now for the first time. But this of course happens to be one of the many good things about it; it takes the time it needs to tell the story, establish the mood and the cold persona of the ruthless "Needle". (It's quite sad to think just how much most certainly would've been considered a waste of time, and ended up on the cutting-room floor if made today.) The picture on the DVD is quite good and sharp most of the time, especially the outdoor-scenes at daytime. By the way, there's an aternative ending of the movie in existence (with cop Bannen arriving by helicopter), and it would've been nice if MGM had included it as an extra bonus treat. Still, this simple tale is a true classic and well-worth getting.

Finding a needle in a hay stack
There are not enough stars to describe this movie. As with any movie, if the entire book " ISBN: 0451163486" were portrayed, the movie would take eight hours "Audio Cassette ISBN: 1561000116." Therefor they could only show the relevant parts and had to do some voice over action to explain the missing logic. But they did not change the plot or the essence of the plot. And I would not think in a million years that Donald Sutherland would be picked to play Henry Faber. Yet now that I see the movie, He is the only person that could be believable as an attractive aloof German spy. Where did they find Kate Nelligan, who played Lucy so well? The island "Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK" looked just like the book. I am glad this is on DVD, as the as tapes tend to ware out.

A PIERCING NEEDLE
Donald Sutherland has tended to be one of our finest actors, overlooked and dismissed by many critics. Sure, he's done some floppers (e.g. Virus), but in this movie he shows why he's such a riveting performer. He plays the Needle, a cold, psychotic killer, who is a German spy and holds the key to knowledge of the D-Day invasion. He ends up shipwrecked on a lonely island, inhabited only by a reclusive cripple and his devoted, if lonely, wife. Kate Nelligan (so good in "Dracula" with Frank Langella) is perfect as Lucy, the woman whose need for love leads to an affair with the Needle. Christopher Cazenove turns in a good performance as her husband, whose bitterness over his auto accident, has turned him into an uncaring, selfish man. Director Richard Marquand keeps the movie moving at a leisurely pace, but packs some powerful suspense scenes; the score by Miklos Roza is admirable, and the scenery is lush and beautiful. I havent' read Ken Follett's novel, but this is a great movie and hopefully did it justice.

Happy Petersen
MARVELOUS, keeps you rivitrd to the story. One of my favorite Follrt works. ZThe book is sensational. I edon't have a DVD

Magnificent.
This saga of a German WWII spy is absolutely fantastic. Donald Sutherland turns in a wonderful performance as Faber ( a great performance is not always given by Sutherland).

The use of the stiletto to enforce Faber's secrets is truly an inspired touch by the director.

This movie is tragic, yet cunningly directed and acted. All of this while starring relative unknowns (excepting Sutherland).

This is definitely the best spy movie of all time. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Marvellous.
Sutherland and Nelligan are brilliant, in this old favorite of mine. It's the kind of classic spy movie you never get tired of. However, I think you probably need to be familiar with the movie already, in order to really appreciate it. -By that I mean, its pace might actually be a little too slow for someone watching it now for the first time. But this of course happens to be one of the many good things about it; it takes the time it needs to tell the story, establish the mood and the cold persona of the ruthless "Needle". (It's quite sad to think just how much most certainly would've been considered a waste of time, and ended up on the cutting-room floor if made today.) The picture on the DVD is quite good and sharp most of the time, especially the outdoor-scenes at daytime. By the way, there's an aternative ending of the movie in existence (with cop Bannen arriving by helicopter), and it would've been nice if MGM had included it as an extra bonus treat. Still, this simple tale is a true classic and well-worth getting.

Finding a needle in a hay stack
There are not enough stars to describe this movie. As with any movie, if the entire book " ISBN: 0451163486" were portrayed, the movie would take eight hours "Audio Cassette ISBN: 1561000116." Therefor they could only show the relevant parts and had to do some voice over action to explain the missing logic. But they did not change the plot or the essence of the plot. And I would not think in a million years that Donald Sutherland would be picked to play Henry Faber. Yet now that I see the movie, He is the only person that could be believable as an attractive aloof German spy. Where did they find Kate Nelligan, who played Lucy so well? The island "Isle of Mull, Scotland, UK" looked just like the book. I am glad this is on DVD, as the as tapes tend to ware out.

A PIERCING NEEDLE
Donald Sutherland has tended to be one of our finest actors, overlooked and dismissed by many critics. Sure, he's done some floppers (e.g. Virus), but in this movie he shows why he's such a riveting performer. He plays the Needle, a cold, psychotic killer, who is a German spy and holds the key to knowledge of the D-Day invasion. He ends up shipwrecked on a lonely island, inhabited only by a reclusive cripple and his devoted, if lonely, wife. Kate Nelligan (so good in "Dracula" with Frank Langella) is perfect as Lucy, the woman whose need for love leads to an affair with the Needle. Christopher Cazenove turns in a good performance as her husband, whose bitterness over his auto accident, has turned him into an uncaring, selfish man. Director Richard Marquand keeps the movie moving at a leisurely pace, but packs some powerful suspense scenes; the score by Miklos Roza is admirable, and the scenery is lush and beautiful. I havent' read Ken Follett's novel, but this is a great movie and hopefully did it justice.

Happy Petersen
MARVELOUS, keeps you rivitrd to the story. One of my favorite Follrt works. ZThe book is sensational. I edon't have a DVD

Magnificent.
This saga of a German WWII spy is absolutely fantastic. Donald Sutherland turns in a wonderful performance as Faber ( a great performance is not always given by Sutherland).

The use of the stiletto to enforce Faber's secrets is truly an inspired touch by the director.

This movie is tragic, yet cunningly directed and acted. All of this while starring relative unknowns (excepting Sutherland).

This is definitely the best spy movie of all time. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Not the fun kind of chicken ranch...
Ok, to start with, yes, this movie was so funny I choked. Like the other reviewers, I only bought it for my precious Bob. To answer some questions you may have, no, the main character and Bob do not get it on in the hay, because she's not that smart. No, the main character does not die a fiery death, because the producers aren't that kind.
Bob Dylan goes through the entire movie with an "I hope you all die" expression on his face, which is perfectly suitable considering the lines he's being forced to say.
Rupert Everett is all broody and sensitive and painfully boring in this movie and he made me want to hang myself. The only problem is, you can only hang yourself once.
Any music in this film that doesn't come from the mouth of Bob is painfully bad, so have that remote control handy.
Would I buy it again, you ask? Sure, if only to see Bob screw with his image yet again.

Soooo bad - it's good!
If you're a Dylan fan, you should see this just to watch Dylan humbled. Dylan plays an retired rock legend (Billy Parker), who gets friendly (no, nothing happens) with a young female musician...takes her to England with him to play a gig, where they meet a rock star/Parker fan (Rupert Everet). She falls for Everet, blah, blah, blah. The film is cheesy. If you can imagine a circle, with good on one point and bad at the opposite end, picture this film at the bad end...but it is so far into the bad side of the sphere it ends up on the good side. Yeah! It's really that bad. The female singer - Molly (played by Fiona) starts out with some musical integrity (she at least plays guitar) but by the end looks and sounds like Tiffany (who I vaguely remember...but I could be wrong what with being a small child in the late 80s). The Everet character (Colt) plays the classic cliche of what a male musician is - sensitive, moody, drinks to excess (I can't belive they didn't address his alcoholism), and likes to wear more make up than your average model. Oh, and the Dylan character is slightly pedophilic. Molly says she's 18 (which I don't think Fiona was) and Dylan is quite a bit older - he wants her but tries to stay away...tries to protect her but in the end I think he decides he'd like to hook up with her anyway (despite what he says to her in begining of the film). Oh, and before I forget, check out Molly's drummer...the hulking blonde...esp the scene where they get to America and he kisses the floor and shoves a groupie. I chalk this film up to Dylan messing with his image and screwing with the public...at least this funny...the victoria's secret thing just makes me sad.

Make Sure You Get The Right Video
I thought I was getting Bob Dylan, but Clevon Little's Movie instead; if you're buying used make sure you're getting the right one. I wasn't one of the lucky one's and would like to spare someone else the same (Jack) Fate :O)

Almost pure camp fun for Dylan fans...
...except you will need to use the fast-forward button on your remote when Bobby isn't onscreen. He performs a song called "The Usual" that's still in my head after only seeing it once! I heard it wasn't written by him, but I'm sure he does it justice like noone else can in this film.

Oh, and I love the little serenade in the barn at the end.=)

Another thing is I really like Fiona Flanagan's music, which of course helps when you're watching this..a cool chick.

Peace out,
R&C

Don't Shoot Me-I'm Only a Chicken Farmer!!!!
The Late Victor Mature once said he'd been barred from a certain club on the grounds he was an actor. Vic asked the club if they'd ever seen him act! Sadly, Bob can't (act that is) though he remains the enigmatic (musical) genius he's always been. Only highlight is a non-Dylan song-John Hiatt's "The Usual" which sounds like it was written for Bob!
Apart from that, the thing tanks bigtime! ... Read more