Amazon.com

These first two episodes of the charming and perceptive series The Wonder Years are an appropriate setup for the uninitiated and a must-have for fans. The original pilot introduces Kevin (Fred Savage), his best friend Paul (Josh Saviano), his childhood playmate and budding girlfriend, Winnie (Danica McKellar), and his typical late-1960s, early-'70s family: older brother and nemesis Wayne (Jason Hervey), beautiful liberal sister Karen (Olivia d'Abo), mother (Alley Mills), and father (Dan Lauria). Kevin and his friends are entering Robert F. Kennedy Junior High School, Winnie gets contacts, her brother Brian (Bentley Mitchum) is killed in Vietnam, and Kevin and Winnie share a first kiss. The opener also features some fantastic music (the Byrds' "Turn, Turn, Turn," Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now," Tommy James and the Shondells' "Crystal Blue Persuasion," and Percy Sledge's "When A Man Loves a Woman")--a trademark of the series. Great music (Buffalo Springfield, Aaron Neville, Judy Collins) also highlights "Swinger," which follows with Brian's funeral and Kevin and his pals' growing obsession with sex, fueled by their curiosity with Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sex But Were Afraid to Ask. Daniel Stern's narration is warm and engaging and the voice-over is never intrusive. This series continues to be enchanting because of its ability to mix comedy and pathos, as well as infuse a sense of dignity and history in a period many consider their most awful years. --N.F. Mendoza ... Read more

Reviews (5)

You'll look back with Wonder too!
You can't help but interject yourself Kevin's life. He is so relatable. Also with the narration it makes us think of our own glory days of youth and the important people in our lives. The first kiss. First experience with someone dying. The intrigue of sex ed. Our best friend and knowing everything about that person. Nagging brother or sister. Fighting parents who loved each other and us. The popular music that defined the era we grew up in. I'm sure there are special songs that conjure up powerful images from your past just as the special songs from the Wonder Years does the same for each episode.

With the narration of the young Kevin and the 60s setting it reminds me of the movie Christmas Story. The Messy Marvin actor and the narration of his thoughts/dreams of the Red Ryder bb gun. Another classic! But I digres . . .

You have to see this first volume of Wonder Years! It will tug at your heart strings again! You won't be disappointed!

Kevin, Paul and Winnie start Junior High in the Fall of 1968
Kevin Arnold, Homer Simpson and I all graduated from high school in the same year. But when we first meet Kevin, Paul and Winnie as they are heading for their first day of school at the newly renamed Robert F. Kennedy Junior High School in the Fall of 1968. "The Original Pilot" (January 31, 1988) aired after the Super Bowl that year, guaranteeing itself a big audience. What they saw was Kevin (Fred Savage) having a hard time at school. His best friend Paul (Josh Saviano) is no help, his older brother Wayne (Jason Hervey) is out to get him, and Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar), the tomboy down the street is now wearing go-go boots and inducing major hormonal problems. So Kevin immediately finds himself in trouble with the assistant principal, forcing his mom (Alley Mills) and dad (Dan Lauria) to come down and pick him up. However, when they drag Kevin home to be punished, his sister Karen (Olivia D'Abo) has some horrible news that makes everything moot. The ending of this first-rate pilot episode is a most bittersweet moment between Kevin and Winnie. Things are back to as normal as like got for young teenagers in the late Sixties in "Swinger" (March 29, 1988), where Kevin and Paul's Phys. Ed. teacher has started teaching Sex Education. Do you remember "Our Body, Ourselves"? Both of these episodes were written by Neal Marlens & Carol Black. Interesting footnote: The pilot episode was directed by Steve Miner, who got his start doing a couple of "Friday the 13th" films. In a lot of ways I think "The Wonder Years" was the "Leave It To Beaver" of its day, even if it was set twenty years in the past (when it first aired), with the key difference being Winnie. Beaver never had a girl friend like Winnie and it is their relationship, which goes from puppy love to teenage infatuation to something more lasting, is at the heart of "The Wonder Years." Also, before there was "Forrest Gump" it was this television show that made use of the music that was the soundtrack for our lives.

i enjoyed it thought it was sad though
this program brought back alot of menmories for my hubby ,and me we too grew up in the sixties and seventies would like to see more programs like that instead of these other court shows too many serious on them

great
l liked this drama so much and i would like to preview i

Kevin Arnold captures our memories as we go back to 1968.
A 12 year old boy named Kevin Arnold (played by Fred Savage) growing up in the 1960's through the 1970's. He has to deal with this parents (Dan Lauria / Alley Mills), brother, sister, best friend, school and of course girlfriend Winnie Cooper (played by Danica McKellar). The person who narrates and describes everything for us is off screen adult Kevin Arnold (portrayed by Home Alone's Daniel Stern). This is a TVG comedy-drama the whole family will enjoy. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Only for the die-hard fan
As a devoted fan of the Wonder Years, I must say that I was disappointed in this video collection. Not only is the quality poor (fading in and out, scratchiness, etc.) but there are only two episodes per video (on this one and on vol. 1). I appreciate the early episodes, but they definitely made a mistake by passing up some of the gems of the later seasons ("The Lake"/cara episode, "Goodbye", anything with Becky Slater...and of course, the 2-part series finale). Unless you're desperate and this is truly your only option, I would recommend holding out until something better comes along.

My review
The episodes on this video both really make you think. Not only are they both amusing, they also capture your heart. "My Father's Office" is a father-son episode, in which Kevin goes to work with his father and uncovers a few mysteries of the life of his father. He learns a few reasons why his father is the way he is. "Angel" is a funnier episode than the first, but it still manages to have a moral at the end and make you think. In it Karen, Kevin's older sister, has a new boyfriend, that Kevin discovers is cheating on her and Kevin tries to find ways to get rid of him. So if you're a Wonder Years fan, I reccommend you add this great video to your collection!

A fabulous trip down memory lane!
The Wonder Years is a show about innocence in a time not so innocent. The naration parallel to the beautiful script and hilarious acting, make the trip down memory lane a lot easier to swallow. Which, I assume, is it's initiative. As for these two episodes, the first is a must see. For those who had a father figure, this is a must see. It may make you want to reconsider the relationship with your son, or daughter. The other episode is another classic in a very classy t.v. show that will hopefully teach you as much as it has taught me about myself and my past. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Attention Republic Studios - Please Release On DVD!
I really enjoyed the wild and twisted road this film traversed. You will too! I only wish it was available on DVD as I no longer purchase VHS tapes.

the wrong man
I live in England and would like to buy this vidio on vhs but seem unable to do so. The film is very entertaining, I love Rosanna Arquette in this road movie. Please make it available in England.

Steamy sexy romp into the weird
A wanted merchant sailor hunted by the police hops into convertible to hide. This doesn't bother sex kitten Missy (Rosanna Arquette) at all who finds him kind of cute and convinces her husband Phillip Mills (John Lithgow) that he should travel along with them for company. What ensues is one of the quirkiest relationship triangles you will ever want to see. John Lithgow has made a career out of playing bizarre characters, from Dr. Lizardo mad scientist who attaches electrodes to his tongue in Buckaroo Banzai to Roberta the Football player turned transvestite in The World According to Garp. This one is as far out there as anything he has done, and that says alot. Phillip Mills is a crass middle aged man with a crude tongue that shocked even jaded me as he speaks brutally frankly about the sensual charms of his much too young and lovely wife Missy. Missy oozes sex everywhere. You never really know where Missy is coming from. She is one moment purring in Alex's ear cursing Phillips big mouth suggesting they run away together then draped all over her husband just when it looks like Alex is about to lure her away. Likewise Phillip can fly into a dangerous tirade and seconds later be hugging you like you were his best friend for life. The experience is like having the rug pulled out from under you for an hour and a half. If you like having your emotions juggled and feeling constantly disoriented this can be a really wild romp. Rosanna is very sexy in this film and constantly removing her clothes at the drop of a hat. Lithgow is completely over the top but in a totally fresh way. This was a made for tv HBO film and as far as I can tell bears no resemblance to the Hitchcock film of the same name. Not for everyone but if you want to see a sexy film with a disturbingly quirky sensiblilty you will not soon forget "The Wrong Man".

Rosanna at her best
The wrong man's plot is definitely not original, but Jim McBride has made a very good movie out of it, and Rosanna's strip-tease deserves a five stars rating by itself.Too bad it exists only in NTSC - Never The Same Color. ... Read more

Amazon.com

An atmospheric and sexy crime caper, this stars Dennis Quaid as a New Orleans police detective. He's a smooth talker who butts heads with the new assistant district attorney, Ellen Barkin. She's rigid and plays by the rules; he is mildly corrupt. They soon find themselves romantically entwined, and a bit chagrined.

Director Jim McBride (Great Balls of Fire) was in top form with this 1987 sizzler. You may not remember the particulars of the plot, which concerns supposed gang killings and police corruption, because it is the romance that has staying power. Blame this on Quaid and Barkin, who send off enough sparks to light up Bourbon Street. They are not only sexy together, but endearing, which makes you want to like them as much as they like each other. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (18)

Sexy, funny, exciting--and moral!
It is a shame this movie wasn't a bigger hit--largely because it deprived moviegoers of more cinematic pairings of Dennis Quaid and Ellen Barkin, a couple whose on-screen chemistry approached that of William Powell and Myrna Loy. The sex scenes here are truly steamy, yet used as much to establish character and advance the story as to titillate the audience. Quaid portrays a casually corrupt homicide cop on the New Orleans PD who is forced to rethink his life when (a) Barkin, a DA he's seriously attracted to, refuses to have anything to do with him, and (b) he discovers that the corruption in the department vastly exceeds anything he ever imagined. The movie may be "Show Me the Money" at the beginning, but at the end, it's "Show Me the Remorse." The plot of a man reformed by the love of a good woman lost popularity as the 20th century progressed, but Quaid, Barkin and director Jim McBride deserve credit for updating it in a fresh, surprising and sexy way.

Quaid Makes Barkin His "Big Easy".
The talented and handsome Dennis Quaid plays his finest role to date, as New Orleans detective Remy McSwain. He's more than a sexy swine, he's on the take too. This doesn't make him a bad guy, after all, his "daddy" and "grandaddy" did the same when they were "on the job". The Big Question, does this make him a "Bad Cop"? Enter Ellen Barkin, as Assistant DA Anne Osborne, smart, yet naive enough to fall for McSwain's all too obvious charms. Since she has come to town to investigate police corruption, namely his and his close associates, her innate weakness for Quaid's temptingly sexy McSwain, will lead to hard choices. Will her heart, or her reputation on the job rule? Watch this film and see................... No matter how many times I've seen this film, I find it tremendously entertaining. Jim McBride squeezed some of the best performances of all time from the two leads. I was amazed when I read that Barkin and Quaid didn't harmonize well off screen, because their love scene is one of the most convincing I've ever seen in film. Remy McSwain is unforgettably irresistible during his barechested seduction of "unlucky in love" Anne Osborne. He literally lets her hair down (always in a bun), while touching and kissing her in the most tender and sensual way, then tells her; "Well cherie, your luck's about to change..." Indeed! ................ This film has a wonderful musical score from Brad Feidel, I love the opening theme, and purchased the soundtrack for it. Also, the terrific New Orleans atmosphere adds depth and authenticity to the story. I've been to New Orleans, the French Quarter and Bourbon Street myself, if you haven't, this will give you an excellent vicarious feel of it. In particular, the scene where Quaid has to sleep on the couch while Barkin is in his bed during a typical summer night thunderstorm, music droning from the street, is a gem................. Aside from the steamy romance, atmosphere, and score, the plot hooks you as well. The script is sharp, witty, and peppered with colorful local lingo. "The Big Easy", is a fast paced police action thriller, but with a semi-noir feel that is unique. The story moves along interestingly throughout, is easy to follow, and builds into a terrific and satisfying resolution. What more can you ask for? ............... Like subsequent police thrillers that have spicy sexual undercurrents, particularly Mike Figgis' "Internal Affairs" (see my review) or Paul Verhoeven's "Basic Instinct", this film is one to watch with the one you love. However, the aforementioned love scene between Quaid and Barkin, may cause you to come back and watch the rest later. Whatever you do, don't let this unique and sexy adventure pass Bayou.

Modern Noir, with a twist of Romantic Comedy
Dennis Quaid plays a not-so-straight cop, and Ellen Barkin an assistant district attorney suspicious of him being involved in police corruption. Forget about the murder-mystery. The core appeal is the sexy interplay between Quaid and Barkin, who are perfect in their respective roles. The Southern setting adds color and sound to the romance. The character development is implicit and natural, and entertaining. This should have been Dennis Quaid's breakthrough movie. As leading man, he was on par with Tom Cruise or Tom Hanks. What happened to him in the 90's?

intro to zydeco
the soundtrack from the big easy is very easy to love. It has atmosphere, emotion and makes you want to jump out of your seat!

Why can't I find a man who will call ME "chère"?
This is the perfect couple's movie. Guys will like the police action (chases, gunfire) and the mystery driving the plot. Women may like those elements too, but they'll surely be hot and bothered by Dennis Quaid's Remy McSwain, singing to Ellen Barkin's Anne Osborne and dancing sweetly with her even though she's "got a mad on". When she confesses that she's never had much luck with sex and he assures her that her luck's about to change...well, what woman's heart doesn't melt? Watch it with the one you love, then turn on some Cajun music and create your own steam heat. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Meat Loaf's life, it was sad, happy.
Meat Loaf's stuggling young life with an alcaholic father who abused him, and a dieing mother with cancer. His struggles with becoming famous when everyone was closing the door on him. (I hope they are kicking themselves now). Then his tragic downfall, loosing his voice, being taken by people he loved and trusted. Then his strenght to fight back years later to become the man he is today. A very moving movie. I watch it almost every day. I can't get enough of it. The actor W. Earl Brown does a very good job playing Meat. You almost forget that it's not Meat. This is a must have movie for any Meat lover. I have an autistic granddaughter who loves this movie. She is 4 years and will sit down a watch it over and over. Meat's biography has saved my live may times with my granddaughter, when she have a bad day and is grumpy I put it on and she comes running to see it. I give it ***** + stars. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

The Wonder Years is the best T.V. show ever created!
Wow! This tape would make an excellent gift for all Wonder Years fans! In the first episode, sweet 12-year-old Kevin Arnold is trying to find a present for his girlfriend Winnie and at the same time, the whole Arnold household is hoping Jack, the father will buy them a color t.v. for Christmas. In the end, Kevin learns that Christmas is more than presents and is about the memories and special moments in life. In the second episode, Kevin is older (sixteen-years-old) and is trying to find the perfect present for Winnie again. After the family, suffers a financial blow because Jack's partner decides to not invest in the furniture company, the holiday spirit is again being tested. I enjoyed the tapes so much and I watch them over and over. Definately a good tape.

Poor Tape Quality
The story was excellent, but the tape quality was awful. It looked like somebody taped it at home off their VCR. I was beginning to think it was bootlegged.

The Most Touching and Heartwarming Show I have ever seen
When I first saw an episode of the Wonder Years, I didn't connect with it much. I thought it was a show for kids, one that didn't have much bearing on me. As I watched it more, especially on Nick at Nite when there was nothing else on, I began to realize that this show was unique. Not only did it appeal to younger audiences with its light-hearted humor, but that it even appealed to middle to late teenagers like me, with its displays of Kevin's relationships, his feelings, and his growth as a person. This show deals with practically every difficulty that adolescents must face, from strange parents to changing friends. It is rare that a show has actually been able to reach out and touch my heart, but it seems that this show is able to do it whenever I watch it. My only wish was that they had the entire series available, so that I could watch it from start to finish.

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the wonderful wonder years
I have enjoyed watching The Wonder Years from a toddler to a teen and tears still roll down my cheeks when i see the reality of the pain in the world that this program shows. Through Kevin's eyes I have seen the Vietnam War. I have felt love, rejection, acceptance, care, compassion and loss. The Wonder Years is the truth of the world then and now. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Film noir in Technicolour
Fallen Angels 1 has three film noir -stories, each half an hour long, all created in the style of the 40's films. I got this because of Rickman (of course), but wasn't disappointed in any of the other stories either.

The first story stars Peter Gallagher as a conman/cardplayer, and reminds very much of the cheap detective stories my father had. In this world nobody really works, everybody cons, even the nice old sweet couple Gallagher meets in a train and tries to win their money. Wrong move, of course, he gets thrown out in the middle of a desert and later picked up by a car driven by a newly married couple: a man who is a Bible printer and his gorgeous wife, Isabella Rossellini, who nags and nags until than man stops the car and.... Gallagher in is the middle of another plot. Unrealistically beautiful and dangerous women, sadistic killers, organized crime - the lot. A real 40's B-movie in 30 minutes.

'Murder, obliquely' is why I wanted to see this. Laura Dern gets invited to meet a friend of her friends, Dwight (Rickman), and immediately knows, this is her first and final love. Though the man doesn't seem to be interested. They get interrupted by Rickman's lover, a well built redhead - and her new husband. In Rickman's mind the thing isn't over, so newlyweds exit after the woman has thrown all Rickman's gifts on his face. And a bit later they are again, apparently, lovers. Until Dern's innocent remark about a canceled concert breaks everything.

'Murder, obliquely', directed by Cuaron, is different from the two other ones. Everything really happens somewhere else. What we see and hear are Dern's narrative and a couple of people reacting to hints. They are always inside, in doorways, half letting someone in but still keeping them out. Very little is said but Dern's narrative. I've never really liked Dern, but this time she was good. And Rickman... There's again that odd mix of soft, slow sensuality, cunning, cold, calculating intellect and a touch of vulnerability and sincerity (which may be even real). One starts thinking: "OK, he's not young and handsome (though I must admit I find his profile intriguing), but he probably could charm you before you realized what is happening, and kill you without anybody noticing you are dead - and he'd probably have a very good and justified reason for doing it, damn it!" So you don't wonder Dern's choice in the end, though you yourself start speculating: what then? is he serious? is he planning something else? Dern's way of repeating: "My first and final love" leaves a whole lot of options. And to me it reminds the end of Francis Iles' novel 'Before the fact', which I've always liked very much. Yes, this is a good buy for a Rickman-fan, though it doesn't give that many minutes of him.

The third one is again a more active story, moving from city to city, from real live celebrities to the mob. Tim Matheson is Howard Hughes - an odd choice - and Gary Busey the guy, who works for him and Michael Cohen, hyperactivelly played by James Woods. Busey, too, is an odd choise for the guy who seems to have a decent heart somewhere, but everybody works rather fine.
The story moves around a blond bombshell, whom both Hughes and Cohen want to find. But she isn't what she appears to be, though she worked as a prostitute. All the marks of a Bogart-type movie are here; the cynical lead character, criminals, mobsters, dead men turning up from all sorts of places, a beautiful, elusive woman, wanted by many and yet seemingly capable to take care of herself and have her own, cunning plans.

Well, I liked these. I've always liked film noir and even with these modern actors (which sometimes make the stories come very close to a parody) and brilliant colours they were well made and amazingly loyal. I even liked the order, with calm, hinting 'Murder,obliquely' placed in between Bogart-style stories. A well deserved 4 stars. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Best Show!
This is the Best Show to ever come out in the Wonder Years collection.I really liked it and I couldn't stop watching it.It's the best show on Nickelodeon,in my opinion.I loved the video.

Good, slightly twee sometimes, and...
The script of the series is good and the actors did a great job. However, I just "wonder" what happened to Fred Savage during the years spent on the making of the series. Did he grow up normally, as we were watching him, in this sort of Truman's show? Of course, we did not watch his real life but we did watched him all the same. It would be a relief to know if he does not hate this series now.

The most unforgettable and best t.v. show ever!!!
This show is most definately the best show ever made! I love THE WONDER YEARS! I'm trying to collect all the episodes. Kevin Arnold is just like me in so many ways. He's so hilarious and sweet. Each episode is unforgettable and makes you laugh or cry...

Poor Tape Quality
The story was excellent, but the tape quality was awful. It appeared as if someone taped it at home on their VCR using ELP speed. I was beginning to think it was bootlegged.

THE BEST SHOW EVER!!!
"The Wonder Years" is the BEST where all talents come together. All tapes and DVD of "The Wonder Years" are valuable, and this tape is no exception. If possible, please put out tapes and DVD of all episodes. If you have a whole collection of this show, I WILL PAY ANY PRICE TO GET IT. Thanks. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Richard Gere is sensational
I loved Breathless the first time I saw it and I have watched it many, many times now. The main reason is Gere's performance. It may not be his best but it's his most original and spaced-out performance of his career. The movie itself is quite entertaining, but no masterpiece. It never takes itself too seriously and mostly depends on the charms of Gere to keep it going. The ending is the best part, where his character seems to have nowhere to go and everything is closing down on him, and his only answer is to escape to his fantasy world and of course; sing the opening lines to Jerry Lee Lewis's Breathless. Another plus is the music, for this is the only film I know of that has Presley's Suspicious Minds playing in the background.

A great performance by Gere and an entertaining film.
This film is a remake of Godard's "A Bout du Souffle" but that is more of a problem than a blessing for this film. Breathless is not good enough to cut it as a worthy US version of the original but, seen as a film it it's own right, it makes a lot more sense and it is entertaining to watch.

Richard Gere plays Jesse Lujack, a small time criminal who just happens to kill a cop. He doesn't set out to do so, it just happens but this one act drags him into a trap which is, of course, of his own making.

His flight from the police who are determined to nail the cop killer takes him back to student Monica Poiccard (Kapriski) an old girlfriend. To him, she was an important and significant part of his life but to her, he was just an interlude whom she never expected to see again but, in a kind of "what the heck" mood she takes up with him and his troubles.

Gere really is doing a fine job here. The script favours him but nonetheless, he is totally convincing in this film He really is Lujack.

However much he tries to prevent it, the ending is pretty much inevitable but on the way Gere and Kapriski have some laughs. They live for the moment and, essentially they do enjoy the moments despite the bigger picture and that is what this film is all about. It's good to watch and enjoy. It is not a polarising moment in cinema history but, if you can forget the film's origins and hope only for an entertaining movie, it will not let you down.

If you like this film, I'd recommend "The Passenger" with Jack Nicholson and Maria Schneider. It shares the same theme of a woman taking up with a man in big trouble and it is a much better movie although it is a serious film and does not have the laughs of Breathless.

If you had to pick 10 Richard Gere films ...
Just say you were asked to pick 10 of Richard Gere's all time great films. Ok, I agree he's probably only done 5 great films so finding 10 enough would be hard. But I think I could do it. "Breathless", however would not be included because it is one of the most boring and ridiculous films I have seen. Back in 1983 it hit the cinemas and people went and saw it because of Richard Gere's full frontal nudity. But blink and you will miss those bits, they are so fast on your screen.

"Breathless" may be a remake of a French classic, but that does not make it a masterpiece.

jean-luc godard's vision was killed.
Jean-luc godard's first major motion picture, BREATHLESS, is still known to this date for being one of the most influential films of all time. It has a serious plot, but very comedic undertones and that's what this director and these actors could not capture. They took everything that was unique and original in Breathless and still would be to this day, and they painted a soap opera picture over it with over-dramatized acting and unnecessary suspense.
whoever made this is a moron.

See Richard Gere in all his glory!
This film is Richard Gere in his heydays. Gere was a likeable actor at this time in 1983. This role is probably the most wildest he has ever played next to LOOKING FOR MR GOODBAR (1977). This is one of those films that you could have watched over again when on television. However, this will be heavily edited for television. Recommend the DVD version. DVD is in Full-Screen, however their are no extras or bonuses. This DVD contains all the language, sex scenes and full frontal male nudity (use the 1/2 on the APEX) and female nudity cut out on television network. Some nude scenes are necessary to watch due to story development. You'll also see some recognizable Southern California locations. Twenty years old, this film is no longer considered a great film, but some people will watch it again, even if the tone is crude. Good soundtrack music. Actor Art Metrano who plays "Birnbaum" is also in this film! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Pretty Good as vampire movies go
Let's face it, if you're a fan of the genre, you know that most vampire movies suck (no pun intended). This one doesn't. It's actually pretty good, especially if you like a view that's sympathetic to the vampires. The vampires in this movie are a subspecies of humans, with their own society and laws. Sounds sort of like Kindred, The Embraced, doesn't it? It even has the stylish old-world vampires at odds with the younger, rebel vampires. It also has the beautiful blonde human reporter who's in love with one of the vampires. The movie has some good twists, attractive women, cool settings...and it's entertaining.

I Love This Movie!
This is one of the few vampire movies I could watch again and again. It's not very gory but it's very entertaining nonetheless. It stars Jason London, and he plays his role as that of vampire-who-doesn'-t know-he's-a-vampire very well. Blood Ties has its very funny moments as well (I'm not sure they were supposed to be that funny...). Get this movie today. Happy watching!

Views more like a murder drama than a vampire movie...
Frankly, I'm surprised it even got an R rating. The story isn't half bad, except they break the cardinal rule that vampires can't exist in the daylight. In most ways they don't even seem like vampires--just a strange branch of humanity who can feed on blood when riled enough. Anyway, don't expect any nudity. What scenes there are could probably be boadcast without censorship, in my opinion. The violence must be what makes it restricted, but again compared to most vampire movies of today, the violence is very tame.

If you're looking for a borderline R vampire flick to watch with teen members of the family, this is it. Enjoy the tale. But, hardcore horror fans will think this extremely disappointing....

"Only Revenge Is Sweeter Than Blood"
"Blood Ties" begins in Anchor, Texas, where three S.C.A.V. (Southern Coalition Against Vampirism) members murder a teen's parents and shoot the young man (Cody Puckett, played by Jason London) with a crossbow before setting the house on fire. Luckily he escapes--or rather, the Amish-looking trio allow him to get away so they can follow him to "the others".

Wounded, 17-year-old Cody seeks the rich, corrupted Uncle Eli Chelarin (Patrick Bauchau) in Long Beach, California. Here Cody meets a few other relatives: Butcherbird "Butch" Vlad (Salvator Xuereb), Eli's rebellious nephew and the apparent leader of the Shrikes (the young troublemakers of the family, which Cody becomes a part of); Harry Martin, aka Harlevon Martinesque (uncertain spelling; played by Harley Venton), another one of Eli's nephews, as well as a reporter for the 'Long Beach Post-Gazette' and Cody's "guardian"; and Celia (Michelle Johnson), Eli's younger halfsister and lover. She's also Harry's occasional lover, which, by the way, if you hadn't noticed, makes her his half-aunt. Grossed out? Then you may not want to watch this one, because there's more incest involving cousins. Nothing graphic though.

In the movie, Harry is one of the leading characters who is trying to track down these "vampire" hunters before they can hurt anyone else. His semi-assistant is D.A. Amy Lauren (Kim Johnston Ulrich), who had tried to put Butch in jail at the beginning of "Blood Ties", but failed because of Eli's monetary charm. Amy's more of a blond-haired-blue-eyed sexual distraction for Harry, though, than any real help.

Although "Blood Ties" is essentially a vampire/horror movie, it doesn't rely on fangs or other vampire myths at all. It's more of a tongue-in-cheek soap opera drama with a hint of vampirism that's more racially charged than scary. This is noticeable in how the word "vampire" is considered a derogatory term, even though that's what they are; "Carpathian" is the appropriate term. Another example of racial undertones in this movie is when the redheaded Western Regional S.C.A.V. member (Grace Zabriskie) spouts off how terrible it is to have to sit with "one of them" on the bus or be with one in the same room. She continues by saying the "vampires" sole purpose is to steal other people's spouses, jobs, parking spaces, etc. Concerning "vampires" it sounds absurd, I know, but realize there's more to this movie than just cursory blood and guts, although the violence is quite tame and nonexistent compared to today's standards. There is some bloodletting, but no graphic vein-ripping, limb-tearing scenes here.

Sure, it's pretty cheesy at times too, i.e., the choreographed dancing of the Shrikes, but "Blood Ties" wasn't meant to be a serious film. It had aired back in May of 1991 on Fox as a pilot, but apparently it didn't take as a series. I remember watching it back then and pretty much fell in love with it at first viewing since it combines my two favorite genres (horror and comedy) and spotlights "vampires" (my favorite type of monster). I simply can't wait for the DVD version to come out this June!

Another fresh twist on the vampire theme
Excuse me -- not "vampire"! That's an ugly word, a slur. These folks preferred to be called "Carpathian -Americans," thankyouverymuch.

And most of what you've heard about ... Carpathians ... is untrue. Wild, exaggerated, ugly tales. (Except the thing about liking the taste of blood. That's true. But that was long ago. They're civilized now. Didn't _your_ ethnic ancestors do some pretty gross things hundreds of years ago?)

"Blood Ties" looks at an extended clan of, uh, Carpathian-Americans as just another group of immigrants, living in Long Beach, CA. There's the first generation -- conservative, with strong ties to the old country and the old ways. The second generation -- assimilationist, more "American" in their thinking. And the young third generation -- rediscovering their heritage, militantly proud of it, and a little bit spoiled.

These immigrants, however, are also victims of prejudice and hate ... which turns deadly ... There are "vampire hunters" abroad, and they are the bad guys.

Suspenseful, sexy, sometimes humorous and maybe even thought-provoking. I don' t think this was exactly a big-budget movie, but it was very entertaining. I wish it could have become a TV series. And I loved the "Carpathian" music -- especially the tune that plays at the beginning and ending. I wish I could get a recording of it. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

I can't believe it's not fiction!
Goodness, gracious.. Great Balls of Fire is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Based on the life of Jerry Lee Lewis, responsible for such classic oldies as (obviously) "Great Balls of Fire," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," it truly keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Dennis Quaid stars as 'The Killer' himself and portrays the ups and downs of Lewis' rocky road to success quite superbly. Staying with relatives, Jerry Lee meets and quickly moves in on his thirteen year old cousin, Myra (played by Winona Ryder, who gives Quaid a run for his money with her own stunning performance), immediately after his first song plays on the radio. People automatically love the song, and so begins the story of unbelievable success, love, and scandals -- every plot twist and turn that you would expect from a soap opera -- but these events actually DID happen! Keeping that in mind throughout the movie only makes it that much better. At times quite serious and dramatic, Great Balls of Fire keeps it just light enough to be absolutely hilarious at just the right times. In addition to the quite intriguing plot, this movie is also an in-depth look into the lifestyle of the fifties and sixties, and how what we don't give as much as a second thought to these days is what made heads spin back then. A definite must-see for fans AND non-fans of Jerry Lee Lewis, as it is a very informative and extremely entertaining movie.

Nice actor performances, GREAT MUSIC ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Well, I gave the movie five stars, because of The Killer's great soundtrack. Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder and the others did a fine job as actors, but I think the movie gives you a wrong picture of Jerry Lee Lewis. I strongly recommend Jerry Lee's soundtrack GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! under Polydor Records...It leaves you BREATHLESS!

Not bad, but then not good
This is okay. Dennis Quaid is rather over the top and Winona Ryder is her usual humdrum self. Looks good and there are some good comedic touches.

However, rather than his career being trashed by the scandal depicted here, in that he marries his 13 year old cousin, and then she gets pregnant, and slaps her about, he should have been jailed. Sorry, distasteful is not the word for it.

The best movie I ever saw
Great Ball's of fire has everything anyone could ever want in a movie! it's got action, drama, romance,comedy and truth. Dennis Quaid is marvelous as 'The Killer' and Winona Ryder was amazing as 'Myra' what make's this movie even better is that it is a true story. I think every one should have this in their collection.

sexy denniis quaid you so fine
I think that this movie was great.and dennis quaid did a grat job as being jerry lee lewis and winnona wryder did an great job as being his cousin but I think that I would have been better because I think that I look better than her. and all she did in the movie was wnine but other than that I loved the movie and that's why I gave the movie five stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Inducted into the prestigious United States National Film Registry in 1991, David Holzman's Diary is a hilarious and well-aimed satire of the cinéma vérité filmmakers of the 1960s. So naturalistic it fooled many an expert, Diary pretends to be the actual, day-to-day life of young filmmaker David Holzman. Holzman plans to film himself and his acquaintances in order to present a documentary about the common man, if the common man were an annoying film-school student whose girlfriend is getting fed up with being surreptitiously photographed, whose draft board is after him, and who is constantly assailed and assaulted on the streets of New York. Completely self-deprecating and ceaselessly entertaining, this is a rare example of self-conscious filmmaking that never takes itself seriously, but never condescends in its humor. --James DiGiovanna ... Read more

Reviews (4)

NAVEL-GAZING QUESTIONED!
In this brilliantly conceived and executed film, the director accomplishes satirization of the elements of cinema verite (direct cinema), and does so in such a fashion as to supply a lot of laughs.

Brought into question are the concepts of a person being filmed when said person was not aware that a film of said person was going to be shot (as if, as we are supposed to suppose, in direct cinema, that the camera is not noticed by the subject(s)). And, the concept of the unscripted material being able to convey "a message" is also fodder for the satire.

Also, some shots are truly art- the long pan of elderly and down-and-outers strung along a park pench, in synchro to audio of the U.N. roll being called, and the "every different shot as it appeared in a night of TV-viewing" sequence, and a street-alcoholic being harassed by cops while audio of news of fighting (with heavy U.S. losses) in Vietnam plays.

As essential to understanding the genre (because the fun it pokes relates to the elements of the genre) as is the Maysles' "Salesman".

What "Get Smart" is to James Bond this is to the Maysles
brothers. I felt like the Boston Strangler was operating the camera as the "verite" subjects were inside of their own homes and being shot through windows, from the street, in the final segment. It has occured to me that being a "verite" subject could easily rub a person the wrong way. And other parts of this movie- such as splices of all different images to have appeared on TV during the course of an evening (in 1967- so not only is it an amazing experience, visually, to grok this- it also is a nostalgia trip). And the continuous pan- if that's the correct tech term- of people relaxing on park benches not only satirizes "verite" but also could be real "verite" in that I felt that something about the human condition was conveyed.

Masterpiece of film about film
This film is NOT a poorly shot diary film by a guy named David Holzman, as some other reviewer implies. It's a CONSTRUCTION, a work of art, a film about film, with L.M.Kit Carson (who was involved in the writing of PARIS TEXAS and has done other stuff, though, sorry, man, I forget what) PORTRAYING the starving artist obsessed by the need to document his life. The film is so realistic, as a sort of mock-verite, that even I, on first viewing it on latenight TV some years ago, not being familiar with the work, thought it was really a diary film, though it's a little too coherent in it's concern for the role of the artist -- too thematically unified -- for one to remain convinced of this for long. Still, the fact that people DO get fooled is a testament to the film's realism. The director, Jim McBride, went on from this astonishingly intelligent little movie to make what I think of as "forgettable Hollywood schlock" like THE BIG EASY. Despite this, serious film buffs -- in both the sense of people who like serious films, and people who are serious buffs -- should check this out.

Here is what's wrong with people today, faith misplaced.
This is a drama/black comedy that is posing as a documentary. It is poorly shot, but it has a strong inadvertant message. It shows the typical cliched starving artist. I enjoyed this film very much.

This is a good film about the mentality of a directionless person, trying to find meaning in life while putting faith in superficial things that can never fulfill.

We watched this in a college film appreciation course that I took. It is pretty dead on accurate about how an aspiring artist can get confused about everything in his life having no meaning for him.

Get some religion, David Holzman, your 16mm film camera is just a tool, not the deity that you try to worship! ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Grim Tale of Northern Ireland
Another dark, depressing--but, unfortunately, authentic--tale of the British governing of Northern Ireland. Cary Elwes plays a sympathetic British soldier (there are a few) whose kindly feelings get him into trouble, and Timothy Dalton plays an over-the-top version of the British oppressor tyring to utilize an informant without destroying him before he can be of use. Dalton, an actor I have liked very much when he was really making an effort, here seems to have abandoned all restraint in his portrayal of the villain and the drama overall leaves you feeling as though you've been run over by one of the RUC armoured carriers.

Better than average look at the Troubles
Above average film about one man's decision to get out of the IRA (easier said than done) by turning "informant" (hence the name of the movie). Other than Timothy Dalton's usual overacting, the performances all around are quite good - a very worthwhile movie with excellent music by The Pogues and Shane McGowan.

The Informant
This is slightly better than 'Framed' and in my opinion one of Tim's better choices! Very well written and directed and for that matter acted by all those on screen! Tim Dalton gives an excellent performance, his best since Licence to Kill in my mind! I won't give the plot away but I will say you would be foolish not to buy this! A gritty if somewhat harrowing tale of life in Northern Ireland.

Error
Please note my previous review relates to "Saltwater Moose" not this film!

Timeless Innocent family entertainment
This is a sweet film, a good strong plot and no excessive special effects of foul language. Britains finest actor (Dalton) shows us how to really act, and his rapport with the children is super. Dalton has the ability to make the part seem alive, and many films would benefit from his presence. One just has to look at the farce that Bond has become to show what a weak actor can do to a film! Dalton has gone on to better things and this is just one of his triumphs. Check it out ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Search for Metropolis
This is a post-apocalypic film in which a young man, accompained by his pregnant girl friend, search for the city of Metropolis, which he had seen in a comic book he found.

I originally saw it in its theatrical release, when it was X-rated due to sex and nudity (the film begins with the couple making love in a car body stuck in a tree). It's pretty mild by today's standards.

I was impressed at the time with the scenes of people searching through a ruined Howard Johnson's for canned goods. However, the quality of the video makes the characteristic orange roof muddy and unrecognizable. I also like the couple's meeting with an old man, who hadn't spoken to anyone years, and has difficulty remembering how to talk. It's little touches like that that are part of its charm.

But although it's the same film, the quality of the transfer to video (at least the copy I have) is poor. One brief scene also repeats in the video, a little disconcerting. It's too bad, because it's really is a fine film, thoughtful and touching. It was made by the Seattle Film Collective, and shot on location in the Pacific Northwest.

Should you buy it? Sure, if only to see it once. See if you can get copies of Brian DePalma's Greetings! and Hi Mom! too. Then you can have a real 60's retro movie party.

the most realistic "post apocalyptic" movie ever
I'll keep it short. This film follows two teenagers through their attempts to cope in a world strewn with the debris of a collapsed civilisation (ours). Oddly poignant and wonderfully lacking in any pretentious silliness about "what might happen," i would recommend this film to anyone who likes films that address the ways real human beings try to get by in their lives and also has a penchant for quality science fiction. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Richard Gere is sensational
I loved Breathless the first time I saw it and I have watched it many, many times now. The main reason is Gere's performance. It may not be his best but it's his most original and spaced-out performance of his career. The movie itself is quite entertaining, but no masterpiece. It never takes itself too seriously and mostly depends on the charms of Gere to keep it going. The ending is the best part, where his character seems to have nowhere to go and everything is closing down on him, and his only answer is to escape to his fantasy world and of course; sing the opening lines to Jerry Lee Lewis's Breathless. Another plus is the music, for this is the only film I know of that has Presley's Suspicious Minds playing in the background.

A great performance by Gere and an entertaining film.
This film is a remake of Godard's "A Bout du Souffle" but that is more of a problem than a blessing for this film. Breathless is not good enough to cut it as a worthy US version of the original but, seen as a film it it's own right, it makes a lot more sense and it is entertaining to watch.

Richard Gere plays Jesse Lujack, a small time criminal who just happens to kill a cop. He doesn't set out to do so, it just happens but this one act drags him into a trap which is, of course, of his own making.

His flight from the police who are determined to nail the cop killer takes him back to student Monica Poiccard (Kapriski) an old girlfriend. To him, she was an important and significant part of his life but to her, he was just an interlude whom she never expected to see again but, in a kind of "what the heck" mood she takes up with him and his troubles.

Gere really is doing a fine job here. The script favours him but nonetheless, he is totally convincing in this film He really is Lujack.

However much he tries to prevent it, the ending is pretty much inevitable but on the way Gere and Kapriski have some laughs. They live for the moment and, essentially they do enjoy the moments despite the bigger picture and that is what this film is all about. It's good to watch and enjoy. It is not a polarising moment in cinema history but, if you can forget the film's origins and hope only for an entertaining movie, it will not let you down.

If you like this film, I'd recommend "The Passenger" with Jack Nicholson and Maria Schneider. It shares the same theme of a woman taking up with a man in big trouble and it is a much better movie although it is a serious film and does not have the laughs of Breathless.

If you had to pick 10 Richard Gere films ...
Just say you were asked to pick 10 of Richard Gere's all time great films. Ok, I agree he's probably only done 5 great films so finding 10 enough would be hard. But I think I could do it. "Breathless", however would not be included because it is one of the most boring and ridiculous films I have seen. Back in 1983 it hit the cinemas and people went and saw it because of Richard Gere's full frontal nudity. But blink and you will miss those bits, they are so fast on your screen.

"Breathless" may be a remake of a French classic, but that does not make it a masterpiece.

jean-luc godard's vision was killed.
Jean-luc godard's first major motion picture, BREATHLESS, is still known to this date for being one of the most influential films of all time. It has a serious plot, but very comedic undertones and that's what this director and these actors could not capture. They took everything that was unique and original in Breathless and still would be to this day, and they painted a soap opera picture over it with over-dramatized acting and unnecessary suspense.
whoever made this is a moron.

See Richard Gere in all his glory!
This film is Richard Gere in his heydays. Gere was a likeable actor at this time in 1983. This role is probably the most wildest he has ever played next to LOOKING FOR MR GOODBAR (1977). This is one of those films that you could have watched over again when on television. However, this will be heavily edited for television. Recommend the DVD version. DVD is in Full-Screen, however their are no extras or bonuses. This DVD contains all the language, sex scenes and full frontal male nudity (use the 1/2 on the APEX) and female nudity cut out on television network. Some nude scenes are necessary to watch due to story development. You'll also see some recognizable Southern California locations. Twenty years old, this film is no longer considered a great film, but some people will watch it again, even if the tone is crude. Good soundtrack music. Actor Art Metrano who plays "Birnbaum" is also in this film! ... Read more

Reviews (41)

I can't believe it's not fiction!
Goodness, gracious.. Great Balls of Fire is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Based on the life of Jerry Lee Lewis, responsible for such classic oldies as (obviously) "Great Balls of Fire," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," it truly keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Dennis Quaid stars as 'The Killer' himself and portrays the ups and downs of Lewis' rocky road to success quite superbly. Staying with relatives, Jerry Lee meets and quickly moves in on his thirteen year old cousin, Myra (played by Winona Ryder, who gives Quaid a run for his money with her own stunning performance), immediately after his first song plays on the radio. People automatically love the song, and so begins the story of unbelievable success, love, and scandals -- every plot twist and turn that you would expect from a soap opera -- but these events actually DID happen! Keeping that in mind throughout the movie only makes it that much better. At times quite serious and dramatic, Great Balls of Fire keeps it just light enough to be absolutely hilarious at just the right times. In addition to the quite intriguing plot, this movie is also an in-depth look into the lifestyle of the fifties and sixties, and how what we don't give as much as a second thought to these days is what made heads spin back then. A definite must-see for fans AND non-fans of Jerry Lee Lewis, as it is a very informative and extremely entertaining movie.

Nice actor performances, GREAT MUSIC ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Well, I gave the movie five stars, because of The Killer's great soundtrack. Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder and the others did a fine job as actors, but I think the movie gives you a wrong picture of Jerry Lee Lewis. I strongly recommend Jerry Lee's soundtrack GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! under Polydor Records...It leaves you BREATHLESS!

Not bad, but then not good
This is okay. Dennis Quaid is rather over the top and Winona Ryder is her usual humdrum self. Looks good and there are some good comedic touches.

However, rather than his career being trashed by the scandal depicted here, in that he marries his 13 year old cousin, and then she gets pregnant, and slaps her about, he should have been jailed. Sorry, distasteful is not the word for it.

The best movie I ever saw
Great Ball's of fire has everything anyone could ever want in a movie! it's got action, drama, romance,comedy and truth. Dennis Quaid is marvelous as 'The Killer' and Winona Ryder was amazing as 'Myra' what make's this movie even better is that it is a true story. I think every one should have this in their collection.

sexy denniis quaid you so fine
I think that this movie was great.and dennis quaid did a grat job as being jerry lee lewis and winnona wryder did an great job as being his cousin but I think that I would have been better because I think that I look better than her. and all she did in the movie was wnine but other than that I loved the movie and that's why I gave the movie five stars. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

I can't believe it's not fiction!
Goodness, gracious.. Great Balls of Fire is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Based on the life of Jerry Lee Lewis, responsible for such classic oldies as (obviously) "Great Balls of Fire," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," it truly keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Dennis Quaid stars as 'The Killer' himself and portrays the ups and downs of Lewis' rocky road to success quite superbly. Staying with relatives, Jerry Lee meets and quickly moves in on his thirteen year old cousin, Myra (played by Winona Ryder, who gives Quaid a run for his money with her own stunning performance), immediately after his first song plays on the radio. People automatically love the song, and so begins the story of unbelievable success, love, and scandals -- every plot twist and turn that you would expect from a soap opera -- but these events actually DID happen! Keeping that in mind throughout the movie only makes it that much better. At times quite serious and dramatic, Great Balls of Fire keeps it just light enough to be absolutely hilarious at just the right times. In addition to the quite intriguing plot, this movie is also an in-depth look into the lifestyle of the fifties and sixties, and how what we don't give as much as a second thought to these days is what made heads spin back then. A definite must-see for fans AND non-fans of Jerry Lee Lewis, as it is a very informative and extremely entertaining movie.

Nice actor performances, GREAT MUSIC ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Well, I gave the movie five stars, because of The Killer's great soundtrack. Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder and the others did a fine job as actors, but I think the movie gives you a wrong picture of Jerry Lee Lewis. I strongly recommend Jerry Lee's soundtrack GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! under Polydor Records...It leaves you BREATHLESS!

Not bad, but then not good
This is okay. Dennis Quaid is rather over the top and Winona Ryder is her usual humdrum self. Looks good and there are some good comedic touches.

However, rather than his career being trashed by the scandal depicted here, in that he marries his 13 year old cousin, and then she gets pregnant, and slaps her about, he should have been jailed. Sorry, distasteful is not the word for it.

The best movie I ever saw
Great Ball's of fire has everything anyone could ever want in a movie! it's got action, drama, romance,comedy and truth. Dennis Quaid is marvelous as 'The Killer' and Winona Ryder was amazing as 'Myra' what make's this movie even better is that it is a true story. I think every one should have this in their collection.

sexy denniis quaid you so fine
I think that this movie was great.and dennis quaid did a grat job as being jerry lee lewis and winnona wryder did an great job as being his cousin but I think that I would have been better because I think that I look better than her. and all she did in the movie was wnine but other than that I loved the movie and that's why I gave the movie five stars. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Richard Gere is sensational
I loved Breathless the first time I saw it and I have watched it many, many times now. The main reason is Gere's performance. It may not be his best but it's his most original and spaced-out performance of his career. The movie itself is quite entertaining, but no masterpiece. It never takes itself too seriously and mostly depends on the charms of Gere to keep it going. The ending is the best part, where his character seems to have nowhere to go and everything is closing down on him, and his only answer is to escape to his fantasy world and of course; sing the opening lines to Jerry Lee Lewis's Breathless. Another plus is the music, for this is the only film I know of that has Presley's Suspicious Minds playing