Reviews (17)

Honestly? Yeah, It's Good.
I've been a fan of this movie ever since it came out. It is hopelessly tacky and cheesy -- but that HAS to be it's intended charm... otherwise I could never explain Kristy Swanson's acting in here which appears to be cardboard on purpose. Basic premise is similar to the inferior original... Bavarian peasant girl is frozen by a sorcerer for 1000 years after attempting to marry a prince. She winds up in a Pennsylvania department store while "on tour" (she is her country's only source of international interest). While at this store, she is left in the care of an employee (William Ragsdale) who falls in love with her. Her home country of Hauptmann-Koenig sends an evil count (Terry Kiser) to watch after her to make sure nothing happens to the country's treasure because he intends to marry her someday. But, lo and behold... it seems that 1000 years has just passed! And it is discovered that if her necklace is removed, she can come to life! BUT WHO WILL THE MANNEQUIN FALL IN LOVE WITH? Tacky? Of course. It's fantastic fun. Of course, Meshach Taylor shows up to reprise his role of the flamboyantly gay, over-the-top Hollywood Montrose. If he hadn't signed on to do this role, they could never have done this movie.

The movie is not technically brilliant. This could never be deemed a critic's film. It's not a film, it's a movie. Considering that the fictional country of Hauptmann-Koenig spoke perfect American English in the 10th century proves that. It's an hour and a half of lighthearted, outrageous stupid fun that has held up pretty well over the course of a decade plus. Kristy Swanson's portrayal of the statue that looks like a mannequin, Jessie, is really quite brilliant and underrated as she adjusts to life in the 1990s, in which she cannot understand the concept of fashion circa 1991, stoplights and fire extinguishers. It includes the theme from the original, Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now", which oddly, won the original "Mannequin" an Oscar. Go figure.

This one's got it ALL!- action, comedy and romance!
This is a great film for all ages. It's the timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers destined to be together. Meshach Taylor returns as the hilariously sassy Hollywood Montrose. He brings an energy to every scene he is in. William Ragsdale and Kristy Swanson are great as the two star-crossed lovers. The movie has it all, comedy, action-adventure, and romance. It's a sassy, funny comedy; the perfect Friday night rental.

A different live mannequin
This sequel to 1987's MANNEQUIN was a flop. Nobody from the first film appears in this one. This film stars William Ragsdale who starred in 1985's FRIGHT NIGHT. Kristy Swanson is the mannequin. This film is somewhat memorable for me because Meshach Taylor of TV's Designing Women was part of the cast. The only recycling is Starship's recording NOTHING'S GONNA STOP US NOW which was played during the end credits like the first film. Swanson would later star in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer",that film later inspiring the TV series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

GET THE DIRT
I ALWAYS THINK THAT KRISTY SWANSON IS A BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS AND IN THIS MOVIE HER LOVER BOY FRIEND WANTS TO TREAT HER LIKE-A-QUEEN AND ALSO TO FIGHT FOR HER HONER SO THAT IS MORE LIKE GOING AFTER
A MAN WHO HAS NO KNOWLEDGE TO BE A HIT-MAN TO MAKE THINGS LOOK LIKE TAKING KRISTY HOSTAGE IN HIS HOT AIR BALLOON AND I THINK HE IS THREATING THE COUPLE OF LOVE AND FACING A FEAR IN TURNING INTO STONE IN A MAGIC SPELL SO HE'S TAKING A BIG DOSE OF HIS MEDICINE BY KINNAPPING THE PRINCESS.

A Great Movie--Please release on DVD!
I watched this movie when I was about nine or ten and I really liked it. It's a romantic comedy that's fun for the whole family. I hope it will come out on DVD sometime soon so I can cherish this gem forever. This sequel rocks! Granted, I haven't seen the first Mannequin but I'm sure it's good too. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Honestly? Yeah, It's Good.
I've been a fan of this movie ever since it came out. It is hopelessly tacky and cheesy -- but that HAS to be it's intended charm... otherwise I could never explain Kristy Swanson's acting in here which appears to be cardboard on purpose. Basic premise is similar to the inferior original... Bavarian peasant girl is frozen by a sorcerer for 1000 years after attempting to marry a prince. She winds up in a Pennsylvania department store while "on tour" (she is her country's only source of international interest). While at this store, she is left in the care of an employee (William Ragsdale) who falls in love with her. Her home country of Hauptmann-Koenig sends an evil count (Terry Kiser) to watch after her to make sure nothing happens to the country's treasure because he intends to marry her someday. But, lo and behold... it seems that 1000 years has just passed! And it is discovered that if her necklace is removed, she can come to life! BUT WHO WILL THE MANNEQUIN FALL IN LOVE WITH? Tacky? Of course. It's fantastic fun. Of course, Meshach Taylor shows up to reprise his role of the flamboyantly gay, over-the-top Hollywood Montrose. If he hadn't signed on to do this role, they could never have done this movie.

The movie is not technically brilliant. This could never be deemed a critic's film. It's not a film, it's a movie. Considering that the fictional country of Hauptmann-Koenig spoke perfect American English in the 10th century proves that. It's an hour and a half of lighthearted, outrageous stupid fun that has held up pretty well over the course of a decade plus. Kristy Swanson's portrayal of the statue that looks like a mannequin, Jessie, is really quite brilliant and underrated as she adjusts to life in the 1990s, in which she cannot understand the concept of fashion circa 1991, stoplights and fire extinguishers. It includes the theme from the original, Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now", which oddly, won the original "Mannequin" an Oscar. Go figure.

This one's got it ALL!- action, comedy and romance!
This is a great film for all ages. It's the timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers destined to be together. Meshach Taylor returns as the hilariously sassy Hollywood Montrose. He brings an energy to every scene he is in. William Ragsdale and Kristy Swanson are great as the two star-crossed lovers. The movie has it all, comedy, action-adventure, and romance. It's a sassy, funny comedy; the perfect Friday night rental.

A different live mannequin
This sequel to 1987's MANNEQUIN was a flop. Nobody from the first film appears in this one. This film stars William Ragsdale who starred in 1985's FRIGHT NIGHT. Kristy Swanson is the mannequin. This film is somewhat memorable for me because Meshach Taylor of TV's Designing Women was part of the cast. The only recycling is Starship's recording NOTHING'S GONNA STOP US NOW which was played during the end credits like the first film. Swanson would later star in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer",that film later inspiring the TV series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

GET THE DIRT
I ALWAYS THINK THAT KRISTY SWANSON IS A BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS AND IN THIS MOVIE HER LOVER BOY FRIEND WANTS TO TREAT HER LIKE-A-QUEEN AND ALSO TO FIGHT FOR HER HONER SO THAT IS MORE LIKE GOING AFTER
A MAN WHO HAS NO KNOWLEDGE TO BE A HIT-MAN TO MAKE THINGS LOOK LIKE TAKING KRISTY HOSTAGE IN HIS HOT AIR BALLOON AND I THINK HE IS THREATING THE COUPLE OF LOVE AND FACING A FEAR IN TURNING INTO STONE IN A MAGIC SPELL SO HE'S TAKING A BIG DOSE OF HIS MEDICINE BY KINNAPPING THE PRINCESS.

A Great Movie--Please release on DVD!
I watched this movie when I was about nine or ten and I really liked it. It's a romantic comedy that's fun for the whole family. I hope it will come out on DVD sometime soon so I can cherish this gem forever. This sequel rocks! Granted, I haven't seen the first Mannequin but I'm sure it's good too. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

I loved it as a kid...so I bought it for mine!!
"We are a wilderness family..." Ever since the first time I watched this movie as a kid I have wanted to move to the mountains and live off of the land!!

This movie is a good wholesome family movie. It was filmed in the late 70's/early 80's and you can really tell. Plus, the acting gets pretty stiff in numerous places and some of the story lines are a bit forced. BUT...it is still fun to watch all these years later.

I have gotten so tired of all the junk that is out there for kids (???) these days so when my girls aren't watching PBS I like for them to watch videos instead. This is one that stresses family values like love and team work. There is no "potty humor", no cartoon characters, and the language in entirely appropriate for everyone in the family.

GREAT movie if you want to limit your kids exposure to junkfood for the brain.

It may be unrealistic but I don't really care!!
I saw this movie in it's theatrical release when I was ten years old and I enjoyed it and didn't care then and don't care now that it was unrealistic and cute and cuddly I just thought it was enjoyable and still do, and I know that in the real world you would not go up to wild animals and play with them because that is dangerous and I also knew that way back in 1975 when I was a little girl watching this movie in the theater, I think you would have to be really dumb or have a major reality problem to actually think you can go up to and actually play with wild animals! But the movie is just pure entertainment suitable for the whole family unless you happen to be the type who hates wholesome family movies and finds them sappy and dorky and if that is the case just don't watch them and if you do like them, watch them and enjoy!

I LOVE IT
I loved this movie as a child and even more as an adult...and am so happy that my child will get to watch it...

one of the greatest family films out there
This is one of the greatest family films out there, folks! My brothers and I grew up watching this series and my boys will grow up watching them as well. Action, adventure, family and fun. And all without a swear word or the slightest flash of nudity! Who knew that stuff like this could really sell?
Gather your family together, pop a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy the Adventures of the Winderness Family!

Great family movie!!!!
I too watched this as a kid and just found it in a local store today. We just got done watching it and I wanted to see if I could find the other 2 movies. Only one complaint about the other review, they weren't stranded they moved there on purpose!! They just wanted to get out of the city and raise their kids in the wilderness and they end up having many adventures. ... Read more

Description

A man and his two daughters set out to sail around the world, but shipwreck on the Alaskan coast. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

A Wonderful Family Movie That Should Be on DVD (Widescreen)!
I remember watching The Sea Gypsies on HBO sometime in the early 80's with my niece and nephew and having seen Robert Logan and Heather Rattray in The Adventures of The Wilderness Family when I was a child I really liked this movie and thought it was just as good as the Wilderness family movie. They are not playing the same characters from the Wilderness Family movies but they do again play father and daughter. In The Sea Gypsies Robert Logan plays a widower from Seattle who sets off to sail around the world with his daughters played By Heather Rattray and Shannon Saylor but also deciding to come along is a female reporter played by Mikki Jamison-Olson and they soon discover a young stowaway played by Damitri Patterson and then a storm maroons them on a remote Aleutian Island and that's where the adventure really begins as they they try to survive on the island while planning on building a raft so they can escape before the approach of the harsh Alaskan winter. This is a very good movie that has a good plot, good acting and the movie also shows wonderful wildlife and scenery and I highly recommend The Sea Gypsies and I hope they put it out on DVD soon (Widescreen)!

COME SAIL AWAY WITH ME!
I saw this movie way back when I was 9 or 10 and LOVED it!!! For the LONGEST time, I could not find it....Until now. I own it now and someday, when I have children, I plan to share it with them. It shows the true spirit of survival and perseverance. A lot of adventure, a little bit of romance and action!!! Settle in with your children, your friends or even better, your "sweetie" and enjoy!

Shipwrecked in Alaska!
I grew up watching this movie on cable when it called "Shipwrecked!" Why the name change? Anyway the plot is essentially the Swiss Family Robinson in the North American wilderness starring Robert Logan who made a career out these kind of films- "The Wilderness Family" and "Across the Great Divide." In "The Sea Gypsies" Logan plays a single father, Travis, who is taking his two young daughters on a sailing boat trip around the world. To the dismay of the chauvenistic Travis, a female reporter is assigned to his expedition as a last second replacement for the male colleague who Travis had agreed to sail with. Also stowing aboard, unknown to all, is Jesse a young orphan with the rather bizarre dream of being a South Pacific pirate.

After the ship sets sail, Jesse is discovered, and Travis plans on turning him over to the authorities when the ship reaches its next port. Of course, the ship does not reach port because it is wrecked in a storm off the rugged coast of Alaska. Although everyone safely makes it ashore, they have lost most of their supplies and equipment. The rest of the film details the family's struggle to survive: building shelter, finding food, avoiding a man-killing grizzly, and either hoping for rescue or trying to find their own way home. Meanwhile Travis and the reporter come to respect each other and eventually start falling in love. Also the charismatic Jesse starts to be accepted as one of the family. (The kid also does a mean version of The Robot dance- hey it's the late 70's!)

The strength of the film is the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness in which it is set. Also the characters' ways of fending for themselves in this harsh environment is fun to watch and fairly realistic (in marked contrast to Disney's "The Swiss Family Robinson" in which that family lived in amazing splendor on a tropical island paradise.) However, the film's depiction of bear attacks is extremely unrealistic. Robert Logan's movies are the biggest portrayers of the myth that grizzlies are slow lumbering creatures who can be easily outrun even by children. In reality grizzly bears have been known to run at speeds up to 30-35 mph, and could easily catch an Olympic sprinter. Bears are very fast, and running away from them unless there is shelter or a tree nearby is the worst thing a person can do! Despite its absurd portrayal of bears, "The Sea Gypsies" is a very enjoyable family adventure.

One Of Those Classics
This is one of those movies I watched a milloin times when I was younger. It's an adventure about a family who's ship sinks in a storm. The take refuge on a near by island. On the island they encounter many problems, as they try to survive. I think most people would enjoy this. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Exciting !
The Philadelphia Experiment, based on a true story, was a military experiment in WWII. The idea was to make a battle ship, stationed in Philadelphia, invisible for the enemies and radars. But the mission failed and two sailers make a time travel in our present.

I like time travel science fiction movies. The movie has very good actors (Michael Pare and Nancy Allen), an exciting plot and an interesting soundtrack.

The executive producer was John Carpenter and you will remark his present in the movie making.

SHIP AHOY
When it comes to time travel on the screen, there have been many, many attempts. My favorite is the STAR TREK episode in which Shatner travels back in time, falls in love with Joan Collins, and she gets killed, and he has to leave her behind. In THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT, things turn out a little better for the timecrossed lovers. Based on what was supposedly a real experiment in 1943, the movie chronicles the fate of Michael Pare and Bobby DiCicco, who during the experiment in Philadelphia find themselves in 1984 Nevada. Somehow the same scientist who did the 1943 experiment is still at it, trying to make a town invisible. In doing so, he opens a vortex that brings the two 40s soldiers to modern times. Pare falls in love with the wonderful Nancy Allen (CARRIE, BLOWOUT, DRESSED TO KILL), and their romance is a key element in the eventual climax.
The special effects are commendable for a 1984 movie; the direction is adequate, and most of the performances very good. Nancy combines her naivete with those lovely eyes to make a wonderful heroine, and Michael Pare shows a good range of emotion in trying to decide where he truly belongs.
This is one of the better time travel movies, and inspired a sequel with Brad Johnson.

A nice little twisted time travel tale (that is not true)
"The Philadelphia Experiment" is supposedly the about an experiment the U.S. Navy conducted in 1943 to make the U.S.S. "Eldridge" invisible to radar. However, the experiment goes (surprise) horribly wrong and the ship is contaminated with a deadly dose of radiation. Two of the sailors, David Herdeg (Michael Paré) and Jim Parker (Bobby Di Cicco), jump overboard as their crewmates are catching on fire and getting trapped in bulkheads and end up traveling through a rift in time to 1984 (i.e., the present in terms of that being the year this movie was made). One of them gets sent back but the other does not and not only are the authorities after him but it seems that pesky hole in time is wrecking havoc with the climate (not as bad as "The Day After Tomorrow," but serious enough).

This is a fun little B-movie that most science fiction fans can enjoy as long as they do not take it too seriously. The reason it is considered to be based on a "true" story is that it is based on a 1979 "non-fiction" book that claimed the Navy was fooling around with Einstein's Unified Field Theory and sent the "Eldridge" from Philadelphia to the harbor in Norfolk, Virginia, and then back again. The story is based on some dubious evidence and apparently since the U.S.S. "Eldridge" never ever docked at the Philadelphia Naval Yard the title appears to be suspect as well. The Navy has offered an official explanation that what happened was a routine degaussing of the ship, which meant it was surrounded with electrical cables to negate the magnetic field (the idea is that it would render the ship invisible to radar but not to human eyes). Of course to some people this explanation just screams cover up.

Ultimately this film is not concerned with the "science" of the so-called experiment because that is all just an excuse for a more traditional time travel story and within that genre there are few interesting things going on here. There are some fun moments as Herdeg encounters the brave new world (Orwell's "1984" did not come out until 1948, so he does not know that the future is brighter than people had thought in the 1940s). Herdeg hooks up with an airhead, Allison Hayes (Nancy Allen), who eventually comes to believe that he is not lying about when he is from and tries to help him get back home. It is just as well because there is really no chemistry between these two. After "Eddie & the Cruisers" and "Streets of Fire" we all thought Paré was going to have a career, but this film seems to have derailed it. Come to think of it the same can be said for Allen, outside of the "Robocop" movies.

The special effects are rather simplistic, but quite effective for the time. They were certainly good enough to lure more than a few people into seeing this film from director Stewart Raffill ("The Ice Pirates," "Mac and Me"). Plus you have the standard lesson than there are some things scientists should not be messing around with otherwise a wormhole will destroy the world as we know it, which was not really an omnipresent science fiction plot line at that point (CGI made destroying the planet much more fun). There is a 1993 sequel to this film, but try to forget about it because it belongs on everyone's short list of worst science fiction sequels ever. This one at least gives you some things to think about, not all of which are about how to poke holes in the story.

good movie - BAD DVD
I am a 29 year old man who remebered this movie fondly from my childhood. So i pointed, clicked and oredered it up. I was horrified the instant the menu came up on screen and the option to start the movie was spelled wrong, it read "STRAT MOVIE". This should give you some idea as to the level of care and attention that went into the production of this inferior product.
The picture quality was unforgivable. Usually a bad transfer doesnt bother me that much as long as I can see whats going on, but this movie transfer is pathetic. I am not kidding when I say that you are better off ordering a clean VHS copy than wasting your time and money on this DVD. It was absolutely unwatchable on my widescreen TV, I eventually had to put it in my computer to watch it as the "pixelization" was so bad ... consider youself warned.....

Excellent B Movie
I remember seeing this movie for the first time when I was about 9. It certainly piqued my interest in the paranormal, but at the time, I was unaware that the movie was based on alleged experiments by the US Navy. It's a B-sci fi movie complete with silly exaggerations, decent special effects, general cheesiness and the inevitable romance that ensues - in this case between a skeptical Nancy Allen and a confused Michael Pare. This movie is not to be taken very seriously.

If you are looking for mindless entertaiment, this is an excellent movie to satisfy your craving. It may even spark an interest in reading further about the allegedly real Philadelphia Experiment. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Honestly? Yeah, It's Good.
I've been a fan of this movie ever since it came out. It is hopelessly tacky and cheesy -- but that HAS to be it's intended charm... otherwise I could never explain Kristy Swanson's acting in here which appears to be cardboard on purpose. Basic premise is similar to the inferior original... Bavarian peasant girl is frozen by a sorcerer for 1000 years after attempting to marry a prince. She winds up in a Pennsylvania department store while "on tour" (she is her country's only source of international interest). While at this store, she is left in the care of an employee (William Ragsdale) who falls in love with her. Her home country of Hauptmann-Koenig sends an evil count (Terry Kiser) to watch after her to make sure nothing happens to the country's treasure because he intends to marry her someday. But, lo and behold... it seems that 1000 years has just passed! And it is discovered that if her necklace is removed, she can come to life! BUT WHO WILL THE MANNEQUIN FALL IN LOVE WITH? Tacky? Of course. It's fantastic fun. Of course, Meshach Taylor shows up to reprise his role of the flamboyantly gay, over-the-top Hollywood Montrose. If he hadn't signed on to do this role, they could never have done this movie.

The movie is not technically brilliant. This could never be deemed a critic's film. It's not a film, it's a movie. Considering that the fictional country of Hauptmann-Koenig spoke perfect American English in the 10th century proves that. It's an hour and a half of lighthearted, outrageous stupid fun that has held up pretty well over the course of a decade plus. Kristy Swanson's portrayal of the statue that looks like a mannequin, Jessie, is really quite brilliant and underrated as she adjusts to life in the 1990s, in which she cannot understand the concept of fashion circa 1991, stoplights and fire extinguishers. It includes the theme from the original, Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now", which oddly, won the original "Mannequin" an Oscar. Go figure.

This one's got it ALL!- action, comedy and romance!
This is a great film for all ages. It's the timeless tale of two star-crossed lovers destined to be together. Meshach Taylor returns as the hilariously sassy Hollywood Montrose. He brings an energy to every scene he is in. William Ragsdale and Kristy Swanson are great as the two star-crossed lovers. The movie has it all, comedy, action-adventure, and romance. It's a sassy, funny comedy; the perfect Friday night rental.

A different live mannequin
This sequel to 1987's MANNEQUIN was a flop. Nobody from the first film appears in this one. This film stars William Ragsdale who starred in 1985's FRIGHT NIGHT. Kristy Swanson is the mannequin. This film is somewhat memorable for me because Meshach Taylor of TV's Designing Women was part of the cast. The only recycling is Starship's recording NOTHING'S GONNA STOP US NOW which was played during the end credits like the first film. Swanson would later star in "Buffy The Vampire Slayer",that film later inspiring the TV series starring Sarah Michelle Gellar.

GET THE DIRT
I ALWAYS THINK THAT KRISTY SWANSON IS A BEAUTIFUL ACTRESS AND IN THIS MOVIE HER LOVER BOY FRIEND WANTS TO TREAT HER LIKE-A-QUEEN AND ALSO TO FIGHT FOR HER HONER SO THAT IS MORE LIKE GOING AFTER
A MAN WHO HAS NO KNOWLEDGE TO BE A HIT-MAN TO MAKE THINGS LOOK LIKE TAKING KRISTY HOSTAGE IN HIS HOT AIR BALLOON AND I THINK HE IS THREATING THE COUPLE OF LOVE AND FACING A FEAR IN TURNING INTO STONE IN A MAGIC SPELL SO HE'S TAKING A BIG DOSE OF HIS MEDICINE BY KINNAPPING THE PRINCESS.

A Great Movie--Please release on DVD!
I watched this movie when I was about nine or ten and I really liked it. It's a romantic comedy that's fun for the whole family. I hope it will come out on DVD sometime soon so I can cherish this gem forever. This sequel rocks! Granted, I haven't seen the first Mannequin but I'm sure it's good too. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I love the Wilderness and Nature in this Film
The movie is filled with scenes of wild animals and nature! These are what make the movie worthwhile to watch. I love the outside so this movie can bring that to you if you have been in the house or worked and haven't had the opportunity to surround yourself with nature. I would love to British Columbia and the Uinta Mountains of Utah where this was filmed. The story line is kind of plain and simple. A bank robber who is a professional gambler is on the run. He finds two kids alone trying to make it to Oregon and hooks up with them after many trys to win them over. It is a good kids film! If you like Little House on the Praire, it has similarities. Another movie like this could be The Wilderness Family.
Lisa Nary

Inspiring for Children
I recall this one from my cable TV junkie days. As a child it opened my eyes a bit to the fact that there was a world beyond the suburbs. The children in this movie conquer obstacles far greater than acquiring designer clothes. I'll update my review after I watch it with my kids... it's been quite a few years since I've seen it. I still remember the music, though. ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Ice Pirates leave a warm feeling!
What a wonderful piece of sci-fi fun! I always loved this picture since the first time I saw it WAAAYYY back in '84. I have to admit, it's not for everybody. You really have to be in a class of science fiction fans who also enjoy movies like Sleeper or tv shows like Red Dwarf. My only regret about Ice Pirates was that the director didn't have a larger budget--then again... Urich, Roberts and Huston (The Space Samurai Chick!) really steal the show--check out the gut-funny scene when Ulrich and Roberts were about to lose their "manhood". Hilarious!! The story is ludicrous in itself, water has become more valuable than gold or silver. I always found it funny that these people have the ability of interstellar travel but they can't produce water. I give the movie four stars--even though it loooks really bad on tv--in anyevent, Ice Pirates makes me wish filmmakers would produce more sci-fi satires. Long Live Jason and his Ice Pirates!

clasic cult sci fi
i stumbled across this in a video shop that imports vids from all over the world & it only cost me £2.99 (about $6.00) it aint a pg here thogh its a 15 so i had to get some 1 to buy it.
my mates used to pile round to watch it evry so offten the short guy loved the tiny robot kicking hell out of the big one

cant wait for it on dvd

I'm tired of waiting
I remember when cable was first introduced into this world except it was called "ON TV" where i'm from. I remember when this movie came on at that time. I was amazed by the humor and science fiction mixed into this great film. I'm still searching for a copy on DVD. I can't wait I've tried everything as to getting this film on DVD. I tried to buy a DVD format machine, but it was sold out. I'm getting impatient, but I still have some patience, and not for long.

SWKO-period piece
This a cult B-sci fi, and another SWKO (Star Wars Knock Off). Another Period Price. To it's credit, it is a lot funnier than Buckaroo Banzai.

A different type of sci-fi
This is one of my all time favorite b movies. The fx aren't well done but the story is great. There needs to be more cheesey sci fi movies like this, and space raiders. I would really be heart broken if this title never arrives on DVD because I would love to add it to my collection. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Zachariah Coop is a cheating card player who has been chased out of town. Holly Smith and her brother, Jason, are orphans on their way to Oregon to claim 400 acres of land. Their paths cross, and Zachariah promptly steals one of their horses. But these are resourceful and strong children--they chase him and take back their horse. Then they discover that each has something the other can use. Zachariah has knowledge of the land, and the Smith children's horse provides Zachariah a means of escape. A shaky alliance is formed, and they decide to go over the Rocky Mountains to Oregon. It is a perilous journey that brings them face to face with cougars, bears, a snowstorm, unfriendly Native Americans, and more. But all these travails end up making them dependent on each other. In the end, the experience bonds them into a family. This outdoor adventure saga takes place in the year 1876. The setting is the beautiful western plains and the Rocky Mountains. Despite some gunplay, this is a pleasant movie that children and adults can enjoy together. (Ages 4 and older) --Peggy Maltby-Etra ... Read more

Reviews (2)

I love the Wilderness and Nature in this Film
The movie is filled with scenes of wild animals and nature! These are what make the movie worthwhile to watch. I love the outside so this movie can bring that to you if you have been in the house or worked and haven't had the opportunity to surround yourself with nature. I would love to British Columbia and the Uinta Mountains of Utah where this was filmed. The story line is kind of plain and simple. A bank robber who is a professional gambler is on the run. He finds two kids alone trying to make it to Oregon and hooks up with them after many trys to win them over. It is a good kids film! If you like Little House on the Praire, it has similarities. Another movie like this could be The Wilderness Family.
Lisa Nary

Inspiring for Children
I recall this one from my cable TV junkie days. As a child it opened my eyes a bit to the fact that there was a world beyond the suburbs. The children in this movie conquer obstacles far greater than acquiring designer clothes. I'll update my review after I watch it with my kids... it's been quite a few years since I've seen it. I still remember the music, though. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

I Simply Love It!
I recommend this movie with high remarks. I could watch this film over and over again! That's gotta say something about it. It's definitely cute, fun and somewhat of a tearjerker. Great family movie! The bond that the little boy(Jade Calegory) and Mac(creature) come to share is beyond the true meaning of friendship. I went to high school with Jade and he's as every bit sweet as his character! If you haven't seen it, please, take the time to rent it!

No Wonder Aliens Have Been Abducting Humans...!
An E.T. clone that doesn't come close to the wonder, awe, surprise, emotion, or production values of Spielberg's classic film. The movie is really space junk(food) as it has obvious endorsements running through the course of the film. E.T. might have used "one" certain candy as part of the storyline and at least it was subtle and somewhat integral to the plot. However, it is rampant and blatant in this film. MAC AND ME has characters that we really don't care about and the aliens are annoying and hilariously bad looking. Another one of those movies that has the movie going public asking, "Why and for what reason was this movie produced?!".

This movie is very special to me
I feel a little silly, a man of my age writing a review for this movie. Especially since I've seen so many movies, and should really know better than to like this. "Mac and Me" has been lost in the sands of time, relegated to the back shelves of video stores where it is destined to be misunderstood as an E.T. knockoff.

But it's so much more. In an age where we are over-quick to over-praise cold-hearted films like "Godfather", "Pulp Fiction" and "The Lion King", "Mac and Me" stands out as a movie with a heart, something sadly missing in today's filmgoing world.

"Mac and Me" was where I first understood that aliens did not have to be the bloodthirsty monsters of "Alien", "Spaced Invaders" and "Invaders from Mars" - they could be our friends. "E.T." may have had a similar message, but that flying-bike scene was just too reckless. . .kids could hurt themselves trying to copy it. "Mac and Me" was wholesome and friendly.

Perhaps I am the only member of the population who feels this movie is more than ready for a DVD roll-out, or possible theatrical rerelease. Perhaps I am the only one who cries, even today, on what must be my thirtieth viewing on a cassette that has long since passed the point of audio/visual clarity. Perhaps I am the only one who still feels that movies need a heart.

I hope not.

Utterly Brilliant Cinematic Exercise In Terror
If one were to set out on the conceit of volubly explaining the macabre masterpiece of gut-wrenching jocundity that is Mac and Me, you would indubitably exhaust the bounds of your vocabulary in the process. Mac and Me verily competes with the most exemplary of films that manage to agglutinate equal parts of horror and comedy. The only problem is that all of this is unintentional. Mac and Me is the soulless eventuate progeny of a small coterie of conspiring corporations who attempted to deftly base a 90 minute commercial on Steven Spielberg's Hassidic Holiday classic E.T. Now, I'll freely admit that E.T. blew like a Trenton hooker for a Singapore Sling and a crooked smile, but Mac and Me defies the conception of just how schlocky and fraudulent a film can be (more so than E.T.). The aim here was pure profit, and the splay-legged perpetrators of this film spread their cavernous orifices incomprehensibly wide in order to facilitate the rapacious reaming they received at the behest of their financers. Had the commercial aspirations of Mac and Me succeeded, they would have made the national grosses of E.T. look like Spielberg spinning his baby-seal-eyed dreidel for matzo balls.
So there's this wheel-chair-bound Aryan rollerpig named Andy the peg-legged mental defective who's got this terrific-sized Mongoloid skull. The trepanation ensues when his maladjusted family makes a pilgrimage to San Fran where they can participate in an immeasurably humorous cycle of comedic situations that manage to retain their Christian nobility and family appeal - which means none of that promoting of salacious decadence where half-clad harpies sell their God-given twatty pelvic beards for inguinal stimulation on the m-tee-vee. Suffice to say, homoeroticism, hilarity, and libidinous boyhood reverie follow, respectively. So the mysterious alien creature (MAC, oh you bet your ass its clever) bobsleds his pock-marked spine into oncoming traffic where he is discovered by our lovable stumpy-legged hero, Andy. What follows is enough charming, thought provoking humor and witty dialogue to placate the most ardent Samuel Beckett aficionados. There's a myriad of things to enjoy here, like the synergistic chemistry of Toulouse Lautrec in a wheel chair and the deracinated Mac - the repugnant phallic monster from planet sh*thole. Then there's the whistling, oh my god, I can't believe I nearly forgot to tell you of the mighty fine whistling (which sounds vaguely similar to the huffs and heaves of a constricting sphincter. Oooooooweeeeeeeeee that's good fun!) From the opening shot of a planet that resembles the tonsured head of Michael Stipe to the terpsichorean dance routine that breaks out (like a foul plague of inconceivable pestilence), this movie sufficiently beats you into submission, and when the final credits roll the cast cues read like the docket at Nuremberg. But defendants of this film invariably resort to the duplicitous claim that though Mac and Me may be an unoriginal masturbatory exercise in corporate frotteurism, they believe the film to possess a heart of gold. And while I sincerely doubt the verity of such a hyperbolic claim, I do know it was driven by some kind of currency. They also attempt to traduce you into thinking that this movie is pabulum for children who are handicapped (handicapable, non-omnifunctional, whatever trite appellation you assign to the lil' nipple nibblers), that it compels them to try and succeed. It indeed does prove that if you are an untalented paraplegic with a complexion like a Kaiser roll and a haircut like a member of Supertramp, you too can capsize your own piece of celluloid dross. By the way, to the people who feel the corporate proselytizing does not detract from the movie: when every conceivable event revolves around the opportune placement of a product (in deep monotonous voice: "say Jim, where the hell can we place this towering Valvoline billboard so it isn't conspicuous or as imperious as blatantly imploring them to buy the product?" or "hey, how's about Coca-Cola serves as an efficacy to the extinction of the alien race"), it tends to draw attention to itself.
I envision a future where criminal offenders are deported to an isolated isthmus flanked by an endless queue of barbed wire and encompassed by sex-starved agitated sharks in a large sea of human waste, stained suppositories, and Magic Johnson's used prophylactics. On this truculent plantation and reformatory will reside a large formless building. Inside this edifice (aptly titled Aushwitz fun camp) will be a theater with a series of noxious zyklon B dispatching shower nosels appendaged to the ceiling, a floor scoured with farragos of scarabs and scorpions and june bugs that give you prostate cancer, the faint aroma of carrion from the sanguinary maxipads under the seats, and an unfortunately large screen that will forever play Mac and Me on a loop that will continue until you've learned your lesson. Beware.

Back off
How can a great movie like this just average 3 stars, with mostly 1 star reviews?

A group of aliens get stranded on Earth, and one of them (the youngest one, named Mac) then gets separated from his family, just to end up at the house of a family who just moved into a new neighborhood. One member of that family, a handicapped boy, is lonely and seems to need a friend. A human being and an overly skinny alien with big eyes that has magical powers can't have much in common, but hey, opposites attract.

Yeah, it's an "E.T." ripoff, but so what? It's excellent for a ripoff. It's a long commercial for McDonald's and Coca-Cola. And your point is? There are tons of movies advertise products by getting the actors to visit their places or consume their products.

It shouldn't matter that "Mac and Me" is pretty much a clone of another movie--that it's not the most original title out there. What should matter is its entertainment value and good qualities, and it has a lot of those. "Mac and Me" is a great, heartwarming movie about friendship that manages to be funny, interesting, and entertaining from beginning to end. It shouldn't go without mentioning that the movie also has nice scenery and a great soundtrack on top of it all to add to the experience.

Don't be shallow. Let your imagination soar. If you have kids, "Mac and Me" is an excellent movie to get for them. I'd say it's one of the best family movies of its kind. I was eight at the time the movie came out on video and I've owned it and loved it since. Now that I'm no longer a kid, I still find it to be a nice film to watch from time to time, and I can't wait to share it with my kids in the future. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Awsome 4 all ages
This movie is awsome for all ages. We watched at a family reunion while it was raining. People from ages 5-70 can enjoy this wonderful film. As soon as we watched it we knew we had to buy it. And if your into classics being modernized than this will be a great selection 4U. Thanx

The New Swiss Family Robinson
I LOVE this movie. It has action, it has romance, and it is totally appropriate. I think its great!

a gem
This movie contains a nice balance between action on the one hand and the human relationships between the members of the family and the young native girl on the other. The translation to modern times is quite believable, and the questionable elements of the story--for example, how to get them stuck on the island--are handled more convincingly than the usual storm-at-sea. The bad guys are not cliche pirates, as in the older versions, but smugglers. And there's a nice touch in that the leader has pretended to be their friend and has set them up. The silliness of the Disney version is completely absent here, nor are any of the kids brats. Nor does this film have the unrelenting oppressiveness of another film version entitled "Stranded", a film which were better titled "Dysfunctional Family Robinson." All in all, a pleasant, interesting film with good music, good scenery and good characters that will leave you with an optimistic feeling at the end.

Disappointed
The movie itself would have probably been exciting enough for our family to enjoy. But as an avid user of the tv guardian, this movie did not have closed caption in it and was therefore unviewable by this family. The language was not acceptable. Stick with the older version of this movie if you are a tv guardian user.

two thumbs up? i think NO
this is not the best movie in the world. the plotline seems to have absolutely no point worth looking into let alone interesting. i found the character development poor, but the acting fair. that's why i give it three stars, not one like i'd normally put. the movie from the 50's or whenever it was made is much better. there it's actually convincing concerning the pirates because, hey that was the 18th century. but we're in the twentieth in this new make and it does not fit in very well. this is more of a very young child's movie. the violence is phony, and when the older boy gets shot directly above what seems to be the heart, at first he is weak and everything. then he's suddenly standing, looking as though he's just wearing a bloodied shirt. it's horridly phony. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Grizzly Falls is a gorgeous, hopelessly old-fashioned film that's unlikely to attract the viewership it ought to--none of the characters is particularly witty or clever; special effects, save a few stunts with a bear, are nil; and the irony level is at an all-time low. In other words, prying the kids away from Pokémon to watch this movie may be a challenge, but it's worth the effort. Daniel Clark plays Harry, a lad of around 8 who accompanies Tyrone (Bryan Brown), his thrill-seeking dad, on a mission to the Colorado Rockies, where he intends to be the first to capture a live grizzly. It's the early 1900s, so the means by which Tyrone plans to snare the beast aren't especially humane--at a saloon stop, he hires five tough guys, one with a team of hounds. Then the hunt begins. The hounds' punishing master quickly emerges as a villain; when he and two dogs are mauled by the grizzly, he exacts revenge by caging the bear's cubs. She, in classic righteous-mother mode, retaliates by dragging Harry into the woods. What follows is a desperate chase through beautiful countryside by tireless Tyrone and the blossoming of an impossible boy-bear friendship. Mizzy, as Harry comes to call the bear, protects him from dangers of the wild while leading the boy to her caged cubs, who are traveling east with the ornery houndskeeper. There's a showdown when the animal family is reunited, but Harry and Tyrone extinguish a series of confrontations handily, then move on to cement their own iffy relationship. The surplus of action scenes in this PG-rated movie will wow kids 8 and up, and only jaded viewers will summon the callousness to crack wise about its unapologetic portrayal of blind loyalty and courage at all costs. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (3)

A great movie for all ages!
It's a great tale about a young boy who becomes a friendly hostage of a grizzly bear while on a bear hunting expedition with his father in the northwest. Things go awry and the boy is taken by the bear only to be chased by his father and his team of men. The rugged adventure is only the beginning of this entertaining and relationship bonding movie between man and animal. It's perfect for all ages. Kids can watch it as the movie offers good moral values without hard language or adult situations.

A wholesome family movie.
We rented this movie two nights ago, and our whole family thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the story of a boy and his father who go on an expedition in the Rocky Mountains, to catch a grizzly bear and bring it back alive. Along the way, the boy gets separated from his father and ends up with a momma grizzly bear who has taken a liking to him. She takes care of him as they journey together to find her cubs. During this time, the father is on a desperate hunt to find his son. The scenery is beautiful, the animals are wonderful, and the entire movie is excellently produced. The father and son learn a lot about what love and respect for nature really means. I was impressed with this movie. It is rated PG for what they called "nature violence", which is some animal attacks on other animals, and one time where the grizzly attacks one of the men in the hunting party. This may scare small children, but my son is 7 1/2 and he loved it. He was so interested in the story, that he didn't talk all the way through it, he just watched as amazed as I was. I also didn't hear a foul word in the whole movie. There may be a "damn" in there somewhere, but I didn't catch it. I never saw this movie come out in the theaters, but it sure is worth renting. I would recommend it to any family with school age and above. My husband and I liked it just as much as our son. We give it an A+.

Prime Family Entertainment
Grizzly Falls makes for an excellent form of entertainment for the family. Everything that is needed for a good, wholesome, and exciting storyline is present in this movie. Pop the corn, pour the soda, and sit back and enjoy! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fed up with the congestion and allergies of Los Angeles life, a family of four forsakes the big city for an isolated cabin in the Rocky Mountains, in this 1975 film. Most of the adventures--good and scary--revolve around wildlife. Kids will get a kick out of the pet raccoon already in residence upon their arrival, the orphaned bear cubs who come to live with them, and the mountain lion cubs the kids bring home one day. But there is also an angry lioness, a menacing grizzly, and a pack of wolves who prove less than friendly. The good news is that no admirable characters die in the 97-minute film--not even the family's fearless dog, who challenges all of the hostile critters. And when an animal does die, while it is clear what happened, there is no gore. Instead, the camera focuses on gorgeous scenery, romping children, and creatures--and, occasionally, Dad's shirtless torso. Still, films don't get more wholesome than this one. (Ages 3 and older) --Kimberly Heinrichs ... Read more

Reviews (19)

I loved it as a kid...so I bought it for mine!!
"We are a wilderness family..." Ever since the first time I watched this movie as a kid I have wanted to move to the mountains and live off of the land!!

This movie is a good wholesome family movie. It was filmed in the late 70's/early 80's and you can really tell. Plus, the acting gets pretty stiff in numerous places and some of the story lines are a bit forced. BUT...it is still fun to watch all these years later.

I have gotten so tired of all the junk that is out there for kids (???) these days so when my girls aren't watching PBS I like for them to watch videos instead. This is one that stresses family values like love and team work. There is no "potty humor", no cartoon characters, and the language in entirely appropriate for everyone in the family.

GREAT movie if you want to limit your kids exposure to junkfood for the brain.

It may be unrealistic but I don't really care!!
I saw this movie in it's theatrical release when I was ten years old and I enjoyed it and didn't care then and don't care now that it was unrealistic and cute and cuddly I just thought it was enjoyable and still do, and I know that in the real world you would not go up to wild animals and play with them because that is dangerous and I also knew that way back in 1975 when I was a little girl watching this movie in the theater, I think you would have to be really dumb or have a major reality problem to actually think you can go up to and actually play with wild animals! But the movie is just pure entertainment suitable for the whole family unless you happen to be the type who hates wholesome family movies and finds them sappy and dorky and if that is the case just don't watch them and if you do like them, watch them and enjoy!

I LOVE IT
I loved this movie as a child and even more as an adult...and am so happy that my child will get to watch it...

one of the greatest family films out there
This is one of the greatest family films out there, folks! My brothers and I grew up watching this series and my boys will grow up watching them as well. Action, adventure, family and fun. And all without a swear word or the slightest flash of nudity! Who knew that stuff like this could really sell?
Gather your family together, pop a bowl of popcorn, and enjoy the Adventures of the Winderness Family!

Great family movie!!!!
I too watched this as a kid and just found it in a local store today. We just got done watching it and I wanted to see if I could find the other 2 movies. Only one complaint about the other review, they weren't stranded they moved there on purpose!! They just wanted to get out of the city and raise their kids in the wilderness and they end up having many adventures. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

Exciting !
The Philadelphia Experiment, based on a true story, was a military experiment in WWII. The idea was to make a battle ship, stationed in Philadelphia, invisible for the enemies and radars. But the mission failed and two sailers make a time travel in our present.

I like time travel science fiction movies. The movie has very good actors (Michael Pare and Nancy Allen), an exciting plot and an interesting soundtrack.

The executive producer was John Carpenter and you will remark his present in the movie making.

SHIP AHOY
When it comes to time travel on the screen, there have been many, many attempts. My favorite is the STAR TREK episode in which Shatner travels back in time, falls in love with Joan Collins, and she gets killed, and he has to leave her behind. In THE PHILADELPHIA EXPERIMENT, things turn out a little better for the timecrossed lovers. Based on what was supposedly a real experiment in 1943, the movie chronicles the fate of Michael Pare and Bobby DiCicco, who during the experiment in Philadelphia find themselves in 1984 Nevada. Somehow the same scientist who did the 1943 experiment is still at it, trying to make a town invisible. In doing so, he opens a vortex that brings the two 40s soldiers to modern times. Pare falls in love with the wonderful Nancy Allen (CARRIE, BLOWOUT, DRESSED TO KILL), and their romance is a key element in the eventual climax.
The special effects are commendable for a 1984 movie; the direction is adequate, and most of the performances very good. Nancy combines her naivete with those lovely eyes to make a wonderful heroine, and Michael Pare shows a good range of emotion in trying to decide where he truly belongs.
This is one of the better time travel movies, and inspired a sequel with Brad Johnson.

A nice little twisted time travel tale (that is not true)
"The Philadelphia Experiment" is supposedly the about an experiment the U.S. Navy conducted in 1943 to make the U.S.S. "Eldridge" invisible to radar. However, the experiment goes (surprise) horribly wrong and the ship is contaminated with a deadly dose of radiation. Two of the sailors, David Herdeg (Michael Paré) and Jim Parker (Bobby Di Cicco), jump overboard as their crewmates are catching on fire and getting trapped in bulkheads and end up traveling through a rift in time to 1984 (i.e., the present in terms of that being the year this movie was made). One of them gets sent back but the other does not and not only are the authorities after him but it seems that pesky hole in time is wrecking havoc with the climate (not as bad as "The Day After Tomorrow," but serious enough).

This is a fun little B-movie that most science fiction fans can enjoy as long as they do not take it too seriously. The reason it is considered to be based on a "true" story is that it is based on a 1979 "non-fiction" book that claimed the Navy was fooling around with Einstein's Unified Field Theory and sent the "Eldridge" from Philadelphia to the harbor in Norfolk, Virginia, and then back again. The story is based on some dubious evidence and apparently since the U.S.S. "Eldridge" never ever docked at the Philadelphia Naval Yard the title appears to be suspect as well. The Navy has offered an official explanation that what happened was a routine degaussing of the ship, which meant it was surrounded with electrical cables to negate the magnetic field (the idea is that it would render the ship invisible to radar but not to human eyes). Of course to some people this explanation just screams cover up.

Ultimately this film is not concerned with the "science" of the so-called experiment because that is all just an excuse for a more traditional time travel story and within that genre there are few interesting things going on here. There are some fun moments as Herdeg encounters the brave new world (Orwell's "1984" did not come out until 1948, so he does not know that the future is brighter than people had thought in the 1940s). Herdeg hooks up with an airhead, Allison Hayes (Nancy Allen), who eventually comes to believe that he is not lying about when he is from and tries to help him get back home. It is just as well because there is really no chemistry between these two. After "Eddie & the Cruisers" and "Streets of Fire" we all thought Paré was going to have a career, but this film seems to have derailed it. Come to think of it the same can be said for Allen, outside of the "Robocop" movies.

The special effects are rather simplistic, but quite effective for the time. They were certainly good enough to lure more than a few people into seeing this film from director Stewart Raffill ("The Ice Pirates," "Mac and Me"). Plus you have the standard lesson than there are some things scientists should not be messing around with otherwise a wormhole will destroy the world as we know it, which was not really an omnipresent science fiction plot line at that point (CGI made destroying the planet much more fun). There is a 1993 sequel to this film, but try to forget about it because it belongs on everyone's short list of worst science fiction sequels ever. This one at least gives you some things to think about, not all of which are about how to poke holes in the story.

good movie - BAD DVD
I am a 29 year old man who remebered this movie fondly from my childhood. So i pointed, clicked and oredered it up. I was horrified the instant the menu came up on screen and the option to start the movie was spelled wrong, it read "STRAT MOVIE". This should give you some idea as to the level of care and attention that went into the production of this inferior product.
The picture quality was unforgivable. Usually a bad transfer doesnt bother me that much as long as I can see whats going on, but this movie transfer is pathetic. I am not kidding when I say that you are better off ordering a clean VHS copy than wasting your time and money on this DVD. It was absolutely unwatchable on my widescreen TV, I eventually had to put it in my computer to watch it as the "pixelization" was so bad ... consider youself warned.....

Excellent B Movie
I remember seeing this movie for the first time when I was about 9. It certainly piqued my interest in the paranormal, but at the time, I was unaware that the movie was based on alleged experiments by the US Navy. It's a B-sci fi movie complete with silly exaggerations, decent special effects, general cheesiness and the inevitable romance that ensues - in this case between a skeptical Nancy Allen and a confused Michael Pare. This movie is not to be taken very seriously.

If you are looking for mindless entertaiment, this is an excellent movie to satisfy your craving. It may even spark an interest in reading further about the allegedly real Philadelphia Experiment. ... Read more

Reviews (27)

I Simply Love It!
I recommend this movie with high remarks. I could watch this film over and over again! That's gotta say something about it. It's definitely cute, fun and somewhat of a tearjerker. Great family movie! The bond that the little boy(Jade Calegory) and Mac(creature) come to share is beyond the true meaning of friendship. I went to high school with Jade and he's as every bit sweet as his character! If you haven't seen it, please, take the time to rent it!

No Wonder Aliens Have Been Abducting Humans...!
An E.T. clone that doesn't come close to the wonder, awe, surprise, emotion, or production values of Spielberg's classic film. The movie is really space junk(food) as it has obvious endorsements running through the course of the film. E.T. might have used "one" certain candy as part of the storyline and at least it was subtle and somewhat integral to the plot. However, it is rampant and blatant in this film. MAC AND ME has characters that we really don't care about and the aliens are annoying and hilariously bad looking. Another one of those movies that has the movie going public asking, "Why and for what reason was this movie produced?!".

This movie is very special to me
I feel a little silly, a man of my age writing a review for this movie. Especially since I've seen so many movies, and should really know better than to like this. "Mac and Me" has been lost in the sands of time, relegated to the back shelves of video stores where it is destined to be misunderstood as an E.T. knockoff.

But it's so much more. In an age where we are over-quick to over-praise cold-hearted films like "Godfather", "Pulp Fiction" and "The Lion King", "Mac and Me" stands out as a movie with a heart, something sadly missing in today's filmgoing world.

"Mac and Me" was where I first understood that aliens did not have to be the bloodthirsty monsters of "Alien", "Spaced Invaders" and "Invaders from Mars" - they could be our friends. "E.T." may have had a similar message, but that flying-bike scene was just too reckless. . .kids could hurt themselves trying to copy it. "Mac and Me" was wholesome and friendly.

Perhaps I am the only member of the population who feels this movie is more than ready for a DVD roll-out, or possible theatrical rerelease. Perhaps I am the only one who cries, even today, on what must be my thirtieth viewing on a cassette that has long since passed the point of audio/visual clarity. Perhaps I am the only one who still feels that movies need a heart.

I hope not.

Utterly Brilliant Cinematic Exercise In Terror
If one were to set out on the conceit of volubly explaining the macabre masterpiece of gut-wrenching jocundity that is Mac and Me, you would indubitably exhaust the bounds of your vocabulary in the process. Mac and Me verily competes with the most exemplary of films that manage to agglutinate equal parts of horror and comedy. The only problem is that all of this is unintentional. Mac and Me is the soulless eventuate progeny of a small coterie of conspiring corporations who attempted to deftly base a 90 minute commercial on Steven Spielberg's Hassidic Holiday classic E.T. Now, I'll freely admit that E.T. blew like a Trenton hooker for a Singapore Sling and a crooked smile, but Mac and Me defies the conception of just how schlocky and fraudulent a film can be (more so than E.T.). The aim here was pure profit, and the splay-legged perpetrators of this film spread their cavernous orifices incomprehensibly wide in order to facilitate the rapacious reaming they received at the behest of their financers. Had the commercial aspirations of Mac and Me succeeded, they would have made the national grosses of E.T. look like Spielberg spinning his baby-seal-eyed dreidel for matzo balls.
So there's this wheel-chair-bound Aryan rollerpig named Andy the peg-legged mental defective who's got this terrific-sized Mongoloid skull. The trepanation ensues when his maladjusted family makes a pilgrimage to San Fran where they can participate in an immeasurably humorous cycle of comedic situations that manage to retain their Christian nobility and family appeal - which means none of that promoting of salacious decadence where half-clad harpies sell their God-given twatty pelvic beards for inguinal stimulation on the m-tee-vee. Suffice to say, homoeroticism, hilarity, and libidinous boyhood reverie follow, respectively. So the mysterious alien creature (MAC, oh you bet your ass its clever) bobsleds his pock-marked spine into oncoming traffic where he is discovered by our lovable stumpy-legged hero, Andy. What follows is enough charming, thought provoking humor and witty dialogue to placate the most ardent Samuel Beckett aficionados. There's a myriad of things to enjoy here, like the synergistic chemistry of Toulouse Lautrec in a wheel chair and the deracinated Mac - the repugnant phallic monster from planet sh*thole. Then there's the whistling, oh my god, I can't believe I nearly forgot to tell you of the mighty fine whistling (which sounds vaguely similar to the huffs and heaves of a constricting sphincter. Oooooooweeeeeeeeee that's good fun!) From the opening shot of a planet that resembles the tonsured head of Michael Stipe to the terpsichorean dance routine that breaks out (like a foul plague of inconceivable pestilence), this movie sufficiently beats you into submission, and when the final credits roll the cast cues read like the docket at Nuremberg. But defendants of this film invariably resort to the duplicitous claim that though Mac and Me may be an unoriginal masturbatory exercise in corporate frotteurism, they believe the film to possess a heart of gold. And while I sincerely doubt the verity of such a hyperbolic claim, I do know it was driven by some kind of currency. They also attempt to traduce you into thinking that this movie is pabulum for children who are handicapped (handicapable, non-omnifunctional, whatever trite appellation you assign to the lil' nipple nibblers), that it compels them to try and succeed. It indeed does prove that if you are an untalented paraplegic with a complexion like a Kaiser roll and a haircut like a member of Supertramp, you too can capsize your own piece of celluloid dross. By the way, to the people who feel the corporate proselytizing does not detract from the movie: when every conceivable event revolves around the opportune placement of a product (in deep monotonous voice: "say Jim, where the hell can we place this towering Valvoline billboard so it isn't conspicuous or as imperious as blatantly imploring them to buy the product?" or "hey, how's about Coca-Cola serves as an efficacy to the extinction of the alien race"), it tends to draw attention to itself.
I envision a future where criminal offenders are deported to an isolated isthmus flanked by an endless queue of barbed wire and encompassed by sex-starved agitated sharks in a large sea of human waste, stained suppositories, and Magic Johnson's used prophylactics. On this truculent plantation and reformatory will reside a large formless building. Inside this edifice (aptly titled Aushwitz fun camp) will be a theater with a series of noxious zyklon B dispatching shower nosels appendaged to the ceiling, a floor scoured with farragos of scarabs and scorpions and june bugs that give you prostate cancer, the faint aroma of carrion from the sanguinary maxipads under the seats, and an unfortunately large screen that will forever play Mac and Me on a loop that will continue until you've learned your lesson. Beware.

Back off
How can a great movie like this just average 3 stars, with mostly 1 star reviews?

A group of aliens get stranded on Earth, and one of them (the youngest one, named Mac) then gets separated from his family, just to end up at the house of a family who just moved into a new neighborhood. One member of that family, a handicapped boy, is lonely and seems to need a friend. A human being and an overly skinny alien with big eyes that has magical powers can't have much in common, but hey, opposites attract.

Yeah, it's an "E.T." ripoff, but so what? It's excellent for a ripoff. It's a long commercial for McDonald's and Coca-Cola. And your point is? There are tons of movies advertise products by getting the actors to visit their places or consume their products.

It shouldn't matter that "Mac and Me" is pretty much a clone of another movie--that it's not the most original title out there. What should matter is its entertainment value and good qualities, and it has a lot of those. "Mac and Me" is a great, heartwarming movie about friendship that manages to be funny, interesting, and entertaining from beginning to end. It shouldn't go without mentioning that the movie also has nice scenery and a great soundtrack on top of it all to add to the experience.

Don't be shallow. Let your imagination soar. If you have kids, "Mac and Me" is an excellent movie to get for them. I'd say it's one of the best family movies of its kind. I was eight at the time the movie came out on video and I've owned it and loved it since. Now that I'm no longer a kid, I still find it to be a nice film to watch from time to time, and I can't wait to share it with my kids in the future. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

This is One Solid Movie*UPDATE*4-2-04
It doesn't get much better than this with action, adventure, good humor and everything goes wrong.
Four layed off guys hear a rumor about a drug lord(James Coburn) who keeps 5 million, in cash, at his hacienda in South America. Of course, they need firepower(Ernest Bourgnine), they run afoul of local banditos(Anthony Quinn), pick up an expatriated American(L