5 comments about Dave.

1. Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver are absolute fantastic. The real president is fatally ill and Kevin Kline takes over as a favor for the good of the Country. Frank Langella is very crazy, very evil and very good in his role. You've got to love this movie from beginning to end.



2. This is such a great movie. Heart warming and family friendly. It's funny and touching. Such a wonderful film.



3. 
   My wife and I, enjoyed this movie "DAVE" more than any of the new Blood & Thunder on TV!



4. I have enjoyed Dave each time I have watched it. It is a great movie. I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in politics and also a movie where the "good guy" wins. Five Stars!



5. My husband and I thought this was a really great movie and have seen it a couple of times, but my Mother (86 years young) actually made this purchase you asked me to review. My Mother received this DVD for Christmas this past year and has watched it repeatedly. Actually, countless times. She has watched this DVD so often since receiving it for Christmas, that she purchased this DVD in case she wears the other one out. We tried to tell her that would not happen, but she was absolutely insistent on purchasing this. I believe I can speak for the three of us and say we would recommend this DVD "Dave" to all.

5 comments about Death on the Nile.

1. For some reason, I always thought that "Death on the Nile" was a marginal Agatha Christie adaptation, one that certainly paled in comparison to the great "Murder on the Orient Express", which was produced some five years earlier. So I never bothered to see it. Well, I finally caught up with the movie on DVD, and, boy, was I wrong. "Death on the Nile" is a really good movie.
   
   You get so much here: exotic scenery; a great set where most of the story takes place (an early 20th century steamer); about a dozen famous actors giving top-notch performances (some understated, some slightly scenery-chewing, but all entertaining); solid direction by John Guillerman; a polished screenplay by Anthony Shaffer (Hitchcock's "Frenzy"); and, to top it all off, a wonderful, memorable score by Nino Rota ("The Godfather").
   
   And the film features the best kind of Agatha Christie murder plot and solution: one that is sufficiently complex, but understandable and believable (at least in the world of the movie) once the great Hercule Poirot explains it all to us. It also helps that the solution is genuinely clever.
   
   Is "Death on the Nile" as great as "Murder on the Orient Express"? In the end, probably not. But the worst one can really say is that "Murder" is a lush, epic, beautiful film that just happens to be a murder mystery, while "Death" is clearly part of the murder mystery genre from the outset. But there's nothing wrong with a really great murder mystery, and this film is one of them.
   
   The DVD features an excellent widescreen print that's sharp and bright, and a handful of interesting extras, including a 24-minute behind-the-scenes featurette produced at the time of the film's release (probably for the emerging cable market) and a couple of interviews conducted by a Spanish journalist, where we get to see Peter Ustinov answer questions quite well with his servicable Spanish (conveniently subtitled in English).
   
   By the way, I finally saw this movie not because I'm an Agatha Christie fan (though I am such a fan, as many of my Amazon reviews readily demonstrate), but because I'm doing a favor for my wife and watching with her all the movies available on DVD that feature the great Bette Davis, in their original release order. It's been fun. However, by the time the late 1970's rolled around, there weren't any true "Bette Davis movies" anymore, only movies that offered small or moderate character roles for the once top box office draw. So, in addition to everything else that's good about the film, one gets to see Bette Davis in one of her last five or six roles here. It's not a huge, memorable role (apparently Ms. Davis was disappointed that this movie wasn't able to do for her what "Murder on the Orient Express" did for Ingrid Bergmann, namely earn her another late-career Academy Award), but seeing her is one more pleasure in a film rich with pleasures great and small.



2. One of the greatest movies ever made with outstanding cast... Even though Peter Ustinov is not my favorite Poirot, he is wonderful...



3. Meant to match the success of the 1974 MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, this all-star 1978 film is much more mobile but doesn't quite carry the haunting sense of evil of the other film (thanks to that film's famously disturbing pre-credit sequence). Here the only thing that matches the majesty of the great Nino Rota score (which brilliantly evokes a Nile steamboat, the location for much of this film's action is Mia Farrow's performance as Jackie. This was probably the best role Farrow got in the Seventies, and while it allows her to do her specialty in evoking hysteria it also allows her the rare opportunity to play a really intelligent character. Her scenes menacing her ex-lover and best friend (who have married one another behind her back) by turning up at Egyptian tourist sites and reciting statistics about the sites to them are memorably strange. Peter Ustinov makes a fine Poirot, and Angela Lansbury is a lot of fun as a Marie Corelli-like hack novelist, and Simon MacCorkindale is suitably dreamy as Farrow's ex-lover, but no one else is up to the scale the production seems to demand. Several actors seem terribly underused (particular Olivia Hussey and Maggie Smith), and Bette Davis as a Washington grande dame looks like a walking mummy (which should be suitable to the theme but instead is rather creepy). Very few of the characters have plausible motives for murder, so the time spent discussing whether or not they committed the central crime seems pretty tedious.



4. Set in Egypt, aboard a cruise ship on the Nile. The passengers?
   
   Mia Farrow
   Bette Davis
   Maggie Smith
   Angela Lansbury
   Jane Birkin (yes, Birkin bag by Hermes is named after her)
   David Niven
   Peter Ustinov
   George Kennedy
   Jack Warden
   
   The music is haunting, the story is great and this movie took the Oscar for best costume design and for once I agree with the choice.
   
   As an ensemble, I don't think you get any better than this and Dame Agatha writes mysteries like no one else. This will definitely keep you guessing.
   
   Favorite Line "Do not let evil into your heart madamoisielle, it will make a home there."



5. Wow! What better backdrop for a story than the pyramids and ancient ruins of Egypt. Set mainly along the Nile, I sometimes found the story second to the scenery! Not that the story didn't fully engage - it did! The varied characters in Death on the Nile, are quite a bunch - there is an element of humor underneath all the intrigue. We know someone is going to get it as the movie unwinds, but who? and by whom? Many seem to have their reasons...
   
   I loved the first half of this movie. It starts off with the craziest scenario. Niece wants fiance to get a managerial position at her very rich auntie's estate. She asks auntie and auntie says, well, let's meet him. Did I mention that besides being filthy rich, auntie is also quite young and attractive? When auntie meets fiance, sparks suddenly fly and then -
   
   Cut to Egypt. Suddenly riding horses amongst the pyramids - rich auntie, and niece's fiance - they're married! And trailing around in their dust is the poor niece, bent on making a nuissance of herself during the honeymoon that should have been hers! There's a certain humour. And the scenery of the Nile, the ancient ruins, the Sphynx - it's stunning, and yet very much a part of the story.
   
   For the second half of the movie though, I started to find myself less engaged. It became more of what I think of when I think of a cliche mystery. Less shots of Egypt. Less humorous situations. More tedious regurgitation of the murder as the Ustinov tries to solve the case.
   
   The second half I give 3 stars as a noticeable lull seems to set in with the latter part of the cruise. It becomes more "in the head", and I wasn't terribly convinced when the murder was finally solved. A bit far-fetched.. While I don't mind far-fetched if it entertains simultaneously, I was becoming less and less entertained as the movie wound it's way toward the conclusion. Not terrible. Just not what the first half of the movie was - gorgeous, clever, witty and interesting. One reason for this may have been that for the second half of the movie less attention is paid to the myriad of interesting characters interacting with each other, and all things focus on Ustinov, who's rather stuffy and dry most of the time, although he's not awful. Just not as interesting as other characters which get more attention in the better half of this movie - the first. Fortunately, the story ends on a powerful note.
   
   This movie is worth seeing. There are some jaw-droppingly beautiful scenes, which, at the same time, tie in so perfectly with the story. The tying together of such a dramatic backdrop (Egypt) with the riviting story this begins as, and the satisfactory final scenes, make this movie more than well-worth seeing.

5 comments about Calendar Girls.

1. I have another movie "Under the Tuscan Sun", which I absolutely love and one of the previews was for "Calendar Girls" so I thought I'd buy it. It isn't as good as "Under the Tuscan Sun" but it is still a really great story and very funny. It is a movie about women taking charge and disregarding society's taboo placed on the subject of nudity of women passed a certain age. These women decide to raise money to buy a new couch for the family room in a local hospital after one woman's husband is diagnosed with cancer. It's a beautiful movie based on a true story about a group of middle-aged women who come together for a wonderful cause and don't let society's silly limitations get in the way.



2. This movie made a statement that just because your body may be growing older, your heart and your spirit are not.



3. Sort of a take off on The Full Monty - which of course was hilariously funny! Helen Mirren is amazing - the cast is great - done very tastefully as any British film would - with humor and dry wit that is great! Light hearted - real - good humor with out the violence and horror that seems to have invaded our screens today - always keep these on hand for the times you need a good laugh!



4. This is a great movie about women. It definitely lifts your spirit and makes your day. This film celebrates the beauty of a woman. Ladies, if you feel like you are ever old for something, watch this film...
   
   This film is a must see for all - young and old.



5. This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. The acting is wonderful. All the ladies just seem to click. The story is very heart warming and one that most people can relate to. I could watch this movie over and over and laugh and cry everytime I see it.Calendar Girls

5 comments about Maverick.

1. Great movie. I saw it when it came out in the early '90's. A really fun movie. Just wanted to add it to my 'Jodie Foster' collection. 8}



2. If you like Mel Gibson, James Garner or Jodie Foster, you'll probably love this movie. All 3 get ample screentime and all their charcters are lovable rogues. This has only a slight link to the TV series as Mel Gibson plays Maverick, a gambler with same type of character as the TV series. This is a western comedy. This has adult situation scenes I would not like my 7 year old grandson to see but no nudity.



3. Maverick DVD
   
   Mel Gibson stars as a bumbling gambler who is trying to join a poker game. The movie is based on a TV series. Jodie Foster co-stars as does James Gardner who was in the original TV series, as Bret, I believe. Bart was his Brother. Highly recommended for fans of Mel Gibson and Jodie Foster and fans of the original TV series.
   
   Gunner April, 2008



4. My review is limited to the picture and sound quality of the DVD transfer. The movie itself is fine--great cast, very funny--5 stars for the movie, 0 stars for the DVD quality. The transfer of this film to DVD is one of the worst that I have seen! The picture quality is quite poor, very grainy and almost out of focus. It seems that it was copied from a VHS version of the movie. The movie was made in 1994--it's not that old! This otherwise good movie deserves much better treatmenet than this.



5. Charming and hazardous card player Bret Maverick makes his way to a big poker championship, with a half million dollar prize up for grabs. And he has competition from the clunning Annabelle Brandsford, who he meets on the way there. Another contender is the sheriff Zane Coburn, frown-faced gun-slinger Angel and others. The catch is that before the championship, everyone has to put up 25 thousand dollars.

5 comments about The Remains of the Day (Special Edition).

1. I've finally bought this film on DVD and after only my second second viewing, the first being back in '94 on video, this film still captures a period in England before the second World War when nobles propped up their idiocy by assuming they knew what was best for all. Their deeds were their much welcomed downfall. It's sometimes too easy to sympathize with them and their glorious lives with the best of food, lodging, decor and other trappings and traditions laced with refinement, but their need to retain it by working in misguided and criminal collusion with the Nazis was deplorable. To be fair few of the countries dragged into the war acted with any sense of real responsibility. Germany's war debt for their part in the WWI was absurdly high, impossible for them to pay.
   Many would argue that so I'll move on.
   The way this film exudes with that sense of inevitable transition even in the cloistered and sheltered halls of the Darlington estate is the true charm of this film. Anthony Hopkin's portrayal of the professionally restrained gentleman's gentleman is the perfect study of how driven ideals will bring about the worst results for that individual. He's glib, petty, and at times seemingly heartless, that is, until you see him use some odd but small tic when you realize there's a man under that granite resolve. Even his seemingly trite denial and glib attitude toward some of the other servants is exposed as a defense mechanism. He even exposes himself in some moments when he clearly has not considered the best course of action to take like his initial reaction to his father's grave situation and that moment in his quarters with the persistent Miss Kenton (played incredibly by Emma Thompson) wanting to know what he's reading. That moment is so tense with promise, with hope that his armor will fall, but he plays it too coy, too masterfully as if to shame her even while regretting it, and yet not acknowledging it. He draws her in on purpose only to allow the moment's promise to fail him. That scene always makes me want to rattle his cage.
   I could go on but all I want to say is everyone in this film delivers better than just fine performances. It's history and drama at it's best. As Mr. Steven's life unfolds, so do the small chinks in his armor. They may never become large, life changing kinks, but they are there and for anyone watching closely enough they reveal a man very much straining to hold himself together for reasons no longer clear even to him.



2. Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson are both superb in this period piece. My favorite Hopkins movie



3. But buy it for the commentary provided by Emma Thompson, Ismail Merchant and James Ivory! First, the movie is a wonderful period piece set in pre-WWII England at the manor of an English Lord with his staid and emotionally distant butler and the recently hired young head maid. The acting, not only of the main characters but also for all involved, is well done with the only weak spot when the German lady is singing (dubbed actually) and her acting also appears to be somewhat forced. Other than that I don't see how the acting in the movie could have been any better if at all. Secondly, along with the other extras there is the commentary provided by Thompson, Merchant and Ivory during the movie as they discuss the preparations for the scenes and the obstacles they encountered in making the film but most of all the lighthearted banter between them is at times hilarious and revealing. Buy it for the movie and the commentary! You will be glad you did!



4. I had seen this movie once a long time ago, it seems, and had some warm memories of the movie. I decided on impulse to add it to my collection and looked forward to seeing it again. Well I was not disappointed; the performances by Anthony Hopkins and Emma Thompson alone make watching the movie worthwhile.
   
   Both characters come across as sympathetic and compelling; one feels a compassionate concern for the internal struggles experienced by James Stevens as he tries to live up to his goal of perfection. The doubt and confusion he feels as his pride and confidence in Lord Darlington is shattered; his decidedly mixed emotions as he contemplates his growing love for Mary Kenton, the Emma Thompson character. Mary, on the other hand is better prepared to face up to her feelings for James; although she realizes that she must proceed with caution. When her overtures are rebuffed, she must then decide how to deal with the rest of her life; her decisions lead her down a path with results that are not what she hoped for.
   
   The movie is touching and gives interesting insights into the situation in England just before WW II. A worthy addition to anyone's library that appreciates good acting.



5. It looks fantastic. Hopkins and Thompson give marvelously controlled and thoughtful performances.
   
   But...after the film is over, I was left thinking..."Huh? Is that all there is?"
   
   So there is a butler (or head of staff, or whatever his title was) who is so devoted to his job and whatever employer (who must be high-minded and a gentleman to earn such devotion), that he is never able to develope normal human interaction with women, his father, and strangers that he meets. Why is that worth two hours of dialogue?
   
   And someone tell me why we are to believe that Mr. Lewis buys the estate, and uses his wealth to restore it? I kept waiting for some interesting revelation, but it never came. Surely his one visit thirty years earlier wasn't the only reason? I understand that wasn't even in the book. Stupid to put it in and not explain any reason, or involve it in the plot in some way, other than to show Stevens will now be devoted to a new estate owner.
   
   
   Now, I'm sure the many fans of this movie will tag my review as Not Helpful, simply because they like the movie. Easy way out, folks. Why not try answering my criticisms instead.

5 comments about Benny and Joon.

1. For most of my life I've believed if it's not an old black and white movie, it's not worth watching. But I discovered this movie a couple years ago and it's by far my favorite. For someone that has always felt strange and left out, this movie for some reason means a lot to me. When I met the man of my dreams, I gave him this movie to show him how much he means to me.



2. Benny (Aidan Quinn) is a mechanic who, since the death of their parents, has been the caretaker for his schizophrenic sister Joon (Mary Stewart Masterson), a job that has become increasingly difficult. They are obliged to take in the quirky Sam (Johnny Depp), and love blossoms between the two soulful oddballs.
   
   For this movie to work, you have to love these relentlessly eccentric characters, and, unfortunately, I couldn't love them enough. The horrendous pitfalls that go along with mental illness are shown just enough to provide some complications in the narrative, but the filmmakers clearly had their sights set on a happy ending right from the beginning, and they were going to let nothing get in the way. There are some egregious lapses in logic that are required to make this story go in the direction the filmmakers want. For example, there is serious debate about whether Joon would be better off living in a group home (where she would have constant supervision) or in her own apartment (where she would be mostly unsupervised, even though there would be a friend living in the same building). These choices are opposite ends of a spectrum, not roughly equivalent alternatives that a responsible mental health professional would present to a harried caretaker.
   
   There are pleasures to be found here, mostly notably Johnny Depp's extraordinary performance, but you have to be charmed into forgetting the real world first.



3. I would recommend this film to anyone, not just Johnny Depp fans. It is wonderful and he is a true artist. Dealing with the mentally ill is never easy, on film or in real life but it is dealt with here. The difficulty of understanding how people feel and what they need. Mary Stuart Masterson was probably born for this part and this film no doubt, was supposed to make her a big star. Sadly for her, being in a film with Mr. Depp did not help her. He is so much more talented than anyone else, that he dominates the action and makes the rest of the characters look like, 'also featuring' extras. Julianne Moore has the worst lines ever and I did feel for her but Johnny Depp's 'Sam' is so much more interesting, that you hardly pay attention. There are also many actors in smaller roles, who will go on to greater things. Oliver Platt, William H. Macy, Danny Hedaya and Aidan Quinn, as Benny, barely manages, once again over-shadowed by our boy Johnny. Yes, I am an intense Johnny Depp fan but he has made a lot of terrible movies. This one is great. There are a few scenes that parents might not care for their young children to see but the PG rating is just fine. Buy it today!



4. You'll never hear me say that `Benny & Joon' is a perfect film, but you will hear me say that it is a good one, one that I personally enjoy very much. Do I think that it accurately portrays the handicaps of a mental illness? No, I do not. But, keeping in perspective that this is a `quote-unquote' family comedy you don't really expect it to portray the mentally ill perfectly. To me, `Benny & Joon' is less a film about mental handicaps and more a film about family relationships; and in that respect it works just fine.
   
   The film tells the story of Benny and Joon, brother and sister, who live together. Their parents are deceased (or so I would gather) and so they have each other, and that's about it. That is until Sam comes to town. The strange cousin of one of Benny's poker buddies, Sam winds up staying in Benny's house when Joon loses a poker hand. Sam turns out to be the best thing for Joon, and ultimately for Benny as well, for he teaches them both valuable lessons about life, love and relationships.
   
   The basic premise of the film is highly preposterous when you think about it. There is no way that a man in his right frame of mind would leave his mentally ill sister in the care of a complete stranger (especially one as eccentric as Sam). It took me a minute to take this film seriously when I first realized that that was where this story was going, but the performances are so heartfelt (I'm tempted to say this is Depp as his very finest) that it elevates the material and allows the audience to connect and care about what they are watching.
   
   Of these performances, Depp is the surefire standout. As Sam he is endearing, intriguing and all around entertaining. Depp delivers one of his finest comedic performances to date here, in my opinion surpassing that of his fan favorite `Jack Sparrow'. As Sam, Depp is genuine and sincere; likable and charming and all around a great comedic hero. Aidan Quinn is superb as Benny, the overprotective older brother. His reactions towards Sam and really everything involving his sister is genuine, you can see that. That is why I say it is better to look at this as a film about sibling relationships because the way he protects his sister is the way that any `good' brother in that sort of `family' situation (diseased parents) would react, having officially taken over as a guardian. I was a little disappointed with Mary Stuart Masterson's performance at first, but as the movie progressed and I realized that I should not be too concerned with how realistic the mental illness translates I began to appreciate her performance. The script doesn't flesh out her disorder to any real satisfactory degree and so when she has her little tantrums it can seem out of place and unwarranted since the scene before she was acting more `normal' than her brother.
   
   Just a little note on Julianne Moore - in all seriousness, nothing more than a throwaway role, although her characters cinematic background lay scene to some of Depp's funniest lines.
   
   Regardless of your feelings on its accuracy, there is no denying that `Benny & Joon' has a quirky sense of tenderness that is bound to touch your heart. As the film draws to a close and Sam tells Benny "I used to look up to you; but now I can't look at you" your heart will break, and that is a good sign of how effective Depp is in this role. Sure, this is not Depp's best film (`Ed Wood' anyone) but it is his finest performance.



5. This is a wonderful movie. It arrived within a few days in perfect condition and was packaged with care to the contents. We are very pleased and would recommend this seller.

5 comments about Father of the Bride 2.

1. This movie continues where the first one left off. Now the newly married daughter and her mother are both pregnant. It is very funny. The characters are very lovable and funny. A great family movie. Probably more for those with teenage girls than younger children or teenage boys. Or of course it is great to watch with your adult children too. I really liked it. Probably not as good as "Father of the Bride" but almost as good.



2. Father of the Bride 2 to my surprise is more sweet and endearing than the first outing. The whole cast is back and this time Annie and Nina are both pregnant. Steve Martin and Diane Keaton make the cutest fake couple ever! Kimberly Williams always bring warmth and realness to her role and Martin Short is a riot! Definitely one to watch with friends and family. Happy viewing!



3. This movie is one of my family's favorites of all time! Steve Martin is hilarious as the over-protective, over-reacting father that we all love and Diane Keaton matches and compliments his character perfectly as Nina, the mother of the bride. Witty, sweet, and sentimental, this movie is great for the entire family! :)



4. I loved this movie, I could watch it over and over.....Steve Martin is the best......Really sweet movie...



5. A great feel good movie. one of a few sequel movies that actually works.

5 comments about Stand By Me (Special Edition).

1. "Stand By Me" is a must and own for everyone! Its a great tale of friendship. From the first time I saw this movie when I was young, until now, its always been one of my favorites! If you havent seen it by some chance, watch it, youll love it!



2. This a classic movie about growing up and the friends you had. I can relate to a few of the things in this movie. I had a friend who died not to long ago and we were just like Chris and Gordie almost. Sad thing is the kids real last name was LaChance. I highly recommend this movie to anyone growing up or wanting to look back on there youth. The whole movie is perfect- from the scenery to the music. Not one bit needs to be changed. I loved the Summer of Stand By Me documentary, it was a very well done extra. I hated Richard Dreyfuss in it because he acted like it was just anther paycheck to him, while the rest of the cast said how much they loved making the movie.
   
   It was also a rare case. Usually a King book made into a movie sucks but not this film. The book ended badly. He killed off everyone expect Gordie and then he writes it like Gordie is proud everyone but him is dead. A very sick and sad way to end a book. Im glad they did not use it in the film.
   
   In closing, if you have not seen this movie-go out of your way to check it out and you wont be mad that you did.



3. Stand by Me is probably one the strongest films about friendship ever made. It really does make its older audience travel back in time to when we were young and hanging out with our buddies planning to do something extraordinary for the summer. It is all about `coming of age', never over sentimental, yet remaining thoroughly heart rendering in its depiction of youths discovering their inner adult self.
   
   Written by Steven King, this is one of his `Shawshank Redemptions' stories that contains thrills and drama but no horror. The dialogue is superb and very memorable. The story revolves around four boys who overhear that a body of a boy who had been hit by train was seen by some riverbank. They head off on the two day trek and meet many obstacles along the way.
   
   This is also one of director Rob Reiner's best films. It stars Wil Wheaton (Wesley of Star Trek: The Next Generation fame), River Phoenix (who infamously died of a drug overdose), Corey Feldman (of The Lost Boys), Jerry O'Connell (Sliders) and Kiefer Sutherland.
   
   It is also more proof that Stephen King's dramas make much better films than his horrors.



4. I just sat down and watched this movie for the first time after hearing about it for as long as I can remember. And I was less than impressed.
   
   The story follows the journey of four boys - Vern, Teddy, Chris, and Gordie (Jerry O'Connell, Corey Feldman, River Phoenix, and Wil Wheaton) as they transition from boy to man. Or at least teen. The summer before they start Jr. High, a boy their own age goes missing. When Vern hears where the boy's body is, they set out to find it so they can become heroes. While they journey, all four face fears, hopes, and disappointments whether it's the absence of parental love, a future career as a writer, or things that go bump in the night.
   
   To be honest, I can understand why people like this movie. It has a good mix of drama and comedy. The acting is great. The film is set in a small town in the 50's, so there's the nostalgia factor.
   
   So why didn't I like it? First and foremost, the language. That was the real biggie. It was one thing when Ace (Kiefer Sutherland), the leader of the local gang swore. It was something completely different to have these twelve year olds swearing all the time. And frankly, I have a hard time imagining kids swearing that much during the 50's. I'm probably way out in left field, but it doesn't right true. There are several gross out moments I didn't care for. Finally, the ending was depressing. I'll grant you it was realistic. But it was depressing.
   
   I know lots of people who grew up watching this film and absolutely love it. As I said, I can see it why. And maybe if I had seen it when I was younger, I would like it now. As it is, I won't be watching it again.



5. STAND BY ME is an amazing film that totally captures small town life, the late 1950's and more universally what it's like to be at that in between age of 12 or 13. It is incredible how much we learn about the four friends - Chris, Gordie, Teddy and Vern - in a relatively short amount of time. This can be credited to the performances of the young actors (all are excellent but River Phoenix really shines) guided by the expert direction of Rob Reiner and maybe most importantly the heartfelt source material, the novella THE BODY by Stephen King which is one of his best efforts outside of the pure horror genre.
   
   One of the things that impressed me most about the film is the kids talk, act and think like real kids of that age still do today and probably always will. It's a shame the film is rated R because of its rough but realistic language since a lot of kids in the 12 - 16 years old age bracket could readily identify with the characters and the themes though granted this is certainly no kiddie movie for the under twelve set. But for anyone who has graduated from sixth grade or so this is a wonderful movie that shouldn't be missed.

5 comments about Braveheart.

1. Lush? Yes. Slick? Yes. Historically accurate? Waaaaayyyy NO! Too Violent? WAAAAAAY YES!!!
   
   I Love Mel Gibson. But his real talent seems to be realistic looking gore and who needs that?? I don't. I just don't need to entertain myself watching someone build an argument for a violent campaign of revenge and bathing in blood. Who knows who will build some argument in their heart like him and go postal, unloading on the innocent, unknowing public.
   
   And Mr. Gibson is having his own crisis personally. Perhaps he doesn't need to be submerged in violence either.... Poe.



2. Sorry folks, maybe I just went into the theater with a bad attitude.
   After a half hour of looking at Mel's mullet and right before the battle scene where they show his butt like they do IN EVERY MOVIE HE'S EVER BEEN IN.
   I'm honestly surprised his butt didn't make a cameo in Passion of the Christ as well.
   At least he showed some restraint on that one.
   I got up and left the theater after the battle scene.
   Disgustingly gross, body parts flying up against the lens.
   I'm no stranger to gore, Halloween, Friday the 13th etc.
   I had to draw the line at this though, or was it the mullet???
   Hmmmmmmmm........
   Rent it if you're curious.
   It just wasn't my cup of tea.



3. By now William Wallace's battle cry for freedom has gone down in cinematic history, and why not? It's a rousing speech that drives a group of historical underdogs to victory in a battle that they certainly had no business winning. And as an added bonus Americans love the concept of freedom. So even though we aren't free at all the image of Mel Gibson up there screaming, "But they can never take....our FREEDOM!!!" is just the kind of foot stomping jolt that can fool the masses into caring about Scottish history. The film itself hasn't done too bad either, winning that best picture statue and all, and it is a perfectly solid throw back to an earlier time. Wallace fights bloody, beautifully show battles to avenge the murder of his bride and to promote "freedom" in the face of British imperialism (13th Century Style). The characters are broadly drawn (the crazy Irishman, the dim witted brute, the evil King) and the plot is less than adventurous. The values pander to a middle class audience (have a family, brains over brawns, don't rape brides on their wedding days) so all in all the average movie goer is well taken care of. I even caught myself becoming emotionally involved in the cause of the Scots, but that could just be due to the anti-imperialist in me. Gibson, as director, is able to produce real magic with some of his shots and nothing he does here takes away from his reputation as a born storyteller.
   
   What was most interesting to me was to see how much of this film foretold the future of Gibson's oeuvre. We have a trip into an obscure moment in history that ultimately results in a pretty conventional action flick ("Apocalypto"). We see his obsession with all things Christ and torture related ("Passion of the Christ"). And yes I know he didn't direct it but we see a dumbed down, Americanized version of this exact story in "The Patriot." I liked this movie and I liked "The Patriot" but now I'm questioning whether or not it was only made to sell the same tale to xenophobic types who aren't comfortable rooting for non-Americans. Who knows. I do know that I respect his ability to cater to modern tastes in an attempt to school people on parts of history that they should know about and would find entertaining. Unlike his hero, Gibson is willing to compromise. And while that may mean that this is not a great film it does mean that he reached a far greater audience than had he strictly stuck to the script that the history books provide. ***1/2



4. I have never understood Hollywood's need to take actual history which is exciting in itself and change it. The attempt is often horribly misleading and down right insulting. As a member of the Wallace "family" we weren't a kilted clan. I'm insulted they could take such rich history of a man, and a country and dumb it down for the masses and to think a Wallace was part of this abuse was further insulting. The dates, people and events were all skewed to make this a blockbuster $$ maker and be damn the history. One wonders why if the history was so great, why change it on the big screen. But it wasn't only the inaccuracies of Wallace's life and history but they couldn't even get the production right..
   
   The piper is playing a great war pipe but the sound/music we hear is a bellows pipe, the uilean pipes played in Ireland. Well Duh!! And "first night" privileges give me a break not in Scotland, a flirtation with Isabella? she was a child born in apprx 1295 (she would have been 10 at his death and the age to marry in Scotland was 12) and wasn't married to Ed 2 until years after Wallace was dead and a kilted Wallace, as a Ayshireman I highly doubt it nor were the Scots savage peasents. My God they (Borders and lowlands) had a strong economy with mainland Europe since the 1100's and were aware of a world outside their own as well as fashions, so though there were peasants in Scotland, William Wallace's family wasn't one of them.
   
   Want a better portrayal of Scottish history find a copy of CHASING THE RED DEER, different period but much more realistic. Save you $$ and time a read a good book on Wallace.



5. Mel Gibson shines in this movie. Well scripted and plenty of action. Battle scenes are tremendous and reminds one of the slaughter the Scots went through. I highly recommend this movie.

5 comments about Tin Cup.

1. well i love this movie very much and i think that it is romantic, and comical at the same time. i love kevin costner anyway and think that this is a really good movie because of him



2. If you like to play golf this movie is for you.
   Kevin plays a washed up pro golfer trying to make a comeback.
   when Rene Russo meets kevin she is trying to learn how to play golf.
   Don Johnson is her boyfriend a pro golfer.
   This is a great romanic comedy, A must see.
   I rate this DVD a 8 from 1to10!!



3. Why is it good for the guys? Hits all the high and low notes about why golf is so addicting and so crazy making, and a bit about how to make the ladies happy too (tango never hurts)
   Why is it good for the gals? Face it, those athletes are attractive, but this one is actually a real human being, but I won't give away the best part
   Why is it good for laughs? Hmmm, can we all say Cheech together? PS - He does a helluva tango)
   Why is it a great movie? 1. Plot 2. Tension 3. Casting (have I mentioned Kevin Costner? Have I mentioned Rene Russo? Have I mentioned Cheech Marin? Have I mentioned the rest of the wackos? And yes, Don Johnson is in it too, playing the sleeze y'all know he is) 4. Photography - If y'all ever wanted to know what west TX looks like, here it is, complete with armadillo 5. The Waffle House 6. It's a spa!! (Insert wading pool here)6. You can actually learn something about golf in this movie, if you want to 7. Kevin Costner (again - but hey - he's worth mentioning twice)
   Rent this, buy it, but whatever you do, don't miss it.



4. this is great sport movie ,its all of fun the cast is great just like bull durham the team of costner and shelton works again .even if you are not u.s open fan ,you are going to enjoy this movie.cheech marin/don johnson rene russo with kevin costner all of them very good in this movie full of fun .



5. costner does it again with this drama about a golfer who looks to romance and be sucessful at golf. this chick flick is for anyone who likes golf.