Editorial Review

The Academy Award winner for Best Picture, Best Director Robert Zemeckis, and Best Actor Tom Hanks, this unlikely story of a slow-witted but good-hearted man somehow at the center of the pivotal events of the 20th century is a funny and heartwarming epic. Hanks plays the title character, a shy Southern boy in love with his childhood best friend (Robin Wright) who finds that his ability to run fast takes him places. As an All-Star football player he meets John F. Kennedy; as a soldier in Vietnam he's a war hero; and as a world champion Ping-Pong player he's hailed by Richard Nixon. Becoming a successful shrimp-boat captain, he still yearns for the love of his life, who takes a quite different and much sadder path in life. The visual effects incorporating Hanks into existing newsreel footage is both funny and impressive, but the heart of the film lies in its sweet love story and in the triumphant performance of Hanks as an unassuming soul who savors the most from his life and times. Read more

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Reviews (586)

Sorry Tom......
I'm giving this movie two stars because of the supporting actors, and, the book from which the movie is taken.I believe those are what the rest of the reviews are truely applauding without realizing it.
Deja Vu All Over Again
The fuss over Forrest Gump still amazes me. This movie basically rips off better movies in almost every scene. Still somehow it managed to win Best Picture over Pulp Fiction And The Shawshank Redemption in 1994. Out of all of the movies that were released 1n 94 this one wouldnt even make my top 20. Nobodys Fool, Quiz Show, The Lion King, and the list goes on. The only reason that I would give it props is for(at the time) was the special effects, which now are dated. After Gump Zemekis directed a episode of Tales From The Crypt where he used the same Technology and was easiest the worst episode of that year. I used to be a HUGE Zemekis fan. Used Cars, Romancing the Stone, Back to the Furture movies and Death Becomes Her were I thought were strong movies. But arounf Back to the Future 2I thought Zemekis started to rely to much on special effects and it shows on this film. To the objective viewer re-watch this film and think about every scene and try to remember where you have seen that scene before. I guarantee you after you do that you will see this movie in a totally different light.

The "It's A Wonderful Life" of the 60's generation
Forrest Gump is an absolutely brilliant film that captures the 60's and the early 70's in the same way that Frank Capra's wonderful film did for the WWII generation.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Read more

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Reviews (200)

Nearly 40 years old, now, the film still works...
You can even get a flash of Olivia Hussey's breast in the bedroom scene if you look closely, and she was only 15 at the time of filming, so this version of the ancient play was controversial in its day. It has passion, style, great supporting actors, and is true to its source as well. While the more recent version with Leonardo DiCaprio has some good moments, too, this one is the high water mark of "Romeo and Juliet" on film. I will never forget seeing this at the base theater at Fort Knox, Kentucky, after spending a month in Vietnam, facing almost another year in the Army. When the movie ended, one soldier in front of me said to his buddy, "They think they've got troubles? Try being in the damn Army!"Well, R and J did have life-ending troubles, but their falling in love, as instant as it was, achieves believability and really tugs at the hearts of the audience. This movie was a fine accomplishment, and its soundtrack album was also a big seller on LP in the late '60's. That Shakespeare fellow did his writin' before movies were invented, I think, yet his stuff adapts really well to the screen. For my taste, a Shakespeare movie almost always beats seeing his plays on stage.

This Pinnacle Film Captures the Pure Essence of the Play
There have been many screen adaptations of Romeo and Juliet over the years.Some of them played by some of Hollywood's top actors and actresses.There was even the Romeo and Juliet last done by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, which to my mind is simply Romeo and Juliet on steroids.
Brings back my teen years in the theater.
First saw this movie as a 14 or 15 year-old teen.Loved the film!It is one of those seminal movie moments of my youth.I think it is the definitive film version of 'Romeo and Juliet.'Never saw DiCaprio's version and have no real desire to.The DVD was of excellent quality, considering the original film was shot in 1968. My teen daughter watched it with me, and did have some trouble following the Shakespearean dialog, but she could still follow the storyline. (I think we had more exposure to the classics in the Baby Boomer Gen than do kids today.) Nonetheless, we both enjoyed the experience and the DVD was delivered in Amazon's usual timely manner. The angry Prince's final words to the feuding families, "All are punish-ed. ALL ARE PUNISH-ED!" stands as an electric moment in the film.The performances by all are terrific.Enjoy! ... Read more

Editorial Review

The quintessential movie spoof that spawned an entire genre of parody films, the original Read more

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Reviews (233)

What's your vector, Victor?
This movie is hysterical!Talk about busting a gut!Who could forget the lines, "Don't call me Shirley" or "Yes it is, but that's not important right now!"The wordplay in this movie is sheer genius; something we don't really see all that often in modern comedies.I was a kid when this came out, so I'm not familiar with all the movies they spoof, but it's still rather funny.....even if you don't get all the jokes.

WILDLY OVER-THE-TOP & SOMEHOW USUALLY VERY FUNNY
PART BURLESQUE - PART VAUDEVILLE -- BUT FUNNY ALTOGETHER
My favorite
Great one-liners, puns and sight gags, all played with deadpan perfection. Don't let my simplistic description mislead you, though: this spoof of disaster films is no standup comedy routine. Rather, I find it quite simply the funniest movie I have ever seen. The comedy is innovative and, at the time it was made, unlike any other comedy. While some gags in the movie appear merely silly or sophomoric, to make humor this funny takes a good deal of intelligence. It is almost surreal to see Robert Stack, Leslie Nielsen and Peter Graves deliver such hysterical lines. Often imitated, never equaled. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedy    2. Comedy Video    3. Feature Film-comedy   

Editorial Review

Destined to become a holiday perennial, Read more

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Reviews (361)

This train doesn'tseem to know where its going...
Chris Van Alsberg's beloved Christmas classic is brought to the screen in this sickeningly self indulgent, outrageously overblown animated film. The characters are bland,and their movements are creepy and mechanical, both of which make them feel more like robots than humans. The film's biggest problem is that it dosen't seem to know whether to treat itself like a horror movie, a children's Christmas cartoon, or a slapstick comedy. The film overflows with half-baked ideas,for instance,there is a mysterious hobo-zombie who makes his home
The Polar ExpressFull Screen Edition
Enjoyable story for young and old. Had the wide screen version and wanted this as well.

Magical
I love the artwork come alive.Its so beautiful!My grandson loved watching it with me.This will be a classic in our family for years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoons & Animation    2. Children    3. Children's Video    4. Family    5. Feature Film Family    6. Movie   

Editorial Review

Robert Bolt's successful play was not considered a hot commercial property by Columbia Pictures--a period piece about a moral issue without a star, without even a love story. Perhaps that's why Columbia left director Fred Zinnemann alone to make Read more

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Reviews (131)

Powerful intellectual and ethical exercise...
This is one of my favorite films from the '60's, and I saw a superb stage production of it as well, two years before the film version. Sir Thomas More, chancellor of England, is asked to choose between his King and his Catholic Church. He refuses to take a side, publicly, but everyone in the nation knows he opposes King Henry's decision to break with the Pope so that he can marry another wife. How More (Paul Schofield) tries to stay alive via a silence that shouts a rebuke makes for compelling drama. A young Robert Shaw does a flamboyant and wonderful job as King Henry, but then, the entire supporting cast, as is common in British productions, is great. Faith and greed, power and the loss of it, survival and sacrifice...all are elements of this fine film.
A courageous and moral man - Thomas More
A 1966 period movie with a true story about a man who stands up against powerful King Henry VIII and many others for his moral beliefs in regard to divorce.The king wanted a male heir and wanted to divorce his wife and take another one to achieve that.He was trying to get the church's permission to get out of this marriage with their approval.The stand Thomas More takes complicates his life in many ways, including his family and friends.More is an influential man of some means who was high in the leadership of England at that time.
Would St. Thomas More really be any more popular today?
The technical excellence of this film on every level has already been sufficiently and deservedly documented many times over.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Franco Zeffirelli's stripped-down, two-hour version of Shakespeare's play stars Mel Gibson as a rather robust version of the ambivalent Danish prince. Gibson is much better in the part than many critics have admitted, his powers of clarity doing much to make this particularRead more

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Reviews (157)

"Omelette" Said The Egg. "To Be Or Not To Be...."
I do find it most amusing whenever an actor such as Mel Gibson thinks he can produce a performance equal to that of Sir Lawrence Olivier which isafter allwhy remakes are made. Sadly Mel has neither the talent or the on screen presence to portray the Mad Prince Of Denmark and all we have leftis a guy who looks as if he is suffering from Mad Cow Disease with his eyes rolling about in his head who just wants his mommy.I give this movie 5 stars because all it did was remind me of just how good the 1948 version was.

New standard for Hamlet
Shakespeare's Hamlet has been done and redone many times over. Probably because the play has so many universal themes it is the most popular of his plays. When I first saw Sir Lawrence Olivier's adaptation I thought there could be no equal.Mr. Gibson has challenged that thought with a moving andpassionate portrayal. Mr. Gibson has created nothing short of a new standard for this old favorite.Ms. Close as the doting but fickle mother sets an equal standard for her part.The other roles are filled perfectly as well and the visuals take you back to that time and place to witness the events first hand.This is the one version of Hamlet you must have.

Mel did a very good job as the wishy washy prince
Poor Hamlet, couldn't make up his mind to save his life.I really ejoyed this version, Mel and the rest of the experienced cast did a great job.You just have to forget Mel was Mad Max and accept him as the Mad Prince of Denmark and you'll enjoy this as much as I did.Also, if a teenager has to do a book report on Hamlet this is a good version for that age group.Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (534)

A Touching Film of Courage, Canniness, and Survival
This is a very moving film of one man's determination to stay alive while alone on a desert island after a plane crash. You can feel Chuck Noland's frustration level build as nothing seems to be going right, and he finally crashes emotionally when his only friend on the island (a volleyball named Wilson) floats out to sea.
An Amazing Part of Film History
About 90% of the film you only see one actor, one person on the screen: no one else expect that one man...
I forgt how powerful this film really was...
I watched this film again in anticipation of Hanks in The DaVinci Code. And I was amazed at how much I reacted this movie after 2 years. Unlike others, I don't like to give away the film. Details can sometimes make it so the film doesn't need to be seen. I prefer to express the emotion in this movie.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Destined to become a holiday perennial, Read more

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• Closed-captioned
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• Dolby
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Reviews (361)

This train doesn'tseem to know where its going...
Chris Van Alsberg's beloved Christmas classic is brought to the screen in this sickeningly self indulgent, outrageously overblown animated film. The characters are bland,and their movements are creepy and mechanical, both of which make them feel more like robots than humans. The film's biggest problem is that it dosen't seem to know whether to treat itself like a horror movie, a children's Christmas cartoon, or a slapstick comedy. The film overflows with half-baked ideas,for instance,there is a mysterious hobo-zombie who makes his home
The Polar ExpressFull Screen Edition
Enjoyable story for young and old. Had the wide screen version and wanted this as well.

Magical
I love the artwork come alive.Its so beautiful!My grandson loved watching it with me.This will be a classic in our family for years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoons & Animation    2. Children    3. Children's Video    4. Family    5. Feature Film Family    6. General    7. Kids & Family    8. Movie   

Editorial Review

While Japan undergoes tumultuous transition to a more Westernized society in 1876-77, Read more

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Reviews (638)

This Movie Captured My Attention
I'm not big on movies. This one is big. I don't normally watch R movies. This one is R because of the realistic battle scenes.
What took so long?
Why did it take Hollywood so long to finally create a really good movie about the Samurai? This movie could have easily been made 20 or even 30 years ago but wasn't. The story itself was clearly availible back then. No special effects were required. Just a good sound story, a decent script, set pieces, wardrobe, cinemetography and director were all that was needed. These are all things that were readily at hand 20 or 30 years ago.
Spectacular--A Truly Great Film
This is Tom Cruise at his greatest. The film's tone, mood, action, acting, directing, sets, and scenes (especially the exteriors) were magnificent!!! This is a movie with a heart, and Tom's gradual transformation--from savage soldier to honorable fighter--was refreshing and uplifting. Buy it and keep it. You'll want to see it many times, as each viewing shows you how very much more there is than when you saw it earlier. I can't praise this movie enough, and believe me, I'm a harsh critic, especially when I note something unbelievable and phony. Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action    2. Adventure    3. Drama    4. Feature Film-drama    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

It's not surprising that Read more

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Reviews (731)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding
I'mnot known as a person who sits around watching romantic comedies. There's a reason for that. But I've shown this one to half a dozen classes and it hasn't grown stale. Witty dialogue, comic bits that work, and a fairly rapid pace that acknowledges we've seen this story before. The author didn't dumb it down, and the result is so universally appealing that I can show it to Chinese students and watch their shoulders shake with laughter. I can also see some weepies, which is always funny. Get this one and watch it when you want to relax.

Marriage is Between Families
Funny! The pressures of a Greek-American single woman who finally finds the groom and he isn't the Greek Knight she was supposed to find. Romantic Comedy with a Hellenic bent.

run-of-the-mill ethnic comedy
I must admit, after I finally sat through the whole film, that I didn't think it was all that good.The acting is uneven:while the future husband is good, the dowdy-turned-sexy wife really doesn't give a convincing performance:not only is her character not very cogent (she quickly changes from painfully shy and timid to this earthy and witty chick), but her delivery lacks whatever it takes to get me to suspend my disbelief.I just couldn't see her as a real person.The supporting actors are quite good, if predictable, i.e. the in-laws freak out then come round with lots of ouzo, etc. etc.
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Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Comedy    3. Comedy Video    4. Feature Film-comedy    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

This zany, eye-popping, knee-slapping landmark in combininganimation with live-action ingeniously makes that uneasycombination itself (and the history of Hollywood) its subject.Read more

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Reviews (150)

A Very Special Movie
"Who Framed Roger Rabbit" is quite simply a most magical filmmaking experience. It's a film that is truly brilliant in every way imaginable. From its plot, a brilliant homage to the great film noir thrillers of the 1940s', to the fantastic visuals, still impressive even today, to its smart, funny, fast paced script, "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" is a truly timeless piece of cinema.
I love it .
This movie produce in year 1988 , it was very good movie then , but when I witch it ýagain now , I love it more and more than before . ý

Four Oscars!
Well-deserved Oscars for Editing, Visual Effects, Sound Effects Editing, and Special Achievement (animation direction) recommend this delightful film, which combines live action and animation before CGI came into regular use.Watch for the beautifully realized details throughout.For example, the Toons have shadows, and when one is thrown against a venetian blind, it bends and makes the sound of somebody actually hitting a venetian blind.The interaction between live action and animation is so good, you quickly forget they're not really together at all -- and much of the credit for such realistic "interaction" must go to live actor Bob Hoskins.There are a load of extras in this 2-disc package, including both fullscreen and widescreen versions, audio commentary, a deleted scene, and a very interesting "before and after" split-screen comparison with and without animation.This is a technical masterpiece and well worth seeing again and again. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Comedies    3. Family    4. Feature Film-comedy    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze are the passionate lovers whose romance is undone when the latter is murdered during a bungled hit arranged by a rival. The clever concept by screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin (director of Read more

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Reviews (132)

enduring
This is my #1 favorite movie.I saw it again hours ago.I could recall all scenes and 90% of the dialogue; so I was a bit surprised to find a few tearsrunning from my eyes at the ending scene.
" Ditto "
Phenominally successful film, about a man named Sam , who is killed and begins his journey to solving his own murder , as a ghost. Simple plot , however , the story is told with a fantastic cast. Whoopie Goldburg gives an outstanding, Oscar winning, performance as the medium that helps , Sam , communicate and get his earthly revenge. Everyone says this is a great film. I say , ditto.
Ghost DVD
This is one of my favorite movies.It is one of a very few movies that I can watch over and over again, leaving the day's worries behind. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

One of the very best films about the Civil War, this instant classic from 1989 is also one of the few films to depict the participation of African American soldiers in Civil War combat. Based in part on the books Read more

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Reviews (320)

45 Times and Counting
It is not a mistake: I have seen this movie so many times that I can only estimate the number of times I have seen it. One may ask if it has even started to lose some of its charm. Short answer: no. It is still a great and moving story now, even after 45-odd viewings.
Moving performances
Neither Mr. Broderick nor Mr. Washington have been favorites of mine in the past but I must give them their due in their performances in Glory. Both gave stunning and moving performances. The visuals that made you feel like you were there were astounding as well.Mr. Broderick does a wonderful job of portraying a character who is sometimes self-righteous and self-seeking and at other times inspiring and self-abasing. Mr. Washington provides the angry man to bring out the more sedate and clear-thinking Morgan Freeman character.All come together in common bond that builds in fighting together for a common cause.It is a somewhat one-sided and shallow portrayal of the war's causes that may not go over well with the lovers of history.But, the coming-of-age band-of-brothers mood of the film is moving and enjoyable all the same. No matter which side you may favor in that conflict (if either), you will still find yourself cheering with the rest, "Give-em Hell 54th!"

INSPIRATIONAL MASTERPIECE
Flawless movie making at its best! Patriotic and powerful telling of the true beginning-of-the-end for the Confederacy. Ex-slaves and free blacks alike, finally aloud to defend their dignity, were the final blow to the Southern bondage of an entire race of human beings history tells us. The Truth based story of the Massachusetts 54th. Only the beginning of black heroics during the Civil War.
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Subjects:  1. Action    2. Action / Adventure    3. Adventure    4. Drama    5. Feature Film-action/Adventure    6. Movie   

Editorial Review

The opening and closing moments of Robert (Read more

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Reviews (397)

Carl Sagan's Vision Comes Alive
This movie is based on Carl Sagan's novel of the same name.Carl is no longer with us, but he was a key component in the production of this film.Starring Jodie Foster, Matthew McConaughey, and William Fichtner, this fine film will capture your interest from the start, and even more so if you are into Science Fiction.You really get caught up in Ellie Arroway's heartfelt desire to make contact with another world.She gets her chance, and what follows is nothing short of miraculous.I cried during this movie.It tugs at your heartstrings in a big way at times.This is a truly great movie.

No words...
This film always brings me to tears.No matter how much I know my emotionalstrings are being tugged, when Jodie Foster's face morphs into herself as a child and she whispers "No words"... well, I'm crying now.
Carl Sagan would be proud
Somebody once said that good science fiction puts an ordinary situation into a futuristic or scientific backdrop. Contact is a prime example of how to make a good drama in a setting of science and exploration. It's as true an adaptation to Carl Sagan's novel as you can get considering what you have to do to make the events of the book fit into a feature film. They certainly don't skimp on the special effects either. The opening scene alone is beautiful in it's expansiveness. 'The Machine' hey build to do the space exploration thing is awesome to behold. They do a great job portraying the massive scale of it.
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Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama    2. Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy    3. Movie    4. Science Fiction   

Editorial Review

Instantly qualifying as a perennial cult favorite, Read more

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Reviews (103)

A christmas movie for the adults
This movie is definitely worth buying. I have never been a big fan of Billy Bob but this is by far the best movie he has ever made. Throw in a convincing story line, Bernie Mac in another great role, an appearance by John Ritter and a very likeable kid named Thurman Murman and you have a very entertaining movie, one which will make every one of your christmas's complete. But this is not your average christmas movie. The underlying story throughout is of a sad and lonely alcoholic named Willie, who is also a professional thief, who along with his sidekick elf crack safes and rob department stores once they have closed for trade on christmas eve. We witness Willie's slow but steady path of self detruction and alcohol abuse, which he makes no attempt to hide from the world. Along the way Willie meets Thurman, a lonely kid who is the target of bullies and in search of a friend of his own. He takes an instant shine to Willie thinking he really is Santa of course.
Sausage Fingers
This is comedy is so ridiculously dark, yet it is one of my favorite comedies ever.I laughed so hard in the theaters, I almost felt guilty laughing at some of the material.Only Billy Bob could have pulled this one of, unflinching in his delivery of some of the most foul things I have ever heard said in front of kids.Yet there is a tender underbelly to Billy Bob, mainly seen at the end.You really do feel for the guy, and Billy Bob is great at portraying the guy who has hit rock bottom.Loved the part where he is so drunk and confused that he thinks the inanimate horse is looking at him wrong and decides to attack it.
Badder Santa is a Cool Christmas movie for Adults
I rented this movie almost out of shear boredom, but after I rented it, I was laughing my *&^ off! I think this movie with its dark christmas humor was just awesome! I thought it was great and I recommend it as a definite buy for younger adults. Has the typical potty jokes, but is very funny story line. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Comedy    3. Comedy Video    4. Feature Film-comedy    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

One of the greatest Westerns ever made gets the deluxe treatment on this superior disc from Republic Home Video's Silver Screen Classics line of special-edition DVDs. Written by Carl Foreman (who was later blacklisted during the anticommunist hearings of the '50s) and superbly directed by Fred Zinnemann, this 1952 classic stars Gary Cooper as just-married lawman Will Kane, who is about to retire as a small-town sheriff and begin a new life with his bride (Grace Kelly) when he learns that gunslinger Frank Miller (Ian MacDonald) is due to arrive at high noon to settle an old score. Kane seeks assistance from deputies and townsfolk, but soon realizes he'll have to stand alone in his showdown with Miller and his henchmen. Innovative for its time, the suspenseful story unfolds in approximate real time (from 10:40 a.m. to high noon in an 84-minute film), and many interpreted Foreman's drama as an allegorical reflection of apathy and passive acceptance of Senator Joseph McCarthy's anticommunist campaign.Political underpinnings aside, this remains a milestone of its genre (often referred to as the first "adult" Western), and Cooper is flawless in his Oscar-winning role. The first-rate DVD gives this landmark film all the respect it deserves, beginning with a digitally remastered transfer from the original film negative. Additional features include the exclusive documentary Read more

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• Black & White
• Closed-captioned
• Collector's Edition
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Reviews (134)

A haunting and disturbing movie drama when it first came out
I have read a number of good reviews of this DVD on this site, especially the one written by Dennis Littrel. I will thus only add a small personal impression. I remember seeing this movie when it first came out and being troubled by the sight of the 'good guy' so disturbed and unsure of himself. This is not what we were expected to see from Western heroes. Also troubling was the possibility that the good guy somehow might not win. Also troubling was the involvement of the good guy with another woman in a way which could not be understood by a very young person. If he had a fiancee then what was he doing with this elderly Mexican woman?
"I've never run from anybody before."

High Noon
This movie hails as one of the classics of all times. The storyline always keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the final challenge of whose going to come out on top of the showdown and which gunfighters will live and die.
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Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Westerns   

Editorial Review

The hit Broadway musical from the 1940s gets a lavish if not always exciting workout in this 1955 film version directed by old lion Fred Zinnemann (Read more

Features

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Reviews (109)

20th Century Ripoff!!!
I specifically waited to buy this on DVD hoping to get a Todd-AO version and not just the Cinemascope version.The freaking Laserdisc looks better than this!I, for one, will not be buying any more "special editions" without reading the reviews in Amazon or elsewhere when it comes to 20th Century ripoff.This release reminds me of all the 20Th Laserdiscs that were first released when laser was just starting out and how poorly the transfers were treated...now it seems we're right back to the good old bad transfer days of yore.Yuk, I recommend that no one buy ANY of their discs (especially the upcoming crappy versions of STAR WARS non-anamorphic, non-5.1 sound original movies).These people suck big time!
great
A true musical theater classic.Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Visual diappointment for a great format
Like several others, I agree that the Cinemascope version was well presented, but what a disappointment as far as the Todd-ao digital transfer! The original release I bought in 1999 gives a much clearer and brighter Todd-ao version that gives you a much better idea of what the original may have looked like. I enjoyed seeing "The Miracle of Todd-ao" again, but similarly the realism that was present in the original was lost, either due to poor quality of stock or inabilty to be able to digitally correct and sharpen the image. (I find it hard to imagine that Fox couldn't resore it better).There was an apology printed on our Region 4 version.
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Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Musical Features    3. Musicals    4. Musicals & Cast Recordings    5. Musicals (Theatrical)   

Editorial Review

A box-office hit when released in 1994, this sprawling, frequently overwrought familial melodrama may get sillier as its plot progresses, but it's the kind of lusty, character-based epic that Hollywood should attempt more often. It's also an unabashedly flattering star vehicle for Brad Pitt as Tristan--the rebellious middle son of a fiercely independent Montana rancher and military veteran (Anthony Hopkins)--who is routinely at odds with his more responsible older brother, Alfred (Aidan Quinn), and younger brother, Samuel (Henry Thomas). From the battlefields of World War I to his adventures as an oceangoing sailor, Tristan's life is full of personal torment, especially when he returns to Montana and finds himself competing with Alfred over Samuel's beautiful widow (Julia Ormond), whose passion for Tristan disrupts the already turbulent Ludlow clan. Under the wide-open canopy of Big Sky country, this operatic tale unfolds with all the bloodlust, tragedy, and scenery-chewing performances you'd expect to find in a hokey bestselling novel (in fact, it's based on the acclaimed novella by Jim Harrison), but it's a potent mix that's highly entertaining. Not surprisingly, John Toll won an Academy Award for his breathtaking outdoor cinematography. Read more

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Reviews (149)

Legends Of The Dull
More predictable than an old TV Land episode of Bonanza and much less entertaining, this story of an anti-government rancher and his three sons, one the upstanding sort who seeks to work for good within the system, one an idealist, and the middle son, Tristan, played by Brad Pitt, a tormented man who seeks to find peace within nature's anger. At least that's what I think he was doing. The fact is I never was a fan of this movie, not back in the 1990's when my best friend loved it (and predicted Julia Ormond would be a superstar--sorry, Gina, if you ever read this, I just couldn't resist working that in there, ha-ha) and not upon the occasion of a recent second viewing. I don't think there's anything to really recommend this movie to anyone. It's not spectacular in its setting, it's not revolutionary in its by-the-numbers story, and I found then and still find now that it is highly melodramatic and boring. To each his own, I know some love this movie, but from where I sit, this film is a would-be epic that never rises above fluff.

I Love This Movie
Marvelous movie, marvelous cast in this 1994 release.
I'd rather be hit with a bat than watch this again
Beyond words.Just awful.I wish they would have just followed a bear around with a camera for a few hours instead of doing this to the audience. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

With its high-intensity plot about an attempt to assassinate French President Charles de Gaulle, the bestselling novel by Frederick Forsyth was a prime candidate for screen adaptation. Director Fred Zinnemann brought his veteran skills to bear on what has become a timeless classic of screen suspense. Not to be confused with the later remake Read more

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Reviews (110)

A pleasant rather than great movie.
Packed with then-famous british and french actors, The Day Of The Jackal depicts the cat-and-mouse game between a mysterious assassin trying to kill General De Gaulle and the policemen trying to stop him.
One of the Best Flicks of the 1970s
Along with Forsyth's Odessa File, Marathon Man and a handful of others, this ranks among the very best manifestations of an otherwise tasteless epoch. Believe me, I was there.
Question
I read part of the book, and then i went onto the movie.The movie was great.But has anyone read the book and seen the movie?How different were they? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action    2. Action / Adventure    3. Adventure    4. Feature Film-action/Adventure    5. Movie   

Editorial Review

Originally made for TV in 1977, this in-depth (six hours plus) version of Jesus' life is so thorough that the first hour is devoted solely to the story of his birth. The film doesn't skimp on some of the other landmark events of this famous story either. Director Franco Zeffirelli gives more than 12 minutes screen time each to the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.Passages of the Bible are quoted verbatim, the locations have a Palestine-like authenticity, and, aside from some of the principals (Robert Powell as Jesus, Olivia Hussey as Mary, and Stacy Keach as Barabbas), many of the non-Roman characters are actually played by Semitic-looking actors. Zeffirelli diligently provides the sociopolitical background that gave rise to Jesus' following and the crisis in belief it caused for the people of Israel (and one or two Romans). While not graphic by today's standards, some of the scenes--baby boys being ripped from their mothers' arms and slaughtered, nails being driven into Jesus' hands--may disturb young and/or sensitive children. Read more

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Reviews (284)

The True Vine.
One of the great works of the cinema - by far my favorite rendering of The Life on film - what I like most is the script's fidelity to Scripture and the magnificent and inspiring exposition of the Parables.This part of the film - the comprehensive depiction of Christ's Mission in spirit and meaning - through the context of the text of the Gospels - is to be found nowhere else in the genre - and assuages reception of the inevitably more interpretative scenes.Undoubtedly, in comparison with the recent effort of Mel Gibson, et al., the representation of the Passion looks somewhat tame. However, the comprehensive quality of the narrative here provides more than enough ballast to keep the viewer rapt.Continuing the comparison, it does take some time in the early frames get over the British accents.After all, the film was made in English for English speaking audiences.However, inspired acting up and down the line puts that one to bed fast.After few minutes of the genius of Peter Ustinov (in one of his finest moments) as Herod, stomping, ranting, raving mad in his political calculations - you forget the petty flaws.Needless to say, Robert Powell's career/performance as Jesus is vastly superior to any other on celluloid, and one of the supreme gestures in the history of media.Awesome.And Olivia Hussey's brilliant rendering of the Virgin Mary is, in my opinion, distinctly more affecting and profound than her celebrated rendering of Juliet, which, for whatever reasons, has played continuously to Amercan high school audiences for the past thirty years. In retrospect, and mostly due to what we see here, the modest and retiring Ms Hussey must be regarded as one of the greatest actresses of her era.This masterpiece, seen again and again, only gets more powerful, imparts more insight with each viewing.Having first viewed "Jesus of Nazareth" in it's premiere as one of the earliest T.V. mini-series back in the 1970's, I bear witness to the truth of the assertion that this film is one of the few that loses nothing to time and, characteristic of true classics, seems rather to gain.
A Crucial Study
I was only 12 when I saw this the first time, and my father had to actully push me to watch it. Well, now I know more about the cross that parents are forced to carry for the sake of their children. As in his "Romeo and Juliet," "Taming of the Shrew," "Hamlet," and "Tea With Mussolini," Director Franco Zeffirelli's work is nothing short of phenomenal. In my opinion, one's study of the Bible is not complete until he or she has seen this movie. As in his other movies, Director Franco Zeffirelli gives us fascinating scenery and great background music. He also has actors who become the characters they are suppose to. (Some previous reviewers pointed out that as Jesus, Robert Powell never even blinks!) Interestingly, the movie starts a little before even the Gospels. (Mary and Joseph haven't made the formal arrangements yet.) The arguably best thing about this movie is that not only does it harmoniously combine the 4 Gospels, it actually adds a lot of educated speculation and turns briefly mentioned characters from the Gospels into fully 3d human beings. As Christians of today, we have hindsight, so we can easily fall into the trap of simply labeling characters weak, bad, etc. What this movie does is it removes hindsight and helps us understand the characters in the Bible more. Jesus was in fact bringing changes to established order, and naturally, despite his wonderful deeds, people could have divided feelings about him. Isaac Asimov said that the Jewish authorities had been taught that their religion placed emphasis on a strict adherence to the letter of the law, while Jesus' view was that it was alright to deviate from the written law if it meant doing a greater good. We often think of Caiaphas as the man who handed Jesus over to the Romans. But even the Anglican Bishop Richard Holloway said that Jesus called himself the son of God, and as the high priest, Caiaphas had to react to that. (We also tend to forget that Caiaphas had a job to keep order. And if he let things get out of hand, the Romans would take matters into their hands no matter how bloody things had to get.) We often just see Judas as the one who betrayed Christ. Well, was this out of malice? The Gospels say he hung himself afterwards. Certainly he wasn't happy about what he had done. As the movie suggests, he could very well have been tricked by Jesus' enemies into doing so: "If he really is the Messiah, God will not abandon him. And if he isn't, you will have saved Israel from another false prophet." Judas may very well have thought that he was bringing Jesus to a meeting where he could explain himself before the religious authorities. (King Richard III actually eliminated some of his enemies by putting them under the impression that they were just coming to a meeting and of course when they arrived, they were imprisoned and executed.) All in all, this is a phenomenal movie that not only harmoniously combines the 4 Gospels, but it also offers a lot of educated speculation that helps things make more sense. It also helps us to understand people we may have only seen through limited vision. Whether you are Roman Catholic, Anglo Catholic, Methodist, or any other Christian, this movie is an essential study.

JESUS OF NAZARETH
Hi there,
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Inspirational    4. Movie