ISA Movie Reviews

If you like '50s sword-and-sandal epics, you'll LOVE this unsung gem. Forget her biblical namesake; THIS is one BAD QUEEN, played by fabulous uber-diva Eleonora Ruffo in a scene-chewing turn that can only be rivaled by some of the greats of the silent cinema (think Gloria Swanson in "The Loves of Sunya"). It's amazing that Director Pietro Francisci (mentor to Mario Bava) would give his star long, essentially silent closeups, and more amazing that B-queen Ruffo could pull them off - watch her learn of her lover's purported betrayal. Her expression zooms through surprise, shock, despair, confusion, anger, and, eventually, the vengeful spite of a woman scorned.

Also fantastic sets, a great supporting cast, and the usual kitschy trappings of "ancient splendor" (catch the inevitable court dancing girls - this time cavorting to a distinctly Cuban beat).

All-in-all, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all lovers of the Italian epic.

this is a very good movie for the era which it was filmed. also makes a good find for silent movie buffs. I hope the remake of HANNIBAL featuring VIN DIESEL will live up to it's billing, (as well as the LEONARDO DiCAPRIO movie about ALEXANDER the GREAT)....
EL

A delightful tale told well about life in the ghettos of Naples and how kids get trapped into a life with no future. The amazing part of this film is that the children who played the parts of the ghetto kids were actually local kids from the ghetto with no acting experience! They do an acting job that puts most of Hollywood's kid stars to shame. All the acting was first rate as was the direction and technical aspects of the film.

Heart warming and very funny. Certainly worth seeing from both an entertainment and educational point of view.

This movie, of a professore from the North, who gets transferred in error to a village outside of Napoli is a funny but sobering look at the conditions that the southerners had to live with and still do. You'll love the approach of the film to the societal problems of the south, you'll laugh and then want to cry, all at the same moment. If your family origins are from southern Italy, the memories of our dialect are unmistakable, enjoyable, nostalgic and funny.

I saw this film several times - I was born and went to elemntary and grade school in Naples - as it reminded me all to well of both the incredible warmth, generosity and spirit of my fellow Neapolitans as well as the many evil and decaying aspects of life that persist. I was lucky enough to live in the City itself and go to a better school; however, the film is actually based on very real events and is merely somewhat adapted to ease the translation into film. The movie - and most of the dialogue - is based on a book that collected the essays of grade 3 students in the De Amicis school in Arzano, a poor suburb of Naples, in the late 80's. The teacher had collected the genuine and honest tales of life as precieved by his students. In the film the teacher comes from another city through bureaucratic error; in the book he's as Neapolitan as pizza. The excellent children actors - who were chosen among regular school children in Arzano (called Corsano in the film) - in fact use dialogue that is lifted directly from the essays. Unfortunately, to capture the full humor, knowing Italian is not enough, it's necessary to understand Neapolitan dialect and the psychology of Neapolitans. One of my favorite characters - apart from the briosche loving fat kid (I love briosche also) is the old and very sarchastic uncle who advises the baby that life is tough and hardly a collection of smiles. Like all Wertmuller's films, this one has a lot of humanity and is ultimately optimistic about the future of humanity. i suppose that's why she chooses so many of her film subjects among the very human people of Naples.

Simple, uncluttered, charming- sadly, this film could not be made today simply because the mentality of so many Hollywood studios is steeped in formulaic storytelling: more sensationalism (they would want Homer Smith to exude more action, and maybe have a hot romance), and more youth (the 36-year old Sidney Poitier would be considered too old for the role today; Hollywood would want a younger, and definitely "edgier" actor to do the role now. Ice Cube? Mekhi Phifer?) As it is, the story gets to the point in short order, and gives a stronger lesson about teamwork, tolerance, and faith in its 94 minutes than most modern films do today (I'm sure there are cynics who'll read this and pigeonhole it in so-called 'political correctness' because it dares to mention positive race relations, but whether you agree or not, that is part of the world we live in). One could even argue that Poitier's relationship with Mother Superior Lilia Skala never really reaches a warm-and-fuzzy breakthrough, but I accept that compromise based on the fact that the characterizations are tight as a drum, and leave little room for a 180-degree change. (After the completion of the chapel there are various facial ponders, but no further dialogue; only the chant of "Amen-" as it should be.) Check it out, and marvel at a film that cost less than a quarter million dollars to make.

Let me start this off with one irreversible fact: I am not a religious person. Thus it is a pleasant surprise for me to be charmed by a film which, quite simply, is about faith. Not faith in the traditional evangelical sense, which is perhaps why it appeals to me; it's about faith in other people, in honesty and commitment, and...sappy as it sounds...in doing good.

One key reason why I enjoyed "Lilies of the Field" is because my favorite films are character-centred dramas (especially black and white ones!). This is just one in a list of such films released under MGM's "Vintage Classics" DVD label, joining the ranks of such greats as "12 Angry Men", "Birdman of Alcatraz" and "Elmer Gantry". They are simple, well-scripted and directed films that, when all is said and done, sink or swim on the quality of one thing: an actor's performance, in this case the legendary Sidney Poitier. He carries the character of Homer Smith with expert precision, neither making him overly-compassionate or overly-selfish (a lesser actor might have gone one of these two directions), and very much deserving of the Academy Award he won. He is of course joined by several quality supporting actors, most notably Lilia Skala as the cantankerous Mother Maria and Stanley Adams in a rare dramatic role as the gas station owner, Juan.

Ultimately, the story is a little on the thin side - it is _very_ simplistic, even more so than most movies of its kind - and some characters, especially the other nuns, do little more than nod and smile, but the natural warmth and humor of the film carry it the full 95-minute length and leave the viewer feeling satisfied. It is a very charming picture and great for the whole family...especially during the holidays (despite having no actual holiday 'ties'). Even if you're a bit skeptical, give it a try - I don't think you'll regret it.

It's real simple. If you haven't seen this movie, IT IS A MUST SEE! While it is now 40 years old, it's age does not detract in the least. It's about man's relationship with himself, with others, and his understanding of a greater purpose in life. If I were trying to make a good impression on an alien from another planet - with respect to humanity - I would show him this movie.

This movie is a little known treasure. I can remember watching it several times growing up, but nobody else I know has ever seen it. Real Men has been very difficult to find, and it has never been released on a DVD format until know. I strongly suggest you buy this movie (especially at this price!). It has a high replay value (almost like BLues Brothers) and it will keep you entertained for years to come.

Real Men ranks as one of the most underappreciated comedies of all time. It's easy to turn up your nose at the, campy, over-the-top action and dialogue. But, unlike most films that start with a preposterous premise and follow it to a logical conclusion, Real Men sustains its humor and pace from start to finish.

Jim Belushi (the tough, callous super agent) and John Ritter (a regular family man who's "average, maybe a little less") are perfect foils even as they slowly exchange personas: Belushi finding his more sensitive side while Ritter becomes a more assertive, resourceful, take charge 'kinda guy.

Real Men shares much in common with another of the funniest films ever made: The In-Laws. It's virtually the same premise: a buddy film about a regular guy dragged kicking and screaming into the covert, wacky world of espionage.

Both films hilariously turn the ridiculous into the sublime as the viewer first sees the story from the viewpoint of the "regular joe" whose life is turned upside down while he tries to remain calm. Gradually though, you come to accept the sincereity of Belushi's character (Nick Pirandello) and suspend disbelief at the preposterous situations because they're set up so well (like Soviet agents quitting in the middle of a gunfight because they're going to lunch - no incentives like we have in the free world.)

Well written with a great, bouncy score that compliments the film perfectly.

Finally starting to be taken seriously after some second looks and a new and growing appreciative audience.

The story opens with Stone Wall holding a glass of water and walking in the woods. He is shot and the whole world is in danger because of it. Bob Wilson (John Ritter) is a dead ringer for the only person that can save the world by negotiating with aliens. Who will recruit and train him? Yep Nick ParanDello (James Belushi.) Will they be able to take on the CIA, KGB, and a bunch of other clowns? And if so will the mission be accomplished? And if he lives, what effect will this experience have on Bob Wilson's personality?
I am not about to tell all the details, as that is the movie, however Dyanne Thorne plays "Dad.' Now where have we seen her before?

I just rented this film last night, and didn't realize it was the "New" Cinema Paradiso. As you know, this is the director's cut, and has EVERYTHING in it, which is probably more than you want. The story is much different, even a bit disturbing, whereas the original cut was much more charming, and loveable.

In this new version we learn about everything, including how the adult Toto stalks his childhood girlfriend's modern-day daughter (who is protrayed by the same actress who played his original love interest). He finds the daughter's home and sees her drive off with his old friend (the one he beat to the punch in the original encounter with Elena) who is now obviously the young girl's father.

He realizes this is the home of his now married, Elena. He stalks the house and gets the nerve to call his long lost girlfriend. They have a private meeting and finally make love for the first time in his car (after waiting 30 years).

He continues to be creapy with her for a few more days and finally goes on his way to embrace his now clearly pathetic life of as a single, loney adult who waited his whole life for nothing.

Sorry if my spoiler here spoils your view of the movie, but I recommend you buy the original cut and continue to enjoy the story you loved in 1990. Besides this issue, the new cut is so long, you really just get to a point where you want it to end.

Hope this helps.

This dvd "contains the 2002 173-minute version (Digital Dolby 5.1) and the original 123-minute version (Dolby 2.0 Surround & French language track" (quoted from the technical details). We enjoyed the original version the best. However, we watched the new version with great interest. It's a great movie, a timeless classic. It is subtitled in English, but that does not detract from our enjoyment of the movie.

It is only the director's cut that is rated R, not the original version. The original version is marked "not rated" on my VHS copy, but doesn't contain the sexuality that is included in the later version. We enjoyed this movie enough to purchase the DVD copy although we already owned it on VHS. This is definitely a DVD worth owning.

If I would only have one DVD in my collection, this is it... Cinema Paradiso. It is a real life movie, with no special effects, or action, or Hollywood fancy tricks; just a plain excellent movie that should be the best movie of all times. It is a love story that would make you cry and laugh. It reminds us of the best things in life such as love, family, and hardwork. I can say many, many, many good things about this movie but I will just tell you that you wont be disapointed.

I just rented this film last night, and didn't realize it was the "New" Cinema Paradiso. As you know, this is the director's cut, and has EVERYTHING in it, which is probably more than you want. The story is much different, even a bit disturbing, whereas the original cut was much more charming, and loveable.

In this new version we learn about everything, including how the adult Toto stalks his childhood girlfriend's modern-day daughter (who is protrayed by the same actress who played his original love interest). He finds the daughter's home and sees her drive off with his old friend (the one he beat to the punch in the original encounter with Elena) who is now obviously the young girl's father.

He realizes this is the home of his now married, Elena. He stalks the house and gets the nerve to call his long lost girlfriend. They have a private meeting and finally make love for the first time in his car (after waiting 30 years).

He continues to be creapy with her for a few more days and finally goes on his way to embrace his now clearly pathetic life of as a single, loney adult who waited his whole life for nothing.

Sorry if my spoiler here spoils your view of the movie, but I recommend you buy the original cut and continue to enjoy the story you loved in 1990. Besides this issue, the new cut is so long, you really just get to a point where you want it to end.

Hope this helps.

This dvd "contains the 2002 173-minute version (Digital Dolby 5.1) and the original 123-minute version (Dolby 2.0 Surround & French language track" (quoted from the technical details). We enjoyed the original version the best. However, we watched the new version with great interest. It's a great movie, a timeless classic. It is subtitled in English, but that does not detract from our enjoyment of the movie.

It is only the director's cut that is rated R, not the original version. The original version is marked "not rated" on my VHS copy, but doesn't contain the sexuality that is included in the later version. We enjoyed this movie enough to purchase the DVD copy although we already owned it on VHS. This is definitely a DVD worth owning.

If I would only have one DVD in my collection, this is it... Cinema Paradiso. It is a real life movie, with no special effects, or action, or Hollywood fancy tricks; just a plain excellent movie that should be the best movie of all times. It is a love story that would make you cry and laugh. It reminds us of the best things in life such as love, family, and hardwork. I can say many, many, many good things about this movie but I will just tell you that you wont be disapointed.

Summertime is one of my favorite films. Katharine Hepburn and Rossano Brazzi are superbly cast in this great film. Venice is
a dream. Sad ending though. I would have stayed in Venice.

I have only seen this film once, probably about 15 years ago when I was in my early twenties, but it stays with me as one of my all time favourites. I had scived an afternoon off work, came home with a bottle of wine, turned the TV on and Summertime or Summer Madness as it was called in the UK appeared. I instantly fell in love with this film, probably because I am a romantic at heart and you want the girl to get her man ! The innocence of Hepburn in this film is there for all to see, she gives her all and you cannot help but feel for this very naive woman in a city where inexperience in love is rare. Venice itself is shown to be a beautiful city, alive and full of energy, a perfect setting for this story to unfold.

I am English and live in the UK and have been unable to get a video copy of this film that will play on my TV, but I would recommend this film to anybody who enjoys a love story. It tugs at your heart and really does stay with you as one of Hepburns best films and her main main Rossano Brazzi is great too, he plays her emotions magnificently - Sit back and enjoy a truly wonderful film...

I LOVE this movie... it is one of my favorites...right up there with Katherine Hepburn's ALICE ADAMS, another favorite Hepburn movie. It is romantic, has spectacular Venetian scenery, is superbly acted, as are all Hepburn movies. Rosanno Brazzi is soooo handsome and most appealing. Many characters are just what I enjoy, somewhat eccentric, but very endearing. There is plenty of humor. Hepburn befriends an adorable young Italian boy who will steal your heart away. He lives 'on the edge', worships Hepburn, weaving his way throughout Venice wheeling and dealing his way through life ... charming all he does 'business' with. Who wouldn't love this enchanting movie? The story is A+++++.

I'll watch it over and over and over again and again...when I want to see an excellent story, have a few laughs ... and a good cry. It is that good! Highly recommend it...especially for sentimentalists who appreciate a good tearjerker.

This movie was so wonderful. The acting was perfect (not overdone, as in Glitter), the story was right on, and it was charming, funny, sad, and everything in between. I admit i'm a huge Mariah fan, but this movie really was good. Buy or rent it.

I was in Blockbuster the other day, and was not planning on picking this movie up, but as soon as I saw it on the shelf, I knew I had to get it. After watching it, this was, to me, one of the best movies I have ever seen. Mira Sorvino was just outstanding, Mariah Carey proves she is a great actress, and Melora Walters played he part very well. This was a very dramatic movie, in some parts funny. Especially Mariah Carey. The whole movie itself is just great and the ending is one of the best ending i have ever seen in my life. Go out and rent or buy this movie!

If you're a Mafia kind fan, you should really own the movie. The plot is very good, and the movie is very interesting itself. If you were going to buy it and had second thoughts cuz mariah is here (cuz you heard about her movie Glitter), just buy it, cuase you will not be disappointed, but also stunned by her acting performance, Mira's acting is great too. As I said, buy this item, it is very good.

TAMING OF THE SHREW set on a desert island, and very good with great acting. Didn't like the woman-hitting scenes, but over all a well done, intelligent film. Very very well written.

The new version with Madonna is very good, the production is better because was made 30 years later. But this original version is so much funny, the actors are amazing.
The story is about a woman who is having vacations with her husband and friends in her yacht and one day she and a sailor take a boat to go to a beach so she could swim. When she suggests this to the sailor he says that it was late and dangerous but she didn't care and as result they got lost and ended in a deserted island. So in the island the sailor who wasn't well treated in the yacht because of the master's wife, now decides that it's time to be the master so the rich woman has to do everthing that he wanted if she wanted to eat or be in the cottage that he found. As a result of all this they fall in love.
I'd really like to tell more beyond that point but you'll really have to see the movie.
This edition is in italian with subtitles in english, but it's better that the movie is in italian because the voices are really funny.
Between the original version and the new one there are some changes but not very big because basiclly the story is the same. But if you're choosing between one and the other, I'll strongly recommend this one, the first one. It's much more funnier.

I was taken by suprise by this while I was watching television. I immediately ran out and picked it up for myself. First off I want to make it clear that although there is some violence toward women in this Wertmuller is NOT a hater of women. The violence is to show how weak the male characters are to the strength of the women oin the story(THe very end makes that clear). In every film I have seen by Lina Wertmuller the women always come out ahead in the sticky rocky ride of modern Italian relationships.
I was floored at this films mix of politics and comedy which is a mix Wertmuller was never afraid to use as often in her career as Hitchcock used "the common man accused of a crime and catching the killer to prove himself innocent".
The performances are amazing and this film ranks amnong the best in the directors career. Highly recommended even if the quality of the dvd is a little off par.