PKCS Movie Reviews

Set in the state of Georgia, James Garner renders a powerful and very sensitive performance of a Judge who following the death of his wife, retires from the bench. He tries to with-draw from life esconced in his own grief and bitterness. The mys-tery surrounding an old friend's refusal to accept the Congressional Medal of Honor, and the personal crises in the lives of those closest to him, compel him to step back into the mainstream of society . As he reaches beyond his own pain and into lives of others, he not only becomes an anchor for them, but finds a renewed reason for living, himself.
The supporting cast is superb, esp. Bill Cobbs and Ruby Dee.
This is an exceptional film, providing wholesome entertainment.

Decoration Day is a great movie - lots of heart and such a fine family show. It reminds us not to make assumptions when we don't have all the facts and shows the great value of friendship and family.

James Garner plays a retiring judge who becomes an unwilling, but interested player in a story centered around the government's plan to award the Medal of Honor to an African American man because of heroic actions during WWII's Battle of the Bulge. Here's the catch -- the man doesn't want to have anything to do with medal!

Garner is convinced that he should intervene and persuade the man to accept the medal. A story of racism, bitterness, decepetion, and revelation unfolds as the movie progresses. Be sure to watch for an interesting, unexpected plot twist toward the end.

This is top-notch drama, and a real treat for James Garner fans.

5 stars all the way! Watch this movie, you'll be glad you did. This is the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" at its best!

Alan Holyoak

Firstly let me point out that there is a DVD version of EOD, several actually. The best version is the latest released this year which is a wonderful transfer and includes a documentary on the film, Magnox and has clips of interviews and award ceremonies and discussions on the series. It is on region 2 DVD and is available from amazon uk. I too remember watching this masterpiece unfold when it was originally screened here in the uk. I was only 14 at the time and British television was still producing some wonderful stuff. Even so I knew this was something extra special. It must have planted a seed in my subconscious. Incredibly in 2003 it has lost none of its power and seems just as prescient now as ever. The callous disregard for the individual by corporations, the 'great game' played out between competing security agencies, the conspiracy of silence in the media. The ecology movement. The collusion of government with the malign constituents in our society. Ostensibly though this is still the 'little man's story' and what a central performance from the late great Bob Peck. His personal disintegration is harrowing to behold as he tries to unravel the mystery. Joe don Baker, what can you say about his performance. He is utterly compelling as the old school agency man fighting to keep his head above water. His verbal sparing matches with 'arts council' funded MI5's Ian McNeice and Charles Kay (also superb) are very very funny. Oh the script, what a script. Troy Kennedy Martin the writer provided the most consistently brilliant screenplay for television ever written. Martin Campbell the director sculpts it all into an entity that supplants the TV media. The DVD I saw previously to EOD was Leone's masterwork Once upon a time in America and I can honestly say EOD which bares many similarities is right up there alongside it. I don't think I could give this production a better accolade.

I have lost count of the number of times I have watched Edge of Darkness, and still seen something new and haunting in its ramifications for our current age. In this deeply disturbing film series the devil is most defintely in its Cold War detail, and Troy Kennedy Martin's script uncovers many of those very real demons that lurk in the international trade of nuclear technology and weapons grade plutonium, the most dangerous material in the world, and which is still clouded in mystery. It is also a mythic story of hope for the future, as Bob Peck's character finds his allies in the strangest of places, even as his enemies are everywhere.The fact that this series has still not come out on DVD is truly amazing, and if I believed in conspiracy theories i might even be suspicious! Who knows! Roll on E of D 2!! We need to be told, now more than ever...

I was living in England when Edge of Darkness first broadcast and can verify the effect it had. Until I saw the first season of the Sopranos, I thought it -- unquestionably -- the best television I had ever seen. I would now call it a tie.

There is very little that I can add to the other reviews. Only this: one of the beautiful things about seeing this in series form was that you had to wait week to week to see it so that you could ponder what happened and what might happen. Very exciting. And, once it was over, it was a marvel to re-watch it and see how well it "hung together." Especially the hushed conversations that were blown through the first time around when you were uncertain who various people were. And by focusing on them and their role the show was even more fascinating the second time around; you understand better and understand more. As one reviewer wrote, it has the texture of a book, and that is a remarkable thing.

WOW. If you've never seen this movie, grab a hankie, or a box of them, and be prepared to be touched through your soul. Ray Liotta proves why he is one of our generation's best actors, while Tom Hulce impresses in a way he hasn't done since "Amadeus." I'm one of those folks who absolutely hated the heart string pulls of "Terms of Endearment" which I found manipulative in a not-so-good-way. This flick, in comparison, never works against the viewer, by making us choose a "bad guy" or be antagonistic towards the victim. Therein lies its beauty - this tale of two brothers refuses to victimize either one of them and is therefore startling in its effectiveness. Critics panned the flick during an era where grown men could not cry and get away with it. Today, the message is just as powerful, only men CAN cry without being labeled as anything less than men. This story of two men whose lives are eternally tied together despite their own challenges, hopes and dreams, is a valentine to brotherhood, fraternity and family. In these times of war, "Dominick and Eugene" reminds us what it means to be a family. A wonderful movie you will treasure forever. Just keep the hankies on hand since you're bound to use them.

who says women just cry in movies. well i'm not a woman and i must of left a flood on the floor. the acting was great the plot was great , everything was great.

This is a movie that will leave you changed. A story about two brothers, Dominick (Hulce) a slow-witted garbageman with a heart of gold who supports his Med School brother Eugene (Liotta). These superb actors draw you into their relationship so convincingly that you feel you're witnessing a real life drama instead of a movie. Eugene's love for Dominick is handled with dignity and sensitivity, as he constantly tries to balance his brother's needs with his own. There are so many nuances and revelations in this story that I fear that I can spoil it if I reveal too much of it. Suffice it to say, the purpose of my review is to whet the appetite of the reader without spoiling their dinner. This movie has a lot to say and does so brillantly. Both Hulce and Liotta should have been oscar winners for their performances in this film. Tom Hulce has to be one of the most underrated actors; his performance in "Amadeus" was also brilliant. In that film, he and F. Murray Abraham (best actor) should have both won as best actors. "Dominick and Eugene" is a film that deserves to be owned, it certainly will will get frequent viewings. Highly Recommended!

This is a film perfectly scripted and directed for and delivered by Gregory Peck. This simple yet powerful story is so bright in its message of hope and honesty through good deeds of the human spirit. Gregory Peck the man seems so dedicated to his craft as an actor by putting his talents to such a sincere role as demonstrated in this film that one must take the time and give thanks that such a man as Peck ever walked this earth. This film is among Peck's finest as he demonstrates such dignity of this simple yet kind man.

One of Greg Peck's first movies. He's a little green at acting, yet completely sincere in his portrayal. This movie makes my heart ache.

This is an excellent old movie showing how a Catholic Priest (Gregory Peck) overcomes adversity while trying to establish a Christian mission deep in China. When first arriving, he refuses to use rice to "buy" converts as the previous mission director had, and as a result has no "converts"----only one true believer who comes to offer to be his helper. They pray constantly for God to show a way, and eventually God does answer that prayer and reveals to Peck another way to win converts and save souls----a way of truth and integrity and compassion. This is NOT some dry, stale, boring story----the movie is filled with gun battles, war, the burning of the village, and a lost love, as China is caught up in the policital upheavel of the early 20th century. The best part is the end....one last battle back in the States....and the fruit of all his years in China is revealed.

Of all the Jesus movies that are broadcast around Easter time, this one has topped them all. The portrayal of Jesus is wonderfully human, in notable contrast to the stilted performances I've seen before that were all "Son of God" but no "Son of Man."

This movie is simple enough for young children, but will definitely keep the attention of adults. People familiar with the Bible will especially appreciate the attention to detail (for example, the 12 stones on the breastplate worn by the high priest; see Exodus 28:15-20). Also, the makers of this film did not allow the tedious requirements of this type of animation to limit the physical expression of the characters. At one point, Jesus looks positively exasperated when someone calls to him to test him with a question.

I think this film appeals to any Christian denomination, and maybe also to non-Christians who are looking for some life in the story of Jesus. This is a fantastic, no-frills, "just Jesus" interpretation.

I have seen a LOT of movies based on the gospels, and was not expecting to be so touched by one that was done with puppets. There's something about the animations, vocal performances, music, and selections that makes the characters, including our Lord, seem more like real people than in other versions. I don't understand it; but it's remarkable. My kids loved it, too. This is the movie version of the gospel that I sent to all my nieces and nephews.

I bought this film after seeing the end of it on ABC one Easter Sunday. I must say it is one of my favorite films and brings me to tears on many occasion. The animation is superb, blending claymation and drawn animation to tell a wonderful story. I also liked the portrayal of the characters with tanned skin, although the British accents were funny and off putting at times, especially their casting of Peter as an Irishman always about to blow his top. Yet, I loved the complexity of the characters, especially Judas and the way they set the story in the historical and political situation of the times. It tries to portray some of the possible motivations for people following Jesus or rejecting him, reasons that are political, spiritual and sometimes class based. This brings the Bible to life for young people as well as old. I'd recommend it to anyone.

Of all the Jesus movies that are broadcast around Easter time, this one has topped them all. The portrayal of Jesus is wonderfully human, in notable contrast to the stilted performances I've seen before that were all "Son of God" but no "Son of Man."

This movie is simple enough for young children, but will definitely keep the attention of adults. People familiar with the Bible will especially appreciate the attention to detail (for example, the 12 stones on the breastplate worn by the high priest; see Exodus 28:15-20). Also, the makers of this film did not allow the tedious requirements of this type of animation to limit the physical expression of the characters. At one point, Jesus looks positively exasperated when someone calls to him to test him with a question.

I think this film appeals to any Christian denomination, and maybe also to non-Christians who are looking for some life in the story of Jesus. This is a fantastic, no-frills, "just Jesus" interpretation.

I have seen a LOT of movies based on the gospels, and was not expecting to be so touched by one that was done with puppets. There's something about the animations, vocal performances, music, and selections that makes the characters, including our Lord, seem more like real people than in other versions. I don't understand it; but it's remarkable. My kids loved it, too. This is the movie version of the gospel that I sent to all my nieces and nephews.

I bought this film after seeing the end of it on ABC one Easter Sunday. I must say it is one of my favorite films and brings me to tears on many occasion. The animation is superb, blending claymation and drawn animation to tell a wonderful story. I also liked the portrayal of the characters with tanned skin, although the British accents were funny and off putting at times, especially their casting of Peter as an Irishman always about to blow his top. Yet, I loved the complexity of the characters, especially Judas and the way they set the story in the historical and political situation of the times. It tries to portray some of the possible motivations for people following Jesus or rejecting him, reasons that are political, spiritual and sometimes class based. This brings the Bible to life for young people as well as old. I'd recommend it to anyone.

What a wonderful movie! What a great romantic fantasy!
It is one of my all-time favorites, one of the films I could watch several times, without getting bored.

I don't think that the plot is important here, but the way the actors performed and the place where the story is set.
In Rome, a European princess manages to escape the rigid and boring life and have and unforgettable experience, living for one day as a normal person. She does all the things that she was not allowed to do before, such as cutting her hair, eating ice-cream, strolling down the streets and why not, falling in love with an ordinary man.

This is the role that brought Audrey Hepburn an Oscar and made her a well-known star.
It is the natural and ingenuous performance that makes her such a charming and unforgettable character, a graceful presence on the screen.

Her companion is Gregory Peck who has also a great performance and makes the film even more delightful. He plays the part of a young and charming journalist, looking for news that might increase sales of his newspaper and bring some money in his pocket.

The DVD includes also a section with a kind of "making of": interviews of the people who participated at the shooting, memories, etc. This is even more interesting, as you will have the chance to listen to the people who were involved in this project, and the stories behind the scene. You will also see that time did not alter too many of Audrey Hepburn's features and even at an older age she still looks refined and elegant.

I have one complain about this movie: 118 minutes seemed to be not enough for such a romantic story. I believe that everyone of us would like to dream about what is like to be lost in the "eternal city" for one day and enjoy the simple things of life.

What a majestic and graceful screen presence of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck! What a surreal romantic escapade!!
Very well written script and cinematography passed the time test for over fifty years and going.
Gregory Peck gives one of his signature style of delivery along with perfect cast Audrey Hepburn.
Will there ever be another Roman Holiday of modern time?

What a majestic screen presence of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck! What a surreal romantic escapade!!
Very well written script and cinematography passed the time test for over fifty years and going.
Gregory Peck gives one of his signature style of delivery along with perfect cast Audrey Hepburn.
Will there ever be another Roman Holiday of modern time?

I must first start out saying that this is one of the few movies that has actually brought me to tears.
Boris and Barbara's relationship struck me as the most sincere and heart wrenching love affair that I have ever witnessed. Peter O'Toole is captivating as the eccentric scientist and David Ogden-Stiers has perpetuated his typecasting with his role as the arrogant intellectual.
This is the first major movie role for Ms Hemmingway and she shows flashes of the talent that made her so famous on TV a few years later.
This is a love story with a cast of suporting characters that make it shine. It also asks some very serious questions about the medical establishment and how terminally ill patients are treated. Your hopes will be raised and your heart be broken by this movie. It is well worth the cost.

What can I say that has not already been said. Via the most unlikely premise of a man trying to clone his dead wife; the story, the characters and the actors of this beautiful film convey a message of love, hope and humanity which is deeply inspiring. This is best movie you've probably never heard of. I am so delighted that it's made the transition to DVD. It would be a crime for this movie to be lost. I first saw this movie as a young teenager and nearly twenty years latter I've yet to be touched as deeply by anything in print, film or music. (Alright, "Schidler's List", moved me more, but this movie will move you equally far in the direction of joy.)

If you take a chance on only one old-movie-you've-never-heard-of-but-people-seem-crazy-about this year: if you only take one chance like this your in your whole life, make it this movie.

Peter O'Toole for me can do no wrong. (I should say at this point that I am an expatriate Brit.) I have seen the movie conservatively about 16 times. Mariel is superb, Vincent and Virginia are marvellous and O'Toole is magnificent. Even David Ogden Stiers' performance is richly drawn. The story is essentially about love - both letting go and fiercely hanging on. The lines from the movie that remain indelibly etched in my mind are "Nothing in this world of any importance is ever accomplished without passion" and "Tell Sid, 'The Big Picture.'" Do yourself a favor, own this movie and watch it with your significant other.

My two daughters watched this video. My husband and myself took turns watching it with the girls because it was so long. During my time watching it I noticed some adult words that shouldn't be in there and also female nudity on a bird that was a bit outrageous. Also my husband observed some female anatomy on a tree that was not for children. Parents, please watch this video with your children if you do buy it. As it is such a long movie I imagine many parents just let the kids watch it and go fix dinner or do other things...not in the same room. I got bored and left after a while. I don't think this is a cartoon for children. I may be the only one.

If you're looking for a great video for the kids to watch, this should make the list. Although some scenes might plod along too slowly for very young viewers, it is still a charming story for young and old alike. The voice cast is first rate, with a particular tip of the hat to Sir Christopher Lee, who should seriously consider more voice over work.
The downside in the cast is Jeff Bridges, who seems to want to be somewhere else, other than doing his role. On top of that, he sings. We're talking Clint Eastwood-Paint Your Wagon-I Talk To The Trees BAD! In the old days, if a prominent actor, or actress couldn't perform part of their role, someone else was called in, such as a stuntperson, body double, or singer. Audrey Hepburn and Natalie Wood had voice subs. Why, oh WHY, couldn't they do the same here?
The animation is not too shabby for Rankin-Bass. In fact, the art design is quite stylish at times. The musical score is well done, yet tends to be a bit loud. Film length is reasonable for young tykes, with a good mix of humor and minimal violence. I would recommend this movie to all parents.

When I was about four or five years old I loved to watch The Last Unicorn. Spotting it at Blockbuster, I decided to rent it, wondering how I would see it now.

I was worried when I saw that the animation was Rankin/Bass, but in the end I found it to be a visual confection.

Some of the characters do look a little cheesy, but most of the time the animation dazzled me. In particular Mommy Fortuna's tree stump hat is very cool, forestscapes are ethereal, and I love Molly's BIG brown eyes.

My favorite scene is the meeting of Molly and the Unicorn...The woman is angered that the Unicorn came to her at a low point in her life rather than when she was "new and innocent." After that schpiel Molly embraces her and whispers, "I forgive you."

To my mind, this is one of those works like The Little Prince or The Mouse and His Child that is meant for chidren but is sincere enough to captivate adults as well. Well done.

Can we say CHEESY? This makes the schlockiest TROMA movie look like a 5 star masterpiece! Forget everything you know about cheese and just give this one a spin in the dvd player! If you're not rolling on the ground laughing, there's something wrong with you! The focus is on a group of teens who retreat to a house in the woods for spring break...little do they know that SOMETHING IS OUT THERE!!! Big time low-budget, and big time laughs!

Check this film out! "There's Nothing Out There" makes you wonder where Wes Craven's team came up with some of their ideas for "Scream" ("There's Nothing Out There" was released five years before "Scream")...hmmmm, I wonder. It's good campy fun.

Well, I wish this is how all discs were released. This one has it all. A blooper reel, Audition footage, deleted shots, and best of all, a commentary track. I've always found that the best commentary tracks are on low budget movies as they are always the most informative and fun to listen to. I hate paying inflated prices for discs that don't have any of these extras, but this one was a nice surprise. As for the film itself, I remember thinking when I first saw it that it was a great premise having a main character being able to survive because he was an expert in horror movies. Years later I was pretty shocked to see that the Scream series "borrowed" heavily from elements of There's Nothing Out There. Throw in some funny dialogue, a ton of gratuitous nudity and you have a classic!