Don Movie Reviews

Terrific film! Highlights a portion of history that is not very well known with an interesting cast of characters, each with their own motivations, problems, and dreams. The chemistry between Geena Davis and Tom Hanks is undeniable--wonder why they never did another film together?--and yet her relationship with her hubby is so sweet and endearing. Just a really solid film.

Wow what a great movie! The actors in it are wonderful Tom Hanks, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnel what more could you ask for people? This movie really shows what women can do, very inspiring! I love the part when they poison the chaparone person and they sneak off to go dancing! I thought it was funny :). Its a really good movie especially for women!

This is a wonderful movie. The chopped up versions usually shown on TV are pretty good, but the real thing is like a completely different movie. The parts cut out are key to both plot and character development. Maybe the best example is Madonna's role, which is far more nuanced [and likeable] than the flat one in the usual TV version. Next would be "Dottie's" leaving the team, which makes far more sense in the original movie.

Buy it. You'll love it.

An instant classic! the best movie ever made! Citizen Kane? A piece of trash. It's a wonderful life? Filth! Godfather? A mere ameturish romp. Now this movie, it just speaks quality! O la la.

An instant classic! Whata fine film!

I've never seen anything like this! It took the drama outta Juice, Menace II Society and Boyz N The Hood, and it was krazy! So damn funny and it's worth the money so get it.

This is inarguably the greatest ever Giant Ant movie. Shot in black-and-white with every knot in its shoestring budget clearly visible, it nonetheless rises above its genre in no small part due to the unstinting efforts of an excellent and earnest cast. Despite the rather egregious fault of mistaking the Joshua-tree-studded barrens of the California Mojave for the more austere wilds of southern New Mexico, it is well-worth the watching. Again. And again. And again...

Im a 20 year old female, not the usual type to like monster movies. But I do, and THEM is one of my favorites. The acting is great, and the special effects are great for 50's fare. I even heard that they were planning on doing it in color, but that they decided to go with black and white for better value, and I have to agree. If you want a good cult classic movie (Which I think this is), a good monster movie, or a good movie about the effects of the A-bomb from a 50's POV (point of view), you can't go wrong with THEM.

I first saw THEM! on the late-late show when I was about 8-9 years old. I never forgot it! The opening scene, where the police find the little girl walking down the deserted road alone, is stunning! She clutches her doll and stares blankly ahead. James Whitmore is excellent as the state trooper who stumbles upon the hideous mystery of THEM! James Arness plays the hardboiled FBI guy, smitten with the daughter of the scientist (played by Edmund Gwynne). The tension builds slowly, until one of our true stars appears over a hill. A big hairy ant! The sound they make is haunting. I remembered it for the 30 years between viewings of this sci-fi wonder! No gore. No nudity. No real violence or profanity. A tribute to the way movies used to use story and imagination over cheap shock value and splatter. Watch for Leonard Nimoy's tiny role! Highly recommended...

How often do you hear these words all to describe the same movie? But "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is all that and more, one of those few wonderful movies that is able to evoke a broad range of honest emotions in its running time of a little less than two hours.

The plot concerns the various picaresque adventures of Butch and Sundance, played to perfection by Paul Newman and Robert Redford. But the plot, what there is of it, is really of secondary importance. What's more important is the film's heartfelt, funny, and heartbreaking tribute to the Old West and two nonconformists who wanted to stay there.

William Goldman's script perfectly captures the Old West's coming of age, but it captures another changing era equally well: that of the 1960's. Many have said the film is dated, I don't believe a word of it. It is most certainly a film from its time, capturing the time period's changes, its hope for a better tomorrow, and its sometime more than occasional paranoia. For the same reason, many have condemned the Burt Bachrach score; I praise it. I think the score perfectly underlines Butch and Sundance's breath of life in a seemingly decaying world. The "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head" sequence perfectly and brilliantly establishes the relationship between the three principles, and, even more, it sets the tone for the entire film. Butch and Sundance are waking up from a dream, a dream they prefer to reality.

The bicycle sequence is just one of the picture's many brilliant and entertaining stylistic touches that helps to enhance the characters and tone rather than draw away from them. The cinematography is beautiful, from the opening scenes shot brilliantly in sepia tones to the final, heartbreaking freeze-frame with bullets riddling the soundtrack.

"Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" is one of those rare movie experiences that leaves you completely uplifted without feeling cheated. There's no emotional manipulation here, these are people we really care about. Every scene, every moment, every character rings true with nostalgia, humor, excitement, and the joy found in being yourself.

this is just a fun movie to watch on a rainy after noon or something, watch some gun fights and bank robbing, some horses and old timey pictures and of course oggle some really hot guys who are now as old as my grampa. You're probably thinking 'oh, she doesn't really like this movie she just like the way robert redford's butt looks in those pants etc' well my friend you are sadly mistaken for i genuinly loved this movie. the cinematography and the art dirction was great, the acting was top notch and revolved around characters you actually care about. Brilliant and one of the saddest endings ever

This movie appeared toward the close of the John Wayne era, and not long after the beginning of the Clint Eastwood era of westerns. In those days, western heroes stood and fought against overwhelming odds, and did not take insults from anyone. In the midst of this, Paul Newman and Robert Redford star in this film about two outlaws who turn tail and run when the going gets tough. Newman and Redford star (respectively) as Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, two goodhearted outlaws who decide that living on the run is more desirable than dying where they are. When a super posse of lawmen and trackers comes after them, Butch and Sundance head for Bolivia. There it is assumed they died, though no one knows for sure.

William Golding (who wrote The Princess Bride) wrote the screenplay for this film, and did a wonderful job of bringing these two most lovable of outlaws to life. Golding manages to capture the essence of these two men--they were not inherently evil (they did do a number of charitable deeds with the money they stole), but were outlaws by trade, not by hatred of humanity. They robbed because they knew how to do little else, not because they enjoyed inflicting pain upon others. And even though Sundance was legendary with a gun, these two bandits did not enjoy killing, and did so only when it was a necessary part of their work.

A tremendous amount of mystery surrounds the eventual fate of these two men. Many believe they died in Bolivia, though others think this was simply a ruse and that Butch and Sundance continued to live in the United States under different identities. There is also much controversy surrounding Sundance's woman and the exact location of their hideout. Many of these questions may never be answered, and depictions like this one are often the best we can do to understand the lives of those men whose true fate we don't know.

This film is a classic western, and well deserves the fame and the awards it received. Newman and Redford are spectacular together, and both give outstanding performances. This is one of the best movies about the American west, even if it does feature protagonists who don't stay and fight like John Wayne would. Instead, the realism and personality of these men make them all the more endearing to the viewer, and the result is a film about two outlaws who were nothing if they weren't human.

I would actually give it 4 & 1/2 stars, but that is not an option. I rarely give 5 stars to any movie.

The main reason for this review is to clean up a misconception. Some people think that the movie incorrectly portrays Hobbs hitting a "walk-off" home run as a visiting player.

When Hobbs hits the home run in Wrigley Field (why the two levels of seats in the outfield?) that breaks his slump, and the clock, this was in fact the top of the inning. It appears that when he goes to the stands to find Glenn Close's character, it is following his home run trot. If you notice, after he hits it, none of the Cub's players leave the field or their positions, because the game is not over. Also, the scoreboard correctly shows that the Cubs are the home team, with their score on the bottom. There is a small "cutaway" scene between when he hits the home run, and when he goes searching for her with all the flashbulbs going off.

Perhaps the editing could have been done a little better, but Hobb's home run was NOT hit in the BOTTOM of the ninth by the visiting team.

That being said, in the game the next day (where he hits 4 home runs) listen to the announcer. Right before Hobbs hits his 3rd homer, it sounds like he announces the score and that the game is in the BOTTOM of the 6th. Just a minor quibble.

Overall, a great movie.

Whammer, "Scared?"
Hobbs, "Not of you, I'm not."

"The Natural" is the biggest influence of all the baseball movies that appeared after 1984, and that's because this is a very good film. "The Natural" is one of the best movies of the director Barry Levinson, and also features an all-star cast: Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close & Kim Basinger.

"The Natural" has a message: better late than never. Despite the fact that the main character Roy Hobbs (Robert Redford) is a 35 year old rookie, he never quits to his dream of becoming the best baseball player.

This movie is recommendable for all baseball fans.

The Natural is like a good beer. When you are young it tastes different than when you get older. As a kid, the first time I watched The Natural I dreamed to be the hero like Robert Redford, helping the losing team become a respectable and a winning team. I didn't understand the flashbacks but I believed in the magic.
The story begins with a young Roy Hobbs practicing baseball. One summer night a huge lightening bolt strikes an oak tree outside of his bedroom window. Hobbs makes a bat from the fallen oak tree. He carves a lightening bolt onto the bat and carriers the bat throughout his baseball career. This event is where Hobbs is transformed; he can play infield, the outfield and has unnatural power when at bat. Robert Redford plays the part of Roy Hobbs perfectly. He is quiet, determined and focused, he appears to be a natural athlete. The story takes a turn due to bad luck; all baseball players are superstitious as the movie gives a lot reference to that.
Women are Hobs' weakness and cause him to have bad luck in his life. This is a problem for athletes because they get distracted. Kim Bassinger plays her role well as a beautiful seductress. And the reason this story is great is that Hobbs' love for the game gives him the power to give every once of his strength to the game he loves. This story gets better each time you see it and it never goes flat. It is a classic.

This movie is one of the best ever made, animated or live-action, people or animals. Parts may be scary for your children, but those parts are short-lived and can be easily explained to calm their fears.

The plot is quite simple: A fieldmouse, Mrs. Brisby, must move her family's home before spring plowing, but there's a problem: her son is sick and cannot be moved. Therefore, she calls on the mysterious rats of NIMH (a laboratory), who have been injected with chemicals to increase their intelligence. In the process, she has to face an owl's den, a cat, a bumbling and hilarious crow, and treachery in the ranks of the rats.

The ending is truly magical and very powerful when Mrs. Brisby uses her stone ("which holds great power when used by one of courage") to do what even the rats cannot. A great tale of courage, and how you can do anything if you try.

Bottom line: Well-animated, well-lit, well-told, well-voiced. As good as any movie can get, for adults or children!!!

I true classic that shows the love of a mother.

One of the best tales that has ever been made in cartoon!

With Timothy Dalton replacing Roger Moore as James Bond, the franchise embarks on a new and welcome direction. Taking advantage of Dalton's tougher and more serious personality, "The Living Daylights" returns to the more authentic style and tone of the Bond novels and early movies, and in doing so recaptures the spirit of Ian Fleming. This was Dalton's original idea behind his portrayal, and the producers chose wisely to back it up. Rightfully so the DVD includes a wonderful documentary with Fleming as the subject. As a result of this renewed approach, the series once again shifts its focus to the Cold War (albeit it nearing its twilight), and the themes of espionage and political intrigue that have distinguished some of the better Bonds. In turn, the action becomes much more realistic and intense than that of the Roger Moore era, with fantastic stunts to be found all around. It's not a perfect film; it's biggest weakness being it's apparent lack of a truly menacing villainous presence. But it's a wonderful breath of fresh air after the Moore years and succeeds on most counts. John Barry contributes his final score to the franchise, beautifully updating the sound to reflect the late 80's, and collaborates with Norwegian rock group a-ha to deliver a good, underrated title song which has been unfairly bashed by many. You be the judge.

The Living Daylights is my favorite bond. This is Timothy Dalton's first bond. There's a lot of action (and not to mention a cool car chase!). They finally brought back an Aston Martin for the first time since OHMSS. The girl could have been better though. But I guess there were a lot of things I would have changed in the film but still my fav.

I had my doubts before seeing this dvd about this film because of all the negitive remarks about daltons portral of bond. After seeing it, I really do beleave that THIS is EXACTLY what Brosnan is missing in his films. Bond is a hardass in this film, who doesent take crap from anyone. Great car, Q sequences also. This film has a great story that makes u watch it to try and figure it out while being treated to a great amount of action. My only complaint about the movie is the main villins dont have that BAD GUY feel to them at all, but maybe it just adds more realism to the movie that these guys are more human bad guys, rather then mad men trying to take over the world. Great film, Great action, great bond girl, IF ONLY DALTON MADE MORE THEN 2 BOND FILMS. A must see.. This is the REAL james bond.

Who doesn't want their dad coming home from China and giving them a pet that's so hard to take care of you'd have more fun dumping it off in a church parking lot like a baby turtle. Only problem is that the turtle ends up having sex with itself and mutates into a bunch of evil turles which are really called Gremlins.
You may ask where did Gremlins come from and I can't answer that. I do recall an old Bugs Bunny cartoon where the Gremlins where eating away at his airplane or something to that effect.
A great kids movie.

(Instead of reviewing a film you probably already know, I stick to DVD Special Features)

Those extras:

Commentary: Not a bad job as Galligan, Cates, director Dante, and Mandel reminisce about the days on set. Unfortunately Dick Miller was asked to participate as well, but pretty much only backs up everyone else's comments: "Isn't that right, Dick?", "Yes, that's right". Galligan annoys a little with his endless "Remember that, Pheebs?", a total schoolboy crush in his voice. But they didn't blow it, it's fun. There's another track with Dante, Producer Finnell and FX man Walas, though not as fun as it's bogged down in technical aspects.

Behind the Scenes: An odd 16mm, narration-less piece showing various moments on set in between takes. Interesting, but could've been so much more.

Deleted Scenes: A nice collection of stuff dropped from the film, some amusing, some you see why they cut it. But one is a real good resolution to the fate of the Judge Reinhold character.

Overall: A pretty good job, little bare in the behind the scenes and interview area, but enough to satisfy.

Your the kind of person who didn't shed a tear when old yeller got blasted... This movie was made to be dumb... All your serious raters are like its too violent! WOW! I bet you don't let your kids watch cable! This movie is not too violent! You people are making me laugh! This movie is great! I'm in my 20's and I still love this movie! I don't care about the actors! The movie is great! You want a movie to diss, go see Jackass! This movie is a classic! I hope the visitors of Amazon have a sense of humor cause you love this movie!

Who doesn't want their dad coming home from China and giving them a pet that's so hard to take care of you'd have more fun dumping it off in a church parking lot like a baby turtle. Only problem is that the turtle ends up having sex with itself and mutates into a bunch of evil turles which are really called Gremlins.
You may ask where did Gremlins come from and I can't answer that. I do recall an old Bugs Bunny cartoon where the Gremlins where eating away at his airplane or something to that effect.
A great kids movie.

(Instead of reviewing a film you probably already know, I stick to DVD Special Features)

Those extras:

Commentary: Not a bad job as Galligan, Cates, director Dante, and Mandel reminisce about the days on set. Unfortunately Dick Miller was asked to participate as well, but pretty much only backs up everyone else's comments: "Isn't that right, Dick?", "Yes, that's right". Galligan annoys a little with his endless "Remember that, Pheebs?", a total schoolboy crush in his voice. But they didn't blow it, it's fun. There's another track with Dante, Producer Finnell and FX man Walas, though not as fun as it's bogged down in technical aspects.

Behind the Scenes: An odd 16mm, narration-less piece showing various moments on set in between takes. Interesting, but could've been so much more.

Deleted Scenes: A nice collection of stuff dropped from the film, some amusing, some you see why they cut it. But one is a real good resolution to the fate of the Judge Reinhold character.

Overall: A pretty good job, little bare in the behind the scenes and interview area, but enough to satisfy.

Your the kind of person who didn't shed a tear when old yeller got blasted... This movie was made to be dumb... All your serious raters are like its too violent! WOW! I bet you don't let your kids watch cable! This movie is not too violent! You people are making me laugh! This movie is great! I'm in my 20's and I still love this movie! I don't care about the actors! The movie is great! You want a movie to diss, go see Jackass! This movie is a classic! I hope the visitors of Amazon have a sense of humor cause you love this movie!

Who doesn't want their dad coming home from China and giving them a pet that's so hard to take care of you'd have more fun dumping it off in a church parking lot like a baby turtle. Only problem is that the turtle ends up having sex with itself and mutates into a bunch of evil turles which are really called Gremlins.
You may ask where did Gremlins come from and I can't answer that. I do recall an old Bugs Bunny cartoon where the Gremlins where eating away at his airplane or something to that effect.
A great kids movie.

(Instead of reviewing a film you probably already know, I stick to DVD Special Features)

Those extras:

Commentary: Not a bad job as Galligan, Cates, director Dante, and Mandel reminisce about the days on set. Unfortunately Dick Miller was asked to participate as well, but pretty much only backs up everyone else's comments: "Isn't that right, Dick?", "Yes, that's right". Galligan annoys a little with his endless "Remember that, Pheebs?", a total schoolboy crush in his voice. But they didn't blow it, it's fun. There's another track with Dante, Producer Finnell and FX man Walas, though not as fun as it's bogged down in technical aspects.

Behind the Scenes: An odd 16mm, narration-less piece showing various moments on set in between takes. Interesting, but could've been so much more.

Deleted Scenes: A nice collection of stuff dropped from the film, some amusing, some you see why they cut it. But one is a real good resolution to the fate of the Judge Reinhold character.

Overall: A pretty good job, little bare in the behind the scenes and interview area, but enough to satisfy.

Your the kind of person who didn't shed a tear when old yeller got blasted... This movie was made to be dumb... All your serious raters are like its too violent! WOW! I bet you don't let your kids watch cable! This movie is not too violent! You people are making me laugh! This movie is great! I'm in my 20's and I still love this movie! I don't care about the actors! The movie is great! You want a movie to diss, go see Jackass! This movie is a classic! I hope the visitors of Amazon have a sense of humor cause you love this movie!