Home Movie Reviews

Family movie reviews for "Home" sorted by average review score:

The Doctor

Released in DVD by Buena Vista Home Vid (24 February, 2004)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Director: Randa Haines

Starring: William Hurt, Christine Lahti, and Elizabeth Perkins

William Hurt is perfectly cast as an arrogant surgeon who treats patients like interchangeable cogs in the machinery of his medical practice. Then he is diagnosed with throat cancer and, as the title of the memoir on which it is based tells us, he gets a taste of his own medicine. The subplot involves the solidarity between doctors, which is shattered when the newly conscious physician discovers that one of his partners (Mandy Patinkin) is trying to cover up a case of malpractice. Hurt is solid, as is Wendy Crewson as the doctor who treats him and Elizabeth Perkins as a fellow cancer patient. Interestingly, Hurt's fellow actors Patinkin, Adam Arkin, and Christine Lahti all wound up playing doctors on TV's Chicago Hope. --Marshall Fine

Average review score:

A Great Movie!

I just love this movie. I saw it when it first came out back in the early 90's and just recently saw it again. I cannot believe I went all this time without watching this beautiful movie! I just recently acquired a VHS copy and have now watched it twice in only the last few days. What I like about the movie, first of all, is the fact that what happened in the movie then--with arrogant doctors, paperwork shuffling, etc.-- still applies today. The plot has never grown old. But what I really appreciate about the movie is the variety of issues it includes. It is to my understanding that this movie is required by atleast some medical schools for their curriculum. I do know however, that there are some doctors who apparently have not seen this movie (I know by experience of course) and need a dose of it themselves.

To BAD this is a GREAT movie!

This is an excelent film. I can't beleve a movie of this class is not avalable on DVD. What is wrong with the movie studio? For now I will pop my VHS in and enjoy one of the best movies of both the 80's and 90's.

A Triumph!

With sensitive performances by William Hurt, Elizabeth Perkins and Christine Lahti, The Doctor is a must see. Masterfully written, the story will touch anyone who has experienced the insensitivity of the medical profession and wished for a doctor who would empathize with the challenges and concerns of a personal health crisis. But there's more. The Doctor will be a film that you see and see again. The tremendous messages about important relationships, life and death will keep you coming back.

The Audrey Hepburn DVD Collection (Roman Holiday / Sabrina / Breakfast at Tiffany's)

Released in DVD by Paramount Home Video (26 November, 2002)

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Starring: Audrey Hepburn

What a trio of movies in this boxed set: three of Audrey Hepburn's best performances in three of her best films. In Breakfast at Tiffany's, she is perfectly cast as Holly Golightly, Truman Capote's prevaricating heroine who has forgotten her past to create a more interesting present--and Blake Edwards's film version is both beguiling and sad. In Sabrina she is ideal as the chauffeur's daughter who comes back from Paris looking a lot better than when she left--and attracting the attention of a pair of wealthy brothers: playboy William Holden and stuffy Humphrey Bogart. And in Roman Holiday, her debut and for which she received an Oscar, she is delightful as the escaped princess who slips away from her handlers and spends a day with a reporter (Gregory Peck), falling in love and seeing how the normal folks live. --Marshall Fine

Average review score:

Fabulus!

If you're looking for charming eleguence this is you're stop.Three great class movies in exceltn color.I love all three of them.There witty and amusing.So much fun to watch.Not a wasist of money at all.

One sparkling actress, three sparkling comedies

Audrey Hepburn has been remembered all throughout her career for her beauty, poise, and exceptional presence. Though she did other romantic movies, and other comedies, these three are the most alike in tone -- happy, funny, sad and always, always sweet.

"Roman Holiday" features young Princess Anna (Hepburn) who is being taken through Rome on a boring round of interviews, tours and appearances. After being given a sedative, she wanders out (intoxicated by the drug) into the Roman streets and is found by a struggling American journalist, Joe Bradley (Gregory Peck). The next morning he realizes that the intoxicated schoolgirl is the missing princess. The two of them go on a tour of Rome, where he takes a series of unique photos. But when they begin to fall in love, what will Anna choose -- her duty or her love?

"Sabrina" is perhaps the best of the three. Sabrina Fairchild (Hepburn) is the naive daughter of the Larrabee family chauffeur, hopelessly in love with the playboy David Larrabee (William Holden). But after a few years at a cooking school in Paris, the ugly duckling becomes a swan: She's beautiful, confident, poised, and David instantly falls for her. However, his family has affianced him to an heiress, and so David's brother Linus (Humphrey Bogart) tries to distance her from him. The problem is, Linus is starting to fall for Sabrina himself.

"Breakfast at Tiffany's," while not particularly faithful to the original story, is nevertheless a sweet story. A writer/kept man named Paul Varjak (George Peppard) moves into an apartment building, and befriends a party girl named Holly Golightly. He begins to fall for Holly, though he soon discovers that she has an obsessive older ex-husband, and is planning to marry an extremely rich man. But Paul can see through the gold-digging and commitmentphobia to the woman underneath -- but will she be willing to love him back?

In all three movies -- no matter the character -- Hepburn embodies sweetness and a kind of innocence. No matter how worldly the girl, she always seems to have that wide-eyed innocence. She sparkles, in a way that few actresses can. Her costars Peck, Peppard and Holden play off her wonderfully, with amazing chemistry; Bogart less so, probably because he disliked Hepburn in real life.

The movies are definitely romantic -- one theme they share is love that doesn't come easily, whether the problem is one of the people involved, parents or overprotective staff. There's also slapstick comedy (like David sitting down on champagne flutes and injuring his butt), and more sophisticated comedy (like when Anna and Joe pretend that they were speeding on their way to get married).

Hepburn did a lot of other movies -- some of them theoretically better, like the frightening "Wait Until Dark," the sizzling "Charade" and suspenseful "Children's Hour." But these movies are what people think of her as, and they remain funny, sweet, romantic and thoroughly enjoyable. A must-see for fans, romantics, and those with a sense of humor.

How can you not love Audrey Hepburn?

This is one great set. It has two of my favorite Audrey Hepburn Movies (Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany's.) I would of preferred My Fair Lady over Sabrina, but I am not complaining. Three great movies[at a great price], what a deal.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer - The Complete Seasons 1-4

Released in DVD by Twentieth Century Fox Home Video (14 October, 2003)

MPAA Rating:

Directors: David Solomon (II), Michael Gershman, Regis Kimble, Rick Rosenthal, Marti Noxon, Stephen Cragg, John T. Kretchmer, Christopher Hibler, Tucker Gates, and Joss Whedon

Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) looks like your typical perky high-schooler, and like most, she has her secret fears and anxieties. However, while most teens are worrying about their next date, their next zit, or their next term paper, Buffy's angsting over the next vampire she has to slay. See, Buffy, a young woman with superhuman strength, is the "chosen one," and she must help rid the world of evil, namely by staking demons. The exceptional first season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer introduces us to the treacherous world of Sunnydale High School (where Buffy moved after torching her previous high school's gym). The characters there include "watcher" Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) and the original "Scooby Gang" members--friendly geek Xander (Nicholas Brendon), computer whiz Willow (Alyson Hannigan), and snobbish popular girl Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter)--who aid Buffy in her quest.

The second season took the romance between Buffy and hunky Angel (David Boreanaz) from ecstasy to agony in a now-classic plot arc that catapulted the show from WB teen drama to true TV greatness. You see, if the cursed Angel ever experiences true happiness for a moment, he'll revert to being an evil vampire again. Buffy found its true momentum during the second season, as Xander fell in love with Cordelia, Willow gave up her crush on Xander in favor of werewolf boy Oz (Seth Green), and watcher Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) began a sweetly tentative relationship with computer teacher (and witch) Jenny Calendar (Robia LaMorte). Mayhem came to Sunnydale, though, in the form of evil vampires Drusilla (Juliet Landau) and Spike (drolly wicked James Marsters), who were more than ready to aid and abet Angel as he turned bad.

The third season was marked by the arrival in Sunnydale of renegade slayer Faith (Eliza Dushku), a moody loner who seemed to like her demon-staking calling just a little too much. While Buffy was always wary of Faith, the two developed a deep friendship and appreciative rapport--that is, until the evil mayor of Sunnydale (Harry Groener) tapped into Faith's dark side and lured her into his plot to take over the world, first as a double agent spying on Buffy, then as out-and-out nemesis. And as the mayor's ascension approached--which happened to fall on Sunnydale High's graduation day--Buffy and Faith's battles got nastier and nastier, as Buffy attempted to wrestle with her dark side (literally and figuratively), save the world and her friends, and keep her lover Angel out of Faith's evil clutches. Chock-full of exceptional episodes, the third season started out with a bang (the superb season opener "Anne," in which a runaway Buffy finally returns to her Slayer calling) and never let up.

Buffy truly hit its golden years in the fourth season--just when you thought this show couldn't get any better, Joss Whedon and his creative team pulled out all the stops and took Buffy and co. into rich new territory. By far, the highlight of the season (and the entire series) was the Emmy-nominated "Hush," a nearly dialogue-free episode in which the creepy "Gentlemen" rob Sunnydale of its collective voice, and Buffy and Riley finally come face to face with each other's hidden identities. Throughout, the entire cast, headed by the unparalleled Sarah Michelle Gellar, worked television magic of the kind rarely seen on the small screen. This is Buffy at its best. --Mark Englehart

Average review score:

Philosophy meets TV

As an instructor of philosophy, I consider Buffy to be the best, most intellectual television writing I've seen.

All in one package

From all appearances, there are no new materials added into this package. This is seasons 1-4 presented in a single package at a reduced rate for those BtVS fans who haven't yet invested in the individual packages that have been available for some time. For those of us who already own seasons 1-4 as sold seperately, purchasing this set would just duplicate what we already have -- unless they come in a nice slipcase to contain all four seasons, but there's no mention of it.

For the rest of you, this is 88 hours of viewing pleasure. Okay, each episode is closer to 45-50 minutes (and okay, one or two of the episodes were turkeys), but when you add in the multitude of suplementary videos, as well as the commentaries that mean some episodes get to be viewed twice (and you're doing yourself a major diservice if you don't at least listen to Joss Whedon's commentaries), you're probably over 100 hours. Where you going to get that sort of deal elsewhere? For the price of one season of Star Trek, you can have four seasons of BtVS. And lets be honest, wouldn't you rather watch Buffy?

Best show in last 10 years.

Never watched the show when it was on. I heard all good things but thought it was another xena or such. Was I way wrong, I netflixed first season first disk, after that went out and bought all the seasons available. My wife and I sat and watched 3-4 a night. The show is addictive, and the constant self-referencing makes you feel like you're in on a secret. I was most surprised by the acting ability of the cast. When angel went bad in season 2 it was truly a breakthrough.

Bang, Bang, You're Dead

Released in DVD by Paramount Home Video (27 January, 2004)

MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)

Director: Guy Ferland

Average review score:

Vividly Real

This is one of the best movies I have ever seen. I'm a high school student and I know these things in this movie are real, because it almost happened at my school. I think everyone should watch it because it makes you think about how the world feels to people who don't think they can fit in and belong. There are so many people like that. I know this all too well and I like that the movie showed that people can get out of those kind of situations and hopefully change for the better.

Very good

Very brief: this movie was informative and hit people. I hope it was an eye opener.

AMAZING

This is one of the best movies that I have seen. I still watch it and am blown away by how powerful this movie is. It is realistic in a way that I never thought possible and I love the way that it is shot. Going into this movie, I thought that the kids that were involved in school shootings were just messed up kids, after watching this movie, I can understand where they are coming from (not that it forgives it). I do think that every teenager should see this, if not the entire movie, then the video that Ben Foster's character makes and is shown to his parents, the administration, and police. I would give this movie 6 stars if I could, and I think that it is a movie that needs to be made more known.

Kingpin (Producer's Cut)

Released in DVD by Lions Gate Home Ente (22 July, 2003)

MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)

Starring: Yancey Arias

Average review score:

Excellent Drama

I purchased this on DVD because I wasn't able to see it on TV. That was one of my greatest decisions ever. Both my wife and I were in awe with the quality of the acting and superb storyline. This is a can't miss, get it as soon as you can. It is definately the jewel of our collection.

Reading over the reviews, i realized some people may have missed the fact that NBC actually did show all 6 episodes, and Bravo showed them later, and uncut i believe. i Know because i watched the show on NBC. While i am disappointed it was not made into a series, i can understand why.

Moving on, i would say this was a great show. IT had everything.Violence, family love and loyalty, everything.

A FIRST -- WE LOVE THE "BAD GUYS"

KINGPIN, is one of my favorite movies/shows. Why NBC cancelled the series is beyond me. However, by reading some of your posts, I don't think that you were aware that BRAVO actually CONTINUED the Kingpin series, and resolved everything over 4-5 more episodes....I don't want to spoil everything that happened, but if you want to know, write a post (reply), and I'll tell you. ***YOU WON'T EVEN BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED***, It was "off the hook"!!!! I love it!! I love it!! I love it!! Now my question is: Where can we buy the ENTIRE series (NBC&BRAVO).

Some spoilers (not too much in detail, don't want to ruin things):

** Rape -- can't tell you who it will spoil things.
** Murder -- connected to the "rape", and war between families.
** Resolution to the Agent who was almost killed (the ultimate drug bust).
** Resolution to Malika Yoba (dirty Agent) and the nightclub.
** Wife leave rehab and returns home to Miguel.
** Dr. loses his money...Dr. finds his money (but hands change...i.e. dr/bodyguard relationship)

Penny
cogicpenny@hotmail.com

Lloyd

Released in DVD by Monarch Home Video (23 July, 2002)

MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Director: Hector Barron

Starring: Todd Bosley and Brendon Ryan Barrett

In the wake of public school shootings, Lloyd provides an unsettling glimpse into the painful world of a sixth-grade boy who is picked on incessantly by school bullies. Problem is, the film is supposed to be a coming-of-age comedy. While it doesn't condone such bullying behavior, it passes it off as typical adolescent antics, and rarely does an adult intervene. The result is a disappointing 72 minutes of vulgarity and gallows humor. Todd Bosley (Little Giants) plays the title character, a lanky, insecure kid who ends up in a special education class with other subpar students, Troy and Carla. Lloyd's difficulties multiply when a beautiful redhead named Tracey joins the class; he is at once smitten in a one-sided infatuation. To win Tracey's favor, Lloyd must contend with the school's brazen intimidator, a hunky rebel named Storm. In his quest to gain friends and an ounce of coolness, Lloyd needs a miracle--or perhaps a bit of magic--which comes from an unlikely magician, played by Tom Arnold in a cameo appearance. The deplorable plot isn't helped by a slew of clichéd adult characters, including teachers portrayed as mean-spirited numskulls and parents as insensitive dolts. A search for the film's redeeming merits is futile, despite an earnest attempt by Arnold to pull it out of the dregs. Parents can expect dissing, profanity, potty talk, and lots of impudent behavior. --Lynn Gibson

Average review score:

Lloyd

I've never written a review before, but after reading the Editor's comments, I had to reply. I don't know if the reviewer is come kind of extreme, obsessive, political correctness zealot, but my family, which includes 8 and 10 year old girls, really enjoyed this movie. It was funny, and in many ways true to life. True, a couple of the sceens with the bully showed him as mean spirited, but that's life. This actually gave me a great opportunity to discuss this type of behavior with my children and discuss how to best avoid and/or deal with it. Unfortunately, in the real world, things like this actually happen. Very enjoyable movie, definitely recommended.

A universally wonderful film

One of the true signs of great storytelling is if you can connect with different people on different levels. This movie does just that. The humor is universal, and there is plenty here for both children and adults. I loved this movie, and actually sent it to a friend of mine as a wedding present. They loved it as well.
Lloyd looks at the life of a upbeat geeky kid and his attempt to win the girl of his dreams, and just try and fit in. I think everybody who has ever been 11, or will ever be 11, can relate to this story. I know it brought back memories of my own childhood and my first crush. It shows kids that there are obstacles that you have to face growing up, and it shows Lloyd facing and overcoming them. It's a good life lesson, and one of the few films that parents can and will want to watch with their children. It doesn't get burdened down with overly complex characters, and that is part of its charm. You never hear kids say that their teacher is "Stern but fair." Nope. They say that the teacher is just mean.
I think one thing that most children's programs miss today is that they don't have to make everything so sterile for the children that parents will hate to watch it. Watch an old Muppets rerun and you'll know what I mean. The Muppets were entertaining to all ages because they were just funny. Like old Warner Brothers cartoons. They were just funny. There wasn't a focus group targeting them specifically for one demographic. They just made them funny, and everybody loved them. Just like Lloyd.
Hands down: It's a great movie.

MASTERPIECE, CLASSIC AND A WORK OF GENISIS

None of the above words best describe this film cause it is truley original this film should be shown to all kids in school cause it inspired me to change my life along with my best friend grahem.

Steven Speilberg, Martin Scrosese, Stanley kubrick shouldn't have wasted their time making ET, Taxi Driver or 2001 and worked on this masterpeice cause then they would have got somewhere this should be kept in the Vatican film vault so that futre generations can experience LLOYD it is as powerful as Jesus himself.

The Oscars should go as follows Best Actor Todd Bosley Best Director and Best Screenplay got to Hector Barron he should have made Star Wars then it would money. Best Actress Mary Mara Best Supporting Actor goes to finally after all the years he carried Seagal, Brando, De miro to convincing performances TOM " the God" ARNOLD

Move over The Godfather there is a new Best Film of all time and its called
LLOYD

when i have kids i hope it ones as good looking as TODD BOSLEY

Dedicated to Grahem

When i get married i'm going to have a kid as good looking as Lloyd

The Crocodile Hunter (Steve's Story/Most Dangerous Adventures/Greatest Crocodile Captures)

Released in DVD by Discovery Home Video (27 June, 2000)

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Starring: Steve Irwin

Average review score:

Good fun with a Good message

Steve Irwin has done to the nature-themed TV show what Bruce Lee did to the martial arts movie: added charisma, class, and thoughtfulness. His approach to teaching conservation and respect for nature is truly entertaining. Not only is it amazing to watch him chase after some of the most poisonous snakes in the world without a second thought, his quirky, Australian humor gets me smiling every time. It's great for kids and adults.

This DVD has a lot of great moments in true Steve-style. Be warned, though, that there are some things on this DVD that overlap with his Croc Files DVD (Vol #1).

WAY better than Collision Course

When I bought Crodidile Hunter Collision Course,I hated it. But,Crodile Hunter Steve'sStory,Most Dangerous Adventures,etc. It was awesome! I espically enjoyed Most Dangerous Adventures. Anybody will like this movie,even non-fans of Steve Irwin will like this movie.

recommendation-go buy it today,it's a great movie and a safe gift

I love Steve! So do my kids. What excitement!

What an exciting and educational flick. I'm not that much of an animal enthusiast but I still loved this! Steve might turn me into an animal advocate yet. This footage was riveting. My children enjoyed the crocadiles, I enjoyed the courtship story of Steve and Terry. You and your children will want to watch this again and again. There is loads of stuff on this disk.You
won't be sorry you got it.

A Concerned Christian Mother

American Experience: Return With Honor

Released in DVD by Pbs Home Video (24 April, 2001)

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Directors: Terry Sanders and Freida Lee Mock

Men who piloted the hottest fighter planes in the world found themselves suddenly transformed from hotshots to humiliated prisoners during the Vietnam War. The story of how American prisoners survived in North Vietnam's notorious prison camps is dramatically told in this documentary, an installment of the American Experience series on PBS. The men, who survived appalling treatment, relate their experiences, and vintage footage, including propaganda films shot by their captors, portrays what they endured. A former POW describes how he was coached before being put on public display, yet he spelled out the word "torture" in Morse code by blinking his eyes, a defiant action that can clearly be seen in footage that the North Vietnamese provided to the world's media. Another former prisoner, who somehow survived massive injuries despite being denied medical care, describes how he had to lie on the concrete floor of his cell for nearly a year, just trying to get his arms and legs to function again. These inspirational stories lead up to an emotional climax as the prisoners, including Arizona Senator John McCain, describe what it was like to be freed after their long captivity. This is a deeply moving and inspiring story told by men who overcame great depths of human suffering. --Robert J. McNamara

Average review score:

Common Men, Uncommon Courage

Many of the descriptions of the experiences of the POW's of the Vietnam War that I was aware of centered around the torture that they went through. This video gave a fuller description of who our POW's were rather than the specific torture that they experienced. I don't know if enough was said about the leadership of people like Denton, Risner, and Stockdale. I was amazed at how normal the men looked given the horrors that they went through. I heard nothing of permanent damage. There was a brief section on what the wives experienced. I don't remember anything on the diet of the POW's. I never knew that there had been at least one escape (for which the recaptured POW's and remaining POWs paid dearly). I would have liked to know how many POW's died in prison. I was also surprised to hear that some thought their treatment got better after the death of Ho Chi Mihn.

For a full picture of who our pow's were and what they experienced done in a format that was tolerable for the more squeamish among us I think this was very well done.

Don't believe the running time on the box

The box of the dvd (and the video do I guess) says this runs about 113 minutes. But really this runs 103 minutes. And if you are a big Tom Hanks fan, and rexpected to see him a whole lot in this film, you will be disappointed. He only makes one apperance in the movie, and that is in the beginning. On the front you see Thumbs up from Roger Ebert from then Roger Ebert and the Movies (now called Ebert-Roper and the movies). I just check at the website and Eber reviewed this with somebody named Norman Mark, and they both gave this two thumbs up. But I believed that the person who he did it with didn't liked it. Because I only saw Thumbs up from Roger Ebert. Looks like this was aired at one time on PBS and now you can buy it on video or dvd. So do you self some good and watch this film, whether or not you are a vertan of war.

An exceptionally good documentary....

In what is probably the most revealing documentary ever created on ex-POW's from Vietnam, Return With Honor is an outstanding testament to absolute courage, honor, bravery, camaraderie, and survival.

Individual interviews woven with footage from United States and Vietnamese archives paint a very vivid and oftentimes emotional picture of the brutal experience suffered by our U.S. servicemen held captive in Hanoi.

Leaving very little to the imagination, this documentary explores the many facets of captivity to include barbaric torture, communication processes between prisoners, coping with solitary confinement, demoralizing loneliness, and inhuman living conditions. Additional interviews with the spouses of POW's reveal their pain and emotion they dealt with on the home front while not knowing the fates of their husbands.

Finishing off with their triumphant return home, it is truly inspirational and heartwarming to see the footage of these heroic men reunited with their families.

This DVD itself has superb sound and video qualities and offers good additional features such as 26 biographies of POW's and interviews with the producers on the making of Return With Honor.

This documentary comes very highly recommended to everyone and leaves you with a resounding message of patriotism and a deep respect for America and her U.S. servicemen.

Star Trek - The Original Series, Vol. 17, Episodes 33 & 34: Who Mourns For Adonais/Amok Time

Released in DVD by Paramount Home Video (24 October, 2000)

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Starring: Star Trek Original Series and William Shatner

"Who Mourns for Adonais?"
A nifty idea: the Greek god Apollo turns out to be quite real, a powerful extraterrestrial (Michael Forest) waiting some 5,000 years for the human race to develop enough to meet him out in the cosmos. Catching sight of the Enterprise, he immobilizes the ship and demands that the members of a landing party--Captain Kirk (William Shatner), Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley), Chief Engineer Scott (James Doohan), Chekov (Walter Koenig), and antiquities specialist Lieutenant Carolyn Palamas (Leslie Parrish)--bow before him and prepare to spend the rest of their lives being cherished through his insistent love. A doubting Kirk recruits his people to secretly find the mechanical source of Apollo's power to throw lightning bolts, become a giant, and punish his naughty Enterprise children by tossing them around like rag dolls. The stern god gives Kirk a sword, so to speak, by falling for Lt. Palamas, setting the stage for some stormy drama late in the game. Written by television veteran and Greek myth aficionado Gilbert Ralston (with a polish by producer Gene L. Coon that enhanced the story's relationships), and directed by Marc Daniels, "Who Mourns for Adonais?" is one of those classic Trek episodes that lingers in the memory for the creative incongruity of its story line (starships and Olympians) and principal set (an Athenian temple with a few trees, shrubs, and confused Starfleet personnel). Wonderful stuff. A subplot involving Scotty's big-time crush on Palamas provides a rare glimpse into the emotional life of one of the supporting players--even if his gallant efforts to save her from Apollo's wooing result in a concussion or two. --Tom Keogh

"Amok Time"
Easily one of the best episodes from the original Star Trek series, "Amok Time" was written by the novelist Theodore Sturgeon, who came up with a story about a Vulcan mating cycle that occurs every seven years and drives the normally stolid, logical, pointy-eared humanoids wild. When Spock (Leonard Nimoy) is suddenly caught in the grip of pon farr, a crazy-making urge to mate, he sets a course for his home planet despite orders to the contrary from Captain Kirk (William Shatner). Kirk comes around, however, and accompanies Spock and Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley) to Vulcan, where Spock is to wed T'Pring (Arlene Martel) in an arranged marriage. But T'Pring formally rejects Spock, forcing a duel in which the captain must participate or let Spock die. There's high drama galore in this one, beginning with Spock's feverish savagery and extending to the fascinating complexity of Vulcan rituals, set against the eerie emptiness of the planet's landscape. For good measure, there's also the startling sight of Kirk and Spock fighting it out to the death. Supporting performances are terrific, including that of Celia Lovsky (the real-life wife of Peter Lorre) as the matriarch T'Pau. This is also the episode that gave birth to the split-fingered Vulcan salute (inspired by Nimoy's memories of the kohanin blessing at Jewish temples) and the phrase "live long and prosper." One of Trek's more highly charged episodes, you can feel a certain spontaneous energy here--indeed, some of the more inspired actors even made up their own lines. --Tom Keogh

Average review score:

One strong show, and one true classic

Who Mourns for Adonais? This is a strong show about the Greek god Apollo. When Trek was at its best, it generally combined thought-provoking and socially relevant questions with tight, internally consistent, and action-packed stories. Who Mourns for Adonais is one such episode. In addition to the interesting idea that the Gods may have been real, we have the very real themes of 1) the pros and cons of hero worship/letting others make decisions for you, 2) the quest for power, and 3) the pros and cons of a simple, care-free life. The guest acting is pretty good here, too, and there aren't too many holes in the plot.

Overall, a strong episode, although I for one at times tire of the more 'literal' episodes, enjoying instead the dreamy, surreal, and menacing ones. I see no reason why we should expect to encounter a moral code (or any system for that matter) similar to our own in outer space. Also there are quite frankly limits to just how good a 'literal' take can consistently be, especially after 35 years and given the time and budget constraints of an episode. That is why I am drawn to the more off-beat shows.

Having digressed, I must return to the fact that this is one of the better of the 'literal' shows. (4 stars)

Amok Time-This episode, in which Spock must return to his home planet, is deservedly a classic. Amok Time typifies the vitality and fast-pacing of the second season shows. There is real mystery as we try to comprehend just what is wrong with Spock. Certainly it is no coincidence that the thoughtful and critical Nimoy's strongest performance came in the show that gave him both a range of emotions AND a plausible reason for stepping out of character. Nowhere is Spock's shame about his (and all of our) dualistic natures more palpable than here.

This episode is helped also by the musical score and minimalist sets on Vulcan, as well as solid acting by the other Vulcans. If one is willing to look beyond minor script problems such as the humans' utter ignorance of Vulcan biology and the details of how Spock ends up fighting Kirk, there really isn't much to gripe about. Funny too how success breeds success; there is a warmth and chemistry between the big three here that just couldn't be reconjured in episodes that didn't earn the actors' trust. (4.5 stars)

"Kill Spock? That's not what we came here for..."

Moral, Ethical, and/or Philosophical Subject(s) Driven Into The Ground: The relevance of a god or gods in an advanced society

Expendable Enterprise Crewmember ('Red Shirt') Confirmed Casualty List: None

REVIEW/COMMENTARY:

Following in the footsteps of 'The Squire of Gothos' and 'Charlie X', our gallant captain and a few cohorts have to escape from the seemingly all-powerful clutches of the deity Apollo from Greek mythology. Scotty is showcased here by getting his you-know-what handed to him on a couple occasions by Apollo over the hand of babe-of-the-week Carolyn Palamas ( Leslie Parrish). Romantic triangles don't get much more dangerous than this! Also notable is the Monkees rug that Chekov's got on, which wasn't quite as overdone as the previous ones he had to wear. Throw in the tried-and-true drain-the-energy-from-the-all-powerful-being ploy, mix it with a dash of the last-minute-rescue-format, rub it all down with the somewhat tragic epilogue featuring Jimmers doing his hushed and somewhat despondent monologue about the tragic loss of a potential link to mankind's past, and broil to a golden brown. M'm, m'm, good!

Moral, Ethical, and/or Philosophical Subject(s) Driven Into The Ground: The trials of friendship / the nightmare of losing one's self-control

Historical Milestone: The first appearance of the planet Vulcan

Expendable Enterprise Crewmember ('Red Shirt') Confirmed Casualty List: None

REVIEW/COMMENTARY: Uh-oh... Spock's got a certain urge, and his shipmates will need to change course and get him back to Vulcan, or else (*GASP!*) he'll croak! Now this wouldn't be such a difficulty except for the fact that the Enterprise is ordered to attend a ceremony at a planet that's several light-years away! Will Jimmers break the rules again to save the life of his first officer and valued friend?! Oh, the suspense! Oh, the humanity! Oh my God, is that Jim fightin' Spock to the death to help save his life after they touch down on Vulcan? Yep, it sure is! And thanks to this little blood match, we are treated to yet another Kirk's-uniform-top-gets-ripped-in-combat episode as he barely ducks a close call from Spock's giant bladed Q-Tip-lookin' weapon! Fortunately, McCoy helps Kirk fake his death in battle, Spock displays some genuine emotions in front of his captain and good doctor, and all is well once again! Well, all will be well for the next seven years, anyway...

'Late

Gods and Vulcans

"Who Mourns For Adonais?" Kirk meets Apollo in a violent confrontation that almost costs Scotty's life. Look at the wardrobe given to Carolyn Palamas! WHOA!

"Amok Time" Spock MUST visit Vulcan and marry a woman or die.

The Bikini Car Wash Company

Released in DVD by Sterling Home Entertainment (24 November, 1998)

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Director: Ed Hansen

Starring: Joe Dusic and Kristi Ducati

Average review score:

Godd film for when you're in the mood for hotties!

No one in this film would ever win an academy award for anything, no would the film itself. That aside, you'd have to look long and hard to find a film with more T&A (good stuff) than this ones got. The movie itself and the dumb plot are childishly enjoyable. One of the most hillarious elements is the carwash owner who seems to be immune to any type of testosterone attacks despite the fact that he's got scantily clad(or not!) women running around all over the place waiting for the chance to have sex! One hillarious film.

What you want is what you get

The 2 Bikini Car Wash movies are superlative in delivering T & A. The plots are okay, they are much better than most B grade movies. My wife loves to watch both and never objects to the constant exposure of women's breasts. And that of course is the major appeal in these films. Bikini tops and other forms of women's clothing are constantly removed in situations sometimes ridiculous, but always appealing. These movies are enjoyed at a base level: if you enjoy seeing "naked breasts" as the star, Kristi Dukati, says at one point, then revel in these fun and diverting films. Don't expect an intricate plot with superior character development. But if you want fun and lots of breasts, these are the movies for you.

Yes!!!

I have spent my life looking for the perfect T&A movie. This one is the one. As an adolescent I grew up watching this, and now as an adult I am honored to finally own my first copy. I will cherish this DVD with all my heart, and it will never leave my house. Thank you soft porn producer Joe Dusic, Thank You!!!

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