Austin Movie Reviews

Related Subjects: Autos Mini
More Pages: Austin Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32
Family movie reviews for "Austin" sorted by average review score:
The Last Flight of Noah's Ark
Released in DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment (29 September, 1998)
MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Director: Charles Jarrott
Starring: Elliott Gould and Geneviève Bujold
Average review score:

Grab it while you can...
Pick up a copy for this movie if you can... This movie wasn't release on video from a long time ago. The sound and picture are very good and the story is a true family experience.

Disney at the height of its live action form
Elliott Gould gives another great performance as the world weary, hard drinking loner (ala 'Getting Straight', 'The Long Goodbye', 'MASH'), but similar to his other early eighties foray into Disney films 'The Devil and Max Devlin', his loner character is tested and softened through unexpected events. Geneviève Bujold also sticks to previous performances as the determined and sexy emissary of good ('Coma', 'Earthquake'). Both leads give a nice edge to this adventurous tale, made at a time when Disney was making some interestingly cast and original live action films like 'The Black Hole', 'Amy' and 'TRON'. Rick Schroder, in the prime of his childhood acting career, plays virtually the same character as he did in 'The Champ'. All of this cinematic pedigree adds a wonderfully entertaining element to a film that could have dived into the painfully mawkish. Complete with night shark attacks, stranded Japanese soldiers, orphans, an eclectic menagerie of animals (who ever sees a mallard duck in the same vicinity as one of those hump backed African ox), and a great South Pacific setting this film has something for everyone. A guaranteed good night with nods to the adults and thrills and adventure for the kids. Hearkens back to a not particularly distant past when Disney was making wholesome original films with a little edge.

As always Anchor Bay does a beautiful job in the DVD transfer, giving more time and respect to Disney's library than Disney does for its own films. As with all Anchor Bay DVDs, highly recommended.

"Noah's Ark" is decent Disney adventure
"The Last Flight of Noah's Ark" is a rare Disney action/adventure film, much like the kind of stuff they released in the early 1960's. The cast is quite good; and though it is a bit of a fanciful tale, suspending reality inasmuch as Disney can, it is wonderful family escapism. Don't miss the shark hunt; it was probably the best scene in this film. My only problem with it is could have been a fantastic daytime scene; alas, it took place at night! Small quibble, though. Still excellently produced and paced. Wish it were out on video, but as with most Disney films under the Eisner regime, it has probably disappeared for a very long time (forever)?

The Saint, Set 4
Released in DVD by A & E Entertainment (02 January, 2002)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Directors: Ray Austin, Peter Yates, David Greene, John Krish, Robert Tronson, Pat Jackson, Jim O'Connolly, Anthony Bushell, Robert S. Baker, and John Kruse
"Well, well, of all people to be rescued by--Simon Templar." From Berlin to Nice, our man Simon is always in the wrong place at the right time to get involved in "a bit of adventure." This two-disc set contains seven episodes presented in the order they were first broadcast in 1966 and '67. These entertaining adventures are "more cloak than dagger," but do have some vicariously nasty, Bond-type thrills. Roger Moore is ideally cast as the unflappable Simon, the original international man of mystery created by Leslie Charteris. Whether foiling a counterfeit operation ("The Counterfeit Countess") or masterminding the escape of a Russian spy ("When Spring Is Sprung"), Simon accepts each "extraordinary proposition" with aplomb. This collection also includes "Simon and Delilah," in which a "consistently nasty" screen siren is kidnapped. Lois Maxwell, best known to 007 fans as Miss Moneypenny, costars as the publicist. Speaking of James Bond, there's a nifty little Goldfinger joke in "The Island of Chance," in which the body count rises as an increasingly desperate scientist races to complete a serum that would end all illness. The cold war heats up in "The Gadget Lover," in which the Russians appear to have embarked on a spy "death campaign" using explosion-filled gadgets. "A Double in Diamonds" involves the theft of a priceless necklace. Which is real, and which is the fake? Only Simon may know for sure. Like "The Death Game" in Set 3, "The Power Artists" is bizarre enough to be an Avengers episode. It marks the return of criminal mastermind Adolf Vogler (see "The Death Game" in Set 3) and also includes some hysterical hippie caricatures. Appearing with greater frequency in these episodes is Ivor Dean as the Saint's long-suffering nemesis, Chief Inspector Claude Eustace Teale ("the pride of Scotland Yard") who reluctantly relies on the Saint's cunning to solve these complex capers. --Donald Liebenson
Average review score:

Good, but could be better
This 4th DVD set of The Saint adds another 7 episodes to the collection. The positive side of the set is that the picture quality is -as always with A&E- good and the fact that there are 7 instead of the usual 6 episodes on the two disc set. The negative side is the fact that the extras are rather disappointing as they are completely identical as the ones of set 1 and 2 except for the episode trailers. I hope this is not a sign that set 5 and 6 that will follow later this year, will be identical as well. Any respectable fan of The Saint or Roger Moore will of course buy them, but there is so much material available to add as extra features on the DVD sets it's a shame to let this opportunity pass.

The Saint - Set 4 Videocassette contents
There seems to be some confusion as to the contents of "The Saint - Set 4" on videocassette. This video set contains the following episodes: "Little Girl Lost", "Paper Chase" and "Locate and Destroy". While all of these are good, do not look for this version to contain the same material as the DVD.

Hello, fellow Bucaneers...
Every Hero has a following; on the 'Big' screen, Saltzman and
Broccoli made a fortune iterpreting Ian Fleming's 'Ernst Stavro
Blofeld's' seemingly endless but always foiled pursuits of Bond,
James Bond. On the other hand, we who 'follow' the adventures of
Simon Templar, are treated to a huge gang of 'Blofelds' in each different episode. Always good episodes, each one very entertaining.
(...)

Belle of the Nineties
Released in DVD by Image Entertainment (17 October, 2000)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Director: Leo McCarey
Starring: Mae West and Roger Pryor
Average review score:

After the Code...still worthwhile
The Production Code certainly did its duty (and damage) with Mae West's films. Her lines and remarks were dramatically "toned down". If you compare this movie with its immediate Pre-Code predecessors "She Done Him Wrong" and "I'm No Angel", you'll know what I mean.

Anyway, still worthwhile to watch, West has a field day as "the flame" of both, St. Louis and New Orléans, with boxer Roger Pryor, upper-class Johnny Mack Brown and villainous casino owner John Miljan, at the top of the list of her admirers. Mae never looked so ravishing again as in this picture, in those awesome 1890s gowns designed especially for her by Paramount's top couturier Travis Banton. She also gets to sing a great deal here, mostly accompanied by a young Duke Ellington and his Orchestra.

Sex appeal oozing from her pores
She aint no stick figure, but she is ALL woman. Mae was the sort of woman who knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to ask. She had a great voice for the blues and a good head for the double entendre's. It's a fun movie and never tries to take itself seriously. Well worth a look.

A WEST-ERN GEM FROM 1934
More spectacular than Mae's first two vehicles, BELLE OF THE NINETIES cost more that her previous starrers combined, and still reaped a huge profit. The story was written by Mae herself and it's pretty weak - although the Hays office snapped its scissors on some of her best lines. West's unique presence, and command for innuendo - which could raise laughs from the most innocuous remarks, kept the movie simmering. So did the superb Duke Ellington Orchestra which ably helped Mae through four numbers - most notably the standard to be MY OLD FLAME. Looking like an upholstered egg-timer, the star was kept on the screen front and centre throughout by astute director Leo McCarey in this William Le Baron production from 1934. For trivia buffs, the working title of this flick was IT AIN'T NO SIN - however the censors disagreed, and the title was laundered along with the risque script. Mae struts her stuff as 1890's singer Ruby Carter who gets involved with a boxer.......... Such lines as "It's better to be looked over than overlooked" and such done in her inimitable style gets the point across, even if the prudish and rather foolish Hays office thought otherwise. The rather chunky, 41 year-old star was photographed by Karl Struss and Mae never looked better on film.

Denise Austin - Yoga Buns
Released in DVD by Artisan (Fox Video) (20 May, 2003)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Starring: Denise Austin
Denise Austin leads a 30-minute workout to lift, tighten, and tone buns. Although it is titled "yoga," it's really a series of varied buttock and thigh exercises--some yoga, some not--that use body weight and balance. If you're an Austin fan seeking a good gluteal workout, you'll like adding this to your collection, but if you're really looking for yoga, Yoga Buns falls short. Austin demonstrates the poses well enough, but her constant, cheerleading patter ("Make it work for the cheeks, for the buns, tight tushies!" and "Think of a tree, beautiful tree, hold it up!" for example) runs counter to the meditative aspect of yoga. Austin gives good alignment instructions, but never includes breathing and never connects with the serenity or spirituality of yoga. Recommended if you're looking for a half hour targeting the buns and you like Denise Austin. --Joan Price
Average review score:

Non-traditional yoga
I have been practising yoga for 3 years now. I like the deep breathing and calming meditative effect that this type of exercise provides. I purchased this tape thinking that it would be along the same lines as other yoga tapes I have, but with more emphasis on the lower body. I was sadly dissappointed. The routine is fast paced with little emphasis on breathing, so much so that I would hesitate to put the word 'yoga' in the title. About half way through the tape I turned it off and resumed my yoga workout with my old tapes.

nice workout
This is a fun workout, the only complaint I have with it is Denise's over use of the words related to buns. I don't know if this was an angle to use to market it, but it gets too much emphasis in her instruction. That aside, it is a fun workout and really gets you working. If you don't like Denise, avoid it. I like her so I don't mind her peppiness.

Results
I bought this DVD two weeks ago and have been doing it almost everyday. Denise recommends that you do it three times a week, but it is so invigorating, that I want to do it everyday. It is really effective and you feel like you've done something after you're finished. I noticed results after only two workouts! I highly recommend this DVD.

Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland (Broadway Theatre Archive)
Released in DVD by Image Entertainment (20 November, 2001)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Director: Kirk Browning
This gorgeously designed theater production of Lewis Carroll's world-famous fantasy, based on a famous production from the 1930s, features an astonishing array of notable actors. Richard Burton is quietly touching as the doddering White Knight; Eve Arden spits out commands as the bloodthirsty Queen of Hearts; Donald O'Connor plays the woeful Mock Turtle as a jaunty standup comedian; and such varied talents as Colleen Dewhurst, Nathan Lane, Maureen Stapleton, James Coco, Andre Gregory, and Geoffrey Holder fill out Carroll's phantasmagoria as Kate Burton (Richard's daughter) plays the title character in the classic blue-and-white dress and blond tresses. All the sets and costumes are meticulously based on the illustrations from the original books (the story line is a mix of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass), capturing artist John Tenniel's elaborate creations with zest. Though the story lacks dramatic action, the wordplay and visuals are delightful. --Bret Fetzer
Average review score:

An ALICE more mannered than magical
Lewis Carroll's classic fantasy of wonder and weirdness, ALICE IN WONDERLAND, has long been a favorite subject of both playwrights and screenwriters to adapt. From the all star Paramount classic of the 30's with Cary Grant as the Mock Turtle to the wild colors of the Disney cartoon, this story has been very difficult for writers to get a solid handle on. Part of the reason is the mere episodic nature of the story, as Alice flits from one wacky character to the next. This version, based on a 1984 theatre revival, is only partly successful. The costumes and sets wonderfully recall the original illustrations of John Tenniel, and Kate Burton makes for a winsome and witty Alice. Unfortunately, some of the performances seem almost too laid-back for a show that should demand high energy. For example, Eve Arden's Queen of Hearts, instead of being overtly furious and bloodthirsty in her "Off with her head" tirades, comes across as merely slightly miffed!!! It also doesn't help that James Cocoa's King of Hearts has no personality whatsoever. Andre Gregory's Mad Hatter is likewise handicapped. However, there are some performances that do convey a better spirit of the story and inject life into this production. Geoffrey Holder makes for a regal and slightly sinister Cheshire Cat. A young Nathan Lane is a wonderfully skittish Mouse, while Fritz Weaver makes for a sage Caterpillar. Donald O'Conner soft-shoes his merry way as a light-footed Mock Turtle. Bookended with a back-story concerning an actress (Ms. Burton) getting ready for her first big production, this production is both literate and a treat for the eye. However, this production misses that vital spark of energy that keeps a merely good production from being a great one. However, if you love theatre, this one is worth your time.

A highly theatrical "Alice"
I have studied Carroll, I have researched the 'Alice' stories, and I have even directed a successful production of the very same Eva LeGallienne script, and I was very excited to see this production available on DVD. I was hoping to see if a big budget could make sense of a theatrical script that doesn't really work. Please don't get me wrong...Ms. LeGallienne's script is by far the most true to the original stories. Ms. LeGallienne's script pulls out of the original stories only the most important characters and qualities, but the script itself still lacks the thread that creates one complete story, and unfortunately this production chops away even further by ommitting key transitional moments leaving only the major scenes.

Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! The design was gorgeous. The characters and the scenery seemed to have been lifted from the pages of Teniel's illustrations and brought to life. There were so many brilliant moments. Most notably the aloof and condescending Catepillar, the doughy-faced Dutchess, Stapleton's flighty White Queen, the academic snobbery of Humpty, and Lane's neurotic Mouse. I also have to add, I completely disagree with another reviewer's opinion of Arden's Queen of Hearts. I felt that her understated, and underplayed Queen was a brilliant choice. Remember, screaming does not an actor make. Her insincerity and aloofness is the perfect mirror image of Victorian royalty. And the insuated affair between the Knave and Queen of Hearts kept me laughing for hours! Bravo! I am also sorry to say that I was disappointed with Burton's Alice. She completely lacked the sensitivity and sensibilities of a 7 year old. She played Alice as an adult instead of Alice attempting to act as an adult.

Overall, I highly recommend this for anyone who loves 'Alice'. Despite the problems with the script, it is by far the most true adaptation of the stories, and one worth owning.

Great Find
I remember watching this on PBS when I was a kid and I was so excited to see this on DVD. It's a great production with a great cast. I like that the play features both Alice in Wonderland AND Through the Looking Glass. As a Lewis Carroll fan I was happy to see how closely the play follows the books.

Steve Goodman - Live from Austin City Limits and More
Released in DVD by Wea Corp (18 February, 2003)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Starring: Steve Goodman
Average review score:

A Season Ticket with the Angels...
Steve Goodman never found fame, not the kind he deserved anyway. A gifted songwriter, a splendid guitarist, and a charismatic live act, his death in 1984 left holes in lot of folks' lives. John Prine still dedicates "Souvenirs" to Steve in every concert he does.

The DVD captures a couple of Austin City Limits shows where Steve was in good form, high energy in the first half, lower energy in the second half, sapped a bit by the chemo and the disease that killed him. Between those two halves, there's an interview from an apartment overlooking Wrigley Field. Even the poor editing can't take away from the heart-wrenching Q&A, or diminish the "Dying Cub Fan's Last Request" as Steve sings it, with Wrigley in the background, a few months before his death.

This is the closest you can come in this life to seeing a Steve Goodman concert. For those of us who are fans - and I am an unabashed fan - it is a rare and precious treat. For those who don't know Steve and his wonderful songs, this is a great chance to experience a Steve Goodman show.

Highly recommended. Simply delightful.

Please, let there be more video of Steve!
This video captures Steve as the on-stage dynamo I remember and love, and is absolutely priceless. Everyone who performs for an audience should watch this video and learn. Steve played the audience almost as well as he played the guitar, and it's nice to see him do what he did best - perform solo (or with Jethro, or Prine) - without a lot of studio backup drowning him out. He could get an audience to spontaneously begin clapping in rhythm, without even asking them. To see the love and appreciation his audience had for him - this is about as close as we can get now to the experience of a live show. The air-piano on "You Never Even Call Me By My Name" is amazing, and the Elvis impression is a classic. About the only thing missing that was a semi-regular feature of his live shows is the string-breaking routine.
Having watched both the DVD and the VHS, I'd recommend the VHS, at least until they fix the glitches on the DVD, but either way, this is overdue, and I know there are other Steve videos out there (like the Soundstage he did with Arlo and Hoyt Axton) that are great and need to be seen again.

What You All Missed
First, as always, a couple of confessions. Number 1, I am a Steve Goodman fan. Number 2, I am an author. Words matter. Steve Goodman, while a fine vocalist and a stunning guitarist, was, first and foremost, a lyricist. ...

Now for the review:

This is as good as you're gonna get now that Steve is playing with the angels. I had the chance to see him live in the late '70's and that concert remains, without a doubt, the single most beloved musical event I ever attended. This DVD does have a technical glich here and there in terms of an unforeseen pause or two. So what? The concert footage is priceless, the sound quality is good, and the interviews with Kris Kristoferson, John Prine, and others, are memorable. You can't watch Steve's interview about the Chicago Cubs, where it's clear he's battling the cancer that ultimately killed him, without shedding tears. Buy this DVD and buy any of Steve's CD's. Any CD. And you will be an immediate Goodman junkie. Guaranteed.

Roy Orbison - Live at Austin City Limits
Released in DVD by Image Entertainment (18 March, 2003)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Starring: Roy Orbison
He may not have been blessed with the photogenic looks and obvious charisma of your typical rock star, but Roy Orbison had at least two of the things that make a great artist: timeless songs, and a voice to sing 'em with. That's all on display in this hour-long 1982 performance on television's Austin City Limits. It's not Orbison's finest moment, perhaps; his band is competent but uninspired, and neither sound nor video quality is topnotch. But all is forgiven when he matches that soaring, almost operatic tenor to dramatic, heart-wrenching classics like "Only the Lonely," "Crying," "Leah," "Running Scared," and the rest (including "Pretty Woman," the rocker that may be Orbison's best-known hit). DVD extras include photos and a brief documentary about Wink, Texas, and the high school band Orbison formed while attending high school in that desolate burg. --Sam Graham
Average review score:

totally 80's infected
alright, I'm a total Roy fan, however I was thoroughly dissapointed with this performance. For some reason the band felt the need to "modernize" all his classic songs, which resulted in 80's bastardizations of all his classic's. All the songs are altered to different tempo's to accomidate a different era, which I felt is "oh so wrong".

Outstanding!
If you're a Roy Orbison fan or just an oldies fan , get this DVD. I own both Black & white Night and Live in Austin Texas. And I love them both. The Black & White Audio is superior to The Austin DVD.....But COLOR is COLOR. I think it gives more depth than the Black & White. That's why I own both. Two totally different atmospheres...that's what sets them apart. If you watch your videos in two channel rather than surround, you should'nt notice much of a difference. Again you have to remember the supporting cast of Black & White was excellent. There I go again. Buy them both, you won't be dissapointed.

A Great Video
What I found so great about this video is: It was done in Texas, Roys home state, here in America. Also seeing this live in color for a change was very nice, it made me feel Roy was here.

Hearing and seeing him do Lana and That Loving You Feeling Again was exciting and special. But, what really moved me was his singing of It's Over, the best I've heard!

If you love Roy Orbison like I do, I highly recommend this video.

The Chaplin Mutuals, Vol. 3
Released in DVD by Image Entertainment (21 July, 1998)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Director: Charles Chaplin
Starring: Charles Chaplin
By 1916 Charlie Chaplin was the most popular comic actor in America, but it was the 12 brilliant comedy shorts he directed during his 16 months at Mutual Studios that turned Chaplin from an inventive comedian to one of the greatest directors of the American cinema. "Fulfilling the Mutual Contract, I suppose, was the happiest period of my life," he wrote in his autobiography, and no wonder: with unprecedented freedom, an enormously lucrative contract, and a company of creative artists at his personal disposal, Chaplin turned the studio set into his creative playground. Always one to latch on to the comic possibilities of inventive props, he turned an escalator into the centerpiece of The Floorwalker, his first film for the studio, where his rapscallion clerk continually incites the store's crooked manager (Eric Campbell). In One A.M. , Chaplin steps out of the Tramp persona to play an inebriated gadfly at war with his home, battling everything from a staircase to a suit of armor to a resistant Murphy bed, all seemingly set on keeping him from getting to sleep. The Pawnshop shows the Tramp in a more aggressive role than we're used to, goofing and playing practical jokes on his coworkers, while The Rink puts him on roller skates for a burlesque ballet on wheels. Each short becomes a comic workshop as Chaplin investigates the slapstick possibilities of an array of props and situations while refining his persona as the down but not out everyman. --Sean Axmaker
Average review score:

You have to watch it silently
If you start wondering in the middle why this isn't remotely funny (as I did), it's because of the time gap in the Barney-like music juxtaposed with a film of some 80 years ago - because it was really meant to be viewed in a nickelodeon.

But you have not lost your sense of humor. In "The Rink" you will see that these comedies are the result of Chaplin's tireless choregraphy and perfectionism. And it's not just for film,English, or theatre students, but any curious person watching these films to judge if he was truly a genius or not -in lieu of his personal life. It would be hard not to find something enduring and unexplainable about them. END.

Good quality!
Unlike Madacy, Image Entertainment obviously cares about quality. The prints are good, though I'm sure some film archive somewhere has better. The DVD doesn't have any extras to speak of except a short essay on the box, but all in all it's a good DVD because of the video quality. I only wish they'd put the films in chonological order across the three volumes.

The Saint, Set 3
Released in DVD by A & E Entertainment (02 January, 2002)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Directors: Ray Austin, Peter Yates, David Greene, John Krish, Robert Tronson, Pat Jackson, Jim O'Connolly, Anthony Bushell, Robert S. Baker, and John Kruse
Gentleman adventurer Simon Templar has "quite a reputation," as evidenced by these seven "terribly clever" episodes from the classic British '60s TV series The Saint. Wavy-haired Roger Moore is in his element as Templar, who, like a certain double-O agent Moore would later portray, dresses impeccably, has an eye for the ladies, and dispenses his own unique brand of justice. In "Flight Plan," Simon joins the jet set as he foils a plot to steal London's newest weapon, a supersonic aircraft. Donald Sutherland guest stars as a fellow inmate in "Escape Route," in which Simon goes undercover behind bars to root out "the top man" in a deadly escape operation. In "The Persistent Patriots," Simon comes to the aid of the prime minister of a soon-to-be former British colony. The action revs up in "The Fast Women," in which a rivalry between two top female racers spins out of control. "The Death Game" is kinky enough to be an Avengers episode, as Simon joins a group of psychology students recruited as potential assassins. Suitable for framing is "The Art Collectors," a convoluted caper involving priceless da Vinci paintings. "To Kill a Saint" finds Simon in France, where a plot is afoot to spark a vendetta between him and the king of the Parisian underworld. But the highlight of any Saint episode is the devilishly funny prologue, in which, no matter where he is, someone always identifies our hero as "the infamous" Simon Templar, prompting him to cast his eyes heavenward as he is crowned by his signature animated halo. --Donald Liebenson
Average review score:

The Saint - Set 3 Videocassette review
There seems to be some confusion as to what is featured on this video. "The Saint - Set 3", in videocassette form, contains the following three episodes: "The Angel's Eye", "The Man Who Liked Lions" and "A Better Mouse Trap". While all three of these episodes are excellent, don't look for this video set to contain the same material as the DVD.

The Best so far...
Simon Templar, AKA the "Saint" is back, carrying on as only he can. Of the four boxed DVD sets released so far, this one is probably the one you should not miss. These episodes are from the 1967 season, and this time you get a bit more bang for your buck, as there are seven episodes instead of the six in previous sets. Volume 5 is excellent, probably the best so far. Volume 6, contains a bonus fourth episode, is not bad overall. Here's a quick take on the episodes in this set. These episode ratings are on a scale from one to five (best).

VOLUME 5:

Flight Plan (4)
Simon Templar is back in jolly old England, and immediately leaps into action foiling the attempted kidnapping of Diana Gregory. The young woman's brother, an ex-RAF pilot, is involved in a plot to steal an Osprey, Britain's vertical take-off and landing plane. When the plane is taken, the Saint's mission is to keep it from falling into enemy hands. This exciting, well-written episode is full of action, including the Saint piloting the Osprey.

Escape Route (4)
At long last Claude Eustace! Ivor Dean makes his first appearance on DVD as Inspector Claude Eustace Teal. Realizing the dream of a lifetime, the sour faced detective catches the Saint burgling a safe, and Simon soon finds himself sharing a prison cell with John Wood (Donald Sutherland). Circumstances lead to a daring escape, and the two men find themselves under the control of a ruthless organization that helps criminals to "freedom", for a hefty price. The Saint must succeed in a deadly game of deception. A great episode, with an abrupt ending.

The Persistent Patriots (4)
This one should keep you guessing. The Saint prevents the assassination of Jack Liskard (Edward Woodward), the President of an unnamed African country. Liskard has other troubles too, and enlists Simon's help to retrieve some love letters written to a mistress. What starts out as case of blackmail, gets rough, as Liskard takes a bullet. Who is behind it all? The solution stretches things a bit, but should still surprise.

VOLUME 6:

The Fast Women (2)
There's trouble at the racetrack between rival female drivers, and Simon is right in the middle of it. Sabotage, a sinister bald marksman, and a love triangle are part of this tale. The story however, does not take it to the finish line hard enough to make it a winner.

The Death Game (3)
College students play the "Death Game", where they plan ways to commit make-believe murders. What seems like harmless fun, turns deadly serious, as the game's winners gather in Zurich to be evaluated for their homicidal tendencies. Impersonating one of the players, Simon tries to get to the bottom of things, and winds up being the prey in a human death hunt. Extensive editing was used during the chase scenes in the forest. Roger Moore was present only for the shots in the studio, and was doubled in all the location shots. The result is a little uneven, and not entirely convincing. Watch for examples of doubling in other episodes featuring location work.

The Art Collectors (2)
While in France, the Saint encounters a beautiful woman with three previously unknown Da Vinci paintings for sale. Could it possibly be true? Such a find creates waves in the criminal world, and sharks appear to claim the prize. Simon plays hide and seek with the paintings around the French countryside, resulting in a generous payday for the Saint.

To Kill A Saint (3)
Shots ring out on the streets of Paris, but who wants Templar dead this time? Once again, someone wants to use The Saint as a pawn in a deadly scheme. In a strange twist, Simon is even hired to kill himselt. This episode returns to the harder edge found in Volume 5. Roger Moore was too busy to be present for location shots with the second unit, and so a double was used. In the opening precredit sequence, after shots are fired at the Saint, he runs to his car. You get a quick look at Moore's double as he drives away.

The Saint, Set 3 is a collection with a good variety of stories, with something for most tastes. Volume 5 features episodes with a more of and edge, while Volume 6 is a bit lighter. More of the action is centered in England, and so we see more interplay between the Saint and Inspector Teal. If you liked the first two sets, you will probably like this one even more. Highly recommended.

Richie Rich's Christmas Wish
Released in DVD by Warner Home Video (16 September, 2003)
MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Director: John Murlowski
Richie Rich may be the richest kid in the world, yet it's Christmas and the kind-hearted lad wants to share his wealth with a group of orphan boys. Until, that is, his greedy cousin Reggie Van Dough sabotages his gift-giving plans by running Richie's sleigh into a ravine. Unaware of Reggie's evil deed, the town turns against Richie, who soon wishes that he'd never been born. Unfortunately, his wish is granted and, like George Bailey, Richie gets a taste of what life is like without himself in the picture. It's a world turned upside-down with egomaniacal Reggie calling the shots, bullying the police and renaming the town Reggieville. Only Professor Keenbean's wishing machine could set things right, but time is running out--the machine loses all its wishing power at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve. This madcap misadventure, with a nod to film classics It's a Wonderful Life and Back to the Future (note the time-space continuum), never pretends to achieve the greatness of such predecessors. Instead, the spirited family romp dishes up enough slapstick gaffes, action-packed chases, and over-the-top gizmos to leave audiences sufficiently charmed. The cast seems to relish the script's fast-moving silliness as well. David Gallagher (Seventh Heaven) as Richie is more colorful and unrestrained than Macaulay Culkin in the 1994 prequel. And although Jake Richardson's role as mean-spirited Reggie is so forced as to become tiresome, Keene Curtis is sensational as Richie's personal valet, Cadbury. This is one of (executive producer) Haim Saban's finer moments; the film abounds with Christmas cheer. --Lynn Gibson
Average review score:

Don't Make Time For This.
In December, I am a pushover for movies that have something to do with Christmas. I am sad to say that this was almost a complete waste of time. The plot is to old, and the story is quite thin. The ending does not even carry much weight. The only thing that saves this from being a complete disaster is that there are some comical moments, as well as some interesting interaction amongst the characters. Don't cut into your Christmas Preperation time for this one.

A modern take on "Its a Wonderfull Life"...
Though not anywhere near as good or as affective.

The story is a little different, but much the same. Richie Rich wishes that he was never born and it comes true, not by an angel though, but by a wish machine. And then realizes how wonderfull life reall is... Also things that make this movie not so good is the fact that it has cheezy dialogue(even for a G rating, they could have got better dialogue),bad effects,and a mediocre take on "Its a Wonderfull Life" chances are children will like this playfull romp. If they can't sit through and appreciate "Its a wonderfull Life" maybe they'll appreciate this, even if you can't.

God Bless ~Amy

Great Movie
My family and i have enjoyed Richie rich's x-mas wish since it came out. It is a great holiday experience for the whole entire family. And David Gallagher and Michelle Tractenberg couldnt have been better. I enjoyed this movie and hope other have or will enjoy it too!!

Related Subjects: Autos Mini
More Pages: Austin Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32