Austin Movie Reviews

One of the best episodes of Space: 1999 that I remember seeing as a child was The Last Sunset, which I did not see again for more than 25 years. I liked this episode as a kid, and I enjoyed watching it again on this DVD set. I thought that the story of having the moon develop an atmosphere like earth's was very interesting. Another episode that I remember as a kid was Alpha Child. I think that the most interesting part of the story was that the first child of Moonbase Alpha grew up and became an adult at an unusually fast rate, and was temporarily deaf and was incapable of speech for part of the episode. There was a certain sense of awe and wonder about this episode, the child was very enigmatic, and so was the story.

This second North American set of Space: 1999 DVD's is even stronger than the first. Although it lacks a standout spectacle like the first set's "Breakaway", it makes up for it with greater consistency, and the most adult themes of the entire series.

The set opens with its weakest episode, the boring and implausible "Missing Link", featuring a disappointing guest turn by horror legend Peter Cushing. The dialog is atrocious and the actions of the main characters - particularly Koenig falling in love - are inexplicable. Even the music seems off. The matte painting of the alien city is impressive, but the gauze-wrapped sets just look cheap - an unusual failing for this series.

In the production design department, "The Guardian Of Piri" wins, hands down. It's the most psychedelic episode 1999 ever produced - and that's saying something. The image of an Eagle, frozen in flight over the gigantic poppies and cotton bolls of Piri, is perhaps the single most surreal, even disturbing shot of the entire series. If it doesn't make shivers run up your spine, the eerie stock music utilized during the episode certainly will.

There are a few wonderfully bizarre twists (as when Kano vanishes after being "plugged-in" to Alpha's computer), but the episode plods when it drifts away from the spooky, gaudy-yet-desolate atmosphere of Piri itself. The ending is as clichéd as it is improbable - no machine that powerful could be so easily destroyed. Still, the episode does a great job with its drug-related analogies, actress Catherine Schell delivering a great performance as the alluring "Servant of the Guardian". It all serves to elevate the show well above the kiddy-orientated science-fiction television of the day.

Unfortunately, these DVDs reveal production details (like the wires supporting some models) that were invisible when the show was originally broadcast. As with the first set, these discs were mastered way too bright - blacks aren't truly black, and whites bloom severely. As a result, the painted backdrops in the background on Piri's surface are visibly fake (the first set's "Another Time, Another Place" had the same problem with its backdrops). Fortunately, the viewer can correct for this flaw simply by lowering the brightness (a lot) and boosting the contrast slightly. Tricks such as "edge enhancement" may have also been applied to these DVDs, revealing other production tricks (such as the occasional wire supporting a model) that weren't visible in the original broadcasts.

"Force Of Life" is the first real gothic "science-horror" episode 1999 attempted. As with virtually all Space:1999 episodes, the pace is too languid, but this one is a masterpiece of mood and is well directed. Series designer Keith Wilson deserves high praise for his wonderful job on the sets - particularly the reactor room - and actor Ian McShane (of Lovejoy fame) turns in a great guest performance as the possessed technician Zoref.

"Alpha Child" is yet another entry stuck on Moonbase Alpha, plodding in its development of a creepy concept - a newborn grows from infant to adult in a couple of days. Child actor Wayne Brooks is great in his wordless performance as young Jackie, while Julian Glover is wonderfully obnoxious (as always) in his portrayal of the adult Jarak. The almost incestuous relationship between Jackie and his lover - who has possessed his human mother's body - is a truly disturbing plot development that the writers wisely don't examine too closely (censors around the world would have gone apoplectic!). Still, even a casual observer will note how adult this program is compared to its contemporaries. The episode's only striking failing has to be Glover's silver hot pants jumpsuit! It makes it difficult to take anything that's happening on screen seriously. What were they thinking?

"The Last Sunset" is also Alpha-bound, only this time the writers cleverly transform the Moon itself into an alien planet, as unseen aliens send devices to the moon that literally transform it into a habitable world, including artificial gravity and an atmosphere. Apart from the occasional visible wire the special effects successfully transform the moon into a habitable world (it looks a lot like New Mexico). The sequence where Helena uses a laser rifle to blow up an Eagle is particularly effective, especially when she's blown away (literally) by the force of the explosion.

On the character front, Paul and Sandra are given something to do (for once), and Bain plays Russell as a sort of frontier doctor (Dr. Quinn in space). Landau is abysmal though, and some of the decisions the Koenig character makes (especially the initial decision to haul the alien device into Alpha itself - um, HELLO???) are inexplicable. Still, that's not enough to ruin this episode- it's certainly a candidate for the best of Space: 1999.

"Voyager's Return" comes close to being a triumph for the series, but sadly misses the mark. A welcome attempt is made to write flesh and blood characters, but it's undermined. That's partly due to weak performances from some of the regulars, but mostly because of an awful guest appearance by Barry Stokes, who is dreadful as Jim Haines, Quellar's assistant. Jeremy Kemp is great as Dr. Ernst Queller though, playing the Edward Teller of 1990's (the name itself is a dead giveaway), and Bain shines as Dr. Russell, sporting some excellent scenes opposite Kemp. In fact, their interchange near the end of the episode is probably the best character interaction of the entire series. Strangely, the guest stars' material almost completely eclipses that given to the regulars (save Bain). The rest of the cast seems superfluous as the episode - suffering from its deliberate pace - drags thru its final act.

In all, this second set of Space: 1999 episodes highlights a series on the mend after (at best) a rocky start. Although arguably the best run of episodes was yet to come, set two features fewer episodes choked by sophomoric philosophy and laughable scientific gaffes than any other sampling of the series, making it some of the most deliciously atmospheric science fiction ever captured on film.

In this set are some of the most complex and chilling episodes of the series. One of my favorites is the "Force of Life" episode, because it is so heavy on concept and doesn't rely on the gratuitous actions sequences that would come to be the norm in the second season. "Guardian of Piri" asks and answers the age old question, wherein lies the ideal life? "Missing Link" features an excellent performance by Peter Cushing and examines the extremes of human nature-can these extremes be bridged somehow? The second disc contains more action oriented episodes. "Alpha Child" concerns and outside menace brought onto Moonbase Alpha. "The Last Sunset" transforms the moon into a breathable planet. "Voyager's Return" is a fable about the hubris that often goes with the quest for knowledge, and the consequences that must be paid when you allow that quest to become unstoppable. These are all very solid episodes from a series that should've been so much greater than it ended up being.

All the diva jokes and funny one liners are all very typical and cliche of this type of movie, but still between Jenifer Lewis and Tim Curry they manage to pull it off and still make it a damn good movie.
While reading through the other reviews for this product, I noticed that everyone constantly praises Lewis but unless I missed something, no one said a thing about Curry.
I'm not trying to take the spotlight away from Jenifer Lewis...she was amazing considering that this is her first movie. However, no one has acknowledged Tim's great work on the film.
I heard someone comment the other day that his acting was too [unrealistic]and over the top in this movie. Hello! ... He's supposed to be acting like that, considering that he plays the part of the host of a low budget documentary. Some people can be real stupid, ...
Anyway, I thought I was going to die laughing when I saw the look on Tim's face when Jackie's cross-dressing dress designer came into her dressing room. I also loved it when Jackie's playmama said that white people all smelled like wet potatoe chips. Again, Tim's face was priceless. He's the kind of actor that's good enough that he needs no words to get his point across, the expression says it all.
Another one of my favorite parts is when he admits to Jackie that when first asked to do the documentary he had never heard of her, and then she said, 'They played my records in England,' and he replies, 'Yes...but I never heard them.'
Anyway, it's filled with plenty of other gut busting scenes. I've waited and waited for this movie to be released on DVD after I first saw it on Lifetime...and finally my wish has come true.
Buy Jackie's Back today, it's so bad it's good.

This SPINAL TAP-like mockumentary is absolutely hilarious and the commentary track by director Townsend is equally entertaining. JENNIFER LEWIS is amazing. She's a brilliant comedic actress who is shamefully underused in movies and this is a perfect vehicle for her. It does for her what JACKIE BROWN did for Pam Grier. The supporting cameos are laugh-out-loud funny, best being Whoopi Goldberg, Tim Curry, Loretta Devine, Isabel Sandford, Kathy Griffith, Rikki Lake, Sean Hayes, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Eva Marie Saint, Dolly Parton, Grace Slick and Diahann Carroll.

This movie is so well-loved by everyone who sees it, that when I sing the theme song "Yield" in public, everyone immediately recognizes it (and laughs). Definitely the funniest comedy ever...why it wasn't released to theaters is a mystery. Wish we had a soundtrack album with all the great songs.

I agree with the others about the film, and I just have to add this... Almost all DVDs these days force you to sit through minutes on end of animated logos and warnings of copyright laws and smallpox. This DVD, literally two seconds after you pop it in, you have the DVD menu!

Please, DVD engineers, I implore you, follow this example. We know you are very good and fancy, but we *really* don't want all your fancy animations slowing us down every time we start or stop something, or select a different option. If you want to make art, make art. If you want to make a user interface, make a user interface!

For some strange reason Tucker didn't do well at the boxoffice. I know it can't hold up to cinema masterpieces like "Dude Where's My Car" (grin), but I just watched this movie again and I really love the film. It oozes with style. The clothes, set dressing and props look great. There is a wide variety of 40's clothes represented. Take a look at the jury. The womens clothes and hats are excellent. Even the extras look amazing. I seem to recall that Coppola had a few Life magazines and if you couldn't see it on those pages, it wasn't going to be in his movie.

Also the cinematography is top notch. Joe Jackson's sound track is very cool.(I think it was the only one he ever did.) Coppola's transitions are so cool and unusual that I have to keep rewinding to watch them a few times. They work perfect for this film.

If you haven't seen Tucker or you haven't seen it in a long time, I highly recommend you watch it.......tonight.

One of Jeff Bridges best performances! What a great script with many great lines to savor. The story is based on Preston Tucker's life and struggles to design his own car based upon his own great innovative ideas and that of his team. His ideas were so great that it caught the attention of the big 3 when he proved that his ideas had tremendous value. Then the big 3 got nervous and did everything in their power to squash him like a little bug, but nobody could ever squash Preston's dreams! This movie will inspire anyone whose ever had a dream to make it in America! A must for any collection.

The film has got a funny story,drama at the time,just made for having a good time with some pop corns.It really makes you keep your eyes and sense opened all the time or you would loose some unexpected details.What can I say About "the leading man"Mr JBJ,he just IS in this film,Noone could do this role better,seriously talking,the role he plays in tis film is the same he does in stadiums with the band,as a seducer,as a star making move everybody the way he wants and trying to catch everybody's attention on his acts,as a good showman,this role just suits him,so though this may make someones think that it's just another JBJ "show",is not,is surprinsingly a good acting; and the matter than this just is pure JBJ makes it better,this film is about it,about a "leading man" getting mad everybody around him,getting everything he wants from everybody,and how he can change everybody's life,dark feelings..So good election,he is the man for it.Get it and you'll be gladly surprised

"The Leading Man" opened to acclaim at the Toronto Film Festival in September 1996. It's appeal was lost on whoever was there shopping for films to buy for distribution. A year later it showed up in a few cinemas in the UK. In March of this year, it had a limited release in America, a year and a half after it premiere in Toronto.

I'm sorry that whoever financed it lost a bundle, because it's a really neat little film. I think people didn't get the fact that it's a comedy because its wit is so dry. Because of this, I suspect no one knew how to market it. The people I've met in marketing departments are surprisingly unoriginal.

I found it to be utterly delightful. I would not have thought much about it when it went to video, if I hadn't been intrigued by the fact that Bon Jovi was listed as its star.

"The Leading Man" is so obscure in origin that, even though it is obviously set in London, much of it may have been shot in Australia. That country's film commission is given credit at the end of the movie, and its director has done almost all his films there.

Don't be put off by the fact you never heard of it either. It's well crafted, acted and photographed It's also a lot of fun.

Lambert Wilson plays a hugely successful British playwright. The film opens with his eleventh play going into rehearsals. He truly loves his wife, played by Anna Galiena, but is having an affair with a young actress played by Thandie Newton. It's safe to say this man is having a major mid-life crisis. Of course, he casts the young actress in the new play to assure that he will be near her all day. A cliche is avoided here because the actress happens to be first rate. She's no bimbo!

Enter Jon Bon Jovi, playing a young star who's last film was a smash hit. He is the costar of the new play. He is self assured, to say the least. His talent on screen and on stage extends to the bedroom. While he'll be the first to tell you how wonderful he is, Bon Jovi plays him not as a man who runs around bragging about himself, but as one who is unafraid to speak the truth. In Bon Jovi's capable hands, the character comes off as rather lovable.

At first the actor comes off as someone who has a scary dark side. As the film progresses, it turns out that it's more a matter of acting things so that those around him get what they really need in life. For example, Galiena [Elana] dwells on how Wilson [Felix] is ruining her life because he can't keep his zipper up. Bon Jovi [Robin] suggests to the philandering husband that the best way to get her to see reason is for him to seduce her.

What ensues is a delightful - and often funny - look at how people deal with relationships. Robin is also attracted to the young actress, while she seems infatuated with him. It also shows in a humorous way how things are not always what they appear to be.

I am delighted to have discovered this little gem, and I hope that you will check it out.

Jon Bon Jovi is not only a great Rock Star, he is a great actor. This movie proves it. He is great in the lead role as a "not so nice guy". But believe me, he is a guy you would LOVE to hate. His acting is superb and believable. His talent throughout the movie remains consistent. I totally recommend this movie for your Jon Bon Jovi collection. You will not be disappointed.

Elvis was the age of 26 at the time of filming. This is his 8th film. Paramount Pictures presents Blue Hawaii. Everyone enjoys this film. Breath-taking locations and beautiful music. Elvis plays "Chad". He has been overseas for two years in the army and flys in to come back home to Hawaii. Waiting for him is "Maile" played by Joan Blackman. Elvis decides to head for the beach where he has a shack. Out for a swim, he meets the Hawaiian guys in their canoe that he was friends with and played music together. Later, he comes home to see his parents. Angelea Lansbury plays his mom. Lansbury was the age of 35 during filming. Howard McNear plays "Mr. Chapman". You'll remeber him as "Floyd, The Barber" on the Andy Griffith Show (1960-1967). Tiki Hanelot played "Ping-Pong". No special features or bonus on this DVD. Just the theatrical trailer. Film shown in squeezy Widescreen.

This is one of my favorites because it shows the humerous side to Elvis. He wasn't that great of an actor, but he had his moments. The music is good in this one and the co-stars deliver wonderful performances.

The perfect movie for most fans.
Great songs, pretty girls, comedy galore, hanging with the guys and spanking the bad girl.
What more could anyone want? Fun for the whole family.

Elvis was the age of 26 at the time of filming. This is his 8th film. Paramount Pictures presents Blue Hawaii. Everyone enjoys this film. Breath-taking locations and beautiful music. Elvis plays "Chad". He has been overseas for two years in the army and flys in to come back home to Hawaii. Waiting for him is "Maile" played by Joan Blackman. Elvis decides to head for the beach where he has a shack. Out for a swim, he meets the Hawaiian guys in their canoe that he was friends with and played music together. Later, he comes home to see his parents. Angelea Lansbury plays his mom. Lansbury was the age of 35 during filming. Howard McNear plays "Mr. Chapman". You'll remeber him as "Floyd, The Barber" on the Andy Griffith Show (1960-1967). Tiki Hanelot played "Ping-Pong". No special features or bonus on this DVD. Just the theatrical trailer. Film shown in squeezy Widescreen.

This is one of my favorites because it shows the humerous side to Elvis. He wasn't that great of an actor, but he had his moments. The music is good in this one and the co-stars deliver wonderful performances.

The perfect movie for most fans.
Great songs, pretty girls, comedy galore, hanging with the guys and spanking the bad girl.
What more could anyone want? Fun for the whole family.

Wonderful comedy, Fun and intelligent.
Definetly a movie to watch more than ounce.

Tom Selleck has spent his entire career after Magnum P.I. making entertaining movies critics hate and the public loves. Here is one you may have missed from director Bruce Beresford (Driving Miss Daisy, Tender Mercies). It is gently moving and amusing, with some hysterically funny moments along the way.

Tom Selleck is mystery writer Phil Blackwood and William Daniels of TV's St. Elsewhere fame is his long time best friend and editor Sam. Blackwood hasn't had a bestseller in some time and has been living on his reputation to long. He needs something to break his writers block, and he may just have found it in beautiful Romanian Nina (lovely Paula Porizkova). He meets the accused murderer in court, watching trials for inspiration, and decides to become her alibi.

James Farentino has a nice turn as the cop who knows Blackwood is lying and decides to keep an eye on things so Blackwood doesn't get killed! Once Blackwood takes her to the estate his Peter Swift mystery novels have paid for he uses every situation to propel the new story he's writing and it's a hoot! As Blackwood turns every situation into fodder for his fictional Peter Swift you'll find youself laughing hard at Selleck's voice over as he writes.

Some very tough looking Europeans are after her and he becomes more paranoid and begins to suspect the child like innocence of Nina, who he is falling for, may be an act. There are some hilarious moments as he begins to wonder if she's out to kill him and William Daniels as his buddy Sam gives fine comic support. But cop Farentino knows these guys are in over their heads.

This is gently moving and charming, with some very fine performances. A pony tailed Patrick Wayne and Tess Harper as Blackwood's very worried family add some nice moments to this entertaining film. I won't give it away, but there is one scene that takes place after a huge dinner that will have you laughing as hard as you ever have at the movies. It is absolutely hilarious!

You'll like this movie a lot, especially if you like Tom Selleck, and who doesn't? It's a lot of fun to watch and since you can pick it up so inexpensively here on Amazon there's no need to wait. Pick up this one today!

This is an absolutely spectacular film and is one of the top twenty movies of all time! Tom Selleck turns in a very good performance as a author suffering from writer's block, until he meets Nina, played spectacularly by the very, very, very, beautiful Paulina Porizkova.
She is suspected of murder and he offers her an alibi if she will stay with him at his huge residence with the hope that she will give him inspiration for his new book. The results are hilarious in this feel good comedy that is sure to please!

Being a BSC fan, I saw this movie right when it came out, and I also have a copy of it at home. It's a great film with a good storyline, but I can't help wondering what was wrong with the casting. Let's start with the leader Kristy Thomas. There's nothing wrong with Schuyler Fisk's acting, but she simply couldn't carry out the bossy, assertive, character that Kristy had. In this movie she's whiny, wimpy and totally takes a back seat--all the qualities that the character certainly should not have had. The other six girls were decent, but if you want to see these books come to life, stick with the videos that came out in the early 90's. Those girls knew how to carry out these roles--the movie is weakened by the poor acting and the changed personalities of the leading girls. It is a sweet story and has a fine message--very much in the Baby Sitters Club tradition--but the video series is 100 times better. BSC fans might be disappointed with this movie.

You'll love this movie. I used to be hooked on the BSC books years ago when I was in middle--and even the beginning of high school. I saw this movie the day it came to theaters. It involves Kristy's dad coming by and trying to be a part of Kristie's life..while she (and Maryann) try to keep it from her mom. The other bsc members get a little jealous that the two are so secretive but Maryann doesnt want to break their trust. Claudia is in a dilemma..if she doesnt pass her course in summer school...she will have to leave the bsc per her parents wishes. Stacey is involved with an older boy. Cokie Mason (yep shes in the movie!) is always in Maryann's hair and will stop at nothing to get Logan. All this and they still have to keep the kids under control at the summer camp the bsc has organized. And yes..you will find a lot of the kids mentioned in the books..ie..Karen, Suzy, Buddy, Nina, Rosie, etc.. You wont be disappointed.

For the person who wanted to know who the guy in the yellow shirt was - are you sure you tried everything? Like looking at the credits at the end of the movie? His name is Christian Oliver. I remember him from Saved by the Bell.

Don't have much to say about the movie - loved it when it first came out and still do! Hence the five stars!

John Candy has always been an actor who I thought was better as a sidekick than as a lead (e.g. his role as Barf in "Spaceballs"). "Summer Rental" is the one leading role he did that is the exception.

In the movie, Candy plays Jack Chester, a stressed-out air traffic controller who takes his family on vacation to relax. They've rented a house at a beach in Florida. All Jack wants to do is relax and recuperate but everyone from his neighbors to his family conspires to make his vacation even more stressful than his job.

Candy is at his best when he is the likeable victim of life's difficulties. In "Summer Rental" he gets plenty of those difficulties and makes them funnier than most actors can.

This movie was so funny! This was John Candy's first leading role was in this film by Carl Reiner, in which the comic actor played a stressed-out air traffic controller who takes his family on a Florida vacation and has to deal with arrogant, rich jerks. Candy is good in what is almost a straight part and Reiner keeps the tone in check so his star has an opportunity to show more than one dimension. Summer Rental is great, but it could still be much better. It is so funny, and all the jokes work, and his daughter in this movie is so HOT! You must see this movie. John Candy's just pure funny, an it...that he isn't with us anymore. Oh well at least Jim Carrey is still around.

"Your wife's on my Whammo!", "You couldn't beat my dinghy.", "Hi, I'm Jack Chester your neighbor, and you are?...having lunch!", "I"m giving you a mandatory FIVE!", "I'm not wearing that bathing suit until I lose 3 or 4 pounds.", "MAY I SEE YOUR RECEIPT?!?!?!?!", "He was a beacon to us all...he will be sorely, sorely missed...and now, I'll sign the papers.", "Honey, you're in your pajamas...I KNOW, I KNOW...excuse me...". If any of these lines bring a smile to your face then I know you will love this film. Me and my family and friends love to quote this movie at gatherings such as barbecues, church picnics, and funerals. We're also fans of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors, and Chevy Chase in Vacation. Richard Crenna gives an outstanding performance and certainly a nod to John Larroquette for his cameo. Brilliant! All I can say is BUY IT or I'm going to toss you out...PERSONALLY!

thanks for being prompt and easy to do biz with. This was a super purchase.

this powers pack is a good deal. you can get the first 2 austin powers movies in 1. i got this a year ago and i still watch the movies all the time. they make fun of alot of spy movies. anybody who likes comedy should like this.

Very Shagedelic! Yeah Baby, Yeah!!

Seriously. Watch them with the Mike Meyers commentaries. Very good.