Bridges and Tunnels Movie Reviews

This is such a sweet story about an innocent colored girl entering an all white school back in the early intergration years. Ruby Bridges will inspire you to change your opinion on racism, and make you a better person. This little girl changed the world for people of color, only she didn't know it then. She entered the world of nasty white prejudice people, and stood her ground, thanks to the love of her parents, and her faith in God. She prayed daily as she walked up the stairs into her school, for God to forgive those closed minded people who mocked her on a daily basis. She overcame her fears, and stood strong. She wanted to make friends at her school, but the white parents wouldn't allow their children to mingle with her, she prayed for them too. In the end, she opened doors for all colored children, and has become an inspiration to hundreds of people. It's a great story too, about about a doctor who thought Ruby would lose it mentally, with all the pressures from taunting words she heard daily, but come to find out, he too, was prejudice, only he didn't realize it at first. He too, overcame his hate for blacks. I recommend this movie to all, young and old alike. I had my daughter take this to her Christian school to share with her second grade class on a rainy day, and they all loved it. It's perfect for Black History week at school. If you have a movie of this, share it with your children's class too, they'll learn from it. It's a movie they'll never forget.

Ruby Bridges is the first movie I've ever wanted to see over and over again. The first time I watched it was in 5th grade. When I saw it, I was really inspired. It shows us all Black women, men, girls and boys can make a difference in this world and do not be afraid of it.

I think Ruby Bridges is a great movie. It inspired me alot. It tells you a lot of things. Its a great movie for kids and adults. It tells you to do good to people that dislike you or do bad things to you. For example, the time Ruby prayed for the people who said terrible things about her. It also teaches about love and standing up for your rights. This movie made me cry. It sad how color can cause so much trouble. When you think about it you would realize White and blacks have a whole lot in common. I'd like to meet Ruby and let her know how brave and inspiring she could be.

Holly Hunter gives a great performance in a HBO movie that was perfect for her. The story centers around a woman who wants to have her daughter's cheerleading rival axed to assure her daughter a spot on the cheerleading squad. All the actors do a great job but it is Holly Hunter that nails her role and keeps you glued to the set. The director did a great job of not making the character someone that you hated completely, instead showing a woman that doesn't realize how horrific her actions truely are. Also stars Beau Bridges.

Simply stating that this movie is good is an understatement! Holly Hunter's performance with an outstanding supporting cast was spectacular. I have seen this film too many times to count. The script isn't cheesey and no one actually is portrayed as a victim. Every character had a wonderful human touch. Great performance of a real life event.

This movie succeeds in being hugely entertaining thanks to Holly Hunter's amazing performance in the title role. She is thoroughly convincing as the trashy, pushy mom who's dedication to the success of her daughter's future as a cheerleader eventually leads to attempted murder. The realism is heightened by the use of restaged media footage, and "interviews" with Hunter (in character), who's cracked logic and twitchy mannerisms will have you in stitches. All the performances are good, and the result is a very black comedy that effectively ridicules this misguided woman's bizarre and near-deadly obsession with success and one-upmanship. Recommended, as it works on so many levels.

Sidney Poitier is one of my favorite actors and he links up nicely with Abby Lincoln. A very cute love story.

This is one of my favorite movies. Sidney Poitier falls for housekeeper "Ivy". A must see film. The bare-bones dvd doesn't have much to offer. You get the widescreen and standard versions, thats it. As of 08/13/2000, this dvd is still available at Columbia House. Worth a look!

Sidney Poitier is one of my favorite actors and he links up nicely with Abby Lincoln. A very cute love story.

This is one of my favorite movies. Sidney Poitier falls for housekeeper "Ivy". A must see film. The bare-bones dvd doesn't have much to offer. You get the widescreen and standard versions, thats it. As of 08/13/2000, this dvd is still available at Columbia House. Worth a look!

My girls, ages 2-1/2 and 4-1/2, love this movie, and I love for them to watch it. Some of their friends have been troubled by the wolf eating the duck, but that's nature and the duck comes out fine.

As a musician I mourn the loss of music as an auditory art. But the fact remains that music videos have changed the way we listen to and learn music, so we must work with it. This video is a wonderful way to introduce children to classical music and the orchestra without them thinking that it's boring, or not worthy of their time.

Kirstie Alley plays the mother of a 12-ish boy who travels back to the home where she grew up to visit her father (Lloyd Bridges). The boy has never met his grandfather. They spend some time visiting and the topic turns to "The Story". The story is, of course, "Peter and the Wolf". Kirstie Alley narrates the story, dramatized by animation done by Chuck Jones (Bugs Bunny). The animation is wonderful, the characters are endearing and funny (with Kirstie Alley doing excellent voice-overs for the hysterically dizzy duck and the cat). The part when the duck is eaten by the wolf is handled very subtley, and, unlike the original story, has a happy ending for the duck, making it appropriate for very young kids. I teach K-8 and have shown it to all grades, who have enjoyed it. I personally have seen it about 30 times, and it remains fresh and entertaining. A nice feature for music teachers is that the animated storyline is 30 minutes long, allowing you to show just that portion of the video within a class period. I highly recommend this video for parents and teachers alike who want to introduce children to classical music. They'll be learning without them even knowing it!

The Last Picture Show is one of the best films that I have ever seen. When it first premired in 1971, it garnered both praise and critism, mainly because of the sexual content in it's stories. But don't stress about that, it's really nothing bad at all, especially for today's standards(nothing close to Monster's Ball), remember The Graduate caused an explosion too in 1967.
Adapted from the Novel by Larry McMurty(Lonesome Dove, Terms of Endearment)and directed to PERFECTION by Peter Bogdanovich, the takes place in fall 1951-fall 1952 in the dying, small town of Anarene, Texas. It includes some of the best characters in a film ever, and the acting by all is simply EXQUISITE. The film mainly follows two best friends, Sonny(Timothy Bottoms) and Duane(Jeff Bridges-in a supporting actor academy award nominated role),in their senior year in high school. Both are begining to get to a time of change and crossroads in their lives. Duane's girlfriend Jacy(Cybill Shepherd-in her wonderful film debut) is the girl who both boys have their eyes on. While Jacy is taken, Sonny starts an affair with the coach's wife(Cloris Leachman-Best Supporting Actress Academy Award), this gets the story rolling. The three women in this film are simply magnificent. Ellen Burstyn was, in a word, wonderful & she was my favorite character, and garnered a Supporting Actress Nomination(she won Best Actress in 1974). Cloris Leachman beat her out for the Oscar that year. Her character changes so much from being meek and quite, to being filled with joy, to being full of anger & in the final moment's of the movie she shows why she has that Oscar. Eileen Brennam is superb as Genevieve the waitress, she serves as a mother-figure for Sonny, and is tough-talking but sincere. One of the Most Memorable roles in the Film is that of Sam the Lion(Ben Johnson),the all-knowing wise man, who owns the picture show. THe scene by the Lake is Classic. THis role won him the Best Supporting Actor Academy Award.
The film is shot in black-and-white, which adds to the feeling of depression and gives the lonely dying feeling that the town evokes. The music is true to the time, and is also part of the movie. It only comes from a radio or record player, no background music.
People with "country" roots will especially like this one as will those who like to study films, this one is one of the most importants of all time. It was also nominated for Best Picture, director, and Adapted-screen play too(8 nominations in all).
Check it out, it's important and entertaining.

I first saw this film when it was released in '71, when I was 13. Seeing it again over 30 years later, I realize what an incredibly powerful piece of work it is. For people who say it lacks plot and drama, I say there's plenty of it; it's just that the overwhelming talent of each and every actor in the piece brings the characters to the forefront. The accompanying feature dealing with the making of the movie is a revelation. Do you know whose idea it was to shoot the film in black and white (you'll never guess)? Did you know that one of the actor's performances saved a young man from committing suicide? This documentary shows how a masterpiece of film is created by one part luck and three parts hard work. I can't say enough about this stunning work of art; it's truly monumental.

I first saw The Last Picture Show in the early 1970's - I was still in high school at the time. It was the kind of movie that left me a bit unsettled and a little confused, but kept me wondering and thinking about it. I recently decided to get the movie and watch it for a second time, some thirty-one years later.

There were some scenes and dialog that I remembered quite well, and some of the same feelings that I experienced during my first viewing reemerged as I watched once again. I was, however, able to capture some fresh insights and perspectives on the movie during my second viewing - perhaps because there were scenes that I had forgotten about, or maybe because I have thirty additional years of life experience with which to make sense out of it this time.

Although the movie appears to primarily focus on what it was like to "come of age" or transition to adulthood in the early 1950's in a small Texas town, I think that it actually uses this backdrop to explore some of life's lessons: making choices about what people think they want or need, experiencing the consequences that ensue from these choices, and how people cope with these consequences.

The story places at its hub three high school students finishing their senior year and then going forward into young adulthood. It is essentially composed of vignettes with interactions that they have amongst themselves, their parents and adult acquaintances, and their peers, while the setting of the small town and life in the early 50's serves as the underlying connectedness to each of them.

As the young adults explore the dilemmas and emotional ups and downs of making their first "grown-up" decisions, an interesting contrast becomes apparent with the older adults of the town, many of whom are still coming to grips with the decisions and experiences that they had when they were young adults.

It seems to me that the story shows, first hand, in brutally honest and graphic ways, how learning to make your way in life and get along with others is truly a life-long process, and how trust and friendship can provide a much-needed safety net as part of this process.

I just recently watched this movie and I totaly loved it. I'm a big fan of reese witherspoon so I knew that I'd enjoy it but I loved her brother sammy and how he fell in love with this abused girl. It showed that Handicapped people are just as smart as anybody else. Everybody should see this film and learn the meaning of True Love and Friendship.

I recently found this movie once again in my video store. I had seen it at a young age when it first came out, and I recall it making as much of an impact on me then as it does now. The beauty of the love story and Alice's personal triumphs are so poignant, not to mention her interactions with Ellie and her father. The symbolism of the roses in relation to Alice was beautifully thought out. I laughed and cried throughout the whole movie. I was fortunate enough to obtain a copy of the book that this movie was based on from Amazon, and it was fantastic! If you loved the movie, get your hands on the book! Both are definite keepers!

There were a couple of aspects of this movie that were a little too neat and packaged, like how Reese'es character's dad changes overnight and such. But I have to say that this movie was riveting to me. I have never before seen Patricia Arquette and I was just astounded. Her performance is absolutely superb. To me, a book or movie is great, when I literally feel like I have become a person in the story, and feel everything that person feels. That is why this movie is so great. Patricia's character is that person in this movie, at least to me. I am an absolute fan of Reese Witherspoon, so I couldn't be too objective as I love everything about her and she is great in this movie as always. Her character really shows the love of a true friend to the abused girl. I cannot imagine anyone watching this movie and not enjoying it. It is a truly heartwarming story. I will watch it again and again. If you like it, check out "The Man in the Moon."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Occasionally Harland William's schtick gets stretched thin, but this movie is full of so many classic gags and throw-away lines that I never tire of watching it. Favorite scene, singing "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands" in all the languages with clips of people around the world singing.

Yes, it's a silly, pointless movie... but it is so much fun!

This was one of the funniest movies I have ever seen!! Harland Williams and the rest of the cast still make me laugh, and I've seen the movie 10 or 15 times by now. I would really like to see it come out on DVD so that I could buy it.

Absolutly one of the funniest movies out that is clean. They did a wonderful job in making this movie! Fun for the whole family!!!

The FABULOUS BAKER BOYS is the kind of movie that you must see with a light heart. If not, its sad atmosphere will certainly give you the blues. Hope is not the main theme of this film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and the Bridges (blues-) brothers.

The movie focuses on the three main characters and their relationship. So you'll have a lot of talk and songs but no action at all. It's pretty rare nowadays to have on screen heroes thinking, feeling and becoming better without a single gunshot. Enjoy !

It is to be noticed that Michelle Pfeiffer sings in the FABULOUS BAKER BOYS and she's not bad at all. Furthermore, she is sexier than the average cocktail bar singer. Jeff and Beau are very good too.

Very agreeable bonus features with a commentary of the director of photography Michaël Ballhaus who used to work with german director Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

An above-average DVD.

4 1/2 stars

As the piano-playing "Baker Boys" of the title, Beau and Jeff Bridges play like they're brothers -- which they are. The Baker Boys, who have seemingly forever been playing muzak-style piano, accompanying each other, and making the smallest of small talk in a two piano-act, are out of gas. So, they decide to hire a "girl singer," to win back Seattle audiences ... and bookings.

The sequence in which the brothers audition would-be singers is the funniest of its kind ever filmed. But while this movie has some wonderful laughs, it is not, ultimately, a comedy.

Screenwriter-director Steve Kloves' debut is dominated by an actress named Michelle Pfeiffer, and by a sultry, smoky, saloon singer named ... Micheller Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer does all her own singing, and she's joy! (Warning: Although the wonderful soundtrack mixes Dave Grusin's cool jazz score with works from the Great American Songbook, don't buy the cd, as much of the best music is left off of it.)

Like Sinatra singing a Harold Arlen torch song, this one doesn't miss a beat.

Finally. A movie that actually has "class," which is a rarity in the 80's and 90's. Michelle Pfeiffer is in her prime as a torchlight singer in a beautiful red dress on top of a black Steinway piano. This alone should sell the movie if you're a guy who plays the piano (such as myself).

But if that alone doesn't turn you on, there is also the interesting dynamics going on between the two brothers struggling to maintain their dignity while at the same time trying to make ends meet as jazz pianists who together comprise the "Fabulous Baker Boys." They find Michelle Pfeiffer, and one of them falls in love with her.

Finally, this movie is a metaphor for mid-life crisis as the trio each in their own way confront the very real possibility that the best might be behind them, that their aspirations and achievements have flattened out and that they're over the hill. However, they do get their moment in the sun in this movie, and the ending for this movie is wonderfully ambiguous.