Custom Detailing Movie Reviews

Everything about this film, the cast, dialogue, scenery, photography, plot, characterizations etc, combine for a tour de force. Mitchum has never been better cast, and Jane Greer is the perfect counterpoint for him. Paul Valentine as Joe is terrific, and how about some of the one liners! I have seen this over 15 times and with each viewing it just gets better.

I loved this film, the remake in the 80's (Againist All Odds) with Jeff Bridges and James Woods is good, but the original black and white with the darkness and the great, great acting of Kirk Douglas and Robert Mitchum leaves this terrific film in a class all of its own. Mitchum has a natural look of sad, tired, worldliness that just naturally fits with the film noir characters as in "Farewell My Lovely" as this wonderfull film. No Mitchum or film noir library would be complete without owning this one.

This is one of the sexiest, wittiest, forties films of all. Double crosses abound, the bad guys are by far the best dressed in shoulder padded suits and two toned shoes, and the plot, concerned in part with gang leader Kirk Douglas evading an IRS bust, is as twisting and devious as the mind of femme fatale Ms Greer. Every part in the film is memorable thanks to great writing - even the waitress in the opening diner scene has punchy repartee worthy of Rosalind Russell. The bad guys get their come-uppance but true to film noir convention, the good-bad guy hero Robert Mitchum doesn't prevail. Most film noir have an earnestness about them, fate and doom hovering in the background. Much of OUT OF THE PAST is funny in a cynical, world weary, knowing way . It is to my mind the most enjoyable of all film noir. Stands up to many viewings and is worth revisiting regularly to remind you what great movie making is.

this one was very daring for it's time. the opening score is one of the most ominous music compositions i've ever heard. it's simple but terrifying. you know from the beginning that "something" is going to happen and it does. a woman is manipulated and extorted and threatened all in the first 10 minutes, inevitably compelled to involve the FBI. to divulge any more of this ominous little film would be unfair. a thriller in the most definitive form of the word. it boasts two of the best actors ever to grace the silver screen: Glenn Ford and Lee Remick. this was director Blake Edwards sole attempt at a dramatic film. this attempt proved to be sufficient. it's a cinematic masterpiece. watch it with the lights out!!!!

as for the DVD, not much in extras but the transfer and audio are very good.

Take an early, lean Blake Edwards, a tension filled script, a cast of fine actors, great San Francisco location shooting and a suspenseful score by Henry Mancini and you have "Experiment in Terror"---one of the best suspense thrillers ever made. Adapted by the story's authors, it pits innocent bank clerk Lee Remick against asthmatic madman Ross Martin who terrorizes her in an extortion plot to rob her bank. His threats include harming her kid sister Stefanie Powers. When Remick contacts the FBI, agent Glenn Ford and his associates barrel into action. The result is a bizarre cat & mouse game between Remick, Martin and Ford. Martin is slick and murderous. But he manages to finance expensive hip surgery for a 6 yr.old Asian boy whose mother he's seeing. His heavy breathing is some of the most realistic I've ever heard in a film. Edwards directs "Experiment" in a fast paced style that keeps you glued to the screen all the way to the Giants game finale. Again, his on location shooting is superb. He never goes for the cheap shot in this film. Some scenes are just down right creepy. "Experiment in Terror" gets my vote as one of the best DVD finds around and deserves collector's status. It's wonderful b&w photography is preserved in a nice crisp print and the sound is fine. This is a first rate keeper all the way. Enjoy.

In a time when one is supposed to have the wits scared out of you by graphic depictions of violence on the screen you would think that a film like "Experiment In Terror" (1962)would be out of place. There is no graphic violence what so ever; not even a harsh word. I can assure you however that it will scare the wits out of you.It might not depict graphically but does something even more unsettling; leaving it to your imagination. Through the stark use of light and shadow combined with a superb script director Blake Edwards will have you on the edge of your seat through what is basically a simple police procedural.
It is quite simple ; a bank teller (Lee Remick) is coerced by someone unknown ,but who knows her, to steal from a bank. The coercer is , until the end, not seen even though he appears in several scenes. That effect is brought about by Edwards use of those stark shadows. With the help of an FBI agent (Glenn Ford) a cat mouse game procedes as the FBI narrows in on a suspect more sinister than first believed. The climax is superbly crafted and to the point. One of the crucial elements of the film is Henry Mancini's very unnerving and edgy score that will come as a shock to those who only know him through such lighter fare as The Pink Panther which oddly enough Blake Edwards also directed. One for the edge of your seat and not easily forgotten.

In this hilarious Ernest movie, Ernest P. Worrell, Class A goofball, unleashes a curse and must fight to stop a troll from turning all the children into wooden dolls. Better than Ernest goes to Camp and Ernest saves Christmas. I've seen it at least a dozen times and still laugh at the "Knowutimeans." Great family fun!

This is a movie no matter how many times u see it its still funny. But its sad to see them stop makeing the movies cause Jim Varney Died of lung cancer in 2002 but this is a must get

This is one of the funniest Ernest films to date. Varney again proves that he is a master of slapstick, random, and expresional humor. This movie is so clean compaired to todays comedies. Fun for the whole family. Kids will love this movie it'd make them, laugh till they hurt and jump at some rather fun, a bit scary, and funny scenes. Dad will love this movie because it is true to the Ernest standard.

this thing is loaded. if you like cagney this is a must have.this has trailers from his movies. top of the world with michael j fox hosting. and many more. this movie has been done to the highest quality possible. it's great. I have 37 cagney films on vhs. and I just wish they would refinsh some more like this.

The American Film Institute put out its' list of the top 100 American movies several years ago. Guess what movie sneaked in at the 100 spot? You got it; "Yankee Doodle Dandy". Personally, I would have ranked it higher but I was glad to see it on the list because I was afraid it might have gradually become forgotten. That would be a shame because this is a well-made movie that's a lot of fun. It's a real rah rah, rally-round-the-flag movie and it came out at just the right time; 1942. It tells the story of Gearge M. Cohan who was a real rah rah, rally-round-the-flag kind of a guy. It fits into the classification of a musical although it is much deeper than that.

The greatness of this movie is measured by its' cast with the primary focus going to James Cagney. Cagney is better known for his tough-guy ganster movies but he was an all around entertainer in this movie. His singing is adequate for the job and his dancing is very very good. He's a bit stiff legged at times but the choreography seems to play to that aspect. It's his acting that raises this movie above the level of the standard musical of that era. Cagney is a fast-talking, wheeler-dealer who thrives on the spotlight. He seems to be a better Cohan than George M. himself. This was Cagney's Oscar-winning performance and a well-deserved award it was.

If the movie has a short-coming, it's in the portrayal of his marriage. Joan Leslie plays his wife in the movie and does a good job in that role. However, the screenwriters left out any scenes that embellish their relationship beyond that of stage partners. The absence of children and their formal manner of communication left some wondering why they tied the knot. However, the pace of this movie leaves little time to ponder such things. Watch this movie and you'll feel like marching in a parade. It's a real feel-good movie made back in the days when Hollywood knew how to make them.

I recently watched this gem of a movie for the first time a couple of days ago and I must share with you that it is fantastic! At thirty six years of age, I admit that I have missed many of the classics growing up but I see them as I can and as they are recommended by friends and family. I must also admit that I had never seen any of James Cagney's movies, if you can believe that! I now am actively seeking out other films in which he has starred...I love many of the musicals like Oklahoma and Carousel but the only one that I love as much as YDD is The Sound of Music, which I saw for the first time in 2001. If you like classic musicals/films, this is a must see! You'll love it!

This movie holds a special fascination for me. First off, the little-seen-on-video actress Ruth Chatterton does a superlative job as Fran Dodsworth, the hopelessly vain forty-something wife of a successful American Industrialist

I love the remark Mary Astor makes to Chatterton when Fran states to the younger Edith: "I hope I look as good as you do at your age" - "You're almost certain to, my dear" replies Mary.

As Dodsworth himself, Walter Huston is amazing: a brilliantly effective performance, simple, unaffected -- basking in its realism.

Mary Astor is wonderful as the true blue widow Edith Cortwright. Astor plays her role with a sincere confidence and her character is a nice contrast to the foolish Fran (Who gets more ridiculously affected and flirtatious as the film progresses)

Apart from the great Maria Ouspenskaya - who has one telling scene - David Niven is merely adequate here and the other supporting players (John Payne, Spring Byington, etc.) aren't particularly memorable.

But Huston, Chatterton and Astor carry the film aided by William Wyler's superb direction. And that lovely semi-sentimental musical theme heard throughout doesn't exactly mar the film, either.

DODSWORTH is an uncommonly adult film for the 193O's (Nineteen thirties Hollywood, anyway!) And it's a joy to relish for those interested in fine vintage performances from three pros doing some of their finest work on screen.

Is the line Dodsworth delivers to his wife towards the fimal moments of this film. He'll never be able to forget her, but he must choose life over insanity. This is the theme of Sinclair Lewis' novel, directed by Billy Wilder. Not a single reviewer thus far has given it less than five stars, and with good reason.

"DODSWORTH" occupies a strange place in the history of cinema. Of all the truly great American films, it is probably the least known.

Dodsworth (Walter Huston) is a wealthy businessman who sells his company against the advice of a friend who can't picture him in retirement: " You and I are meant to die in harness ".

Dodsworth disagrees. His affairs are in order, his only daughter has gotten married and he's going to spend the rest of his life traveling, or fishing, or simply living; confident he will be happy enjoying however many years he has left because Dodsworth is much more than a self-made entrepreneur. He is also a man who is madly in love with his wife.

"Have I told you today that I adore you?" is his favorite greeting.

However his wife, Fran (Ruth Chatterton) although an intelligent and loving woman, cannot cope with the threat of old age. She recoils at the thought of being a grandmother, and the European vacation they embark upon soon turns to nightmare, as Fran's frenzied search for validation that she's still a desirable woman lead her into a series of embarassing fiascos, from infidelity with a giggolo, to cajoling a proposal of marriage from a milksop aristocrat, young enough to be her son.

Despite these humiliations Dodsworth remains loyal to the woman he adores and it is not until her (apparently) final abandonment hat he allows his companionship with the beautiful widow, Edith (Mary Astor) to grow into a love affair.

The actors are phenomenal. The direction---well, it's Wilder, enough said.

An intelligent and moving story about the courage to love. Highly recommended.

Actors build up their characters at very close perfection in this outstanding film, which deals with the conflicts of a middleaged married american couple in an european-second-honeymoon trip. One wonders how such a poignant, adult film, could be made under the strictures of the Production Code, which reigned supreme from 1934.

The cast is uniformly flawless: Walter Huston, as industrialist Sam Dodsworth, gives one of the most sincere and unaffected performances ever achieved by an actor on the american screen (he deserved an Academy Award for this role); lovely and very pretty Mary Astor, in a most sympatthetic role, as an american widow living in Naples, Italy, who falls in love with Huston, realizing they're soulmates; Ruth Chatterton, as Fran Dodsworth, the self-centered, snobbish, selfish, spoiled, manipulative, unnerving & ultimately flirtatious wife of Huston, who cannot cope with growing old and ends looking down on her husband, hometown friends, way of life, etc....yearning for the "european"chic & sophisticated ways of its idle upper classes; Paul Lukas, as the suave, continental man who uses his charms on Chatterton; David Niven, as one of Chatterton's suitors; a very young John Payne, as the Dodsworths' son-in-law; and character actress Madame Maria Ouspenskaya, making her american debut, as the old baroness who spoils Chatterton's wedding plans to her much younger son Kurt (played by Gregory Gaye), who not only is an impoverished nobleman, but cannot make decisions of his very own!

Samuel Goldwyn, the legendary and indomitable Hollywood producer, must be given the praise for making the decision to film such a delicate and sensitive movie, with an "A" class treatment, in spite of its lack of commercial punch for regular '30s moviegoers.

Really one of the best Hollywood movies of all time, and a truly timeless 1930s classic. Buying this dvd has been one of the smartest investments of my adult life.

This movie holds a special fascination for me. First off, the little-seen-on-video actress Ruth Chatterton does a superlative job as Fran Dodsworth, the hopelessly vain forty-something wife of a successful American Industrialist

I love the remark Mary Astor makes to Chatterton when Fran states to the younger Edith: "I hope I look as good as you do at your age" - "You're almost certain to, my dear" replies Mary.

As Dodsworth himself, Walter Huston is amazing: a brilliantly effective performance, simple, unaffected -- basking in its realism.

Mary Astor is wonderful as the true blue widow Edith Cortwright. Astor plays her role with a sincere confidence and her character is a nice contrast to the foolish Fran (Who gets more ridiculously affected and flirtatious as the film progresses)

Apart from the great Maria Ouspenskaya - who has one telling scene - David Niven is merely adequate here and the other supporting players (John Payne, Spring Byington, etc.) aren't particularly memorable.

But Huston, Chatterton and Astor carry the film aided by William Wyler's superb direction. And that lovely semi-sentimental musical theme heard throughout doesn't exactly mar the film, either.

DODSWORTH is an uncommonly adult film for the 193O's (Nineteen thirties Hollywood, anyway!) And it's a joy to relish for those interested in fine vintage performances from three pros doing some of their finest work on screen.

Is the line Dodsworth delivers to his wife towards the fimal moments of this film. He'll never be able to forget her, but he must choose life over insanity. This is the theme of Sinclair Lewis' novel, directed by Billy Wilder. Not a single reviewer thus far has given it less than five stars, and with good reason.

"DODSWORTH" occupies a strange place in the history of cinema. Of all the truly great American films, it is probably the least known.

Dodsworth (Walter Huston) is a wealthy businessman who sells his company against the advice of a friend who can't picture him in retirement: " You and I are meant to die in harness ".

Dodsworth disagrees. His affairs are in order, his only daughter has gotten married and he's going to spend the rest of his life traveling, or fishing, or simply living; confident he will be happy enjoying however many years he has left because Dodsworth is much more than a self-made entrepreneur. He is also a man who is madly in love with his wife.

"Have I told you today that I adore you?" is his favorite greeting.

However his wife, Fran (Ruth Chatterton) although an intelligent and loving woman, cannot cope with the threat of old age. She recoils at the thought of being a grandmother, and the European vacation they embark upon soon turns to nightmare, as Fran's frenzied search for validation that she's still a desirable woman lead her into a series of embarassing fiascos, from infidelity with a giggolo, to cajoling a proposal of marriage from a milksop aristocrat, young enough to be her son.

Despite these humiliations Dodsworth remains loyal to the woman he adores and it is not until her (apparently) final abandonment hat he allows his companionship with the beautiful widow, Edith (Mary Astor) to grow into a love affair.

The actors are phenomenal. The direction---well, it's Wilder, enough said.

An intelligent and moving story about the courage to love. Highly recommended.

Actors build up their characters at very close perfection in this outstanding film, which deals with the conflicts of a middleaged married american couple in an european-second-honeymoon trip. One wonders how such a poignant, adult film, could be made under the strictures of the Production Code, which reigned supreme from 1934.

The cast is uniformly flawless: Walter Huston, as industrialist Sam Dodsworth, gives one of the most sincere and unaffected performances ever achieved by an actor on the american screen (he deserved an Academy Award for this role); lovely and very pretty Mary Astor, in a most sympatthetic role, as an american widow living in Naples, Italy, who falls in love with Huston, realizing they're soulmates; Ruth Chatterton, as Fran Dodsworth, the self-centered, snobbish, selfish, spoiled, manipulative, unnerving & ultimately flirtatious wife of Huston, who cannot cope with growing old and ends looking down on her husband, hometown friends, way of life, etc....yearning for the "european"chic & sophisticated ways of its idle upper classes; Paul Lukas, as the suave, continental man who uses his charms on Chatterton; David Niven, as one of Chatterton's suitors; a very young John Payne, as the Dodsworths' son-in-law; and character actress Madame Maria Ouspenskaya, making her american debut, as the old baroness who spoils Chatterton's wedding plans to her much younger son Kurt (played by Gregory Gaye), who not only is an impoverished nobleman, but cannot make decisions of his very own!

Samuel Goldwyn, the legendary and indomitable Hollywood producer, must be given the praise for making the decision to film such a delicate and sensitive movie, with an "A" class treatment, in spite of its lack of commercial punch for regular '30s moviegoers.

Really one of the best Hollywood movies of all time, and a truly timeless 1930s classic. Buying this dvd has been one of the smartest investments of my adult life.

Scene: the Marines have overwhelmed the guards at the palace of the Bashaw. Their leader presents the point of his saber to the chest of the hookah-smoking Bashaw, "Captain Jerome, United States Marines", he says with a sly grin. "You are a dangerous man, Captain, and your President Roosevelt is mad," declares the Bashaw. Captain Jerome returns saber to scabbard, throws the Bashaw a snappy salute, and retorts, "Yessir!"

That so thoroughly expressed the proper attitude of an American addressing an old-world potentate - so far superior to the way so many Americans suck up to British royalty these days - that I cheer every time I see this scene. Needless to say, I've had a VHS copy for years and eagerly await the availability on DVD.

I saw this film as a kid in Phoenix in a 70mm print during the summer of 1975. It was amazing looking and sounding. I just saw a print here in NYC this summer at the Walter Reade Theater. Sadly, it was so grainy, scratchy and faded that I found myself sad that such a great piece of work is being so neglected. I've read that Warners Home Video will be releasing this film along with a few others that won a reader's poll on Turner Classic movies in January of 2004. I hope they make the effort to restore the negative on this one and preserve and protect a great piece of work. Aside from the great performances by Sean Connery, Brian Keith and Candice Bergen, the scenery is magnificent. I believe part of the film was shot in Spain. But you'd swear you were in the desert of 1904 where much of this epic takes place. Check this out when you have the chance. A great film for all ages and for the ages.

That's right. Our long suffering will soon be over. Wind and the Lion is one of five winners of the MGM DVD Decison 2003 contest. The DVD will be released in Conjunction with Turner Classic Movies on Jan 6, 2004 and will include audio commentary by John Milius.

I first saw the film on a small black and white TV in the late 70's. Saw it on big screen a few years later at a revival festival. Have gone through three VHS copies. I teach a class in Film and Literature at the college level and W&L has always been number one on my list. This film is big spectacle adventure at its best. They truly don't make them like they used to. Now if they'll only reissue the soundtrack. My grandfather, father, and I were all career military officers.
This movie forever puts the P back in patriotism.

John Huston's The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is my second favorite film of all-time. The first being Tod Browning's Freaks from 1932. This is Humphrey Bogart at his best. It is fascinating to see Bogart as Fred C. Dobbs break down. This film showcases greed and paranoia like none other. Walter Huston is also very good as Howard, an old prospector that knows what gold can do to a mans heart. Many films have been influenced by Treasure of the Sierra Madre. Among them - Henri-Georges Clouzot's Wages of Fear, Sam Peckinpah's Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia, and Brian DePalma's Scarface. Look out from cameos from Robert Blake, Ann Sheridan, and Jack Holt. The DVD has some terrific extra features as well. There is a 2-hour documentary on director John Huston, a 1-hour documentary on the film, a Bogart trailer gallery, Lux Radio Theatre Broadcast of Treasure of the Sierra Madre, 8-Ball Bunny - a Looney Toons cartoon, and lots more. Just watch it, folks.

Timeless tale of greed and desire, as three down-and- out men track down elusive golden wealth.

The movie is set up extremely well, as we learn about the men and their lot in life, well before they set out on their dangerous quest.

The parallels of greed resound today, with the corporate scandals and such. The riches that tempt men's souls can destroy the weak. Management techniques of the trio are on display as well, as they face challenges in the bleak wilderness.

The movie really holds up well under 21st century scrutiny. Every scene has meaning and their are many, running sub-plots and themes that remain true to themselves as they interweave,leave and then return throughout the movie. Keep your eye on the young Robert Blake, he had a small but amusing role in the beginning.

There are not many movies that have as much to offer, scene after scene, as this one does. Those who speak spanish will enjoy some of the un-translated dialogue between various locals, it is not spoon fed with accented english as so many movies do today. Great stuff!!

The American Film Institute's (AFI)1998 Top 100 American Movies in the first 100 years placed "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" at #30. This 1947 western classic was one of Warner Brothers (WB) Studios many Classic movies produced in the 1930's &40's. (ie, Adventures of Robin Hood (1938), Casablanca (1942), Yankee Doodle Dandy to name a few). The WB had a stable of Stars like; Bogart, Cagney, Flynn, Bergman, Barrymore, Rains, Bacall, Greenstreet, Lorre & De Haviland to name a few which produced an abundance of classics in short order.

Well for the first time WB has meticulously digitally remastered their classics of old under the DVD "Two Disc Special Edition" Series. These DVD's are outstanding and the Feature Film is worth the price of admission alone, but Warner Brothers has provided us a 2 DVD set with everything for us to escape to 1947 Hollywood and relive the movie theatre experience. DISC 1 - Provides us with a "Night at the Movies" (circa 1947) This is pure genius (hats off to the WB) and the viewer experiences a complete show (so get the popcorn ready, this is fun stuff!!!!) To begin Leonard Maltin gives us an introduction to this 1947 show followed by coming attractions, a newsreel, a cartoon, a short subject film and then the Feature film all back to back just like the movies. AWESOME. Also on Disc 1 are 12 Humphrey Bogart film trailers. Thats just the first disc!!! DISC 2 - Has a 2 hour documentary on the life of Director John Huston (2 Oscar's, Direction & Screen Play for "The Treasure of Sierra Madre"), Documentary on "Discovering the Treasure of.....", Classic Bugs Bunny Cartoon, Storyboards, Cast & Crew, Publicity Materials Gallery and a 1949 Radio broadcast starring Bogart & Walter Huston (Oscar winner for best supporting in Treasure (also John Hustons father)).

Warner Brothers did a fabulous job digitally transferring (the picture & sound are perfect)this Full Screen Black & White feature to DVD and there's more classic movies to come. I can't wait. This a must have for your home theatre experience. Enjoy.

I just discovery this movie and came to tell the world about this wonderful movie that my whole family jut enjoyed. To my surprise this would the 764th review of this movie, so i guess a few people have discovered it already.

Beautifully photographed and acted, the script takes a old story and presents it in a manner that lets the story live anew.

The 4 stars is because I save my 5 star grades for something extra, extra special, unique and brilliant such as The Lion King and the Princess Bride.

I absolutely LOVE this movie. I have honestly watched it at least 10 times. It's one of the sweetest stories ever made, a great adaption of the Cinderella story.

Danielle de Barbourac, after the death of her father, grows up as a servant girl under her stepmother and two stepsisters (one of which is not so bad). She is a girl with a strong will and a stronger throwing arm, as she flings apples at the runaway prince as he speeds away on her family's horse. He is thrown off the animal by her strikes...Danielle realizes its the prince, and so the story truly begins.

Prince Henry dreads having an arranged marriage to the Princess of Spain and has ran away many times. He is in many respects, still a young boy. After this episode, the King informs him that he will have until the masked ball to choose his own wife, or else the arrangement with Spain holds.

Henry sees Danielle again as she dresses up like a courtier to save one of the servants that her stepmother has sold into slavery. She looks familiar, but Henry can't recall. He is intrigued by this spitfire of a girl and Danielle leaves him with the name Countess Nicole de Lancre.

The romance evolves through several forbidden "dates" with Leonardo da Vinci as the "fairy godfather". Meanwhile, Baroness de Ghent (the stepmother) and Marguerite (evil stepsister) has had their eyes on the Prince ever since they received news that he will be able to choose his own bride.

I will not ruin the climax of the movie as it is the best part of the film. But needless to say, they lived happily ever after. It's a wonderfully enchanting film and Drew Barrymore couldn't be more perfect for the role. This movie also has many great quotes full of wit, humor, and love. It will touch your heart and I couldn't recommend this film more. It's a must-see and a must-buy!

The score by George Fenton is also powerful, touching, and magical. I recommend the soundtrack for all lovers of the movie as well as classical music.

This is a wonderful version of the Cinderella story. Drew Barrymore plays the role of Danielle (Cinderella), Dougray Scott plays the Prince Henry, and Angelica Huston plays the wicked stepmother Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent. The cast couldn't have been better! Especially Angelica who adds more "evil" to her character with the lifts of her eyebrows (trust me, it makes all the difference :] )

Instead of the original mice, her fellow servants are her friends, and Leonardo de Vinci is her "fairy godmother".

Her gown was gorgeous and the location was awesome. The accents were a bit bumpy, but everything else was great!

The fable was told differently in this movie and Andy Tennant did a good job directing the film. It's an awesome movie! Watch it and see for yourself!

I just discovery this movie and came to tell the world about this wonderful movie that my whole family jut enjoyed. To my surprise this would the 764th review of this movie, so i guess a few people have discovered it already.

Beautifully photographed and acted, the script takes a old story and presents it in a manner that lets the story live anew.

The 4 stars is because I save my 5 star grades for something extra, extra special, unique and brilliant such as The Lion King and the Princess Bride.

I absolutely LOVE this movie. I have honestly watched it at least 10 times. It's one of the sweetest stories ever made, a great adaption of the Cinderella story.

Danielle de Barbourac, after the death of her father, grows up as a servant girl under her stepmother and two stepsisters (one of which is not so bad). She is a girl with a strong will and a stronger throwing arm, as she flings apples at the runaway prince as he speeds away on her family's horse. He is thrown off the animal by her strikes...Danielle realizes its the prince, and so the story truly begins.

Prince Henry dreads having an arranged marriage to the Princess of Spain and has ran away many times. He is in many respects, still a young boy. After this episode, the King informs him that he will have until the masked ball to choose his own wife, or else the arrangement with Spain holds.

Henry sees Danielle again as she dresses up like a courtier to save one of the servants that her stepmother has sold into slavery. She looks familiar, but Henry can't recall. He is intrigued by this spitfire of a girl and Danielle leaves him with the name Countess Nicole de Lancre.

The romance evolves through several forbidden "dates" with Leonardo da Vinci as the "fairy godfather". Meanwhile, Baroness de Ghent (the stepmother) and Marguerite (evil stepsister) has had their eyes on the Prince ever since they received news that he will be able to choose his own bride.

I will not ruin the climax of the movie as it is the best part of the film. But needless to say, they lived happily ever after. It's a wonderfully enchanting film and Drew Barrymore couldn't be more perfect for the role. This movie also has many great quotes full of wit, humor, and love. It will touch your heart and I couldn't recommend this film more. It's a must-see and a must-buy!

The score by George Fenton is also powerful, touching, and magical. I recommend the soundtrack for all lovers of the movie as well as classical music.

This is a wonderful version of the Cinderella story. Drew Barrymore plays the role of Danielle (Cinderella), Dougray Scott plays the Prince Henry, and Angelica Huston plays the wicked stepmother Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent. The cast couldn't have been better! Especially Angelica who adds more "evil" to her character with the lifts of her eyebrows (trust me, it makes all the difference :] )

Instead of the original mice, her fellow servants are her friends, and Leonardo de Vinci is her "fairy godmother".

Her gown was gorgeous and the location was awesome. The accents were a bit bumpy, but everything else was great!

The fable was told differently in this movie and Andy Tennant did a good job directing the film. It's an awesome movie! Watch it and see for yourself!