Veterans Day Movie Reviews

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Family movie reviews for "Veterans Day" sorted by average review score:
Avengers '67 - Set 1, Vols. 1 & 2
Released in DVD by A & E Entertainment (16 March, 1999)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Directors: Ray Austin, Peter Graham Scott, Roger Jenkins, John Krish, Robert Day, Jonathan Alwyn, Don Sharp, Don Chaffey, Bill Bain, and Robert Fuest
The long-running Avengers series added some extra gloss to its look and feel by filming in color starting in 1967, making the inimitable, eccentric atmosphere of the show complete. That production change coincided with some of the best writing the program ever enjoyed. So it makes sense that those late-1960s episodes of The Avengers have been packaged to help us forget the botched 1998 feature film version of the show. Set 1 includes a mystery about killer phobias, "The Fear Merchants"; the time-travel story "Escape in Time"; the feathery spy tale "The Bird Who Knew Too Much"; the invisible-villain yarn "The See-Through Man"; and the comic-book spoof "The Winged Avenger"; and "From Venus with Love." --Tom Keogh
Average review score:

New color era for Steed and Mrs. Peel
Following the huge success of the first filmed series of The Avengers, starring Patrick MacNee as debonair British agent John Steed and his cool, sophisticated partner Mrs. Emma Peel, the producers opted to make the next batch of 26 episodes in color, to be broadcast in 1967. In order to accomplish this, foreign backing was necessary, and the American networks were approached. The US had broadcast the black and white season four as a mid-season replacement, and were interested in moving forward with a color season in prime time, however they only provided enough backing for 16 episodes initially. Another challenge was that Diana Rigg was not particularly keen to film another season of the show, and demanded a huge salary increase in order to secure her participation. She got the money, but it was made clear it would be her second and last season with the show.

Apart from the use of color film, there were other subtle changes to the show for this fifth season. Both Steed and Emma were given new apartments and Mrs. Peel a much more stylized wardrobe. The device of ending each story with the two leads driving off in a variety of vehicles was abandoned and instead a tag scene was used to introduce each story, where Steed informed his partner that they were needed in a variety of humorous ways. Each story title was also given a two-line subtitle. After completion of the first batch of 16, the American backers did provide finance for a further 16 but asked for both the subtitles and tag scenes to be dropped, and also requested that Mrs. Peel's wardrobe became more recognizably en vogue.

After only 8 episodes were completed, producers Brian Clemens and Albert Fennell left the show after a disagreement and the new producers opted not to continue with Mrs. Peel and began their own interpretation of the show. It wasn't long before Clemens and Fennell were back in charge, but the 67 series ended with "Mission highly improbable," although Rigg was brought back in 1968 for the one-off "The forget me knot," to introduce her replacement Tara King. This episode is included in this release as a bonus episode.

In terms of storylines, acting and the wonderful interplay between the two leads, there is little difference between this color season and the preceding black and white stories and the show had really reached its zenith by this point. Certainly in terms of popularity and ratings, it was never as successful again. Interestingly, several of these stories are in fact remakes of earlier episodes from the Mrs. Gale era. "The joker," "The correct way to kill," and "The $50,000 breakfast," are all remakes, whereas "The return of the Cybernauts," is a sequel to an earlier Steed/Mrs. Peel adventure.

Fans of The Avengers will of course be delighted to have these discs, and I'd highly recommend them to any other fans of the sci-fi/fantasy genre, and indeed fans of the 60's spy format. If you've ever seen the dreadful movie featuring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman, don't let that put you off. These stories are the real McCoy!

In the Middle Somewhere...
This is a super set! The Avengers, Patrick Macnee as John Steed and Diana Rigg as Emma Peel, are at their best. Some of the best 67 episodes are on this one. The Fear Merchants is a very enjoyable one. It is about this organization who finds out people's fears and makes them mad. You'll have to watch the episode to find out why they are doing it. From Venus With Love is a classic and well remembered episode. The worst (in my opinion) is probably The See-Through Man. Escape in Time is one of the best episodes ever made. English agents are being killed off by (what you watch when you first see it) people from the past. The Bird Who Knew Too Much is probably the second worst on the tape, but it is still very good. The Winged Avenger is also a classic about this comic book character (someone dressed up in a costume) killing people. This set over all is one of the best '67 sets.

Great TV Show and Transfers
If you fondly remember that great British import that we watched on TV way back in the 60s then you no doubt know about the content of what you are getting. You are more likely concerned about the quality of the product. Like John might say to Emma, "You scratch my back and I'll scratch your back. Just watch the hat please." John and Emma are back and are here to stay via DVD technology. Being on DVD, the aesthetics about the actual episodes are not in question here. More appropriately one may ask how they look. They look good, very good, excellent in fact.

Where the Day Takes You
Released in DVD by Columbia Tristar Hom (25 November, 2003)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Marc Rocco
Starring: Dermot Mulroney and Robert Knepper
Homelessness is a serious problem, but this film by Mark Rocco made it look like an alternative lifestyle that, if not for drugs and prostitution, would be kind of cool. Set in Los Angeles, the film centers on a group of homeless teens led by King (Dermot Mulroney), who tries to look out for his younger charges. But he can't keep some of them from getting involved in drug dealing, which leads to violence and melodrama involving evil drug dealer Kyle MacLachlan. Mulroney has a poignant quality, as does Lara Flynn Boyle as a runaway girl he falls for. On the other hand, Sean Astin is stereotypical as a strung-out kid who spoils everything. That's Will "Fresh Prince" Smith as a legless kid in a couple of scenes. --Marshall Fine
Average review score:

Great early movie for up and coming actors
This movie is full of actors that you now know at first glance. But when it came out, it was just a little movie full of a cast of actors with potential.
It's a moving and engrossing charater study that goes over the top from time to time, but never makes you lose your interest. You care about all the characters, whether you like them or detest them, until after it's over, and you realize how sad their lives truly are. At that point, even the detestable characters evoke pathos.
This definitely is a movie that film-lovers should see. If for no other reason, it's great to see the actors before they all broke (and to see the ones that didn't quite live up to potential). But above all, it's a film that deserves it just due, and it's viewing by more people.

Maclachlan the Bad Man
What I liked best about this movie was Kyle Maclachlan shooting heroin between his toes, later tossing one of the main characters dead of an overdose (which he'd obtained from Maclachlan's character) into a dumpster. Not the most optimistic of tales, this one is more a reality scenario study. Not bad.

The Best
I saw this movie for the first time nine years ago. After watching it the first time, I immediately watched it again. This is my favorite movie compared to anything. It definitely gives the viewer a real look into the realm of drugs and homelessness. This movie is definitely underrated, watched too infrequently and too unknown.

The Avengers '67 - Set 4, Vols. 7 & 8
Released in DVD by A & E Entertainment (17 July, 2001)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Directors: Ray Austin, Peter Graham Scott, Roger Jenkins, John Krish, Robert Day, Jonathan Alwyn, Don Sharp, Don Chaffey, Bill Bain, and Robert Fuest
This final set of episodes from the 1967-1968 season of The Avengers follows the delightful, pop-surreal series through the concluding chapter of Diana Rigg's involvement as agent Emma Peel. On tap is "The £50,000 Breakfast," in which a ventriloquist is discovered to be carrying a stash of diamonds in his stomach, leading Mrs. Peel and John Steed (Patrick Macnee) into an investigation that involves murder, dummies, and borzoi dogs. "Dead Man's Treasure" finds a mortally wounded fellow agent hiding important documents in the home of a racing enthusiast--whose driving "simulator" nearly kills poor Mrs. Peel with a lethal dose of electricity. This set also includes the terrific "You Have Just Been Murdered," in which a gaggle of blackmailers and assassins accosts prospective victims with toy weapons to prove they can easily be killed. Steed and Mrs. Peel enter the fray, just as they do in "The Positive-Negative Man," a tense but amusing plot about an electrically charged killer dispatching members of a scientific research team (and very nearly our heroes) with one touch of his high-voltage finger. Also contained in the set is the dark and scary "Murdersville," in which Mrs. Peel is kidnapped in a town full of killers-for-hire. Following that is the cheeky "Mission Highly Improbable," featuring Steed and Emma as shrunken versions of themselves after being subjected to a miniaturization device. The series ends--rather sadly for worshippers of Mrs. Peel--with "The Forget-Me-Knot," introducing Steed's next partner, Tara King (Linda Thorson), in a story about a traitor within the intelligence community. A coda in which Steed and Emma say goodbye is indeed unforgettable. Fortunately, the good times and quirky humor and whimsical sexuality between this perfect pair live on forever in this set. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:

poor quality control
This otherwise excellent set is marred by an audio problem on "The $50,000 breakfast". The original show mix is combined with the music and effects mixouts causing the music and effects to be too loud and phasey.
After A&E did this on one of the early Prisoner releases, I had hoped they had tightened up on their quality control.
Thanks A&E. This episode is pretty much unwatchable.

A pretty good Set, but a couple problems
Diana Rigg and Patrick Macnee as Emma Peel and John Steed are fabulous. These two are the best from the avengers. This set isn't the best (in my opinion), but a classic. The 50,000 pound breakfast is just a silly plot about stealing a dog for money. Another problem, even though it (Tara King episode)is free, I don't like Tara King. The bonus episode is well known with Mrs. Peel and Tara King in The Forget-Me-Knot. The others are all great! Set includes: Dead Man's Treasure, Positive-Negative man, You Have Just Been Murdered, Mission Highly Improbable, and Murdersville. The other two episodes have been mentioned further up.

New color era for Steed and Mrs. Peel
Following the huge success of the first filmed series of The Avengers, starring Patrick MacNee as debonair British agent John Steed and his cool, sophisticated partner Mrs. Emma Peel, the producers opted to make the next batch of 26 episodes in color, to be broadcast in 1967. In order to accomplish this, foreign backing was necessary, and the American networks were approached. The US had broadcast the black and white season four as a mid-season replacement, and were interested in moving forward with a color season in prime time, however they only provided enough backing for 16 episodes initially. Another challenge was that Diana Rigg was not particularly keen to film another season of the show, and demanded a huge salary increase in order to secure her participation. She got the money, but it was made clear it would be her second and last season with the show.

Apart from the use of color film, there were other subtle changes to the show for this fifth season. Both Steed and Emma were given new apartments and Mrs. Peel a much more stylized wardrobe. The device of ending each story with the two leads driving off in a variety of vehicles was abandoned and instead a tag scene was used to introduce each story, where Steed informed his partner that they were needed in a variety of humorous ways. Each story title was also given a two-line subtitle. After completion of the first batch of 16, the American backers did provide finance for a further 16 but asked for both the subtitles and tag scenes to be dropped, and also requested that Mrs. Peel's wardrobe became more recognizably en vogue.

After only 8 episodes were completed, producers Brian Clemens and Albert Fennell left the show after a disagreement and the new producers opted not to continue with Mrs. Peel and began their own interpretation of the show. It wasn't long before Clemens and Fennell were back in charge, but the 67 series ended with "Mission highly improbable," although Rigg was brought back in 1968 for the one-off "The forget me knot," to introduce her replacement Tara King. This episode is included in this release as a bonus episode.

In terms of storylines, acting and the wonderful interplay between the two leads, there is little difference between this color season and the preceding black and white stories and the show had really reached its zenith by this point. Certainly in terms of popularity and ratings, it was never as successful again. Interestingly, several of these stories are in fact remakes of earlier episodes from the Mrs. Gale era. "The joker," "The correct way to kill," and "The $$$$$ breakfast," are all remakes, whereas "The return of the Cybernauts," is a sequel to an earlier Steed/Mrs. Peel adventure.

Fans of The Avengers will of course be delighted to have these discs, and I'd highly recommend them to any other fans of the sci-fi/fantasy genre, and indeed fans of the 60's spy format. If you've ever seen the dreadful movie featuring Ralph Fiennes and Uma Thurman, don't let that put you off. These stories are the real McCoy!

The Day the Earth Caught Fire
Released in DVD by Anchor Bay Entertainment (12 June, 2001)
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Director: Val Guest
Starring: Janet Munro and Edward Judd
Despite its melodramatic title, which carried on a '50s doomsday naming convention, this taut 1961 English science fiction thriller offers an object lesson in the power of story over special effects. When both the Soviets and the West detonate nuclear tests simultaneously, the seismic double whammy jolts the earth off its axis and onto a new orbit sending it fatally closer to the sun--a fate that writer-director-producer Val Guest views from the street-level perspective of its principal characters, rather than an off-world vantage point. The street in question, however, is London's Fleet Street, the venerable hub of its newspaper and tabloid publishers, and the hard-nosed reporters growing realization that their number is up carries its own stark punch. Edward Judd is Peter Stenning, a rugged, appropriately grim reporter, Leo McKern is tough but compassionate editor Bill Maguire, and Janet Munro is Stenning's love interest, in an elfin, sexy turn that's a striking contrast to her best-known turn in Disney's Darby O'Gill and the Little People. With an effects arsenal that consists largely of a spray bottle to apply beads of "sweat," Guest and his small but crack cast are surprisingly effective, and the cold war plot hook still works, thanks to its uncomfortable proximity to more contemporary environmental terrors. --Sam Sutherland
Average review score:

Early Sci-Fi At Its Best
Unlike many examples of early sci-fi cinema, TDTECF combines a thought-provoking storyline with superb acting to create a very credible thriller about the countdown to Earth's destruction as a result of a decaying orbit brought on by nuclear testing.

Edward Judd is excellent in the role of Peter Stenning, a cynical newspaper columnist who has fallen from the top of his profession into a whiskey bottle but rises to sobriety once again admist the crisis. Janet Munro is adorable as Jeanie Crane, the weather ministry worker who leaks the story of the ages to Judd and ends up falling in love with him in the process. Leo McKern, widely known for his later role as Rumpole of the Bailey, is simply superb as Bill McGuire, the paper's science expert and Stenning's best friend. His sharp wit and tongue make his character a joy to watch.

Added into that mix is an amazingly authentic recreation of a newspaper work environment. I don't know the actor who plays Mr. Jefferson, the newpaper's editor, but he should have gotten an Oscar for his portrayal. I heard somewhere that he was a former newspaper editor--and it shows in his performance.

The special effects are minimal and unsophisticated, but the tension in the story builds as the lethality of the crisis becomes apparent to everyone and mankind makes a frantic, last-second attempt to prevent its ultimate undoing.

As far as the DVD goes, it is a very nice package. It includes commentary from Val Guest, the director; a nice set of production stills; and radio advertising spots for the movie. The audio sync does appear to be a hair off in some spots, but it wasn't all that noticeable. The picture quality is crisp and the audio is clear. I especially like the colorized (sort of) opening and closing sequences. Overall, a very nice packaging of a wonderful movie. One of the top sci-fi films of all time in my opinion.

intelligent sci-fi
Director Val Guest delivers one of the finest science fiction films ever made.With its real locations,literate script, documentary feel and a complete lack of the usual blaring music typical of the period this is a stand out movie of the genre.
You can almost feel the temperature rising as the film progresses.A great demonstration of what may happen if mankind continues to stupidly detonate nuclear warheads.

A great movie about the end of us all
I have to confess the only reason that I bought "The Day the Eath Caught Fire" was due to its premsis of the end of the world. I LOVED IT! I thought that the acting and storyline was great. The Director is a excellent job. The movie kept the viewer guessing right end about the fate of the earth. A Great Job!

DJ Tiesto - Another Day at the Office
Released in DVD by Navarre Corporation/ (12 August, 2003)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Average review score:

Self Adulation Never a Good Thing !
I was such a huge Tiesto fan until I saw this DVD. I bought it on the basis of other reviews but I guess I haven't yet joined the cult of P so have missed the point of the DVD. Tiesto is a master at what he does there is no doubt about that however after this DVD I have lost some respect for him. I thought from the DVD I would learn a little more about the man eg influences, inspiration etc etc. instead all I got was a DVD that showed yet again that the DJ has become greater than the music (and I won't debate the merits or otherwise of that) and endless shots of (mostly Americans) going on about how brilliant he is. This DVD is self adulation / promotion at its worst, all I can say is shame on you Tiesto making suckers out of your fans.

Spectacular! Amazing! I love him!
In this DVD you get to now DJ Tiesto. Now I feel like I know him already. He is definetely the BEST. If you love Tiesto...you have to buy the DVD.

Tijs rules
Simply u can confirm who the best DJ in the planet Earth is , by far.....Tiesto.

No questions left.

U can see the king in his "normal" life , and understand better why we love him so much (his fans) .

Great DVD

Lady Day - The Many Faces of Billie Holiday
Released in DVD by Kultur Video (28 November, 2000)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Starring: Billie Holiday and Carmen McRae
Given the often inextricable relationship between art and suffering, it's no coincidence that Billie Holiday, popularly acclaimed as jazz's greatest (if not technically best) female singer, was also one of its most tragic figures. While both triumph and tragedy are covered in this hourlong documentary, we are mercifully spared excessive details about the more sordid aspects of Holiday's life (her drug and alcohol addictions, her disastrous relationships with abusive men) in favor of careful consideration of her music. Testimonials are offered by those who played with her (pianist Mal Waldron and trumpeters Buck Clayton and Harry "Sweets" Edison), were influenced or inspired by her (singers Carmen McRae and Annie Ross), or worked with her (producer Milt Gabler). Together, they paint a portrait of a woman who was both tough and vulnerable, sad and defiant, an unschooled musician who became a supreme innovator.

Fairly or not, documentaries like this one will inevitably be compared to Ken Burns's Jazz, especially when they contain some of the same material, as is the case here. But while Lady Day doesn't always benefit from the comparison (actress Ruby Dee, reading from Holiday's autobiography, and narrator David Smyrl race through their lines as if they've got a train to catch), it surpasses Jazz in one vital respect: instead of constantly interrupting the music with voiceovers, Lady Day offers some of Holiday's few performances on film or TV in their entirety, including "Strange Fruit," her graphic and disturbing song about Southern lynchings, and "Fine and Mellow," in which a visibly and audibly deteriorating Holiday is backed by Lester Young, Ben Webster, and other jazz immortals. --Sam Graham

Average review score:

Kultur, this time you missed it!
If you are interested in the (ever fashionable) approach to Jazz, via the contemporary interpretation of the social environment in which the Jazz artists created, then there is a good chance you may like this DVD.

However, if real footage is what you are after, this DVD may well disappoint you too. In this latter case I strongly suggest you spend your money on "The Ladies Sing the Blues" DVD.

Being interested in a combination of real footage and adept commentary I got disappointed on both ends. In the whole DVD, there are at most three incomplete songs where Lady Day actually sings, yet there are a few too many (poor taste) instances when her voiced dubs some disconnected Jazz players/dancers. As well, in addition to some general socio-historical vignettes, I found the commentary to be just a suite of encomiums with no critical side to it.

SO INFLUENTIAL!!!!
This Billie Holiday album was like a ray of light to me when I first listened to it! It's so inspiring! You can see why so many artists of today are influenced by it! The music really took me to the borderline. I thank my lucky star that this album came along.

If Your A Fan......
Billie Holiday is a figure of her time and this movie just about justifies that statment. Although the footage isent anything out of the ordinary...including 'Strange Fruit', the infamous 'Fine annd Mellow' and a personal favorite 'Please Don't Talk About me When I'm gone'. She shows no real emotion during these short performances, but you can tell what she is thinking and feeling, during them.

Excellent quality of the footages.....the conersations with the , also late great, Carmen McRae are fun to watch too. I WOULD DEFINATLEY get this DVD/VIDEO if I were you. Im only 15, I LOVE THIS MUSIC---and this women. Enjoy! Highly Recommended. (Now there are movies on Lady Day and Ella Fitzgerald....WHERE'S THE VIDEO ON DINAH WASHINGTON????) =)

Vietnam - The Ten Thousand Day War
Released in DVD by Image Entertainment (20 June, 2000)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
The military, political, and social repercussions of the Vietnam War continue to be felt, in the ways in which it altered the landscape of American life forever. Written by CNN correspondent Peter Arnett, the 13 episodes of Vietnam: The Ten Thousand Day War trace the entire course of the conflict, from the closing days of World War II when Ho Chi Minh first began to assemble his revolutionary army, to the fall of Saigon in 1975. Documentary filmmaking simply doesn't get much better than this. With extensive archival footage shot by both sides and interviews with participants ranging from infantry soldiers to diplomats, Vietnam has a detached, journalistic objectivity and fairness throughout. It would be much easier to understand the war if it were possible to lay the blame at the feet of the French, or Kennedy, Johnson, or Nixon, but the war's progress was never that clear-cut. Rather, it was a slippery slope that inexorably led to thousands of deaths and laid waste to the country of Vietnam. Unlike WWII, there were no heroes' welcomes for Vietnam's returning GI's; more often than not, they were met with silence or outright contempt. The series' final chapter explores their struggles in readjusting to normal life in society. The somber tone of Richard Basehart's narration is a perfect match for the gravity of the subject matter. This two-DVD boxed set is essential watching for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Vietnam War and all its ramifications, and should be required viewing for history classes. --Jerry Renshaw
Average review score:

Very unbalanced point of view
This documentary is overwhelmingly pro-war, anti-Vietnamese. It essentially demonizes the Vietnamese who fought for their country and totally disregards the fact that the US attempting to force its will on them led to the deaths of 3 million Asians.

This documentary is a cheap rebuttal to the balanced documentary Vietnam: A Television History, which I highly recommend.

THE REAL VIETNAM
The history and detail of this excellent documentary is highly recommended piece for your personal collection.

Must Have
I've seen almost all Nam's TV documentaries because I bought them and this one is the most comprehensive. It states the facts and having owned the VHS tapes (that I offered to someone dear to me), I'm now expecting for the other documentaries (CBS, ABC) to be on DVD.

Baby's Day Out
Released in DVD by Twentieth Century Fox (11 March, 2003)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: Patrick Read Johnson
Starring: Joe Mantegna and Lara Flynn Boyle
Only a mother or a certified baby-phile could love this John Hughes comedy (he wrote and coproduced it). Aside from that endorsement, the diaper starts to stink. Baby Bink is kidnapped by three inept crooks, but the child escapes from their hideaway, leading to a chase through the city. Bink's journey follows the story line of his favorite bedtime book, Baby's Day Out, and he goes to a zoo, a construction site, and a retirement center. Hughes is following his accountant's favorite bedtime tale, "Let's rewrite Home Alone again," but with very little of the humor or impact of that smash. A number of scenes center on the crushing or incineration of Joe Mantegna's groin, not exactly family-fare yuks. There are some moments of levity with the crooks and a gorilla. --Keith Simanton
Average review score:

Baby Boo Gets Around, and How!
The real star of this delicious comedy is that darling infant. Of course, Joe Mantegna was so funny but I keep seeing him as a gangster instead of an ordinary child kidnapper.
And how nice to see Fred Thompson actually smile (for once). My neighbor suggested this video to me and I pressured the public library to get it -- as I needed a laugh, bad.
Watching this, I couldn't mope. Watching all the adventures of the story book come true was too too cool. It looked like Chicago as the setting.
So that's where the producers of the first TOY STORY got that idea of crossing a busy avenue dodging oncoming traffic. But that took some doing with the truck actually going over the active boy. Some special effects!
And that scene with Joe M. hanging from the shut down machinery of a high rise building during construction reminded me of Doris Day in MIDNIGHT LACE.

This was a laughable film -- in every way. Look for it at the video stores or better yet, buy it from Amazon.com

Delightful Fantasy Comedy.
When a Trio of Kidappers (Joe Mantegna, Joe Pantaliano & Brain Haley) have stole a 9 month old baby boy named Baby Bink (Adam Robert Worton & Jacob Joseph Worton). But when Baby Bink has get out of the Kidappers apartment from the open window, Baby Bink has to face the hazards of the city of Chicago.

Directed by Patrick Read Johnson (Angus) and Written by John Hughes (Home Alone Trilogy). Writer:Hughes steals himself from the Plot of Home Alone and He was written a clone and down size the hero to a Baby. This film is often Clever and Fast-Paced Fantasy Comedy. The film does lack Originality but Adult and Children will have a great time with this. Grade:B+.

Leonard Maltin didn't get it! But you could...
Ok, then, let's start with the fact that Leonard Maltin thought this is a bomb. He didn't like the cartoonish aspect of it, which John Hughes originally used in his "Home Alone" series, or the fact that John Hughes repeated himself.

I view it differently. I see it as John Hughes creating a Kubrick-esque final statement on live cartoons. The film is hilarious at moments, even after watching it several times. The most amazing thing is the performance of the two young principals, the Worton twins. The director, by whatever magic, manages to infuse the "Baby Bink" performances with wit, and a significant tongue-in-cheek aspect. Yes, the gonads on fire joke is a bit on the nose, but the way John Hughes takes it to the extreme of this movie, who would dare to try and top that? And how could you even accomplish such a feat?

In any event, this movie is a delight. And if you are curious about the process of making it, including some of the most incredible stunts performed by none other than Vern "Mini-Me" Troyer (uncredited as an actor, but mentioned on several occasions by the director in the commentary), listen to the commentary and laugh about the process, too!

Ernest Goes to Camp
Released in DVD by Buena Vista Home Entertainment (03 September, 2002)
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: John R. Cherry III
Starring: Jim Varney
Average review score:

Hey Vern, check out my summer camp home movie.....
At last, Jim Varney's films are on DVD. All I can say is, it's about time! However, considering his sad, early death a couple of years ago, you'd think there would be a few extras on these screwball camp classics. Interviews, outtakes, something. But at least we get to bring Ernest home, the guy with the small brains, big heart, and the most flexible face you've ever seen.

This is the first of the Ernest flicks, and considered by most to be his best. Ernest is a maintenance man at a boy's summer camp who gets stuck with a group of juvenile delinquents no one else wants to work with. His innocence, acceptence, and naivete are exactly what the boys need and slowly, he works change in their hearts. Of course, they take great advantage of his dim wits in the beginning with hilarious results. In spite of their joking, Ernest cares for the boys and tries his hardest to be the best camp counselor he can be.

The movie is full of as much camp humor as one can muster - the food jokes probably being the most extreme - and hilarious. We even get to hear Ernest sing. The tone changes midway as the camp is introduced to a crisis. A mining corporation longs to buy the camp for its rich resources and takes advantage of Ernest's low wattage brain power to get it's way. A battle of great proportions ensues, complete with indian war paint, disgusting camp food, and my personal favorite, paratrooper turtles. The paratrooper turtles instantly landed this camp movie in the category of campy classics. And believe it or not, in the middle of all this screwy humor, there are some truly touching moments and some great moral lessons.

The movie is true family fare, free of language, sexual innuendo, or other things that find their way into family films these days. It is a great way to initiate summer and to reminisce about the glory days of summer camp. The biggest difference between this and other Ernest films is the lack of characters played by Varney. He is Ernest almost the entire film - and if my memory serves me correctly, Vern may not even be present. But the movie is Ernest all the way and Jim Varney fans will not be dissappointed. You will be sorely missed Ernest.

This DVD is a blast! Fire the flaming toilets!!
This is the firt Ernest movie ever released, and probably one of Jim varney's best as well. It's too bad that Jim Varney had to die (rest in peace, my dear friend). Anyway, in this Ernest movie, Ernest works at a camp. When some new boys come to camp, it's up to Ernest to straighten up their attitude. But that's not the only thing that Ernest has to worry about, for there is some guys that want to destroy the camp and use the land as their own. Can Ernest save the camp? You've got to watch it to find out! What are you waiting for? Get off your big, lazy butt and go buy this DVD NOW!!!!!

P.S.- I don't won't to spoil too much for you, but when they fire the flaming toilets scene is just PLAIN HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just another reason why you should own this DVD!

Genius
Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) is the best thing to happen to the comedy genre since Cheech and Chong disappeared. Ernest is a camp counselor for a bunch of brats. Pure 80's mischief and Ernest goes native, you can't miss it! He doesn't like to eat those two weirdos' cooking. Watch him go 'huh' and get slammed in the face with a lunch tray. Classic.

Porky's & Porky's II - The Next Day
Released in DVD by Twentieth Century Fox (06 August, 2002)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Bob Clark (III)
Starring: Dan Monahan and Mark Herrier
Average review score:

Avrege,, DVD good quality,,Movie decent sometimeS!!!
I remember seeing this movie in the 80's......... at the time it was considered more of a porno flick thean a movie......

Porkys I- Like everyone I loved this, The Classic story diologe teen boys in the 50's being boys, looking to get laid ay just about all costs.... and has the funny pranks and stuff, someting enjoyable but not for the whole family...

Porkeys II The NExt Day- UGH!!! I wish I never brought myself to watch this again since the 80's,,,, I was more discusted, I mean there is really as much funny pranks more talking, and the shakspere play lol I think Meat took more of a role in that section........... and 1 thing that confuses me to this day if this movie has next to nothing or nothing at all to do wiht the bar Porkys thean why call it "porkys"??????
But o well we all learn from out mistakes dont we?
dissapointing DVD!!!-I think a commintary would have done good, or deleted scens, or something other thean previews for the movie and Revenge of the neerds....
Its a classic so but it.

Porky's 2 Killed My Cat...
I bought this set because I enjoy the Porky's movie and 2 isn't bad and this was cheaper than buying them invidually. If you get this, don't expect high cinema two.

Also, you might want to keep any animals away because Porky's 2 killed my cat.....

STILL FUNNY AFTER ALL THESE YEARS!
I saw these movies back in the 1980's and they were funny then and they're funny now. The scene from pt.1 that gets me every time is when "Miss Ballbreaker" is trying to tell the Principal about Tommy Turner and the girls shower, those coaches in the background laughing hystericaly and the Principal trying to keep a straight face. That scene is nothing short of fall in the floor funny. In pt.2 it's the whole date scene with Wendy when she pretends to be drunk. Bottom line, these movies are classic and I highly recommend them to anyone who wants or needs a good laugh.

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