Veterans Day Movie Reviews

Fans of Jack Nicholson will want to include this budget DVD in their collection as if features young Jack in one of his earliest starring roles, circa 1960. While Nicholson is pretty good, I found the film more interesting as a cultural artifact, one of large number of low budget youth films done in the wake of Marlon Brando's "The Wild Ones" and James Dean's "Rebel Without A Cause." All of the ususal elements are here . . . juvenile delinquents in trouble with the law, hot cars, alcohol, the "good girl," etc. Nicholson refers to himself as "the Number One Stud."

Brentwood Communications' DVD checks in at around 59 minutes and I've seen one source that says the running time for this film is 63 minutes, suggesting that there is some missing footage. The New Concorde Home Video version possibly may be more complete, but it costs three times as much. Regardless, the short running time for this feature (originally released as part of a double feature) definitely works to the film's advantage; the story telling is concise and to the point. Brentwood also includes what appears to be the very first "Casper, the Friendly Ghost" cartoon in a washed out, but serviceable version, an interactive movie trivia game, a dictionary of DVD terms, and chapter stops for the main feature. All in all, not a bad package for a budget price.

In only his second top-billed role, Jack Nicholson already shows some of the commanding presence that would eventually make him a star, playing Johnny Varron, smart-mouthed, arrogant punk and "top man" in a gang of would-be hot-rodders (an "anti-hero" ten years before they were popular?). In the first scene, Johnny's questioned by police at a party after 'chicken-running' a motorcycle cop (who later dies) into a tree. Johnny rules his gang with an iron hand, dictating activities, designating girlfriends as 'in' or 'out' ("She doesn't 'fit', man"), and scoring booze from a crooked liquor store owner for their makeout parties at the beach. When 'second lieutenant' Dave appears to be going "shallow" over his girl (because he "chickened" to an oncoming truck and ran his bomb off the road when she screamed) Johnny demands that he drop her ("First thing you know you're gonna be sittin' on a sofa watching TV, and that's the end, you might as well be dead.") Later, in his first legitimate race (featuring some actually quite decent track footage), he wins through dirty tactics and is immediately fired by his furious sponsor (the entire gang goes "on the town" with a twenty in winnings from a bet he had one of his boys place on him). Interestingly, the 'square' chick is the only person who dares to stand up to Johnny, labeling his win at the track "disgusting." Ultimately, his obsession with controlling the gang leads to a high-speed chase and ensuing tragedy. The Wild Ride is short (only 60 minutes) but sweet, featuring lots of groovy hep-talk (count how many times they use the word "man"); a reference to Marlon Brando in The Wild One; some way-cool wheels (gearheads will be drooling); and a nice'n'sleazy, jazzy score heavy on sax, vibes, flute, and bongos. If you're into the late-50s JD/Hot Rod/AIP scene, this should be on your must-see list, daddy-o.
Unfortunately, the source print does have some problems: it's a bit contrasty, and exhibits the usual light speckling and blemishing throughout, plus a few mild jump cuts, some sporadic blotching and lining, and noticeable grain. That said, the picture is bright enough, with generally very good tonal scale and shadow/highlight detail, and acceptably sharp. Basically a pretty solid 16mm TV print, eminently watchable, and benefiting from the superior resolution of DVD. There are a few points where it seems that some footage may be missing, but I noticed no major gaps in continuity. Overall, it blows away the other two Brentwood discs I've purchased: both Hot Rod Girl and T-Bird Gang suffer enormously in comparison, both looking very flat, faded, and dupey. Extras (Casper cartoon with terribly balanced, faded color; movie trivia quiz; DVD Dictionary) are negligible; buy this one for the feature. Besides Brentwood, only Sinister Cinema currently offers this movie on disc (in DVD-R format), and from the few SC DVD-Rs I've purchased I'm not exactly overwhelmed with their overall quality (at several times the cost of this commercial DVD). Since there appear to be no plans for legitimate DVD releases of the bulk of Corman's Filmgroup productions, I highly recommend this disc to JD/hot rod aficionados, especially at the dirt-cheap price.

Fans of Jack Nicholson will want to include this budget DVD in their collection as if features young Jack in one of his earliest starring roles, circa 1960. While Nicholson is pretty good, I found the film more interesting as a cultural artifact, one of large number of low budget youth films done in the wake of Marlon Brando's "The Wild Ones" and James Dean's "Rebel Without A Cause." All of the ususal elements are here . . . juvenile delinquents in trouble with the law, hot cars, alcohol, the "good girl," etc. Nicholson refers to himself as "the Number One Stud."

Brentwood Communications' DVD checks in at around 59 minutes and I've seen one source that says the running time for this film is 63 minutes, suggesting that there is some missing footage. The New Concorde Home Video version possibly may be more complete, but it costs three times as much. Regardless, the short running time for this feature (originally released as part of a double feature) definitely works to the film's advantage; the story telling is concise and to the point. Brentwood also includes what appears to be the very first "Casper, the Friendly Ghost" cartoon in a washed out, but serviceable version, an interactive movie trivia game, a dictionary of DVD terms, and chapter stops for the main feature. All in all, not a bad package for a budget price.

In only his second top-billed role, Jack Nicholson already shows some of the commanding presence that would eventually make him a star, playing Johnny Varron, smart-mouthed, arrogant punk and "top man" in a gang of would-be hot-rodders (an "anti-hero" ten years before they were popular?). In the first scene, Johnny's questioned by police at a party after 'chicken-running' a motorcycle cop (who later dies) into a tree. Johnny rules his gang with an iron hand, dictating activities, designating girlfriends as 'in' or 'out' ("She doesn't 'fit', man"), and scoring booze from a crooked liquor store owner for their makeout parties at the beach. When 'second lieutenant' Dave appears to be going "shallow" over his girl (because he "chickened" to an oncoming truck and ran his bomb off the road when she screamed) Johnny demands that he drop her ("First thing you know you're gonna be sittin' on a sofa watching TV, and that's the end, you might as well be dead.") Later, in his first legitimate race (featuring some actually quite decent track footage), he wins through dirty tactics and is immediately fired by his furious sponsor (the entire gang goes "on the town" with a twenty in winnings from a bet he had one of his boys place on him). Interestingly, the 'square' chick is the only person who dares to stand up to Johnny, labeling his win at the track "disgusting." Ultimately, his obsession with controlling the gang leads to a high-speed chase and ensuing tragedy. The Wild Ride is short (only 60 minutes) but sweet, featuring lots of groovy hep-talk (count how many times they use the word "man"); a reference to Marlon Brando in The Wild One; some way-cool wheels (gearheads will be drooling); and a nice'n'sleazy, jazzy score heavy on sax, vibes, flute, and bongos. If you're into the late-50s JD/Hot Rod/AIP scene, this should be on your must-see list, daddy-o.
Unfortunately, the source print does have some problems: it's a bit contrasty, and exhibits the usual light speckling and blemishing throughout, plus a few mild jump cuts, some sporadic blotching and lining, and noticeable grain. That said, the picture is bright enough, with generally very good tonal scale and shadow/highlight detail, and acceptably sharp. Basically a pretty solid 16mm TV print, eminently watchable, and benefiting from the superior resolution of DVD. There are a few points where it seems that some footage may be missing, but I noticed no major gaps in continuity. Overall, it blows away the other two Brentwood discs I've purchased: both Hot Rod Girl and T-Bird Gang suffer enormously in comparison, both looking very flat, faded, and dupey. Extras (Casper cartoon with terribly balanced, faded color; movie trivia quiz; DVD Dictionary) are negligible; buy this one for the feature. Besides Brentwood, only Sinister Cinema currently offers this movie on disc (in DVD-R format), and from the few SC DVD-Rs I've purchased I'm not exactly overwhelmed with their overall quality (at several times the cost of this commercial DVD). Since there appear to be no plans for legitimate DVD releases of the bulk of Corman's Filmgroup productions, I highly recommend this disc to JD/hot rod aficionados, especially at the dirt-cheap price.

I watched this last night. Sting is better to listen to on CD than to watch on DVD as it is rather boring to watch as there is not much stage presence. This DVD is not in my "top 20" concert DVD list. This one is not a keeper.

Fact is, this DVD is excellent but only when listened to with a Dolby Digital 5.1 compatible receiver.

Unfortunately, the Pro Logic and stereo output is poor with levels going in and out. One fault is the level of Cheb Mami's vocal mix, that mistake is also present in the Dolby Digital output but the levels were reduced midway through the song. The stereo and Pro Logic audio problems are a reflection of the poor sound engineering during the second leg of the Brand New Day tour.

I reiterate that the audio and overall concert, audio and video is FANTASTIC when listened to in Dolby Digital, in fact probably the best concert DVD I own. Highly recommended but only is you have a Dolby Digital decoder.

...I first heard and saw this DVD about a year ago when I borrowed it from a friend of mine. It is nothing short of amazing!!! Not only did I end up buying it, but I another friend of mine who borrowed the DVD from me while I was borrowing it bought it too...I find this DVD to be one of the better Dolby Digital DVD's that I own. I saw the concert live when it was here in Cincinnati and this DVD is better than being there!

Keep in mind, I do have my DVD player hooked up digitally to my receiver which is hooked up to Bose speakers. It isn't top of the line, but it is better than your average set-up. I enjoy just popping the DVD in and cleaning my apartment or relaxing. There are very few DVD's or CD which have the same effect.

In conclusion, I would highly reccommend this DVD to any Sting fan. If you are unsure about the audio after reading other reviews, see what you can do about renting the DVD or borrowing it before you purchase it. Again, I have had no problems with it...

This movie doesn't even deserve the one star that I gave it. I wish I could give it 0 stars. The movie was NOT funny at all and had no action. I didn't like this movie at all. I can't think of any age group that would like this movie.

I'm 30 years old. If I want funny, I go to Woody Allen. But, this film surprised me. It's not Tootsie, but if you're a parent, you're not looking for a night at the Oscars. You're looking for a fun family flick that can for once lay off the football-in-the-crotch jokes and less overt adult references we assume the kids don't catch. (I for one give the little lads a little more credit.) The movie's simple, creative, even smart, dealing with the challenges and pain of early adolescence in an honest but responsible way. Both Chevy Chase and Chris Elliot take it down a notch for an even, sure-footed film.

If you are wondering what the pro and con of a Snow Day are. Then here they are. The pro is you get a day off from school. The con is that you will have to go back 2 to school at the end of the year to make up for the Snow Day(s). But suppose if you worked a job (other than being a teacher or other staff member at a school), I'm not sure on how it would be worked if they had to close for a snow day to. In Snow Day there are kids, teenagers and adults who are rivals for what they want. The kids want to enjoy the snow day, but their rival is the evial snowplowman (Chris Elliot). There's a high school student named Hal (Mark Webber) who has now a new girlfreind that seems to don't know that he lives. And he has to go up against her ex-boyfriend (David Paetkau) to win her. While his dad Tom Brandson (Chevy Chase) who wants to wear pants while he does the wheather but his boss (Pam Grier) that tells him to get the rating of his rival and she will let him wear pants on the air.

My thoughts on Snow Day are, that if you like movies with people going up against rivals and enjoyed Snow Day, I reccomend you to watch Max Keeble's Big Move. Watching Chevy Chase playing a whatherman who wears costumes on air reminds me of Max Keeble's dad. Because Max's dad had to wear costumes to work at times. My Suggestions: Parents if your kids want to watch a film, I reccomend you to know what the rating is. And toi watch the film ahead of time and decide to let your kids watch a film that doesn't have a G rating (like this). Snow Day is a good movie to watch if you like movies in which characters go up against thier "rivals" to get what they want like this and Max Keeble's Big Move. Or if you have a kid that like Nicolden's films I also reccomend you to let your kids watch this. Or this is a good movie to watch, if you are a fan of a actor or actress that is in this film. So if it is any of the above reasons, I strongly reccomed you to watch this movie. Even if it is not a snow day.

This is first of all one of my favorite TV shows. I loved married with children. Why so low rating? Simple... This is a easy and quick way to make a fast buck with less work. Come on, bring on the real deal and give fans what they want with TV shows to DVD. COMPLETE SEASONS. I mean really, they release something like this, then in time we will see the full season release just so we can spend even more money on what we should have received in the first place. I love this show, but no I won't fall for this, I'll wait for the real deal. It gets 2 stars just because these are great episodes but hold out for the real deal.

This great DVD includes 5 complete and uncut episodes of the classic sitcom MARRIED WITH CHILDREN, including the 'lost' episode "I'll See You in Court".

"A Dump of My Own" - Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) finally realises his life-long dream: to build his own private bathroom. But somebody in the house is trying to sabotage his lair-like lavatory...

"You Better Shop Around (Part 1)" - It's a long hot summer and the Bundys are sweating it up. When the ancient air-conditioner (known as The Kaiser) Al buys blows out the neighborhood's electricity, he finally finds a way to keep his family cool - by moving them into the frozen aisle of their local supermarket!

"You Better Shop Around (Part 2)" - After taking over the supermarket, the Bundys win a shopping spree. But Marcy (Amanda Bearse) insists she's the real winner. The store settles the dispute with a competition: the first one to fill their cart with $1000 worth of groceries wins! Features a guest appearance by Jerry Mathers (LEAVE IT TO BEAVER).

"No Chicken, No Check" - Kelly (Christina Applegate) and Bud (David Faustino) buy a car together and Al gets them a great deal on the auto insurance - by registering the car as a farm vehicle. The Bundy kids must have a chicken in the car at all times , but breaking the policy is the least of their worries.

"I'll See You in Court" - Peg (Katey Sagal) and Al go to a motel called the Hop On Inn. When the Bundys and their neighbors Steve (David Garrison) and Marcy realize the motel videotaped them 'between the sheets' without their knowledge, they decide to sue for a cool million dollars. But when they get to court, it's Al and Peg's sex-life that's on trial!!...

You're entire family will love these 5 classic episodes.

is the best show on tv ever. Period. Exclamation mark.

This film was infamous for years and years for being one of the most controversial ever. But why? The film is filled with cold blooded killings, but only one happens in any graphic nature. The sound quality of it is very poor, you can constantly hear the crew shufferling their feet off screen and. Much of the camera work has been underlit or lit very badly so the actors disaper into the darkness or are parshally bathed in a nasty orange tungston light as well as being out of focas at times.

There is a solid story in this movie, but the troubble is its hidden beneith the Bad camera work and crappy sound job. It also feels like there where big chunks missing from the final edit.

Able ferra made this film over a couple of years, Directing and acting in it himself (under the name Jimmy Lane), and to his credit the actings not to bad, i mean his not Marlon Brando or any thing but he is passable.

As an acivement Driller Killer has to be praised, because although i do not enjoy the film it did get able ferra into the limelight and he did got on to make some great films like King of new york and Ms. 45. But as film i would say aviod Driller Killer and watch King of new york.

...because I did for several years and I still can not understand how something this bad could become so "acclaimed". Let me put it to you this way - If this film is a cult classic because of its "poor story, bad direction, pointless action, missing lighting, totally useless SOUND (50% of the dialogue is not understandable), bad camerawork (including focus) and every other production value I can imagine, then I suppose I am really missing the point of what a cult classic is. In my opinion "The Evil Dead" is a cult classic as much as something like "Apocolypse Now" is. "The Driller Killer" is a prime example of how the government, media and some film censors can cause nations to want to see something that simply does not exist! i.e - The most disturbing scenes in a movie ever!!

Seriously, by todays standards this film could receive a 15 certificate!

This film is just totally void of anything that can be even be considered a "low budget" production value. It doesn't have any value other than being a very badly made film. There is no "Taxi Driver" type material in this film as some would have you believe. It is devoid of all of that. There is even a really [low grade] punk music video in the middle of it! It is a film that I should never have added to my collection. Really it is that bad.

Another reviewer got it right when she wrote that this movie benefits from repeat viewings. This is not to say that it isn't great the first time around: from the very beginning, when the audience is informed that the movie should be played 'LOUD,' to the glam-punk music, classic dialogue and characters, it should be apparent that this movie is not to be taken very seriously. At times, it verges on satire. Ferrara's commentary seems to bear this out -- how anyone could interpret his comments to be 'pretentious' is beyond me.

Seriously, folks. This film, at times, is hilarious. Reading the reviews I saw that others had found some of the dialogue to be memorable, at least. "You don't know nothin' about painting!" "First thing I'm gonna get is snakeskin boots." "Guy's some degenerate, some bum, some wino, some nobody." Et cetera. Watch the movie with an open mind, don't expect tons of gore or half-naked female victims (as an old video cover hinted at), and don't assume that all the humor is unintentional.

This film was infamous for years and years for being one of the most controversial ever. But why? The film is filled with cold blooded killings, but only one happens in any graphic nature. The sound quality of it is very poor, you can constantly hear the crew shufferling their feet off screen and. Much of the camera work has been underlit or lit very badly so the actors disaper into the darkness or are parshally bathed in a nasty orange tungston light as well as being out of focas at times.

There is a solid story in this movie, but the troubble is its hidden beneith the Bad camera work and crappy sound job. It also feels like there where big chunks missing from the final edit.

Able ferra made this film over a couple of years, Directing and acting in it himself (under the name Jimmy Lane), and to his credit the actings not to bad, i mean his not Marlon Brando or any thing but he is passable.

As an acivement Driller Killer has to be praised, because although i do not enjoy the film it did get able ferra into the limelight and he did got on to make some great films like King of new york and Ms. 45. But as film i would say aviod Driller Killer and watch King of new york.

...because I did for several years and I still can not understand how something this bad could become so "acclaimed". Let me put it to you this way - If this film is a cult classic because of its "poor story, bad direction, pointless action, missing lighting, totally useless SOUND (50% of the dialogue is not understandable), bad camerawork (including focus) and every other production value I can imagine, then I suppose I am really missing the point of what a cult classic is. In my opinion "The Evil Dead" is a cult classic as much as something like "Apocolypse Now" is. "The Driller Killer" is a prime example of how the government, media and some film censors can cause nations to want to see something that simply does not exist! i.e - The most disturbing scenes in a movie ever!!

Seriously, by todays standards this film could receive a 15 certificate!

This film is just totally void of anything that can be even be considered a "low budget" production value. It doesn't have any value other than being a very badly made film. There is no "Taxi Driver" type material in this film as some would have you believe. It is devoid of all of that. There is even a really [low grade] punk music video in the middle of it! It is a film that I should never have added to my collection. Really it is that bad.

Another reviewer got it right when she wrote that this movie benefits from repeat viewings. This is not to say that it isn't great the first time around: from the very beginning, when the audience is informed that the movie should be played 'LOUD,' to the glam-punk music, classic dialogue and characters, it should be apparent that this movie is not to be taken very seriously. At times, it verges on satire. Ferrara's commentary seems to bear this out -- how anyone could interpret his comments to be 'pretentious' is beyond me.

Seriously, folks. This film, at times, is hilarious. Reading the reviews I saw that others had found some of the dialogue to be memorable, at least. "You don't know nothin' about painting!" "First thing I'm gonna get is snakeskin boots." "Guy's some degenerate, some bum, some wino, some nobody." Et cetera. Watch the movie with an open mind, don't expect tons of gore or half-naked female victims (as an old video cover hinted at), and don't assume that all the humor is unintentional.

I purchased this DVD and boy was I disappointed. The production looks like it was a rushed job. Very little content and no substance. The only information I got out of this is that the final contestants of AI2 were so much better than those of AI1. I watched this once and have no desire to watch it ever again.

I am looking forward to an AI2 DVD but I hope they would do a much better job than the above-mentioned DVD. Of course being a Clay fan, I hope to see more of him in the DVD.

For now, I can only say that the AI1 DVD is a disappointment and a complete waste of my money.

I like you, you beatuful but has no lice. My favorite song, Snappy Relations, makes glad my kid but not so much Low Rider. Low Rider has favorite ending, Dennis Hopper did good mock up. Oh boi! I have no Kelly Clarkson pictures on my wall, I have no pleasure! Simon needs torture, possibly paper-cutting his pee-hole and sprinkling salt into his oh boi! Explosive, snappy cutting and editing sound colleges, I attend no university any more, highlight.

This DVD does little to recreate the suspense or the buildup to the ultimate crowning of Kelly Clarkson as the victor of the first American Idol. Performances are abbreviated and there is far too little commentary from the judges (who are just as much of the show as the contestants). One would hope that the AI2 DVD will be a compilation of ALL the episodes.

I purchased this DVD and boy was I disappointed. The production looks like it was a rushed job. Very little content and no substance. The only information I got out of this is that the final contestants of AI2 were so much better than those of AI1. I watched this once and have no desire to watch it ever again.

I am looking forward to an AI2 DVD but I hope they would do a much better job than the above-mentioned DVD. Of course being a Clay fan, I hope to see more of him in the DVD.

For now, I can only say that the AI1 DVD is a disappointment and a complete waste of my money.

I like you, you beatuful but has no lice. My favorite song, Snappy Relations, makes glad my kid but not so much Low Rider. Low Rider has favorite ending, Dennis Hopper did good mock up. Oh boi! I have no Kelly Clarkson pictures on my wall, I have no pleasure! Simon needs torture, possibly paper-cutting his pee-hole and sprinkling salt into his oh boi! Explosive, snappy cutting and editing sound colleges, I attend no university any more, highlight.

This DVD does little to recreate the suspense or the buildup to the ultimate crowning of Kelly Clarkson as the victor of the first American Idol. Performances are abbreviated and there is far too little commentary from the judges (who are just as much of the show as the contestants). One would hope that the AI2 DVD will be a compilation of ALL the episodes.

I purchased this DVD and boy was I disappointed. The production looks like it was a rushed job. Very little content and no substance. The only information I got out of this is that the final contestants of AI2 were so much better than those of AI1. I watched this once and have no desire to watch it ever again.

I am looking forward to an AI2 DVD but I hope they would do a much better job than the above-mentioned DVD. Of course being a Clay fan, I hope to see more of him in the DVD.

For now, I can only say that the AI1 DVD is a disappointment and a complete waste of my money.

I like you, you beatuful but has no lice. My favorite song, Snappy Relations, makes glad my kid but not so much Low Rider. Low Rider has favorite ending, Dennis Hopper did good mock up. Oh boi! I have no Kelly Clarkson pictures on my wall, I have no pleasure! Simon needs torture, possibly paper-cutting his pee-hole and sprinkling salt into his oh boi! Explosive, snappy cutting and editing sound colleges, I attend no university any more, highlight.

This DVD does little to recreate the suspense or the buildup to the ultimate crowning of Kelly Clarkson as the victor of the first American Idol. Performances are abbreviated and there is far too little commentary from the judges (who are just as much of the show as the contestants). One would hope that the AI2 DVD will be a compilation of ALL the episodes.