Ben-Stiller Movie Reviews

VHS movie reviews for "Ben-Stiller" sorted by average review score:

Robbie the Reindeer in Hooves of Fire

Released in VHS Tape by Warner Home Video (04 September, 2001)

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Director: Richard Goleszowski

Robbie the Reindeer is as short as many of the made-for-TV classics that have preceded it, like How the Grinch Stole Christmas, but so much action, zippy dialogue, and witty visual puns have been packed into its 29-minute running time that you'd swear it was longer. For this reason, it also stands up to repeat viewing better than some of the more straightforward programs of recent years, although it is directed toward a slightly older audience--age 10 and up--due to some sexual innuendo. Whether Robbie will become a holiday perennial in the U.S. is yet to be seen, but he appears to have won the hearts of the U.K. and shares a lineage with another stop-motion favorite, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Robbie just happens to be Rudolph's son, and Pop is keen to see his lovable--but lazy--progeny follow in his famous hoof prints. Adults may get a kick out of the fact that the story line was actually inspired more by Rocky than by Rudolph. As in Rocky, there's a supportive female (Donner) and a crusty old trainer (Old Jingle). Together they help Robbie get in shape for the Reindeer Games, where he'll have the chance to show Santa whether he has the right stuff or not. Fans of Aardman Animations should appreciate the detailed animation and clever humor. The cream of Britain's comic crop provides the voices, including Jane Horrocks (Absolutely Fabulous) as Donner. Pop singer Robbie Williams narrates the story, and Mark Knopfler provides the music. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Average review score:

Simply a great great movie

I saw this movie enroute to Toronto from London on British Airways. It's quite possibly one of the funniest, and most well done movies. It's a claymation story of Rudolph the Reindeer's son. It's got everything, girls, machismo, cheating, lying, and more girls... I've been looking for this movie on R1 DVD for a long time, and I'm relieved that I found it!

Fun holiday tale

Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of fire is a great special. It was produced in part for the British Comic relief charity to be shown as part of their telethon although in saying that I hope they make Robbie the Reindeer into a series. The story is full of puns and humor from Santa trying to update his image to biker elves and backstabbing Reindeer. Every scene is so full of detail you might miss some of the jokes in the background the first time round. That's why it's a good idea to rewind and watch it over and over again ;0).

Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of fire doesn't have any inappropriate material but some of the humor used can be pretty subtle at times and is aimed more at an older audience. In saying that young and old will still love and enjoy it. The story is a great new 'classic' for the holidays.

The voice talents of some of the funniest British comedians are used and they provide a good variety of UK accents, which include Irish (Robbie), English Liverpool (Santa) and Welsh (Biker elf). The characters are memorable and lovable. At only 30 minutes in length I was left wanting more...

Why the US Voice Overs??

This is a fantastic short that I've seen before on TV and thought wow I'll buy the DVD. No real regrets but what a shock and disappointment I got when I noticed a distinct change in voice overs. What they've done is taken away those wonderful characterful voices from the original and dubbed over weak and uninvolving American voices. Who do we think we are changing something this good just because they are not home grown accents. This is arrogant and to be frank all I dislike about this great but often self-centered country of ours.

Stella

Released in VHS Tape by Disney Studios (15 April, 1997)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Director: John Erman

Starring: Bette Midler and John Goodman

Average review score:

good actors, sad plot

This movie shows a mother's sacrificial love for her daughter, but overall I thought the movie was quite depressing. Although [bette midler] succeeds in raising her daughter alone, it seems to put her in a box as a loser who can't make it no matter what. I did like Stephen Collins in the movie (Midler's daughter's father) alot, and the acting was good.

Bette Midler is heart-breaking

This movie is really a beautiful, heartbreaking, tearjerking classic. It will entertain you, make you laugh, and genuinely fall in love with Bette Midler as the woman always looking for love, and only finding it in her daughter. I cried through the whole thing. It is really, really sad, but really great. In the end, when Bette gives up her daughter so she can have a better life with her wealthy father, you'll really want to give Bette a hug. Her character deserves the love and happiness more than anyone else.

oh, BOY, will you cry! You'll cry buckets...

This movie is terrific; it's funny and sad at the same
time. The strongest thing in the movie is the
story itself--that's what keeps you glued to the TV.
Bette Midler is good; John Goodman is swell, and
the whole movie will give you a good time.

Try it, you'll like it!

Highway to Hell

Released in VHS Tape by Hbo Studios (26 August, 1997)

MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)

Director: Ate de Jong

Average review score:

No 'Evil Dead'.

Not up to the standard of Sam Raimi's "Evil Dead" trilogy. Some funny moments, one great death, amusing cameos. This is basically a comedy/horror retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, right down to the three-headed hound at the gates of Hades, the Styx and the instruction to not look back. Disappointing ending. Like its scenery, the movie seems a little dry and barren. Some good effects though. Some not so good.

Highway to Hell

Perhaps it's not perfect, because of lack of budget. But it is very unusual and goes way beyond the average horror flick. Somewhere behind all the strange and funny events there is a deep humanity and wisdom. This could become a undiscovered classic in fifty years from now.

Highway To Hell

I'll admit that the tone of this film was somewhat campy but that is exactly it's charm. I also found the visual effects and the cast in this movie to be more than able to pull it off. Scenes such as the convoy of VW Bugs passing Charlie Sykes (Chad Lowe) in his '48 Roadster, the Ronnie Reagan Iran Contra theme for that roadside bar Charlie Sykes stopped in on his way to Hell City and the road crew of Andy Worhols working for the Good Intentions Paving Co. all against the backdrop of the Nevada desert were pretty cool.

Check this movie out, it's good for a few laughs.

Hot Pursuit

Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (06 January, 1988)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Director: Steven Lisberger

Starring: John Cusack and Robert Loggia

John Cusack displays his usual charm in this adventure film from early in his career. Prep-school student Dan Bartlett (Cusack) flunks his chemistry final and has to forgo a Caribbean vacation with his wealthy girlfriend Laurie and her family. When the professor decides to be lenient and lets him pass, Dan sets off after Laurie--but finds himself one step behind her as he's sidetracked, shanghaied, and almost shipwrecked. Meanwhile, the boat that Laurie is on gets hijacked, just as Dan finally catches up. Hot Pursuit won't be remembered as one of Cusack's best films, but it's enjoyable and has beautiful shots of the Caribbean. Robert Loggia gives a rambunctious performance as an old sea dog and Ben Stiller makes his film debut as a sleazy cabin boy. --Bret Fetzer

Average review score:

ARRRR! SPAGHETTI-O'S!

Nice little diversion with Cusack playing a prep-school fish out of Carribean paradise water. When problems at school delay him from joining his girlfriend and her folks on their vacation getaway, he's determined to find any way to catch up with them, even take up with a questionable post-modern pirate of a ship's captain played by Loggia (who delivers the classic line that headlines this review). The movie attempts to be all it can be, with subplots involving a family of crooks, a kidnapping, and a search for paternal acceptance, but it's mostly held afloat by Cusack and Loggia's repartee. This is one of Cusack's last pure-breed 80's comedys before he broke out into his dramedy films of the 90's, and his loud "I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS HAPPENING TO ME!" schtick wears a little thin by the conclusion, but all parties involved were smart enough to keep the film short, so it's not painfully obvious. An absolute must for all Cusack fans, and decent fun for everyone else.

Great "cheesy" 80's flick

If you're a big fan of the "cheesy" 80's flicks.. pick this one up. It's really very funny! Pair it with a big pitcher of margaritas and you've got the recipe for a night of laughs.

Fun movie !

John Cusack's early movie and it is a good one. The director Steven Lisberger also directed Tron in 82. The performace is fine and the movie is quite funny every step of the way. Robert Loggia Co-stars.

The DVD is quite good. The picture is sharp and exotic locations are presented beautifully in this DVD. Too bad Paramount did not remastered the sound in 5.1 but the sound quality is adequate. Recommended.

Duplex

Released in Theatrical Release by (26 September, 2003)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Director: Danny DeVito

Starring: Ben Stiller, Drew Barrymore, and Eileen Essel

Anyone who's lived in an apartment will understand the mounting frustration of Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore as they grapple with the upstairs neighbor of their worst nightmares in Duplex, directed by Danny DeVito. Stiller and Barrymore play a young couple who think they've found the home of their dreams when they buy an astonishingly spacious Brooklyn duplex. Unfortunately, the second floor comes with a tenant, a seemingly sweet little old lady (Eileen Essell). Her petty demands and manipulative ways drive Stiller and Barrymore to desperate attempts to oust her--and when she breezily resists their worst efforts, the hapless pair begin to consider more serious (and final) measures. Duplex might be called a comedy of anxiety; it constantly pricks at your expectations of disaster, sending you into a nervous state that demands laughter as a release. Also featuring Wallace Shawn, Harvey Fierstein, and Swoosie Kurtz. --Bret Fetzer

Average review score:

Stiller and Barrymore are better than this.

Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore star as a newly married couple looking for a new home. They find the perfect place, except for the fact that it is a duplex with the upstairs being occupied by an elderly woman. She becomes so much of a problem that they try whatever they can to get rid of her. I knew the ending three minutes into the movie. But I was still mildly amused--except for a few unnecessary characters. Stiller and Barrymore are better than this. But I am not so sure about director Danny Devito. He seems to be repeating himself....
PG-13: Mild language, some crude humor, and violence.

HILARIOUS!

Danny DeVito is one of the best directors when it comes to black comedies. "Duplex" is another one of those great movies. It was everything I expected, and the performances were great! The little old lady in this movie is a great actress. I heard she hadn't been in much until this movie came along. I wonder how they found her. She's great! Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore are also perfect in their roles. I mean, this movies isn't anything you've never seen before -"Throw Mama From the Train" is similar- but go see this one, anyways. You won't be disappointed!

Highly recommended!

I thought it was hysterical!!

My husband and I saw this movie on opening night and we both thought that it was hysterical. A must-buy on DVD when it comes out. Ben and Drew had good chemistry as a married couple trying to rid themselves of an annoying tenant. And the old lady was absolutely great!!! At times you wanted to kill her yourself and at other times she could actually tug at your heartstrings. But I have to say, the theater did not take well to this movie. See, I love movies like Theres Something about Mary and Dumb and Dumber. That is what this movie reminded me of. Ben Stiller is one of the great comic geniuses of our time. And we also had a great Fandango experience at the theater. We will use that again definitely!!

Prehistoric Planet (Vol. 2)

Released in VHS Tape by Warner Home Video (08 April, 2003)

MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)

Starring: Ben Stiller

Average review score:

Great video but NOT for little kids

Our 4 year old loved Vol. 1, so we were excited to watch Vol. 2 of Prehistoric Planet. And he loved Vol. 2 until it reached a disturbing ending: a meteor hits the earth and all the dinosaurs go extinct. He's ok about dinosaurs being extinct, but was particularly disturbed that the family of baby T-rex wouldn't get to grow up because they were buried under all the meteor dust. And this was after mom T-rex and a runty baby T-rex also bit the dust, so to speak. I've since talked to other parents who say their kids had similar reactions to the ending. As long as they were editing Walking with Dinosaurs, maybe they could have edited in a happier ending. Otherwise, brilliant special effects, funny narration.

The Royal Tenenbaums

Released in VHS Tape by Buena Vista Home Vid (04 February, 2003)

MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)

Director: Wes Anderson

Starring: Gene Hackman and Gwyneth Paltrow

In a fitting follow-up to Rushmore, writer-director Wes Anderson and cowriter-actor Owen Wilson have crafted another comedic masterwork that ripples with inventive, richly emotional substance. Because of the all-star cast, hilarious dialogue, and oddball characters existing in their own, wholly original universe, it's easy to miss the depth and complexity of Anderson's brand of comedy. Here, it revolves around Royal Tenenbaum (Gene Hackman), the errant patriarch of a dysfunctional family of geniuses, including precocious playwright Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), boyish financier and grieving widower Chas (Ben Stiller), and has-been tennis pro Richie (Luke Wilson). All were raised with supportive detachment by mother Etheline (Anjelica Huston), and all ache profoundly for a togetherness they never really had. The Tenenbaums reconcile somehow, but only after Anderson and Wilson (who costars as a loopy literary celebrity) put them through a compassionate series of quirky confrontations and rekindled affections. Not for every taste, but this is brilliant work from any perspective. --Jeff Shannon

Average review score:

one of the best films I've ever seen

"The Royal Tenenbaums" film stands out far above almost any film I've ever seen. It's filled to the brim with incredibly subtle details (from the paintings on Richie's walls to the positioning of the characters in a given scene), music that perfectly fits its scenes (a Wes Anderson trademark), and unforgettable personalities. Gene Hackman gives a masterful performance as Royal Tenenbaum, the estranged father of a family of (former) geniuses - Chas (Ben Stiller), a born accountant who has been in business since he was a preteen; Richie (Luke Wilson), a tennis champion by age 17 who just wants his family to be normal and supportive of one another, though such a thing just cannot be; and Margot (Gwyneth Paltrow), an adopted child who won a $50,000 playwriting scholarship her freshman year of high school. Angelica Huston and Danny Glover are perfect as Etheline Tenenbaums, the matriarch, and Henry Sherman, Etheline's business partner and love interest. Co-writer Owen Wilson also turns in a superb performance as Eli Cash, who as a child lived across the street from the Tenenbaums, longing to be one of them. The film's ebb and flow lies in the performances more than anything... though that hardly means that any other elements suffer. The costuming, the scenery, and all of the other elements that make theatre (film or any other sort) so magical, have been martialled so that the viewer is taken to a whole other world. The comedic flavor of the film that veils the underlying melancholy begs comparisons to such masterpieces as "American Beauty". Yeah, you heard right. It's *that* good.

*Addendum: This film inspired me to change my college major from computer science to english.*

The Best Film of the Year!

I don't quite know how to review this. I'm not going to spoil the film for you, so read spoiler free. Let me first say that this is the best movie of the year!

This film is a dramedy but the humor is so dead pan and brilliant. I was amazed that TRT was actaully BETTER than Bottle Rocket AND Rushmore. I've never seen a drama that was this funny. During some scenes the audience was laughing so hard we couldn't really hear what was going on. Sometimes we don't know when to laugh or be sad!

The director crams so many jokes into this film. It's something you will think about for days later! The films drama aspect is also there. I would say there is more drama in here than Rushmore, and more humor as well. Think "American Beauty" but better.

Ramones, Beatles, Elliot Smith, all part of the soundtrack. What a perfect, hilarious yet heartbreaking story. I don't know how else to describe The Royal Tennenbaums. It's an Instant American Classic. Make sure you check this movie out! It's America's new gem that deserves a Best Picture Oscar and a spot in your DVD library when it's released!

A misunderstood film

The problem with The Royal Tenenbaums is that people thought it was going to be a hilarious comedy. It is not. The movie is quite amusing and I consider it to be quite realistic, but hilarious is not the correct discriptor for most people. The movie becomes more beautiful every time I watch it, and remains one of my favorite films of all time.

This movie is about an eccentric, but applicable, family with some interpersonal issues. The movie does not revolve around a single character, but instead revolves around a series of individuals. The viewer comes to recognize eash character for what they are, and while some are unorthodox, ok they are all pretty unusual, he or she cannot resist developing an affinity for them.

The picture quality of this DVD is quite excellent. I bought it used for a nominal amount, and it was well worth the money. The extra footage included on the second disk is also worth the money.

Once you eliminate the belief that this is like Dumb and Dumber, the movie is quite enjoyable. I don't understand why there is so much criticism of this movie. It is definetly worth a rental anyway.

The Royal Tenenbaums

Released in VHS Tape by Buena Vista Home Vid (09 July, 2002)

MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)

Director: Wes Anderson

Starring: Gene Hackman and Gwyneth Paltrow

Average review score:

one of the best films I've ever seen

*Addendum: This film inspired me to change my college major from computer science to english.*

The Best Film of the Year!

I don't quite know how to review this. I'm not going to spoil the film for you, so read spoiler free. Let me first say that this is the best movie of the year!

A misunderstood film

The picture quality of this DVD is quite excellent. I bought it used for a nominal amount, and it was well worth the money. The extra footage included on the second disk is also worth the money.

Once you eliminate the belief that this is like Dumb and Dumber, the movie is quite enjoyable. I don't understand why there is so much criticism of this movie. It is definetly worth a rental anyway.

Meet the Parents

Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (07 January, 2003)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Director: Jay Roach

Starring: Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller

Randy Newman's opening song, "A Fool in Love," perfectly sets up the movie that follows. The lyrics begin, "Show me a man who is gentle and kind, and I'll show you a loser," before praising the man who takes what he wants. Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) is the fool in love in Meet the Parents. Just as he's about to propose to his girlfriend Pam (Teri Polo), he learns that her sister's fiancé asked their father, Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro), for permission to marry. Now he feels the need to do the same thing. When Greg meets Jack, he is so desperate to be liked that he makes up stories and kisses ass rather than having the courage of his convictions. It doesn't take an elite member of the CIA to see right through Greg, but that's precisely what Jack is. Directed by Jay Roach (the Austin Powers movies), Meet the Parents is an incredibly well-crafted comedy that stands in nice opposition to, say, the sloppy extremes of the Farrelly brothers. Stiller is great at playing up the uncomfortable comedy of errors, balancing just the right amount of selfishness and self-deprecating humor, while De Niro's Jack is funny as the hard-ass father who just wants a few straight answers from the kid. What makes the Jack character all the funnier is Blythe Danner as his wife, the Gracie to his George Burns, who is the true heart of the movie. Oh, and Owen Wilson turns in yet another terrific comic performance as Pam's ex-fiancé. --Andy Spletzer

Average review score:

There is Something About Ben

Ben Stiller does a great job portraying ordinary men in unusual situations. He is probably best known for "Something About Mary," which was a very, very, funny film. In "Meet the Parents" he again portrays an average man in a weird situation.

In particular, he portrays a young man in love, who just wants to get married. His first attempt to propose doesn't work, so he plans a romantic proposal at his fiance's home that weekend. Her father, played by Robert De Niro, is a little strange. He is either in the Mafia or the CIA, but he is up to something. He definitely loves his cat.

Greg, Ben Stiller's character, doesn't like cats much; but he keeps his mouth shut. From this point onward the movie has a series of strange, but for the most part, believable twists. The comedy is funny, because we can believe it and are happy it is happening to someone else.

Toward the end, however, the movie goes a little bit overboard. You can still believe it, if you think Greg is close to a breakdown. I didn't believe it, so the ending took away from the movie. Still, I found myself laughing out loud several times while watching "Meet the Parents." There is something about Ben Stiller which makes otherwise ordinary films, much better. Here he has again done a very good job. "Meet the Parents" is fun and worth seeing. A 3.5.

Brilliant comedy, excellent casting, yet still family funny!

This is by far one of the funniest movies I have ever seen, and yet can enjoy with my family as well as my friends. The characters are so well defined you feel their every emotion and they are all perfect in their roles. And here's one of the best parts - not only does it NOT play down your intellect, but it has a wonderful plot with plenty of surprises to keep it from being anything but predictable. De Niro is at his best, and although Ben Stiller has had his share of weak movies, this is DEFINITELY one for the portfolio. He is brilliant as he fumbles his way through meeting this unique if not strange family. He is hysterical when meeting Owen Wilson whose excellent portrayal of the ex-boyfriend is classic humor with a modest/jealous balance that makes him shine. Blythe Danner, the mother of the family has never had more fun with a role and is at her best. You MUST see this movie!! It's one that you will definitely want to own.

Lov'in Your In-Laws

Robert DeNiro and Ben Stiller team up for this 2000 film directed by Jay Roach. DeNiro stars as Jack Byrnes and Stiller as Greg Focker (pronounced just as it is spelled) . "Greg" has decided to propose to "Pam", played by Teri Polo. After learning that "Pam's" younger sister has just been proposed to by the perfect future son-in-law "Dr. Bob", "Greg" feels the pressure to earn "Jack's" acceptance. "Greg" plans to ask "Jack" for "Pam's" hand in marriage while visiting for the weekend to attend "Pam's" sisters wedding. "Jack" is a retired CIA profiler and puts "Greg" to the test, literally. As things fall apart, "Greg" continues to "jump" through "Jack's" hurdles and tries his hardest to make his best impression. From losing the family's beloved cat to nearly burning down the house, "Greg" nearly loses his mind. If you loved "There's Something About Mary", you'll love Stiller's outrageous performance. If you love your in-laws or even if you don't, watch this film and be happy with what you've got.

Meet the Parents

Released in VHS Tape by Universal Studios (22 January, 2002)

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)

Director: Jay Roach

Starring: Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller

Average review score:

puff the magic dragon

hilarious comedy featuring the works of the great DeNiro and the hilaroius Ben Stiller. The two work magically and bring this gem to life. Stiller meets the parents of his fiancee, Teri Polo(Mystery Date, Domestic Disturbance, etc., etc.) and then things get a little bit out of control. her parents being, DeNiro and Blythe Danner(Gwyneth Paltrow's mommy). you get funny ass moments including the part where Stiller explains to DeNiro that the song puff the magic dragon is about smoking pot and DeNiro thinks hes a pot head. other great actors star in this movie, Jon Abrahams(KIDS, Scary Movie), James Rebhorn(Independence Day1996) and Owen Wilson(I:Spy, The Minus Man, Bottle Rocket).

In-Law Laughs....

This review refers to the VHS edition(Universal) of "Meet the Parents"......

You may not think your in-laws are really so bad after seeing what poor Greg Focker has to go through with his future family. Yes you read right, his name is Greg Focker and he's about to spend the weekend with the parents of the girl he intends to marry. Pam's dad, Jack Byrnes, really loves his daughters, and any man who wants to share their lives better be up to his standards. He's an ex-CIA agent who will scrutinize your every move and you better like his cat as well.What will it take for Greg to win the hand of the girl he loves..and does he really want to be a part of this crazy family after all? It's laugh out loud stuff as every move he makes turns into a hysterical series of events that has Pam's family turning against him.

Who else could be the over protective,over bearing,over analyzing, prospective father-in-law than than Mr. Tough Guy himeslef..Robert De Niro. His straight faced comic timing is just one more side of this very talented actor. Ben Stiller is a laugh a minute as he tries to please this unpleasable Dad.
The rest of the cast is nicely rounded out by Blythe Danner,Teri Polo,James Rebhorn and the fabulous Owen Wilson. Director Jay Roach brings this terrifc ensemble together beautifully and the music by Randy Newman adds more fun to the story.It's one of those great comedies that is still funny with repeated viewings.

The VHS is in Stereo surround, sounds great,has closed captions, and has a nice picture as well.

So kick back,enjoy the film, but..be careful not to let the cat out!.....have fun with this great addition to you comedy or De Niro collection.....Laurie

Lov'in Your In-Laws

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