Debra-Winger Movie Reviews

This movie stars Dennis Quade, Arliss Howard and Debra Winger. Debra Winger is married to one of two brothers who share an unusual ability, the ability to start fires. Of course the movie starts out with Winger under house arrest for arson and only gets better from then on.
From chorusing firemen to twisted carnival clowns and look out for Jim Varney to be part of the action too.

I feel sorry for Lenard Maltin that he couldn't see the wonderful intertainment in this film. My wife and I saw it a few years ago and had to make it a part of our perminent collection!
Anyone who doesn't see the genius in this film has no depth.
We are 50 something and don't understand why Lenard pulled a thumbs down.
Do yourself a favor and get his movie! Everytime you watch it it reviels something new.
The singing firemen were the icing on the cake!!!

Forget Leonard Maltin! He's whacked out! This is one seriously wonderful underrated film! The movie has a delightfully unusual premise and some truly original writing, among other positive traits the score of the film can only be described as irresistibly lovable.

The film brings the phrase quirky love comedy to new heights. It should be praised for it characters alone, first and foremost Debra Winger's energetic, nymphomaniac, music loving, green wearing, accidentally arsonistic character of Vida. Mixed with elements of Unresolved loved Sibling rivalry, childhood trauma, Acapela singing firemen, and a whole lot of Carnies, and you've got a plot that expertly combines heart rending drama and touching romance, with a healthy dose of lovably bizarre comedy. All of these things more than make up for an occasionally slow film. This film is definitely worth seeing for any self-respecting open-minded film buff.

I have no idea what I'm supposed to type here so i will say Hi. I'm a great fan of Jesse Bradford but think that his website is crap! I think he's going to the next big thing in hollywood but he seems to have only done a few films, can't wait to see this one.... Em

I love Debra Winger. Her interpretation of Angela Crispine is consumately complex and enigmatic. The movie is about corruption integrated into American political life, but the real passion of the film is the great dynamic between Nolte and Winger. Miller's screenplay is beautiful. Check out this film, and look up Pauline Kael's review if you think perhaps my enthusiasm is misplaced. I adore Debra, and wish she'd make another film soon. Oh, why, why do American actresses lose

leading-lady status at 40?

It's clear that the majority of viewers who've watched this movie disagree with the reviewer so disappointed by it's pacing and verisimilitude. I'm curious why anyone capable of scattering terms such as 'egregious contrivances' in their review of a light romantic comedy was assigned to anything based on Steinbeck's work in the first place. A populist romantic comedy is one film category where it may be wiser to trust the opinion of the viewers who're raving about it over the sneering technical quibbles of a critic armed with a thesaurus. Populist film based on populist fiction simply may not be the best assignment for any reviewer clearly unable to climb off what must be a most uncomfortable corncob. For ordinary folks not frightened by references to egregious contrivances and verisimilitude, other viewers who've seen Cannery Row unite in recommending the movie for it's performances by Nolte and Winger. M. Emmet Walsh outdoes himself as Mack, nearly as good a performance as his masterpiece in 'Blood Simple'. Cannery Row and Sweet Thursday were among the sweetist and funniest books that Steinbeck produced. Perhaps all the humor that the rest of us enjoyed in the film combining the novels was difficult to enjoy while perched atop that unfortunate cob. For Steinbeck fans, or fans of romantic comedy, this film won't disappoint. We join together in urging anyone suffering from egregious contrivance phobia to seek immediate help at the nearest competent proctologist.

There is no doubt that the Amazon.com reviewer did not watch this movie. Throw away the "rules", sit back and enjoy a truly great movie. The narration of John Houston alone is worth your time. The musical score is fantastic (Pete Fountain?). The humor is reminescent of Arsenic and Old Lace, Harvey, Raising Arizona, and Fargo. How can you go wrong with a story by Steinbeck? The casting is perfect, from the leading man all the way down to the minor roles. This has been one of my favorites for many years and I just can't believe the negative review given to it. p.s., if you like frogs, this is the movie for you.

Tom Keogh's review blew it on this one. At the top of my favorites for all time. I'll admit the story line is a bit predictable. I won't admit that the pacing is weak. And, the set is more than adequate. What Tom finds wrong I find endearing. It is a chick flick that a guy can enjoy. If your are trying to prove your softer side to your lady, pop this in the VCR. It is quirky and a viewing delight.

I had never heard of this movie before I saw it and I wasn't expecting it to be any good--but it is. It's really, really good.
Considering the star status of Steve Martin (who turns out an extrodinary performance in this film) why has it been so overlooked? Martin plays "Jonas Nightengale", a glib traveling evangalist, faith healer, and con man. When one of his trucks breaks down in the impoverished town of Rust Water, Kansas, he sets up his tent and invites the town to a revival. The sheriff (Liam Neeson) is determined to stop Nightengale from seperating the poor and desperate people from what little money they have. At first this film appears to simply be a cynical expose of the tricks fraudulent preachers use to shake down their flocks. But as it progresses it reveals itself to be something much more complex and subtle. At one point Nightengale, when confronted as being a fake, replies, "What difference does it make as long as I get the job done?" Yet when a real miracle occurs, something he can niether explain or control, his lack of faith is shaken and he actually becomes angry with God. As in real life conversions, the film unexpectedly turns you around 180 degrees by the end.

When I was a kid, my favorite movie was "The Music Man". I must have seen it in the theater at least a dozen times (this was before video...). I loved the story of the con man who got caught in his own con and I experienced the same joy watching Steve Martin do his own version of Prof. Harold Hill (now Jonas Nightengale) in "Leap of Faith." This movie was truly misunderstood by most critics (except Roger Ebert) who tried to compare it -unfavorably- with such films as "Elmer Gantry" or characterize it as a statement on televangelism. They also focused too heavily on the emotional, and therefore, "unrealistic" ending. Even worse, the studio mis-marketed the film, and you'll often find it in the comedy section of the video store. Warning: it is not a comedy. Yes, there are light moments- how can there not be with Steve Martin-- but this film is much richer than a typical Steve Martin comedy. Steve Martin's performance is superb and magical and should have been nominated for an Oscar. The film score is tremendous with some of the best gospel singers in the country providing the music- not to mention Meafloaf! Contrary to the critics, I found the ending mesmerizing- left open enough for interpretation, moving, and inspirational. So, ignore most of the critics, approach it with an open mind, and be willing to listen to the message. "I always think there's a band, kid," said Harold Hill in "The Music Man"; "Just because a person doesn't show up doesn't mean the person doesn't care about him," says Jonas Nightengale in "Leap of Faith". Enjoy! It's even better on DVD!

What a great film. A spellbinding performance by Steve Martin, who seemingly was born to payvthis role. He portrays Jonas Nightingale, a traveling huckster of a preacher, who leads an
entourage going from town to town bilking poor hopeful people out of what little they do have.

Another reviewer was dead on - it is impossible to watch any of his scenes in this film without focusing totally on him. He is so full of the role but not in an overbearing way (unlike Jim Carey whose portrayal as Batman's foil The Riddler, comes to mind as a poor comparison).

It's not merely a send up of preaching, Christianity or of films like the great Elmer Gantry (to which it is often compared and found severely lacking). It is much more than that. It is also much much lighter. It also has a brilliant musical score, dominated by some of the most brilliant,
uplifting gospel music ever to come from any of God's creations.

Different from any role Steve Martin ever did. Brilliant!

I was so exited when i got this in the mail, the first thing i did was run into the living room sit on the couch and watch the Wizard of Oz in concert. After seeing the first 5 minutes i absolutly loved it. All the acting,costumes, and singing were terific! Nathan Lane was very very funny. Jewel was outstanding as Dorothy. Jackson Browne and Roger Daltry were very good and brought a new style to the original songs. All the others were fantastic. The only thing is you have to remember this is a childrens benifit concert not an actual movie. If you remember that I'm sure you will enjoy this video.

I first saw this movie on TNT, and I loved it. The costumes were excellent! Jewel's acting will blow you away! She was perfect as Dorothy. Jackson Browne as the Scarecrow, Natalie Cole as Glinda the Good Witch, Debra Winger as the Wicked Witch, and Roger Daltrey as the Tin Man were excellent too. And Nathan Lane was HILARIOUS as the Cowardly Lion! I watch this movie everyday. This is a MUST SEE for Oz fans. In my opinion, I think "The Wizard of Oz in Concert" is better than the original 1939 movie. :)

As we used to say while growing up in the sixties, when heaping the ultimate praise on a performance, this wonderful interpretation of The Wizard of Oz was quite simply groovy, boss, beta, bitchin, out of sight.

From the outstanding singing provided by the Harlem Boys Choir, to Jewell's breathtaking rendition of "Over the Rainbow," to Roger Daltrey's swinging the mike in a wide circle and catching it, before starting his rock version of "If I Only Had A Heart," to Nathan Lane as the Cowardly Lion entering the stage while spitting up a fur ball, as well as the remarkable jobs done by all the other actors and musicians, this exceptionally brilliant show was simply a tremendous joy to watch.

The only thing that disappoints me about this show is the fact it is not available on DVD.

I am a musical theatre junkie. I rate this performance among the top three of all the shows that I have ever seen, which pretty much includes any musical ever performed on the stage or on film.

Very few movies have had the impact on American culture the way Urban Cowboy has. Thank god it was temporary. But UC is almost in a class by itself as one of those flicks that when you're flipping channels at 3:00AM you just can't take your eyes off. I remember Urban Cowboy hit the theaters and overnite there were honkytonks being opened on every corner, men were sporting cowboy hats with their penny loafers, and if you didnt know how to two-step you were considered a social moron! Personally I think it's a great movie. Travolta really surprised me on the heels of SatNiteFever. Who'd a thunk. He's actually believable too. The soundtrack is awesome. Too bad Charlene Tilton, of TV's Dallas fame ruined Johnny Lee's career cause that guy was just terrific. The show stealer here is Scott Glenn as the greaser ex-con redneck cowboy. And I ain't got nothing against greaser ex-con cowboys semi-being one myself, but I've always envied what I feel to be the greatest power line of all time...."Pack-at S*#t!" Sort of like Clint's "make my day." And watching him slap Sissy around is the closest thing I'll see to my Julia Roberts fantasy so..... Like I said, beautiful. 5 Longnecks

The DVD itself is nothing less than incredible. Outtakes, rehearsal footage, and a tremendous 5.1 remastering make for just an awesome experience for fans. One of my favorites of all time.

Even if you're not a fan of the Country/Western culture, you'll like UC. It's an entertaining film despite its simpering, too-cutesy women, cheesy trailer parks, and overabundance of testosterone.Having been raised a Yankee and a strict Catholic, and still both to this day, I found this movie to be an interesting introduction to a different culture the first time I watched it as a teenager. In contrast to my own austere culture, I saw Houston, Texas as a place were every man was a cowboy and could dance and charm women every bit as well as he could drink, brawl, and ride the mechanical bull. As for the women, they were all flirty and outgoing, sins which the nuns in school cautioned us against. And, the big shocker, most of the people lived in a trailer park and not in a twin home! Imagine that!I would have dismissed the movie as merely a glorified saga of life in a white-trash world, but it was too engrossing. Here we have Bud, struggling to make a new life in Houston at the oil refinery, and Sissy, the quintessential country girl who's the best dancer at her CW nightclub, where she meets Bud and succumbs to his charms. Then there's Pam, the rich girl who can have anything and anyone she wants, and Wes, the charismatic ex-con who sets his hat at Sissy. They and, it seems, all of Houston hang out at Gilley's, the aforementioned nightclub, where the fists, beer, two-steppers, and testosterone fly. I found the characters and the story to be too interesting to dismiss, even if the culture was vasty different from my own. Therefore, I think UC is a crossover film that appeals to people of different cultures, musical preferences, and geographic locations.

out of all john travolta's old time movies THIS ONE IS THE BEST. he plays much better as a dancing cowboy than a cool cat freak. grease and saturday night fever were the two worst movies i have ever seen. urban cowboy was terrific.

The romantic comedy is a very popular genre at the movies right now. I suppose that it always has been. In "Forget Paris" the emphasis is on the comedy, rather than the romance, and it provides a nice counterpart to some of the others.

The story is structured in a fashion that will be familiar to Woody Allen fans. Three couples are sitting around at dinner telling stories about their absent friends Mickey (Billy Crystal) and Ellen (Debra Winger).

Mickey and Ellen first meet in Paris through a rather amazing set of circumstances. (I won't give it away.) They fall in love, but Mickey has to go back to work-he's an NBA referee-so he leaves. He pines for Ellen, though, and it starts to affect his work. (There's a great scene with him and Kareem Abdul Jabbar.) Finally, Mickey returns to Paris and they resume where they left off.

Eventually, they decide to get married and Ellen quits her job and moves to California with Mickey. That's when the problems begin. Mickey is constantly on the road, so Ellen gets lonely, plus she hates her new job. Basically, she's miserable.

Trying to make things work out between them, Mickey quits his job and stays home with Ellen. In the meantime, she has gotten a great job that she loves so she's never home. Now Mickey is miserable.

If you suspect that somehow everything works out in the end, you've probably seen this kind of movie before. No matter. A romantic comedy succeeds or fails, not based on its originality or unpredictability, but on its charm, humor and the charisma of its characters. On that basis, "Forget Paris" succeeds.

Billy Crystal produced, directed and co-wrote the film, in addition to starring in it, so it's his picture all the way. With that kind of pedigree, you know it's going to be funny, and it is. Sometimes hilariously so.

It also means that there will be moments when the story or the characters will be sacrificed in order to serve the humor-and there are. There are too many scenes where Crystal cracks jokes and all Winger is given to do is laugh at them. That's too bad. An actress of her talent and intelligence should have a character that is more worthy of her.

There will be natural comparisons between this film and "When Harry Met Sally...," which also starred Billy Crystal. Although this picture is not as good as that one, it is still enjoyable.

Genuinely funny and original! From the opening, you'll be both touched and thoroughly entertained by this truly romantic comedy!

Billy Crystal is wonderful as a slightly neurotic basketball referee and Debra Winger is convincing as an ascending career woman who finds herself torn between love, Paris, and her job.

Highly recommended.

I have never been a huge fan of romantic comedies, but Forget Paris is a rare exception. The film stands out because of its superior writing, structure, and performances. Billy Crystal is in perfect form, and Debra Winger plays the perfect foil, showcasing her rarely-seen comedic talents. The supporting cast fills out the ensemble nicely.

I found the structure of the movie entirely engaging. Although the film could have been told as a straight story, the flashback devices kept me pulled into the story. In sum, this is not a film to be missed--even those who don't particularly care for romantic comedies will enjoy it.

Fresh off the success of his television series TAXI, James L Brooks came to the big screen with his directorial debut: a comic film culminating in a main character succumbing to cancer. That certainly doesn't sound like the most promising comedy material but TERMS OF ENDEARMENT is a success in both comedy and drama. It is a very funny film that ends up a tearjerker without ever sacrificing the humor.

The mother and daughter act of Aurora (Shirley MacLaine) and Emma (Debra Winger) are at the heart of the story. The mother is consistently over-protective and disappointed in her daughter. Emma is one of the most compassionate human beings in the cinematic world. When Emma ups and marries the wrong guy (Jeff Daniels) there relationship becomes one of the phone lines. Even that doesn't squelch Aurora's power of her daughter. But when Aurora finally dates her free-spirited neighbor (Jack Nicholson), she softens as a human being and backs off of.

The film is quite clever with its characters and dialogue, often right from McMurtry's novel. Brooks works wonders with a dream cast that was often a nightmare. The audio commentary on the DVD offers a very open discussion of the Diva attitudes on the set. And Brooks exposes some other things as well but the commentary is often self-congratulatory. This is a great film in the style of BROADCAST NEWS and AS GOOD AS IT GETS.

Another film that made me cry! If you've read my reviews on KRAMER VS. KRAMER and RAIN MAN, then you know my story. But, yes, it's happened again! Another Best Picture Oscar-winner has allowed me to shed my tears freely and openly.

Based on the novel by Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove, The Last Picture Show), TERMS OF ENDEARMENT is a "family" film that deals with a 30-year relationship between a flighty mother and her headstrong daughter, played to perfection by Shirley MacLaine as Aurora Greenway, and Debra Winger as her daughter Emma Horton. The film begins by establishing the relatonship between the neurotic Aurora with her young daughter.

It makes you laugh and it makes you cry! Either way, the film deserves its kudos. Created by future SIMPSONS producer James L. Brooks, we see the emotional turmoil that both Aurora and Emma face in their love lives.

The cast consists of: Jack Nicholson, as Aurora's zany cosmonaut boyfriend Garrett Breedlove (a role originally intended for Burt Reynolds [YIKES!]), Jeff Daniels as Emma's philandering husband Flap Horton, John Lithgow as Emma's lover Sam Burns, and Danny DeVito, in a delightful cameo, as Vernon Dahlart.

After a while, though, the film does tend to drift a bit. You have to be patient considering that the final climax, in which Emma loses her fight with cancer, is the blow that sent me (and possibly millions of other viewers) into tears. Watch Aurora's face; watch Emma's, and you'll know exactly what they're saying without them even saying a word. Simply devastating!

Winner of 5 Academy Awards including: three for director Brooks for Best Picture (as producer), Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay; Best Actress - Shirley MacLaine (also nominated against costar Debra Winger); and Best Supporting Actor - Jack Nicholson (nominated against costar John Lithgow).

All in all, in a year (1983) where TERMS was up against THE RIGHT STUFF, THE BIG CHILL, THE DRESSER, SILKWOOD, EDUCATING RITA, and FANNY AND ALEXANDER, TERMS OF ENDEARMENT proved that even a "soap opera" film can be the best! So true.

When we're channel surfing and this movie is on, my husband just hands over the remote b/c he KNOWS I cannot pass up watching it for the 200th time. It reels me right in. Even though I KNOW I am going to be blubbering and sobbing at the end. Even though I KNOW I am going to sit there and WISH I could somehow change the course of the movie... that somehow, this time, things will work out differently... Just a materpiece of film making in the true sense of the word. No special effects, no plot twists. Just good old characterization and human interaction. EXCELLENT.

Self centered hustler Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) enlists in an officer's training school where he quickly meets his match in Sergeant Foley (Lou Gossett, Jr.), who warns him of all the "Puget Sound debs", girls who come across the ferry every weekend to try to land (or trap) themselves a future naval aviator. But Mayo manages to shake off his selfishness and he learns to love-not only deb Paula Pokrifki (Debra Winger), but his new best friend Sid Worley (David Keith). What follows is a love story that is timeless and rewarding. A great stay at home date movie. Look for young David Caruso and Lisa Eilbacher.

This film, if not a classic already, will surely soon become one. I love it!! It not only has the military aspect, but also the chick flick appeal. Enjoy!!

Initially, my first impression of this movie was this movie was going to be boring. Then, after the first 20 minutes, my mind went into another direction. I found this movie to be interesting, and I knew there had to be some meaning to the movie. And indeed there was!

Zack Mayo, (Richard Gere) is a college graduate who pursues a chance to become a naval officer by entering the Officer Candidate Training School. In 14 solid weeks, Zack progresses and learns the ability of leadership, friendship, and discipline, through his tough drill instructor, (Louis Gossett Jr, in his Oscar-winning performance), and his friends.

Mood and tone are expressed intelligently through the emotions of adventure, torture, romance, and entertainment. My favorite aspect of this movie is Jack Nitzsche's unforgettable scoring. The mood and tone ties in together as the music plays, and makes the audiences feel spontaneous of what they are watching (especially with the love themes).

This movie, starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Keith, Lisa Blount, Louis Gossett Jr., Robert Loggia, and Lisa Eilbacher, was the winner recipient of 2 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor: LOUIS GOSSETT JR., and Best Original Song: "UP WHERE WE BELONG." Also nominated for 4 additional Academy Awards, including Best Actress: DEBRA WINGER, Best Original Screenplay: DOUGLAS DAY STEWART, Best Original Score: JACK NITZSCHE, Best Film editing, and nominated for a total of 8 Golden Globes, this movie unmarks the boundary between love and adventure.

Richard Gere, even though nominated for a Golden Globe, should of been nominated for an Oscar. His outstanding performance brought the true nature of what it's like to be his character. This was the performance of his entire career!

With a clear-cut picture, and sharp sound, this movie will never grow old in your home! I would positively recommend this movie to another.