Ellen-Burstyn Movie Reviews

I rented this awhile back, mainly because I have a soft spot for children's movies. Unfortunatly I viewed it through adult eyes and that's why I couldn't give it 5 stars, I'm sure some years back I would have though. It's a real sweet story with the classic Disney trademark on it, I'd say any horse crazy kid will love it. One little side note to the person who went off about this movie...yes kids may clamor for a horse, but most parents are smart enough to realize a horse costs way more than a dog. Also, by the age of two many thoroughbred horses are not only trained, but running strenuous races.

What a great family movie; Lucas Black totally steals the show here. All the trials and tribulations he went through and he still had a smile on his face. He should be in a weekly TV series---not that Frankie Muniz makes a bad Malcolm or anything.I was so happy that Connor got to keep the horse at the end; more films should have happy endings like this one.

I was the riding double for Lucas Black in this movie, and even though I'm partial to it, I believe it's a great flick. I now have a 2 year old daughter and I would totally let her watch this movie. We own and operate Rivermont Farm in Georgia, and I've always been really picky about how well a horse movie is done. I really thought Simon Wincer did a great job with Flash as he ALWAYS does with his movies. Simon directed movies such as Operation Dumbo Drop, Phar Lap, The Man From Snowy River, Free Willy, Blue Grass, and some other wonderful animal movies. Everyone I have ever met who has seen Flash loves this movie, and they are always so excited to hear I did the riding. It was a wonderful experience. Please put "FLASH" under the Christmas tree for your children this year. You won't be sorry! By the way, for the person who said a 2 year old couldn't do what this horse did in this movie...guess how old he was! He was 2!

I rented this awhile back, mainly because I have a soft spot for children's movies. Unfortunatly I viewed it through adult eyes and that's why I couldn't give it 5 stars, I'm sure some years back I would have though. It's a real sweet story with the classic Disney trademark on it, I'd say any horse crazy kid will love it. One little side note to the person who went off about this movie...yes kids may clamor for a horse, but most parents are smart enough to realize a horse costs way more than a dog. Also, by the age of two many thoroughbred horses are not only trained, but running strenuous races.

What a great family movie; Lucas Black totally steals the show here. All the trials and tribulations he went through and he still had a smile on his face. He should be in a weekly TV series---not that Frankie Muniz makes a bad Malcolm or anything.I was so happy that Connor got to keep the horse at the end; more films should have happy endings like this one.

I was the riding double for Lucas Black in this movie, and even though I'm partial to it, I believe it's a great flick. I now have a 2 year old daughter and I would totally let her watch this movie. We own and operate Rivermont Farm in Georgia, and I've always been really picky about how well a horse movie is done. I really thought Simon Wincer did a great job with Flash as he ALWAYS does with his movies. Simon directed movies such as Operation Dumbo Drop, Phar Lap, The Man From Snowy River, Free Willy, Blue Grass, and some other wonderful animal movies. Everyone I have ever met who has seen Flash loves this movie, and they are always so excited to hear I did the riding. It was a wonderful experience. Please put "FLASH" under the Christmas tree for your children this year. You won't be sorry! By the way, for the person who said a 2 year old couldn't do what this horse did in this movie...guess how old he was! He was 2!

Rebecca De Mornay plays Arlene, a woman getting out from a prison after eight years. Now she wants to start a new life with her son, who was taken from her after he was born. But things turn out more difficult than she had expected. It doesn't get better by her mother's attitude and that she (the mother) refuses to see she made mistakes and admit she knew Arlene was molested by her father as a child.

Rebecca De Mornay is one of the greatest and most underrated actresses of our time and she makes a wonderful job portraying Arlene, a woman like any other, but who has been though lots of difficulties. Ellen Burstyn is good as the mother and Carole Mitchell-Leon as her new neighbor, Ruby. The music is good and the movie is well written and feels very true, very real. It's one of Rebecca's best movies and, unfortunately, one of her least well known. More people should get the chance to see this beautiful movie. I recommend you to see it!

I agree with the other reviews! A great choice of roles and an exceptional performance by Ms.DeMornay! I'm a guy but I think everyone can relate to this movie in some kind of way. To me this was a movie about reaching inside yourself and finding an inner strenghth to carry on despite what happened yesterday.But in this case it was really tough because we have a woman who wanted her child,not "throw it away" like some people do!I admire "Arlene for trying on her own even though she got involved with the wrong kind of guy-she could have latched on to another guy for security,like some women do,but she went on her own.She made a mistake but pressed on.Her mother and father were an example of how grownups forget what it's like to be little and were selfish,child molesters and women and children beaters should get life in prison without parole because the victims sometimes never recover and are sentenced to their own prisons.Arlene reached inside herself and had some help from a friend!An excellent movie and agreat performance by Ms.deMornay-her best role and performance!If you can't find it at Amazon.com rent it and maybe Amazon.com will get some more copies!That's all folks!

I liked this movie because it showed a side of women I never thought of before,a woman who made a mistake,(who's perfect),and because of parents who didn't value her as a kid,she pays a high price.She really wanted to be a mother but couldn't, alot of women have been placed in similar situations by "tough guys" and selfish family members in real life! I thought Rebecca DeMornay was excellent as usual!

Well, this movie starts off with the Mahler family, Nora(Rebbeca DeMornay), the mother, Neal(Keith Carradine), the father, Clea(Thora Birch), the daughter and Simon, the son, all living in a ranch ran by Nora herself, where she shares her love of horses (which are raised by her too)with Clea and especially Simon,but Neal has never really liked living there,which makes him live after her wife's wishes, and which is tearing them both apart little by little. Then tragedy strikes the whole family, when an accident happens(which I will not reveal), leaving all the family, especially Nora heartbroken and devastated, her devastation and heartbroke blinds her of everything, she doesn't realize that the other family members are suffering too, and are devastated too, when her mother Maggie(Ellen Burstyn) arrives to the "rescue" the family from tearing apart more than they already are after hearing the terrible news,she makes Nora realize she's not the only sad person and that she should pay more attention to what's going on with the family after the accident, especially Clea(Thora Birch), which is hiding a terrible feeling which is destroying her little by little.

After hearing all this you probably wonder why the movie is called NIGHT RIDE HOME, well, it is called NIGHT RIDE HOME because of a line Maggie(Burstyn)mentions to Nora while talking to her about her ride to the ranch after hearing the devastating news and realizing that Nora has never needed her help because she always only listened to her(Maggie's)mother.

Well, I liked this movie(and recommend it) because it really gives you a look on how something terribly innocent can turn into a tragedy with you not even knowing it is happening and because it shows how families should react and deal with problems and try to solve them and that not everything in your life has to be for yourself, you have to be giving and appreciate everything and realize you are not alone in this world and have to care of others, especially your closest.

I gave the movie 4 stars because although I loved it,for me it was missing a little bit more action and I really thought the actor who played Clea's boyfriend was completely inappropiate for her, he looked awfully young for Thora Birch, and he just didn't fit into the character completely.

In addition of being a great story, this film contains the talent of Ellen Burstyn and the talent and beauty of American Beauty's Thora Birch.

I found this film to be a very realistic example of lifes issues that a family sometimes experiences.A husband and wife drifting apart,teenage children growing up.All of a sudden a tradgedy happens and the blaming and anger and other emotions start to pile up and the pressures of people who don't really know each other as good as they thought they did starts to surface.Can they keep it together and pull through?Well I'll just say I recommend people watch it,because in our present daily lives maybe everyone can be inspired by this great film!Go ahead and see for yourself--the whole cast was great,especially Ms.DeMornay!

I was really touched by this movie and think it's one of the best movies I've ever seen! The range of emotions and realistic family problems was so real to me.But it goes to show how tradegy can be overcome when people don't give up on each other! I thought Ms.DeMornay and the rest of the cast were great but especially Ms. DeMornay but I think all her characters and movies are great! I very highly recommend this movie for the whole family! Jim.

Although a stop-gap movie for Martin Scorsese, 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' proved to be the pinnacle of Ellen Burstyn's career. Her academy award winning performance in this film crosses back and forth between careful tenderness and passionate intensity with intelligent ease. In most of his best work Scorsese encourages the actors in his films to play around with the script and improvise extensively. In 'Alice' he allows Burstyn's instincts about her character to come to the fore in the scene in the kitchen with Kris Kristofferson where she talks of her early showbiz career with her brother. Practically all of the dialogue was improvised by Burstyn herself, so much so that Scorsese had to cut the scene down to 3 minutes from 15! In fact there seems to have been a lot of cutting going on in this film. Alice's husband comes across as a totally unsympathetic character until you realize that much of his more tender scenes with Alice were cut in order to make the film move faster.

And move faster it does, for with Scorsese's deep aversion to static shots and his use of a hand-held camera in the small claustrophobic environments in which Alice and her son are confined, all the characters in this film look deeply unsettled in personality as well as in geography.

Ironically, filming had to be stopped on this movie for a couple of days because Ellen Burstyn had to go to the Oscars as she was nominated for her role in 'The Exorcist' that year. She returned unawarded to the work that would eventually reward her.

This movie is the ultimate single mom movie..she faces abuse, tragedy and a life alone raising her child and she doesn't know how she is going to do it. I thought the acting (especially by Jodie Foster) was awesome and true to life. This movie has everything, it's funny, sad and in depth in what life is all about. This movie is for everyone who is just trying to survive life.

Do you notice how little one hears about "Raging Bull"
lately? Well, there's a reason--it's not so hot. There is a
lot of repetition, a lot of improvisation, a lot of falsity in
that movie. And in "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore"?
There's a lot of truth and humor.

This was Scorsese's first studio picture; it was a hit,
and Ellen Burstyn got the Oscar for Best Actress. (In
England, the movie won Best Picture, Best Actress, Best
Supporting Actress, Best Newcomer, and Best Screenplay,
but--inexplicably--not Best Director). The movie was so
popular in America that CBS made a series out of it, and
the series ran for nine full years--the second longest
hit series ever made from a feature film (next to MASH).

I notice that some of the people who have visited this
site have downed the movie, but I also notice that the
one who downed it most didn't even know how to spell
the director's name correctly. (It's Scorsese).

Anyway, time will tell. This heartfelt, true little movie will
work its way very close to the top of Scorsese's ouevre.
It's hilariously funny and also touching and, at times,
harrowing. A well directed, well acted, well written
movie. What a rarity. Watch it and enjoy it.

It's a shame that this movie's largely overlooked by critics and audience alike. However, many people who happen to "stumble" across this movie will be pleasantly surprised. OK, I'm biased because I'm in the movie. But as an avid movie-goer, I have to say this is one of the better family movies in the past 10 years. The relationships are real and touching. Even though I knew -- from the filming -- how it was going to end, the tears that came down my cheeks caught me by surprise. I wish more people would see it and realize what a great movie this is. Peter Falk and D.B.Sweeney have great chemistry. You also get to see other great actors such as Julianne Moore (unfortunately, for some reason, they always fail to mention this film in her bios).

I am a fan of this movie because I am playing the nurse at the bedside! Loved doing the movie and everyone was great!

...The art of film-making distinguishes itself from other art forms
because it lends itself quite easily to being experienced by many people at one time. This
quality becomes greater when you experience a great movie with a loved one. That film
then becomes one of your fondest memories. For me, this is the case with "Room-mates."
I will forever remember the first time I watched this movie and who I watched it with.
There are certain movies where you quite willingly turn a blind eye to it's supposed
"imperfections" and enjoy it purely because it left you with a good feeling in your heart
and a memory you will forever cherish. It is very odd indeed that "Room-mates" would
fall into this category. Despite the fact that you know one of the film's saddest moments is
inevitable, it still affects you deeply. Even then, you are left with hope in your heart, and
know that these character's will endure. I love the subtle yet important messages it
imparts. As a small boy, the son has to contend with the old man's incessant snoring yet
when he finally is out on his own and free of it he finds he can not sleep for the lack of it.
(This proves, in a unique and unforgettable way that you do not appreciate what you have
until you've lost it.) Every member of the cast gives stellar performances without
exception. I even enjoyed the moments that some critics would argue went over the top.
Above all else I will remember what this film means to me personally. It was a rare sunny
day (my fellow Oregonians will appreciate the understatement.) My mother and I, refusing
to worship the sun decided to take in a movie. This was that movie, it is a rare gem that
manages to be genuinely heartwarming, without being sugary. It is a film I will never tire
of because it themes are universal. And it will forever be associated with the day my
mother and I shunned the sun, and saw a film that to us is unforgettable. It is a film I am
proud to have in my collection.

I've always been a fan of the Baby-Sitters Club books and the video series, so I enjoyed seeing this movie. In this film, we find the group of girls starting a summer day camp for kids. Kristy is trying to cope with her estranged father's sudden return, Claudia fights to get through summer school, Stacey has a mad crush on a 17-year-old guy, Mary Anne faces challenges with the school snob who's trying to steal her boyfriend, and, most of all, all 7 of them struggle to get through trust issues and such so that they can remain friends. Overall, it's a pretty good movie--very entertaining and a fun film to watch if you're a fan of the books. However, there is one thing about this movie that I never liked ever since I saw it for the first time, and that's the casting of Schuyler Fisk as BSC President Kristy Thomas. In the movie, Kristy seems a little too cowardly and whiny, which is totally against her personality. I loved the girl who played Kristy in the video series. She showed the character as a tough and take-charge tomboy--just as she was meant to be. Schuyler Fisk did do a pretty good job in the role, but the personality of Kristy was completely changed. Other than that, it's a good movie. Fun for everyone. Get it now=)

You'll love this movie. I used to be hooked on the BSC books years ago when I was in middle--and even the beginning of high school. I saw this movie the day it came to theaters. It involves Kristy's dad coming by and trying to be a part of Kristie's life..while she (and Maryann) try to keep it from her mom. The other bsc members get a little jealous that the two are so secretive but Maryann doesnt want to break their trust. Claudia is in a dilemma..if she doesnt pass her course in summer school...she will have to leave the bsc per her parents wishes. Stacey is involved with an older boy. Cokie Mason (yep shes in the movie!) is always in Maryann's hair and will stop at nothing to get Logan. All this and they still have to keep the kids under control at the summer camp the bsc has organized. And yes..you will find a lot of the kids mentioned in the books..ie..Karen, Suzy, Buddy, Nina, Rosie, etc.. You wont be disappointed.

For the person who wanted to know who the guy in the yellow shirt was - are you sure you tried everything? Like looking at the credits at the end of the movie? His name is Christian Oliver. I remember him from Saved by the Bell.

Don't have much to say about the movie - loved it when it first came out and still do! Hence the five stars!

I've always been a fan of the Baby-Sitters Club books and the video series, so I enjoyed seeing this movie. In this film, we find the group of girls starting a summer day camp for kids. Kristy is trying to cope with her estranged father's sudden return, Claudia fights to get through summer school, Stacey has a mad crush on a 17-year-old guy, Mary Anne faces challenges with the school snob who's trying to steal her boyfriend, and, most of all, all 7 of them struggle to get through trust issues and such so that they can remain friends. Overall, it's a pretty good movie--very entertaining and a fun film to watch if you're a fan of the books. However, there is one thing about this movie that I never liked ever since I saw it for the first time, and that's the casting of Schuyler Fisk as BSC President Kristy Thomas. In the movie, Kristy seems a little too cowardly and whiny, which is totally against her personality. I loved the girl who played Kristy in the video series. She showed the character as a tough and take-charge tomboy--just as she was meant to be. Schuyler Fisk did do a pretty good job in the role, but the personality of Kristy was completely changed. Other than that, it's a good movie. Fun for everyone. Get it now=)

You'll love this movie. I used to be hooked on the BSC books years ago when I was in middle--and even the beginning of high school. I saw this movie the day it came to theaters. It involves Kristy's dad coming by and trying to be a part of Kristie's life..while she (and Maryann) try to keep it from her mom. The other bsc members get a little jealous that the two are so secretive but Maryann doesnt want to break their trust. Claudia is in a dilemma..if she doesnt pass her course in summer school...she will have to leave the bsc per her parents wishes. Stacey is involved with an older boy. Cokie Mason (yep shes in the movie!) is always in Maryann's hair and will stop at nothing to get Logan. All this and they still have to keep the kids under control at the summer camp the bsc has organized. And yes..you will find a lot of the kids mentioned in the books..ie..Karen, Suzy, Buddy, Nina, Rosie, etc.. You wont be disappointed.

For the person who wanted to know who the guy in the yellow shirt was - are you sure you tried everything? Like looking at the credits at the end of the movie? His name is Christian Oliver. I remember him from Saved by the Bell.

Don't have much to say about the movie - loved it when it first came out and still do! Hence the five stars!

I've always been a fan of the Baby-Sitters Club books and the video series, so I enjoyed seeing this movie. In this film, we find the group of girls starting a summer day camp for kids. Kristy is trying to cope with her estranged father's sudden return, Claudia fights to get through summer school, Stacey has a mad crush on a 17-year-old guy, Mary Anne faces challenges with the school snob who's trying to steal her boyfriend, and, most of all, all 7 of them struggle to get through trust issues and such so that they can remain friends. Overall, it's a pretty good movie--very entertaining and a fun film to watch if you're a fan of the books. However, there is one thing about this movie that I never liked ever since I saw it for the first time, and that's the casting of Schuyler Fisk as BSC President Kristy Thomas. In the movie, Kristy seems a little too cowardly and whiny, which is totally against her personality. I loved the girl who played Kristy in the video series. She showed the character as a tough and take-charge tomboy--just as she was meant to be. Schuyler Fisk did do a pretty good job in the role, but the personality of Kristy was completely changed. Other than that, it's a good movie. Fun for everyone. Get it now=)

You'll love this movie. I used to be hooked on the BSC books years ago when I was in middle--and even the beginning of high school. I saw this movie the day it came to theaters. It involves Kristy's dad coming by and trying to be a part of Kristie's life..while she (and Maryann) try to keep it from her mom. The other bsc members get a little jealous that the two are so secretive but Maryann doesnt want to break their trust. Claudia is in a dilemma..if she doesnt pass her course in summer school...she will have to leave the bsc per her parents wishes. Stacey is involved with an older boy. Cokie Mason (yep shes in the movie!) is always in Maryann's hair and will stop at nothing to get Logan. All this and they still have to keep the kids under control at the summer camp the bsc has organized. And yes..you will find a lot of the kids mentioned in the books..ie..Karen, Suzy, Buddy, Nina, Rosie, etc.. You wont be disappointed.

For the person who wanted to know who the guy in the yellow shirt was - are you sure you tried everything? Like looking at the credits at the end of the movie? His name is Christian Oliver. I remember him from Saved by the Bell.

Don't have much to say about the movie - loved it when it first came out and still do! Hence the five stars!

I've always been a fan of the Baby-Sitters Club books and the video series, so I enjoyed seeing this movie. In this film, we find the group of girls starting a summer day camp for kids. Kristy is trying to cope with her estranged father's sudden return, Claudia fights to get through summer school, Stacey has a mad crush on a 17-year-old guy, Mary Anne faces challenges with the school snob who's trying to steal her boyfriend, and, most of all, all 7 of them struggle to get through trust issues and such so that they can remain friends. Overall, it's a pretty good movie--very entertaining and a fun film to watch if you're a fan of the books. However, there is one thing about this movie that I never liked ever since I saw it for the first time, and that's the casting of Schuyler Fisk as BSC President Kristy Thomas. In the movie, Kristy seems a little too cowardly and whiny, which is totally against her personality. I loved the girl who played Kristy in the video series. She showed the character as a tough and take-charge tomboy--just as she was meant to be. Schuyler Fisk did do a pretty good job in the role, but the personality of Kristy was completely changed. Other than that, it's a good movie. Fun for everyone. Get it now=)

You'll love this movie. I used to be hooked on the BSC books years ago when I was in middle--and even the beginning of high school. I saw this movie the day it came to theaters. It involves Kristy's dad coming by and trying to be a part of Kristie's life..while she (and Maryann) try to keep it from her mom. The other bsc members get a little jealous that the two are so secretive but Maryann doesnt want to break their trust. Claudia is in a dilemma..if she doesnt pass her course in summer school...she will have to leave the bsc per her parents wishes. Stacey is involved with an older boy. Cokie Mason (yep shes in the movie!) is always in Maryann's hair and will stop at nothing to get Logan. All this and they still have to keep the kids under control at the summer camp the bsc has organized. And yes..you will find a lot of the kids mentioned in the books..ie..Karen, Suzy, Buddy, Nina, Rosie, etc.. You wont be disappointed.

For the person who wanted to know who the guy in the yellow shirt was - are you sure you tried everything? Like looking at the credits at the end of the movie? His name is Christian Oliver. I remember him from Saved by the Bell.

Don't have much to say about the movie - loved it when it first came out and still do! Hence the five stars!