Michael-Douglas Movie Reviews

Fun yet serious romantic comedy. . . Douglas is great. Benning is cunning, captivating, and beautiful. Martin Sheen is great in his supporting role. Michael J. Fox is always a plus in a movie.

The movie is about president who lost his wife, who falls for a environmental lobbyist. The struggle comes from Richard Dryfus's character "Bob Rumpsfeld" (bad nomanclature). He finds out that this woman is an extreme left lobbyist. He uses this to throw stones at the president, who he is trying to defeat in the coming election. The presidential staff characters are wonderfully acted and fun to watch. The interaction in the staff is Golden.

People should look at this movie as a movie, not a political statement. Of course the movie has liberal themes. When a filmmaker makes a movie, the audience is what he/she is working to please. It is hard to romanticize a conservative agenda. This movie's target audience is women(Even thought I love it). Do you think a woman is going to want a watch a romantic dramedy with a central theme of business, welfare reform, or maybe even limiting awards in malpractice suits? NO, of course not. I am a conservative, and I don't want to watch a romanitic comedy about my agenda. Two things that are heart felt issues on both sides of the isle are the environment and gun control. They use these issues because they are common and good plot points, and are easily dramatized. They are not the central theme of the movie.

Overall, the movie is quality. It is a movie that I never get tired of watching.

This is an all time favorite of mine and absolutely guaranteed to lift my spirits each time I watch it.

Michael Douglas plays somewhat against his usual type as a likeable, widowed, well-meaning single father who is also the President of the United States, Andrew Shepherd. He becomes romantically interested in an environmental lobbyist, Sidney Ellen Wade (Annette Benning) which turns out to cause a lot of problems for both of them.

These two high-powered actors manage to humanize their characters into ordinary, likable people who are just trying to fall in love despite unbelievable opulence of surroundings, ugly political maneuvering and living inside a media fishbowl of publicity. Along the way, there are plenty of funny, heartwarming moments including a couple of very funny telephone calls. (Imagine what YOU would do if you suddenly received a call from someone who claimed to be the President of the United States)

David Paymer, Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen are excellent in their supporting roles as advisors to the President and Shawna Waldron is wonderful as the 1st daughter.

If you love humorous dialog, beautiful, nearly fairy-tale settings and happy endings, be sure to see this movie. You won't be disappointed.

Rob Reiner's 1995 film, "The American President", is one of my favorite movies.

Michael Douglas' realistic portrayal of the title character [President Andrew Shepherd] is a refreshingly-different change for Mr. Douglas, from his earlier rather--shall we say--steamy roles in "Fatal Attraction" (1987), "Basic Instinct" (1992), and "Disclosure" (1994).

Annette Bening also shines brightly here--as Douglas' love interest.

Written by "The West Wing's" Aaron Sorkin, it's nearly impossible to watch this movie today and not notice the similarities between Sorkin's work on the film and the excellent NBC-TV program it spawned.

Several of the actors in the film went on to star in the TV series as well, including Martin Sheen, Joshua Malina, and Anna Deavere Smith.

Mr. Sorkin is one heck of a writer. And he wrote an impressive movie in "The American President".

Unfortunately, there's no "Making Of" type of materials included on the DVD. We get a trailer for the film, plus some production and bio (text) notes, but nothing more in the way of bonuses. (Perhaps a "Special Edition" DVD Edition will some day surface. That'd be sweet indeed.)

While it's certainly true that the picture quality on this non-anamorphic Warner Brothers DVD-Video is far from being perfect....I still think it's in a highly-watchable condition. Sure, we get the usual amount of "jaggies" and blurred images of stuff in the background inherent to an image that's not been enhanced for 16x9 televisions. But I don't really think it's the worst DVD transfer ever to come along either. Of course, mileage will vary. Everyone has their own definition of "bad".

The soundtrack, on the other hand, seems quite robust and nice. There's a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround track on this disc.

"The American President" is presented here in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. I've seen information elsewhere that claims this DVD presents the movie in a 1.85:1 ratio, which is inaccurate. So don't be fooled, it's definitely shown here in its full w-i-d-e "scope" ratio of 2.35:1.

This is a fresh, funny, smart, sassy, intelligent film, no matter if it's your first time seeing it, or your hundreth. Despite a less-than-stellar video transfer, I'd still recommend every DVD collector pick this baby up right now!

"You think there's an assassin waiting in the flower shop just in the off-chance I might be stopping by?" -- President Shepherd

LOL! *wink*

Fun yet serious romantic comedy. . . Douglas is great. Benning is cunning, captivating, and beautiful. Martin Sheen is great in his supporting role. Michael J. Fox is always a plus in a movie.

The movie is about president who lost his wife, who falls for a environmental lobbyist. The struggle comes from Richard Dryfus's character "Bob Rumpsfeld" (bad nomanclature). He finds out that this woman is an extreme left lobbyist. He uses this to throw stones at the president, who he is trying to defeat in the coming election. The presidential staff characters are wonderfully acted and fun to watch. The interaction in the staff is Golden.

People should look at this movie as a movie, not a political statement. Of course the movie has liberal themes. When a filmmaker makes a movie, the audience is what he/she is working to please. It is hard to romanticize a conservative agenda. This movie's target audience is women(Even thought I love it). Do you think a woman is going to want a watch a romantic dramedy with a central theme of business, welfare reform, or maybe even limiting awards in malpractice suits? NO, of course not. I am a conservative, and I don't want to watch a romanitic comedy about my agenda. Two things that are heart felt issues on both sides of the isle are the environment and gun control. They use these issues because they are common and good plot points, and are easily dramatized. They are not the central theme of the movie.

Overall, the movie is quality. It is a movie that I never get tired of watching.

This is an all time favorite of mine and absolutely guaranteed to lift my spirits each time I watch it.

Michael Douglas plays somewhat against his usual type as a likeable, widowed, well-meaning single father who is also the President of the United States, Andrew Shepherd. He becomes romantically interested in an environmental lobbyist, Sidney Ellen Wade (Annette Benning) which turns out to cause a lot of problems for both of them.

These two high-powered actors manage to humanize their characters into ordinary, likable people who are just trying to fall in love despite unbelievable opulence of surroundings, ugly political maneuvering and living inside a media fishbowl of publicity. Along the way, there are plenty of funny, heartwarming moments including a couple of very funny telephone calls. (Imagine what YOU would do if you suddenly received a call from someone who claimed to be the President of the United States)

David Paymer, Michael J. Fox and Martin Sheen are excellent in their supporting roles as advisors to the President and Shawna Waldron is wonderful as the 1st daughter.

If you love humorous dialog, beautiful, nearly fairy-tale settings and happy endings, be sure to see this movie. You won't be disappointed.

Rob Reiner's 1995 film, "The American President", is one of my favorite movies.

Michael Douglas' realistic portrayal of the title character [President Andrew Shepherd] is a refreshingly-different change for Mr. Douglas, from his earlier rather--shall we say--steamy roles in "Fatal Attraction" (1987), "Basic Instinct" (1992), and "Disclosure" (1994).

Annette Bening also shines brightly here--as Douglas' love interest.

Written by "The West Wing's" Aaron Sorkin, it's nearly impossible to watch this movie today and not notice the similarities between Sorkin's work on the film and the excellent NBC-TV program it spawned.

Several of the actors in the film went on to star in the TV series as well, including Martin Sheen, Joshua Malina, and Anna Deavere Smith.

Mr. Sorkin is one heck of a writer. And he wrote an impressive movie in "The American President".

Unfortunately, there's no "Making Of" type of materials included on the DVD. We get a trailer for the film, plus some production and bio (text) notes, but nothing more in the way of bonuses. (Perhaps a "Special Edition" DVD Edition will some day surface. That'd be sweet indeed.)

While it's certainly true that the picture quality on this non-anamorphic Warner Brothers DVD-Video is far from being perfect....I still think it's in a highly-watchable condition. Sure, we get the usual amount of "jaggies" and blurred images of stuff in the background inherent to an image that's not been enhanced for 16x9 televisions. But I don't really think it's the worst DVD transfer ever to come along either. Of course, mileage will vary. Everyone has their own definition of "bad".

The soundtrack, on the other hand, seems quite robust and nice. There's a Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround track on this disc.

"The American President" is presented here in its original theatrical aspect ratio of 2.35:1. I've seen information elsewhere that claims this DVD presents the movie in a 1.85:1 ratio, which is inaccurate. So don't be fooled, it's definitely shown here in its full w-i-d-e "scope" ratio of 2.35:1.

This is a fresh, funny, smart, sassy, intelligent film, no matter if it's your first time seeing it, or your hundreth. Despite a less-than-stellar video transfer, I'd still recommend every DVD collector pick this baby up right now!

"You think there's an assassin waiting in the flower shop just in the off-chance I might be stopping by?" -- President Shepherd

LOL! *wink*

I'm still not sure if the sympathy for Joan Crawford that this film (somehow) generates was intended or not. Faye Dunaway seems to be the only HUMAN character in the whole movie.. Yes, Joan had flaws. Who doesn't? What makes this movie so unbelievable is Joan being presented as the only character in the movie with flaws. Can we really believe Christina was such an angel? Course not! The fact that she wrote Mommie Dearest in the first place exposes a jealous brat. Basically, if I was Joan and grew up as a impoverished, abused, enslaved (in a convent school on a work scholarship) child and was surrounded by corrupt studio heads (who threw a talented actress away when she reached a certain age), promiscuous lovers, and basically stupid people in general (as the actors in this movie present them), I think I'd go a litte nuts, too! Kinda like Hedda Gabler or Joan's own Queen Bee. Except nobody even knows if this story is true. I'm inclined to believe it's just an exaggerated tribute to Joan Crawford, always suffering for love in a loveless world. Only in Mommie Dearest it drove her crazy. Maybe it's fiction, or maybe it's exaggerated truth. Either way, it packs a very powerful message. But you don't have to watch Mommie Dearest to get it. You can learn much more about Joan by watching the REAL Joan...all her hard-shelled vulnerability, heart, and beauty that Dunaway never could capture.

I thought the preformance by Faye was great & there were some hilarious scenes. I think the reason people can see it as funny is because enough time has passed. This is an interesting film about a wacko artist & her bratty daughter. Joan was obviously not all there- but it is not difficult to see how Christina antagonized her. You can't really argue with someone in Joan's mental state & Christina should have realized that. Granted, Joan would not have been my 1st choice for a mom, but at least she's not as bad as "Sybil" which I know isn't saying much.

I feel I must add to the previous reviews: I really do feel Ms. Scarwid is an exceptional actress (She's outrageously funny as Cher's beautician lover in Silkwood! ), and that she does justice to Christina Crawford's life--or, at least, the cinematic version of it. I don't see how else the performance could be played. It has to be that low-key, because Faye Dunaway is taking up so much space, with her virtuouso turn as Joan Crawford. Also, as Pauline Kael noted in her excellent review of the film, "Scarwid has good low tones in her voice which suggest the ordeals Tina has been through, and she brings the role a twinkle, a gleam of rude humor, that seems to sustain Tina through her mother's most fiendish persecutions." At the end of the film, her character's unresolved anger and sorrow is especially pungent to me. And all of you who feel that doesn't ring true aren't being entirely honest about your relationships with your own parents! Maybe viewers who appreciate the film only as a "camp classic", don't really want to acknowledge the tragic realism of the material? It IS funny, but then it's horrifyingly funny, and worse that that. This film may be one of only a handful to suffer from a feminist double standard: I wonder how many members in the audience would kick up their heels and laugh about it if a father was doing the same things to his kids onscreen?

This film did not do great box office business, and it did receive a few reluctant Oscar nods, which is a waste, since it is certainly one of the best films I have seen on the creative process, fate, and life's more complicated decisions.

Michael Douglas gives one of his best performances in years as Grady Tripp, an English professor and published novelist, who has been writing his follow-up for seven years. In the meantime, his latest trophy wife has left him, and he has been having an affair for years with Sara Gaskell, very well-played by Frances McDormand, who happens to be married to the English Department's Dean.

Enter James Leer, a very witty name for the character very well played by Tobey Maguire. James does, indeed, leer from the background. He is Grady's best student, a brilliant writer who seems to craft his work with amazing ease. He is also a compulsive liar, and he drags Grady into a crazy set of circumstances and, eventually, revelations.

Robert Downey, Jr. does a great comedy turn as Grady's editor, Terry Crabtree, who arrives awaiting the novel that Grady simply cannot stop writing. The book has stretched to thousands of pages, and Grady cannot find a conclusion to his novel or to his life.

The direction by Curtis Hanson is understated and superb, and the screenplay, by Steven Kloves adapted from the novel by Michael Chabon, is witty and fast-moving. There are so many good things about this film, and it is a must-see for any frustrated writer. The performances, including a small but memorable part by Rip Torn, are incredibly good, and the chemistry between Douglas and his co-stars McDormand, Maguire and Downey is superb.

I cannot recommend this film enough. There are so many nuances that need to be viewed again and again. It is truly one of the best and most under-rated films out there.

Curtis Hanson's follow-up to his brilliant 'LA Confidential' is equally amazing but in a completely different way. 'Wonder Boys' is a wonderfully skewed comedy, with characters who zig and zag across the screen, weaving in through each others lives, and ultimately finding salvation in each other. Michael Douglas gives his second-great performance of 2000 (the other being in 'Traffic') as Professor Grady Tripp, a chronic pot-smoking, english teacher/author who has had great success in the past with his first novel. Problem is, he can't seem to finish his follow-up and he's been trying for years. He is having an affair with a married chancellor at his school (Frances McDormand in HER sceond great performance of the year, the other being in 'Almost Famous'). His barely-in-the-closet editor (the incredible Robert Downey Jr.) is breathing down his throat and a student of his (Katie Holmes) is trying to get in his pants. Not only that he has the chancellor's dead dog in his trunk, thanks to a mishap with a bewildered, mysterious student of his (Tobey Maguire at his usual excellence) and the car he's driving may or may not be stolen. Over the course of one hellish weekend, Grady Tripp will find out what it means to be in charge of one's own life and the way making a simple choice can change things for the better. The movie rides smoothly from start to finish thanks to great, assured direction by Hanson and smooth screenwriting by Steve Kloves (from the novel by Michael Chabon). It's a truly amazing film, whose character's are so well developed and layered that we never know what to expect of them at any given moment. In fact, anywhere you think this movie might be going at any given time, you will more then likely be wrong. It's surprising and heart-felt, as funny as it is involving, as moving as it is intelligent. And you won't find a better performance then Douglas's in any film this year. It's a true stand-out role for him, a break from his normal obsessive, hard-headed monsters. And he is brilliant. And so is Tobey Maguire, who continues to dazzle with every film. One of the best films of 2000.

I enjoyed this movie immensely. I'd put it right up there with 'American Beauty', 'Magnolia', and 'Being John Malkovich' as one of my favourite films of recent years. I particularly enjoyed Michael Douglas's performance (yes, I was surprised too) as Grady Tripp (pot-smoking college english professor, dubious literary mentor, and flailing, aging author of the critically aclaimed 7-years-gone novel 'Arsonists Daughter'...)

I really enjoyed the down-beat oddities and subtleties of the film and it's cast of strange but endearing characters (yes, yes, THERE you go!) Frances MacDormand's character (The Chancellor) is the only one who you might be able to call something that resembles a "normal" person, but even SHE, underneith her guise of normalcy, is a pregnant-out-of-wedlock habitual gardener! It gets no better I'm afraid. Robert Downey Jr plays Grady's gay book editor who has a penchant for transvestites and certain relaxing pharmacuticals (Terry Crabtree) to great (and oddly touching) comedic effect. Tobey Maguire plays Grady's morose young student/protege (who lays claim to the uncanny ability of being able to list hundreds of movie suicides in alphabetical order..) I'm Sorry 9-to-5ers. Abandon hope all ye who enter here, It gets no more mundane or ordinary than that. Oh well. But, to be honest, this sort of off-the-wall character development only served to make me even more enamored of the film. Speaking intimately as a very weird person (and speaking FOR MY PEOPLE) I desparately want to see more space-cadets and freaks and kooky-spooks casually represented in feature films. It's all about equality really. We don't all live in caves y'know. We're everywhere amongst you! We shop at your supermarkets! (albeit at strange hours..) We attend your schools! We even write movie reviews for enormous websites you visit late at night! Freakitude is not so uncommon a phenomena.. and my people DEMAND SCREENTIME ... And in 'Wonder Boys' they certainly get it. Kudos to whoever it was that wrote it that way. This film allows itself to positively WALLOW in human quirkiness.

The movie also features a fantastic soundtrack (ALWAYS a bonus..)

Best line?

"You're mad at me.. You're mad because I shot your girlfriends dog."

HIGHLY recommended! :o)

This film did not do great box office business, and it did receive a few reluctant Oscar nods, which is a waste, since it is certainly one of the best films I have seen on the creative process, fate, and life's more complicated decisions.

Michael Douglas gives one of his best performances in years as Grady Tripp, an English professor and published novelist, who has been writing his follow-up for seven years. In the meantime, his latest trophy wife has left him, and he has been having an affair for years with Sara Gaskell, very well-played by Frances McDormand, who happens to be married to the English Department's Dean.

Enter James Leer, a very witty name for the character very well played by Tobey Maguire. James does, indeed, leer from the background. He is Grady's best student, a brilliant writer who seems to craft his work with amazing ease. He is also a compulsive liar, and he drags Grady into a crazy set of circumstances and, eventually, revelations.

Robert Downey, Jr. does a great comedy turn as Grady's editor, Terry Crabtree, who arrives awaiting the novel that Grady simply cannot stop writing. The book has stretched to thousands of pages, and Grady cannot find a conclusion to his novel or to his life.

The direction by Curtis Hanson is understated and superb, and the screenplay, by Steven Kloves adapted from the novel by Michael Chabon, is witty and fast-moving. There are so many good things about this film, and it is a must-see for any frustrated writer. The performances, including a small but memorable part by Rip Torn, are incredibly good, and the chemistry between Douglas and his co-stars McDormand, Maguire and Downey is superb.

I cannot recommend this film enough. There are so many nuances that need to be viewed again and again. It is truly one of the best and most under-rated films out there.

Curtis Hanson's follow-up to his brilliant 'LA Confidential' is equally amazing but in a completely different way. 'Wonder Boys' is a wonderfully skewed comedy, with characters who zig and zag across the screen, weaving in through each others lives, and ultimately finding salvation in each other. Michael Douglas gives his second-great performance of 2000 (the other being in 'Traffic') as Professor Grady Tripp, a chronic pot-smoking, english teacher/author who has had great success in the past with his first novel. Problem is, he can't seem to finish his follow-up and he's been trying for years. He is having an affair with a married chancellor at his school (Frances McDormand in HER sceond great performance of the year, the other being in 'Almost Famous'). His barely-in-the-closet editor (the incredible Robert Downey Jr.) is breathing down his throat and a student of his (Katie Holmes) is trying to get in his pants. Not only that he has the chancellor's dead dog in his trunk, thanks to a mishap with a bewildered, mysterious student of his (Tobey Maguire at his usual excellence) and the car he's driving may or may not be stolen. Over the course of one hellish weekend, Grady Tripp will find out what it means to be in charge of one's own life and the way making a simple choice can change things for the better. The movie rides smoothly from start to finish thanks to great, assured direction by Hanson and smooth screenwriting by Steve Kloves (from the novel by Michael Chabon). It's a truly amazing film, whose character's are so well developed and layered that we never know what to expect of them at any given moment. In fact, anywhere you think this movie might be going at any given time, you will more then likely be wrong. It's surprising and heart-felt, as funny as it is involving, as moving as it is intelligent. And you won't find a better performance then Douglas's in any film this year. It's a true stand-out role for him, a break from his normal obsessive, hard-headed monsters. And he is brilliant. And so is Tobey Maguire, who continues to dazzle with every film. One of the best films of 2000.

I enjoyed this movie immensely. I'd put it right up there with 'American Beauty', 'Magnolia', and 'Being John Malkovich' as one of my favourite films of recent years. I particularly enjoyed Michael Douglas's performance (yes, I was surprised too) as Grady Tripp (pot-smoking college english professor, dubious literary mentor, and flailing, aging author of the critically aclaimed 7-years-gone novel 'Arsonists Daughter'...)

I really enjoyed the down-beat oddities and subtleties of the film and it's cast of strange but endearing characters (yes, yes, THERE you go!) Frances MacDormand's character (The Chancellor) is the only one who you might be able to call something that resembles a "normal" person, but even SHE, underneith her guise of normalcy, is a pregnant-out-of-wedlock habitual gardener! It gets no better I'm afraid. Robert Downey Jr plays Grady's gay book editor who has a penchant for transvestites and certain relaxing pharmacuticals (Terry Crabtree) to great (and oddly touching) comedic effect. Tobey Maguire plays Grady's morose young student/protege (who lays claim to the uncanny ability of being able to list hundreds of movie suicides in alphabetical order..) I'm Sorry 9-to-5ers. Abandon hope all ye who enter here, It gets no more mundane or ordinary than that. Oh well. But, to be honest, this sort of off-the-wall character development only served to make me even more enamored of the film. Speaking intimately as a very weird person (and speaking FOR MY PEOPLE) I desparately want to see more space-cadets and freaks and kooky-spooks casually represented in feature films. It's all about equality really. We don't all live in caves y'know. We're everywhere amongst you! We shop at your supermarkets! (albeit at strange hours..) We attend your schools! We even write movie reviews for enormous websites you visit late at night! Freakitude is not so uncommon a phenomena.. and my people DEMAND SCREENTIME ... And in 'Wonder Boys' they certainly get it. Kudos to whoever it was that wrote it that way. This film allows itself to positively WALLOW in human quirkiness.

The movie also features a fantastic soundtrack (ALWAYS a bonus..)

Best line?

"You're mad at me.. You're mad because I shot your girlfriends dog."

HIGHLY recommended! :o)

A San Francisco Detective (Two-Time Oscar-Winner:Micheal Douglas) invesgates the murder of a Ex-Rock Singer. The Suspect is a Attractive, Smart, Bi-Sexual novelist named Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone). The Detective find himself seduced (Repeartedly) by her.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven (Showgirls, Starship Troopers, The Hollow Man) is a well made intense erotic suspense-thriller with a fine Screenplay bu Joe Eszterhas (Jade). Stone is a Real-Light in this film. The film Oscar Nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Score by Oscar-Winner:Jerry Goldsmith. One of the highest grossing films of 1992, which have become a Cult Classic. A clever film, which is not for all tastes. DVD has an good non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.20:1) transfer (Also in Pan & Scan) and an great digitally remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The Lastest DVD from Artisan is Digitally Remastered in the Picutre Quality and Sound with Two Commentaries Tracks by the Director and Cinematographer:Jan de Bont (Speed, Twister, The Haunted-1999) and Film Critic-Camille Pagila, Alternative Scenes for T.V., Trailers and More. Do not miss this strong Erotic Thriller. Panavision. Grade:A-.

Forget the rated version of BASIC INSTINCT. It's white-washed and missing graphic scenes of sex and violence that make the movie what it is. Sharon Stone plays the devil ... yes, Paul Verhoven admits that she is the the devil incarnate as a blonde ice-pick weilding bisexual psychotic who tempts and outsmarts every single person in the cast! Priceless here in DVD land is Camille Paglia's radical feminist take on the movie. She's fast and funny describing BASIC INSTINCT as a movie where women take back their sexual power! Come inside and check out the steamiest erotic thriller ever! Political correctness means it could never be made today. Trashy, yes! But also very well done and stylish. Sharon Stone became a star, and Michael Douglas never quite recovered. See why!

1992's "Basic Instinct" followed what was becoming a trend in "erotic thriller" films. Earlier in 1987, Michael Douglas portrayed the subject of Glen Close's obscession in "Fatal Attraction" and he would again be the victim of a sexual assault by Demi Moore in 1994's "Disclosure". Basic Instinct is a well written movie with great performances by the lead actors. It is one of those gripping films full of suspense and very steamy sex scenes. The film follows the career of a San Francisco police detective (Michael Douglas) who investigates a murder. Sharon Stone plays the suspect, a wild and beautiful writer of murder mysteries and thrillers. It is quite evident by Sharon Stone's performance that she is herself the murderess and responsible for the subsequent murders in the film. Sharon Stone sizzles the screen with the famous Interrogation Scene and later her highly sexual scenes with Michael Douglas. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Sharon's character has a dark and dangerous end. Everything she writes about in her books begin to come true - her parents she might have killed herself, her friends and lovers are each murdered. Furthermore, the sensationalistic character is enhanced by making her a bisexual woman. She lures Michael Douglas into her seductive web and before you know it, Michael Douglas is no longer investigating the serial killer..becuse we assume at this point he is romantically involved with the murderess herself, though he does not know it. The closing scene shows an ice-pick (the weapon of choice by the killer) underneath Sharon Stone's bed. A film full of suspense, plenty of frightening moments and a seductive psychopath. Five stars.

A San Francisco Detective (Two-Time Oscar-Winner:Micheal Douglas) invesgates the murder of a Ex-Rock Singer. The Suspect is a Attractive, Smart, Bi-Sexual novelist named Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone). The Detective find himself seduced (Repeartedly) by her.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven (Showgirls, Starship Troopers, The Hollow Man) is a well made intense erotic suspense-thriller with a fine Screenplay bu Joe Eszterhas (Jade). Stone is a Real-Light in this film. The film Oscar Nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Score by Oscar-Winner:Jerry Goldsmith. One of the highest grossing films of 1992, which have become a Cult Classic. A clever film, which is not for all tastes. DVD has an good non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.20:1) transfer (Also in Pan & Scan) and an great digitally remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The Lastest DVD from Artisan is Digitally Remastered in the Picutre Quality and Sound with Two Commentaries Tracks by the Director and Cinematographer:Jan de Bont (Speed, Twister, The Haunted-1999) and Film Critic-Camille Pagila, Alternative Scenes for T.V., Trailers and More. Do not miss this strong Erotic Thriller. Panavision. Grade:A-.

Forget the rated version of BASIC INSTINCT. It's white-washed and missing graphic scenes of sex and violence that make the movie what it is. Sharon Stone plays the devil ... yes, Paul Verhoven admits that she is the the devil incarnate as a blonde ice-pick weilding bisexual psychotic who tempts and outsmarts every single person in the cast! Priceless here in DVD land is Camille Paglia's radical feminist take on the movie. She's fast and funny describing BASIC INSTINCT as a movie where women take back their sexual power! Come inside and check out the steamiest erotic thriller ever! Political correctness means it could never be made today. Trashy, yes! But also very well done and stylish. Sharon Stone became a star, and Michael Douglas never quite recovered. See why!

1992's "Basic Instinct" followed what was becoming a trend in "erotic thriller" films. Earlier in 1987, Michael Douglas portrayed the subject of Glen Close's obscession in "Fatal Attraction" and he would again be the victim of a sexual assault by Demi Moore in 1994's "Disclosure". Basic Instinct is a well written movie with great performances by the lead actors. It is one of those gripping films full of suspense and very steamy sex scenes. The film follows the career of a San Francisco police detective (Michael Douglas) who investigates a murder. Sharon Stone plays the suspect, a wild and beautiful writer of murder mysteries and thrillers. It is quite evident by Sharon Stone's performance that she is herself the murderess and responsible for the subsequent murders in the film. Sharon Stone sizzles the screen with the famous Interrogation Scene and later her highly sexual scenes with Michael Douglas. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Sharon's character has a dark and dangerous end. Everything she writes about in her books begin to come true - her parents she might have killed herself, her friends and lovers are each murdered. Furthermore, the sensationalistic character is enhanced by making her a bisexual woman. She lures Michael Douglas into her seductive web and before you know it, Michael Douglas is no longer investigating the serial killer..becuse we assume at this point he is romantically involved with the murderess herself, though he does not know it. The closing scene shows an ice-pick (the weapon of choice by the killer) underneath Sharon Stone's bed. A film full of suspense, plenty of frightening moments and a seductive psychopath. Five stars.

A San Francisco Detective (Two-Time Oscar-Winner:Micheal Douglas) invesgates the murder of a Ex-Rock Singer. The Suspect is a Attractive, Smart, Bi-Sexual novelist named Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone). The Detective find himself seduced (Repeartedly) by her.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven (Showgirls, Starship Troopers, The Hollow Man) is a well made intense erotic suspense-thriller with a fine Screenplay bu Joe Eszterhas (Jade). Stone is a Real-Light in this film. The film Oscar Nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Score by Oscar-Winner:Jerry Goldsmith. One of the highest grossing films of 1992, which have become a Cult Classic. A clever film, which is not for all tastes. DVD has an good non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.20:1) transfer (Also in Pan & Scan) and an great digitally remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The Lastest DVD from Artisan is Digitally Remastered in the Picutre Quality and Sound with Two Commentaries Tracks by the Director and Cinematographer:Jan de Bont (Speed, Twister, The Haunted-1999) and Film Critic-Camille Pagila, Alternative Scenes for T.V., Trailers and More. Do not miss this strong Erotic Thriller. Panavision. Grade:A-.

Forget the rated version of BASIC INSTINCT. It's white-washed and missing graphic scenes of sex and violence that make the movie what it is. Sharon Stone plays the devil ... yes, Paul Verhoven admits that she is the the devil incarnate as a blonde ice-pick weilding bisexual psychotic who tempts and outsmarts every single person in the cast! Priceless here in DVD land is Camille Paglia's radical feminist take on the movie. She's fast and funny describing BASIC INSTINCT as a movie where women take back their sexual power! Come inside and check out the steamiest erotic thriller ever! Political correctness means it could never be made today. Trashy, yes! But also very well done and stylish. Sharon Stone became a star, and Michael Douglas never quite recovered. See why!

1992's "Basic Instinct" followed what was becoming a trend in "erotic thriller" films. Earlier in 1987, Michael Douglas portrayed the subject of Glen Close's obscession in "Fatal Attraction" and he would again be the victim of a sexual assault by Demi Moore in 1994's "Disclosure". Basic Instinct is a well written movie with great performances by the lead actors. It is one of those gripping films full of suspense and very steamy sex scenes. The film follows the career of a San Francisco police detective (Michael Douglas) who investigates a murder. Sharon Stone plays the suspect, a wild and beautiful writer of murder mysteries and thrillers. It is quite evident by Sharon Stone's performance that she is herself the murderess and responsible for the subsequent murders in the film. Sharon Stone sizzles the screen with the famous Interrogation Scene and later her highly sexual scenes with Michael Douglas. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Sharon's character has a dark and dangerous end. Everything she writes about in her books begin to come true - her parents she might have killed herself, her friends and lovers are each murdered. Furthermore, the sensationalistic character is enhanced by making her a bisexual woman. She lures Michael Douglas into her seductive web and before you know it, Michael Douglas is no longer investigating the serial killer..becuse we assume at this point he is romantically involved with the murderess herself, though he does not know it. The closing scene shows an ice-pick (the weapon of choice by the killer) underneath Sharon Stone's bed. A film full of suspense, plenty of frightening moments and a seductive psychopath. Five stars.

A San Francisco Detective (Two-Time Oscar-Winner:Micheal Douglas) invesgates the murder of a Ex-Rock Singer. The Suspect is a Attractive, Smart, Bi-Sexual novelist named Catherine Tramell (Sharon Stone). The Detective find himself seduced (Repeartedly) by her.

Directed by Paul Verhoeven (Showgirls, Starship Troopers, The Hollow Man) is a well made intense erotic suspense-thriller with a fine Screenplay bu Joe Eszterhas (Jade). Stone is a Real-Light in this film. The film Oscar Nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Score by Oscar-Winner:Jerry Goldsmith. One of the highest grossing films of 1992, which have become a Cult Classic. A clever film, which is not for all tastes. DVD has an good non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.20:1) transfer (Also in Pan & Scan) and an great digitally remastered in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. The Lastest DVD from Artisan is Digitally Remastered in the Picutre Quality and Sound with Two Commentaries Tracks by the Director and Cinematographer:Jan de Bont (Speed, Twister, The Haunted-1999) and Film Critic-Camille Pagila, Alternative Scenes for T.V., Trailers and More. Do not miss this strong Erotic Thriller. Panavision. Grade:A-.

Forget the rated version of BASIC INSTINCT. It's white-washed and missing graphic scenes of sex and violence that make the movie what it is. Sharon Stone plays the devil ... yes, Paul Verhoven admits that she is the the devil incarnate as a blonde ice-pick weilding bisexual psychotic who tempts and outsmarts every single person in the cast! Priceless here in DVD land is Camille Paglia's radical feminist take on the movie. She's fast and funny describing BASIC INSTINCT as a movie where women take back their sexual power! Come inside and check out the steamiest erotic thriller ever! Political correctness means it could never be made today. Trashy, yes! But also very well done and stylish. Sharon Stone became a star, and Michael Douglas never quite recovered. See why!

1992's "Basic Instinct" followed what was becoming a trend in "erotic thriller" films. Earlier in 1987, Michael Douglas portrayed the subject of Glen Close's obscession in "Fatal Attraction" and he would again be the victim of a sexual assault by Demi Moore in 1994's "Disclosure". Basic Instinct is a well written movie with great performances by the lead actors. It is one of those gripping films full of suspense and very steamy sex scenes. The film follows the career of a San Francisco police detective (Michael Douglas) who investigates a murder. Sharon Stone plays the suspect, a wild and beautiful writer of murder mysteries and thrillers. It is quite evident by Sharon Stone's performance that she is herself the murderess and responsible for the subsequent murders in the film. Sharon Stone sizzles the screen with the famous Interrogation Scene and later her highly sexual scenes with Michael Douglas. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Sharon's character has a dark and dangerous end. Everything she writes about in her books begin to come true - her parents she might have killed herself, her friends and lovers are each murdered. Furthermore, the sensationalistic character is enhanced by making her a bisexual woman. She lures Michael Douglas into her seductive web and before you know it, Michael Douglas is no longer investigating the serial killer..becuse we assume at this point he is romantically involved with the murderess herself, though he does not know it. The closing scene shows an ice-pick (the weapon of choice by the killer) underneath Sharon Stone's bed. A film full of suspense, plenty of frightening moments and a seductive psychopath. Five stars.

Although the premise of Austin Powers 2 is somewhat funny--that Austin Powers must journey back in time to retrive his mojo from Dr. Evil--I found that way too many of the jokes were simply recycled from the original film.

Everything, from "one million dollars" to a variation of "Shhh!" are re-inacted in this film. Yes, they're "Dr. Evil"-isms--but I personnaly felt that it just wasn't original enough.

I didn't find Austin Powers himself as funny this time, either, as he's adapted to the '90s and doesn't seem as hopelessly lost as he was in the first film.

The best scenes of the movie are, once again, the Dr. Evil segments, particularly the triangular interaction between Dr. Evil, Scott, and Mini-Me.

In short, I like the first movie best of all, and I like "Goldmember" better than this one, too, because I feel that it offers more originality.

By the way, there is a secret "Dr. Evil" menu on this DVD that is not immediately accessable. It took me a while to find it; just go to the "Special Features" menu and watch Austin dance for a while, and after about half a minute or so, the Dr. Evil rocket will come up and bring up the new menu. This includes the Dr. Evil/Mini-Me music videos, the "Canned Ham" special shown on Comedy Central prior to the film's theatrical release, and commentary by Dr. Evil on various '60s spy films.

Although I enjoyed the first one somewhat, I wasn’t exactly gasping for air from endless fits of laughter from it. And even though ‘The Spy Who Shagged Me’ was in the same so-stupid-it’s-funny vein, and recycled quite a few gags from the first AP, I found it far funnier & more enjoyable. Once again Dr. Evil pretty much steals the show, partially thanks to his interactions with his midget clone, Mini-Me. Throw in a disgruntled Jabba-esque Scotsman who knows just the wrong things to say, and a few especially nasty gross-out moments (Austin drinking an ersatz cup o’ joe, and the infamous tent scene), and you have a little something for everybody! Well, everybody who likes silly and somewhat dumb yet entertaining genre parodies, anyway.

The extra features include just about all of the things you’d expect in a special-collector’s-edition DVD release: There’s twenty minutes worth of deleted scenes, many of which I felt should’ve been put back into the movie. Some of them, though, were alternate versions of other scenes that probably wouldn’t’ve worked as well had they been restored. My personal fave: an alternate ending featuring an intimate moment between the old & young Numbers Two. It has to be seen to be believed!

Also included: a documentary that goes behind-the-scenes and looks back on Austin’s influences, trailers, and of course a feature-length commentary track with star Mike Myers & director Jay Roach. They basically go over how each scene was set up, discuss certain concepts that were considered and/or filmed but were eventually dropped, comparisons to (and inspiration from) other movies in the spy/ladykiller genre, and include a few amusing anecdotes here and there. You know, just a basic, run-of-the-mill commentary track.

Also thrown in are a few tie-in music videos, including Madonna’s ‘Beautiful Stranger’, and an utterly bizarre new rendition of ‘Word Up’ featuring former Spice Girl Mel B decked out as… some kinda space-station-looking thingy with two-foot-long chrome fingernails. Also featured in ‘Word Up’: a bit of movin’ & groovin’ by Mini-Me. But Lenny Kravitz’ rendition of ‘American Woman’ is the best cut, and had the most straightforward visuals of the three videos. Nothing too fancy here, save for the blinking lightup American flag backdrop.

There’s even a few ‘hidden’ things (I think they’re referred to as ‘Easter Eggs’ in the DVD-phile lexicon) I haven’t yet figured out how to uncover. If someone out there reading this would be kind enough to drop me an e-mail explaining how to access these hidden gems, I’d really appreciate it!

‘Late

Not only is this a fabulous movie, it's a great DVD. I've watched this film over 30 times and it still makes me laugh every time. It's got some great bits that are destined to becomes classic.

Unlike the first movie, Austin Powers takes a backseat to the Dr. Evil and Fat Bastard characters in this film, he is not the funniest character in the movie. Mike Myers really refined his Dr. Evil for this go around and every time he's on screen it's pure sugar in a bag it's so good.

Needless to say, everybody probably knows the Austin Powers films and either loves them or hates them, so I'll talk about the disc itself, and it is phenomenal. Get rid of that pan and scan VHS tape because this baby is in Widescreen! The menus are fully animated with Austin himself and the extras are great, particularly Dr. Evil's secret page. It also includes three music videos, the best of which is Madonna's Beautiful Stranger. And don't even get me started on the deleted scenes because they are the best deleted scenes I have ever seen on any DVD bar none, and most are extremely funny and worthy or remaining in the completed film, which is usually not the case with cut scenes. The disc's commentary also hints that there was hours more footage that the filmmakers were unable to include in the finished film due to length. It's too bad they couldn' t have included all of that in this package. And speaking of the commentary, it's quite good. A little dry when discussing technical details, but Mike Myers always livens it back up.

Bottom line: A must-have for fans.