Michael-Douglas Movie Reviews
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VHS movie reviews for "Michael-Douglas" sorted by average review score:
Cadence
Released in VHS Tape by Republic Studios (08 February, 1999)
Starring: Martin Sheen and Charlie Sheen
Martin Sheen's 1991 directorial debut features Sheen as the disturbed head of a military stockade where the prisoners include a troublemaking Army misfit played by his son Charlie. Private Bean (Charlie Sheen) is thrown into the stockade with a group of five blacks calling themselves the Soul Patrol, and gradually learns teamwork from the men, including their leader Stokes (Laurence Fishburne). Eventually the tug of war between Bean and the bigoted commander reaches a boiling point with tragic conclusions, and Bean learns the meaning of compassion and the difference between right and wrong. The film is nothing particularly inspiring or insightful, but the supporting players, including Fishburne, give solid performances, and Cadence affords the audience a chance to see the father and son team work together in an earnest and well-meaning drama. --Robert Lane
Average review score: 
A treat from the Estevez/Sheen familyThis is one of Charlie's best performances as an actor, and I've seen many. Charlie plays his role as Private Bean with such passion, especially in the beginning, that he seems to bring you into the scenes with him. Maybe the fact that he was doing his father's movie with 2 family members added a little spark to the fire. Martin Sheen is excellent, of course, in his role as the soon-to-be-crazy Commander. However, I think the last scene in which we see the Commander was a bit contrived. It probably would have read better in a book because books seem to give more poetic license. An added bonus to the fine acting of Charlie, Martin, and Laurence Fishburn, was another Estevez son, Ramon. This is the first time I've seen Ramon in a movie - I hope it's not the last.
A Treat for Sheen FansA real treat for fans of the Sheen/Estevez clan, featuring the always excellent Martin Sheen with his famous son Charlie Sheen - one of Charlie's more appealing performances - and his lesser-known son Ramon Estevez who does a great job as suck-up assistant Gerald to Martin's Sargeant role. Ramon definitely inherited the family good looks - go to the cast and crew feature on the DVD to see a good pic of him. This movie grows on you - the more you watch, the more you notice. A really fantastic song in the church scene which was written and performed by the actor Harry Stewart (Sweetbread). It's touching to see Martin perform with his sons.
Not A Typical Fish Out of Water StoryI saw this when I was still in highschool, a great film though Fishburne's performance was limited. Most of the focus was on Charlie Sheen but that's what I think was the intention. Private Bean is put with a bunch of black army prisoners during the 60's which would of course be unnerving though most of the film didn't dwell on racial differences and conflict with the exception of the pivotal moment when one of the black prisoners is shot dead. For the most part the focus on adaptation and how the rebellious Bean must learn to deal with the real world as it was. A short but decent movie.
The Candidate
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (13 November, 2001)
Starring: Robert Redford and Peter Boyle
Michael Ritchie's 1972 drama about a political idealist (Robert Redford) recruited to make a run for the Senate is still engrossing and still a terribly accurate reflection of the contemporary campaign process. In one of his trademark roles as a man haunted by some shadow of inauthenticity (see Downhill Racer, The Natural, The Great Gatsby, Sneakers, and such), Redford is superb as a first-time candidate watching his values and control over his message disappear in the age of TV-friendly prefabrication. Peter Boyle is ideal as his clearheaded campaign manager, Allen Garfield is effectively creepy as a media strategist, and Melvyn Douglas makes a memorable appearance as a retired politico whose endorsement is gold. Highly recommended. The DVD release includes production notes, theatrical trailer, Dolby sound, and optional Spanish, French, and English subtitles. --Tom Keogh
Average review score:
From California Senator to King of Aspen.Political fantasy in which Robert Redford discovers that mounting a successful campaign for an "important" office -- in this case, a U.S. Senate seat representing California -- requires the candidate to be shallow, media-friendly, etc. The gist of the thing is that he loses his naivety, the poor baby. Give me a break. I suppose the movie succeeds as fantasy, and there are some moments and characters that elicit chuckles during the campaign trail. There's the occasional telling detail that suggests the screenwriters -- who had actually worked for real-life politicians -- have been there and done that. But it must again be stressed that *The Candidate* is mostly fantasy. Indeed, Redford's character is fantasy: he never existed, doesn't exist now, and will not exist in the future. And the screenwriters -- the liars -- KNOW this. Politics is a dirty business that attracts dirty people, like a horse-apple attracts flies. The desire to be a big-time American politician comes with having a sheer, unrelenting hatred of all that is good and decent. The producers and writers of *The Candidate* understood this (even if their liberal, golden-boy Hollywood star did not), and yet they chose to waste our time with a beddy-bye story of a potential hero who ends up corrupted. The TRUTH is that anybody who wants to be a Senator is by definition corrupted already; anybody with any sense knows this.
Nothing new in the world of politicsFilmed close to 30 years ago, "The Candidate" is a mirror to the politics of 2000. Nothing has changed, with the exception of more money being spent nowadays. The scheme of how things are orchestrated are the same, as demonstrated in the film, such as the role of media, the impact of being connected to certain people, the schmoozing of voters, and the list goes on and on.
Robert Redford, as usual, is an actor extraordinare. His performance in "The Candidate" was strong, considering it was one of his earlier films. Redford's character and philosophy, throughout the movie, was similar to that of Robert Kennedy. Perhaps that is why I enjoyed watching it, because Redford's character was one who truly cared about the ideals of America and the fundamental rights human beings have.
It was interesting to note, (not a surprise, though, I should add), how Redford's character changed throughout the campaign, as a result of the way the political operations - or rather, the political monster - function.
An enjoyable movie for all who are interested in politics and the process of campaigning! Though you can expect what you see in this movie is no different than what you see happening nowadays.
Engrossing if flawedThe late Michael Ritchie was a criminally underrated director and 1972's The Candidate remains probably his best known film. Designed to serve as a primer for liberal political candidates, The Candidate tells the story of Bill McKay (Robert Redford), a young activist lawyer who is recruited by a slightly sleazy campaign manager (Peter Boyle) to run for the U.S. Senate against a conservative Republican incumbent (Don Porter, better known as Gidget's Dad). After overcoming his initial hesitations, McKay becomes a committed candidate and finds himself losing his identity in the process. Written by a former speechwriter for Eugene McCarthy, the film serves as a strongly realistic look at the state of modern political campaigning and, in typical '70s manner, is surprisingly downbeat. Redford gives one of his better performances, actually allowing himself to portray a character that some viewers may be surprised to discover they have ambigous feelings towards. His performance in this film (and other films from this period) stands in sharp contrast to the golden boys he's been concentrating on for the last few decades. Amongst the supporting cast, strong turns are given by Boyle and Melvyn Douglas as Redford's father -- a former Governor. Don Porter, on the other hand, is a tad obvious as the Republican Senator. While its reasonable to assume that Porter's buffoon is the way Hollywood liberals like Ritchie and Redford realistically view conservative Republicans, it hard to take such an obvious clown seriously as an opponent and, unfortunately, this detracts from the overall effectiveness of the film. Ritchie later said he regretted not exploring more of McKay's family life and, with the exception of the scenes between McKay and his father, the film does, at times, come across as a bit cold and unemotional. McKay's wife is barely a presence in the film and one never really knows how she feels about his campaign.
Still, its a frequently funny, always fascinating, realistic look at how we elect our government and, in many ways, it was a prophetic film. 1974 would see a huge slew of liberals in the Bill McKay model elected to the U.S. Senate and the character of McKay was supposedly modeled on two of the more succesful California Democrats of the '70s -- Sen. John Tunney and Gov. Jerry Brown. After watching this film, one can't help but wonder what lay ahead for McKay -- as he himself asked, "What now?" Would he be able to survive the sudden drastic turn in the nation's political sentiments just eight years later or would he find himself swept away like Tunney and Brown?
Demetrius and the Gladiators
Released in VHS Tape by Twentieth Century Fox (27 February, 2001)
Starring: Victor Mature and Susan Hayward
Amid a cast of all-stars in 1953's The Robe, Victor Mature made the strongest impression as the Greek slave, Demetrius. It was only natural, then, that Mature should star in this 1954 sequel, in which the newly liberated Demetrius forges an alliance with his Christian brethren to hide the sacred robe of Christ, coveted for its "magic" by the vile emperor Caligula (Jay Robinson, also reprising his role in The Robe). Captured and manipulated into believing his beloved Lucia (Debra Paget) has been killed, Demetrius rejects his pacifist faith, plots vengeance while becoming a rising star in the bloody arena, and falls prey to the scheming senator's wife Messalina (Susan Hayward), who craves his... affection. It all leads to a crisis of faith that will determine Demetrius's fate as a noble Christian or downfallen hedonist.
Inheriting The Robe's CinemaScope production values, Demetrius and the Gladiators has everything you'd want in a Biblical epic, riding the wave that would crest two years later with Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments. It's campy, of course--Robinson is outrageously over-the-top; Mature is too contemporary (preceding the absurdity of Richard Gere's King David by 30 years); and Hayward seems closer to Rodeo Drive than ancient Rome. Still, there are abundant pleasures here, from the lavish arena battles (a bit cheesy, but still impressive) to a straightforward morality tale that doesn't compromise its themes of religious loyalty. You don't watch movies like this for historical accuracy, but for the combination of thrills, passion, and glory that were Hollywood trademarks of 1950s epics, long before the more secular ambition of Gladiator. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:
Entertaining sequel, though it's historically inaccurateThis movie starts just where the biblical blockbuster "The Robe", ended. This is another film that showcases the fine acting talent of the late actor Victor Mature as Demetrius, a Christian gladiator who is hiding the robe of Christ from the evil and insane Roman emperor Caligula. The story is moving and entertaining even though some of the events presented here are historically inaccurate and/or misrepresented; the most notably being the eventual demise of Caligula.
Excellent Biblical sequel!This movie begins with a clip from it's successful prequel, "The Robe", creating a feeling of nostalgia. The story here is marvellous, if not as good as it's prequel's. This time the attention is on Demetrius, the Greek slave freed by the Roman centurion Marcellus. Condemned to fight as a gladiator when he dares to attack a Roman soldier, Demetrius learns that the Christian path is a difficult one. When his lover is assaulted by other gladiators, he renounces his faith and lives the life of a Roman pagan. Later on, he realizes his mistake and leaves Rome and its riches to be with his people. There's lots of action and interesting characters in this movie. Jay Robinson as the eccentric Caligula and Susan Hayward as a high-class Roman femme fatale are fabulous. Thankfully,Christian values are not compromised. The story may appear slow-moving for a while, but it certainly gets better. You'll definitely feel good at the end of this movie.
HEY!We ordered this apooey movie and it has never come to us! Three months ago! HUMPH! I WAAAAANNNA SEE IT! AAAAAAAAAMAAAAAZOOOOOOOOOOOOON! WHERE'S MY STUFF!????(I hope my Eowyn Figure comes....)
Demetrius and The Gladiators
Released in VHS Tape by Twentieth Century Fox (19 February, 2002)
Starring: Victor Mature and Susan Hayward
Amid a cast of all-stars in 1953's The Robe, Victor Mature made the strongest impression as the Greek slave, Demetrius. It was only natural, then, that Mature should star in this 1954 sequel, in which the newly liberated Demetrius forges an alliance with his Christian brethren to hide the sacred robe of Christ, coveted for its "magic" by the vile emperor Caligula (Jay Robinson, also reprising his role in The Robe). Captured and manipulated into believing his beloved Lucia (Debra Paget) has been killed, Demetrius rejects his pacifist faith, plots vengeance while becoming a rising star in the bloody arena, and falls prey to the scheming senator's wife Messalina (Susan Hayward), who craves his... affection. It all leads to a crisis of faith that will determine Demetrius's fate as a noble Christian or downfallen hedonist.
Inheriting The Robe's CinemaScope production values, Demetrius and the Gladiators has everything you'd want in a Biblical epic, riding the wave that would crest two years later with Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments. It's campy, of course--Robinson is outrageously over-the-top; Mature is too contemporary (preceding the absurdity of Richard Gere's King David by 30 years); and Hayward seems closer to Rodeo Drive than ancient Rome. Still, there are abundant pleasures here, from the lavish arena battles (a bit cheesy, but still impressive) to a straightforward morality tale that doesn't compromise its themes of religious loyalty. You don't watch movies like this for historical accuracy, but for the combination of thrills, passion, and glory that were Hollywood trademarks of 1950s epics, long before the more secular ambition of Gladiator. --Jeff Shannon
Average review score:
Entertaining sequel, though it's historically inaccurateThis movie starts just where the biblical blockbuster "The Robe", ended. This is another film that showcases the fine acting talent of the late actor Victor Mature as Demetrius, a Christian gladiator who is hiding the robe of Christ from the evil and insane Roman emperor Caligula. The story is moving and entertaining even though some of the events presented here are historically inaccurate and/or misrepresented; the most notably being the eventual demise of Caligula.
Excellent Biblical sequel!This movie begins with a clip from it's successful prequel, "The Robe", creating a feeling of nostalgia. The story here is marvellous, if not as good as it's prequel's. This time the attention is on Demetrius, the Greek slave freed by the Roman centurion Marcellus. Condemned to fight as a gladiator when he dares to attack a Roman soldier, Demetrius learns that the Christian path is a difficult one. When his lover is assaulted by other gladiators, he renounces his faith and lives the life of a Roman pagan. Later on, he realizes his mistake and leaves Rome and its riches to be with his people. There's lots of action and interesting characters in this movie. Jay Robinson as the eccentric Caligula and Susan Hayward as a high-class Roman femme fatale are fabulous. Thankfully,Christian values are not compromised. The story may appear slow-moving for a while, but it certainly gets better. You'll definitely feel good at the end of this movie.
HEY!We ordered this apooey movie and it has never come to us! Three months ago! HUMPH! I WAAAAANNNA SEE IT! AAAAAAAAAMAAAAAZOOOOOOOOOOOOON! WHERE'S MY STUFF!????(I hope my Eowyn Figure comes....)
Masterminds
Released in VHS Tape by Columbia/Tristar Studios (07 July, 1998)
Starring: Patrick Stewart and Vincent Kartheiser
Average review score:
Hot Tropical SunOk, I realize there could be a lot to rag on for this movie, but in the end, the acting is good, the plot line is interesting and continuous, and the ending is awesome. Vincent Kartheiser plays a kind of person which no longer exists, though it was only the early 90's...a skater/hacker. Come on, that's cool in itself.
And really...who could miss Patrick Stewart doing a little dance?
Ok, I have to go, but I love this movie. See it, I don't know why it was so unpopular. Ollie is awesome too.
Rock on!
Master Movie!I totally loved it! It's my fave movie, there's tons of action, explosions, guns, even a high speed chase throught the sewers (and i know that sounds weird) Patrick Stewart and Vincent Kartheiser are both excelent actors, and vinnie is really hot! anyway it's got great music too so you should check out the soundtrack.
Make room for Vincent!!Move over, DiCaprio; Vincent Kartheiser has arrived!! He rocks! This is definitely one of the most entertaining movies of all time! I enjoyed it from start to finish. There was not one flaw in it that I could find, aside from the obvious computer illiteracy of the screenwriter and director. Then again, "Hackers" and "The Net" had the exact same problem, so what can be said? Aside from that, no flaws whatsoever. Buy it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Masterminds
Released in VHS Tape by Columbia/Tristar Studios (07 July, 1998)
Starring: Patrick Stewart and Vincent Kartheiser
Average review score:
Hmm..This movie reminds me of the movie "Toy Soldiers" starring Sean Astin.. maybe thats because this is the most blatant plot recycling in history, considering its literally the same movie with different actors. The original is better.
Hot Tropical SunOk, I realize there could be a lot to rag on for this movie, but in the end, the acting is good, the plot line is interesting and continuous, and the ending is awesome. Vincent Kartheiser plays a kind of person which no longer exists, though it was only the early 90's...a skater/hacker. Come on, that's cool in itself.
And really...who could miss Patrick Stewart doing a little dance?
Ok, I have to go, but I love this movie. See it, I don't know why it was so unpopular. Ollie is awesome too.
Rock on!
Make room for Vincent!!Move over, DiCaprio; Vincent Kartheiser has arrived!! He rocks! This is definitely one of the most entertaining movies of all time! I enjoyed it from start to finish. There was not one flaw in it that I could find, aside from the obvious computer illiteracy of the screenwriter and director. Then again, "Hackers" and "The Net" had the exact same problem, so what can be said? Aside from that, no flaws whatsoever. Buy it now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In Like Flint
Released in VHS Tape by Twentieth Century Fox (16 July, 2002)
Starring: James Coburn and Lee J. Cobb
There was bound to be a Flint sequel, and this one delivers the same kind of zany fun as its predecessor, Our Man Flint. Flint is recruited once again by Lee J. Cobb to be the government's top secret agent, this time to solve a mishap involving the President. Turns out, the Chief Executive has been replaced by an evil duplicate. The new plan for world domination involves feminine aggression, and Flint, with his overpowering charisma, is just the man to turn the hostile forces around. In Like Flint is still over the top, but some of the novelty has worn off, and it doesn't have quite the same edge as the original. Even Jerry Goldsmith's score is a bit more subdued. But the film still has James Coburn and that funny phone. --Bill Desowitz
Average review score:
In Man FlintThis is the sequel to Our Man Flint, another spy-themed flick starring suave, hip, super-spy Flint as a secret agent with all of Bond's moves and more. . . or not. Derrick Flint is surely a man who gets the job done when it comes to being a secret government agent. . . but, hip and suave? Well let's just say he is no match for James Bond. James Coburn plays agent Flint and don't be fooled by his tall and lanky appearance; all you spy-spoof fans will still get what you expect. Yes, he still gets the girls, saves the world, and manages to show off his keen martial arts skills while doing so. Although Coburn did learn martial arts from Bruce Lee, he doesn't exactly appear as graceful. . . but then again neither did Diana Rigg with her Judo chops in the Avengers series (she sure did look cute, though). In case you don't remember the first one, Flint had been called out from retirement after he spoiled the infiltration of Kremlin in Our Man Flint, but now it was time for this dangerous man to settle down. Well, apparently, a group of beautiful woman has decided to overthrow the government using subliminal brainwashing in beauty salons. Who else is there but Flint to stop this diabolical scheme, and so we get another taste of "our man flint". Although there is not much originality in the film and the script lacks a bit in both its comedic and dramatic attempts, I will say that there are some pretty alluring visuals. Take the girls for instance. . . they are all sexy and look ultra-hip. The furniture in the film is ultra groovy and just watching Coburn trying to appear slick forces me to watch and giggle. He may not be agent OO7, but if your looking for amusement espionage style, this is the way to go.
A favorite two-hour escape.The elements of the Flint formula really came together for the first time in this, the sequel to OUR MAN FLINT. James Coburn's superspy Flint inhabits a world somewhat more distant from reality than James Bond. Flint doesn't save the world for a living; it's more of a hobby, along with bullfighting, cooking, martial arts, desert survival, ballet, scientific research, and who knows what else. From the beginning to the final hairbreadth escape Flint is having fun, and so are we--Coburn seldom loses his infectious smile. The story stresses lighthearted adventure over real danger (come to think of it, I don't recall the bad guys ever actually killing anyone). But three decades later, the amazing thing about this movie is its progressive view of women and male-female relationships. The female characters are capable without losing their feminity. (And--who'd have thought it?--Flint has a few genuine words of wisdom on getting along with the opposite sex: "I don't compete with them.") My favorite moment in the movie is Jean Hale rolling her eyes after Flint lights a woman's cigarette--watch for it! Why only four stars? Let's be real here. This is a fun movie, but it's no CITIZEN KANE.
Great Bond SpoofThis was the best bond parody until Austin Powers came out, but none the less, it is a great movie. From his many luscious women in skimpy outfits to his lighter that can do over 80 different things, James Coburn as Derek Flint is one of the best ever pretend spies. This is a truly classic spy spoof and everyone needs to see it, because it is Austin Powers' favorite movie!
In Like Flint
Released in VHS Tape by Fox Home Entertainme (16 July, 2002)
Starring: James Coburn and Lee J. Cobb
There was bound to be a Flint sequel, and this one delivers the same kind of zany fun as its predecessor, Our Man Flint. Flint is recruited once again by Lee J. Cobb to be the government's top secret agent, this time to solve a mishap involving the President. Turns out, the Chief Executive has been replaced by an evil duplicate. The new plan for world domination involves feminine aggression, and Flint, with his overpowering charisma, is just the man to turn the hostile forces around. In Like Flint is still over the top, but some of the novelty has worn off, and it doesn't have quite the same edge as the original. Even Jerry Goldsmith's score is a bit more subdued. But the film still has James Coburn and that funny phone. --Bill Desowitz
Average review score:
In Man FlintThis is the sequel to Our Man Flint, another spy-themed flick starring suave, hip, super-spy Flint as a secret agent with all of Bond's moves and more. . . or not. Derrick Flint is surely a man who gets the job done when it comes to being a secret government agent. . . but, hip and suave? Well let's just say he is no match for James Bond. James Coburn plays agent Flint and don't be fooled by his tall and lanky appearance; all you spy-spoof fans will still get what you expect. Yes, he still gets the girls, saves the world, and manages to show off his keen martial arts skills while doing so. Although Coburn did learn martial arts from Bruce Lee, he doesn't exactly appear as graceful. . . but then again neither did Diana Rigg with her Judo chops in the Avengers series (she sure did look cute, though). In case you don't remember the first one, Flint had been called out from retirement after he spoiled the infiltration of Kremlin in Our Man Flint, but now it was time for this dangerous man to settle down. Well, apparently, a group of beautiful woman has decided to overthrow the government using subliminal brainwashing in beauty salons. Who else is there but Flint to stop this diabolical scheme, and so we get another taste of "our man flint". Although there is not much originality in the film and the script lacks a bit in both its comedic and dramatic attempts, I will say that there are some pretty alluring visuals. Take the girls for instance. . . they are all sexy and look ultra-hip. The furniture in the film is ultra groovy and just watching Coburn trying to appear slick forces me to watch and giggle. He may not be agent OO7, but if your looking for amusement espionage style, this is the way to go.
A favorite two-hour escape.The elements of the Flint formula really came together for the first time in this, the sequel to OUR MAN FLINT. James Coburn's superspy Flint inhabits a world somewhat more distant from reality than James Bond. Flint doesn't save the world for a living; it's more of a hobby, along with bullfighting, cooking, martial arts, desert survival, ballet, scientific research, and who knows what else. From the beginning to the final hairbreadth escape Flint is having fun, and so are we--Coburn seldom loses his infectious smile. The story stresses lighthearted adventure over real danger (come to think of it, I don't recall the bad guys ever actually killing anyone). But three decades later, the amazing thing about this movie is its progressive view of women and male-female relationships. The female characters are capable without losing their feminity. (And--who'd have thought it?--Flint has a few genuine words of wisdom on getting along with the opposite sex: "I don't compete with them.") My favorite moment in the movie is Jean Hale rolling her eyes after Flint lights a woman's cigarette--watch for it! Why only four stars? Let's be real here. This is a fun movie, but it's no CITIZEN KANE.
Great Bond SpoofThis was the best bond parody until Austin Powers came out, but none the less, it is a great movie. From his many luscious women in skimpy outfits to his lighter that can do over 80 different things, James Coburn as Derek Flint is one of the best ever pretend spies. This is a truly classic spy spoof and everyone needs to see it, because it is Austin Powers' favorite movie!
The Fall of the Roman Empire (EP mode)
Released in VHS Tape by Best Film & Video (21 March, 1991)
Starring: Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Alec Guinness, and James Mason
The second and last of Anthony Mann's historical epics is a smart, handsome spectacle of the decadence, corruption, and intrigue that tears apart the greatest empire the world has seen. The sprawling story spreads itself thin over a number of characters and stories. At the center are handsome but stiff Stephen Boyd as Livius, the loyal soldier and symbolic son of the aging emperor (Alec Guinness), and Christopher Plummer as Commodus, the corrupt heir to the throne--boyhood friends turned enemies when the latter accedes to the throne and sells out the values of his father for greed and hedonistic pleasures. The three-hour running time is filled out with the tales of Sophia Loren (as the beautiful Lucilla in love with Livius but coveted by greedy Commodus) and a gallery of heroes and villains that includes James Mason, Mel Ferrer, Anthony Quayle, John Ireland, Omar Sharif, and Eric Porter. The film is highlighted with spectacular scenes (a grandiose funeral fit for an emperor, brutal battles in the provinces as the barbarians threaten the empire, and a climactic duel to decide the destiny of Rome), which Mann weaves into the shadowy intrigue of the halls of power. Like his previous epic El Cid, The Fall of the Roman Empire remains one of the best of the 1960s epics: well written (and largely historically accurate) with strong performances and a consistently elegant style, but it lacks a central core and the magnetic hero of its superior predecessor. --Sean Axmaker
Average review score:
Fall of the Roman Empire (1964)Fans of the blockbuster hit GLADIATOR will find this film somewhat familiar as it deals with the same factual characters and events. Sophia Loren and Stephen Boyd provide attractive window-dressing as the starcrossed lovers, but the real stars are Alec Guiness, James Mason and especially Christopher Plummer whose portrayal of the evil emperor Commodous rivals the Oscar caliber work of Joaquin Phoenix in the more recent epic. Lush 70mm photography on massive sets should make this an exceptional title to add to your classics library on DVD.
Before there was "Gladiator"The title of this film is a bit of a misnomer; the Roman Empire didn't fall for about another three hundred years after the events depicted in this film took place. However, after the reign of the emperor Commodus (portrayed in this flick by Christopher Plummer), the empire never was quite as powerful as it had been while the Aurelian emperors ruled. A familiarity with Roman history would be very helpful to understand the events depicted in this movie. Fans of "Ben Hur" might find it a little difficult to accept Stephen Boyd in his role of "good guy" Livius. Overall, if you like historical films with big budget backdrops and pretentious action scenes, you won't be disappointed. If you don't care for these types of films, you'll find it very easy to fall asleep on due to its length. There are a plethora of similarities to this film and the more recent release "Gladiator".
Rome as it once wasThis is an excellent film from many perspectives, but in one way it is unique -- its effort to portray accurately the look of imperial Rome. Those who have carefully walked over the Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill will recognize many specific buldings, not just the great temples but also the commercial buildings around the Forum. In Ben Hur, by contrast, the set for the Roman Forum was mostly conjured out of thin air. It is unusual for Hollywood to construct sets that are reasonably true to history.
The Golden Child
Released in VHS Tape by Paramount Studio (08 July, 1991)
Starring: Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy does keep testing our patience by trying to expand his cinematic horizons. For some reason, he is the only person on the entire planet who can rescue a magically gifted child from the clutches of evil kidnappers. A detective who specializes in locating lost children, he is chosen by a Tibetan princess to lead a rescue mission that will save the world from the clutches of Old Nick.
Murphy was at the height of his career, having enjoyed his first box-office crest when he attempted this more dramatic role. If his career survived the gamble, it certainly was not because of the lackluster script, mediocre production values, or leaden performance of costar Charlotte Lewis. Not that Murphy does much with his role, either. He mugs for the camera and his timing is off in both dramatic and comedic moments. Stick with his earlier triumphs, or explore his subsequent return to confident comedy turns in The Nutty Professor. -- Rochelle O'Gorman
Average review score:
Golden crapI think this is where Angelina Jolie got the idea to adopt that Cambodian baby.
I just don't know.Seems like I'm one of the few people alive who actually liked this mvie. Sure, it's a little goofy sometimes (the dream sequence is Exhibit A), but all in all, I think this movie is definitely worth the money. Eddie Murphy fans will love the humor, and when you get right down to it, it's a great yarn. Charles Dance does a great job as Sardum Numspa, but that's not surprising; his approach to playing bad guys is such that, no matter how sophisticated his characters may be, the viewer still instinctively knows that this isn't a guy you want to run into at night in a dark alley. (If you're having trouble placing him, watch "Last Action hero" and "Alien 3.") At any rate, give it a shot; it's definitely worth it!
Excellent MovieHere we have yet another hilarious movie by Eddie Murphy. Unfortunately, the movie critics above perpetuate the general prejudice against comedies (esp. in such institutions as the Academy), and claim it to be "Top candidate for the worst megahit of all time." Obviously they are saying that it was a huge hit, ie. that everyone went to it, and told others to go to it, yet it has no merit whatsover. Don't listen to them. It's a fantastic movie, filled with the type of humor that Murphy has become famous for. - A definate buy if you have ever liked an Murphy comedy.