Michael-J.-Fox Movie Reviews

I was pleasantly surprised to see the release of this film, since it got less than it's deserved attention. The moodiness and underlying tension focus on Lance, a part-time actor/houskeeper/ prostitute trying desperately to break into the forefront of dramatic performances, but all of his efforts seem to be thwarted at every turn. His employer wants to keep him as her own personal sexual property to be doled out upon demand to customers, and Lisa, another employee at the hotel where he works has raised the level of obsessiveness to new heights, dragging other people into her obsession. Claire, a screenwriter Lance seduces into helping him to be cast in a locally produced film, has her own obsessions, and incorporates Lance into compromising his own needs with disatrous results. The performances were outstanding, especially from McManus, who portrays the effete Lance with a mixture of selfishness and torment. Lisa's descent into madness is underplayed just right, no over-the-top histrionics. The only flaw I found was the unbelievably bad wig they put on McManus for the comparison to Claire's brother's image. It must have been dreadful to acheive the desired results with the stringy locks hovering around just enough to distract his performance. But then, bad wigs pretty much come with the territory for McManus, who is also one of the lead actors on the sci-fi epic, "Lexx", currently on television, but his performances are just as spellbinding.. The Dvd comes with lovely extra goodies, especially the narration by Egoyan, which explains motivations behind each and every scene. Also contained were deleted scenes, which explained a few things not evident on first viewing. Highly recommened, but ignore the bad costumes and hairdos...

In Atom Egoyan's film, "Speaking Parts" bit-part actor, Lance, works in the housekeeping department of a posh, but strange hotel. Lonely co-worker Lisa (Arsinee Khanjian) stalks Lance during the day, and at night, she rents and re-rents his films. Lisa maintains that Lance may never actually speak in his roles, but that his scenes are crucial to the films. Lance, however, is not content with minor roles and understandably wants a big break. That big break seems to arrive when a writer named Clara checks into the hotel. When cleaning Clara's room, Lance discovers a script, and he approaches her for an audition. Clara is smitten with Lance, and soon auditions him for a part in a film.

Clara seems to have some artistic control over the film, but this power rapidly diminishes as the story progresses. In selling her true story to a film producer, Clara becomes disenfranchised from her own history, and soon she doesn't have a voice--or a speaking part in her own truth. Lance and Clara are both presented with occasions for moral compromise, and speaking out jeopardizes the tenuous positions they both hold.

"Speaking Parts" is about power--the power in relationships, and the only truly powerful person in this film is the producer (played with delicious icy gravity by David Hemblem). The producer lives on quite a different plane of existence, and he mostly communicates to his minions via television conferences which he entirely controls. Hemblem and Gabrielle Rose (she plays Clara) appear in many of Egoyan's films. I particularly enjoyed Lisa's odd relationship with Eddy, the video shop owner whose initial interest in Lisa sparks friendship.

Egoyan once again shows his obsession with television and technology. Egoyan seems to delight in placing his characters in front of the camera, and I can't think of another director who exploits and explores this medium quite so thoroughly--displacedhuman

This movie is a prime example of 80's egosim and the human need to see the way others view you. Lisa played by Khanjian,(I think she is also Atom's wife) is a hotel maid that craves the attention of Lance a co-worker. The bulk of the movie is centered on Lance and Lisa and how they their need for attention ultimately throws them into a web of intrigue, delusions, sexual desire and ultimatley death. This is a movie that is best seen more than once, due to it's hidden meaning and dialogue. If possible I would highly recommend getting the DVD version, because there is commentary from Atom that is very helpful. F.Y.I. Micheal McManus also appears in the sci-fi show "Lexx," as the dead bun-headed assassin Kai and he also has a cameo in "Dog Park," as the waiter.

THE FIRST EPISODE, WITH TIM CURRY IN THREE DIFFERENT SLACK JAWED YOKAL, HICK PARTS IS THE ONE TO SEE. TIM CURRY GIVES A GREAT PERFORMANCE. THE SECOND ONE IS IDIODIC, AND VERY LOWSY. THE THIRD IS PREETY GOOD, BUT TOO SEX BASED. END

Even if you are not a huge Tim Curry fan you'll enjoy his talented performances in this one. Eddie Murphy, eat your heart out! (Tim pulls off 3 characters in the same skit beautifully, along with great makeup and costume you can really buy that these are 3 family members, not just Tim in 3 costumes.) Bravo! The "sex" scene is a little much, but well worth it for seeing some truely original stuff by this great actor.

This is a preformance (by my favorite actor) by Tim Curry that you must not miss! Tales from the Crypt was really thinking for once when they cast Tim Curry for the lead role. I encourage you all to by it. The 2nd episode on the tape, stunk, but the third was sexually fired up! I demand you all to see it!

I was bored one night and came across this movie. When your bored it seems you'll watch movies that normally you would grimmace at. You even stoop to watch really cheesy movies. So I went ahead and gave this one a shot. To my suprise it was really interesting. Casper Van Dien and Rick Fox actually have some good chemistry together. There funny and actually pull off the "Where life long friends" bit. The story revolves around the two as being collectors (hence the name) on debts owed to some mafia boss. Now if your looking for academy award winning acting, look elsewhere. This was a low budget movie and it shows at times badly. Cheesy props and extra acting that is down right awful. It did get the job done though. A lot of action, funny moments and all the low budget acting you could want. The ending was a bit of a surprise as well. It was pretty good for a "B" rate movie. I would wait till the price drops though because $[money] plus shipping for this movie is a little steep. Overall it was a good movie and I am adding it to my collection. Pick it up you'll like it.

This movie has the coolest begining, all i wish is that they kept collectin money, but it is still a very creative movie, and should be seen if not owned!

I was bored one night and came across this movie. When your bored it seems you'll watch movies that normally you would grimmace at. You even stoop to watch really cheesy movies. So I went ahead and gave this one a shot. To my suprise it was really interesting. Casper Van Dien and Rick Fox actually have some good chemistry together. There funny and actually pull off the "Where life long friends" bit. The story revolves around the two as being collectors (hence the name) on debts owed to some mafia boss. Now if your looking for academy award winning acting, look elsewhere. This was a low budget movie and it shows at times badly. Cheesy props and extra acting that is down right awful. It did get the job done though. A lot of action, funny moments and all the low budget acting you could want. The ending was a bit of a surprise as well. It was pretty good for a "B" rate movie. I would wait till the price drops though because $[money] plus shipping for this movie is a little steep. Overall it was a good movie and I am adding it to my collection. Pick it up you'll like it.

This movie has the coolest begining, all i wish is that they kept collectin money, but it is still a very creative movie, and should be seen if not owned!

THESE THREE EPISODES ARE NOT AS GOOD AS OTHERS, BUT STILL WORTH WATCHING. THE THRID, WITH JON LOVITZ IS THE BEST (I THINK) END

grea

This mythology pair is not without its highlights, particularly for the times in which it aired in the history of the show. We had never before seen, for instance, such a great set as Mulder's trip to the Arctic, or seen Scully discover something on her own, without Mulder, or such a dramatic revelation of the conspiracy as clones. We had not yet seen so many "Samantha's alive" teases that the very mention of her name makes us numb--and so when Mulder is forced to choose between a hostage who might or might not be her, and his new surrogate sister, Scully, the point does play quite dramatically. On the other hand, we hadn't yet seen green blood, or our heroes reduced to b-movie fighting and running from the alien Ah-nold either. Again, context plays a role: after the season eight and nine "super-soldier" nonsense, our face-changing hulk is almost charmingly vintage. However, episodes featuring the ABH will always be among my least favorite--they just aren't to me what makes the show distinct, smart, classy.

There can be no doubt that Colony, along with Jose Chung's 'From Outer Space,' Hollywood A.D. and The Un-Natural is one of the best X Files episodes ever.

This two part video is really a movie of sorts, it puts together so much of the intense X Files era. There is the alien bounty hunter, a UFO in the Arctic, the return of Mulder's sister and much, much more.

I would strongly advise any X Files fan, especially new fans, to see this video. It is far better than the X Files movie Fight the Future.

Outstanding 2nd season two-part cliffhanger from the best X-F era. Hugely entertaining, with shades of Terminator 2. Don't miss this one!

An above average comedy made three times as good by one of the best casts ever. Michael J Fox stars as the only nice member of a family waiting for a rich relative to die. Kurt Douglas, Nancy Travis and Ed Begley Jr are just some of the hilarious cast. My absolute favourite scene is the brawl between Michael and Phil, but the film is full of unforgetable scenes. See it for yourself.

This picture reminds me of the movie Greedy. It's a real funny movie and I laughted at all the real funny jokes. If you like really funny movies, then this one will make you laugh alot. Michael J. Fox is really great in his role and I think he is about the funniest actor. All the others actors are funny too, except it's sad that Phil Hartman got killed, that's not very good. I think if you like to laugh and have fun, then this movie is absolutely too funny for words. Go see it for yourself. I don't think some movies are quite as funny as this one though. Joshua

Kirk Douglas is surrounded by predator family- with smiles. When a young sexy nurse moves in, the family sets out on a dire leap, conning a black-sheep (Michael J. Fox) to step in and the rest you'll adore. It's fast pace, twists, fantastic acting, humorous, and I haven't a clue why joe-pro critics seemed to have missed that here. *L*

An above average comedy made three times as good by one of the best casts ever. Michael J Fox stars as the only nice member of a family waiting for a rich relative to die. Kurt Douglas, Nancy Travis and Ed Begley Jr are just some of the hilarious cast. My absolute favourite scene is the brawl between Michael and Phil, but the film is full of unforgetable scenes. See it for yourself.

This picture reminds me of the movie Greedy. It's a real funny movie and I laughted at all the real funny jokes. If you like really funny movies, then this one will make you laugh alot. Michael J. Fox is really great in his role and I think he is about the funniest actor. All the others actors are funny too, except it's sad that Phil Hartman got killed, that's not very good. I think if you like to laugh and have fun, then this movie is absolutely too funny for words. Go see it for yourself. I don't think some movies are quite as funny as this one though. Joshua

Kirk Douglas is surrounded by predator family- with smiles. When a young sexy nurse moves in, the family sets out on a dire leap, conning a black-sheep (Michael J. Fox) to step in and the rest you'll adore. It's fast pace, twists, fantastic acting, humorous, and I haven't a clue why joe-pro critics seemed to have missed that here. *L*

May not be as classic a colection as Tape 1 but contains a wonderful episode in "Roger of the Raj" in which a young aristo finds true love after being led astray by his anarchist tutor, discovers the consequences of passing the port the wrong way and refuses to join a mutiny against his parents only to mutiny against his parents. Wonderful stuff. Neither "Murder at..." nor "Across the Andes by frog" are personal favourites but "Murder" is a loving spoof and "Andes" one of the most whimsically absurd stories of the whole series. A "best of" tape would put Roger, Eric, Gordon and Tomkinson together to make one of the funniest 2 hours ever committed to film.

This is the final Ripping Yarn series. This is a great series to own because the videos show a different side of Michael Palin. I hope my reviews will convince you to own this series.

Episode 1 - Roger of the Raj (1914): Michael Palin narrates this story and tells about his family. Michael plays Roger Bartlesham a very wealthy young man. The beginning starts out by having breakfast with his parents. It's quite a breakfast. The mother is a strong authoritian figure and the father has a soft side to him but can't show it. The family is sent to India during the war. Roger falls for Miranda, and he convinces her to run away and go into trade. She refuses at first, but later changes her mind. Mr Hopper is Roger's tuitor, and he tells Roger he want him to lead a mutiny. What is Roger to do? I like this episode because of the way you should see Roger's mom with a machine gun. Miranda doesn't have a bad shot either. I like the scene where the men are at the table and one by one they shoot themselves.

Episode 2 - Murder at Moorstones Manor: Michael Palin has two roles in this mystery outtake. He plays Hugo a blond hair gentleman who is obsessed with cars and Charles the other son who wants the money. I like these characters and it's when they are at dinner that the real mystery begins. Ruth who is Charles lady is grossed out by the father and falls flat in a plate of food. Then father is shot in the back. Hugo is later killed. Who did it? The answers may surprise you. The dad is funny because he the grumpy old man who thinks everyone needs to be punished. I like Charles because he is the distingushed gentleman but has the patience of a child. This is a fun episode. It doesn't show the year but I would guess in the 1920's

Episode 3 - Across the Andes by Frog (1927): The final episode isn't as funny as the other two but has a few good moments. Michael plays Walter Snerrington a solider and scientist. He is training frogs to cross the Andes Mountains. The uniform he is wearing is the same as in the Fish Slapping Dance. He asks for a guide and is introduce to an old lady. She doesn't speak any English but she is funny character. She does send the troops some schoolgirls by mistake. The townspeople don't like the idea of the frogs because they are afraid they bring bad luck. The guards fail to watch over and the frogs are set free. In the end only one frog is found, and so what will Snerrington do? Well I can't tell you so will have to get this video to find out.

This is the weakest of the three Ripping Yarns tapes, but even at their weakest, Michael Palin and Terry Jones are brilliant.

In this, the third and final season of the show, the stories are all based around British upper class characters. Unfortunately the writing isn't quite as good in the first two episodes: It lapses into caricature a little bit too much for my taste. I prefer the stories that show Palin in and around his native Sheffield - Eric Olthwaite and Golden Gordon (from season 1 and 2 of the show - not on this tape) are my favourites, but I'm biased - I'm from Sheffield myself, and these two episodes bring back memories of my childhood.

Anyway, unlike the other reviewers, my favourite out of these three episodes has to be 'Across the Andes by Frog'. The episode has the best writing, and the characters work brilliantly, illustrating the complete inability of any of the British characters (all from different classes) to communicate with each other, or with anyone else. It's classic, and it points out very clearly but subtly the flaws in a class-ridden society and in the ideals of early 20th century imperialism.

The role of the Sergeant Major is brilliantly played, and his every word and expression is timed flawlessly. In the end, the working class British soldiers are the only ones to successfully communicate with the natives. Unfortunately, they communicate rather too well, leading to a growing anarchy, and finally to a tragedy that seems to mirror true life tragedies of exploration.

This episode showcases the genius of Palin and Jones, in that they're able to successfully balance pathos and humour, giving the viewer a subtlety, richness, and depth that sadly cannot be matched by later competent British comedies like Black Adder or The Young Ones.

One big problem I have with Ripping Yarns - it should be on DVD. It's criminal that neither this show nor John Cleese's Fawlty Towers are available on DVD. Hopefully someone will put that right soon!

THIS IS NOT ONE OF THEIR BEST TAPES, BUT IF YOU ARE A FAN OF TALES FROM THE CRYPT I STRONGLY SUGGEST YOU GIVE ALL THREE EPISODES A SHOT. ITS NOT THAT THE EPISODES ARE BAD, ITS THAT THEY ARENT GOOD ENOUGH TO WANNA WATCH TWICE. END

This is the best tape to get from "Tales from the Crypt" by far. "Split Second" is the best and by far the spookiest. Timothy Dalton is very good in "Werewolf Concerto" a very gross tale indeed. "This'll Kill Ya" is a great tale if you ever think about stretching the truth a wee bit and what may happen to you. These are all great episodes.

This video contains three of my favorite Crypt episodes in the entire series! Again, I cannot speak for my fellow reviewer, but I watched these videos nearly two-dozen times! I will be reviewing "Split Second" , "WereWolf Concerto", and "This'll Kill Ya" , all included on this delightful video. "Split Second" is a very provocative tale starring Michelle Johnson. Set at a lumberjack forrest, the head cheif marrys a sultry waitress at a local tavern. No sooner than a few monthes later, a young man shows up and stirs up jealousy with the cheif. Soon, Liz seduces him (whooo, momma!) ; the cheif catches the two in the act. It seems down hill now for the young boy at the enraged man...or is it? A shocker. "WereWolf Concerto" is a classic WereWolf tale, "Tales From The Crypt" style! Taking place in a secluded lodge, a the WereWolf is deffintly on the prowl...but is there another monster as well? Timothy Dalton stars in this epic horror-fest. Don't watch it on a full moon! "This'll Kill Ya" is the tale of a harmless practical joke...but the receiver does'nt know the punch line. What follows is a wrongful urge of revenge. Dylan McDermott stars in this hypnotic, suspensefull tale that is garenteed to leave you thinking, long after the Crypt Keeper says his fare wells. This is probably one of my more favorite installments, and if I like it, I know you will as well. I suggest buying it today! Enjoy!