Michael-Moriarty Movie Reviews

Related Subjects: Michael-J.-Fox
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VHS movie reviews for "Michael-Moriarty" sorted by average review score:
Too Far to Go
Released in VHS Tape by Monterey Home Video (16 April, 1996)
MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Director: Fielder Cook
Average review score:

Flawed but Fascinating Film
Fact: Michael Moriarty is simply incapable of being boring---even when miscast as he is here and saddled with an absurd New England accent that makes him sound like the Stage Manager in Our Town. In spite of these factors, I found my eyes glued on him for the length of this film---ditto for Blythe Danner, an actress of equal intelligence, sensitivity, and grace who is also miscast. These two youthful performers (the film was made 24 years ago) portray middle-aged suburbanites who, despite the presence of numerous children (one college-aged who looks older than her father)seem to have nothing better to do than ask each other questions like "Have you taken a lover?" Nevertheless, there are fascinating moments here: a couple of love scenes (too short for my money), a touching scene in which the couple announce their impending divorce to their children (if only the camera had been closer to the actors' faces) and a brief but delightful scene with Glenn Close--who looks about 18--making eyes at Mr. Moriarty.

A Tale of Woes; Will They Get Back Together Again? Hope So!!
What do you think of "Too Far To Go" that's about a 20-year marriage splitting up because of their mutual soft-spoken stupidity and cruelty to each other (mostly from her to him?)! Just "too far to go" to reach across to each other. The story held my interest. I kept hoping they would recommit to their marriage. The ending was nice; had you thinking "well maybe", if they each grew up first.

This movie was made in 1978; it's summertime; scenery pleasant. This is a marriage set in the late '50s or '60s). The story was full of "come to me" and "go away", so the viewer is always hoping and groaning for Richard and Joan. You wanted to shake them yell "wake up and be nice to each other again."

What beautiful actors these two were. Joan Maple (Blythe Danner)is so slim and pretty, but cruel in the way she casually torments her husband, Richard (37-year old actor, pretty-boyish faced, Michael Moriarty, playing a husband in his mid-40s). (Ever wish the English language had words that meant masculine beauty?) Richard needed less compulsiveness too. Michael Moriarty was so good playing this seemingly vulnerable, basically uncomplicated, "what's happening to my world" man. In the story, Richard and Joan are missing each other constantly by not tuning in to each other.

I thought it was sweet and very effective to have the flash back scenes during their marriage. Just change the actor's hair, and Richard was 20-years younger man again with that smooth face and boyish grin. In one flash back of their wedding, Joan says, "You didn't kiss me." Nice story; intersting ending! As the judge said after verifying their signatures, "Well then, good luck to you." AND then, Richard forgets "too far to go" and slowly and timidly leans toward Joan to kiss her this time. A neat place and way to end the movie. Truly makes you hope they might have a good chance to "live happily ever after ..."

The Hanoi Hilton
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (02 August, 1993)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Lionel Chetwynd
Starring: Michael Moriarty and Paul Le Mat
Average review score:

Bad Telling of Good Story
The Hanoi Hilton, Lionel Chetwynd's well-intentioned effort to tell the story of the American POWs, may be one of the best examples of what can happen when good directorial intentions go bad. The true story is a riveting and inspirational one, but Chetwynd's stiff editorial decisions and inane dialogue results in a movie that will make anyone who knows the POW story cringe. He researched the subject thoroughly and consulted with ex-POWs to ensure accuracy in the details (such as the layout of the prison and the garb), but the script falls so short it is embarrassing. Too bad this 1987 feature film used up the name "the Hanoi Hilton," because the best work on the infamous POW camp of North Vietnam is actually told in a 1998 documentary Return With Honor (produced by Academy Award winners Sanders and Mock for the American Film Foundation. Tom Hanks has put his name behind it.). The documentary weaves extraordinary historical footage with the comments of the real POWs - and the men are infinitely more authentic and fascinating to listen to than the stereotypical portrayals in The Hanoi Hilton. Anyone interested in an intelligent and articulate presentation of this subject should avoid Chetwynd's movie and see Return With Honor instead.

The best Vietnam War film ever made.
I think that this the best Vietnam War film ever made since The Green Berets. What I like about this movie is that it explains about the subject of American Prisoners of War in Vietnam. The film depicted the harsh reality of the suffering and torture that was inflicted on them in these prisoner of war camps. I really enjoyed this film.

The Hanor Hilton
This movie shows what terrrible hardships these prisoners had to endure. I had the priviladge to talk to one of the wives of these heros and she confirmed a lot of events shown in this movie. Also stated that she was not allowed to even mention that her husband was shot down for six-months. Tell her that this movie was "too long and over emotional"!! Most americans just did not want to face reality during this sad time in our Country's history. I was there during 1966-1968 and in Sigon 1970.

The Hanoi Hilton
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (13 October, 1998)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Lionel Chetwynd
Starring: Michael Moriarty and Paul Le Mat
Average review score:

Bad Telling of Good Story
The Hanoi Hilton, Lionel Chetwynd's well-intentioned effort to tell the story of the American POWs, may be one of the best examples of what can happen when good directorial intentions go bad. The true story is a riveting and inspirational one, but Chetwynd's stiff editorial decisions and inane dialogue results in a movie that will make anyone who knows the POW story cringe. He researched the subject thoroughly and consulted with ex-POWs to ensure accuracy in the details (such as the layout of the prison and the garb), but the script falls so short it is embarrassing. Too bad this 1987 feature film used up the name "the Hanoi Hilton," because the best work on the infamous POW camp of North Vietnam is actually told in a 1998 documentary Return With Honor (produced by Academy Award winners Sanders and Mock for the American Film Foundation. Tom Hanks has put his name behind it.). The documentary weaves extraordinary historical footage with the comments of the real POWs - and the men are infinitely more authentic and fascinating to listen to than the stereotypical portrayals in The Hanoi Hilton. Anyone interested in an intelligent and articulate presentation of this subject should avoid Chetwynd's movie and see Return With Honor instead.

The best Vietnam War film ever made.
I think that this the best Vietnam War film ever made since The Green Berets. What I like about this movie is that it explains about the subject of American Prisoners of War in Vietnam. The film depicted the harsh reality of the suffering and torture that was inflicted on them in these prisoner of war camps. I really enjoyed this film.

The Hanor Hilton
This movie shows what terrrible hardships these prisoners had to endure. I had the priviladge to talk to one of the wives of these heros and she confirmed a lot of events shown in this movie. Also stated that she was not allowed to even mention that her husband was shot down for six-months. Tell her that this movie was "too long and over emotional"!! Most americans just did not want to face reality during this sad time in our Country's history. I was there during 1966-1968 and in Sigon 1970.

The Hanoi Hilton
Released in VHS Tape by Warner Studios (13 October, 1998)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Lionel Chetwynd
Starring: Michael Moriarty and Paul Le Mat
Average review score:

Bad Telling of Good Story
The Hanoi Hilton, Lionel Chetwynd's well-intentioned effort to tell the story of the American POWs, may be one of the best examples of what can happen when good directorial intentions go bad. The true story is a riveting and inspirational one, but Chetwynd's stiff editorial decisions and inane dialogue results in a movie that will make anyone who knows the POW story cringe. He researched the subject thoroughly and consulted with ex-POWs to ensure accuracy in the details (such as the layout of the prison and the garb), but the script falls so short it is embarrassing. Too bad this 1987 feature film used up the name "the Hanoi Hilton," because the best work on the infamous POW camp of North Vietnam is actually told in a 1998 documentary Return With Honor (produced by Academy Award winners Sanders and Mock for the American Film Foundation. Tom Hanks has put his name behind it.). The documentary weaves extraordinary historical footage with the comments of the real POWs - and the men are infinitely more authentic and fascinating to listen to than the stereotypical portrayals in The Hanoi Hilton. Anyone interested in an intelligent and articulate presentation of this subject should avoid Chetwynd's movie and see Return With Honor instead.

The best Vietnam War film ever made.
I think that this the best Vietnam War film ever made since The Green Berets. What I like about this movie is that it explains about the subject of American Prisoners of War in Vietnam. The film depicted the harsh reality of the suffering and torture that was inflicted on them in these prisoner of war camps. I really enjoyed this film.

The Hanor Hilton
This movie shows what terrrible hardships these prisoners had to endure. I had the priviladge to talk to one of the wives of these heros and she confirmed a lot of events shown in this movie. Also stated that she was not allowed to even mention that her husband was shot down for six-months. Tell her that this movie was "too long and over emotional"!! Most americans just did not want to face reality during this sad time in our Country's history. I was there during 1966-1968 and in Sigon 1970.

Brother's Kiss
Released in VHS Tape by Bmg Video (28 July, 1998)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Seth Zvi Rosenfeld
Average review score:

Bit typical story but still the best!
I believe the plot of A BROTHER"S KISS, sort of typical
Hong Kong gangster movies very 80's theme..like brotherhood, drugs and violence..with very tragic tales however the director
Seth Zvi brought heart warming moments with great actors' performance...worth to see it anytime!

A biting and seedy look at NY street and drug life ....
In this movie we follow two very different brothers raised by an alcoholic street walking mother ... One brother manages to overcome the adversity of his upbringing always striving for a long term goal, while the older brother takes a more hedonistic look at life and doesn't really plan further than tomorrows thrill .....

This certainly is one of the hands down best depictions of how drugs really ruin your life and your loves ... it certainly must be noted that this 1977 is NOWHERE close to the violent drug movies of today where we are treated to super close up shots of users inserting heroin needles ....

excellent acting and cast
the cast is great and so is the storyline.Cathy Moriarity does an excellent job,John Leguizamo is great,Marisa Tomei is masterful, and Rosie Perez is simply the best. The story of two brothers going seperate ways in life into a dramatic conclusion that is simply an original heatfelt film.

Brothers Kiss
Released in VHS Tape by Bmg Distribution (VI (25 August, 1998)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Seth Zvi Rosenfeld
Average review score:

Bit typical story but still the best!
I believe the plot of A BROTHER"S KISS, sort of typical
Hong Kong gangster movies very 80's theme..like brotherhood, drugs and violence..with very tragic tales however the director
Seth Zvi brought heart warming moments with great actors' performance...worth to see it anytime!

A biting and seedy look at NY street and drug life ....
In this movie we follow two very different brothers raised by an alcoholic street walking mother ... One brother manages to overcome the adversity of his upbringing always striving for a long term goal, while the older brother takes a more hedonistic look at life and doesn't really plan further than tomorrows thrill .....

This certainly is one of the hands down best depictions of how drugs really ruin your life and your loves ... it certainly must be noted that this 1977 is NOWHERE close to the violent drug movies of today where we are treated to super close up shots of users inserting heroin needles ....

excellent acting and cast
the cast is great and so is the storyline.Cathy Moriarity does an excellent job,John Leguizamo is great,Marisa Tomei is masterful, and Rosie Perez is simply the best. The story of two brothers going seperate ways in life into a dramatic conclusion that is simply an original heatfelt film.

Prince of Central Park
Released in VHS Tape by Lions Gate Home Ente (07 November, 2000)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: John Leekley
Starring: Kathleen Turner and Danny Aiello
Average review score:

The Prince of Central Park
I watched this movie when the title caught my attention. As a young kid growing up in a highly disfunctional family I read a book with the same title. This was my favorite book through my entire youth as well as highschool. It was my escape.

The movie is loosely based on the book in the charactors and the plot. However the book was so much deeper in the respect of how JJ learns to live in the park. As soon as the Kathleen Turner charactor is shown you know exactly where this thing is going. JJ never seems to be more than a few days at summer camp sleeping in a really cool cave.

He never gets sick from eating out of garbage cans. He never breaks into Taven on the Green for food. He never build a tree house using ropes because he can't hurt the tree.

This book is out of print but if you can find a copy or get it at your library READ IT! You will remeber it forever.

Earlier version
This post is for Doreen Sullivan. You should look for the (1977) version of Prince of Central Park. It's truer to the book, it includes his sister and the treehouse. It's not out on video, but you might be able to find it at your local video store.

Great Movie!
I have just ordered this movie on DVD, after I seen it for the first time on HBO. I really liked what I seen. The movie had great actors and used great footage of Central Park and other parts of Manhattan(New York). The little boy named JJ, played by Frankie Nasso lives in a small cave in Central Park and is beat up on by the bullies. In my opinion, JJ shows a good example that if you set your mind to something, you can always accomplish it. He goes to Manhattan in search of his mother and soon after meeting this couple, whose marriage is falling apart.. he discovers that his mother is dead. :( In the end he lives with the couple and lives a great life.

Q
Released in VHS Tape by Anchor Bay Entertainment (26 May, 1998)
MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Director: Larry Cohen
Starring: Michael Moriarty and David Carradine
OK, who's Q, anyway? "Q" is short for Quetzacoatl, an enormous winged serpent and Aztec deity who's called back to life after a series of ritual human sacrifices in Manhattan. It takes a lot to keep a critter like Q satisfied, so he flies around and lops the heads off sunbathers, window washers and swimmers as handily as popping grapes off the vine. The police are confounded by the murders, decapitated bodies (blood rains from the skies on NYC denizens) and Q-sightings. The solution comes in the unlikely form of Jimmy (Michael Moriarty), a petty thief. After a heist goes bad, he hides from his cronies in the uppermost spires of the Chrysler Building and stumbles on the giant bird's nest and egg. He leads the NYPD up to the lair for a big showdown with Q, but it's not quite as easy as anybody thought, of course. Director/screenwriter Larry Cohen was one of the more inventive, original voices of Seventies B-movies, with credits that include God Told Me To, Black Caesar, It's Alive!, Hell Up in Harlem and The Stuff. With Q, Cohen put together an interesting, entertaining mix of Fifties sci-fi homage (complete with great stop-motion special effects for the terrifying beast), action movie, and crime drama. It also touches on the metaphysical question of how exactly one goes about killing off a god. It'd be difficult to think of a more compelling performance from Moriarty; as the piano-playing, scat-singing small-time crook Jimmy, he's repellent and sleazy. However, he's struck on something that will give him 15 minutes to bask in the spotlight ("I'm the most important man in New York!", he gloats) and give him a chance to redeem himself and save thousands of lives. Moriarty brings a depth to the character that makes him absorbing, if not quite sympathetic, and gets to come across with the choice line, "Stick it up your…brain! Your small little brain!". With plenty of humor, suspense, a gallon or two of gore, and great performances from Moriarty and David Carradine and Richard Roundtree as his cop nemeses, this is great, original, entertaining sci-fi fare. --Jerry Renshaw
Average review score:

Don't bother
I was lured to buy the DVD version of "Q" after reading some amazon costumers' reviews. However, once I saw the film, I had to conclude they greatly overrated it. "Q" is badly written and has a terrible edition. Besides, it focuses so much in Michael Moriarty's character that it ends overlooking the snake itself (and I don't actually mean showing the monster... sometimes you can achieve really artistic results without doing that frequently). There are better low budget monster movies out there. Thus, my recommendation is that you forget about this title and get "The Howling" or something like that.

It's name is Quetzalcoatl...
Q is a fun, low budget thriller from B-movie auteur Larry Cohen. The premise is that an ancient Mexican God Quetzalcoatl has taken the form of a giant flying serpent and is living somewhere in New York, feasting on unsuspecting residents. Sunbathers, window washers, high-rise construction workers are all fair game for this gigantic beast.

Michael Moriarity stars as Jimmy Quinn, an out of work piano man/small time criminal. It's so weird seeing him in a role like this, as I am used to seeing him on the TV show Law & Order as an ADA. In this movie, his character stumbles on the secret location of the beast's nest, and he tries to use that information to get money and the respect he thinks he deserves. While a criminal, I did feel a certain amount of sympathy for this character in the beginning, which evaporated rather slowly as the intoxication of power sets in, along with its' illusions. In the beginning, he was just some poor schlub who couldn't catch a break, but later on his true nature appeared. I read a quote once, I am not sure by who, that said something like 'to really see what's in a man's heart, give him some power'.

David Carradine plays a detective who's trying to solve a series of gruesome murders, and his investigation leads him into uncharted territories of the unknown. The deeper he gets, the more he butts heads with his supervisors, who would rather see things cleared up neatly and without any superstitious mumbo jumbo. Also look for Richard Roundtree, as Sergeant Powell, a cop wound a little too tight whose beliefs are based on what he can see and touch.

The actual creature does not get much screen time, but its' presence is noticeable throughout the movie. I really enjoyed the storyline with Quinn, his tenuous relationship with his girlfriend (Candy Clark), and the manner in which he tries to use the vital information. Here's a small time schnook, never had a break in his life, literally trips over something, sees nothing but the value to himself, and tries to get everything but ends up with nothing.

Here is another fine example of a filmmaker making a lot out of very little. The horror aspects of the movie are present, and the special effects are used sparingly, but the characters drive the story. Another example of this is the original Jaws movie. I suppose the special effects were kept to a minimum due to budgetary limitations, but it helped, rather than hindered, the movie. This movie also has a raw, gritty feel to it, in the sets, use of locations, dialogue, giving us an almost documentarian feel.

The movie is presented in a wide screen format, with good audio. A number of special features include commentary by the filmmaker, biographies, trailers, and promotional materials. All in all, not a bad way to spend 93 minutes.

Larry Cohen Strikes Again!
If you like outrageous humor, Q is simply irresistable. First, there's a giant mythic Aztec "serpent" which makes a habit of swooping down on unsuspecting New York sunbathers and construction workers. (We get to see New York through the eyes of the bird---expressionistic style.) In a likeable performance, David Carradine as a police detective, diligently researches the creature and then tracks it down---his efforts climax in a hilarious "finale" in which Carradine and his cohorts attempt to machine-gun the monster as it collides into buildings. Doubling the fun is a wonderful performance by Michael Moriarty as a frustrated jazz pianist who resorts to small-time crime to make a living and ends up discovering the serpent's egg at the top of the Empire State Building. (As Mr. Moriarty happily confides to the audience, "I'm afraid of almost everything, but I'm not afraid of heights!") Whether singing scat songs, hobbling through New York on a gimpy leg, or demanding immunity from the police ("I want a Nixon-like pardon!"), Mr. Moriarty is always a delight. And so is this movie.

Troll
Released in VHS Tape by Avid Home Entertainment (29 September, 1993)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: John Carl Buechler
Starring: Michael Moriarty and Shelley Hack
Average review score:

Scary Kid's Movie.
TROLL takes place in a suburban apartment complex. The Potter family (more on that later) moves in to their new home in the bottom apartment. On the day of their move Wendy Ann Potter stumbles into the laundry room where she meets a troll who kidnaps her and uses his magic ring to make himself look like Wendy. One by one, the troll enters each apartment in the complex and turns the occupants into trolls and their dwellings into doorways to a fantasy dimension. If he succeeds in changing all the homes in the building, a dimensional vortex will be formed and modern America will be changed into a fantasy realm of old. The only person who can stop him is Wendy's brother, Harry Potter, Jr. who is under the tutelage of a witch upstairs.

Granted the special effects in this movie aren't all that good. However, the script is decent and the acting is fairly well done. The cast includes Sonny Bono and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss to name a few. This movie is basically a children's scary movie; it's the type of movie I would have loved watching when I was a kid and since I'm still a kid at heart I was enable to enjoy it despite it's flaws.

As a side note, the hero of this film is named Harry Potter. He gets involved in witchcraft and fantasy, though he thinks he's just a normal kid. The apartment slowly becomes a portal that leads to a mysterious and magical world. When he saves his kid sister and fights the big monster, it reminded me off another Harry Potter fighting another monster in CHAMBER OF SECRETS. Not only that, but Harry Potter Jr.'s dad is an author of children's books. Coincidence? Perhaps. However, as good as the Harry Potter series is, one must admit J.K. Rowling isn't as original as so many people suppose her to be.

A Tremendously Bad Movie, but in a Good Way.
I first saw this movie on a late night Noah Hathaway double feature about 13 yeares ago, when I lived in LA. The host described this movie as a star vehicle for the young star of Neverending Story (which was shown previously that night).

The story is mostly a rehash of the plots of many '50s sci-fi movies, except you insert "Troll" into the script where "Martian" should be. Even to the extent that Noah remarks to his kindly neighbor lady (June Lockhart) that he thinks his sister is a "pod person". Of course, she (Lockhart) being powerful the powerful good sorcerous, explains that Harry's sister is in the Troll's power.

Young Harry must save the world from the evil Troll, while the grown-up neighbors (Sonny Bono, Gary Sandy (WKRP), Julia-Louise Dreyfus (Seinfeld), Brad Hall (SNL), etc.) bumble their way into victimhood. Of course Harry's parents (Shelly Hack & Michael Moriarty) think he's just imagining things. What makes this movie fun is that it's so predictable and the all-star cast seems to intentionally ham it up. Think of it as "North" with monsters.

What I have found weirdly ironic is that Noah's character's name is Harry Potter, Jr. (Hmmmm, haven't we heard that name somewhere recently?)

a heck of a good movie
troll is a good movie, it has a good plot. it is fun to watch with 1 friend. this movie is rare and hard to find so i suggest u get one now .......

Troll
Released in VHS Tape by Vestron Video (11 June, 1997)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Director: John Carl Buechler
Starring: Michael Moriarty and Shelley Hack
Average review score:

Scary Kid's Movie.
TROLL takes place in a suburban apartment complex. The Potter family (more on that later) moves in to their new home in the bottom apartment. On the day of their move Wendy Ann Potter stumbles into the laundry room where she meets a troll who kidnaps her and uses his magic ring to make himself look like Wendy. One by one, the troll enters each apartment in the complex and turns the occupants into trolls and their dwellings into doorways to a fantasy dimension. If he succeeds in changing all the homes in the building, a dimensional vortex will be formed and modern America will be changed into a fantasy realm of old. The only person who can stop him is Wendy's brother, Harry Potter, Jr. who is under the tutelage of a witch upstairs.

Granted the special effects in this movie aren't all that good. However, the script is decent and the acting is fairly well done. The cast includes Sonny Bono and Julia Louis-Dreyfuss to name a few. This movie is basically a children's scary movie; it's the type of movie I would have loved watching when I was a kid and since I'm still a kid at heart I was enable to enjoy it despite it's flaws.

As a side note, the hero of this film is named Harry Potter. He gets involved in witchcraft and fantasy, though he thinks he's just a normal kid. The apartment slowly becomes a portal that leads to a mysterious and magical world. When he saves his kid sister and fights the big monster, it reminded me off another Harry Potter fighting another monster in CHAMBER OF SECRETS. Not only that, but Harry Potter Jr.'s dad is an author of children's books. Coincidence? Perhaps. However, as good as the Harry Potter series is, one must admit J.K. Rowling isn't as original as so many people suppose her to be.

A Tremendously Bad Movie, but in a Good Way.
I first saw this movie on a late night Noah Hathaway double feature about 13 yeares ago, when I lived in LA. The host described this movie as a star vehicle for the young star of Neverending Story (which was shown previously that night).

The story is mostly a rehash of the plots of many '50s sci-fi movies, except you insert "Troll" into the script where "Martian" should be. Even to the extent that Noah remarks to his kindly neighbor lady (June Lockhart) that he thinks his sister is a "pod person". Of course, she (Lockhart) being powerful the powerful good sorcerous, explains that Harry's sister is in the Troll's power.

Young Harry must save the world from the evil Troll, while the grown-up neighbors (Sonny Bono, Gary Sandy (WKRP), Julia-Louise Dreyfus (Seinfeld), Brad Hall (SNL), etc.) bumble their way into victimhood. Of course Harry's parents (Shelly Hack & Michael Moriarty) think he's just imagining things. What makes this movie fun is that it's so predictable and the all-star cast seems to intentionally ham it up. Think of it as "North" with monsters.

What I have found weirdly ironic is that Noah's character's name is Harry Potter, Jr. (Hmmmm, haven't we heard that name somewhere recently?)

a heck of a good movie
troll is a good movie, it has a good plot. it is fun to watch with 1 friend. this movie is rare and hard to find so i suggest u get one now .......

Related Subjects: Michael-J.-Fox
More Pages: Michael-Moriarty Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9