Paul-Anderson Movie Reviews

On paper,a movie about an entrepreneurial high school senior turning his parents' suburban Chicago home into a brothel while they're out of town sounds rather broad,but this early Tom Cruise vehicle pushes beyond the typical Teen Virgin Comedy by cleverly tapping into the "greed is good" zeitgeist of the ultra-yuppiefied 80's."Risky Business" also presages films like "The Ice Storm" and "American Beauty" with its similar "Sodom in Suburbia" setting. The film benefits from an intelligent(and frequently hilarious) script and skillful visual style that separates it from the(brat)pack of John Hughes films that seem to hog most of the "80's movie" spotlight. While the oft-shown "underwear karaoke" is quite amusing, the most memorable moment occurs between Cruise and co-star Rebecca DeMornay during a late night subway ride that remains, to this day, one of the most artfully erotic love scenes in modern cinema (and no one takes thier clothes off!!)"Risky Business" was also one of the first MTV-influenced movies,and makes excellent use of its soundtrack music. A gross of $6,000 would make any boy happy, except when he has to give it all away to Guido the killer pimp.

On paper,a movie about an entrepreneurial high school senior turning his parents' suburban Chicago home into a brothel while they're out of town sounds rather broad,but this early Tom Cruise vehicle pushes beyond the typical Teen Virgin Comedy by cleverly tapping into the "greed is good" zeitgeist of the ultra-yuppiefied 80's."Risky Business" also presages films like "The Ice Storm" and "American Beauty" with its similar "Sodom in Suburbia" setting. The film benefits from an intelligent(and frequently hilarious) script and skillful visual style that separates it from the(brat)pack of John Hughes films that seem to hog most of the "80's movie" spotlight. While the oft-shown "underwear karaoke" is quite amusing, the most memorable moment occurs between Cruise and co-star Rebecca DeMornay during a late night subway ride that remains, to this day, one of the most artfully erotic love scenes in modern cinema (and no one takes thier clothes off!!)"Risky Business" was also one of the first MTV-influenced movies,and makes excellent use of its soundtrack music. Quintessential "Eighties".

"Risky Business" is without a doubt one of the classics from the 80's which I've continued to enjoy many times. This is simply a great movie with convincing acting, superb music, good script and believable characters. While the plot isn't anything too original, the above mentioned qualities make this movie fun to watch. Tom Cruise, having the house to himself while his parents are away, carries out the fantasy of just about every adolescent male by basically turning his home into a party haven with the inevitable consequences that follow. Rebecca De Mornay (it should be illegal to look that good in a pair of tight jeans!) plays a prostitute that becomes Cruise's "partner" in the scheme of things and Joe Pantoliano plays her sleazy pimp and does a great job in his role.

One thing that stands out about "Risky Business" is that while technically a comedy, the tone is often dark in terms of sequence of events and the eerie (yet great) instrumental music that pretty much makes up the soundtrack. While others might not really like this, I think it makes the movie stand out and avoid the over-the-top silliness that have caused many 80's comedies to become dated by today's standards. Don't get me wrong, I love those 80's movies, but "Risky Business" has a certain quality to it that takes on a more serious tone while also maintaining the fun element.

And finally, I have to say that the DVD transfer is absolutely horrific. Extras are virtually non-existent and image/sound quality is abysmal. 2003 has come and almost gone, so by now it's pointless to hope for a 20th Anniversary Special Edition DVD. So if you intend to buy this get it on VHS. I can't see why anyone would want the DVD other than for longevity's sake.

On paper,a movie about an entrepreneurial high school senior turning his parents' suburban Chicago home into a brothel while they're out of town sounds rather broad,but this early Tom Cruise vehicle pushes beyond the typical Teen Virgin Comedy by cleverly tapping into the "greed is good" zeitgeist of the ultra-yuppiefied 80's."Risky Business" also presages films like "The Ice Storm" and "American Beauty" with its similar "Sodom in Suburbia" setting. The film benefits from an intelligent(and frequently hilarious) script and skillful visual style that separates it from the(brat)pack of John Hughes films that seem to hog most of the "80's movie" spotlight. While the oft-shown "underwear karaoke" is quite amusing, the most memorable moment occurs between Cruise and co-star Rebecca DeMornay during a late night subway ride that remains, to this day, one of the most artfully erotic love scenes in modern cinema (and no one takes thier clothes off!!)"Risky Business" was also one of the first MTV-influenced movies,and makes excellent use of its soundtrack music. A gross of $6,000 would make any boy happy, except when he has to give it all away to Guido the killer pimp.

On paper,a movie about an entrepreneurial high school senior turning his parents' suburban Chicago home into a brothel while they're out of town sounds rather broad,but this early Tom Cruise vehicle pushes beyond the typical Teen Virgin Comedy by cleverly tapping into the "greed is good" zeitgeist of the ultra-yuppiefied 80's."Risky Business" also presages films like "The Ice Storm" and "American Beauty" with its similar "Sodom in Suburbia" setting. The film benefits from an intelligent(and frequently hilarious) script and skillful visual style that separates it from the(brat)pack of John Hughes films that seem to hog most of the "80's movie" spotlight. While the oft-shown "underwear karaoke" is quite amusing, the most memorable moment occurs between Cruise and co-star Rebecca DeMornay during a late night subway ride that remains, to this day, one of the most artfully erotic love scenes in modern cinema (and no one takes thier clothes off!!)"Risky Business" was also one of the first MTV-influenced movies,and makes excellent use of its soundtrack music. Quintessential "Eighties".

"Risky Business" is without a doubt one of the classics from the 80's which I've continued to enjoy many times. This is simply a great movie with convincing acting, superb music, good script and believable characters. While the plot isn't anything too original, the above mentioned qualities make this movie fun to watch. Tom Cruise, having the house to himself while his parents are away, carries out the fantasy of just about every adolescent male by basically turning his home into a party haven with the inevitable consequences that follow. Rebecca De Mornay (it should be illegal to look that good in a pair of tight jeans!) plays a prostitute that becomes Cruise's "partner" in the scheme of things and Joe Pantoliano plays her sleazy pimp and does a great job in his role.

One thing that stands out about "Risky Business" is that while technically a comedy, the tone is often dark in terms of sequence of events and the eerie (yet great) instrumental music that pretty much makes up the soundtrack. While others might not really like this, I think it makes the movie stand out and avoid the over-the-top silliness that have caused many 80's comedies to become dated by today's standards. Don't get me wrong, I love those 80's movies, but "Risky Business" has a certain quality to it that takes on a more serious tone while also maintaining the fun element.

And finally, I have to say that the DVD transfer is absolutely horrific. Extras are virtually non-existent and image/sound quality is abysmal. 2003 has come and almost gone, so by now it's pointless to hope for a 20th Anniversary Special Edition DVD. So if you intend to buy this get it on VHS. I can't see why anyone would want the DVD other than for longevity's sake.

On paper,a movie about an entrepreneurial high school senior turning his parents' suburban Chicago home into a brothel while they're out of town sounds rather broad,but this early Tom Cruise vehicle pushes beyond the typical Teen Virgin Comedy by cleverly tapping into the "greed is good" zeitgeist of the ultra-yuppiefied 80's."Risky Business" also presages films like "The Ice Storm" and "American Beauty" with its similar "Sodom in Suburbia" setting. The film benefits from an intelligent(and frequently hilarious) script and skillful visual style that separates it from the(brat)pack of John Hughes films that seem to hog most of the "80's movie" spotlight. While the oft-shown "underwear karaoke" is quite amusing, the most memorable moment occurs between Cruise and co-star Rebecca DeMornay during a late night subway ride that remains, to this day, one of the most artfully erotic love scenes in modern cinema (and no one takes thier clothes off!!)"Risky Business" was also one of the first MTV-influenced movies,and makes excellent use of its soundtrack music. A gross of $6,000 would make any boy happy, except when he has to give it all away to Guido the killer pimp.

On paper,a movie about an entrepreneurial high school senior turning his parents' suburban Chicago home into a brothel while they're out of town sounds rather broad,but this early Tom Cruise vehicle pushes beyond the typical Teen Virgin Comedy by cleverly tapping into the "greed is good" zeitgeist of the ultra-yuppiefied 80's."Risky Business" also presages films like "The Ice Storm" and "American Beauty" with its similar "Sodom in Suburbia" setting. The film benefits from an intelligent(and frequently hilarious) script and skillful visual style that separates it from the(brat)pack of John Hughes films that seem to hog most of the "80's movie" spotlight. While the oft-shown "underwear karaoke" is quite amusing, the most memorable moment occurs between Cruise and co-star Rebecca DeMornay during a late night subway ride that remains, to this day, one of the most artfully erotic love scenes in modern cinema (and no one takes thier clothes off!!)"Risky Business" was also one of the first MTV-influenced movies,and makes excellent use of its soundtrack music. Quintessential "Eighties".

"Risky Business" is without a doubt one of the classics from the 80's which I've continued to enjoy many times. This is simply a great movie with convincing acting, superb music, good script and believable characters. While the plot isn't anything too original, the above mentioned qualities make this movie fun to watch. Tom Cruise, having the house to himself while his parents are away, carries out the fantasy of just about every adolescent male by basically turning his home into a party haven with the inevitable consequences that follow. Rebecca De Mornay (it should be illegal to look that good in a pair of tight jeans!) plays a prostitute that becomes Cruise's "partner" in the scheme of things and Joe Pantoliano plays her sleazy pimp and does a great job in his role.

One thing that stands out about "Risky Business" is that while technically a comedy, the tone is often dark in terms of sequence of events and the eerie (yet great) instrumental music that pretty much makes up the soundtrack. While others might not really like this, I think it makes the movie stand out and avoid the over-the-top silliness that have caused many 80's comedies to become dated by today's standards. Don't get me wrong, I love those 80's movies, but "Risky Business" has a certain quality to it that takes on a more serious tone while also maintaining the fun element.

And finally, I have to say that the DVD transfer is absolutely horrific. Extras are virtually non-existent and image/sound quality is abysmal. 2003 has come and almost gone, so by now it's pointless to hope for a 20th Anniversary Special Edition DVD. So if you intend to buy this get it on VHS. I can't see why anyone would want the DVD other than for longevity's sake.

A woefully underrated biography of the controversial Teamsters union president that deserved better than it got in 1992. Director Danny Devito and writer David Mamet clearly admire their subject, depicting Hoffa as a hero, a leader who has earned the loyalty of the working men he represents, rather than a self-centered puppet whose strings were pulled by organized crime. Whether or not Hoffa was deserving of such admiration is debatable, but the film offers a convincing argument that he was. As an actor, Devito has little to do but push people around and gape at Hoffa in awe, but behind the camera he performs admirably even if he seems a little too pretentious at times. As for Nicholson, this is one of his most challenging roles, one requiring more than an arch of those famous eyebrows and a flash of that killer smile. With the aid of a hairpiece and a few other modifications to his appearance, he gives one of his best performances in years. This is a fine, memorable film that seemed to have disappeared upon its release as thoroughly as Hoffa himself did in 1975. I don't know the whereabouts of Hoffa the man (and believe it's in my best interests not to know), but the film is on the video shelf. Check it out or buy it, but see it.

You don't have to have any interest in the life of Jimmy Hoffa to like this. This is a film for hard core drama fanatics. If you want to learn how to act, watch Jack Nicholson in this movie, who I feel gave the best performance by any actor in the 1990's. I think the telephone call scene around the latter half of the movie was enough to get Jack an Oscar for best actor. Without him, I don't think this film would be nearly as engrossing or captivating. Danny DeVito is another attraction, and if you're not a fan of him now, you will be after you watch this! The performances of these two men, and Assante as well, simply dwarf the talent of today's "hot" actors. I couldn't recommend it more. This movie needs a DVD widescreen release with commentaries and extras. I've been checking for over a year, so I hope Fox gets on it!

One of Jack Nicholson's best performances is in this story of former Teamsters leader James R. Hoffa. The film shows Hoffa's rise through the ranks of the Teamsters, his battles with management, RFK, and his fellow Teamsters, and climaxes with his mysterious disappearance. The supporting cast is excellent as well, especially Danny DeVito as Hoffa's aide and best friend. This movie is a "must-own", and hopefully will be available on DVD before too long...If not, it's a shame....

The first film to challenge the Warren Commission's "lone gunman" theory about the Kennedy assassination, EXECUTIVE ACTION, although overlooked and overshadowed by Oliver Stone's later 1991 epic JFK, is an equally substantive film about how people in high places can destroy a man of peace and help to wreck a nation with their obsessions with war and murder.

Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, and Will Geer portray a cabal of right-wing businessmen clearly concerned about what Kennedy might do with respect to the Cold War and our involvement in Vietnam if he is re-elected in 1964. The film concerns itself with the assassination teams that these men manage to assemble that will end up being at that appointed place of destiny, Dealey Plaza in Dallas at 12:30 PM Central Time on November 22, 1963.

Though much less flashy than Stone's film, EXECUTIVE ACTION, directed by David Miller (LONELY ARE THE BRAVE), and scripted by former blacklisted writer Dalton Trumbo from Mark Lane's book "Rush To Judgement", has its own style of credibility. Lancaster and Ryan (the latter in one of his final films), known for their liberal politics, give extremely convincing and low-key portrayals of the right-wing businessmen at the center of this film's conspiracy theory. Talk about the chilling banality of evil.

EXECUTIVE ACTION is not a very easy film to find; and like JFK, it blows holes big enough into the Warren Commission report to drive a truck through and make apologists like Gerald Posner absolutely apoplectic. If you can find it, however, it makes for an extremely worthy film, both on its own and in tandem with JFK.

This film drama about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy takes you into the grip of a low level intensity that burns throughout the picture. When the white power structure of finance-capital senses too many changes coming on they decide they must take action, executive action. Burt Lancaster as the calm, murderous assassination advance man who plots the details with a banal evil and Will Geer as the somewhat reluctant conspirator who must be convinced of the danger JFK poses are both excellent. Robert Ryan is even better, especially when he gives a chilling speech about how the people of the third world will soon be 'swarming out of their breeding grounds'. Sadly, amatuer acting in the extreme in some small roles, including the part of Jack Ruby, mar the film. Good use is made of newsreel footage of events taking place in the days and weeks prior to the assassiantion and many of the confusing facts regarding the event and the people surrounding it are brought to light. Viewed for insight, or enterainment, this film is worth it. It also has what may be the best opening title sequence ever. Stands up to the test of time, and repeated viewings.

Although plenty hefty and made years before the general public even heard of Oliver Stone, this highly plausible assassination plot scenario seems comparatively easier to follow and spares us any unecessary histrionics such that one is left with the impression that it could very well have happened just the way this story tells, even if they never specify exactly who was responsible but rather still give a good general idea what kind of people might have been motivated to carry out a world shaking agenda from somewhere behind the scenes.

Warner Brothers gives us an outstanding remastered video & sound DVD. The Technicolor Full Feature picture quality and clarity are eye candy to watch.

Marilyns co-star Lord Lawrence Olivier also Directed & Produced this satarical comedy of royalty meets show business.

Summary: The year is 1911 Olivier a touring European Prince meets a showgirl (Monroe) backstage in a London theatre. His immediate attraction to her prompts an immediate invitation for a midnight dinner back at his royal suite. Her beauty & candid wit keeps the prince off guard. A romance begins and the reality of royal service constantly interfere. Will they find happiness ever after?

Marilyn as always is beautiful and her comedy skills are unmatched. The Special Features include; Cast & Crew, Trailer and Announcement Newsreel.

This is a fun movie especially for Monroe fans. Enjoy.

I first saw this movie years ago, very late or early on a New Year's Eve. I staid glued to the set watching the relationship between these two develop. Marilyn Monroe is so young and charming and funny. Laurence Olivier was already a very established actor. It surprised me to see him in this film, but as usual he pulled it off. I have looked for a copy of this film for a long time. It's a little known jewel in both Olivier's and Monroe's carreers. It's worth seeing.

This is a really nice film,with Jack Cardiff (The Red Shoes),in charge of Cinematography. Marilyn Monroe plays Elsie Marina,who is playing in Maisie Springfield's new play,"The Coconut Girl". Laurence Olivier plays the Grand Duke of Carpathia. They both come together for a wild 48 hours of love,fun,and some pretty hefty exchanging of views. Sybil Thorndike is also wonderful as the deaf old Queen Dowager. The film also has a highly delightful musical score.

The gang is back again for Smokey and the Bandit 2 as Carrie (Sally Field) leaves the bandit (Burt Reynolds) and marries Junior (Buford T's son) but she leaves Junior in order to get back with the bandit but the bandit is an down 'n' out alcoholic. Cledus (Jerry Reed) tells the bandit to straighten up and get in shape. Since I don't wanna give out too much information, I'll just let you see for yourself and one thing what I didn't like about this movie was that Burt Reynolds wasn't as happy go lucky like he was in the first and it was more boring but Buford T. Justice (Jackie Gleason) was great as usual, even though in the third one was where he was at his best.
I only recommend this movie if you're a diehard car chase movie buff.

Any fan expecting the same excitement from the first S&TB movie may be disappointed with this installment. Part II is a much slower paced movie without the 'outlaw bootlegger' twist. The estranged love-affair between Bo & Carrie drags the movie down to a crawl that not even the turbo-charged TA can help speed up.

As you may remember, the first movie left off with Bandit betting on a clam chowder run from Boston to Atlanta. They should have continued on with that premise.

The movie reeks of 'Cannonball Run' antics with Dom Deluse sidekicking for Reynolds through the second half the movie. The backwoods feel is gone this time, along with the cleaverness.

Absent from the DVD are extras like deleted scenes (there must be some out there, they found enough extra footage from the first S&TB for TBS to broadcast), which is one of the main reasons people buy/rent DVDs.

However, if you like Gleason in the first one, there's plenty more of 'Beautiful Buford' in part II...and even more in part III where he becomes the main player (not literally, but S&TB 3 was almost released as 'Smokey IS the bandit' with Gleason playing the bandit and Buford...but that's a whole other review.)

Smokey and the Bandit II? A rental, but don't expect this DVD at Blockbuster anytime soon...

"Daddy, look at that big ugly alligator.", "That reminds me, I gotta call your moma tonight." THIS MOVIE IS FUNNY!!!
The first thing I noticed about SMOKEY and the BANDIT 2 was the quality of the digital transfer to DVD. It is done so well, I felt like I was watching a movie made a year ago(aside the old cars and clothes).
I'm 36 and this movie brought back tons of memories. "Son, why isn't your gun loaded?", "It's too heavy when I put bullets in it, Daddy." This movie is full of hilarious one liners. I found myself to be in a great mood after watching this movie. There's a semi-sentimental tone that is, at times alittle cheesy but still, touching and not too overboard.
Everyone is fantastic in this movie. Even the gas station attendant is brilliantly funny. I really can't think of one negative thing to say about SB2.
It's as good, if not better than, the first BANDIT. I give it 2 thumbs up and a MUST SEE for anyone who loves to laugh.

No, no. This movie is far from being Shakespearean. In fact, The Villain is quite possibly the worst movie I've ever seen. This comes as no surprise as it was recommended by my grandmom, whose taste in movies has always been viewed as dubious by the rest of my family. What's even more hilarious is that she once heard that Arnold would be on The Tonight Show, and-- get this-- she said, "I wonder if he's going to talk about The Villain..." Sure, grandmom... He's really going to tarnish his reputation as a respected movie star by reminding everyone of this late-seventies bomb! Anyhow-- you probably get the point. Plainly stated, The Villain is parody at its worst, so don't even think that it's going to make you laugh.

If you haven't seen this movie, it's funny!
This is one of those comedy westerns along the lines of the "Support Your Local..." Except that this one has turned the Roadrunner cartoons into a Western! And Kirk Douglas is the Coyote!
Just about everything you've seen the Coyote do in the cartoons, Kirk Douglas does in this movie. And with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ann-Margaret as the Roadrunners it's a hilarious movie!

The fun starts fast, and never ends in this live-action version of a Road Runner cartoon! Kirk Douglas stars in a role unlike any he's ever done, as Cactus Jack Slade; who undergoes the same troubles that the Coyote would endure. His horse (Whiskey), however, steals the show as he puts Cactus Jack into some really awkward situations throughout the movie. Arnold Schwartzenegger is Handsome Stranger (another unlikely role for him), the hero that escorts Ann Margaret's character from "point A" to "point B" safely (or is she safe?) If you're looking for a serious western, put this one down; however, if laughter is what you're looking for... "just push PLAY" on this outrageous comedy!

The Chevy Chase film, the barely seen MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE MAN (Warner Home Video) was assumed by moviegoers to be a comedy in the tradition of Ghost Busters, is instead a rather serious film that Chase believed would establish him as a dramatic actor. Director John Carpenter's curious adaptation of the Invisible Man concept has cool effects and an unexpected story that is closer to a thriller than a comedy.

Above average story with Chevy Chase playing a stock market investor who becomes invisable due to a nuclear fusion accident. The film maker (Daryl Hannah) who loves him. And the federal agent (Sam Neil) who wants him dead. Rather a successful blend of adventure, comedy, and romance.ILM effects are good and a funny/moving musical score by Shirley Walker.wish it would come to DVD.

I really enjoyed this movie when it came out and was quite surprised by all the bad reviews. I had read the book several years before I saw the movie and thought they did a great job of transfering it to film.

The funny thing is that most reviews criticize the film makers for their wierd story choices, but the film was just following the book.

Others criticize that the movie doesn't know whether to be a comedy, action thiller or an adventure story? The book was the same way and I thought the book and film did a great job of juggling these different styles.

The Chevy Chase film, the barely seen MEMOIRS OF AN INVISIBLE MAN (Warner Home Video) was assumed by moviegoers to be a comedy in the tradition of Ghost Busters, is instead a rather serious film that Chase believed would establish him as a dramatic actor. Director John Carpenter's curious adaptation of the Invisible Man concept has cool effects and an unexpected story that is closer to a thriller than a comedy.

Above average story with Chevy Chase playing a stock market investor who becomes invisable due to a nuclear fusion accident. The film maker (Daryl Hannah) who loves him. And the federal agent (Sam Neil) who wants him dead. Rather a successful blend of adventure, comedy, and romance.ILM effects are good and a funny/moving musical score by Shirley Walker.wish it would come to DVD.

I really enjoyed this movie when it came out and was quite surprised by all the bad reviews. I had read the book several years before I saw the movie and thought they did a great job of transfering it to film.

The funny thing is that most reviews criticize the film makers for their wierd story choices, but the film was just following the book.

Others criticize that the movie doesn't know whether to be a comedy, action thiller or an adventure story? The book was the same way and I thought the book and film did a great job of juggling these different styles.