Stephen-Tobolowsky Movie Reviews

These guys aren't breaking any kind of ground with this typical story of girl-meets-guy and then problems ensue. It's only redeeming quality was Gérard Depardieu who has his share of moments which is why this movie gets two stars instead of one.

This movie was hillarious! It's about a 14 year old girl who goes on a vacation with her father (her mom and dad are divorced). She gives her dad a hard time, and she claims there is nothing for her to do on the beautiful island in which they are staying at. She meets this hottie (Dalton James) and they fall in love. Although, Nikki tries to impress this guy, Ben, by making up lies. It's such a great movie! You gotta see it!!

I've seen this movie about 20 times now and I still go back for more. It's about this teenage girl who is facing adulthood and when she takes a trip with her father (Gerard Depardieu) to the Carribean, she falls in love for the first time with a local boy (Dalton James). In a desperate attempt to impress him, she spins a tale of how her father is her lover. A great movie, thumbs up!

This movie is for Dustin Hoffman what Ricochet was for John Lithgow-- a chance to see a great actor depart from his typical performances or roles. This is a chance to see Hoffman a real lout. Even in movies where he started off as a lout, he eventually changes. He is a lout, through and through. It's also a chance to see cute Andy Garcia make an unethical decision and have to live with the consequences. It's not an even movie but entertaining, nonetheless. Other movies have done the same theme better but you'll like it.

Hero is really a gem. It features consistently good performances and is sharp, thought-provoking, and is touching without approaching sappiness. You get Geena Davis while she was still making good movies, Dustin Hoffman without much visible ego, a solid Andy Garcia, and the always-fabulous Joan Cusack.

This movie was SO underrated. I remember reading that Quentin Tarantino said this was a movie he wished he'd had a chance to direct because it could have been so much better, that in this movie you see a director reaching the extent of his abilities, and while I was glad to see that someone was recognizing it in any way, it also really made me mad that Quentin Tarantino, not like the most consistent or productive director, should say that about Steven Frears, who directed My Beautiful Laundrette, Dangerous Liaisons, and this. Really! This is for me up there among the best movies of the past 10 years, certainly among the most underappreciated.

Dustin HOFFMAN is a PRODIGIOUS PHENOMENAL ACTOR in THIS SPLENDID MOVIE and he demonstrate witch he is able to conceive a role who's consist to be a FALSE COWARD ! He don't like the photographs the PUBLICITY for HIM and PREFEAR his SON at anything in his life he is contrained to make many things, ... stranges to retain his natural propensity to rob anything, EVEN his ADVOCATE FOR PAY SHE IN A SAME TIME WONDERFULL DUSTIN HOFFMAN AND HIS MOMENTARY FRIEND WHO'S ANDY GARCIA WHO'S AN OTHER WONDERFULL ACTOR !!!!! SPLENDID MOVIE !!!!!!!!!!!!

When I saw the preview for this movie, I thought "wow, Dennis Quaid is hot." I'm too young to remember Jerry Lee Lewis, but I have heard his music. Dennis Quaid does an admirable job of bringing Jerry Lee Lewis' story to us.

Winona Ryder is okay. I think she's a wishy-washy actress. Sometimes she's great, sometimes she bores me. Unfortunately, this was one of the boring performances. Granted, she was playing a whiny teenager, that may have swayed my opinion.

The story is a good one, but now I intend to read a biography about Jerry Lee Lewis, as I'm sure much was left out about this man's colorful life.

As an aside, my pre-teen daughter had many questions about the behavior of the two cousins...so I probably should have watched it when she was not around.

Bottom line, if you are huge fan of either actors or the story, buy it...otherwise, rent it.

To those who are enthralled by Jerry Lee Lewis's music (and I'm one), the music in this movie makes up for some flaws that might have been more detracting in another film. Specifically, the music is great because the soundtrack was performed by the Killer himself(as new recordings,I believe)...but the acting is overwrought with Dennis Quaid missing the mark, in my humble opinion, due primarily to his overly exuberant portrayal of Jerry Lee which obviously is intended to convey the Killer's over-the-top personality and on-stage antics but which, to my eye, comes off as more cartoonish than exuberant. Ryder's portrayal of his first cousin once removed and, ultimately, his wife is too pouty and babyish even for the thirteen year old she's supposed to be.
Oddly enough, despite these criticisms the movie remains thoroughly enjoyable due in no small part to the genius of Lewis's musical performances which are rock and roll epitomized.
One final thought here is how this movie reveals how drastically we have changed as a society (and probably not for the better) in that the music industry and the public destroyed Lewis's career over the indiscretion of falling in love with and marrying his underage cousin. Yet, today, much more despicable behavior in the current generation of pop musicians, such as rape,violence,drugs,suicide,intollerance and sexual immorality is more likely to rocket them to superstardom then to oblivion. Goodness, gracious....C'est la vie! To sum up: The movie's worth the fourteen bucks, even if they have the nerve not to include a single word of liner notes. Enjoy.

Goodness, gracious.. Great Balls of Fire is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Based on the life of Jerry Lee Lewis, responsible for such classic oldies as (obviously) "Great Balls of Fire," and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," it truly keeps your eyes glued to the screen. Dennis Quaid stars as 'The Killer' himself and portrays the ups and downs of Lewis' rocky road to success quite superbly. Staying with relatives, Jerry Lee meets and quickly moves in on his thirteen year old cousin, Myra (played by Winona Ryder, who gives Quaid a run for his money with her own stunning performance), immediately after his first song plays on the radio. People automatically love the song, and so begins the story of unbelievable success, love, and scandals -- every plot twist and turn that you would expect from a soap opera -- but these events actually DID happen! Keeping that in mind throughout the movie only makes it that much better. At times quite serious and dramatic, Great Balls of Fire keeps it just light enough to be absolutely hilarious at just the right times. In addition to the quite intriguing plot, this movie is also an in-depth look into the lifestyle of the fifties and sixties, and how what we don't give as much as a second thought to these days is what made heads spin back then. A definite must-see for fans AND non-fans of Jerry Lee Lewis, as it is a very informative and extremely entertaining movie.

TREVOR tells the story of a fourteen-year-old gay boy's voyage of self-acceptance. The film's humor owes a great deal to HAROLD AND MAUDE: several of the film's funniest scenes are paraphrases of Harold's staged death scenes in the earlier film. The humor aside, this is a very tender and humane film. Trevor (wonderfully played by Barsky) is a sensitive young man who is being raised by parents who might just as well be perfect strangers - a state common among gay kids. That Trevor is gay seems obvious to everyone but Mom and Dad - the kid adores Diana Ross and Broadway show tunes, for gosh sakes! Trevor has to endure the rejection of the object of his first crush as well as the rest of his schoolmates. But Trevor is nothing if not resilient and it is his strength of character that gives the film it's spirit.

I first saw this movie on HBO and it made me cry. It's about a lonely boy named Trevor who is gay and that he is having problems in his life. He becomes friends with this boy named Pinky which Trevor has a crush on. Later, Pinky finds out that Trevor has a crush on him and everyone at school thinks he's gay. At the end of the film he tries to kill himself but nothing happens he then goes to the hospital and meets this nurse named Jack and the next day they go to a concert together. Trevor is not supposed to be a disgusting movie. It's supposed to be a serious movie if anyone out there in life is having problems and it helps you think. I think everyone should watch this movie if anyone is ashamed of themselves because you should be proud of who you are and it doesn't really matter who you hangout with what matters is you and you should try to be yourself and not let anyone bother you if they are making fun of you. I've rented a sequel of this movie and it's called Boy's Life 2 but Trevor is missing and it just shows a few gross gay short films which is not about Trevor so I decided to take the video back to the store. Anyways Trevor is a good film I think you should rent it if you hadn't seen it but it does come on HBO a lot so I guess you should wait till it comes on HBO then you won't miss it. You will enjoy this movie.

Get out the tissues and prepare to laugh. This short film was excellently written, directed and produced! So many people believed in this project and I see why.

This film is saving lives! It's teaching so many adults about what children go through in their young lives. It tells the story but doesn't make it heavy with depressing moments but lightens things up with humor. I cried at the end because of the joy I felt yet the sadness I felt as well because I knew that many children are still suffering today.

This should be a requirement for EVERYONE to see!

Barreto's image of Rio is false. There are no views of any slums and it's a fairy tale. Mary Ann's apartments has the shortest wall. What the hell is that about? In the real Rio the wall would be high and the security would be better. This false Rio is made to attract non Brazilians. The story is dull and rese,ble that of any Hollywood story. A waste of great actors. For a better Barreto fil check out "Four Days In September"

Overall, I thought this was a great movie. There were a few moments that were trying too hard for laughs, however the story plot, the acting, and the scenery were all wonderful. I especially thought the scenery was exceptional! If not for the story, I think it is still worthwhile to check out this movie to see Rio at its best! However I do agree with one other reviewer that this movie does give the deceiving impression that everybody in Rio, particularly middle to upper-middle class people, live in apartments in prime locations with spectacular views of the ocean. There was not a trace of poverty or crime in this movie, but I think is appropriate being that this movie is supposed to be a light hearted romanic comedy instead of a "favela" movie. That's why the director's commentary is kind of a nice optional feature on the DVD version. The director, having himself grown up in Rio, clearly explains that he wanted to bring the best out in Rio. Happy movie going. Tchau everybody!

I really liked this movie! It so very well captures Rio De Janeiro and the characters and bits and pieces of the carioca here and there. There's great cinematography and the characters are all (well, almost all) very likeable. What I like is that it is a positive portrayal of Rio.

The story is really about moving forward in life and keeping an open mind, and that sometimes destiny has a way of playing tricks on you - for better and for worse. Amy Irving stars as the English teacher who struggles to let go of her husband who passed away - yet desires to be swept off of her feet. Her wish is granted when she least expects it when Pedro Paulo, a charismatic lawyer, and her meet. From then, you see how their lives intertwine directly and indirectly from their friends to students to associates on an adventure.

Enjoyable movie! You have to watch it more than once though to capture a couple of the hidden coincidences that occur. Like the opening scene, for example. And the coincidence between Acacio, who is labelled a "mercenary" by his countrymen for his decision to play in England and the foreign corporate lawyer. And even the differences between Pedro Paulo his brother are fun to catch. Pick this up, pop it in, think about nothing and be taken to Rio... and if you like the flow of this movie (and the bossa nova soundtrack), you'd probably also like "Next Stop Wonderland".

Radioland Murders is one of the best movies I've ever seen! I bought it, so I can watch it whenever I want, and that is at least once a month. I'm hooked, 'cause the movie is total fun and games and the lines are so witty and fast. The interaction between Benben and Masterson and perfect and their witty arguing keeps the movie going forward. The bodylanguage of Benben is another story, that makes me laught one minute and being totally charmed the next. So the cast and crew can really pat their backs for making sutch a wonderful movie. So go and see it, the irony and complications of the cast will make you laugh

This movie is very dynamic. There is no pausing or reflecting juts good drop-dead comedy. Many things ar not anticipated.

The actors have been seen before and will be again except Anita Morris (Date of death 3 March 1994) as Claudette. She was really superb in Ruthless People (1986) ASIN: 6300276570 as Carol the girlfriend that knew she was next to die.

There were a lot of great sounds in this movie including:

"Love is on the Air Tonight"

"That Old Feeling"

"What'll I Do" Written by Irving Berlin. Hear it again The Butcher's Wife (1991) ASIN: 6302289025

"Crazy People"

"Big Noise From Winnetka"

"Don't Let Your Love Go Wrong"

"I'll Be Glad When You're Dead (You Rascal You)"

"The Green Hornet Theme"

"In the Mood"

"I Miss You So"

"I Love a Mystery 'Valse Triste'"

"Java Jive"

"Back in the Saddle Again" Hear it again in Sleepless in Seattle (Special Edition) (1993) ASIN: B00003Q42R

"Tico Tico"

"Let's Face the Music and Dance"

"A Guy What Takes His Time"

"And the Angels Sing"

"That Old Black Magic"

"Sabre Dance"

"Flight of the Bumblebee"

This is a manic, crazy and fun film, largely due to the Keaton-like performance of Brian Benben. Mary Stuart Masterson is known for great dramatic talent, but this is the first comedy I've seen her in, and she's a natural. This was directed by Mel Smith; is it the same Mel Smith that had a small but hysterical part in "The Princess Bride"? I wonder if this film was given a bad rap because it came out the same year as Woody Allen's brilliant "Bullets Over Broadway" (1994). There are comparisons to be made, if only for period and music. Otherwise, this film takes on its very own character. A wonderful ensemble cast , including Ned Beatty, Michael Lerner, Jeffrey Tambor & Christopher Lloyd, must be commended. Cameo appearances from George Burns and Rosemary Clooney are wonderful. Whatever this film lacks in plot, is made up for with energetic performances, quick editing, and loads of great one-liners. There's also a lot of great period music to entertain. I DO enjoy this film a lot, and at the reasonable price and a great 2.35:1 Widescreen, the DVD is a bargain. If you like "silly", you'll love this. And Brian Benben is marvelous. Too bad the stuck-up critics didn't like it. We, the audience, know better.

I like the idea of an underground group of people who are souly driven by money. I love this movie b/c my girlfriend at the time freaked out in the theater and ran out. She couldn't believe they would make such a violent movie. THE HORROR!It was the scene where he gets the glass in the throat. I'm still erked that he was sleeping with his om though.

The movie is based on the book (same title) by Jim Thompson, and stays fairly close to the theme of the book. (Though, they touch on the nurse in the movie, the nurse actually had a little more of a part in the book.) To me, it's important that a movie based on a book does it's original source justice, and I think this movie does just Jim Thompson's crime noir justice.

This is amongst my Top 5 Movies of All Time. And, I think, is amongst the best work John Cusack has ever done in his career.

The interaction between the characters is executed well. Anjelica Huston, Annette Benning, and John Cusack all play their roles to the tilt, and when I read the book, I could see each actor playing their particular characters.

Though, the book was set in the '50s, you never really know what era they are in in the movie. I like the mystery of that. The women in '40s dresses and John wearing a skinny tie which was popular both in the '60s and '80s. I think that's how the movie has aged so well, and that will keep it timeless.

I read someone else's review here that their DVD/this particular DVD doesn't have any bonuses. If you get the special edition DVD of The Grifters, you'll get bonuses. There's a section about Jim Thompson and the book version, as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

This is an extremely entertaining and fascinating look into the lives of con-men and con-women. Angelica Huston gives her best performance as the icy blonde con-mother of Roy, she is simply masterful in this film. John Cusack also gives his best and grittiest performance as Roy, a small-time con who wants to get out. Annette Bening is also excellent as Roy's knockout girlfriend who is looking for the long-con. The split-screen introduction sequence is great. Stephen Frears directs with cold assurance. Fascinating characters and plot, intelligent sharp dialogue and 3 powerhouse performances. One of the best movies of 1990. Extras: that's Martin Scorcese's voice narrating at the beginning of the film, he also produced. From a scale of 1-10 I give this film a 9!

I like the idea of an underground group of people who are souly driven by money. I love this movie b/c my girlfriend at the time freaked out in the theater and ran out. She couldn't believe they would make such a violent movie. THE HORROR!It was the scene where he gets the glass in the throat. I'm still erked that he was sleeping with his om though.

The movie is based on the book (same title) by Jim Thompson, and stays fairly close to the theme of the book. (Though, they touch on the nurse in the movie, the nurse actually had a little more of a part in the book.) To me, it's important that a movie based on a book does it's original source justice, and I think this movie does just Jim Thompson's crime noir justice.

This is amongst my Top 5 Movies of All Time. And, I think, is amongst the best work John Cusack has ever done in his career.

The interaction between the characters is executed well. Anjelica Huston, Annette Benning, and John Cusack all play their roles to the tilt, and when I read the book, I could see each actor playing their particular characters.

Though, the book was set in the '50s, you never really know what era they are in in the movie. I like the mystery of that. The women in '40s dresses and John wearing a skinny tie which was popular both in the '60s and '80s. I think that's how the movie has aged so well, and that will keep it timeless.

I read someone else's review here that their DVD/this particular DVD doesn't have any bonuses. If you get the special edition DVD of The Grifters, you'll get bonuses. There's a section about Jim Thompson and the book version, as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

This is an extremely entertaining and fascinating look into the lives of con-men and con-women. Angelica Huston gives her best performance as the icy blonde con-mother of Roy, she is simply masterful in this film. John Cusack also gives his best and grittiest performance as Roy, a small-time con who wants to get out. Annette Bening is also excellent as Roy's knockout girlfriend who is looking for the long-con. The split-screen introduction sequence is great. Stephen Frears directs with cold assurance. Fascinating characters and plot, intelligent sharp dialogue and 3 powerhouse performances. One of the best movies of 1990. Extras: that's Martin Scorcese's voice narrating at the beginning of the film, he also produced. From a scale of 1-10 I give this film a 9!

I like the idea of an underground group of people who are souly driven by money. I love this movie b/c my girlfriend at the time freaked out in the theater and ran out. She couldn't believe they would make such a violent movie. THE HORROR!It was the scene where he gets the glass in the throat. I'm still erked that he was sleeping with his om though.

The movie is based on the book (same title) by Jim Thompson, and stays fairly close to the theme of the book. (Though, they touch on the nurse in the movie, the nurse actually had a little more of a part in the book.) To me, it's important that a movie based on a book does it's original source justice, and I think this movie does just Jim Thompson's crime noir justice.

This is amongst my Top 5 Movies of All Time. And, I think, is amongst the best work John Cusack has ever done in his career.

The interaction between the characters is executed well. Anjelica Huston, Annette Benning, and John Cusack all play their roles to the tilt, and when I read the book, I could see each actor playing their particular characters.

Though, the book was set in the '50s, you never really know what era they are in in the movie. I like the mystery of that. The women in '40s dresses and John wearing a skinny tie which was popular both in the '60s and '80s. I think that's how the movie has aged so well, and that will keep it timeless.

I read someone else's review here that their DVD/this particular DVD doesn't have any bonuses. If you get the special edition DVD of The Grifters, you'll get bonuses. There's a section about Jim Thompson and the book version, as well as interviews with the cast and crew.

This is an extremely entertaining and fascinating look into the lives of con-men and con-women. Angelica Huston gives her best performance as the icy blonde con-mother of Roy, she is simply masterful in this film. John Cusack also gives his best and grittiest performance as Roy, a small-time con who wants to get out. Annette Bening is also excellent as Roy's knockout girlfriend who is looking for the long-con. The split-screen introduction sequence is great. Stephen Frears directs with cold assurance. Fascinating characters and plot, intelligent sharp dialogue and 3 powerhouse performances. One of the best movies of 1990. Extras: that's Martin Scorcese's voice narrating at the beginning of the film, he also produced. From a scale of 1-10 I give this film a 9!

I can't believe people actually liked this movie! I hated it! This is nothing but a rehash of the first movie. It has none of the charm. I loved the first movie-that was a good film. This one is not.

I adore this film. It is the absolute essence of what a "Good Sequel" should be. And so often Disney has made us believe that "Good Sequel" is an oxymoron! This one doesn't disappoint and definitely delivers the goods. "Homeward Bound" was an amazing movie. So was "The Incredible Journey." But "Homeward Bound II" is an entirely original, hilarious, beautifully made family movie. I watch it over and over, each time being as good as the first. I saw it with a friend and a sleepover recently and she'd never seen it before; she naturally found it wonderful.

NOT just a rehash of the original, "HB2" takes us on an adventure through San Francisco with the still-funny Chance, Shadow, and Sassy. Perfectly in sync with its predecessor yet pleasingly different enough, "HB2" is a love story as well. The best part of the film is Riley's gang of stray dogs. They are by far the most interesting characters in the movie, including Delilah, the Kuvasz who is Chance's love interest. (My question: Bando? What happens to the old bluetick coonhound after Delilah hooks up with Chance? Does he get with Sledge, the sheltie mix girl from the gang? Or does she like Stokey, the flea-infested terrier mix who is surprisingly charming and funny?)

From gorgeous scenery to run-ins with Ashcan & Pete, a boxer and bullmastiff just out looking for trouble, "HB2" is a great story from beginning to end. The score is superb. I read some crazy review of this movie which stated that the makers actually put gay jokes about animals in San Francisco!! I can assure you this is NOT true at ALL, and I don't know WHAT movie that reviewer was watching!!! There is nothing offensive in this film; it's perfect for family. Heck, I'm 16 and I've loved it for years.

Certainly underrated and underappreciated, "HB2" should not be missed! Let me recommend it to you so you don't miss out. It's a touching tale and a whole lot of meaningful fun.

Now it starts off when the family is planning a plane trip to Canada. Chance the american bulldog thinks that instead of going to Canada he is going to the dog pound because his owner Jamie has been mean to him. Chance escapes from the cage and runs through the airport with Shadow the golden retriever and Sassy the Himilayan cat trying to stop him. Now these animals get lost in a city and comes across a gang of dogs that don't like humans.The animals will come across dog fights, rescuing a boy from a fire, and avoiding dog catchers. During their trip to finding the bridge back home Chance gets a girlfriend named Delilah.
This movie had it's funny moments like the first one but the only sad moment was when Chance lost his girlfriend going back home. I would recommend this movie if you liked the first one and see if you like it as much.