Tom-Cruise Movie Reviews

What can you say about a movie that deals with a subject not usually tackled? Of course, there was 1968's CHARLY, starring Cliff Robertson (Best Actor Oscar-winner) and Claire Bloom, that gave us an in-depth look at "special" people, mostly especially, autistic people.

Dustin Hoffman is Raymond Babbitt, the titular character. Tom Cruise, in an excellent role that even impressed me (and I'm not at all a Tom Cruise fan) plays his conniving, selfish brother Charlie Babbitt. Thrown in the mix with them is the beautiful Italian actress Valeria Golino, who plays Cruise's compassionate girlfriend.

You have to love this film! Why? Because of two men, Cruise and Best Actor winner Hoffman (winning his second award since 1979's KRAMER VS. KRAMER). They are what pulls us into their world, and keeps us there until the very end when Charlie sadly puts Raymond on a train back to the sanitorium. (I admit, as a man, I cried repeatedly during this scene -- and still do!) It begins with the death of the brothers' father, a rich man who was estranged from Charlie and never even spoken about Raymond. When he dies, Charlie is given a beautiful 1940s convertible (and his father's prize roses). Upon hearing that this brother of his has inherited their father's fortune, Charlie decides to find him and eventually "kidnap" him.

His greedy selfishness is obvious from the first scene of the film. Eventually, his girlfriend has enough of this and leaves him alone with his brother. (She eventually comes back to him in Las Vegas.) During their cross-country journey, Charlie realizes how important having a brother is, citing that he always felt alone and that how happy he was to know that Raymond was his brother. Beautiful and human, yet not too sappy and saccharine! Even though Charlie proves to have an alterior motive for Raymond, you can't help but like the character (since he does provide some laughs). Cruise eventually plays the same character in 1996's JERRY MAGUIRE.

And, of course, there's Hoffman! Virtually stealing every scene he is in. From his quips: "I'm an excellent driver" to his Abbott & Costello "Who's on First" bit, you can't help but fall in love with this silly, but poignant character. What also clinches the tears for me, other than the departing scene on the train, are the end credits. Yes, that's right, the credits! Here's why. Even notice that Raymond is taking pictures? If you do, then you should know that those are the pictures taken in the end credits. We're actually SEEING what Raymond is seeing; that, in itself, is heartbreaking! Think about that!

And to the director, Barry Levinson, who would soon give us 1990's DINER and 1991's Oscar-nominated BUGSY, for showing us that even a family/buddy/road movie like this doesn't have to be an epic to win Best Picture.

My hat's off to Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass for creating such a wonderful script! Bravo, gentlemen, you deserve it!

RAIN MAN was the winner of 4 Academy Awards in 1988 for: Best Picture - Mark Gordon, producer; Best Director - Barry Levinson; Best Actor - Dustin Hoffman; and Best Original Screenplay - Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow.

RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 14 MINUTES.

In response to the movie "Rain Man", I felt that the role played by Dustin Hoffman (Raymond Babbitt) was unbelievable. Dustin Hoffman is a great actor as the Rain Man, and demonstrates incredibly well how an autistic person reacts towards certain things as well as changes in his routine life. He captures autism in such a way that you could actually believe in his performance. I was amazed at the way he was able to pull off this role.

Tom Cruise's role (Charlie Babbitt) was equally as brilliant, who is the villain of the story who undergoes such a sharp change that it's almost not visible until nearly the end. Charlie is shown to be a selfish and greedy jerk at the beginning of the film, but as mentioned before, his gradual understanding of his brother's disability, and extra abilities, are what eventually leads to the grasping of a strong relationship with his brother. Tom Cruise, in my opinion, was perfectly suited for the flashy, egotistical character of Charlie, and I think he did a great job.

Furthermore, the directing of the film was beautiful, for the most part just letting the action unfold, which is exactly the way it should have been done. I also believe that "Rain Man" portrays many aspects of autism quite well. The movie is an introduction to autism for most people who see it for the first time. In summary, Charlie Babbitt, played by Tom Cruise, is a self-centered car dealer, and leaves on vacation with his girlfriend Susanna, played by Valeria Golino. However, on route with his girlfriend, he unfortunately learns that his father who threw him out as a teenager has passed away, and decides to show up at his funeral for only one reason, to get the money his father left behind. Upon arriving for the funeral, Charlie learns that his father left him a now antique convertible, which he originally loved and wanted in his teen years, but which his father never let him drive. Unfortunately for Charlie, he can't get the money which he truly desired, since he discovers that it has been given to a mental institution Charlie is unaware of. Charlie therefore decides to take matters in his own hands and goes to the institution to find out what their connection with his father was. It is only then that he learns that he has a big brother by the name of Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, who is autistic and lives in this institution. Charlie tries to convince the manager of the institution to let him have the money, since his brother can't do nothing with it because he doesn't even understand the concept of money. The manager of the institution refuses to give him the money, because he promised Charlie's father that he'd make sure to leave it to Raymond no matter what happened. Charlie is enraged by what has happened and by his father keeping Raymond's existence from him his entire life. As a result, Charlie takes Raymond out of the institution without the permission of the manager, and this is how Charlie gets to know his big brother Raymond. The two begin a long road trip that will lead them to an understanding of each other, and I believe that this trip across the country was the start in the relationship between the two brothers.

This movie was very emotional at some times, and had it's funny moments as well. I believe that "Rain Man" is truly a work of art, and a film that everyone can watch, understand, and enjoy.

I saw this movie for the first time in about 1991. I have loved watching this movie again and again over the past twelve years. Dustin Hoffman is a genius in the film. I say that because good acting is only good if you don't notice that it is "acting". I truly believed Dustin Hoffman was Raymond Babbit throughout the movie. The realism of autism brought out by Hoffman and the writers is spot on. I have a cousin who is an autistic savant, and the similarities are incredible -- and my cousin wasn't even born when I first saw the movie so watching it again later in years brought out another meaning for me.

If you are the least bit curious, feed your curiosity. This is honestly a good film.

What can you say about a movie that deals with a subject not usually tackled? Of course, there was 1968's CHARLY, starring Cliff Robertson (Best Actor Oscar-winner) and Claire Bloom, that gave us an in-depth look at "special" people, mostly especially, autistic people.

Dustin Hoffman is Raymond Babbitt, the titular character. Tom Cruise, in an excellent role that even impressed me (and I'm not at all a Tom Cruise fan) plays his conniving, selfish brother Charlie Babbitt. Thrown in the mix with them is the beautiful Italian actress Valeria Golino, who plays Cruise's compassionate girlfriend.

You have to love this film! Why? Because of two men, Cruise and Best Actor winner Hoffman (winning his second award since 1979's KRAMER VS. KRAMER). They are what pulls us into their world, and keeps us there until the very end when Charlie sadly puts Raymond on a train back to the sanitorium. (I admit, as a man, I cried repeatedly during this scene -- and still do!) It begins with the death of the brothers' father, a rich man who was estranged from Charlie and never even spoken about Raymond. When he dies, Charlie is given a beautiful 1940s convertible (and his father's prize roses). Upon hearing that this brother of his has inherited their father's fortune, Charlie decides to find him and eventually "kidnap" him.

His greedy selfishness is obvious from the first scene of the film. Eventually, his girlfriend has enough of this and leaves him alone with his brother. (She eventually comes back to him in Las Vegas.) During their cross-country journey, Charlie realizes how important having a brother is, citing that he always felt alone and that how happy he was to know that Raymond was his brother. Beautiful and human, yet not too sappy and saccharine! Even though Charlie proves to have an alterior motive for Raymond, you can't help but like the character (since he does provide some laughs). Cruise eventually plays the same character in 1996's JERRY MAGUIRE.

And, of course, there's Hoffman! Virtually stealing every scene he is in. From his quips: "I'm an excellent driver" to his Abbott & Costello "Who's on First" bit, you can't help but fall in love with this silly, but poignant character. What also clinches the tears for me, other than the departing scene on the train, are the end credits. Yes, that's right, the credits! Here's why. Even notice that Raymond is taking pictures? If you do, then you should know that those are the pictures taken in the end credits. We're actually SEEING what Raymond is seeing; that, in itself, is heartbreaking! Think about that!

And to the director, Barry Levinson, who would soon give us 1990's DINER and 1991's Oscar-nominated BUGSY, for showing us that even a family/buddy/road movie like this doesn't have to be an epic to win Best Picture.

My hat's off to Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass for creating such a wonderful script! Bravo, gentlemen, you deserve it!

RAIN MAN was the winner of 4 Academy Awards in 1988 for: Best Picture - Mark Gordon, producer; Best Director - Barry Levinson; Best Actor - Dustin Hoffman; and Best Original Screenplay - Ronald Bass and Barry Morrow.

RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS, 14 MINUTES.

In response to the movie "Rain Man", I felt that the role played by Dustin Hoffman (Raymond Babbitt) was unbelievable. Dustin Hoffman is a great actor as the Rain Man, and demonstrates incredibly well how an autistic person reacts towards certain things as well as changes in his routine life. He captures autism in such a way that you could actually believe in his performance. I was amazed at the way he was able to pull off this role.

Tom Cruise's role (Charlie Babbitt) was equally as brilliant, who is the villain of the story who undergoes such a sharp change that it's almost not visible until nearly the end. Charlie is shown to be a selfish and greedy jerk at the beginning of the film, but as mentioned before, his gradual understanding of his brother's disability, and extra abilities, are what eventually leads to the grasping of a strong relationship with his brother. Tom Cruise, in my opinion, was perfectly suited for the flashy, egotistical character of Charlie, and I think he did a great job.

Furthermore, the directing of the film was beautiful, for the most part just letting the action unfold, which is exactly the way it should have been done. I also believe that "Rain Man" portrays many aspects of autism quite well. The movie is an introduction to autism for most people who see it for the first time. In summary, Charlie Babbitt, played by Tom Cruise, is a self-centered car dealer, and leaves on vacation with his girlfriend Susanna, played by Valeria Golino. However, on route with his girlfriend, he unfortunately learns that his father who threw him out as a teenager has passed away, and decides to show up at his funeral for only one reason, to get the money his father left behind. Upon arriving for the funeral, Charlie learns that his father left him a now antique convertible, which he originally loved and wanted in his teen years, but which his father never let him drive. Unfortunately for Charlie, he can't get the money which he truly desired, since he discovers that it has been given to a mental institution Charlie is unaware of. Charlie therefore decides to take matters in his own hands and goes to the institution to find out what their connection with his father was. It is only then that he learns that he has a big brother by the name of Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman, who is autistic and lives in this institution. Charlie tries to convince the manager of the institution to let him have the money, since his brother can't do nothing with it because he doesn't even understand the concept of money. The manager of the institution refuses to give him the money, because he promised Charlie's father that he'd make sure to leave it to Raymond no matter what happened. Charlie is enraged by what has happened and by his father keeping Raymond's existence from him his entire life. As a result, Charlie takes Raymond out of the institution without the permission of the manager, and this is how Charlie gets to know his big brother Raymond. The two begin a long road trip that will lead them to an understanding of each other, and I believe that this trip across the country was the start in the relationship between the two brothers.

This movie was very emotional at some times, and had it's funny moments as well. I believe that "Rain Man" is truly a work of art, and a film that everyone can watch, understand, and enjoy.

I saw this movie for the first time in about 1991. I have loved watching this movie again and again over the past twelve years. Dustin Hoffman is a genius in the film. I say that because good acting is only good if you don't notice that it is "acting". I truly believed Dustin Hoffman was Raymond Babbit throughout the movie. The realism of autism brought out by Hoffman and the writers is spot on. I have a cousin who is an autistic savant, and the similarities are incredible -- and my cousin wasn't even born when I first saw the movie so watching it again later in years brought out another meaning for me.

If you are the least bit curious, feed your curiosity. This is honestly a good film.

well done, it might upset some lovers of the original b/c it doesn't always stay true but it is still a good movie that has some amazing effects and some amazing scenes. if only the sequel and other remakes were this good

I think this is the coolest book ever. Very good descriptions. Ethan Hunt rules!

Here is another in the great line of movies that will have you quoting lines to your friends for years to come. For those who live to quote movie lines, this film is second only to "Army of Darkness" for memorable lines.

Now, does that make it a five star movie. No, don't be silly. This movie earns its stars for a great story played out by a fantastic cast under the wonderful direction of Rob Reiner. Tom Cruise has the biggest role and delivers a fantastic performance as a slacker lawyer who discovers his abilities just in time to try the case of his life. Moore and Nicholson add star power and each is brilliant in their role. But, the three big stars aside, this movie is really made by the supporting cast. The list of actors who shine in support in this film is endless. Walsh, Pollack, Bacon, Gooding, Burnley, Dane, Fultz, Sutherland, et. al. make up the real legal dream team. This is truly a great ensemble cast (and fertile ground for the Kevin Bacon Game).

The courtroom scenes will drive trial lawyers crazy, but that criticism misses the point. The writers may have been sick the day they taught law in law school, but that is just the difference between paper law and trial law. So, while the lawyers may object strenuously, I say this film is matched only by "The Caine Mutiny" as great courtroom movies.

Don't miss this one, it is a masterpiece.

This movie is one amazing piece of work. A Few Good Men leaves you sitting in astonishment, as you can't believe the remarkable movie you just had the absolute pleasure of watching.

I am not a big Tom Cruise fan, but he truly performed on Oscar level in this film. I really enjoyed watching his character mature as the moive progressed. Jack Nicholson was simply "Jack" - enough said. This role was seriously made for him. Throw in Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and an exceptional performance by Kevin Pollack, and you have one blockbuster of a film. Cuba Gooding Jr. and ER's Noah Wiley also had minor roles in this film, and if that wasn't enough, add in the directing genius of Rob Reiner. Need I say more?

The film flowed extremely well, and the acting was far better than superb. The storyline was forever changing, allowing the suspense to be overwhelmingly good. The courtroom scenes, although slightly unbelievable, were so dramatic and enticing that you couldn't help but feel like you were on that jury witnessing all of the theatrics involved.

A Few Good Men will leave you wanting more, and the ending, somewhat unpredictable, will knock you out of your seat. This is one great film, and would make an excellent addition to anyone's film library.

Have you ever seen one of those movies that you could watch again and again? This is it for me! I can't being to tell you how many times I have stopped in the middle of cleaning the house, doing homework, eating dinner, whatever to watch A FEW GOOD MEN if it was on tv, cable, whatever. This movie is a great movie with a tremendous cast. Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Kevin Bacon, Demi Moore all give amazing performances. This is a movie that everyone should watch atleast once.
Even today I went to my dvd collection to pop it in the DVD player just to watch it again. I think this movie is a real treat for anyone who enjoys court room dramas, movies about military that is not about war, and who loves the actors listed above because I can't imagine any one else in these roles than the great cast in this line up! RENT AND ENJOY! No wait...BUY IT! You won't regret it!!

Here is another in the great line of movies that will have you quoting lines to your friends for years to come. For those who live to quote movie lines, this film is second only to "Army of Darkness" for memorable lines.

Now, does that make it a five star movie. No, don't be silly. This movie earns its stars for a great story played out by a fantastic cast under the wonderful direction of Rob Reiner. Tom Cruise has the biggest role and delivers a fantastic performance as a slacker lawyer who discovers his abilities just in time to try the case of his life. Moore and Nicholson add star power and each is brilliant in their role. But, the three big stars aside, this movie is really made by the supporting cast. The list of actors who shine in support in this film is endless. Walsh, Pollack, Bacon, Gooding, Burnley, Dane, Fultz, Sutherland, et. al. make up the real legal dream team. This is truly a great ensemble cast (and fertile ground for the Kevin Bacon Game).

The courtroom scenes will drive trial lawyers crazy, but that criticism misses the point. The writers may have been sick the day they taught law in law school, but that is just the difference between paper law and trial law. So, while the lawyers may object strenuously, I say this film is matched only by "The Caine Mutiny" as great courtroom movies.

Don't miss this one, it is a masterpiece.

This movie is one amazing piece of work. A Few Good Men leaves you sitting in astonishment, as you can't believe the remarkable movie you just had the absolute pleasure of watching.

I am not a big Tom Cruise fan, but he truly performed on Oscar level in this film. I really enjoyed watching his character mature as the moive progressed. Jack Nicholson was simply "Jack" - enough said. This role was seriously made for him. Throw in Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, and an exceptional performance by Kevin Pollack, and you have one blockbuster of a film. Cuba Gooding Jr. and ER's Noah Wiley also had minor roles in this film, and if that wasn't enough, add in the directing genius of Rob Reiner. Need I say more?

The film flowed extremely well, and the acting was far better than superb. The storyline was forever changing, allowing the suspense to be overwhelmingly good. The courtroom scenes, although slightly unbelievable, were so dramatic and enticing that you couldn't help but feel like you were on that jury witnessing all of the theatrics involved.

A Few Good Men will leave you wanting more, and the ending, somewhat unpredictable, will knock you out of your seat. This is one great film, and would make an excellent addition to anyone's film library.

Have you ever seen one of those movies that you could watch again and again? This is it for me! I can't being to tell you how many times I have stopped in the middle of cleaning the house, doing homework, eating dinner, whatever to watch A FEW GOOD MEN if it was on tv, cable, whatever. This movie is a great movie with a tremendous cast. Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Kevin Bacon, Demi Moore all give amazing performances. This is a movie that everyone should watch atleast once.
Even today I went to my dvd collection to pop it in the DVD player just to watch it again. I think this movie is a real treat for anyone who enjoys court room dramas, movies about military that is not about war, and who loves the actors listed above because I can't imagine any one else in these roles than the great cast in this line up! RENT AND ENJOY! No wait...BUY IT! You won't regret it!!

I think, if I'd never spent any time in the military, and didn't know how the military, and the people who make it up, operate (like, for instance, the writer and director of this movie don't), I'd have liked it a whole lot more. But having spent 10 years on active duty in the Army, there were two things about this movie that spoiled for me most of the enjoyment I might otherwise have gotten from it:

(1) The Tom Cruise character constantly smarts off to the Demi Moore character. His boss. His superior officer. He's a lowly Lieutenant, she's a Lieutenant Commander. In other words, he's a company grade officer; she's a field grade officer. This is a big deal in the military. My experience dealing with women of rank in the military is that, having invaded and excelled in a male dominated field of endeavor, they tend to be very concerned the men under their command won't respect them. Therefore, they DEMAND you respect them. But every time Moore tells Cruise to do something he ignores her, every time she gives him an order he has some smartass comeback and he refuses. And she just takes it. No woman who'd risen to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy could be such a milquetoast. Forget for a moment she's a woman. ANY officer worth their salt would have yanked Cruise bald the first time he lipped off. Metaphorically speaking (probably).

Finally, he pops off to her in front of the Nicholson character, who says to him, "You know, I just realized something. She outranks you." At which point, sitting there in the darkened theatre, I muttered to myself, "Thank God someone in this movie finally noticed that."

(2) The entire premise of the movie is bogus. Okay, two young Marines have beaten a fellow Marine, and because of a previously undetected medical problem he dies. So far so good. BUT the Cruise character, a JAG officer of years of experience, believes that if he can prove they were ordered to beat the dead Marine, they'll be let off. Because they were only following orders. Which is what soldiers/Marines are supposed to do, right? And Moore, with even greater experience than he, agrees. So we've got Tom Cruise, working and slaving and agonizing over how he's going to prove Kiefer Sutherland ordered these two Marines to beat another Marine, and that Jack Nicholson knew about it.

Uno-teeny-tiny problemo. According to military law, no military member has a duty to obey an unlawful order. On my first day in Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, they taught us that "I was just following orders" is not a valid defense if you break military law, that being ordered to break the law does not relieve you of the moral and intellectual responsibility to realize what you're being told to do is wrong, and refuse to do it. As a matter of fact, one of the first things - literally - they taught me in the Army was how to refuse an illegal order without being insubordinate. But Cruise - who should know better - figures if he can prove these guys WERE ordered to commit the actions that resulted in manslaughter he can skate them free. In the real world, any JAG officer with two brain cells to rub together knows that's not the case. Realistically, at most, he can take Sutherland and Nicholson down with them, for their part in the crime, but there's no way on God's green earth his clients aren't going to be convicted. But he doesn't realize that. And he should.

This was obviously a movie written and directed by people who've never been in the military, who don't understand how the military, and military law, works. This is a fatal flaw in a movie dealing with the military, and military law. They believe that soldiers/Marines are dogged robots who just mindlessly follow orders. And if you can prove they were following orders, they can't be held accountable for their actions. False. I've heard the attitude that the end of this movie, when the two Marines are convicted and sentenced for their actions, is a horrible, horrible thing. It's not. It's what would have happened in a real military trial. At least they got that much right.

On the other hand, Jack Nicholson as a hardcore Marine full bird Colonel (talk about casting against type) is worth two stars all on his own.

Jack Nicholson proves that you can do your best regardless of the others around you. This movie is cliched all around, weak plot, weak lead actors, yet he earned his second Oscar for a supporting role.

In short, Nicholson is the only reason to watch A Few Good Men. Of course, if you enjoy pretentious drama, or Demi Moore's looks, you may pick this up just for fun.

This is a great movie.

It has everything you need:
Good actors
Good plot
Good story

Go for it, you will love the movie!

Far and Away is such an incredible looking movie that your heart might end up hating your eyes for distracting yourself from the true beauty of the film.

This film is the story of Joesph and his hopes and dreams. His father is killed and he seeks to kill the man that took his land. Joseph meets up with Shannon, the wealthy daughter of the man responsible for taking Joseph's land, and she pays him to take her to America. Unfortunately they're robbed and we see the cold, harsh realities of foreigners trying to survive in America. Through prize fighting, Joseph begins to make a nice life for himself, while the spoiled Shannon ends up plucking chickens to make end's meat. Their trials and tribulations bring them together in one of the best love stories told, and the ending...well, lets just say that it's one of the most wonderful endings you'll find in a film.

Ron Howard has done an incredible job of bringing this film to life, and the performance of Tom Cruise is one of his best ever. Far and Away is a film that you have to see. You'll feel better about life after you have.

I saw this movie on vhs when it first came out. At that time I wasn't familiar with Cruise and Kidman. Watching it again on DVD recently I appreciated it even more. It is a great story which starts in western Ireland. The widescreen scenery is beautiful. Joseph (Tom Cruise)is a hard working Irishman with big dreams of owning his own land someday. When his home is burned and his father dies he sets out to kill the man responsible. At his landlords mansion he meets his daughter Shannon (Nicole Kidman)who feels she's too modern for her parents way of living. The two of them end up on a ship to America in search of free land. They encounter more trials than they expected. And there's plenty of fist fights and action for the men, romance and dreams come true for the women. I feel this is a movie worthy of owning and watching again. It's on my list. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman make a good team. Tom played the firey strong willed irishman very well. And Nicole was a beautiful strawberry blonde irishwoman with a bite. The big race for land at the end was my favorite part. Don't give up on your dreams...when you loose your dreams you die.

This is my favorite movie of all time. Its colorful, funny, dramatic, full of action and romance (not to mention Tom Cruise's "hotness"), it's a little of everything! My mom actually made me watch this and as soon as it started I wouldn't let her turn it off! I would recommend this movie to anyone!

Far and Away is such an incredible looking movie that your heart might end up hating your eyes for distracting yourself from the true beauty of the film.

This film is the story of Joesph and his hopes and dreams. His father is killed and he seeks to kill the man that took his land. Joseph meets up with Shannon, the wealthy daughter of the man responsible for taking Joseph's land, and she pays him to take her to America. Unfortunately they're robbed and we see the cold, harsh realities of foreigners trying to survive in America. Through prize fighting, Joseph begins to make a nice life for himself, while the spoiled Shannon ends up plucking chickens to make end's meat. Their trials and tribulations bring them together in one of the best love stories told, and the ending...well, lets just say that it's one of the most wonderful endings you'll find in a film.

Ron Howard has done an incredible job of bringing this film to life, and the performance of Tom Cruise is one of his best ever. Far and Away is a film that you have to see. You'll feel better about life after you have.

I saw this movie on vhs when it first came out. At that time I wasn't familiar with Cruise and Kidman. Watching it again on DVD recently I appreciated it even more. It is a great story which starts in western Ireland. The widescreen scenery is beautiful. Joseph (Tom Cruise)is a hard working Irishman with big dreams of owning his own land someday. When his home is burned and his father dies he sets out to kill the man responsible. At his landlords mansion he meets his daughter Shannon (Nicole Kidman)who feels she's too modern for her parents way of living. The two of them end up on a ship to America in search of free land. They encounter more trials than they expected. And there's plenty of fist fights and action for the men, romance and dreams come true for the women. I feel this is a movie worthy of owning and watching again. It's on my list. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman make a good team. Tom played the firey strong willed irishman very well. And Nicole was a beautiful strawberry blonde irishwoman with a bite. The big race for land at the end was my favorite part. Don't give up on your dreams...when you loose your dreams you die.

This is my favorite movie of all time. Its colorful, funny, dramatic, full of action and romance (not to mention Tom Cruise's "hotness"), it's a little of everything! My mom actually made me watch this and as soon as it started I wouldn't let her turn it off! I would recommend this movie to anyone!

I finally watched this after hearing my mom hype it for years. I have always understood it to be a war movie - but it isn't, not in the traditional sense of the word. There are about 10 minutes of war footage in this movie. The rest is (prior) about Ron's growing up loving to fight and being patriotic, and (after) Ron's adjustment to life and redefining patriotism.

There is one problem with the DVD - the case says it's 1 hour and 25 minutes long. I have been watching for 2 hours and there's no end in sight. I'll save the end of it for another day, but beware if you think it's a quick watch.

Director Oliver Stone's biopic of former Vietnam Vet and Activist, Ron Kovic, (Tom Cruise) is a pretty powerful film. The script, by Stone and Kovic, based on Mr. Kovic's book, makes for a fine companion to PLATOON. The movie traces Kovic as a young teen, who is eager to join the millitary, and go to war in Vietnam. Once he gets there, he becomes paralyzed, when he is shot by a enemy sniper. After an agonizing rehabilitation, he comes home, to a very different United States, and must come to terms with that. I am among those people, who thinks that Cruise, isn't all that good of actor. I have to say though, that he surprised me in BORN ON THE FORTH OF JULY, and really does some solid stuff here. For his part, Stone gives viewers everything that they have come expect from his films. The best part of the movie, for me, is what happens to Ron after he comes home. Not only did he have a hard time adjusting to life at home with a disability, but his family and friends have an eaqualy hard time dealing with, how the war changed him. The rest of the cast is top notch. Kyra Sedgewick, as Donna, Ron's girlfriend, Karoline Kava, as Mrs. Kovic, Raymond J. Barry, as Mr. Kovic, and Frank Whaley as Ron's friend, Tim, all give memorable perfomances. If PLATOON showed us what it was like on the field of battle in Vietnam, than this film shows us what happened when our soldiers came home, from the war.

Unlike most of Oliver Stone's films available on DVD, there is not much, in the way of extras here. There's a few production notes and some cast and crew information for you to look forward to. The only other feature is a thought provoking and informative commentary from Stone I always enjoy his words, even if I don't agree with all of his political notions, that he talks about on the commentary. The DVD is recommended

This is a movie from Oliver Stone based on The brutality of Vietnam, and how the soldiers who fought paid the most dearly. This film stars Tom Cruise as Kovic, whose gunshot embittered by neglect in a veteran's hospital and by the reality being in an America where most of America doesn't seem to even care about the war. He soon leaves the veteran's hospital to return home where he soon falls into deep depression and alcholism. After being home for just a short while he heads to Mexico and searches for something other than neglect. While in Mexico he discovers there that he can never satisfy a woman sexually. Kovic joins the Vietnam movement of antiwar protest, and a appearance at the 1976 Democratic National Covention. This is a great movie that I glady give 5 thumbs up and, recommend this younger generation that thinks war is cool to watch. Oliver Stone does it again with one of his wonderful movies.

I finally watched this after hearing my mom hype it for years. I have always understood it to be a war movie - but it isn't, not in the traditional sense of the word. There are about 10 minutes of war footage in this movie. The rest is (prior) about Ron's growing up loving to fight and being patriotic, and (after) Ron's adjustment to life and redefining patriotism.

There is one problem with the DVD - the case says it's 1 hour and 25 minutes long. I have been watching for 2 hours and there's no end in sight. I'll save the end of it for another day, but beware if you think it's a quick watch.

Director Oliver Stone's biopic of former Vietnam Vet and Activist, Ron Kovic, (Tom Cruise) is a pretty powerful film. The script, by Stone and Kovic, based on Mr. Kovic's book, makes for a fine companion to PLATOON. The movie traces Kovic as a young teen, who is eager to join the millitary, and go to war in Vietnam. Once he gets there, he becomes paralyzed, when he is shot by a enemy sniper. After an agonizing rehabilitation, he comes home, to a very different United States, and must come to terms with that. I am among those people, who thinks that Cruise, isn't all that good of actor. I have to say though, that he surprised me in BORN ON THE FORTH OF JULY, and really does some solid stuff here. For his part, Stone gives viewers everything that they have come expect from his films. The best part of the movie, for me, is what happens to Ron after he comes home. Not only did he have a hard time adjusting to life at home with a disability, but his family and friends have an eaqualy hard time dealing with, how the war changed him. The rest of the cast is top notch. Kyra Sedgewick, as Donna, Ron's girlfriend, Karoline Kava, as Mrs. Kovic, Raymond J. Barry, as Mr. Kovic, and Frank Whaley as Ron's friend, Tim, all give memorable perfomances. If PLATOON showed us what it was like on the field of battle in Vietnam, than this film shows us what happened when our soldiers came home, from the war.

Unlike most of Oliver Stone's films available on DVD, there is not much, in the way of extras here. There's a few production notes and some cast and crew information for you to look forward to. The only other feature is a thought provoking and informative commentary from Stone I always enjoy his words, even if I don't agree with all of his political notions, that he talks about on the commentary. The DVD is recommended

This is a movie from Oliver Stone based on The brutality of Vietnam, and how the soldiers who fought paid the most dearly. This film stars Tom Cruise as Kovic, whose gunshot embittered by neglect in a veteran's hospital and by the reality being in an America where most of America doesn't seem to even care about the war. He soon leaves the veteran's hospital to return home where he soon falls into deep depression and alcholism. After being home for just a short while he heads to Mexico and searches for something other than neglect. While in Mexico he discovers there that he can never satisfy a woman sexually. Kovic joins the Vietnam movement of antiwar protest, and a appearance at the 1976 Democratic National Covention. This is a great movie that I glady give 5 thumbs up and, recommend this younger generation that thinks war is cool to watch. Oliver Stone does it again with one of his wonderful movies.