Victor/Victoria

Amazon.com essential video

Blake Edwards's delightful Victor/Victoria may be one of the last of the great, old-style movie musical comedies--it is so good, it was turned into a hit Broadway stage musical years later. And both versions starred Edwards's wife Julie Andrews (the former Mary Poppins) in the title role--as Victor and Victoria. She's a down-and-out singer who hooks up with a flamboyantly gay theatrical veteran (Robert Preston), and together they become the toast of 1934 Paris by dreaming up a provocative nightclub act in which Victoria assumes the identity of a man in drag. So, in other words, Andrews plays a woman playing a man playing a woman ... and that's only the beginning of the sexual identity confusions that provide the fuel for this splendidly classy slapstick musical farce. (Yes, it's all those things.) James Garner, as a Chicago club owner, finds himself strangely besotted with this stylish, androgynous creature--even though he thinks Victor/Victoria is a man. Legendary Hollywood composer Henry Mancini (a longtime collaborator with Edwards) won his last Oscar for the score; Andrews, Preston, and Lesley Ann Warren, as Garner's cheeky girlfriend, were also nominated. Musical highlights include Victor/Victoria's sizzling "Le Jazz Hot" (in which Andrews shows off her incredible vocal range); another showstopper for Victor/Victoria, "The Shady Dame from Seville"; Preston's witty ode to "Gay Paree"; Warren's hilarious burlesque number, "King's Can-Can"; and a charmingly casual yet elegant side-by-side number, "You and Me," done in a small club by Preston and Andrews in tuxedos. --Jim Emerson

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-08-28

What can I say? Julie Andrews, James Garner, Robert Preston all in the same movie! Music by Henri Mancini...fantastic!!!
Movie was interesting, new twist on the gay movement!
Woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman?? Impossible you say? Julie Andrews pulls it off with great music and lots of laughs!
Music was great!

Victor/Victoria.......2007-07-10

Blake Edwards's musical triumph and an ideal late-career showcase for real-life wife Andrews, this dazzling picture employs the venerable talents of tunesmiths Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, not to mention reuniting Garner and Andrews almost twenty years after they made "The Americanization of Emily". The late, great Robert Preston nearly steals the film as Toddy, along with Lesley Ann Warren, who does a deliciously dizzy turn as Norma, the film's decorative dim bulb. Now, that's entertainment.

N2FINEMUSIC.......2007-06-13

This production of Victor/Victoria was highly entertaining which Julie Andrews and Robert Preston performed a great dual partnership in comedy and singing.

Victor/Victoria is a great Movie.......2007-01-23

If you like Julie Andrews and James Gardner you will enjoy this movie it is a movie the whole family will enjoy,Robert Preston is also in the movie he is great

Old fashioned comedy with a "gay" new twist.......2007-01-19

For those that like a musical that isn't really a musical, a comedy farce of purposeful gender confusion and a love story, you are in for a treat.

Andrews, Preston and Garner are excellent in their leading roles and the story is just involved enough to keep you entertained without losing the delightful comedy of the topsy-turvy role-play.

Look forward to comedic awkward situations, a tender love story, wonderful musical numbers (on stage, no one spontaneously bursts into song), and a great cast of characters.

Take an honest look at the gay side of Paris and the delightful rise of a down-on-her-luck woman's rise to "male" stardom.

Average customer rating:

A classic.
Sans Widescreen
The Mountain Men
WHATS UP WITH SONY PICTURES???
DVD GIFT

The Mountain Men
Starring: Charlton Heston , Brian Keith , Victoria Racimo , Stephen Macht , and Seymour Cassel
Director: Richard Lang
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B00006672R
Release Date: 2002-06-18

Customer Reviews:

A classic........2007-09-08

Excellent movie, great scenery. Chock full of quotable lines ;). Comparable to Redford's "Jeremiah Johnson".

Sans Widescreen.......2007-09-01

This is a great movie about Mountain Men but all the DVDs that I found were only in full screen format. Although widescreen is now fairly common with DVD releases, this one isn't. Good performances by Charleton Heston and Brian Keith (the two of them appeared togther in another western "Arrowhead" with the late Jack Palance). Still this is a good movie that will be sure to please.

The Mountain Men.......2007-07-28

The movie is great. Had it on VHS tape, just wanted to get a DVD of the same movie. Will watch it many times.

WHATS UP WITH SONY PICTURES???.......2007-07-27

I CANT GIVE ANY DVD MORE THAN 1 STAR WHEN ITS IN THE SQUARE FORMAT INSTEAD OF WIDESCREEN AND GOD ONLY KNOWS WHAT TYPE OF SOUND IT HAS BECAUSE THERE IS NO MENTION OF IT. WHAT A CROC !!!!!!

DVD GIFT.......2007-07-19

As this was a gift, I didn't watch the movie, but the DVD arrived quickly & as it was new, it was in great condition. The one it was for really appreciated it.
Glenda

Average customer rating:

RATINGS GOOF
Crackhead Cop
Sorry people, the Lieutenant isn't the only thing bad here. It's a bad film. A really, really bad film!
not moved by any of it in any manner whatsoever
Brutal would be an understatement

Bad Lieutenant
Starring: Harvey Keitel , Victor Argo , Paul Calderon , Leonard L. Thomas , and Robin Burrows
Director: Abel Ferrara
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
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ASIN: B00005OM6L
Release Date: 2001-08-14

Amazon.com

Proving that he may be the most fearless actor of his or any other generation, Harvey Keitel gives an amazing, no-holds-barred performance in director Abel Ferrara's uncompromising 1992 film about a New York cop on the edge of self-annihilation. The film's title is meant to be taken literally: Keitel's character has no redeeming values whatsoever, save for his desperate need for redemption. Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide is correct in calling this an "over-the-top Catholic guilt movie," but it's been made with such conviction that Ferrara and Keitel transcend the sheer unpleasantness of the material to give it a kind of tragic divinity. Here's a character so vile and corrupted that he consumes or re-sells the drugs he confiscates, but when he's assigned to investigate the brutal rape of a nun who refuses to press charges, he feels that this is his opportunity to redeem his rotten soul. Deservedly rated NC-17 due to its rough content and a frontal nude scene that even Keitel's most loyal fans could do without, this film tends to divide viewers into love-it-or-hate-it categories, but few could deny its raw power and the deeply anguished humanity that Keitel brings to his role. Whatever your reaction may be, few would deny this is an unforgettable film. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

RATINGS GOOF.......2007-09-06

I love this very, very dark film. But this is merely a correction. The Lionsgate rating is NC 17 not "R" as Amazon lists it. Meaning that all the sex, doping and Keitel's private parts are on healthy display.

Crackhead Cop.......2007-08-31

The Bad Lieutenant is an interesting movie for the simple fact that Harvey Kietel's performance is one of his best.His is a character with no redeeming qualities whatsoever.If you wnat to see how many dispicable acts a Police officer can commit in the space of 90 minutes or so, this is the movie for you.
Other reviewers have knocked the Director for his style here so I will not disagree with that.To me that is of secondary interest to the inhuman meltdown that Keitel undergoes as he sinks deeper and deeper into the depths of his addictions and other sordid behaviors.It is the greatest implosion I've seen a character undergo in a movie.Just when you think he can get no lower he commits some other vile act(the scene when he pulls over 2 teenage girls for instance).He makes any other corrupt cops look like Elliot Ness in comparison.

Sorry people, the Lieutenant isn't the only thing bad here. It's a bad film. A really, really bad film!.......2007-08-30

I got a chance to see this movie recently on IFC (Independent Film Channel). I was so intrigued by the concept of the plot and have found over the years that almost anything Harvey Keitel is in is well worth watching. Unfortunately, this film wasn't one of them. The problem here is not the plot or the acting. It's the film maker. Period. My impression after watching this was that the director must have been a first year film student who was trying every trick he heard in class without really understanding how it impacts up on the screen.

Harvey Keitel plays a cop who's scraping bottom. He loses consistantly to the bookies and now is up to his ears in gambling debt. Add to that he's a drug addict and uses his position as a detective to, shall we say, take advantage of underage girls. Basically, he has no redeeming qualities. When a nun is brutally raped the case falls into his lap and as he investigates crime he begins to slowly yearn for a redemption that he thought was beyond his reach.

Sounds like a good plot, right? Well it is, on paper. The possibilities here are just endless. But from concept-to-filming something went very wrong. More and more, as you watch the plot becomes secondary. Director Abel Ferrara throws bad scene after bad scene at a wall, hoping it will stick, and very few do. Two examples of a couple of scenes that really stand out to me as horrible film making: The first, when the nun is being attacked we are treated to a series of quick shots with the camera, first of the nun as she is being raped, then cut quickly to a icon of Christ, then back to the nun as she is screaming, then back to Christ, then back....well you get the idea. I'm assuming that this was suppose be an analogy that the nun's rape was like the crucifixion of the Savior. Only, it's really a bad analogy. And the quickness of the cuts may have been done to try and build the tempo of the scene but instead was just plain annoying.

But the worst scene, by far, was the full frontal nudity of Keitel. For two reasons: 1) with apologies to the actor, it's just not a pleasent sight. I could have gone the rest of my life without seeing that image. But more importantly: 2) Keitel's nudity really had no reason to be included in this scene. None. It did not, in any way, advance the plot of the film. This specific scene shows him on a drug-induced high and we see him swaying back and forth in this trance. OK, showing him high does advance the movie but the nudity wasn't necessary to do that. It was like the director was saying, "Hey look what I got Harvey Keitel to do." To be honest I'm not a big fan of full frontal nudity, in most cases I think it cheapens the scene, but can at least understand it IF THERE IS A PURPOSE TO IT. Here there isn't. It was a waste of time and film and made a bad film watching experience even worse.

Again, this is a bad film. If it were possible to give it zero stars then I would have. I wouldn't recommend this to any one.

not moved by any of it in any manner whatsoever.......2007-08-27

Keitel has been one of my favorite actors over the years and is the only reason I saw this in a movie theatre, etc. Alas, this flick put me to sleep. Where is the writing? Does this "director" know anything about story-telling/filmmaking? Does he read at all? IS HE A READER? Or is he just another bogus, so-called eccentric hack? I suspect it might be the latter.

Why talented actors (for the most part) continue to appear in this "director's" films is totally baffling.
Wait a minute--on second thought, could it be $$$? Sure. It's a paycheck. Only it seems
a truly high price to pay.

Brutal would be an understatement.......2007-07-23

WHOA HO HO! This definitely ain't Officer friendly. This is the story of the most messed up, crazy cop ever. Harvey Keitel was awesome in Taxi Driver, Pulp Fiction, and Reservoir Dogs, but I'm telling you, this is his best performance by far.
Not that his character is likeable. He plays the "bad lieutenant", an officer with absolutely no inkling of goodness in him. Not a single drop. If an old lady needed help across the street, he'd push her under a bus after grabbing her purse.
I kept waiting for him to do something halfway good, but his malevolent deeds nearly got to the point of feeling hackneyed. His authority really went to his head, and with the heavy drug use and gambling problems, his life goes spiraling out of control.
During his impending downfall, Harvey cries out, both figuratively and literally. But it's impossible to feel for him, there really is nothing shown to connect you to this cold-blooded psychopath whatsoever.

This movie is rated NC-17, and for good reason. Not only did it show a full frontal shot of Mr. White, it's also packed with some of the most heinous scenes ever depicted in a cop movie. My eyebrows were raised a few times, and I'm not shocked too easily. Don't watch this expecting anything short of abrasive.

Average customer rating:

Interesting, but false advertising
Get Your Good Clean Fresh Nasty Shallow Fun Here
TERRIFIC THRILLER ABOUT PARANOIA
A SUPERIOR THRILLER!!
Hollywood studio would have never produced `Shallow Grave'

Shallow Grave
Starring: Kerry Fox , Christopher Eccleston , Ewan McGregor , Ken Stott , and Keith Allen
Director: Danny Boyle
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
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ASIN: 079284405X
Release Date: 2000-03-28

Amazon.com

The first feature from director Danny Boyle, producer Andrew MacDonald, and screenwriter John Hodge (who went on to make the enormously popular Trainspotting, the not-so-well-received A Life Less Ordinary, and The Beach), Shallow Grave begins with three obnoxious roommates mockingly interrogating applicants who want to share their spacious flat. The guy they finally choose doesn't last long--they find him dead from a drug overdose along with a suitcase full of money that he no longer needs. They decide to keep the money; this of course requires that they discreetly dispose of the body, which proves to be a gruesome, traumatic business. They begin to suspect each other of betrayal and become increasingly deranged. The movie wants to be a satirical comment on the greed of British yuppies but is more an exercise in stylish paranoia, where the color of the walls matters more than why the characters behave the way they do. The clever cinematography and macabre humor make Shallow Grave worth watching, just don't expect to like anyone in it. Starring the very hip trio of Kerry Fox (An Angel at My Table, The Last Days of Chez Nous), Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, Velvet Goldmine, Star Wars: Episode I--The Phantom Menace), and Christopher Eccleston (Jude, Elizabeth). --Bret Fetzer

Description

Three friends push the boundaries of trust in this hermetically sealed shocker (Los Angeles Times) from the creators of Trainspotting. Starring Kerry Fox (The Hanging Garden), Christopher Eccleston (Elizabeth) and Ewan McGregor (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace), Shallow Grave is a masterpiece of terror (Movieline), riddled with hairpin turns (Boxoffice) that takes you on a fantastic ride to the lowest depths of human nature. Juliet (Fox), David (Eccleston) and Alex (McGregor) find that their new reclusive roommate has not left the bedroom for days. After kicking in the door they discover his drug over-dosed corpse and a suitcase full of money! Fatefully choosing to keep the money, they know they have to get rid of the remains. But the body won't stay buried and a careless trail from the shallow grave leads the policeand two money-hungry thugsback to the trio. And as the stakes get higher, so does the body count, not to mention their paranoia which is quickly putting their friendships in jeopardy forever!

Customer Reviews:

Interesting, but false advertising.......2007-08-16

I found this film to be good but not great. I admire Danny Boyle, but this piece wasn't his finest.

What I found surprising as I perused the newly expanded archive of Siskel and Ebert reviews is that they gave this film two thumbs down, while the case it's sold in clearly shows "Two Thumbs Up" and then attributes that quote to Siskel and Ebert. I felt compelled to remark on this in some way. Not that anyone should be wholly swayed by the opinions of any such reviewer, I just think that the potential viewer should be well-informed and that the film's marketing shouldn't be allowed such a blatant lie.

David G.

Get Your Good Clean Fresh Nasty Shallow Fun Here.......2006-10-19

"Shallow Grave," a 1994 black comedy-farce, was the film debut of young British director Danny Boyle, who had previously worked in British television. You can catch his work in the "Inspector Morse," and "Hamish MacBeth" series, and it's well-worth catching, if you can.

The movie starred several then-unknown actors. Kerry Fox as "Juliet Miller," Christopher Eccleston as "David Stephens," and Ewan McGregor as "Alex Law." In smaller parts it featured; as "Detective Inspector McCall," Ken Stott, who's since made a career playing tv cops, most recently "Inspector Rebus;" and Colin McCredie, whom some may remember from the last series of "Taggart." Robert Carlyle, an actor with whom Boyle had previously worked on "Hamish," was offered the starring part of "David," but turned it down.

Boyle was born on October 20,1956(same date as Viggo Mortenson), in Manchester, England, son of first generation Irish Catholic immigrants. He began working in theater: he was Artistic Director of the Royal Court from 1982-85, and then Deputy Director from 1985-87. He's since gone on to make the hits "Trainspotting," a fairly outrageous druggie film, with Ewan McGregor again, in 1996; and "28 Days Later," a zombie movie like no other, in 2002. His work tends to have a light--some might say shallow-- touch, and a taste for the fantastic.

"Shallow" is a fresh take on a hoary idea: that pots of money, no matter how acquired, will break any friendship/companionship/marriage. It's set in Edinburgh, and opens on a sweeping panorama of that city's elegant, historic New Town district. (Only exteriors were filmed in Edinburgh, however, the rest was filmed in Glasgow to take advantage of a 150,000 pound grant from that city's film board.) Three roommates, needing a fourth for financial reasons, are interviewing candidates; they're kind of snarky, but funny if you don't happen to be the interviewee. Their flat is drop dead gorgeous, big and light, full of unexpected color: you'd sure like to be the lucky one chosen. Mysterious Hugo, the man chosen, dies immediately after moving in. They never exactly know why, neither do we; all parties just assume drug overdose, especially after Hugo's found to have a suitcase full of nice crisp 100 pound notes. This sets the plot, in all its gruesome, unpredictable glory, in motion; six people will be dead by movie's end.

Boyle's first movie is pure "tartan noir," tough, funny, macabre, and couldn't be further removed from what Hollywood has recently conditioned us to. We never learn the back stories of the three main characters, nor any of the others, nor why they are acting as they do. And none of the characters are shown to be nice people, worth rooting for. In fact, in my off-the cuff memory, we haven't been presented with three such easy to dislike characters since the late John Huston's masterpiece "Treasure of the Sierra Madre," starring Humphrey Bogart as Fred C. Dobbs, John's father Walter as another of the miners, and ending with a body count about the same as "Shallow Grave's."

In sum, "Shallow Grave" is a tight, entertaining, shallow little thriller, with Boyle's trademark touch of the fantastic. It's like nothing you've ever seen before. Your feelings about it will be influenced by your fondness for the unexpected, and your willingness to sit there and let a movie take you where it will.

TERRIFIC THRILLER ABOUT PARANOIA.......2006-10-02

This is a terrific thriller about three roommates sharing the same flat in England who are looking for a fourth person to rent to. The film starts off a little comical with the three roommates, Juliet (Kerry Fox), David (Christopher Eccleston) and Alex (Ewan McGregor) sizing up the various denizens looking for a place to stay. They go through silly dialogues, and ask outrageous questions of those who wish to rent. Finally, one person shows up whom they all agree to rent to. There is a problem however: This man is more than they bargained for.

After only one night in the flat, the trio find the man dead of a drug overdose. Moreover, he has a briefcase filled with money. Instead of reporting this to the police they decide to keep the money and get rid of the body. Thinking no one will be the wiser, they dump the car and dismember the body in the woods. However, the police discover the body, and the short-lived roommate's fellow thugs discover the car. And these are not the type of men you want to cross. They deal very harshly with everyone in their quest to find their missing friend, and more importantly, the missing money.

David (Christopher Eccleston) is one hell of a case of paranoia. Although he has reason to be. However, it becomes a morbid case of paranoia when the thugs arrive on the scene. Not content with dealing with the thugs, he becomes dementedly paranoid of his fellow roommates. What I liked about the film is how it shows greed, even amongst friends, changes these three people. With Alex (Ewan McGregor) seeming to be the only normal one among them. This is an excellent thriller, and highly enjoyable. The ending is superb and highly unexpected. Highly recommended. [Stars: 4.5]

A SUPERIOR THRILLER!!.......2006-07-19

From the director that brought us the trashy movie called "The Beach," comes this fantastic thriller that has to be seen to be believed!!
If you like movies like Fargo, Blood Simple and A Simple Plan, you'll love this!! It's that type of thriller!!

Hollywood studio would have never produced `Shallow Grave'.......2006-01-17

Why is it that I watch and enjoy so many films in which Ewan McGregor appears? After finishing the substantive part of my day one evening last week, I flipped over to IFC and found `Shallow Grave' (1994) just starting. I stuck with it, and was not disappointed.

A movie fan has to love the risks that the independent filmmakers take. Danny Boyle, the same director of `Trainspotting,' did a very nice job with three rather unknown actors at the time - at least in the U.S., Kerry Fox (Juliet), Christopher Eccleston (David), and McGregor (Alex), a quirky and unusual script, a little contemporary film noir, and created an enjoyable little story. Nice work, Danny Boyle.

In synopsis, Juliet, David, and Alex live in a nice four bedroom flat and are conducting a roommate search to pay a fourth of the rent. During a dinner/interview with a prospective tenant, Hugo, played by Keith Allen, the three are impressed, perhaps excessively so, when the potential flat mate brandishes nice wad of pound notes. Very shortly after Hugo moves in, he is not to be seen. Inquisitive Alex (he's a newspaper reporter) leads the charge to break into his room only to find Hugo naked and dead. Then, Alex continues to snoop and finds a substantial cache of money in a suitcase under the bed.

In short, after some very shallow soul-searching, the trio decided to keep the money rather than to report Hugo's death to the authorities. As such, Juliet, David, and Alex David must dispose of the body, Hugo's car, and anything else that could possibly associate the deceased flat mate with the three friends. The disposal proves to be quite a grisly affair, but that is not the least of the trio's problems. Paralleling their own struggles in disposing of Hugo, Boyle introduces us to two very bad men who are also looking for the money. The audience does not know and does not necessarily need to know who these very bad men are, just that they are very bad men and are getting closer and closer to Juliet, David, and Alex.

Ironies abound in `Shallow Grave,' but one of the most fun of those ironies occurs at the point when bodies, - yes, bodies - are found in a shallow grave, and Alex is assigned by his editor at the newspaper to cover the story. Alex's front-page headline is then succeeded by an intense climax as the three "friends," each apparently on the verge or over the precipice of insanity caused by greed, face each other early one morning and then a surprise ending that includes Alex gruesomely fastened to the floor of the flat.

In a moderate budget, independent film, actors, directors, and producers tend to take more creative risks. As such, I do not believe a Hollywood studio would have ever produced `Shallow Grave'. And, if it had, Hollywood would have turned it into a watered down version of its original intention, comparable to the difference between the independent `Requiem for a Dream' and the Hollywood `Traffic.' Good for lovers of good film.

Average customer rating:

One of Eddie's Toppers
Great DVD
A Modern Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
disappointing but has some moments.
Subtle Humor with Few Belly Laughs

The Distinguished Gentleman
Starring: Eddie Murphy , Lane Smith , Sheryl Lee Ralph , Joe Don Baker , and Victoria Rowell
Director: Jonathan Lynn
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: 6305428441
Release Date: 1999-11-16

Amazon.com essential video

"Mr. Murphy Goes to Washington." As a sly con man from Florida, Thomas Jefferson Johnson (a name he enjoys reciting), Murphy seems just about perfectly cast. And the notion that a crook would be drawn to Capitol Hill like a fly to honey is a cheap, cynical idea that could be milked for a few belly laughs. The chief bad guy, a greedy lobbyist aptly named Dick Dodge (Lane Smith), is a perfect, smarmy target, but the movie loses its cool and turns earnest and patriotic, striking a high-minded attitude that it has scarcely earned. It may have seemed a clever idea hiring a Brit, Jonathan Lynn (Clue) to direct, but he doesn't bring a fresh eye to the material. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Joe Don Baker bat cleanup. --David Chute

Description

Comedy superstar Eddie Murphy (BOWFINGER, THE NUTTY PROFESSOR) brings down the house in THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN, the hilarious new comedy hit about a small-time con man who runs for Congress -- and miraculously wins! As Thomas Jeffferson Johnson, Murphy hustles his way to the big time and wins an elected seat in the U.S. Congress. But that's only the beginning -- with the perks and power of his new position, Murphy cons for cash and doesn't have to break the law to bamboozle the big bucks! You can be sure you'll love it when Eddie Murphy goes to Washington!

Customer Reviews:

One of Eddie's Toppers.......2007-01-10

I really enjoyed this movie again. After having viewed it several times in the passed I decided that it must be in my collection. Charlton Francisco

Great DVD.......2007-01-09

My husband and I had seen this movie several time on our TV but our children missed it. We wanted to purchase a copy as a Christmas gift. Finding one in the used sections of various stores was impossible, so I went online and learned it was available from [...]. I ordered it and within three days in was in my hands! Not only was it a swift delivery but the item was new, still in its sealed package. I would use this method of ordering again.

A Modern Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.......2005-12-12

As some wiseman once observed, if Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was made in the 1990s, it would be The Distinguished Gentleman. In many ways, both movies tell the same story, which shows how little the film industry and probably the American people's impression of Congressional politics has changed over fifty years. In The Distinguished Gentleman, the United States Congress is shown to be an assembly of self-interested career politicians whose ultimate goal is to stay in power. Congressmen are portrayed as being the greatest of conmen, who have learned how to ally themselves with political action committees and reap great benefits in the guide of representing the American people. Any action that may benefit the people but harm the special interests, such as the effect an investigation of the connection between power lines and cancer clusters would have on the power companies, will be obstructed by the politician who needs the special interests' support.

A major element of the story, one which is not present in Mr. Smith, is election politics. The protagonist, Thomas Jefferson Johnson, is a conman who discovers the potential wealth in being a Congressman. He learns that name recognition is a more powerful tool than the issues in a campaign. Since he has the same name as recently deceased Congressman Jeff Johnson from his district, and people will overwhelmingly vote for the incumbent, whose name they recognize, they will elect Thomas unwittingly. His initial goal is to abuse the system, like the Congressmen around him, to get as much money as possible. Unlike Jefferson Smith, who begins as a simple man whose naivete gets shaken, Thomas Johnson begins as a opportunist who gets a conscience. Thomas' conscience comes in the form of a beautiful woman, Celia Kirby, and a sick girl who are fighting hopeless cause against the powerful power company.

Olaf Anderson is the head of the power company, which is the special interest, or the Tim Taylor political machine of this movie. As a special interest, the power company supplies great amounts of money to Congressmen in return for them acting favorable toward the power company. Celia and the families being harmed by the power company cannot match the financial power of the special interests. Dick Dodge, the chairman of the Power and Industry committee and the Joseph Paine of this story, takes any and all measures to ensure the protection of the power company, and the power company will reciprocate. Dodge takes Thomas as a pupil, showing him how easily the benefits of Congress can be reaped if one is willing to be unscrupulous, and in this way Dodge is even more forthcoming in admitting his corruption than Paine was. When Thomas tries to open an investigation and help the people, Dodge and Anderson first try to persuade, then bribe, and finally intimidate him into staying out of the way of the special interests. Thomas will eventually win the day by using his abilities as a conman for the common good instead of his own self-interest.

This movie perhaps portrays Congress in an even more cynical fashion than Mr. Smith did, giving a larger portion of the corruption to the Congressmen and a less-evil but just as self-interested role to the special interests. Again, as in Mr. Smith, the power concentrated in the special interests reduces the sovereign power of the people, portraying more of an aristocracy than a democracy. As a critique on the abuses of modern democracy, The Distinguished Gentleman shows how American democracy is constructed in a manner which allows for functionality and flexibility to serve the people, but that it can easily be corrupted by those who chose to take advantage of its flexibility. While Mr. Smith portrayed this perversion to be more of an exception to contrast Smith's altruism, The Distinguished Gentleman portrays this corruption as be the general rule, predominant among Congressmen. The message is the same, however: The people of the United States need to decide if they are going to allow the type of corruption that people widely believe is present in Congress in reality, to forfeit their representation or to take action. People need to pay closer attention to what is going on, both in election campaigns and once their Congressmen are in office, and hold those people who are supposed to represent them accountable for their actions, which is an even more empowering and activist position than in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Because The Distinguished Gentleman was even created, it can be argued that people had not yet heeded Frank Capra's warning and needed to be reminded. We will, no doubt, continue to see more movies with this theme.

disappointing but has some moments........2003-06-27

I am a political junky AND an Eddie Murphy fan and I had great expectations for this movie. And for the most part the first half has pretty interesting and entertaining. But the script bogged down and just flattened out towards the end. EM still makes it fun to watch. This is a rental, not a purchase.

Boy, politicians should have been great fodder for a comedy but this movie missed its potential

Subtle Humor with Few Belly Laughs.......2003-04-25

It is tempting to compare this movie to other political satires of previous years. However, it is at heart an Eddie Murphy movie, and you know that Eddie Murphy is always over the top.

The plot is relatively simple. Eddie Murphy is a small-time con artist. Having recently overheard a conversation between several lobbyists and a congressman, Eddie realizes that (in his opinion) being a congressman is the biggest con of all. One day he happens to be in the right place at the right time when a congressman with virtually the same name as his dies. Eddie runs for election to replace the dead congressman with his only platform being that "you know the name". You must know that Eddie wins in a landslide.

Eddie's initial goal is to figure out how he can get as much money as possible. However, as is the case with all con artists, their undoing is when they begin to care. In Eddie's case, his undoing is a beautiful woman and a little girl diagnosed with cancer. The combination of the two makes Eddie care about someone other than himself, and you see Eddie change from that point.

Lane Smith plays Dick Dodge, a senior congressman on the powerful Power and Industry committee. Dick Dodge is a wheeler and dealer who knows all the ins and outs of Washington, and the best way to wield power and profit from his position. Initially Eddie looks to Dick as a mentor. While Eddie initially identified with Dick Dodge, as Eddie discovers that there is a harmful side-effect on ordinary people by the actions of people such as Dodge, Eddie eventually uses his abilities to remove Dodge from power.

This movie is a bit more cerebral than Eddie's typical movies. "Trading Places" was generally slapstick and situational comedy. "Beverly Hills Cop" was one-liners and irony. The humor in this movie is often more subtle, and in some cases may be lost on some viewers. There are places in the movie where the humor is slapstick and one-liners, however, much of the humor is satirical and often harder to discern.

Amazon.com

Fans of Julie Andrews will delight in this 1995 videotaping of the stage musical Victor/Victoria, based on the 1982 movie of the same name. The plot has been kept intact: an out-of-work British soprano (Julie Andrews) in Paris falls in with a down-on-his-luck gay man (Tony Roberts), who gets the idea to present Victoria as the world's greatest female impersonator, Victor. The plan is a phenomenal success until a Chicago mobster on vacation (Michael Nouri) sees Victor in a nightclub and falls in love--and refuses to believe that Victor is a man. Due to the needs of the stage, the musical doesn't have the snap, crackle, and propulsive drive of the movie, which is a sprightly romp; to make up for this, the story has been expanded (some might say padded) with extensive dance numbers and new songs by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, with additional musical material by Frank Wildhorn. While Roberts and Nouri don't quite have the charisma of Robert Preston and James Garner, who played their roles in the movie, they're seasoned stage performers and make the most of things--Nouri in particular has a strong singing voice, which may surprise people who only know him from his movie career. And Julie Andrews is Julie Andrews; at this point in her career, you either love her or you don't. Victor/Victoria isn't going to change anyone's mind, but Andrews knows her audience and knows how to give them what they want. --Bret Fetzer

Description

One of the world's most talented and best-loved performers, Julie Andrews reaches new heights in the most challenging role of her career as a woman pretending to be a man impersonating a woman! Filmed on the Broadway stage in 1995 (and based on the 1982 film), the immensely popular Victor/Victoria is a warm, funny, wildly energetic look at the nature of love, gender perceptions and the battle of the sexes. Written and directed by Blake Edwards, with an unforgettable score by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, Victor/Victoria tells the story of an out-of-work singer whose life changes when she meets the flamboyant Toddy (Tony Roberts). With his help, she becomes "Victor," an overnight singing sensation in the nightclubs of Paris. But success becomes hilariously complicated when she meets the love of her life, King Marchan, a macho Chicago gangster (Michael Nouri). Adding her two cents to the couple's troubles is Marchan's ex-girlfriend, the ditzy Norma Cassidy (Rachel York). From the electrifying excitement of "Le Jazz Hot" to the contemplative "Crazy World," from the humor of "Chicago, Illinois" to the touching "Almost a Love Song," this truly classic musical has it all. 146 minutes. Filmed in High-Definition video. 16x9 anamorphic widescreen transfer.

Customer Reviews:

HOORAY FOR HOLLYWOOD !!!.......2007-07-03

I was so pleased to see such a professional video of a broadway play! It was like being in the theatre sitting in a few different seats to get a different perspective of the show! And the show is marvelous ! Even the scene changes are filmed which gives one the impression of being there live! This is the best filmed Broadway show I've ever had the experience to view!! BRAVO!!!!

A mangled shadow of a great movie.......2007-04-29

The story is of circumstances that make it possible for a singer (Julie Andrews) to pretend to be a man pretending to be a woman. " ~ Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive ~ " Sir Walter Scott

Right off I must say I miss Robert Preston. Naturally this is a play and not the movie so there must be some allowances. Unfortunately the play mangles the story more than necessary. Also the actors have no charisma or pizzas. The vocal ranges including Julie's are pitiful. The characters and actors just do not mess. The original story was placed in Berlin (Viktor und Viktoria (1933.)) When Blake Edwards moved it to Paris he added his signature slapstick distraction. They had an opportunity to remove it for the play. Instead they just added more Keystone Cop type slapstick. The few new songs barely replace the classics from the movie.

You can still get a copy of "Viktor und Viktoria"(1933) from Amazon.de

Getting older.......2007-03-03

Having seen a Spanish-language version of this show in Mexico City, I was happy that a version of the Broadway show is available on disk. Now, however, I see why Hollywood never sticks exactly to the Broadway version. Recorded, the show drags. The sound is less than perfect. And close-ups of the star reveal her to be a bit elderly for the part. Julie is a knock-out at 60, but hardly convincing as a young London thespian hoping for her first big break.

One of the finest Broadway production to be seen.......2006-03-17

My only regret is I missed the chance to watch the show live when coming to New York City in late 1997. This DVD release may be the second best though we have the soundtrack CD for many years. Seeing the show is miles more enjoyable than merely listening to the audio tracks.

We always enjoy the performance by Julie Andrews who as a multi-talented artist has a very remarkable career through all these decades. This show provides her an excellent opportunity to pull off various aspects not many female Broadway artists may have accomplished. Understandably the show closed off not long after she had lost her voice even with two other big name artists as replacement.

I tend to believe that the audience bought the tickets more or less to see _her_ on the stage.

Rachel York as Norma Cassidy is quite a pleasant surprise that substantially elevates the total comedy effect. It's hard to hold off the chuckle with the gags coming out from her.

This should be in the library of every lover not just of Broadway musicals but of performing arts.

Just Another Review..........2005-12-24

To start off before i rip the show apart I do like this show and I do enjoy watching this DVD as well as the movie itself.

Tony Roberts(Toddy) and Julie Andrews(Victoria) are weak in their roles. Definetly with all the talented actors out there I'm disappointed the casting directors could not have found better suited actors. Not saying that Tony and Julie aren't fabulous actors, they just weren't meant to play these parts. Andrews is just not believable what-so-ever as a boy. But this is one of the last performances that the legend, Andrews had, and it's nice to be able to capture her amazing command of the stage on film.

The supporting cast is fantastic especially the fabulous Rachel York(Norma Cassady) who never disappoints. York and Gregory Jbara(Squash) Keep the show together.

As far as music, there are very few numbers that spark my interest. One being Le Jazz Hot and also Paris Makes me Horny. The rest of the music drags and is sometimes boring.

Average customer rating:

How can you lose with these actors?
I can't believe people enjoy this movie
Why won't you go out with me?
2 out of 10
Molly Ringwald Grows Up - Too Much

The Pick-Up Artist
Starring: Molly Ringwald , Robert Downey Jr. , Dennis Hopper , Danny Aiello , and Mildred Dunnock
Director: James Toback
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000DD76U
Release Date: 2003-12-16

Amazon.com

From the pen of James Toback comes this ridiculous talk-fest, in which people seem to say whatever comes into their minds, whether it's interesting, germane, or doesn't even makes sense. What story there is centers on Robert Downey Jr., an inveterate womanizer who meets the girl of his dreams--and the one woman immune to his charms. She's Molly Ringwald, and her drunken father (Dennis Hopper) is in debt up to his neck to the mob. So she agrees to go to Atlantic City with a surly mobster and his cronies (Danny Aiello and Harvey Keitel), who have more than gambling on their minds. Downey tries to save Ringwald, even as he attempts to convince her that he can curb his wandering eye and be faithful to her. These people never shut up, but you'll quickly wish they would. --Marshall Fine

Description

Jack Jericho (Robert Downey Jr.) is a master in the art of meeting women, but the master has just met his match - the beautiful Randy Jensen (Molly Ringwald). In this hilarious, romantic comedy, a smug, compulsive womanizer who won't take no for an answer meets the woman of his dreams, only to find her impervious to his charm.

Customer Reviews:

How can you lose with these actors?.......2007-03-24

Dennis Hopper, Molly Ringwald, Robert Downy, an unknown Vanessa Williams? With these names you can't lose. To top it off, a 1967 Red Rally Sport Camero as a central character. What a gem of a movie, and now I finally own it! Robert Downy was in his heyday in this, right after doing Back To School with Rodney Dangerfield and before all the drugs. Molly Ringwald was still very hot too but I was shocked to see Vanessa Williams, I had forgotten she was in this movie. Look how young she was compared to her Ugly Betty self now!

The storyline was thin but it never got boring. Great pick up lines from Downey too. Just a real pleasure to watch and sure to lift your mood everytime.

I can't believe people enjoy this movie.......2006-07-31

This movie is complete garbage. I actually like Robert Downey Jr as an actor but hated him in this movie. Please do yourself a favor and don't watch this trash.

Why won't you go out with me?.......2006-03-07

Robert downey plays a smooth talikng problem solver who tries to pick up a good-two-shoes teacher who is also a really good luck charm when it comes to playing casinos whose father is in enormous debt who is being bailed out by robert while still trying to pick up molly while being pursued by a scary hitman harvey keitel while being funny the whole time.

It's a good movie, people. Buy it, own it, love it.

Enjoy!

2 out of 10.......2004-08-15

The Pick-up Artist is a dangerously bad film. There is absolutely no chemistry between Robert Downey and Molly Ringwald. Molly Ringwald may have been of the most iconic 1980's female actresses, and she certainly proves her worth here. Ringwald looks too much of a virgin to me when her character wasn't supposed to be. That marks the moment when the film had lost its believably element. The real joke in this film has to be Robert Downey. His acting is insanely moronic. I often have to wonder if he wears a lipstick. I am pretty sure Robert Downey can make a great drag queen if he chose to. From the start to the end, I was annoyed. I couldn't see how Dennis Hopper and Danny Aiello got interested in this film and lend their hands in it. Harvey Keitel gives a fair performance, but I believe he is much tougher than that. Comparing Harvey Keitel's performance in Bad Lieutenant, Reservoir Dogs, and Mean Streets to The Pick-up Artist, it is enough to make an apparent observation that Harvey Keitel should have applied his talents to a more different film than this. A smaller film that he did rightfully apply his talent was Rising Sun, and he pulled that one off better than he did in this film. Why did they have to call it The Pick-up Artist? Could they give the movie a better title such as The Player?

Molly Ringwald Grows Up - Too Much.......2004-07-23

Molly Ringwald became a teenage phenomenon in the 80s with "Pretty in Pink," "Sixteen Candles," and "The Breakfast Club." For a while it seemed as though every movie she made was a sure hit, until "The Pick-Up Artist." This movie has several problems that make it much less likable than Molly's other movies, and it is one of my least favorite movies starring Molly Ringwald.

Part of the problem with this movie is that Molly Ringwald actually is not the star. The principal character is Jack Jericho (Robert Downey, Jr.). Jack seems to have a mouth that continually runs. Jack seems to like to hear himself talk. Jack establishes at the beginning of the movie that he has one goal in life, and that is to meet, date and make love to as many women as possible. Clearly Jack is as shallow as plastic wrap.

Randy Jenson (Ringwald) on the other hand is an enabler. Her father Flash Jensen (Dennis Hopper) has an alcohol and a gambling problem, and Molly is doing her best to get her father out of trouble, without solving the root of his problems that lead him to drinking. I kept thinking that Randy really needs help, both for herself and for Flash. That her only help was shallow Jack Jericho seemed to be totally inadequate. I kept interpreting everything Jack did in terms of his normal goal with women, which was very distracting. Thus, when Jack actually did change in a cliche sort of way I missed the change.

This movie has some humorous moments, but they are offset too often by Robert Downey being annoying, and an intimate scene between Downey and Ringwald was a bit shocking for me. This movie is not a comedy at all, regardless of how wholesome, sweet and smiling Molly Ringwald looks on the cover.

This movie is definitely not suitable for children, and is probably barely only suitable for teenagers. While the movie has its moments, I will provide only a weak recommendation. If you really like either Molly Ringwald or Robert Downey, then this movie will probably work for you. If you are expecting another movie similar to the three I mentioned earlier, all of which I consider to be far superior to this movie, then prepare to be disappointed.

Average customer rating:

Master of the Rare Laserdiscs Movies
THEY'RE LOSIN' IT ABUSING IT!!!!
Great fun, made even better by bright and talented cast
People think this is funny??
You're Losin' It, Abusin' it if you don't like it

Losin' It
Starring: Tom Cruise , Jackie Earle Haley , John Stockwell , John P. Navin Jr. , and Shelley Long
Director: Curtis Hanson
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000542CI
Release Date: 2001-02-06

Description

Tom Cruise (Magnolia, Top Gun) has everything to gainand a certain something to losewhen he crosses paths with Shelley Long ("Cheers," The Brady Bunch Movie) in this rambunctious road-trip comedy set in the wild and wacky sixties. A wild, irreverent and totally out-of-control trip down memory lane, this high-octane Baja excursion has laughs coming as fast as a Tijuana taxi! When all-American high-schooler Woody (Cruise) and his Sinatra-obsessed pal Dave (Jackie Earle Haley, Nemesis) decide that it's time to lose their virginity, they enlist the help of their "more experienced" friend Spider (John Stockwell, Top Gun) and head south of the border. Now, in a hilariously raunchy search for cheap boozeand even cheaper thrillsthe intrepid trio will run into fast-food floozies, crooked cops and a close encounter with a doubting would-be divorcee (Long) that will change Woody's life forever!

Customer Reviews:

Master of the Rare Laserdiscs Movies.......2005-07-10

LOSIN'IT is One of Tom Cruise's greatest 80s movies,I have it on LASERDISC AND DVD too,go get it,you'll love it :P

THEY'RE LOSIN' IT ABUSING IT!!!!.......2004-09-05

I LIKED THIS MOVIE. THE FIRST, TIME I SAW IS WHEN I WAS A KID. I HAD SAW IT IN THE STORE AND I HAD TO HAVE IT. IT STARS YOUNG TOM CRUISE SHELLY LONG AND OTHER STARS I LIKE THIS MOVIE IF YOU LIKE CLASSIC 80'S MOVIES THEN YOU WOULD DEFINITELY LIKE THIS MOVIE AND THEREFORE, I WOULD RECOMMEND ANYONE WHO LIKE ROAD TRIP MOVIES TO BUY THIS MOVIE.

Great fun, made even better by bright and talented cast.......2004-06-15

I first saw Losin' It on HBO in the early 1980's. It seems to have retained a certain something that demands repeat viewings, at least for me. Despite the "name" stars, Tom Cruise (in a pre-Top Gun role) and Shelley (I should have stayed on "Cheers") Long, this fun roadtrip film to Tijuana, Mexico is stolen away from them by Jackie Earle Haley as the sex-crazed, would-be Frank Sinatra, "Dave", who is on a quest for the mythical aphrodisiac, Spanish Fly and John P. Navin, Jr. as the capitalist kid, "Wimp", (my name is "Wendal"!!), who finances the trip in exchange for coming along to buy cheap fireworks to sell back home in California at a premium. One of the funniest scenes in the film takes place during an attempt by "Dave" to buy Spanish Fly in a Tijuana pharmacy. There are all the usual teen sex comedy gags, language and humor and some is unfortunately, quite tasteless and there is some brief nudity, as well. But, the bright and talented cast still manage to shine through and overcome things that might have diminished the efforts of other performers. It's definitely male, adolescent humor and not for all tastes or for those who are easily offended. But, all-in-all, it is a very funny film and is light-years better than other teen sex comedies, such as "Porky's", with it's forgetable cast of mostly unknowns who stayed that way. The exceptional cast of "Losin' It is this film's strength and they carry it. There is also some nice 1950's and 1960's music. I can personally highly recommend it to those who are looking for a fun film.

People think this is funny??.......2003-10-26

I bought this (luckily used for very cheap) after reading some of these reviews on Amazon. I didn't laugh at anything; the characters were too painfully one-dimensional. Even Cruise in an early part of his career (although post-Outsiders, which was a pretty good performance) was wooden.

The story is pretty standard fare for the "teen adventure comedy" and everything ends on an upbeat note.

A strange thing was that I thought it was set in or around 1983, when it was made - yes, Dave drives a '57 Chevy, but a lot of motorhead kids in my high school (in 1983) did similar. I did notice the Tijuana cop drove a 50's style car (not sure of model) but just assumed that public services in Tijuana couldn't afford anything more modern. But at the end, when they were queued up at customs, ALL the cars were 50s-types. I thought perhaps it was going to be some joke about a classic car rally - but since there wasn't, I can only conclude that this movie was taking place in the late '50s. You wouldn't know it from the story though - only from the cars.

Anyway, even if a TV channel was showing it for free, it's not worth watching. Lame, lame, lame. Watch "The Night Before" starring Keanu Reeves and you will be much more entertained (and intrigued) in a movie that has a similar kind of "high school kids in trouble after hours" feel.

You're Losin' It, Abusin' it if you don't like it.......2003-01-14

This has to be one of the most underrated teen movies in the 1980's, and I've been a fan of this movie since I was 14 and now that I'm 22, I still love this movie.

The story is about 3 high school seniors Dave (the Frank Sinatra/sex obsessed pal) Woody (the sensitive intellegent person) and Spyder (a tough boy from a broken home) who plan a trip to Tijuana in search of sex, but the plan backfires as Dave's little brother Wendel 'Wimp' comes along with them as well as a runaway bride (Shelley Long)
As they arrive in Tijuana, the boys go out and look for a good time and later they meet the crooked cops, insane marine sailors and junkyard ruffians and they decide to get out of Tijuana and make it across the border.

Description

Sex and murder come together in a steamy romance with Hitchcockian twists. A screenwriter, obsessed with phone sex, joins a therapy group for sex addicts, where he meets the wife of a policeman. Their uncontrolled passion leads to a twisted love triangle and eventually murder! Between Your Legs is a tale of passion, jealousy and revenge.

Customer Reviews:

Victoria Abril is fantastic this role, she definitely carries the film........2006-04-03

You never know what you're going to expect when you watch this quirky Spanish flick. There are some obvious moments that are (Pedro) Almodavar and some are (Julio) Medem, which should come as no surprise as the actors in this show have worked with the above directors. Sex, suspense, comedy, drama - it's all here rolled into one. In its English title it sounds like a porno, in its camera-work it feels like a Hispanic melodrama, and in its soundtrack and direction its pure vintage Hitchcock, but this film is none of those things. It is a highly engaging and suspenseful thriller, which although borrowing much from the genre that it inhabits, stands on its own two feet as an oddly original piece of work.

Although the film is all about sex it is neither erotic nor pornographic, but intelligently scripted and all of the sex scenes are visually mild. Instead, it is about the repercussions of sexual relationships, which is explored through the eyes of two "sex addicts" who meet in an anonymous therapy session. Their relationships with significant friends and family around them begin to break down in the face of their lust and love, and an overzealous spouse and an unfortunate murder leads them perfectly into fairly traditional thriller territory. The suspense is kept up throughout and I found myself glued to the set. There are plenty of little surprises to keep you entertained, and plenty of twists to keep you guessing.

The cinematography is stunning---one of the most beautifully shot and constructed urban thrillers I've seen from any country. In terms of atmosphere, it's unforgettable the character in the rain, in the shadows of alleyways, the iridescent shimmering interiors (shot in some beautifully seedy Spanish settings).

Javiar Bardem is great as usual and Victoria Abril was fantastic in her role, she definitely carries the film here. I highly recommend this.

A story of addiction.......2006-02-08

I was looking for Spanish speaking movies, with great actors like Javier Bardem or Victoria Abril. And I found both of them in this movie. Considering the director and actors, I expected some dark, headache type of movie. You know, one of those "European" movies that you are supposed to watch while not thoroughly digesting them, only for the sake of watching something different from, let's say,..., King Kong. Well, you still get a kind of King Kong, the saving big guy, really COOL!!! But at least you also learn some Spanish words, and you get a real guy not a robot. Actually, the toughest, most headaching thing about this movie was to look for it in a DVD store and have to pronounce its title, in English or in Spanish, for the cashier. I will never forget the expression on the face of the young man, saying "between your... Oh, wow. It must be a fun movie!". So, it you want to buy it, buy it on the Internet...
It actually is a rather dark atmosphere, but Bardem and Abril make it a lot lighter. The plot has a comic strip style, it looks unrealistic but you still get involved in the story. Kind of like King Kong, if I may!!! I liked the indulgence of the director for the viewers, offering us the happy ending, because after all that happened to these poor guys, they deserved a better life. If you are looking for sex scenes, go find something else. It is for sure R-rated, for some scenes where the title is taken literaly, but it is not a big deal, and compared to some recent American movies, it could soon become a classic and rated PG-13 maybe! I found the plot a little too long and complicated. I liked the fast castillan speaking; try to watch it in Spanish. For the rest of the detail about the story, I let you go to the other viewers! I personally enjoyed it but wouldn't go crazy about it.

good if a bit confusing and conventional..........2005-10-12

Mainly it's a pleasure to watch the three central characters, Javier Bardem, Victoria Abril, and Victor Lopez. Especially Victoria Abril, she is absolutely gorgeous and talented, I can't get enough of this luscious lady!

The film though is indeed a bit gimmicky in its exploitative use of the whole sex-addiction issue (grazing over it without even attempting to shed any light on it) and the happy romantic ending feels a little pat. In between, there is simply too much happening, too many competing subplots and minor characters, and the lines of intersection are not always very clear or coherent. It does have some fine Almodovarian moments here and there, but all too few and far in between. Visually though it is a pleasure to watch, the film went by pretty quickly, I have to admit I was taken by its cinematographical beauty and style more than its (lack of) substance. Kind of wished there was more happenin' sex happening, despite the title there isn't that much of it by European film standards and not even all that much nudity either. You could say this film is kind of a tease in that respect.

All in all, it was nevertheless far better than your average typical Hollywood multiplex crapola though.

Between Your Legs.......2005-08-14

Between Your Legs! What kind of visions does this title conjure up in your mind? If you imagined the wind blowing through your hair while riding a Harley, not bad but you're wrong. Horseback riding or racing? Wrong again. If these are the images you summon, you are probably either a priest, a nun or undersexed. I'll give you a clue. What is said to make the world go around? Sex? Bingo! Between Your Legs is a story about SEX. Sex addicts to be exact.

Between Your Legs centers around three people Miranda, Victoria Abril, Javier, Javier Bardem and Felix, Carmelo Gomez, two of whom meet at a therapy session for sex addicts, a Sex Anonymous if you will. Talk about throwing red meat at a tiger, a co-ed therapy session for SEX ADDICTS? Not surprisingly, Miranda and Javier, who have the same compulsions, start hanging around. When Miranda wasn't walking her dog through the park, picking up strangers for trysts, she was the wife of Felix, a cop and mother of an adolescent daughter and Javier, when not engaging in habitual phone sex, was a successful writer and producer.

As I said Miranda and Javier start hanging around and pretty soon they're hanging all around each other. In fairness Miranda tried to resist but Javier was persistent and soon, after a couple hours, they were having a go in an abandoned car in a parking garage. In the aftermath this upset Miranda, probably because she was off to a bad start curing her addiction, and she ran off. However