Reviews Written by Brad
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April 2, 2002
1980'S REVISIT
Hilarious when first released in the 80's. Now it shows it's age. The DVD is a mess. Tin sound and worn out picture. No supplements what-so-ever. Save your cash. ... -
September 14, 2001
UNDER RATED CLASSIC
As a man who grew up at the race tracks, this movie is on target. Very funny. Can't recommend this under-rated classic enough. -
May 23, 2001
A FINNY TALE
Time has not been good to this movie. In 1978 it was passable entertainment, but the years have depleted anything that may have been good about this movie. Jennot Szwarc may have thought it was a good idea to show ALOT of the shark, which is it's downfall. You obviously are not frightened by the things you see oppossed to what you don't. And seeing how lame the shark really is takes away any thrills that should have occured. The 70's dialogue is dated and phony. The biggest asset in the film is Roy Scheider's performance. He truly brings whatever credibility he can to the film. The DVD on the other hand is quite nice. Great supplements for a title that isn't a 'Special Edition' per say. The 45 minute documentary sheds alot of light on how 'this missed opportunity' was pieced together. Universal is quite dedicated to the DVD format and it really shows in the presentation. The ** are mostly for the Disc itself. Not the movie. But hey, it's not as bad as JAWS THE REVENGE. ... -
April 18, 2001
WORKING GIRLS
0 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpful It's hard to believe it has been over 20 years since the release of this film. Topical when it was released, now it is not as dated as it should be. The reason is most likely the stars. Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and even Dabney Coleman fit their parts like a glove. Tomlin and Parton unfortunately have not had the roles worthy of their talent since. It's a shame because they are truly gifted at their crafts. Jane Fonda (at top billing) seems miscast. Maybe because she has always been outspoken as herself that one could not imagine her being the timid waif she is asked to play here. I did not buy her in 1980 and I do not now. Otherwise this is a fun entertainment that does hold up after two decades. Fox has created a nice widescreen transfer. First time ever letterboxed. There are a handful of various trailers but not much else. Too bad more suppliments could not be uncovered. Unfortunatley writer/director Colin Higgins has long since passed, and is missed. He was responsible for many of the 70's funniest comedies (as writer Harold & Maude and Silver Streak) and writer/director (Foul Play) and again with Parton as director of the film version of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. At around $20.00 9 to 5 is a nice collectable for your DVD library. ... -
April 4, 2001
STANDING UP TO ME NOTICED
Twenty two years after it's initial release NORMA RAE is still compelling. Anchored by a superb breakthrough performance by Sally Field. With great support by Ron Liebman et all. Skillful writing and directed by loving care by the late great Martin Ritt. This film is absolutely stunning. The story is as simple as could be, but is elevated by so much greatness is the reason it hold's up. Long before Erin tested the waters there was another heroine who's unexpected liberation made her grow. The DVD is another nice Fox disc. The first ever widescreen release is supported by a trailer and an original AMC Featurette. The quality of the disc is quite impressive considering the film's age. The picture is sharp and the sound is pretty good for 2.0 surround. At a price around $20.00 this is a must for film finatics. Hooray Fox! ... -
April 4, 2001
MAGICAL MERYL
Much has been said about Meryl Streep's talent. Mostly about her disappearing behind accents. Unfortunately some of here lesser roles go un-noticed. Like hers in DEFENDING YOUR LIFE. It is really a supporting performace and probably her most subtle. She is given an opportunity to be soft spoken and strong willed at the same time. It is quite simply a lovely performance filled with all the grace and beauty that only a true star can bring. Warner Home Video has created a decent DVD transfer. And if you have not seen the film it is a gem. Albert Brooks' dialogue and situations are quite funny and the film does have a sweet tone. Worth having in your collection. ... -
April 2, 2001
IF YOU SHOW IT...WE WILL WATCH.
More than a decade from it's original release, THE NATURAL holds up as a definative baseball movie. There was much debate about the ending, and the casting of Robert Redford when the film was released. Some thought Redford seemed too old looking in the opening moments of the film when he was supposed to be a young man. If you look beyond that and watch the body of the film he he a perfect fit. How all-American can you get other that Baseball and Robert Redford. I suppose if they film was shot in the early 90's maybe Kevin Costner or now even maybe Brad Pitt would have been cast. But there is the always a movie star quality of Redford that the latter seem unable to retain. The story is as old and cornball as you can get, but again what do you expect. It's Baseball. BB is America's Mythical Sport. The DVD itself sports a first rate transfer on crisp sound. The best treatment it has ever gotten. The downer on the DVD is the lack of a truly great documentary or audio commentaries. This movie really cries out for a Special Edition with Deleted Scenes, Interviews and such. But that is my only complaint about this Modern-Day Classic. A must for all movie (and Baseball) lovers. ... -
March 5, 2001
HITCHCOCK'S LAST HURRAH
Dis-missed by most critics and audiences. FAMILY PLOT is a smart and entertaining film. The DVD is a pleasure. The Film itself needs a restoration very badly, but the documentary 'Plotting Family Plot' is very entertaining. The cast members talk about experiences working with Hitch. Bruce Dern, even though he worked frequently in the past on Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Marnie was 15th choice for the role of Lumely. Al Pacino was first choice but Hitchcock would not pay his fee. William Devane tells of his first day and Hitch took a pause to check is pacemaker. And John Williams, hot off the success of JAWS spoke about being fresh to the movie scoring scene and Hitchcocks falling out with Bernard Hermann. There is also footage of the Universal Guards waving his car through the gates as Hitchcock gets driven onto the lot, and so much more. Great stuff. A highly recommended DVD. ... -
February 15, 2001
DAYS GONE BY.
There was once a man name William Castle. Some called him a P.T. Barnum of the movies. In the 50's and 60's he made movie going an experience with a new gimick for each film. All of his films were horror themed (13 Ghosts, House on Haunted Hill) the gimick reflected each film. One of the last films he produced was Roman Polanski's now classic Rosemary' Baby. This film pays homage to him loosely, and part of the charm and understanding the film is knowing him and his films. John Goodman is well cast in the lead. The DVD is barebones but a nice transfer and a steal most places at around $12.00 to $15.00. Hopefully Universal will re-visit this film with a special edition. ...
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ahead of its time
Very Funny and clever comedy that spoofed Disaster Movies a few years before AIRPLANE! did. Glad to see it coming out on DVD.