Teen Romance Movies

Dirty Dancing (Single-Disc Widescreen Edition) List Price: $14.98 Sale Price: $12.99 You save: $1.99 (13%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

Description

In the summer of 1963, innocent 17-year-old Baby (Grey) vacations with her parents at a Catskill's resort. One evening, she is drawn to the staff quarters by stirring music. There she meets Johnny, the hotel dance instructor, who is as experienced as Baby is naive. Baby soon becomes Johnny's pupil in dance and love.

Stills from Dirty Dancing: Limited Keepsake Edition (Click for larger image)

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Lions Gate
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
Original Release Date: 1987-08-21
Actors:

• Jennifer Grey
• Patrick Swayze
• Jerry Orbach
• Cynthia Rhodes
• Jack Weston

Reviews

The best movie from the 80s

by Deanna from Maryland on 2002-09-26
In Dirty Dancing, Jennifer Grey stars as Frances "Baby" Houseman, a girl who goes on vacation to the Catskills with her father, mother and sister in the summer of 1963. She meets the handsome dance instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), who works at the lodge where they're staying, and is smitten with him. When she volunteers to fill in for Johnny's dance partner, Baby experiences love and life firsthand from the free-spirited Johnny.The DVD version of this movie is terrific. The clarity is amazing, the sound is crisp & clear and the bonuses are wonderful. With the bonus features, you get commentary from the movie's creator, a behind-the-scenes featurette (with no audio), the videos for "She's Like the Wind," "I've Had the Time of My Life" & "Hungry Eyes," biographies about the cast & crew (Jennifer Grey, Patrick Swayze, Cynthia Rhodes, Jerry Orbach, Jack Weston, the director, the producer, the writer and the choreographer), a short "Reliving the 60s" documentary, the theatrical trailer and a concert featuring the music from the movie.If you love Dirty Dancing, I highly recommended getting this DVD. It would be a great addition to add to your collection!

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If you own the Collectors, do you want this one? Read on.

by Steven Burke from Earth on 2006-04-15
I give this movie and the DVD package 4 stars. The music was powerful and the love story between Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze was a powerful one and the acting performances by all involved were completely believable. Now for the DVD itself. If you own the Collectors Edition and you're wondering whether or not you would want this version there should be only one thing to take into account....how good is your home theatre system? If you have a 5.1-7.1 home theatre system then I would highly recommend buying this version, the DTS:ES 6.1 discreet audio track is more visceral than the Dolby Digital 5.1EX track and with almost twice the bit rate you're getting nearly twice the information. This means that you're listening to something that's more accurately reproducing the original studio masters of the audio with less compression than the Dolby track. If you already own the collectors edition and you're watching your DVDs through either just your television, a two channel stereo or with a receiver that only supports Dolby Digital or Dolby Pro Logic/Pro Logic II then I would say to be sated with the version you already have. There is not much more that this DVD covers with the interviews and features that, after watching the collectors edition, you would care to see.

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THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE

by R. Penola from NYC, NY United States on 2000-01-06
It is awfully hard not to get swept up into the nostalgic heat and sentiment of this unabashedly, and well-done, teen romance. It is, by turns, sexy, funny, melodramatic, jamming (what with that soundtrack chock full of some of the best pop hits of the 60s mixed with a few great new songs) and campy. Yet the overriding feeling of melancholy and wistfulness, portrayed with real talent by Jennifer Grey, as the perfect Baby, transforms this movie into something lasting, something to really love. Cynthia Rhodes is absolutely riveting -- as usual -- in the second female lead; she is a spectacular dancer and electrifying whenever she is on the screen. The aching feeling of first true love/lust/whatever, here directed at hunky Patrick Swayze, who is by the way an excellent dancer, comes to full flower at a Poconos resort. As all manner of soapy subplots move through their predictable paces, we are treated to the transformation of our young heroine and any number of delightful musical numbers, capped off by the irresistably romantic Time Of My Life -- that feeling of moving through a romance that has somehow changed your life is captured with a rare sweetness, and it stays with you.

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Nobody puts baby in the corner

by Coqui2k from Lompoc, CA USA on 2007-04-19
Lionsgate Home Entertainment will release Dirty Dancing: 20th Anniversary Edition on May 8th. The two-disc set will feature an anamorphic widescreen transfer and newly remastered Dolby Digital 5.1 & 2.0 tracks. Extras include commentary with writer/ co-producer Eleanor Bergstein, never-before-seen deleted & alternate scenes, outtakes, a new exclusive interview with Patrick Swayze, a tribute to Jerry Orbach, original screen tests, multi angle dance sequences, "The Classic Story on Stage," interviews with Emile Ardolino, Eleanor Bergstein, Jennifer Grey and Kenny Ortega, music videos ("Hungry Eyes," "She's Like The Wind," "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life"), a photo gallery and trailers.

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You'll have the time of your life!

by from Missouri on 2001-06-05
For a PG-13 film, this has got to be the sexiest film I've seen. This movie is a typical love story: girl and guy are different "classes"...girl and guy get together anyway...people object, etc. However, this film manages to get, and keep, your attention through several plot twists. Jennifer Grey stars as "Baby" a spoiled daddy's girl. Baby goes with her family to a resort for summer vacation. There, she meets Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze), the defiant and seductive dance instructor. Even though Baby is encouraged to learn "lady-like" dances and crafts, her heart's desire is to be a rebel for once in her life & dance like the staff...dirty dancing. When Johnny loses his dance partner, Baby takes over...even though she's never danced like that before. It is obvious that Johnny is not pleased with the arrangement, but decides to endure the torture. During Baby's private dance lessons, the music is great and the chemistry between the two actors is absolutely sizzling! This is very much a "coming-of-age" film. We get to see several characters grow up and learn life lessons quickly in this movie. Although this movie appeals to a younger crowd, my best friend's mother is one of the biggest fans I know!! I was somewhat disappointed with the ending, but overall, this is one of my favorite films of all times. This is a must see & a "must buy"...you'll want to see it again and again.

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The Bridges of Madison County (Deluxe Widescreen Edition) List Price: $14.98 Sale Price: $6.02 Average Rating:

Description

World-traveling National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid and Iowa housewife Francesca Johnson aren't looking to turn their lives upside down. Each is at a point in life where expectations are behind them. Yet four days after meeting, they wont want to lose the love they've found. Academy Award winners' Meryl Streep (earning her 10th Oscar nomination for this performance) and Clint Eastwood (who also produces and directs) bring blazing starpower and powerful conviction to the beloved characters of Robert James Waller's best seller of love, choice and consequence. With luck, a love like that happens to some of us sooner or later. For Robert and Francesca, it was later. And it was glorious.

Some called it a snooze-fest, while others tearfully clutched their Kleenex. In any case, Clint Eastwood was an unusual and (as it turned out) perceptive choice to direct and costar in this lush adaptation of Robert James Waller's phenomenally bestselling novel. Meryl Streep costars as Francesca, the lonely Iowa farmer's wife who is instantly attracted to Robert (Eastwood), the photographer from National Geographic who is in the area to photograph the bridges along Iowa's rural roadways. The two fall in love while Francesca's husband and children are away at a county fair, but the story's passion and lasting appeal derive from their decision to part forever after just a few brief days of intimate connection. Superbly acted with an emphasis on quiet, graceful moments of tender revelation, the film builds to a crescendo of powerful and conflicting emotions. Like David Lean's Brief Encounter (to which it bears marked similarities), The Bridges of Madison County is destined to become one of the classic movie love stories. --Jeff Shannon

Some called it a snooze-fest, while others tearfully clutched their Kleenex. In any case, Clint Eastwood was an unusual and (as it turned out) perceptive choice to direct and costar in this lush adaptation of Robert James Waller's phenomenally bestselling novel. Meryl Streep costars as Francesca, the lonely Iowa farmer's wife who is instantly attracted to Robert (Eastwood), the photographer from National Geographic who is in the area to photograph the bridges along Iowa's rural roadways. The two fall in love while Francesca's husband and children are away at a county fair, but the story's passion and lasting appeal derive from their decision to part forever after just a few brief days of intimate connection. Superbly acted with an emphasis on quiet, graceful moments of tender revelation, the film builds to a crescendo of powerful and conflicting emotions. Like David Lean's Brief Encounter (to which it bears marked similarities), The Bridges of Madison County is destined to become one of the classic movie love stories. --Jeff Shannon

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: Unrated
Brand: Warner Brothers
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
Original Release Date: 1995-01-01
Actors:

• Clint Eastwood
• Meryl Streep
• Annie Corley
• Victor Slezak
• Jim Haynie

Reviews

A triple triumph for Eastwood with no shots fired

by Joseph Haschka from Glendale, CA USA on 2000-11-28
This 1995 film, BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, stars Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep, and was also produced and directed by the former. If you're used to seeing Clint in his belligerent Dirty Harry or Man With No Name persona, then you're likely to be enormously surprised by his triple triumph in this sensitive film in which nary a shot is fired or punch thrown. The Streep character, Francesca Johnson, was an Italian war bride brought back to Iowa in 1945 by the soldier whose heart she captured. Twenty years later, she lives on a farm with her middle-aged husband and teenage son and daughter. Long since before, she's had to give up her career as a teacher because her spouse, an otherwise gentle and considerate man, doesn't approve of a working wife. She lives, without dreams or passion, a life of quiet desperation. Then along comes the Eastwood character, Robert Kincaid, during a period when Francesca is home alone, the rest of the family off to the State Fair in neighboring Illinois. Kincaid is a photographer for National Geographic, his current assignment to photograph the local covered BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY. The divorced Kincaid is the quintessential wanderer, at home wherever in the world he finds himself at the moment, taking his experiences and relationships as they come. During the four days of her family's absence, Francesca falls deeply in love with Robert, and he with her. In him, she rediscovers her dreams of the wider world long denied her in rural Iowa. In her, he discovers the personal and emotional commitment that he professes not to need. When Francesca must choose between Robert and her family, Duty, Responsibility and Loyalty battle with the Heart for the outcome. The scene towards the end of the film in her husband's pick-up truck, wherein Francesca displays wrenching mental turmoil and emotional anguish over a decision that she must make immediately, is, by itself, an Oscar caliber performance by Streep. Is Francesca's decision a tragedy or moral victory? At the moment of her choice, how much of what she was and could have been was irretrievably lost? Perhaps hindsight and reason might provide the answer. But, the heart will never really know, will it? And the mind will play "what if" games until time and expectations run out.

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"THIS KIND OF CERTAINTY COMES BUT ONCE IN A LIFETIME."

by Soaring Heart from on 2000-08-13
This movie is one of my all-time favorite romances. It begins with adult siblings looking through their deceased Mother's things where they discover a secret. They "find their way" to a letter from their Mother (Francesca played by Meryl Streep) which is the content of this movie (along with 3 journals.) Francesca's words in the letter to her children open the story. "I know it sounds awful but I couldn't wait for you all to leave. You were going to be gone until Friday. Four days--just four days." This is where the story begins, in the past. "THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY" is about these incredible life-changing four days of Francesca and Robert. The Father and children had left to enter a steer into a fair and Francesca stayed home. Not long after Francesca's family leaves, a photographer who is lost (Robert Kincaid played by Clint Eastwood) drives up to ask for directions to a covered bridge. She tries to tell him but they both get confused because the roads aren't marked. Of course if they would have been, this love story would have never have happened. The way their affair begins so innocently is part of what makes the story so compelling for me. Streep and Eastwood together are amazing; and their growing friendship and deep love that follows is magical. Both of their acting is flawless in my eyes as well as the music, script and cinematography. Eastwood is an impressive producer as well as director. It is such a wonderful story I could paraphrase the whole thing; but I won't. Just enjoy each moment of their 4 days together which go on forever in their hearts. I think the moral of "THE BRIDGES OF MADSION COUNTY" is to be grateful for every day of our lives. Life is a long-winding road full of joy and sorrow. We must survive the sorrow and truly cherish the joy while at the same time remembering that our decisions affect not only us but our loved ones as well. The ending is magnificient.As my wise Father told me once: "Live your life so that you'll have no regrets and try to accomplish that which will be best for everyone."

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Best Film never to have won an award

by Mark Blackburn from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada on 2009-03-01
Last night my wife and I watched this movie in "HI-DEFINITION" for the first time. Such glorious cinematography -- the countryside around the bridges of Madison county. "Beautiful music," said my wife. "I think Clint wrote it," I said. Two nights earlier we had watched Clint Eastwood parry gracefully (that "ah shucks" style of his) with David Letterman, who asked him his age. "I'm 78," said Clint. "Now, I look 78!" said Letterman, only half-jokingly, "YOU look about 58!" The simple truth: Clint looks (to our eyes) as young as he did playing "Robert Kincaid, photographer" to Meryl Streep's "Francesca Johnson" Iowa farm wife, in this wonderful film, now 14 years old (1995). So I came here in search of a 2-Disc "Special Edition" and -- lo and behold! For those of us who love this movie, it seems incredible that "Bridges" didn't win a single award (though Meryl Streep was nominated for the "Best Actress" Oscar). This understated gem, masterfully directed by Clint Eastwood, remains my favorite of his films . . . actually affording Clint the vehicle for his very best acting; elicited, perhaps, by rising to the occasion -- having to 'act upwards' in the presence of the greatest actor/actress -- and deservedly the "most-nominated." (Did they say Meryl now had "15 nominations" when singing her praises at the Oscars, a week ago?) ----- The subtleties of Meryl's reading of an Italian-born mid-westerner "Francesca Johnson" grow ever-more-poignant, as the movie nears its end. We share her `heart-torn-in-two' agony at that moment, in the pouring rain, when her lover's battered, old green (59 GMC) half-ton is stopped ahead of them, at the light, directly in front of their red, (58 Chev) pickup truck. As if sending one final signal to the "love that comes but once" to their lives -- one last, unspoken urging to "run away with me NOW!" . . . we share Francesca's view as Robert reaches into the glove compartment, then drapes that silver crucifix & chain on his rear view mirror. Francesca inches her hand to the door handle, preparing to bolt and join her `one true love' . . . fatally delaying her move to the last possible moment. Her husband, noting the license plate on the truck ahead of him says, "That fella's far from home - Washington State! Must be that photographer everyone's been talking about." Francesca's hand actually moves the door handle slightly. Her husband tentatively honks his horn because the light is green and asks, quietly, `Why is he not moving?' Soon the truck ahead turns left, the driver's rain-soaked hair evident through his still rolled-down, window. They drive forward, Francesca looking back with such longing -- one last glimpse of Robert's truck as it disappears into the rain; then . . . the flood of tears. "What's wrong?" asks her husband, as if he's never seen her cry like this - his dark eyes wary, with alarm. "I need a minute," is all she can muster up, covering her face with her hands, dissolving in tears. ----- In the final scenes - and the very last one in which we get to see the gentle aging face of Francesca -- she gently, lovingly removes the contents of a box that has just been delivered to her farmhouse --- from the lawyer for Kincaid's estate. She's inherited his early model Nikon camera, which she recognizes, and quickly sets aside, along with the silver crucifix and chain, before picking up a small red picture book with a dying sunset on its cover; it is the fruit of their few, joyful days together, and titled appropriately "Four Days by Robert Kincaid." Francesca's lovely old hands open the book to the first printed page, inscribed to her "FOR F" -- below it, an introductory snippet of poetry, "by Byron" Inserted at that page, is a many-times-folded and yellowing note - the one she hand-wrote, after feeding him a home-cooked meal: "If you'd like supper again `When white moths are on the wing' Come by tonight after you're finished. Anytime is fine." Beneath the printed page's inscription, "FOR F," is the poem by Byron. (I always mean to jot it down; this time I did!) "There is a pleasure in the pathless woods There is a rapture on the lonely shore There is society where none intrude By the deep sea, and music is to roar . . . I love not Man the less, but Nature more. From these our interviews, in which I steal From all I have been before To mingle with the universe and feel . . . What I can n'ere express Yet cannot all conceal." NOTE for those who care about such things: the achingly-beautiful `love theme' heard throughout this movie (the orchestrations are so evocative) surges up finally, as Francesca appreciates for the first time the book about their Four Days. (Bet "there wasn't a dry eye" at this movie's premiere showing!) That memorable theme music vividly reminds us of Clint Eastwood's strengths as a musician: He co-wrote this one, calling it "Doe Eyes" -- "Love Theme from The Bridges of Madison County." (His co-composer was Lennie Niehaus.) Such subtleties didn't come up during Clint's interview with David Letterman. And, perhaps at this late juncture, most of us don't care to watch the credits to their end to learn such things. Clint Eastwood would be the first to admit, as an actor he is not in Meryl Streep's league (who is?) But in their last scene together, at the supper table, the evening before her husband and son & daughter return with a blue ribbon from the `state fair,' Clint's character `delivers' in his powerless attempt to pursuade "Francesca" to run away with him. Their characters so needy for each other - the ache is palpable! Each time I watch that moment in this understated gem of a film -- the best `twin-soliloquy' of its kind, I say - our hearts ache for two wonderful, decent human beings who must tear themselves apart. Strangers only days earlier, now they have no real choice but to let go, turn away and 'no looking back.' Yes, the finest film never to have won an award! Mark Blackburn Winnipeg Manitoba Canada

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Moralists missing the point:

by Phat Cracker from Ohio on 2005-01-20
To those reviews centering on the "immorality" of not only the protagonists in this film, but the author of the novel, and the "Hollywood Establishment", I say this - you're missing the entire point. If "romance", "infidelity", and "lost love" are central themes of this film, then I suggest adding "human fallibility" to the list. Francesca and Robert ARE good people, who like all of us, are fallible. If they were not, then Francesca's decision wouldn't have been so difficult, and heart wrenching. Indeed, if she were truly selfish, and "immoral", she would have left her family immediately, and without hesitation. Much of human behavior (and morality too) cannot be realistically assessed in black and white terms. Francesca and Robert are neither completely "bad", nor "good". They are decent individuals who happened to meet too late in life, in the wrong place, and thus, must suffer the consequences of these tragic, unfortunate circumstances. It's not Francesca and Robert vs. her family. The emotional complexity of the storyline, the surprisingly good match up between Eastwood and Streep, and not to be overlooked - a fantastic soundtrack - make for a film I'd definitely recommend.

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AFI's Great Love Stories: #90 The Bridges of Madison County

by Lawrance M. Bernabo from The Zenith City, Duluth, Minnesota on 2002-06-30
Pretty much everyone on the planet knew years before "The Bridges of Madison County" that Meryl Streep could do any accent under the sun and put on an acting clinic. However, the acting revelation in this film is Clint Eastwood, although ironically I have always had the feeling that he is not really acting. I mean, from the Man With No Name to Dirty Harry to William Munny the man has played some of the most hard-bitten characters around. I try to remember the last romantic lead Eastwood played off the top of my head and all that comes to mind is "Paint Your Wagon." Yet as photographer Robert Kincaid he is warm, charming, engaging, in other words, pretty much everything I would like to think the real Clint Eastwood is like in the real world. No wonder Francesca falls for him. The story takes place in the summer of 1965, when Francesca's husband and kids are off to the Iowa State Fair. Francesca, an Italian war bride who sometimes misses the old country, is planning on a few days of peace and quite when Robert Kincaid shows up in a pick up truck asking for directions to one of those covered bridges that are all over the place in Madison County. It turns out he is on assignment from the National Geographic magazine to photograph them and when Francesca agrees to help it is the quiet beginning to a four-day romance of epic proportions. There is a framing device for the tale, which takes place after Francesca has died, in which Francesca's children find her journal and read for the first time of the secret affair their mother enjoyed, but for the most part this just gets in the way. Certainly the knowledge of how this affair will end impacts our level of emotional involvement with the two lovers. Admittedly, this is one of the great hit or miss romance films of our generation. It will either click for you or it will not. But I think you have to check it out at least once just to catch a glimpse of the "real" Eastwood. Note: If you get a change, check out the audio-tape version of the novel, which is narrated by author Robert James Waller with the dialogue for the two leads done by Ben Kinsley and Isabelli Rossalini. You have to admit, it sounds intriguing, right?Most Romantic Lines: (1) "This kind of certainty comes but once in a lifetime." (2) "I don't want to need you, because I can't have you." Tear-Jerk Scenes: (1) Two pick-up trucks stopped at a red light at the one interesection in town. If you like "The Bridges of Madison County," then check out these other films on AFI's list: #1 "Casablanca." Why? Because the big time movie tough guy does not get the girl in that film either.

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The Horse Whisperer List Price: $14.99 Sale Price: $10.49 You save: $4.50 (30%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

Description

Academy Award(R)-winner Robert Redford (Best Director, 1980, ORDINARY PEOPLE) stars with Adademy Award(R)-nominee Kristin Scott Thomas (Best Actress, 1996, THE ENGLISH PATIENT) in this landmark epic adapated from one of the most acclaimed novels of our time! After a devastating riding accident, a young girl and her beloved horse are both left with serious physical and emotional scars. Determined to help, the girl's desperate mother (Thomas) puts her busy, big-city life on hold and travels west to seek out the "Horse Whisperer." When she meets this rugged, down-to-earth rancher (Redford), she discovers his extraordinary gift with animals also touches the lives of the people around him! Featuring Hollywood favorites Sam Neill (JURASSIC PARK) and Oscar(R)-winner Dianne Wiest (Best Supporting Actress, 1994, BULLETS OVER BROADWAY) in a superb cast -- critics and moviegoers alike were captivated by this powerful motion picture event!

Although it's best viewed on a big theatrical screen to take full advantage of Robert Richardson's breathtaking widescreen cinematography, it seems likely that most people will see this classy romance in the comfort of their own homes. Adapted from the bestseller by Nicholas Evans and directed by Robert Redford, the film did respectable business at the box-office, but it was too sprawling and too soapy to be a bona fide hit. Redford stars as the title character, a Montana rancher named Tom Booker, who possesses the specialized talent of healing traumatized horses through careful and affectionate rehabilitation. He gets his most challenging case when he's sought out by a fast-lane New York magazine editor (Kristin Scott Thomas, in a role modeled after former New Yorker editor Tina Brown) whose daughter (Scarlett Johansson) was injured and traumatized by an accident that nearly killed her favorite horse. When mother, daughter, and horse arrive at Booker's ranch, the big-city editor falls in love with the serene rancher and faces the painful decision of whether to stay in Montana or return to her husband (Sam Neill) in New York. Some may find this to be much ado about nothing, and comparisons to The Bridges of Madison County are inevitable, but Redford's directorial approach offers the kind of graceful stature, tenderness, and intelligence required to elevate the simple story. The film takes all the time it needs to let its characters heal and make their important decisions, and that alone makes it a refreshing alternative to the frantic pace of most big-studio productions. --Jeff Shannon

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Buena Vista Home Video
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
Original Release Date: 1998-05-15
Actors:

• Robert Redford
• Kristin Scott Thomas
• Scarlette Johannson
• Sam Neill
• Diane Wiest

Reviews

Heals the heart, strengthens the spirit.

by Anthony Hinde from Sydney, Australia on 2000-05-08
The Horse Whisperer is not a typical Hollywood movie. But then, none of the films Redford has directed, are in any way typical. The first time I really took notice of his work, was after seeing "A River Runs Through It". He had managed to tell a brutal, sad story in a mystical way that held me spell-bound. Whisperer takes that feeling one step further. It will hold you and then squeeze your heart till the tears come. This is not a sad film however. It is the story of a spiritual journey that a family makes with the aid of a talented guide, Tom Booker, (played by Redford himself). Each of them takes their own paths but make it through some trying times, emerging stronger than when they began. The story gets going as a result of a terrible accident involving two young girls who are out riding in icy, lightly forested terrain. The lone survivor, Grace, is traumatised by the loss of her friend, her foot and, in another way, her horse Pilgrim. Not that Pilgrim was killed, despite the wishes of the local veterinarian, but it was not the same, sane horse that it had been. The normal tensions that existed within the family are magnified by the aftermath of the accident. Grace becomes withdrawn, suffering guilt and shame which show themselves in her bitterness toward her parents, Annie and Robert. At the same time she makes a connection between herself and Pilgrim. The horse's fate seems to be a grim portent of her own future; scarred, maddened and kept in a dark and lonely place. Annie's desperate search for a treatment for Pilgrim is therefore very understandable. She hopes to build a bridge back to the world for her daughter, by healing Pilgrim. Here enters the almost magical legend of the Horse Whisperers. A breed of men, so in tune with horses, that they are said to be able to talk with them... to look into the soul of the beast and calm its raging spirit. Tom Booker seems to have a healthy scepticism for the legend however and makes his down to earth philosophy pretty clear from the first moment when we hear him say, " Well truth is, I help horses with people problems." Despite Tom and Robert's reluctance, Annie drags Grace from her pit of despair, to cross the country on the slim hope of making everything right again, on a Montana ranch, with a little help from a horse whisperer. Her expectation are rudely shattered within hours of arriving. Tom doesn't act like a paid specialist. From the outset it is clear to him that young Grace needs as much healing as Pilgrim. And this is a load he seems more than capable of bearing. By now we are well and truly hooked by the story. But the best is yet to come. Redford clearly loves the great outdoors and his feeling shouts from the big screen. Montana must be God's own country because it is breathtaking. Now add a dash of wholesome family values, good old hard work, reluctant romance and a pinch of equine shamanism and you've got something special. The Horse Whisperer is a movie that makes you feel like dozing in the long grass, on a lazy Summer afternoon. Don't be afraid of grass stains; go see this unusual film and have a roll in the grass for me.

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Brilliant visual artistry

by J. SHARP from Alabama - United States on 2004-08-20
Many have already addressed the plot of this film, so I will not not go into detail. However, I feel compelled to touch upon the visual storytelling in this film. Movies are first and foremost imagery. As many legendary filmmakers have said, a good film can be watched with the sound turned off and still communicate every bit of the story and emotion through the images alone. This includes cinematography but goes light years beyond lighting and framing a scene. Each shot must be planned and designed, from sets to props to location scouting, from blocking the actors' movements to using color and shapes, textures, and spatial relationships. All these must communicate the text and subtext simultaneously. I said all that to say this: Redford and his team blew me away with "The Horse Whisperer." The first act alone is filled with enough information in every corner of the screen to chew on for days. One example among dozens is the use of symmetry, parallel lines, and perpendicularity in the city scenes - even in the arrangement of books in the background, pens on a desk, or the window blinds in a hospital - to convey the superficially ordered control of Anne's life. This is contrasted with the organic sweeping curves of the farm landscapes where Grace's accident occurs. The confined spaces and straight streets of New York are gradually and gracefully replaced with the curves of the highways as Anne drives west until she reaches the Rockies in all their chaotically ingenious immensity. And apart from all this, I was also deeply effected emotionally by this movie. Yes, it takes its time telling the story. But such stories in our own lives take time to unfold. And real, subtle moments deserve as much time to play out as they need. Grace's recovery from the death of her friend and the injuries to the body and spirit of herself and her faithful horse Pilgrim are also expertly crafted. It has personal resonance in my family because we faced many of the same trials and frustrations when my wife was injured by a tornado a year after we married. She was touched and encouraged by this film. Thomas Newman's score is his masterwork. It brought me to tears during the end credits. Grace is also perfectly portrayed by the then-unknown Scarlett Johansson. Most people seem to forget she was in "The Horse Whisperer," but I will always associate this film with Scarlett and her with it.

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A Beautiful Movie

by from on 2000-06-03
The Horse Whisperer is sucha beautiful film it takes your breath away. The film's stunning cinematography, it's awesome acting and great storyline make it a 4 star movie and one of the best of 1998.Scarlett Johnasson is the star of the show, she plays 14 year old Grace, a horse-lover who has just had a terrible accident with her friend. Her mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) helps her daughter and her horse, Pilgrim by taking her to a 'horse whisperer '(Robert Redford) who can heal horses.This is a very sad, beautiful and lovely movie and don't be put off by it's mammoth length (2 hours, 48 minutes) - to me it felt like 1 hour rather than 3.

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A beautiful, spiritual story of hope and despair...

by Elana from on 2000-06-25
"The Horse Whisperer" is unlike any other movie that I've seen. The story opens as a young girl, Grace, experiences a terrible accident while riding her horse, Pilgrim, on an icy road. Driven mad by shock and pain, Pilgrim is almost to the point of death. Grace is also in critical condition, for she has badly injured her right leg in the accident, and it must be amputated. Grace's mother Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas) reads about a man named Tom Booker (Robert Redford) who is known as a "horse whisperer," able to communicate and see into the troubled souls of these animals. A few days later, Annie, along with her hesitant daughter and Pilgrim in tow, sets out for Montana. There, at Mr. Booker's ranch, do you witness the amazing changes that occur as Tom begins to heal Pilgrim's spirit (along with Grace's). Soon after, Annie and Tom fall in love. The rest of the story unfolds in a symphonic display of love, hope, and miraculous recoveries. The film's ending is not your typical movie closing, but it is very good nonetheless. The beautiful Montana landscape adds to this special aura, and the characters are brilliant (both human and equine). I highly recommend this excellent movie to absolutely anyone. You'll fall in love with "The Horse Whisperer."

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unwind in the Montana mountains

by Rebecca Sanborn from Murfreesboro, TN USA on 2002-05-30
This is a unique movie from the millions of others out there. The plot starts with Grace(Scarlett Johansson) and her best friend meeting to go horse back riding and with Grace's mom Annie (Kristin Scott Thomas) working hard in her magazine office. When the girls are riding a tramatic and tragic accident happens causing the death of Grace's best friend and severe injuries to both Grace and her horse Pilgrim. Grace's right leg is severely hurt so they must amputate it. With her daughter becoming more distant from the family and Pilgrim becoming more afraid of humans, Annie is desperate to find relief or an answer somewhere. She reads an article about a horse whisperer named Tom Booker (Robert Redford) who heals horses. Anxious to give it a try, Annie, Grace, and Pilgrim travel from their home in New York to a cattle ranch in Montana and begin Pilgrim's healing process while Grace's father stays behind. What no one expected was the love situation that would come about when Tom and Annie met. Combined with a teriffic plot and the beautiful Montana scenery, this is definitely a movie not to be missed.

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City of Angels (Keepcase) List Price: $14.98 Sale Price: $13.49 You save: $1.49 (10%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

Description

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/08/2009

Some critics complained that City of Angels could never compare to Wim Wenders's exquisite German film Wings of Desire, which served as the later film's primary inspiration. The better argument to make is that any such comparisons are beside the point, because Wings of Desire was a much more deeply poetic, artfully contemplative film, whereas City of Angels is an enchanting product of mainstream Hollywood. Meg Ryan stars as Dr. Maggie Rice, a heart surgeon who is grieving over a lost patient when an angel named Seth (Nicolas Cage) appears to comfort her. She can see him despite the "rule" that angels are invisible, and Seth's love for Maggie forces him to choose between angelic immortality and a normal human existence on earth with her. Featuring heavenly roles for TV veterans Andre Braugher and Dennis Franz, the film liberally borrows imagery from Wings of Desire, but it also creates its own charming identity. Cage and Ryan give fine performances as lovers convinced they are soul mates, and although the plot relies on a last-minute twist that doesn't quite work, this earnest love story struck a chord with audiences and proved to be one of the surprise hits of 1998. --Jeff Shannon

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Brand: Warner Brothers
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
Original Release Date: 1998-01-01
Actors:

• Nicolas Cage
• Meg Ryan
• Andre Braugher

Reviews

"I'll Say It Was You"

by Bobby Underwood from Manly NSW, Australia on 2005-04-23
Nicolas Cage gives a wonderful performance as Seth, an Angel who falls in love and begins to long for the ability to express that love, in a film that in some respects resembles the 1930's film "Death Takes a Holiday" with Fredric March and Evelyn Veneble. Seth's assignment as an angel is to help the dead cross over in this quasi remake of the Wim Wenders foreign film, "Wings of Desire." Few films since the glory days of Hollywood and the old studio system have been given the romantic glow of this film. Meg Ryan is Maggie, the heart surgeon who is the object of Seth's affection. He is stunned when she somehow senses his prescence when trying to save one of her patients, and is touched and bewildered by her. Andre Braugher steals every scene he is in as Seth's fellow Angel and friend. They all hang out at the library and gather every morning at the beach to see the sunrise and hear the singing of heaven. Dennis Franz has a fine turn as a patient in Maggie's hospital who knows Seth is there because he too was once an Angel. As Seth and he become friends, Seth contemplates how wonderful it would be to truly love Maggie, and searches for the courage to leave heaven behind and, simply fall. This is one of the most romantic movies to come out of Hollywood in decades and has a message about the wonderful things we all take for granted. More than that, it is a story about the importance of love, even one felt for only a moment, for it is that experience which makes us special among all creation. To love is all, and to be loved in return is truly divine. There are some memorable scenes in this romantic and haunting film. One involves the simple act of shopping for fruit at a farmer's market. Another involves Maggie being able to feel Seth in her room but unable to see him. Even Hemingway's Moveable Feast plays a part in this magical throwback film to a bygone era. This is very much a film which could just as easily have been made in the 1930's. I will not ruin the last portion of this film if you have not seen it, but as we all know there is a price we pay for being human. This film is for anyone who has ever loved someone as Seth does, who would trade all eternity for just one breath of her hair. If you have ever loved someone so much your heart ached when they were not with you, then you will be deeply moved by this film. It is painted in broad romantic brushstrokes and colored in rich oils not easily removed from our hearts. This is a truly memorable film you will watch over and over. Films like this are rarely made anymore and this is one to cherish. You will never forget the line: "When they ask me what I liked best...I'll say it was You."

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The "touch" of love

by falconiv@hotmail.com from India on 1998-12-17
I could go on about how GORGEOUS Meg was, or how well the movie was made, or how great the cast was, but the others have done that already. The one thing that stuck out at me after watching the movie was the call (I felt) to revel in the simple things of life, the things that are common for us, that we take for granted ("touch", for example). I like the part where by lookig through the eyes of the "fallen" angel, you discover the joy of being alive. That's a fresh perspective that caught my attention fully. The movie is very emotional, but at the same time, deep. It doesn't get into melodrama as a lot of other other romantic movies do. All in all, I'd say it is a movie for lovers, but I'd reccommend it to anyone who wants a fresh perspective in life. Awesome soundtrack. Not exactly John Williams stuff, but still touching. You'll cry if you let yourself!

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LIVE EACH DAY AS IF IT IS YOUR LAST; ONE DAY IT WILL BE

by Soaring Heart from on 2000-06-13
This movie is a priceless work of art: the script, cast, soundtrack, cinematography-- everything! It is also likened to an Aesop's Fable; there is a definite moral/lesson to be learned! (See above title.)We watch the story of an angel (Seth played by N. Cage) fall in love with a Doctor (Maggie played by M. Ryan) of a heart surgery patient who was not supposed to "make it" and doesn't. While Maggie is trying to save her patient, another nurse says, "He's going." To which she looks dead at Seth and says "He's not going anywhere." Whether she actually sees him or not we don't know. Seth thinks she does; this snowballs his thinking and he begins to question his existence.Near the end he makes a choice after some counseling from Dennis Frantz. "Free will brother," is his advice. So Seth goes for it. He becomes human and finds Maggie; they share what all humans search for and few find: a physical connection that is so deep it transcends into the spiritual. They are each others' soulmates.This movie reaches out from the screen and captures your heart (if you still have one. If not, it reaffirms that we all have free will and we can choose to open our hearts to love again.) If you have a broken heart watch how Seth deals with his; truly an inspiration. Remember "some things are true whether you believe them or not.""Now abide faith, hope, love these three; but the greatest of these is love." From THE HOLY BIBLE, I CORINTHIANS 13:13.

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Those Eyes

by from Florida on 2000-03-23
"Did you ever get the feeling that there's something bigger out there, bigger than you?" 'City of Angels'is about an angel who 'falls' in love with a 'human', but is bigger than that. Director Brad Silberling creates a movie about the essence of life. His tools are Academy Award winning director of photography, John Sealeand composer Gaberial Yared to score the movie. Enhancing this movie are two American icons, Nicolas Cage and Meg Ryan and a Grammy rich soundtrack which features; Alanis Morrissette (Uninvited), Sarah McLachlan (Angel),Paula Cole (Feelin' Love), Jimi Hendrix (Red House) and the Goo Goo Dolls (Iris). The celestial love story begins when Seth, Nicolas Cage, the angel, comes to claim the life of a heart patient. Maggie Rice, Meg Ryan, is the patient's doctor. There sult of this loss to Maggie is devastating. She begins to question life itself, "We fight for people's lives...don't you ever wonder who it is we're fighting with?" Witnessing her heartache, Seth tries to comfort,console and heel Maggie, but he too begins to question things. "She looked right at me." He tells his friend Casiel. Leading us to believe he sees more in Maggie than her pain. Lovely lines of dialog exchange between Seth and Maggie throughout the movie, but few more powerful than their first meeting. "Are you a visitor?"says Maggie. "Yes." "Well, visiting hours are over." "Why do they have that?" Seth asks. "What? Hours?" "Doesn't it help the patient to be visited?" "Are you in despair?"Seth. "I lost a patient." "You did everything you could?" "People die." Seth "Not on my table." "People die when their bodies give out." "It's my job to keep them from giving out, or what am I doing here?" "It wasn't your fault, Maggie." "I wanted him to live!" "He is living, jus tnot the way that you think." In Seth's attempt to help Maggie he creates a confusing mess of feelings for her and himself. No spoilers here, but this love story makes us think and wonder. 'City of Angels' is complete and feels like home. Like many things in life that we take for granted... Seth discovers, a sigh, a flower, blood, love and breath. Like a child they are all new to him and they are for a brief moment new to us as well. Also, like much of life we are always searching and questioning. Seth believes he has found love and has a to choose between God and Life as a mortal. What are your soul searching questions? This movie makes you ask yourself that question. Through powerfully tuned cinematography and a deeply moving score, City of Angels, the film, is allowed to whisper in your ear. Listen to the rich dialog, harmonious character interaction and robust story telling. It does it with wit and charm. Once seen and heard you will never forget it. This brings to mind what I believe sums up 'City of Angels' to me, emotion means the movement of the mind brought on by something which affects it... "Your mind and your feelings become to powerful and you just can't contain it...and your body weeps." I was affected and I wept.

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One of my favourite movies @}->---

by Little Miss Cutey from Melbourne, Australia on 2008-06-07
This is a definate chick flick but it's a good one. I love the chemistry between Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage in here. She plays a Dr and he's an Angel who sees her in the hospital where she works. She can see him but he doesn't let her know his secret. The only way their relationship can grow is if he leaves his 'life' as an angel. He can leave the life of no death, pain and sadness, and trade it for a normal life that humans experience. They both act really well in this and it was good to see Meg in a more serious role. I cannot go into more depth without giving you the ending, but I have to stress that this is such a beautiful movie (ok a little depressing in parts) but overall so good. You will most probably need tissues; it never fails to make me cry. It's such a beautiful romantic story and an under-rated movie for sure. I love it and it's one of my all time favourites. PS I love Megs curls in this.

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An Officer and a Gentleman (Special Collector's Edition) List Price: $14.98 Sale Price: $11.49 You save: $3.49 (23%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

Description

Once in a great while a movie comes along that truly grips and uplifts its audiences. Such a movie is An Officer And A Gentleman, a timeless tale of romance, friendship and growth. Loner Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) enters Officer Candidate School to become a Navy pilot and in thirteen tortuous weeks he learns the importance of discipline, love and friendship. Louis Gossett, Jr. won an Academy Award* for his brilliant portrayal of the tough drill instructor who teaches Zack that no man can make it alone. And while Gossett tries to warn the young officer about the local girls who will do anything to catch themselves pilot husbands, Zack eventually learns to love one (Debra Winger) while his fellow candidate, a memorable character portrayed by David Keith, struggles with a very different fate. An Officer And A Gentleman is a rich and satisfying story with moving performances that will stay with you long after the film has ended.

Richard Gere plays an enrollee at a Naval officers candidate school, and Debra Winger is the woman who wants him. That's pretty much it, story-wise, in this romantic drama, which is more effective in a moment-to-moment, scene-by-scene way, where the two stars and Oscar-winner Louis Gossett Jr.--as Gere's tough-as-nails drill instructor--are fun to watch. Sexy, syrupy, with occasional pitches of high drama (Gere having a near-breakdown during training is pretty strong), An Officer and a Gentleman proves to be a no-brainer date movie. --Tom Keogh

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Brand: Paramount
Manufacturer: Paramount
Original Release Date: 1982-08-13
Actors:

• Richard Gere
• Debra Winger
• David Keith
• Robert Loggia
• Lisa Blount

Reviews

Eagles Fly from Mountains High: A Powerful Journey

by Erika Borsos from Gulf Coast of FL, USA on 2008-05-20
This film is a classic and viscerally honest portrayal of human conflict and personal growth. It clearly depicts working class young adults who sought to break away from past barriers and limitations and build better lives for themselves. It is a coming of age story, where a full spectrum of feelings are explored as young adults learn about fulfilling their potential, building value systems and attempting to fulfill personal desires with honesty and integrity on many levels. Two hot young stars were cast in the leading roles: Richard Gere who was riding high on his recent success in "American Gigolo" and Debra Winger who shined in her role in "Urban Cowboy". With stars of this caliber, it surprised me to learn (in the Special Features section) that doubts existed about the film's acceptance by theater audiences. In fact, the script had made the rounds of different studios for eight years, with no one daring to make the film which was essentially about training Naval pilots. The concern was it was too close to the end of the Viet Nam War and would be rejected by the public as being about war. Luckily, the film was interpreted very differently by the viewing audience who saw it in a positive light where personal survival, transformation and the expression of love were the key elements successfully played out on film. Richard Gere stars as Zack Mayo, a hardened, slightly rebellious loner who locked up his feelings and dared not get emotionally close to people. He had been hurt as a youth when his mother committed suicide and he went to live with his dad, who was a selfish womanizer and alcoholic. When Zack announced his acceptance into Naval candidacy school to become a pilot, his father did not give him accolades or support. This was nothing new and it did not matter to Zack who pursued his dream with determination and courage. At the Port Townsend Naval Base, Zack learned discipline and made new friends. The camaraderie of being candidates and challenging themselves to acheive their goals awakened something new within him which totally transformed him. Zack excelled in physical survival skills and martial arts training. It was Gunnery Sergeant Foley's job to detect weakness of character and courage, to eliminate candidates who would not survive under the harsh conditions of war. Foley knew of Zack's streetwise rebellious tendencies and rode him hard. Foley and Zack clashed periodically and one climactic scene especially stood out ... where Foley meted out severe discipline and punishment to get Zack to ask for a "D.O.R" slip (drop out on request). Zack endured the punishment and after a particularly difficult session of physical endurance tests, Zack *finally* gut wrenchingly admitted, "I got nowhere else to go" ... Besides the obvious story about a group of young adults who under go rigorous training to become Naval pilots, several other stories arise and are fully developed within the plot which makes this film so highly appealing. Early on, Sgt Foley warned the candidates that young ladies who work in local factories, come from across the Puget Sound, to meet Naval candidates, with one goal in mind: to marry a Navy pilot. They will stoop to any means to win their man. Zack and his friend Sid are dressed to kill in their white uniforms during a social dance where they connect with two charming and beautiful factory workers of similar age to themselves. Paula a raven-haired beauty, played by Deborah Winger is paired with Zack, while Lynette, an attractive blond is paired with Sid. The attraction between the paired off guys and ladies is mutual and in a short time, they often meet for consensual physical liasons, even going to a local motel when the candidates are on leave. While everyone agrees it is with "no strings attached", the ladies have secret agendas with hopes of marriage. Zack attempts to play the gentleman, by going to meet Paula's parents and have dinner at their home. However, he still holds back and makes no promises to Paula. Paula plays it cool, claiming to expect nothing but she *does* manage to melt his cool exterior when their physical relationship becomes more steamy and personal. The guys discuss their plans to break off the liasons after graduation. As the end of their training is near, the two candidates cool their relationships with the two ladies. Lynette pulls a trick to win Sid, that backfires in ways totally unimaginable. She refuses Sid's engagement ring which results in one of the saddest, most gut-wrenching, heart-breaking and realistic scenes ever depicted on film. This earth-shattering event shakes Zack up and makes him realize what is real and important in his life ... While the ending may arguably be interpreted by some as corny and hokey, in effect, it is very satisfying and provides an honest and fulfilling conclusion to the film. Erika Borsos [pepper flower]

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It's an everlasting, romantic entertainment!

by James Burleson from Barksdale AFB, Louisiana on 2000-02-26
Initially, my first impression of this movie was this movie was going to be boring. Then, after the first 20 minutes, my mind went into another direction. I found this movie to be interesting, and I knew there had to be some meaning to the movie. And indeed there was! Zack Mayo, (Richard Gere) is a college graduate who pursues a chance to become a naval officer by entering the Officer Candidate Training School. In 14 solid weeks, Zack progresses and learns the ability of leadership, friendship, and discipline, through his tough drill instructor, (Louis Gossett Jr, in his Oscar-winning performance), and his friends. Mood and tone are expressed intelligently through the emotions of adventure, torture, romance, and entertainment. My favorite aspect of this movie is Jack Nitzsche's unforgettable scoring. The mood and tone ties in together as the music plays, and makes the audiences feel spontaneous of what they are watching (especially with the love themes). This movie, starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger, David Keith, Lisa Blount, Louis Gossett Jr., Robert Loggia, and Lisa Eilbacher, was the winner recipient of 2 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor: LOUIS GOSSETT JR., and Best Original Song: "UP WHERE WE BELONG." Also nominated for 4 additional Academy Awards, including Best Actress: DEBRA WINGER, Best Original Screenplay: DOUGLAS DAY STEWART, Best Original Score: JACK NITZSCHE, Best Film editing, and nominated for a total of 8 Golden Globes, this movie unmarks the boundary between love and adventure. Richard Gere, even though nominated for a Golden Globe, should of been nominated for an Oscar. His outstanding performance brought the true nature of what it's like to be his character. This was the performance of his entire career! With a clear-cut picture, and sharp sound, this movie will never grow old in your home! I would positively recommend this movie to another.

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GREAT DATE MOVIE

by R. Penola from NYC, NY United States on 1999-12-17
An old-fashioned, well-made movie, featuring terrific performances by both austere Richard Gere and the earthy Debra Winger. Lou Gossett, Jr.'s Oscar was well-deserved; his character drips with humanity. Taylor Hackford directed this movie with a lively spirit and an involving emotional core; the love story, though predictable, is mesmerizingly so, and the music, variations on Up Where We Belong, drives home the heart of the movie in the most enjoyable way. This movie easily stands the test of time, and will deliver with repeated viewings. And that ending -- what an exhilarating rush of emotion! This is what the movies are about.

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Richard Gere has arrived

by C.H. from Beach Park, IL on 2001-03-09
Self centered hustler Zack Mayo (Richard Gere) enlists in an officer's training school where he quickly meets his match in Sergeant Foley (Lou Gossett, Jr.), who warns him of all the "Puget Sound debs", girls who come across the ferry every weekend to try to land (or trap) themselves a future naval aviator. But Mayo manages to shake off his selfishness and he learns to love-not only deb Paula Pokrifki (Debra Winger), but his new best friend Sid Worley (David Keith). What follows is a love story that is timeless and rewarding. A great stay at home date movie. Look for young David Caruso and Lisa Eilbacher.

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Drama and Romance

by Cowboy on the Ocean from West Texas Native on 2005-09-18
Basically Gere joins the armed forces because "he's got no where else to go" and his Drill Sgt (Louis Gossett Jr) is going to make him or break him. Filled with now classic scenes and lines this is a movie that if you haven't seen you need to. Debra Winger (see Urban Cowboy) is a girl who's looking for love in all the wrong places. Will she find it in the unlikely Gere or will he just be another notch on her belt? Excellent movie.

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Jerry Maguire List Price: $14.94 Sale Price: $10.99 You save: $3.95 (26%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

Description

Jerry Maguire used to be a typical sports agent: willing to do just about anything he could to get the biggest possible contracts for his clients, plus a nice commission for himself. Then, one day, he suddenly has second thoughts about what he's really doing. When he voices these doubts, he ends up losing his job and all of his clients, save Rod Tidwell, an egomaniacal football player. Can Jerry resurrect his career while still staying true to himself?

One of the best romantic comedies of the 1990s, this box-office hit cemented writer-director Cameron Crowe's reputation as "the voice of a generation." Crowe could probably do without that label, but he's definitely in sync with the times with this savvy story about a sports agent (Tom Cruise) whose fall from grace motivates his quest for professional recovery, and the slow-dawning realization that he needs the love and respect of the single mom (Renée Zellweger in her breakthrough role) who has supported him through the worst of times. This is one of Cruise's best, most underrated performances, and in an Oscar-winning role, Cuba Gooding Jr. plays the football star who remains Jerry Maguire's only loyal client on a hard road to redemption and personal growth. If that sounds touchy-feely, it is only because Crowe has combined sharp entertainment with a depth of character that is rarely found in mainstream comedy. --Jeff Shannon

One of the best romantic comedies of the 1990s, this box-office hit cemented writer-director Cameron Crowe's reputation as "the voice of a generation." Crowe could probably do without that label, but he's definitely in sync with the times with this savvy story about a sports agent (Tom Cruise) whose fall from grace motivates his quest for professional recovery, and the slow-dawning realization that he needs the love and respect of the single mom (Renée Zellweger in her breakthrough role) who has supported him through the worst of times. This is one of Cruise's best, most underrated performances, and in an Oscar-winning role, Cuba Gooding Jr. plays the football star who remains Jerry Maguire's only loyal client on a hard road to redemption and personal growth. If that sounds touchy-feely, it is only because Crowe has combined sharp entertainment with a depth of character that is rarely found in mainstream comedy. --Jeff Shannon

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Brand: Team Marketing
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
Original Release Date: 1996-12-13
Actors:

• Tom Cruise
• Cuba Gooding Jr.
• Renée Zellweger
• Kelly Preston
• Jerry O'Connell

Reviews

Much more than just another romantic comedy

by Daniel Jolley from Shelby, North Carolina USA on 2005-08-02
Well, I'm incredibly late to the Jerry Maguire party, but I'm glad I finally made it. I thought this was just a comedy, but I should have known better because laughs alone usually don't generate the kind of success this movie enjoyed. This is a wonderful, feel-good movie with a surprisingly effective emotional payoff. Tom Cruise is great, Cuba Gooding, Jr., steals every scene he's in, and that Renee Zellweger is nothing short of perfect. They even threw in a clip of McGarrett on Hawaii Five-O and sent me away with Bob Dylan singing over the credits - in my book, that's going above and beyond the call of duty. And I never tire of seeing someone break away from the cynicism of big business and actually put some heart back into an increasingly heartless way of life. Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is, of course, a bigshot sports agent who has it all - then loses it all. For some inexplicable reason, he develops a conscience late one night, puts together this huge "mission statement" all about reducing the number of clients and giving those remaining the genuine personal touch, and sends it to everyone in the company. With a schlep of a boss like Bob Sugar (the always annoying Jay Mohr), his days with the company are, not surprisingly, numbered. He vows to start his own company, desperately trying to hold on to the clients he has been representing - but all he ends up taking with him are outrageous Cardinals wide receiver Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) and Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger), an accountant who was truly inspired by what he had written. It doesn't seem like much, but he really has all he will ever need - he just doesn't realize it until the end of the movie. Life on his own is quite a struggle, especially after he breaks up with his vicious fiancée (Kelly Preston), and I know it must be truly demoralizing to be defeated time and time again by Jay Mohr. Rod Tidwell, a great player who doesn't get the notice (or money) he thinks he deserves, stays loyal to him, though, for rather inexplicable reasons - even after Maguire fails to get him the kind of big money he is looking for in a new contract. Dorothy also stays with him, and Maguire grows increasingly close to her and her little boy Ray (Jonathan Lipnicki). There's love in the air, and Maguire's famous problem with emotional intimacy makes what should be the simplest thing in the world immensely complicated. We see a lot of Maguire at his worst - double-crossed, drunk, beaten up, wallowing in self-pity. He never gives up, though, and that's what's important. I find it a little problematic that he did not apply the principles of his "mission statement" to the way he lived his life, but - in his defense - guys tend to be pretty dense about this kind of thing (and would that we all had a Dorothy to help us see the light). There's a wonderful cast on display here, with uncommonly meaningful secondary characters: there's little Ray, of course, but Dorothy's bitter yet loving sister Laurel (Bonnie Hunt) and Rod Tidwell's wife Marcee (Regina King) really do lay claim to a commanding presence in the story. You can also make a little game of spotting all of the sports personalities that make cameos (usually silent ones, thankfully) in the film. This isn't a comedy; it's a serious story that just happens to feature a lot of laughs. It's a commentary on the depersonalization of business, a complicated yet wonderfully sweet love story, and a movie with a surprisingly big heart. And I love Renee Zellweger. As far as I'm concerned, she - not Tom Cruise - was the star of this film.

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Jerry Maguire

by Kelly from Littleton, Colorado on 2008-04-03
This is probably one of the best performances I have seen by Tom Cruise. He portrays Jerry McGuire, a sought after sports agent, that gets a wake up call causing him to reevaluates his priorities in life. Renee Zellweger is cast as his partner and wife. She is delightful and always a joy to watch. Cuba Gooding Jr. commands attention in every scene he is in. He was very impressive in this film. Who couldn't be in love with little Jonathan Lipnicki!

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Show Me The Extras ! ! !

by Steven Wood from Newcastle, UK on 2000-06-20
This film is definitely what I would call a feel good movie. I came away from it feeling that there are decent people in this world and that we are not all disappearing into the obscurity of just a name on a piece of paper. The story follows Jerry Maguire, played by Tom Cruise, falling from grace working for a sports star agency when he has a flash of inspiration and takes the moral high ground on the way people should be treat within the company. His eventual rise to becoming a better person is aided from the love of woman and her son and the realization that everyone who he represents should be treated with the same respect.The person that stole the show for me was Cuba Gooding Jr. Every scene he was in made me laugh. This was the first movie I had seen him in and thought he was a terrific actor, deserved of the Oscar he won for Best Supporting Actor. The "Show Me The Money" scene will have you in stitches.This is not a DVD that is to be bought for it's technical qualities or abundance of extras. All you get is a static menu with no trailer, character biographies or other extras. In this day and age of DVD's like "Contact" and "The Matrix" I would have expected a bit more from a quality movie like this. The picture quality is good, as is the sound but it certainly won't tax your Dolby Digital amplifier, but then again it is not expected to.Jerry Maguire is a film to cuddle up to your partner with and watch on a cold rainy night. It is funny, poignant and thought provoking. Worth watching at least once.Steve.

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Show Me the Funny

by Cameron Burke from Austin, TX on 2002-06-22
I'll start this review off by saying Cameron Crowe is amazing. If you liked Almost Famous and/or Say Anything, then you'll love this film.Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) is an unscrupulous sports agent who has an epiphany one sleepless night in a hotel, prompting him to write a mission statement that he distributes throughout his agency. Heartfelt and honest, the mission statement gets him fired and garners the respect of a lonely single mother, Dorothy Boyd (played by the charming Zellweger). He retains a sole client, the over-the-top Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), and much hilarity ensues.The acting is A+ all around. Cruise shines in the title role, earning a much-deserved Best Actor Oscar nod. He nails every expression and detail, making even Jerry the jerk likable at the beginning of the film. Cuba Gooding Jr. is fabulous, as usual. He steals every scene he's in and has amazing chemistry with both Tom Cruise and Regina King (Mrs. Tidwell). Bravo on the Best Supporting Actor Oscar, Cuba. Renee Zellweger is charming in her breakthrough role as Dorothy, "the world's oldest 26 year-old". Kelly Preston surprised me as the tough-as-nails, abrasive Avery. She does an excellent job with her supporting role. The entire supporting cast really makes the film work. Jay Mohr, Regina King, Kelly Preston, Jonathan Lipnicki (absolutely adorable), Bonnie Hunt and Jerry O'Connell provide a solid framework for both the story and the main cast. Todd Louiso is my favorite supporting actor. He plays the 'nanny' and is a riot.Crowe does an excellent job of constucting a film with parallel stories, one moral and one romantic. He paints vivid, likeable characters with witty dialogue. Although predictable (What do you expect from a romantic comedy? They're all predictable.), this film is enjoyable whether you watch it for the first time or the ninety-first time.The DVD is excellent and chock full of special features. The most notable being the commentary done by Cameron Crowe, Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Renee Zellweger.

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Show Me The Movie

by Thomas Magnum from NJ, USA on 2001-02-06
After 1992's relatively disappointing Singles, Cameron Crowe comes back strong with Jerry Maguire. The film is a romantic comedy with the underpinning of how ethics and values are treated in today's society. Tom Cruise stars as the title character who is a highly successful sports agent. After a night of heavy drinking, he types up a mission statement that is a little too much for his firm. He becomes a pariah in the company and eventually his one time protegee (Jay Mohr) tells him he's been fired. Jerry loses all of his clients except one Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, Rod (Cuba Gooding, Jr.). Renee Zellewiger is a worker at Jerry's firm and she is the only one who takes up his offer to leave with him for the agency he's starting up. She is in love with Jerry and will do anything for him. Eventually they fall in love and Jerry makes a big score for Rod. Mr. Cruise gain exudes all the boyish charm that has made him a superstar. Ms. Zellewiger has wholesome, girl next door looks and is sweet in her role. Mr. Gooding is a whirling dervish in his role. He is a ball of energy and the scene where he gets Jerry to shout "show me the money" became a major catch-phrase and part of the lexicon. Mr. Gooding won a well deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar and the film cemented Mr. Crowe as the best double threat (directing & writing) in movies this side of Woody Allen.

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Ghost List Price: $12.98 Sale Price: $9.99 Average Rating:

Description

A love story of a man who is killed and comes back with the help of a spiritual advisor to solve his own murder and protect his lover. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 01/04/2005 Starring: Patrick Swayze Demi Moore Run time: 126 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Jerry Zucker

Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze are the passionate lovers whose romance is undone when the latter is murdered during a bungled hit arranged by a rival. The clever concept by screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin (director of My Life) extends outward into comedy (Swayze's character communicates through a sassy medium played by Whoopi Goldberg, who won an Oscar for this role), horror (the afterlife is populated by hell-bound demons and the like), and romantic complications (a handsome suitor, played by Tony Goldwyn, comes on to Moore while Swayze's spirit is still hanging around). Directed by Jerry Zucker, previously best known for codirecting Airplane! and similar broad comedies, Ghost is a careful balancing act of strong commercial elements, but at heart it is a timeless Hollywood tearjerker that easily gets under one's skin. --Tom Keogh

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Paramount
Manufacturer: Paramount Pictures
Original Release Date: 1990-07-13
Actors:

• Patrick Swayze
• Demi Moore
• Whoopi Goldberg
• Tony Goldwyn
• Stanley Lawrence

Reviews

Whoopi's Oscar Winning Role....The Medium With The Most!

by L. Shirley from fountain valley, ca United States on 2004-05-18
This review refers to the Paramount DVD edition of "Ghost".... A man is shot and killed. His body dies, but not his spirit. Before leaving this world for the next, he must find a way to warn his lover that she is in impending danger from the culprits. Sound just a little familiar? It should. The idea for this story is loosely based on none other then "Hamlet". This though is not quite as deep or complex as Shakespeare's great tragedy. It is however, a thought provoking, touching story that has a little something for everybody. It's got romance,comedy, mystery and suspense, fantasy, action and most importantly...WHOOPI! So how does Sam(Patrick Swayze) manage to make contact with his beloved Molly(Demi Moore) after his death? Well he goes through a psychic of course. Not just any psychic though..he finds a medium who's larger than life..Oda Mae Brown(Whoopi Goldberg). Together, they turn Molly into a believer(along with the audience) and chase down the murderous thugs out to get her. The action, and suspense will keep you on the edge of your seat, the romance will thrill you and the special effects are dazzling. Whoopi Goldberg is fabulous, and provides the wonderful comic relief in the story, as a con artist who finds herself with a gift to give. She took home an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for this 1990 film. The film was also honored with the Best Original Screenplay. Swayze and Moore seem like they were made for each other and will have you believing in love ever after. The DVD presents a nice clear picture in widescreen and the sound gives you the choice of DD5.1 surround or stereo surround. It may also be viewed in French(stereo) and has English subtitles for those needing them. The features include commentary by the Director(Jerry Zucker), and Writer (Bruce Joel Rubin), as well as an informative retrospective on the film(this is where I learned of the "Hamlet" connection). The film is rated PG-13. There are some scenes of violence and of course there's the very sensuous clay sculpting scene to the tune of "Unchained Melody"(who can ever forget that?!) If you have already seen this movie, and know it's one that you will watch over and over(and to that I would say "Ditto"), this great DVD is a bargain. If you haven't seen it, it's well worth a try and will keep everybody involved for the entire length of the film. Go for it and enjoy....Laurie also recommended: Along for the Ride Maxie [VHS] The Color Purple

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Pleasing ghostly experience.

by D. Litton from Wilmington, NC on 2001-03-03
A picture-perfect modern-day romance that tells an exciting romantic story, "Ghost" is one of the best romantic films ever made. In it, we see just what lengths someone will go to for their love for someone else, and also shows us that the love we have for someone in our life goes on after death. Director Jerry Zucker, and acting by Patrick Swayze, Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg, all make this movie a landmark that everybody knows about. What is so special about the story is the connection between the two romantic leads. Swayze plays Sam Wheat, who, with his longtime girlfriend Molly, is remodeling a penthouse apartment in New York, where they soon live together, completely happy and in love. We have no reason to question the love story angle because the direction and acting tell us from the very beginning the nature of their relationship, and does it in understandable terms. Sam also works for a major banking corporation, where he has a best friend Carl, who seems more than willing to take certain workloads off of Sam's shoulders. One night, Sam and Molly are set upon by a thief, who demands Sam's wallet, and after a struggle, Sam is left with a fatal gunshot wound. Of course, being dead, he is now a ghost, and must watch as Molly comes to the realization that her lover is dead. The acting of these two actors is what makes all of this incredibly affecting, most especially Molly's coping with Sam's sudden exit from her life. She keeps his personal things, as well as any little scrap of paper or memory she can hold onto, with Sam watching all of this from behind her shoulder and Carl trying his best to comfort and console her. Sam soon pays a visit to a con artist medium named Otta Mae Brown, played by Whoopi Goldberg, who is the only person that Sam is able to talk to. The comedy of the movie really picks up as we are given scenes of Brown walking in the streets arguing with the air, talking to the walls, and having hissy fits with Sam in public. Goldberg is really given a chance to shine in this role, playing out some of her best lines and material ever. Comedy then mixes with drama and action as the plot reveals that Carl was a mastermind behind a murder conspiracy. Carl is in desperate need of money, and when he found out that Sam was in charge of a four million dollar bank account, he hired a hitman to have Sam killed in order to try and take over the account and steal the money. As he further tries to worm his way into Molly's life, Sam becomes more and more determined to try and find a way of reaching her aside from giving Otta Mae instructions on what to say to her. Swayze is able to give us a powerhouse performance here, as his character sits back and can do nothing to physically protect his love. He feels weak, helpless, and these emotions are played out brilliantly. The film won an Academy Award, one of two, for Best Original Screenplay for 1990. The script is a melting pot of many different elements: comedy that comes from the relationship of Otta Mae and Sam's collaboration, supernatural elements stemming from the ghost angle, thriller techniques that reside in the mystery of Sam's death and Carl's intentions, and most important, the love story that Molly and Sam live out, which serves as the basis for everything that happens. It has a little bit of everything for everyone, which gave diverse audiences what they wanted and made it a sheer success among people. Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze both give excellent performances that keep the love story going. They both have a chemistry that never stops or staggers the film, but keeps it going. Whoopi Goldberg is Otta Mae Brown, a role she was born to play and for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her comic genius and diverse areas of acting play a major role, and sometimes become the heart of the film. Tony Goldwyn plays the conniving Carl, and does so effectively. He is one of those few people in a movie that the audience can truly despise for his crimes, and when the ending comes, it is pure satisfaction to watch him get what's coming to him. "Ghost" is nothing short of a successful movie, keeping us enthralled with comedic, romantic and thrilling elements, making us believe in things beyond this world. It never stops moving, it is utterly original, and it keeps us at the edge of our seats as well as tugging at our hearts.

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A tear-jerking treat.

by Peggy Vincent from Oakland, CA on 2003-12-16
Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze are a couple madly in love with each other when Swayze is murdered - but just won't entirely go away. His ghost is hanging around, protecting Moore from some bad guys and trying to figure out a way to give someone the information needed to nail his killer. The movie veers between genres: horror, sci-fi, romance, mystery. And then, there's Whoopi Goldberg in another signature role (she won an Oscar for this one); she plays a medium who is shocked to find that she really IS gifted with second sight - and her confusion as she comes to grips with her newfound power is hilarious to watch as she works with Swayze to pass on the incriminating criminal information. It's a tear jerker, especially the scene in which ghost and Goldberg revisit Moore in a passionate, loving, romantic sayonara interlude set to the music of the Righteous brothers.Marvelous sentimental schmaltz that works perfectly in every way.

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Cancer is no respector of persons

by Viv from Marysville, WA United States on 2009-09-15
God Bless the family and fans of Patrick Swayze he will not be forgotten and we were hoping for a miracle. He was a strong and beautiful man and fought a long fight (which is rare for pancreatic cancer and very painful).

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Good movie, ok blu-ray

by D. Krepak from on 2008-12-26
The movie itself is a favorite so I was looking forward to getting it in blu-ray. The video is a step up from the sd dvd but definitely not one of the better blu-ray transfers for a catalog title. There is some grain in the picture and at times the picture is a little soft but overall better than the sd. The CGI effects however are hurt by HD and don't look as seamless as in the sd dvd. The audio is TrueHD. It is clear and crisp but since this movie is mostly about dialogue the lossless codec doesn't add a lot. Surrounds are easily heard during the action sequences. Overall if you don't have this in sd in your collection I would get it over the sd. If you have it in sd you might want to rent it in blu-ray before deciding to purchase it.

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Never Been Kissed List Price: $14.98 Sale Price: $11.99 You save: $2.99 (20%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

Description

In this hilarious, heartwarming comedy, Drew Barrymore shines as a budding journalist who's determined to go from 'geek' to 'chic' when she is sent back to high school on her first undercover assignment to lern about today's teens. At first, Josie is thrilled with the opportunity until she remembers her nickname from years ago: "Josie Grossie!" Can a former clueless nerd navigate the hallways of high school without trippin over her own feet?

Let's get this straight: Drew Barrymore started a production company to develop original scripts outside of Hollywood and the first project she chose to produce was this, a romantic comedy written by USC grads Abby Kohn and Mark Silverstein about a nerdy, virginal woman who returns to high school as an undercover reporter, finally gets to be popular, and falls in love. And Barrymore decided, as producer, that the perfect actress to play this virtuous, clean-cut, and downright annoying geek would be... Drew Barrymore? It's hard to believe that after The Wedding Singer Barrymore's not getting enough dopey, formulaic, predictable romantic comedies coming across her desk. The complete inability to buy Barrymore as unattractive, awkward, and unpopular ruins Never Been Kissed from the start, but it's doubtful a better actress could have saved it. The jokes fall flat, the romance between Barrymore and her English teacher (played by Michael Vartan) lacks chemistry, and the portrayals of high school and the newspaper newsroom is clichéd and uninspired (big surprise here: the director, Raja Gosnell, previously made Home Alone 3). Gosnell can't even give the gifted character actor, John C. Reilly, anything to do. Only David Arquette, who plays Barrymore's out-of-control brother, brings any energy to the film. --Dave McCoy

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Fox
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
Original Release Date: 1999-04-09
Actors:

• Drew Barrymore
• David Arquette
• Michael Vartan
• Molly Shannon
• John C. Reilly

Reviews

What Every Kiss Should Be Like

by Paige from on 2000-01-05
First off I want to say I strongly disagree with Dave McCoy, writer of the Amazon review for Never Been Kissed. Did you see the movie? Drew Barrymore put in a beautiful performance. And yes, I can believe her to be a "dopey, unattractive" newspaper reporter trying to relive her high school experience. If you saw Barrymore in The Wedding Singer you will agree that she played a very well poised young woman, not a "geek to the core" girl. When I first watched this movie I felt sorry for Barrymore's character, regardless that in real life she is a movie star and beautiful person. That has nothing to do with the movie. When you walk into a movie theatre you don't think about the star's status in the lime light but of what they're trying to portray and I think Barrymore played a very convincing role. Movies are made to wrap us up in the feelings and emotions of the characters so that we can relate to what the character is going through and I felt what Josie was going through. The next time you watch a movie, Dave McCoy, I suggest you leave your ideas of the star's status at home and focus on what the actor is trying to portray. I believe Barrymore portrayed Josie better than any actress in Hollywood. I mean, can you honestly see Neve Cambell or Gwyneth Paltrow in this part? No. And those of you looking for a romantic movie that makes you grab your heart and scream for joy all at the same time, buy this movie. It has everything from a forbidden love, waiting to be lit by the desires of two people, a man who sees a woman instead of a girl, waiting for some sign that the passions of his heart can be revealed and a woman, still a girl in many ways, waiting for the perfect moment when she will know that the one she yearns for is the one right infront of her, to a man just waiting for his chance to make the big leagues. It's a story of growing up and finding yourself. And the ending is wonderful. What every kiss should be like. A must see for all romance lovers.

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A warm, engaging comedy that will capture your heart!

by Elana from on 2000-06-23
First and foremost, I would like to say that I heartily disagree with Mr. Dave McCoy's editorial review. Mr. McCoy stressed that there was a "complete inability to buy Barrymore as unattractive, awkward, and unpopular." This could not be further from the truth. In "Never Been Kissed," Drew Barrymore stars as Josie Gellar, a news reporter for the Chicago Sun Times. As the film opens, Josie receives her first undercover assignment: she must enroll in a local high school, where she will collect information about teenagers today. Josie, though excited by the challenge, is worried: her own high school years were spent as an unattractive geek, being endlessly ridiculed and humiliated by her peers. Despite what Dave McCoy said, Barrymore plays a very convincing role and is completely believeable as a geek. David Arquette, who plays Josie's lively brother Rob, also puts in a great performance. And Michael Vartan, who plays Josie's English teacher and the object of her affections, does a great job as well. This movie has an excellent ending, and it teaches you that your status in high school does not affect your career or your plans for the future. "Never Been Kissed" is the first movie I have seen in a long time that is both hilarious and meaningful at the same time, making it a definite "must-see" for everyone. I highly recommend this wonderful film to anyone looking for a great flick, even if that person has, well, never been kissed.

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Great Film

by K. Anderson from UK on 2000-02-16
First of all I have to disagree whole-heartedly with the 'official' review of this film. Never Been Kissed is a wonderful, feel-good movie that will leave you with a huge smile on your face long after it's ended.I'm not a 'teen' and I still enjoyed it thoroughly. Drew Barrymore is great and totally believeable as the nerd who is an ugly duckling on the outside but a swan on the inside, who returns to school for an undercover job as a reporter, where she ultimately finds herself.When I saw this at the pictures, the whole audience was totally absorbed by the film and vocally sympathised with Josie's humiliating flashbacks and laughed out loud at her charming awkwardness.David Arquette as her 'cool' and 'popular' brother was inspired casting and Michael Vartan as the teacher she falls for plays his part perfectly.These three actors alone make the film well worthwhile. Watch it and see.

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Never Been Kissed

by Kelly from Littleton, Colorado on 2008-03-30
I have never been a huge Drew Barrymore fan, but this movie changed my opinion of her somewhat. She plays Josie Gellar a painfully shy editor for the Chicago Sun Times, and through a comedy of errors, ends up being appointed as an undercover reporter at a local high school. This film switches back and forth between the past and present as we see Josie try to fit in with the students. She was shy and tortured by her peers the first time around which left her with some pretty deep scars. As she comes to terms with her life from the past and present, her biggest story ends up being of that struggle.

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Who says there's no chemistry or real love in this world?

by from on 1999-11-16
Contrary to the main review, Never Been Kissed is full of chemistry. Sure it's a formula movie, but isn't that a refreshing break from some of the all-too-real graphic movies that have been hitting the screen? This is a modern fairy tale, and you've got to approach it as one or you will think you're too good for it.Having said that, what makes the film run is first: Drew Barrymore's totally believable character. If you've ever been on the high school margins and then bloomed a little later in life, you can appreciate Josie's situation. But even more beautiful than Josie's personal change is the obvious respect that exists between Josie and Sam Coulson (Michael Vartan) -- congratulations to Drew Barrymore for fighting to get Vartan on this cast, because it's been a long time since I saw an actor on the screen who actually appears genuinely interested in, supportive of, and attracted (in a very pure way) to a woman. Someone should give him a huge pay raise for pulling off the part. I second a previous review about "the look of love in their eyes" -- that's the way a woman wants to be looked at, like this man totally respects her for her intelligence, charm and kindness. It's a perfect contrast to the pettiness of Josie's high school crowd and demonstrates how much we can mature once we've danced at our own prom and moved on in life.Now someone just needs to let us all know when Vartan is going to be in another film!

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How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (Widescreen Edition) List Price: $12.98 Sale Price: $10.49 You save: $2.49 (19%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

Description

Annie is on a mission to win, then lose a guy in ten days and chooses a man trying to win and keep a woman in ten days as her subject.

Kate Hudson twinkles as the heroine of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, a magazine writer assigned to date a guy, make all the mistakes girls make that drive guys away (being clingy, talking in baby-talk, etc.), and record the process like a sociological experiment. However, the guy she picks--rangy Matthew McConaughey--is an advertising executive who's just bet that he can make a woman fall in love with him in ten days; if he succeeds, he'll win a huge account that will make his career. The set-up is completely absurd, but the collision of their efforts to woo and repel creates some pretty funny scenes. McConaughey's easy charm and Hudson's lightweight impishness play well together and the plot, though strictly Hollywood formula, chugs along efficiently. At moments Hudson seems to channel her mother, Goldie Hawn, to slightly unnerving effect. --Bret Fetzer

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Paramount
Manufacturer: Paramount
Original Release Date: 2003-02-07
Actors:

• Kate Hudson
• Matthew McConaughey
• Adam Goldberg
• Kathryn Hahn
• Annie Parisse

Reviews

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

by Kelly from Littleton, Colorado on 2008-04-06
Kate Hudson plays Andie Anderson a columnist for Composure magazine. Even though she has a degree from Columbia, she is stuck writing a "How To" fluff piece for the magazine. Her latest assignment is to pick a guy, and do all the stupid things girls do to chase a man away. "How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days" is Andie's next challenge to write. Ben is the perfect man for her column! Matthew McConaughey plays Benjamin Barry an ad executive wanting to break into a market he has never represented before. To market diamonds, his boss believes you have to understand what true love is, so Ben has to make a woman chosen for him, fall in love with him. Of course, Andie is the women Ben has to woo. Kate and Matthew have so much chemistry on screen that they sizzle. This is such a fun movie. There are many funny moments, and some touching serious ones. You will want to see it over and over again.

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very predictable, but also very cute

by Joe Sherry from Minnesota on 2004-06-15
A film by Donald PetrieHere's a highly predictable, yet cute romantic comedy. I have to wonder if these sorts of situations actually occur in real life, but they seem to happen all of the time in the movies. Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is a columnist at Composure Magazine. She writes the "How To" column intended for a female audience (Composure is similar to Cosmo or Glamour). The column she agrees to write for the current month is "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days". She has to find a guy and start dating him, but intentionally make all the classic mistakes that women make in relationships. These mistakes will cause the guy to dump Andie in 10 days or less, which is just in time for Andie to finish her column and get it published. Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) works in advertising. He is very good at what he does, but he is known for working on "guy" related campaigns. Ben wants to land his company's largest client, a diamond company, but he is seen as not having the right expertise and style for it. Ben is very good at selling himself and convinces his boss that he can get any woman to fall in love with him (being able to do this is similar to being able to sell diamonds, apparently). His boss gives him ten days, until a party that his boss is throwing for the new client. Benjamin has to be able to prove to his boss that the woman he brings to the party has truly fallen in love with him. Out of all of the people in New York City, Andie and Ben are going to meet at the perfect time to start dating and try to work out their conflicting assignments. How this happens is moderately clever, and is actually believable if convenient. Andie tries to get Ben to break up with her, though in a cute non-threatening way. Ben is trying to get Andie to fall in love with him, so is willing to put up with everything that Andie throws at him. "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" is incredibly predictable, but it is still an enjoyable movie. Nothing is a surprise, but it is cute and slick and Andie and Ben are two very likable characters. Sure, the movie is not very plausible and not very realistic, but cuteness and likeability goes a long way. -Joe Sherry

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Above Average Romantic Comedy

by Emily Todd from USA on 2003-03-10
"How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" is a truly delightful little movie. It's packed full of laughs and fun and boasts a great cast that gives it the edge over the slew of romantic comedies recently released. Ben (Matthew McConaughey) makes a bet with his boss that he can get a woman to fall in love with him in ten days to land a valuable advertising campaign (don't ask questions, you'll understand when you see the movie). Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) is the "How To..." columnist as the hot new women's magazine, Composure. The topic of Andie's next column? How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, hence the name of the film. If Andie writes the article, her boss, Lana, will give her complete freedom on the topics she writes about Apparently Andie wants to write about "serious" issues. That's great, hon, but why are you working at a glossy fashion mag if you want to write articles on global issues? Of course, Ben and Andie see each other at a bar and coincidentally choose each other as their "victims". And then you know what happens... Kate Hudson is an absolute gem! She is sweet, funny, and completely adorable. The audience genuinely likes Kate Hudson, and thus sympathizes with Andie. A big problem with most romantic comedies is that the characters are so dislikable that you don't really care what happens to them. Kate Hudson was able to prevent that. McConaughey was fine, but I firmly believe that he doesn't really act in films, just plays himself (he plays the same kind of guy in almost all his movies). Ever noticed how most romantic comedies are really quite funny until they reach that inevitable stage when the two stop hating each other (or whatever was holding them from love) and fall in love? Take McConaughey's "The Wedding Planner" (another film in which McConaughey plays himself), which I thoroughly enjoyed until they fell in love. "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" blessedly does not fall under this category. The film is consistently funny through and through and never gets boring.

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How to Lose an Audience in 10 Minutes

by from on 2004-03-26
HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS fails on the execution of the very title. This is a very lame attempt on the battle of the sexes theme and it all rests on Kate Hudson's character "Andie". She's a Columbia University journalist working for a women's magazine who wants to write something meaningful instead of writing fluff. In order to get the meaningful assignments that are alluding her, she must first put up with accepting lame writing assigments put upon her by her editor Lana Jong (Bebe Neuwirth). Andie comes up with the idea of dating a guy and having him dump her in 10 days. She gets the idea after a co-worker of hers is dumped by her boyfriend. She meets Ben (Matthew McConaughey) who, in a simple twist of faith, is on a bet with his boss and co-workers at an ad agency, that he can make a woman fall in love with him in a couple of weeks. This is where the film gets rough. Andie/Hudson puts on a psychotic persona to get Ben/McConaughey to break up with her. The first few minutes of Andie/Hudson's alter ego is where it loses the audience because it is very annoying and not plausible. Each attempt of Andie to torture Ben get scarier,unwatchable(yet not very original) and no guy would put up with even the first hint of the instability.The film becomes predictable as it goes through the motions of a "will they or won't they get together" plot. However, by the end, and through conventional means of a modern hollywood romantic comedy, everything is wrapped up and we know these two will eventually fall in love. The film has great New York City locations, a decent support cast (namely Andie's two main co-workers Kathryn Hahn-Michelle and Annie Parisse-Jeannie), and Matthew McConaughey is always good, however, once Hudson's character puts her plan into action, the film is not fun to watch.

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How to make a good romantic comedy...

by J. Cain from East Coast, USA on 2003-08-21
... Start with a good script that includes a twist, and add good acting and as much humor as possible. This movie has these elements. Kate Hudson plays a "How To" columnist for a fluffy women's mag, but she really wants to write about serious subjects. She is trying to impress her boss (Bebe Newirth) enough to earn free reign on her writing. In this process and after her coworker whines incessantly about being dumped, Hudson opts to write a reverse How To on what turns guys off. She must find a guy that will fall for her, then do everything that women do wrong in relationships. Concurrently, Matthew McConaghey plays a sharp-shooting, go-getter ad exec who has thus far worked predominantly in the sports arena. He would like to break into the very lucrative world of jewelry. What stands in his way? Two lovely ladies who believe they can do it better, and have the ear of McConaghey's boss. McConaghey makes a bet that he can make any woman fall in love with him in 10 days, in order to prove his adeptness at knowing and being able to speak to the female mind. His opposition, having overheard Hudson's latest assignment, pick her seemingly randomly as McConaghey's target, thinking he's sure to lose. This is how the couple comes together. The rest of the movie is how they come apart ... and it's funny. Actually, it's almost uncomfortably funny. Your sides will split in laughter in parts of the movie. Plus, you'll wonder how Kate Hudson ever managed to get through the embarrassingly funny things she did in her attempt to scare off unsuspecting McConaghey. Kate's performance is perfect. In the end, as you just have to know, the truth unravels with the unwitting help of McConaghey's sidekicks. All in all, this movie has everything ... a good plot, good acting, lots of laughs, and ample chemistry. This one is a must for the avid romantic comedy collector. (and guys should like it too)As for the DVD itself ... The deleted scenes aren't bad to watch, but the movie wasn't missing anything for having left them on the cutting room floor. I don't know about you, but I never really get into the lengthy commentaries so I haven't gone there to speak about it.

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Valentine's Day List Price: $19.94 Sale Price: $17.49 You save: $2.45 (12%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

Description

The starriest cast you may ever see sparkles in a hilarious and heartwarming romcom from the director of Pretty Woman and The Princess Diaries. Stories crisscross, collide and boomerang in this look at a day in the life of love. There's a proposal. Flowers that didn't get sent. A big fat secret that's finally told. The "I'll show up and surprise him" that ended up surprising her. Fights, kisses, wrong turns, right moves and more. Whether new to or through with love, you'll fall in love with this 19-star, funny-side-up celebration of romance.

For those in love with love--and even for those who think they're jaded and over it--Valentine's Day and its superb cast are the uplifting elixir that's called for. Director Garry Marshall must have called in every favor he had in Hollywood to line up this amazing cast. Much as Robert Altman does in his best films, Marshall follows intertwining and intersecting couples around Los Angeles as they hook up, break up, and act up as Valentine's Day--with all its intense expectations--looms. Bradley Cooper plays one half of a couple struggling to get back on track. Julia Roberts plays an army officer en route from Iraq (!) to visit a lover halfway around the world. Jennifer Garner is appealing as the girlfriend of a cad (Patrick Dempsey), who managed to overlook telling her he was married; will Garner's character go all Fatal Attraction? Standouts include the always-charming Anne Hathaway, whose character supplements her income with a freelance gig that, shall we say, involves using multiple accents over the phone--much to the consternation of her beau, played by Topher Grace. Shirley MacLaine and Hector Elizondo play a long-married couple whose strong marriage may be rocked by an old and very inconvenient truth. And young stars Emma Roberts, Taylor Lautner, and Taylor Swift sparkle enough to draw in younger viewers. And if love doesn't always go as planned for these couples (and singles), it's Marshall's deftness as a director that keeps the scenes moving along crisply to the next lovers, or victims. Marshall seems to be aiming to achieve for Valentine's Day what Richard Curtis did for Christmas in Love Actually--and if he falls a little short, it's not due to any lack of star power or onscreen dazzle. "Love is the only shocking act left on the planet!" exclaims Ashton Kutcher's character. If so, viewers of Valentine's Day can expect to be shocked--into a warm romance with this, yes, valentine to love. --A.T. Hurley

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: NEW Line Home Video
Manufacturer: New Line Cinema
Original Release Date: 2010-01-01
Actors:

• Bradley Cooper
• Jennifer Garner
• Taylor Swift
• Jamie Foxx
• Jessica Alba

Reviews

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!!!

by Pumpkin Man from on 2010-02-15
In honor of today actually being Valentine's Day, I wanted to see this movie. I actually liked it. It is very funny, and very romantic. All the characters are interesting and you care for them. There were a few twists that I didn't expect. This movie is filled with a lot of great actors. On Valentine's Day, we see the lives of different couples and how they deal with love and friendship. Some hearts are broken, and some will find true love on this magical day. Ashton Kutcher plays a florist named Reed Bennett who pops the question to his girlfriend. Jennifer Garner plays a teacher named Julia who falls in love with a doctor who is unfaithful. Anne Hathaway plays a receptionist named Liz who tries to hide the fact that she is a phone sex operator. A kid in Julia's class named Edison tries to send flowers to his Valentine. All this and much more happens on the day of love. I highly recommend VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

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Unmemorable, Studio-Packaged Filler Showcases Twenty Stars in Trivial Pursuit of Romance

by Ed Uyeshima from San Francisco, CA USA on 2010-05-24
This heavily packaged 2010 omnibus rom-com brings new meaning to the term - trivial pursuit. Never have so many Hollywood stars served a movie so bereft of any dramatic gravity or emotional resonance. Overlong at 122 minutes, this enterprise is directed with little nuance by Garry Marshall who seems to be throwing his film back to the broad shenanigans of his late-1970's sitcoms like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy. However, even more than Marshall's superficial direction, the real culprit is Katharine Fugate's (Army Wives) cliché-ridden, laugh-free screenplay. The contrived storyline she concocts forces about twenty recognizable actors to play out the slings and arrows of romance over the course of Valentine's Day in present-day Los Angeles. If you keep count of such things, there appears to be five interconnecting major stories. Character names are irrelevant in keeping track of them since we are meant to be awestruck by the star wattage of the cast, so I will just refer to the actors directly in my synopsis. Story #1: Julia Roberts is an uptight US Army captain on a one-day leave from Iraq and Bradley Cooper is her seatmate on the plane ride home to LA. Story #2: In the San Fernando Valley, Ashton Kutcher is a harried florist who has just proposed to his selfish, careerist girlfriend Jessica Alba, while his best friend Jennifer Garner has fallen in love with Patrick Dempsey, a deceptive doctor whom she doesn't know is married. Story #3: Emma Roberts (Julia's niece) turns 18 and methodically plans to lose her virginity with boyfriend Carter Jenkins that afternoon while her parents are presumptively away from the house. Story #4: Eric Dane is a closeted professional football player who struggles with inevitable retirement and complicates the livelihoods of both his romantically challenged publicist Jessica Biel and tough-minded über-agent Queen Latifah. Story #5: Anne Hathaway is Latifah's receptionist moonlighting as a phone sex operator as she begins to date mail clerk Topher Grace. The various plots intertwine with each other, and even more actors are thrown in for good measure like Jamie Foxx as a roving TV reporter and Shirley MacLaine and Hector Elizondo as grandparents hitting a rough spot. Does anybody shine above the others? You know you're in trouble when Kutcher is the one who gives the most dimensional performance in the film. Garner somehow survives with her appeal intact even in the silly revenge scene in the restaurant and the Alias-inspired throttling of the heart-shaped piñata that follows. Biel and Hathaway both work a bit too strenuously in their predictable parts, though both manage amusing moments. Alba continues to be a vacuous screen beauty, and the same could be said of Dempsey. It's not too surprising that both play characters who end up with the fuzzy end of the lollipop. Julia Roberts is wasted in her constricted role, but her niece Emma acquits herself even as singer Taylor Swift plays her gangly, airheaded best friend with surprising élan. Dane is wooden as if he doesn't know how to play a conflicted character, but Cooper manages to register in his equally ambivalent part. Foxx, Latifah and Grace play their accustomed roles with little surprise or impact. 76-year-old MacLaine gets the benefit of playing a romantic scene with Elizondo in front of a movie screen showing her 24-year-old self in 1958's Hot Spell. Before you can say Love Actually, it all ends rather neatly with nary a trace. Poof! The 2010 DVD has a predictable set of extras - a bland commentary track from Marshall that matches the bland tone of the movie, a six-minute featurette that allows some of stars to share their Valentine's Day stories, a five-minute cast tribute to Marshall, a disposable music video from Jewel, a few deleted scenes, and a three-minute sneak preview of "Sex and the City 2", appropriate since that movie caters to the same demographic audience.

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Enjoyable for what it is.

by Steven Carrier from on 2010-05-04
Garry Marshall takes a play from the Robert Altman handbook with "Valentine's Day", a romantic comedy about interconnecting people on the famed holiday in Los Angeles. It's a cheerful but shallow picture to say the least. While the film is packed with stars (23 in total) and a few good laughs, this modern day romance has nothing important to say, hell, it has nothing to say at all. The main lesson learned is that everyone needs to make their own definition of love... okay, thanks. Regardless, it's a really breezy film. It's bright, the stars plays to their strengths and it's just long enough to have all the stories resolved. It is what it is and "Valentine's Day" makes for a good film to accompany the holiday.

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Valentine's Day Review

by Craig Whittle from Phoenix, AZ on 2010-03-04
VALENTINE'S DAY STARRING: Jessica Alba, Kathy Bates, Jessica Biel, Bradley Cooper, Eric Dane, Patrick Dempsey, Hector Elizondo, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Garner, Topher Grace, Anne Hathaway, Carter Jenkins, Ashton Kutcher, Queen Latifah, Taylor Lautner, George Lopez, Shirley MacLaine, Larry Miller, Emma Roberts, Julia Roberts, Bryce Robinson and Taylor Swift WRITTEN BY: Katherine Fugate, Abby Kohn and Mark Silverstein DIRECTED BY: Gary Marshall Rated: PG - 13 Genre: Romantic Comedy Release Date: 12 February 2010 Review Date: 17 February 2010 If you could sum-up Gary Marshall's latest film Valentine's Day in just two words, they would be: too much. The film is overly-packed with characters played by huge A-list celebrities. The filmmakers clearly either tried to out-do and or were inspired by the huge success of He's Just Not that into You. This is evident from the rare style both films share, the fact that both were written by some of the same people, and that both were released by the same studio. He's Just Not that into You worked for two reasons: 1.) It had perhaps five or six less main characters, allowing for more time to be spent getting to know them; 2.) It was written significantly better. Valentine's Day is jam-packed with things that make us smile and chuckle, but never really get us to the point of laughing. It's cute yes, and no it's not horrible - but it's not great either. This film would have been better served as a 12 hour mini-series or even as an entire sitcom spread out over years and years of seasons. Even then, it would still be thick with characters. Having them all jam-packed into two hours with individual conflicts and resolutions is absurd. None of them seem like characters at all. It just feels like tiny seconds spent with the movie stars that we know them all for, and it's not their fault. It's easy to see how appealing this project would be to an actor, knowing they could step in and play a small roll without ever seeing most of the other talent involved. Several actors never appear in a scene together. Imagine the excitement of seeing how it all came together, for the first time at the Hollywood premier. Most of us would have done the same in their shoes. The two characters that were given the most attention in the story are best friends Reed (Ashton Kutcher) and Julia (Jennifer Garner). Out of respect to the one person who will read this and not see the so-called `twists' coming from two miles out - I'll spare you the details of how predictable everything that happens is. Let's just say, we've seen every little turn and mishap and mildly humorous event, a thousand times before, in some other romantic comedy. On a positive note, you could surely find worse films to pass your two hours with. As chaotic as it is, it is still a blast to see so many popular faces in one movie, and literally everyone was brilliant. And while the writers didn't develop the characters well at all, or give any of them interesting unique situations to find themselves in -they did do a pretty descent job of tying everyone's story together by the end of the film. As if seeing all of them wasn't entertaining enough, it's even more fun to see who's paired up with whom. Julia Roberts and Bradley Cooper play strangers who strike up a conversation while sitting next to each other on an airplane. Anne Hathaway and Topher Grace are the cutest odd couple in the film. Taylor Lautner and Taylor Swift take us back to High School. And Jamie Foxx and Jessica Biel re-unite from their previous film Stealth, as two people who are exactly what the other needs. Please keep in mind that I see virtually every film that comes out and tend to have high expectations from talented actors and directors (especially acclaimed talents like Gary Marshal who have directed flawless films like Pretty Woman and Georgia Rule). Some of you will no-doubt like this film very much, and I hope that you do. But if you find yourself appreciating the idea of the film more than the film itself; then do yourself a favor. Rent He's Just Not that into You. You'll see what I mean.

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Fun and Satisfying

by Scott Asher from on 2010-07-25
Valentine's Day is more a series of intertwining stories than just one, like many romantic comedies. The diversity of storyline is a great strength and also the biggest obstacle to fully enjoying this film from start to finish. I found that it was difficult to follow who was who for much of the film. I recognize that some characters, specifically the two on the airplane, are purposefully vague, but some, for instance, like the young lady who turns out to be the babysitter for the young boy are vague without clear justification. By the end of the film, though, all is forgiven as each story wraps up in a satisfying and enjoyable way. There were only a couple of oddities that didn't seem to fit well into the story, most notably the football star, who was underdeveloped, and some characters that seemed to be plugged in just to add star value, like Queen Latifah as the football star's agent. In other films similar to this the key characters tend to be tied together to a single group of friends and I think that works a little better, but since this story is tied to the day itself it works. Overall, a fun film with tons of star power that ends the way the viewer comes to believe it should. Much better than the Rotten Tomato score. Notice: The film features explicit sexual conversation and describes deviant sex acts prominently, although there is no full nudity and no explicit visual sex scenes. Two characters who are in high school plan on having sex at lunch, while another character is cheating on his wife of 15 years with another character that doesn't know it. Homosexuality also plays a role in the film. There isn't much in the way of foul language, and no drug use. PG-13 is a low rating and parents of teens and tweens should use discernment when allowing their children to watch this film as it probably should have been rated R for all of the sexual content.

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