While I've never turned 180 degrees about a movie, "My Cousin Vinny" is a rare example of one that significantly grew on me over time. Back in 1993, I expected the film to quickly fade from memory. Now it's years later, and I'm still quoting its lines. I'll be preparing breakfast, when the words spring to the surface of my mind, "No self-respecting Southerner uses instant grits." I smile at the memory. This movie got me into eating grits, but not the kind that would qualify me as a self-respecting Southerner.

This is a movie defined more by small moments than by big events. Plotwise, it's fairly routine. But the small moments make all the difference. Too many Hollywood comedies get hung up on the initial inspiration and then end up flat. I have more respect for a film that takes an old worn idea and makes it work.

Recently, I viewed the original trailer on Youtube. As trailers often do, it highlights the movie's very few pratfalls: Joe Pesci slipping in the mud, Joe Pesci punching a guy on the street, Joe Pesci coming to court dressed in a ridiculous suit. Though marketed as slapstick, the actual film is almost entirely dialogue-driven. It's the type of comedy where most of the characters are intelligent but still end up at each other's throats because of differences in personality and background.

The movie concerns two New York college students (Ralph Macchio and Mitchell Whitfield) who stop at a convenience store in Alabama shortly before a murder takes place. They inadvertently take a can of tuna fish without paying, and when they're pulled over as murder suspects, they end up "confessing" to a crime they don't even realize they're being charged with, because of carefully parsed conversations aided by their paranoia about the rough-and-tumble justice of the South. This whole opening sequence sounds funnier than it plays out.

But then Pesci, as Macchio's cousin Vinny, arrives in town to defend the kids. Much of the film takes place outside the courtroom, as Vinny interacts with the locals and bickers with his fiancée (Marisa Tomei). There is a strong enough human element that the film may appeal to those who don't normally enjoy legal comedies.

With its elaborate plot contrivances, a movie like this has a danger of seeming cartoonish. It avoids that fate partly because of a cleverly written screenplay, but even more because of the warm performances.

Over the years, movie buffs have made it a sport to bash Tomei's performance. I consider that highly unfair. She sparkles in this role, displaying much chemistry with Pesci despite being more than twenty years younger, a fact the movie somehow makes invisible. I suspect that most people would agree with me if not for her having received a surprising Oscar, followed by persistent (though implausible) rumors that an old and senile Jack Palance had called out the wrong name. People tend to over-criticize things they feel are over-rated.

The other performances are equally crucial. Fred Gwynne's judge is a stock character--the hard-nosed authority figure whom we gradually come to respect. But with his knowing smile, Gwynne occupies the role so engagingly that he transcends the stereotype. Lane Smith plays the DA as someone who would seem like a decent guy if not for our knowledge that he's jeopardizing two innocent lives based on circumstantial evidence. That the movie avoids caricature is one of its attractions.

But Pesci carries the film. Earlier performances of his--the pesky sidekick in "Lethal Weapon 2," the burglar in "Home Alone," and the crazy gangster in "Goodfellas," which earned him an Oscar--might not have predicted that he could play lead, even in a comedy. He manages to create a Danny DeVito sort of character, a funny little guy who's shrewd, but infectiously likable. There is barely a hint of his psycho image here, except in one of the movie's funniest scenes, when the kid who's unrelated to Vinny sees him coming toward the jail cell and thinks he's a rapist.

The movie does a good job depicting Vinny's strengths and weaknesses as an attorney. His lack of courtroom experience, a fact he tries to conceal from the judge, provides for some laughs. The conceit is that he's very good at what he does, once he gets going. With Pesci in command of the screen, this theme manages to work. A scene where he uncovers the fatal flaw in a tough but disingenuous witness's testimony is executed with such beautiful timing that it seems to depend almost entirely on Pesci's presence--a lesser actor could have easily screwed it up, no matter how good the script sounded.

The movie is not perfect. As I mentioned before, it never really takes off until Pesci appears. A sequence featuring Austin Pendleton as an incompetent public defender is overdone and drags. And the movie's climax involves details a bit too technical to be appropriate for a comedy. But the heart of the film is in the relationships: the romantic tension between Pesci and Tomei, and the cultural tension between them and the locals--all of it charming, all of it resulting in hilarious payoff.


Joe Pesci is one of the very few actors who can play either the comedy role;i.e a slightly dimwitted yet funny character, or the serious role as a violent, erratic henchman/psycho; i.e in Scorcese's Goodfellas and Casino. In My Cousin Vinny, he excels as Vincent Gambini: a so-called stereotypical New Yorker, of whom travels to the South with no prior knowledge in legal affairs, faking his way as a lawyer, as he attempts to defend his cousin and his friend, Stan on their behalf, in his efforts to clear their name. One of his clients is a relative from Vinny's family named Bill, played by 'the original Karate Kid' himself, Ralph Macchio, which was interesting to see.

Joining Vinny in this travels to Alabama is girlfriend, Mona Lisa Vito played by Marisa Tomei, who undoubtedly steals the show. I cannot fathom exactly why,like the majority of film actresses, she hasn't received so many film offers to date. The term 'underrated' springs to mind when describing this actress, not to mention 'under-used'. And yet with Tomei in My Cousin Vinny, she brings to her performance an endearing quality, as well as a feisty attitude as Mona Lisa Vito- the fast talking, smart, no-nonsense woman with a Brooklyn accent to match. Her much coveted Oscar win was well deserved. Remarkably enough, she bears a striking resemblance to another actress going by the name of Amy Pietz.

One of the funniest lines uttered by both Pesci and Tomei was this one: Vinny: What about these pants I got on? You think they're OK? Mona Lisa Vito: Imagine you're a deer. You're prancing along. You get thirsty. You spot a brook. You spot a little brook. You put your little deer lips down to the cool clear water. BAM! A f***in bullet rips off part of your head. Your brains are lying on the ground in little bloody pieces. Now I ask ya, would you give a f*** what kind of pants the son-of-a-b**** who shot you was wearing?

Unlike many of his Scorcese roles to name for example, Pesci as Gambini comes across to audiences as likable, humorous and sociable. For once, you want to sympathise with him but also, you want him to succeed in the end and Pesci has given this character a lot of credibility and scope to work with. There are some great scenes such as when the freight train disturbs Vinny's sleep in the early hours of the morning; when Vinny is wearing a white tracksuit and a pair of white sneakers and he slips on mud whilst pushing the car, and thus, his outfit and his suit for the court case is ruined, as a result. When Mona Lisa was in court sitting on the witness stand, having to testify and had to describe, visualise and identify in detail the models of the cars and everyone Apart from Vinny was left astounded by her knowledge of motor vehicles. Another great moment was when the lawyer was about to read out his opening statement- only for him to stutter along the way. It was so funny, the reaction from the jury based on their facial expressions said it all. That was just hilarious.

British director Lynn has worked wonders on this movie and the cast, particular the supporting actors all shine in their roles. 'My cousin Vinny' delivers on all accounts, successfully taking what is perceived to be a serious and somewhat complicated situation and subject area, and turning it into something that is farcical- yet entertaining.

This is a great film with fantastic acting and comedic moments brilliantly thrown in and utilised for good measure


This movie is so hilarious I can not even put it down on the comment box, that is just how insanely funny this movie is. This is one of the funniest if not the funniest movie(s) I have ever seen in my life. The movie is hilarious from start to finish that I barely had time to breathe during scenes. This movie has a good bit of cursing but overall the movie was phenomenal and I loved every second of it. Joe Pesci has always been extremely serious when he needed to be, and also very funny when he needed to be and by God in this movie he is one of the funniest actors in one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. I loved this movie so much that there is no way I could give it any less than 10 stars.


Marisa Tomei, from this years "Wild Hogs," won an Oscar for her performance in this film. Joe Pesci, in a change from his bad boy gangster image was absolutely hilarious. Add in the Karate Kid (Ralph Maccio) and you have a movie that will have you busting a gut. This was Fred Gwynne's last movie and he was a hoot as the judge that couldn't figure out how to deal with Pesci as he defended the "youts" accused of a crime. The dialog between Pesci and Tomei was snappy throughout and made this one enjoyable experience. Don't look at the obvious errors like the fact that the judge should have known about Pesci's legal status and the tire man, just sit back and enjoy the show.


I've seen "My Cousin Vinny" a thousand times, and it always does the trick...it entertains me to no end. I still laugh at the same scenes I laughed at when I first saw the film over fifteen years ago.

Marisa Tomei is flat out FANTASTIC as Mona Lisa Vito--the wise cracking, marriage wanting, car fixing, pizza chick who accompanies Vinny (Joe Pesci--also brilliant) to Alabama in order to get his cousin (Ralph Macchio) and his friend (Mitchell Whitfield) off from murder charges when their car matches the suspect's car in a Sac-o-Suds homicide involving the clerk.

The comedic exchanges of Pesci and Fred Gwynn (the stuffy, Southern Judge) are gut busting. Tomei and Pesci, on paper, would appear to be the oddest coupling around, but, once you see the film, you quickly become aware that their pairing is a casting triumph.

In short, everyone pulls out all the stops to make this a movie you just can't get sick of no matter how many times you watch it (I just saw it AGAIN last night). I, personally, would like to "Thank the Academy" for honoring Tomei with a Best Supporting Actress award for her performance. If you can find a more worthy recipient--that year, or any other, for that matter--I'd like to know who you'd come up with.


Comedy about two guys (Ralph Macchio and Mitchell Whitfield) traveling cross country from NY to CA. While in Alabama they are (unjustly) accused of murder and need a lawyer--fast. Macchios' cousin Vinny (Joe Pesci) arrives from NY with his girlfriend (Marisa Tomei) to defend them. The problem is that he has only six weeks of law school training and the judge (Fred Gwynne) hates him...

Huge comedy hit which made Pesci even more popular than he already was (he had just won the Oscar for "Goodfellas") and gave Tomei a Best Supporting Actress Oscar. The setup is familiar, it's way too long, not all the jokes work and some of the characters are unlikable (Whitfield got annoying quick and Gwynne was TOO mean) but, all in all, this is a fun movie. The parts that do work are hysterical--the verbal matches between Pesci and Gwynne, Austin Pendleton's opening speech in court (you can see Pesci, Macchio and Whitfield breaking up in the background) and just about anything Tomei says.

Acting--Macchio and Whitfield sort of fade into the background--they aren't given much to do. Pesci is is just great as Vinny--loud, obnoxious, swearing nonstop and very funny. Tomei matches him word for word. A lot of people seem to think that Tomei doesn't deserve the Oscar she won--but comedy is much harder to do than drama and she takes a stock character is makes her realistic, sympathetic and very funny. Her testimony in court at the end probably won her the award. Gwynne is terrific (if a bit too stern) as the judge. This was a last film and it's great to see he went out on a high note.

So, I recommend it. The only debits are its over length and the nonstop profanity may offend people. I give it an 8.

Best line--"Oh yeah--you blend".


When I first saw My Cousin Vinny, I then realized the difference in those movies that were done pre-2000, and those done today is like comparing a juicy orange to a glass of rancid milk. My Cousin Vinny was from start to finish outstanding in story line and acting. One cannot find one actor in the movie that failed in any way in his or her part. Of course Pesci was great - the woman in it, Marissa Tomei not only was quick, witty, gorgeous, but acted the part easily - and I think was the #1 actor in the movie. There's no doubt that My Cousin Vinny will be my favorite repeat picture in my library. The social conduct of Northerner or Southerner left you with a love for both (allowing that some have leanings either way). It definitely is a must see for anyone, and definitely keeps your interest from start to finish.


Taking aside when it's edited down for its content and for time, this is really a neat movie to watch when it comes on TV, which- if you have cable- is pretty often. It's also one of the best vehicles for Joe Pesci that was ever made (even if it didn't technically originate with him), and will probably make for part of his great standing as an actor years later through all the other Scorsese movies. It's sometimes very ridiculous- i.e. the suit Vinny wears to Court following no choice, always brilliant- but it's also got a sincerity to it that works. It's original in its characters and dialog even if it always takes some liberties with Southern and New York clichés. The best example of the former would be with the grits part in the courtroom scenes ("no respectable Southerner would make instant grits"). And the cast surrounding Pesci always makes it worth watching. Marisa Tomei- maybe a little unnecessary of an Oscar win- is in her prim here as Vinny's girlfriend-would-be-fiancé who ends up helping him out more than he could've thought. Meanwhile four of the more talented character actors, some seen more than others, bring up the courtroom scenes perfectly- Fred Gwynne as the judge, (the late) Lane Smith as the prosecutor, Bruce McGill as the Sheriff, and Austin Pendleton as a stand-in defense attorney. They bring both professionalism and a few laughs in measure with the very sharp, unpredictable script. That it also sometimes leaves it onto Pesci's shoulders to keep up entertainment wise is not altogether unexpected. But at the end of it all it's a very watchable, endearing piece of work, where the case itself in the story is not as worthwhile as the memorable lines of dialog or the bit players. And there's even a bit of good craftsmanship that goes unnoticed by some in it as well (the first scene at the bar shows this if you look close enough). Whether you've seen it in the theaters or not, it's probably one of the true enjoyable movies to watch on a weekend afternoon with nothing to do.


Joe peso excels in this piece of courtroom comedy where he takes his first murder case as an out of town lawyer in the deep south. there are the usual errors of a new lawyer. though the judge is suspicious, the judge accepts Vinnie the lawyers assurance of an impressive record of some wins and losses and permits Vinnie despite reservations to try a case where the ultimate penalty hangs over both defendants.

Fred Gwynn a long time comic actor plays the part of a Superior Court Judge eloquently with reserve and detachment.

while this is a romantic comedy, the comic aspects of the story are adjunctive to the seriousness of the charges for which both defendants face death. though utterly inexperienced before an hostile court, Vinny manages with a little help from his girl friend Mona to draw victory in a case of mistaken identity from the jaws of defeat.

the harshness of the new yawk accent is tastefully in this film executed as the perfect counterpoint to the sense of dignity and propriety of the ever staid southland.

the film qualifies as a classic comedy as it ends with a promise of marriage.


Without a doubt, this is the most entertaining and funniest movie I have ever seen in my entire life. The side jokes are hilarious, the main punch lines are even funnier, and last but not least- every word out of Vinny Gambini's (Joe Pesci) mouth is absolutely hilarious. From start to finish, this film will have you cracking up and laughing so hard that you'll rewind a majority of the parts a million times and recite every word in each selection. After that point, you'll have the whole movie memorized in about 2-3 nights. I am in utter disbelief that not everyone has voted this movie a perfect 10. The only thing that I can think of that is a negative point for this movie is that after you watch this, Comedy is RUINED...because NOTHING is funny after you watch this. Nothing even comes close to 1/2 as funny as this masterpiece!


In this Ernest film, Ernest has a job picking up golf balls, it's a crappy occupation (still, beats scrubbing toilets) but Ernest loves every minute of it, thanks to his vivid imagination that keeps him in his own little world where he pretends the golf balls are mines and he's a war hero of some kind. His buddy Ben tells him that if he joins the army (the reserves to be precise), he'll become "Army People" and therefore be able to drive big trucks, cars and other such vehicles without ever having to leave the base and go into actual combat. Ernest hesitates but eventually agrees and he is finally able to display hisahemimpressive driving. Things take an unexpected turn for our pal when his group of reserves are to be sent to a small country, Karifistan, that's about to be invaded by an evil, golf-loving dictator. So Ernest soon finds himself in a foreign land having the biggest, most challenging adventure of his life. The film starts off with a narrator telling the tale of the legend of the "Great American Warrior" who will come and save the people of Karifistan. It's instantly obvious the "Hero" in question is none other than Ernest himself who, by the end of the film, conveniently saves everyone, gets rid of the bad guys and even gets the girlwell, sort of. Ernest in the Army may not be as funny as, say, Ernest Goes to Camp but it's certainly quite fun to watch. The highlights include an accident involving some out-of-control gummy bears, Ernest's original pancake recipe and his struggle with an electric fence. The rubber-faced Jim Varney is as good as ever, expect plenty of Jim Carrey-esquire facial madness and stupidly funny one-liners. Of course, the film itself is low budget, contains mediocre acting, writing and directing (even though there are some surprisingly OK moments) but when Ernest is on the screen you can't help but smile and who cares if a film is good or not as long as it's funny? Overall, "connoisseurs" of Jim Varney's works will find lots to enjoy here (I did), others will probably cringe a lot and let out a couple of tight farts, know what I mean? Ehehehe...


Another harmless outing for Ernest. The title says it all, this time he's in the army...though much of the time, the attempted gags don't often have that much to do with the army. Much of the time it seems the film should've been called "Ernest in the Desert." There are a few minor chuckles, and plenty of failed bits. Yet, it's tough to really call this a bad movie. It just doesn't leave you with that same icky feeling you get from watching a really bad movie. The kiddies will like it.


After watching Ernest Goes to Africa, I never felt another Ernest movie would come out. What a visceral surprise to see this movie on the video shelves. Moronic and only occasionally funny, I was surprised they didn't do an Ernest in Space or something like that. Jim Varney should have stepped in and said something before this movie was made. I mean, if he was that hard up for money, why couldn't he ask the loyal Ernest fans of the world to help him. A sad pitiful chapter in the life of Ernest P. Worrel.


I remember watching this show as an 11 year-old and LOVED IT. I'd look forward to it each week and would not miss it for the world. It seemed like it was preempted ALL THE TIME by something in the news, just like the other reviewer said. Of course, I'd tune in the next week and get to watch it. No problem. But this kept happening. A week on the air, a week off the air. Finally, it was "preempted" by another show. It took several weeks before I realized it was never coming back. At least I still had "Tales of the Gold Monkey". The best way to describe this show would be as follows: Wizards & Warriors was to the Dungeons and Dragons genre as "Sledge Hammer" was to cop shows. A true classic that needs to be released on DVD.


I agree with the previous comment. Plus, believe it or not, some of the jokes were rather subtle. For example, it was shown at a time in which "Real men don't eat quiche" was a cultural saying. In the show, the muscular good-guy hero and Princess Ariel were sitting on a blanket preparing to eat a picnic lunch that Ariel had prepared. She pulled out many items and offered each one to the hunk. When she off-handedly offered him quiche, he merely replied in a normal tone of voice, "No thanks." And that was it. No laugh tracks. You had to actually watch the show to understand and appreciate the comedy (I tend to do additional activities during TV shows).

Julie Duffy was outstanding as the spoiled, self-centered princess. This role was reprised during "Newhart" in which she played a spoiled housekeeper in Bob Newhart's series at an inn in the Pacific Northwest.

Anyway, good show. It is still missed.


Its a shame that this sitcom gem was lost to us due to constant preempting. I've never thought the rating system was all that fair. They should not include moments when prime time shows fall victim to breaking world newscasts, presidential addresses, special mini-series broadcasts, and holiday specials...its just not an accurate assessment of a show's viewer base. That said, maybe some reviewers are right that the audience wasn't 'there' yet, as the D&D gaming crowd was still mostly a little young to fall into the demographic they were shooting for...but I certainly loved it! And pay no heed to the comments of 'Oh Dear, Oh Dear'...that person obviously had no idea that the show wasn't there as a serious attempt to promote D&D to the masses...it was a COMEDY...a silly, camped-up comedy (like "Men In Tights' was to the Robin Hood franchise). And a good one at that! Julia Duffy was so memorable and funny as the spoiled, self-absorbed Princess Ariel that when she re prised that type of role as Stephanie on the 'Newhart', for the first season she was on that show I just saw her as The Princess...and that alone kept me watching 'Newhart'! I was never much a Jeff Conway fan, but the show gave me a better appreciation for him. And the villain stole the scene (or at least what part of it he could pry away from Duffy) every time he took the screen. I always thought his name was Derek Blackpool..to me that seems funnier somehow than Dirk (maybe because it rhymes with Eric?). Perhaps after a couple of decades of having seen it, its like Dark Shadows...you remember it as scarier (or in this case, funnier) than it actually was (and we'll sadly never know now how good it could have been), but I would love to go back and watch it again. I don't recall if it had a laugh track, but I don't think it would have needed one if it is indeed as funny as I recall. I was sad to see it go, and like another poster, didn't realize it was gone until it didn't come back. As a baby-boomer, I'd like to see more pop-culture related sitcoms like this revived rather than more waste-of-time reality shows.


"J.T" is a simple, hour-long story of a young boy living in a New York ghetto, but it tackles some weighty issues. Kevin Hooks is an amazing, natural actor; he feigns indifference to everything in his life, but in his eyes you see his true feelings when he mentions the sick and abandoned cat he has found. Ja'Net Dubois is also great as his worried, exhausted mother, who is firmly mired in poverty, despite working many hours at a store day after day. She sees her son sliding hopelessly downhill into a life of crime, when he comes home with a radio he's stolen. This stolen radio provides the catalyst for the heartache that follows. Theresa Merritt plays Mama Meley, who arrives from down south to visit her daughter and grandson for Christmas, and she's so warm and down-to-earth that her voice can sooth any ill. Merritt was a wonderful actress, and a very under-appreciated one; she gives this show a very real and loving center.

J.T. builds a paradise for the cat, when his mother won't let him bring the animal home; he creates an oasis of comfort for his pet in an abandoned tenement, showing that he still has a huge capacity for love despite his harsh surroundings. This is also a story of a mother's struggle to be independent and support herself and her son, and how such a life can blind her to the suffering her own child is enduring. There is a small subplot with a kind local grocer and his wife; he provides the wonderful surprise at the end of the story, and his actions show that ghetto life has not broken his optimism. He still has hope, and through his gift he gives hope to J.T. and his mother. She sees at last just how hard she's been on the boy and is ashamed.

Everyone who watches this will have tears in their eyes at some point, but that's okay because "J.T." is, in the end, an upbeat film that will make you feel good. It isn't shown on TV much; the last time was 1987 on CBS when they were still committed to showing programs that meant something to young people. If you can find it, don't pass it up; it's marvelous at Christmastime.


Absolutely loved this film! I haven't seen it in 30 years but still remember the feelings it provoked. I still remember "I want me this cat I found"! I wish they would show it on television again. Networks show so many horrid Christmas shows over and over again, but an excellent film such as this seems to have been forgotten. I am going to Contact Carrousel Films to see if they have the movie in DVD now. From what others have said it's not cheap - but it's worth a lot to me to see this masterpiece again. Thank you so much to those who found where to buy this move. I don't know many who have seen this film so I plan on sharing it with those close to me.


I saw this movie when I was about 10 and it had a profound effect on me. Growing up in a white, middle class neighborhood, I had very little exposure to people of different races and cultures. Seeing how a boy about the same age as I lived so differently prepared me in a small way in dealing with people from different backgrounds later in life. When I saw how JT got so much happiness from a simple thing like adopting a kitten and caring for it really made me appreciate what I had and put things into perspective for me. I think this movie made in 1969 would still hold its own today. If anyone from PBS or Nickelodeon reads this, there are a lot of 30- and 40-somethings out there who would love to see this re-released and watch it with their children. If this ever happens to come on in your area, DON'T MISS IT and make copies of it.


I remember seeing "J.T." when it was originally shown on CBS Saturday, December 13, 1969 (I was then 7 years old); I kept hearing about the show when promos were run during my favorite CBS Saturday morning shows, so I decided to see what all the hype was about. What a nice story it was! (Back in those days it seemed CBS made the best high-quality holiday specials, and "J.T." was no exception.)

I also remember later that same day my father (may he rest in peace) took us to a Christmas tree lot in Port Huron, Michigan, where we cut a live tree and took it home to where we lived in Warren. Thus, another nice childhood memory was encoded in this.

In the spring (!) of 1977, I attended Lansing Catholic Central High School in Lansing, Michigan, and had a treat in seeing "J.T." during Religion class (they obtained a 16mm film of the show from Carousel Films, Inc. in New York City; back then, VCRs were still in their infancy).

CBS reran "J.T." in December 1980 and after that hadn't rerun it again until Thanksgiving Day, 1987; at that time, my family had their first VCR, and I was very lucky to have videotaped the show. Unfortunately, some parts of the tape had "dropouts" on it. Then, four years later, CBS reran "J.T." for the very last time, on Christmas Day, 1991. I figured that would have been the final rerun, so I was smart to have re-taped the show, and on a better quality videocassette. So I had that tape of "J.T." for the next decade until I discovered in late 2001 that Carousel Film and Video (as they now call themselves) still owned the video rights to "J.T." They told me the tape sold for $59.99; as with another writer, Carousel told me "J.T." was mostly available for educational use, but sold it to me after I explained to them I couldn't locate a commercially produced copy of the tape and that it would be for my own personal use. It was a very wise investment - the copy of "J.T." Carousel sent me was unedited (there were two scenes CBS chopped out in order to fit the time slot when they last ran it involving Helen Martin, Pearl on "227," as a neighbor in the building where J.T. lived who complained about him playing the radio loudly), was hi-fi encoded, and best of all, had NO commercial interruptions!

And who would have thought back in 1969 that Kevin Hooks would not only go on to become a major actor but a director as well (Hooks recently directed "Fled" and "Black Dog"), and that Ja'net Du Bois, Theresa Merritt, and Holland Taylor would go on to major stardom? (Ja'net DuBois went on to play Willona Woods on "Good Times," Theresa Merritt starred with Clifton Davis in "That's My Mama" and starred on Broadway in "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" shortly before she passed away in late 2001, and Holland Taylor recently appeared in several TV movies.) And thanks to the other writer who clarified this - I wondered if that was the same Jane Wagner (who wrote the script for "J.T.") who became Lily Tomlin's writing partner. Turns out she was.

So I would encourage anyone who wishes to get "J.T." contact Carousel Film and Video in New York; it's certainly worth the steep price if you want to see this special again in its original, uncut form. Besides, who knows if and when CBS will ever rerun "J.T." again?

And Carousel Film and Video, if anyone on your staff is reading this I hope you'll PLEASE see about putting "J.T." on DVD very soon. A great special like this deserves to be digitally remastered for a new generation!


There are no words fulsome enough to describe "JT." I remember seeing it many years ago, the first time it was shown. Seldom had I been moved so much by anything. Apparently scores of other viewers felt the same way, because it was run again a week later. I remember that Doris Day (a great animal lover) introduced this second showing, saying that the first had been "a happening." And so it was. JT, a little black boy being raised by his mother and grandmother, trying to bring him up right despite all the odds against him, finds a purpose in his life when he finds, adopts, and cares for a scroungy black and white alley cat. "JT" has a kind of double ending, the first so tragic, so sad, and the other hopeful. One gets the impression that JT will finally grow up, because of the responsibility he took for the cat and that the cruelty of his life, the fate of the cat, will make him a man that his mother and grandmother can be proud of. I always associate "JT" with Christmas and, thankfully, I taped it. Watch "JT" if you ever get the chance. Trust me--you will cry--


J.T. debuted on CBS in 1969 and won a Peabody Award that year. I probably saw it in 1969, but I know for sure I saw it during the 1970s as it was rebroadcast several times, usually around Christmas.

Although a bit of a sentimental weeper, the acting and portrayal of life in a tough urban neighborhood are gritty and believable. I doubt that today's tastemakers would approve of anything so realistic being offered as fare for children.

It is too bad J.T. is no longer broadcast and is not readily available on VHS or DVD. To my mind, J.T. is as much of a Christmas classic as It's A Wonderful Life or A Christmas Story.


I first saw J.T. in the late 60's or early 70's on a show possibly called "CBS Children's Television Workshop". It was on Saturday mornings about noon after the cartoons were over. It was aired sporadically after that around Christmas in the mid 70's. It isn't a Christmas movie per say but the plot is set around the time of Christmas. Before I got a computer I had no luck finding J.T. anywhere. After I got one I still had no luck until I, like so few others, got wind of a store in NYC called Carousel books and films. I contacted them by phone and their asking price was really too high for a person on a budget. I waited and hoped that someday I'd come across somebody with a copy or a copy of a copy on Ebay. Two weeks ago my wait was over! Last night I got to see J.T. for the first time in nearly 35 years, in color no less!!! When I saw it last my parents had not yet had a color TV so I saw it in black and white. A lot of the story I couldn't remember because I was only about 7 or 8 when I last saw it, I'm 43 now. I remembered the main points though, the little boy who lived with his mother, nursing a homeless cat back to health in an abandoned building before and after school, the tragedy that happens, the saddest moment on TV since the Martins forced Timmy to give up Lassie to move to Australia in "Timmy and Lassie", (both of these tug at the heart strings and bring a tear to the eye) and the 'turn around' happy ending. This isn't academy award winning by any standards but it is a descent heart warming story that kids and adults alike can enjoy. A rarity to find that kind of quality in shows made today. I will cherish my copy of J.T. and will proudly play it every Christmas time in my home. It is a shame that it is not picked up by some cable channel and at least shown around Christmas like it used to be or better yet, put out on VHS or DVD, maybe someday.


They showed this movie to us in school when I was 7 or 8 years old and it was just so sad. Having grown up in a rough part of Chicago I connected with the settings and characters in the film right away and this film has stayed with me for the last 38 years. The film pulls you back and forth between joy and sorrow. between anger and sympathy. It will pull at you heart only to be devastated at the climax of the story. Even the villains in the film seem to realize what they have done and they suddenly go from being characters to hate to just people playing their role in the urban jungle. There are some very valuable lessons to be learned from this film for people of all ages and I would recommend it to anyone.


None of this films impact has been lost since I viewed it as a 10 yr old child. Thanks to the member who told us where to get this long lost tv movie. I cried like a baby seeing it for the first time since 1969/70 The price is steep at $54.00 post paid,(VHS)no DVD available. But if you love this film its cheap at the price.

Get it and have a good cry....TB.


Kevin Hooks doesn't hit a wrong note in this very early performance. No cuteness, no mugging; just a real little kid who finds something in his life worth fighting for. Surprisingly gritty location photography, especially for TV. Watch this one with your kids.


Just thinking about this movie gives me shivers and makes me want to cry. In happiness, that is. I hate to sound so melodramatic, but that's how this movie affected me as a 10 year old seeing it for the first time. If I can recall, this movie was a Christmas season mini-classic shown every year on CBS. They used to show it every year for about 5 or 6 years or so, then it vanished. I was a young kid growing up in Brooklyn and my life had some strong parallels to JT's as I, too, had a hard, lonely existence and adopted stray dogs and cats only to find them dead after being hit by cars one after another. That didn't stop me from befriending other strays though, as this movie taught me many valuable lessons about life. Especially for animals. What I wouldn't give to revisit these characters again!


I was telling my kids about this movie yesterday and decided to look for it on the net tonight. I have not seen it since it first aired and I was an 8 year old living a life similar to that boy in the movie. I really love this movie. I can still feel the salty tears running down my face after seeing this as a kid. I would love to find a copy of this movie to show my kids. I did a search for Carousel Films, but I could not find this movie on the companies that came up. Does anyone know where one can find a copy of this movie? This is such a lost treasure of a film. I was so glad to see others comments on how they were touched by this movie and it stayed with them all these years. So if anyone knows how to find a copy please post. Thanks!


I put this film into the same category as "Lonesome Dove" and "The Singing Detective" (the BBC version), my two favorite TV films as an adult. "J.T." is television at its finest, never to be seen again. I was lucky enough to experience it when first broadcast in 1969 when I was seven. It struck me very deeply in the heart and stayed there. Now, as a 45-yaear-old teacher, I've found a tattered copy of the novelization in a used bookstore. I presented it to my 4th grade class and they LOVED it. They are currently writing about it. I think that "J.T.'s" longevity is a testament to its quality. The novelization is, by the way, still in print and can be found through Amazon, etc.

This film has a great pedigree (Robert M. Young is a legendary television director, and Jane Wagner has been writing theater, etc., for a long time.). Kevin Hooks was perfect, and yes, went on to become a fine adult actor and director.


I loved this movie since my family loves cats and I remember how it broke my heart when the kitty got killed. I think I remember he fed it tuna fish that he either stole from a store or from his house, I can't remember exactly how he got the cans of tuna but I kinda remember that part of the movie.

I need someone to mail me a copy of the movie so I can share it with our younger members of our church.

Thanks in advance, God loves a cheerful giver

Mail a VHS copy to :

Ernie Smith 2586 Otranto Road Charleston,SC


For years, I thought this was called P.J. (not oddly, my own first two initials) and I couldn't find out anything about it. Then tonight I just happened upon a few links that led me to the title. I LOVED this movie as a kid. I read the book and when I saw that it was going to be on TV I had to watch. i was fascinated by this honest slice of life so different from my own suburban existence, yet so relevant because of its universal emotion. I watched it with my father and older brother. When the end came, I was in tears. My brother made fun of me for crying. Then my father, never an emotional guy, told him to stop. He said it just meant that I had feelings. He smiled at me, wiping his own tears from his eyes. It is one of my favorite memories of my late father. In a way, I don't think I want to see this again, fearing that the golden memory will always exceed the reality.

If you have the opportunity, and can emotionally stomach films like Old Yeller, E.T. and It's a Wonderful Life, SEE THIS!!!!


This movie was a great story between a boy named J.T. and his cat. Their loving relationship made it one of the best movies I have EVER seen. I suggest this for people who are animal lovers. You will love it! A great story line for ALL ages! They should show it more often, also you can read the book.


At age 50, I still remember the profound effect this Holiday classic had on me as a kid. Growing up in middle class comfort, it was hard for me to understand how JT could grow so attached to a straggled alley cat. However, I understand now, it was something this poor child could give love to. I also remember how devastating it was to see the poor creature lose it's life by getting hit by a car. It should be required viewing for youth today who seem to have no respect for animal life. I'm wondering whether or not they would even understand the message. I'll add my comments to the many comments already posted. This poignant film needs to be released on DVD so hat hopefully, it won't be forgotten.


It's hard to believe now, in this age of loud, garish, obnoxious children's programming, that there once was a popular Saturday children's show that presented intelligent, sensitive, artistic films from around the world. That show was the CBS Children's Film Festival, and for several years in the '60s-'70s, hosts Kukla, Fran and Ollie offered some unforgettable viewing experiences to its young audience-- among the best were such titles as SKINNY AND FATTY, THE RED BALLOON, and this beautiful film from 1969. J.T. is the heartwrenching story of a lonely young boy growing up in an impoverished area of New York City whose life is changed by his discovery of an ailing stray cat. Befriending the animal gives J.T. a much-needed sense of purpose, and he attempts to nurse it back to health without help from the seemingly uncaring adults around him. It's an uncompromising film, one that doesn't try to sugarcoat the sadder events of the plot for its younger viewers, and no matter how old you are, you may find yourself in tears more than once while watching it. It does have an upbeat, hopeful ending, however, and with its holiday setting, it's the kind of film you should definitely add to your list of the best Christmas films ever made. If you remember this film from your childhood, you'll only be more moved seeing it again as an adult.

It's shameful that this wonderful film is not readily available.

This, and others from the CBS series, really need to be released on DVD as soon as possible. The kids of today don't know what they're missing.


I cant believe I found this movie. I used to watch this movie every year faithfully when I was 6 or 7 yrs old. I cried each time. And I mean I CRIED - bcz I connected immediately & directly with the entire movie - character(s), surroundings and especially the cat. J.T. was from harlem, i grew up in the Bronx, NY. I lived in poverty just as he did - he kept his cat in a stove in an abandoned building. We used to turn our ovens on daily to keep the apt warm bcz we had no heat. My bedroom window faced the back of another building and alley, and in that alley lived a large poor family that always had stray cats. These cats used to breed litters of kittens & I used to always go to their house to play with the kittens. I was ALWAYS bringing a kitten home - always a black kitten - and would beg my mom to let me keep the kitten but she'd always say no. The one or two times she let me have the kitten, after some time, she'd wind up telling me I had to get rid of him. To this day I have a resentment towards her for that - I remember too the stupid boys on my block used to hurt and kill cats - swing 'em by their tail off rooftops or chase the dogs/cats till they got hit by cars. I used to cry all the time, especially because I experienced so much sadness when I saw the stray cats in my neighborhood who I wanted to bring home but couldn't & I'd see these kittens/cats every day. I would play with them, give them what I can to eat. I grew into adulthood acting and feeling the same way towards cats/dogs - feeding strays, feeling sadness because they are strays, wishing I can bring every last one of them home, I'm one of the biggest animal lovers you could know. When J.T. took care of his cat I swear I related so much to him ... the ending of the movie I would cry so hard and I'd be sad for days. This movie stuck me deeply - to the point now, I'm 46 yrs old & still think about this movie, happened to look it up to see if I can purchase it somewhere & found some leads (I hope). I'm definitely buying the DVD & I guarantee you when I watch it again I will be crying just as I did when I was a kid. Today, I am happy as hell to say I own a cat (smiles) - and my cat is black .... just as the kittens were that I used to always bring home & the same as J.T.'s cat (minus the white markings, my cat has a white tip at his tail) .... I still love J.T. and his cat .....


I just received a DVD of J.T. from flashbackdvd.com to give to my wife in time for Mother's Day. The quality of the DVD was superb. I can't believe that CBS wouldn't want to sell this, but they have never released "The Children's Film Festival" either. What a loss to the children of today! My family and I watched J.T. last evening and my three children, ages 8, 10 and 12 were riveted. The youngest was in tears by the end and so was I. It is a stark, loving portrayal of a single parent black family eking out an existence in Harlem. J.T. has to make some very important decisions about life at a young age, which he is able to do thanks to the love of his mother, grandmother and a stray cat. My kids asked many questions about J.T's world after the movie; it showed them a slice of life that they had never before seen. I hope that it helps make them more empathetic to others in the world around them.

My problem is that my wife and I independently remembered a different climax to this story, seen almost 40 years ago. I only saw J.T. once, but I remember that J.T.'s cat was hanged by the two bullies. I clearly remember the scene when J.T. discovers the body hanging in a doorway. I was very surprised that the cat was hit by a car in the DVD I watched. My wife says that she remembered most of the movie as she watched it last night, but was also surprised that the cat was not hanged.

This scene was very intense for a 9-year old in 1969; I have never forgotten it. Neither has my wife. Was there an alternate scene shot for the cat's death because the hanging was too horrible? Or are my wife and I recalling a different movie from the same time where a young black boy's pet cat was hanged? I can't believe that there was another movie like this. I hope that someone can help with an answer.


This film has always been much more than it's plot. The tale of a poor boy who begins to care for a injured animal. The young boy's surroundings are not very desirable. His mother is disappointed by his selfishness. His teacher is disappointed at his lack of work ethic. In his neighborhood he is chased by the local bullies. And yet out of this chaos he finds joy and pride in caring for a beaten up old alley cat. I suspect this film will mean more to those who love animals and feel the joy when helping a poor creature that needs help. It is true that the climax is quite sad, but it seems to fit the story. And it never takes away from the message that people can find great joy in loving and caring for animals. I have always felt that this characteristic was one of the best parts of mankind.


I can't add much more then what's already been said about this lost treasure. I saw it when I was 9 or 10 and have never forgotten it. Over the last few years I have been wondering about it. I couldn't remember the name, and no one I asked knew what I was talking about, not even my mom! I started searching the net a few days ago and found this site, then found out where you get a DVD. You can get an 8-10 quality DVD transferred from the original VHS from flashbackdvd.com I just ordered mine for $20+$5 shipping. He claims to have the best quality of this in circulation.I will have it in a few days and will come back and give you my thoughts.


Like many people on this site, I searched far and wide for several years to find a copy of JT.

If you would like a copy, please email me. There is no charge, and by accepting this DVD from me, you must NEVER charge anyone for a copy of this DVD....just make a copy and pass it along to a family member or friend. Hopefully one day, there will be a pristine copy of this wonderful movie/Christmas special.

My copy is about a 6 out of 10....still, very easily watchable. It's like watching TV back in 1969, or watching an old VHS.

Take care, Larry


i would like to buy this movie can you tell me where i can purchase it,i was just a small kid when this movie aired,but and i can only remember bits of pieces of it.i would love to share this movie with my family now.please help.i want to see if this movie would bring back my childhood memories. however i do remember that this little boy who found a cat in the alley and nursed him back to health,the boy use to feed the cat and himself tuna straight from the same can also every year around Christmas i believe it came on TV.and me and my sisters and brothers use to watch it.i was about 10 years old or younger.i have a pretty good memory and its now around Christmas i guess this is why this movie came to mind.not only that i have a cat whom i adore. thanks


I bought this movie a few months ago in NYC from Carousel Films and couldn't wait to watch it. It took quite a bit of searching various message boards to find it. I had the book as a child and tried looking for it with no luck for years. This is another film, like Hand in Hand and Fatty and Skinny that has a devout following of forty year olds who have remembered this film and held it dear.

The gritty black and white Manhattan street scenes are great. It's a New York City 1960's true to life movie. School looks just like you'd remember. Desks, windows, halls.

It's got a nice mix of people. Highly recommend it if you want to purchase it. Finally found the book about 2 years ago on-line and it is a great companion to the film.


We used to watch this movie once a year when I was in elementary school in Indiana. At the time, I didn't really understand it that much, because I lived in the suburbs and the story of a young poor boy's struggle in the inner city didn't mean a lot to me. But, it stayed with me all these years, and as I grew older, I realized that there was really something to this movie. T.J. is a young boy trying to make it in the city, battling against poverty, hunger, and of course bullies. He finds and befriends a stray cat, and learns an important lesson when the animal dies. The movie is a haunting view of city life for a youth at the time.


I only saw this movie once, 30 years ago, when it was first broadcast as a TV-movie. This is an excellent movie. It portrays a very poor family, and a little boy (J.T.) secretly adopts a cat. He doesn't want his mother to know he's been using their grocery money to feed the cat. It has a tear-jerker near the end, but then a happy ending with a small surprise. Great movie, I'd love to see it again.


I think I found the movie and if I am right this take place on Christmas a boy was bothered and chased by boys from his class in school and they chaseed this boy into an abandon building while he found a stray cat and he took car of the cat by feeding it and taking care of the cat and then 1 day the kids from his class happen to do something to him at the cat and somehow at the end of this movie this boy ended up having a cat at his home

this movie i saw when I was a little boy in camp and I also saw it on hbo cinemax but I never knew the name and I been asking lots of people until now and I think this movie is the movie I been trying to look for years and I thought it came out in the 1970's since it is in color.


In this very serviceable thriller, a young woman named Jill hears from her former lover Roderick. He and his sister Maddie, her best friend when the three of them were at college together, disappeared suddenly from her life several years ago and she had not heard from either of them since. Roderick tells her that Maddie has died, and asks Jill to come for the funeral.

Roderick suffers from an illness that makes him sensitive to light and touch. He is a novelist and writes at night, wearing gloves and headphones to drown out sensation. He frequently communicates through typewritten notes that bear the Usher seal, weighty symbol of the burden of the Usher legacy. The novel he is writing parallels the happenings in the house, and he won't let Jill read it, saying that he isn't sure yet how it is going to turn out.

Roderick asks Jill to stay because he needs her, but she only gradually discovers his full intent. Austin Nichols is the restrained Roderick to Izabella Miko's translucent but determined Jill. Both are well cast in their roles.

The opening music and the repeated warnings of the housekeeper are a bit heavy-handed and the film might have done better to let the story unfold without them. The second half of the film has lots of plot twists that make for great after-viewing discussion. The artistry of the filming earned this film the best cinematography award at the Boston Film Festival where it premiered.

I recommend seeing this movie (but not alone!)


I, for one, thought it was a solid, Gothic tale that sad, high school girls will absolutely adore. Izabela Miko and Austin Nichols are great as the star-crossed, darkly romantic leads and the mood and tone throughout the entire film. Art direction is good and the cinematography is well done. The breakout role has to be Beth Grant, who really is a delight as the rigid, creepy disciplinarian assistant. Now, if you are looking for an adaptation of the classic Poe tale, then you'll be disappointed. It's a re-imagining, not like Baz Lurman's ROMEO & JULIET. Instead it is very influenced by Hammer films. All in all, I would consider it a good DVD to check out.


I must say, I'm not really a fan of Poe, but after this film.. Woh, I am now.. This film was great! The feel brought me back to the time of Alfred Hitchcock! I love this film! Ms. Thatcher was an amazing touch! What to say about this film? It's a great film, especially when you don't know the plot. Thats how I went in and I loved it!

The acting is very good. Austin and Izabella are very great in this film. I for one, am not a Izabella fan, only seeing her in Forsaken. But was pretty impressed. I wonder why she hasn't broken out yet. And Austin Nichols was a very nice addition. He made a great choice of the character, but felt he could've been less wooden. Other than that, great watch! I suggest this to everyone!


*** CONTAINS SPOILERS *** The main character serves as the narrator in the Poe story. Unfortunately, in that short story, the character is a man; but, in this version of the story, the role is given to a young woman. She is a former lover of Roderick, instead of a childhood friend.

Except for that one difference; and, a few modern contrivances (like the isolation tank), the story is incredibly faithful to the Poe story well, and the family curse is changed here too.

But, more on that later.

The role of the narrator is to act as an observer through which we see the story unfold. This helps us build empathy with the character, without all the messy foreshadowing and flashbacks that would have happened, had we seen the movie through Roderick's or Maddie's eyes.

Given that perspective, I think the acting is very good; and, I think the casting was brilliant. Austin Nichols plays the role of Roderick to a tee  embodying the twisted perceptions, hyper-sensitivity (suffering from Neurasthenia), and photo sensitivity brilliantly. In the Roger Corman version; which I think is the definitive telling of the Poe story, Vincent Price never could have (nor should have) done as well.

And, Izabella Miko is an absolute delight. Not just for the eyes, because there's plenty there to see; but, she also builds the suspense incredibly well as Jill Michaelson. As the events unfold around this young woman; and, as Roderick and Mrs. Thatcher (played brilliantly by Beth Grant) begin to manipulate her reality, she reacts honestly and credibly.

The Usher family's secret is a curse indeed! As Jill said, "They are all one line." Brother and sister as parents of the next line of twins and, all suffering the same family curse. However, the secret is revealed when Jill takes down the family pictures -- parents have twins and those twins have twins and those twins have twins... All you have to do is listen to the names as she reads them off.

However, as Roderick's book unfolds with the movie, we find out that Jill is there as a surrogate for Maddie, who went insane because of the incest. And, Roderick and Thatcher are trying to keep her hidden; she's not dead at all! In this telling, she is trying to prevent the curse from going on - WOW, what a twist on Poe, with re-curring themes of being buried alive!

OKAY, now watch the rest of the movie, because the last 15-to-20 minutes make it all worthwhile.


"The House of Usher" is called "the modern re-telling of Edgar Allen Poe's story from a female perspective".Yeah right,and I'm an alien invader from Pluto.First of all,the film fails as a thriller as it's extremely boring and lacks tension.Like so many earlier adaptations of Poe's work,this latest interpretation bears little resemblance to the source material.The cast is pretty terrible,albeit it's nice to see Polish beauty Izabella Miko in the main role.On the plus side the cinematography is great and the last 15 minutes are actually quite interesting to say the least.It's a shame that the rest of the film is so painfully dull.If you want a proper Poe's adaptations rent or buy a couple of Roger Corman's flicks.3 out of 10.


This had to be the worst film of 2008 by far. The acting was not convincing and made it seem like a cheap version of the "FBI Files" or any Detective/Police TV show on a higher budget. No one call tell me that that a captain of the police will let a mentally insane ex-detective on a serial killer just because they were engaged? Then he wants to act all "iffy" because he might get demoted! Come on! Then the police plants evidence on this mentally ill guy because they were sure it was him; yeah right... It was clearly predictable, specially how the director placed the alleged killer/confidant around her throughout the whole film. I don't even want to get into the special effects...I can make things look scarier using a Polaroid camera. Get the picture.

The only thing this movie will be remembered by is for being Eliza's first topless movie after she said that she will never come out nude in any movie. This is the only reason why I gave it a 2/10.


Brilliant film and excellent acting from Eliza Dushku! I liked her even before when I watched Tru Calling. :) She is not very famous but very charming. Her best roles are acting scary in my opinion. For the moment there are too many artificial movies full of tragedies and sci-fi... not like this one...great script...tragedy...fear...and of course Eliza Dushku. Irecommend you this film as one of the good ones...because it's original...not one of the same old FBI movies and investigations that you wish you never watched to the end. The original is always the best decision...

Great MOVIE!!! ENJOY watching it!!!


Spoilers.

Eliza Dushku is Megan, a police officer in Rochester, New York, who is investigating a case of child rape and murder. The girl's name was something like Carlina Cacciatore and her body was dumped in Churchtown. Dushku fastens on to the CCC connection while everyone else pooh poohs it.

The second victim turns up, something like Wilma Weinstein from Weber. Then there's a Penelope Purcell from Pipe Organ. Maybe there's a Marla Marple from Michigas in there too. I lost count. Ka-ching.

This is too much for Dushku. She begins to crack up and hallucinate the dead little girls. She's not only taken off the case but shipped off to the hospital. Upon her release she spends two years in group counseling, led by the understanding, wheelchair-bound Timothy Hutton.

Hutton isn't on screen that often. She goes to him for a few words of reassurance on those occasions when her hallucinations begin scratching at the door. If, by their third meeting, you haven't figured out that Hutton not only can walk but is the child-raping murderer to boot, you haven't seen enough movies of this genre.

The plot is too ridiculous to describe further. The acting isn't in any way distinguished either. Dushku has modest talent. Cary Elwes and Michael Ironside must not be getting too many offers these days.

The worst conceit is the ambiguous ending. The last shot is of Dushku strapped down in a mental hospital, completely ga ga, and then the epilogue -- the notorious alphabet killer has never been caught and remains at large -- thus clearing the way for a SEQUEL to this meretricious rubbish. Let's hope nothing comes of it or we'll all wind up in the rubber room with Megan.

The only redeeming feature of the production is the sound of gunshots. They're not as loud as real gunshots but their sonic contours are similar.

Nice job there. With the gunshots. The rest of the movie stinks. Want more proof? The alphabet connection is never explained, just plain dropped from the plot, a sensible but negligible inconvenience, like a trouser pocket full of too much heavy change.

And another thing. No more heroines with names like Megan or Regan. Or cute names like Ally or Jillian either. An onomastic irritant.


As some of the others here I took the IMDb rating at 5.7 as a indicator of a OK movie, WHAT A MISTAKE.. The Alphabet Killer had no edge, no original script, the only decent actors were those in minor roles.

Oh my, how I hoped that Eliza Dushku would just die or go insane and be gone. Never have there been a worse actress in this kind of leading role, especially not in a movie that was rated 5.7/10 on IMDb.

Someone must have cheated with the rating of this movie and the IMDb staff should take actions against such..

I was neutral when I started watching this movie, nothing against Eliza Dushku or any of the other actors, but this movie killed all the future Eliza Dushku movies..

I will never watch another Eliza Dushku movie in my life, except if she is an extra and dies in like 4 seconds..


It is really hard to believe this movie comes from the same director and star of Wrong Turn. I have to admit that I did not really enjoy Wrong Turn it was intense and well made.

This movie is about a schizophrenic detective who is trying to track down a serial killer who is killing kids who have the same first and last initial in their name. The movie is told almost completely from the point of view from of the detective (Eliza Dushku).

I have to say I was interested in this because I respected the director for energy he put into Wrong Turn and had really liked Dushku on Tru Calling.

The movie is bland and the story is really not interesting. There is no excitement or really any surprise plot twists that make come into play.

This is probably the tamest R-Rated movie you will ever see. Is has no gore outside of some dripping blood and has a flash of breasts for less than second in a non sexual content. In fact there is no sex, blood, or violence outside of dead bodies and a attempted suicide. I believe it uses the dreaded F word two or three times. I am in no way saying the quality of the film is related to the adult content. This movie has mentioned along the lines of Se7en. It honestly is closer to the Sixth sense if you took out good acting, a great story, and a fantastic ending.

I believe this movie went to theaters shortly and then was immediately sent to Video because the studio knew this was not a bad film.

I truly believe the director was trying something different and to show the point of view of a person with severe mental problems and what she sees. Unfortunately, the film never gives the viewer anything to be interested in.

If you like the CSI type shows then stay home and watch your favorite one of those because it will be more interesting than this flick.


I'm not a science fiction fan, but I like this movie. I may be biased as a Hulk Hogan fan, but this is my favorite of his films. A lot of it is pretty dumb and borders on the absurd, but the best and funniest scenes are his trying to fit in on Earth, and the odd partnership between him and straight-laced Christopher Lloyd. Accepting Hogan too quickly as the space hero he is, Lloyd gets to play one harried husband with a spaced out wife played by Shelley Duvall. Larry Miller, funny as he is, is annoying as the boss, but Jack Elam is wasted as a shell-shocked neighbor in a neighborhood of wierdos. Roy Dotrice has an unexpected cameo, but the worst part of the movie is the unconvincing villain who comes across as a kiddie show bad guy. Two of Hogan's wrestling cronies play bounty hunters who take part in a cartoonish John-and-Larry fight scene. Altogether, the movie has a lot of faults, but few really good scenes.


This movie gets into my category of favorite classics of 1990s. Sure, it is more kids movie than even a family movie, and it can not compete with glowing old stream-liners like Back To The Future, not to mention recent Harry Potters, etc., still, it delivers the unique combination of funny comedy and warm atmosphere of kindness and personal achievement. You can rarely meet this combination in movies nowadays.

What I also like is that the struggle of good and evil is going on more realistic sci-fi level than usual (no mystically flying superheroes and other such things). And the Hulk Hogan's character is perfect for him. This movie is probably Hogan's best. Christopher Lloyd also performed great (as usual), and the acting of many supporting characters was solid good and fit the plot precisely.

So if you want the entertaining comedy for your family and you want to chuckle at some scenes for yourself, watch this movie. Hogan there looks like a big kind-hearted superhero uncle, so your kids will love him.


This was one of my favorite movies as a child, and it still is. If you are willing to set aside your critical attitude and accept this movie for what it is- a funny, escapist entertainer- then you will love this movie.

I won't summarize the movie, since other comments have dealt adequately with it. Let me just say that Suburban Commando has a great plot, is very well-written, and delivers in both the comedy and action departments. It is also definitely the best Hulk Hogan movie (I say this after watching the horrible Mr. Nanny).

It's been 17 years already, Hulk, how long do we have to wait for Suburban Commando 2?!


Well, Its not Funny, if you are that "Stupid Comedy" Kind of person like me, you could make fun of it or laugh at it for how "Stupid" it is. Behind all that, Its actually a pretty good film, i am disappointed on the way the rest of the public took it. It has pretty good performances by Lloyd, Hogan, and others. I am a Big Wrestling Fan but i enjoyed this movie even before i was. Its a "typical" 80's film in the 90's. It is Funny for some people that are just looking for clean jokes. The Best Hulk Hogan Movie though, since he didn't give many good ones. I will give it a 6 out of 10 stars, but its still very good, so don't take the low ratings and don't rent it, its worth it. Its worth the few dollars. And its very funny at times, Any Star Wars fans would like it, it spoofs and connects with the movies in ways that are very funny. RENT IT! ITS WORTH IT!


Not only the best hogan film but one of my fave films of all time.

when i first watched this with 2 other people i was slightly tipsy....but that just made it better...for 1 and a half hours we were on the floor laughing it's that funny....and the best part is it's funny for all the wrong reasons it's so bad it's great, the dialogue is hilarious and hogans acting is even better.

if you have some spare time and a couple of mates over don't be afraid to watch this.....4/5 stars

"ANTIFREEZE"


Suburban Commando is a very good film and its one of Hulk Hogan`s best films.It is one of My favorite films.I was thrilled when it came out because back when wrestling was wrestling it was so fun watching the then WWF Prime Time Wrestling show and seeing the promotions on it while watching some of the best wrestling ever seen back in 1991.Anyway the film is action packed and has many,many funny moments.One of My favorite actors Christopher Lloyd stars along with the Hulkster and he is very good in it.Christopher Neame had a very short part and I think he should have had a much larger role in the film.William Ball,Shelley Duvall,Roy Dotrice,and Larry Miller all put on good performances.I was amazed to see Mark Callaway (The Undertaker) in the film. The film has good effects,good music and is an enjoyable film.If you like Hulk Hogan and Christopher Lloyd and love action,comedy,sc-fi action then see this film!

Notes:

The first version of Suburban Commando released has a special message by Hulk Hogan before the movie starts.

The following November Hulk Hogan fought fellow co-star Mark Callaway (The Undertaker) in the 1991 Survivor Series.

During the song in the intro Hulk Hogan has a few words in the song.

Hulk Hogan is the Executive Producer for Suburban Commando.

Hulk Hogan`s long time friend and legendary wrestler Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake (Ed Leslie) performed many of the stunts in the film.


Both the critical and box office success of 1989's No Holds Barred were unprecedented, and needless to say, many had high expectations for the eagerly anticipated Sububan Commando of two years later. What movie goers recieved that year was arguably the best film of the decade, with the Hulkster bringing Shep Ramsey to life in yet another heart stopping performance. Comparisons with No Holds Barred are unavoidable, but in my opinion unfair. The latter film is primarly concerned with philosophical issues pertaining to man's relationship with the universe, while Suburban Commando has a much tighter focus, presenting the individual as a mirror reflecting the socio-politcal values of the "new" deomcracy in which he finds himself captive. The much touted gay scene between Christopher Loyd and Hogan was left on the cutting room floor, but may be included in the upcoming directors cut. In short, Suburban Commando is a landmark film which rarely gets the attention it deserves.


Suburban Commando was enjoyable as a kid. I remember watching the trailer to it on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze VHS tape. But the first Hulk movie I saw as a child was Mr. Nanny. Wanting to see this movie, I sought it in and out with no luck. Finally, it was previewed on TV (ABC or NBC, I think it was, back in 1994). I missed the first half of it, where Shep blows up General Suitor's spaceship. But I enjoyed it all the way through, and ended up renting it time and again, until finally a kindly old gentleman working a video rental store next to my dad's restaurant gave the VHS tape to me. He was moving to another town, and he was getting rid of some of the stuff. I probably wear this tape out trying to watch it over and over, and I'm sure you will too if you enjoy Hulk Hogan's movies.


Ever since I was a kid, I have loved this movie! I love everything about it; the plot, the acting, the characters, the cheesy music, and the hilarious situations that Shep Ramsey would get into on Earth. This is the type of movie I could watch over and over again. Hulk Hogan does an awesome job as Shep Ramsey, an intergalactic warrior who never takes time to relax after a mission. Shep's superior officer suggests that he goes to earth to recharge his ship and enjoy himself, but Shep wants nothing to do with Earth. After he lands, he finds an apartment at the Wilcox house.

Charlie Wilcox is an architect who works for a man named Adrian Beltz who steals Charlie's ideas. After Charlie and his family meet Shep, his wife and kids like him, but Charlie is a little skeptical, so he spies on him at night, whenever Shep goes out to help people in need. Charlie messes with Shep's equipment that can be traced by bounty hunters who are hunting for Shep.

The next day, Shep and Charlie must work together to find a traceable freeze gun, but they must soon deal with the bounty hunters. In order to get his ship running again, Shep needs 40 pounds of Cymian crystal, and the only person who has it is Charlie's hypocritical boss. After the big fight with the bounty hunters, Shep thinks he is almost home, but he is dead wrong.

Shep's old nemesis, General Suitor is back and holds the Wilcox family hostage until Charlie leads him to the abandoned building where Shep crash-landed. Can Shep Ramsey save the universe by killing Suitor for good? I highly recommend SUBURBAN COMMANDO!!!


Shep Ramsey is forced to land his ship in the suburbs, hilarity ensues. But yet this film is so much more. Brilliant execution and top-notch acting from Hogan and Christopher Lloyd are examples of what propel this film to the top of cinematic history. There is a sadness in Hogan's Ramsey; a feeling of alienation. This is perfectly exemplified in the scene where Ramsey must play an arcade game. He truly believe he is saving this virtual world, and he plays with such veracious intensity that he ends up forcing the machine to explode, causing us the audience to look on in empathy for this lost soul. A truly heart wrenching experience, and a masterpiece I shall never forget, this one haunts dreams folks.


This is honestly a cinematic masterpiece composed from pure sincerity and conviction. Plus Hulk Hogan is totally HOT!! OMG!! At the beginning you think that this will be just another low brow dumb-wit comedy with some dumb pro wrestler, but as the movie progresses we as the privileged audience begin to understand the true themes of the work. There is the social commentary on alienation and xenophobia, the metaphorical commando 'armor' and, my favorite, the deconstruction of the business world we live in. Seriously, this movie is brilliant. Watch it. You won't regret it! Oh and did I mention that Hulk Hogan is a beast of a sexy man? Because he is. A large, sexy, sweaty man. I love him. And ice cream.


OK so it didn't top No Holds Barred, but it was still fun to watch. The Hulkster plays Shep Ramsey, an outer space warrior who is forced to vacation on Earth. Christopher Lloyd supplies all the laughs as a stressed out business man, but his life really turns upside down when Ramsey rents out the apartment his wife offered.

Not Hulks best, but not his worst either.


I think this movie is nothing but for me is every thing. Because this is the Undertaker first and last movie, and i am the big fan of "dead man". This movie is a peace of trash, story is worth, nothing is right all thing wrong But the Undertaker for me.


I should have known it would be bad since it starred Hulk Hogan, but I was not prepared for just how bad it was. One of the worst movies of all time. It was nice to see Mark Calloway (WWF's the Undertaker) as a villian (actually a flunky). However, I can't think of anything else remotely entertaining about this movie.


I was eleven when I saw this in theaters, okay. What I remember is the basics ... Hulk Hogan at that time was Mr. Wrestling. Slamming people around the WWF with unchecked joy. He was the thee man in wrestling. Kids everywhere loved him and this was one of his movie ventures I was fortunate, or unfortunate, to see. There's something about aliens, Hogan befriends a little boy and Christopher Lloyd is the bumbling father. Close enough?

I'm surprised I remember that much. I shutter to think as a young boy, I considered this a good movie. It's like reliving the past all over again. God I used to love McDonalds back then too. So who knows maybe in another twenty years, I'll go back and rent a copy of this movie, buy a few quarter pounders and sit back and revive old times. That is of course assuming I'm still alive, a print of the film exists and McDonalds continues to pump out Quarter Pounders like no tomorrow. I can only hope for such luck. For now this movie stays a relic of my boyhood past and for good reason.


If you ever wondered why the passion about Ferraris is, you have to see the show. Sadly, I don't see a DVD release, but it would be a darn shame if a producing company would not put it on DVD...

The story is, in the end - about the passion. Passion for something higher, a dream to achieve more than people around you can achieve. Enzo took the brave step and moved forward with his dream, from being a small-time mechanic amongst the greats like Alfa Romeo and FIAT, to setting up a small shop and going to produce marveleous cars.

Ferrari is a synonym for everything great in automotive industry, not a rich man's dream like DeLorean, Lamborghini or Porsche.

Do you dare to dream?


I'll admit it, I haven't been watching too many films lately. When I picked up the Enzo Ferrari DVD, I was expecting it to be a brilliantly expressive foreign Italian film (in Italian) with subtitles. Cameo appearances of his cars would be desirable but optional, and above all, I wanted quality.

The storyline itself winds through Enzo's life well enough, but there's certain details there that I wish hadn't been omitted, for instance, the origins of the Prancing Horse logo, how he felt about his customers, his relationship with Fangio and so on. The narration via the reporter is clever, and charged with emotion.

There was, in a number of points, too much background music was playing where was meant to be key dialogue elements that were frequently lost. At times the fake Italian accents broke into American ones. The film I got was in English! Not that I understand Italian myself, but when a film whose soul and emotion is quintessentially Italian is transcribed in a foreign language, the magic is lost in translation. Imagine passing off The Last Samurai as a bonafide Japanese film, and you will get my drift.

No comment on acting, it was good but all in all I expected better.


This is the story of Ferrari, his personal life and the way he started as a racing driver and then founded the Ferrari company.

Yes, this story is about the famous Ferrari sports cars, about the men himself who made Ferrari what it is today.

In the movie we see the old Enzo Ferrari tells the story of his life, his women, his children and the people he worked with.

This movie is pretty good, just a bit too long at some parts.

I'm a bit troubled with the way it ended, they should have done the ending more clear.

Watch it if you like the Ferrari cars.


but worth a viewing, especially if you'd like a quick primer on the history of Enzo and enjoy viewing old race cars. Movie is not about his automobiles, but focuses mostly on Enzo's life.

First, film is not the usual Hollywood big budget production, but more calm like British / French films. It does seem to go "long" in some places, but watchable anyway. Some crazy camera angles in race car scenes.

Film is narrated by "Enzo" who is describing his life to a reporter. Flashbacks start with Enzo's first experience of race cars as a child to race driver, marriage and mistress, Alfa race team, children, World War II, his own factory, and failed Ford merger.

Goes back and forth from present day to past. Reporter aspect is weird, never figured him out.

I read Enzo's autobiography twice ( which I recommend to really get a feel for Enzo) and this movie does not cover much of what is in his book (the history of his "Prancing Horse", specifics of the 1957 accident at Mille Miglia) Still, the movie brings to the screen most of his book's spirit, a kind man with a dream and determination who created a wonderful legacy.

Grazie Enzo


to be honest, this is one of those movies you just come across on TV and watch it just to kill some time.

at least, it was that way for me during the first couple of minutes but then i realized it was more about the man behind the cars.

enzo ferrari is one of the most powerful figures for racing and one doesn't become as powerful for no reason and this movie is all about him.

people who want to see lots of cars and technical stuff shouldn't watch this movie but there is the struggle of a man trying to create a company that will eventually become a legend.


This is the supposed story of one of the most famous characters in auto-racing from his childhood in the early part of the last century to the his death in 1988. The film seems to have been shot in English with Italian and American actors.

Having seen a number of films starring Sergio Castellitto, I was expecting this to be an in-depth study of an interesting and conflicted person. Instead I was treated to embarrassingly bad dialog and clichéd situations.

This must be the worst film Castellitto has ever done and certainly the worst film I have seen in many years.


During the Dragonball Z series, there were two excellent movie specials that explained the background of characters with relatively unexplained backgrounds. One explained the background of "Future Trunks" and the alternate reality he is from, and the other tells the story of Bardock, Son Goku's biological father, and his fight against Freeza.

At the end of the last episode of Dragonball GT, Goku absorbs the dragonballs and disappears without a trace. 100 years later you see an aged Pan, as spectator. at the Tenkaichi Budoukai. Her young grandson, Goku Jr. (who is the splitting image of Goku as a child) goes super saiyin and fights Vegeta Jr.

This sidestory follows Goku Jr. on his quest for the 4 star dragonball so he can use it to heal is sick grandmother. Goku Jr., interesting enough, a coward. Its a nice twist and makes for a better story to see a Goku who can't fight and isn't brave enough to stand his ground. This leads to a few comical instances when you get to see a sobbing, runny nosed Goku running for dear life.

As you can probably guess, eventually we see Goku Jr. lives up to his name, but not until after a brief word of advice from his hidden guardian angel. This special is great addition to the DB collection of movies. Its has the classic goof ball comedy of the early dragonball stories, without a lot of fighting (so if thats what you're looking for in a movie, watch one from the Z series). It shows your a possible new main character for a new series; one who can fight like Goku, act as stupid as Goku, turn his enemies into his friends like Goku did, and most importantly, one who eats as much as Goku did.


Akira Toriyama has pulled our legs again people! It looks like the end of Dragonball GT just wasn't the finisher he wanted us to believe! Special time! So let's start with the period this little movie is set in, it's almost been 100 years and the rest of the Z fighters are dead, yes, even Vegeta, Trunks, Goten, you name it there all gone except for Pan( oh brother!). Pan is a grandmother who is raising her grandson, Goku Jr., to become as good a fighter as his great-great grandfather Goku was. So Goku Jr. huh? So who's his parents? No answer. Would his father or mother be on Pan's side of the family? No answer. Okay, but just where the heck are his parents? Dead? I guess. Why? Again no answer. And wait, just who did Pan marry anyway? Again no answer. This whole special is filled with unanswered questions regarding this new character and even his grandmother. But that's okay, maybe his traits will do? Not much from him that is that interesting, although you could feel sad for the kid, as early on in the movie Pan collapses onto the floor and is taken to a hospital where of course, they can't do much for her. This is touching and so are the scenes where Goku Jr. goes on his own quest for self indulgence and how to be a stronger fighter, that and gather a dragon ball to wish his grandmother's health. Okay, that's not a bad idea. But the question I have to ask is why care the most for Pan? Sure she's all he's got, but early on in this movie she does nothing but force Goku Jr. to become stronger, gee old lady maybe the kid doesn't want to be a fighter and could have other ideas in mind for his future? Sadly Pan doesn't see it that way and keeps telling her Grandson to fight rather than repeat the whole "sticks and stones" concept at bullies. But hey, it's a franchise dedicating to fighting, so let's not get so hypocritical...

So what happens along Goku Jr.'s path? Well apparently one of the bullies he knows from school helps him, they encounter some lame villains, and he makes friends with two grizzly bears.

And of course there's this sad ending where Goku Jr. cries all because the dragon ball didn't grant his wish, soon a figure appears before him, it's his great-great grandfather Goku! What advice has he got for the kid "keep fighting, you're a great fighter", again with the fighting! Can't this Goku Jr. kid be given a break for once and told that he can do whatever he sets his heart to? Nope, that's not how it works, sorry kid fighting is in your blood, so fight more, pay less! Goku also tells him that he needs to collect seven dragon balls before he can make his wish for his grandmother's health to be better. So does Pan gets better? Oh of course she does and she and Goku Jr.'s bully now turn friend are now in a jeep traveling to his destination, but sadly Goku is now completely out of the picture.

You know? This movie makes me view Goku in a different light now, he is a runaway who's lazy. I mean come on, he didn't help Pan throughout her life, didn't show up to anyone else's special events in their life before they died, and this dude wasn't even dead like in the Buu saga for Pete's sake. So when his granddaughter Pan gets sick, he's not there for her yet he is there for his great-great grandson, that's helpful but still proves that he's a lazy runaway. He did run away from his family and why did he do this? To train, and for what? Nothing, just nothing unless he's very paranoid about the future, which could be said as the case.

One last little question, why the heck does Stephanie Nadolny voice every character relating to Goku if he's supposed to be a kid? Don't get me wrong, she's very talented, but come on the people producing this movie's dub could've gone with a more unique voice for Goku Jr.

This movie isn't quite stale bread but boy isn't it the under achiever. It's boring, it's overrated, and it's nothing but wheat.

Drop this and go watch the other Dragonball/Z specials, they're better for you.


The movie is great!! and the storyline is amazing and even touching. I mean it shows how to be brave, when Pan dies and Chibi Goku goes on an adventure to search for the 4 star ball. It's also funny, when he and Pak become scared from Zangiya, The blue alien they meet in the dark forest. It even shows the appearance of the great Son Goku (The original Goku) when Chibi Goku becomes disappointed and cries when he realizes that the 4 star ball can't revive Pan, so Son Goku appears and tells him that he needs all 7 balls. He also tells him not to give up. I like the last part when Chibi Goku remembers the words of his great grandfather Son Goku.

Anyway this movie is one of the best movies in The Dragonball GT Specials !


We all had seen side stories of Dragonball before and all of 'em deserved appreciate. I still cannot believe I wasted my time because of this movie. This movie is so pointless. This movie provided me to think this question only: How many generation will this Dragonball continue? How many idiotic new generation characters we have to watch? I only watched the first 4 episodes of Dragonball Gt and when I saw the atmosphere, characters (especially Pan), and synopsis, I rejected to watch DBGT. We had enough pain by watching Pan anyway, and now is it her grandson?? Who cares this. To me, even Gohan was unnecessary. After Goku died, they tried to upload the whole story onto him. But that character couldn't give enough to carry this big project. I even always hated the young Gohan. He must never have been born. After this fiasco, Pan was born. Painful!! And now her coward grandson with her stupid characteristic.

I'm a big fan of original Dragonball and the art of it. I have still bearing the questions about the place of Dragonball Z that was it really necessary - That Gohan character, or Goku's being grown up, etc... But I cannot even stand GT.

This movie is just nothing but a waste. Scenario is awful. You wait so much things and it gives nothing. We just watched the pathetic Goku. The best solution would be that they must stop this producing new generation and its new characters. STOP THE TIME AND BRING THE ORIGINAL CAHARCTEEERS!!! Young Goku and Yamcha will be enough!!


"What's wrong with Hollywood?" you say? Well, for one, there's no one there who recognized the genius in this film, released as "The Flyboys," rather than "Sky Kids," the original title. And let me clear the air right away by letting you know that I am in no way involved with this film and I don't know anyone who was. I just saw it at the Garden State Film Festival, where it won the top prize, as I believe it has at every other festival where it appeared. As someone else mentioned, the audience was cheering and applauding throughout the movie. How often does that happen when you go to a movie down at the Cineplex? The filmmakers did a beautiful job of capturing the excitement of the adventure while still maintaining the humanity and innocence of the two boys, played perfectly by Jesse James and Reilly McClendon. Yes, there's a hint of sappiness here and there, especially at the ending, but WHAT'S WRONG WITH THAT? And while there may be a few elements too rough for the youngest viewers, this is still a great film for the whole family. I only wish that Hollywood would wake up to the fact that people really enjoy this type of movie. Until they do, I guess we'll just have to settle for "Snakes on A Plane 2."


What an absolutely wonderful entertaining movie. Thisis a great movie for the whole family and very wonderful characters in it. What is wrong with the Hollywood people whom were not interested in this movie. I guess they are after all the digitally mastered movies that capture the awe of people. You can't get much better than this movie with all stunts and no digital generation. I rather enjoy all live stunts and no animation. The characters in this were down to earth and you could just absorb the boys as if they were your own.I saw it at the Atlanta Film Festival and hope that it gets a nationwide release eventually. What a great director. My hat's off to you.


I saw this movie at the Riverside Film Festival and was shocked to find out it has not been released nationwide because it was not picked up by the big studios for distribution. They (the Hollywood types) are so out of touch as far as knowing what the average movie-goer is looking for - they made a big mistake passing on this movie. It's a wonderful film and had a little of everything (with the exception of graphic violence and sex!)- action, suspense, romance, intrigue, etc. I found myself laughing, crying, cheering, clapping, and enjoying the roller-coaster ride of emotions to the very end. It's definitely a must-see for every age group.


This movie was one of the best films I have seen in a long time! My kids loved it! It was nice to see a film that actually has a message as well as an adventure!

There are a lot of plot empty movies out there! More like crappy ones with not point! This is not one of them! It has something for everyone in it.

I saw this in the Sedona Film Festival and plan on going to it this week in the Phoenix Film Festival!

I am taking my kids and some of our friends and family! I can't wait to cry, laugh, and enjoy the ride this movie takes you on again! I recommend everyone go see it.


I saw this film at the Omaha Film Festival where it just won the jury prize for best film and the audience choice award for best film. This film is amazing--a real surprise! This is one of those films that I would have watched 100 times over the summer when I was a kid. Everything about it worked--the performances of the two lead kids, career-making performances from both Stephen Baldwin and Tom Sizemore, great aerial photography and stunt work, an amazing score, etc. There are scenes with both a bully and another with the bully's brother that are awesome. I very rarely get this enthusiastic about a film anymore, but just can't say enough good things about it. Great job, Rocco! I wish you great success and can't wait to see your next film!


This movie is powerful on many levels...the character development, the plot, the acting, the special effects, the scenery, the music...it is uplifting and "on the edge of your seat" exciting....you are not just watching this movie..you are involved in it because you are carried away by the story...you are so affected by the plot and the compassion that you feel for the characters...I was especially touched by the development of the friendship between the two boys and the influence of the grandfather and the uncle in this story....and the truth revealed that good things can come from life experiences that, at the time, seem too challenging for words! ...wholesome, funny, thrilling, and touching....you can cry and you can laugh with the audience...finally, a movie for the entire family to watch and enjoy together!!


Saw this movie screened at the Garden State Film Festival in Asbury Park, NJ on 3/4/08. The release title is "The Flyboys". This film was the premiere showing at the event.

I loved it. Great storyline and acting, excellent blend of emotion and action. The entire audience was fully engaged from start to finish.

Producer/Director Rocco DeVilliers answered questions from the audience after the screening... two details remained with me... the film was done with a $2M budget, and it has been shopped to the majors with all taking a pass. Big thumbs UP to the first detail, and a big thumbs DOWN to the second. As someone said earlier, somebody should lose their gig for not picking up on this gem!

This is a movie I will buy on DVD for repeated viewing, though I will DEFINITELY have to see it again on the large screen.


Great movie to be enjoyed by all the family (just watch out for some cursing and a little blood)! There were plot twists and edge of your seat moments that were not predictable! It was funny and suspenseful and had other good qualities that we look for in a movie. My kids were intrigued all the way through, and so was I. We really thought that Reiley McClendon did an excellent job! Also, Tom Sizemore and Stephen Baldwin added a great duo. However, a better describing title was the original title "Fly Boys". Another movie we liked by this producer was Princess of Thieves (starring Kiera Knightley), which you may want to watch also. I hope you like this movie. We did!


I just stumbled across this little gem on an on-line movie web-site and all I can say is WOW! It's been a while since I've seen a film done this well and how refreshing considering the garbage that they consider films nowadays. The acting outstanding, especially the boys, cast wonderful, plot awesome...it has everything and to top that, the heroes are kids. A great adventure for the whole family...adults and kids alike... it's got everything you'd want in a great story, lots of riveting action, drama, a little comedy and lessons to be learned about true friendship, loyalty and courage. The movie was REAL.. I found myself rooting for the two young heroes immediately and readily drawn into their adventure and wondering all the time what was going to happen next as in any good story and at the credits, I wanted to stand up and cheer...great work guys...this one is a WINNER!


Just saw "The Flyboys" at the Staten Island Film Festival opening night festivities. This film had an engaging story; it was action packed from the beginning to end; it was entertainment for all generations. What a great film - especially for families...no sex, no swearing, very little violence. Who missed all that stuff! The music enhanced the "drama" and theme of the various scenes. The acting by Sizemore and Baldwin was surprisingly good. Sizemore was the most likable wise guy since Tony "What's His Name." Major distributors would do well to pick this "indie" up for wider distribution. It's not often a family film has such wide appeal and solid storyline without being totally sappy.


The Flyboys caught my eye because of all the raving reviews it got on the IMDb. This seemed too good to be true. A totally unknown brilliant movie that Hollywood forgot? A story about kids? But wow, what an incredible fun film this is... for both adults and children!

What really works in this movie are all the moments in which the movie leaves the normal cliché story lines in order to do something refreshing. The first ten minutes, when we see how Jason and Kyle become friends, set the tone really. The new kid in town Kyle saves Jason from a bunch of bullies in a very believable but also funny and exciting way. These are real kids who'll have an adventure that will blow everybody away.

All the performances are great. Not only the kid's. I very much liked Tom Sizemore. He's totally believable as the hard boiled criminal Angelo who is touched by the friendship between the two boys. There's a great scene in which Jason and Kyle play with toy guns in a luxurious playroom, not knowing that Angelo is watching. His observation reminds Angelo of all the good times he had with his kid brother (an also great Stephen Baldwin) - not knowing that Baldwin has betrayed him for money. J. Todd Adams - an actor I didn't know - does a very good job as the loser Lenny. His - let's say - character development is the key thing to the story.

After an hour of watching you wonder when the movie will collapse. But fortunately it remains surprising and entertaining. At the end there's even an unexpected great stunt. It came as a total surprise to me. Great camera-work as well.

In the land of big budgets, big computer effects and big disappointments The Flyboys is a big relief. This movie is by all standards very great entertainment. I'm looking forward to see more films by its director, Rocco DeVilliers!

8/10