Of course there's a lot of slapstick, juvenile jokes, and near pushing the envelope humor, but more than occasional real zinger routines made me actually laugh out loud, (a real rarity). In all the decades,(too many to tell) I've watched movies, I'd never seen a stunt as good as the one in the elevator shaft. Trick 1943 photography or fantastic stunt doubles, whatever, that was real nail biting entertainment. Rags Ragland had great lines. This must have been his best role. Great to see Ebbetts Field again, especially Abe Stark's sign in right field (Hit sign, win suit). I'm a reanimated Red Skelton fan!

Henceforth, I'm going to be on the lookout for any old Skelton movie.


The gags fly thick and fast in this, the last of Skelton's Whistling series for MGM. The pace is so hectic you may have to check your fast-forward. But the first half-hour is near hilarious with the usual Skelton mugging and pratfalls, backed up by experts Rags Ragland and Ann Rutherford, along with clever quips galore, so stay tuned. As usual, the plot amounts to little more than a convenient hat-rack on which to hang Skelton's usual brand of madcap. And what better fare for wartime audiences than a chance to escape the horrors with this slapstick whirlwind. I really did wonder how they would escape the elevator shaft, one of those great moments when you don't know whether to laugh or hide your eyes. And, yes, that is Jean Rogers as the reporter, on a break from Ming the Merciless and his serial effort at conquering the universe and Flash Gordon all in the same breath. There's also a chance to scope out Ebbetts Field and the Brooklyn Dodgers before both were torn down and shipped to LA. All in all, good period fun, even this many years later.


Dr. Jack Shephard is not able to save a survivor drowning in the sea and he becomes affected by the incident and the pressure of the community pointing him as a leader. Jack has visions of his father in the island and tries to chase him. Meanwhile, the finishing water supply is stolen, but Jack resolves his inner problems with his past and finds a source of water.

This good episode discloses the past of Jack Shephard and the reasons why he was in flight 815. It calls the attention that all the characters disclosed to this moment have some sort of trouble in the past. Jack, for example, has an unresolved situation with his father. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "White Rabbit"


"I want you to listen to me, okay. Because I'm asking you a favor, Chrissy. I'm standing in front of you in the same suit that I'm wearing to my father's funeral and I'm asking you a favor. In 16 hours I need to land at LAX, and I need that coffin to clear customs because there's going to be a hearse waiting there. And I need that hearse to take me and that coffin to a cemetery. Why? Why, Chrissy, can't I just bring him to a funeral home and make all the arrangements? Why can't I really take my time with it? Because I need it to be done. I need it to be over. I just -- I need to bury my father."

"White Rabbit" is an episode best remembered for its iconic speeches: one flashback, one in present, both by Jack, and both revisited on the show from other perspectives. His flashback speech is important in understanding Jack and his "just do it" and "move on as quickly as possible" philosophies. Later in the series we frequently see instances of Jack attempting to run from his past, although it sometimes consumes him.

Jack's on-island speech is less character-specific though; it can be applied to everyone. All the show's characters have varying degrees of willingness to live together, and some of them, including Jack, appear to go for and against that moral at different times. Regardless, it's that idea that unites the camp, and once they do get torn apart, they seem far more likely to die alone. But it speaks wonders for Jack himself too. Locke's words and Jack's wild goose chase ultimately lead him to accept his role as leader with complete confidence.

The episode has more to be remembered for than these two speeches though. It is an important episode historically as we are introduced to the character of Christian Shephard (unless you count the brief setup in Walkabout), in his first of a long line of seemingly more and more important appearances on the show. We also have our first science/faith talk between Jack and Locke, although it's less of an argument, and more of Jack doubting Locke's explanation of what's happening to him. Appropriately enough, island junkie Locke is the first to note the bizarreness of where they are, taking Charlie's "Where are we?" just one step further, while all the while referring to their situation as undoubtedly a positive thing as only Locke would: "This place is different. It's special. The others don't want to talk about it because it scares them. But we all know it. We all feel it." Jack opposes Locke's stance for a long time in later seasons, but eventually Jack realizes that this conversation was where he should've started listening to Locke.

The episode is likable on most levels. John Terry nails Christian Shephard's first scene of dialogue in flashbacks, creating a character we just want to see more of instantly, and it turns out we don't have to wait too long. Terry O'Quinn's first of many mythical monologues is well-delivered and memorable. Matthew Fox is a strong lead, and nails both his speeches, which of course only seal the already strong episode. The subplot is strong, and the identity of the eventual water culprit is unpredictable. Furthermore, as was always season 1's strength, it brilliantly sets up the upcoming episode without taking away from the current one. Sun thanks Jin for getting her water, and he replies "That's what husbands do," although up til then, we hadn't seen Jin as a particularly desirable husband, and the next episode, "House of the Rising Sun", gives a closer look at Sun's perspective of how he has been on and off the island.

But this is Jack's episode, and his island story and his flashback story each feature a failure and a chase. Both stories open with Jack failing to save someone and having difficulty coping. In the flashback, Jack's father tells him he doesn't have what it takes to cope with being a hero, while on the island, Boone more or less assumes the same out loud.

In both stories, he is chasing his father, and although he only catches him in the flashback, the outcomes of both stories are similar in that Jack doesn't get what he's after. In the flashback, Jack wants to reconcile with Christian, but instead he finds him dead. Regardless, he did find his father. On the island, Jack is seeing his dad and tries to find him. He's interrupted by Locke, who is looking for water. Jack's quest does not end with finding his father, as he wanted it to, although he does find the water that the camp needs, and he steps up and becomes the leader despite failing to save Joanna's life earlier that day. Jack here proves his father wrong, and shows the camp that he does have "what it takes".

"Leave him alone. It's been 6 days and we're all still waiting. Waiting for someone to come. But what if they don't? We have to stop waiting. We need to start figuring things out. A woman died this morning just going for a swim and he tried to save her, and now you're about to crucify him? We can't do this. Everyman for himself is not going to work. It's time to start organizing. We need to figure out how we're going to survive here. Now, I found water. Fresh water, up in the valley. I'll take a group in at first light. If you don't want to go come then find another way to contribute. Last week most of us were strangers, but we're all here now. And god knows how long we're going to be here. But if we can't live together, we're going to die alone."

Standout performances: Matthew Fox, Terry O'Quinn, John Terry.

Standout scene: Jack and Locke's talk in the woods.


This is the episode that got me completely hooked.

Jack story lines are always convincing and entertaining, and it seemed to me to be the episode in which the survivors really had to adjust to life on the island. Beautifully shot and acted, Matthew Fox gives an amazing performance. All the survivors seem to realize that their days may be numbered, adding an entire other element to their lives on the mysterious island. With cuts reminiscent of "Fight Club," "White Rabbit" is an eerie and beautiful episode which I believe shows all the amazing simplicity that season one was loaded with. Mystery shrouded by the truth of a human condition.

Jack realizes he really is only human, which makes his character all the more convincing. Locke's speech about beauty is breathtaking, and is applicable to much more than this show.


My one and only reservation about "White Rabbit" is that having an episode so focused on Jack when he was already given plenty of screen time in the previous episodes and especially in the Pilot was perhaps a bit unfair to many other characters. And yet, "White Rabbit" proves its value by laying the groundwork for a lot of the themes that will be dominant in the future: Jack's leader role; the Jack-Locke "man of science, man of faith" dynamic (the dialogue in this scene is particularly well-written); father-son relationship problems; ghostly manifestations on the island (already introduced in "Walkabout", but now made more clear), specifically connected to the characters; flashbacks that go back to the character's childhood; the realization that the survivors will probably have to stay there for a long time; etc. It is admirable how these 5 first episodes just build onto each other, essentially telling one long story. ***1/2 out of 4.


After the shocking revelation at the end of Walkabout, White Rabbit exposes another side of the supernatural aspect of Lost, this time focusing on the show's "hero": Jack Shepard.

The story kicks off with Jack having visions of his dead father, Christian (John Terry), and following the seemingly otherworldly figure into the jungle. Flashbacks explain how father and son had a fragile relationship, also revealing that Jack went to Australia to patch things up, only to have to deal with Christian's death and getting the body back to the States. Another plot point concerns the sudden disappearance of the survivors' water supply, which causes heavily pregnant Claire to have some health issues and everyone else to automatically suspect Sawyer.

While not as emotionally relevant as the previous episode, this still qualifies as great Lost, presenting two intriguing mysteries - what's the deal with the visions, and who stole the water? - and digging further into Jack's past in order to establish his motives and make him a sympathetic leader figure, as opposed to the scheming Sawyer or the spooky Locke. Matthew Fox, having carried much of the dramatic weight in the two-part pilot, really comes into his own in White Rabbit, turning in a charismatic, affecting performance.

In short, Lost keeps going in the right direction. Besides, it's always a good thing when genre shows have titles that reference classic literature: could the island be a much scarier, more realistic version of Wonderland?


Jack fails to save a survivor from drowning and then begins to see visions of his dead father. He wanders off into the woods and almost dies. Locke saves him but tells him to stay the journey, and to find closure. Locke then goes off to kill some more game. What Jack ultimately finds is an empty coffin and a source of water, which the survivor's are now out of. He returns to the beach, stronger than before and definitely in command. Flashbacks reveal his tortured relationship with his father, who died of heart failure while visiting down under. The business with dad is played out a little too long, for my tastes. Otherwise, a heck of an episode.


I gave "The Ultimate Gift" a 9 out of 10, which is an unusually high rank for me, but I can't describe enough how pleasantly surprised I was with this effort. Knowing as I went into the film that it was a "Christian" story, I had placed a lower ceiling on my expectations. Not that being "Christian" means that a movie has to be bad - it just usually seems to be the case. Not so much here, however. There were just three or four times where I felt my muscles tighten up as I mentally prepared for emotional cheese, but to my delight, they managed to pull out of it every time without leaving my intelligence insulted. It was a fun and cute story with believable characters, and strong performances all around. It was clean enough that you could take the whole family to see it, yet interesting enough that the parents will not only stay awake, but you'll actually find yourself caught up in a sweet, and sometimes tear-jerking story about redemption, and the pursuit of true joy. Christian-themed films have come a long way, and I look forward to what the future holds as they continue to get better. At this point, it's safe to say that "The Ultimate Gift" is among the best in Christian films on the market today. Definitely worth checking out.


My first thoughts that came to mine after I saw The Ultimate Gift; were great movie. I took my wife to view the movie on a Friday night; with about 60 other people in the movie. The plot, acting and story were amazing. It was everything I look for in a movie, Hollywood gets one right now and then, most of all it was clean and entertaining. The first words from my wife were - "one of the best movie we've seen".This was an amazing, life changing movie with values. It was very inspirational! When we saw it everyone around us loved it. It's more than a "must see" movie, it's an "I want to do better" movie. We would buy this movie, it's that good.


This story is about a rich, arrogant, spoiled nephew who is a potential beneficiary of his billionaire uncle's estate. Jason Stevens hasn't worked a day in his life and just expects to have life fed to him a a silver platter.

But, he finds that in order to to collect his inheritance he will need to successfully complete 12 monthly 'assignments' leading to what his uncle calls the "Ultimate Gift." The journey that Jason takes will surely make this one of the most heart warming and memorable films you will ever see. My 13 year old son was almost in tears while watching this. It's a movie for young and old alike.

Touching performances by Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) and other seasoned actors such as Drew Fuller, James Garner, Brian Dennehy, and Lee Merriwether will hopefully take this movie to the Oscars!


This movie is one of the most powerful and moving films I have ever seen. This is a movie that I would recommend to anyone, but especially families. It has a message about a young man who has to find out there is more to life then money, that being apart of a family who loves you is the most important thing in life. Finding the ultimate gift is like finding your place in the world, what are you here for? What is your purpose? There is an incredible amount of value in this message and it is something people of all ages can learn from. The acting of Abigail Breslin is yet again incredible, I think even better then Little Miss Sunshine, she completely steals the show. Brian Dennehy is very funny, and James Garner is wonderful as well. This movie has all the aspects of a great film; sure it's no Godfather, but its still and incredible flick. In my showing of the film people where laughing and crying the whole way through, Highly recommended.


Jim 'You Don't Have to be Blind to See' Stovall is an inspirational writer who in 2001 published a little book by the name of THE ULTIMATE GIFT in which he transposed many of his motivational teachings into a novel form, a story of how a tape of a dying man can alter the life of a crassly money-centric young grandson leading him through trials and challenges to teach him the meaning of life. Now THE ULTIMATE GIFT comes to the screen/DVD and before making the groaning judgment that here is yet another insipid little tale about learning life's lessons and gaining some spirituality in the process, try watching this two hour traversal of well acted and well scripted (Cheryl McKay) and well directed (Michael O. Sajbel) input. There is a lot more to the film than the grinches might think! A wealthy man Red Stevens (James Garner) has amassed a fortune, turning his personal life into a shambles in the process and producing a family of greedy ruthless gluttons - with one exception: one son rebelled and lost his life to dreams despite the aspirations of the father. Red has just died and the will is read by Red's longtime partner and lawyer Ted (Bill Cobbs) and his devoted assistant Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether): the family is outraged at the results of Red's division of his fortune and the one person who is left to learn of the will's content is Red's egocentric grandson Jason (Drew Fuller). Through a taped interview just prior to his death Red outlines the twelve lessons Jason must learn if he is to inherit anything. And here begins the episodic journey during which Jason learns about poverty, compassion, friends, death, and spirituality that changes Jason into a full human being and creates a character who gives back more than he gets.

Along the way Jason encounters work-ethic Gus (Brian Dennehy), a little girl Emily dying from leukemia (Abigail Breslin) whose sharp wit and tongue manifest wisdom that leads to the bonding of Jason and Emily's mother Alexia (Ali Hillis), and host of other character actors in the various parts of the world where Jason's journey takes him. Yes, the plot is predictable, and yes, the tenor of the piece borders on soap opera at times, but the end result is an examination of life that is told with enough fine humor and realistic dialog that it works. If viewers pass by this DVD because they fear it is just another sappy lecture, they will miss the pleasure of entering the realm of tender communication delivered with style and sincerity. And we all need that, especially now...Grady Harp


I gave this movie a 9 because as much as I did enjoy it there were a few things that didn't completely make sense. However it was a good movie. I am not a Christian, but I saw this with my mom who happens to be a Christian and both of us greatly enjoyed it. Drew Fuller (Black Sash, Charmed, and Army Wives) was brilliant I think that he really showed his range in the film. Abigail Breslin was great and she and Drew had great chemistry as did Drew and Ali Hillis whose great performance I think was lost in the shuffle. All in all, the cast was great, the acting was great, the script was...well, it could have been easier to understand and it was good, and the directing could have been better but I suggest that everyone sees it. The Ultimate Gift is a really great feel good film and whether you are 8 or 80 you can appreciate the message that the film tries to get across.


Spoiled trust beneficiary playboy Jason Stevens is angry with his incalculably rich grandfather Red Stevens, and with his own life. When Red dies Jason shows up late for the funeral and makes a scene when he does show. But Red has prepared a "gift" for Jason's inheritance, unlike anything he leaves to the rest of the family. Indeed, Red leaves the rest of his self-absorbed and greedy Stevens family merely money. However, Jason's "gift" must be earned, and so Jason sets off on the quest. The quest for what Jason initially has no idea. In essence, Jason's quest is the quest of the aspiring knight who must slay his dragon to prove he is a man. Consequently, some may find the plot contrived or even hackneyed. But, as with all fables, it is the struggle that matters, not the circumstance, and what this movie shows is the very real struggle of all young men to find meaning in and a purpose for their lives. For some reason this kind of sentimentality is lately acceptable in war movies, but rarely elsewhere. Thus, it is refreshing to see in a context if minimal violence. When Jason finally gets his "gift" he has become a man that Red could be proud of, and who can be proud of himself. This is a deeply moving picture, and a well constructed one. But it is also one that one must be ready to watch.


This simple, profound movie can help change your heart. Without using anything crass, it gives you a message that is gritty and real. Life is about love. You will weep, laugh, and rejoice to see this movie, if your heart and mind are open and not clouded and cluttered by the trash of the overly secular world. The journey the hero takes is one that tests his mettle and often you feel like giving up on him, but seeing how it comes out shows you that prodigals do make it home. I read that this will be Mr. Garner's last film, I do hope that such is not the case, however if it is, then he has gone out on a high note that is a fine cap to his career. I have not read the book, yet I am sure that this is one of the better adaptions of a book to movie. Christian films get a bad rap as being too bland. Many of them are, but not the Ultimate Gift. It is a gift, from the film maker to you, the audience. I hope that seeing this will inspire others to live out the gift and that we see more such movies being made.


"The Ultimate Gift" stars James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Drew Fuller, Ali Hillis, and Oscar nominee Abigail Breslin, who recently starred as Olive in "Little Miss Sunshine," which also was nominated this year for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

This is the fourth film from Fox Faith, a division of Twentieth Century Fox, created to provide audiences with quality inspirational features, something of a recently opened Hollywood niche, prompted by the overwhelming success of "The Passion of the Christ." An important thing to keep in mind, though, is that these Fox Faith films are thankfully not "preachy." Their content is more balanced, with solid story lines exploring each character's mental and spiritual health and wellbeing.

The plots revolved around discoveries in people's lives we can easily relate to, leading us to reflect on what values we hold dear. These films straddle the line tastefully, without overdoing pivotal moments in the story. They do a fine job of avoiding the pitfalls that could make them sappy.

This film deals with the universal quest for finding real happiness. In today's world, the pursuit of happiness for many is the chase for wealth, yet many rich people also find happiness alluding.

Red Stevens (Garner) is a billionaire who dies suddenly in a crash. Disturbingly, all of his descendants seem to be only concerned with what they might inherit from him, and as the wishes in his will are carried out, the family members barely receive anything.

Along comes his grandson Jason (Fuller), a spoiled trust fund baby who hopes to cash in on some inheritance. But Jason's grandfather had other ideas planned for him.

Jason is brought into the board room where a lone box rests on the table. Inside the box is a DVD with a special message from his grandfather who has set up a series of 12 gifts for him, leading up to the ultimate gift.

The gifts lead to a chain of events that will stretch Jason to his limits. Starting with digging holes for fence posts down on a large ranch in Texas, his journey takes him as far away as Ecuador, teaching him the value of work, real friends, family, true love, laughter, dreams, gratitude, giving, and the importance of using each day to its fullest.

These are things that Red Stevens could not teach his grandson in life. But with his passing, he offers him a chance to inherit the wealthiest of treasures, a sense of what really matters most in life.

Many surprises wait along the way in this tender story, with solid, heartfelt performances. It is touching to see this self-centered boy start to rearrange his priorities, and connect not only with other people, but himself.

This film is a rewarding treat that everyone should see.


After the death of the oil tycoon Howard 'Red' Stevens (James Garner), his greedy family is gathered in the office of his lawyer, partner and friend Mr. Theophillis 'Ted' Hamilton (Bill Cobbs) and his associated Miss Hastings (Lee Meriwether) for reading the will. For his reckless and selfish grandson Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller), who hated him, Red assigns twelve apparently simple tasks called "gifts"  of work, money, friends, learning, problems, family, laughter, dreams, giving, gratitude, a day and love  challenging the playboy Jason to a journey of discoveries. When he meets the leukemic girl Emily (Abigail Breslin) and her mother Alexia (Ali Hillis), Jason changes his perspective of life and money, superseding the expectations of Red, improving and becoming a better man and receiving the ultimate gift from his wise grandfather.

What a wonderful surprise "The Ultimate Gift" is! This simple little movie has a magnificent story of discoveries, friendship, family values, redemption and love, supported by awesome performances highlighting the girl Abigail Breslin, whose witty dialogs make the viewer laugh and cry. Do not pay attention in the bad reviews in IMDb, and you will see a pleasant movie with a beautiful message. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "O Presente" ("The Gift")


This movie made me think, laugh, cry and most of all smile. Newcomers, Ali Hillis and Drew Fuller, did a magnificent job in the role of Alexia and Jason. I hope to see them both in more leading roles in the near future. Abigail B. is just brilliant. I love that child! Hats off to the entire cast. They were all perfect in their given roles. I know the film is based on a Christian novel, and being a Christian, I was glad to see a film of this caliber make it to the big screen. The message is clear, simple and one that we can all learn from...believer or not. Thanks to everyone involved in getting this film to the big screen. It was truly a touching and inspirational movie.


I regularly attend the $5-a-sermon Church of AMC, much to my wife's and kid's consternation. Well today I definitely got my money's worth. I saw the first Sunday showing of "The Ultimate Gift" at my local AMC here in Northern Virginia and I enjoyed it immensely. It's a great story with a wonderful cast. Big thanks to Fox Faith for getting it to the multiplex.

This is an engaging and highly watchable film. In a matter of minutes I was completely immersed in the plot and invested in the characters of the story. While a few where caricatures, I could relate to most of them as "real" people with real problems and blessings.

As I was watching Jason learn from the "gifts" that his grandfather was giving him, I couldn't help but think of my own father, who is wise and gentle and generous and loving. I'm lucky that he gave me some of these gifts in real life instead of from beyond the grave.

All of the performances in this film were rock solid. Big thumbs up to the casting director. Drew Fuller was superb as someone you want to hate but end up liking. The beautiful Ali Hillis also delivered an excellent performance. (I expect that her agent will be getting more than a few calls over the next few weeks). Abigail Breslin's performance was likewise outstanding (we already know that her agent's phone is ringing off the hook).

I encourage anyone taking the time to read my comments to seek out this film. It's really good. If you have kids, say 8 or years old and up, you should consider taking them to this movie for the lesson it teaches in a highly entertaining way. (Younger kids will probably be bored).

One more thing - this film may not last long on the big screen. I was in a 100 person auditorium with 2 other people this morning, which is kind of sad. I think Fox should have put a little bit more into the publicity machine on this one. I also noted that my local AMC didn't have it on the big board of show times at the box office, which I found odd. Perhaps they were trying to "kill" the movie in its first week due to low sales by purposely keeping it off the marquee. If so, that's really a shame because this is quite a nice little film that deserves an audience.

cheers,

Snake


The Ultimate Gift is simply an amazing movie with a heart rendering message. I was truly moved and truly inspired by this story. A cynic may proclaim it to be predictable and clichéd but a movie this meaningful should not be viewed through cynical eyes. I guess it depends on the viewer's state of mind but I was in a place in my life where this movie truly touched me. Having lost a loved one recently, this movie spoke to me. The need to be reminded of the purpose of life and the need to find your true role in it was poignantly illustrated. Also, The performances are wonderful and I love the structure and presentation. I can't wait to own this one on DVD and I'll be giving copies as gifts to all my friends and family. Truly, the ULTIMATE gift indeed.


I first got this film out of the video store last year because i wanted to see what Drew Fuller was like outside of his role in Charmed. He was very good in it so I was quite keen to see it. Then I saw that Abigail Breslin was in it and I thought "Well I definitely have to see it now!" I am so glad I did! It was such a beautiful and heart worming story and Fuller and Breslin are fantastic together. I have always thought it is such a cliché when people say "Oh this movie made me laugh and it made me cry." But I must say that this film actually did make me laugh here and cry there! I actually think this film is my favourit movie, and thats saying a lot seeing as I say I have a lot of "favourit" films and I am a film student. This is a must see!


I liked this movie not only for what it said, but how it said it. It was inspiring--not in its religiosity but in its morality. The Christian slant of the movie was evident, but it did not proselytize or become judgmental. In fact, some of the 'best' people in the film never reveal any religious beliefs. I am a Unitarian-Universalist (we believe that there are many paths that lead to good and moral actions), so I appreciated the MORAL outlook of the film and its emphasis on good works.That is a fine line to draw and this movie does it magnificently.

Are there plot holes? Inconstistancies? Who cares? The movie made me feel good. And sometimes that's enough.


I commend the author, producer, actors, etc., on this movie. It one of the best, cleanest and educational movies shown in a long time. Everyone I've mentioned it to has not heard of it. This is what disappoints me about good clean movies, they don't receive enough publicity. Our children and families need more of these movies to remind them our success is to be earned, not given. Also, giving and showing concern for others takes our mind off our own problems and makes us aware of how fortunate we are compared to the majority of the world.

Please continue producing more movies with true meanings.


If you are looking for a good family move, this is it. But beware, you might want to have the Kleenex handy. I know I and my wife did. The whole movie is touching but the ending really hits home. Especially for me being a parent of a little girl myself. I rented the movie and was told by my wife to have the Kleenex handy. It really makes you think about your life and what you want it to stand for. The acting is good, but the cast itself really makes this movie special. James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Bill Cobbs and Lee Meriwether make this movie worth seeing just to see these great actors together in the same movie. Abigail Bresslin as the little girl makes you stop and think. Her character may be brash but she really makes sense.


I must say I have just watched this film and admit to having tears in my eyes whilst watching, unusual for me.

It managed to take a 'Brewsters Millions' theme and turn it into something far more emotional, a drama rather that a comedy. Although the film could be in danger of being over sentimental and corny I did not find it so, I believe it delivered the messages in a simple and understated way that made them believable. This is a heart warming story that I would rather watch any day than some of the big budget, special effects laden blockbusters that leave you devoid of any real emotion at the end of the film.

I would thoroughly recommend to those who want just a little depth to stories in the cinema.


Rotten Tomatoe's 33% rating is on the money. I caught a blurb about the film including mini synopsis to wit: Grandfather dies and leaves challenges, rather than $$$$$ to his errant playboy grandson. Finally, I thought, an adult 'coming of age film' with a nice twist and good potential. In the end good potential does not carry the day.

This is a faith based film (not that there is anything wrong with that) where Grand Daddy (James Garner) has a postmortem plan to make a mensch of his long estranged, errant young adult playboy grandson. A plan to instill maturity, family values and a large dose of moral clarity. We are not talking about a run of the mill grandson. Rather Jason already has such wealth that he has no problem spending $25,000 a night for a Paris hotel room. Hence, it is quite understandable that Jason, showing little concern, storms out of the will-probate office when he learns when Grand Daddy has not left him any outright money in his will.

It became obvious early on that viewing this film required that I constantly suspend my disbelief system.

When a possible 'future' bequest is mentioned Jason's curiosity takes hold long enough to take first class seat (at least he thought it was first class) to Texas to pick up the secret $$$$$$ bequest. Upon landing in Texas his hopes are more than dashed. Not only is there no money but he is offered a chance to work for the first time in his life without an inkling of any reward he would actually receive for the work. This awkward set-up typifies the problems with this script. It quickly gets worse. First, Jason fails to turn right around and head home as we would expect him to do and then he learns the nature of Grand Daddy's first of many 'gifts.'

We are to believe that Grand Daddy has spent weeks, months or longer fine tuning his plan to transform Jason by a variety of clever non-money 'gifts.' The first gift, the gift of work, will set the tone. Surely it will by some kind of work aimed at building Jason's moral fiber, right? Perhaps building homes for the poor a la Jimmie Carter, working in a soup kitchen, being a hospital volunteer, a senior home volunteer and/or delivering meals to the ill and elderly? Not at all. This well thought out job requires Jason to awaken daily at 4-5am, for a full month, and spend each day at hard labor digging fence post holes on a vast ranch. We are to believe Jason buys into this when he could be savoring that $25,000/night Paris hotel suite.

When Jason takes his girlfriend out for an expensive dinner and his credit card is denied he assumes, as any of us would, that there was a glitch. His long time gold digging girlfriend should have little choice but to pay the bill. After all, Jason's spent countless thousands on her, this is his first ever credit card glitch and she has no real reason to believe he is detached from his great wealth. Instead she storms out in a huff and tosses their relationship leaving Jason to deal with the unpaid bill several hundred dollar bill.

And quite the immoral lesson that leaves Jason enjoying his several hundred dollar meal without paying a cent while the restaurant owner is stiffed and left to take the loss.

How exactly are Grand Daddy's cronies able to instantly turn very wealthy Jason into a penniless, property-less Jason? Gone in the bat of an eye are all his cars, property, money etc. Another lesson at the expense of legalities?

I loved Emily as Little Sunshine but scripts that have young kids endlessly playing 12 going on 30 bug me. As did Emily's incessant lecturing to Jason vis a vis: This is how your love life is going to be....DO YOU HEAR ME JASON....DO YOU HEAR ME?

As for Jason and Emily's mom Alexia there is little chemistry in this equation which is consistent with our inability to determine what if any feelings they have for one another during most of the movie.

Jason stumbles forward, always with little or no real incentive. When he needs a place to stay for the night he cannot find even one of his scores upon scores of hanger on friends willing to 'invest' even a single night on the very real assumption that Jason will bounce back and quickly be reunited with his fortune. And what a great investment that living room sofa for the night would have been!

There are billions of reasons to stay tuned for: Ultimate Gift 2: Jason & the Lure of the Green Poultice.


I must say that this is one of the best films I've seen in my life. It proves a great movie does not need to involve violence and sex... Plus, it makes you appreciate all the gifts you've got in your life. If Hollywood (and by these I mean the movie business) had more films like this one, it would have a nice positive impact on our poor and damaged society.

Maybe it doesn't have outstanding special effects, or a main-role actor or actress who deserves an Academy Award, but the plot it's so great, that makes you analyze your own situation and feel thankful for what you have and realize you're missing a lot of nice simple great things of life... and it even makes you want to be a better person!

Totally recommended for the whole family!


Oh my gosh, I loved this movie. I highly recommend that everyone see it. It was absolutely wonderful. I plan to add it to my collection of videos. It was truly inspiring, heartfelt, moving, emotional, and clean. Definitely a movie worth watching with friends, family or just by yourself. It certainly sends out a true message of hope & love for all of mankind. That everyone and anyone can experience the true ultimate gift. I know it will touch the heart of all who watch it and give hope to everyone out their that a persons heart can really change when love, which is given to us by God because He first loved us, is practiced and felt in our lives. I thank God for His ultimate sacrifice and His free gift of salvation. I hope one day all with understand God love and how powerful it truly is in ones life. God Bless.


Not the VFXs or anything like that attracted to this movie. The only thing was the theme, and of course a great story A+. The film started out with just a normal setting. Later on the theme started building up as the main character Jason started going through all of his tests. From then on foreshadowing make the film flow to the end. However, the end was somewhat surprising, because of the dynamic change that the main character went through. Yet it ended with a great beginning for me as I went home thinking about. It is somethings that every person should think about, and re-prioritize some things in life that should be first, rather than money, etc... Just a great movie, was very moved by it...


My wife and I saw the movie last night. We felt a full range of emotions during the movie and even shed a few tears. The movie did not preach but it gave some great examples of how to live your life. Too bad only 3 other people were in the theater for a 7pm show in Ann Arbor.

I did not give it a 10 because there were a few choppy parts that could of transitioned better. I didn't understand the part right before the ultimate gift. The older main characters were wonderful. I agree with another post that Drew Fuller could have done a better job.

Take your family. This would be a good movie for youth groups to see. You won't be sorry. There was nothing objectionable that I remember.


I Can't believe this movie got the reviews that it did! I thought this film was completely unoriginal, and left nothing to the imagination. It was one of those types of movies that is completely predictable, and actually manages to be somewhat insulting to those of us that don't pride ourselves on our religious beliefs. Thats right, I said it. The second I walked out of the theater, I felt like I had just been in church for the last hour-and-a-half. The ultimate flaw this film suffers, in my opinion, is that it is completely reflective of the evangelistic Christian mindset. "All rich people are evil." "The only honest way to earn a living is manual labor." Imagine my surprise when I saw a poster for this movie hanging on the window of a Christian bookstore. Bottom line is this: the only way you might find this movie entertaining is if you fit into on of three categories. Either A) A Christian; B) an overly sensitive woman looking for a cheep tear-jerker; or C) just generally lack the ability of free thought. There was nothing about this film that I would recommend to the average person who doesn't fit into one of those categories.


I thought this was one of the worst movies I have seen in quite some time. I cry very easily during movies, yet this movie, which was supposed to be a tearjerker did not bring a single tear. I had several problems with it. I did not believe that Abigail Breslin's acting was quite up to par with what we have seen her do in other films. I also was very confused with the relationship between Jason and Alexia. She didn't like him, then she some what tolerated him, then she didn't like him again, then the second he comes back from Equador she's hugging him like they were married.

And don't get me started on his trip to Equador. I understand that he needed to find out the truth about his father, which still doesn't seem relevant to me, but getting taken hostage by drug lords? How did that advance the plot in any way? They never mention it again and it took up way too much of the movie to be so irrelevant.

The continuity was horrible. He was homeless for a month but he barely got stubble. He's taken hostage and grows a huge beard.

The first time Emily sees Jason is at his grandfather's funeral. However, what was Emily doing there to begin with? True, she's a patient on his cancer ward, but if every patient who was in his wing of the hospital came, it would have been a lot more crowded. I kept waiting for them to explain that. I waited in vain.

And I had problems with the scene where his ex-girlfriend came back. He just ignored her. This would have been the perfect opportunity for him to truly show how he had changed. He could tell her off for using him for his money. He could try to show her what he had learned in hopes of starting to change her too. Instead, he let her to into his bedroom and wait naked while he went for a walk.

As for his father's death, a plane crash is a plane crash. It wasn't like his grandfather had been flying the plane in which his father died. Seriously, no matter whether or not he just left for the sake of leaving, or left to take medicine to a nearby town, the crash itself was still an accident that could have happened either way.

In conclusion, save yourself the money and don't go see it. There are plenty of other movies that better handle the issues tackled in The Ultimate Gift. If you are that curious, wait for it to come out on DVD. I'm sure you won't have long to wait.


My mom and I saw this movie today and we both thought it was great. I'm a ten-year old and I think this movie teaches kids that life isn't all fun and games. I learned something from this. People need to learn how to make a living by themselves. The story teaches a lesson all by itself. I also learned that you can't always have what you want. I liked this movie because it teaches people that its better to work for what you have, and not just asking other people for it. I think everyone should see this movie. I also learned that you are rewarded for being charitable. This movie is appropriate for anyone, although there is this one bad part involving violence.


Looking forward to taking my two girls as another reinforcement as to what the key points in life are... I guess it's easy to blow through life with a couple of key goals and this movie lays the foundation to spread the web to get so much more out of life. There's also a site www.onceuponafamily.com that has a great program to further reinforce The Ultimate Gift and really 'brings the movie to life' with a program of projects (activities) that help you and your family discover all of the gifts and live them on an ongoing basis... As a sidebar, they have a cool kit not associated with the movie called 'Dates with Dad' that looks like a great tool to assist in building a relationship with my girls. All good stuff.


Okay, my title sounds a little extravagant. Even though this film doesn't sparkle with a huge budget and sexy highly paid stars, it is a story that hits home. A storyline that Hollywood seems to skip in favor of big budget action or graphic horror films. I felt inspired and moved by the story... AND I am a guy! So many are quick to judge films if they are not up to a certain level. I honestly did not expect much from this film but walked away impressed; continually thinking of the events and the character revelations throughout the film. I have even encouraged friends to see it. I am disappointed it did not receive a better advertising/marketing campaign. When I urge those to seek it out, they have never heard of the film. It also was released on a limited number of screens. My advice to Fox Faith is to get the word out. Start a grassroots campaign and let people know that these films exist. There is an audience out there! Many avoid cinema because they have been disappointed so many times. This is a film that actually moves the heart with a positive life changing message, instead of big-budgeted shallow films that are filled with CGI but devoid of hope... I challenge anyone to remember such films.


I saw this as a special showing in Memphis, TN. I know the owner of the publishing company and therefore have read this book many times and have recommended it to countless people. This movie was exceptional.

Abigail Breslin was just as charming and entertaining as "Little Miss Sunshine" and Drew Fuller did an an amazing job making you believe he truly went through this inspiring story. I left the theatre choked up and feeling warm and relishing in the emotions the movie took me through.

I plan on taking everyone I know to see this when it comes out in March.


We love movies. We average 10 movies a month on Netflix...we are also good people, and are spiritual sorts.

But...this movie is one of the worst pieces of garbage I've ever seen. The plot is thin and transparent, the messages are bludgeoning, and delivered with the finesse of a sledgehammer. The acting is wooden, predictable, forgettable.

Strange that it has an over 7 average rating here, a nearly 5 star rating on Netflix! The only excuses I can think of...zealous churches are encouraging their flocks to go rate this dribble up...or the Fox Faith (huh?! new one on us) people are stuffing the ballot boxes.

Avoid at all costs....we finally found something that makes Patch Adams look like a deep work of art!


The Wild Thornberrys is a cause for applause, folks! Anyone who doesn't like it must have mistaken this show for some other thing. Because I can't understand why anyone would dislike this sweet, educational, fun, family-friendly show about a lovable 12-year-old kid with "the gift of gab." What I mean by this is that Eliza can talk to animals, and don't you wish you could, too? I do! It's my totally favorite show, with Rocket Power in close second, and As Told By Ginger in third. Other than that, I don't watch too much TV. Anyway, I'm going off on a tangent.


It was such a wonderful show.It was absolutely brilliant and positively divine.I loved every second I watched an episode of this show, and there wasn't any I thought were horrible.This show is underrated and it is definitely under appreciated.All the characters are lovable and different in their own way, which is a good ingredient for any show.Each episode was so interesting and entertaining, and not to mention some were actually unbearably funny!!!You can't beat shows like these, and anybody who tries to run away, always find themselves crawling back to them.I would watch The Wild Thornberry's show all day if I had to, because it is just a show that you can love forever, and never get bored with it.


This show is very good, much better than Rugrats at any rate. I have 6 of the episodes on DVD, and all of them are really funny, and I also remember catching it everyday after school. The animation is colourful, and I wish you would stop associating people as beautiful, and making personal reamrks about the characters' appearances. remember, true beauty comes from within. Eliza is a kid who talks to animals, which is a retread of Doctor Dolittle, but still original. Darwin is hilarious,and he and Eliza at times are a great double act. Debbie is wonderfully voiced by Danielle Harris, and is seen as a typical teenager, pretty, funny and sometimes grumpy. Debbie is a great teenage representation. The parents add a lot to the show, especially Nigel, who has some of the funniest lines of the whole show, and if you have the wonderful Tim Curry on board you can never go wrong. You would really like The Wild Thornberrys, if only you'd give it a chance. 9/10 Bethany Cox


Nickelodeon has a lot of great shows (which they tend to cancel for no apparent reason) like Hey Arnold, As Told By Ginger, SpongeBob, Danny Phantom, Kappa Mikey, but sadly this one just isn't up to par.

I first saw the show in 2001 and even back then, as a kid, I disliked it.

The show definitely has what it takes to be a hit: big adventures, girl who can talk with animals, plenty of different characters, yet it keeps throwing sticks in it's spokes.

One of the biggest problems and what really kills this show is character development. Whenever a character develops in an episode, all the progress is forgotten once you get to the next one. Eliza gives bird a needle so it could gather insects more efficiently, thus unleashing a domino effect which quickly harms the environment. So, she realizes that she shouldn't go about doing things without thinking of consequences. Lesson learned. No. She proceeds to do something stupid again after that, completely ignoring what she has learned. Also, she's completely arrogant and probably more than half of the situations she gets into wouldn't even occur if the little brat would have bothered to let the person/animal complete their sentence! This point alone makes the show extremely unbearable.

Debbie goes through the show as the big, mean and selfish sister. She get's a job in Siberia and learns about being kind to others. But seems to develop amnesia as she returns to her usual whiny-self in the next episode.

End of rant. Also, I would like to add that the person responsible for "Rocket Power" should be fired.


In defense of this show its not as good as Nick Shows like Doug, Rugrats, Rocko, etc. But it was one of the last good Nicktoons before Nickoldeon ruined there self's. This show ran from 1998-2004. I remember when this show first game on back in 1998 with the Burgerking toys that they had for that month with the Kids Meal back then. This show premiered on a Sunday night and the first episode was where they let Debbie drive and she put her bubble gum(Debbie was always chewing bubble gum anyone remember that episode where she let one get huge and then it popped on her face and got somewhat in her hair? no not the one where Donnie popped one in her hair but i forget where the setting was in the one were she blew the big bubble when it popped on her face) under the Accerlator pedal and they RV got stuck. Well the Characters in this show was Eliza the main character who could speak to all Animals. Her monkey friend Darwin, her Sister Debbie, her Mom(Can't remember the name) and her Nigel voiced by Tim Curry and her Apodpted brother Donnie. Also there swarm enemies can't remember the name but i remember one had an eye patch and a wooden leg. This is another Nicktoon show that i liked that i can remember from the production line. I remember the episode with the oil tanker leak and Eliza tried to help the animals where she got trapped by the fire. How bout the episode where they were attacked by sharks and RV started sinking. Or the one Eliza was blamed for upsetting the Humpback Whales. Then there was the one where Eliza was tricked by a leopard or Cheata to help them but she then almost ended up getting killed. Then there was the T.V. movie which i still remember till this day clearly because one scene with the Forrest fire reminded me of the Land Before Time III. The Orgin of Donnie where they return to were Donnie came from and then found out his parents had died from Poachers =[. But there was a scene in it where a Forrest fire started and it reminded me of the scene in The Land Before Time III where they had to escape the great valley because of a Forrest Fire. Now i did see the Movie and i can say the movie was really a good Movie. The Crossover between this and Rugrats was just an alright movie. This show was a really good nick show and like i said earlier it ran from 1998-2004. I saw up till 2002 and i don't remember any new episodes after that. This show did air on Nicktoonss TV like other Classic Nicktoons but hasn't been on there in a couple of years. I Honestly believe this show was canceled along with Hey Arnold And THe Rugrats to let Spongebob become bigger. This week is sponge bobs 10th anniversary. Spongebob is nothing compared to these nicktoons.

Well this show has yet to be released on DVD but since that Deal between Nickoldeon and Amazon.com to release old Nickshows i think this show has a chance of becoming released on DVD. This was good shows and one of the last good ones. Its not the last Great one because it never lived up to the standards of the other Nicktoons. Eitherway There is hope for this being released on DVD. This is a good nicktoon from the 90s.


Oh, I absolutely loved this show! Every character, every animal, every episode - it was just fantastic! Eliza and Darwin made me laugh so much, and as I got older I began to laugh at Debbie too, as I understood her teenage troubles. Nigel and Mariannae are the perfect team, I'd watch their show any day! I was so crushed when they removed it, and anytime they had it on TV after that I was over the moon! They put it on On Demand one summer (only the first eight episodes or so) and I'd spend whole afternoons watching them one after the other... but the worst part? It is now back on a channel called NickToonsters - and IT'S ON SKY! And I can't watch it :( Long live the thornberries :D (Okay, a little over the top I admit)


I used to watch this show when I was growing up. When I think about it, I only remember it vaguely. If you ask me, it was an okay show. Two things I remember pretty well are the opening sequence and theme song pretty well. In addition to that, everyone was ideally cast. Also, the writing was okay. The performances were okay, too. I hope some network brings it back so I can see every episode. Before I wrap this up, I'd like to say that I'll always remember this show in my memory forever, even though I don't think I've seen every episode. Now, in conclusion, if some network ever brings it back, I hope that you catch it one day before it goes off the air for good.


This picture was fun to watch. Alan Ladd had a style as a gangster that counterpointed well with the wonderful Sheldon Leonard ("Hey, Buddy, ... C'mere!") Helen Walker presented an unusually perky, sexy look that was never really exploited in the movies. When she distracted the nazi spy he was not alone. I sat through the movie again to be distracted a second time. The picture may become a cult 'classic', if it has not already and I recommend most insistently that you view it. Ladd's involvement with the old 'bag lady' will touch you. Once again, for a light comedy, spy thriller (The Second World War was in full sway) it was away ahead of most of it's ilk. My favourite Alan Ladd movie.


After THIS GUN FOR HIRE, Paramount realized they had a popular star and leading man in Alan Ladd. Good looking, and with camera angles and tricks to disguise his short height, he was soon a leading star at the studio. But like so many other good ideas, Paramounts production heads thought only of image in making Ladd movies. In THIS GUN FOR HIRE he had been Raven, a cold-blooded killer made that way by a crummy childhood (culminating in his self-defense killing of his aunt),and years of reformatories and prisons. Is it any wonder that he sells his killing services for whoever pays the best price...but wait, he does like little kids, does like cats, is willing to consider replacing the blouse of an obnoxious maid he had a fight with, and he does start a type of patriotic reform with the aid of understanding (and pretty) Veronica Lake. It takes too late, but he dies on the side of the angels (aiding the U.S.).

THIS GUN FOR HIRE set up a formula that would be used again and again, until Ladd would try to vary it with westerns (like his classic SHANE), and even classic novels (THE GREAT GATSBY). He was a tough guy, who gradually learns that there are certain things that are so bad or evil they transcend stuff you are willing to accept as part of doing illegal business (i.e., breaking someone's head is tolerable, but setting up a death camp or marching soldiers on a death march is not).

This theory of "degrees of evil" had been used in the 1930s in gangster films (and would be used again in film noir gangster films in the 1940s and 1950s). The idea is that the criminals should not be lumped together so easily. It was okay for Jimmy Cagney (as Rocky in ANGELS WITH DIRTY FACES) to shoot down two "business associates", because Rocky was fair and even handed with loot - just insisting that his loot was left his loot, while those two associates (one is Humphrey Bogart as a crooked lawyer) were just willing to cheat Rocky of his loot. Similarly, with Edward G. Robinson in THE AMAZING DR. CLITTERHOUSE, he is a cultured, urbane, and helpful man doing research into crime, who ends up running Bogart's mob - but Bogart is a nasty customer who tries to do all his enemies in (he tries to freeze Robinson to death in a fur vault). Bogart (when he too rises to stardom in HIGH SIERRA) is an intelligent and loyal lieutenant to good old Donald McBride, but McBride's other lieutenant is Barton MacLane, who is a corrupt ex-cop (so he's totally bad). See - degrees of evil here. It must have caused consternation with the Hays Office and the Breen Office to follow these illogical, logical sequences mirroring thought or philosophy in screenplays.

The villains in THIS GUN FOR HIRE (Tully Marshall, Laird Cregar, and Marc Lawrence) are going to sell poison gas to Japan after Pearl Harbor, so they are traitors (well paid ones too - Marshall has some secret Japanese medal for his services to Hirohito). Their destruction by Ladd is welcomed by the post-Pearl Harbor audience watching the film (although Ladd also takes a pot shot at Robert Preston, who is not a traitor but a detective, and does kill a cop).

LUCKY JORDAN was a logical extension of the plot of THIS GUN FOR HIRE. Ladd, as Jordan, is the surly head of a mob, and is drafted. He soon is in the stockade for insubordination, but flees to return to his mob. He really is at home in his urban street jungle. But he finds his second in command (the superb Sheldon Leonard) has pulled a "Moriarty" (i.e. SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE SECRET WEAPON), in that he is aiding the Axis (Miles Mander) in spying and working against the U.S. Ladd has learned enough about the Axis to be opposed to this, and Leonard (in any case) is not really interested in returning the mob's leadership to Ladd. So the audience watches Ladd's patriotism rise enough to overcome (or blend in with) his surly gangster mentality. Eventually he is the personification of FDR's famous comment about backing Trujillo in the Dominican Republic during the war. An aide told FDR that Trujillo was a real s.o.b. "Yes," said the President somberly, "BUT HE'S OUR S.O.B.!"

With Helen Walker as the love interest, but she's not as good in blending with Ladd as Lake is. So the film is only an "8" out of "10". But still entertaining, despite it's weird morality point of view.


This is one of my favourite Alan Ladd films and one I can watch over and over - has some great one liners. It shows that Ladd was very good at comedies and its a shame he didn't do more - my favourite line is where his lawyer says he tried to get him out of the army draft as 4F which meant "socially undesirable" - Ladd isn't impressed and with an indignant shrug of his shoulders says "Whadaya mean socially undesirable? Dames like me!" Ladd plays Lucky who is a charming, good looking and very successful racketeer who is trying to avoid the draft. However even with the drunk "old bag" (Lucky's words) pretending to be his dependent Ma he is called up. So he ends up in the army but after a spell in the cooler for insubordination he escapes by nicking the car and coat of an army scientist along with, inadvertently, secret tank drawings. It then transpires that Lucky's sidekick Slip Moran has got involved with foreign spies who will pay a fortune for the tank plans. What follows is a tale of double dealing (by Slip), romantic entanglements with Helen Walker ("cute eyes" as Lucky calls her) and Lucky's partial redemption when he realises just how bad the Nazis are (when they beat up his "ma"). There is a really good chase scene when the baddies are after Lucky in the gardens. Lucky of course does the right thing in the end but he isn't overly gushy about why and there aren't any long winded patriotic speeches - he just doesn't like men who beat up old women. The film ends on a funny note too because despite being a good guy and going back to the army a hero, the film ends with Lucky back in the cooler for yet another act of insubordination making it clear that even his goodness/patriotism has its limits. All in all a funny, entertaining film with a great cast.


I used to watch this when "USA Up All Night" was still on the air (Gilbert Gottfried and those timeless B-movies). You can actually order this movie directly from the company (Pirromount Pictures) for about $19.99.

Is it perfect? No, but it's the most fun you'll have watching something put together on a less-than-shoestring budget. There are some really funny scenes in here, and some classic lines. In my opinion, it's better than anything Troma ever released.

8/10.


This movie cannot be compared to any other movie. Thanks to the USA Network, this very low budget film has been discovered, thank goodness. This movie is not sophisticated, but what it is is funny. It's the story of Dupah, the reluctant vampire as he goes out for his first kill, presented by actors with good timing. The script is pretty good. Even if you don't thin it's funny, you have to admit the idea of a "Queerwolf" is creative. There are a few failed attempts at humor, and many of the running gags get old. Still, any movie with Eddie Deezen it has to be good. It's not easy finding this movie, but if you get the opportunity to watch it, go for it. As long as you like lowbrow.


Polish Vampire in Burbank is the story of a reluctant vampire Dupah (Mark Pirro) who has never sucked blood from a victim before. Up until now his father and sister go out on the hunt and bring him back left over blood, so they decide it is time to send Dupah out to start feeding himself. He lines up a victim Delores Lane (Lori Sutton) on his first night out but falls in love with her and respects her too much to bite her.

This film is so clever and witty that I was laughing aloud the entire time. The film was ahead of it's time and I think it couldbe more appreciated now than it ever was as the humor is not outdated at all. The clever writing and the funny dialogue when the story associates Dupah's first bite which losing ones virginity, like when he is scared to bite someone and says what if my fangs are too small.

Very well acted by the entire cast, especially by Pirro who was the last minute replacement for original lead Eddie Deezen. Pirro used the footage he shot with Deezen and created a new character in flashbacks with him and also provides quite a few voices for some of the characters who were not available for adr recording. This film is a landmark and I believe created it all in terms of no-budget film-making. It was essentially made on the run and grossed $500,000 with an outlay of just $2,500. Brilliant!


Some friends & I found "Polish Vampire" on the video shelves one night over ten years ago, and it's tribute to simplistic humor and silly sound effects inspired us to create a series of films ourselves - which, should any of us ever decide to run for congress, you'll no doubt see. I found a copy of "Polish Vampire" on E-Bay, got some of the old gang together and we laughed at the same jokes and silly sounds of Dupah's stomach growling. We abstained this time from making more films, but all decided that "Polish Vampire" is, like, comedy for the ageless, for sure.


I knew of this film years ago. When I was about 12 a few friends and I got together and ran this. I thought it was a charming little movie. Then I did some research and found out that it was made in someone's back yard with a home movie camera, and I was even more fascinated by it. Today I look around and see all these people making their own movies with video cameras and putting them up on websites like youtube and I have to look back at A Polish Vampire in Burbank and realize that this was one of the first 'do it yourself' movies. I just found it again recently and although the movie looks a bit dated today, it certainly takes me back to a time when individual movie making wasn't that common.


This is the worst movie I've ever seen. At the end I had no idea what it was about. If a film student offered this for a class project, he would flunk. A grade school student would do better. The distributer should be ashamed.


A young polish vampire is taken out by his slut sister to finally penetrate a victim with his small fangs in California. A nonstop barrage of groan worthy puns, silly sight gags, and stupid little sound effects pummel the victim..umm..i mean viewer into submission. This film is simply awful, and at not even an hour and a half is STILL way too long. I found myself bored to tears. Even '80's ultra-nerd Eddie Deezen can't save this foolish film from crashing and burning. Falling to the trash heap of cinematic history. Some people may find this turd funny. I never wish to meet said people.

My Grade: D-

DVD Extras: Director's commentary; Mark Pirro bio; TV spots; 3 minutes of deleted scenes; 29 minute documentary; Teaser and full Trailer


It is appalling that such a cheap movie got a rating of 6.0. The budget for the movie couldn't have been more than $150 (and the producers more than likely took the cast out for dinner with the surplus). The sad thing is, if I saw it in the movie store, I'd probably rent it again, just to have a good time. Look for this one to be some sort of demented underground cult classic in the near future.


i've seen thousands and thousands of films, and this is THE WORST. it's rife with bad sexual puns (oh no! he's a vampire with unusually small FANGS), thorougly disreputable writing, some of the worst acting i've ever seen outside a student film, repetitive jokes and running gags that weren't funny the FIRST time, much less the fiftieth, unattractive people and stomach-turning art direction. When i rate films to my friends, i rate them on a scale of 1-1000 Polish Vampire in Burbanks. SO YES, you should WATCH THIS MOVIE and UNDERSTAND. This is a movie that EVERYONE should watch at one point or another in their lives. Suddenly everything else doesn't look half so bad. Mark Pirro has truly, truly achieved something noteworthy and lasting in this flick of his. I suppose that if you've got to make something bad, you'd better make it REALLY REALLY REALLY bad. "Curse of the Queerwolf" was rather dreadful, but it just doesn't hold a candle to the eternal awfulness of PViB. It's a lot like pro wrestling-- it can be entertaining, in a disgusting sort of way, as long as you watch it with friends, and hopefully while inebriated.


A college student(Tori Spelling),by way of a friend's prank, becomes involved in the world of the high dollar escort business. She is swept away with the fancy lifestyle and the free flowing money. When she realizes she wants to be free of her exploitation; her world caves in on her. She ends up confessing her secretive life style after being charged with attempted murder.

I actually saw this on Showtime, but it seemed like the Lifetime Network, where women usually always survive and conquer. Despite the subject matter, this flick is pretty tame. No questionable language, no nudity and no soundtrack to break up your boredom.

I have to admit this is the best thing I have seen Ms. Spelling do, and that is stretching it a bit. Also in the cast are: Susan Blakely, Scott Plank and Jeri Ryan.


Do yourself a favour on a rainy day and get out "co-ed call girl" on video - it has to be tori spellings most under acclaimed role to date -she just shines as the innocent college girl who falls into becoming a call-girl whilst starting a romance with a fellow student who wants to be a lawyer - consequently she is torn between her moral obligations and her feelings - very powerful stuff - I confound anyone who views this masterpiece not to be touched by her gritty performance.

I know all those fans of Tori will have seen her as the enigmatic Donna Martin on 90120 but in this role she really shines. She leaves no doubt in the minds of the easily lead that being a call girl is no glamour job but nothing more than exploitation. It should be seen by anyone who thinks easy money is easy


A film whose time has come. Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson essentially play themselves as a songwriter and a cock-of-the-walk country god, and do it perfectly. The plot concerns Willie's character, Doc Jenkins, attempting to liberate himself from a contract he committed to when he was younger, drunker and a little less immortal. The supporting players are top of the line aces, including a surly Rip Torn and the always-great Melinda Dillon. Lesley Ann Warren is the new singer who Doc hitches his stars to, and she's convincing enough. The dialogue is fast, funny and, I suspect, captures the inside angle of the Music Business to a tee. One of the most unheralded great, little movies of all time. A better version of all those other syrupy, sentimental inside music movies.


Songwriter is a rollicking country comedy, not exactly what you'd expect from Alan Rudolph. Willie Nelson is wonderful in this picture, an actor of considerable great subtlety as well as the great singer you already knew he was. Rip Torn is hilariously hammy. If you have any fondness for the country (especially the Texas country) millieu, this is one to check out.


"Songwriter" was one of the 1st movies I bought when I got my 1st VCR. Basically, Willie and Kris Kristofferson are playing themselves - and that's not bad. This movie is both funny, and heart-warming. You can't fault the music, and the acting's not too bad for a couple of songwriters. The plot is actually very basic - the big bad record company thinks it owns Doc (Willie), but he refuses to play their way. So he enlists the help of his old partner Blackie (Kris) and proceeds to find ways to get around his contract with the bad guys. In the process, he realizes that his 1st wife was his true love, and works to get her back. If you have any liking at all of Willie Nelson, you should enjoy this movie. My tape's about worn out...but there's no one quite like Willie.


Doc Jenkins (Willie Nelson)is a prolific Nashville songwriter, it's made him wealthy but bad business decisions and constant partying have left him broke. He then finds out that the rights to the songs he's written have been swindled from him by a Nashville mogul and former business partner (Rip Torn) that he'd signed a songwriting deal with (under the advice of the lawyer the mogul had recommended to Doc).

He quits working for the mogul and sets off on a scheme to get his music and money back. With the help of his best friend (Kris Kristofferson), a bank loan (a short term loan on a long term lie), and a beautiful music newcomer (portrayed by Leslie Ann Warren) he starts his own record label and sets off on the road with a record and no money. To make the girl a star he'll use all of the guile and tricks that he'd learned watching the Nashville moguls. He's gonna beat them at their own game.

Featuring a lot of great music including "Songwriter" a gem that Willie Nelson fans will love. With both sly and sophomoric humor, Nelson and Kristofferson lead a great cast in a caper-road picture and drag the viewer along for a fun ride.


"For The Boys" is the story of two people - the irrepressible Dixie Leonard (Bette Midler) and the instantly dislikable but ever popular Eddie Sparks (James Caan). Set against the backdrop of wars in which the United States has been involved, the film moves from station to station as the pair entertain the boys while they bicker and fight amongst themselves.

The film starts with an aged Midler telling a studio assistant (Arye Gross) her tale, starting in the forties with World War II, moving through the was in Korea and climaxing in Vietnam. Along the way, she gets to sing a few classic tunes, including "Stuff Like That There" and "P.S. I Love You, as part of the stage act of comedian Eddie Sparks.

Bette Midler delivers a fine performance as the embittered Dixie Leonard who has seen it all in fifty odd years in the business. She layers her performance with emotion after emotion and has the gift of bringing out that quality in her fellow actors. The highlight of this film is her understated performance of "In My Life" at the small Vietnamese camp - truly a moment when the world stops turning and we are graced with a glimpse of heaven. James Caan, playing a quintessential son of a bitch, is less comfortable in his role but has some fine moments opposite his dynamic co-star.

The purpose of this film is not to document the wars which form such an integral backdrop to the plot. It succeeds primarily as a story of people - their suffering and their joy is real and it affects the audience in no uncertain terms. You will either love or hate this movie. Either way, take the time to decide - its worth the screening even if only for the divine Miss M.


Every so often a film comes along that is misunderstood by critics and ignored by the public, but is subsequently rediscovered and reappraised. I sincerely hope that "For the Boys" will join those ranks. It is an uncommonly sincere, insightful and touching film, and the only things to be held against it amount to quibbles. True, the old age make up is dreadful, and the last five minutes seriously weaken the impact of the film, but the sum total is moving and perceptive.

Bette Midler, giving the performance of her career to date, was robbed of the Oscar in my opinion. It is a brave and sincere effort on her part, and such a pity that it was not met with greater recognition. James Caan plays the shallow, slightly dim Eddie Sparks almost too well. There are times when he truly frightened me. The performances on the whole are restrained; when the occasion for histrionics comes, both stars rise to it.

Thoroughly recommended. I sincerely hope this film finds its audience one day.


This is my second favorite Bette Midler movie, the first of course being Isn't She Great. I really like this movie. The plotline deals with two USO singers (Bette Midler, James Caan)who entertain the troops during WW2. They are so popular that years later they are called back to do a reunion, in which they are being honored, to perform for a new generation. This is not a film for the whole family. It's a war movie, but it's not all killing, it has very sensitive subject matters in it... such as the death of Dixie Leanord's (Bette Midler) husband and son. If you wanted to be entertained 2 hours and 20 minutes this is the film to see. This is on my top 10 favorite movies list, and if you see it, it might be on yours too. A well earned 10/10!


After FOR THE BOYS flopped at the box office, Bette Midler angrily told the press she would never make another musical.

But the trouble was she DIDN'T make a musical. She threw a few numbers into a heavy-handed "message picture" that strikes political poses which are obvious and overly-familiar.

It starts out so well, a real old-time star vehicle, perfectly showcasing Midler's musical and comedic gifts, but less than an hour in, it transforms into something much less interesting.

Musical numbers disappear, replaced by pious liberal sermonettes, teaching us that blacklisting, patriotism, sexism, and the Viet Nam war are all Very Bad.

FOR THE BOYS illustrates the damage done to a story when the writers refuse to be fair to a major character. Here, James Caan is painted in such broad strokes as a two-dimensional villain (sexist! adulterous! untalented! corrupt!), the whole film becomes a cartoon.

By the time you see them in the worst old age make-up in Hollywood history (it looks like someone stuck pie dough on Midler and Caan's faces), what little credibility remains is swept away for good.

But the first 45 minutes reminds you how great Midler can be in the right vehicle. Will someone please cast her in another musical? A REAL one this time.


What a musical masterpiece that movie is. Just listen to the variety of songs and styles provided by Bette Midler and the rest of the cast. But the story has it's downside. Too many subjects, too many levels, and the make up department didn't do their best job when giving Midler and Caan the "age" look. It's too plastic. But Ms. Midler still is a great singer / actress under the bad make up, so I can still recomend this movie. Bring tissues!


I thought this movie was a 10+! The flashback format is interesting and watching the characters' lives and attitudes progress through the present-day Dixie's reminiscences. This is why it is puzzling to me that another person's comment contained the following criticism in regards to Bette's character Dixie: "She is perhaps nave and oblivious to what war is about and maybe even thinks it's just one big party and nobody really dies or suffers. By the end when she goes to Vietnam she is a vulgar, disgusting, embittered slob who harbors some anger that the GIs no longer swoon over her as they did a quarter of a century or so earlier. The GI's are of a different generation and she can't relate to them or why they have the attitude they do. She is perhaps also angry with herself for not being able to be enthused about performing for the fighting men of this war the way she was years ago. How does she end up like this?"

Huh??? Dixie was an angry, embittered woman because Eddie Sparks sold out on her uncle! Her volatile reaction to his betrayal begins the systematic annihilation of her career. She didn't want to go on tour with him and only did so because he talked her into it, "For the Boys"!

If anything, it is Eddie Sparks who is oblivious to the changes of the times during the Vietnam war and is unable to make the leap from the USO tours of the previous wars to this strange and confusing part of our history and it is Dixie who takes control of the out-of-hand situation in her inimitable style by getting the rowdy soldiers back in line and then not only sings them the quintessential song of the era, but caps her low-key performance with the peace sign! My god, SHE was the one who was truly in tune with the confusion these soldiers were experiencing!

So, I have to ask...did we see the same movie?


This is a very emotional movie with a great cast. I'm not a James Caan fan, but he was perfect for this. Slippery as an eel though the McCarthy era up until the end. In response to the comments by other reviewers regarding the politics including sexism I have to say that I found these things the best part of the movie even if they were not very deeply explored. False, facile patriotism exposed and 2 older people who actually learned something from their lives - that's pretty good. I am a big Bette Midler fan so that didn't hurt. She sang a lot of good songs. I especially loved, "For All We Know." I liked the contrasting points of view between a woman who lost her husband and son and the man who really really did not seem to have any principals. The Mc Carthy era was depicted as a "scoundrel time" to use Lillian Hellman's phrase. George Segals speech at the Christmas Party after he was fired could have been stronger, but it was good.


This was a fantastic movie and the score which I have on CD is one of the best. The chemistry between Midler and Caan is electric. Bette is in her element and the songs are classic. Jimmy Caan was fabulous as Eddie. Caan can hold his own with actresses Midler in this movie and with Kathy Bates in "Misery." I wish the movie would have more airplay on cable especially given the fact that the US troops are in military op currently. Regardless of whether we should be fighting or whether we should not be, the movie has lots of heart and it's for the boys (and girls)who serve. Has anyone seen the movie on cable lately? I am quite surprised that this movie has not scored higher in the ratings. This is a movie I would pay to watch in theatres today! We could use the good wishes for our troops these days.


Bette was magnificent in "The Rose", in my opinion the best movie she's made. In a totally different personna she plays Dixie equally wonderfully. "For The Boys" is, for a reason I cannot discern, one of my all time favorite movies. I love the movie and Bette is as always, the best. If you adore Bette, and if you've never "For The Boys", rent it or buy it and you'll see what I'm talking about.


I cannot judge it but Bette Midler has appeared in about six movies where her performances were all excellent. These include THE ROSE, THE FIRST WIVES CLUB, RUTHLESS PEOPLE, BEACHES, and this film. It can safely be said that she is more than just a great singer and entertainer, but (when given the right material) she is one hell of an actress in comedy or drama. Although she got nominated for an Oscar for THE ROSE, and she has many fans for her performance in BEACHES, I suspect her performance in FOR THE BOYS may be her best dramatic role.

She plays Dixie Leonard, a New York based singer, whose husband is in the armed forces in World War I. She lives with her son Danny in the city. Her uncle, Art Silver (George Segal), gets a notable entertainer Eddie Sparks (James Caan) to hire her for his UFO show. Dixie is a success, but from the beginning she and Sparks have one conflict or another between them. Eddie is pretty ambitious and determined to succeed, and so is Dixie, but Eddie can be more ruthless to do so - even to cutting his losses at the expense of other people. Yet Eddie can show a better side (although one that suggests opportunism again and again). During the first UFO tour he arranges Dixie to see her husband again after nearly two years. But he makes sure that the scene is photographed and filmed for propaganda and career reasons. After the death of Dixie's husband, Eddie becomes close to Dixie's son Danny. However, he teaches Danny to have contempt for school, and he puts patriotic ideas into the boy's head - leading to Danny going into the military. Danny (Christopher Rydell) is a Captain at the time of the Vietnam War. He too is killed during a war (in front of his mother, on a well televised U.F.O tour).

The film actually is told in flashback by Dixie, as she is being asked to appear at a special televised ceremony where she and Eddie are being awarded medals by the U.S. Government. She is a lonely, bitter woman, and she loathes the very thought of the program. Eddie is going to get a medal too. Will she go to confront Eddie after all these years? Will Eddie finally admit how he felt about the loss of Danny.

The film is quite well done, capturing the spirit of the UFO shows in wartime London (1944), wartime Korea (1952); and wartime Vietnam (1967) although one song is slightly anachronistic. It also gives us glances at the high water mark of radio programing in the late 1940s (before television began to impact upon it). Finally there is a look at the effect of the McCarthy period, as it effects Segal and Midler. The three principals give first rate performances, Middler best in the scene when her son dies, and Caan earlier, when he witnesses the death of a boy soldier in Korea (his first witnessing of such a tragedy in a war). Caan literally looks like he has suffered shell shock as a result. As for Segal, watch his "bitter Santa Claus" scene, where he gives out Christmas gifts while swallowing a tremendous amount of bile and anger.


"For the Boys" is a fantastic film. This is for sure one of my favorite all time movies. Bette Midler gives a great performance. The film makes you laugh and cry. It should of been nominated for best picture. Although Midler did win Best Actress at the Golden Globe Awards for her performance in this movie. A MUST SEE!


Bette Midler proves that she can single-handedly make a film worth watching in FOR THE BOYS, an overlong but rewarding comedy-drama with music which chronicles the relationship between singer Dixie Leonard and comic Eddie Sparks (James Caan), a character clearly patterned after Bob Hope, which begins during a WWII USO tour and concludes in the present where the glamorously aging couple are being reunited for a television special. Bette received her second Best Actress Oscar nomination for her commanding performance here, She lights up the screen whether Dixie is upstaging Eddie in front of thousands of troops during WWII, cursing out sponsors during her and Eddie's television show, or tearing Eddie a new one when she thinks he is trying to steal her son away from her. As expected, she makes the most of her musical moments in the film with "Stuff Like that There" and "Come Rain or Come Shine" as standouts. Caan works hard in the role of Eddie Sparks, managing to make a pretty despicable character rather likable for the majority of the story. The only big mistake here was director Mark Rydell's casting of his real-life son, Christopher in the pivotal role of Dixie's adult son. Rydell's lifeless performance is a major detriment to an important part of the film, but for the most part, FOR THE BOYS is grand entertainment, thanks to the Divine Miss M.


In full brassy form, Bette Midler plays Dixie Leonard, who does USO performances in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Throughout pleasant times and hard times (and even through tragedies), she and co-star Eddie Sparks (James Caan) always have to find a way to make sure that the show goes on.

I don't know whether I would call this a masterpiece, but it's some good nostalgia. Midler shows off her talents the same as she did in "The Rose". And moreover, "For the Boys" also looks at the sorts of things going on during those wars, including Cold War-era red-baiting. Worth seeing.


If you enjoy Bette Midler movies, this one is a must. Her singing is great as well as her acting.

The makeup crew could have done a better job on the aging process (no way will these people look this way at that assumed age!), but that aside, you'll love this movie.


For The Boys is a film that's about two performers and their almost 50 year association of one kind or another through some tumultuous times in America. The filmed earned Bette Midler a nomination for Best Actress in what might be her best screen role. At least it's the favorite of mine.

Dixie Leonard where Midler gets to show all her talents is a young club singer who gets a break to accompany famous entertainer Eddie Sparks as played by James Caan on a USO tour in World War II. Midler's husband is an army photographer who's killed in action, but she still has his son who is played at various times in his life by Brandon Call and Christopher Rydell, director Mark Rydell's son. George Segal who is Caan's gag writer also is Midler's uncle and he acts as cupid in this show business marriage. All of Midler and Caan's lives are played out against the background of America in World War II, the Korean War, the McCarthy Era and Vietnam.

Caan's character of Eddie Sparks is said to be based on Bob Hope and God only knows what Hope must have thought of this film at the time it was out. By that point his stature as an American icon was secure. Hope was known to have liaisons with a few female performers, most discreetly however. The best known that kind of bubbled to the surface was with Marilyn Maxwell who Midler's character might have been based on. The character of Eddie Sparks however had three daughters and America's most well known father of girls was Eddie Cantor in most of this era. And Cantor's most well known extra-marital affair involved Joan Davis.

By the way actress Shannon Wilcox has a brief but really telling part as Caan's ice princess of a wife. Her few scenes tell you exactly why Caan's out roaming.

Caan got a lot of criticism for his part and I'm mystified as to why. Eddie Sparks is a complex part and Caan mastered all the subtleties even though he's not my idea of a song and dance man. He's the kind of man who will stop at nothing to climb the ladder of success, but he's also not a totally bad man. Knowing full well that George Segal's pungent political comments in front of gossip columnist Rosemary Murphy, another ice princess, will get him in trouble, he tries in one scene to tell him to just cool it. In that other classic, The Way We Were, Caan is adhering to Robert Redford's philosophy where in ten years time right wing producers will be hiring left wing writers and the blacklist will be forgotten, it's just something to be ridden out if one keeps a cool head. I don't think Caan was totally wrong there, he didn't want to lose his friend and a good writer.

What finally breaks Midler and Caan apart is the death of her son, like his father in combat in Vietnam. Caan and the boy bonded genuinely and the young man, probably more to honor his father chose a military career, graduating from the Citadel. Caan has a flip attitude towards education which is something the kid picks up on. But people who have a flip attitude towards education, albeit with a military bent, don't last at the Citadel.

Midler sees Caan as a warmonger who built his career on the publicity surrounding the entertainment of troops like Bob Hope. Caan argues quite rightly that he doesn't make policy, he doesn't send kids to war, he's a song and dance man.

A good mixture of songs from the various eras make up the score for For The Boys. One song, Bill-A-Dick by Hoagy Carmichael and Paul Francis Webster was an unpublished number at the time it was written and makes its debut here. It's sung by Midler along with Melissa Manchester and Pattie Darcy as an Andrews Sisters like trio. Remember Midler did revive the Andrews Sisters's Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.

The film is an absolute gem, Midler is divine and don't listen to the criticisms that were given to James Caan.


It's very easy to criticise a film like "for the boys", after all it is sentimental and there is singing, a sure fire vote killer. Despite this I liked it, in fact I more than liked it. Why because it has a heart it may be sentimental sometimes but it works, the singing works, and there isn't that much of it.

The reason this film really works is Bette Midler that age old phrase a tour de force is the only thing that you can say, the woman is fantastic. Sassy, vulnerable, moving. She brings to the part a great depth and an impressive range of emotions, most of which are underplayed, making them all the more powerful for it. Well deserving of her Oscar nomination and a little robbed not being chosen as the winner. James Cann is also very good and the production values are high well written and all in all much better than you might think.

Yes there are some dodgy bits like the old age make up, though the makeup in the sixties was better, the ending is weak and it was a pity to go out with a whimper considering the rest of the film had such balls. These though are not enough to spoil the film.


I feel about the movie the same way I feel about all of the wars the US has been in since WWII. I think WWII was the last "good" war. No war is good, people dying is horrific, but at least our "Boys" died for a noble purpose. Every war since then has gotten increasingly more questionable in terms of why we were there and what we were trying to achieve. I think Bette Midler's attitude reflected that. She became increasingly disillusioned as she went off to entertain in each war. The loss of American (and the other countries) soldiers lives became more questionable. The benefits we got out of so many young men and women dying became less clear. The songs that were written about the wars are a really good reflection on how the war was perceived. As the mother of a marine officer I empathize with her loss. But I think they way she played the part really reflects all of the things that I've said above.


Seemingly suggested by a combination of Bob Hope's legendary USO tours and the toxic relationship that sometimes develops between comedy team partners (with the likes of Martin and Lewis a case in point), FOR THE BOYS gives us the story of Dixie Leonard (Midler), a rough and tough singer with a naughty sense of humor, and Eddie Sparks (James Caan), a secretly sexist comic. When the two meet on a World War II USO tour, it's loathing at first sight--but their audiences adore the combination. Trouble is, you can't imagine why. Both Midler and Caan are expert performers, but they have remarkably little on-screen chemistry, and although they score points individually they never quite seem to be working in tandem. To make matters worse, while the dialogue is often witty, the plot is leaden, and it promptly goes off into a host of predictable directions as it drags its characters from World War II to Vietnam in order to make a series of well-intended but extremely obvious and over-worked comments about changing times and the wastefulness of war.

The supporting cast is strong, but like the leads they seem to be pulling in different directions throughout the film, and when all is said and done this rather lengthy film feels quite a bit longer than it actually is. Midler's songs are the only real highlight, and the thing is indeed watchable... but only just. The DVD package isn't anything to write home about either, consisting of a handful of trailers and television spots. For hardcore Midler fans only.

Gary F. Taylor, aka GFT, Amazon Reviewer


FOR THE BOYS might just be a "Better Midler" film today, in a period of another middle east war and albeit a more tragic and unpopular one with a far more critical and on going media focus than the first 1991 war.....This exceptionally well made musical drama, made for about $70 million in 1991 and really a protest musical parable, did not reach the intended at the time and the first Iraq war was over before this film had a chance to make an impact. Seen in 2006, now is actually the right time for this film. We are also quite a while from other Bette Midler films of the 80s and as a result FTB has a stronger solo spotlight. Having appreciated this film in that light, I believe it is possibly one of the last great semi musicals of the 20th century and is helped immeasurably by a very pungent script. At times it is not unlike NEW YORK NEW YORK both in look and romantic combat. Cann and Midler work so well against and with each other, underlined by George Segal in a role that is actually substantial for him. Apparently this is loosely based on the life of Martha Raye, who complained bitterly upon release that "this fact" was not recognized. FOR THE BOYS is a major musical film but tapers off tune wise in the last 40 minutes while the starling and harrowing (but slightly illogical) Vietnam War scenes are played out. Midler is front and center star at all times and the production values show the huge budget well spent on screen. If reissued today might get a better reception given the Iraq war to play against and therefore have more impact. It's a good film, serious and with excellent music and comedy in the first hour especially.


I've enjoyed many of Bette's films, including "Big Business" and "The First Wives Club," but this movie is downright repulsive and distasteful! I'm glad they tried to expose the blacklisting of the 1950's for the heartbreaking nonsense that it was, and I sort of appreciated the basic anti-war theme. But the film itself is horrendous and the ending made me want to vomit! There is absolutely no warmth in these cardboard characters played by Midler and Caan. You can't help but hate them both! Every dumb and embarrassing stereotype is used to excess. Poorly written---it bounces between sitcom stupidity and soap opera histrionics--and definitely doesn't leave you with a "warm and fuzzy" feeling when it's finally over. If you watch this movie, you're wasting nearly two hours of your life! What more can I say.....it's awful. If Caan's character was supposed to be Bob Hope....well, he was definitely miscast in the role. This film ranks in stupidity with "Funny Lady," which also starred Caan.