Editorial Review

John Frankenheimer scored his first success with this, his third theatrical feature and his second collaboration with producer-star Burt Lancaster (they would make five films together all told). Lancaster delivers an angry, brooding performance as real-life criminal Robert Stroud, a violent killer who, while in solitary confinement, became an internationally recognized authority on birds and their diseases. Based on the book by Thomas E. Gaddis, Frankenheimer creates a portrait of a withdrawn, antisocial prisoner who discovers his own potential after reluctantly rescuing a wounded sparrow from a storm and nursing it back to health. Lancaster's quiet portrayal comes from his eyes and restrained body language, earning him his second Oscar nomination. Costars Telly Savalas (as the talkative "neighbor" from the cell next door) and Thelma Ritter (as his controlling mother) were also nominated, but Frankenheimer's sensitive direction draws equally fine performances from Neville Brand, playing against type as the prison guard who slowly befriends Stroud, and Karl Malden as the tough warden whose ideas of confinement and punishment prompted Stroud to follow-up his studies of birds with a treatise on prison reform. This somber, subdued tale offers no truly happy ending, but it does present a powerful portrait of one man's efforts to earn back his dignity and respect in the worst of conditions. Read more

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Reviews (24)

"Take a Bite Out of the Stars for Me"
This classic B&W film, one of nearly 80 flicks made by the ever-versatile Lancaster (1913-94), bears the sober and important distinction of NOT being true-to-life, to the real Robert "Birdman" Stroud, who was a vicious and dangerous man who deserved to die in prison. Nevermind. It's an inspirational story that shows the potential for a human being to evolve and maintain his integrity under dreadful circumstances.
Excellent movie, though much of it is propoganda
The Birdman of Alcatraz is a highly-entertaining, absorbing look into the life of a man condemned to life in prison, and the lead character is played wonderfully by Burt Lancaster. You won't be disappointed by this film on a purely "for entertainment" basis, because the acting is in each actor's case superb, but you will probably be disappointed -- if you do some research on the internet or at your library -- to discover that the title character was nowhere nearly as noble and complex as Lancaster portrayed him. The film comes off implying that what is on the screen is factual, and one is even inclined -- because of the writer (Actually, an actor portraying him) of the movie's original novel version introducing the film -- to think this is some kind of historical documentary rather than the almost entirely fictious (though admittedly engaging) hollywood fantasy we are actually treated to. The actor portraying the story's writer sort of adds an unintentionally laughable (and lamely histrionic) moment at the end of the film when, wracked with emotion, he throws his arms around the 73 year old murderer in a big bear hug.
Movie Is Lot Better Than The Real "Birdman"
GOOD NEWS: This is a riveting film start-to-finish, which is hard to do considering it runs over two hours. Burt Lancaster, one of the better actors, perhaps, of all time, gives a tremendous and very memorable performance. It's a clich? but this IS one story you will not forget!
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Anybody seen Keanu? The action star of Read more

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Reviews (108)

Action & Comedy on the High Seas
"Welcome to paradise. And the name's Dante!"
AWESOME!!
BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIMES!! IT HAS EVERYTHING YOU COULD ASK FOR IN A MOVIE!! THAT CRUISE SHIP IS BEAUTIFUL, ITS AMAZING HOW WELL THEY DIRECTED THIS MOVIE, SO KEANU WASNT IN THIS MOVIE.......SO WHAT!?!!? THE MOVIE IS GREAT WITH OR WITHOUT HIM!BUY IT A+++++

An unfortunately disappointing sequel
Keanu Reeves was written out of this unfortunately disappointing sequel to the 1994 megahit SPEED. Sandra Bullock has a new co-star,Jason Patric and they are transporting themselves on an ocean cruiser instead of a commercial bus. How could Bullock,one of Hollywood's all-time greatest film stars have such a disappointing film as this? How about a SPEED 3 where Bullock and John Travolta are up in the friendly skies(Travolta is a real-life pilot)? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-action/Adventure    3. Movie   

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Reviews (4)

captivating!!!!!!
Way ahead of its time.I wish I could see this on the stage as it was originally done. Anyone has an interest in the seedy underworld of prison life will love it. Brilliant!!!!!!

A must see for prison movie fans
I have only seen this movie once because it is hard to watch, but well worth watching.

Interesting...
Interesting but significantly watered-down version of the claustrophobic, searing stage play concerning the sexual liaisons between young men in a juvenile prison.While the film is essentially explotative in tone, andcomes no where near depicting the brutality of the prison system, it raisesa number of legitimate issues and questions re homosexuality in prison andsexual role-playing in gay society.No laurels for the script, but theperformers are strong and the film itself well-made.Not wildly memorable,but worth a watch. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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Reviews (18)

Power Shines in Conquistador Saga...
It's a shame that 20th Century Fox has yet to have released DVD editions of many of the films of the studio's biggest star, Tyrone Power. Almost impossibly handsome, enormously popular, and with excellent acting credentials, Power nearly singlehandedly kept the studio solvent in the traumatic transition years following WWII, with costume epics like "Captain from Castile" showcasing his strengths.
One of the Great Action/Adventure Films
This is truly one of the great swashbuckling, action/adventure films of all time.All the actors, Tyrone Power, (the gorgeous) Jean Peters and Cesar Romero are at their best.Beautiful color and a generally good script.At one point it was out on LaserDisc, however, there were problems with it.The folks who control such things really ought to put this wonderful film out on DVD now!It is amazing to me how great films such as this languish in vaults, and yet we see piles of worthless junk on DVD counters in every store.
Response to a review from Mr. Ixta Coyotl of Seattle
Salma Hayek, Cubans and Mexicans actors as Conquistadors?Only a Mexican could write such an idio.ic review. I am a Spaniard myself, in fact legitimately from Castile and Leon, Spain and I am tired not only of seeing how the massive illegal immigration of Mejicans in the United States and even in Europe, also of seeing how they are trying to steal the concept of "Latin" from Western Europeans, to shadow their Mejica ancestry and roots which they seem to be ashamed of.Only in a Mejica mind (as the one of Mr. Ixta Coyotl of Seattle) would a director of such caliber as Steven Spielberg or Ridley Scott use actors from Cuba or Mexico to play roles of European Spaniards or conquistadors in a movie, perhaps Robert Rodriguez, another desperate mejica trying to run away from true ancestry and play the role of Western European Latin?
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Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Children    3. Family    4. Feature Film-action/Adventure    5. Movie   

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Reviews (8)

The DVD cuts the best line!!!!!
I just bought the DVD but they (...) cut the best line from the DVD! The scene where they shoot Johnny Keys - right after they shoot him they walk away and one of the crew comments "That's a shame..." and everyone thinks it's because they had to kill a guy they respected - but then he says "those shoes are going to keep me up all night." It was great irony! WHY DID THEY CUT THAT LINE FROM THE DVD???????!!!!!!!!!!It is still a great movie!

No DVD?
Hey This is a great movie any fan of mob movies will like this flim..how come no one got it on dvd in america? i live in australia and i have it on dvd???

Mob Hit!
If you loved GOODFELLAS and THE SOPRANOS, this should be on your Christmas list. Vincent Pastore (Big Pussy), Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltasanti) and Kathrine Narducci (Charmine Bucco) all appear in this film along with Nicholas Turturro, the first cousin of Aida Turturro (Janice Soprano). As with most mob films the story tends to be cliche but well acted. The only disappointment, aside from the incrediably long wait for this movie's release, is that the film isn't available on DVD. Let's hope the DVD version isn't far behind and that Kathrine Narducci won't be lost in the transfer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action / Adventure    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Jodie Foster won her first Oscar for her role in this drama, based on an actual incident. She plays a girl out for a night of fun at a poolroom. Before she knows what's happening, the men she's been flirting with have pinned her down for a gang rape. The story centers on the efforts of a district attorney (Kelly McGillis) to press her case, in spite of a wall of silence by the participants--and then to take the unusual step of going after the witnesses as accomplices. Foster is outstanding as a tough, blue-collar woman who persists in what seems like an unwinnable case, despite the prospect of character assassination for standing up for herself. Read more

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Reviews (44)

Unrealistic male-basher from the Lace Curtain
Don't get me wrong - rape is an awful crime and should be punished as such.But even as a teenager I knew there was something wrong with this film - I thought that if a man were accused of rape, logically he would surely choose a woman as his defense attorney, just as it turns out the majority of defendants do in reality for obvious psychological implications.But then this film's not about reality, but is the perfect setup for man-haters, and a sad relic of 1980s mono-perspective feminism - a female attorney representing the woman victim, and a male representing the man perpetrator.And every man in the film assisting the perpetrator in any way they could.But Warren Farrell and others have since exposed this film as a product of the 'Lace Curtain' hierarchy, that clique of female hollywood executives, producers and other powerful women that strongly influence our media, who in the 1980s were celebrating their rise to power by releasing scores of similar sexist films, all male bashers and loaded with female victims.Sadly, this film did little to help the real victims with the hysteria it generated, and only widened the rift between men and women.It will be looked back on as a historical oddity that reflects the sad state of affairs in the 1980s, which will always result from single perspective gender politics. In these days, when we know that 30% of all rape claims are false, how successful would a film be about a man who has his life destroyed by false rape claims, in which every woman is an evil character intent on getting him locked up?You're right it wouldn't get off the drawing board.Such is the hypocrisy of 'Equal Rights', 1980s style or today.

She was raped... but more a cat-mouse game.
THE NIGHT SHE WAS RAPED AT THE BAR, I ASKED MYSELF 2 QUESTIONS. 1. WHY WAS SHE DRUNK. AND 2. WHY WAS SHE ON DRUGS. MY FEELING SHE DID NOT CARE. NOBODY DESRVES TO BE RAPED, BUT ON THE OTHER HAND, MY SUGGESTION IS LOOK VERY CAREFULY AT THIS INCIDENT WITH A OPEN MIND. AND SINCE THIS WAS BASED ON A ACTUAL CASE ANYWAY, I DOUBT VERY SERIOUSLY SHE WAS RAPED IN THE MANNER THAT WAS DEPICTED IN THE FILM.

When no means no.
The Accused is a excellent movie about how a woman is treated after being raped. Kelly McGillis and Jodie Foster make a great team. Foster plays a gang-raped survivor looking for justice in hyprocritical world where men are not held responsible for their actions. Foster received a well-deserved Oscar as her fearless performance of Sarah. There is a graphic rape scene towards the closing of the film that is to be expected since the main theme of this film is about the outcomes of a terrible and vicious rape. Unfortanely, females are still considered "damaged goods" when something this hineous occurs. McGillis's character seeks justice from the men who raped her in a downtown bar and even goes after the men who watched and cheered on the rape and did nothing to stop it. A powerful and superb film all around. This film will force you to see the truth and make you want to change the legal system. Not recommend for younger viewers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

While scoring high-profile credits as a screenwriter (including Read more

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Reviews (60)

Film-Noir at It's Best
Film-noir is hard to do. Film-noir isn't about plot; It's about mood, tone, and look. When it was originated in the 40s, it was all very well done by directors who didn't know they were making "noir." Now that directors actually set out to do that, it usually doesn't succeed. In "Body Heat," the directorial debut of Lawrence Kasdan and the screen debut of Kathleen Turner, he crafts noir in a 40s-ish way but never fails to remind you in almost every scene that the film takes place in the 1980s. William Hurt, in his second film (just a year or two before he'd win an Oscar for "Kiss of the Spider Woman") plays a lawyer named Ned Racine. Ned lives in Florida (where a heat wave seems to be occuring), is lazy and cocky and has a way with women. Then he meets Matty (Turner), a married woman that manages to exert sexiness with her clothes on rarely seen since Marilyn Monroe died. Ned and Matty being a passionate love affair, but soon Matty explains that her husband needs to die.
Awesome edition to anyone's collection
REVIEW DISCLAIMER: My review is based on the VHS release, and anticipation of this Deluxe edition DVD, to be released October 24, 2006.
You're Not Too Smart, Are You? I Like That In A Man.
I don't want to age myself--but I fell in love with this movie when it came out some 25 years ago.I have owned both the VHS and the cheapie DVD and have seen the film dozens of times through the years.While I was thrilled to see a Deluxe Edition headed my way--in truth, the features don't really seem all that Deluxe.Disappointing, really, but with this film I'll take anything I can get.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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Reviews (1)

Makes "A Series of Unfortunate Events" look pale by comparison.
A fine and fancy children's ghost story that will entertain the whole family...should be an annually viewed classic like Dickens' Christmas Carol. ... Read more

Editorial Review

Wicked, nasty, delicious fun. Laurence Olivier is a wealthy, veddy English mystery writer. He invites Michael Caine to his elaborate country house, in order to settle some rather unpleasant business between them: Caine is having an affair with Olivier's wife, and she is about to divorce the older man. Olivier, smooth as brandy, suggests that there might be a way the two men can help each other, but what appears to be an intriguing proposition escalates into a deadly cat-and-mouse game. Read more

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Reviews (40)

There's a murder-mystery in this mansion.
Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz.
Michael Caine made his grade with this tour de force film!
To deal with that prodigious and proverbial actor named Sir Laurence Olivier is far to be a piece of cake;on the contrary is a big challenge to any actor; and Caine did it without major hindrances. This movie is part of the great tradition of the grateful British literature - nourished by Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie among the most renowned ones - featured by this well known cerebral handle of clues and riddles that challenge the spectator, when a tricked man invites to his wife's lover into a diabolical trap. But the point is who will get the last laugh on whom?
What a delicious movie!
Michael Caine and Lawrence Olivier give a stella performance in this delicious murder mystery.I have seen this film several times, and although knowing the twist, it is the great performances of Caine and Olivier that makes this movie worth watching.The script is as good as a script can get, with Olivier lapping up every delicious line with gusto, and a young Caine having no problem standing on his own brilliant performance next to the master.
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Subjects:  1. Mystery / Suspense   

Editorial Review

The most viscerally frightening and disturbing homicidal maniac picture since Read more

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Reviews (514)

One Of The Best Thrillers Of All Time
I can't really say anything that hasn't already been said. This movie is frightening, extremely suspenseful, revolting, and, above all, undeniably compelling. Fincher is in fine form regarding the direction of this movie, and Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman (one of the best actors of our time), Kevin Spacey, and Gwenyth Paltrow turn in exceptional performances as the main characters. This is easily one of the best films of the 90s, and any true fan of motion pictures should add this collector's edition to their DVD library.

Everyone Has a Weakness....
This clever and gruesome film was released in theaters in 1995. Definitely not for the squeamish but if you can even try to peek through fingers, this movie will keep you riveted.
Se7en
Ohhhh! I caught this movie on regular TV and even with commercials it was good.I bought it so I would get the whole movie.I have watched it a couple times myself and also a couple more times with friends or family.A really amazing and edge of your seat movie and the ending will totally shock you!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action    2. Adventure    3. Feature Film-drama    4. Movie    5. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

Not short on murder, mayhem, or any other screwball '70s conventions, Read more

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Reviews (47)

Foul Play-still loads of fun
The film Foul Play with Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase from the 70s are still loads of fun , and stillgrips you right from the beginning untill the hilarious end. Goldie Hawn with her huge innocent eyes sparkles and the late Rachel Roberts creates a sinister character , Dudley Moore as the sex starved conductor , Stanley is outstanding. The car chase through San Francisco is hair raising . A definitive must have

Once-is-enough comedy
I probably should give this comedy 3 stars, but I just can't make myself do it. We own it, unfortunately, and watched it the other night, it at least keeping us awake late into the evening; however, we don't want to watch it again. Of course, there were absolutely no extra features, including no trailer. Sigghhhh. It was funny enough I guess, but it just felt a bit too dated, a bit too sappy, and some of the scenes just drug on too long for humor's sake.
Overlooked funny scenes
Much is written in reviewing this movie of Goldie Hawn and Chevy Chase and their chemistry that does so much to make the movie come alive.
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Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-comedy    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Newcomer Edward Norton became an instant movie star in 1996 with three amazing performances in Read more

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Reviews (82)

sad ending
The acting was good (really liked the kid, especially watching him switch back and forth like that; always enjoy Frances McDormand's performances). The story line was good - the suspense was fun, the depth of the characters made it really interesting. The ending - well - not so incredibly surprising as they would have you believe.
"Your job is to sit there and look innocent."
The archbishop of Chicago has just been brutally murdered and 19-year old altar boy Aaron Stampler (Edward Norton) is foundrunning from the scene, covered in the man's blood.It looks like an open and shut case against the simple, stuttering boy, until dashing Martin Vail (Richard Gere), a self-proclaimed "big-deal lawyer," offers to defend him - pro bono. The prosecutor he'll be facing in the courtroom is none other than his ex-girlfriend (Laura Linney), who is still bitter about their past.With the help of a psychologist (Frances McDormand), Vail discovers a shocking secret about young Aaron that may save his life.
GOOOOOOOOOOD!!!
This movie is very good.Richard Gere is just awesome.Laura Linney was excellent. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie    4. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

For the Hollywood remake rule, which dictates that an update of an older film be inferior to the original in almost every aspect, Read more

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Reviews (313)

Brosnan and Russo shine in this remake of the 1968 original
In 1968 there was a little caper film titled The THomas Crown Affair starring the ever-cool Steve McQueen and a radiant Faye Dunaway. The film was considered hip, cool and sexy in its way during the late 60's. It took 31 years, but a remake was finally made of this film but this time around starring Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo in the roles originally played by McQueen and Dunaway. With some great direction from thriller and action filmmmaker John McTiernan, 1999's The Thomas Crown Affair ends up being the exception to the rule of remakes of older films turning out lesser than the original. This modern and updated version of The Thomas Crown Affair actually surpasses the original McQueen production. McTiernan's film ably combines humor, thrilling action set pieces, sexy chemistry between the leads and just a beautifully shot film.
Steamy, Sexy, Thriller!!
Great little film! I originally saw this movie in the movie theaters in 1999 and had to own it on DVD when it was relased to DVD. This movie is fun and wonderful to add to any one's DVD collection!
Better everytime I watch it
"The Thomas Crown Affair" gets better everytime I watch it. I spot something I missed. Hear music which I heard but never listened to and see how it relates to the movie. Actually hearing the "Windmills of my Mind". This is an unbelievably good movie, although I prefer the original's ending. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action    2. Adventure    3. Drama    4. Feature Film-action/Adventure    5. Movie    6. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (271)

Several Great Movies All Rolled Into One
Frequency is a film of many genres.It's as much an action film as it is a mystery thriller.It's also a well casted and acted drama and science fiction film.The DVD has great sound and video and its special features are as good as the movie itself.The "science behind Frequency" feature is an especially well done explanation of ham radio and communications. If this film sparks an interest in you for the hobby of ham radio, there are many resources available to help answer your questions.The ARRL (The National Organization for Ham Radio) and the W5YI sites may be good places to begin.Ham radio operators who help others enter the hobby are often called "Elmers".My call is K1TLC and I am an Elmer.As such, I'd be happy to help you learn more about our hobby.Both the movie and the hobby are highly recommended.

Baseball, Time Travel and a great Story?I am so there!!!
I first saw this movie in the movie theater, at a time when I was just beginning to stop going to the theater for every new release, and opting instead, to wait for the DVD release.But, I had received some Gift Card Movie Tickets, and I couldn't pass this one up.It was really good!
Interesting concept, bad execution.
This film suffers from some of the worst old-age make-up I've ever seen in a modern film -- so fake looking that its distracting! This film also suffers from that long-standing cliche of the hero being saved at the last minute by the mystery gunshot out of nowhere. I hate that! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Movie    2. Mystery    3. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller    4. Science Fiction    5. Suspense   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (276)

disturbing, brilliant, near perfect
Other than the slightly confusing chronology of the very last scenes (made up for by an overwhelming and very sudden ending), this is one of the most gorgeous and brutal films I have ever seen. The cast is flawless, which actually aids in the discomfort factor...when Monica Bellucci's character is raped, it isn't just the ultra-raw, minimal camera style (the camera stays completely stationary) that causes you to flinch-it's the moans and screams that she makes during the entire ordeal. You actually feel like you're watching a woman get brutally assaulted...and even with all that going on, the director manages to add another disturbing elemant to the shot toward the end. While a lot of "disturbing-film-list" movies can be pointless and gratuitous, the violence here is not only realistic and essential to the storytelling, but actually underscores the even more disturbing "can't turn back time/no matter how bad it is it can get MUCH worse" message contained in the characters' actions and futile attempts at "justice". Not for the faint of heart, but if you love the artistic aspect of movie-making, this is an amazingly crafted film that almost makes you feel as if you're being slapped in the face while watching.

Hardest film I've ever seen
Irreversible sparked my interest because several politicians in Australia wanted to have it banned here. I wanted to know why I shouldn't be allowed to see this film.
Eventually, time will destroy us all
Irreversible may be an ultra violent film that will shock certain unsuspecting audiences upon first viewing, but it illustrates a fundamental point about "relationships." Whether we like it or not, someday our relationships will end. No matter how happy you may seem with a girl, someday there will be an impenetrable distance between you -- it could be anything from growing bored with each other to death. The fact still remains that all good things eventually come to an end, and this film illustrates that point in a rather over the top, yet tragic way. The film opens up with two men rummaging through a homosexual night club. They are in a world of depravity; a dissonant sounding drone plays over a very shaky camera. This is an underworld of depravity; they are far from the moral world and they are slowly sinking into madness. They are looking for a man -- a man who has committed one of the worst sins imaginable against the woman that they both love. This man has raped and brutally beat a woman to near death. And our heroes are looking for vindictive revenge. What results is one of the most brutal scenes ever captured on film. Irreversible doesn't look away, it captures the brutality with an unflinching sense of realism. Unlike many Hollywood films that only imply, this film doesn't care about your personal confront. It fleshes everything out and shows you the brutality of the situation. After that, we slowly travel to the beginning...
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Subjects:  1. Foreign Film - Other    2. Movie    3. Mystery / Suspense / Thriller   

Editorial Review

Just what the world needs, another riff on that post-Read more

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Reviews (350)

The actors make this movie!
If any other actors did this movie, I don't think anyone would've given it a second glance. But the superb cast makes a weak script (that has been done over and over!) work and makes one care about what happens to them.
The most chilling movie that was made!
I Know What You Did Last summer starring Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prinze Jr., and Ryan Phillipe is by far my favorite horror movie in my mind. I've read the novel by Lois Duncan but this movie was far better.