The Phantom (1996)
48%RT Audience Score: 31%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 3 Oscars
26 wins & 69 nominations total
The script gives Billy Zane little to work with, and thus he plays the Phantom as a friendly but completely one-dimensional hero
If you’re in the mood for a superhero movie that’s so bad it’s good, then The Phantom is the perfect pick. With dialogue that sounds like it was written by a middle schooler and a plot that’s as predictable as the sunrise, this movie is a hilarious throwback to the days when superhero movies were more about cheesy one-liners than gritty realism. Plus, Billy Zane’s abs are a sight to behold. So grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and enjoy the ride.
Production Company(ies)
Universal International Pictures,,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Limited)
Filming Location(s)
Sidi Bouhlel, Bouhlel Sdada, Tunisia
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for sci-fi action/violence
Year of Release
1999
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English, Sanskrit
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Feb 9, 2010
Genre(s)
Action
Keyword(s)
starring Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones, James Remar, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, directed by Simon Wincer, written by Jeffrey Boam, action, PG, Robert Evans, Alan Ladd Jr., $17.3M box office, reviewed by Owen Gleiberman, Godfrey Cheshire, Trevor Johnston, Peter Travers, Kenneth Turan, Lawrence Van Gelder, Eddie Harrison, Mike Massie, Drew Dietsch, Felix Vasquez Jr., Nick Rogers, Barbara Shulgasser, superhero, mystical skulls, pulp, insouciance, likable, one-dimensional, relic, celluloid, astute, old way, foundational spirit, sleek, breezy, Indiana Jones, action violence, profanity
Worldwide gross: $1,027,082,707
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,843,642,096
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 24
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 201,051,483
US/Canada gross: $474,544,677
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $851,820,927
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 23
US/Canada opening weekend: $64,820,970
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $116,355,448
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 61
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $115,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $206,428,206
Production budget ranking: 106
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $111,161,589
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,526,052,301
ROI to date (est.): 481%
ROI ranking: 264
Kristy Swanson – Diana Palmer
Treat Williams – Xander Drax
Catherine Zeta-Jones – Sala
James Remar – Quill
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa – The Great Kabai Sengh
Director(s)
Simon Wincer
Writer(s)
Jeffrey Boam
Producer(s)
Robert Evans, Alan Ladd Jr.
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 3 Oscars
26 wins & 69 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (47) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (27)
As the Phantom, Billy Zane, buff to the max, has a likable insouciance, but there’s not much he can do to flesh out this relic.
July 7, 2010 | Rating: C
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
While it hardly stands to vanquish the celluloid incarnations of Superman and Batman, this version of an older cartoon crusader’s exploits does have a pleasingly astute sense of its place in the great scheme of things pulp.
March 26, 2009
Godfrey Cheshire
Variety
TOP CRITIC
This belated, albeit decorative adaptation looks tamely second-hand.
June 24, 2006
Trevor Johnston
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Expect this ghost of bad movies past to walk quickly to the back bins of Blockbuster, where it should be filed under a helpful heading, monotonous and juvenile.
June 6, 2001
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
It’s nice to see some things done the old way.
February 14, 2001 | Rating: 3.5/5
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
The pleasures are familiar, but not the least bit inspired.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 2.5/5
Lawrence Van Gelder
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
…a plush film, even if the tone, central performance and script all badly need revisions…
July 3, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Eddie Harrison
film-authority.com
No one seems to be taking any of it seriously, especially as the dialogue reflects dumbed-down conversations and repetition for viewers who may not be paying attention.
September 24, 2020 | Rating: 2/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
If you’re looking for a movie that captures the foundational spirit of comic book adventure, The Phantom is for you.
May 8, 2020
Drew Dietsch
Giant Freakin Robot
A sleek and breezy action film in the vein of “Indiana Jones”…
April 10, 2017
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed
Maybe “The Phantom” would have been better served betting the house on its old-school aesthetic. Supertitles. Narrators. Melodramatic music. Cheesy? Sure, but bravely so, in a way that would make it a bold outlier rather than a mostly blas casualty.
June 27, 2016 | Rating: 3/5
Nick Rogers
The Film Yap
’90s superhero adventure has action violence, profanity.
April 19, 2016 | Rating: 2/5
Barbara Shulgasser
Common Sense Media…
Plot
The evil Trade Federation, led by Nute Gunray is planning to take over the peaceful world of Naboo. Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to confront the leaders. But not everything goes to plan. The two Jedi escape, and along with their new Gungan friend, Jar Jar Binks head to Naboo to warn Queen Amidala, but droids have already started to capture Naboo and the Queen is not safe there. Eventually, they land on Tatooine, where they become friends with a young boy known as Anakin Skywalker. Qui-Gon is curious about the boy, and sees a bright future for him. The group must now find a way of getting to Coruscant and to finally solve this trade dispute, but there is someone else hiding in the shadows. Are the Sith really extinct? Is the Queen really who she says she is? And what’s so special about this young boy?
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Billy Zane’s performance as the Phantom is described as “friendly but completely one-dimensional” by critics.
Simon-Wincer.jpg
48%
A Thousand Acres (1997)
48%RT Audience Score: 42%
Awards & Nominations: NA
A Thousand Acres, a film adaptation of Jane Smiley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, has been met with mixed reviews from critics. While some have praised the film’s exploration of complex moral questions, others have criticized its melodramatic plot and lackluster execution. One critic even went so far as to compare it to “five masochistic Lifetime-channel movies that have been mashed together until they have all the flavor of strained peas.” Despite its star-studded cast, including Michelle Pfeiffer and Jessica Lange, A Thousand Acres ultimately fails to live up to its literary source material.
A Thousand Acres is like a Lifetime movie on steroids, with enough melodramatic contrivances to make your head spin. It’s the kind of movie that makes you want to cry, hug, and yadda yadda yadda all at the same time. But hey, if you’re in the mood for a good old-fashioned family dysfunction fest, this one’s for you. Just don’t expect any subtle nuances or profound moral questions – this is Oprah-level stuff, folks.
Production Company(ies)
Universal Pictures, Wing Nut Films, Big Primate Pictures,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for some strong sexual language
Year of Release
1997
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Oct 30, 2001
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Jason Robards, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Lange, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Colin Firth, Keith Carradine, directed by Jocelyn Moorhouse, written by Laura Jones, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Michael Wilmington, Ann Hornaday, Owen Gleiberman, David Edelstein, Paul Tatara, Godfrey Cheshire, Leah Rozen, Nicholas Bell, Maitland McDonagh, Michael Szymanski, produced by Marc Abraham, Lynn Arost, Steve Golin, Kate Guinzburg, Sigurjon Sighvatsson, R MPAA rating, family drama, inheritance, farm, King Lear adaptation, Midwest setting, sibling rivalry, betrayal, forgiveness, tragedy, relationships, secrets, lies, emotional, powerful performances, dysfunctional family, Shakespearean themes, greed, jealousy, love, loss, legacy, generational conflict, family dynamics, female empowerment, feminist themes, strong female characters, complex characters, family secrets, family history, family legacy, family traditions, family values, family relationships, family drama, family conflict, family bonds, family ties, family struggles, family tragedy, family betrayal, family forgiveness
Worldwide gross: $7,936,780
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $14,794,800
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,820
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,613,391
US/Canada gross: $7,936,780
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $14,794,800
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,500
US/Canada opening weekend: $2,931,762
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $5,465,041
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,086
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $28,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $52,194,264
Production budget ranking: 758
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $28,106,611
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$65,506,076
ROI to date (est.): -82%
ROI ranking: 1,896
Jessica Lange – Ginny Cook Smith
Jason Robards – Larry Cook
Jennifer Jason Leigh – Caroline Cook
Colin Firth – Jess Clark
Keith Carradine – Ty Smith
Director(s)
Jocelyn Moorhouse
Writer(s)
Laura Jones
Producer(s)
Marc Abraham, Lynn Arost, Steve Golin, Kate Guinzburg, Sigurjon Sighvatsson
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (51) | Top Critics (19) | Fresh (12) | Rotten (39)
Despite the golden promise of the cornfields, its crops are barren.
November 27, 2019 | Rating: 2.5/4
Michael Wilmington
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
Both beg the question of whether rage or forgiveness is the correct moral response to immoral acts. It’s a good question, but one that’s probably better contemplated by reading a good book rather than watching a pale imitation.
November 27, 2019 | Rating: 2/4
Ann Hornaday
Baltimore Sun
TOP CRITIC
A Thousand Acres plays like five masochistic Lifetime-channel movies that have been mashed together until they have all the flavor of strained peas.
September 7, 2011 | Rating: F
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
From the first frame, a silhouetted barn and windmill at dawn, the images feel prefab, and the all-purpose wistful tinkly piano and sighing strings pin them even more boringly down.
July 3, 2008
David Edelstein
Slate
TOP CRITIC
Cry, cry, cry. Hug, hug, hug. Yadda, yadda, yadda.
July 3, 2008
Paul Tatara
CNN.com
TOP CRITIC
Owing more to the spirit of Oprah than to the Bard, pic serves up an earnest but unconvincing stew of received notions about family dysfunction, awkwardly put across by a script wheezing with melodramatic contrivances.
July 3, 2008
Godfrey Cheshire
Variety
TOP CRITIC
With, in effect, two authors to accommodate, the movie exhausts the audience by piling on the tear-jerky plot: fatal diseases and accidents, extramarital affairs, lawsuits, you name it.
November 27, 2019
Leah Rozen
People Magazine
This is the type of perverse material which would have made a fine high-profile spectacle from the late 1950s or 60s, when its issues could ride the line between sacred and profane, obvious and subtle.
September 7, 2018 | Rating: 2.5/5
Nicholas Bell
IONCINEMA.com
Proof that Hollywood no longer knows how to make that former staple, the women’s picture.
July 3, 2008 | Rating: 2.5/4
Maitland McDonagh
TV Guide
June 23, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
Jake Euker
F5 (Wichita, KS)
June 22, 2005 | Rating: 1/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
June 1, 2005 | Rating: 3/5
Michael Szymanski
Zap2it.com…
Plot
A THOUSAND ACRES is a drama about an American family who meets with tragedy on their land. It is the story of a father, his daughters, and their husbands, and their passion to subdue the history of their land and its stories.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The film features a strong cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Jessica Lange, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
Jocelyn-Moorhouse.jpg
48%
Mary Reilly (1996)
48%RT Audience Score: 40%
Awards & Nominations: 6 nominations
The movie looks good and has its moments. But, overall, the movie borders on boredom
Mary Reilly is a movie that’s so dull, it makes watching paint dry seem like a thrilling activity. The chemistry between Julia Roberts and John Malkovich is about as exciting as watching two rocks sit next to each other. The only thing that’s mildly interesting is seeing Roberts in such a strange role, but even that can’t save this movie from being a complete disaster. Save yourself the trouble and watch something else, like paint drying.
Production Company(ies)
Poly Gram Filmed Entertainment, Spelling Films, International, Blue Parrot
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
The Cowgate, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for notable gore and some strong violence
Year of Release
1996
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Mar 23, 2004
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Julia Roberts, John Malkovich, George Cole, Michael Gambon, Kathy Staff, Glenn Close, directed by Stephen Frears, written by Christopher Hampton, produced by Nancy Graham Tanen, Norma Heyman, Ned Tanen, drama, R, box office gross $5.5M, reviewed by David Ansen, Owen Gleiberman, Peter Stack, Kenneth Turan, Stanley Kauffmann, Mike Clark, Steve Crum, Chuck O’Leary, Emanuel Levy, Greg Maki, Andy Klein, Julia Roberts’ strangest role, attraction, connection, danger, maid, physician, mysterious, charismatic, associate, Edward Hyde, chemical charge, sexual charge, terror, boredom, moments, good-looking, strange, perversely courageous disaster
Worldwide gross: $12,379,402
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $23,629,128
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,654
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 2,576,786
US/Canada gross: $5,707,094
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $10,893,390
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,593
US/Canada opening weekend: $2,812,620
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $5,368,576
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,089
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $47,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $89,711,039
Production budget ranking: 462
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $48,309,394
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$114,391,305
ROI to date (est.): -83%
ROI ranking: 1,908
John Malkovich – Dr. Henry Jekyll, Mr. Edward Hyde
George Cole – Mr. Poole
Michael Gambon – Mary’s Father
Kathy Staff – Mrs. Kent
Glenn Close – Mrs. Farraday
Director(s)
Stephen Frears
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Nancy Graham Tanen, Norma Heyman, Ned Tanen
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
6 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (43) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (11) | Rotten (32)
This isn’t dumb, but it plays out as academically as it sounds, without a shred of true terror and with only the most muted sexual charge. Solemn, portentous and curiously dull, there is simply no chemical charge between Roberts and Malkovich.
February 23, 2018
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
September 7, 2011 | Rating: C-
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
The film is too mannered, too stuffy.
June 18, 2002 | Rating: 2/4
Peter Stack
San Francisco Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Sluggish and interminable, Mary Reilly makes good on little of its potential to be disturbing and none of its chance to be emotionally involving.
February 14, 2001 | Rating: 1/5
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
The story lacks purpose.
January 1, 2000
Stanley Kauffmann
The New Republic
TOP CRITIC
A perversely courageous disaster that audiences will simply hate.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 2/4
Mike Clark
USA Today
TOP CRITIC
Certainly Julia Roberts’ strangest role, and she does an OK job.
March 2, 2008 | Rating: 3/5
Steve Crum
Video-Reviewmaster.com
May 7, 2007 | Rating: 1/5
Chuck O’Leary
FulvueDrive-in.com
July 19, 2005 | Rating: 1/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
January 24, 2005 | Rating: 1/5
Greg Maki
Star-Democrat (Easton, MD)
[Roberts’s] acting is of the Melrose Place/Andrew Shue variety, her eyes blank and mouth often agape (not unlike the photo of her used in the print ads).
December 28, 2004 | Rating: 1.5/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
July 29, 2004 | Rating: 2/5
Andy Klein
New Times…
Plot
Somewhere in England in the nineteenth century. A pretty housemaid works in a nice house, which is Dr. Henry Jekyll’s (John Malkovich’s) house. Mary Reilly (Julia Roberts) think she found her best job, because she is poor and the doctor is well-known and rich. This movie tells the “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” story as a woman sees the two men, one of them is good and the other is evil. And she loves them.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
“Julia Roberts’ strangest role, and she does an OK job.” – Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Stephen-Frears.jpg
48%
First Knight (1995)
48%RT Audience Score: 31%
Awards & Nominations: NA
The Phantom, a film that has been described as “monotonous and juvenile,” “dumbed-down,” and “mostly blasé,” is a relic of the past that fails to capture the foundational spirit of comic book adventure. While Billy Zane’s likable insouciance as the titular character is a bright spot, the film’s tone, central performance, and script all badly need revisions. Perhaps the film would have been better served by embracing its old-school aesthetic with supertitles, narrators, melodramatic music, and cheesy bravado, making it a bold outlier rather than a forgettable casualty. In the end, The Phantom is a film that should be filed away in the back bins of Blockbuster, where it belongs.
If you’re in the mood for a superhero movie that’s so bad it’s good, then The Phantom is the perfect pick. With dialogue that sounds like it was written by a middle schooler and a plot that’s as predictable as the sunrise, this movie is a hilarious throwback to the days when superhero movies were more about cheesy one-liners than gritty realism. Plus, Billy Zane’s abs are a sight to behold. So grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and enjoy the ride.
Production Company(ies)
Spinal Tap Prod. Goldcrest Films, International,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Llanfair Slate Mine, Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for some brutal medieval battles
Year of Release
1995
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:SDDS Dolby SR Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Feb 9, 2010
Genre(s)
Action
Keyword(s)
starring Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams, Catherine Zeta-Jones, James Remar, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, directed by Simon Wincer, written by Jeffrey Boam, action, PG, Robert Evans, Alan Ladd Jr., $17.3M box office, reviewed by Owen Gleiberman, Godfrey Cheshire, Trevor Johnston, Peter Travers, Kenneth Turan, Lawrence Van Gelder, Eddie Harrison, Mike Massie, Drew Dietsch, Felix Vasquez Jr., Nick Rogers, Barbara Shulgasser, superhero, mystical skulls, pulp, insouciance, likable, one-dimensional, relic, celluloid, astute, old way, foundational spirit, sleek, breezy, Indiana Jones, action violence, profanity
Worldwide gross: $127,600,435
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $250,908,372
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 581
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 27,361,873
US/Canada gross: $37,600,435
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $73,935,986
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 897
US/Canada opening weekend: $10,856,442
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $21,347,672
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 623
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $55,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $108,149,792
Production budget ranking: 361
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $58,238,663
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $84,519,918
ROI to date (est.): 51%
ROI ranking: 1,146
Kristy Swanson – Diana Palmer
Treat Williams – Xander Drax
Catherine Zeta-Jones – Sala
James Remar – Quill
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa – The Great Kabai Sengh
Director(s)
Simon Wincer
Writer(s)
Jeffrey Boam
Producer(s)
Robert Evans, Alan Ladd Jr.
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (47) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (27)
As the Phantom, Billy Zane, buff to the max, has a likable insouciance, but there’s not much he can do to flesh out this relic.
July 7, 2010 | Rating: C
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
While it hardly stands to vanquish the celluloid incarnations of Superman and Batman, this version of an older cartoon crusader’s exploits does have a pleasingly astute sense of its place in the great scheme of things pulp.
March 26, 2009
Godfrey Cheshire
Variety
TOP CRITIC
This belated, albeit decorative adaptation looks tamely second-hand.
June 24, 2006
Trevor Johnston
Time Out
TOP CRITIC
Expect this ghost of bad movies past to walk quickly to the back bins of Blockbuster, where it should be filed under a helpful heading, monotonous and juvenile.
June 6, 2001
Peter Travers
Rolling Stone
TOP CRITIC
It’s nice to see some things done the old way.
February 14, 2001 | Rating: 3.5/5
Kenneth Turan
Los Angeles Times
TOP CRITIC
The pleasures are familiar, but not the least bit inspired.
January 1, 2000 | Rating: 2.5/5
Lawrence Van Gelder
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
…a plush film, even if the tone, central performance and script all badly need revisions…
July 3, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
Eddie Harrison
film-authority.com
No one seems to be taking any of it seriously, especially as the dialogue reflects dumbed-down conversations and repetition for viewers who may not be paying attention.
September 24, 2020 | Rating: 2/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
If you’re looking for a movie that captures the foundational spirit of comic book adventure, The Phantom is for you.
May 8, 2020
Drew Dietsch
Giant Freakin Robot
A sleek and breezy action film in the vein of “Indiana Jones”…
April 10, 2017
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed
Maybe “The Phantom” would have been better served betting the house on its old-school aesthetic. Supertitles. Narrators. Melodramatic music. Cheesy? Sure, but bravely so, in a way that would make it a bold outlier rather than a mostly blas casualty.
June 27, 2016 | Rating: 3/5
Nick Rogers
The Film Yap
’90s superhero adventure has action violence, profanity.
April 19, 2016 | Rating: 2/5
Barbara Shulgasser
Common Sense Media…
Plot
After King Arthur of Camelot has fought several wars which has led to peace and justice for his land, he is turning his attention to thoughts of marriage, his chosen one being Lady Guinevere, who has become head of neighboring Leonesse following the death of her father. Peace and justice for Arthur and Guinevere are short lived as Prince Malagant, one of the knights of the round table, wants Camelot for himself and King Arthur deposed. Many in the land follow Malagant, whose quest also involves marauding Leonesse. As the King’s betrothed, Guinevere becomes Malagant’s target in achieving both of his goals. Meanwhile, Lancelot is a free-living peasant who often makes his way through life by demonstrations of his sword fighting prowess. His skill is largely due to his ability to assess his opponents, and not fear dying. On Malagant’s first attempt at abducting Guinevere, Lancelot, by happenstance, is there to save her. He falls in love with her at first sight. Although attracted to the man who saved her, Guinevere cannot think of any other man in the lead up to her marriage to Arthur. Because of his attraction to Guinevere, Lancelot becomes involved in the battles between Malagant and Arthur in Lancelot doing whatever needed to keep Guinevere safe. As these battles brew and as Arthur becomes indebted to Lancelot for saving Guinevere at the possible expense of his own life, Guinevere cannot help but fall for Lancelot, resulting in a romantic triangle comprised of Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot, a triangle of which Arthur is unaware.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Billy Zane’s performance as the Phantom is described as “friendly but completely one-dimensional” by critics.
Simon-Wincer.jpg
48%
Species (1995)
48%RT Audience Score: 31%
Awards & Nominations: 3 wins & 8 nominations
Species shows flashes of the potential to blend exploitation and sci-fi horror in ingenious ways, but is ultimately mainly interested in flashing star Natasha Henstridge’s skin
Species’ is the perfect movie for those who love a good B-movie with a side of erotic thriller. The stacked cast and interesting premise make it worth the watch, even if the humans are a bit useless compared to the fascinating alien Sil. Plus, at just over ninety minutes, it never overstays its welcome. Just don’t expect anything too original or groundbreaking, unless you count upping the degrees of both alien violence and sex as groundbreaking.
Production Company(ies)
Bandai Visual Company, Cine Qua Non Films, Engine Film
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Arecibo Observatory, Arecibo, Puerto Rico
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for sci-fi violence, strong sexuality and some language
Year of Release
1995
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby SRDTS-Stereo
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Streaming): Jul 17, 2001
Genre(s)
Sci-fi
Keyword(s)
starring Natasha Henstridge, Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, Marg Helgenberger, directed by Roger Donaldson, written by Dennis Feldman, sci-fi, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Sheila Johnston, David Stratton, Michael Phillips, Jami Bernard, Jonathan Rosenbaum, Ian Nathan, Yasser Medina, Wayne Broadway, Joe Lipsett, Quentin Crisp, Mike Massie, produced by Frank Mancuso Jr., Dennis Feldman, R rating, alien life form, genetic sequence, hybrid, violent quest, top assassin, government scientist, laboratory, suitable male human, impregnate, exploitation, horror, Natasha Henstridge’s skin, misogyny, biological and sexual anxieties, B-movies, evil scientists, government cover-up, creature feature, erotic thriller, stacked cast, alien violence, sex, tautly directed, imaginatively cast, timeworn plotline
Worldwide gross: $113,374,103
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $222,934,284
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 639
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 24,311,263
US/Canada gross: $60,074,103
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $118,127,304
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 644
US/Canada opening weekend: $17,161,943
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $33,746,556
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 392
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $35,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $68,822,595
Production budget ranking: 612
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $37,060,967
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $117,050,722
ROI to date (est.): 111%
ROI ranking: 899
Michael Madsen – Preston Lennox
Alfred Molina – Dr. Stephen Arden
Forest Whitaker – Dan Smithson, Empath
Marg Helgenberger – Dr. Laura Baker
Natasha Henstridge – Sil
Director(s)
Roger Donaldson
Writer(s)
Dennis Feldman
Producer(s)
Frank Mancuso Jr., Dennis Feldman
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
3 wins & 8 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (70) | Top Critics (20) | Fresh (30) | Rotten (40)
It would be comforting to think that the genus Cinema Americana were guided by the principal of natural selection, but cloning and reversion seem, rather, to be the norm.
December 3, 2018
Sheila Johnston
Independent (UK)
TOP CRITIC
It’s a lot of fun. It’s certainly well directed. We’ve seen it all before, but I enjoyed it.
December 3, 2018 | Rating: 3.5/5
David Stratton
At the Movies (Australia)
TOP CRITIC
It’s a sex horror-fantasy without laughs or life, a nightmare without sense, a casual pickup that should have been left at the disco.
December 3, 2018 | Rating: 2/4
Michael Phillips
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
Despite its silly excesses of misogyny — watch out for female sexuality, it’ll kill ya! — this absurdly exploitative sci-fi movie is not unpleasant to watch.
December 3, 2018 | Rating: 2/4
Jami Bernard
New York Daily News
TOP CRITIC
In spite of all its unexplained and semiridiculous plot premises it works surprisingly well as a genre exercise, perhaps because, like Alien, it knows how to exploit misogynist biological and sexual anxieties for all they’re worth.
December 3, 2018
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Despite the ridiculous premise and casting this is still a pacey little sci-thriller.
December 3, 2018 | Rating: 3/5
Ian Nathan
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
As a sci-fi horror film, it has an interesting premise that looks like an eroticized clone of ‘Alien’, but traverses overly predictable terrain that only makes its alien hunt boring and silly conventional. [Full review in Spanish]
June 5, 2022 | Rating: 5/10
Yasser Medina
Cinemaficionados
It’s bad, but it’s not terrible. It has everything you love about B-movies including the evil scientists, a government cover-up, and a stoic badass with an impossible name (Preston Lennox?). At over ninety minutes, ‘Species’ never overstays its welcome.
May 20, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
Wayne Broadway
Black Girl Nerds
An entertaining creature feature crossed with an erotic thriller, featuring a stacked cast. The film seems to understand that Natasha Henstridge’s Sil is more interesting than the humans, who putter around uselessly for most of the film.
April 26, 2022 | Rating: 3.5/5
Joe Lipsett
Anatomy of a Scream Podcast Network
If you want to find out what a mistake it is to send messages into outer space, see Species, but I’m warning you: It’s kids’ stuff — horrid kids, not a bit like Mr. Bunny’s adventures, and we’ve all forgotten how violent his cartoons were.
April 21, 2022
Quentin Crisp
Christopher Street
It’s not original to mix alien violence with sex, but this latest endeavor certainly ups the degrees of both of those components.
January 2, 2022 | Rating: 5/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
An imaginatively cast and tautly directed sci-fi/horror hybrid that doesn’t quite escape the timeworn dictates of its plotline.
November 7, 2021 | Rating: 2.5/4
Matt Brunson
Film Frenzy…
Plot
In 1993, a search for extraterrestrial life, a transmission’s received, detailing an alien DNA structure, along with instructions on how to splice it with human DNA. The result is Sil, a sensual but deadly creature who can change from a beautiful woman to an armor-plated killing machine in the blink of an eye. Government agent Xavier Fitch assembles a team of scientists and mercenaries to locate and destroy Sil before she manages to find a mate and breed.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
The cast of Species includes Ben Kingsley, Michael Madsen, Alfred Molina, Forest Whitaker, and Marg Helgenberger.
Roger-Donaldson.jpg
48%
Bad Boys (1995)
48%RT Audience Score: 31%
Awards & Nominations: 3 wins & 15 nominations
Review 1: “This movie was terrible. The acting was bad, the plot was boring, and the special effects were laughable. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.”
Review 2: “I found this cinematic endeavor to be a most lamentable experience. The thespian performances were lackluster, the narrative was insipid, and the visual effects were so preposterous as to elicit mirth rather than awe. I cannot in good conscience suggest this film to any discerning viewer.”
Review 3: “This movie was a complete waste of time. The acting was wooden, the story was predictable, and the special effects were subpar. Save yourself the trouble and skip this one.”
Review 4: “Alas, this motion picture proved to be a most egregious squandering of one’s precious time. The histrionic displays were as stiff as a board, the plot was as foreseeable as the sunrise, and the visual effects were as unimpressive as a child’s finger painting. I implore you, dear reader, to abstain from this cinematic atrocity.”
New Review: “As I sat in the theater, I was struck by the overwhelming sense of ennui that permeated the room. The thespian performances were as flat as a pancake, the narrative was as trite as a Hallmark card, and the visual effects were as convincing as a politician’s promises. It was as if the filmmakers had taken a paint-by-numbers approach to creating this cinematic disaster. I cannot in good conscience recommend this film to anyone with an iota of taste or discernment. Save your time and money, and opt for a more stimulating activity, such as watching paint dry or grass grow.
Review 1: “The acting in this movie was superb. The characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.”
Review 2: “I loved the cinematography in this film. The shots were beautifully composed and the use of color was stunning. It was like watching a work of art come to life.”
Review 3: “The soundtrack for this movie was incredible. The music perfectly captured the mood of each scene and added an extra layer of emotion to the story.”
New Review: “Holy cow, this movie was a rollercoaster ride of emotions! The acting was so good, I felt like I was right there with the characters. And don’t even get me started on the cinematography – it was like watching a painting come to life! But the real MVP was the soundtrack. I mean, I was tapping my foot and humming along the whole time. Overall, this movie was a masterpiece and I can’t wait to watch it again (and again and again).
Production Company(ies)
Jigsaw Productions, Wider Film Projects Below The Radar Entertainment,
Distributor
Columbia Pictures, NA (for international distribution)
Release Type
Theatrical, Theatrical (Wide)
Filming Location(s)
Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual references and brief drug use
Year of Release
1995
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Atmos
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English, Spanish
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Action/Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Will Smith, starring Martin Lawrence, directed by Michael Bay, written by George Gallo, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, action, comedy, buddy cop, Miami, drugs, crime, car chases, explosions, shootouts, police, detectives, friendship, loyalty, humor, banter, one-liners, fast-paced, high-energy, blockbuster, successful, box office hit, $141 million, budget $19 million, reviewed by Roger Ebert, reviewed by Gene Siskel, reviewed by Peter Travers, MPAA rating R, 90s film, iconic, memorable, soundtrack, theme song, action-packed, entertaining, thrilling, dynamic, explosive, intense, hilarious, fun, classic
Worldwide gross: $426,505,244
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $486,713,035
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 296
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 53,076,667
US/Canada gross: $206,305,244
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $235,428,410
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 282
US/Canada opening weekend: $62,504,105
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $71,327,523
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 132
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $90,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $102,704,888
Production budget ranking: 395
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $55,306,582
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $328,701,566
ROI to date (est.): 208%
ROI ranking: 613
James McAvoy – Nicholas Garrigan
Kerry Washington – Kay Amin
Gillian Anderson – Sara Merrit
Simon McBurney – Stone
David Oyelowo – Dr. Junju
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
3 wins & 15 nominations
Academy Awards
Plot
Marcus and Mike have to confront new issues (career changes and midlife crises), as they join the newly created elite team AMMO of the Miami police department to take down the ruthless Armando Armas, the vicious leader of a Miami drug cartel.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Martin Lawrence’s character, Marcus Burnett, was originally written as a straight-laced family man before Lawrence convinced the filmmakers to make him a wisecracking, loose cannon cop.
NA.jpg
48%
Billy Madison (1995)
48%RT Audience Score: 31%
Awards & Nominations: 1 nomination
Audiences who enjoy Adam Sandler’s belligerent comic energy may find him in joyously obnoxious form as Billy Madison, but this thinly-plotted starring vehicle surrounds its star with an aggressively pedestrian movie
If you’re looking for a movie that will make you feel like you’re back in elementary school, Billy Madison is the perfect choice. Sure, it’s not the most intellectually stimulating film out there, but it’s a great way to turn off your brain and just enjoy some silly humor. Adam Sandler may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re a fan of his brand of comedy, you’ll definitely get a kick out of this one. Plus, who doesn’t love a good dodgeball scene?
Production Company(ies)
Columbia Pictures, Huayi Brothers Media, National Geographic World Films,
Distributor
Universal Pictures
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Parkwood Estate, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for language and crude humor
Year of Release
1995
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 29m
-
Language(s):English, French, Spanish
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Feb 10, 1995 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 30, 2004
Genre(s)
Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Adam Sandler, Darren McGavin, Bridgette Wilson-Sampras, Bradley Whitford, Josh Mostel, Norm Macdonald, directed by Tamra Davis, written by Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler, comedy, PG-13, box office gross $25.6M, reviewed by Janet Maslin, John Petrakis, Gene Siskel, Ian Nathan, Owen Gleiberman, Brian Lowry, Brian Eggert, Mal Vincent, David Nusair, Roger Hurlburt, Dennis King, Jason Caro, man-child, spoiled rich kid, drinking, partying, ultimatum, retake and pass every grade, hotel magnate, conniving associate, bribes, school, education, childish humor, memorable quotes, silly plot, bad acting, uncomfortable to watch, bad script, redneck tone, lisp, stereotypical
Worldwide gross: $26,488,734
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $52,086,383
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,306
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 5,680,085
US/Canada gross: $25,588,734
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $50,316,659
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,067
US/Canada opening weekend: $6,639,080
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $13,054,820
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 856
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $10,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $19,663,598
Production budget ranking: 1,377
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $10,588,848
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $21,833,937
ROI to date (est.): 72%
ROI ranking: 1,050
Darren McGavin – Brian Madison
Bridgette Wilson-Sampras – Veronica Vaughn
Bradley Whitford – Eric Gordon
Josh Mostel – Principal Max Anderson
Norm Macdonald – Frank
Director(s)
Tamra Davis
Writer(s)
Tim Herlihy, Adam Sandler
Producer(s)
Robert Simonds
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 nomination
Academy Awards
All Critics (49) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (29)
If you’ve ever had a yen to relive the third grade, this must be the next best thing.
March 31, 2019
Janet Maslin
New York Times
TOP CRITIC
Billy Madison is a textbook example of a half-decent idea that never got developed beyond the “lying around drinking beer and making jokes with your buddy” stage.
March 31, 2019 | Rating: 0.5/4
John Petrakis
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
The latest entry in the American cinema’s investigation of dumb-and-dumber heroes.
March 31, 2019 | Rating: 1/4
Gene Siskel
Chicago Tribune
TOP CRITIC
Where Dumb And Dumber was clever enough to play dumb to amuse the child in all of us, this suffers under the illusion that just having a central character blissfully unaware of the need for a brain is actually a funny concept.
March 31, 2019 | Rating: 1/5
Ian Nathan
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
Even on its own dim-bulb terms, this runt of a comedy never locates its central joke: Is it that Billy the child-man doofus doesn’t fit in with his pint-size peers or that he fits in all too well?
September 7, 2011 | Rating: D
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Those unfamiliar with Sandler’s antics may…begin to find him annoying sometime between the appearance of the Universal logo and the end of the opening credits.
June 1, 2008
Brian Lowry
Variety
TOP CRITIC
Viewed as an absurdist comedy by many, Billy Madison is nonetheless the product of a director who specializes in cautionary tales about the temptations of sin putting one’s soul in jeopardy.
March 3, 2022 | Rating: 3/4
Brian Eggert
Deep Focus Review
Sandler, who shows every sign of having enough energy to make the grade, should forget about imitating Jim Carrey and find an act of his own.
March 1, 2022 | Rating: 1/4
Mal Vincent
The Virginian-Pilot
…an exceedingly (and unabashedly) silly premise that’s employed to mostly watchable (yet undeniably erratic) effect by Davis…
November 30, 2020 | Rating: 2.5/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
A more moronic vehicle is hard to imagine.
March 31, 2019
Roger Hurlburt
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
The tepid moments far outnumber the truly wacky ones, and in the end Billy Madison earns a trip to comedy detention.
March 31, 2019 | Rating: 2/4
Dennis King
Tulsa World
While not in the same league as The Wedding Singer, it’s still enjoyably dumb fun, especially for Sandler fans.
March 31, 2019 | Rating: 3/5
Jason Caro
Radio Times…
Plot
Billy Madison is a 27 year-old man whose father Brian is the head of a major hotel chain. Even though he is groomed to replace his father who is about to retire, Billy is extremely immature and unmotivated in life. When Brian considers making Eric Gordon (whom Billy despises) his new replacement, Billy decides to prove to his father that he is capable of taking over. He must repeat grade school all over again (2 weeks for each grade) in order to take over the hotel empire. The further Billy progresses, the more Eric tries to derail Billy.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
No goofy or funny or odd comments were found in the Fresh Kernels database for Billy Madison.
Tamra-Davis.jpg