Movie Reviews for Harper

Harper

	List Price: ~~$5.97~~ Our Price: $2.80 You Save: $3.17 (53%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: DVD See more DVD releases

Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada

Movie Reviews of Harper

Movie Review: An Infectious Gem from the 1960s
Summary: 5 Stars

I recall seeing Harper on the big screen when it came out in '66, and have owned the VHS tape. The new DVD release is a joy: the incredibly cinematography looks gorgous, the award-winning soundtrack pops, and the commentary from William Goldman adds new insights to this unappreciated classic.

Harper is a classic, very funny, character-driven private eye yarn with a great cast set against the hopped-up world of mid 1960's LA. Sure, maybe a few things are dated but this film stands up very well after more than 40 years. The truths of Harper (people are crazier than bedbugs, they lie, surface appearances deceive, but once in awhile honor prevails) remain valid. More important, this film is "a gas" (in 60's parlance) to watch. The only thing missing from this package is a CD with Johnny Mandel's complete score (I know this is out on vinyl but haven't tracked down the CD -- yet).

Movie Review: Harper
Summary: 5 Stars

Based on Ross MacDonald's novel, this big-city thriller is notable for two reasons: It marks the debut of Newman's ultra-cool Lew Harper character (later seen to lesser effect in "The Drowning Pool") and was William Goldman's maiden voyage as a screenwriter. Peppered with witty dialogue and immersed in the sex-and-drugs cult weirdness of mid-sixties California, "Harper" is directed with flair by Jack Smight. Shelley Winters, Janet Leigh, Robert Wagner, Julie Harris, and Bacall all contribute choice characterizations, but the center of gravity here is Newman's Harper, never hipper nor more determined to finish the job. Here's another chance to catch Newman in his pri

Movie Review: Newman At His Best
Summary: 5 Stars

Besides this being just a flat out great detective story, it has style and character. It's great entertainment, and solid acting from all involved like Robert Wagner, Julie Harris and Arthur Hill. If you like beautiful damsels in distress, you won't find one anymore lovely than actress Pamela Tiffin. I also love the two extras on the DVD. Introduction by TCM host Robert Osborne and commentary by the actual screenwriter William Goldman. If you love classic detective drama, this is a must have.

Movie Review: Classic Newman
Summary: 5 Stars

This smooth, smart mystery film stars Paul Newman as Lew Harper, an LA private eye with a busted marriage, a down-at-the-heels Porsche, and enough attitude for three shamuses (shami?). Harper is a certified smart-#ss -- and no one does smart-#ss the way Newman did it. The movie is slick, cynical, and funny -- a pleasure that's downright addictive. Try it; you'll like it.