Steal This Movie!
|
List Price: Our Price: $5.87 You Save: $9.11 (61%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $2.90 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Steal This Movie!
Movie Review: pretty balanced: he admits to arrogance and buffoonery, but inspired change
Summary: 4 Stars
This got me to re-think Abbie, whom I saw more as a provcateur than a politician of substance (in stark contrast to many of the activists in SDS, imho). What I remember most about him is Steal This Book, which is the perfect form of anarchy for affluent adolescents (us) in the suburbs (see the chapter "monkey warfare" for a guide to some of our misdeeds). I barely recalled that he was one of the Chicago 7.
He appeared far more self-aware in this film than I would have given him credit for, and it is clear that he actually did stand for some things, such as using the tools of the media to promote democracy and get out of Vietnam. In this fine film, you get to view his entire career, from the civil rights works he did, which I didn't know about, to his swan song as a local activist. It is a bit glib on his manic depression and its treatment, I found, but that also rounded out his portrait without creating an idol. The acting is genuinely excellent and the evocation of the time synches with my memory of the 60s: it was a great time to be an adolescent, I mean, what better thing to do than ditch high school as a protest? While much of it seems so callow today, it really is the last time America was interesting politically: as Abbie says, we stopped a war and had fun. Of course, the 1968 Chicago convention, which my parents took me to see, was a turning point in American politics, as the middle class were disgusted by the Dems, which added to the GOP's momentum as a result of civil rights alienating the South's democratic party. That is not really analysed in the film, but then, it is not intended as poli-sci I suppose.
Warmly recommended. It is a wonderful slice of history.
Movie Review: Sorry, but this is a good movie
Summary: 4 Stars
I'm sorry, but I really not only liked this movie as a movie, but I think that it's important to see. I find it really difficult to find anything about this time and these people in the bookstores, and I would take what I can get, except--this movie has performances that really make the people seem real and create urgency.
Not a big Abbie Hoffman person, I can't fault Vincent D'onofrio's performance like others have. Maybe he isn't a carbon copy, but he makes me feel like I have learned something about the man, and have felt his humanity. That doesn't NOT matter, right?
And I adore Janeane--she really is the heart and mind of this film. Where Vincent is the physical, id sort of person, she makes it real and educates.
Reallly liked this film, and I want to know more; that's what a movie like this is supposed to do, yes?
By the way, the commentary by the two leads is not only laugh out loud funny, but also educates about the time and, important for those actors out there, crystalized the process of filmmaking. You come away knowing more about the movement, wanting to know even more about the movement, and knowing more about how a movie gets made. The relationship there is so perfect. Besides which, as I said, don't be drinking liquid while listening to the commentary, because you will laugh so hard. Maybe this is why they worked so well together on film.
Movie Review: D'Onofrio is amazing...
Summary: 4 Stars
While it would have been nice if this movie had been a little less obvious, the total lack of subtlety does seem to fit in with Abbie's methods and philosophies. If he had made this movie, he probably would have used the same voiceovers and "surveillance photos". He would not have wanted to leave even a shadow of a doubt that the Government was really after him, spying on his most intimate moments and sparing no effort to disgrace and defuse him and his movement.Vincent D'Onofrio is becoming one of my favorite actors, after seeing him in "The Velocity of Gary" and a few others. His performance in "Steal this Movie" is nothing short of a transformation. He is amazing. All the actors do good jobs here, really bringing the characters to life.
Altogether, the movie does lack some depth and subtlety, but it is great entertainment as well as a good introduction to Hoffman's life. It certainly aroused my curiosity. Videotape this movie - Abbie would have wanted that.
Movie Review: Heartbreakingly Anachronistic
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie, released in 2000, is so much a product of its time that it's heartbreaking to watch it now. Onscreen Vincent D'Onofrio, as Abbie Hoffman, talks about changing the perception of protesters from troublemakers, as the government had sought to portray them, to patriots and heroes bent on sacrificing their freedom and even their very lives to protect America from corrupt politicians. In the bonus features, the cast and crew and surviving real life characters talk about how much Abbie accomplished in turning America around, even saying at one point that "there could never be another Viet Nam."
Ah, the sweet folly of pre-9/11. Little did they know how little permanent change had really been accomplished. They could scarcely imagine how thoroughly their legacies would be sullied and how ascendant would be their enemies. The cast appears smug in their interviews, seen from the perspective of today, because they thought they had won the war.
But they didn't.
Movie Review: Very Good Film
Summary: 4 Stars
Steal This Movie invites a new generation to appreciate the contribution of Abbie Hoffman to recent history. All of the performances are memorable, but Vincent D'Onofrio in particular nails his portrayal of the multi-faceted Hoffman. This is a very good film.