Club Paradise

Amazon.com

Robin Williams went through a period in the mid '80s when he looked like he'd turned into the next Richard Pryor: yet another brilliant standup comic neutered by the script mills of the Hollywood studios. Indeed, Williams seems almost like a spectator in this film, reacting to a supporting cast extremely deep in talent doing what they can with the mediocre script by Brian Doyle-Murray and director Harold Ramis. Williams plays a heroic Chicago fireman, who is injured and retires after saving several lives in a fire. He takes his insurance settlement and buys a resort on a poor Caribbean island (the film was shot in Jamaica). He spends the rest of the time playing straight man to a gaggle of guests that includes such SCTV alumni as Rick Moranis, Andrea Gross, Eugene Levy, and Robin Duke, as well as Jimmy Cliff and Peter O'Toole. Occasionally rising to the level of mild amusement, Club Paradise is, disappointingly, little more than a series of hit-and-miss sketches strung together by the feeblest of plots. --Marshall Fine

Description

Pack your bags for Club Paradise, the Caribbean resort where the good times and laughter come at you in waves. Academy AwardO winner* Robin Williams steers their crazed course of this tropical romp as an ex-Chicago fireman who uses a sizable disability settlement to transform a remote island watering hole into a lucrative tourist waterland. Peter O'Toole, Twiggy, Rick Moranis, Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy and other comic cohorts cheerfully cavort (and Jimmy Cliff musically riffs) under the breezy direction of Harold Ramis (National Lampoon's Vacation, Caddyshack) for a lark that The New Yorker's Pauline Kael judged "as pleasant as can be."

Customer Reviews:

Cold winter blues are over........2007-08-22

This is a classic movie with tons of classic one liners. I think it is looseley based on "Don't stop the Carnival." For you Parrotheads out there you would love this show.

"I think those two hairy guys are looking at us MMMMEEEEAAAT! MMMMEEEAAAAT!""

I could watch it over and over if it wasn't for this diarhea.

A real taste of island life........2007-08-16

This movie is a must for people like my husband and myself. We experienced life "in the islands." We lived on a small island in Caribbean in the 80's and loved the life...we stayed 8 years and returned for 2 more years in 2004 ... like scenes in the movie we suffered "upper class British types and "let's save the world and the natives" types like Jack Moniker (Robin Williams; tourist types like Carol White (Andrea Martin);heard and used phrases like "cool vibes", had daily bouts with inconsistent water pressure; toilets backing up; met the Prime Minister who was also the Finance Minister, Minister of Tourism and Treasurer! We learned to relax and appreciate that "soon come" meant anything from minutes to hours to days, and that there was nothing that we could do to change it!
The cast and "crew" were exemplary in their depiction of over the top patrons of a "Third World" tourist resort. Like Jack I have often wondered where the other two worlds were????? The two Barry's were a hoot ..who didn't meet guys like these in bars in the 80's???? Andrea Martin and Brian Doyle Murray were a fun bunch. Peter O'Toole's portrayal of a tired washed up aristocrat who could live nowhere else but on "the islands" was so accurate.
People thinking of buying this DVD should bear in mind the fact that this is life as it was in the islands in the 80's when anyone with money could start a resort and did! We purchased a DVD version of the movie as our video copy was showing signs of age and repeated viewing. When we want a jolt of "reality" and a good belly laugh we watch Club Paradise. It should come with a warning...only for those with island experience!!!!

Classic laughs.......2007-02-20

I love Robin Williams before he became what he is today. Not to say that he's not a good actor with "range" but who cares when you can put out films like this. This is a good date movie and something that could be watched more than once.

Club Paradise DVD.......2007-02-13

One of my all time favorite movies, A genuine feel good movie that keeps ya laughing the whole time

wonderful movie.......2007-01-05

this was a really funny movie. it is a bit dated for the younger crowd
but I loved it

Average customer rating:

TERRIFIC BLACK COMEDY: A FORGOTTEN GEM!
It pays to read other purchasers' reviews
A nice suprise for many reasons
Brilliant!!
Get it! Watch it!

The Settlement
Starring: John C. Reilly , William Fichtner , Kelly McGillis , David Rasche , and Dan Castellaneta
Director: Mark Steilen
Manufacturer: Mti Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 6305795460
Release Date: 2004-04-06

Customer Reviews:

TERRIFIC BLACK COMEDY: A FORGOTTEN GEM!.......2006-08-22

I highly recommend this "never-heard-of-before" film. It is one of my favorites. I found this movie a few years ago in a DVD bin at my local DVD store. I decided to pick it up because of the actors in the film. Boy, was I glad that I did. Not only are the actors, William Fichtner, and John C. Reilly great in this movie, but they complemented each other's acting. Both Fichtner, and Reilly are scheming partners of a insurance scam company. They lend money to people who are on the verge of death, and know that they will profit immensely--providing of course that the insured die within a specified amount of time. It is an unpredictable, hilariously funny and dark movie at the same time. The excellent script writing, acting, and directing makes this film a wonderful watch. I highly recommend this film. You'll love it!

It pays to read other purchasers' reviews.......2003-07-10

This movie has turned out to be one of my favorites and I have the reviews and their authors to thank. These two "character actors", William Fichtner and John C. Reilly, have leading man potential. Wonder why no one in Hollywood gets it. We, the viewers, know. Oh, I forgot, William Fichtner WAS cast as one of the two male leads in "Passion of Mind", primarily to carry the movie and make Demi Moore look good - which he did, easily. I knew he was a fine comic actor. I saw "Drowning Mona" and he and Jamie Lee Curtis shine. John C. Reilly really came through in "Chicago". Thanks to all who recommended this gem.

A nice suprise for many reasons.......2001-11-06

I rented this movie on the strength of the story outline on the back of the box, and for the fact that it had John C. Reilly in it, who I think is the finest character actor in movies. I got much more than I expected. This movie has an excellent script and wonderful directing. The humor is dry, black and understated and very effective. To me the big suprises were the performances of William Fichtner as one of the partners in the insurance scam. Fichtner's performance brimmed with intelligence and depth, as well as a sure comic touch that was dead on the money. Also, Kelly McGillis turned in a job so full of savage sex and menace, I found myself wondering why she doesn't get more work. As for John C. Reilly - does this actor ever make a wrong move in front of a camera? No, he does not. This is his best work. A real gem.

Brilliant!!.......2001-07-11

This movie is far from the usual 'let's rent a movie tonight honey'. It is unique with an unpredictable plot, that has you guessing all along! Black comedy at its best and a movie like no other.

Get it! Watch it!.......2000-05-24

This is an undiscovered gem! I love the performances, the script, the mood, the way the plot develops...and of course, it has fichtner and reilly....please watch this...its what movies are all about.

Discovery Channel - Thomas L. Friedman Reporting - Straddling the Fence

Average customer rating:

Discovery Channel - Thomas L. Friedman Reporting - Straddling the Fence

Manufacturer: Discovery Communications Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

A Thousand Splendid Suns

ASIN: B000HMOM3M

Product Description

Travel to Israel for a look at the causes and potential consequences of a massive new security wall now under construction a barrier between Israel and Palestine. Ostensibly, the wall is intended to keep suicide bombers out of Israel. But the wall's circuitous route which seems to go out of its way to include Jewish settlements smacks of a first step toward formalizing borders for two separate states. But, even as tensions rise in this "demographic time bomb," evidence points to a future that sees Palestinians giving up their pursuit of the West Bank and fighting instead for a better life.

Average customer rating:

A parody of fundraisers funny on a difficult topic
Mmm... Delightful. Like great chocolate!
not too bad

The Big Squeeze
Starring: Lara Flynn Boyle , Danny Nucci , Peter Dobson , Luca Bercovici , and Michael Chieffo
Director: Marcus DeLeon
Manufacturer: Fox Lorber
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Threesome

ASIN: 1572527048
Release Date: 2000-02-22

Customer Reviews:

A parody of fundraisers funny on a difficult topic.......2007-06-18

THE BIG SQUEEZE (1996) tells a story of a fight between a man and
his wife over a medical disability and health insurance claim paid
out by an insurer to them, in a lump sum.

Although this isn't made clear at all in the outset (the film
suggesting a sinister plot) much of the film, unfortunately or not,
is a parody of fundraisers done by NP0's, such as religious
organizations of all kinds, that are in dire straights in this day
and age from the taxman's cut, the need to meet construction codes
of building in public use, and from atheism in the population.

The target audience is obviously the below 21 bracket, considering
the obsessive, idealistic or utopic outlook on life, that revolves
centrally around what may or may not happen at a specific bar,
specific people, not excluding the essential lovemaking scenes.

There's the Michelle Pfeiffer lookalike, Lara Flynn B0yle (in look,
mannerisms and acting), as well as a Ted Danson clone in the form
of Luca Bercovici or a young Geraldo Rivera cameleon Danny Nucci,
all doing fine jobs on screen, in projecting an aura of innocence,
youth, calmness, a relaxed friendliness throughout the 90 mins.
This allows the movie to bring forth the human, personal aspects
of the characters, that is important in keeping people interested
and the gags alive.

They organize a fund raiser for chuch repairs required by a revised
municipal building code for earthquakes, and is led by Peter
Dobson, who plays a mix between playboy, grifter and conman,
setting up the mark, Bercovici, in anticipation of cashing in on
the insurance cash that the latter refuses to split evenly with his
wife, Boyle.

The fact that a pan and scan format was chosen is an omen. This is
not a visual movie (aside from projecting the charisma, good humor
and freshness of the cast), but rather a comedy, such that the
focal point is the dialog, the twists and the reactions of the
characters to each turn in events.

The soundtrack for the most part is adequate, skillfully composed,
although the band playing some covers of 6O's numbers will make
some cringe.

They plan to score $120k, and to blow town, splitting the amount
among themselves, with little fear, remorse of bilking a church, an
entire community, or so they plan to... it's "time to make lemonade
out of the lemons" by squeezing the marks, says Dobson.

Overall, this picture is not spectacular enough for theatres unless
you are in the target demographic, but the makers should be
congratulated for making a funny and interesting movie, indeed, on
a taboo topic of fundraisers.

Mmm... Delightful. Like great chocolate!.......1999-10-22

So okay... Not all movies can hit you between the eyes. But you also want to be able to enjoy a different type of movie. One that's mellow, that's subtle, that lies on your tongue and slowly melts... One of those movies is this one. Subtle. Delightful. Funny. Just like great chocolate!

not too bad.......1999-06-13

this is one of htose movies... you can watch it.. but it doens't mean much.. Laura Flynn Boyle plays a barmaid married to a former ball player. While she stays with a hispanic artist named jesse (ironic.. cuz i know soem one liek that too)whom she falls in love with while she left her hubby cuz hes keeping all of their disability money... basically a story of how laura and another con man help get the money that he owes her..

Just the Facts: North America - English Settlement

Average customer rating:

Just the Facts: North America - English Settlement
Starring: Just the Facts
Manufacturer: Goldhil Home Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000V9KDRU
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Just the Facts: North America - First Settlement

Average customer rating:

Just the Facts: North America - First Settlement
Starring: Just the Facts
Manufacturer: Goldhil Home Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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General | Educational | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000V9KDRA
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Average customer rating:

Surprisingly good little neo-noir

The Settlement
Starring: Bill Bolender , Dan Castellaneta , William Fichtner , Kelly McGillis , and David Rasche
Director: Mark Steilen
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B00008G8BD
Release Date: 2002-10-29

Customer Reviews:

Surprisingly good little neo-noir.......2003-11-13

Boasting a solid cast, The Settlement does not disappoint. The tale of two ambulance chasing insurance policy sharks--played with flair and edginess by the great John C. Reilly and William Fichtner--this is a sharp piece of filmmaking by writer-director Mark Seilen. In the 80s, their business--Viable Settlements--does so well that Jerry (Fichtner) buys a huge gaudy 8-bedroom house, about 90% of the space of which he doesn't need. He equates the trappings of his success with an obvious part of the male anatomy, for which there are numerous nicknames (he's fond of using one in particular).

But in the 90s, their business--based on cashing in on terminally ill patients--goes bust. Into their lives comes Barbara, an astoundingly sexy femme fatale, played to the hilt by Kelly McGillis. She claims to have an inoperable brain tumor that will result in her death in only three months, the payoff for which is a big fat two mil. All she wants up front is a quarter of that. Being down--WAY down--on their luck, the boys come up with the money through decidedly illicit means.

The twists and turns, while not really unexpected, are fun to watch, and the actors all do a great job, relishing their noir roles with real gusto. Along for the ride as well are David Rasche as an arrogant surgeon, Dan Castellaneta (remember him from all those Fox TV shows?) as a grateful customer, and Stuart Pankin as a helpful attorney.

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Andes: Illimani brings the viewer to Bolivia. Leaving Puno, we stop before the Peru-Bolivia border to visit a beautiful church in the village of Pomata and continue inside Bolivia to Copacabana with a visit to its white cathedral, built on the site of an old Inca settlement. We continue on unpaved roads in clouds of dust, over Tiquina strait on Lake Titicaca, to La Paz, Bolivia's capital. Next day we start early to go to Tiahuanaco, the most famous archeological site in the country. Tiahuanaco culture was the precursor of the Incas and here we can see lots of elements that where incorporated later by these in their culture. Impressive is the semisubteran temple with its bearded statue of Viracocha in the middle. After a short visit in Tiahuanaco village we return to La Paz to visit Tiahuanaco museum, housing artifacts found in the dig, and different other places in the city center, one of the most fascinating being the visit to the enchanting Mercado de Artesanias, where a highlight is the Witch Market. Our tour in Bolivia ends in Valle de la Luna, a badlands area several miles out of La Paz.

Average customer rating:

Faithless/The Settlement
Starring: Faithless , and Settlement
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009KA7WC
Release Date: 2005-06-07

Charlie Rose with Bill Gates; Adam Nagourney & Ronald Brownstein (November 7, 2002)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Bill Gates; Adam Nagourney & Ronald Brownstein (November 7, 2002)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Description

An interview with Microsoft chief software architect and chairman Bill Gates about the anti-trust settlement reached between Microsoft and the United States Justice Department, new products and what's in store for the future. Then, a look at the midterm election with Adam Nagourney of The New York Times and Ronald Brownstein of CNN and The Los Angeles Times.

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