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Rushmore - Criterion Collection

Rushmore - Criterion Collection

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: 'Rush' to see again and again and ......
Review: Watching the film over a year ago, I knew how fantastic the film was, but with a film like this, you wonder whether it will fair well on repeated viewing. Trust me, it does. Fans of Bill Murray must take heed and watch his greatest role ever: Undoubtedly his finest performance; Jason Schwartzman in a fine acting debut; and a script that just melts over the celluloid with effortless fluidity, this is a reason to believe that cinema exists for the greater good. The Criterion DVD only adds to what is a fantastic film, and with films like this and American Beauty coming out of the studio system, we can only pray that others take heed, otherwise Wes Anderson might as well direct everything that churns out of a machine determined to rake in pennies and not praise.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Um...did I miss something?
Review: The big question here is "Why so many stellar reviews for this mediocre film?" True, Bill Murray turns in a fine performance, and there are a few funny moments - but that's about it. Jason Schwartzman comes across like finger-nails on a blackboard and what there is off a plot is either borrowed in parts from far better movies or simply goes nowhere. This isn't a bad film - but it's definitely not a great one. Maybe people are just so desperate for anything different that they'll rave about anything that steps, even ever so slightly, outside the norm.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: A rather pleasant surprise
Review: I don't know what I expected out of "Rushmore", a quirky, offbeat film written and directed by Wes Anderson ("Bottle Rocket"). I seemed to recall some buzz regarding the movie and that it won a couple prizes at last year's Independent Spirit Awards. I can report, though, that "Rushmore" pleasantly surprised me.

Newcomer Jason Schwartzman stars as Max Fischer, an oddly mature 15-year-old who goes to Rushmore Academy, which is "one of the best schools in the country." Max (who always sports a blue blazer and tie) is extremely active in many - if not most - of the school's clubs. He's a little too active, however, and is facing expulsion because of "too many extracurricular activities." Max is into everything it seems, so much so that a wealthy steel tycoon, Mr. Bloom (Bill Murray in yet another terrific supporting role) comments to the headmaster Dr. Guggenheim that Max seems "to have it pretty figured out."

That is until he falls for a pretty teacher. When their friendship starts to become more in his mind, she quickly cuts him off. And then the movie takes an unusual turn. Max's friend Mr. Bloom falls for her too. The romantic triangle that follows is strange until you realize that Max and Mr. Bloom aren't so different as you might imagine.

Two films came to my mind as I watched "Rushmore". The movie reminded me of "The Graduate" and "Harold and Maude" (two terrific films by the way). I think you'll be able to see the similarity to "The Graduate" right away, but if you doubt me on the other one, remember this - both "Harold and Maude" and "Rushmore" feature Cat Stevens songs on the soundtrack. I don't think "Rushmore" is as good as those other movies, however, but the fact that it earns comparison says a lot.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Not worth my time.
Review: I am a really big Bill Murray fan, so when my husband was given this movie for a birthday present, I naturally wanted to see it. I'm sorry I did.

Jason Schwartzman played a fifteen year old egotistical snot who was failing his academic courses at the prestigious Rushmore High School. He was involved in all kinds of extra-curricular activities, but he just couldn't make the grade as far as science, history, etc. Instead of being a nice person, he has to be an obnoxious son of a gun just because he doesn't get his way.

When confronted by an equally obnoxious Scotsman, Jason quickly states that he did ugly things to his little best friend's mother.

Then Bill Murray, a married man, cheats on his wife with the best friend's mother, and that made me not like HIM very much.

The entire movie Rushmore should be canned and started over again, this time with a little more good attitude than bad.

I would encourage people not to waste their hard earned money on a movie of this calibre.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Buy this elaborate DVD
Review: The DVD includes interviews with Bill Murray and Wes Anderson on the Charlie Rose show. Both are incredible. The commentary over the movie is weak. Owen mostly talks about his life and Bottle Rocket and Jason mentions some bland anecdotes. Wes gets some good points in. I've heard much better commentaries on movies such as Platoon and Pleasantville. I've yet to watch the rest but I think the interviews make the purchase worthwhile.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Very good film -- mediocre DVD
Review: The film is great and would have received 4 stars alone for the film. Unfortunately this DVD version does not do much justice for the film. I would recommend getting the Criterion DVD version of this film instead of this particular DVD release.

I say this due to the fact that this particular DVD version did not offer too much extra in comparison to the VHS version. The qualities of the DVD version are the standard DVD advantages of clean picture and chapter index.

There were not too many extras -- all it had were the trailer and recommended film section which quite frankly, was hokey (stillshot of 3 movie boxes). The advantages of DVD with all the extras beyond subtitling and extra trailer were lost on this copy. An example would be the fact that Rushmore has a *sweet* soundtrack but no advantage was derived such as a seperate soundtrack section with lyrics or contact info for the bands (lost marketing opportunity there).

Anyway, get the the Criterion collection version of this film because it does more justice to the film than this DVD version. If you just want to watch the film without all the extra goodies that DVD provides then buy the VHS at the lower price point.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Diabolically Enjoyable
Review: There is something amazing about films written and directed by the same individual, as is the case with Rushmore(co-written by Owen Wilson, now curiously enough appearing in Shanghai Noon), a certain understanding of characters and situations and attention to details that may be overlooked in other filmic circumstances. I found this film amazing in the details. Sure the basic plot is compelling enough but a much shabbier movie could have been hung on it. I am continually amused by this film: Bill Murray wearing Budweiser swimming trunks, carrying his scotch and cigarette up to the diving board, tripping over fences, smoking and drinking hotel minibar rum and diet coke in a hospital elevator, by Max's green suit and bowtie, Yves Montand cassetes, Dirk's malapropism, Serpico, the crazy lookin' nameless kid who shows up in a lot of scenes and at the bottom of the pool like a crazy little elf with huge eyes; all of these little quirky details are surreal in their appropriateness and show the work of minds critically attuned to minute observations that are somehow familiar and otherworldly. Jason Schwartzman is such a find(though he's hardly a "find" being part of the Coppola royal family). I can't wait to see him in something else if he can ever find time to tear himself away from his band Phantom Planet. He is absolutely masterful; Max is a character unlike any other on the screen or off. Hooray for this movie - be patient and as observant as the filmmakers were and thou shalt be rewarded.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Silly people write reviews for this great flick
Review: Yeah, I think it is the people who enjoy the absurd who could like this movie. Bad for people who do not like unpredictable movies with some real sentiment behind it, as well something more heady than an average action movie. Those of you who like it say it is subtle humor to this movie, with very little laughing out loud. I don't understand this, as I often laughed out loud through this movie. Especially the Bill Murray moments, and very loudly and raucously during the plays that Max put on. Maybe it is my sense of humor, though. I saw this as a sneak preview because I got a free ticket where I work. I edge toward being a fan of Bill Murray, and that he was in it was the only thing I knew going into the movie. I loved it, though I did feel it was something of a "weird" movie. If you are not a fan of "weird" movies, do not watch this, but if you enjoy movies such as "Being John Malkovich" (which has little in common with this movie) or similar movies, this is a must see.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: For in-depth pleasure, buy the Criterion version...
Review: I saw "Rushmore" when it was in theaters, and bought the DVD as soon as it was released. The Criterion version was recently released so I bought it and gave my other DVD to a friend. I love the Criterion films. Although I am not in the movie making business, I am interested in the composition of a good film, and have become a fan of Criterion. I own a number of laser disk and DVD Criterion films.

Rushmore is a wonderful film. The leading young man is Jason Schwartzman (Talia Shire of Rocky fame is his mother, Francis Ford Coppola is his grandfather, and Nicholas Cage is his cousin). Bill Murray is almost always in weird comedies and this is a weird comedy. Bill has never been so droll, however. Olivia Williams played Jane Fairfax in "Emma" and was Bruce Willis' wife in "The Sixth Sense." I am mentioning all these connections because the film is sometimes thought of as an "Indy" and although it may be (I think if might have won something at Sundance), very talented people were involved in the production--at least of Jason.

The setting is Rushmore, a private school where young Max Fischer is a failing and troubled student. Ms. Williams is a beautiful young teacher who trys to counsel Max, and with whom he is smitten. In spite of her efforts, Max is eventually expelled from Rushmore. He continues to pursue Ms. Williams romantically, however she tries to discourage him. Eventually, he crosses paths with Bill Murray, an excentric millionaire who also is smitten with and courting Ms. Williams. Both "men" cannot have the lady, so a conflict brews that eventually erupts into a war. I found the retaliation involving Max's bicycle and Murray's car hilarious. All's well that ends well, however, and the reconciliation at the end is sweet.

You'll enjoy the film twice as much if you get the Criterion version. Also, I believe this film was produced by the team that brought you "Bottle Rocket" another zany film involving a crazy young man on a two-wheeler.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Rushmore is not for everybody
Review: First of all, a big "shame on you" to all the people who totally panned this movie. It's not bad, but not the artistic masterpiece the people who loved it make it out to be. When you love something, you tend to get a bit biased. I first saw this movie on video due to missing it in the week long run it had at the local art house. I was entertained, but something was lacking. I couldn't relate with the main character, Max, as I feel the intended theme was. I found the character annoying and void of a reason to sympathise with. I liked Bill Murray's role and wished he had gotten more screen time. I would rate this movie as it is: Anderson's sophomoric film endeavor. It's a nice homage to the teen that tried (like the film "Lucas" just not as Hollywood). It's not as "haha" funny as it is a subtle funny, so don't get fooled into thinking you'll be belly-rolling out of your chair. It's entertaining if you don't relate with the main character, but if you do, I'm sure it's a gem to treasure always; it just isn't for me. Rent it before you go out and throw down $30 on the Criterion version.


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