Rating: 
Summary: Experience the impact.
Review: It is unfortunate that critics and many reviewers panned this film because it is one of the most powerful statements about ordinary people who become extraordinary by chance and commitment. "The Postman" shows that communications unite people who are then able to defeat terrorism in the guise of General Bethlehem. A look through history shows that the "Pony Express" carriers faced dangers such as wild animals, Native American war parties, outlaws, sea voyages, misunderstandings, dehydration across deserts, famine, and disease, but the mail went through. Employees of the U. S. Postal Service today work under the threat of biological, chemical, and probably explosive terrorism, but the mail is still delivered. Communications unify. David Brin's novel "The Postman" was the basis for the movie. I read the book years ago, and was very disappointed because it was hard to follow and I did not care about any character. The movie was a pleasure. Had this film been released in October 2001, I think it would be a box office hit. However, the complacency in 1997, extremely poor movie trailers, and a few editing errors overshadowed the quality of the film, which I have probably seen twenty times. One scene on the VHS version is missing from the DVD. It is when Costner defeats Patton and the Clan throw down their weapons; DVD shows one man, VHS shows many. I prefer the VHS scene. Kevin Costner is a wandering Shakespearean performer who acts with his mule Bill, his solo companion as he wanders alone. He is given the name Shakespeare when captured by the militant force that dominates what few settlements have survived the apocalypse. Will Patton's strong performance as General Bethlehem, a man who has killed so often that he has lost his sanity, is Oscar quality. Costner is the mild ordinary "every man" who is just trying to survive, and this is the reason that we never know his given name. The subtle performance is superb and believable. Costner "restored" the United States government, moved the capital to Minneapolis, and reinstated the postal service through blithe words that coincidentally ignited the idea that it was possible to be free from terrorism. When the Postman leaves Pineview with the first new mail in years a young girl starts singing "God Bless America." This seemed unreal to me, but since America was attacked on September 11, 2001, there has been a rise in patriotic songs that stir deep emotions. I now think this scene is perfect. The time line, however, seems unreasonable. Information that was revealed by the characters without showing us how they got the knowledge was edited out, and it is a flaw. Costner's character grows, as do the people who believe in him. Ultimately, he is the man who "Hands out hope like it is candy in his pocket." For character development, moving and prescient story, scenery, music, and acting this film is five stars for me. Victoria Tarrani
Rating:
Summary: Forget the Sceptics !!!!
Review: I have heard all sorts of bad reports from various sources and I have to say that in my opinion they are grocely out of context and unforgivably biassed. What are these reviewers thinking ?? I have seen 'The Postman' a number of times both at the cinema, on video and more lately on DVD and I have to say that without a doubt, I believe it is one of the finest films ever produced. The moment I watched the opening sequence to this film, I knew immediately that it was the closest approximation a 'post-apocalyptic' movie could possibly come to a real-life scenario. The acting, without exception is superb in every aspect, the scenery and backdrops are profoundly moving and the musical score is brilliantly appropriate. I would love to write more about this amazing film, however, I believe that unless one truly experiences this fantastic epic in all it's glory then justice simply won't be done. Watch it and keep an open mind, you may find, just as I did, that some of the subtle undertones are more profoundly meaningfull than you could ever have thought conceivable.
Rating: 
Summary: Not as bad as I expected, worse than it could have been
Review: Having read all the negative reviews ...first, I rented this movie expecting the worst. I rented in the first place after having read David Brin's novel on which this movie is (very) loosely based. I had the same reaction to the movie as I did to the book: it's a good story poorly told. Actually I thought the movie corrected some of the deficiencies of the book and vice versa. Now if only they could have put the best parts of each together, it could have actually been a well told story. Actually, the book and the movie shouldn't be considered the same story. They're two different stories with the same basic premise. A wandering performer trying to survive after the collapse of civilization pretends to a postman of the Restored United States. His lie takes on a life of its own and eventually he finds himself forced to fight to make it come true. Yes, the acting is bad, the lines are cheesy, and the movie is too long (which is why I took an intermission halfway through); but I found myself enjoying the story in spite of myself. This movie had a lot of potential to be a good movie and its a shame that it was so poorly done. Nevertheless, it wasn't awful. I think I was more inclined to like the movie since I had read the book already and was excited as seeing the concept on the the big screen. I was even glad that in the movie they left out some of the totally unnecessary sci-fi stuff that Brin had in the novel (like artificially intelligent talking supercomputers and cybernetic super-soldiers). ...You might enjoy it. But I'd read the book first. You'll enjoy both a lot better if you do.
Rating:
Summary: One of my favorite movies
Review: ...The plot is sound. The acting is good. It has some good action. I loved this movie the first time I saw it. When I had a chance to get it on DVD I jumped at the chance. Costner's character is a classic reluctant hero, dragged into the role because of a lie he concocts to get food and lodging for the night. See it and judge for yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Underrated
Review: It seems the five people who liked this movie out of the dozen who saw it at the theaters have written positive reviews. This movie is not overrated. It is too long (three hours too long, but it could have been bearable in half that time), too implausible, too corny, and just lacking the quality of Costner's earlier works. This ended the "good Costner era" and began the "bad Costner era" (lets hope that he can start making good movies again, because I've always liked him). Just a bumbling tale about a drifter who wants to deliver mail. Seems good, right? Dear heavens, no! I think Andy Richter summed it up best on "Late Night," when Costner's name was announced at the beginning of the show, he walked in front of the camera and said sarcastically, "Yeah, I heard his movie's a real winner." He then added, "It sucks. Don't see it." Well, whether Andy actually had to see it or not is a mystery, but apparently a writer did. Heed his advice, though, and stay away. Anybody who would say "Plan Nine From Outer Space Part 2" is underrated can bite me.
Rating: 
Summary: Bubbaluvs
Review: Contrary to what the pseudo-intellectuals think about this movie, it is a great movie all around and an inspiration to those who still believe in the strength of the human spirit. Not Costners best movie, but very typical of his style, which is very likeable and believeable. This movie would not be considered ultra-creative, but it is a good story, and worth watching again and again. My only problem with it is that it isn't long enough. Wasn't the bad guy, Bethlehem, a disgruntled movie critic before the war???
Rating:
Summary: Excellent film with excellent people
Review: This post-apocolypse picture features Kevin Costner (which we know to be quality material) as a scavenger who's story grows and grows to something quite large. The story goes from simple to extreme, and brings along a great cast of people. The villians are great, the heroes are great, and the suspense is great. The progression is done perfectly, not too fast nor too slow (though some might disagree during the middle of the film). The consistency is almost perfect, there being some unexplainable inconsistencies. But since you won't notice them having an effect on the story, it is almost obsolete. The epic vastness that the film reaches really gives a feeling of pride for these people. You have to see the film to understand it.
Rating:
Summary: How do you feel about the USPS?
Review: If you get a warm, fuzzy feeling when you here "United States Postal Service" then you might like this movie. Otherwise, forget it. I don't think I have ever laughed so hard as when the serious music sets in when Kevien Costner sees the USPS badge, as if his soul has been re-awakened. Maybe his next film should be "The Librarian" who saves the world from evil polluters by collecting fees on overdue books from the bad guys.
Rating:
Summary: Give it a chance
Review: I don't know why so many people don't like this movie. I went to see this movie with a friend (having read the book a year ago and rather interested) and quite enjoyed it. In fact, I haven't talked to anyone, face to face, who didn't like it. This is a story set in a post nuclear apocalyptic America. It is the tale of what binds people together, of sparse communities desperately trying to hold too the strings of civilization. It is also the tale of a man who becomes a hero in spite of himself. Kevin Costner's character is not particularly likeable - but then in this grim world, no one seems to be. He is a loner who creates a story about being a Postman, just to get a meal. But he also creates a hope to a shattered populace of something better. THe Postman is the tale of a man who becomes a hero, it is the tale of a nation beset by troubles, but still against all odds, hoping and praying. It is an enjoyable cinematic experience. The sex scenes and too quick ending (the later typical of the book - which is excellent and this movie does not resemble much) take this movie down to four stars.
Rating:
Summary: This movie was surprisingly wonderful! I loved it!
Review: I just saw this movie April 2001 and I wasn't expecting much, especially after the negative reviews I saw posted here. But I was pleasantly surprised! This movie is interesting, compelling, thought provoking and more. Some reviews called The Postman "sentimental drivel." (yeah, like The Titanic was a work of art? Pleeeeeeeze!) I don't agree that The Postman is drivel. It is a movie that reminds you that we have much to be grateful for - on many levels. And the moral message (which sadly, is couched in gratuitous sex and violence...) is that ultimately, good prevails. And the movie brings out one of my favorite sayings - "God doesn't call the equipped - He equips the called." Costner plays the part of an average fellow (a writer, no less) who is called upon to help others and in doing so, he rises to the occasion and is well equipped for the work. Sentimental fool that I am, I found myself moved to tears in many places. Wow, I loved this movie. :)
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