Rating: 
Summary: My Feelings About Dogfight
Review: I saw this movie for the first time only quite recently, when I "discovered" I got into sobriety the exact day that River's autopsy was signed, "coincidentally."
I like this movie, because it depicts the character he plays, Eddie Birdlace, falling for the someone played by Lili Taylor, whom he brings to the Marines' "dogfight" contest, to see whose date is ugliest. I feel for the women playing these "dogs," because it can't be easy playing someone like that--besides, Taylor is pretty, so she hardly qualifies, anyway.
One thing in the film I have a hard time with is how graphic the sex scene in the brothel is. Nancy Savoca directed this, and it couldn't have been easy for her, either, since a man, Bob Comfort, wrote it. Also, there is a lot of cussing in this, but that is to "play up" the hardness of the Marines, I suppose.
I like the cast of this movie--I read that River and the other men playing Marines had to undergo rigorous training in a boot camp, where the drill sargeant ridiculed his vegan diet and so on. I read that he had a hard time getting out of character for this role, too, but that's another story.
I believe the popularity of it has stemmed from the fact that his character ends up falling for the one played by Taylor. So women who weren't necessarily slim or "Vogue"-pretty were ones who might "have a chance" with this guy. That's what I read, anyway. And since I'm not that beautiful, myself, I can relate to what is going on, here, somewhat. I don't believe I'd fall for a Marine, though! :)
I like that it's set in the Vietnam era, too, because I was born then, and it is "relevant" to me.
I confess, though--I had never heard of this movie, until I "figured it out" about River's autopsy "getting me" into sobriety. Him and the Virgin Mary. It's a long story. Please look under my review of "The Thing Called Love," for more details, if you are curious. :)
Rating: 
Summary: Breathtaking!!
Review: "Dogfight" is one of the most moving, and quietly stunning pictures of the last 20 years. It is the modern-day Romeo and Juliet!
River Phoenix is, as per usual, simply amazing in this movie: he was such an amazing actor. Lili Taylor can stand her ground with River, and plays Rose with charisma and power.
"Dogfight" is one of those movies you find by suprise, and watch it because there's nothing else on. But once you watch the first five minutes, I can guarantee you will love this story to the end - and want to watch it again and again. Created on a tiny budged, "Dogfight" is a movie that shows no matter how many Hollywood blockbusters are thrown at us, there is no comparison between them and the real thing.
And, believe me - "Dogfight" is not just awe-inspiring, but it puts every movie over the £2million mark to shame!
Rating: 
Summary: It happened THAT night!
Review: An enchanting litle fable about a boy, a cruel bet, hidden beauty, and finding true love. THAT's the "G" version, this one's slightly saltier and almost a "coming of age" journey.River Phoenix ["son" of James Dean] is achingly poignant as the soldier to be, going on a bet to find the ugliest date, and falling in love with the enchanting Lili Taylor [our Julie Harris], who always makes the correct career choice. It's simply told, straightforward with Award quality performances [litle cameo by rising Brendan Fraser]. Superbly written dialogue.
Rating:
Summary: Hidden treasure
Review: As most of the River fans know Dogfight was not one of the movies he was very famous for. When I saw River in this movie I thought he was great as a foul mouth talkin Marine. My favorite part is when they start playing Don't think twice it's alright by Bob Dylan. This song was perfect for the scene, and it touched me greatly. River was a very handsome, talented deep actor, and I still love this movie the best and will keep watching over and over again!
Rating:
Summary: This movie is GREAT
Review: At first when I seen the movie Dogfght at the video store I was saying to myself it is going to be stupid...but I rented anyway. And I can't believe how much I loved it, I watched 3 times in one night. So you should BUY THIS MOVIE!!! Because if you don't you are going to be kicking yourself
Rating:
Summary: great movie
Review: Definitely recommend this one. Touching and heartfelt. Just beautiful. River Phoenix would definitely have been one of the top actors of his generation today. What a loss for fans of the big screen.
Rating:
Summary: Favorite All Time Movie
Review: Definitely recommend this one. Touching and heartfelt. Just beautiful. River Phoenix would definitely have been one of the top actors of his generation today. What a loss for fans of the big screen.
Rating:
Summary: DOGFIGHT - The ultimate love story!
Review: Dogfight is a simple story set in a complex time(early '60's/ Vietnam War time). River Phoenix and Lili Taylor are both phenomenal in this low budget film directed by Nancy Savoca. It is set in 1963 San Francisco, four Marines are out on the town for thier last night of fun before shipping out to Okinawa. They have arranged a "dogfight", a contest where the Marine with the ugliest "date" wins. Little did Eddie Birdlace(Phoenix) know, he would find true love in Rose Tinney(Taylor), his "date" for the contest. This movie is the most realistic, touching, and darkly humorous love story I've ever seen. I saw it for the first time several years ago and fell in love with it. Phoenix gives his best performance, next to My Own Private Idaho, in this film, and Taylor hers next to I Shot Andy Warhol. This film also has a great soundtrack, lots of folk music not normally used in early '60's period films, though it must be out of print because I can't seem to find it anywhere. This film didn't see a wide release and is fairly hard to find in rental stores, but it is well worth your time and money to get it. If you like the everyday, run-of-the-mill, romance films, you will love this extraordinary one. It's fresh and new, not like the more commercial films of this genera. It is definately a must have for River Phoenix or Lili Taylor fans.
Rating:
Summary: THE BEST MOVIE!
Review: Dogfight is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It's such a beatiful film that makes you feel warm inside (but not in a "chick Flick" sort of way) I enjoyed it very very much. It's a movie for any and everybody! River Phoenix is sweet in it and Lili Taylor is marvelous! I can't say one bad thing about that movie! GET IT NOW! (the music is great too!)
Rating:
Summary: Phoenix in macho role
Review: DOGFIGHT(1991) was not released theatrically outside the US, and Warner Bros. had only a limited release in the States. Maybe they were wrong, because the film enjoyed a cult even before River died in `93. It could have been a "sleeper". River Phoenix and Lili Taylor star as a most unlikely couple and they play with nuances seldom seen for actors their age... The film is on a quiet level and (maybe) more realistic than other more famous film (Full Metal Jacket, Platoon etc)... It is - with My Own Private Idaho - River Phoenix`finest hour as an actor...
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