Evel Knievel

Rating:
Summary: Elvis On Wheels...
Review: EVEL KNIEVEL was a favorite of mine when I was a kid. The idea of someone risking their life for my entertainment didn't bother me then. I was nine after all. Looking back, I think of Evel as an adrenaline freak with major issues, but still respect his right to jump over things. George Hamilton is perfect in the role of Bobby "Evel" Knievel. He captures his smirking attitude toward danger, bodily injury, and death. Hamilton hams it up in a way that only he could pull off, giving life to the legend and the man. We start off in Butte Montana (Knievel's hometown) where a young Evel watches as a car is sucked down into a sink hole. In flashbacks, we are treated to the story (well, small slices of it anyway) of Knievel's life, a tall tale almost as big as Paul Bunyan. I especially liked his obsession with and eventual kidnapping of his future wife (played by Sue Lyon). Hamilton gives us a portrait of a daredevil who knows his own destiny as an american superhero. This is Elvis on wheels, a showman who performs for us, knowing full well that he could splatter at any minute! This guy broke every bone in his body except his neck! The crashes are spectacular and disturbing. I found myself wondering at Knievel's nuttiness and disregard for safety, while marveling at what he actually did. The fact that he survived his many public suicide attempts is a miracle! Watch and enjoy...

Rating:
Summary: Cool film, horrible DVD
Review: I agree with the previous review. This is a very cool film of the early 70's, clearly designed to promote Evel and his planned jump of the Grand Canyon (he had to settle for the Snake River Canyon in Idaho instead.) But this is quite simply the worst DVD transfer I have ever seen. The video quality is terrible. For a few bucks you might consider snatching this up, but don't expect much quality wise. On the other hand, this is my favorite George Hamilton performance, although he doesn't really look like Evel, he really nails the performance. John Milius co-wrote the script early in his career.

Rating:
Summary: Cool film, horrible DVD
Review: I agree with the previous review. This is a very cool film of the early 70's, clearly designed to promote Evel and his planned jump of the Grand Canyon (he had to settle for the Snake River Canyon in Idaho instead.) But this is quite simply the worst DVD transfer I have ever seen. The video quality is terrible. For a few bucks you might consider snatching this up, but don't expect much quality wise. On the other hand, this is my favorite George Hamilton performance, although he doesn't really look like Evel, he really nails the performance. John Milius co-wrote the script early in his career.

Rating:
Summary: Evel Knievel Yes! This DVD No!
Review: I have always liked this movie. It stars George Hamilton in the role of Evel Knievel. Actual Footage of Evel Knievel jumps are included in this biographical story. Perhaps the most famous of his jumps is the one from Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas, it is included here in all of its busted up glory.

The only reason I have not to buy this movie is the horrific transfer to DVD. A bad scratchy print was used, washed out color, no state of the art sound and it is not in the widescreen format. Maybe someday a good transfer will be made, until then I wouldn't get your hopes up on this one!

Rating:
Summary: A True American Hero
Review: This film is a true classic and captures the magic that was Evel Knievel. George Hamilton does a fantastic job portraying Knievel as a larger than life icon--a true American Hero. This is a must see for ALL Knievel or Hamilton fans.

Rating:
Summary: A True American Hero
Review: This film is a true classic and captures the magic that was Evel Knievel. George Hamilton does a fantastic job portraying Knievel as a larger than life icon--a true American Hero. This is a must see for ALL Knievel or Hamilton fans.