Rating: Summary: Hey what's that smell?! Review: I must have seen an entirely different film than many of those who were kind enough to share their enthusiasm for this critically lauded comedy. I'm sorry that I can't be one of them. I must have missed the boat on this one. I found this film so completely unfunny(except for a couple of scenes with Bill Murray). One reviewer wrote that they didn't think it was supposed to be a comedy. Of course it was meant to be a comedy and for many people as well as too many clueless critics it was successful. I may give this film one more chance on a stormy day when I have absolutely nothing better to do and somebody ties me up and holds a gun to my head. I have one request of Jason Schwartzmann before I end my diatribe: Please Please Please stop acting!!!! You have no talent so what's the point. Also, people, as far as I know, Mr. Schwartzmann hasn't been in a film since. That should say something(and no, I don't think it's that he's just very selective). I have to say though they did put alot of care into this transfer to dvd. Alot of extra features for you fans. Much better films don't get this treatment. But it's not surprising for what's already a cult-film. I beg of anybody who reads this and who loved the film: please explain to me why.....please.....I need to understand. The odd thing is that I'm looking forward to "The Royal Tenenbaums". And I have no idea why.
Rating: Summary: Im an alternate Review: I know its been said, but theres a reason for that: this is the greatest comedy I have ever seen, absolutely. Owen Wilson is a genius, and Bill Murray is beyond hillarious. A gifted Jason Schwartzman and an astounding supporting cast make this an absolute must have. I dont yet have the Criterion DVD edition, but by looking at the list of features, and judging by the Chasing Amy criterion edition, the purchase will be more than worth it.
Rating: Summary: "Why am I writing this? Because you're such a good friend." Review: I'll spare you the plot details, which you can find among the 300 or so other reviews of this movie. Instead, I just want to tell you how glad I am that I have this DVD. If you really liked the film in the theater, as I did, but didn't think you needed to see it again, I suggest you give this a try. I find that this film is so masterfully done that my appreciation for it grows each time I watch it. The dialog is snappier than a rubberband sandwich, so many of the shots capture all of the subtle nuances of great American social comedies of the mid-to-late '60s (particularly one scene where Max spys on his love interest by cracking open a door), it benefits from uniformly great music selections (especially the Mothersbaugh cues), and it's so detailed with tiny sight gags! After being sprung from juvenile hall, you briefly see Max walk up the stairs without shoelaces--isn't that something they do if you're on suicide watch? And what's with the few short uses of slow motion? My theory: sic transit gloria.
Rating: Summary: Could it be? Yes! My favorite movie EVER! Review: I enjoyed Rushmore in the theatre, and have found that it only improves on repeat viewing. From the first scene of Max solving(?) "the hardest geometry problem in the world," to the last bittersweet shot of him and Miss Cross moving onto the dance floor, Rushmore has a sweetly sad and humorous tone that is unique. Is it a comedy? Drama? Coming of age story? Whatever you may classify it, you, too, will become a member of the Max Fischer Fan Club. The soundtrack, I might add, is also mighty fine.
Rating: Summary: "What are you, a lawyer?" Review: This film is absolutely amazing. Why? Well, let's see. First off the director, Wes Anderson, did an amazing job at developing the characters and their respective personalities. Then of course there is the excellent choice of the actors and actresses chosen for the film. A mixture of well-known stars and relative new comers make it a fantastic combination of young and developed talent. And of course, the story. The story is an excellent portrayal of a 15 year old boy who is obsessed with his school, a first grade teacher, and writing/directing plays. This movie has everything you need to feel drama and comedy that the actors make known, so you really get into the film. The comedy itself is almost hidden and very dry, but it is so effective for a film of this nature. Some might say this is a "feel-good" movie, but I feel that would be cleche. I chose to say that this film is an excellent representation of young teenage rebellion, looking for a direction to travel. Rushmore, by far, is the greatest film of the 90's.
Rating: Summary: Witty movie with great style Review: I definitely loved this movie, from the very beginning, you will notice a stylized approach to your average story. After all we've all seen teen angst movies before, but this had some great elements which made it memorable. Jason Schwartzman made a great consistent performance. This is definitely a movie which works on several levels, it has a great ending with enough double-talk to make it watchable a couple of times. Overall i would rate this as a great sleeper comedy, which many people haven't seen, and should.
Rating: Summary: Cliches beneath the quirks Review: If Robert Downey Jr. and Groucho Marx were to have an intimate moment and spawn a child, that child would be Jason Schwartzman...or if Dustin Hoffman had a sense of humour and were a few inches taller (Jason's 5'3"). He's genuinely funny, as is Bill Murray, and they both have that underlying sadness (and I don't mean to imply a drug problem) that renders their dilemmas poignant. There's lots to like about 'Rushmore', quirky script, making fun of wrestling and Scotsmen, lots of wit in the editing, but one minor warning - like so many Hollywood movies, it trades on some irritating premises. Firstly, growing up is much more interesting if you attend an expensive New England private school - in fact, it becomes so interesting it might be worth filming; second, the only way to know if an adult is intelligent is to find out if they graduated from Harvard; third, women should be extremely beautiful and between the ages of 18 and 32, perhaps 34, otherwise they are not worthy of a man's love (if they do harbour a libido beyond this age, then they should be considered 'deviant' in some sense (i.e. the Connie Nielssen character); fourthly, rich older men ALWAYS have a chance with women half their age. In addition, the film has some pretensions about dealing with issues of grief and loss - um, well, I'd skip over these bits (they are tactless and embarassing) but, if it's any consolation to the film makers, Ingmar Bergman wasn't the best humorist, so perhaps things even out in the end.
Rating: Summary: Excellent Cast, Good Movie. Review: I decided to watch Rushmore after reading all the buzz about the Royal Tannenbaums, which sounds like a great movie. I think Owen and Luke Wilson are hilarious, and was ready to give Rushmore a shot. While the plot is about an older man and a 15 year old student falling in love with a teacher, this isn't like all those teenage gross out sex comedies. I don't think this is the best comedy ever like some of the quotes on the box say, but I think it was quite entertaining. The cast was excellent. Bill Murray is great as a father who is hated by his kids and ignored by his wife. He adopts Max Fisher, the do everything except study Rushmore student, as his son and they become good friends. Then they both fall in love with Olivia Williams, a first grade teacher at Rushmore. Max's love is really a crush, but then he and Bill Murray do battle for the affections of Williams. Olivia Williams is a beautiful actress who plays her part perfectly. I enjoyed every scene she was in. Max goes off the deep end, getting expelled from Rushmore. Somewhere along the line, Max turns it around and becomes friends again with Murray and Williams. He produces a play that results in a tidy, happy ending. The movie had some problems. It jumped from scene to scene without quality transitions. But it was really well made and Wes Anderson as director seems to have accomplished all he hoped for. I wish Luke Wilson had a bigger part though. I can't wait for the Royal Tannenbaums.
Rating: Summary: Why Criterion edition of movies were created Review: Anyone who loves movies, loves learning about the filmmaking process, or simply loves "Rushmore" should get this Criterion edition of "Rushmore." The extras are fantastic, but, for me, the feature length commentary by Wes Anderson, Owen Wilson, and Jason Schwartzman is what makes it exceptional. The passion that these three artists made the film with is evident with every word they speak. Also, Jason Schwartzman's assessment of Bill Murray's carrot-eating ability is priceless.
Rating: Summary: Max Fisher rules!! Review: Rushmore is truly an original. Wonderful cinematography by Robert Yeoman. A terrific script by Wes Andesron and Owen Wilson(Meet the Parents). Max Fisher's undying enthusiasm to succeed and quirky outlook will resonate with anyone. The fact that he gets a 41 in geometry shows how sometimes grades aren't the true story. The plays that Fisher puts on are hysterical. Apocalypse Now with live explosions. Jason Schwartzmann nails the Fisher part. Bill Murray should have won an oscar for his portrayal of Mr. Blume, a depressed tycoon who sees that old spark of life he used to have in Max. Criterion does a superb job with the DVD as always. The transfer is impeccable. The special features are awesome. There is enlightening commentary by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson. There are also two interviews conducted by Charlie Rose with Bill Murray and Wes Anderson. You also see the TV spots for the 1999 MTV Movie Awards where the Rushmore players do staged adaptations of Out of Sight, Armageddon, and The Truman Show. The Out of Sight play is hysterical. The design of the DVD is great. It is all hand drawn as if by Max Fisher himsely. Buy this now if you enjoy offbeat and different material. Criterion strikes again.
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