Rating: 
Summary: Movie: 4 stars; DVD: 3 stars
Review: Early in "Boogie Nights," Eddy Adams (having just been offered the chance to become the porn star whose rise and fall the film chronicles) is thrown out of his mother's house. He is unable to say anything but, "I'm going to do something! You'll see!" A lesser screenwriter would give Eddy an eloquent monologue. Paul Thomas Anderson allows Eddy to be inarticulate. He is smart enough to avoid making all his characters as smart as he is.This is part of what earns the comparisons to the work of Martin Scorsese, Robert Altman and Jonathan Demme. Anderson allows each character in his world of '70s porn filmmakers to speak for him or herself in an epic that rises above its campy subject. His script is buoyed by awe-inspiring performances from rising stars in starmaking roles (Mark Wahlberg, Heather Graham), legends in career best work (Burt Reynolds, Robert Ridgely) and national treasures in consistently great performances (Julianne Moore, William H. Macy, Don Cheadle). Anderson is as adept at doing interesting things with the camera as he is at creating compelling characters. The film has a plodding third act that's better on repeat viewings, and it will be off-putting to those disturbed by graphic sex and violence (although, for it subject, it has little sex and nudity: about 15 minutes out of 155), but for those who can watch "Taxi Driver" without recoiling, it is that rare film that reveals something new with each viewing. The sound transfer on this DVD suffers for those who have theater-quality sound systems, but the extras are more a problem than the sound. Although this single-disk version is loaded with extras, it is a letdown compared to its double-disk counterpart. Most annoying, Anderson's enthusiastic commentary references deleted scenes not included on this disk but included in the two (e.g.: the fall of Becky Barnett). Shame on New Line for not including Rahad Jackson's ending, even on the double disk! The most fun extras are the character bios, also included in the double-disk set. For the mild fan, this disk will be more than enough, but for the hardcore fan more likely to buy the DVD, at only a few dollars more, the double disk is a better bargain.
Rating:
Summary: flashy and exciting 2nd film by PTA
Review: My first experience with director Paul Thomas Anderson was Magnolia, his third film. It took many a repeated viewings to relish, but now that I do, I consider it to be one of the highest points of filmmaking of the 90's if not the entirety of film history. Anderson has a distinct style: ensemble characters, San Fernando setting, the same character actors, and colorful cinematography. Boogie Nights is the flashier, more instantly entertaining of the two. It's also shorter by forty minutes, yet still has the "sprawling epic" feel that either turns people off or on to Anderson depending on who you are and where your tastes lie. The film centers around the porn industry as many should know by now with all the buzz this film has received because of its controversial and sexually provacative subject. Boogie Nights focuses on the family that surrounds pornographers, more so than the pornography and sex itself- How patriarchal director Jack Horner (played superbly in the role of his career by Burt Reynolds) and matriarchal porno star Amber Waves (Julianne Moore, also in a stunning performance) sort of adopt a 17 year old heavily- endowed dishwasher, Eddie Adams, aka Dirk Diggler (Mark Wahlberg) into their family of porno films, pool parties, and cocaine. Dirk's ego (and cocaine habit) gradually intensify as he becomes the "award-winning" star of a series of James Bondian type adult film as "Brock Landers." Anderson pokes great fun at the haste with which the plot, dialogue, and script in these movies is executed, yet he does so without denigrating Horner's hope that the films will attract audiences who'll come not just to see the pornographic material but the rest of the film too. As the 80's dawn his world, Horner is forced to abandon these ambitions of artistic integrity with the introduction of videotape, in which people can fastforward straight to the sexual parts, so why even bother making a film with plot and characters? A decline is inevitable for all characters filled with shocking violence, drugs, and prostitution. This is a Paul Thomas Anderson picture though, so naturally there's a redemptive though unsentimental ending. The performances are incredible. Wahlberg is charismatic and nuanced in the breakthrough role of Dirk. The first choice of the role was Leonardo DiCaprio but Wahlberg makes you forget about Leo with his acting chops and magnetic intensity. Moore plays a woman too addicted to maintain relationships with her child with bravura. Burt Reynolds is fantastic as Horner, probably the best performance in the whole movie, which is saying a lot considering the high-grade talent in the film which includes among others, veterans, William H. Macy, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Melora Walters, Don Cheadle, Philip Baker Hall, and John C. Reilly, all as pornographers on some level or another. Boogie Nights is one incredible film. Love it or hate it; it's packed to the brim with comedic and dramatic electricity. See it for any of its many virtues: acting, directing, cinematography, music, or the unique subject matter itself. This is not a film to be missed.
Rating: 
Summary: Worthwhile
Review: Boogie Nights is an entertaining movie, but not a fantastic one. While Burt Reynolds and of course Don Cheadle are solid choices for their roles, the film hinges largely on the performance and natural charisma of Wahlberg, who is possibly the only actor who could even be imagined in this role without risking his career. Claims that the story is based on that of John Holmes are nothing but publicity to give it more legitimacy than a completely fictional narrative about the porn industry, which is really what it is. Wahlberg's character bears no specific resemblance to Holmes whatsoever, and the narrative is entirely generic of its topic: pool parties, drug use, filming porn scenes. The "big package" schtick is too repetitive and overdone, and in fact is the main drama of the entire film: Will we get to see it after witnessing the jaw-dropping over-reactions of nearly everyone else who appears on screen, or not? Such tension. Wahlberg's persona is portrayed as overly stupid, almost appearing to have a significant mental impairment, and with minimal comic advantage. His total wide-eyed gullibility gets tiring, but is balanced somewhat by the grittier drug deal scenes in the second half of the film. Although this film does have its moments and is worth watching overall, it is not a legendary cinematic achievement.
Rating: 
Summary: look past the subject matter and watch a fantastic movie
Review: I first saw this movie when it was released on video back when I was in high school. I was blown away by the performances and just the film as a whole. I loved the movie, but I ran into a problem: I didn't know how to tell people about the movie. I could say that there was this new movie (at the time) that was absolutely fantastic by a talented new director. Then I would be asked what the movie is about. And there is the rub; a description of the movie may not sound very appealing. The movie is about Eddie Adams, a well endowed young man who breaks into the adult film industry in the late 70's. The movie is his story, as he rises from just being a kid to the biggest star in the industry. Boogie Nights also details his fall from the heights of fame. The movie also deals with a large cast and the story sweeps wide enough to tell the stories of several other major characters. Boogie Nights also stars John C Reilly, Don Cheadle, Burt Reynolds, Julianne Moore, and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Everything sounds fantastic, but it a little difficult to sell someone on the idea of watching a movie about a kid breaking into the porn industry. However, given the chance, this is a fantastic movie. Simply put, this is a well told story and is really a variation on a very old theme. The fact that it is set in the porn industry should not be a reason to not see the movie. As a warning, there is quite a bit of nudity, drug use and cursing. Children should not see this movie, and if the content is the cause of someone not seeing Boogie Nights, I understand that. If the content is not a problem, then look past the subject matter and watch an excellent movie.
Rating:
Summary: Dare I Say the Best Film of the Decade? Yes!
Review: Boogie Nights may not only be the best movie in the best year for film since 1976 but the best of it's decade. Mark Wahlberg sheds his Marky Mark persona by play Dirk Diggler, an up and cuming porn star who finds a family in his co-stars. Director Jack Horner, played by a resurgant Burt Reynolds, is the father figure to Dirk while Amber Waves (Julianne Moore) assumes the role of mother. It's a dysfuncial family at that but maybe the most stable a young man in the 1970's San Fernado Valley could have. Dirk starts out a wide-eyed kid from Torance who gets swept up by Horner and co. after a blow-up with his emotionally abusive, acholic mother. Paul Thomas Anderson directs with such skillful hand that we come to understand the decisions he makes but realize where it's going to lead. The assemble cast includes a lintany of names too long to metion all of them but particularly good is John C. Reilly, collaberating again with Anderson who'd given him his best role yet in Hard Eight. The reissued DVD is absolutely worthwhile even for those of you who already have the previous. The most notable inclusion is a Scorsese-esque scene in which Dirk attempts to come to Becky's aid after her marriage turns sour. In his voice over commentary PTA explains he wanted somebody in the film to get away clean thus decided to make the difficult cut. The other nine deleteds are just as good, nothing new but still as entertaining as they were when the DVD was first released. I hate to turn people off to such a fabulous film but I've found most people have a very strong reaction to it, you'll either love it or hate it, there's no middle ground here. And while I hate to discard great films such as Goodfellas and Pulp Fiction into a runners-up catogory I can't help but think this was the best film of the 90's and it's reach could easily span two decades if not for Raging Bull (which is given proper credit for inspiring the film's final scene). It's not to be missed!
Rating:
Summary: A Wild, Sexy Trip On The "Dirk" Side.
Review: Here is a film that is a fascinating look at an era, a controversial business, and some one of a kind characters. .............. Right from the open this story sucks you in, to use an appropriate term. Marky Mark Wahlberg plays a young naive boy, whose personal endowments, when discovered and marketed by a pornographic movie maker played by the legendary Burt Reynolds, make him a star re-named hilariously "Dirk Diggler". Unfortunately for Dirk, the pitfalls of stardom await and engulf him too soon after his star has risen. Will he survive, or fall? Watch this and see. ............... The ensemble cast is knockout here. The aforementioned Burt Reynolds makes a great comeback, and Wahlberg seems so real that you can feel just what he's going through as you view the film. John C. Reilly is perfect as a fellow male porn star who helps mentor Dirk along with Reynolds. I personally liked "The Colonel" a strange expressioned producer whose plastic smile and expression don't change a bit when viewing Dirk's credentials for the first time. Hilarious! Julianne Moore is outstanding as "Amber Waves", Dirks co-star. She shows a wide range of emotion here. There's also Heather Graham as "rollergirl", and William H. Macy in a great role as a camera man who is tortured by the infidelities of his wife, played by real life porn star Nina Hartley. In a recurring situation she sleeps with crew members, which humiliates him in front of the entire set. They're all waiting for a turn with his wife, as HE watches! In a shocking scene, he finally snaps, but YOU must watch and find out how. ................ Now that I've tempted you, I must tell you that I've only given you an IDEA of what goes on here. What I can't tell you beyond some descriptive words, is the great mood and flavor of the movie. It DEFIES description, you must experience it. Paul Thomas Anderson, only on his second outing, uses music, cinematography, and fashion to recreate the 70s in a style dare I say "comparable" to veteran master director Martin Scorcese. The movie has a magic all it's own from these elements used in such a highly effective manner, it truly sizzles. I'd also compare it to Brian DePalma's masterpiece "Carlito's Way" (see my review), for it's ability to capture the 70s era with such quintessential style and excitement. ............... "Boogie Nights" is far more than a movie about the porn industry. It's a commentary, a mockumentary, an adventure, a comedy, a drama, a treat for the senses, and a MUST SEE film that stands alone in it's originality.
Rating:
Summary: "Boogie Nights" a winner
Review: Aimless 17 year old Eddie Adams is a high school dropout who works in a car wash by day and busses tables by night. Life is uneventful until he catches the eye of top adult film producer Jack Horner (Burt Reynolds). To Jack's delight Eddie is very well endowed, and thus Eddie becomes "Dirk Diggler". Film covers the adult film industry from 1977-1984, and Dirk is an overnight sensation. He's welcomed into Horner's circle which is pretty much a motley bunch: Amber (Julianne Moore), a mother figure who occasionally has a cocaine binge, Rollergirl (Heather Graham), a sex kitten who feels lost in life, Scotty (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), a gay sound man with a crush on Dirk, Reed (John P. Reilly), a fellow porn star, Little Bill (William H. Macy), a troubled production assistant, Buck (Don Cheadle), a frustrated actor who wants to start his own stereo shop, and the Colonel (Robert Ridgely) a sleazy older man who produces Jack Horner's films. All are in a family type of relationship, so this reminds one of "Goodfellas", only we have pornography instead of guns and murder. As Dirk's success grows so does his head, and he changes from a genuinely likable kid into an irrational a**hole. We really don't enjoy this change. But this movie is powerful on so many levels that I don't have the room to list all of them. One worth noting: The film is an observant human portrait; and yet of so many characters. Some of the deleted scenes are good to have, and others were better off on the cutting room floor. New Line always packs their DVD's with lots of extra goodies, so have fun!
Rating:
Summary: Good story about the porn industry set in the 1970s
Review: I heard the film was too long. That's a usual complaint of mine, but somehow I was sorry when it was over. This was in spite of a so-so surface story that never really got into the depth that critics were hoping for. But I wouldn't change anything about this movie. Its set in the 70s and tells the story of a young man's rise to fame in the adult entertainment world because of his one and only attribute. Marky Mark is the young man. Burt Reynolds is the pornographer named Jack Horner. Julianne Moore plays a porn star who befriends and loves Marky Mark in a maternal way. And there is also a new young actress with a great body who never takes off her roller skates. A few other well-defined characters round out a series of interrelated stories. The 70's settings are perfect and I felt an authenticity thats rarely found in retro pieces like this. I think it gives an accurate picture of the craziness of that particular period of time, including the recreational drug use and eight-track tape music. One thing I liked is that the film never tried to be anything it wasn't. It wasn't a serious drama. It wasn't a silly comedy. It wasn't a story about the wages of sin. It was just simply an interesting story and I liked it.
Rating:
Summary: The Porn Industry - Glamorous, Hedonistic and... Endearing?
Review: This is an exceptionally well done film. A careful balance of humorous art direction, incredible acting, and cleverly constructed dialogue allows "Boogie Nights" to ascend the stigma attached to the subject matter (which happens to concern a star rising and falling in the 1970's porn industry). It generates a surprisingly laid-back, groovy and even comforting mood while telling an intriguing story of a subculture about which most of us make presumptions, but know very little. The character studies are fascinating, most eliciting compassion for the weaknesses of a troubled community of remarkably average people who didn't pursue hedonistic tendencies as much as they sought acceptance, friendship and success in the only industry that would allow them to feign they were glamorous and special, as short-lived an illusion as it would end up being.
Rating:
Summary: Strange Brew...
Review: This is an exceptionally well done film. Carefully balanced art direction, acting, and dialogue allow the story to ascend the stigma attached to the subject matter (which happens to concern a star rising and falling in the 1970's porn industry). It generates a surprisingly laid-back, groovy and even comforting mood while telling an intriguing story of a subculture about which most of us make presumptions, but know very little. The character studies are fascinating, most eliciting compassion for the weaknesses of a troubled community of remarkably average people who didn't pursue hedonistic tendencies as much as they sought acceptance, friendship and success in the only industry that would allow them to feign they were glamorous and special, as short-lived an illusion as it would end up being.
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