Taxi Driver

Rating:
Summary: Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro do it again!
Review: This is one of the deepest and best films ever made. Robert DeNiro gives a performance that was truly oscar worthy in the film. The story takes you on a very deep and disturbing pschological journey into the life of a middle aged cab driver in New York City. Martin Scorsese does it again with another masterpiece in film history; further proves why he's considered one of the best directors of our time. I think some people maybe disturbed by the content, but other than that fact I can't see anything wrong with this film. This is definitely a must see film.

Rating:
Summary: I guess I just expected too much...
Review: First let me say that this is a good movie. Good, not great. I am a big Deniro fan, so I thought I should check this movie out. Its kind of like SCARFACE in the way that everybody says you HAVE to see it. So I was expecting a lot more than I got. Its a pretty good movie all the way up until the ridiculous ending. The blood looks like ketchup! I can't help but compare it to SCARFACE which had more blood and gore, but was believable. The ending of this movie just wasn't good enough for me. The acting was good all around. I almost didn't recognize Jodi Foster as the young prostitute. My point is that even if a movie sucks the ending can still save it, but this movie was good until the ending which really annoys me. Anyway, if you are a Deniro fan, then I guess you should check it out.

Rating:
Summary: The Collector's Edition DVD
Review: If you haven't seen the movie it's good in any format, and there's no need to tell you why. Just watch it and enjoy. Because many film buffs have already seen the flick, it's probably better to discuss the bells and whistles contained within the DVD. I have an old VHS copy that was beginning to lose its luster, so I added the Collector's Edition DVD to my library. Here are my thoughts on the "extras":

There is an excellent "the making of" documentary. De Niro, Scorsese, Foster, Brooks, Boyle, Sheperd, Keitel, and even the screenwriter add their anecdotes. Find out exactly where they found the weird street drummer guy who's seen performing during Betsy and Travis' big date. Other tales are told with regard to the making of the film.

This DVD claims to contain the WIDESCREEN VERSION of the film; however, I find no difference between this version and my VHS full screen copy. Perhaps you see a quarter of an inch more of the picture, but nothing more. Why letterbox the full screen version? Either the theatrical release closely resembles the Full Screen version, or the Producer of the DVD thought no one would notice.

Although the Widescreen is nothing more than Full Screen inside a letter box, the Photo Montage surprises in a very good way. Instead of a silent slide show, the producer of the cd provides additional commentary on the making of Taxi Driver. You'll learn how the screenwriter named every character, and what lengths De Niro went to prepare for his performance.

If you're looking for a DVD to replace your VHS edition, then this is suitable; however, if you want a real Widescreen edition complete with audio commentary, then you should wait until the next "Collector's Edition" is released. With 2006 just around the corner, a 20th anniversary edition is sure to come.

Rating:
Summary: Scorsese's best!
Review: I realize a lot of people haven't seen this movie, so I'm not going to talk about it too much. I simply want to encourage anyone that hasn't seen it to take a chance and watch it. Sure, you may hate it and decide you've wasted 2 hours, but that's a small price to pay. What's worse is holding off seeing this classic. I'll go ahead and say it's one of my top 5 favorite films: It's one of my top 5 favorite films.

Scorsese takes a real sweet approach to this one. Travis Bickle (Deniro) is just a great character that benefits even more from the way Scorsese zeros in on him. The slow pace of the flick allows for some excellent plot development. Some might argue that this is boring. Don't listen to them. The movie should have you sucked in from the start. The dark, gloomy feeling, the mesmorizing jazz score and the loneliness that is Travis Bickle is fascinating stuff. I've seen this a few times and I can't emphasize how awesome the character of Travis is enough.

So I guess all i'm trying to say is "Definitely get this!" At the very least bring yourself to see it when it comes on a movie channel or something.

Rating:
Summary: You talkin' to Me?
Review: Taxi Driver shocked movie audiences when it first came out in 1976. People gasped out loud at DeNiro's graphic and casual reference to what went on in the backseat of his New York taxi. People were also extremely shocked by Jodie Foster playing a hardened twelve year-old prostitute. There is a gory bloodbath at the end. By today's standards, Taxi Driver is not very shocking; there is so much sex, gore, violence, and shooting in movies today that people are used to it. Nevertheless, Taxi Driver was a groundbreaking film. Many movies after it have used its themes and style.

In 1976, New York City had a parade of prostitutes, pimps, and porno theaters. Twenty-seven year-old Travis Bickle (Robert DeNiro) gets a job driving a cab, primarily because he can't sleep. He is willing to drive "anyplace, anytime." The former Marine and Vietnam Veteran is a loner, interacting awkwardly with the other cabbies and with Betsy, a girl he falls in love with (Cybil Shepherd). Betsy is a campaign worker for Senator Palantine, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for president.

DeNiro strides into the campaign headquarters and charms her into a date for coffee. He then takes her to A PORNO THEATER, innocently thinking that because he has seen couples there, that this is an appropriate place for a date. Betsy storms off. DeNiro's confusion at her anger is a clear sign that he is mentally unstable.

Betsy refuses to see him anymore. This is the catalyst that sends Travis over the edge. He purchases every piece in a "traveling salesman's" arsenal, and pumps his thin body up. He is planning something big. To the viewer's horror, you realize he wants to assassinate Palantine to get back at Betsy, even though Palantine rode in his cab and DeNiro even has his posters in his apartment.

DeNiro then meets twelve year-old prostitute Iris (Foster). he wants to save her from her pimp, Sport, played by Harvey Keitel, and her life as a prostitute. Keitel looks and acts so much like Kevin Spacey does now, you have to see it! It is unreal.

Every movie fan should see Taxi Driver. Martin Scorcese, the director, also has a cameo and some of the most graphic lines. And you get to see a young Ray Romano's "Dad," Peter Boyle, as seasoned cabby "Wizard."

Rating:
Summary: I don't bother to review usually, but this is a great movie
Review: I have seen this movie twice. I don't care if you are offended by the violent ending, don't like jazz or are disappointed that he doesn't kill as many people as Bruce Willis in "Die Hard", anyone with at least half a brain should see that this is a great classic.

Masterful acting, directing, cinematography and manuscript. And that anyone can see.

Having said that it is also a fantastic movie for the thinking person. I love the soundtrack and the entire mood of the movie. It is very moody. I also love the story, although I imagine some of my girlfriends would find it a little gory at the end. See it if you are a thinking person, definately worth it.

Rating:
Summary: "rain will come and wash all the scum off the streets"
Review: Short and Sweet, DeNiro, Scorsese, Foster, Kietel, Sheppard and others are brought together to mak the best character study ever, it is slow but intriguing and superbly directed, it captures the characteristics of madness and sleaze and you can relate to Travis Bickle (DeNiro) in every way, even though he is a raging lunatic who his quite contempt to blowing a few pimp's heads off. It is superbly performed and pulled of and that is why it deserves its five stars and recognition.