Rating: Summary: Daring Stuff in the 50's, but Method Acting Dulls the Edge Review: This is one of those not-that-great 50's movies that remains fascinating, if only because it remains such a sincere effort at picturing the early disintegration of family life that began in the affluent 50's, but is so burdened with phoney method acting and bad casting (typical for the 50's), it makes you wanna cry. James Dean tries too hard, resulting in a very bad impression of Brando. Natalie Wood needed to go back to acting school, and the over-rated Sal Mineo is so bad it's embarrassing. The older, old-pro actors of the period really show up the younger performers (good heavens, even Jim Backus turns in an excellent performance!). The writing far exceeds the abilities of the youngsters in the cast, and the music is phenomenally gorgeous but disappears under all the artificial acting of the 35-year-old "teenagers". It's a shame, because this film truly had something daring to say to its Eisenhower era audience; it's no wonder so many youngsters identified strongly with the message. But James Dean? He may have been a promising talent, but even if he'd lived longer, that promise would be a long time maturing. He is probably one of the most irritatingly "mannered" actors in the Hollywood of those days, making basic mistakes that even grammar-school drama students are trained to avoid. But, darn it, this is STILL a movie to be seen, and seen again, if for no other reason than to see the early beginnings of the counter-culture that would erupt more openly in the 60's. One compensation: the photography is quite good, even with that washed-out 50's Warner-Bros. color, and the main theme music is captivating. And the story line and dialogue are, for its time, much better than the drivel you get in many of today's socially 'serious' films. I was 15 when I saw this film at its initial release, and I can say that although it is flawed it is a *VERY* fifties piece of work that accurately defines the culture of the time, as well as the best and worst of that era's movie-making.
Rating: Summary: A good capsulization of American life in the fifties Review: So long James Dean; we'll miss you. Here's an actor who showed so much promise of a very productive acting career, but was tragically taken from us so soon. Unless you're old enough to remember this era in history and can relate to it, you probably won't find this film too interesting. The cast of this movie reads like an obituary list today; but we can all be thankful this picture is still around to showcase their talents.
Rating: Summary: Good For Its Time Review: It seems so very dated now, but back in the repressed era of the 50's this was surely disturbing. One thing that disturbs me though, Sal Mineo's performance borders on the homoerotic. Nothing wrong with that, but it is unsettling when it is not mentioned at all.
Rating: Summary: A definate must for the Dean fan! Review: REBEL is without a doubt the film Dean is most identified with and it is nice to get a version of the film that you actualy feel you are watching for the first time. The transfer on the DVD is great and the Dolby Stereo really adds a kick to give us more of a feel as to what it must have been like to catch this one in the theatres. But what makes this DVD a must are the several extras. A great little documentary that includes an alternate ending to the film! Also that great screen test from REBEL with the cast as we are let in on a feud that was going on between two of the actors and boy, does it show on screen! This little documentary is worth the price but we are also given the famous James Dean interview about driving safe! That, along with trailers and other interviews make this a worthwile buy. Of course, as with all DVDs, when you don't get an audio commentary, you always feel it could have been a notch better. But, let's not get too spoiled. Great buy for the Dean fan!
Rating: Summary: It's Good, But... Review: Well it touches on a lot of themes that are still with us. At least the kids that felt rejected didn't resort to MAC-10's, or in those days, surplus anti-tank weapons which could be mail ordered without difficulty in those days.But a lot of this is just plain corny. The first time I saw this was in college, and a girl in front of me laughed out loud at most of the "dramatic" parts. She was right, if not very polite. She also didn't have a date, which may have contributed to her attitude. Hey, if you like James Dean...
Rating: Summary: Only one problem with this film: it sucks Review: Alternative titles for this film should be "Rebel Without a Plot" or "Phoniness Without a Cause." I can't decide which one is more accurate; it's a tough call. During the film I *never* got the feeling that this was even a half-hearted attempt at describiing real life. The fact that this false, artificial, self-involved movie was a touchstone for a generation of the same qualities should tell you something about the decline of our society, and not just the decline of Hollywood filmaking. If you want true teen-age nihilism try "American Me" (first half), "Boyz N the Hood" or "Kids" instead.
Rating: Summary: Not very good. Review: I'm a fan of old movies, and I'm a fan of James Dean. But this movie fell short of my expectations. I found it shallow, and just plain silly... perhaps I'm just out of touch with that generation. When you think about it, Plato is the real Rebel Without A Cause... and I really didn't like that character. Maybe that's why this movie isn't so good, not enough Dean.
Rating: Summary: Boring and tired Review: I've heard the hype for so long. Finally saw the movie and don't see what the big deal is. Dean looked like he was 35/40 years old so the high school edge was unbelievable. Too much drama and overacting. Dean's character needed a whooping, that would have handled that .
Rating: Summary: Great classic movie Review: I love this movie not only does it give a great performance rate for everyone in it but the whole movie put togeter is a great expirience. Both James Dean and Natalie Wood are on my favorite actors list and they are great together! I highly recomend it.
Rating: Summary: A GREAT MOVIE Review: EVERYONE WAS GREAT IN PUTTING THIS MOVIE TOGETHER,SURE WISH JAMES DEAN WAS STILL ALIVE, AT LEAST I HAVE THE MOVIE,I PLAN ON BUYING MORE MOVIES OF JAMES DEAN.I RECCOMEND THIS TO EVERYONE.
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