Rating: 
Summary: Deserves a Special Edition
Review: "Running on Empty" is a genuinely affecting film whose merits have been forgotten in the years since its release. In this tale about a family on the run from the law, the three leads register strong, memorable performances. The late River Phoenix is excellent, and he earned a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for this role, which was to be a highlight of his tragically short career.On this DVD, the movie is presented in full frame (square, as in not letterboxed), which may be disappointing to some. However, "Running on Empty" was initially shot full frame (or "flat") on 35mm and later matted to a 1:85 aspect ratio for theatrical release -- a common practice for a lot of films, including such big budget movies like "Jurassic Park" and "Back to the Future." When presented as full frame on television, the viewer is actually getting more of the image that was originally photographed than they would be if it were letterboxed. That being said, film aficionados would've appreciated a widesreen DVD presentation that would've simulated the theatrical version. Plus, a widescreen DVD can be anamorphically enhanced for viewing on HD or HD-enhanced sets. At the time of its original release, "Running on Empty" received critical praise and numerous awards, but the DVD has the scantest of bonus materials. (Interestingly, its screenwriter, Naomi Foner, is the mother of actors Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal.) It would be great to hear the filmmakers and cast reflect on the production and working with River Phoenix. "Running on Empty" deserves the Special Edition treatment, but it stands alone and is definitely worth seeing, no matter the presentation.
Rating:
Summary: Deserves a Special Edition
Review: "Running on Empty" is a genuinely affecting film whose merits have been forgotten in the years since its release. In this tale about a family on the run from the law, the three leads register strong, memorable performances. The late River Phoenix is excellent, and he earned a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for this role, which was to be a highlight of his tragically short career. On this DVD, the movie is presented in full frame (square, as in not letterboxed), which may be disappointing to some. However, "Running on Empty" was initially shot full frame (or "flat") on 35mm and later matted to a 1:85 aspect ratio for theatrical release -- a common practice for a lot of films, including such big budget movies like "Jurassic Park" and "Back to the Future." When presented as full frame on television, the viewer is actually getting more of the image that was originally photographed than they would be if it were letterboxed. That being said, film aficionados would've appreciated a widesreen DVD presentation that would've simulated the theatrical version. Plus, a widescreen DVD can be anamorphically enhanced for viewing on HD or HD-enhanced sets. At the time of its original release, "Running on Empty" received critical praise and numerous awards, but the DVD has the scantest of bonus materials. (Interestingly, its screenwriter, Naomi Foner, is the mother of actors Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal.) It would be great to hear the filmmakers and cast reflect on the production and working with River Phoenix. "Running on Empty" deserves the Special Edition treatment, but it stands alone and is definitely worth seeing, no matter the presentation.
Rating:
Summary: Deserves a Special Edition
Review: "Running on Empty" is a genuinely affecting film whose merits have been forgotten in the years since its release. In this tale about a family on the run from the law, the three leads register strong, memorable performances. The late River Phoenix is excellent, and he earned a Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for this role, which was to be a highlight of his tragically short career. On this DVD, the movie is presented in full frame (square, as in not letterboxed), which may be disappointing to some. However, "Running on Empty" was initially shot full frame (or "flat") on 35mm and later matted to a 1:85 aspect ratio for theatrical release -- a common practice for a lot of films, including such big budget movies like "Jurassic Park" and "Back to the Future." When presented as full frame on television, the viewer is actually getting more of the image that was originally photographed than they would be if it were letterboxed. That being said, film aficionados would've appreciated a widesreen DVD presentation that would've simulated the theatrical version. Plus, a widescreen DVD can be anamorphically enhanced for viewing on HD or HD-enhanced sets. At the time of its original release, "Running on Empty" received critical praise and numerous awards, but the DVD has the scantest of bonus materials. (Interestingly, its screenwriter, Naomi Foner, is the mother of actors Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal.) It would be great to hear the filmmakers and cast reflect on the production and working with River Phoenix. "Running on Empty" deserves the Special Edition treatment, but it stands alone and is definitely worth seeing, no matter the presentation.
Rating: 
Summary: Phoenix's best film, wonderful drama
Review: "Running on Empty" This is quite possibly River Phoenix's best film, and certainly his Oscar nomination was well deserved. The elder son in a family who live on the run from the FBI (for a crime they committed in protest at the Vietnam war in the early seventies), Phoenix's Danny is a complex and talented young man who reaches an impasse; he must choose between his life on the run or risk a life without his family in order to achieve his own potential as a talented pianist. It's hard not to identify with this family, they are all fully realised characters superbly portrayed all round. All the performances here - Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, Martha Plimpton, Steven Hill et al - are standouts. The direction by Sidney Lumet is gentle and observant, the script by Naomi Foner subtle and honest. While the entire film is engaging and poignant, particularly memorable is the birthday dinner scene, where brilliant use is made of James Taylor's Fire and Rain. The song is repeated hauntingly at the film's climax, and if that scene doesn't make you at least want to cry, you're better of down the local multiplex binging on popcorn between the set-pieces.
Rating:
Summary: River Phoenix & Martha Plimpton's chemistry is electrifying.
Review: A stellar cast, great writing, a sing-a-long to a James Taylor song, and a sweet romance between Danny & Lorna. What else could you want in a movie? As with my review of "Untamed Heart," the reason I enjoyed "Running On Empty" so much though is the romance that blooms before our eyes between River Phoenix and Martha Plimpton. It couldn't have been portrayed more real if they were an actual couple. Judd Hirsch & Christine Lahti are great parents in this film as well. Sure, they've broken the law, but their love for their children is indisputable. One of my favorite films for all of the things mentioned above, especially the romance, and for the love of music on behalf of River's character. I wish Time Warner would remaster this dvd. It deserves better than full screen/mono stereo. At least give it an anamorphic widescreen treatment...
Rating:
Summary: Drama at its very best
Review: Arthur and Annie Pope along with their two sons, Danny and Harry, have been on the run and hiding from the law for years. This stems from the parents staging a bomb attack on a Napalm factory in their protest of the Vietnam War coupled with a factory worker getting seriously injured in the process. Always on the move, changing identities, and having no semblance of stability in their lives, the Popes gradually become weary of the chase and are forced to question their beliefs on family unity, which is paramount to them. Settling in New Jersey after yet another close call with authorities, Annie Pope enrolls her son in a local high school where his talent for playing the piano is quickly noticed and appreciated by his music teacher. So much so that arrangements are put into motion for Danny to attend the Julliard School of Music on a scholarship. Arthur and Annie Pope, kept out of the loop, eventually learn of these plans plus Danny's evolving relationship with his music teacher's daughter and his fervent desire to act on the scholarship. The Pope family is forced to examine their lives, their beliefs, and their convictions regarding the impending consequences of finally breaking the family circle. This leads up to a very moving and poignant climax in the movie that is nothing short of outstanding. As many reviewers have already stated, the quality of the acting in this movie is absolutely stellar. Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, River Phoenix, and Martha Plimpton render such heartfelt performances that they appear to be a real family in the real world. Although River Phoenix was nominated for an Oscar (rightly so and he was a phenomenal talent), everyone mentioned above deserved a nomination probably just as much. Each time I watch Running On Empty, which is frequently, I always think of how River Phoenix's career would have had a meteoric rise and how much more pleasure he would have brought to movie audiences. Running On Empty is an ideal example of drama at its very best. In regards to emotional impact, this movie pushes all your buttons from start to finish. You'll want to laugh and cry and eventually you'll realize just how deep love, commitment, understanding, forgiveness, and hope really run in a family. This movie is remarkable and I recommend it to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: Drama at its very best
Review: Arthur and Annie Pope along with their two sons, Danny and Harry, have been on the run and hiding from the law for years. This stems from the parents staging a bomb attack on a Napalm factory in their protest of the Vietnam War coupled with a factory worker getting seriously injured in the process. Always on the move, changing identities, and having no semblance of stability in their lives, the Popes gradually become weary of the chase and are forced to question their beliefs on family unity, which is paramount to them. Settling in New Jersey after yet another close call with authorities, Annie Pope enrolls her son in a local high school where his talent for playing the piano is quickly noticed and appreciated by his music teacher. So much so that arrangements are put into motion for Danny to attend the Julliard School of Music on a scholarship. Arthur and Annie Pope, kept out of the loop, eventually learn of these plans plus Danny's evolving relationship with his music teacher's daughter and his fervent desire to act on the scholarship. The Pope family is forced to examine their lives, their beliefs, and their convictions regarding the impending consequences of finally breaking the family circle. This leads up to a very moving and poignant climax in the movie that is nothing short of outstanding. As many reviewers have already stated, the quality of the acting in this movie is absolutely stellar. Christine Lahti, Judd Hirsch, River Phoenix, and Martha Plimpton render such heartfelt performances that they appear to be a real family in the real world. Although River Phoenix was nominated for an Oscar (rightly so and he was a phenomenal talent), everyone mentioned above deserved a nomination probably just as much. Each time I watch Running On Empty, which is frequently, I always think of how River Phoenix's career would have had a meteoric rise and how much more pleasure he would have brought to movie audiences. Running On Empty is an ideal example of drama at its very best. In regards to emotional impact, this movie pushes all your buttons from start to finish. You'll want to laugh and cry and eventually you'll realize just how deep love, commitment, understanding, forgiveness, and hope really run in a family. This movie is remarkable and I recommend it to everyone.
Rating:
Summary: The Real 1960's
Review: Everyone's already written about how finely acted this movie is and I agree with them all. But what they haven't said is that this is, as far as I know, the only movie that really portrays serious 60's radicals as they were, or as they felt themselve to be. There's something fake about all the others; this is what we really felt, how we really acted and how we really paid for those beliefs. And, paradoxically, this is a true movie about famliy values. Not about flag waving, sugar syrup and uncessasary wars, but about loyalty and love.
Rating:
Summary: The Real 1960's
Review: Everyone's already written about how finely acted this movie is and I agree with them all. But what they haven't said is that this is, as far as I know, the only movie that really portrays serious 60's radicals as they were, or as they felt themselve to be. There's something fake about all the others; this is what we really felt, how we really acted and how we really paid for those beliefs. And, paradoxically, this is a true movie about famliy values. Not about flag waving, sugar syrup and uncessasary wars, but about loyalty and love.
Rating:
Summary: Paradise Lost
Review: Honesty is even more of a rare fruit today and if you crave for honesty this movie is for you. I recall watching this movie before 9/11 and it had a very powerful impact but it did no have such a devastating impact as watching it after 9/11. Suddenly problem of getting alienated by the 'society' became so painfully immidiate. Yes, paradise is lost and once again we are immersed into the paranoia and suspiciousness and these feelings are masterfully manipulated. So, would you want to join this witch hunting vengeful crusader mob or live as an outcast as family in this movie does? What if your kids will decide to share pleasures of herd grazing? These are the tantalizing questions dealt with very powerfully in this movie.
Cast, music and direction are superb.
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