Rating: Summary: The Now Generation, Disney Style Review: A decade before "Escape from New York" transformed him into action hero beefcake, Kurt Russell played a hunky, fresh-faced teenager who exuberantly outwitted older authority figures in eight Disney movies, from "The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit" (1968) to "The Strongest Man in the World" (1975). They were not box office bonanzas, but they effectively mollified adult fears during the era of Woodstock and Kent State by presenting a harmless, good-natured youth rebellion (and one limited to white, middle class, hetero kids). "The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes" is the first of Kurt's three forays as Dexter Riley, a mild-mannered misfit vaguely studying science at Medfield College -- essentially the same role that Tommy Kirk played in "The Misadventures of Merlin Jones" and "The Monkey's Uncle." But Tommy, recently out and outed, was obviously miserable and struggling with the role, and his co-stars hysterically overacted to keep him in line. Kurt is relaxed and confident, having fun with the role. [I feel] there is still a gay subtext, but it occurs naturally in the interaction of the characters (several played by gay actors). There is a subdued hetero love interest and a lot of pleasant buddy-bonding, but, as in most collegiate movies, the major plot dynamic is in the conflict between exuberant youth and mendacious adulthood.
Rating: Summary: no widescreen Review: First off, this is a great and hysterically funny movie. I have seen it a dozen times and own it on vhs. But I refuse to buy even a great movie like this one when Disney is foisting it on us without widescreen, but getting the same price as other studios for their dvd's. And where are the extras? theatrical trailers, behind the scenes, anything? See the Vault Disney collection to see how all the Disney movies should be treated. It is agood movie, but I will keep my VHS and hold out.
Rating: Summary: Disney Meets the Mob Review: Fresh off his "Toby Tyler" days, in the early 70s, Kurt Russell was just about to blossom into what would eventually become his trademark/leading man/hunk persona in this fluffy little outing. Kurt, in a very Peter-Parker-esque maneuver, gets the entire contents of a mega-computer's memory (and cognitive abilities) instantly downloaded into his teenaged human brain during a rainstorm. Problem is, the computer in question belongs to a vicious mobster played by Cesar Romero, and it also contains the mob's info on their illegal ongoing activities. Best way to watch this one is to treat it as if it were dead/Quentin Tarrantino serious. For all it's pablum Disney humor, the core story has actually been imitated many times since, particularly in films like "The Lawnmower Man."
Rating: Summary: 5 Stars for Fun & Kurt! Review: I agree with many others whose reviews echo my own ... DISNEY, get a clue WIDESCREEN FORMAT PLEASE!... Lack of Widescreen is the sole reason I haven't purchased this classic Kurt Russell film. Great childhood memory, a film I'd love to share with my kids who like the grown-up Kurt & would love to see him in his 'Disney day's. Hasn't anyone @ Disney been keeping up with technology? Haven't they heard of HDTV? Have they purchased a DVD lately? If it's not widescreen, it's not worth the investment. Try again Disney,I'm waiting with my $ in hand!
Rating: Summary: 5 Stars for Fun & Kurt! Review: I agree with many others whose reviews echo my own ... DISNEY, get a clue WIDESCREEN FORMAT PLEASE!... Lack of Widescreen is the sole reason I haven't purchased this classic Kurt Russell film. Great childhood memory, a film I'd love to share with my kids who like the grown-up Kurt & would love to see him in his 'Disney day's. Hasn't anyone @ Disney been keeping up with technology? Haven't they heard of HDTV? Have they purchased a DVD lately? If it's not widescreen, it's not worth the investment. Try again Disney,I'm waiting with my $ in hand!
Rating: Summary: dune buggies, super computers, and the joker without makeup Review: I can't believe it took Disney so long to release this... It is an all time classic film from Disney and I think it's held up very well. Joe Flynn, Russell (pre-Goldie), and the tall blond conservationist guy from St. Elsewhere (i think) all join in on this madcap late 60's early 70's romp. Big computers, apple jack, and college hi-jinks. I was only 7 when it came out and probably saw it first a few years after its release and I still love it. It really is like a time capsule back to that time (Maybe more of a Disney version of the times than a real portrait but nevertheless it does make you wish we could go back to simpler times). PS: A good movie for the whole family.
Rating: Summary: Not a fan Review: I really didn't like this movie for a couple simple reasons. First of all, if you already have a VHS copy of this, don't buy the dvd, with no extras and a pre-existing full-screen version. I didn't enjoy this movie, for the most part because it was another mass-produced Disney feature from the '60s. I respect that the movie was done for fun, and fun it is if you're in the mood for a light-hearted mediocre romp (from the title, what else did you expect?)This isn't one of Disney's best, and it only proves that they just want you to buy the same thing over and over (laser disc, vhs, dvd etc).
Rating: Summary: Gotta agree. Good Movie. Horrible DVD Review: I very much enjoy the movie but Disney cares nothing about the viewers. Fullscreen only and not DVD quality. Hope someone from Disney who cares is listening.
Rating: Summary: Gotta agree. Good Movie. Horrible DVD Review: I very much enjoy the movie but Disney cares nothing about the viewers. Fullscreen only and not DVD quality. Hope someone from Disney who cares is listening.
Rating: Summary: The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes Review: Kurt Russell is awesome as a Medfield College student who accidently gets shocked by a computer and becomes computer-like himself. This movie is hilarious and can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Russell is supported by wonderful cast in Joe Flynn (Now You See Him, Now You Don't) and Ceaser Romero (the Joker from the original Batman). Also highly reccomended; The Barefoot Exective and Now You See Him, Now you Don't.
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