Um Assalto Muito Louco

Having recently been given a big box of DVD's, I thought to myself, as with most things, that I would save the best until last and start off with the bad. This was the first out of the box and I have to admit to being very pleasantly surprised. Now, a mark of 5 out of 10 may not prove my point.....and here is why. As soon as I started watching I said to myself 'Channel 5 (UK) afternoon TV movie', without knowing at the time that was exactly what it was. Supposedly based on a true story, the plot is very thin and very much a no brainer. However, there are 4 very well know stars in the film which was very much a coup for a TV movie. And it's 3 of these 4 that pull this movie through. Alessandro Nivola has a minor 'stooge' role, but Brooke Shields' very purposefully overacted ditsy performance is pretty good........if just a bit annoying at times. In fact, it seems that all of the main 3 women's roles were overacted. I have no idea why. Dylan Walsh is good as Shields hapless boyfriend and Rip Torn was..........well, Rip Torn really. I don't have to 'plot spoil' here as the films title totally says it all.

All in all, an above average TV movie with a good cast and good performances.

While this clearly isn't the greatest movie ever made,it sure is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. Brooke Shields doesn't get the credit she deserves for her talent,and even Rip Torn does a good job here. One big reason for most people to rent or buy it in the blow-out bin (I paid $1.25) at a discount store is that there is no violence in the movie,no sex scenes,and no foul language. I don't have any kids,but I suspect the people who do and who want to pick a movie the whole family can watch and enjoy will appreciate the harmless fun in this movie. Their choices have to be pretty slim,so this one would be a good one to recommend to your friends who do have young children.

This movie was meant to be an 80's farce... but the producers hesitated missing the entire timing of the theme.

Of all the Movies of the Week I've made in the past several years, this remains the one I had the best time making, and at the same time, achieves most of what I was trying to do as a filmmaker. But, alas, it remains on the shelf at CBS, caught in a tangle of 'internal politics', or so I'm told. If it ever sees the light of day, check it out.

I feel that this movie is a superb effort which truly meets all the normal criteria upon which movies are typically judged by so-called "experts." It is well-directed, well-acted, well-written, and is totally enjoyable with great pacing. Can't remember the last time I've had so much fun! The comedy aspect is a revelation, especially with regard to Shields! Who knew? I've suffered with Brooke through all her various incarnations on film while squirming in my seat with embarrassment for her. I've been pulling for her for years in hopes of better acting days without actually believing that those days would come. But with this performance, she's finally been able to put it all together by giving a mature, highly-professional, fully-developed comedic character portrayal - - a most difficult acting assignment. The supporting cast is also equal to the task with the inimitable Rip Torn leading the way with his portrayal of FBI lead-agent, Royce, who's in love with his large collection of lawn mowers. And Dylan Walsh's performance as the easily-influenced boyfriend/husband who's lost in love with Shield's "ultimate babe" character provides some needed balance to this otherwise unbalanced relationship. The outright knee-slapping, belly laughs are provided by Walsh's lowlife junkyard brother and his wife, Marlene (who changes TV channels with a pair of vice grips!...and physically assaults him for the credit cards to go to the new mall opening.) Their search for the proper spelling of the word "savory", had me rolling on the living room floor holding my sides and fighting for breath! Now the true elitist cinefile might dismiss this inexpensive, made-for-TV effort as just moderately good junk, but I feel it is a major, overlooked jewel that deserves a better fate than to be found only in the blow-out bin at the local Walmart. It can still be ordered online, if not downloaded and streamed. I suggest you do just that for a truly enjoyable evening of superb fun entertainment.