Rogue-18

The tragedy is that some people -- men *and* women -- will watch a movie like this and think that it reflects the truth -- "how women really feel", etc. It's utter baloney, and the fact that a woman wrote this garbage is testament to one woman's willingness to write anything in order the appeal to the lowest common denominator and make a buck. Same goes for the performers involved.

This flick was apparently a precursor to prettily-packaged toxic waste like "Sex in the City" -- and the tragedy is that, watching material like this, gullible men end up thinking that women enjoy degrading, unpleasant sex acts, and women, God help us, end up thinking they are *supposed* to enjoy them. Saddest of all are the little girls who see this stuff on TV and have developed no defenses against it.

Yes, I said gals 'n' guys...I'm a gal and never get tired of watching Patrick whale the tar outta the slimebuckets at the Double Deuce and at Brad Wesley's creepy mansion...and act bored by the ladies who come onto him...and then mesmerize Dr. Elizabeth Clay without laying a finger on 'er until she's just PARALYZED with desire and then...oh baby. (Those who've watched this film for years will have noticed that this particular scene is missing lately when the movie runs on TV.)

Anyhow...yeah, sure it's unrealistic in some rather basic ways. In an environment as dangerous as Jasper MO, Dalton's bouncer skills would have been useful for about 20 minutes, and then one of Wesley's goons would have taken him out with a few well-placed bullets. But, as so many others have pointed out, this is the stuff of fantasy, not reality, which may be part of why it's a guaranteed good time, every time.

I give the film a lot of credit for being quirky enough not to just deliver the expected moves at the expected moments. Case in point is the young waitress/singer who barges into Dalton's loft on his first morning in town. Surprise: though clearly staggered by his gorgeousness and mystery, she doesn't come onto him, and he doesn't try to take advantage of her. They just...chat. She's like his little sister. God, it's wonderful.

Kelly Lynch as Dalton's physician-girlfriend has such class...she is as beautiful as any of the hot women who try to get Dalton's attention at the bar, but clearly is a different caliber of human being which is why Dalton is interested...Lynch's acting is just beautifully calibrated, understated & authentic.

And Sam Elliot...well, what can you say. Nothing not to love about the guy, who seems to inhabit the characters he plays more effortlessly than anyone I can think of. Every look, move and word right on the money. He's just so damn good.

Well...see this movie. It's one jaw-dropping good time. Good v. Evil, respect for human decency, & Swayze, Lynch and Elliot at their physical peak and workin' it, babe. Dang.

"Princess Caraboo" is a rare breed of film these days -- aimed at adults, but highly respectful of the human soul and therefore safe for all ages. All viewers should find the historical angle fascinating, lovers of whimsical, offbeat humor will be delighted, "romantics" will be stirred by the powerful ending...and the ravishing color palette of the sets and costumes will enchant those who crave sheer visual beauty.

I personally thought the wonderful ending was handled very well -- it was particularly powerful for being beautifully understated, and did not "take away" from the effectiveness of the story. Because it had been foreshadowed (with great subtlety) throughout the movie, it did not arrive as a shock but rather as a fulfillment.

I must also put in a good word for the glorious music...another home run. See this film. As others have noted, it will stay with you long afterward.