The Hand That Rocks the Cradle

The Hand That Rocks the Cradle


Starring:Annabella Sciorra, Rebecca De Mornay, Matt McCoy, Ernie Hudson, Julianne Moore, Madeline Zima, John de Lancie, Kevin Skousen, Mitchell Laurance, Justin Zaremby, Eric Melander, Jennifer Melander, Ashley Melander, Cliff Lenz, Penny LeGate, Mary Anne Owen, Therese Tinling, Todd Jamieson, Laura Ferri, Dee Dee Van Zyl
Director: Curtis Hanson
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
A potboiler featuring a demented caretaker and a seemingly hapless suburban family, this is The Nanny of the 1990s. However, it is much more predictable than that 1965 Bette Davis psychodrama, and more graphic. It works only because Rebecca De Mornay makes us intensely uncomfortable as the disturbed au pair who wants to take care of much more than her employer's well-being.

Annabella Sciorra plays the perfect mother of a flawless family. Her obstetrician, however, is less than wonderful, having enjoyed her examination much more than he should have. When she files sexual harassment charges against the repugnant doctor, he loses face--literally--after shooting himself in the head. Several months later, an ideal nanny shows up at her home. You guessed it--she's the doc's widow.

The movie follows a tried and true formula, with the audience in on everything. However, the story does surprise us in intense and intimate ways. The visit to the obstetrician is one of the creepiest moments in the film. You definitely hear the voice of writer Amanda Silver in a plot concerned with the vulnerabilities of a family, a newborn, a marriage.

Since we know so much up front, there is an overall lack of inventiveness in the plot machinations. It may not jolt us, but De Mornay does. It's unsettling to watch someone who appears so attractive and who behaves so kindly suddenly reveal hideous psychopathic tendencies. Restraining herself from going over the top, she instead oozes such malevolence you'll want to shudder. --Rochelle O'Gorman
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great movie!
  • Not always believable, derivative, but fun to watch
  • Weak, Implausible Plot But Brilliant Directing
  • beware of nannies humming "Poor Wandering One"...
  • Huge fan of Rebecca DeMornay
 The Hand That Rocks the Cradle
Starring: Annabella Sciorra , Rebecca De Mornay , Matt McCoy , Ernie Hudson , and Julianne Moore
Director: Curtis Hanson
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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McCoy, MattMcCoy, Matt | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Moore, JulianneMoore, Julianne | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
DeMornay, RebeccaDeMornay, Rebecca | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sciorra, AnnabellaSciorra, Annabella | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Zima, MadelineZima, Madeline | ( Z ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
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Similar Items:
  1. Single White Female
  2. Sleeping With the Enemy
  3. Fatal Attraction (Special Collector's Edition)
  4. The Good Son
  5. Pacific Heights

ASIN: 6305213305
Release Date: 1998-12-08

Amazon.com

A potboiler featuring a demented caretaker and a seemingly hapless suburban family, this is The Nanny of the 1990s. However, it is much more predictable than that 1965 Bette Davis psychodrama, and more graphic. It works only because Rebecca De Mornay makes us intensely uncomfortable as the disturbed au pair who wants to take care of much more than her employer's well-being.

Annabella Sciorra plays the perfect mother of a flawless family. Her obstetrician, however, is less than wonderful, having enjoyed her examination much more than he should have. When she files sexual harassment charges against the repugnant doctor, he loses face--literally--after shooting himself in the head. Several months later, an ideal nanny shows up at her home. You guessed it--she's the doc's widow.

The movie follows a tried and true formula, with the audience in on everything. However, the story does surprise us in intense and intimate ways. The visit to the obstetrician is one of the creepiest moments in the film. You definitely hear the voice of writer Amanda Silver in a plot concerned with the vulnerabilities of a family, a newborn, a marriage.

Since we know so much up front, there is an overall lack of inventiveness in the plot machinations. It may not jolt us, but De Mornay does. It's unsettling to watch someone who appears so attractive and who behaves so kindly suddenly reveal hideous psychopathic tendencies. Restraining herself from going over the top, she instead oozes such malevolence you'll want to shudder. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Description

Get ready for edge-of-your-seat excitement with the hit that rocked the nation! In this entertaining thriller, Claire Bartel (Annabella Sciorra -- THE HARD WAY, INTERNAL AFFAIRS) has the perfect life and family -- and exactly what Petyon Flanders (Rebecca De Mornay -- RISKY BUSINESS) desires desperately. But once Peyton deceptively becomes the Bartels' live-in housekeeper, how far will she really go when the life she wants belongs to someone else? From absorbing start to heart-stopping finish, this critically acclaimed winner delivers a lively mix of thrills, chills, and surprises equaling 100% fun!

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great movie!.......2007-06-16

Rebecca is good in it and pretty, and the little girl is the cutest, most adorable personality of a child actor I've ever seen. She is SO innocent. She is just ADORABLE.

3 out of 5 stars Not always believable, derivative, but fun to watch.......2007-06-12

I was never a fan of the soap opera-ish/Lifetime channel-type movies, but I've always found 1992's "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" a fun movie to watch, but unrealistic in a few areas. The Bartel's naivete was too far-fetched, and they took way too long (to be believable) to connect the dots about Peyton's true intentions. At least Claire figured it out in a forgivable time frame, although she should've suspected that Peyton had framed Solomon before he was fired, because the circumstances should've looked very suspicious to Claire that this was the case. And Michael was the dimmest bulb of all. He thought the sun rose and set on Peyton until almost the very end of the movie, even after Peyton tried to seduce him in the kitchen, when Claire wasn't home.

I've always thought that Rebecca DeMornay's performance in this movie was overrated. She gave a solid performance, but nothing that droves of other actresses couldn't have duplicated. I mean, if you compare DeMornay's performance in this movie to Glenn Close's in "Fatal Attraction," Demornay's performance looks mediocre. And THTRTC was also clearly inspired by "Fatal Attraction."

But I don't mean to bash this movie too much. I still enjoyed it very much -- you just have to put its flaws aside while watching.

3 out of 5 stars Weak, Implausible Plot But Brilliant Directing.......2007-06-04

A pregnant woman files sexual harassment charges against her repugnant gynae and he commits suicide. Several months later, the woman gives birth and an ideal nanny shows up at her home. You guessed it. She's the dead gynae's widow seeking revenge.

Such a plot would normally insult any viewer's intelligence. How does this newcomer gain trust and affection from this family at the mother's expense may be difficult to believe, but the pace and the dramatic turn of events can keep the viewer glued to his/her seat.

Definitely can't hold a candle to Fatal Attraction, but overall, it's still a watchable thriller.

4 out of 5 stars beware of nannies humming "Poor Wandering One"..........2007-04-09

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE was one of the most popular edge-of-your-seat thrillers of the 1990s. It taps into the suburban nightmare of a deranged nanny who tries to 'steal' a family.

Young housewife Claire Bartel (played by Annabella Sciorra) is thrust into a nightmare situation when her new doctor's medical procedures border on indecent assault. She files a complaint, and opens the way for other women to speak up about his malpractice. Shortly before he's due in court to explain his actions, he commits suicide, and Claire resumes her life.

Enter Peyton Flanders (played with chilling conviction by Rebecca DeMornay). She's a young nanny with no job, and Claire's busy raising two small children whilst building a new greenhouse. The situation couldn't be more perfect...or more sinister. While Peyton worms her way into the Bartel household, she hides a secret plan of revenge to bump Claire out of the family portrait for good!

Sciorra and DeMornay duke it out in grand style in THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE, which features enough sickening suspense and fabulous thrills to hook even the most remote audience. Co-starring Matt McCoy, Madeline Zima (TV's "The Nanny"), Ernie Hudson (TV's "Oz"), and Julianne Moore ("The Hours", "Far from Heaven").

The DVD offers no extras, but the widescreen transfer looks a treat.

5 out of 5 stars Huge fan of Rebecca DeMornay.......2007-03-17

I am so fond of Rebecca! I have collected all of her movies and it seems that Rebecca plays all the movies that she is a "evil" inside her body just like this movie. I first heard about Rebecca was when I first watched this movie and I asked my parents "Who was this woman?" and they answered "Rebecca DeMornay" and I collected all of her movies she played in. I was about 12 years old when I first watched this movie with parents. I am now 27 years old and I still love her to death!! Rebecca was / is a GREAT actress!! 5 stars!!
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle [Region 2]
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Great movie!
  • Not always believable, derivative, but fun to watch
  • Weak, Implausible Plot But Brilliant Directing
  • beware of nannies humming "Poor Wandering One"...
  • Huge fan of Rebecca DeMornay
 The Hand That Rocks the Cradle [Region 2]
Starring: Annabella Sciorra , Rebecca De Mornay , Matt McCoy , Ernie Hudson , and Julianne Moore
Director: Curtis Hanson
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

ThrillersThrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
Hudson, ErnieHudson, Ernie | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
McCoy, MattMcCoy, Matt | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Moore, JulianneMoore, Julianne | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
DeMornay, RebeccaDeMornay, Rebecca | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Sciorra, AnnabellaSciorra, Annabella | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Zima, MadelineZima, Madeline | ( Z ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
Hanson, CurtisHanson, Curtis | ( H ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
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( H )( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:
  1. Single White Female
  2. Sleeping With the Enemy
  3. Fatal Attraction (Special Collector's Edition)
  4. The Good Son
  5. Pacific Heights

ASIN: B00004CYAI

Amazon.com

A potboiler featuring a demented caretaker and a seemingly hapless suburban family, this is The Nanny of the 1990s. However, it is much more predictable than that 1965 Bette Davis psychodrama, and more graphic. It works only because Rebecca De Mornay makes us intensely uncomfortable as the disturbed au pair who wants to take care of much more than her employer's well-being.

Annabella Sciorra plays the perfect mother of a flawless family. Her obstetrician, however, is less than wonderful, having enjoyed her examination much more than he should have. When she files sexual harassment charges against the repugnant doctor, he loses face--literally--after shooting himself in the head. Several months later, an ideal nanny shows up at her home. You guessed it--she's the doc's widow.

The movie follows a tried and true formula, with the audience in on everything. However, the story does surprise us in intense and intimate ways. The visit to the obstetrician is one of the creepiest moments in the film. You definitely hear the voice of writer Amanda Silver in a plot concerned with the vulnerabilities of a family, a newborn, a marriage.

Since we know so much up front, there is an overall lack of inventiveness in the plot machinations. It may not jolt us, but De Mornay does. It's unsettling to watch someone who appears so attractive and who behaves so kindly suddenly reveal hideous psychopathic tendencies. Restraining herself from going over the top, she instead oozes such malevolence you'll want to shudder. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great movie!.......2007-06-16

Rebecca is good in it and pretty, and the little girl is the cutest, most adorable personality of a child actor I've ever seen. She is SO innocent. She is just ADORABLE.

3 out of 5 stars Not always believable, derivative, but fun to watch.......2007-06-12

I was never a fan of the soap opera-ish/Lifetime channel-type movies, but I've always found 1992's "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" a fun movie to watch, but unrealistic in a few areas. The Bartel's naivete was too far-fetched, and they took way too long (to be believable) to connect the dots about Peyton's true intentions. At least Claire figured it out in a forgivable time frame, although she should've suspected that Peyton had framed Solomon before he was fired, because the circumstances should've looked very suspicious to Claire that this was the case. And Michael was the dimmest bulb of all. He thought the sun rose and set on Peyton until almost the very end of the movie, even after Peyton tried to seduce him in the kitchen, when Claire wasn't home.

I've always thought that Rebecca DeMornay's performance in this movie was overrated. She gave a solid performance, but nothing that droves of other actresses couldn't have duplicated. I mean, if you compare DeMornay's performance in this movie to Glenn Close's in "Fatal Attraction," Demornay's performance looks mediocre. And THTRTC was also clearly inspired by "Fatal Attraction."

But I don't mean to bash this movie too much. I still enjoyed it very much -- you just have to put its flaws aside while watching.

3 out of 5 stars Weak, Implausible Plot But Brilliant Directing.......2007-06-04

A pregnant woman files sexual harassment charges against her repugnant gynae and he commits suicide. Several months later, the woman gives birth and an ideal nanny shows up at her home. You guessed it. She's the dead gynae's widow seeking revenge.

Such a plot would normally insult any viewer's intelligence. How does this newcomer gain trust and affection from this family at the mother's expense may be difficult to believe, but the pace and the dramatic turn of events can keep the viewer glued to his/her seat.

Definitely can't hold a candle to Fatal Attraction, but overall, it's still a watchable thriller.

4 out of 5 stars beware of nannies humming "Poor Wandering One"..........2007-04-09

THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE was one of the most popular edge-of-your-seat thrillers of the 1990s. It taps into the suburban nightmare of a deranged nanny who tries to 'steal' a family.

Young housewife Claire Bartel (played by Annabella Sciorra) is thrust into a nightmare situation when her new doctor's medical procedures border on indecent assault. She files a complaint, and opens the way for other women to speak up about his malpractice. Shortly before he's due in court to explain his actions, he commits suicide, and Claire resumes her life.

Enter Peyton Flanders (played with chilling conviction by Rebecca DeMornay). She's a young nanny with no job, and Claire's busy raising two small children whilst building a new greenhouse. The situation couldn't be more perfect...or more sinister. While Peyton worms her way into the Bartel household, she hides a secret plan of revenge to bump Claire out of the family portrait for good!

Sciorra and DeMornay duke it out in grand style in THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE, which features enough sickening suspense and fabulous thrills to hook even the most remote audience. Co-starring Matt McCoy, Madeline Zima (TV's "The Nanny"), Ernie Hudson (TV's "Oz"), and Julianne Moore ("The Hours", "Far from Heaven").

The DVD offers no extras, but the widescreen transfer looks a treat.

5 out of 5 stars Huge fan of Rebecca DeMornay.......2007-03-17

I am so fond of Rebecca! I have collected all of her movies and it seems that Rebecca plays all the movies that she is a "evil" inside her body just like this movie. I first heard about Rebecca was when I first watched this movie and I asked my parents "Who was this woman?" and they answered "Rebecca DeMornay" and I collected all of her movies she played in. I was about 12 years old when I first watched this movie with parents. I am now 27 years old and I still love her to death!! Rebecca was / is a GREAT actress!! 5 stars!!
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle [Region 2]
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		The Hand That Rocks the Cradle [Region 2]
    Starring: Annabella Sciorra , Rebecca De Mornay , Matt McCoy , Ernie Hudson , and Julianne Moore
    Director: Curtis Hanson
    ProductGroup: DVD
    Binding: DVD

    GermanGerman | By Original Language | Art House & International | Genres | DVD | Video
    ThrillersThrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
    Hudson, ErnieHudson, Ernie | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    McCoy, MattMcCoy, Matt | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Moore, JulianneMoore, Julianne | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    DeMornay, RebeccaDeMornay, Rebecca | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Sciorra, AnnabellaSciorra, Annabella | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Zima, MadelineZima, Madeline | ( Z ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
    Hanson, CurtisHanson, Curtis | ( H ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
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    ASIN: B00005AXK6
    The Hand That Rocks the Cradle [Region 2]
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		The Hand That Rocks the Cradle [Region 2]
      Starring: Annabella Sciorra , Rebecca De Mornay , Matt McCoy , Ernie Hudson , and Julianne Moore
      Director: Curtis Hanson
      ProductGroup: DVD
      Binding: DVD

      ThrillersThrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
      Hudson, ErnieHudson, Ernie | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      McCoy, MattMcCoy, Matt | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Moore, JulianneMoore, Julianne | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      DeMornay, RebeccaDeMornay, Rebecca | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Sciorra, AnnabellaSciorra, Annabella | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Zima, MadelineZima, Madeline | ( Z ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
      Hanson, CurtisHanson, Curtis | ( H ) | Directors | Stores | DVD | Video
      ( H )( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
      ASIN: B00004RYLR
      Summer of Sam/Hand That Rocks the Cradle
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Summer of Sam/Hand That Rocks the Cradle
        Starring: Rebecca De Mornay , Laura Ferri , Ernie Hudson , Todd Jamieson , and Mitchell Laurance
        Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
        ProductGroup: DVD
        Binding: DVD

        GeneralGeneral | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video
        GeneralGeneral | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video
        Hudson, ErnieHudson, Ernie | ( H ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        McCoy, MattMcCoy, Matt | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Moore, JulianneMoore, Julianne | ( M ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        DeMornay, RebeccaDeMornay, Rebecca | ( D ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Sciorra, AnnabellaSciorra, Annabella | ( S ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Zima, MadelineZima, Madeline | ( Z ) | Actors & Actresses | Stores | DVD | Video
        Used DVDsUsed DVDs | Stores | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | African American Cinema | Animation | Anime & Manga | Art House & International | Classics | Comedy | Cult Movies | Documentary | Drama | Educational | Fitness & Yoga | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Kids & Family | Military & War | Music Video & Concerts | Musicals & Performing Arts | Mystery & Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Interests | Sports | Television | Westerns
        ( S )( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
        ASIN: B000067DHE
        Release Date: 2002-07-02

        Description

        Summer Of Sam - DVD- The dynamic John Leguizamo (SPAWN, EXECUTIVE DECISION) is teamed with Academy Award(R)-winner Mira Sorvino (Best Supporting Actress, 1996, MIGHTY APHRODITE) in an electrifying, must-see movie that takes you back to New York City's infamous summer of 1977! The heat is soaring to record highs, blackouts are filling the streets with looters ... and the murders of a man who calls himself the Son of Sam are gripping the giant city in fear! As friends in a small Italian neighborhood become obsessed with the idea that Son of Sam is someone nearby, the madman's fearsome plague of terror becomes the catalyst that prompts relationships to fall apart and trust to disintegrate into dread! Also starring Adrien Brody (THE THIN RED LINE) and Jennifer Esposito (I STILL KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER), this powerful motion picture tells the gritty and hard-edged story about one nightmare season in the city that never sleeps! The Hand That Rocks The Cradle - English/French DVD -Get ready for edge-of-your-seat excitement with the hit that rocked the nation! In this entertaining thriller, Claire Bartel (Annabella Sciorra -- THE HARD WAY, INTERNAL AFFAIRS) has the perfect life and family -- and exactly what Petyon Flanders (Rebecca De Mornay -- RISKY BUSINESS) desires desperately. But once Peyton deceptively becomes the Bartels' live-in housekeeper, how far will she really go when the life she wants belongs to someone else? From absorbing start to heart-stopping finish, this critically acclaimed winner delivers a lively mix of thrills, chills, and surprises equaling 100% fun!

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