Summer of Sam

Starring:Michael Badalucco, Adrien Brody, Jennifer Esposito, Ken Garito, Ben Gazzara, Saverio Guerra, Anthony LaPaglia, John Leguizamo, Joe Lisi, Patti LuPone, Arthur J. Nascarella, Bebe Neuwirth, Al Palagonia, Michael Rispoli, John Savage, Roger Guenveur Smith, Mira Sorvino, Mike Starr, Brian Tarantina
Studio: Walt Disney Video
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

It's important to note that Spike Lee's drama is not titled Son of Sam. Summer of Sam doesn't chronicle the killer as much as the times: the blistering hot summer of 1977 when the Big Apple's psyche was taken hostage by the lone gunman. We spot the killer (Michael Badalucco) in his mad ramblings, but the film centers on two friends from the Bronx: Vinny and Ritchie (John Leguizamo, Adrien Brody). Vinny and his wife, Dionna (Mira Sorvino), bury a bad marriage (he cheats at a drop of a hat) in the disco halls of the area. Ritchie returns to the neighborhood sporting punk hair, punk clothes, and a British accent that immediately infuriates the neighborhood boys oozing far too much testosterone. Cops, local mob leaders, and the guys on the street all have ideas who the killer is; neighborhood loners to Reggie Jackson (in the midst of World Series heroism) are on their misguided lists of suspects. When the film looks at how the citizens faced the fearful times, Lee scores with his energetic camerawork and pop soundtrack. Yet the film is banal in its domestic dramatics. The film takes large detours into Vinny's home sex life (stagnant) and Ritchie's extracurricular activities. One of the marriage arguments--though real and well acted--is so long and cliché-ridden you wonder if someone fell asleep in the editing booth. Add the point-blank killings and nonstop vulgarity and you have Lee's most unpleasant film. --Doug Thomas

Description

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!

Customer Reviews:

Shakey facade for pornography.......2007-04-30

This movie has all the marks of a bad porno movie; one animalistic and unrealistic sex scene after another loosely strewn together with a thin and uninspiring plot. One has a difficult time remembering the basic plot premise when every other scene is one more perversion splashed on the screen as if in attempts to shock us more than the previous scene. If you watch it at all, be sure you have the remote handy to fast-forward. Doing so will help you focus on what little plot their is and lesson the time you waste which you could have spent watching something worthwhile. If the Son of Sam murders of the late 1970's are your interest, you will find precious little about it here so do not bother. It is a very sad that Spike Lee, with hints of true talent, could release something that would not even pass for mediocre pornography - much less serious drama.

Not a big fan of the Spikester.......2007-03-22

but, I do give credit when credits due. The movie was very well done, the cast was sincere and portrayed their characters with a real-ness that was believable. The dumb as dirt New York Italian men, the long suffering woman who can't enjoy sex but are as neurotic as the men who kept them down. And don't forget the humidity, which, I'm sure, if anyone ever did a scientific survey,would show more violence is committed in the sweltering summer than winter. The always entertaining and talented, John Leguizamo adds much to the overall sleazey,horrific, humidity laden story. Enjoy!

Spike lee is a horrible director.......2007-02-01

During the sweltering summer of 1977, the notorious killer Son of Sam set New York City on edge. An accidental encounter with the homicidal maniac sends the life of a philandering Bronx hairdresser named Vinny (John Leguizamo) spinning out of control. As the police and vigilantes hunt the killer, Vinny's life unravels amid a haze of suspicion, drugs and promiscuity.

This film has the distinction of being the hands-down worst film I ever saw in the theater. It's so bad that I use it as a basis of comparison for other bad films "Dead Man on Campus? That's about a 30% Summer of Sam" "Last Action Hero? That's a 75% Summer of Sam" When I saw this film in the theater, about half the audience walked out in disgust and the other half toked up and watched the rest of the film high. I was in neither of these categories, sufficing to sit quietly, painfully, begging for it all to end. John Leguizamo should never be allowed near a camera again.

Didn't we learn our lesson from Spawn? Yikes, Lee, give it up. I mean, it'd be one thing to make bad films that have some sort of unintentional comedic quality so that at least those who are not awed by your B.S. can have a good chuckle or two, but your films are just painful to watch. Right after we got out of the theater, I screamed "I must watch a decent movie! Anything, I don't care! Let me have faith in film again!A little advice...Hey Spike, how about a movie about the serial killer next time?!

Spike Lee captures the reality of Summer in New York City - Bad vibes.......2006-11-30

I think this is clearly Spike Lee's best movie. I am not a great fan of Spike Lee - I think he is a pretty repulsive individual and his movies generally fall down into hatred of White people, pornography and just general disrespect of everyone, especially women, but I will give Spike Lee credit that he does have a very good understanding for the look and feel of New York City in his time (70s) - he understands the hostile vibes of the street, various different racial, ethnic, class parts of New York City, with the various groups falling down into the same bad, hostile vibes. Summer of Sam shows you how disgusting and hateful New York City can become in the hot, hot Summer. Also, Lee does a great job of depicting a very interesting lower middle class Italian community that is completely hostile to all outsiders - all, hostile to Blacks, hostile to upper class White suburbanites that might want to date an Italian girl from the neighborhood, hostile to anything "different" like British punk rock music and a local guy from the neighborhood who tries to act like a British punk. The movie is very vulgar and violent, but yeah, New York City in the late 70s was violent and hostile. One of the best movies about New York.

Spike did not do the right thing .......2006-09-13

This film was so bad that the scenes in the ltalian restaurant didn't even make me hungry

Average customer rating:

If you like slapstick humor, you'll love this film
Agh. Horrible! Wasted my time...
Excellent film, great cast!
If you went to camp, you will love it.
no title

Indian Summer (1993)
Starring: Alan Arkin , Matt Craven , Diane Lane , Bill Paxton , and Elizabeth Perkins
Director: Mike Binder
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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A Little Romance
The Big Chill
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ASIN: B000068MBZ
Release Date: 2002-09-03

Description

Settle back for a delightful INDIAN SUMMER -- the heartwarming comedy about eight friends who reunite at their summer camp after 20 years! Starring an impressive ensemble cast including Elizabeth Perkins (CATS AND DOGS, 28 DAYS) and Alan Arkin (AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS, GROSSE POINTE BLANK), no sooner do the visitors arrive than they return to the best summer of their lives -- practical jokes, midnight kitchen raids, boat races, campfire stories, and secret romances pick up right where they left off! And with so much hilarity and excitement, the fun never stops. Pack your gear, this week at camp is sure to be a hilarious, feel-good treat for everyone.

Customer Reviews:

If you like slapstick humor, you'll love this film.......2006-12-07

While the premise of the story - a group of childhood friends called back to experience the last year of their old summer camp - could have had a lot of potential, the movie repeatedly resorts to slapstick humor to carry you from scene to scene, as past and present interpersonal conflicts and relationships are clumsily explored, and trivial and childish behaviors are re-enacted, with the apparent expectation that the audience should remain interested. I gritted my teeth, but I have to admit that after an hour, I could no longer take it.

Agh. Horrible! Wasted my time..........2006-07-03

I would've turned it off if I didn't promise my wife I'd watch it with her.

A story about adults who go back to summer camp 25 years later... who does this?

Aside from the unrealistic story line, there are several sub-plots of the 7 or so adults who are dealing with their pasts from 25 years ago, and with their present.

Its jumpy, sporadic, very mildly funny and just about annoying.

Not worth buying let along renting.

F-

Excellent film, great cast!.......2006-07-02

I absolutely loved every minute of this film &hearts;. I rented it because I adore Diane Lane, but ended up being a fan of many of the other characters too :) It felt REAL. And about things that people their age really go through.

I highly highly recommend this movie. It is a kick-back, pop the popcorn and get ready to thoroughly enjoy this laid back but meaningful movie about some friendships, loves and just life as many of us know it &hearts;

If you went to camp, you will love it........2006-06-02

This isn't Oscar stuff but it is a fun, let's forget our troubles, enjoy a glass of wine, movie. If you liked the Big Chill, you will like this. It isn't as deep, but it is enjoyable. The scenery makes you yearn to be 14 again and have a first kiss by a lake. It takes you back where you left part of your youth.

no title .......2006-02-18

Mike Binder, the director, actually went to the camp depicted in this flic, as a child. A "Big Chill" type of ensemble picture with Vincent Spano of "Alive" and Alan Arkin. It was very good - gorgeous scenery of Lake Algonquin in Ontario. It was a real camp, which gave the film authenticity.

Robert August, star of Bruce Browns surf movie the endless summer, 30th Anniversary Tribute narrated by Robert "Wingnut" Weaver

Average customer rating:

Robert August, star of Bruce Browns surf movie the endless summer, 30th Anniversary Tribute narrated by Robert "Wingnut" Weaver
Starring: Robert August , Sam August , Wingnut , Mark Martinson , and Peter Townend
Manufacturer: Endless Fun Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Surfing | Sports | Genres | DVD | Video
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The Endless Summer II

Product Features:

Never before seen footage of California surfing in the 1950's!
Travel with Robert to Costa Rica and Australia
Interviews from legendary surfers Robert August, Mark Martinson, Peter Townend, and Wayne Lynch
2 Disc Set includes feature movie and a bonus disc packed with never before seen footage, pictures, and interviews

ASIN: B000JFLKOG

Product Description

Robert August was raised literally on the wave lapped shores of Seal Beach, California. Robert began surfing at the early age of 6, under the wing of his father and early surf pioneer Blackie August. Blackies love for fun and the ocean lifestyle was deeply ingrained in Robert at an early age. At the age of 18, Robert circled the globe with Bruce Brown in search of of the perfect wave. This adventure resulted in the classic film "The Endless Summer" and inspired thousands of surfers to travel the world. To this day, the movie remains not just a cultural milestone, but also a defining tribute to the surfing lifestyle. Since starring in the Enless Summer movie in 1964, Robert has built a recognized brand name world wide with hard work and dedication focused on the surfing industry. The Robert August Surf Company celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2005 as one of the most prosperous and highly respected companies in the surf industry. The "Robert August 30th Anniversary" is a real tribute to a legend that simply has a passion for surfing and having Endless Fun. Please visit www.endlessfun.com for more information

Average customer rating:

Pretty Good!
Son of Sam no more!

Biography - David Berkowitz: Son Of Sam
Starring: David Berkowitz:
Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

NBC News Presents: Inside Evil - Serial Killers Jeffrey Dahmer & Son of Sam
Biography - Richard Ramirez: The Night Stalker
Summer of Terror: The Real Son of Sam Story
Summer of Sam
The Good Shepherd (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B000FKP1DQ
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Description

For over a year, he held a city hostage to fear. When he was finally caught, the nation was shocked to discover that the "face of terror" was a cherubic postal worker who smiled sweetly for the camera. David Berkowitz claimed the lives of six people in a killing spree that resulted in the largest manhunt in the history of New York. Once apprehended, he confessed to all the crimes and asked the judge to put him away forever so he would not kill again. In this comprehensive portrait, reporters and detectives who worked on the case, the parents of victims, a prosecutor and a former FBI profiler relive the case that galvanized a nation. Psychologists explore the many frustrations and disappointments that led Berkowitz to kill, and in a gripping interview, Berkowitz himself talks about his crimes and jailhouse transformation into the "Son of Hope." Today, he ministers to other prisoners and born-again Christians all over the world in hopes of restoring some meaning to his shattered life. From the dark streets of a shaken city to the jailhouse reformation, BIOGRAPHY examines the "Son of Sam."

Customer Reviews:

Pretty Good!.......2001-05-22

I liked this video, except for when they say that David is lying about working with other people in the killings.

Son of Sam no more!.......2000-06-13

This video about David Berkowitz, formerly known as the Son of Sam,now known as the Son of Hope, is a good documentary of what happened during the time of his killing spree. It recreates alot of the tension of the time when David was on his rampage. It shows that it was more than just a man doing these killings. Through the words of David himself, he shows that the killings were the work of Satan, using David as a willing pawn to do his evil deeds. Though being duped, David has acknowledged his guilt and is very sorry for his past. He, and especially the victims families all suffer continually with the memories of what took place. As David explains, it was the work of an organized Satanic cult to cause chaos in the streets of New York and they were very successful in doing that. He goes on to explain that there are many such satanic cults operating today in America and throughout the world to bring about mayhem, destruction, murder and anarchy. He says they are very real and explains that they only way he himself has escaped this cult was to become a born again Christian. He speaks a bit on his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and how he truly believes that even he has been forgiven by God. He has entrusted his life to Christ Jesus and you can certainly see the difference in him! His official website can be found at [...] A good video and worth the investment!

Average customer rating:

Shakey facade for pornography
Not a big fan of the Spikester
Spike lee is a horrible director
Spike Lee captures the reality of Summer in New York City - Bad vibes
Spike did not do the right thing

Summer of Sam [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

54
25th Hour
Spike Lee Joint Collection (Clockers/ Jungle Fever/ Do the Right Thing/ Mo` Better Blues/ Crooklyn)
Get on the Bus
Girl 6

ASIN: B00004TT7D

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Shakey facade for pornography.......2007-04-30

Not a big fan of the Spikester.......2007-03-22

Spike lee is a horrible director.......2007-02-01

Spike Lee captures the reality of Summer in New York City - Bad vibes.......2006-11-30

Spike did not do the right thing .......2006-09-13

This film was so bad that the scenes in the ltalian restaurant didn't even make me hungry

Charlie Rose with Spike Lee; John Leguizamo & Mira Sorvino; Steve Dunleavy (July 2, 1999)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Spike Lee; John Leguizamo & Mira Sorvino; Steve Dunleavy (July 2, 1999)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

Director Spike Lee discusses his new movie, Summer of Sam. The film depicts a community of New Yorkers terrorized by serial killer David Berkowitz's 1977 crime spree. Also, actors John Leguizamo and Mira Sorvino talk about their performances in the film and collaboration with Lee. Then, a columnist for The New York Post, Steve Dunleavy, shares his criticism of Summer of Sam regarding its portrayal of the Italian-American community.

Summer of Sam/Hand That Rocks the Cradle

Average customer rating:

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

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( 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!

Average customer rating:

Summer of Sam [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Average customer rating:

Him gok [Region 2]
Starring: Alex Fong , Ken Chang (II) , Anya , Tin-chiu Wan , and Danny Summer
Director: Hin Sing 'Billy' Tang
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0001KZNYC

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