Customer Reviews

First $20 Million Is Always the Hard [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Somewhat predictable but deserving better praise, THE FIRST 20 MILLION IS ALWAYS THE HARDEST works because we care about the characters in this movie and it is very funny and entertaining. This is due in part that it was co-written by Jon Favreau (SWINGERS) with a script that has some thought and wit behind it compared to many low-brow comedies. Also, it is exec-produced by Harold Ramis (ANIMAL HOUSE, CADDYSHACK, STRIPES, GHOSTBUSTERS). Andy (Adam Garcia--BOOTMEN)is very likable as the high tech ad exec who leaves a high profile job in Silicon Valley to join a research and development/think tank company. He hand picks a team of creative and intelligent (but socially inept) engineers to create a "99 dollar personal computer" only to discover that the the assignment was given to him only because the company needs a tax write-off. In other words, the company expects that it can't be done. Instead, they invent a computer that uses no monitor and keyboard, only interaction with hologram icons. The special effects are pretty good in these sequences. Then, the movie shifts gears with the predictable corporate takeover twists and turns as they find their invention taken from them. However, these sequences are intriguing as they are a topical (yet satirical) look at today's headlines of troubles in the high tech industry especially among the dot-com companies. Jake Busey (tv's - SHASTA MCNASTY) as Darrell once again plays one of his patented support characters as one of the misfit engineers, and Enrico Colantoni (tv's JUST SHOOT ME)plays the evil corporate executive,Francis Benoit, out to steal their invention and get the profits. Lastly, Rosario Dawson (PLUTO NASH) as Alisa plays the down-to-earth artist and love interest to Andy. Overall, a decent comedy with great casting, a plausible inventive high-tech concept, good production values and issues that reflect the real world.

The movie comes as a bad suprise to me after reading the book. The movie is far from what the actual story is ( The First $20 Million is Always the Hardest: A Novel ).
While the book sounded like an articulate description of a typical Silicon Valley startup, the movie appeared like a Disneyland version of it. Far from reality and some strictly out of place comedy makes it a disappointing two hours experience.

Hilarious! I was entertained by all the great supporting cast members here - Rosario Dawson, Jake Busey, Enrico Colantonio! You find yourself rooting for these losers right from the very start! Not sure why this movie wasn't in theaters, you'll be seeing it on Comedy Central in five years! Some of the emotional connections in the movie weren't believable, but I guess that entertainment! I recommend this movie as a pick me up after any day at work!

October Sky used to be my favorite film. With Tucker, The Man And His Dream" a close second. And it's still a close call. Why? Because "OS", "Tucker" and "The First $20 Mil" are the only films I've ever seen that are about MAKING something.

Think about it. There are so few decent business movies out there. Working Girl? Yes, it's good, but it's really about deal-making. The Secret Of My Success? Determination and risk-taking. Barbarians At The Gates? Deal-making with a little sales mixed in. Tommy Boy? Sales. Wall Street? Good film, but again it's about deal-making and speculation in the market, and, the ending is bad--it villifies business people. What else is there that isn't about blowing things up (James Bond), or stealing (Gone In 60 Seconds) or just killing everybody (The Godfather)? What else glorifies the entrepreneur and the productive genius? Not much.

I love October Sky. Four kids against all odds -- detractors and non-supportive families -- in a coal mining town, who learn math, rocket dynamics and some other skills... and they succeed big time! I love it because there are so few movies where people actually learn how to make something and win! And because of this success, they go on succeeding into their adult lives. But their production is partially based on theft (when each time they could have easily asked permission), and the overall tone is occasionally a bit dreary.

I love Tucker as well. For the same reasons. But in the end, while Preston and his guys design the greatest car ever built, he gives up. They only manage to produce 50--most of which are still on the road today. His start-up is based on B.S.--a lot of it. And Tucker's own philosophy, at least the movie's presentation of it toward the end, was laced with a smidge of altruism.

"The First $20 Million..." has none of those negatives. The movie is uniformly positive throughout. The goals are positive, the methods are positive, and unlike some of the other reviewers here I don't see any of the people in the story as misfits. Quite the opposite. They are each in their own way productive geniuses. They are interesting. Perhaps monomaniacal at times. But unique. They don't blend into the background. You can tell them apart from one another.

Okay, sure it's light entertainment. But it's also light-hearted. Let me just tell you that in the face of all odds, these people find a way to do it! Anything else I could tell you about the story, or the people in it would simply ruin the surprise.

If you personally carry around a good philosophy to begin with, and are looking for a little psychological fuel to pick you up, take a couple hours and enjoy this movie. Anyone with a desire to make things, anyone with productive values of their own, just can't feel anything but good after watching this film.

I can guess why this film didn't do well in theaters. It's designed like a chick flick, but the stars and main characters are all guys. Still, it's actually quite funny. A young marketing guru joins a tech startup and forms a team of geeks and dweebs in order to try to build a $99 laptop. What makes the film funny is how eccentric some of the characters are. I especially like Tiny, the overweight pervert. He just has some great timing. It's not the funniest plot ever, but it is entertaining.

These misfits said they can create the best computer on the market. And they do. A litle romance too.

this film was good. if you like to watch films about young people making it to the top then this one is excellent. also try the secret of my success starring michael j fox.

Being somewhat of a geek myself and former resident of silicon valley, this movie immediately appealed to me. However, my girlfriend, nothing like me, found it innane and stupid.

The film manages to deliver a few laughs and lots of cheese, all of which make for an entertaining movie. And really, that is the key to this one. You will be telling yourself while watching this that everything about it sucks, the plot is unbelievable, if not predictable, the acting, well for what it is the acting isn't bad, and there is a total lack of real character development. However, these shortcomings will quickly fade away as you find yourself enjoying this one in spite of your own inner critic.

On the whole it is fun to watch, not just once, but even multiple times. And in the end, even for all its flaws, it ends up being a cute and fun flick.

This is an excellent movie ideal for those PC gurus and wannabes alike to hold on to.

I saw this movie over the weekend&thought it was corny&Predictable but it passed the time so no harm no foul.iy had a few laughs but that was about it.