Customer Reviews

Grand Canyon [VHS]

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(25)

 

 

Ten years ago when GRAND CANYON was released many people snickered at a movie so overblown with making the world (read Los Angeles) seem so seemingly cruel and unjust. Some of us found the movie poignant and apocalyptic, but I think the press barred the public from taking the movie seriously. Well, here we are ten years laater watching this well crafted movie, surrounded by even more cosmic madness than ever before. A lot of contemporary prophecy films such as this need to be more widely viewed if we as a culture, as a world, are to survive. Living in this tenuous time where most fingers are on triggers, whether they be personal guns or national weapons, private or public disasters, or just on the thin strings that contain sanity - now more than ever we can benefit from films such as this. Caring, finding solace in acts of kindness shared at times of direst need, and yes, even putting it all in perspective by returning to the natural positive phenomena such as the Grand Canyon seems like our only reliable way of making it. This Kasdan film has more fine performances (Kevin Klein, Mary McDonnell, Alfre Woodward, Danny Golover, Jeremy Sisto, etc etc etc) and drives relentlessly to a final ending of such beauty that even ten years later we can only say "Thank you " to Kasdan and crew.

Early in this film one of the characters makes the observation that half of the people in the city of Los Angeles (in which the story is set) live every day on the verge of hysteria. It is further noted that the other half ARE hysterical, and the predominant aspect of their lives is attempting to control their constant fear; fear generated entirely by the very nature of their environment, and just the way things "are." It's a thought provoking concept of life in the `90s and beyond, and of a world in which babies are abandoned, people live in boxes on the street and the guy with the gun is in charge. And as another character so succinctly points out, "This isn't the way the world is supposed to work--" All of which and more is considered by director Lawrence Kasdan in his evocative drama "Grand Canyon," starring Danny Glover, Kevin Kline and Mary McDonnell. It's a contemplation of the kind of world in which we are forced to live, the huge gaps and voids it creates in our lives, and the decisions and choices we make in an effort to fill the crevasses it all forms in our souls. This is more than just a film, it's a statement; a reflection upon what it takes for millions of people from all walks of life to get out of bed every morning and face the day. And for those who care enough and are bold enough to look deeply into Kasdan's eyes, there's a message to be found here, and a powerful one it is.

In the song "Johnny 99," Bruce Springsteen sings about a part of town where "When you hit a red light you don't stop," and when Mack (Kline) leaves a Laker's game at the Forum and decides to try a short cut to avoid traffic, it is precisely in "that" part of town that his car gives up the ghost. His cell phone is dead, but he manages to find a phone booth and call for road service. But just as he gets back to his car, he becomes the target of a gang of armed young hoodlums out for an easy score or possibly more. And when things are looking about as bad as they can for Mack, the tow truck arrives, and out steps a man named Simon (Glover), who thankfully knows a thing or two about negotiating with gang members; after all, this is his turf-- where he lives and makes his living. Simon takes Mack out of harms way, and it is at that auspicious moment that a convergence of two heretofore divergent worlds occurs.

Mack is an immigration lawyer who lives and works within the environs of the Miracle Mile; Simon is a part of the town in Springsteen's song. Two individuals from different worlds whom fate brings together for a split second; and It's a moment that is destined to change both their lives forever, and like ripples issuing from a stone dropped into a pond, it is soon going to touch and make a difference in many other lives, as well. Mack and Simon are about to learn a few things from one another, the most important of which may be found in Simon's perspective of the human race, and the significance of "people" when compared to one of Eternity's masterworks, the Grand Canyon.

Lawrence Kasdan and Meg Kasdan wrote the screenplay for this film, from which Mr. Kasdan proceeds to deliver one of his finest cinematic offerings. As previously stated, this is more than a film; it's a contemplation of who we are and what we have become as a species during our time upon this planet, and where it's all taken us. And under Kasdan's steady guidance and insightful gaze, it is truly riveting drama that works especially well because there is something in it to which everyone will be able to identify or relate. Certainly it will strike a deeper chord with those who live or have spent time in a large metropolitan area; the situations in this film will resonate much more for someone who has lived in L.A., as opposed to those born and raised in Independence, Oregon, for example. But all will find a connection with the human issues Kasdan so incisively examines, because they are universal in nature. Quite simply, Kasdan hits a perfect pitch here. This is emotionally involving drama from beginning to end, aided in no small part by the mesmerizing score by Bill Conti and James Newton Howard that serves as a veritable pulse for the entire film.

The outstanding ensemble cast matches Kasdan's excellence with a number of unforgettable performances, beginning with Kline and Glover. Kline gives the kind of performance we've come to expect from him, which is to say convincing, believable and entirely credible. He explores all of the nooks and crannies of his character and concisely expresses all that he finds there. Glover, too, hits his stride perfectly, making Simon genuine and real by finding his character's center and effectively maintaining his focus on it.

It is Mary McDonnell, however, who nearly steals the show with her portrayal of Claire, Mack's wife. This is an extremely complex character, and McDonnell manages to thoroughly examine all of her myriad emotional levels and express them convincingly. This is a woman at a most fragile time of her life, with the concerns of being a loving, devoted wife in conflict with her more maternal nature; coping with the sense of loss associated with the fact that her only child, Roberto (Jeremy Sisto) is fifteen and growing up too fast, and seeking to satisfy her need to nurture. In Claire, McDonnell creates a woman with an absolute aura of beauty about her; it's a brilliant performance that is the very heart of the film.

And finally, Steve Martin (Davis), Mary-Louise Parker (Dee) and Alfre Woodard (Jane) take "Grand Canyon" to the zenith of cinematic accomplishment.

The first time I saw this movie, I saw the fear in Kevin Kline's eyes as he is accosted by the black gang, heard the terror in Alfre Woodard's screams for her daughter as their house is riddled with bullets. I saw a completely shocked Steve Martin frothing at the mouth after he was shot by a street thug for his gold watch. And sometime later I felt the fear of his wife after he had a heart attack and almost died.

The second time I saw this movie, things looked totally different. I was able to look beyond the violence, pain, and everything else that seemed to make this movie look like nothing more than a series of accidents waiting to happen, dashed with pinches of comic relief from Steve Martin. All of these things were there the second time around, but now I saw the great differences in lifestyles of middle class suburban white family and inner city black family. And I saw how the Grand Canyon is a kind of symbol of hope for them all in the future.

I believe the lesson to be learned from a movie like "Grand Canyon" is that hope never dies. Violence, suffering, crime, and pain have always been and will continue to be parts of our lives. Life is a giant, constant struggle. What "Grand Canyon" teaches us is that the struggle itself yields its own rewards. We must all strive to be more than we are now. It does not matter if we never actually reach our ultimate goal, because every little bit helps.

I've just endured an unpleasant half hour trawling through the myriad reviews of "Grand Canyon", that are so misinformed as to be laughable.

Aside from the fact that the New York Times may have awarded this the "worst film of all time" (in a year that "Robin Hood - Prince of Thieves" was released?? - please!) I find these attitude of such reviewers quite lamentable. Grand Canyon is a magnificent film - and absolutlely NOT just the purview of "New Agers"! Anyone who has studied film to even a marginal degree will recognise the greatness in Grand Canyon. No, it's not "The Godfather"... yet it is still one of the finest films of its time. To those it touches (and there are many), it is unforgettable.

Kasdan had a vision that was unfortunately ahead of its time (and still appears to be in 2006, judging from some of the reviews here!). Certainly not "The Big Chill", Grand Canyon is a far more nuanced work - to those who understand its subtleties, it is sublime - to those still struggling to comprehend the mysteries, magic and meaning of our existance here, I can see how it might appear impenetrable or pretentious. That is no fault of the film itself - just as "Deuce Bigalow" is speaking to its chosen audience of prepubertal adolescents, so is Grand Canyon attempting to connect with those humans who choose to delve beneath the flimsy facade of modern existance. To the opinion-makers, it will naturally slip under their radar; don't let that be a reason for you missing this unmissable film.

To anyone considering this film, I implore you - do not be distracted by the inane ramblings of posters who wouldn't understand a truly meaningful film if they fell over it. Grand Canyon is for a select audience - it will never be widely popular; as if that were any true marker of what is important! Grand Canyon stands tall as one of the great achievements of the 1990s - watch it, and be moved. Watch it, and see a reflection of the world we currently find ourselves in - striving for answers, yearning for meaning... and looking all the while for the magic that defines our existance.

Absolutely five stars!

This review refers to the 20th Century Fox DVD edition of "Grand Canyon"(1991).....

Writer/Director Lawrence Kasdan(The Big Chill/The Accidental Tourist) together with Meg Kasdan once again weave for us a tapestry of life. How everyday events, the big and the small, the good and the bad, make us the people we are, and the effects on those around us is the focus of this endearing tale.

In "Grand Canyon", a lawyer(Kevin Kline) is on his way home from a Lakers game in Los Angeles, and instead of fighting the traffic decides to take a short cut. Bad luck, as his car breaks down, in a very dangerous part of town, and is in fear for his life as he is surrounded by a group of gang members. But Fate steps in to lend a hand in the form of the tow-truck driver(Danny Glover), and as he steps out of his truck in his cowboy boots and jeans, we may be reminded of Alan Ladd coming to save the day in "Shane".

These two men form a lasting friendship, that you just know will last a lifetime. Their deep appreciation of life spreads to those around them. Events occur that interweave the lives of their families and friends, and it seems that they were meant to be.

Lawrence Kasdan as always is wonderful at giving us a slice of life on film. It's a beautiful screenplay that looks at both the bright side and the dark side of life, and leaves you wondering whether things happen by chance or is there some other force that steps in, just at the right time. The brillant score(James Newton Howard) adds just the right flavor to the story, as it seems that sometimes, when things are at their worst, we hear a choir of angels(seemingly appropiate in Los Angeles) nearby to help out.An absolutely marevelous cast includes Mary McDonnell, Mary-Louise Parker, Alfre Woodard and Steve Martin.

20th Century Fox has once again made a beautiful transfer to DVD. The picture is crytal clear in all the scenes. It is presented in widescreen(Anamorphic), and the colors are gorgeous. Don't shy away because the sound is in 4.0 instead of 5.1.(It may also be viewed in Stereo surround, go to the language feature to set this up) The sound is terrific. Dialouge, background effects, and music all distinguished perfectly. There's a short featurette, with a few comments by some of the cast and crew, and it may be viewed in French(Stereo) and has subtitiles in English, and Spanish.

This little gem may have sneaked past Oscar but the Berlin Film Festival awarded it a "Golden Bear". It's an entertaining and a rewarding view.

Enjoy....Laurie

also recommended:
Captain Jack
The Stars Fell on Henrietta
The Ice Storm

This film is a modern masterpiece of cinema. I saw it at the theatre when it was released and was blown away by it's scope, realism, and emotion. The fact that it didn't rake in money at the box office only says that it was too good for audiences who would rather waste their money on mindless entertainment such as "Scary Movie" or "American Pie", etc. I was 17 when I viewed this classic and was touched and moved and glad I'd spent my money on such a meaningful film.
The acting is first rate, as well as the sound, editing, and visuals. The story is about people and the choices we make and, finally that after all is said and done, in the scope of things, we're really just grains of sand in a larger picture. That it is so important to cherish what we have, those who we love and who love us, friends and family, and to do the best we can and treat others better.
I could go on and on about this movie, but all I really need to say is I highly recommend it and it should be viewed with all your attention, quiet(no talking), and an open mind.

Grand Canyon is simply a movie that shows how connected every person is to another. No matter your "state of fortune" or perception of the world, the movie shows how each and every other type of person will eventually cross your path. It states, "You are the most important person to some, and inconsequential to others". I see the movie three ways depending on which characters you follow.

The first way: It makes you believe that no matter what you accomplish, complete or create it pails in the eyes of nature. That at the end of the day it was all for nothing so don't take it all so seriously.

The second way: You can make a difference. It shows that a single decision on a given day can change the course of your life. That you should follow through with your convictions no matter the resistance you face. That at the end of the day your decisions shape the landscape and make the world a better place.

The final way: (And the way I see it most) You are supposed to stay the course. That everything that happens, happens. React to, enjoy or escape the situation you encounter but no matter what you decide you are actually part of a bigger world. That you need to take time to enjoy the accomplishments of others, nature and yourself. No matter how far you are from other people they are never out of view. In a moment you can bring together or be seperated from everything you have ever known. And at the end of the day you will have created your "Grand Canyon".

Grand Canyon had all the elements of an excellent thought-provoking movie. It made you think about life, relationships, and one's own view of the world around them. It also had a great deal of symbolism which had spiritual and metaphysical undertones, which made the film very much philosophical in nature. All of the cast did an excellent job and I consider the movie a classic, which can be viewed many times over.

I love that this film so polarizes its viewers! Is this not the signal that something substantial is going on up on the screen? And who can keep from smiling at how ardently some online reviewers have aligned themselves with the New York Times? Okay, the Times is generally a reliable source for helping you sift through movie-going options. But is this the worst movie ever made? C'mon. This is wonderful entertainment, with a dense script and an array of first-class off- and on-screen talents. Rent it. Wherever you come down between one star and five, you won't be sorry for giving yourself over to Kasdan's film. A movie that provokes viewers the way Grand Canyon does can't be all bad. And it just might not be bad at all.

Well, the elitists and hopeful intellectuals have certainly coughed up a throatful of diatribes aimed at this Lawrence Kasdan creation. While I won't deny that is has some pretense and is too long, I can't help but return to it again and again (yes, it's one of my favorites - bullocks to you, elitists) for its crystal clear portrayal of a short, troubled period of American life in paradise-lost Los Angeles. The actors soar individually and as an ensemble. The editing is sublime. I understand Kasdan's morality play isn't for everyone, but to dismiss this film as one of the worst...please. I reject your headache. And by the way, I also found Mary McDonnell through this film, and what a worthwhile find she was. Hollywood has seriously underestimated and undervalued this wonderful actress.