Customer Reviews

Wisdom [VHS]

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I got to thinking about this movie the other day while cracking open my new "High School Reunion Collection' DVDs. The last time I saw it was on ridiculously late night television about ten years ago. Even on awfully edited television it still had a certain rawness to it. It wasn't bad raw but, good raw. Very intense. Not to mention close to home with the Farm issues. (Nebraska ex-pat here.) Sadly, Wisdom is as Wisdom was...only available on VHS. Emilio! Bring this back to us on DVD!

I was working in a video store in 1987 when this movie was released on VHS - otherwise I might have never even heard of it. I was intrigued to learn that Emilio had written and directed it himself.

Having recently seen Emilio, Demi, et al in "St. Elmo's Fire", I was anxious to view this film. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's interesting to note the scenes that Emilio *directly* borrowed from the film in which his father starred with Sissy Spacek - "Badlands". The premise of the movie is different, but the story does revolve around a young couple "on the lam". I say "Bravo!" to Emilio's first foray into movie-making. I was and still am very impressed!

Now, let's just get it released on DVD and I'll be even happier!!!

Emilio Estevez showed talent above the rest of his Brat Pack peers in 1985 when he wrote That Was Then, This is Now, a decent film. But he topped that with this mini tour de force in Wisdom. Which he wrote, directed and co-starred in (with then fiance Demi Moore). The film isn't a masterpiece, and was generally panned by critics. But it has a very gritty feel that seemed to capture a bridge between the present day emptiness of youthful adolesence and what happens when fantasy goes awry.

Some may look at the film like a weak, modern recreation of Badlands, or Bonnie and Clyde, and Estevez could have really pulled the emotions further in showing the characters attempt at good deeds was mistaken, then ultimately malicious. He takes the film in that direction, but it's almost like he didn't want to go over the edge, so he backed off some. However, what the film attempts to do, to create a darker look at the post teen world, in an era when John Hughes films dominated the landscape, it does capture quite well. And is tinged with a certain hopelessness that will stand with you.

It's a shame that Estevez wasn't more highly praised for his efforts here, and the film should be released on DVD, hopefully with commentary by Emilio himself.

This is a good "Emilio Estevez" movie. He has had some stinkers, but don't include this one... Good movie for a cold or rainy day when you are caught indoors. Good moral lesson for youngsters, although they probably won't pick up on it.

This is a great memory from the 80's. Not the quality film that some of the other's from that era are...but still a good idea for a movie. It was unique and I had forgotten that it was directed by Estevez. Additionally, a great early role for Demi. It was worth the cost and it is part of Warner's "Archives" films that are somewhat hard to find these days.

This movie is astounding and awesome to watch, the ending will surprise you. I feel like I can relate to this movie. Its about a young man at 23 who isnt
bad on the inside just made one mistake by driving a stolen car while intoxicated and while he tries to make good and try to get a job somewhere his attempts are thwarted by his past record. society never learns to forgive when you make a mistake wheather it is towards a person or to yourself. I feel bad for emilio estevezs character because I was in a similar situation where a woman got so angry with me about something and eight years have gone by and she still cant forgive or accept my apology. It seems the only choice he had was to become a hero for the people in this day and age who doesnt dream of becoming a hero. Demi moore is great in her role as his girl and partner. The plot twist in the end was great it turned out to be a dream it ends the same way it started great movie hope it sells well on dvd.

In general, I don't like Emilio Estevez's brat pack films, but this isn't about brat pack. Along with Maximum Overdrive, he plays the hero/antihero role well. Most Americans could identify with the economic problems facing the farmers who John Wisdom was trying to help. Wisdoms methods were at first shocking, however, in this day and age, shock is the only way of gettng past the largely ignorant, jaded media, more interested in Britney Spears lack of hair than the fact that we are importing 800 billion dollars more than we export to other contries. This film needs to be rereleased on DVD.

This film's too many times underrated. Just typical teen-anguish, they say. A sure flop, they say. Well! I've got one thing to ask: what were you doing when you're 23? 'Cos that's where Estevez was -- making this film! To see how the young gun grows, follow this directing path to "The War at Home" (1996). Last word: you simply MUST see it!!!!!

I remember seeing this when I was a teenager and decided to buy it. I love how Emilio gets the bankers back for crap they were doing to people. But to find out it was all just a dream was a big shame.

Saw this movie years ago and liked it. Tried to find it at the mall,in the stores,on the web. No one seemed to have heard of it. This was in excellent condition and I am thrilled. Thank you.