Product Details

• Actors: Alicia Silverstone, Benicio Del Toro, Christopher Walken, Jack Thompson, Nicholas Turturro
• Directors: Marco Brambilla
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Sony Pictures
• VHS Release Date: August 3, 1999
• Run Time: 101 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (47 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 0800102940
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #24,251 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Alicia Silverstone was so hot after the success of Clueless that she formed her own production company at the age of 19, and Excess Baggage was the first movie she chose as a starring vehicle. Silverstone plays Emily, a spoiled rich girl who has everything but her father's affection, so she decides to stage her own kidnapping to see if dad will come to his senses and appreciate the daughter he so blindly disregards. But when Emily locks herself in the trunk of her own car, she's surprised when the car is stolen by Vincent (Benicio Del Toro, from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas), a professional car thief whose partner (Harry Connick Jr.) has misplaced $200,000 of the Mob's money. Christopher Walken stars as Emily's "Uncle Ray," who's hot on her trail as she goes on the lam with Vincent. It's not the meandering plot that matters so much as the funny dialogue between Silverstone and Del Toro, who steals his scenes with a smoky mumble and easygoing charm. This one is mostly for Alicia fans, but the film has got enough good laughs and low-key appeal to make it a home-video sleeper. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A quirky, fun, dark comedy., August 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Excess Baggage (DVD)

I don't understand why people hated this movie so much. Ithought it was well written with an amazing cast and some surprisinglycute, funny moments. It's not like anything else I've ever seen, but maybe that's why some people didn't like it. If you're expecting some cute, fluffy formula film this isn't it. Try a Julia Roberts movie (snooze). But Silverstone holds a solid lead role, a crusty cry from her usual material, and Del Toro is definitely a phenomenon waiting to be noticed. He owns every scene he's in, not just because of his looks, but because of his pure talent and unusual line readings. He's one of the most gifted, original actors I've seen in a long time. Nicholas Turturro and Harry Connick, jr. also add a nice surprise to the mix, with Connick's geeky but funny car thief and Turturro's tough guy act. Of course Walken can always be counted upon to add a welcome sense of eerie comedy and I enjoyed this so much I've rented it twice. It's subtle, intelligent humor and that may only appeal to a select crowd, but I'm glad movies like this manage to sneak by and get the green light once in a while. If you have a brain and like understated humor and unconventional romance you should like this film. If nothing else, it offers a chance to watch some enormously talented people strut their stuff. If this is indicative of what she wants to add artistically to the world of film, I welcome her future work.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic the second time around., January 22, 2002

By	Brett Johnson "xfile1971" (Phoenix, AZ - USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Excess Baggage (DVD)

"Excess Baggage" is the type of movie that failed at the box office due to poor marketing. With the combination of Alicia Silverstone in a lead role and a trailer suggesting that this was mostly a comedy, I think a lot of people went into this flick with a wrong impression. I know I did. The first time I saw it I was rather disappointed. There was nothing inherently wrong with any performance or any facet of the movie itself. I think it was more that it wasn't what I expected. Luckily, I decided to let some time pass and view it again. I'm very glad I did because this is actually a solid movie. The role of the bratty rich kid was, of course, perfect for Alicia and she didn't have to stretch much to properly play the part. Benicio Del Toro was simply amazing! His mannerisms for his character are something you simply can't be taught. Del Toro is the real deal and you can't help but fall for his charm...even if he is playing a car thief. It goes without saying that Christopher Walken is flawless as usual. The guy's been around forever because he is one of the best acting talents in Hollywood. The story certainly has some amusing moments and situations. However, this is a story that's actually about love, loyalty and knowing your place in the world. By all appearances, Alicia Silverstone and Benicio Del Toro would make quite the unconvincing couple. As the movie progresses, however, you are truly moved by the bond that they form. "Excess Baggage" is a very special film that deserves an open mind and a keen eye for amazing acting and appreciation of a multi-layered storyline filled with deep moments.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Looking for Love?, March 2, 2005

By	TNTSafari "TNT" (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Excess Baggage (DVD)

Benicio Del Toro is a magnet in this movie, a strong acting force drawing you into that deep, hypnotic voice until you're head over heels in love. There are a handful of male characters that I could easily spend the rest of my life with, and Vincent Roche is one of them. He's a guy that will make you laugh, that you can talk to about anything, that you'd feel safe with, and that you'll lust after as well. Benicio is a leading actor who is too often cast in only supporting roles. Lead the way Benicio!