Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | November 06, 2004 | | Summary | Great performances are not enough to save it | Content
 | I rented this movie because I really adore the two lead actors. However, although they do the best they can, there is no saving this banal, movie of the week-esque movie. There are a couple of nice moments, most notably when D'Onofrio's character talks about his father and about his love of football. Other than that, the story seems to be cobbled together from many other "uplifting" movies. At times, you can not only guess what will happen next, but can guess what the exact line will be.
Football hero becomes self-pitying after an accident leaves him blind (and unable to satisfy his cheap girlfriend in the sack--which she exposes in a tell-all book). His tutor from school shows up, himself in a wheelchair, and pops this crazy idea to enter a whitewater rafting race. Even though he professes to have it all together and is all rah-rah, he still feels his own sadness that his dreams of being a dentist were dashed by a drunk driver. But first--you knew it!--they have to learn to trust each other. This involves whacky stunts. The two drive to the race, having adventures, learning about themselves and each other, suprising locals with can-do spirit. Each scene seems to end with the two sharing a warm laugh in the fuzzy sunset. Each person they run into is nutty. And even though I said I liked this, the lines from the scene where Olee talks about his dad seem to practically be directly from "The Breakfast Club" where the jock talks emotionally about his dad. Only the commitment of Hines and D'Onofrio keep this one from getting no stars at all.
So to recap: Person who's cocky and beloved for his physical prowess loses it and feels sorry for himself? Check. That person has one last chance to hear the chanting of the crowd and relive the glory? Check. Another person who's been down that same road of self-pity and redemption comes along to save him? Check. Two men bond on the road and endure colorful locals? Yup. Student becomes teacher? Yes. Locals try to keep them down? Check. Other dreamers lend a hand? Drunk driving? Boy stunted emotionally by father? Bathroom humor? Improbable competition set up to prove worth of the outsiders, and won to stirring music and cheers? All those who've been touched by the quest and who we've met along the way show up at the end? Suprise ending that is supposed to warm your heart and teach you what's really important? Yes, yes, yes. |
| Rating | | | Date | August 01, 2004 | | Summary | Amazing! | Content
| I really enjoyed this movie! Good Luck or The Ox and the Eye (which is a better title) is about two men, who are disabled, entering a white water race. It was heartwarming (when Lem and Tony try to enter the race, they are rejected because of their disabilities) and hilarious!!! There is some vulgar language, so this movie is not for children! The best part is it's rewatchable!!!! D'Onofrio and Hines at their best!!! |
| Rating | | | Date | September 30, 2003 | | Summary | Heart Warmer | Content
| I bought this because when Gregory Hines recently died I wanted to see those movies he did that I had missed. Perhaps a poor reason, but better late than never. He was an accomplished actor and dancer. This DVD has a great price on it as well for the entertainment you will get out of it. I was pleasantly surprised. This is one of those feel good sleepers you run across now and then. When Hines, playing a paraplegic, decides to enlist the aid of a blinded football star, played by D' Onofrio, to win a white water race, anything can happen. The friendship that develops is earned through hard work and the realization that no matter what, we can move forward with our lives. Fans of movies like "Brian's Song", "Field of Dreams", "Cool Runnings", and "Amazing Grace" should enjoy it. Other than some ocassional bad language the movie is suitable for most the family. |
| Rating | | | Date | September 05, 2003 | | Summary | Totally Underrated!! | Content
| This is a fabulous "feel good" movie. I've watched it a dozen times and it's still a favorite to pop in the VCR when company comes calling. This movie never got the publicity it deserved so it's pretty much a surprise when I play it for guests. Then, everyone wants a copy. I probably would never have heard of it myself if my mom hadn't been an extra in it. It was filmed in Winchester Bay, Oregon where my mom had a gift shop. |
| Rating | | | Date | March 31, 2002 | | Summary | This film is an satisfactory way to spend 96minutes. | Content
| I bought this film sight unseen as that is the only way I could see it. No video store had it.{most had never heard of it}And waiting for it to show up on t.v. could take months. I have had mixed results buying films unseen but this one did not disappoint. It won't go down as one of the best I have seen but I don't get the feeling the people behind it were shooting for greatness. They were just trying to tell the story of two men trying to rise above a handicap. And as that it works well. It contains a GREAT deal of bathroom humor. I'm not bothered by it but it's dwelt on to the point it becomes a little tiresome. Otherwise it's an enjoyable film. The performances by Hines and D'Onofrio are VERY good. I found D'Onofrio very belivable as a blind man and most of the films dramatic burden is carried by him. I am sure I'll spend 96 minutes with it agian. |
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