Steal This Movie | | Cast : | Vincent D'Onofrio | | Director : | Robert Greenwald | | Studio : | Vidmark/Trimark | | Format : | Color, Widescreen | | Released Date : | January 01, 2000 | | DVD Released Date : | November 06, 2001 | | Language : | French (Subtitled), English (Dubbed), English (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled), English (Original Language) | | Audience Rating : | R (Restricted) | | | BUY THIS DVD FROM AMAZON |
Customer Reviews
| Rating |  | | Date | October 22, 2004 | | Summary | Good biography of a great man | Content
 | `Steal This Movie' is a well-thought, well-written well-acted, well-made dramatization of the life of left-wing activist Abbie Hoffman, probably the most famous of the Chicago Seven. (The title is a play on the title of Hoffman's autobiography, `Steal This Book', though it certainly doesn't have the poignancy of that title.) `Steal This Movie' made some bold casting choices. The lead role was given to Vincent D'Onofrio: not an obvious choice, because Vincent looks very little like Abbie, which caused many die-hard history aficionados to bash the decision. However, Vincent fills the role wonderful, brilliantly, expressing all the conflicting sides of Hoffman's personality, his sense of humor, his dead seriousness, strict political consciousness, bi-polar disorder, having to live in hiding and away from his wife and son. He makes the character come alive much more than someone else could have by simply looking and talking like him. Abbie's wife Anita is played wonderfully by SNL's Janeane Garofalo, accomplished comedian but not so as a dramatic actress.
Though it doesn't have that much cinematic value by its own right, `Steal This Movie' does a fantastic job of getting through both the spirit of the time and the greatness and difficulties of Hoffman's activities and his character - a great and fascinating person whose impact has long been overlooked. It's also a wonderful document of an important period that is practically ignored (relatively, of course). For those interested in the late 60s, in the hippie movements, Black Panthers and other left wing political movements of the time, and of course in Hoffman himself - it's invaluable, on top of being both touching and entertaining. A good watch. |
| Rating | | | Date | September 26, 2004 | | Summary | Sorry, but this is a good movie | Content
| I'm sorry, but I really not only liked this movie as a movie, but I think that it's important to see. I find it really difficult to find anything about this time and these people in the bookstores, and I would take what I can get, except--this movie has performances that really make the people seem real and create urgency.
Not a big Abbie Hoffman person, I can't fault Vincent D'onofrio's performance like others have. Maybe he isn't a carbon copy, but he makes me feel like I have learned something about the man, and have felt his humanity. That doesn't NOT matter, right?
And I adore Janeane--she really is the heart and mind of this film. Where Vincent is the physical, id sort of person, she makes it real and educates.
Reallly liked this film, and I want to know more; that's what a movie like this is supposed to do, yes?
By the way, the commentary by the two leads is not only laugh out loud funny, but also educates about the time and, important for those actors out there, crystalized the process of filmmaking. You come away knowing more about the movement, wanting to know even more about the movement, and knowing more about how a movie gets made. The relationship there is so perfect. Besides which, as I said, don't be drinking liquid while listening to the commentary, because you will laugh so hard. Maybe this is why they worked so well together on film. |
| Rating | | | Date | September 04, 2004 | | Summary | Steal Vincent D'Onofrio | Content
| Okay, so he doesn't really look like Abbie Hoffman...If you are one of those nuts who has to have history recreated to a "T" to even slightly enjoy a dramatization of it, then this film is not for you. (Most films aren't for you). Vincent D'Onofrio gives another excellent perfomance and my respect and admiration for him grow with his filmography. He throws his entire self into every role and his efforts in this film should not be dismissed. I think that this is a great movie and D'Onofrio makes it great. He upstages everyone. If you want to learn about the Yippies and Hoffman, read his book "Steal This Book" or read his biography.
See more Vincent D'Onofrio's films. Watch him in Law & Order: Criminal Intent. His is one of the most powerful and intense actors of our time. |
| Rating | | | Date | December 08, 2002 | | Summary | I'm saving 5 stars for DESIRE!! | Content
| Vinny was great as Abby...the movie itself was o.k....like I said before....VD saves many of these.... if you want bigger reviews, read the others....mine are quick....worth seeing of course. |
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