Hudson Hawk [DVD]

Very disappointed that adult language is censored and dubbed over and is not advertised as such. This movie is a classic and the bantering dialog makes the script. Five stars given for the movie but no stars given for the revised children’s version...

Forget Southland Tales, this movie is a real doozy. If theres a term that defines beyond over-the-top, it would be Hudson Hawk. Theres no way to explain just how bat-scat crazy this movie really is, other than saying its outrageous balderdash. I didnt know what to expect from this, other than the fact that it got panned by critics. I can understand why: its not that it was sold to be one thing but its really something else, this movie was sold to be one thing but it turned out to be too much of everything. That thought can put anyone in a weird position. The bizarreness began when the movie started in a book form, telling about Leonard da Vinci making a conversion device that can turn lead into gold. Jump to the present day (circa 1990), it has the titular character (Willis) bailing out of prison and being escorted by his pal Tommy (Danny Aiello), only to be later greeted by a mob and forced him to steal a statue from a museum. After the heist (while he and Tommy sing, no less), the movie started becoming hazy once an English butler killed a mob boss and broke the statue to find a princess artifact. Later, the same statue was returned to the museum without Hawks knowledge, so when he got there to check it out, there was a sudden sabotage by rich moguls, then he got chased by the mob in an ambulance before hes confronted by another rich mogul and his thugs named after brand-name chocolate bars. Hawk got sent to Rome to work for one faction, then on another faction, only to support a completely different faction with Andie MacDowells character, and from what I can gather, there was an evil plan to use Vincis conversion device and things blow up. In many ways, the plot of the unwilling protagonist getting involved in multiple groups without any real understanding reminds me of the Coens bowling strike, The Big Lebowski. While this is an earlier film compared to the film about a shomer shabbos guy beating up a guys car, The Big Lebowski did keep the clustered plot and its humor subdued. This movie doesnt know how to be subtle, it just goes on the loony path without taking a break. Its completely random at how scenes were set up so Hudson Hawk can be where he has to go and make witty retorts along the way. Nothing about this movie is realistic, almost every slapstick moment includes a Looney Tunes sound effect and multiple cartoon-based gags. Its rather unorthodox that such a zany movie can be so violent and vulgar; characters were cursing and getting sliced, the mood of this movie was all over the place. Does this movie had any idea what to do with a lot of elements it had? It tried to do so much and so fast that the insanity got a bit unnerving. For being such an outrageous movie, Hudson Hawk does maintain this kind of eccentricity for the entire runtime. At least it has the right cast to go with the zaniness, and the zaniness is consistent; just about the entire cast are simply out of their mind, even the one-dimensional love-interest like MacDowell (eventually) becomes as loony as the rest. Its a total mess, but it is a unique mess. There has never been another action-adventure, romantic-comedy, historical, musical, gangster, surreal, product placement movie quite like this. Its an achievement to say the least.

Just as fun a movie today as I remembered watching it as a child. The blu-ray is a bit grainy, as you would expect, but still good quality even on 4k TVs.

the actors looked like they were having fun. story is full of songs and cat burgler type stuff

I couldnt find my DVD so I had to purchase the digital version. Quirky comedy, fantastically goofy.

Someone once asked me to compile a list of movies that Id want with me if I ended up stranded on a DVD/Television equipted deserted isle. This was first on the list, strange as it may seem. Ive seen many a cult classic; Ive only managed not to fall asleep during the midnight showings of Rocky Horror once or twice, and the Kentucky Fried Movie can usually manage a few chuckles out of me. But I sit rivetted to this movie every time I plop it into the DVD player. From the songs to the wacky plotline and over the top acting, this movie is a complete and utter parody of the secret agent/cat burglar movies of the 1980s and 1990s. Grand villians, ever present and mysterious CIA agents, it is a summation of a genre that was far overdone. No, this is not an Academy contestant, but it is a solid film that you can watch over and over again (which is why you buy a DVD) and not cringe if the kids walk in. And when it is over, hopefully youll be just like me and have a nice smile on your face for the rest of the day.

Item was purchased as a NEW item but was not cellophane wrapped and box corners are lightly beat up. While the disc looks fine, i paid for a new item and got an opened (USED) item.

As a child of the 90s, I have fond memories of browsing the shelves of my local video rental store, searching for the latest action-packed blockbuster to watch on my trusty VHS player. So when I stumbled upon the Hudson Hawk - Retro VHS Style release on Amazon, I couldnt resist the opportunity to relive those nostalgic memories. From the moment the movie started playing, I was transported back in time to a simpler era where Bruce Willis was the king of the silver screen and action movies were all about having fun. Hudson Hawk doesnt take itself too seriously, and thats part of its charm. Its a silly, over-the-top adventure thats more concerned with delivering laughs and thrills than telling a coherent story. But what really makes this release stand out is the retro VHS packaging. The artwork on the cover and the tape itself is an homage to the classic video releases of the 80s and 90s. Its a perfect addition to any collection of vintage movies, or just a great way to display your love for all things retro. Of course, the picture and sound quality of the actual movie are not on par with modern releases, but thats to be expected. The grainy, slightly distorted picture and the occasional audio dropout only add to the overall charm of the experience. Its like watching a movie on an old, well-loved VHS tape thats been played a hundred times before. In conclusion, if youre a fan of Bruce Willis, action movies, or just want to relive the glory days of the VHS era, Hudson Hawk - Retro VHS Style is a must-have addition to your collection. Its a fun, entertaining movie that will transport you back in time and put a smile on your face. Highly recommended!

Just a funny feel good movie. Highly recommend it.

Hudson Hawk is a film like no other. Hilarious at times, head-scratchingly absurd at others, this is a film that will capture your interest and never fails to please when seen by a group of people. The premise is simple: an ex-con is black-mailed into stealing Leonardo da Vincis greatest treasures so a corrupt businessman can use them to turn lead into gold and ruin the worlds economy. If that sentence alone doesnt hook you in, then stop and read no further because this movie is not for you. Bruce Willis is endlessly charming in this and the rest of the cast is flat out awesome. Take a chance, ignore the critics, and be prepared to watch a movie that isnt afraid to have fun.