Back in 1995, when Cutthroat Island was released, the movie opened and closed here in a week. Somehow, an action movie about a lady pirate didn’t appeal to mass audiences back then. If you missed Cutthroat Island on the first go-round, you’re in luck! I found a Blu-ray version of Cutthroat Island at BJ’s Warehouse for $7.99. Remember when Blu-ray movies were going for $25-$30? As I predicted a few months ago, prices are falling for Blu-ray movies, many can be found under $10. Cutthroat Island is pure fun: sword fights, swashbuckling adventures, and some light romance. But the reason to watch this movie in the Blu-ray HDTV format is for the colorful island spectacle and the elaborate ship-to-ship battle scenes. If you want crackling action featuring the delightful Geena Davis, the cute Matthew Modine, and the sinister Frank Langella, Cutthroat Island delivers. GRADE: B+
Matthew Modine sure made a habit of taking quirky parts. And Geena has disappeared pretty much. Oh, the curse of being over forty for female actresses. She made a few great movies but not enough.
I’ve always been a big Geena Davis fan, Patti. She sparkles in this pirate movie. I thought she might have a breakout role as President in COMMANDER IN CHIEF, but that didn’t quite work out.
You know Crider will be all over this one.
One of my favorite Geena Davis movies was The Long Kiss Goodnight.
She did it way before Angelina and just as well – if not better.
Check it out.
I love THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT, Jeff! Geena Davis has been in plenty of good movies: TOOTSIE, FLETCH, THE FLY, BEETLEJUICE, THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST, THELMA & LOUISE, and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN. I just wish she’d made more. What a talent!
You’re right, Jeff. This is one of the greats, even though nobody realizes that except me.
I’m with you, Bill!
George – I loved this movie. I cannot understand why people were not all over it. Well, they were, but not with love. And The Long Kiss Goodnight is equally fun.
I’ll have to see if THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT is available in Blu-ray for a bargain price, Scott.
Never heard of it. The cover of he DVD has the names reversed, unless Gina Davis has become a blonde. Was this made because the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie was successful?
CUTTHROAT ISLAND preceded PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN by eight years, Rick. And, it made a 1000th of the profits of the Disney franchise.
She’s over 50 so in Hollywood she might as well be dead.
Sadly, you’re right, Jeff.
But that’s not true with Meryl Streep.
The normal Hollywood Rules don’t apply to Meryl, Rick.
Meryl is sui generis, I’m afraid.
Barbra Streisand possesses some of the same magic that Meryl does, Jeff.
I saw some of this on TV a few months ago. I can see why it flopped.
Hey, a woman pirate with a monkey…what’s not to like, Bob.
The script. The directing. The cinematography. The catering truck.
Picky, picky, Bob. Bill Crider will have to explain the charms of CUTTHROAT ISLAND to you.