Road to Wellville | 
| Director: Alan Parker
Actors: Anthony Hopkins, Bridget Fonda, Matthew Broderick, John Cusack, Dana Carvey
Studio: Sony Pictures
List Price: $14.95
Buy Used: $0.70
You Save: $14.25 (95%)
New (14) Used (32) Collectible (7) from $0.70
Rating:  59 reviews
Sales Rank: 14842
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Hifi Sound, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 120 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 0800139062
UPC: 043396734234
EAN: 9780800139063
ASIN: 0800139062
Theatrical Release Date: October 28, 1994
Release Date: October 10, 1995
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Original Slipcase. Ex-rental with stickers. Tape plays great or your money back.
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com
This wrong-headed adaptation of the very funny (and scatological) novel by T. Coraghessan Boyle was written and directed by Alan Parker, who doesn't seem to have much of a clue. It's not a botch, just a movie that hammers its efforts at humor too hard. The focus is split between three story lines: the life of cereal tycoon John Kellogg (Anthony Hopkins with buck teeth), who has created a health spa for the wealthy that focuses on regular cleansing of the digestive tract (as well as applications of electricity); the troubles of an unhappy young couple (Matthew Broderick and Bridget Fonda), who come to the spa hoping to cure their marital ills (Broderick gets the worst of the deal); and the efforts of a young hustler (John Cusack), who is trying to break into the breakfast-cereal business but gets taken by an even bigger hustler (Michael Lerner). There are subplots about Kellogg's children but they add little. For all the doo-doo and enema jokes, the joys of this movie are distinctly scattered. --Marshall Fine
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| Customer Reviews: Read 54 more reviews...
 Brilliant cast, direction, setting, sound, and laughs November 13, 2000
Shawn Chittle (New York, NY USA)
25 out of 27 found this review helpful
As a former resident of Battle Creek, MI, I can say this movie was particularly enjoyable as I envisioned the city as it was back then. Although not filmed on location (the Battle Creek Sanitarium now stands as a Federal building) the scenery is very similar, and all the location names mentioned in the film are 100% accurate. The cast of this movie is fantastic and started (or boosted) many careers. Anthony Hopkins gives a brilliant performance and I wish he was offered more roles of this sort. Dana Carvey is funny as well, but his role is supporting only. The real scene stealer is the under-sexed and modern Camryn Manheim, who gives a peek into her future career as a great dramatic actress. John Neville's classic one-liners in the bath scenes caused me to laugh like I haven't since "Married with Children." Matthew Broderick and Bridget Fonda excel, as do every actor -- the depth of comedic acting in this film is amazing! This film is fantastic for anyone who is sick of the health craze (any of them) and just wants a good laugh at how health-quacks worked and how many were taken by the fads. Some of Dr. J. H. Kellogg's inventions we have today -- corn flakes, electric blankets, but the bulk of his work was not based in science. This makes the movie so funny -- the crazy gadgets used on the residents is actually classic slapstick comedy, and the one liners are almost as good as Airplane! All in all, I recommend this film to make you laugh histerically, and it's a darned good history lesson, too. "More amperes please!"
 A One Ounce Serving Has Over a Hundred Laughs December 27, 2006
Edwin C. Pauzer (New York City)
21 out of 21 found this review helpful
This adult comedy centers around three sub plots: the buck-toothed Dr. Kellogg played by Anthony Hopkins, Will and Eleanor Lightbody played by Matthew Broderick and Bridget Fonda respectively, and John Cusack as a shady but naive entrepreneur. The plots all take place during the turn of the last century at Dr. Kellogg's health sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan.
My favorites in this movie were the good doctor who is a product of his time believing that only procreational sex is good, and any loss of bodily fluids by other means saps the body of strength. I was in lust with the character of Ms. Monse at first sight. She is one of the reasons this comedy is for adults only; The facial expressions of the young and grown-up character of George Kellogg Jr. and pigs refusing to eat the experimental cereal "Perfo" kept me laughing constantly. I also enjoyed the music score which ranged from classical to delightfully silly. (I keep replaying the "Laughing Song" in my head.)
Amazon's product review is less kind than mine, proving that you really have to decide for yourself. But for me, this movie is a keeper. It can be played throughout the year, or just savored during the holidays.
Hilarious, but where's the big picture? September 18, 2002
Terestai (Littleton, Colorado USA)
15 out of 18 found this review helpful
Quite simply, this movie is hysterically funny. Well written, evenly paced and contains one of the most catchy soundtracks ever recorded. Chances are, if you're looking at this page for the DVD, you've seen the movie. If not, you can read the other reviews for the particulars because I'm going to focus on the technical aspects of the DVD. Besides, this is my second-favorite movie of all time, so any attempt to review the plot would be extremely biased and I know this movie isn't everyone's cup of tea.First of all, the movie itself looks beautiful. They did a great job on the digital transfer... the compression isn't all that noticeable and everything is crisp and clear. Audio is par for the course. Nothing too special here, but nothing lacking. However, one question begs to be asked: why, in these days of "Enhanced for 16:9 televisions," is a DVD being released containing ONLY a full screen version? The fact that they have "Full Screen Presentation" bulleted as a special feature shows just how far Columbia/Tristar missed the boat. The lack of widescreen is the only reason I've deducted a star from my rating. As for the other special features, don't be fooled by the "Bonus Trailers," which are all for other movies. Should you get the DVD? Certainly! If you love this movie, you'll enjoy watching it with a clean digital picture (especially if you've had the tape for years and it's getting worn out.) But if you've been waiting all these years for a widescreen version, you're going to have to keep waiting. This DVD can only be described as a visual and audio upgrade from the videotape, but not a definitive version of the film.
Extremely Funny, if you with a Sense of Humour! March 16, 2005
Graham Hyatt (Toronto, Canada)
11 out of 12 found this review helpful
I've never seen so many intellectual type reviews from people who were so obviously born without a sense of humour. For heavens sake, whether it follows the book, or not, this is a hillarious movie by most standards. Unfortunately, some people choose to take these things too seriously, and base their judgements upon things which don't concern the average person: who seeks entertainment and a laugh. This is a comedy - not a boring drama! - and once you accept the fact, it's a great film!
Hilariously historical, but not letterboxed September 12, 2002
Patrick Mccray (Knoxville, TN United States)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful
The film itself is hilariously funny, for those who have an open mind and heart on the subject of body functions. However -- beware! This DVD boasts as one of its "special features" the fact that it's a FULL SCREEN version, not a letterboxed version. I doubt there will ever be another DVD edition, so pick it up, anyway. The film wasn't shot in 'scope, so it's hard to tell how much you're missing -- either you're losing a small amount from the sides, or you're actually gaining a little on the top and bottom. Anyway, a five-star feature goes down to four because of the unwise choice of a "full screen" presentation.
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