Mask (DVD, 2004, Director's Cut)

I had this movie on VHS several years ago and really liked it. It is based on a true story of a young boy with a rare facial disconfiguration, who is being raised by a single-mom biker. Between the taunts and stares he receives, to the drug and relationship issues of his mom, and the biker lifestyle they share, the story is very compassionate and compelling. The love shown to the boy by his mom and her biker friends is truly heartwarming. The ending, while sad, leaves you with absolutely no regrets for having watched the movie.

The DVD is far better than the old VHS version because of the extra features, such as the casting call and the extra efforts put forth by a very young actor (Stoltz)in researching the character he portrays. Particularly interesting is a back-story regarding the original soundtrack featuring Bruce Springsteen. It seems the music was removed before theatrical release due to the current contract situations between the music industry, recording industry, and the actors/performers. The Springsteen soundtrack adds so much to the movie that it is really a shame that it was left on the editing floor during the original release of the theatrical movie and VHS recordings.

Some will not like this movie due to the subject matter or the sad ending, but I think most people will really enjoy it for the fine storyline, the superb perfromances by Cher and Eric, and the somewhat accurate but not glorified portrayal of the biker lifestyle.

SOMETIMES THE MOST UNLIKELY PEOPLE BECOME HEROES. "MASK IS SUPERB." ACCLAIMED FILMMAKER PETER BOGDANOVICH DIRECTED THIS HEARTWARMING AND INSPIRATIONAL FILM BASED ON THE REAL-LIFE STORY OF ROCKY DENNIS (ERIC STOLTZ),A TERRIBLY DISFIGURED BUT HIGHLY SENSITIVE AND INTELLIGENT TEENAGER. MOTIVATED BY HIS LOVING MOTHER,RUSTY(CHER), AND HER BOYFRIEND,GAR (SAM ELLIOTT), ROCKY ULTIMATELY OVERCOMES PAIN, LONLINESS AND PREJUDICE TO BECOME A ROLE TO HIS CLASSMATES AND TEACHERS ALIKE.

Are you kidding me? Anything with Sam Elliot is a classic. Eric Stolz plays "Rocky" an adolescent born with a cranial deformity known as "Lionitus" which causes him to look hideous. His mother (played by Cher), and her love interest Gar (Sam Eliiot), along with a gang of bikers raise Rocky to look past his own deformity and show the world that beauty is on the inside. Great Movie- Tear Jerker.

I love this movie...Cher is wonderful and Eric Stolz is stellar in his portrayal of Rocky Dennis...Sam Elliot plays a perfect biker boyfriend of Cher...This film shows the struggles of a boy with a rare disease that makes his face look distorted..The film also shows how Rocky overcomes alot of obstacles and has tremendous courage...I love this movie and I can watch it a million times and still get that tear come to my eye....Do yourself a favor watch this film but bring some tissues for the ending..

ANY MOVIE BASED ON A TRUE LIFE STORY IS ALWAYS THE WAY TO GO. I LOVE THE MAKE UP/SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR 'ROCKY' AND OF COURSE THE GREAT CAST OF ACTORS, AND THE LEADING LADY-CHER! THEY HAVE OUTDONE EAACH OF THEIR ROLES TO A MARVELOUS SPLENDOR THAT THEY BRING THE TRUE EVENTS TO YOUR TELEVISION SCREEN. SO MANY EMOTIONS COME TO THE SURFACE AND YOU CAN'T HELP BUT FEEL FOR ANYBODY WITH A DISEASE, NO MATTER HAT IT IS. LOVE HAVING THIS MOVIE IN MY COLLECTION AT HOME.