Customer Reviews

Great Balls of Fire! (Widescreen/Full Screen)

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was enjoying a quiet dinner tonight when this movie came on TV! I thought I'd watch a few minutes and get back to my typing, but NO! Jerry Lee grabbed me and wouldn't let go...just as he did back in the day.

Like one of the reviewer's grandmothers, I used to dance around the house to Jerry Lee's rock 'n roll, especially the unforgettable, lively "Great Balls of Fire." He was a riot then and he's a riot now!

I love, love, love this movie...because it's lively, fun and makes me feel good! I did feel sad for Jerry Lee and his teen bride. Even though she was young, they loved each other and my heart broke to see them misunderstood and his music banned because of his marrying her at such a young age (thirteen). The English treated them disgracefully, and I don't blame him for not apologizing...at great cost to his career. (Not that I condone anyone marrying anyone that young, but they made it work in the long run...)

To view the way Jerry Lee and Myra defied everyone and stuck together through thick and thin was tender, moving and rather sweet. Bittersweet moments! And even though this rock 'n roll legend was a rebel and a bit cocky, you couldn't help but love the guy...

Dennis Quaid was riotous in the role of Jerry Lee, and Winona Ryder was perfect as the very cute, adorable teen. They were both lovable (and naive in many ways). I thought I'd die laughing when she took her doll house with her as she moved from her father's home to live with her new husband. (And wait till you see Alec Baldwin carrying on as a stereotypical Baptist preacher; even though his role was rather laughable, he did a great job of acting...lol)

Kudos to this cast and the producers for a few hours of almost nonstop laughter, dished up with the bittersweet romance.

I won't forget this film for a long time. Even though certain parts were left out of "The Killer's" life, this movie managed to give the main details and give us a good concept of his life and lots of great rock 'n roll.

It's heartening to know he's still performing and as popular as in his heyday. Rock on, Jerry Lee!

Reviewed by Betty Dravis, July 2, 2010
Author of "Dream Reachers" (with Chase Von) and other books

This is okay. Dennis Quaid is rather over the top and Winona Ryder is her usual humdrum self. Looks good and there are some good comedic touches.

However, rather than his career being trashed by the scandal depicted here, in that he marries his 13 year old cousin, and then she gets pregnant, and slaps her about, he should have been jailed. Sorry, distasteful is not the word for it.

Great Ball's of fire has everything anyone could ever want in a movie! it's got action, drama, romance,comedy and truth. Dennis Quaid is marvelous as 'The Killer' and Winona Ryder was amazing as 'Myra' what make's this movie even better is that it is a true story. I think every one should have this in their collection.

I think that this movie was great.and dennis quaid did a grat job as being jerry lee lewis and winnona wryder did an great job as being his cousin but I think that I would have been better because I think that I look better than her. and all she did in the movie was wnine but other than that I loved the movie and that's why I gave the movie five stars.

hey this is a great story, great music, and a great job by dennis quaid, excellet....

the great recordings by the killer himself!! the only thing missing is "throwing rice at her now" should have been on the soundtrack too.

When I saw the preview for this movie, I thought "wow, Dennis Quaid is hot." I'm too young to remember Jerry Lee Lewis, but I have heard his music. Dennis Quaid does an admirable job of bringing Jerry Lee Lewis' story to us.

Winona Ryder is okay. I think she's a wishy-washy actress. Sometimes she's great, sometimes she bores me. Unfortunately, this was one of the boring performances. Granted, she was playing a whiny teenager, that may have swayed my opinion.

The story is a good one, but now I intend to read a biography about Jerry Lee Lewis, as I'm sure much was left out about this man's colorful life.

As an aside, my pre-teen daughter had many questions about the behavior of the two cousins...so I probably should have watched it when she was not around.

Bottom line, if you are huge fan of either actors or the story, buy it...otherwise, rent it.

Even after 30 plus years of recording (at the point of this set being recorded) "Killer" still has the licks. While the fact that the original versions of the songs aren't all here (only Great Balls Of Fire has an orginal version of it) Jerry Lee is still bangin' away at the piano. For him to have been able to record such good re-recordings of these songs is amazing especially when you consider all he has been through (see the movie or read his book if you don't know of what I speak). I declare him the TRUE KING of Rock And Roll because he didn't lose his edge like Elvis did. The only reason I only gave this 4 stars is because I would have liked more originals also. But that's just my opinion and as Dennis Miller has said I could be wrong...

Jerry Lee Lewis's rise to fame and marraige to his 13-year-old cousin are given a superficial treatment. Dennis Quaid, Winona Ryder, and other cast members do a good job, but the screenplay glosses over certain details of his life without going into much depth.

If I could only pick 1 cd to listen to for the rest of my life this would be it.Jerry Lee Lewis is the hottest and sexyest and man that has ever lived and will ever lived! His voice is the best and he has a "Ferocish God given talent"! I LOVE YOU JERRY LEE LEWIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!