Jane Fonda Movies
Hollywood legend has it that Bette Davis was forced to talk to a blank wall rather than her co-star Henry Fonda during filming of her close-ups in Jezebel; the reason was that he had repaired to New York to attend the birth of his daughter Jane.A child of privilege, the young Jane Fonda exhibited the imperious, headstrong attitude and ruthlessness that would distinguish both her film work and her private life. The teenage Fonda wasn't keen on acting until she worked with her father in a 1954 Omaha Community Theatre production of The Country Girl. Slightly interested in pursuing a stage career at that point, Fonda nonetheless studied art both at Vassar and in Europe, returning to the States to work as a fashion model. Studying acting in earnest at Lee Strasberg's Actors' Studio, Fonda ultimately starred on Broadway in Tall Story, then made her film debut by re-creating this stage appearance in 1960.
A talented but not really distinctive player at that time, Fonda astonished everyone (none as much as her father) by becoming one of the first major American actresses to appear nude in a foreign film. This was La Ronde (1964), directed by her lover (and later her first husband) Roger Vadim. The event was heralded by a giant promotional poster in New York's theater district, with Fonda's naked backside in full view for all of Manhattan to see. Vadim decided to mold Fonda into a "sex goddess" in a series of lush but forgettable films; the best Fonda/Vadim collaboration was Barbarella (1968), which scored as much on the actress' sharp comic timing (already evidenced in such American pictures as Cat Ballou [1968]) as it did on her kinky costuming. In the late '60s, Fonda underwent another career metamorphosis when she became involved in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Her notorious visit to North Vietnam at the height of the conflict earned her the sobriquet "Hanoi Jane," as well as the enmity of virtually every ex-GI who fought in Southeast Asia.
Even so, Fonda's film stardom ascended in the early '70s; in 1971, she won the first of two Oscars for her portrayal of a high-priced prostitute in Klute (her other was for Coming Home [1978]), and Fonda's career flourished despite a sub-rosa Hollywood campaign to discredit the actress and spread idiotic rumors about her subversive behavior (one widely circulated fabrication had Fonda destroying the only existing negative of Stagecoach because she despised John Wayne).
In the 1980s, the actress realized several personal and career milestones: she worked with her father on film for the only time in On Golden Pond (1981); she assisted former peace activist Tom Hayden, whom she had married in the early '70s, in his successful bid for the California State Assembly; and she launched the first of several best-selling exercise videos. She also won an Emmy for her performance in the TV movie The Dollmaker (1984). After her marriage to Hayden ended in the early '80s, Fonda married media mogul Ted Turner in 1991 (the couple would divorce in 2000), and began curtailing her film appearances, all but retiring from the screen after her lead role opposite Robert De Niro in 1990s Stanley & Iris. Fonda was no less the social activist in the 1990s than she was two decades earlier; among her projects was the production of several "revisionist" dramatic specials and documentaries about the history of Native Americans, duly telecast on Turner's various worldwide cable services.
Just when it seemed audiences might have seen the last of Fonda on the big screen, she returned in 2005 with the romantic comedy Monster-in-Law. Starring Fonda as a meddling mother bent on disrupting the planned nuptials of her son (Michael Vartan) and his fiance (Jennifer Lopez), the film went on to be a modest box-office success despite mixed reviews from critics. 2005 also saw the release of Fonda's best-selling autobiography My Life So Far, after which she took some time off. She got back in the saddle a few years later with 2007's Georgia Rule, playing the hard-driving grandmother of a rebellious teenager played by Lindsay Lohan. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
An exercise video that includes a fast-paced warm-up and exercise, balance and stretching. Includes a 20 minute routine for those with too few hours in the day. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1984
This exercise video features actress and activist turned fitness guru Jane Fonda. Her exercise regimens have helped many people to achieve a level of fitness they had not known before. This program takes the fitness enthusiast to a higher level, with a more challenging workout. The routine is designed to reach a higher peak of performance with exercises that strengthen and lengthen muscles, while stepping up the cardiovascular rate to improve overall health and endurance. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Jane Fonda's classic 1988 workout tape, still a best-seller, combines fat-burning aerobic routines with stretching and conditioning for lithe, toned muscles. Easily adaptable to fit in the busiest of schedules, Fonda's tape can be done all at once for a 70-minute, full-body workout, or you can break it down into three shorter segments: 35 minutes of aerobics, 15 minutes of upper-body conditioning, and 20 minutes of lower-body conditioning -- weights optional. Appropriate for all fitness levels. ~ Sarah Welsh, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Viewers will find that nearly every inch of their bodies receives attention if they follow Jane Fonda's lead as she goes through this 50-minute workout. The title is appropriate since newcomers to regular exercise will feel right at home. They can decide how much of the tape they want to play at any one time as they build up their strength. Care is taken throughout to strengthen and protect both the neck and lower back areas. Everyone who needs help increasing their strength, flexibility, muscle tone, and circulation should consider trying out this entry-level program. Soft background music adds to the pleasure of this video.
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Four of Jane's simpler and most popular exercise routines are demonstrated in this video. This variety is helpful to those who become bored rather easily while working out. The clips come from her Stress Reduction, Lean Routine, Low Impact, and Complete Workout tapes. Both high-impact moves and less stressful ones are shown so that nearly everyone can do this workout right along with Jane. Viewers may be a little surprised to see some unusual fashions, like the leg warmers that so many people once wore while working out. During 15 minutes of this 50-minute film, Jane shares some of her own dieting tips. She also shares her ideas about which foods should be eaten and how they should be prepared in order to minimize weight gain and help everyone keep attractive, healthy figures. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1991
This exercise video is designed for children from four to eight, and is demonstrated by Jane Fonda. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1990
In this exercise video for youngsters, Jane Fonda, J.D. Roth, and a team of fitness experts help kids get fit by dancing. The dance -- the Fun House Funk -- is loaded with exercises kids will be able to do, while having fun at the same time. The routines are designed for ages seven and older. ~ Linda J. Shriver, All Movie Guide
- 1990
This exercise video includes segments on nutrition, fat-burning exercises and weight control. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1990
This exercise video features a light aerobic workout that includes more stretching and less sweating. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1986
The multifaceted Jane Fonda dons her hat of fitness guru to lead the viewer through a session of low-impact aerobic exercises. These gentle movements are designed to burn calories, increase cardiovascular activity, promote flexibility, and strengthen muscles, while reducing the risk of injury. The practitioner will be the beneficiary of a noticeably more toned and relaxed body, and a calmer mind. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Equally famous for her exercise videos as for her Hollywood career, Jane Fonda flaunts her still-maintained body in Low Impact Aerobics and Stretch. Two workouts are coached encouragingly by Fonda and her sculpted crew; both are easily followed by beginners with enough challenge for experienced viewers as well. Dance-inpsired aerobics may be more suitable for women than men, and Fonda's experienced instruction focuses on fat-burning results. ~ Sarah Sloboda, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Viewers can add shape and muscle tone to their lower body while following along with this two-part floor exercise and aerobics workout. When done properly, these exercises tone up the abs, buns, and thighs so that clothing fits in a truly flattering way. Fonda spends 25 minutes demonstrating the floor exercises and 35 minutes demonstrating the low-impact step-aerobics routine. Though some beginners might be intimidated by the choreography and dance steps, the steps are repeated enough times that most people can pick them up rather quickly. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1985
In her fifth exercise tape, Jane provides the viewer with challenging aerobic exercises set to vibrant background music. Both posture and form are emphasized during the segments designed for beginners and more advanced exercise enthusiasts. However, if the viewer is a beginner looking for a low-impact aerobic workout, this video may be too challenging. It is better tailored to the needs of the intermediate and early-advanced student. Many of Jane's fans will notice that a number of these workout steps are highly similar to those contained in her first Workout. Tips are provided to help master the breathing techniques that are always critical to an effective workout.
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Long before Demi Moore stood in a proud pregnant pose for the magazine Vanity Fair, Jane Fonda was urging women to use this tape to help them look their best and stay in shape prior to giving birth. After the initial warm-up routine, viewers will work on firming up their arms. They will then be shown exercises that target their middle and lower body areas. Helpful relaxation and breathing exercises are also shown, which are potentially useful both when giving birth or simply finishing a workout. Given the unique health problems many women face during pregnancy, it's important to check with a doctor before using this or any other exercise video.
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1983
First introduced in 1983, Jane Fonda's Pregnancy, Birth and Recovery Workout offers a 45-minute prenatal and postnatal exercise routine, plus a 20-minute segment for postnatal only women. In addition, Fonda provides a 20-minute look at birth, baby massage, and infant care. The video is designed for active women who wish to continue to exercise throughout pregnancy, as well as the mother-to-be who wishes to begin a safe workout program during pregnancy. Some aspects of this video are not reflective of current exercise guidelines and recommendations. For example, Fonda and her participants work out barefoot, while today's guidelines suggest the use of shoes for stability. With a physician's approval, new moms may wish to add the following Jane Fonda videos to their routines: Stress Reduction Program, Complete Workout, and Low Impact Aerobic Workout. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
- 1988
An exercise video featuring Jane Fonda that is not difficult, but it can get you into shape. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1987
This exercise video features actress, activist, and fitness guru Jane Fonda in a program designed to prevent a sports-related injury, and to speed recovery in the event one occurs. Muscle flexibility and strength are key aspects of the program. Fonda demonstrates simple exercises and stretches that the athlete can do prior to and after sports activity to reduce stress and strain on the body, to ensure its continued health and endurance. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1993
This video is recommended for both beginners and those seeking a more moderate workout that incorporates low-impact aerobics. While a bit dated in terms of the music and a few of the routines, it still has much to offer. Jane Fonda leads viewers through exercises specifically designed to tone up their stomachs, buttocks, hips, legs, and arms. Body flexibility, proper posture, and balance are also targeted through a series of mildly challenging exercises. Video users with arthritis will be especially pleased with the stretching exercises, which can help older workout enthusiasts maintain their flexibility without risking the more demanding aerobic moves. All of Fonda's workout tapes are fully reviewed by a team of healthcare professionals and exercise experts before they are marketed.
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1994
Join in while four of Fonda's instructors take turns leading viewers through a series of step exercises to help tone various muscles and improve agility. The 45-minute, high-energy workout is especially designed for those aerobics enthusiasts ready for an intermediate-level challenge. Those who find themselves feeling a bit out of breath can take advantage of some of the lower-intensity adaptations of the workout , while viewers interested in a bit tougher regimen should watch closely for the variations for more advanced step exercisers. Once the step workout ends, Fonda herself leads everyone through a 15-minute series of stretching movements that is very relaxing. These stretches are simple to do and are appropriate for nearly all workout enthusiasts.
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1992
The viewer's cardiovascular system will be fully energized by this workout. After some challenging floor exercises are demonstrated, there's a step class featuring students doing both high- and low-intensity routines to the beat of some catchy music. Though this is a good tape, those who have already mastered a number of step routines may not find this program challenging unless they use higher steps. Thick thighs, large buns, and "love handles" will no longer rule if the demonstrated exercises are done that target the lower body muscle groups. If the viewer hasn't done any abdominal exercises in a while, it may be necessary to do fewer repetitions than the number suggested in the video. Otherwise, these are good routines for beginners.
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
- 1989
Jane Fonda has found the key to stress reduction: long, slow stretching. Her 1989 program starts with a 20-minute segment of light aerobics. She has always been a proponent of getting the heart rate up to improve cardio-health. After that brief workout, another 20-minute segment allows the viewer a full-body stretch. Even for the inflexible, Fonda's movements are easy. The plan is completed with a 15-minute segment of tension relief that targets all areas of the body. Fonda's programs have always been safe and reliable methods to tone up and calm down. ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Jane Fonda is the host of this fitness video for young children. The instructor for the video is J.D. Roth who hosts the children's program Fun House. Roth and some children are trying to make their way into the Fun House and learn a dance, the "Swamp Stomp," in order to gain access. Dancers in the costumes of wild animals teach low-impact dance moves appropriate for children ranging in age from three to seven. Throughout, the instructor encourages children to find the fun in fitness, recommends that they drink water before and after exercising, and reminds them that it's okay if they can't get through the whole tape. ~ Leslie Birdwell, All Movie Guide
- 1987
Jane and celebrity trainer Dan Isaacson provide two weight-training courses in this video -- a 45-minute beginner-intermediate class and a 40-minute class for more advanced students. Both classes make use of dumbbells and ankle weights. During the exercise routines, the viewer is told which muscle groups are being targeted, how many repetitions should be done, and how weight training can help shape and tone muscles. Many who use this tape believe it helps them gain added muscle strength as well. Viewers are given the option of increasing the weight of the dumbbells as the exercises progress. Excellent stretching exercises are included, which help relax various muscles once the dumbbells have been put away.
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide
