A very sad.... and too close to the truth for comfort.... movie. It has a good cast and they do a good job. I've spent time in VA hospitals... many days over several years with my father as a patient, with friends who were patients (1994 thru 2009). What I learned from people I met in VA waiting rooms, who were accompanying other patients, the VA Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama was one of the better VAs. Still.... that US military veterans and their families are not guaranteed first class medical treatment AS NEEDED is more than a shame. It is an abomination. The movie may be a little over the top ----- but, based on first hand accounts I have heard ------ not by much ----- certainly not 10 or more years ago. It makes me feel as if I should.... someone should be out there volunteering and finding out what care is offered these men and women.

I am a combat veteran who not only utilizes the VA, but a veteran that provides care and works with veterans through a non-profit military ministry. This Movie may have been focused on the plight of veterans, primarily around the Vietnam era, but if anything it is a sharp reminder that very little has changed for veterans today. The movie gives a sardonic, and yet clear view of many of the issues that continue to plague the VA and I can not recommend it enough. It should be watched by every politician-and anyone involved with policy decisions being made regarding the care of veterans. Every American interested in the care and treatment of it's veterans should be encouraged to see this movie.

Siskel and Ebert really did not like this film but I thought it was pretty entertaining. It was interesting to see how the doctors got what they needed (surgery, supplies, treatments) in spite of all the strict rules (like Article 99) at the VA hospital. The way they had to keep shuffling patients around to different departments just to keep them there, etc.

I admit I would not have rented this if I were not the victim of a severe Ray Liotta addiction, and as always with his 1990's movies, he was breathtaking (and brave, and funny this time). I found it VERY implausible that someone who looked like that would be chasing after Kathy Baker like a lovesick puppy...she is so homely (as are most of the women he goes after in his movies. He must have a "No leading ladies prettier than I am" clause in his contracts!!! Seriously, I have to wonder, because it happens time and again).

I also think he has a "No showing sex" clause because they never show him having sex! He and Kathy did it, but you never saw it. Not even a pre-sex kiss.

Anyway, interesting plot and major eye candy (NOBODY should be that lucky in the gene pool) were worth $2.99.

I have this movie on VHS and had been looking for it for a while on DVD. A great movie!

As a Veteran & Retiree; this movie depicts a lot of the problems that the Veterans Hospitals have had for years and still have at a lot of them. Past few years they are getting better due to the dedicated employees, not management or Washington.

worse. I live very close to a large vets' hospital and one worker there who wanted mole to get a job at the place told me that urine flows down the hallways, the place was filthy etc. I once asked a friend who was a vet with problems why he didnt go there, same grim stories, including getting the run-around. Is is any wonder so many of our vets end up on the streets unhireable bc of disabiities, and then turn to self-medicating with street drugs? Something MUST be done besides giving them small stipends called 'entitlemens' or 'benefits. Right. Good acting, good plot. Recommend.

Awesome movie. I'm not one to watch dramas, but, man, was this movie worth the watch. I loved it. As someone who comes from a military vet's family, extended military family, and a nephew in the military, it's shocking to see how bureaucratic the VA hospical system is. Glad to see kind people helping vets. Heart felt movie. 5-stars to those who have served, vets, and everyone who assists them in their time of need.

So bad.

Not sure how this has an overall rating of 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Bad acting from good actors, terrible screenplay and dialogue, atrocious directing. I give it an extra star for heart, but yeah, don't try to sit through this. It hurts to watch for all the wrong reasons. Ew!

Imagine if you will, a veterans administration hospital that is completely mired in politics but is full of veterans that are denied the treatment they rightly deserve and expect. You've just entered......the Red Tape Zone.

In a time of crisis, you learn to be creative, sneaky and employ any usable methods that enable you to do the right thing. This is the premise of `Article 99' in which a dedicated and conscientious group of doctors do what they can, however they can, to help the patients that have been declined certain procedures. If It means stealing controlled supplies horded in the basement or maybe hiding a patient somewhere in the hospital to make space for another, it's all part of the plan. Now throw in a new doctor who arrives for an internship and sees all the chaos and it makes for many interesting and amusing situations. Eventually, the tone is set for a dramatic showdown with the administration that leads to a somewhat predictable but thought provoking ending.

`Article 99', although fictional, has semblances of truth coursing through it at various places. All you have to do is look at the history of veteran's treatment in this country and the recent unpleasantness surrounding Walter Reed hospital in Virginia and it becomes a lot more distinct. Fortunately, it does hold together as a solid movie with a compelling plot and a great cast. With stars like Ray Liotta, Keifer Sutherland, Forrest Whitaker, Lea Thompson, Keith David, and John C. McGinley showcasing their on-screen abilities, they do a fine job throughout. This is recommended viewing.