AVAILABLE ON DVD:

Shrek    OFFICIAL SITE  

I am not a big fan of animation, but I enjoy comedy, and particularly where some of the humor is slipped in; this is why Shrek will be a fun movie for kids, but perhaps more so for adults. Watch especially for ways the Dreamworks team has a bit of fun at Disney's expense. Primary character voices are by Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and John Lithgow.

Lara Croft - Tomb Raider     OFFICIAL SITE        

O Brother, Where Art Thou?  OFFICIAL SITE  

This story of three escapees from a Mississippi chain gang during the Great Depression is a laugh a minute, except there are many 5 to 7 minute breaks without any. Much of the funny stuff is old time slapstick, and George Clooney plays his character quite well. The music is good, but different, not everyone's cup of tea to be sure; a mix of bluegrass and folk with a slim serving of blues and gospel tossed in for good measure.

Pearl Harbor     OFFICIAL SITE

See my Ben Affleck collectibles page

Moulin Rouge     OFFICIAL SITE   

Okay, so maybe having the characters burst into various pop songs of the past thirty years is clever in a way, but overall, this movie was just weird. Stars Nicole Kidman, Ewan McGregor, Jim Broadbent, John Leguizamo. Reminded me in a few ways of "Topsy Turvy" an artsy movie from about a year ago about Gilbert and Sullivan, except it didn't put the entire audience to sleep; turns out it has the same producer, Baz Luhrmann and a least one actor (Broadbent) was in both.

Swordfish     OFFICIAL SITE   

A lot of violence, but if that doesn't bother you, an interesting action adventure starring John Travolta and Hugh Jackman; and Halle Berry, looking real good, but not adding too much otherwise.

Bridget Jones's Diary   OFFICIAL SITE   

Renee Zellweger added weight for her role as Bridget Jones, the sometimes cheerful, sometimes depressed diary keeper in search of Mr. Right. The two possibilities here are her boss (Hugh Grant) and a successful lawyer who was a neighbor when they were children (Colin Firth). Her diary almost does her in when she finally realizes who her choice ought to be and he stumbles upon it. It's a funny movie with some darn good thinking thrown in.     ...buy the book at Amazon

A Knight's Tale    OFFICIAL SITE  

I really enjoyed this medieval comedy with elements of adventure and romance - but make no mistake, those elements are but foils for the humor, a mix of subtle jokes and sight gags. The inclusion of classic rock tunes to set off certain scenes is an interesting touch as well, most played all the way through. Acting, costumes, photography are all superb, and the premise, a commoner passing as a knight so he can joust, allows for a quite interesting tale.

Don't forget to pick up the soundtrack!

Training Day  OFFICIAL SITE

Hannibal  OFFICIAL SITE

Anthony Hopkins reprises his role as Hannibal Lecter in this sequel to Silence of the Lambs. Didn't see it? Fear not, this can stand alone. Some critics say it's not as good... so do we pick a best movie and never see any others? Go see it. Too gory, you've heard? There's gore for sure, but with a purpose. Much lesser vehicles attempt to show more violence (not to mention blood and guts and ... brains) with less purpose. It's a thriller, excellent in every way - the story, the acting, the photography, the effects. 
         ...buy the book at Amazon    ...buy the book Silence of the Lambs at Amazon

Silence Of The Lambs       

Spy Game  OFFICIAL SITE

    ... buy the soundtrack at Amazon     ... Buy the Spy Game movie poster here

Bandits  OFFICIAL SITE    

Is it action/adventure, or is it comedy? As is often the case recently with Bruce Willis movies, it's a pleasant mix of both, with an odd type of romance tossed in for good measure. Billy Bob Thornton plays the other half of the pair of very successful bank robbers, whose downfall may not be caused by their meeting with Cate Blanchett's character, but just so happens to follow that. Not a great movie, but a fun one.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back  OFFICIAL SITE

Chasing Amy

See my Ben Affleck collectibles page

Clerks - Collector's Edition

Blow  OFFICIAL SITE  

I enjoyed this movie about drug trafficking, based on fact, and starring Johnny Depp. Hard to imagine or believe, but the widespread cocaine distribution business was built up by a very few young, ambitious individuals - most notably, George Jung - who hooked up with the Columbian drug lords. Ray Liotta, Penelope Cruz and Paul Reubens turn in excellent performances, as do the lesser known actors.      ...   buy the book at Amazon

Traffic  OFFICIAL SITE  

Three stories are interwoven here, sometimes to great effect and sometimes to the movie's detriment. Michael Douglas is an Ohio Supreme Court judge, appointed to become U.S. drug czar... while his daughter unbeknownst to him is experimenting with all sorts of drugs. Benicio del Toro plays a Mexican policeman, and one not so corrupt as most depicted. Catherine Zeta-Jones portrays the wife of an American businessman (Steven Bauer) who enjoys their comfortable lifestyle, but is shocked to discover that drugs are his real business. This sometimes confusing, yet still worthwhile thriller was directed by Steven Soderbergh.     ...  buy the book at Amazon
 
       Buy the video at Amazon.com  

Don't Say a Word  OFFICIAL SITE

Spy Kids  OFFICIAL SITE

Cast Away  OFFICIAL SITE  

Tom Hanks is one of just a handful of actors who could carry off what for a good portion of the film is a one man show (for the record, I'd include Sean Connery and Robin Williams in that group as well). Hanks' character is a manager at FedEx specializing in getting operations going or up to standard in far off places like Russia. His own schedule is tighter than that for the packages in and out of the FedEx hub in Memphis. On a flight across the Pacific, the plane goes down. He is the only survivor, and is stranded on a tiny island for over 4 years. Things have changed, of course. Love endures, but... Helen Hunt plays a key

Citizen Kane (Special Edition)

Heist   OFFICIAL SITE

Enemy at the Gates    OFFICIAL SITE

The Shipping News  OFFICIAL SITE

   ...   buy the book at Amazon      ... buy the soundtrack at Amazon

Forrest Gump

The Sound of Music (Five Star Collection)

Legally Blonde   OFFICIAL SITE

Ali  OFFICIAL SITE                                                            Buy the Ali movie poster here

Will Smith collectible page

Planet of the Apes  OFFICIAL SITE 

I was sure I was not going to like this, yet I thoroughly enjoyed it. Whether viewed as science fiction, action adventure, or morality tale, it has a lot to like, including sporadic dashes of humor.
      ... buy the original book at Amazon     Or buy the book, as "Reimagined by Tim Burton"

The Princess Diaries OFFICIAL SITE 

With newcomer Anne Hathaway, Julie Andrews, Hector Elizondo in a generally cute and often quite funny family movie from Disney. Garry Marshall directed it; and although this falls short of his films Runaway Bride and Pretty Woman, it may only be because Julia Roberts is not in it. American teen discovers she is the princess of the country of Genovia. She has to decide whether to accept this role, and to undergo a makeover just in case - as klutzy geek better describes her than sophisticated royal. Not great, but I still enjoyed it. Keep your eye on Hathaway in the future.
   ... buy the book at Amazon

Atlantis: The Lost Empire   OFFICIAL SITE 

From Disney, I expected better. What computer animation there was, was average. It had a Saturday morning cartoon look to me, as compared to, say, Lion King. Four years in the making... that is a puzzle. Kids may clamor to see it - until their friends report back to them about it. Needless to say, I give it thumbs down. 
               Visit The Atlantis Store at Amazon.com

Jurassic Park 3   OFFICIAL SITE

Jurassic Park   (original)

American Pie 2  OFFICIAL SITE

The Fast and the Furious   OFFICIAL SITE 

The fast and furious music and pace of the opening scenes put me off, but patience pays (sort of). While no slacker as an action/adventure movie, this movie slowed down enough to show there was some sort of plot and even a little decent dialogue between the street car races. One group of racers do some very unconventional truck hijacking on the side. A young undercover cop infiltrates one gang and develops a closeness to some in the group. Vin Diesel and Paul Walker star in this mostly fast and furious movie.

Buy The Fast And The Furious movie poster here

Hearts in Atlantis  OFFICIAL SITE  

Anthony Hopkins and a cast of unknowns all turn in excellent performances in a very good, though sometimes bizarre movie based on a novel by, you guessed it, Stephen King.
  ... buy the book at Amazon
  ... also of interest:  ages ago, I read Boys and Girls Together by William Goldman, who did the screenplay for Hearts in Atlantis. I just HAD to read more of what he wrote, and went on to read The Temple of Gold and Soldier in the Rain. Take a look at the reader reviews on these, or read an except there. Marathon Man, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, the Princess Bride, Misery, and All the President's Men are among Goldman's many screenplays.

Zoolander  OFFICIAL SITE

What Women Want  OFFICIAL SITE  

Once upon a time, an ad agency came up with the idea "the softer side of Sears." As an ad exec passed over for the job he wanted (filled by a woman outsider), Mel Gibson tries to relate to products targeted to women, and through a freak accident eventually finds his softer side. The mishap results in him being able to hear what women are thinking. Farfetched premise, but it makes for plenty of laughs. Gibson has not tackled comedy before (other than on Letterman and Leno), but he's a natural. Helen Hunt's role as the woman ad exec who becomes his boss is nothing like her part in As Good As It Gets, yet is reminiscent in ways. See it, you'll enjoy it; as a bonus, having seen it you'll "get" the references to scenes, which will become part of this season's comedy fare on talk shows, clubs, and your brother-in-law.
 
       Buy the video at Amazon.com  

The Emperor's New Groove    OFFICIAL SITE

The Wedding Planner   OFFICIAL SITE

15 minutes  OFFICIAL SITE  

Robert De Niro and Edward Burns star in this crime film. They play the celebrity cop and the arson squad fireman who find themselves together on the trail of a crazy Czech and Russian in New York City. The newcomers who play those parts are great - or are they just really crazy and the parts were written so well? Well... both! The acting is superb, from the half dozen "name" stars to others you merely recognize to the unknowns. The story never quite seems implausible, though there are scenes that push the envelope. There are scenes that make you laugh, though sometimes it's a nervous laugh as the humor might strike in the midst of violence. And violence there is... plenty. The violence is critical to the plot, though that's going to be most troubling to some viewers. If you can deal with that, then this is an "ought to see."

Along Came a Spider  OFFICIAL SITE  

Just when you think you know what will happen next, or when your suspicions of who's the bad guy or what they will do next, there is an unexpected twist. Morgan Freeman plays a Washington DC homicide detective; Monica Potter has a juicier role here than in her recent Head Over Heels. We're going to be seeing a lot more of her in top roles in big films. Michael Wincott (The Crow) portrays bad guy number one. Go see this thriller and guess who the other baddies are. Get there early - it'll be packed for at least the first several weeks.   ...   buy the book at Amazon
                  ...   buy the earlier book in the Alex Cross series, Kiss the Girls at Amazon
    Buy Kiss the Girls on video /  DVD at CDNOW
           Buy Kiss the Girls on video at Amazon    Buy Kiss the Girls on DVD at Amazon

Heartbreakers  OFFICIAL SITE  

Comedy follows a mother and daughter team (Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love Hewitt) as they con rich men. Part of the humor is in, what will go wrong next, and another part in how will they improvise on account of whatever went wrong. Gene Hackman played his role perfectly, yet I was disappointed there - he's had so many better roles. And still, I'd have liked to see more of him. This is one of Ray Liotta's better recent roles, and in this reminds me of Tony Curtis in comedies years ago. Lots of laughs, lots of fun.

Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles  OFFICIAL SITE  

Mick "Crocodile" Dundee returns after all these years in another comedic adventure. His partner Sue has to go to Los Angeles for a temporary assignment on her dad's newspaper, and Mick and their son Mike come along. The cultural differences between the outback and the big city once again make for some funny situations, although this sequel does not match the first. Interesting, too, that the villains in this story are moviemakers doing a sequel.  Catch Along Came a Spider and Bridget Jones's Diary first, then go enjoy this one.    Buy the original Crocodile Dundee at CDNOW
            Buy Crocodile Dundee 2 at CDNOW

A.I. Artificial Intelligence   OFFICIAL SITE 

Far in the future, robots serve man in many ways, and save valuable resources in the process (no need to feed, etc.) The robots have so advanced that they serve every human need, and the latest advance - robotic children - will provide parents with unconditional love. Will the love be reciprocated? The focus is on the desire of the first of these greatly advanced child-bots and his desire - yes, desire, emotions are a distinction of this new breed, er type - to become human, so mommy will really love him. Along the way, interesting scenes to make one think about love, jealousy, greed, and the way we treat others, if one is open to these ideas. Young Haley Joel Osment, Jude Law, Frances O'Connor, Sam Robards and William Hurt star in this Steven Spielberg movie. Very good.
    ... buy the book "Supertoys Last All Summer Long" at Amazon

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon    OFFICIAL SITE

Angel Eyes    OFFICIAL SITE

Kingdom Come  OFFICIAL SITE 

The Tailor of Panama  OFFICIAL SITE  

Pierce Brosnan's character in this movie may have the same employer as 007, but shares more of Thomas Crown's character traits. Sent to Panama on an intelligence mission, he links up with a tailor (Geoffrey Rush) who not only takes careful measure and cuts the cloth, but... spins yarns. Problem is, his yarns as presented by the Brosnan character, proves TOO salable to the folks at headquarters and they sell it to the Pentagon. Even without all the 007 gadgets, and with a fairly high level of predictability, there are enough little surprises, and smiles and grins induced to make this a worthwhile see.         ...   buy the book at Amazon

Dr. Dolittle 2   OFFICIAL SITE

Miss Congeniality  OFFICIAL SITE  

Sandra Bullock - need I say more? Okay, then, she plays an FBI agent placed in a beauty pageant to forestall a potential terrorist attack. After a few bad moves, she loses the support of the Bureau, but her instincts are right. Plenty of humor, but less romance than many earlier Bullock films. Michael Caine plays a beauty consultant and grabs the most laughs after Bullock. Candice Bergen and William Shatner play pageant hosts so well that some of the laughs they generate just might be at the originals their characters parody.

The Mexican  OFFICIAL SITE  

Brad Pitt is amusing to watch bumbling through his mob assigned task of retrieving a pistol with a story behind it... actually, several variations of the legend. Julia Roberts has been both better and funnier, but she is still good and funny, and a good foil for James Gandolfini in a more or less comical role as a killer with a sensitive side. I was surprised at the reviews by some critics who've been spoiled by Pitt's and Roberts' past performances. Does every role and every movie have to be Oscar material?  This one is just for fun. Julia Roberts had fun. Brad Pitt had fun. I had fun. You, go have fun.        ...  buy the book at Amazon

Pollock  OFFICIAL SITE

Sweet November    OFFICIAL SITE

Billy Elliot     OFFICIAL SITE  

 ...  buy the book at Amazon
      

Finding Forrester  OFFICIAL SITE  

portrays the relationship between a reclusive writer (who to some may be reminiscent of J.D.Salinger ) and a young black student with a basketball scholarship. The writer (Sean Connery) sees a great writing talent in the youth (Robert Brown) and coaches him. The student teaches the writer a little about life too, in this inspirational movie directed by Gus Van Sant (whose most sucessful film was the also "inspirational" Good Will Hunting, and who also did the Psycho remake, and My Own Private Idaho).               ...  buy the book at Amazon
 

3,000 Miles to Graceland    OFFICIAL SITE

The Gift  OFFICIAL SITE  

This suspense filled movie stars Cate Blanchett as Annie Wilson, a psychic in a small southern town (filmed in and near Savannah, by the way). Asked to help solve a kidnapping, she points the law to where the murdered victim is found.  Keanu Reeves plays a wife beater who has been at odds with Annie on account of his wife's (Hilary Swank) visits to her. He is convicted, but Annie Wilson senses that the Keanu Reeves character is not the real killer. Four other suspects emerge, all convincingly - you'll find youself saying, ah, yes, that is the killer - until...   Katie Holmes and Greg Kinnear also have key roles in this scary thriller which Sam Raimi directed. 

Unbreakable   OFFICIAL SITE 

102 Dalmatians   OFFICIAL SITE

Meet The Parents  OFFICIAL SITE  

I liked this a lot, very funny... certainly not the best vehicle for DeNiro, but he has been handling his recent comedies every bit as well as his serious films. Go see it.
  Buy the video at Amazon.com   

Almost Famous  OFFICIAL SITE  

excellent movie, great music. You WILL enjoy this - more so if you're into music, or a baby boomer, especially if you're both.
        ...  buy the book at Amazon      ...  Buy the Soundtrack CD
  
 

The Legend of Bagger Vance    OFFICIAL SITE  

I liked it. Looks like a golf movie, but it's more... which is good, you'd need to be quite a golf nut to watch over 2 hours of it, I think. Some familiarity with golf helps, but isn't at all necessary. This has some philosophy thrown in all through it, mostly in the form of Bagger Vance's coaching. There's also a little romance and comedy. Redford directed, Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron star.
            ...  buy the book at Amazon      ...  Buy the Soundtrack CD
     See the Amazon.com special feature on The Legend of Bagger Vance

Thirteen Days  OFFICIAL SITE  

This drama about the Cuban missile crisis in October 1962 uses the viewpoint of Presidential adviser Kenny O'Donnell, played by Kevin Costner, as the vehicle to tell the story. Not your typical thriller, it engaged viewers to the point that the packed house I was at was eerily silent throughout (and not due to dozing either). Bruce Greenwood portrays President Kennedy, and Steven Culp, Bobby Kennedy. The roles are played well, and not dependent on the make up department - the characterization is accurate, the image may not be, but that won't be an issue. Costner's "Massachusetts accent" was distracting, but only for about five minutes. Worthwhile.

The Family Man  OFFICIAL SITE  

Nicolas Cage is a fine actor, but has lately picked some bizarre movies (City of Angels and Bringing Out the Dead) to act in. Described as a Christmas story about a man who must choose between a fast-paced career life or a loving family life, this is more... and less. It may stimulate thought about making choices, about the paths we take, and about "what might have been. In spite of the "glimpse" he gets of the life that might have been for him, wanting his old one back and then being thrown back to where he left off... and then wanting the life he had a glimpse of (is this convoluted enough for you yet?)... the real failure of the movie is in its ending... or lack of one. If you're a diehard Cage fan, see it... otherwise, wait until you've seen everything else out there this season. I was disappointed.

All the Pretty Horses  OFFICIAL SITE  

Matt Damon and Henry Thomas appear as young cowboys who head to Mexico where they find employment, romance, and trouble. Penelope Cruz appears as Damon's romantic interest. Although slow at times, I enjoyed it. The views are fantastic.  ... buy the book at Amazon

                          Matt Damon collectible page      

The Pledge  OFFICIAL SITE  

Jack Nicholson is a retiring detective who on his last day on the job finds himself promising to find the perpetrator of a vicious crime, and becomes focused on that above all else. He is on the verge of capturing the man when events occur which  ... buy the book at Amazon

Remember the Titans   OFFICIAL SITE

Vertical Limit  OFFICIAL SITE  

Chris O'Donnell, Robin Tunney, and Bill Paxton are among the stars of this action film using mountain climbing as the setting. Some of it is predictable, but there are surprises. Some seem far-fetched, but there is probably more realism in this than most action films. There were a few points, especially early on, at which I wondered where are they going with this. If you want to see a mountain climbing action / documentary without the drama subplot, and are anywhere near an IMAX theater, see Everest (not currently being shown). Still, Vertical Limit is good, ( although better viewed on the big screen than video.         ...  buy the book at Amazon

Pay It Forward  OFFICIAL SITE  

was excellent, but I don't think it'll last too long... too heavy a message for many... but who knows... maybe it'll be Oscar time again for Kevin Spacey, Helen Hunt and Haley Joel Osment. This is a must see!       ...  buy the book at Amazon

Men of Honor  OFFICIAL SITE  

Here are some of the better actors of today in Oscar-worthy performances (in an Oscar-worthy movie - count on best picture, director and TWO best actor nominations at least). Navy diving school is a major part of the setting, but the film addresses racism, love, determination and more. Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Robert De Niro star, and the rest of the cast turn in excellent performances as well. While De Niro's other recent film, Meet The Parents, is quite funny, this movie is about courage, commitment and honor.
         ...  buy the book at Amazon
   

Head Over Heels  OFFICIAL SITE   

A lightweight comedy entry, which attempts to be a romance apart from its funny theme. It might have had better success as one or the other. The humor uses modeling and a quartet of gold digging models as its foil. Not such a bad movie, and some great laughs (but why does so much comedy lately borrow from  There's Something About Mary?) Not a particularly memorable movie, in spite of decent acting by Freddie Prinze Jr and Monica Potter. For both her Julia Roberts-like looks and her acting ability, Potter will be a talent to reckon with once she lands the right role in a really good film. There are plenty of other movies out right now, funny, romantic, or otherwise, to go see ahead of this.
                         Freddie Prinze Jr collectible page  

Saving Silverman  OFFICIAL SITE  

This movie must be trying for an early lead on the title Worst of the Year. Funny parts in it to be sure, but pretty amateurish looking, and reminiscent of There's Something About Mary (some of the same team is to blame). There's a Neil Diamond connection to it, which is the basis for most of the jokes. The sad part is that Neil makes a cameo in it. Things must be rough...  Unless you have time to spare and a free pass, pass on this one.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas  OFFICIAL SITE  

Jim Carey is the Grinch... maybe not quite what Dr. Seuss  had in mind, but close enough. Mostly funny in an obvious way, but some subtle funnies slipped in here and there, so pay attention. I'm not a Jim Carey fan, but liked him here.     ... Visit the Dr. Seuss Shop at Amazon

Bedazzled  OFFICIAL SITE  

- had some real funny parts, might last a little longer, but... better for video, since there's a lot you'd want to fast forward through... my wife fell asleep towards the end of it... I didn't, but maybe I should have. This is zzzzzzzzzzzzz.
      

Wes Craven Presents: Dracula 2000   OFFICIAL SITE

Rugrats in Paris The Movie     OFFICIAL SITE

Charlie's Angels OFFICIAL SITE  

                 ...   buy the book at Amazon

  

Double Take    OFFICIAL SITE

Snatch    OFFICIAL SITE    

       ...  buy the book at Amazon

Antitrust    OFFICIAL SITE

State and Maine    OFFICIAL SITE  

    ...  buy the book at Amazon

Proof of Life    OFFICIAL SITE 

Woman on Top   OFFICIAL SITE 

The 6th Day   OFFICIAL SITE 

       ...  buy the book at Amazon

Red Planet      OFFICIAL SITE 

        ... buy the book at Amazon

Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2     OFFICIAL SITE 

                           ...  buy the book at Amazon

Little Nicky    OFFICIAL SITE 

Bounce     OFFICIAL SITE   

                     ...  buy the book at Amazon    

Lucky Numbers   OFFICIAL SITE  

starring John Travolta and Lisa Kudrow - a slow thinking kind of funny. Not your side splitting comedy, but lots of grins. Worth seeing, but no rush to do so.

The Watcher  OFFICIAL SITE 

James Spader in a really good suspense flick.  My recommendation when I saw this was " Don't wait for it to go to video, go see it."  You can't see it in theaters any more, so catch it on DVD or tape.

Nurse Betty   OFFICIAL SITE