Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon in "Fever Pitch"
courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment
"He Gives Her Fever"

Jimmy Fallon gives Drew Barrymore fever in the new video "Fever Pitch." He raises her temperature by being a boyfriend with a baseball obsession. Drew's character wants to be number one but Fallon's character puts baseball ahead of her.

That is basically the plot of "Fever Pitch," a so so cute movie that stars the irrepressible Barrymore, who is one of Hollywood's brighter stars. Opposite her Fallon is better than he has been in anything else he has done since leaving "Saturday Night Live."

These two aren't a perfect pairing but the movie is made passable by Drew's cuteness and a sweetly romantic plot. Fallon comes along for the ride but it is Drew's movie all the way.

During this period when we read, watch and learn about the terrible plight of those persons caught up in the horror of hurricane Katrina, we can relate to the misfortunes and terrors facing other people in turbulent times. One of the most horrendous was the refugee situation with the Jews during World War II. "Haven" is a film that tells of one woman's efforts to bring some of the refugees to America and give them shelter and respect.

The movie stars Natasha Richardson as Ruth Gruber, a real life woman who took the steps necessary to help over a thousand refugees. She put herself at risk but continued her efforts just because it was the right thing to do.

Anne Bancroft (in one of her last roles) and Martin Landau co-star as Richardson's parents. Each of the actors lends credibility ands force to the story. Rent this one today.

Documentaries have become popular of late thanks to the efforts of Michael Moore and the cuteness of penguins. On DVD you can watch "Paris Is Burning" if the subject matter appeals to you. This is the story of a part of our culture that features drag queens in a variety of pageants. You get an inside look at the people and the places where this type of life flourishes.

Some may be intrigued by these activities while others will be appalled. Still "Paris Is Burning" gives you interviews and insight into this world. Watching it is a matter of taste.

"Written In Blood" is a mystery that focuses on a detective (Michael T Weiss) and his partner (Peter Coyote). When a murder occurs suspicion points at Coyote's character but his partner doesn't believe it. But later when more murders occur Coyote's character gets more and more suspicious.

The movie is a tense one about murders and their aftermaths, but it is also a good story about loyalty and trust. Weiss and Coyote are both excellent in their roles and the movie holds your attention.

Fans of horror movies can rejoice since "Pinhead," the deadly monster from all the "Hellraiser" series of films is back again. His new movie is entitled "Hellraiser: Hellworld" and it stars Lance Henriksen who is a master at these types of movies.

For horror, and some good special effects you will not want to miss "Hellraiser" Hellworld." For this genre Pinhead is the perfect monster and it is great to have him back.

Another series of movies that has a new installment is "The Prophecy: Forsaken." This series of stories always focuses on a book of prophecy and the terrible events it foretells.

The movie stars Kari Wuhrer, Jason Scott Lee and Tony Todd. They manage to tell a story while fighting for their lives over and over again.

If you have daughters then you might want to make their day by providing them with "Trolz Volume 1: Best Friends For Life" and "Trolz 2: Magic of the Five." These animated stories feature five best friends - Amethyst, Onyx, Sapphire, Topaz and Ruby. They have disagreements but when push comes to shove they are always there for each other. They also love fashion and fun.

The young girls in your house, especially "tweens," will watch these adventures for hours. So get these shows for them today!

Some other DVD's young girls will enjoy are "Disney Princess Stories: Beauty Shines From Within" and "Sing Along Songs: Disney Princess Volume Two: Enchanted Tea Party." These films feature such wonderful princesses as Jasmine, Ariel, Cinderella and more. There are songs, adventures, lessons and fun in these magical movies. They will keep your child entertained and informed. It is Disney magic at its best.

Boys may be more attuned to the adventures of the Power Rangers who have new adventures on DVD. They are titled "Power Rangers S. P. D. Stakeout (Volume 1) and Wired (Volume II)." The SPD stands for "Space Patrol Delta" and they are the newest Power Ranger team created to protect Earth.

These films are also good at pointing out the values of friendship, loyalty and teamwork. So make sure your kids get movies with a positive message.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

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