Sigourney Weaver and Emile Hirsch in "Imaginary Heroes"
courtesy of Columbia Home Video
"Imagining Our Heroes"

Sigourney Weaver is an excellent actress but for some reason her movies don't get the attention they deserve. Unless she is starring in "Aliens 10" they just pass under the entertainment radar and vanish from sight. Such is certainly the case with "Imaginary Heroes," a family drama that deserves to be seen. It is out on video now so look it up.

The film concerns a family that suffers a tragedy. As the days pass following this event, the members of the family find different ways to survive - or to fall apart. The mother and father (Weaver and Jeff Daniels) drift apart rather than pulling together. This affects their son Tim (Emile Hirsch) as much as the other tragedy did.

The movie has a lot of heartache in it but also a good bit of humor. This adds to the total effect and enjoyment of the movie. Weaver is at her all time best and Daniels and Hirsch also get high marks for their acting skills.

"Imaginary Heroes" is a movie with which we can all relate, either through our shared experiences or through what we fear could happen. You will want to watch this one.

You may not want to watch "Submerged" which is a Steven Seagal action flick. Seagal continues to make these movies one after the other and some are good, some are bad, and some are in between. I would have to put this one in the bad bunch as Seagal seems to be just making the motions of acting and even his dialogue is blemished by poor sound equipment or Seagal's mumbling.

In the movie he plays a mercenary who is released from prison because he is the only one who can stop an evil plot. This leads to a lot of firepower being used and more explosions than you can count. Seagal just doesn't seem to have his heart in this one and that makes the audience lose interest too.

To show what good filmmaking is, pick up the "Director's Cut: Special Edition: Sling Blade." Not only do you get to see the best movie Billy Bob Thornton has ever made, but you also get tons of extras. You get a discussion about the movie that includes Billy Bob Thornton, and Dwight Yoakum. You get to see a "Bravo" profile of Thornton. And you get commentary from Thornton plus a lot more information about the making of the film.

This movie is considered a classic by many people and it is well worth your viewing time. Get the Double Set DVD version and learn everything you have ever wanted to know about "Sling Blade" and more.

"The Prophecy: Uprising" is a suspense film that holds a few chills for the dedicated viewer. The plot concerns an ancient document which is found. Investigators feel it may be the basis for a series of ritualistic killings. 

The cast includes Kari Wuhrer, John Light and Jason London. These are not big stars but this is more a movie of thrills than dramatic acting. Plus on the DVD you get some extras like deleted scenes, an extended ending, cast auditions, etc. With a movie like this, all the little extras help.

Fans of Spider-Man will leap at the chance to see a new animated chapter, "Spider-Man: The Venom Saga.' In this episode Spider-Man goes up against a new foe called "Venom." This is one of his greatest adventures and one that will thrill all Spidey fans.

You also get some extras on the DVD which involve Spider-Man creator Stan Lee giving comments and information about his most famous creation. You will want to see it all and hear it all.

Finally there is "Walt Disney's Classic Cartoon Favorites Wave II." This time out you get "Extreme Sports Fun," "Extreme Music Fin," and "Extreme Adventure Fun." These all involve the Disney characters n a series of adventures and escapades sure to delight children or the child in all of you.

Funny and fun these are videos you do not want to miss. Separately or combined these are Disney classics in the true sense of the word.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

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