Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta in "Ladder 49"
courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment
"John the Fireman"

Whenever John Travolta's name appears on the credits for a movie, you know it is going to have something special going for it. Even when he is not the star of the film, which he isn't in "Ladder 49." John still gives able support.

Joaquin Phoenix is the star of the movie. In it he plays a rookie fireman and Travolta is the station chief. The film shows the evolution of Phoenix's character as he learns the ropes of how to be a fireman and how to do his job. With firemen being the heroes of the day, especially since 9/11, this is a good film to watch. It takes place prior to 9/11 but the heroism is still the same.

Phoenix is excellent in the main role and holds the story together, Travolta gives able support. The DVD includes deleted scenes, a mini-movie that features real life fireman talking about their work, a music video and some added commentary. These all help a good movie be an even better viewing experience.

A particularly interesting movie that is available on DVD this week is "Rameses: Wrath of God Or Man?" This documentary looks at the biblical plagues of Egypt and studies them through forensic information available today. They even apply this knowledge to the skull of Rameses II's oldest son and determine some of the events that were detailed but never proven.

Egyptologist Kent Weeks is the man behind the documentary and he takes his cameras and crew into the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. There he makes evidential findings, and also recreates some occurrences with CGI graphics. This makes for a stunning and informative movie.

If you want to play catch-up on some of your favorite TV series then you are in luck. "Felicity: Season 4" is now available on DVD. The senior year in college of the student played by Keri Russell is full of trauma, tragedy, comedy and romance. Scott Speedman and Scott Foley play the romantic interests.

For a look at a high school senior year you will want to watch "Popular: Second Season." This 21 episode DVD shows what happens at Kennedy High during that final year of glory where a war is being wage as to who is most popular.

This show was created by Ryan Murphy of "Nip/Tuck" fame and shows he early in had the bite going. The cast includes Leslie Bibb, Carly Pope, Diane Delano and Leslie Grossman.

And "Sweet Valley High" brings the characters from the popular young adult novels to life. Twin girls, Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield, are played by twin actresses Cynthia and Brittany Daniel. Their high school adventures are captured in the DVD of all 22 episodes. Enjoy!

If you are a fan of computer games then you will want to watch "Nirvana." In this futuristic film Christopher Lambert plays a computer game creator. His pride and joy is a new game called "Nirvana" but before it is officially launched he finds a "bug" in it. The main character of the game can think and act on its own. This gives the character a chance to cause havoc, so Lambert must find a way to destroy the game before it is ever put in the market.

A storyline this unique is bound to be fun and this movie is. Lambert is good in his role and the movie itself is fun to watch because it is so mind-boggling. So don't miss this one.

Another strange film is "The I Inside" which is a movie that takes place in modern time but deals with amnesia, death, and trust. Ryan Phillippe plays a man who awakens from an accident and has no memory of the last two years. He learns his brother has been killed, and that he is now married to a woman he doesn't remember at all. There seems to be a mystery behind all of these events and he has to try to solve it so as to save his life and to keep others from danger.

The movie also stars Piper Perabo and Sarah Polley as well as Robert Sean Leonard and Stephen Lang. All of the actors are good and the bizarreness of the plot makes it a must-see.

As a change of pace you might want to watch the romantic comedy "In the Weeds." This film is all about one night at a restaurant and the ups and downs of the lives of the waiters and waitresses who work there. Most of those working at this restaurant are aspiring actors and they need that one big break.

Molly Ringwald, Bridget Moynihan, Joshua Leonard, Eric Bogosian and Ellen Pompeo star. It is a delightful film that doesn't weigh on the mind. It just provides entertainment of the lightest kind.

What will penetrate a baby's mind is the information provided in "Baby Monet Discovering the Seasons." Using time elapsed camera work, classical music and artistic masterpieces this film shows how the seasons unfold. This is must see/must have video for new parents who want their baby to be exposed to the best information available.

"The Baby Monet" series has proven to be amazing so don't miss this episode.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

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