Matt Damon in "The Brothers Grimm"
courtesy of Disney Home Video
"Matt's Not Grim, But His Movie Is"

Matt Damon is one of those rare actors who is likeable in just about everything he does. He had some great success with the "Bourne" movies, and also brought in money to the box office with his roles in the "Ocean's" flicks. Now he co-stars in "The Brothers Grimm" with Heath Ledger, another hot young Hollywood actor, but this movie is not a success. Still you will feel good about Damon when it is over.

Damon and Ledger play the two brothers Grimm. They are supposed "exorcists" of sorts, able to drive demons from the communities of Europe. In truth they are charlatans who rig their adventures. One day they are contacted by the military and forced to go to a town that has werewolves in an enchanted forest. Their job is to rid the community of the beasts.

The film is directed by Terry Gilliam who is known for his offbeat movies. This one is offbeat but doesn't have the charm or magic his movies usually have. This one is just weird and a little boring. BUT Damon is still enjoyable and you still like him as an actor, but maybe not in this role.

The DVD for this movie features some new special effects, deleted scenes, and featurettes. That adds to the fun of the film but still can't move it into the winner's column.

It is funny how a movie can become even more important after its release. Such is the case with "The Yards," a movie that didn't make much of an impact when it first came out but now is creating a stir. A lot has to do with the red-hot cast of the film. 

Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Joaquin Phoenix and James Caan star in this story about an ex-con who gets drawn back into a criminal way of life. He struggles to free himself but his family and his friends drag him down.

This hard-hitting movie is intense drama all the way and the DVD features interviews with the cast and the director, James Gray. There are deleted scenes and a host of other features.

Disney has a new film out on DBVD and it features Kronk. He was the muscle-bound guy in "The Emperor's New Groove." Now he is back in a sequel of sorts entitled "Kronk's New Groove. In this film he is a cook operating a business but he gets lured back into his old ways by the evil Yzma. She gets him involved with a get rich scheme that he thinks will impress his Papi.

The voice talent from the first film returns for this one plus there are new characters voiced by John Mahoney and Tracey Ullman. It all adds up to a fun time for the kids. There are even additional games on the DVD and some enjoyable featurettes.

The whole family will also enjoy "Rebound," a Martin Lawrence film full of comedy and heart. Lawrence plays a college coach who runs afoul of the College Association. His temper and tirades get him fired from that group.

The only job he can get is as a coach to a junior high team. He thinks he is too good for them but in the end finds they are worth his very best efforts. Megan Mullally and Brecken Meyer co-stars in this funny and heartfelt film.

Martin Lawrence can be crude and funny, smutty and funny, adult humored and funny; this movie shows he can be family friendly and funny. "Rebound" is probably one of the few family comedies Martin Lawrence will make. Enjoy it!

Who knew Reba McEntire could be so funny? Well she is. She isn't quite in Lucy territory but she is a surprisingly good actress and talented comedienne. Her Friday night series has been one of the staples on the WB, so there will be many fans who want to get the DVD of "Reba: The Complete Second Season."

The great thing about this series is the ensemble cast it employs. In addition to Reba, there is Christopher Rich as her ex-husband Brock, and Melissa Peterman as his new wife Barbara Jean. These three thrive on comedic situations and make it a laugh fest for the audience.

If you thought all Reba McEntire could do was make hit country music, well think again. Join her millions of fans for "Reba: The Second Season" and laugh till your sides hurt. It's a winner!

Roger Corman has been making movies for years now and he generally gets talented actors on their way up. He puts them in action oriented movies and makes his money that way. Examples of this style are three movies now out on DVD. They are "Rock and Roll High School Rock On," "Death Race 2000," and "Big Bad Mama."

"Rock and Roll High School Rock On" is a film that highlights the music of the Ramones, Fleetwood Mac, Chuck Berry and others. "Death Race 2000" stars David Carradine and Sylvester Stallone. "Big Bad Mama" stars William Shatner and Angie Dickinson.

These are not great movies but they are entertaining, plus on the DVD's there are loads of extras. Get them and see what the Roger Corman brand of filmmaking is like.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

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