McConaughey And Cruz Share The Screen

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Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz in "Sahara"
courtesy of Paramount Home Video

"McConaughey and Cruz Share the Screen"

Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz are an item in real life and they play lovers on the screen in the new to DVD film "Sahara". This is the first in what McConaughey hopes will be a series of movies based on the books of Clive Cussler that tell the exploits of rugged adventurer Dirk Pitt, played in the film by McConaughey.

In this film Pitt and his buddy Al Giordino (Zahn) go on a search for a civil war vessel they think is buried in the Saharan Dessert. They also rescue a doctor (Cruz) who is trying to prevent a plague outbreak in that country. The story is a little farfetched but the action is non-stop and the romance is believable - although Cruz has never been one of my favorite actresses.

This is the kind of movie that is mindless entertainment, and enjoyably so. You don't have to strain your brain in any way. And sometimes that is exactly the kind of movie you want, especially on DVD. Plus you get four hours of extras including "deleted scenes" and commentary.

An even more engrossing film, probably because it is based on a true story, is "Faith of My Fathers." This is the true-life account of John McCain, a modern day politician who served in Vietnam and was a prisoner of war. Shawn Hatosy does an excellent job of portraying the man and showing how his faith and his family sustained him during those trying times.

The great thing about this movie is that it is not a fairy tale. It shows some of McCain's strengths as well as his weaknesses. That he was heroic is not in doubt, but that he was human is also not in doubt. Scott Glenn is also good as McCain's father and inspiration.

In these times of war we need to see some patriotic movies and this new DVD is one of the best. Make sure you watch it and appreciate the sacrifices that are made on our behalf.

For something different how about a Scottish martial arts film? And if you are going to do it right and attract a crowd you need an actor of say the stature of Dominic Monaghan. He and Kevin McKidd are the stars of "The Purifiers", a new film about people who band together to protect themselves and their community when the government has failed them.

The movie is full of martial arts adventures complete with slo mo action in some cases. It is endless fighting and jumping about that is sure to thrill lovers of this kind of movie. Plus you get Monaghan, who has become quite the star from his exposure on "Lost."

Now for something entirely different, can you believe it has only been fifteen years since "Pretty Woman" appeared on Hollywood screens and presented us with Julia Roberts? This take-off on "My Fair Lady" is now on DVD in a "Fifteen Year Anniversary" presentation.

Julia Roberts and Richard Gere still cause flutters in the heart as they grow to love each other in this "fairy tale" of sorts. And on this DVD version I especially liked the "blooper reel" as well as the commentary that is offered.

"Pretty Woman" has become a Hollywood classic. Take this chance to re-visit it one more time. The magic is still there and in the air.

For the kids there is a new "Lilo and Stitch" adventure waiting to be seen. "Lilo and Stitch 2, Stitch Has A Glitch" is perfect entertainment for your children. In this film Lilo and her little alien friend Stitch are doing just fine until Stitch starts acting strangely. This is because of his alien makeup that causes his bad side to emerge from time to time.

Lilo wants to save her little friend from himself and she also wants to win the local hula contest that her mother won at one time. So she has to remedy Stitch as well as practice her hula which is a pretty big order for such a little girl.

An added bonus for this film is that Dakota Fanning provides Lilo's voice this time out. She is Hollywood's hottest actress so this is quite a bonus for us all.

The Mattel dolls known as the "My Scene" group get their own movie in the direct to video film "My Scene Goes To Hollywood." Yes the girls are getting a chance to be extras in a Lindsay Lohan movie and they are thrilled. So will your little girls when they watch this adventure.

This movie is all about friendship, fun and fashion - three things dear to the hearts of young girls everywhere. And the message of the movie is a good one. So get this movie for your little girl and let her enjoy it to her heart's content.

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