Will Smith in "I, Robot"
courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment
"The Robot Did It"

Will Smith can make any movie better just by being in it, but he had his hands full with the sci fi flick "I, Robot." For some reason the plot of the movie just didn't come together in the right manner on the big screen. But in one of those odd situations it plays much better on DVD.

Somehow Smith's adventures as he tries to track down a killer robot just seem more acceptable on your TV screen. It seems the sound is better and the focus of the movie more enjoyable. Even the car chases are more fun.

So even if you have already seen "I, Robot" don't pass up the chance to watch it again. Some kind of movie magic happens and the film actually gets better as it moves to VHS/DVD. It really does!

If you saw the movie "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle," then you only saw a fraction of what was filmed. The movie which stars John Cho and Kal Penn as two guys on the search for a "white castle" burger was presented in an R rated version. And you can get that on VHS/DVD. BUT you can also get the "extreme unrated version" which earns its unrated classification.

The movie was a typical "animal house" type film. It was fairly raunchy but it stopped at a certain point. The "extreme unrated version" keeps going. So pick your version ands settle down for a gross-out night. "Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle" will soon provide a sequel titled "Harold and Kumar Go To Amsterdam." And later there will probably be an extreme unrated version of it too.

Its good to see Hayley Joel Osment in a movie and that is what is offered this week. He has a film out on DVD titled "Edges of the Lord." He portrays a Jewish boy living in Europe during World War 2. His family fears for his safety so he is smuggled out of the country where he lives to a farm area where they think he will be safer.

He is taken in by a farmer and his family, and is also protected by the village priest, played by Willem Dafoe. The suspense of the film comes from how valid this transfer of identity can be. Osment and Dafoe do all they can to make the story real and dramatic.

This is not one of Osment's best roles but he is going through that awkward age. It is nice he can find a transition role to help carry him through this time. So if you are a fan of his make sure you pick up "Edges of the Lord."

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have sponsored a film making contest called "Project Greenlight." The latest offering as a result of this "contest" is titled "Speakeasy." It is a film about self-discovery and relationships.

The stars of this film are David Strathairn, Christopher McDonald, Nicky Katt and Stacy Edwards. These are not names that are well known but these are solid, good actors who bring their characters to life. "Speakeasy" is a blending of their talents and a movie worth seeing.

Athletic competition is the theme of the film "Miracle At Oxford." The year is 1987 and the rowing competition between Cambridge and Oxford has reached a fever pitch. Cambridge has just broken Oxford's winning streak and it has made Oxford more determined than ever to win the next year.

The school brings on five Americans to augment the team. This doesn't make the veteran rowers very happy but they too just want to win. So let the competition begin!

Josh Lucas and Dominic West star in this "sports" film and they throw themselves into their roles, as do all the members of the cast. So if you like movies like "Miracle" you should find enjoyment in "Miracle At Oxford."

Disney is in the collectible DVD business and their latest "collection" is of some of the works of their most famous and beloved Disney characters. The set is called "Walt Disney's Classic Cartoon Favorites" and is made up of four volumes. Each volume spotlights a character.

They are: Volume 1 - Starring Mickey; Volume 2 - Starring Donald; Volume 3 - Starring Goofy; and Volume 4 - Starring Chip 'n Dale. Each volume contains 7 to 9 individual cartoons that will keep your child happy for hours on end, So get your "collectible" now and add it to your child's collection.

Not designated a "collectible" but still a good DVD/VHS to have around the house is "The Berenstain Bears: Bears Mind Their Manners." This six episode feature is all about teaching kids about manners. Parents saying and doing things isn't as easily taken as having adorable bears set the example.

So for the sake of your kids and yourself pick up this video. It will entertain and educate your children. And in the most agreeable way.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!