Will Ferrell in "Kicking and Screaming"
courtesy of Universal Home Video
"Where There's A Will, There's Comedy"

Will Ferrell hit his high point with "Elf" a couple of years ago. That movie established him as a leading comedic man in movies, and he has been coasting on that good will ever since. He has two new movies out on DVD, "Kicking and Screaming" and "Bewitched," and both of them show why the Ferrell glow is not as bright as it once was.

In "Kicking and Screaming" Ferrell plays a man constantly at war with his father (Robert Duvall). He feels neglected, insignificant, and all other things that have to do with a negligent parent. When his son gets kicked off the team coached by his father, Ferrell decides to coach his son's new team himself.

Of course Ferrell gets carried away by his desire to win and makes himself and his son look foolish. All of this is predictable and ordinary. There is even a championship game that pits Ferrell and Duvall against each other. Didn't see that one coming, did you?

In "Bewitched" Ferrell plays a movie star with a big ego who decides to act on television in a remake of "Bewitched." He takes the Darren role while he casts a girl (Nicole Kidman) with no experience as Samantha. Of course Nicole is actually a real witch and this leads to all kinds of possible fun (most of which is never seen on the screen).

Michael Caine plays Nicole's father while Shirley Maclaine is the actress who takes the role of Endora. Both of these talented people are underused in the film.

The problem with both of these movies is that Ferrell is so predictable. He can play roles like these in his sleep. There is nothing new, nothing overly funny, and nothing edgy about either of his performances.

Will Ferrell is always going to provide some laughs. He is a talented man. But neither of these movies gives him the chance to shine. In short they aren't "Elf." Perhaps soon Ferrell will get his career back on track. If not he is going to be a man who was once a shining star.

Rumor has it that "The Simple Life" starring Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie might not make it back to the TV screens this year. Which means Paris and Nicole may have to concentrate on their blooming movie careers. Wow, that's a quick way to oblivion.

Paris stars in the film "House of Wax" which is now out on DVD, and she shows no star power in her role of a scream queen. Since this is a horror movie all she has to do is look frightened and run around hollering her head off. She does that, but she does it badly.

Her co-star, Elisha Cuthbert, is much better at acting afraid. Maybe she picked it up on "24" in which she plays Keifer Sutherland's daughter. Anyway the two actresses are a study in contrasts.

The movie itself is run of the mill horror with too few scares in its plot of a maniac who runs a wax museum full of people he has murdered. A bunch of teens is just what he needs to add some new models.

There was a movie back in the fifties with the same title but there is little relation between the two.

Hilary Swank has two Oscars under her belt but she is still willing to do some experimenting with her acting abilities. "11:14" is a movie that allows her to take some risks. Especially when she has a supporting cast as capable as Patrick Swayze, Rachel Leigh Cook, Henry Thomas, Shawn Hatosy and Barbara Hershey.

The film is about an accident and how it affects the lives of several people. It is told in a way that keeps you jumping in time and guessing as to what has happened and will happen. It is not your average movie but I enjoyed it.

Jet Li stars in the new DVD "Unleashed." This is the first movie that allows Li to show his acting talent as well as his martial arts skills. In the film Li plays Danny, a young man who is virtually a slave to Bob Hoskins. He is trained to commit violent acts that his boss wants done.

Morgan Freeman plays a blind man who befriends and rescues him. Thus Danny is unwilling to return to the world he left behind. This leads to a violent confrontation with his old boss and his gang.

"Unleashed" is a movie you will enjoy if you like action movies - and with this one you get a good story and good acting too. Make sure you put this on your must see list.

Finally for the kids there is "Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows." This is an animated movie using the toy inspired characters. It all takes place in the "Bionicle" universe where the Toa must fight spidery monsters known as Visorak. It is a battle of extreme importance and the good guys have a fight on their hands.

Kids will love the adventure of it all and will want to watch this movie over and over. That is "Bionicle 3: Web of Shadows," Go ahead and get it now.

 

 

 

 

 

©2005 Jackie K. Cooper

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