Clooney's Oscar Winning Performance

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George Clooney in "Syriana"
courtesy of Warner Home Video

"Clooney's Oscar Winning Performance"

Last year was a good year for George Clooney. He starred in "Ocean's Twelve," co-starred in "Syriana" and co-starred in and directed "Good Night, and Good Luck." Yes, old George did himself proud. He even took home an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Syriana."

Clooney isn't all that outstanding in the film but he did bulk up for his role and that always seems to indicate talent. Why? I don't know. He is adequate; but outstanding? No. The movie is all about espionage in the Middle East and the lies and intrigue that occur there.

Matt Damon, Jeffery Wright, Amanda Peet and Chris Cooper are also in the film and help make it entertaining. The story is confusing but engrossing with some plot points never being resolved. Still it is worth your viewing time. Plus it is all very timely and topical.

So rent "Syriana" and get a look at bulked up George. It is so convincing he won an Oscar for it. Putting on pounds will do it every time.

If anyone knows how to make a heart-warming and heart-grabbing movie featuring animals it is Disney. Their latest "dog" adventure "Eight Below" is now available on DVD. This movie is based on a true occurence and tells a story of love and survival. It may be a little too intense for your very youngest kids but for pre-teens and up it will be highly entertaining.

Paul Walker stars in this story of an expedition to the South Pole. While there some bad weather sets in and the people must make a quick flight out of harm's way. That means the huskies that are their sled dogs have to be left behind. The dog owner and trainer (Walker) suffers real guilt at leaving them behind and makes plans immediately to go back and try to rescue them.

The big question is whether or not the dogs will survive until help arrives and that is the crux of the story. So for excitement and emotional involvement watch Disney's "Eight Below." Also watch the extras that come on the DVD such as "Behind the Scenes" and "The Making Of."

Disney has two more stars in Alyson and Amanda Michalka. They are recording stars who perform as Aly and AJ and make music that teens love. They are also the stars of the Disney Channel comedy "Cow Belles," which is now available on DVD.

In the movie the two girls play sisters who have to work in their father's dairy plant for a summer. They start off being rich and snobby but by summer's end they have learned what real life is all about and what is important for a successful and happy life.

The two girls are charming and play their roles with ease and fun. The DVD also has an alternate ending, some behind the scenes information, and music videos of the girls hit songs. That is a lot of entertainment and it is waiting to be picked up and viewed. That is Disney's "Cow Belles."

Disney is best known for its animation features. One of its classics is "Lady and the Tramp." This film was released on DVD a few weeks ago to much success. Now a sequel of sorts has been released and it is "Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure."

Scamp is one of Lady and Tramp's puppies and he is a mess. He is always longing for new adventures and one day he wanders away from home and has one. He meets a stray named Angle who leads him to a place where the Junkyard Dogs live. Their leader is Buster and he offers Scamp a chance for a new type of life. Scamp is torn between the old and the new.

Scott Wolf, Alyssa Milano and Jodi Benton add their vocal talents to this wonderful story. It is one you have to get for your family. Of course this DVD also has bonus features that are sure to enhance your enjoyment of the movie.

If you want a thriller to watch over the fourth of July then you might opt for "The Hunt For Eagle One: Crash Point." This one is all about terrorists and their dastardly ways, and the heroic team that does battle with them toe to toe.

Theresa Randle, Mark Dacascos and Jeff Fahey are the stars and the tension is taut. You will get caught up in this story of a pilotless plane that is programmed to do severe damage unless the heroes can dismantle it. Watch and see what happens!

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