Steve Martin and Eugene Levy in "Cheaper By the Dozen 2"
courtesy of Fox Home Entertainment
"Family Fun"

You can say what you want but in my opinion Steve Martin is at his best when he is playing the father figure in movies. I thought the "Father of the Bride" series was great and I am a major fan of his new "Cheaper By the Dozen" franchise. The second in that series is now out on DVD and it is purely delightful family entertainment.

The Baker family is back in full force and every one of the kids show up for this new adventure. Bonnie Hunt is back as "the wife" and she and her husband (Martin) and all the kids go on vacation to Lake Winetka. There they meet up with Dad Baker's old friend and rival Jimmy Murtaugh (Eugene Levy).

"Cheaper By the Dozen 2" is all about competition, but has a moral at the center about being happy with what you've got. Tom Welling, Piper Perabo and Hilary Duff are the name stars who play part of the dozen kids. They have small roles and the younger kids get more screen time. Still these three have major careers and are to be admired for showing up one more time.

So do your family a favor and rent this one. You can relax and have some quality family time viewing it. "Cheaper By the Dozen 2" is Steve Martin at his most family friendly.

Romance of the Merchant Ivory kind is in the air with the DVD "The White Countess." Ralph Fiennes and Natasha Richardson star in this story of love and tragedy in 1930's China. The story takes place in Shanghai where a politician (Fiennes) and an impoverished noble lady (Richardson) meet. He has become disillusioned by the treacheries of life whereas she has adjusted to a change of fortune that makes her responsible for the care and well-being of her family.

Richardson's mother Vanessa Redgrave, and her aunt Lynn Redgrave co-star in this beautifully made film. The movie is directed by James Ivory and produced by Ismail Merchant. This was Merchant's last film as he died while this movie was being made, and as such is the last Merchant Ivory collaboration.

Another love story is the film "If Only" which stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Paul Nichols. Samantha (Hewitt) is an American living in London, who meets and falls in love with Ian (Nichols) a British businessman. One day the two of them make plans for the day but it ends in tragedy with Samantha being killed in a car wreck.

Ian is heartbroken but then realizes he is being given a chance to live the day over. The rest of the movie concerns what he does to make the day end differently.

This is one of the most romantic movies I have seen in ages and it is one you will love too. Make sure you watch "If Only."

For comedy you might want to spend time with "The Golden Girls" or "Scrubs." "The Golden Girls: The Complete Fifth Season" and "Scrubs: The Complete Third Season" are out on DVD and are packed full with the kind of fun that will have you laughing out loud. 

On the "Golden Girls" DVD you get to hear Bea Arthur, Betty White and Rue McClanahan share their insights concerning their favorite episodes. You can see if their choices match up with yours. There are also a bunch of extras on the "Scrubs" DVD, plus guest stars like Tara Reid, Tom Cavanaugh and Michael J Fox. Get both of these DVD's and let the laughs begin.

If you are in the mood for drama you might want to check out the new "Unrated Extended editions of Crimson Tide, Con Air and Enemy of the State." These three movies have been re-released on DSVD with extended footage and some behind the scenes extras. That's one reason to get the DVD's. The other is these are three great movies.

Denzel Washingt0on and Gene Hackman star in "Crimson Tide," Nicolas Cage and John Cusak star in "Con Air," and Will Smith and Gene Hackman star in "Enemy of the State." All three are high suspense films that will hold you enthralled. Get them!

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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