David Morrissey and Sharon Stone in "Basic Instinct 2"
courtesy of Sony Home Entertainment
"Getting Down To Basics"

DVD's were made for movies like "Basic Instinct 2." How else would you get to watch this trashy, flashy sequel to the Sharon Stone/Michael Douglas hit without subjecting yourself to ridicule and scrutiny at the movie house. With the DVD you can guiltlessly watch Stone recreate the character of Catherine Trammell and observe her sexy and brazen performance.

"Basic Instinct 2" is a cheap thrill for those who want to see how well Stone has held up over the years and also to revel in this story of the woman who might be a serial killer. Playing her latest lover is David Morrissey, an actor who pales in comparison to Douglas' performance. For the movie to work even a little, Stone needs a co-star who is as sexy and energetic as she. Morrissey is almost zombie-like in his performance.

So don't see this movie for the story or for the co-stars. Just see it for Stone. She is the movie and she gives it her all. But sometimes her all just isn't good enough.

Pierce Brosnan moves away from his James Bond persona with his performance as a hit man in the comedy/drama "The Matador." Greg Kinnear co-stars as a businessman who is fascinated by his encounter with an actual killer for hire. These two characters strike up an unlikely friendship that is as funny as it is dramatic.

This is a movie that keeps you guessing as to what will happen next. Brosnan's character is deadly but charming while Kinnear's seems shallow but fascinating. Hope Davis is thrown into the mix as Kinnear's wife who is also fascinated by her husband's new friend.

"The Matador" is not for those expecting the smooth, suave Brosnan; but for those willing to give him a chance to try something new this movie pays off. 

Patrick Swayze was at the top of his game when he made "Road House" back in 1989. Fans turned out to see him play a bouncer at a rough and rowdy roadhouse. Kelly Lynch was his co-star and love interest in the film.

Now that movie has been re-released on DVD for a new generation of fans to watch. It has enough action and romance to keep viewers intrigued. Plus it sets up interest in a sequel of sorts titled "Road House 2: Last Call" which stars Jonathan Schaech, Jake Busey and Will Patton.

In the sequel Patton runs a roadhouse and is being bullied by a punk named Wild Bill (Busey). Patton gets his nephew (Schaech) to join in and help him protect his business. The conflict that results makes up the plot of the film.

Schaech is no Swayze but he still makes a pretty decent hero in the movie. Patton is a real plus as his uncle. "Road House" was no Oscar winner and "Road House 2" is about the same caliber. You either like this type of movie or you don't. If you do then you will have a good night's entertainment.

With "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" breaking records at the box office, you can have even more pirate adventures with "Blackbeard." This new DVD tells the story of one of the most famous pirates in history. He was a man with a huge beard and a huge desire for adventure and crime.

Angus Macfayden stars in the title role and his supporting cast includes Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Stacey Keach and Jessica Chastain. They all join in to bring this pirating tale to life. Blackbeard is no Captain Jack Sparrow but he is a fascinating true life pirate.

'Crash Landing" is another enjoyable adventure. This film stars Antonio Sabato Jr and Michael Pare'. It is all about a private plane owned by a rich man. The plane is taken over by terrorists and the rich man's daughter and her friends are held for ransom.

Even with all those problems there is more. The plane must try to land on a Pacific island while a hurricane is in full force. Talk about your bad day! These movies are fun just for the sheer absurdity of it all. Grab some popcorn and just have a good time with it.

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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