Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener in "Capote"
courtesy of Sony Home Entertainment
"Hoffman Was A Sure Thing"

Anyone who saw the film "Capote" knew that Phillip Seymour Hoffman was a cinch to win the Oscar for his portrayal of the title role. But if you weren't one of the thirty-five people to see it in the movie theater, you can now watch it on DVD. The film may not be everyone's cup of tea but few will argue that Hoffman gave a brilliant performance.

The film follows the years in Capote's life when he was researching and writing IN COLD BLOOD, a non-fiction novel about a brutal murder in Kansas. Truman Capote and his friend Harper Lee (Catherine Keener) travel to Kansas to meet with the authorities, and to talk with the suspected killers.

Capote becomes obsessed with the case and with Perry Smith (Clifton Collins, Jr), one of the killers. The problem is that Capote can not finish the book until the killers are either hanged or sentenced to life. He has to have an ending for the story, which he eventually gets.

Chris Cooper, Bruce Greenwood and Bob Balaban also appear in this strange but fascinating film. The movie is good, but Hoffman's performance makes it great.

Another strange but fascinating movie on DVD is "The Squid and the Whale." This film stars Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney, and tells the story of one family's disintegration. Jesse Eisenberg and Owen Kline (Kevin's kid) play their two sons, who are severely affected by their parent's divorce.

The film is difficult to watch because it is such a personal story. Still seeing two such fine actors as Daniels and Linney go through their paces, makes for entertaining viewing. You will feel their pain, as well as that of the children.

This is the type of "small" film that probably didn't play in your area. Make sure you take the opportunity to see it on DVD.

If you are a fan of horror movies, like "The Hills Have Eyes" and "Jeepers Creepers" then you will want to watch "Ring Around the Rosie." This is one of those creepy old houses type of movies. Of course there is the beautiful woman who has just moved in, and the creepy groundskeeper who spooks everyone out.

There are plenty of scares in this movie on DVD and you will be looking over your shoulder as you watch it. Gina Phillips, Tom Sizemore, Randall Batinkoff and Jenny Mollen are the stars. But the reason to watch it is for the fear factor. It is truly creepy.

To counter your viewing of "Rosie" you can always join the kids in your house and watch "Chicken Little." This is the Disney animated film now out on DVD. It has always been a favorite of children, but now with American Idol's Kevin Covais having been branded as "Chicken Little" the movie takes on a new kind of appeal.

So gather the kids around you and watch this story of the kid who cried wolf one time too many. But also know that he redeems himself in the end and the kiddies will like that aspect of the movie. And as you watch it, know somewhere Kevin Covais is smiling.

Finally out on DVD is "Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo - the Little Black Book Edition." In addition to the trashy movie you also get a "making of the movie featurette", the director's video diary, deleted scenes and other specialties.

Rob Schneider hit a chord with audiences when he went wild with this film. The trashier he got the more they loved it. So if you are in that group of fans then you will want to have this "special edition" of "Deuce Bigalow Male Gigolo."

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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