Jodie Foster and Peter Sarsgaard inn "Flightplan"
courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment
"Jodie Foster Has A Plan"

Jodie Foster's movie appearances seem to be rare these days, but she returned big time in the action thriller "Flight Plan" which is now out on DVD. Foster is one of the best actresses around and she shows her versatility in this role that combines her intellectual strength with some physical activity.

In the film Foster plays a recent widow who is taking her husband's body home from Europe to the States. She and her small daughter (Marlene Lawston) are flying on a large supersonic plane she designed. But shortly into the flight her daughter disappears. As Kyle (Foster) searches the plane she is amazed by the crew's feelings that her daughter was never on board.

Peter Sarsgaard, Sean Bean and Erika Christensen co-star in this fast-paced film that raises the question of whether Kyle's daughter actually disappeared on in fact the girl never existed except in her mother's mind.

The DVD has a large amount of "extras" which includes behind the scenes stories, casting of the film, and many others. This is a thrill packed movie and an extras packed DVD.

"Grizzly Man" is unlike any movie you will see this year or for many years to come. It is a documentary about a man named Timothy Treadwell. He went to Alaska and lived among the bears there. For some reason he felt he could communicate with these grizzly bears and that they accepted him as their friend. 

The documentary horrifically relates that these animals are wild and they don't have human characteristics. They also are not tame. Eventually Treadwell and his girlfriend are killed by them. Treadwell leaned many things by studying these bears, but he didn't learn that they couldn't be trusted to keep him safe.

This is a stunning film and one you will want to see for the impact it makes. "Grizzly Man" should be at the top of your viewing list.

Another important documentary is "Rize" which studies the LA phenomenon known as "Clowning" or "Krumping." This is frenzied dancing that is almost unimaginable in speed and style. You really have to see it to believe it.

Some of the originators of the dance style are featured in this film and add their comments to the phenomenon it has become. It is a unique form of dance and one that all should know about. So get "Rize' and let the sensations dazzle your eyes and your mind.

With February being "Black History Month" the release of "Lincoln and Lee At Antietam - The Cost of Freedom" is timely indeed. This film studies the Battle of Antietam that was one of the most crucial and in terms of deaths, most costly, battles in the war between the states.

The film is narrated by Ronald F Maxwell, who directed "Gettysburg" and "Gods and Generals." It looks at the strategies of battle as well as the plans of President Lincoln. It is detailed in its presentation and vast in its scope. It is also horrific in its relating of death and destruction that occurred in this battle.

One of the easiest ways to learn history is through DVD's such as this one. It takes an event in history and breaks it down into understandable information. You get the visuals and the auditory effects, which combine to give you the full story. Whether you are a Civil War buff or just someone who wants to know more about our country's history, you should look at, study and recommend "Lincoln and Lee At Antietam - The Cost of Freedom."

You can learn a lot about the music industry by watching "Undiscovered." This film stars Steven Strait as a musician who gets the break of a lifetime but then can't cope with success. Pell James plays the woman who loves him and wants to see him succeed.

Also featured in the film is Ashlee Simpson, and she surprisingly is the best thing in it. She is very natural in the role of "best friend" and sings with distinct talent.

"Undiscovered" is not a great movie but the music is good and Ashlee is fun. It is worth the price of a rental.

"Bambi" is one of Disney's classic animated stories. It is beloved by generations of viewers. Now at last comes a sequel to that classic film, "Bambi II." This film tells the story of how the young fawn survives after the death of his mother, and how he comes to have a great relationship with his father who is known as "The Great Prince."

The film has a heart-touching story line, good animation, and wonderful music. Songs are provided for the soundtrack by Martina McBride, Allison Krause and newcomer Anthony Callea. This is not a cheap rip-off of a sequel but a film that enhances the story and plays homage to the original.

If you are a fan of the original you will enjoy this continuation of the story. "Bambi II" is a worthy addition to the Disney collection of classic tales.

"Thunderbolt" is an action film that stars Jackie Chan, and that is good news for anyone who likes excitement. In this film Chan not only does his martial arts tricks, he also gets involved in high-speed auto racing. That means this film is even more exciting than some of Chan's other popular movies.

There are thugs and criminals galore for Chan to do battle with in this movie, but you know Jackie always comes through. He can outfight, outwit and outrace anyone he comes up against. So put this DVD on and get in on the action. Jackie Chan in "Thunderbolt" is a high-flying time for all to see.

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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