Matthew Macfayden and Keira Knightley in "Pride and Prejudice"
courtesy of Universal Home Video
"Keira Is Near Perfection"

Keira Knightley is near perfection as Elizabeth Bennett in the latest adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice." In this movie, now out on DVD, she is emotional, headstrong, direct and charming. She is everything Elizabeth is supposed to be and then some and she is certainly a match for Mr. Darcy (played with brooding mystery by Matthew Macfayden).

The film is a story about a group of sisters living in 18th century England. They are all searching for love, some more than others. Their parents (Brenda Blethyn and Donald Sutherland) know that they must make good marriages in order to be taken care of in their later years.

Elizabeth and Darcy meet but theirs is not a typical romance. It is full of disputes and misunderstandings. Still love eventually wins out in a beautiful ending.

The acting in this movie is above average, as are the sets and the music. Knightley gained an Academy Award nomination for her role and it was well deserved. If you are a romantic then you owe it to yourself to watch "Pride and Prejudice."

Love is also in the air in "Lady and the Tramp." This Disney classic about love between a beautiful cocker spaniel and a stray is ready to delight a new generation of children. They will love the story and the wonderful musical score/songs by Peggy Lee.

The Siamese cats, the flirtatious dog named Peg, the spaghetti eating scene; all are part of the magic of this movie and the Disney brand of entertainment. Make sure your child gets his/her time to watch one of Disney's best. "Lady and the Tramp" is a romantic, comedic masterpiece from Disney.

Another classic, but of a different kind, is "All the President's Men." It has now been thirty years since it was first released to theaters and its story about Watergate and the conspiracies is still making news. Only a few months ago Mark Felt was identified as being "Deep Throat." There is a featurette about him included on this two-disc DVD presentation.

The movie stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein, the two reporters who brought down an administration. Jason Robards won an Oscar for his performance as Ben Bradlee. It is a brilliantly made movie, directed by Alan J Pakula, and full of strong performances.

This is a movie worth keeping and this edition is the one you want. So get the Two Disc Special Edition of "All the President's Men." 

Kathy Bates, Glen Close, Amy Brennerman, Holly Hunter, Dakota Fanning, Robin Wright Penn, and many more fine actresses star in the film "Nine Lives." This film is excellent in its portrayal of several women and the crises in their lives. The movie didn't get much exposure but the DVD should be seen by millions.

The complexities of life as shown in this movie are fascinating, and each of the actors takes the time to really build a character. The men who are involved with them are also beautifully portrayed by such fine actors as William Fichtner, Aiden Quinn, Joe Mantegna and Lawrence Pressman.

If you like movies that have substance then you don't want to miss "Nine Lives." It is one you will not forget, and it is well worth your time.

"Action: The Complete Series - Uncut and Unbleeped" is a raw, raunchy look at the film industry. Jay Mohr, Ileana Douglas and Buddy Hackett starred in this series that was way ahead of its time. Now it is out in all its raw glory and you can see the entire run of thirteen episodes.

While looking at the film industry, the series brings in some big name guest stars such as Keanu Reeves, Sandra Bullock, Scott Wolf and Salma Hayek. They all get into the fun of the show and make their mark.

Still it is comic Jay Mohr who is the glue that holds this series together. He is funny and immensely watchable. Tune in to "Action" and see what you couldn't see on TV. It is the full thing.

Sam Neill stars in "Merlin's Apprentice," a story about the man who was the sorcerer of Camelot. The plot concerns the mysterious Holy Grail and Merlin's efforts to reclaim it and to set Camelot back up to its former glory. There are action and thrills in this movie. Watch it on DVD and have some fun with a Camelot story.

You can also enjoy "Sword of Gideon," a film about the 1972 Olympic Massacre. With "Munich" tackling the same subject this is a must see movie. Steven Bauer, Michael York and Rod Steiger star in this suspenseful story of revenge.

"Nature Unleashed: Fire" is another exciting film. This one concerns a raging forest fire and the action by a Forest Ranger to save some campers. Bryan Genessee and Ross McCall are the two stars of this film.

Finally, with all the attention being drawn to Johnny Cash because of "Walk the Line," any movie in which he starred is attention worthy. "The Baron and the Kid" is the name of one of these efforts and it showcases Johnny Cash as a pool professional who meets a young pool hustler. The hustler turns out to be his son - of course.

June Carter Cash and Darren McGavin also star in this movie and add to the enjoyment. Take a chance and watch it!

 

 

 

 

 

©2006 Jackie K. Cooper

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