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Queen Latifah in "Last Holiday"
courtesy of Paramount Home Video
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"Latifah Is the Queen"
There are some actors who just radiate star power and Queen Latifah is one of them. If you ever saw her in "Chicago" you know what I mean. This actress/singer more than held her own with the likes of Rene Zellwegger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Richard Gere. Even when she is starring in a less than special movie like "Last Holiday" she still makes viewing it worthwhile.
"Last Holiday" is now out on DVD and you will want to watch it just for the thrill of seeing the Queen play a woman who thinks her days are numbered. She takes off for Europe and plans to live like a queen until death comes knocking on her door. She buys some fancy clothes, checks into a four star plus hotel, and generally lives the good life on her life's savings.
The movie is predictable and co-stars LL Cool J and Gerard Depardieu don't add much. Still it is fun to watch just because Queen Latifah has such enthusiasm in any role. So check it out and let the Queen show you why she is a star!
I had never particularly thought about the use of horses during the Civil War but then I took a look at the new DVD "Horses of Gettysburg" and found the whole subject fascinating. This documentary takes a look at the uses for which the horses were employed as well as the methods and means the troops utilized to protect them and keep them healthy.
The documentary focuses on the horses that were used in the Battle of Gettysburg and shows how they affected the outcome of the battle. The movie is directed by Ronald F Maxwell who gave us both "Gettysburg" and "Gods and Generals." His sure hand leads us on a sure path through the material and keeps us informed and entertained all the way.
If you are a history buff you will want a copy of this documentary to keep for your very own. It is chock full of invaluable information. Others will want to view this well made and informative movie.
If you liked the film "The Hero" then you might also enjoy "The Warrior." This film has dialogue spoken in Hindi but has English subtitles for your enlightenment. The movie stars Irfan Khan as Lafcadia, a once mighty warrior. He has renounced his savage ways and now wants to live in peace. But the warlord for whom he used to work doesn't have any use for a retired assassin and sends his men out to bring back Lafcadia's head. It seems Lafcadia may have to do battle one more time.
This is a movie to watch for the visuals. The scenery of the countryside and the action sequences are breathtaking. And the film is surprisingly easy to follow. For something that is unique, watch "The Warrior."
Remember when Jean Claude Van Dame used to be the action hero to watch? He was going to be the next Arnold or Stallone but then something happened and he fell out of grace in Hollywood. Instead of making A type adventure movies he fell to making B or C types. Well the good news is that Van Damme has a new movie out on DVD titled "Second in Command" and some of the old charm is still there to be viewed.
In this film he plays the assistant US Ambassador in an overseas country. He is the "second in command" but when there is an uprising he quickly finds he is the man who has to save the day. And with the help of a few good Marines that is what he does. This is typical Jean Claude action and he handles it all with strength and ferociousness.
If you have been looking for a good old go for broke action flick then you might want to check this one out.
Also exciting is "Human Trafficking." This film is about the underground slave trade that does exist in the world today. Mira Sorvino, Donald Sutherland and Robert Carlyle star in this exciting film and bring to life the story of people who buy and sell human beings - mostly young women. It also shows the dedicated human beings who pursue, investigate and arrest these criminals.
The acting in this film is above average with Carlyle being outstanding as the despicable man who operates a slave trafficking ring. Sorvino and Sutherland play the agents who pursue him. It is a suspense filled film and one that will entertain you while it also appalls you with the true actions seen in the movie.
Back in 1981 Albert Brooks burst on the movie comedy scene with a fun filed but unique look at romance titled "Modern Romance." It was all about a neurotic film director who obsessed over his girlfriend's every move. He harassed her until they broke up and then plead that he would never act that way again. Then of course he did it all over again.
Brooks plays the director and Kathryn Harrold is the preyed upon girlfriend. They are a good combination and the film is full of Brook's unique look at the world of romance. It may be twenty-five years old but it is still fun. Get the DVD and see why Brooks' is still the master of comedy in a skewed way. |
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©2006 Jackie K. Cooper |
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