Diane Lane in "Hollywoodland"
courtesy of Universal Home Entertainment
"Ben As Superman"

Ben Affleck's career stalled during all those J-Lo moments, but now he has come roaring back with a spot on performance in "Hollywoodland," now out on DVD. He plays George Reeves, the man who brought Superman to life on television. "Hollywoodland" is a film about the life and death of Reeves. Although his death was ruled a suicide, there have always been numerous conjectures as to what really happened to the man who lived in the shadow of the character he portrayed.

The film recreates the aura of the fifties and manages to make the question of "how did George Reeves really die?" an interesting and intriguing one. It also introduces a fictional character by the name of Louis Simo (Adrian Brody) as a private detective hired by Reeves' mother (Lois Smith) to determine what really happened to her son. Too there is a great performance by Diane Lane as the older woman who cheated on her husband with Reeves.

The most interesting aspect of the movie is Affleck's performance. It is a complex and interesting performance and shows he still has talent. Now that he is married and a father maybe the serious Affleck will get back to improving his career.

In Hollywood if you are over forty it can mean the end of your career. But the new DVD "The Boynton Beach Club" shows that some talented "older" actors are alive and well and still worth watching. 

In this film Brenda Vaccaro, Dyan Cannon, Joseph Bologna and Sally Kellerman paint pictures of people past their prime who are still looking for love - and finding it! This is a wonderful movie that is sure to put a smile on your face and a lump in your throat. Vaccaro, Kellerman and Cannon prove they can still hold your attention and entertain you too.

For a movie that is different and delightful watch "The Boynton Beach Club."

Asian movies have been gaining more and more of an audience in America. DVD's have been especially influential in introducing audiences to the look and content of these movies. Japanese director Zhang Yimou has a new film on DVD, "Riding Alone For Thousands of Miles," which typifies the artistic talents these movies involve.

The movie stars acclaimed Japanese actor Ken Takakaura. He plays a father who is estranged from his son. When he learns his son is dying he does everything he can to create a bond between them. He goes to great extremes to honor his life and even his death.

The movie is so beautiful it looks like a painting and this is done intentionally by the great cinematographer Zhao Xiaoding. The combination of the director's skills, the actor's talent, and the cinematographer's eye makes this a movie to remember.

For those of you wanting to watch a romantic comedy there is "Soup of the Day." This film stars Jon Crowley, Catherine Reitman, Patty Wortham and Tina Molina in a story about one man who is in a strictly monogamous relationship with three women. Yes he is true to all three in his fashion.

Of course there comes a day of reckoning and that is when the fun really begins. For a lot of love and comedy and eventual retribution watch "Soup of the Day."

And speaking of romantic comedies, since it is close to Valentine's Day five of the most romantic movies of the past few decades are being released. They include George Segal in "Blume In Love," "Troy Donahue and Sandra Dee in "A Summer Place," Amy Irving in "Crossing Delancey," Judy Garland and Robert Walker in "The Clock," and my personal favorite Jane Wyman and Van Johnson in "Miracle In the Rain."

All of these movies are just perfect for viewing on a Valentine's Day night. They are romantic and touching and full of emotion. These are classic romance movies and you will want to watch them all.
 

 

 

 

 

©2007 Jackie K. Cooper

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