Jet Li in "War"
courtesy of Lionsgate Home Entertainment
"Jet and Jason"

Jet and Jason are two of Hollywood's baddest and coolest men. They do battle in the new film on DVD "War." Yes they don't come any badder or any cooler than Jet Li and Jason Statham. These two men rarely break a sweat and can vanquish a foe with a flick of the wrist. So when they go up against each other who can win? Well watch "War" and see.

Statham plays FBI Agent Jack Crawford. He and his partner are on the trail of a hitman named Rogue but things go awry and their efforts fail. Years pass and suddenly Rogue (Li) is back on the scene. This time Crawford is determined to get him.

Rogue is working for a leader of an Asian mob in the States. The leader of the Triads (John Lone) is in a bitter battle with the leader of the Yakuza (Rio Ishibashi) and Rogue can help tip the balance of power. Crawford is trying to stop this gang war from breaking out and he has to take down Rogue to do it.

Both Statham and Li know how to do the martial arts thing as well as other dangerous looking stunts. This is an action movie that features a full panorama of action events. There is very little dialogue in the movie and very little time between action happenings. This film knows its audience and serves them what they want.

Statham is an actor whose popularity has been growing since his "Transporter" days. He has a strong silent persona and it fits his character here perfectly. Jet Li has been playing the hero in his last few movies but it was as the villain in the second "Lethal Weapon" movie that he really made his mark. He returns to his villainous ways in this film.

The amazing thing about this movie is that it is full of action from start to finish, and appears to be a fairly predictable tale of violence and vengeance. Then it hits you with a twist at the end that makes it more enjoyable than you expected. Rather than being a routine film of this sort it becomes one that makes a lingering impression.

"War" is not an extraordinary movie but it is a film that you might enjoy - just because of that twist at the end. I didn't see it coming and I like being surprised. So get this DVD and settle in for a lot of action and a few unexpected twists and turns.

"Two and a Half Men" is still one of television's most popular comedies. Well at least it is when the writers strike lets it be. So while waiting for the strike to be over, and surely it has to end some day, you might want to entertain yourself with the new DVD titled "Two and A Half Men: The Complete Second Season."

Charlie (Charlie Sheen), Alan (Jon Cryer) and Jake (Angus T Jones) are as hilarious as ever, plus they get to deal with Alan's villainous ex-wife Judith (Marin Hinkle). Hinkle is great in this role and adds to the fun of the series.

In addition on this DVD you get a "gag reel," some "behind the scenes" looks, and an insider's view of what it takes to write a comedy. These are some good plusses to induce you to get the DVD.

With Mitt Romney trying to introduce some Americans to his Mormon religion, the new DVD "September Dawn" offers a view of Mormon history. Brigham Young (Terrence Stamp) is involved and it concerns an incident that could be a black mark on the history of the Mormon faith.

The incident is a massacre allegedly led by the Mormons against a group of settlers in the 1850's. The reasons and actions have always been speculation but this movie tries to tell the "true" story. Trent Ford. Jon Voight and Tamara Hope also star in this film.

This movie will probably not influence your opinion of Mitt Romney, but I am sure the Morman Church is not happy having it released - especially at this time.

All families have troubles but the Irish family showcased on "Black Irish" seem to have more than their share. Michael Angarano and Emily Van Camp star in this turbulent drama about how one young man tries to help his family and escape from it at the same time.

Angarano is one of Hollywood's fastest rising young stars and he is excellent in this film as the teenager with the failing family. Emily Van Camp of "Brothers and Sisters" fame is equally compelling as his sister, who has a list of problems of her own.

This is family drama at its best so get this DVD and watch a family with more problems than yours. It is titled "Black Irish."
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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