Beyonce Knowles and Idris Elba in "Obsessed"
courtesy of Sony Home Entertainment
“For Those Obsessed With Beyonce”

Beyonce has not made that many movies. She was in “Dreamgirls” a few years back and did a solid acting job. Most of her fame still has come from her music and her music videos. But with “Obsessed,” now out on DVD, Beyonce moves into the Hollywood movie star range.

Her perfect role in “Obsessed” is the perfect one for her. She plays a wife and mother who will do whatever it takes to protect her home. If you don’t believe that then bring it on! She is her own home protection system and she will whup whoever or do whatever it takes to protect her castle.

Derek Charles (Idris Elba) is a vice president for an investment firm in LA. He is married to the beautiful Sharon (Beyonce’) and they have a small son. Life is very good for this couple, but things are about to change. A serpent enters their Eden in the form of Lisa (Ali Larter), a temp who meets Derek and immediately claims him as her own.

It doesn’t matter that Derek rebuffs her advances; she creates a wild scenario in her head and goes full steam ahead. She is a woman obsessed. She intends to have Derek, his child and his home and pity anyone who stands in her way. This of course means she is on a collision course with Sharon.

The movie is reminiscent of “Fatal Attraction” but Larter’s kook is even crazier than Glenn Close’s. Plus Larter is a total seductress whereas Close was just a woman with a goal.

Elba, Larter and Knowles are all good in their roles with Beyonce’ being the best. Everything leads up to the woman to woman all out fight and it is worth waiting through the whole movie. 

Jerry O’Connell is the weak link in the movie as Derek’s best friend Ben. Nothing about his character rings true. Christine Lahti plays a police detective in the movie and the role is beneath her talent. It is sad to think she has been reduced to such small roles.

Beyonce’ doesn’t sing a note in this movie, and while that may bother some it didn’t me at all. I was just enjoying her being who she is and waiting for that final all out battle that the trailers had set up. In truth the trailers for this film all but gave away the entire plot of the movie.

“Obsessed” may be my guilty pleasure of the week. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I think you will too. So rush out and get this DVD.

Another DVD you don’t want to miss is “The Soloist.” Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx co-star in this film and they are both brilliant in their respective roles. They bring to life the true story of a newspaper columnist and a gifted musician who also happens to be schizophrenic. The movie is impressive, instructive and inspiring.

Downey plays Steve Lopez, a columnist for the “LA Times.” One day he is in one of the city parks and meets Nathaniel Ayers (Foxx), a homeless man who is playing a violin with only two strings. Even with a damaged instrument Ayers is able to make wonderful music.

Lopez begins to write about Ayers in his columns and his stories touch the hearts of the public. Lopez wants to get Ayers on medication for his illness and also to get him off the streets. He even visualizes a one man concert at the Disney Center. But Ayers problems are severe and changing his life is an uphill struggle.

The beauty of the film is in the two lead performances. Each man raises the level of the game for the other. Downey appears to act with his heart while Foxx’s performance is more cerebral, but both are impressive.

Catherine Keener also adds to the enjoyment and believability of the movie. She plays Lopez’ ex-wife and his boss at the newspaper. Keener is one of those actresses who just become the character she is playing. With a few gestures and the intensity in her eyes she lets you know everything about the character you need to know. 

Because the movie is based on a true story the events stay grounded. It is a story that embraces the characters but keeps them human and flawed. You might wish for a miracle to happen but that is not what this movie is about.

This movie was released very early in the year and that is not when strong dramas make an impression. Rarely do awards nominations go back so far, but Downey, Foxx and Keener should be remembered. They are that good, and so is the movie. Maybe having it out on DVD now will refresh people’s memories.

Another movie now on DVD that has some strong performances is “Fragments.” This is a movie about one incident that impacts a variety of lives. In many ways this movie reminded me of “Crash,” another film about one event and how surrounding lives were involved.

This is a true ensemble film and the performances are strong. Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Josh Hutcherson, Forrest Whitaker and others grab their characters and latch on to their actions and thoughts. The intensity of this film is high but it is well worth watching.

Finally for their many fans Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie are the best thing that has happened to TV in a long time, and their series “Flight of the Conchords” is near perfection. The two guys play New Zealanders who are musicians living in New York and trying to find their place in the sun.

The show takes a look at how they try to fit in, stand out, and move their lives and careers along. There is music in the series as well as comedy. I find “Flight of the Conchords” to be an acquired taste but you may be one who tunes into it and accepts and enjoys it all.

The new DVD is titled “Flight of the Conchords: the Complete Second Season.” Try it, you might thoroughly enjoy it, and if you do there are bonus features to add to your enjoyment such as deleted scenes and commentary.
 

 

 

 

 

©2009 Jackie K. Cooper

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