Hugh Grant and Martine McCutcheon in "Love Actually"
courtesy of Universal Home Video
"A Lovely Video To Watch - That Is R Rated"

"Love Actually" is a wonderful movie which is now out on VHS/DVD. It tells eight different love stories in that Robert Altman way of having them cross in focus and time. It showcases such stars as Liam Neeson, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney, and many more. It is sweet and tender and R rated.

That's the kicker. This sweet movie contains nudity and lots of profanity. Many people who would love its love stories will be put off by the constant stream of four-letter words spewing from its characters' mouths. And that is a pity because the movie is ultimately worth watching by all ages, except children.

Hugh Grant plays the Prime Minister of England and his story about falling in love is one of the best. It is Grant at his most charming and his loosest. You even get to see him cut loose and dance.

Emma Thompson plays a betrayed wife opposite Alan Rickman. Her performance is so good it should have won an Oscar last year. And you will never listen to the song "Both Sides Now" without thinking about her.

There are many more stories that will charm you, and entertain you. There is not one weak segment in the film. Just be aware it is R rated and plunge right in and watch it. It is good - top ten good. At least in my book.

I also loved "The Last Of Sheila," a movie from the sixties that is being released on video. It was written by Stephen Sondheim and Anthony Perkins and is one of the most clever movies by way of script, I have ever watched.

Raquel Welch, Dyan Cannon, James Mason and many other solid actors star in the film. They are all good but it is the script that stars. It is as intelligent as any Hollywood has ever produced. Don't miss picking up this movie.

Bob Shaye who helped found New Line Pictures made his directorial debut with a film titled "The Book of Love." It starred Chris Young, Josie Bisset, Danny Nucci and Tricia Leigh Fisher. It told the story of one man's look back at his high school years and the girl he should have married.

In the DVD version of this film which is being released, there is an R rated version as well as a documentary titled "Meet Bob Shaye." You get all this for the price of one.

The movie is cute and sweet and fairly entertaining. It isn't a great film in any sense of the word but you could watch worse.

"Love Don't Cost A Thing" is a remake of the Patrick Dempsey movie "Can't Buy Me Love." This remake stars Nick Cannon and Christina Milian. Cannon plays the guy with mechanic skills who fixes Milian's wrecked car in exchange for her pretending to be his girl.

The film is fairly crude in language but its message about the value of true love and friendship is sweet. It isn't as good as the original but you might enjoy it.

Director James Cameron goes back to the Titanic in the documentary "Ghost of the Abyss." With Bill Paxton from the film along, he and a deep-sea crew take state of the art equipment and explore the Titanic wreckage. It is a unique and exhilarating voyage led by a man who knows the story well.

For a one of a kind adventure get "Ghost of the Abyss." It will give you insight into a tragedy that has become a legend.

For a Broadway legend come to the screen, get "Sweeney Todd: The Demon of Fleet Street." This Broadway smash is on DVD and features Angela Lansbury and George Hearn in their award winning roles.

The music is by Sondheim and it is fantastic. You will want to cheer the screen as you watch it. There is talk of this being made into a film, along with a million other musicals; but this Broadway adaptation is a stage version brought to the screen that works.

Finally we have the beloved "Waltons" on video. Yes, "The Waltons: The First Season" is in stores and awaiting your viewing pleasure. You can see the whole Walton clan and hear them end their shows with "Good-night, John-Boy."

Richard Thomas, Will Geer, Ellen Corbin, Ralph Waite, Michael Learned and all the rest of the cast are still capable of touching your heart. This is pure American and you owe it to yourself to watch it one more time.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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