An Action Film With Monsters, Mirth And Muscle

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Ron Perlman in "Hellboy"
courtesy of Columbia Home Video

"An Action Film With Monsters, Mirth and Muscle"

Ron Perlman and Selma Blair lead the cast of the comic book inspired movie "Hellboy." Perlman plays the red-skinned demon from hell who goes over to the side of justice. Blair plays the firestarter he loves.

This movie has action, romance and comedy. The comedy was a surprise to most audiences but it is definitely there. Perlman has better one liners than most comedians, and that is what makes this action adventure better than most.

They are already planning "Hellboy 2" so get in on this franchise from the beginning. Watch the original and then wait for the sequel. It will be coming and Perlman and Blair supposedly will be back once more.

When it comes to the SAT kids know how important those scores are as to their choices of colleges. In order to get better scores the six kids in "The Perfect Score" decide to try to steal the answers. They feel in this case the end justifies the means.

Scarlett Johansson, Erika Christensen and Chris Evans lead this cast. They are all solid in their roles but the movie is just so-so in interest and execution. Better to just study hard rather than follow the route these kids take.

Elmore Leonard's novel THE BIG BOUNCE was made into a movie back in the sixties when Ryan O'Neal's career was at its peak. The film was only moderately successful. Now there is a new version starring Owen Wilson and it too is only moderately successful.

The movie, that is now out on DVD/video, has some added features that will help the total enjoyment of the DVD package but the movie itself remains mired in "cuteness." Wilson doesn't just act in his movies, he smirks his way through them. And that is what he does constantly in this film.

This is what is called "a caper film" as it concerns a robbery and lots of flimflamming. You never know who is going to end up with the cash or a murder rap. Morgan Freeman, Gary Sinise and Sara Foster are Wilson's co-stars. This is Foster's movie debut and it is a most inconsequential one.

The movie has to depend on Wilson's charm to give it any entertainment value and a little of Wilson goes a long way. He tires you out before the movie is over and that makes the movie tiring before it is over.

Ryan O'Neal is still making movies but he is no longer the star. In "People I Know" he has an integral part as an actor who has trouble concerning his girlfriend (Tea Leoni). Al Pacino is the publicist who tries to smooth everything over. Kim Basinger is also in the cast.

The film shows the dark side of Hollywood and though it is well acted, it is not an enjoyable movie. It is too talky, too inside Hollywood, and not exciting in its presentation. Still with this much talent in the cast, it is worth viewing at a slow pace.

If you and your kids are like most "Scooby-Doo" fans, you will be excited to learn there are four new Scooby adventures coming out on DVD/video. "What's New Scooby Doo? Volume 3: Halloween Boos and Clues" is headed to video stores to give you some new fun times.

Freddy, Daphne, Velma and Shaggy join forces with Scooby Doo to solve some spooky crimes and occurrences. There are a lot of thrills and a lot of fun to be had by all as Scooby and the gang run into and from all manner of monsters.

Kids also love the "The Wiggles." This group from Australia has a new video/DVD and it is called ""Whoo Hoo: Wiggly Gremlins." This selection of adventures has music, comedy and dance. These are talented guys and the kids adore them. Make sure they get to see this latest offering from a very popular group.

If you want to talk about a show with a cult following then that would be "La Femme Nikita." The fans of this cable series are among the most fanatical and loyal. They have demanded the second season of the show be released on DVD and it is here.

Peta Wilson is back as the super agent who puts that girl on "Alias" to shame. Nikita has one hair-raising adventure after another and they are all captured on this DVD. Plus you get excellent commentaries, deleted scenes and a gag reel. It is all on "La Femme Nikita: The Second Season."

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