"An Award Winning Performance"
Nicole Kidman won the Academy Award for Best Actress this year with her portrayal of Virginia Wolfe in the film "The Hours." The movie is now out on video and you can see for yourself if she deserved to win. Chances are most of you will say yes.
Kidman is virtually unrecognizable in the part. She has a false nose and this alters the entire landscape of her face. She also seems to be lankier and her voice is changed. If that is acting, well she is brilliant with what she does.
The film covers three women in three different times. There is Wolfe's story back in the early part of the twentieth century. Then there is the woman played by Julianne Moore whose story takes place in the fifties. And finally there is a modern story that centers around a woman played by Meryl Streep.
All three stories are connected by the book MRS. DALLOWAY. Kidman's character wrote the book. Moore's character is affected by reading the book. And Streep plays a woman who is just like the main character in the book. As the film moves between the years to these stories we begin to see the connections that are there.
This is what is commonly known as a "woman's picture." That is not to say men can't enjoy it, but it will appeal to women more. It is also a difficult film to watch because it is so intense. There is very little humor here, just drama all the way.
Kidman beat out Renee' Zellwegger for the Best Actress award. This fall these two women will be co-starring in a movie based on the book COLD MOUNTAIN. We will see who wins the acting race there.
Another of my favorite movies from last year was "Punch Drunk Love." I am a big fan of Director Paul Thomas Anderson. He gave us "Boogie Nights" and "Magnolia" before he released this movie, now out on video.
Adam Sandler is amazing in this story about an ordinary man who goes through some extraordinary happenings before he finds love with Emily Watson. The movie is quirky and totally different from what you would expect such a film to be. That just made me love it more.
"Punch Drunk Love" isn't a movie for everyone, but for those who do discover its humor and heart it is a masterpiece.
Barbra Streisand is also a matter of taste. Some people love her and some people hate her, but I don't think anyone can deny she has talent. She has a set of DVD's out now that contains four of her early movies. They are "What's Up Doc?" "The Main Event," "Nuts," and "Up The Sandbox."
These movies primarily highlight her comic sense and she is great in each role. Still she does show her dramatic side in "Nuts" and sings a little in "The Main Event" and "What's Up Doc?" This is the early Streisand on view here so you will want to get this collection for your own - if you are a Streisand fan. And I am!
There are also two "dog" movies out on video this week. The first is "Air Bud
Spikes Back." This is the third of fourth movie in this series. The star of the film is a dog named "Buddy" and he can do amazing things. He can play football, baseball and in this new film "Beach Volleyball."
Kids love these movies, and rightly so. They are good clean fun and the dog is really talented - or at least is made to seem that way.
The other "dog" movie is "Sounder." This is the remake of the classic film that starred Paul Winfield, Cicely Tyson, and Kevin Hooks. Now Hooks is the director of this new version and Winfield has a small part in the movie.
The new stars are Daniel Lee Robertson and Carl Lumbly and they do a good job of holding up the acting traditions the original cast started. It is a heart-rending story and one that you will enjoy watching again.
Another touching film is "The Pennsylvania Miners Story." This is based on the true story of the group of miners who were trapped underground for three days. It is a tale of hope and courage and will bring a lump to your throat. Don't miss it!
Finally there is "Intacto" which is a movie about gamblers and thieves. You get to watch and see who gets the biggest rush in what they do. But aren't they both about robbery? Max Von Sydow is the only star name you will recognize. |
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