Ashton Kutcher and Amy Smart in "The Butterfly Effect"
courtesy of New Line Home Video
"Ashton Shows His Dramatic Side"

Ashton Kutcher has found fame through the TV comedy hit "That 70's Show." He has also been featured in several high profile movie comedies. But it is in the film "The Butterfly Effect," now on video, that he gets to show his dramatic talents

Kutcher stars in this film alongside Amy Smart, Ethan Suplee, Eric Stoltz and William Lee Scott. They all work to make this supernatural themed film effective. It is a story about time travel and the opportunity to do-over the past.

The movie plays better on video than it did in the theater. Somehow the story is more intimate on the small screen and the effects that were almost laughable on the big screen seem acceptable in this format.

Kutcher is hampered in his dramatic efforts by having been so successful as a comic. It is hard to take his dramatic moments too seriously, but you have to give him an "A" for effort. He does earnestly try to make "The Butterfly Effect" effectively gripping and emotionally draining.

In "My Voyage To Italy," the trip taken by acclaimed film director Martin Scorcese is not to the country but to the land of Italian cinema. Through his eyes we get a chance to look at the lives and times of some of the most celebrated Italian filmmakers. We explore their movies and get Mr. Scorcese's opinions of their talents and skills.

Mr. Scorcese also relates how the master works of these legends of cinema have influenced the movie industry of today. We see the threads of their influence which are appearing constantly in the most recent of movies.

This is a video we all can enjoy, but for serious students of film making it is required watching. Martin Scorcese knows movies and he knows talent. This video gives us a chance to learn from him.

Raven Symone has grown up considerably since her days as a "Cosby" kid. These days she is dancing and singing and starring in videos like "The Cheetah Girls." Plus she is now known by just her first name "Raven."

In "The Cheetah Girls," which is based on the popular book series by Deborah Gregory, she co-stars with Adrienne Bailon, Keily Williams and Sabrina Bryan. These four young ladies play the members of a musical group who are trying to get that one big break to enable them to make it big in the music scene.

The video is full of music, singing and dancing and the DVD has even more delights. If you love Raven, and everyone does, then get this DVD/video for the rock star in your home. They will love it and so will you.

"The English Patient" is now out on DVD and this award-winning movie has gotten even better with time. It is a love story that stars Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas and Juliette Binoche. The director is Anthony Minghella who also directed "Cold Mountain."

The movie, as most will recall, is told in flashbacks after a mysterious stranger is found horribly burned in a plane crash. As his life is recounted the audience learns of a great love affair and some tragic moments that led up to the final moments of his life.

Love, drama, war and excitement are all a part of this movie. Settle down and see why it has become one of the screen classics.

Finally in case you haven't been one of the fortunate ones to see "Bob the Builder's Live Show," the video of that occasion is here. We get to see Bob the Builder on stage and full of enthusiasm and bluster. You get a variety of songs from the show that includes the show's theme song "Can We Fix It?"

As an added treat you also get episodes of "Rubbadubbers" and "Angelina Ballerina" on this DVD. So get it now and let the fun begin. The little people in your home will be more than enchanted, they will be thrilled.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!