Robert Englund and Ken Kirzinger in "Freddy vs Jason"
courtesy of New Line Home video
"Battle of the Terror Titans"

For the longest time America has been fascinated with the ghoulish characters of Jason, the hockey-masked killer from the "Friday the 13th" series: and Freddy, the steel taloned killer from the "Nightmare on Elm Street " series. These two dark-hearted men have starred in several movies each, but now come face to face in the sequel to end all sequels. It is "Freddy vs Jason" and may the best madman win!

Of course in a movie like this how can anyone win since both the contenders are already dead? Still this doesn't keep them from doing battle after battle to try to wipe the other one out.

Meanwhile there are a group of kids running around trying to tell people that the monsters are loose. All this does is get them murdered one by one. But finally Freddy and Jason square off and this is when the video kicks into high gear.

If you are a fan of either Freddy or Jason, and there are lots of you out there, then get this video now. The DVD has lots of extra features and the fun is just waiting for you. This is the ultimate sequel for which you have been waiting.

Fans of Jackie Chan can get their video fix with "The Medallion." In this action adventure Chan plays a man who gets super powers from a mysterious medallion. He uses his powers to fight evil.

He is assisted in his fight by his girlfriend (Claire Forlani) and his sidekick (Lee Evans). Forlani provides the beauty and Evans the comedy, but the real draw is Chan. He is the man with the moves and in this kind of movie it is all about the moves.

Kate Beckinsale has some good moves too in the movie "Underworld." She plays a vampire who is drawn to a mortal (Scott Speedman). He is destined to be heir to the werewolf dynasty ands that complicates their relationship.

The movie is full of gothic looking buildings, special effects with the movements of the beasts and humans, and Bill Nighy of "Love Actually" fame stealing the show as a million year old man.

If you watch the video just for some laughs, Nighy's charisma, and Beckinsale's beauty, well you will be a happy camper.

You will have to search for something to enjoy in "Grind," a look at the world of skateboarding. This movie features some of the dullest characters around, plus a plot that could have been written by a three-year-old. Okay, there are some pretty exciting skateboard scenes but that is all.

The cast includes Mike Vogel, Jennifer Morrison and Adam Brody (of "O.C." fame). This movie is one they might just want to leave off their resumes.

For controversy you might want to watch "Buffalo Soldiers." This movie was made in 2001 but got a very limited release last year because of its subject matter. It concerns a sergeant in the Army who sells drugs, and makes black market deals. With our world situation being such that we need a positive face on the military, no one wanted to show the down side this movie explores.

Of course the movie takes place in 1989 so it isn't exactly a modern story. Still it has taken the video release to get it available for your viewing. 

Joaquin Phoenix, Ed Harris and Anna Paquin are the stars and that is not a run of the mill cast. They mine the humor in the story as well as the absurdities of military life. Check this one out and see what all the fuss was over.

If you are into quirky humor then you are going to want to watch "Daddy and Them." This is a Billy Bob Thornton comedy that tells the story of a dysfunctional family. Billy Bob and a dysfunctional family - can you imagine that?

In telling this story Billy Bob has brought in a range of actors from Jamie Lee Curtis to Ben Affleck, from Jim Varney to Andy Griffith, from Laura Dern to Diane Ladd. It is wild and fun and wildly funny. You have to see it to believe it.

Finally for the kids there is a new Wiggles movie called "Top of the Tots." The Australian group is back for more music and more comedy that is aimed for the kids' level. Get it and let them have a ball with the crazy guys from down under.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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