Kevin Costner in "Open Range"
courtesy of Buena Vista Home Video
"Costner's At Home On the Range"

As Kevin Costner has shown with earlier movies such as "Silverado" and "Dances With Wolves," he has a natural affinity for the old west. He shows that again with his new movie on video "Open Range." 

This is a western that embodies all the ideals of that time and era. Costner and Robert Duvall play the good guys who right wrongs and maintain their code of conduct. Annette Bening is the frontierswoman who will stand by her man through thick and thin. All three of these actors get into their roles and play them to the hilt.

The scenery in this movie is breathtaking, the musical score is rousing and romantic at the right times, and the acting is solid all around. The only problem with the movie is that it doesn't know when to end. It should end when the gunfight is over but director/star Costner wants to keep it going a little longer and this drags things out.

There are a lot of people who have been longing for a good western in the John Wayne tradition. "Open Range" is it. You can have a great time with the logical story and defined characters. Just cut it off when the gunfight ends and it will be just right.

Jim Carrey had one of 2003's biggest hits in "Bruce Almighty." The movie is out on video and it shows why he and Jennifer Aniston are such big stars in the Hollywood arena. They play together well and give the movie its pep.

Carrey plays Bruce, a guy who gets the chance to be God for a while. The real God in the movie, Morgan Freeman, tells him if he can do better, have at it. And he does with some hilarious results. This makes it sound like the movie is definitely sacrilegious and it isn't. It keeps its priorities straight and its humor non-offensive.

For a good time of inspiration and humor rent, or buy, "Bruce Almighty." It was one of the top movies of last year and now you can find out why.

Another movie that was also a big winner at the box office last year was "American Wedding." It too is out on video for your viewing pleasure. Most of the old gang from the previous films are back but most importantly Seann William Scott is back as Stiffler.

The movie is concerned with the wedding of the characters played by Jason Biggs and Allyson Hannigan. They are the ingratiating couple who have had their ups and downs through the other preceding movies. Now it is wedding time and love is in the air.

Also important to the film is the appearance of Eugene Levy as the father of Jim (Biggs). His deadpan humor is essential to the enjoyment of the movie;, as is a late appearance by Jennifer Coolidge as Stiffler's mom.

Some of the humor gets pretty wild and raucous but you have to expect that from an "American Pie" series movie. Enjoy this one as it has been said it is the last in the series, but we have all heard that one before.

If you were a fan of the Kirsten Dunst high school cheerleader flick "Bring It On" then you might get some enjoyment out of the college cheerleader movie "Bring It On Again." BUT you must understand this is not a sequel and none of the characters from the first film are in the second.

Now having said this, there are some funny moments in this film and there are some great cheerleader routines. The cast is all unknowns such as Anne Judson-Yager, Bree Turner and Richard Lee Jackson.

This is a sequel that is not a sequel. The basic subject matter is the same - cheerleading - but it is not a continuation of the first story in any sense of the word. Just enjoy this one on its own.

If you are a fan of the original "Tremors" you have probably seen all the sequels and maybe even the SciFi Channel's TV series of the same name. What you might not have seen is the prequel to the film. It is titled "Tremors 4, the Legend Begins." This movie stars Michael Gross as the ancestor to his modern day character. He is the only member of the original cast seen in this movie.

This film takes place in the 1800's and is a lot of fun because again the film and its subject matter is not taken seriously, It is all tongue in cheek and fun for all. It starts off a little slow but soon picks up and goes for a rip-roaring finish.

If you liked the other "Tremors" movies then you are going to like this one too.

For a really unique movie experience watch "Spellbound." This is a documentary about a national spelling championship. The film follows eight teenagers as they move up to the national spelling bee. Getting a chance to see what these kids are like and how they handle the pressure of the event makes for a very enjoyable movie experience.

This is one of those movies that you don't think you are going to enjoy but you will. With reality TV hitting us at every turn, this is more of the same but with a better plot and gimmick. Take a chance, rent it and enjoy it.

For the kids there are some exciting new movies out. "The Land Before Time" has another chapter in its story of pre-historic times. The new video is called "The Great Longneck Migration." Your kids will love the further adventures of these beloved characters.

Another movie the kids will love is "MVP: Most Valuable Primate." This is a film about a monkey and a hockey team that appears to be formulaic to the extreme. But this one has more heart and humor than it should have. The entire family will enjoy it and that is a big surprise.

Lastly there is a new "Pokemon" film out entitled "Pokemon Heroes." This one is more of the same but if your kids are big on Pokemon they will love this latest installment.

Happy viewing!

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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