Keira Knightley and Johnny Depp in "Pirates of the Caribbean"
courtesy of Disney Home Video
"Depp's Devilish Turn As A Pirate"

Johnny Depp has spent most of his career playing quirky roles, and most of the films haven't made the big box office bucks. But then he played the "pirate" in "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and he hit pay dirt big time. The movie was the major hit of the summer at theaters and now it is out on video and DVD so that you can own your own copy.

This film is based on the popular theme park ride at Disney World. But the movie is that and more. Depp takes his role as "Captain Jack" and makes it a comic masterpiece. He is aided in his acting by a supporting cast which includes Keira Knightly, Orlando Bloom and Geoffrey Rush.

To me the movie was too long and too repetitive but try to tell that to the legion of fans who thought it was perfect in every way. At least on the DVD and video version you can pause the thing if you get tired. Or with the DVD you can avail yourself of all the extras.

You may love or hate "Pirate" but one thing is certain, you will come away from it with a new appreciation of Depp's talents. He pulls out all the stops and makes this character one of his most unique ever.

The kids will love "Pirates" and the very little kids will love "Baby Einstein's Numbers Nursery." This is the series of videos that teaches infants certain skills. This one teaches them how to count to five. Now that may not sound too difficult but this is aimed at babies.

The video can teach your baby to be an Einstein too, or at least expose he/she to some interesting learning methods. Just get the video and do as it says and let the baby be exposed to the genius at work behind the scenes.

Back to the older kids, they will enjoy "The Little Polar Bear" which is based on a book which is a children's classic. This is an animated movie that tells of the friendship between a polar bear and a seal. Kids can learn the lessons of getting along with everyone.

There are other lessons in the movie and they are all presented in an entertaining manner. Give your kids a chance to get into this story and have a great time with it. 

Jean Claude Van Damme was once a fairly big star. His movies were winners at the box office and he made a lot of money. But that was a few years ago. Now his movies go to video quickly and are seen by only his hard core fans. "In Hell" is a typical Van Damme actioner so fans get ready!

This movie takes place in a Mexican prison where Van Damme's character has been sentenced. The Warden there likes t set up fights to the death and of course Van Damme's character gets lined up for them. His rage at being in prison is so great that he is a constant winner. Of course the more into the fights he gets, the less human he becomes.

Another fighter is Princess Suriyothai, the heroine of the film "The Legend of Suriyothai." This film takes place in Thailand in the sixteenth century and the story it tells is true. Suriyothai was a warrior princess who did everything to protect her country.

This is an epic movie that is filled with sweeping grandeur and heroic acts. It is unique with its warrior princess so women should love it. Suriyothai is an amazing person and deserves her place in history.

Finally we have "One Love" which is a story of star crossed lovers. He is a Rasta musician and she is a gospel singer. Her father is a minister and he says no to their love. He wants her to marry someone in the church. But love always finds a way, or at least it should.

Ky-Mani Marley and Cherine Anderson star in this movie. You will enjoy the plot and the music. It is different enough to be enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

 

©2003 Jackie K. Cooper

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