Edward Norton and Anthony Hopkins co-star in "Red
Dragon"
courtesy of Universal Home Video
"Hannibal Lecter Strikes Again"
Before there was a film called "Silence of the Lambs," there was a movie called "Manhunter." It had a cult audience who thought it to be a gem of a horror film. But then along came "Silence" and Anthony Hopkins became the only actor who could possibly play brilliant criminal Hannibal Lecter and so the earlier film was pushed aside.
Now "Manhunter" has been remade as a "Silence" prequel and of course Anthony Hopkins reprises his role. This film, now titled "Red Dragon," also stars Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes and Emily Watson. It is a taut, well-made thriller that is excellently acted in every role and packs a few surprises to boot.
The DVD also has some "extras" which include an interview with an FBI profiler of serial killers. There are also some deleted scenes and "behind the scenes" discussions. This is a DVD well worth having.
One to be avoided is "The Truth About Charlie," a remake of the wonderful film "Charade." Why they thought they had to redo perfection is beyond me, but that's how Hollywood operates. But this time it bit them in the pocketbook, as the movie was a resounding flop!
Mark Wahlberg, Thandie Newton and Tim Robbins take the roles created by Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn and Walter Matthau. Each pales in his/her own way. Also what was light and fanciful in the original is plodding and dull in this version.
The trouble with "The Trouble With Charlie" was that we never needed a do-over of the original in the first place. And on the DVD you get both versions - and guess which one is better!
Out of the ordinary and delightfully so is "Punch Drunk Love." Emily Watson is back again and this time she co-stars with Adam Sandler. He plays a slightly shy young man who doesn't know love is happening to him until it hits him over the head. It is the best performance Sandler has ever given.
The film is by P T Anderson who also gave us "Magnolia" and "Boogie Nights." That should clue you in on the type of film it is. It is unique, and beautiful, and touching, and just a little bit crazy.
If you are a fan of "Dawson's Creek" you will want to pick up "Lone Star State of Mind." Joshua (Pacey Witter) Jackson stars as a young man who tries to get his wife (James King) out of Texas. That should be simple, but he has some pesky relatives who keep messing things up.
Like "Punch Drunk Love" this is a quirky comedy. Jackson and King are good but the movie never exactly comes together.
For horror fans there is "Ghost Ship." This spooky film tells about a salvage vessel that goes after a mysterious cruise ship that has been found abandoned in the ocean. It is of course haunted and the rest of the movie is spent watching the salvage ship's crew get theirs.
Julianna Margulies, Ron Eldard and Gabriel Byrne lead a strong cast in this deliciously enjoyable horror flick. There is just the right number of spooky effects to keep you glued to the screen.
Not as good is the horror film "Brainscan" which has a young man (Edward Furlong) taken over by a video game. How's that for scary? Frank Langella plays the detective who is trying to figure it all out before another death occurs.
Furlong started off with a bang in "Terminator 2" but has become a wooden actor along the way. Beside him even Arnuld looks lively!
All audiences can enjoy "The Wild Thornberrys Movie." In this big screen version of the Nickelodeon hit, Lacey Chabert voices the role of Eliza. She and her family are on safari and get involved in an adventure.
Be sure to listen for "Fathers and Daughters," the Oscar nominated song by Paul Simon. Also listen for Tim Curry's voice in the movie as one of the characters. Other star's voices pop up too.
"The Other Side of Heaven" is also appropriate for all audiences. It is the story of a nineteen-year-old young man who goes to the island of Tonga as a missionary. This is based on a real life story and is inspirational in its telling.
Christopher Gorham plays the young man and Anne (The Princess Diaries) Hathaway is the young woman he left at home.
Finally we have "Friends: The Complete Third Season." This is the year when all the roles really gelled and ensemble acting became a way of life on the show. All twenty-five episodes are good and like fine wine the show seems to get better and better.
If after reading this review you are
interested in ordering these movies,
please click on the provided links.
