Adam Sandler in "Billy Madison"
courtesy of Columbia Home Entertainment
"Josh: Son of Zero"

Before Adam Sandler reached the present semi-serious stage of his career he used to make plain old crazy, good time movies. Two of them, "Billy Madison" and "Happy Gilmore," have achieved cult status and for that reason the video/DVD version of these movies are being re-released in a combination package.

"The Billy Madison/Happy Gilmore Collection" contains scenes that were deleted from the original movies, plus some outtakes that are always my favorite part of any collection. Then too you get the fun of the actual movies that now seem even funnier than they did upon first viewing. Sandler seems to have made these movies just for the fun of it and it shows!

In "Billy Madison," Josh Mostel has the role of Principal Max Anderson. In a recent phone conversation I talked with Josh about working with Adam Sandler, his acting pedigree, and his career in general. 

Josh is the son of Zero Mostel, the legendary actor who starred on Broadway in such shows as "A Funny Thing Happened On the Way To the Forum" and "Fiddler On the Roof" as well as the movie "The Producers." I asked Josh if he had ever been tempted to re-create some of his father's roles.

"No, not really," he answered. "I mean they have been done to perfection so why would I want to try them. I got a few offers to do 'The Producers' but I am not even interested in doing that. It just isn't for me."

His father wasn't the only talent in the family. "My mom was a Rockette," Josh said with obvious pride in his voice. "She was seventh from the left."

His only sibling is a brother who lives in Florida, while Josh lives in New York. "I love everything there is about living in New York," he said. "I love to go to movies and I can certainly do that here, and I love having access to museums and art and all of it."

He certainly enjoyed being in "Billy Madison." "It was just a fun job from start to finish," he stated. "Adam is the kind of person who knows what he wants and he gets the actors who can give it to him. He likes to work with the same actors over and over - has sort of a company of actors."

When I asked if he was in that company he answered, "Well I did do 'Big Daddy' with him too. And maybe I will work with him again."

The impression I got of Josh Mostel is that he is a completely unpretentious actor. For example, when I asked what he had coming up next he replied, "I just did a great FedEx commercial!" Now that's an honest and likeable man.

Director Mark Steven Johnson shot a lot more footage than you ever saw in the film "Daredevil." Now you can get "Daredevil: Director's Cut" and see it all. There are additional plotlines here, more action sequences, more comedy and more back-story. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner as "Daredevil" and "Elektra" still have the same relationship but a lot of extra material is present.

This is a case where the movie is better the second time around and especially in this expanded version. It is just more complete. So even if you saw the movie or the first time released version, get this one. This is the full one and the one you should watch and keep.

Jim Caviezel went from playing Jesus Christ to playing legendary golfer Bobby Jones in "Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius." This movie is now out on VHS/DVD and tells the story of the golfing superstar. It is a beautifully filmed movie and quietly tells its story with care.

Bobby Jones was a good man who loved golf and loved his family. His wife is played by Claire Forlani and together she and Caviezel make this couple an admirable and entertaining one. Malcolm MacDowell is also on hand as Jones' manager.

This is a movie that is beautiful to watch and entertaining to boot. Caviezel is a fascinating actor and he brings Jones to life. Even if you don't love golf you will enjoy this movie.

If you are a fan of Raven Simone and her show "That's So Raven" then you will want to get the DVD of "That's So Raven: Supernaturally Stylish." This is the first time this show has been featured on a DVD collection and this set includes four episodes that have aired on the Disney Channel plus a never before seen episode form this season. You also get two music videos that feature Raven.

Raven's career is going great with her TV series and a role in "The Princess Diaries 2" so make sure you get this collection for some solid Raven entertainment.

You can also get four episodes of "Kim Possible" on "Kim Possible: The Villain Files," and like the Raven set you also get a never before seen episode. There is also a music video included here. In addition you get the fun of the Kim Possible experience which is seeing a typical young girl fight crime. But she also has to get her homework done.

Some of you might have watched the "American Girl" movie on the WB network a few weeks ago. It was one of the WB's highest rated programs and now you can see it on VHS/DVD. The full title is "Samantha: An American Girl Holiday" and it stars AnnaSophia Robb and Mia Farrow.

The movie concerns a girl named Samantha who is living with her grandmother in New York City in the early 1900's. She is pretty lonely until she meets another girl named Nellie. The adventures the two girls share make up the plot of the movie.

Make sure your daughter gets a chance to share this adventure. Get her a copy of "Samantha: An American Girl Holiday."

If you like action, adventure and romance then you are going to thoroughly enjoy "Hero." This Chinese film stars Jet Li and tells the story of a legend from several points of view. The movie is epic in scope and easily one of the most beautiful films ever produced.

The battle sequences are mind-blowing, and the beauty of the settings is breathtaking. You will find yourself watching it over and over, and each time you do you will discover new meanings and new sequences you failed to observe.

Some of you may think you don't want to watch a foreign film but this one is the exception to the rule. You forget the subtitles and just go with the beauty of the story and the beauty of the photography. It is an amazing movie and one you should not miss.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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