"The Hulk"
courtesy of Universal Home Video
"One Hulk Down, Another To Go"

When "The Hulk" was released in movie theaters it didn't wow audiences or the critics. It was a success but not a smash. But when it came time to release it on video it was noticed that there was a lot of interest still floating around. Those people who didn't want to see it in theaters were more than willing to see it on DVD or VHS. So "The Hulk" has become a pretty big hit and as a result another "Hulk" movie is being planned.

For those of you who have not seen the movie or DVD then you should. Eric Bana stars as Bruce Banner, the scientist who becomes the hulk through a scientific experiment gone bad. Jennifer Connelly appears as his friend Betty, a woman who loves the man and the hulk he becomes.

Nick Nolte has a great time playing Banner's eccentric father, while Josh Lucas is the villain in the piece. Sam Elliott is the military man who is Betty's father and the primary person chasing the hulk.

Ang Lee directed this film and he went a little heavy on the symbolism and Freudian aspects of the story. Still he managed to capture the spirit of the brooding beast and the special effects are excellent. Whether he will return to direct the second installment is unknown at this time.

You can have some fun watching "The Hulk." Bana is an okay hero and Connelly is a sight for sore eyes as Betty. Lucas is over the top as the villain but Elliott stays stable all the way through the film. Nolte eats up the scenery as Papa Banner.

If you were a fan of the TV series of the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" or if you never got the chance to see any of the episodes; you can view "My Big Fat Greek Wedding: The Entire Season" which is now out on video. This series based on the ultra-successful movie is in stores now.

Just about the entire cast of the movie came aboard for the TV series. Everyone but John Corbett, who was replaced by Steven Eckholdt. Nia Vardalos is there as are Lainie Kazan, Michael Constantine, Andrea Martin and Louis Mandylor.

The series started out strongly but seemed to get bogged down in its "what happened after the wedding" stories. Audiences were there by the millions but soon trickled off. If you watch the video you can see where the tide changed and where the stories got sillier.

Another TV series out on video is "The King of Queens: The 1st Season." This show stars Leah Remini and Kevin James. It also has Jerry Stiller co-starring as Remini's character's father.

Kevin James is an excellent comedian but it is Remini who is the glue that holds this series together. She is beautiful and funny, a deadly combination. She and James mesh well and Stiller is just the added topping.

"The King of Queens" has never gotten the critical acclaim it deserves. Watch this video and you will be impressed, charmed and entertained.

Tim Allen got financial success and critical acclaim for his role in "Santa Claus 2." In this film he recreates his role as Santa and this time finds him a Mrs. Claus (Elizabeth Mitchell). But before any of that can happen he has to hurry back to North America and take care of his son Charlie (Eric Lloyd).

Most of the cast from the first film are back for this one, and the same humor that made the first one a success is back for number two. It is the perfect movie for the kids for Christmas so it ought to be a big seller.

A French film you might enjoy is "Man On the Train." This movie stars Johnny Hallyday and Jean Rochefort. They play a bank robber and an older teacher who form a friendship. Each man sees something in the life of the other that appeals to him, and each considers what would have happened if they had sought the kind of life the other has.

This is a movie that is by turns funny, heart-warming, and sad. It will fill all your needs and keep you drawn to the story from start to finish.

Javier Bardem leads a strong cast in the Spanish film "Mondays In the Sun." This movie concerns a group of dockworkers who are laid off. Without a job to give their lives meaning they have to search for ways to maintain their dignity and self worth.

Another foreign film is "The Sea Is Watching." This is a Japanese movie that tells the story of some women living in 19th century Japan. It explores the loves they discover and then tells how the sea can wreck any plans. The screenplay is by Akira Kurosawa and the effects of his collaboration are felt throughout the movie

Finally there is "The Hustle" which is a story about two rappers who are trying to make the big time. When they have to pay to get heard by a label they are desperate for money. This leads to trouble and chaos.

The movie stars Ed Lover and Dr Dre and they fit easily into their roles. If you like Rap you will like this movie.

 

 

 

 

 

©2003 Jackie K. Cooper

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