Sofia Milos and Jason Isaacs in "Passionada"
courtesy of Columbia Home Video
"'Passionada' Is An American Film"

Having "Passionada" as the title of your movie sometimes leads to confusion. At least Dan Ireland who directed the movie feels that way. In a recent phone interview he told me, "I had people asking me if it was in English. They thought it was a foreign film."

In truth the film stars British actor Jason Isaacs and is set in the small Portuguese community within the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Isaacs plays a gambler named Charlie Beck, who falls in love with a singer at a local club. The woman's name is Celia Amonte (Sofia Milos) and she is a widow.

"We had Jason Isaacs signed from the start but had to wait on him until he completed his role in 'Black Hawk Down.' But we didn't have a female lead," said Ireland. " I just hadn't found the person I thought was right for the role. We were down to the wire when we found her and then she only had four days to prepare before we started shooting."

I made a comment to him that this couple reminded me of Cary Grant and Sophia Loren. "That's great!" said Ireland. "I always said if I had been making this movie thirty years ago I would have wanted Cary Grant and Sophia Loren to play the roles. They would have been exactly right for it."

Ireland is hoping "Passionada" will find its audience on video. "I can't say why it didn't work in theaters and draw an audience. I think it is a very good film with terrific music and solid acting. I am very proud of it."

Ireland also speaks fondly of his movie "The Whole Wide World" which starred Vincent d'Onofrio and Renee' Zellwegger. "For everyone connected with this movie it was a labor of love. Vincent was just amazing. He went the extra mile on everything. He was wonderful."

Ireland is also excited about his next project. "It is called 'The Beauty of Jane' and it is a wonderful love story. I haven't cast it yet but am seeing some one this week who might be right for the role of Jane."

Dan Ireland hasn't yet found that crossover film that will take him to the big time. "Passionada" should have been it but wasn't. But he isn't packing up his marbles and going home. "Staying in the game is an art," he said. "You have to love it." Or maybe you just have to have a "passion" about it.

"Passionada" is a movie worth seeing. It has a great story line, a beautiful leading lady, and some unique music on the soundtrack. Look for it at your DVD/video store.

While there you can also pick up "Matrix Revolutions." This is the third and final chapter of "The Matrix" series. Keanu Reeves returns as "Neo" and Laurence Fishburne and Carrie Ann Moss are also involved in this third story.

The film ties up some of the final plotholes while leaving others gaping. This leads to a semi-satisfied feeling when it is all over. At least you do get to see the final showdown between Neo and Mr. Smith and it is a doozy.

If you have seen the first two episodes of "The Matrix" then you owe it to yourself to see the final chapter. It might not be the best of the series but it is still entertaining.

"Hope Springs" is also a love story but not in the same league with "Passionada." It is a love triangle that never really engages the audience even though it features such stars as Colin Forth, Heather Graham, Minnie Driver, Mary Steenbergen and Oliver Platt. Now that's a great cast!

Firth plays a guy named Colin who is broken up by his breakup with his girlfriend Vera (Driver). To get him out of his doldrums his friend (Steenbergen) fixes him up with a girl named Mandy (Graham). Once Colin and Mandy have clicked Vera wants him back.

Isn't that the way it always happens! So now we have a love triangle with Colin in the middle. Who will win? Oh come on!

Finally, the "Police Academy" classics have come to DVD. The original and all six sequels are being released on DVD along with some extra special features. If you are a fan, and there are millions of you out there, then this is something you have been waiting for and anticipating. 

All the crazy antics you remember by the bumbling group are on these DVD's and ready to be viewed. Don't miss out on a single adventure. Get them now!

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

Click above to find out more about Jackie's books!