Robert Redford in "The Clearing"
courtesy of Fox Home Video
"Redford Movie Finally Emerges"

Robert Redford's latest movie "The Clearing" was highly anticipated by all his fans, but the film was not shown in all areas of the country and soon disappeared from sight. This was a major disappointment for those who had been waiting. But now the wait is over. "The Clearing" has been released on VHS/DVD. 

This tale about a kidnapping and the effect it has on the victim (Redford) and his wife (Helen Mirren) is a taut thriller that gives Redford, Mirren and Willem Dafoe a chance to show how talented they are. The movie which was filmed in Atlanta and Asheville proves to be suspenseful and thought provoking. Why it wasn't a major hit is a mystery too.

"The Clearing" is at your video store so watch the film you have been waiting so long to see. 

An American writer lets her curiosity get the best of her and heads for Spain to find out what it is about Spanish men that makes them so fascinating. This is the premise behind the movie "Spanish Fly" which stars its director Daphna Kastner. She manages to strike the right notes with this romantic comedy and provides a solid movie's worth of entertainment.

Also joining in the fun and romance are Martin Donovan, Danny Huston and Antonio Castro. They help make this little known film one you can enjoy on video/DVD.

Just in time to coincide with the theatrical release of "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason" comes the "Bridget Jones's Diary Collector's Edition." This "special" DVD edition contains an assortment of extras that add to the enjoyment of the original film and set you up to enjoy the sequel. These extras include deleted scenes, a behind the scenes featurette, a guide to British Britishisms, and many others. 

Of course you also get a chance to watch again the movie that introduced Renee Zellwegger to the world as Bridget Jones, as well as Hugh Grant and Colin Firth as her two suitors. That plus the extras make this a DVD not to be missed.

Japanese action star Beat Takeshi is creating quite a reputation as a master of suspense. Two of his films are now out on DVD and provide a good introduction to this soon to be international star. They are "Zatoichi: The Blind Swordsman" and "Sonatine."

Zatoichi" concerns a blind Samurai who helps a village get revenge for a slaughter of innocents. In "Sonatine" he plays a man who tries to help settle a dispute between two gangs and ends up on the short end of the stick. He faces a fight to the death against overwhelming odds.

Both of these movies are also available on DVD where there are some "extras." One of which is Quentin Tarantino doing the introduction for "Sonatine." Both movies have been compared to Tarantino films.

To get you in the mood for the holidays Disney is offering an all-new holiday movie titled "Mickey's Twice Upon A Christmas." This movie stars Mickey, Donald, Goofy, Minnie and Santa! They each have a wonderful tale centered around them and all is part of the Christmas theme of the DVD.

If you want to keep the kids busy and occupied between now and the big day, get this DVD and let them have hours of fun and thrills. Its "Mickey's Twice Upon A Christmas" and it is the perfect early gift for the kids.

Another holiday treat is "The First Snow of Winter," a children's classic that tells the story of Sean, the duckling. He gets left behind when his family flies off to the South. Now he must face the winter blasts relying on his wits and some new found friends.

The voices in the film are provided by Marion Margoyles, Tim Curry and Ashley Johnson. They fit their characters perfectly. They plus the animation and the story line make for a wonderful children's adventure.

Finally there is "The Wubbulous World of Dr. Suess: The Cat's Fun House." On the DVD version you get three episodes featuring Dr. Seuss characters. On the VHS version you get two episodes. In either case they are wonderful for entertaining your children.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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