Patrick Wilson, Billy Bob Thornton and Jason Patric in "The Alamo"
courtesy of Disney Home Entertainment
"Remember the What?"

The story of the Alamo is legendary. The men who fought and died there became some of the biggest heroes history has to offer. From Davy Crockett to Sam Houston these were men who lived and died by their code of honor and their belief in their country. We have seen other movies about their exploits but now we have "The Alamo" and believe me this is not the John Wayne version.

In this version the moviemakers decided to tell the story warts and all. We see the strengths of these men but we also see their weaknesses. And in this kind of epic we want total heroes, not semi-brave ones. Plus in keeping to the truth of history most of the battles take place at night so we can't see the enemy too clearly. It does not make for a great movie experience.

The cast is solid with Billy Bob Thornton being outstanding. Also good are Patrick Wilson and Dennis Quaid. Still the movie is not as epic and dynamic as it should have been. Not many viewers will remember this version of the saga of "The Alamo."

Do you ever wonder if those nefarious computer hackers ever get caught? And don't you just hope they do. Well in the new video "Track Down" we get the true story of a computer hacker named Kevin Mitnick (Skeet Ulrich) and the man who pursued him for his crimes, Tsutomu Shimomura (Russell Wong).

The film is all the better because it is based on a real case, and therefore even things that seem illogical in the pursuit have to be believed because they are true. Mitnick thought he was invincible but there is always a way to get caught.

Amanda Peet, Christopher MacDonald, Master P and Tom Berenger head up the supporting cast in this exciting film. They help make the believable even more real, and even more suspenseful.

Alexandra Staden stars as Modesty Blaise in the DVD "Quentin Tarrentino Presents 'My Name Is Modesty.'" This movie tells the story of the rise to fame of the sexy thief and spy, Modesty Blaise. This is one woman who can take care of herself and anyone else in the area.

This character has been around in comic books and graphic novels for some time now, but it is rare for her to get a movie made about her adventures. Now is the time and she blasts on to the screen with a vengeance. This is female power to the nth degree.

The British know how to make a heart-warming comedy/drama. "Heartlands" is a perfect example of how they do it. They take an appealing lead character and give him an emotional wound. Then they bring in an assorted cast of friends and acquaintances to help him mend.

In "Heartlands" the lead character named Colin (Michael Sheen) learns that his wife is cheating on him. This leads him to make a cross-country trip during which he learns about life and about himself. He is surprised by what he discovers and amazed at how little he knew about the world and what it offers.

This is a special film so pick it up and enjoy.

For those of you craving a foreign film to watch I recommend "Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall...and Spring." This Korean movie tells the story of a Buddhist monk from childhood through adulthood. He goes through various phases just like the changing seasons.

This is a beautifully crafted mind challenging movie. It is visually beautiful but is also full of life changing themes.

Kids can get ready for winter with a new "Bob the Builder" video. This one is called "Snowed Under: The Bobblesberg Winter Games." In it Bob the Builder must save the day so that he Winter Games can proceed. Can he do it? Of course he can. But watching him achieve the impossible is terrific fun for the kids.

Another great kids video is "Santa's Rockin," a Wiggles Christmas extravaganza. John Fogerty is the guest star and he adds to the musical fun and joy. There are songs galore and the kids will enjoy each and every one of them. So get them in the Christmas spirit with this fun video of Wiggles cheer.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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