Jack Nicholson and Diane  Keaton in "Something's Gotta Give"
courtesy of Buena Vista Home Entertainment
"Something's Gotta Entertain"

If you are of the mind that somewhere, somehow there has to be a movie that is just pure entertainment; well search no more. The Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton romantic comedy "Something's Gotta Give" is a delightful film that just about any adult will enjoy.

These two stars know how to give romance a rosy glow, and comedy a little edge. He has never been more debonair and she has never been so enchanting. Gone are the Keaton tics and hics. She plays an intelligent woman that men of any age would want.

Keanu Reeves and Amanda Peet co-star in the film and they are good, but the movie belongs to Jack and Diane. They set off sparks from the start of the movie until the every end. Rush out and get this movie today.

"The Magdalene Sisters" is also worth viewing but for entirely different reasons. This true story about a convent in Ireland is gripping and dramatic. It is a negative side of the Catholic Church which has been taking quite a few hits lately.

In this film you will see how young women were virtually placed in slavery positions inside the convent walls when they went against society's rules. They labored for the church and were disciplined for any infraction. They were kept virtual prisoners, unless they managed to escape.

The fact this story is based on truth makes it even more intense. "The Magdalene Sisters" is a good movie but a difficult one to watch.

"Dirty Pretty Things" takes place in England and concerns a hotel where some dark things are occurring. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a hotel worker who has a medical background, and Audrey Tatou plays the maid who befriends him.

These two get involved in the dark goings on and let the plot twists turn them inside out as they try to make a better life for themselves. You will find yourself drawn into this story and it will hold your attention totally.

Much more lighthearted is "Honey." This musical film stars Jessica Alba as a young woman who knows how to dance. One day she gets a chance to be a choreographer and this leads her to fame in the world of videos. Still she never forgets the people, especially the kids, who are back in her old neighborhood.

Mekhi Pfiefer and Joy Bryant co-star in the film but it is Alba who demands your attention. She is easy on the eyes, and man can that girl dance. This is a lightweight film but a fun one.

How would you like to have guard duty against the threat of vampires? Well that is basically the job of two young girls in the video "The Vampire Effect." In this Chinese made film they have to protect the world and they do.

If nothing else, this movie proves fear of Vampires is a universal theme. Hearing them worry about fangs and all is fun when you hear it in Chinese. 

This is the week of bonus material on DVD's. "Ransom" has an added 143 minutes of material. This includes interviews, deleted scenes, behind the scenes material, etc. The movie stays the same but you do gain more insight into how it was made and what was intended.

The movie stars Mel Gibson and there is so much interest in him right now because of "The Passion of the Christ" that his name alone will make people interested in this DVD. This is one of his best suspense thrillers.

You also get 166 minutes of bonus material in the "20th Anniversary Edition of 'Splash.'" This is another Ron Howard directed film and he gives commentary on this one too. Plus he sets up and shows the audition tapes of Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah.

People still love this film and watch it over and over and over. So get this "Anniversary" edition and have a great time re-living this viewing experience. The movie holds up entertainment wise and you can see the early signs of Hanks' greatness.

For the kids there is "Kipper: Water Play." This video contains five separate adventures involving Kipper and his friends. They are all stories which have a form of water as a common theme. The "Kipper" videos always enforce good behavior and solid moral lessons.

Also available this week is a new "Bob the Builder" video. This one is titled "Dig! Lift! Haul!" In this video too, good lessons are taught involving hard work and teamwork. Bob and his friends almost always have a project that needs to get done and only through teamwork can that be accomplished.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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