Brian Cox in "The 25th Hour"
courtesy of Buena Vista Home Video
"Suddenly Brian Cox Is Everywhere!"

Brian Cox is an actor whose name you might not know, but when you see his picture you recognize him. In such recent movies as "The Rookie" and "The 25th Hour" he played the father of Dennis Quaid and Edward Norton. He has also been seen recently as the evil William Stryker in "X2: X-Men United." His next role will be that of "Agamemnon" in "Troy" which will star Brad Pitt.

I had a chance to talk with him recently about his career and his role in "The 25th Hour." He seemed to be at a loss for his recent glut of movies. "Well you have to strike when the iron is hot," he said. "You never know when a role will be your last one. Or at least that is the way actors feel."

When I questioned him why there was some twenty years between his first film role in a major movie, "Nicholas and Alexandra," and his next one in "Braveheart" he replied, "I was caught up in being a theater actor. In Britain that is what you are supposed to do. It wasn't until the 1990's that I decided I really wanted to be a movie actor and went after it. I did do the film 'Manhunter' back in the 80's in which I played Dr. Hannibal Lector."

I asked what he thought about "The 25th Hour." He answered, "I think it is one of Spike Lee's best movies. I was amazed that it didn't get any award nominations. I mean it was his best work so far. I just think it didn't get the push it should have. I hope on video it will find its audience."

"It was a pleasure to work with Edward Norton. He is a good actor and I enjoyed it very much," he added.

On a final note Cox commented on his role in "X2" as William Stryker. "I don't know if I will be in the next one or not. I appear to be dead in this one but in this kind of movie you never know." If he does reappear it will be a plus for the film. Brian Cox makes any movie he is in a better film.

Make sure you pick up a copy of "The 25th Hour." It is an excellent movie which stars Edward Norton as a drug dealer who has been convicted and is going to prison. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Barry Pepper play his two best friends. Rosario Dawson is his girlfriend, and Cox plays his father.

Also out on video is "Adaptation." Cox is also in this film, which stars Nicolas Cage as twin brothers, Charlie and Donald Kaufman. The movie is a strange one as it concerns Charlie Kaufman, who is a real person, and Donald Kaufman who is fictitious. It tells of Charlie's efforts to write a screenplay based on a book by Susan Orleans (Meryl Streep) another real person and a real book.

Chris Cooper co-stars as John Laroche, an orchid grower. I don't know if he is a real person or not. Cooper won an Oscar for his performance.

The movie made no sense to me and got on my last good nerve. But who knows. It might appeal to you.

Another movie I didn't like is "Star Trek: Nemesis." This latest in the "Star Trek" series is so bad it might just end the franchise. I like Patrick Stewart but he can't bring this story about finding peace with the Romulans to life.

Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner as well as most of the members of the original second Star Trek crew are in the film. Still it is so bad and so bland, who cares?

Better than this dud is "Avenging Angelo," a Sylvester Stallone film that went straight to video. He stars as a bodyguard to Madeleine Stowe. She is a Mafia princess whose father (Anthony Quinn) dies, leaving her to fight his battles. Stallone helps her seek revenge and seek cover.

I like Stallone. Maybe it is just all those "Rocky" movies that make me sentimental. Even though this movie is moderately entertaining, he deserves better than this. His next big role is in the next "Spy Kids" movie. When you are up you are up, and when you are down you are down.

For pure action you can't beat a Jackie Chan flick. On video now is "Jackie Chan's Project A-2." This one stars Chan again as Dragon Ma, the same role he played in "Project A." Once again there are great Chan stunts which hold your interest even if the plot doesn't.

Maggie Cheung is the co-star in the film, and she joins in the fun. These two seem to be having a great time in this silly little movie.

Children should enjoy the DVD reissues of "The Love Bug" and "The Rescuers." Both have extra features on them which kids will love. Plus the movies are great family fun.

"The Love Bug" was first released in 1969 and stars Dean Jones, Michelle Lee and Buddy Hackett. "The Rescuers" first came out in 1977 and features the voice talent of Bob Newhart and Eva Gabor.

Do your kids a favor and introduce them to these two movies. It doesn't get any better than Disney at its best and this is Disney at its best.

Finally for the very little folk there are new "Teletubbies" videos. The roly poly characters star in "Look! Simple Shapes and Playful Patterns" as well as "Go! Exercise With the Teletubbies."- Both are perfect for small children.

If after reading this review you are interested in ordering any of these movies,
please click on the provided links.

 

 

 

 

 

©2003 Jackie K. Cooper

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