Thomas Jane in "Dreamcatcher"
courtesy of Warner Home Video
"Survival of the Fittest"

Survival is a key element in "Dreamcatcher." This movie is based on a Stephen King story about four friends who come up against an alien. They do battle against the monster and against the military officials who wants to quarantine them and then exterminate them.

The movie stars Thomas Jane, Jason Lee, Morgan Freeman and Donnie Wahlberg.. They help create some scary moments in what is basically a cheesy film.

Another survivor is Dominic Forma. He came out of nowhere and directed the Hollywood movie "Scenes of the Crime." His background included some music videos in his native France but no movies. Still he came to America with his dream of directing an American film, and he did it.

In a recent conversation Forma explained that he wrote the script first, and had various people read it to try to make sure it sounded American. Then he began to shop it around and finally met someone who knew Jeff Bridges. "They showed the script to him and he liked it," Forma said. "Once he wanted to get it done then the rest was easier."

Forma ended up with a cast that included Bridges, Noah Wyle, R Lee Ermy, Morris Chesnut and Henry Rollins. "I was really happy that we got such good actors," Forma continued. "It was a great experience directing them and it made it better that they were all so good."

What happened after the movie was made was not as pleasant as getting it made. "They never` set up a release pattern for it," said Forma. "They eventually sold it to Starz and then to video. I just hope that when people see it on video they like it and it gets some attention."

All of Forma's energy has gone into trying to get this movie released. Now that it is coming out on video he hopes someone will want to hire the Director of "Scenes of the Crime." "I am hoping," he said.

"Scenes of the Crime" is a very American movie in which Bridges plays a gangster who gets kidnapped. Jon Abrahams plays a driver who gets caught up in the war between two crime groups. It is all tense and gritty with a solid performance by Bridges anchoring the film.

This is a week for gritty films. "Better Luck Tomorrow" is an above average movie about Asian American boys who are suffering from a lot of pressure to get into an elite college. Seemingly to take the edge off, they turn to a life of crime. At first it starts off simply for thrills but later gets more involved.

This is a movie without any major stars but it is a film you will enjoy. Not knowing the actors makes them more believable in their roles, and more enjoyable in the overall story.

Another movie with unknown actors is "Nowhere In Africa." This movie concerns a Jewish family that emigrates to Africa just a short while before World War II erupts. With the war raging, the question of going home is moot. Now they must adjust to each other's idiosyncrasies as well as a new country.

This is a movie about love and survival. Seeing how one family accomplishes it inspires us all.

Survival is what "Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre 3" is all about too. This 1989 film is being released to DVD in time to coincide with the release of the remake of "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre" which comes out later this month.

The most notable element of this second sequel is the fact Viggo Mortensen is in the cast. Today he is making movies like "Lord of the Rings" but back then he was happy to get a horror flick.

For the kids we have a full length animated "Scooby Do" movie entitled "Scooby Doo and the Monster of Mexico." Yes there is a monster in Mexico who seems to be a distant relative of Big Foot. Scooby and the Gang head South to do battle.

Also for the kids is "The Show Must Go On: Christmas In Mouseland." This is an Angelina Ballerina animated movie. Finty Williams is the voice of Angelina and Judi Dench speaks for Angelina's ballet teacher Miss Lilly. 

The film is all about doing your best even when you don't get your way. Angelina learns that and so will the kiddie viewers.

 

 

 

 

 

©2003 Jackie K. Cooper

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