Angelina Jolie in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider 2"
courtesy of Paramount Home Video
"The Angelina Action Figure Is Wearing Thin"

This year has not been a good one for Angelina Jolie. Her marriage to Billy Bob (what was she thinking?) ended in divorce and her two movies, "Tomb Raider 2: The Cradle Of Life" and "Beyond Borders," both bombed. Of course she has become the Audrey Hepburn of this generation with her campaigns for the children of the world, so it hasn't been a total washout.

Her movie, "Lara Croft, Tomb Raider 2: The Cradle of Life," is now out on video. Instead of hiding the movie's flaws, the video/DVD version just enhances them. The movie script of Lara's adventures was thin, and Angelina, while being beautiful, didn't really add anything extra to the role.

For some reason the action sequences just seem boring and the round the world race against evil is just ho-hum. The first film in this series indicated it would be a good franchise for Jolie but this one hollers that the franchise is over!

Will there be a number 3 on the series? Probably. There shouldn't be but there probably will be as long as Hollywood thinks there is a coin or two left to draw in. The question is whether they can talk Angelina into getting physical one more time.

Much more enjoyable and even more exciting is "Winged Migration." This is a documentary about birds and their migration habits and patterns. All around the world they go and we go with them, and it is all filmed in a manner that shows the stunning beauty and glory of this unexplainable occurrence.

This is a movie to be seen over and over and to be studied and enjoyed. They don't come much more beautiful than this one so get it and watch with awe.

Kevin Costner can't buy a hit these days but a few years ago he was a big man in Hollywood making movies like "JFK." This movie is out on DVD which has the full film plus the documentary "Beyond JFK."

We have just observed the fortieth anniversary of the death of JFK so this is the perfect time to get the film and study it. Costner is super as Jim Garrison, and he has a supporting cast that serves him well. Plus Oliver Stone's direction is right on target.

If you want to watch something lighter then try "The Music Man." This is the TV version which starred Matthew Broderick and Kristin Chenowith. Both of these two performers are good in their roles but they can't get past the deep shadows cast by Robert Preston and Shirley Jones.

"The Music Man" has never been one of my favorite shows but it was at its best in the Preston/Jones version. Broderick is working hard but not getting past the memories of that other Harold Hill. And Jones' Marian the Librarian keeps Chenowith's true colors from stealing our hearts.

Still it is always good to see musicals remade and this was a valiant effort. For those who have never seen the original, this one could be pleasantly entertaining.

Another remake that is out on video is "Eloise At the Plaza," This time out Julie Andrews is the "Nanny" and Sofia Vassilieva is the precocious Eloise. The movie (which recently aired on ABC television) is a treat as it recounts the adventures of this adorable little girl who loves at the Plaza Hotel in New York.

Julie Andrews is back in style and still stealing our hearts with her warmth and impeccable accent. Combined with Sofia she makes this a movie to love.

Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme are no longer connected with "The West Wing," but they were there for "The West Wing: The Complete First Season" and gave interviews for the DVD box set. Sorkin was the writer and Schlamme the director and together they created a show that won four Emmys for "Best Original Drama."

The DVD discs contain the entire season plus the interviews, bloopers, outtakes, and "Making of" footage. In other words this is a packed product and most enjoyable too.

The kids will get a treat from watching the new adventures of Lilo and Stitch that are included in the DVD "Lilo and Stitch's Island of Adventures." They will also be thrilled by the interactive game which is also included.

Lilo and Stitch have become two of Disney's newest favorite characters. Kids love them and want to see more of the little girl and her alien friend. This is a chance to re-introduce them to your children and give them an added game too.

Finally there is "Respiro," a movie that stars the luscious Valeria Golina. She plays a woman who lives on an island with her husband (Vincenzo Amato) and her three children. She is a free spirit and this grows to annoy her neighbors. The more adventurous and exotic she becomes, the more they dislike her.

Golina throws herself into this role and is quite convincing. The story is unique and will make an impact. This is a film you will want to see if you like something different in the movies you watch.

 

 

 

 

 

©2003 Jackie K. Cooper

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