Tom Cruise in "The Last Samurai"
courtesy of Warner Home Video
"Tom Cruise, Samurai Warrior"

In the wonderful world of the movies actors can be anyone and any profession they wish to be. In short, Tom Cruise can go from being a top gun in the Navy ("Top Gun") to a sports agent ("Jerry Mcguire") to a Samurai warrior ("The Last Samurai"). That is a lot of range but Tommy boy usually pulls it off.

"The Last Samurai" is now out on video/DVD and you can see how effective he is in this role. In the film he plays an Army officer of the 1800's who goes to Japan to teach military maneuvers to the troops of the Emperor. While there he is captured by the rebel samurai and ends up working with them against the Emperor.

The mindset of the Japanese people permeates the film and creates a mysticism in the story. This unique aspect of the culture gives the film an added beauty and makes the story of Cruise's character's absorption into that way of life thoroughly enjoyable.

Ken Watannabe plays the head Samurai soldier and he is excellent in the role, even outacting Cruise. The two men bond in the film and their friendship is the core of the movie.

The film is a little long and could have ended fifteen minutes before it does. The last battle would have been the perfect place for the story to end, and carrying it forward does not add any entertainment value.

This is an unusual film, full of action and even some romance. It is too long but that is the only flaw. It is well worth your time to watch it.

You might think a movie titled "Japanese Story" would have a plot similar to "The Last Samurai." It doesn't. The movie doesn't even take place in Japan. It takes place in Australia. In that locale a story about a life and death adventure transpires.

Toni Collette and Gotaro Tsunashima are the two actors in the film and they are excellent in their roles. This is a unique movie that will fascinate you. Make sure you mark this one down as a must-see.

Not worth your time is "Chasing Liberty." This is a movie in which Mandy Moore plays the President's daughter. She wants some freedom so when the First Family is visiting Europe she runs away for a "vacation."

Matthew Goode plays the young man who accompanies her on her adventure. He is actually a Secret Service Agent but Mandy's character doesn't know that fact. She thinks he is just an accidental romance she stumbled upon.

Moore looks great and acts appealingly but the movie is just too corny and too trite to be enjoyable. Your time would be better spent watching something else.

That could be "The Fog of War," an award winning documentary that focuses on Robert McNamara. McNamara was the Secretary of Defense during some of the most critical moments in American history.

This film offers new insights into these years and provides McNamara a chance to get anything and everything off his chest. It is all brilliantly filmed and edited to provide a tour of history like no other you have ever seen.

"The Fog of War" has been called a masterpiece and it is. Don't miss it.

Some of you might think any film starring the Marx Brothers is a masterpiece. I don't share that enthusiasm but then I have never been one to go crazy over the antics of th4e Three Stooges or the Marx Brothers. But many do. And for them the new collection of Marx Brothers movies is a welcome addition to their video/DVD library.

Included in this seta are the films "A Night At the Opera," "A Day At the Races," "Room Service," "At the Circus," "Go West," "The Big Store," and "A Night In Casablanca." These are the best known and best loved movies by the Marx Brothers and they are all presented in fine prints and clear sound.

There are also added information segments on the DVD that will thrill Marx Brothers fans. If they are to your liking then you will want to get this set as quickly as possible.

Finally for the kids there is a new Barney video. This one is titled "Let's Pretend With Barney" and encourages children to use their imaginations. It is all done with the same Barney style and enchanting means of drawing the kids into Barney's world. They will love it!

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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