Ashley Judd and Andy Garcia in "Twisted"
courtesy of Warner Home Video
"Twist and Shout"

Ashley Judd is usually at her best when playing women in jeopardy. Films like "Kiss the Girls" and "Double Jeopardy" were two of her biggest box office hits. So it would seem that "Twisted" in which she plays a woman fighting for her sanity would be a natural success for her. It isn't.

This movie, now out on video, suffers from the Andy Garcia curse. He is Judd's co-star in this movie and plays his role with his usual efficiency. But Andy has never had a major hit. His movies are always just a little below expectations. Seriously can you name a big success that he has had in his moviemaking career?

Having Samuel L Jackson in the movie with her is a plus. Having Andy Garcia is not. One Andy trumps both Judd and Jackson and the movie is a mildly enjoyable thriller. The curse of Garcia strikes again!

Ryan Gosling, who attracted attention this summer in "The Notebook," shows his more dramatic side in the film "The United States of Leland." Gosling plays a young man named Leland who is arrested for murder and held in a juvenile detention facility while awaiting trial.

While he is there he makes the acquaintance of a prison teacher named Madison (Don Cheadle). This man befriends him and learns that he is the son of noted writer Albert Fitzgerald (Kevin Spacey). Madison wants to be a writer himself and sees a good story in Leland. But there is more to Leland and his tale than meets the eye.

You can't get better actors than those found in this film. They sell the story and make it intelligent entertainment.

Last year there was a re-issuance of the original "Annie" film. This brought the character back into the limelight and created a need for a new "Annie" adventure. It is now available and is titled "Annie: A Royal Adventure." This time out Annie is played by Ashley Johnson and George Hearn stars as Daddy Warbucks.

Daddy Warbucks, Annie and friends travel to England where Warbucks is to be knighted. But while they are there Annie discovers a plot against the Royal family and has to do her best to save the day - which she does. It's all silly fun but with the irrepressible Annie, it is all delightful.

Nobody made better suspense movies than Alfred Hitchcock, and if you don't know that then this is your chance to experience it. Seven of his best movies are now available on DVD in the "Alfred Hitchcock Signature Collection."

All seven of these movies are classics and are guaranteed to give you hours upon hours of suspenseful entertainment. The "collection" is composed of the following titles: "Dial M For Murder," "Foreign Correspondent," "Suspicion," "The Wrong Man," "Stage Fright," "Mr and Mrs Smith" and "I Confess."

Seven titles, seven classics, seven signature elements of the master of suspense. This is Alfred Hitchcock at his best and it doesn't get any better than that.

One of the most popular children's programs on TV is "Clifford: The Big Red Dog." Now this character comes to DVD in his feature film debut "Clifford's Really Big Movie."

Many people may not know that the late John Ritter always provided the voice of Clifford and that voice is heard in this film. There are also the vocal talents of Wayne Brady, Jenna Elfman, John Goodman and Judge Reinhold.

The plot has Clifford and his friends going on a cross-country road trip. They have entered a talent contest and think they have the chance to win a lifetime supply of Tummy Yummies. On the trip Clifford is accompanied by Cleo and T-Bone.

There are extras on the DVD which will appeal to kids such as a music video, a how to make things featurette, and others. Get this DVD for your kids and see how much they love the big red dog.

Kiara and Korvu are the animals who are the focus of "Simba's Pride: The Lion King 2." Kiara is Simba's daughter while Korvu is the cub chosen to take Scar's place. These two youngsters are the only hope that there may someday be peace between the two prides.

This DVD also has some extra special features that make it a treasure for all ages. It also has the plus of having many of the original vocal talents from the first film such as Matthew Broderick, Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella.

The story is appealing, the songs are delectable, and the animation is of the highest quality. This makes "The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride:" a very special Walt Disney DVD.

For kids craving action there is "Godzilla The Series: The Monster Wars Trilogy." This is an animated adventure whereby Godzilla does battle with a huge bat, a dinosaur and Cyber Godzilla. Each battle composes a part of the adventure and each part is as interesting and fast paced as the others.

"Godzilla" has been thrilling kids for ages. Don't let them miss out on this new video adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

©2004 Jackie K. Cooper

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