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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
August 2007 DVD Selections
Angels Fall
From the Nora Roberts novel, Angels Fall tells the story of a woman who is tormented by an experience from her past. Reece Gilmore (Heather Locklear) was the only survivor of a brutal attack and as a result spent time in a psychiatric hospital because of the trauma it caused her. Now she is on the road with no particular destination. When her car breaks down she finds herself in a small town in Wyoming where she takes a “temporary” job as a cook. There she witnesses another murder which sends her on another emotional rollercoaster as she tries to get the town’s residents to believe her. The only one who does is Brody (Johnathon Schaech), a writer whose interest in Reece goes beyond the murder investigation. Being stranded in this town turns out to be the best thing that has ever happened to her. Even if you aren’t a fan of Ms. Roberts’ books, this is an interesting and engaging movie that has appeal to males and females alike. Locklear is a joy to watch, as is the beautiful Wyoming scenery.
Hot Fuzz
When no-nonsense by-the-book London police officer Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is reassigned to the slow, sleepy little town of Sandford, that little hamlet is changed forever. One by one the crime-free town is struck by “accidental” deaths, which are anything but accidental. Angel insists they are all murders, but the powers that be in the town are not willing to accept the fact that their perfect hamlet is open to crime. But Angel uncovers something exceedingly sinister in Sandford, and with the help of fellow police officer and oftentimes bumbling fool Danny Butterman (Nick Frost) who is anxious to do some real police work for a change, they manage to get to the bottom of this evil plot. It’s a funny farcical film from the creator of Shaun of the Dead. It’s not for everyone, as it is a farce and sometimes bloody, but those who enjoy this type of comedy will enjoy it. Bonus features include deleted scenes, outtakes, a trivia track and more.
Lights, Camera, Elvis
Elvis has not left the building. This collection brings together some of his most memorable films. Eight discs combine to make this an Elvis lovers’ delight. Blue Hawaii, Paradise Hawaiian Style (Elvis loved Hawaii), Easy Come, Easy Go, King Creole, Roustabout, Fun in Acapulco, G.I. Blues, and Girls! Girls! Girls! (also partially filmed in Hawaii) are all included in this blue suede box set. This month marks the 30th anniversary of his death, but he remains very much alive through his films and music. And this collectors set combines both in a beautiful keep-sake box. All Elvis lovers will want this incredible collection.
Montana Sky
Best-selling author Nora Roberts brings one of her popular stories to DVD in Montana Sky. This is the story of three sisters who were complete strangers until their father dies, leaving his large Montana ranch in their custody. The only stipulation is they must all three live there together for one year - then they can do whatever they please. The ranch is worth millions, something that they keep in mind while deciding what to do. The three women are as different as night and day. There is the Willa, the only one who really loves the ranch and knows how to operate it. There’s Lily, who is hiding from her abusive ex-husband. And then there’s Tess, a Southern California woman who is used to manicures, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and all the pampering afforded people in Beverly Hills. The question is, will these three adapt and be able to survive an entire year together? Besides adapting to the Montana wild, they each have to deal with another situation – love. Well, this is a Nora Roberts story, after all! The scenery is beautiful and the story is interesting.
The Last Day of Summer
Imagine if you could live one day over and over again. Well, that’s what happens to 11-year old Luke Malloy (Jansen Panettiere) who gets a do-over, over and over again, reliving the last day of summer before the first day of school. In theory this sounds like a great idea, but poor Luke keeps getting stuck in the same day and after awhile he longs for the first day of school, even if it does mean he’ll get picked on by the bully. But as he relives the last day of summer, he begins to discover things about himself and his friends and finally, after many do-overs, finds the courage to stand up to the bully. He also learns how to alter situations, thereby changing other people’s actions and behavior, making a positive contribution to their lives. By the time he lives the last day of summer for the last time, even the bully is a nice guy. The bottom line is this is a Groundhog Day for kids. Jansen Panettiere is one of today’s most appealing tween stars.
That Girl - Season 3
Marlo Thomas starred in this adorable sitcom from 1966-1971. Thomas played Ann Marie, a single actress trying to make it in New York with the support of her boyfriend Donald Hollinger (Ted Bessell). Thomas had the best wardrobe of any actress on the screen and her flair for comedy captured the hearts of viewers everywhere. Ann Marie was the first single woman on television who was making it on her own. She was a role model for a generation of women, and this show captured all the heart that Marlo Thomas intended for her character. This four-disc set contains the third season of this fresh, classy, adorable series that is just as entertaining today as it was when it was produced.
The Ultimate Gift
When his wealthy grandfather (James Garner) dies, Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) is bequeathed an unusual gift. It’s not just one gift, but twelve. This young, spoiled rich boy who has never worked a day in his life and has lived a life of jet-setting and luxury must follow his grandfather’s wishes – or gifts - in order to get his financial payment. The wishes (gifts) are several little jobs, which lead Jason down a different path and give him a sense of compassion and understanding of the world. The gifts are friends, money, family, learning, dreams, problems, laughter, work, gratitude, giving, a day, and finally the ultimate gift, love. By performing the tasks his grandfather sets out for him, Jason slowly but surely discovers the true meaning of love and learns to use his financial wealth to help others. With Bill Cobbs as the attorney overseeing the will and the “gifts” and Abigail Breslin as the young girl who helps Jason to understand love, this is a wonderful story to share with your entire family. Included on the DVD is a behind-the-scenes bonus as well as a feature on living with all the gifts and especially love. The movie is taken from the best-selling novel by Jim Stovall, who introduces this heartwarming film.
Wild Hogs
To spice up their lives, get some freedom, feel the wind in their face and the bugs in their teeth, four middle-aged men take off on a motorcycle adventure from Middle America to the Pacific Ocean and they get more than they bargained for. Doug (Tim Allen) is a dentist who doesn’t feel his wife or son respect him. Woody (John Travolta) had the perfect wife and life, but she left him three months ago and his life is in the toilet. Bobby (Martin Lawrence) is a milquetoast guy with a dominating wife. And Dudley (William H. Macy) is a computer geek with no self esteem. Together they make a group of suburban males who are facing middle age and looking back at the good times in their lives - the time when they didn’t have to go to the bathroom every few minutes. The four men make a funny ensemble and the film is hysterical. The bonus features on the DVD include some deleted scenes and an alternate ending, outtakes, a cute “making of” feature, some helpful tips for men who want their wives to let them buy a motorcycle as well as information for them if they ever do get one!
© 2007 Francine Brokaw
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