Constantine
Warner Bros/ Miramax DVD

- This exciting supernatural thriller starring Keanu Reeves is much classier than the usual demon fighter movies. Reeves, who is best known for the "Matrix" trilogy, is Constantine, a human bounty hunter of misbehaving demons and angels who disturb the delicate balance on Earth. When he encounters a soldier demon in a little girl, Constantine realizes that something truly evil is coming to earth. Furthermore, his non-stop smoking has given him lung cancer and he's on his way out. But, when L. A. detective, Angela Dodson (Rachel Weisz) asks for his help, Constantine recognizes that she may be involved in the coming disaster. Apparently, the Spear of Destiny has been uncovered by a innocent human and this allows Satan's son to escape hell. This is a smart, well-crafted thriller!

The film has some dazzling special effects and the imaginative renderings of Hell are truly awesome. Reeves plays Constantine as a serious, slightly angry avenger who slowly softens in Weisz's presence. Based on DC/Vertigo Hellblazer graphic novels, director Francis Lawrence brings the animated fiction to life with a stellar cast that also includes Tilda Swinton ("The Beach"), Djimon Hounsou, Shia LaBeouf, Gavin Rossdale and Peter Stormare ("Fargo") as Satan. Frankly, I'm hoping that there are more Constantine movies being developed.

The 2-disc deluxe edition includes a reprint of Vertigo's 'John Constantine Hellblazer' that has three stories and a background bio of Constantine. For fans, old and new, this is a marvelous addition to the DVD set because it gives a history to the character in its original form. Hooray for the filmmakers because I believe they are the first to put the comic with the DVD. Besides the director's audio commentary, there are also alternate endings, deleted scenes, and numerous featurettes like 'Imagining the Underworld' and 'Constantine's Cosmology.' Also, enclosed is an exclusive DVD-Rom content.

Fans will be absolutely thrilled with "Constantine" deluxe set. It's definitely a gem for anyone home video collection!

MILLION DOLLAR BABY: Deluxe Edition
Warner DVD

- Can you remember the last time you viewed a film that won 4 Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress and Best supporting Actor? "Million Dollar Baby" is such a film and it shows veteran actor/director Clint Eastwood at the height of his creative power. Hot on the heels of "Mystic River," Eastwood crafts a poignant tale about Los Angeles denizens on the fringe of society who frequent the world of boxing.

Two-time Oscar winner, Hilary Swank stars as aspiring boxer, Maggie, who wants to be trained at a local gym by pro-coach, Frankie (Eastwood). He flatly refuses saying "Girlie, tough ain't enough!" But, the raw-bone hard working waitress who is the product of rural trailer park poverty stubbornly pursues him. It's ironic when you realize that Frankie has been trying to re-ignite a relationship with his long lost daughter. Frankie's best friend, Eddie (Morgan Freeman), who was brutally injured while being coached by Frankie, sees Maggie's potential and quietly champions her. This is an honest look at broken people trying to make their way in life and it's one of the rare looks at American poverty on the big screen. Hollywood, like recent politics, prefers to gloss over the toil that poverty takes on the human spirit. But, this film doesn't afford the viewer that luxury, especially when the film takes a tragic turn.

Hilary Swank is simply incredible, once again, as Maggie. She has nothing to loose so why not dream of being a champion boxer. Boxing has always been an easy access sport and way out for improvised youth. Maggie battles to the low expectations of everyone in her life. Morgan Freeman proves to be the perfect sidekick, once again, for Eastwood, who cast him in "Unforgiven." He's reasonable and unperturbed by Eastwood's gruffness. And, Eastwood, who also started his career off being doubted by Hollywood before making it big in Italian Westerns, has fashioned an unique career as an excellent director who can deliver interesting and entertaining films will appearing alongside his talented cast.

The 3-disc set is the first that I've encountered that has the motion picture music. Eastwood loves music almost as much as film and he's contributed heavily on the disc. There is also an informative documentary featuring real life woman boxer, Lucia Rijker, who also appears in the film and whose life mirrors the heroine, Maggie. Other featurettes include a behind-the-scenes look and an interview appearance of the three stars with James Lipton. This is a remarkable gem.

THE JACKET
Warner DVD

- This film starts out being a curious and compassionate tale about the psychological effects of war on soldiers but quickly evolves into a time-travel thriller. Reminiscent of "Jacob's Ladder," Oscar winner, Adrien Brody stars as an Iraqi war vet who is displaced and isolated after his tour of duty. When he's accused of a violent murder and sentenced to an asylum, the experimental treatment triggers flashbacks or fantasies. No one really knows. All kinds of questions arise including whether this damaged vet is truly alive.

Jack Stark (Brody) may have survived the warfare but can he survive the abuse meted out by Dr. Becker (Kris Kristofferson), the head of his hospital. Certainly Dr. Lawrence (Jennifer Jason Leigh) questions Becker's methods especially since it seems to make Stark worst. He's never admitted to the murder and now, he's hallucinating about a young woman. But, is he really hallucinating? When Jackie Price (Keira Knightley) meets Jack, she doesn't recall their very first meeting many years ago! Her life has been pure hell and she's wondering if it's wise to fall in love with someone who keeps disappearing. But, he doesn't seem to lie -- about anything! What is the real truth?

The thing about "The Jacket" is that you can watch it over and over, and come to a different conclusion each time. I find that fascinating even though this isn't the perfect movie and "Jacob's Ladder" was a much better psychological thriller. "The Jacket" is filled with paranoid isolation, gritty violence and back-water rural poverty. This is a stark (no pun intended) world where everything is bleak and there are few rays of hope. Ordinary people are simply used by stronger forces or people.

Adrien Brody is a pure delight as Stark, a man struggling not only to stay alive but to embark of a brighter future. Keira Knightley, fresh from "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl," delivers a stunning performance. You've never seen her like this! She's mature, sensual and subdued as Jackie. There are also interesting performances by Brad Renfro, Kristofferson and Ms. Leigh.

The disc includes an informative documentaries about the special effects and a "history" of the script and deleted scenes. There is also a theatrical trailer.

Edited by Veronica Mixon
images courtesy of Warner.

to TOP