Hidalgo ~ Drama DVD Movie Review

"Hidalgo" is very loosely based on the life of long distance horse rider Frank Hopkins in the late nineteenth century. Although there is dispute whether he really did compete in a desert race such as the one depicted in the film, this movie is a very stirring and enjoyable tale. Viggo Mortensen is extremely well cast as a man who is no perfect hero, but a person conflicted by his mixed cultural background, and he easily draws you into this compelling story. The source of the word Hidalgo is from a traditional designation of persons of the Spanish nobility or gentry, and the courage and intelligence of this rugged mustang pony of Spanish origin epitomises the the strength and pride one would expect from any person carrying such a title. Instead of being master and beast, the two main characters are companions with a deep bond that enables this man and his horse to compete against Bedouins riding pure bred Arabian steeds. You can not help but empathise with the pair as they gamely struggle against seemingly insurmountable odds to prove themselves as deserving of their title of the World's Greatest Distance Horse and Rider.

Fluke ~ Fantasy Drama DVD Movie Review

"Fluke" is charming tale did not perform overly well at the box office when released in 1995 but it is a poignant story about cherishing and valuing life. Maybe it did not have the steamy sex scenes and massive special effect action fights that viewers have become used to, but instead it reveals the lives of average people and animals, depicting the grief, loss, endurance, love and happiness that most of us experience. It definitely was Very undervalued. A workaholic father is reincarnated as a dog who is eventually named Fluke, but it is not until he has experienced many adventures that he gets a chance to bond with his previous family, only to discover the part he played in their lives may have been less than perfect than he had thought. Four Stars!

The Importance of Being Earnest ~ DVD Movie Review

 

I was surprised to realise that a few unfortunate people have not yet discovered "The Importance of Being Earnest", a classic comedy of manners which I am sure must be the most well known of Oscar Wilde's plays, in which two young gentlemen pretend their names are Ernest to impress their respective beloveds. This DVD version is a splendid introduction to the work of this great playwright, and a wonderful revisit for those who have already experienced the enjoyment of his astute way with words. In this intriguing tale, it seems that everybody loves Ernest, but nobody is quite sure who he really is! I shall not try to describe the cleverly convoluted plot. Just see it for yourself, preferably in this movie version which is blessed with perfect casting. Judy Dench is the imperious Lady Bracknell. "To lose one parent may be regarded as misfortune; to lose both looks likes carelessness." Frances McDormand plays her daughter Gwendolen. "I never travel without my diary; one should always have something sensational to read in the train." Rupert Everett is Lady Bracknell's nephew Algernon (alias Ernest) Moncrieff. "The only way to behave to a woman is to make love to her if she is pretty and to someone else if she is plain." Reese Witherspoon plays his love Cecily. "It would hardly have been a serious engagement if I had not broken it off at least once, Ernest."  And Colin Firth is her guardian Jack (alias Ernest) Worthing, who is forced to acknowledge that "I have now realised for the first time in my life the vital Importance of Being Earnest."