Carroll's DVD Review #9

I wasn't sure I could work this review in today. There have been a rash of storms sweeping through and forming out of nowhere the past 30 hours. Power has been blinking off and on periodically. However, I hate to go through a day without posting something. So I am risking it.

TRISTAN AND ISOLDE

James Franco and Sophia Myles star in this epic adventure. One of the great stories of doomed love is given a new screen interpretation in this historical drama. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, King Donnchadh (David O'Hara) of Ireland has become the de facto ruler of England, but one of his underlings, Lord Marke (Rufus Sewell), dreams of uniting British forces with an eye toward self-rule. One of Marke's most valuable allies is Tristan (James Franco), Marke's protégé, who has become a brave warrior since he was rescued by the lord after his parents were murdered by Irish forces during a battle. While Marke and Tristan dream of banishing Ireland's presence in England, Tristan has a secret he's been hiding from Marke -- after suffering serious wounds during a hard-fought battle, he was rescued and nursed back to health by Isolde (Sophia Myles), King Donnchadh's daughter, and the two fell deeply in love. But the couple were separated after Tristan returned to England, and when Donnchadh attempts to quell the British uprising by staging a tournament among the nation's greatest warriors, an extreme and rather personal surprise is in store for Tristan. Tristan & Isolde was directed by Kevin Reynolds and produced in part by Ridley Scott, who attempted to bring the story to the screen back in the 1970s.

I love movies like this, especially if they are well written. This one is a keeper. And the best part of all is, you can get it for five bucks or less. I have seen it listed on the internet for 3.99.

My rating? ... 8 Stars! So pull out the snuggie and cuddle up with your better half (or a pint of Ben and Jerry's if you are like me and have no better half) and enjoy this movie. I sure did.

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GEORGE AND THE DRAGON

Okay, I get it, this movie has some heavy weights in it, Michael Clarke Duncan, Patrick Swayze, Piper Perabo and James Purefoy. That's about the best thing I can say about this movie.

In short, A knight returns from crusades and takes on a dragon and becomes a legend. (Yawn) Not even my Hollywood crush Piper could save this for me. Maybe if she wore a thong bikini throughout the film I wouldn't have fallen asleep. LOL While I am a HUGE Swayze fan, this was not one of his better days. Not even Clarke Duncan (From the Green Mile) could keep me involved. And I am also a fan of his too!

Over-all, I was very disappointed. This movie had such promise. But if you're looking to take a nap with the TV on, then this movie is right up yout alley.

I give it ..... (drum roll please) ...... a solid 3.5 Stars. (Better luck next time, George ... and the dragon)

Okay, I hear the thunder in the distance. More rain storms and lightning ... better break out the candles and flashlights again .... I hope the weather is better where YOU are. Until next time .....