DVD RACK

We pick 5 old films we watched this week for your consideration.

WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT: After the Oscars honored a woman's struggle with Natalie Portman's role in the 'Black Swan' last week, they could do good to look back at one they got wrong. Forget about 'The Bodyguard', this is one soul singer biopic that's truly, brutally real. 'What's Love Got To Do With It', charts the story of mainstream soul to pop music success story Tina Turner. Unlike most films however, this story shows behind closed doors and the horrible truths that existed as Tina suffered domestic abuse by the hands of her husband Ike Turner. Sure this film is harrowing and unpleasant to watch but it's also necessary. Not just to see what really happened and how much the truly brave and strong singer has overcome but to bring attention to the critical issue of domestic violence, where most of the victims sadly suffer in silence. Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne give career, Oscar worthy (beyond just the nominations) performances as Tina and Ike. Fishburne is so clinically cold in this great performance you'll come out hating him, while Bassett is utterly brilliant as the women with a beautiful mind and bold heart. This really is the best, simply and plain.

HANCOCK: Sure this may not be Will Smith's best movie, but then again this is not your average superhero movie, making for a refreshing change for the saturated genre. Smith plays 'Hancock', not so 'super' and not so 'heroic', but with crime fighting powers and the ability to withstand anything and anybody, except a few rounds with Jack Daniels. Smith however is on top form, charismatic as ever, even when playing an 'asshole'. There is great support from family unit Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron while the CGI and effects really are special. Even when this funny film shifts in mood from light to dark it's still appealing in it's action and heroism.

THE TERMINAL: Tom Hanks and Steven Speilberg are the 90's, Hollywood, family friendly version of Martin Scorsese and Leornado DiCaprio or Clint Eastwood and Matt Damon. The pair have made all sorts of classic movies, but this airport based comedy is both terminally funny and terminally uplifting. With a similar, isolated but improvised premise of the pairs 'Castaway' adventure, this film makes the most out of any situation. Check in and you won't be bored with any delay. Hanks and Speilberg are on trademark, stellar form, propelling a likable story on with their instantly appealing ways. Catherine Zeta-Jones, Stanley Tucci, Jeffrey Wright and an early Zoe Salanda are all great company as passengers in this journey. This trip is also unexpectedly moving and thought-provoking. Even if you missed it the first time round, catch it while you can.

OCEANS ELEVEN: It's another week, so that means another film from Matt Damon. So before we review 'The Adjustment Bureau', let's look back at Damon's enormous, ensemble piece. With the worlds best entourage Damon stands and holds his own next to George Clooney and Brad Pitt as they get their Rat Pack on. Taking on the ever king of cool Andy Garcia and the royalty of casino's like 007, Casey Affleck, the late, legendary, laugh-out-loud Bernie Mac (R.I.P. you are truly missed), Elliott Gould and many more star-studded players put their hand in. Sure casino players may not really look like this but this movie is as cool as the hell in Sin City and Vegas has never looked better, being taken back to it's cinematic qualities of the 50's. The best of the rest, this film is big, with a pack all playing their cards right. Confident like Frank, charismatic like Dino and cool like Sammy, this picture is a smart classic. If there's nothing on the tube tonight, it's time to channel the greats.

THE SUM OF ALL FEARS: It's not just Matt Damon who's on a constant hot-streak right now. Fellow college and directorial alumni Ben Affleck is back on top thanks to last years 'The Town'. So lets take it back to the early years where Ben was offered most of the Matt Damon, A-List pictures. Stepping into the Harrison Ford, Jack Ryan mantle of the popular political thrillers Affleck brings a confidence and assurity to a classic role even with big, legendary, shined and polished shoes to fill. The movie may not be a classic but it's still thrilling and exciting and the special effects are really explosive and decimating. There's also great support from Liev Schrieber and Morgan Freeman assumes the voice of James Earl Jones for a perfect homage as the Jack Ryan narrative continues. TIM DAVID HARVEY.